Set it and forget it. With timers, you can turn lights on or off without even touching the switch. Timers give you convenience and control over your indoor or outdoor lights on a day-to-day basis. You can use them in many places, from security and Christmas lighting to starting up the hot tub. But which one do you need? To start, timers can be divided up into two basic categories: mechanical or digital.
Mechanical timers, also known as analog timers, are spring wound. Similar to winding a clock or setting a watch, these timers use a spring behind the dial face to determine and keep track of the hours you need. Typically in the course of 24 hours, you can schedule a mechanical timer to turn on and off multiple times with hour intervals between actions. Although power outages can require you to reset these timers manually, they are good for the daily on/off functions of indoor or outdoor lighting. More powerful timers, accepting input voltages of 277 Volts or higher, can handle mid-range to heavy equipment like HVAC systems, electric fences, livestock feeders, signage, and conveyers.
Digital timers work similarly to mechanical timers. Some timers can keep a single 24-hour schedule with multiple on/off set points or cycles. However, digital timers may have more on/off set points than a mechanical timer with as little as one minute intervals between them. They can also run a lengthier, 7-day schedule while adjusting for daylight savings. The backup battery in many of these units keeps your lighting and devices on time regardless of power losses.
Astronomic timers are digital timers with a slight difference. Other timers might require a separate photocell in order to precisely schedule your lights for sunrise or sunset. But digital astronomic timers have built-in programming to handle the timing of the sun. Usually, 7-day timers are sufficient for your home but for larger areas, you can use 365-day astronomic timers. More complex timers can schedule around 4,000 events or cycles, including holiday lighting for parks, universities, hotels, retail stores, gas stations, airports, and hospitals. You can set schedules for months at a time.
There are timers designed to fit many applications. Still there are a few timers you will want to be more cautious of purchasing unless you need them for a defined purpose. If you're away for long periods of time or want to save on electricity to heat water when no one is home to use it, then you can use a timer specifically for electric water heaters to maintain control. Sprinkler and irrigation system timers can use a 24-hour format but also have the ability to skip watering periods to account for those rainy afternoons. Pool and spa timers are always in rain tight cases since they have to be near so much moisture. They can control the lighting, aerators, filter pumps, hydrochlorinators, and anything else your piece of floating paradise needs.
Lighting Tip: You can connect Christmas lights to most indoor or outdoor timers. However, you should check the specifications of your timer for the maximum wattage, horsepower, or amperage before installing to make sure it can handle the power draw of whatever device or lighting it's controlling.
Which Lights Won't Work with My Timer?
Whether you have a mechanical or digital timer affects what kinds of lights you can use. CFLs and some other fluorescent lamps don't play nice with digital timers. In fact, your average household CFLs are not designed for timers at all. Since CFL bulbs are a common cost-saving alternative lighting for indoor gardening, this can pose a problem. It's recommended to use a mechanical timer with CFL grow lights so it won't interfere with the integrated ballast. LED bulbs might have trouble with mechanical timers. Many mechanical timers operate on the principal of "resistive load", meaning a device that absorbs energy in the power system while producing heat or motion. Resistive loads like incandescent or CFLs have more current running through them than the low power, low current nature of LEDs, which are more like cross between inductive and capacitive loads. An analog timer simply restricts the current flow but LEDs need what little current is running through them to light up at all. So your LEDs may turn on but when the timer tries to turn them off, it can't detect the LEDs. The result is a timer in "off" mode but your LED bulbs are still lit. For that reason, it's best if you use digital timers to control your LEDs.
HID lamps should work with either mechanical or digital timers, except in situations involving grow lights. The ballasts of metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps create a powerful inrush current that may overwhelm a run-of-the-mill timer, even though it may appear to be rated for it. To make sure your lights stay on schedule at critical stages of growth, use grow light timers specifically designed for the ballasts of MH and HPS grow lights.
Ready to take control of your lighting or do you need more advice? Call our team of lighting experts at 1-800-624-4488 for a second opinion.


Workshop: Did you sense that!?
The report is now published from the workshop "Did you sense that!?" in Brussels last month, have a peak here: Collaboration with UIWE from Denmark and Lise Coirier from Brussels, on behalf of ©ClearVillage.


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Comicosity
Infusing Manga with Diversity: Frederick Jones, MyFutprint, and SATURDAY AM
Health and Inclusivity: Exploring the Gay Journey in GIVEN by Natsuki Kizu
Professor Latinx: The Pulse on Latinx Comics 2020 (and a Look Forward)
Creating During COVID: Chatting with DRYAD Artist Justin Osterling
Health and Inclusivity: Breaking the Code in MY VIDEO GAMES ATE MY HOMEWORK
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #11
Creating During COVID: Chatting with BAD KITTY Author Nick Bruel
Anatomy of a Panel: Murrieta and Schrader's Ethnoracial Pause in RAFAEL GARCIA: HENCHMAN
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #9
Transmyscira: Finding My Voice in TRANS GIRLS HIT THE TOWN
Creating During COVID: Chatting with Anime Voice Actor Sean Chiplock
#MakeComics
The Comics Classroom
Cómix Latinx
Transmyscira
Comic Love
Comics I Need to Read
Health and Inclusivity
Kirbyology!
Learning to Love the LEGION
Palabra e Imagen
SPURS AND STRIPES: Cowboys, Art, and a Love for Both - March 29, 2020
Dark Knights, Better Tomorrows, and Other Ways to Write BATMAN - February 18, 2020
Jonathan Hickman's X-MEN, and the House that Metaphor Built - September 11, 2019
Beyond the Batcave: Why DETECTIVE COMICS is Batman's Life Line - July 31, 2019
2019 So Far … Middle Grade and YA Graphic Novels - July 11, 2019
Comics I Need to Read: SUPERPOSE - April 1, 2019
Comics I Need To Read: BLINDSPRINGS - April 30, 2018
Comics I Need to Read: we are all superstitious - March 26, 2018
Comics I Need to Read: SKIN DEEP - February 28, 2018
Comics I Need to Read: ROCK AND RIOT - January 30, 2018
Health and Inclusivity: Exploring the Gay Journey in GIVEN by Natsuki Kizu - January 5, 2021
Health and Inclusivity: Breaking the Code in MY VIDEO GAMES ATE MY HOMEWORK - November 27, 2020
Health and Inclusivity: Embracing the New in SCHOOL FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL GIRLS - July 21, 2020
Health and Inclusivity: The Past, Present, and Future of STE(A)M in Gifted's P.B. SOLDIER - June 5, 2020
Health and Inclusivity: Coming into Power with Jessi Zabarsky and WITCHLIGHT - April 24, 2020
Doom and Bloom: Rachel Pollack and the Evolution of the DOOM PATROL - August 4, 2020
From Earth Angel to the Grave: Burying Peter David's SUPERGIRL - May 28, 2020
REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA and its Debt to Shinji Wada - February 20, 2020
A Holiday Special Edition: The Rise and Fall of TITANS' Lian Harper - December 25, 2019
The Fall of Roy Harper: How ARSENAL's Navajo Origins Disappeared from the Page - December 16, 2019
KIRBYOLOGY!: Tom Scioli Tells the Greatest Jack Kirby Story Possible (His Own) - July 22, 2020
KIRBYOLOGY!: The Kirby-esque Joys of CANKOR: CALAMITY OF CHALLENGE - July 12, 2020
KIRBYOLOGY!: Getting Through 2020 with Jack Kirby - April 7, 2020
KIRBYOLOGY!: Peanut, Dumpling, and Big Daddy - November 24, 2019
KIRBYOLOGY!: Warren Ellis's KARNAK and a Reminder to Not be the Worst - October 10, 2019
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #11 - November 27, 2020
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #10 - October 28, 2020
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #9 - September 30, 2020
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #8 - August 25, 2020
Learning to Love the Legion: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #7 - July 29, 2020
The Harsh Experience of Survival with DESERTER - May 25, 2020
The Expansion of Comic Language: MELANCOLíA and Graphic Poetry - March 30, 2020
A Bird with Broken Wings: Hector German Santarriaga's JULIA - December 22, 2019
Comics and the FILM PHOTONOVEL: One-on-One with Jan Baetens - June 19, 2019
Z: Visions of a Putrefied World - February 8, 2019
Infusing Manga with Diversity: Frederick Jones, MyFutprint, and SATURDAY AM - January 9, 2021
Professor Latinx: The Pulse on Latinx Comics 2020 (and a Look Forward) - January 2, 2021
Creating During COVID: Chatting with DRYAD Artist Justin Osterling - December 9, 2020
Creating During COVID: Chatting with BAD KITTY Author Nick Bruel - November 20, 2020
TRADE WAITING: Week of February 10, 2016
Trade Waiting
Welcome back my fellow TRADE WAITERS! It's another Monday, which means another look at the week's hottest trade paperbacks, collected editions, and graphic novels in this edition of "Trade Waiting" – your weekly spotlight of five noteworthy comic book collections that are being released this coming Wednesday and why you should watch out for them!
X-MEN TP AGE OF APOCALYPSE DAWN
Written by Various
Art by Various
The secret past of the Age of Apocalypse is revealed as we revisit the early days of En Sabah Nur's rule! Magneto's X-Men will never be the same after Weapon X joins the team. New recruit Rogue will attract the master of magnetism — but will Gambit get in the way? Meanwhile, Cyclops and Havok face an unhappy family reunion, and Blink gets into the zone — the Negative Zone! Colossus grows weary of battle, Sabretooth switches sides and Logan meets Mariko Yashida! Plus: Flash back to the early days of Nate Grey, the X-Man — and join the AoA refugee years later (or is it years earlier?) as he returns to his nightmarish home! Collecting X-MEN CHRONICLES #1-2, TALES FROM THE AGE OF APOCALYPSE #1-2, X-MAN #1, BLINK #1-4 and material from X-MEN: AGE OF APOCALYPSE ONE-SHOT and X-MAN ANNUAL '96.
WHY TO WATCH FOR IT: Age of Apocalypse was one of my favorite alternate timeline sagas that ever graced the pages of Marvel during the 90's (X-Cutioners Song and X-tinction are up there too). It is no wonder that with the X-Men: Apocalypse movie gathering a lot of interest, that Marvel would piggy back on movie fans with a comic book curiosity on the character. I'm probably one of the few people that actually enjoys delving into the legacy of the X-Men's first family, the Summers, and there are gobs of it present here. Don't forget the paradoxical, prodigal son of Nate Grey –a juxtaposition of what could have been had Cable not been infected with the technovirus. It was always great to witness Nate Grey's early days as I argued with friends whether he could best Franklin Richards as Marvel's premiere child mutant. Did I also mention dystopian future featuring Apocalypse? It's your typical 90's fan fare, that unapologetically relishes in X-men mutant drama and action.
BATMAN HARLEY AND IVY DELUXE ED HC
Written by Paul Dini, Ty Templeton
Art by Bruce Timm & Various
From Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, comes this early adventure of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, packed with hilarious hijinx and tons of action! Harley and Ivy want to take down the Batman once and for all, but first, Harley's got to prove that she has what it takes to make it as a bona fide villain in Gotham City. This new hardcover also includes tales from BATMAN ADVENTURES HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHT #14, BATMAN AND ROBIN ADVENTURES #8, BATMAN ADVENTURES ANNUAL #1, BATMAN ADVENTURES #1 and BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE #3, all featuring Harley Quinn!
WHY TO WATCH FOR IT: Paul Dini and Bruce Timm are the legendary creators responsible for Harley Quinn and the highly acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series. Unfortunately, there are many Harley Quinn fans out there that are simply unaware of her beginnings in the Batman: The Animated Series, and simply know her by the hair-colored, overtly sexualized, hyper-violent version that she's portrayed as in video games and the New52. This collection is a cherry picked selection of charming issues that highlight the delightful villain that I became so fond of, and her elastic partnership with the queen of green, Poison Ivy.
ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS TP
Written by Chris Ryall, Lucy Ryall
Art by Paul Davidson & Various
Published by IDW PUBLISHING
In this second collection of the ongoing Zombies vs Robots, co-creator Chris Ryall is joined by artists Paul Davidson (Judge Dredd) and Antonio Fuso (Drive) in this latest ZvR collection in stories that expand the battle from the Earth to the moon and back. Also featuring Ryall and Ashley Wood's "Tales of ZvR" strips, a bonus story by Lucy Ryall and Nico Peña, a prose story by Nancy Collins, and a complete cover gallery. Collects issues #7-10.
WHY TO WATCH FOR IT: If there's a campy horror side to you look myself, than look no further than "Zombies vs Robots!" While there seems to be nothing left to the imagination, fans of the genre will discover that the artists and writers treat their stories with the utmost sincerity and dedication that you cannot help but appreciate. You do get a visual treat of gratuitous violence and action, but don't be surprised if you morality becomes challenged a bit as well.
Written by Marguerite Bennett, Kieron Gillen
Art by Stephanie Hans, Kody Chamberlin
In one of the most magical realms on Battleworld, Angela and Sera are Witch Hunters — the scourges of King James' England, just as it stood in 1602. But their target now is a new breed of evil: the power-bargaining Faustians! The Faustians have made their deal not with the Devil, but with the ever-seductive Enchantress — and that may be just as deadly. Have your psychic ribbons and lethal weapons at the ready, for the hunt is on! But beware a land where the dead walk, the faerie folk flutter and a ragtag band of ne'er-do-wells perform for your entertainment — that's right, it's the Guardians of the Galaxy, 17th-century style! Plus: Revisit the early dawn of the Marvel Universe in the first issue of Neil Gaiman's original classic 1602! Collecting 1602 WITCH HUNTER ANGELA #1-4 and 1602 #1.
WHY TO WATCH FOR IT: Neil Gaiman's original 1602 universe wasn't necessarily the best iteration of stories that I've come across with in the past, but I'm a sucker for alternate versions and story postulations for existing characters. As a comic book enthusiast, I naturally gravitate to Elseworlds and What If's and the non-cannonical. Here, the world has come full circle as Neil Gaiman's own creation, Angela, visits the 1602 universe. In this collection you are presented with all the fun anecdotal correctness of the time period, but you also get a strikingly fun and engaging stories as well.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA THE SILVER AGE TP VOL 01
Written by Gardner Fox
Art by Mike Sekowsky & Various
In stories from BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28-30, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1-18 and MYSTERY IN SPACE #75, the World's Greatest Heroes stand against intergalactic, mystical, and super-powered rogues Starro, Despero, Kanjar Ro, Dr. Destiny, Amos Fortune and Felix Faust!
WHY TO WATCH FOR IT: Some of the most seminal work of the comic book industry is presented here in this first volume of the Justice League of America. This is old fashioned super hero comics at it's absolute best! I can't stress enough how awesome it is for fans that this collection is available and collected. Legends like Gardner Fox, Dennis O'Neil, Len Wein, Steve Englehart, Gerry Conway, are worth the price of admission alone. As an Adam Strange fan, the inclusion of Mystery In Space #75 in the collection makes me jump with glee. Even if Silver Age comic book storytelling isn't necessarily your kind of comic book, it's worth having these issues for encyclopedic reference alone!
Roderick Ruth
Tags 1602 Witch Hunter Angela, Age of Apocalypse, Batman, Bruce Timm, Chris Ryall, DC Comics, Gardner Fox, Harley and Ivy, IDW Publishing, Justice League of America, Kieron Gillen, Kody Chamberlin, Lucy Ryall, Marguerite Bennett, Marvel Comics, Mike Sekowsky, Paul Davidson, Paul Dini, Stephanie Hans, Ty Templeton, X-Men, Zombies vs. Robots
Sean Z - January 9, 2021
Allen Thomas - January 5, 2021
Frederick Luis Aldama - January 2, 2021
Sean Z - December 9, 2020
Allen Thomas - November 27, 2020
Amy Ziegfeld - November 27, 2020
Sean Z - November 20, 2020
Amy Ziegfeld - October 28, 2020
Frederick Luis Aldama - October 4, 2020
Amy Ziegfeld - September 30, 2020
Véronique Emma Houxbois - September 25, 2020
Sean Z - September 4, 2020
Aaron Long & Matt Santori
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Tanya Mok
Toronto is getting its first office building made out of wood
Construction on the Hullmark office development in Liberty Village is well under way, meaning pretty soon, Toronto will soon have another building constructed from timber.
The five-storey building at 80 Atlantic Ave. has been in the works since early 2017. Now that below-grade work and the elevator core is ready, crews have begun assembling the building's wooden framework.
According to Hullmark's website, 80 Atlantic will be the "first new timber-frame commercial building to be built in a generation."
Designed by Quadrangle, 80 Atlantic is only one of two projects in the city currently being built using timber, specifically glued laminated timber (GLT), or glulam, for its columns and beams.
Replacing more popular building materials like concrete or steel, GLT—which is made from glued layers of wood—is durable, fire resistant, and considered far more sustainable than its more traditional counterparts.
The office building at 80 Atlantic will have both office and retail space. Photo via Quadrangle.
Crews are now also installing large nail laminated timber (NLT) panels, which will make up the floors and roof of the 79,758 square-foot office building.
Expected to have a significantly reduced carbon footprint, 80 Atlantic is an exciting project that follows the provincial government's 2015 amendment to the Ontario Building Code, allowing for wood frame buildings as high as six storeys.
The office building (which will also have 7,719 square feet of retail space) will be two storeys taller than Toronto's other cross-laminated timber (CLT) project in Yorkville: a rebuild and expansion project on the Shoppers Drug Mart heritage building at 728 Yonge St.
Buildings made from wood are definitely on the up and up in the city: Both U of T and George Brown have plans to complete tall wood towers on their respective campuses, and Sidewalk Labs plans to populate its proposed 'smart city' with tall timber buildings too.
Quadrangle
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India and the European Union: A Green Partnership
Sreemati Ganguli
[yt_dropcap type="square" font="" size="14″ color="#000″ background="#fff" ] D [/yt_dropcap]uring the 13th EU-India Summit, held on 30 March 2016 in Brussels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (India), Donald Tusk (President of the European Council) and Jean-Claude Junker (President of the European Commission) emphasized on the strategic, security and economic potentials of this relationship. This article, however, focuses on a significant but less publicized area of strategic compass between India and the European Union- the Joint Declaration on A Clean Energy and Climate Partnership.
Notably India and the European Union hold an annual Energy Panel Meet since 2005 under the Joint Action Plan and the 2016 Declaration is an attempt to take the commitments adopted under the 2012 Joint Declaration for Enhanced Cooperation on Energy between the EU and India, to a broader and higher level.
In the present scenario, the India-EU green energy cooperation gains significance in the context of some recent events in the global, regional and national energy scenario.
The UN- sponsored Paris Climate Change Pact of 2015, the first ever universal legally-binding global deal, set the target of keeping the rise of global temperature below 2 degree Celsius, if possible to limit it to 1.5 degree, above the pre-industrial level to reduce the risks and impact of climate change, and asked for all concerned parties, to formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, in view of their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. The October 2016 Kigali Amendment to the 1989 Montreal Protocol also put differentiated cuts on the emission of hydrofluorocarbons to reduce global warming level by half a degree Celsius. It is significant to note that India not only ratified the Paris Climate Pact, thereby paving the way of its entering into force in November 2016, but it took a leading and principled stance during the negotiations of both these global treaties to put forward the rights of developing countries to provide economic security to its population, without jeopardizing the global climate change goals and to seek environmental justice for the Mother Earth.
The European Energy Union was proposed by the European Commission in February 2015 through the adoption of the 'Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy' to provide secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy for its citizens. The idea of this Union is greatly influenced by the Commission's 2030 Climate and Energy Package that seeks to reduce green house Gas emission by at least 40 per cent by 2030 and a rise in the share of use of renewable energy to 27 percent during the same period. Three of the five dimensions (apart from ensuring diversification of energy supply and implementation of a fully integrated energy market) of the Energy Policy, that this Union attempts to address, are related to the green dimension of energy security- energy efficiency, de-carbonization of the economy, as well as research, innovation and competitiveness in areas of renewable energy, smart grids, carbon capture and storage and nuclear technology.
India's new energy policy, as proposed in 2014 by the Modi administration, also envisaged of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022- 100 GW of solar, 60 GW of wind, 10 GW of biomass and 5GW of hydro electricity- to change its energy mix with an increased percentage in favour of renewable energy. It is important to note in this vein, when India's candidature for Nuclear Suppliers' Group in June 2016 was supported by a large majority of members of the Group, it was not only a vindication for India's impeccable non-proliferation record, unlike some of its neighbours, but also it was an international support for India's plan to change its energy mix through better access to clean energy, to acquire newest civilian nuclear technology to limit its carbon emission percentage and reduce air pollution from coal-based power plants, as well as to propose plutonium trade for its indigenous thorium-based nuclear programme to gain green energy security.
It is significant to note that since 2005 India and the EU are partners (along with the United States, Russia, Japan, China and South Korea) in a global project for the advancement of scientific-technological knowledge for determining the future global energy strategy through ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) or the project to re-create the fusion process of the Sun to produce energy for commercial use on earth- an ambitious project to provide green energy to the world.
Also, it is notable that the International Solar Alliance, an initiative by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the conclave of 121 Sunshine countries, i.e., countries with high solar power potentials, situated between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, was inaugurated in Paris, alongside the global Climate Change Summit in 2015. The foundation for its Headquarter was jointly laid by PM Modi and the French President Francois Holllande in Gurgaon (India) in 2016 to provide a platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries' where bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporate, industry and stakeholders can make a positive contribution to the common goals of increasing utilizing of solar energy in meeting energy needs of ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.
The 2016 Declaration concentrates on a number of areas for future energy cooperation- to exchange views and to continue joint activities on regulatory approaches, best practices, business solutions, market access and research and innovation solutions in the fields of energy efficiency and climate chang; development and deployment of renewable energy like clean coal technology, solar and offshore wind energy, and nuclear fusion technology; to develop the EU-India cooperation on smart grids; to explore possibilities for the EU to cooperate in the area of International Solar Alliance Mission Innovation; and to exchange bilateral views and experiences on various international mitigation initiatives under the Paris Climate Treaty and the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances in view of the 2015 Dubai Pathway on hydrofluorocarbons. It also envisages to implement the Partnership commitments through two new mutually supportive Dialogues- Energy Dialogue and Climate Change Dialogue
Energy security is fundamentally significant for the human civilization to progress, but more important is the fact that if the earth- the lone planet in the solar system to have proper conditions for life to bloom- becomes inhabitable for the human life, due to human negligence to balance energy security and environmental concerns, then the only probable option might remain to relocate the global population to Proxima B, the planet with possibly such conditions for life, but the only problem remains- it is only 4.3 lightyears away!
So there is an urgent need for long-term, comprehensive strategizing for global energy interdependence to find viable, alternative and innovative solutions to make life on the earth secure for us and most important, for the future generation, to whom we owe this responsibility, as we inherited the earth from our forefathers.
The 2016 EU-India Energy Partnership Declaration shows aspiration and provides hope to meet and balance these twin challenges to ensure secure, clean, affordable energy for sustainable human development while mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
Related Topics:Climate ChangeEconomicsEnergyEnvironmentEuropean UnionIndiaRenewable Energy
Withering India's Neighbourhood Policy
African Challenge, African Hope: Resource-seeking by the Indian State
Shaumik Ghosh
Image source: Xinhua/Xie Huanchi
Saudi Arabia hosted the grand China-Arab summit in December last year and leaders of the two nations deliberated on future trade ties and regional security. The summit happened at a time when USA and Saudi ties are at an all time low. There lies massive uncertainty on global energy markets after the West forced a price cap on Russian oil and Washington is looking guardedly at China's rising influence in the Middle East.
In Oil trade, China is Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade more than $87 billion in 2021. Saudi Arabia is China's top oil supplier, making up 18% of China's total crude oil purchases. The two countries have deals in refineries, power and military & security.
Africa's natural resources have long been a Chinese favourite. Every year, China doles out billions in grants and loans to African governments as an inducement to secure raw material deals or to finance the infrastructure projects which are ultimately going to benefit its own companies.
What is India's position on the China- Arab summit that intends to boost development and cooperation among the two? India would be in a bit of a quandary one may assume as Arabs are their good friends, as they claim; while the Chinese are not. The trio of the China, Arabs and Pakistan (being used as a mere proxy), uniting is bound to be a slight source of worry for India. What is India's take on this friendship?
From a diplomatic perspective, if their friendship and goodwill is promoted, it's a good thing but one hopes that this does not undermine Indian interest, as any bilateral relation must not destabilize a third relation. In general when one talks of the Arab world, one thinks of its gargantuan energy power and energy crisis and its management is a global issue right now. With the Ukraine Russia war hanging around the energy crisis, it could be an 'Energy Security' thing they are trying to do bilaterally. If a big country like China enters the domain of energy, food etc it could turn out into a fairly big movement in the markets, in terms of prices and availability. India has to reckon by the fact that China is large and when you take out a large chunk of something that is available, that can create a pressure situation for others.
Also the union of China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan may have certain repercussions on India, as China and India already have problems and those are huge problems, there's no denying that. Sachin Sawant, Senior leader of the Indian National Congress leader, the country's main opposition party states that they are already over-exerting their power on India. The Chinese are going on building roads, tunnels and bridges nonstop along the border. India needs to develop stronger guiding principles, when dealing with China and its global intentions are concerned. It is a huge point of worry for India.
India definitely cannot do or say much if two good friends decide to meet, but it does have its set of concerns. If China forges more business alliances with the Arabs in the energy and other sectors, India foresees instability in the markets which may be against its economic interest. It also is wary of the Chinese and Arabs getting together as this is a powerful alliance and its outcome may have a negative impact on Indian interest.
What could be the intentions of China to promote this friendship further and strengthen their relations with the Arabs. How does India look at this union of two economic superpowers? Every country wants to have good friends. They both have global ambitions and one goes about a decade back or lesser, they had invested heavily in Africa. They went there and tried to get hold of all the mines that were of strategic importance to them. They need nickel, gallium etc which are crucial for smart phone manufacturing. So, yes! They would be eyeing many such opportunities in their bilateral ventures.
China is known for its expansionism and they use their financial strength to arm-twist many countries, especially the economically weaker ones. "They are the Shylock kind of money lenders; they keep on lending money at exorbitant rates and then the poorer countries like Pakistan get into that vicious cycle where China takes hold of all their resources at very cheap rates. India is not at all bothered about their befriending the Arabs, because Chinese intentions are well known to the world," says a concerned Sawant.
India says it is well aware that the Chinese mean business when they talk of befriending the Arabs. Together the two may explore many more avenues of business which strengthen their respective economies. Would their friendship affect India's foreign policy in anyway? How affected or concerned is the Indian Government with this strategic partnership of China and the Arab nations?
Both Saudi Arabia and China are also part of G-20, and they must work in some areas of convergence that emerge from this global exercise. India closely follows whatever they are doing in terms of multilateral regional matters which impact the well being of all people, and also other matters that are taken up in G20, like climate change, green development and digital economy. India has sufficiently strong relations with the Arabs and its foreign policy will only be affected if China does something that is out of line of its interest.
Sawant reiterates that it is a matter of concern for India. The leader says that the alliance of China with the Arabs is definitely rooted in more trade and greater geo-political ambition. It can harm India. He says that China has this habit of deliberately targeting India's neighbours, antagonizing them like it has been doing with Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, all in a bid to weaken India. It has been their strategy and India should be worried about that. "India needs to revamp its foreign policy in dealing with China. On one hand we ban their apps but then our imports from them are also growing multi-fold, this has to stop. Even on the Bhutan front India needs to be more proactive in protecting the interests of people in that region," argues Sawant.
If India looks at the China-Arab partnership through the prism of G20 then, it will jointly work on pressing global issues and is confident of a positive outcome. However, it would expect China to cooperate with it in its G20 endeavours. Does the Indian Government have any certain policy to enhance cooperation and influence in the Mid East Region? Yes, the Middle East is India's immediate neighbourhood. India has an authentic historical and cultural relationship with them which is now nicely developing into a stronger and closer economic partnership. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is India's major economic partner; most of its energy comes from there. Also, it has huge Diasporas in the Arab countries who are emerging as investors in India's growth and infrastructural development.
"Any foreign policy is good until is serves the interest of the country. Just on the basis of how you are welcomed by foreign countries and how we welcome them cannot help determine foreign policy; this is a holistic issue. The Chinese President comes here and enjoys a resplendent welcome but that doesn't stop their army from attacking us. What exactly we do in the interest of the country will help shape up strong foreign policy with any country. The Arabs, though our good friends will obviously be happy with the trade agreements with China, but we must be wary that it does not harm us or our economy inadvertently," says Sawant.
In the end, India must be confident of its faith and friendship with the Middle East. Being a long time economic partner of theirs, they also benefit from the fact that Indians living in the Arab nations are a huge plus point for them. While there seems to be a bit of skepticism about the China- Arab ties, India should be confident that this will not come in the way of their strong relations with the other 7 GCC countries.
Taliban and the crisis in Afghanistan
Sahibzada M. Usman, Ph.D.
In 2021, the Afghan Taliban took back control of Afghanistan after fighting a rebellion for twenty years. The Taliban reformed and began regaining territory less than 10 years after the American-led invasion that overthrew the previous regime in 2001. In line with a 2020 peace agreement with the Taliban, they staged a swift assault as the US started to evacuate its last forces from Afghanistan.
Even though they promised to preserve the rights of women and communities of religious and racial minorities, the Taliban have enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law. The Taliban have failed to provide Afghans with sufficient food supplies and economic possibilities as they have evolved from an insurgent organization to a functioning administration.
Numerous instances of human rights violations have been documented by the UN mission in Afghanistan. Because the Taliban scared off journalists and put limits on press freedom, more than 200 news outlets had to close. Activists and protesters have been tracked and forcefully disappeared, and their government has ruthlessly suppressed protests. They also reinstated the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which was previously in place, and enforced laws against actions judged to be contrary to Islam. They instructed judges to apply their version of sharia in November 2022; in the following weeks, authorities resumed public hangings and floggings.
Women's rights have been undermined. Due to restrictions put in place by the Taliban, girls are not allowed to go to high school, and women are not allowed to go to college or teach there. The group banned women from working for local and international voluntary groups in December 2022. According to estimates from the UN Development Program (UNDP), limiting women's employment might cost Afghanistan's GDP up to 5%. Amnesty International reports a substantial increase in the number of women jailed for defying discriminatory rules, such as those requiring women to cover their whole bodies while in public and to only appear with male chaperones. In addition, there are now more child marriages.
The UNDP says that the Taliban's rule has also taken away the gains that Afghans made in their living conditions in the 20 years after the US invasion. In a study from October 2022, the organization claimed that practically all Afghans were living in poverty. Since the takeover, the economy has contracted by up to 30%, and there have been an estimated 700,000 job losses. More than 90% of individuals are impacted by food insecurity. The problem is getting worse because several countries and international groups have stopped giving aid, which is vital to the economy and public health.
International observers are nonetheless worried that the Taliban pose a danger to national and international security through their funding of terrorist groups, especially Al-Qaeda. Taliban leadership might convert Afghanistan into a haven for terrorists who could launch attacks against the US and its allies, despite Taliban pledges that the country's territory wouldn't be used against the security of any other country. The violence has also increased along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, which has always supported the Taliban. Tehrik-e-Taliban, a terrorist organization commonly referred to as the Pakistani Taliban, has gained strength due to the Taliban's ascent to power. The organization broke off a cease-fire with the Pakistani government in 2022 and began carrying out assaults throughout the nation. Officials from Pakistan have charged the Afghan Taliban with giving the extremists a safe harbor in their country.
For many years, the Afghan government relied on help from a number of countries; according to 2019 World Bank research, contributions from foreign partners funded 75% of the government's public expenditures. Many of these countries stopped off aid when the Taliban took control, fueling concerns about potential future economic turmoil. Nevertheless, aid rose in 2022 as donors sent more than $2.6 billion. The US has donated more than $1.1 billion in help since the coup. However, according to UN authorities, the pledges fell short of the nation's humanitarian requirements.
Many Western countries, most notably the US, shut down their diplomatic posts in Afghanistan when the Taliban took power. Diplomatic relations and recognition have been withheld from the Taliban regime, which refers to Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The UN General Assembly has also postponed a decision on who would indefinitely represent Afghanistan at the UN. The Taliban are now being investigated by the International Criminal Court for suspected atrocities, including crimes against humanity, committed against Afghans.
Syeda Noshin Sharmily
The U.S Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Donald Lu paid a visit from January 12 to 15. During his brief but swarming itinerary the two parties discussed various issues ranging from diplomatic to political. Interestingly, this is the 11th visit of any U.S high-official in the past two years. The frequent swapping of delegations from the both sides pose a critical juncture between the U.S-Bangladesh relationship. Experts believe that recurrent visits from US high-ups are definitely an auspicious sign between the relationship of the two nations. Therefore, the visit of Donald Lu is an offshoot of the "growing reciprocity and renewed engagement" between Dhaka and Washington.
Needless to say, Bangladesh has a long standing and steady relationship with the US since the latter recognized the former shortly after independence on April 04, 1972. Recently the US-Bangladesh celebrated the completion of 50 years of bilateral relationship and US President Joe Biden termed this as "robust partnership". Amid such backdrop, it goes without saying that the recent visits signal to a significant positive tie-up between the two parties and the visit can be interpreted in the context of international and domestic backdrop of international politics.
The US is the largest market for Bangladesh's RMG export. Naturally, the issue of GSP reinstatement plays a key role in bilateral camaraderie. Under such circumstances, Lu's visit is important to hold talks of economic in the context of Bangladesh's growing needs, especially after the LDC graduation. Moreover, in the annual Global Firepower 2023 Military Strength Ranking, Bangladesh is placed 40th out of 145 nations. On the other hand, Bangladesh came in 12th place on the GFP review's list of 'Strengths on the Rise,' which emphasizes national military powers based on strong growth patterns until 2023. In this context, the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement (ACSA) agreement indicates to a deeper and strategic engagement from the US rationale.
Bangladesh's stands at the heart of a strategic position of the US's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to counter the increasing footprint of China in the Indo-Pacific region. However, Bangladesh maintains a neutral position in terms of its foreign relations and has been carefully helming without taking any side of any major powers. Washington's focus on free and fair election is important to maintain a stability in the greater Bay of Bengal neighborhood- an important feat in it's IPS. Conversely, Bangladesh values economic partnership to sustain her ongoing upward trend. However, at the same time Bangladesh should be careful not to succumb to any pressure, a case in point when the Foreign Minister announced that the US proposed strategy is being vetted under the lens of economic opportunity.
On the domestic fore, arguably, the U.S has been advocating for a free and fair election, upholding democratic values, and condemning extra judicial excesses. However, continuous engagement between the two parties resulted helping to mitigate tensions and create a more positive atmosphere. The crux of Donald Lu's visit is to reaffirm democratic ideals in state mechanism, rule based international system and Bangladesh to be part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Accordingly, Bangladesh has committed to hold a fair election and the recent decline of the controversial RAB's extrajudicial excesses reported by Human Rights Watch as well as peaceful demonstrations of the opposition have been markedly praised by Donald Lu. From Bangladesh's perspective rescinding of sanctions, reinstatement of GSP, and more support for Rohingya Refugees were reiterated. More importantly, Dhaka's impartial foreign policy goals align with Washington's interest in the South Asian region and it will be of American interest to consider Bangladesh as an important ally in the geopolitical chessboard of the Indo-Pacific region.
However, the visit is also crucial for Donald Lu who is accused of meddling with the internal affairs of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. But, Donald Lu manifested his diplomatic acumen to "manage the fissures of the diplomatic ties' and "highlight on the areas of convergence" in the recent visit. Evidently, the past year has been tumultuous for South Asian nations, following the collapse of Colombo, the Pakistani Economic Crisis and the revolving debt crisis around the region. Amongst her neighbors, Bangladesh has endured relatively steady political and economic pursuit. Therefore, US needs to formulate a comprehensive South Asian policy to accommodate the interests of the respective nations on its own merit.
Bangladesh's relationship with the U.S is vital in both economic and political stance. Continued engagement and partnership between the two states is critical for the security of South Asia as well as Bangladesh's ongoing economic prosperity. On a pragmatic tone, it would take more than just this one visit for Bangladesh to solve these complex geopolitical issues. For now, the visit has symbolized strengthening of U.S-Bangladesh relationship going forward by exonerating the mutual interests to diplomatically resolve pressing bilateral issues and elevation of continuous engagement.
According to a report in the Washington Post, nearly 30%-40% of the 200000 workers laid off by IT companies like...
South Asia4 days ago


Every inexperienced or experienced biker dreams of taking an epic ride through a diverse landscape. The Palm Canyon Bike Trail is the true "epic ride" for the area of Southern California. The Palm Canyon Trail is described as an "epic ride" because it takes you through a narrow single-track path that offers riders extreme views of forever-reaching vistas, refreshing stream beds, breathtaking ridges, sand, rocks and cacti. This is an "epic ride" that highlight the beautiful splendor that Mother Nature provided Southern California.
Many riders have described the Palm Canyon trail as a "sensory overload." Your eyes will be amazed by the incredible views, as your ears are tickled by the trickle of a stream or the quietness of a ridge-side, and your nose will be refreshed by the many scents of the plants and the crisp air of the canyon.
The Palm Canyon Trail takes you from one desert trail to another as you explore the north slope of the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains, at 4500 feet, to the valley of Palm Desert, at a mere 500 feet. The Palm Canyon "epic ride" follows twenty-nine miles of trails that weaves and winds through the stunning desert valley.
However, it must be emphasized that the Palm Canyon Trail is not a dream come true for a downhill, pleasure rider. Riders rigorously climb 2,000 feet and then descend an amazing 6,000 feet. The two major stressors of the Palm Canyon Trail are good navigational skills and self-sufficiency. Also, a fair share of motivation may help.
For first time riders on the trail, it is recommended that they ride with someone who has completed the entire trail before. Even though this is not a technical trail, it is a rather long trail that is a terrific fit for an intermediate rider. In other words, make sure you are in shape, before attempting this phenomenal "epic ride."
The major hazards of this trail are the different types of cacti that are right alongside the trail. Also, there are a steep descents and exposure to canyon sides. It is important to note that this is a long ride, in which you are very far from help at certain points. Riders are expected to carry food, fluids, and a "spare derailleur hanger."
The Palm Canyon Trail is not recommended for the unbearably hot months of summer. However, this is the perfect ride for the months of both fall and spring. Take a friend and enjoy this "epic ride" that you will remember for the rest of your life. Yes, the ride is really that amazing.
Directions: To reach the lower trailhead, follow CA-74 for an estimated 24.2 miles to the Palm Desert. Once you reach the Palm Desert, turn left onto East Palm Canyon Drive. At the Rimrock Shopping Center, you will find the Gene Autry Trail. If you prefer to start at the upper trailhead, take CA-74 to Ribbonwood Drive. At this time, make a right onto Pine View Road. Park where the pavement ends.


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Orion Thornton walks the walk. He grew up 35 miles outside Kalispell in a home which was (and still is) completely "off the grid." Hauling water, harvesting wood and wild game, and producing solar electricity were all part of his childhood experience, creating values he still holds today. His home in Bozeman is one of net-zero energy consumption, powered by solar electricity, solar hot water, and wood heat. "This is something I believe in and have a passion for," says Orion, "I don't know how I could sell and build solar electric systems without living with the technology myself. I think I'm my own best testimonial to the promise of solar energy."
Orion and his business partner Conor Darby have been helping people across the state of Montana "go solar" for over a decade. They are two of the new Montana pioneers, creating pathways to the promise of renewable energy. Their Bozeman-based company Onsite Energy designs, sells, and builds solar-electric systems, often the first step for homeowners and businesses seeking to reduce their utility bills and their dependence on coal-based power generation. Solar energy production is negligible in Montana, well behind even wind power. Orion and Conor are on a mission to change that, one solar panel at a time.
There are three components to a solar energy system, and the process itself is fairly simple:
1) Amount of sunlight hitting the panel
2) Size of the panel
3) Efficiency of the panel
"Montanans take pride in self-sufficiency," says Conor. "That's why it's easy for us to get excited about the prospect of producing our own electricity. For many, when they realize that a solar system will actually make them money while reducing their carbon footprint it becomes a no-brainer."
Efficiencies of solar system components have improved significantly in the last decade, and solar module prices are 75% less than they were in 2007. And with the help of state and federal tax credits, these systems can take as little as 7-10 years to pay for themselves at current electrical prices, and they aren't going down any time soon. Historical data from Montana Power and NorthWestern Energy shows a levelized increase in electricity rates of 4% annually, and the EPA's new Climate Action Plan could accelerate the pricing trend upward.
As a result, Orion and Conor have found a great deal of interest in their solar energy push. They are not the only pioneers. Users are pioneers too. Local solar energy advocate Tim Crawford has used Onsite to install a solar array to power his irrigation pivot pumps on his Pheasant Farms property in Roundup, and looks forward to an 80% reduction in his electrical bill. With Crawford's assistance, in 2014 Onsite also built a new 30 kW solar array at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture in Bozeman, bringing a nearly 100-year old school building another era of "renewable" use. The most recent project Onsite Energy has completed for Mr. Crawford is a 32.4 kW array on his downtown office building, located at 15 S. Tracy, currently the largest solar array in downtown Bozeman. Mr. Crawford is by far the largest individual investor in solar energy in the state, with over 100 kWs of installed capacity among various properties, raising the bar for what one individual can do to contribute to our clean energy future.
Orion and Conor have worked together on the installation of over 400 solar energy systems across the state, and have a vast practical knowledge they enjoy sharing with anyone who asks. They both hold Certificates as Solar PV Installation Professionals through the North American Board of Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This summer Onsite will be working on a major demonstration project for a large utility company.
On the advocacy side of the industry, Conor and Orion are deeply involved in the Montana Renewable Energy Association, and both are active in solar education programs, giving them the impetus to stay current with trends in solar energy technology and design and installation practices.
So, what will solar energy use be like in the future?
"It's kind of hard to say," says Orion. The current technology has been around for over 60 years. But there is room for improvement, specifically in solar panel efficiency, and any number of new technologies could make the leap into commercial production and create a new industry landscape. Perhaps the biggest challenge will be how solar electricity integrates into existing utility grid systems as installed capacity increases; and utility companies will need to look for innovative solutions for managing the interactions between distributed generation systems, traditional centralized generation, and power loads."
"We are both new parents," adds Conor, "and I think the potential of solar energy has greatly deepened our passion and resolve to use it as a means to help transition our energy economy from polluting, carbon-based fuel sources to clean, renewable sources, with hopes of a better future for our children."
"The sun is estimated to have enough hydrogen gas to burn for another six billion years, Orion adds. We should find ways to make use of it."
ORION THORNTON/OWNER
www.onsiteenergyinc.com
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text:
Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior
D. R. Neuspiel, S. C. Hamel, E. Hochberg, J. Greene, Deborah E. Campbell
We hypothesized that prenatal cocaine exposure results in less optimal infant behavior and more impaired maternal-infant interaction in healthy term infants. Infants were evaluated with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) at days 1-3 and 11-30 of age, and mother-infant pairs with the Nursing Child Assessment of Feeding Scale (NCAFS) at 7-16 weeks of age. Drug use was determined from confidential interviews, urine assays and medical records. Cocaine-exposed infants (N=51) were no different than unexposed comparison infants (N=60) on the first NBAS exam. On the second NBAS exam, 20 cocaine-exposed infants had slightly lower motor cluster scores compared with those of 32 unexposed infants (p=0.01), but this difference was reduced after control for several confounding variables. The NCAFS detected no differences between groups in maternal or infant behavior. Infants in this population showed no clinically meaningful effects of cocaine exposure on behavior or maternal-infant interaction.
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
https://doi.org/10.1016/0892-0362(91)90015-O
Infant Behavior
Nursing Assessment
Maternal Behavior
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Neuspiel, D. R., Hamel, S. C., Hochberg, E., Greene, J., & Campbell, D. E. (1991). Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 13(2), 229-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/0892-0362(91)90015-O
Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior. / Neuspiel, D. R.; Hamel, S. C.; Hochberg, E.; Greene, J.; Campbell, Deborah E.
In: Neurotoxicology and Teratology, Vol. 13, No. 2, 1991, p. 229-233.
Neuspiel, DR, Hamel, SC, Hochberg, E, Greene, J & Campbell, DE 1991, 'Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior', Neurotoxicology and Teratology, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 229-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/0892-0362(91)90015-O
Neuspiel DR, Hamel SC, Hochberg E, Greene J, Campbell DE. Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 1991;13(2):229-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/0892-0362(91)90015-O
Neuspiel, D. R. ; Hamel, S. C. ; Hochberg, E. ; Greene, J. ; Campbell, Deborah E. / Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior. In: Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 1991 ; Vol. 13, No. 2. pp. 229-233.
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title = "Maternal cocaine use and infant behavior",
abstract = "We hypothesized that prenatal cocaine exposure results in less optimal infant behavior and more impaired maternal-infant interaction in healthy term infants. Infants were evaluated with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) at days 1-3 and 11-30 of age, and mother-infant pairs with the Nursing Child Assessment of Feeding Scale (NCAFS) at 7-16 weeks of age. Drug use was determined from confidential interviews, urine assays and medical records. Cocaine-exposed infants (N=51) were no different than unexposed comparison infants (N=60) on the first NBAS exam. On the second NBAS exam, 20 cocaine-exposed infants had slightly lower motor cluster scores compared with those of 32 unexposed infants (p=0.01), but this difference was reduced after control for several confounding variables. The NCAFS detected no differences between groups in maternal or infant behavior. Infants in this population showed no clinically meaningful effects of cocaine exposure on behavior or maternal-infant interaction.",
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AB - We hypothesized that prenatal cocaine exposure results in less optimal infant behavior and more impaired maternal-infant interaction in healthy term infants. Infants were evaluated with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) at days 1-3 and 11-30 of age, and mother-infant pairs with the Nursing Child Assessment of Feeding Scale (NCAFS) at 7-16 weeks of age. Drug use was determined from confidential interviews, urine assays and medical records. Cocaine-exposed infants (N=51) were no different than unexposed comparison infants (N=60) on the first NBAS exam. On the second NBAS exam, 20 cocaine-exposed infants had slightly lower motor cluster scores compared with those of 32 unexposed infants (p=0.01), but this difference was reduced after control for several confounding variables. The NCAFS detected no differences between groups in maternal or infant behavior. Infants in this population showed no clinically meaningful effects of cocaine exposure on behavior or maternal-infant interaction.
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text:
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe
Lloris fires warning to out-of-sorts France: The World Cup euphoria is over
By	Sports Desk	September 04, 2021	399
Hugo Lloris told France to put the "euphoria" of their World Cup triumph firmly behind them following another disappointing performance against Ukraine.
Les Bleus were held to a 1-1 draw in Kiev on Saturday in their latest qualifier for Qatar 2022, meaning they have now drawn five matches in a row for the first time in their history.
Anthony Martial's first international goal in five years cancelled out Mykola Shaparenko's excellent opener but, despite having 61.5 per cent of the ball, Didier Deschamps' men could not create enough meaningful chances to find a winner.
Substitute Moussa Diaby hit the post, but only five of France's 16 shots were on target, as they made it five games in a row in Kiev without a victory.
Lloris thinks his side need to put their 2018 triumph in the past if they are to get their qualifying campaign for next year's finals on track.
"There was a lack of commitment, of aggressiveness. The euphoria of the 2018 World Cup is over," he told M6.
"We're feeling a little lack of confidence. There's also a lot of development in terms of players, but it's up to everyone to increase their level of performance.
"We must remain positive and make a success of the start of the match against Finland."
Deschamps felt there was an improvement to France's display in the second half, although he was frustrated at their inability to create opportunities.
"It was much better in the second half after the scene in the first where we could have opened the scoring and, in the following minute, we were behind," he said.
"The sequence of matches is difficult, but it's not an excuse. Of the 11 who started, many had never played together.
"You can always do better against a very tight opponent. You need a little more accuracy and movement. We had the ball but we must be able to create a few more chances."
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As for subject matter, get ready to dust off your old PSY 101 notes, This dance is about Abraham Maslow, a mid-20th century psychologist and philosopher, whose work focused on defining what it takes to make a highly successful person, Rather than concentrating on pathology, à la Freud, Maslow was interested in how healthy people fulfill their potential, His theory was ballet slipper cookie cutter that psychological health depended on satisfying a series of innate human needs — physiological, safety, love, esteem — and culminated in "self-actualization," or striving to become the best person you can be..
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A report from the health care wars
September 12, 2009	7:56 AM CDT By John Rummel
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Doors were scheduled to open at 6:00 and though I arrived by 4:15, 300 people were already in line. A certain tension was in the air, as Rep. Gary Peters, a first-term Democrat in Michigan's 9th C.D, a district that has not been represented by a Democrat for several decades, has been the target of several right-wing rallies. This time, pro-reform forces vowed not to be out organized.
The 800-seat auditorium quickly filled, leaving many unable to get in. A majority of the 800 present supported reform, but what the far-right fails to make up in numbers they try to do through obnoxious behavior including interrupting, booing and more.
Peters and those supporting health care reform stood their ground. The congressman told the audience that insurance premiums are increasing 17 times faster than wages. The average premium was $12,000 in 2008 but only $6,860 in 2000. Using a remark he would make several times during the two-hour meeting, Peters said, "Doing nothing is not an option." If we do nothing, he said, "in seven years premiums will be $24,000."
He indicated cost is not the only concern. "Michigan has one million uninsured, 80,000 alone in the 9th C.D., and the state's total increases by 620 people daily," he noted. To emphasize that 620 number, he asked people to look around the hall and realize that in Michigan this number of people and more lose health care every day because their employer stops coverage or they lose their job.
If we do nothing, Peters said, 11million more people in the country will lose health care over the next 10 years.
Many in attendance spoke movingly about the trials and fears they endure in their quest to find and keep coverage.
A woman said that while her family presently had good health care coverage through her husband's job, when he retires a family member will lose coverage and consequently have difficulty finding another plan because the individual will have a serious pre-existing condition.
With people testifying about such worrisome problems with our health care system, you would think a reasonable discussion could ensure. Unfortunately reasonableness, to say the least, is not a trait of the far-right.
They brought the whole right-wing agenda into this health care meeting, showing their intent is to stop not just health care but all progressive change. They ranted about services going to immigrants, wanting to know how Peters would define who was a citizen. They worried about their taxes giving benefits to those who are "unemployed by choice." It's unbelievable that in Michigan, ravaged by plant closings and downsizing, someone would have the nerve to make such a ridiculous statement. They ranted about abortion, death panels, tort reform and big government.
No matter how often Peters put on the large overhead screen text from HR 3200, the House bill under discussion, answering their questions (such as showing that end-of-life counseling would not be mandatory), they kept repeating the same false claims.
If I had had a chance to speak I was going to say that not only do we need health care reform but maybe we should expand remedial reading classes because some in the audience have difficulty with reading comprehension.
And as has happened in other town hall meetings, the contradictory statements from some of the far right about keeping government away from Medicare were heard here as well, prompting one pro-reform speaker to say, "Everybody in this room loves Medicare. Why can't we have a real reform based on the Medicare system?"
jrummel @ pww.org
John Rummel
Activist John Rummel covers events in Michigan. It's not politics-only for John; he loves sports, the outdoors and a cold beer or two!
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Last Call (Mass Market)
By Tim Powers
Kobo eBook (October 12th, 2009): $2.99
Tim Powers is the author of numerous novels including Hide Me Among the Graves, Three Days to Never, Declare, Last Call, and On Stranger Tides, which inspired the feature film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. He has won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Award twice, and the World Fantasy Award three times. He lives in San Bernardino, California.
"Riveting…lyrical and brutal…a thrilling tale of gambling, fate and fantastic adventure."
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Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: October 1st, 1993
Fiction / Fantasy
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FILMS… Vacation (2015)
April 20, 2016 January 10, 2023 Realweegiemidget Reviews 21 Comments
How the Vacation reboot got it wrong as a nostalgic trip…
Rusty jokes and Chris Hemsworth goes to great lengths to make us laugh.
Chris Hemsworth and Leslie Mann
The Griswalds
"Vacation" Red Band Trailer, Comedy Central AND PHOTOS © Warner Bros. Pictures
Under the spotlight today is Vacation (2015), which continues the Griswold family holiday adventures from the 1980s original movies including the original Vacation (1983) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985). This time the story centres on Rusty (Ed Helms) and his family. Rusty is the grown-up son of Clark (Chevy Chase) and Ellen Griswold (Beverley D'Angelo) and he was just a kid in the original movie alongside his sister Audrey.
In the first Vacation film, Clark decided to take his family on a road trip to Walley World, an idea which Rusty is keen to replicate – in this new film – after overhearing his wife, Debbie (Christina Applegate) say she wishes she could go somewhere different from the yearly traditional cabin based family holiday.
So the Griswolds and their two sons, sensitive James and annoying wee brother Kevin set off on a road trip to Walley World. On the way there they have a wide variety of comic (leading to not-so-comic) adventures.
I hoped on learning this film was a continuation of the franchise would be similar to the Star Wars Force Awakens (2015) in that there would be a nice handover from the original cast to the new cast, a great storyline and an engaging story. Sadly it wasn't as good as I hoped. Where The Force Awakens got it right by making likeable new characters and bringing in the old ones to reinforce the plot and intricacies of the storyline, this one tried and failed.
En route to Walley World, Rusty and his family stop off to visit his sister, Audrey who has married a Texan toyboy, Stone Crandall (Chris Hemsworth). Leslie Mann who played Audrey was sadly underused and merely drifts in says a couple of lines and drifts out again in what could only be described as a cameo role.
But luckily, in less than 5 minutes on-screen, Mann gets a dream cameo for many with her screen husband to make up for it. So who can blame her? (More of this particular role of course can be read HERE). It would have been nice to get some reminiscence chatter between Audrey and her screen brother to reestablish the characters more. Also as a nice wee reminder of the previous Vacation film series for followers of the franchise.
I for one loved Audrey as played by Dana Hill in National Lampoon's European Vacation as it was nice to have an actress of around my age in this film then as could empathise with her character more through a joint experience of eventful family holidays. It was also sad to see that Rusty does not appear to have any nieces or nephews in this film series. As I also had fond memories of when the story introduced us to some of the (even) more eccentric Griswold family members.
However, despite the story concentrating on Rusty, it is his brother-in-law that steals the show. In contrast to Audrey, we have the luxury of time with this new family member, Stone Crandall who is Rusty's sister Audrey's husband and is played by a scene-stealing Chris Hemsworth.
Hemsworth shows us he is a natural comic actor. Hopefully, this humorous turn will inspire the Marvel company to make more comic interactions for his role as Thor alongside his screen brother Loki as he often appears too straight and humourless in this role.
Hemsworth took over the screen with an over the top Texan accent – on par with Dennis Quaid in Great Balls of Fire (1989), who in turn appeared to take inspiration from Deputy Dawg – so perhaps Hemsworth was given lessons by Matthew McConaughey. Anyway, he also takes over the screen as he flirts with Debbie in a scene where he appears shirtless and – steady girls – appears more than a bit overendowed.
This scene was probably one that was the most publicised and most "amusing". It ideally should have stopped with the Helms's punchline, but if you look at the credits, Chris's hems worth a look (pun intended, sorry if a bit below the belt).
Anyway, so the film continues with a few more predictable adventures and an all too brief appearance by ma and pa Griswold played by…the original ma and pa Griswold, Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo. Again, it would have been nice to spend some proper time with these familiar actors, as we did in Star Wars with those playing Chewie, Leia and Solo as it was fun and a gentle reminder of the film series to see them after so much time.
In Star Wars, the original characters are added to the story and in some cases, the actors got the ending they wanted for their characters. In Vacation, cameos from the originals were nice to see but a bit like showing a kid his birthday cake then saying he can't have a slice. Then the kid hopes to get some later but doesn't get it.
As we didn't see the characters again in the films, if you needed a loo break you would miss them. So you wouldn't even have known they'd been there. In real life, Chevy Chase as Clark still has a fine rapport with screen wife Beverley D'Angelo in the interviews preceding this release.
This was sadly not seen at all in the film as they weren't on-screen as a couple which we saw with Hans and Leia. This further establishes the plot. Clark and Ellen almost appeared as an afterthought, possibly hastily written in due to the success of the Star Wars film bringing in Fisher, Ford and Hamill. Chase's role was badly written, and D'Angelo could have been replaced with a mop as she hid behind her hair and was filmed from bad angles.
The film felt more than wasted with such a fine cast, and I would have quite happily missed out on a few of the less comic adventures to see more of the Griswold family, especially Audrey. Additional scenes were set up often reminding you of the scenes from some of their previous film, similar to the in-jokes references in Star Wars.
However after delivering a funny line or in-joke Vacation would then further embellish it – usually involving body fluids – which went too far and detracted from the funny moment which in turn spoilt its original comedy payoff. Sometimes it worked well, but more often not. In addition, many of the adventure setups and payoffs had been outlined in the numerous trailers. So as for taking a nostalgic trip, I will be taking one such trip but to the DVD shop to pick up the original.
Weeper Rating: 0 /10
Handsqueeze Rating: /10
Hulk Rating:  /10
The Hotter'Nell Blogathon 2019 No 34
This post was added to Movie Movie Blog Blog II's Hotter'nell Blogathon. It also features a film I love to hate HERE. Other reviews with this cast include Chevy Chase and Beverley D'Angelo in Vacation and National Lampoon's European Vacation. Chris Hemsworth stars in Best Actor Oscar Winners in Superhero Films, Thor Ragnarok and my list of Hotties here. Elizabeth Gillies stars in the Dynasty reboot reviewed HERE.
2010s, Comedy, Films, Main FeaturesBeverly D'Angelo, Blogathons, Chevy Chase, Chris Hemsworth, Christina Applegate, Ed Helms, Leslie Mann, Vacation
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FILMS… Captain America: Civil War (2016) →
21 thoughts on "FILMS… Vacation (2015)"
lifesdailylessonsblog says:
Too bad that it was not better. I agree that they should have connected with the eccentric older Griswolds. They extented family in the original movie had some of the best laughs.
Hemsworth sounds like the best part of this movie.
Realweegiemidget says:
I'd recommend it for Hemsworth's part alone – he's a great comic x
hijackedbytwins says:
I love the National Lampoon films they are classics and I just do not think that magic could be recreated again. Shame but I am not surprised x
You are right, they were classics I loved the original filmsx
I absolutely loved National Lampoon, it was always a Christmas Classic at home so I am not sure they could be recreated for me x
Its a series of films i would like to see again, they were so funny.
Kara Guppy says:
Such a shame it didn't live up to expectations
It was, but a good chance for Chris Hemsworth to show he can do comedy.
Erica Price says:
What a shame! Often the way though when they try to recreate the magic.
It can be especially if you make a sequel to a well loved film series.
Lizzie firstooth says:
For a film with such a stellar cast it's a shame that's it was such a let down. It's so frustrating watching films that try so hard to create comic scenes, which ends up making us feel awkward watching it
It is, that's how it felt at times- great cast but the script let them down.
Kerry Norris says:
I've never heard of this one. Such a shame that it was a let down with such a promising cast. I hate it when that happens
Me too xx
Carly Markham says:
See I was never a fan of the originals! My Dad and brother loved them and so I think I got sick of them lol I definitely think that writers should think carefully before attempting to revive popular film series'. Star Wars was done so well but that is a rarity. It is so disappointing when a film doesnt live up. Might have to watch when on tv for the Chris Hemsworth parts though!
Often Off Topic says:
I got so excited when this movie was announced, the original Vacation movie was like, my whole childhood. It had enough nods to the original for me to enjoy it but it still wasn't as good as I was hoping 😦
Announcing THE HOTTER'NELL BLOGATHON! – MovieMovieBlogBlog II says:
[…] Reviews – Vacation […]
moviemovieblogblogii says:
I didn't care for the original "Vacation," so this is one definitely sounds like a must-miss. Thanks for showing us why, and thanks for contributing to the blogathon!
Thanks for having me – this film was good in showing Chris Hemsworth can do a comic role. But I think he showed this in better films.
THE HOTTER'NELL BLOGATHON is here! – MovieMovieBlogBlog II says:
THE HOTTER'NELL BLOGATHON – Day 1 Recap – MovieMovieBlogBlog II says:
[…] Realweegiemidget Reviews find Vacation not much fun as a continuation of National Lampoon's series of Vacation comedies. […]


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