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Extreme poverty is decreasing
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 5 October 2020
While nearly one in 10 still live on less than $1.90 a day, fifty years ago it was one in two.
Read more about Extreme poverty is decreasing
Slavery is illegal almost everywhere
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 1 January 2020
Today, every country in the world has constitutionally banned slavery. Three, however, continue to violate the UN's Universal Declaration on Human Rights by compelling citizens to work for no pay. North Korea is ranked the worst. The Uzbek and Turkmen cotton industries are also dependent on forced labour.
Read more about Slavery is illegal almost everywhere
Murders are falling around the world
The risk of being murdered has been declining for a quarter of a century. Eastern Europe in particular has seen steep drops, by as much as 75%.
Read more about Murders are falling around the world
Infant and child deaths have fallen everywhere
Read more about Infant and child deaths have fallen everywhere
The cost of renewables is falling fast
Read more about The cost of renewables is falling fast
What Counts? - Water
In 2000, as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) the world pledged to half to share of people without access to an improved water source by 2015 from 1990 levels. The world surpassed this target by 2010, increasing access to 91 percent by 2015. Globally, 2.6 billion people gained access over this period — more than a third of the world's population have gained access to improved water since 1990, according to Our World in Data. The progress over this 25-year period is shown by region in the chart below, as the share of the population who have gained access since 1990.
Access to improved water sources is increasing across the world, rising from 76 percent of the global population in 1990 to 91 percent in 2015, according to Our World in Data.
Read more about What Counts? - Water
Billions more can now drink safely
Read more about Billions more can now drink safely
Fewer children are dying from malaria
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 18 October 2019
Read more about Fewer children are dying from malaria
People are living longer almost everywhere
In 1960, the average life span globally was 52.6 years. Today it's 72 years. The reasons include improvements in child survival, expanded access to healthcare (including widespread vaccination), and people being lifted out of extreme poverty.
Read more about People are living longer almost everywhere
The sun can supply all our energy needs
The sun beams down enough energy to supply the entire world's electricity needs more than six times over.
Read more about The sun can supply all our energy needs
Steep decline in infant deaths
The death rate of babies under the age of one has fallen steeply in the last few decades. It's now probably at its lowest ever rate in human history. That's thanks to many modern public health victories: better sanitation, more access to clean drinking water, enhanced nutrition, and the improved education of women.
Read more about Steep decline in infant deaths
Homosexuality now legal in most countries
Read more about Homosexuality now legal in most countries
What Counts? - Global Life Expectancy
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 30 June 2019
Since 1900 the global average life expectancy has more than doubled and is now approaching 70 years. No country in the world has a lower life expectancy than the the countries with the highest life expectancy in 1800.
Read more about What Counts? - Global Life Expectancy
What Counts? - Child Mortality Rates
Read more about What Counts? - Child Mortality Rates
What Counts? - Education
Please see below selected recent education-related facts and figures.
The number of school-age children who are not in school was 110 million in the mid 1990s, and 60 million in the latest data.
Read more about What Counts? - Education
On CRISPR
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 24 February 2018
40%: The percentage of patients reported to have responded to one of the most advanced CRISPR cancer therapy studies to be tested in China. China is far ahead of the US in CRISPR cancer studies due to its less stringent approval requirements, but the US and Europe are set to see their first human trials of the gene-editing technique this year. With potentially transformative implications across medicine, agriculture, and even chemical products, CB Insights' 5,200-word CRISPR deep dive unpacks the science behind the technology, its applications, controversies it's stirred up, and where CRISPR may take us next.
Read more about On CRISPR
On Reconstruction
It will cost $300 billion to rebuild Syria, according to the UN. Even as the carnage continues, Iran and Russia are already quietly waging an uncivil war to get in on those lucrative construction contracts, argued Eurasia Group in February 2018.
Read more about On Reconstruction
On (re-)unification
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 7 February 2018
The Berlin Wall stood for a total of 10,316 days, and as of February 2018, had been down for the same length of time. And yet still, more than half of Germans feel that their country hasn't fully reunified.
Read more about On (re-)unification
On the world in figures as 2018 dawns
Submitted by Halcyon In Figures on 26 January 2018
Sources: http://brainmail.nowandnext.com/; Signal Media
As many as 48 million of Twitter's active users — nearly 15 percent of the Twitterverse— are automated accounts designed to simulate real people. The company claims that number is far lower, but the point remains: social media has become a decisive platform for commerce and politics – and its increasingly defined by people who aren't even people.
By 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in regions that face
"absolute water scarcity".
Ref: United Nations (Switzerland)
In 2016, 19,000 children were admitted to UK hospitals
after self-harming. This represented a rise of 14 per cent
on the previous year.
Ref: Financial Times (UK)
Obesity killed 3 million people globally in 2010.
Read more about On the world in figures as 2018 dawns
On Animal Rights
Read more about On Animal Rights


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Q: How to automate video editing and output new videos with scene combinations / permutations? Is there a way to automate video editing, where it takes an input video and list of timestamps, and then outputs videos with different scene combinations / permutations?
See illustration below, I have a long input video (probably just one, maybe more) with several short scenes. I want to create many videos that have the same intro and outro, but for every video the combinations of the scenes in the middle part is different.

Ideally I would like to use some sort of scripting language like Python, where I can just create a script that takes the input video and a list of timestamps and then cuts all the new videos together.
It is for a science project and the number of scenes is so large, that it's just not feasable to edit it all by hand in something like Premiere.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


of the fearless sorcerer he has always been?
made the very blood freeze in his veins.
instinctive craving for fresh red fluid out of virgin's necks.
had come from.A curse rolled off his tongue.
happen - and he had lowered the drawbridge.
had also changed him into a bloomin' bat.
beat Xandrilia for once and for all.
at least he had his wings.
change him into another shape altogether.
Witch of the West for ever, and finding a spell that will change Sagyr back into his human shape.
moves (or that doesn't move, actually).
Xandrilia's Evil Empire - not even vaguely friendly ones.
THER ARE ONLY ENEMIES !
requests given by the program. Don't remove any of the disks when such is not requested!
the program. Don't remove any of the disks when such is not requested!
Press 'S' during the title picture to skip the game intro.
please keep disk A write-protected AT ALL TIMES!
This, as you may not find hard to guess, starts a new game.
Atari ST only. See further explanation.
Allows you to look at the list of the ten best players.
Some rather uninteresting information concerning the program and those who made it.
cursor up/down keys or the joystick. The return key or fire button select.


The Lanaform hair trimmer will give you a clean, smooth shave every time from the comfort of your own home. The hair clippers can be used by both men and women as they are perfect for shaving a beard and sideburns but also great to shave under the arms or legs.
This allows you to evenly cut the hair of your beard and sideburns and to trim the hair on your neck, underarms and pubic region.
The trimmer is supplied with an adjustable clip-on comb guide. To set the guide, attach it to the front of the main blade and then clip it into position at the back. The comb guide has 5 different cutting lengths: 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm. We suggest beginning with the maximum length until you become familiar with the different lengths obtained with each adjustable position. The trimmer can also be used without the comb guide for a closer cut.
This unit is equipped with a small telescope contour trimmer. To use it, simply plug in the unit and slide the contour trimmer until it becomes locked in the forward position. When you have finished, simply put the trimmer to the back position again. This blade is used to tidy up the difficult-to-get-to areas like the ear region or even tidy up your beard.
Indulge in the cordless hair clippers today for a smooth finish every time.


When an editor first asked me if I'd like to go on a press trip, I was excited immediately.
Of course I would! The thought of an all-expenses-paid trip to sunny Florida meant that I could officially say I was a travel writer. But then she told me it was to a Club Med property. Did those even exist anymore? Thoughts of cheesy décor, buffet-style cuisine, and bad theater came to mind. But who was I to turn down a free trip, right?
So off I went on my very first travel assignment.
As someone who considers herself pretty low-maintenance, I was pleasantly surprised at the level of special treatment I received upon arrival. VIP status? Luxury accommodations? Endless meals and activities? Now that's something I could get used to.
A generous welcome basket was waiting for me in my room, and waterfront views greeted me as I threw open the draperies on the oversized window. I wondered, is this how all press trips are? And even though Club Med was never on my list of must-visit places, boy, did that trip help to change my mind.
As the itinerary progressed and our tightly-knit group of journalists grew even closer, every minute was planned out, and we raced from one amazing activity to the next. With each group meal and late-night party, I quickly learned that press trips are undoubtedly the only type of "work trip" that affords complete strangers the opportunity to befriend one another for life, toss inhibitions aside, and make lasting memories — all of which you're lucky enough to document and share with a wider audience.
Here's the funny thing that I've come to learn about press or FAM (familiarization) trips: You're experiencing everything on an elevated level.
As I spent four days really getting to know everything the resort had to offer – from golf lessons with a pro instructor to pampering at the spa to experiencing a flying trapeze – I realized that travel writing was for me. The opportunity to do things I wouldn't otherwise do was an undeniable pull, and I wasn't going to give up on that, no matter how hard I'd have to work.
But a press trip never feels like work!
One of the absolute best, and most important, elements of a press trip is networking. As a writer, it's essential that you make it your mission to set yourself up for success. Perhaps my willingness to be a team player when others were less than enthused played a role in my being invited on three subsequent press trips within the next three months with that same public relations company.
The point is, whatever tales you're left with, be sure you've done your best to take advantage of every single thing the experience has to offer, and find a way to make something happen that will spark a story people want to read.


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HIV Clinical Care
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This Week in HIV ResearchANAC 2019IDWeek 2019IAS 2019All Conference CoverageNewsroom
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https://www.thebodypro.com/article/hiv-journal-view-6
HIV Treatment Strategies
HIV JournalView
Keith Henry, M.D. July 1, 2004
Acute HIV Infection and the Sexual Transmission of HIV
Prevention as Part of Clinical Care
Negative Results From a Quality-Improvement Study
Directly Observed Therapy in the United States?
Histoplasmosis Maintenance Therapy Can Be Stopped After Immune Recovery
What Happens After PI Failure?
Exactly How Does the Immune System Fit Into the ART Equation?
A Possible Explanation of How GBV-C Infection Might Inhibit HIV Replication
Is HAART Less Effective Against HIV-2 Infection in the United States?
Use of Nelfinavir for HIV-1 Type C Infection
The International AIDS Disaster: Which Route Will China Take?
Joint Problems With HIV Infection -- Yes and No
An increased rate of syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States,1 plus a possible increase in new HIV infections,2 clearly mean that our HIV prevention efforts are failing. This study underscores the importance of increasing HIV awareness among high-risk populations, and awareness of the role played by recently infected persons in transmitting HIV to others.
Pilcher CD, Tien HC, Eron JJ, et al, for the Quest Study and the Duke-UNC-Emory Acute HIV Consortium. Brief but efficient: acute HIV infection and the sexual transmission of HIV. J Infect Dis. May 15, 2004;189(10):1785-1792.
This interesting study from North Carolina researcher Christopher Pilcher et al assessed concurrent blood and semen HIV-1 concentrations in 30 men experiencing acute HIV infection who were participating in 2 large, acute-infection cohorts. All of the semen samples were obtained 14 to 84 days (median 38 days) after the estimated time of infection. Semen HIV-RNA levels in that group were significantly higher (mean 4.1 log copies/mL) than those in a comparison group of patients with chronic HIV infection (mean 3.49 log copies/mL; P = .04). Semen levels were significantly higher during the initial stage than in the later stages of acute infection (P<.01). In addition, over time, acute-infection semen and blood HIV levels were significantly correlated.
The authors creatively constructed a model examining HIV-1 levels in semen. This model was used in conjunction with a previously published probabilistic model of male-to-female transmission of HIV-1 as a function of R5 HIV levels in ejaculate and CCR5 receptor cell levels in cervicovaginal tissues.3 This model assumes that R5 (or macrophage-tropic) HIV is responsible for most heterosexual transmission of HIV, and that the R5 receptor density on the surface of susceptible cervicovaginal tissue relates to the risk for HIV acquisition.
The results of this study confirm that men are hyperinfectious during acute HIV infection due to increased genital shedding of HIV. The model suggests that the probability of HIV transmission is 8- to 10-fold higher 20 days after infection (when HIV-RNA levels peak) than after the viral set point has been reached (>day 54 after infection).
Depending on the frequency of intercourse, men could infect 7-24% of their susceptible female partners during the first 2 months of their HIV infection. (This study just looked at heterosexual transmission models.) The rate of transmission would be even higher in the presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in either partner.
An additional conclusion from the study was that in the absence of an STD, HIV viral dynamics and blood levels mirror those in the genital tract. To prevent additional HIV infections, this study clearly emphasizes how critical both behavioral and antiretroviral interventions are for the recently infected.
Clinicians are in a unique position to prevent HIV infections. Given the increased rates of syphilis and new HIV infections among MSM in the United States, it is important that clinicians become involved. But how do we incorporate prevention counseling into the typically hectic setting of a clinic? The following timely study from 6 Californian clinics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a useful blueprint for clinic-based HIV prevention counseling.
One concern I have with the practical implications of this study is that adding even another 3 to 5 minutes per patient would be difficult in already overstretched clinic schedules. Ideally, having another healthcare provider responsible for the prevention message would be more expedient, although, in our currently collapsing healthcare system, it's unlikely we'll be able to find the funds to pay for that.
Richardson JL, Milam J, McCutchan A, et al. Effect of brief safer-sex counseling by medical providers to HIV-1 seropositive patients: a multi-clinic assessment. AIDS. May 21, 2004;18(8):1179-1186.
How, or even whether, to include safe-sex counseling during HIV clinic visits are subjects that have never received enough attention. In this study, investigators recruited 585 sexually active, HIV-infected persons seen at 6 HIV clinics in California. Three different approaches to safe-sex counseling were used (2 clinics used each of the 3 approaches).
One approach used something called "gain-framed" counseling that emphasized the positive benefits of practicing safer sex (i.e., emphasizing the benefits for patients of protecting themselves and others from STDs or superinfection with other strains of HIV). Another approach used a "loss-framed" counseling strategy that emphasized the negative consequences of unsafe sex (i.e., encouraging patients to make choices that do not put themselves or others at risk). The third approach, termed "attention control," emphasized adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Providers and clinic staff were trained to deliver the counseling intervention that the researchers had randomly assigned to their clinic. The intervention was then delivered during a 10- to 11-month period in 1999-2000. A trained interviewer made baseline behavior assessments prior to the intervention period. The cohort was then reassessed during a period of up to 7 months after the intervention ended.
The intervention was called "Partnership for Health," emphasizing the importance of the provider-patient relationship in helping the patient to stay as healthy as possible. The counseling period, which occurred during regular clinic encounters, was brief (3 to 5 minutes) and was given at all visits except those related to acute medical problems. Every patient received similar written materials. The primary outcome measure was the self-reported rate of unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse with any partners during the previous 3 months. For subjects who had just 1 baseline sexual partner, there were no significant changes after the intervention for any of the 3 groups. Among subjects with 2 or more baseline sexual partners, the rate of unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse decreased by 4% in the attention-control group, increased by 10% in the gain-framed group (P = .64), and decreased by 38% in the loss-framed group (P<.001).
The authors note4 that 36-63% of all HIV-infected adults in the United States receive ongoing medical care, and that this population is responsible for transmitting a significant percentage of HIV infections in the United States, powerfully underscoring the need to carry out more prevention interventions in HIV clinics.
According to the results of this study, the loss-framed counseling technique, as employed by a provider, appears to capture a patient's attention more strongly than the other 2 approaches. Combining both the gain- and loss-framed techniques is another approach that has not been studied much in this setting, which the paper itself suggests is worth trying!
Since relatively small numbers of heterosexual men and women were included in the study, the results are most applicable to MSM. The researchers concluded that counseling that emphasizes the risks associated with unsafe sex may help people with baseline risky profiles to avoid acquiring other STDs or strains of HIV, and avoid transmission to others. The authors note that their study needs to be followed up with additional research, since there is a paucity of information about how to effectively counsel patients to practice safe-sex behaviors in a variety of settings and populations.
Measuring and improving quality of care has become critical in many areas of medicine. There has also been much discussion regarding the fact that negative results do not get published at the same rate as studies demonstrating a positive effect of quality-of-care interventions. This study examined the effectiveness of a program that was designed to increase rates of quality-of-care measures at clinics receiving funding from the Ryan White CARE Act.
Landon BE, Wilson IB, McInnes K, et al. Effects of a quality improvement collaborative on the outcome of care of patients with HIV infection: the EQHIV study. Ann Intern Med. June 1, 2004;140(11):887-896.
Landon and his group used 44 intervention clinics and 25 control clinics matched by general clinic characteristics. Measures examined included use and effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), screening and prophylaxis, and access to care. The researchers looked at the care of 9,986 patients.
The differences in quality of care after the intervention were not significant. The proportion of patients with suppressed viral loads increased from 40 to 51% in the intervention group, compared with an increase from 44 to 49% in the control group (P = .18). Details are lacking about some of the actual interventions used in this study, but I suspect that many of them fall within the realm of community standards of care, so the difference between the intervention and control groups may become blurred. The authors suggest that additional research is needed to achieve better results by improving methods of teaching and implementing quality-improvement projects.
One of the biggest problems with this study involved the quality indicator(s) used. Having worked exclusively at public hospitals and clinics serving an indigent patient population with a multitude of unmet housing, mental health and chemical dependency needs for many years, I have been cautious about starting HAART before a patient is ready or needs such therapy. In addition, it is unclear whether the pharmacies and clinics that care for this type of patient can properly monitor adherence for a large number of these patients simultaneously.
The quality marker used in this study that was particularly troublesome related to the use of HAART in patients with CD4+ cell counts <500 cells/mm3 and viral loads >10,000 copies/mL. Although the use of HAART for these patients was not the practice for many clinicians, it was part of the recommendations for treatment from 1996-2000 (the study was done in 2000). More recent recommendations from the International AIDS Society-USA Panel5 and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines) have shifted these recommendations, based on accumulated experience and study results, to a more conservative treatment philosophy.
In addition, the other "quality markers," such as tuberculosis screening, hepatitis C screening, and use of vaccinations, may have little data indicating that such tests or interventions clinically benefit key segments of the HIV-infected population (such as patients with CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm3).
Now that there are waiting lists in many states for HIV-infected patients to receive ART, it is imperative to critically examine how to optimally use the available but limited resources to protect the health of those at risk for HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Regional HIV-related morbidity and mortality statistics would be better markers for evaluation of the Ryan White program than simply tabulating the percentage of patients on HAART or those who had a particular laboratory test obtained. It is my opinion that many quality-improvement projects are imposed on an already busy and often beleaguered staff, so that there are neither the funds nor the staff to do a good job. Given the increasingly underfunded state of HIV care in the United States, the window for high-quality studies of this nature under the auspices of the Ryan White CARE program may have closed, as the funds must be used to provide necessary antiretroviral drugs in the setting of budget shortfalls.
Studies of the effectiveness of ART have consistently shown that high compliance rates result in better outcomes.6 In many real-world settings, the effectiveness of HAART seems lower than in published clinical trials in which pre-selected patients, chosen for their likelihood to be compliant, are followed in well-staffed research clinics.
Because directly observed therapy (DOT) has been shown to be effective in the control and treatment of tuberculosis,7,8 there has been interest in adapting DOT strategies for the treatment of HIV infection. One problem with indefinite DOT, which would be necessary since HIV infection is incurable, is the high cost of healthcare workers in the United States when funding is already strapped in many public and private settings.
Paul Farmer has achieved well-deserved fame for his humanitarian and clinical efforts in Haiti, and his writings regarding the interaction of poverty and health. He helped develop a DOT-HAART program in rural Haiti using people they call "accompagnateurs" -- low-cost healthcare workers -- to promote maximum adherence. The accompagnateur also provides psychosocial support and links patients to clinical staff and other available resources. In this article, Farmer summarizes his experience with the Haitian program and a similar program in Boston for patients with drug-resistant HIV disease who had experienced failure during unsupervised therapy.
Behforouz HL, Farmer PE, Mukherjee, JS. From directly observed therapy to accompagnateurs: enhancing AIDS treatment outcomes in Haiti and in Boston. Clin Infect Dis. June 1, 2004;38(suppl 5):S429-S436.
The HIV Equity Initiative in Haiti built on their ongoing tuberculosis therapy program, which utilized DOT with an extensive network of community health workers. The accompagnateur is the centerpiece for the tuberculosis therapy and DOT-HAART programs.
Farmer emphasizes that the accompagnateur's role is more complex than simply watching patients take pills. The accompagnateurs are respected in their community and serve as the key link between the patient and the clinic.
At the patient's request, an accompagnateur is selected from among the clinic staff or hired from the community. In Haiti, the majority of accompagnateurs are peasant farmers or market women. They receive training on clinical aspects of HIV, confidentiality and ways to provide emotional support. They observe patients taking their HIV medications once or twice daily.
The data provided in this article are descriptive, providing only general observations and results. The Haitian program, which managed 100 patients in this manner, was outstanding, with an impressively low (<2%) dropout rate.
It is immensely appealing to try and use potentially lower-cost personnel to achieve better outcomes with challenging patient populations. In future articles, I look forward to further details about how the accompagnateur concept could be set up in U.S. sites, and how such programs could be funded and sustained.
In the pre-HAART era, my patients who succumbed to AIDS suffered through an average of 4 to 5 AIDS-defining conditions. Successful treatment of one opportunistic infection seemed only to allow survival to the next one, as a patient's immune system seemed permanently stuck in reverse. I still remember the excitement of the arrival of potent ART in 1996. The revolution of that moment was not only that a patient's HIV level could be decreased to the detection limit, but that CD4+ cell counts could be increased to never-before-seen levels. Sick patients got better, and at-risk patients did not get sick.
As time went on, successive studies9,10 demonstrated that adequate immune recovery would allow the discontinuation of prophylaxis or maintenance therapy for conditions such as Pneumocystis, Mycobacterium avium and cytomegalovirus. This study, led by Mitch Goldman from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), reports that maintenance therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis can also be safely stopped after adequate immune recovery.
Goldman M, Zackin R, Fichtenbaum CJ, et al. Safety of discontinuation of maintenance therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis after immunologic response to antiretroviral therapy. Clin Infect Dis. May 15, 2004;38(10):1485-1489.
This was a prospective observational study conducted by the ACTG to evaluate the safety of stopping maintenance therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis among HIV-infected patients after at least 12 months of antifungal therapy and 6 months of HAART. All patients had documentation of prior disseminated histoplasmosis. Details of ART regimens or nadir CD4+ cell counts were not provided. Negative results of fungal blood cultures, urine and serum Histoplasma antigen levels <4.1 units, and CD4+ cell counts >150 cells/mm3 were required. Thirty-two subjects were enrolled, with a median CD4+ cell count of 289 cells/mm3. No relapse of histoplasmosis was observed after a median follow-up of 24 months -- a rate of zero cases per 65 patient-years. The median CD4+ cell count at the end of the study was 338 cells/mm3.
The authors reasonably concluded from this study that maintenance therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis can be safely stopped for patients with similar characteristics. That is good news for HIV-infected patients in the Midwestern United States where histoplasmosis is endemic.
One of the major issues currently facing clinicians is the selection of first-line HIV therapy. This first choice is critical in planning future treatment options. If a patient starts on a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen and fails, for example, the presumption is that a protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen (generally boosted with ritonavir [RTV, Norvir]) will usually be successful as a follow-up regimen. However, there are few published studies looking at long-term outcomes after failure of initial NNRTI-based therapy.
Alternatively, if the initial regimen is PI-based, it is even less clear how successful the subsequent regimen will be. Obviously, it depends on many factors, such as available drugs, specific drugs used in the initial regimen, adherence habits and amounts of resistance. This study reviews reports published in the HAART era (Jan. 1, 1997 to May 31, 2003) to examine what happens when patients are switched to a follow-up regimen after the failure of an initial PI-based regimen.
Losina E, Islam R, Pollock AC, Sax PE, Freedberg KA, Walensky RP. Effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy after protease inhibitor failure: an analytic overview. Clin Infect Dis. June 1, 2004;38(11):1613-1622.
The overall results are quite disappointing. Only a minority of patients achieved high-level, durable suppression with the follow-up regimen. One problem with the study is that relatively fewer ritonavir-boosted regimens were used in both the initial regimen and the follow-up regimen, so the results really reflect a past era of the use of PIs. My experience with agents such as lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r, Kaletra) is that failure rates with PI resistance are low, and that use of lopinavir/ritonavir after initial failure of a non-boosted PI is generally successful when resistance tests guide use of the entire regimen.
The authors screened 154 studies and then collectively analyzed results from 12 studies (7 clinical trials and 5 observational cohorts involving 1,197 patients) that met the predetermined definition of providing follow-up data for at least 24 weeks for the salvage regimen. An intent-to-treat form of meta-analysis was used, with the primary endpoint being the number of subjects with HIV RNA <500 copies/mL at 24 weeks.
Follow-up regimen types were characterized into 4 categories: (1) no new drug classes used, (2) boosted PI regimen without addition of any new class, (3) addition of NNRTI in NNRTI-naive subjects, and (4) addition of NNRTI and boosted PI in subjects naive to both.
The overall rate of virologic suppression (<500 copies/mL) at 24 weeks was 38%. The lowest rate was seen in subjects with no new drug classes added (16%), compared with 27% for the boosted-PI group, 39% for the new-NNRTI group, and 54% for addition of both a first NNRTI and boosted PI.
Regression analysis of predictors of success at week 24 found that baseline HIV-RNA level and the rescue regimen type were significant, whereas baseline CD4+ cell count was not. The fact that the success rate was highest for the group adding a first NNRTI and boosted PI is not very relevant when the DHHS-recommended first ART regimens contain either efavirenz (EFV, Sustiva, Stocrin) or lopinavir/ritonavir.
I also have concerns about the durability of a regimen when adding only a new NNRTI in the setting of both PI and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) failure. Current practice in the United States is to evaluate the effectiveness of ART using a more sensitive assay (usually <50-75 copies/mL), which, if used in the studies reviewed here, would undoubtedly have decreased the success rate significantly.
The use of resistance tests to guide the choice of drugs within classes is also the community standard. It is therefore disappointing that many of the studies did not use this tool to help them select the regimen.
Also, why do so many current rescue studies designate a regimen that is often suboptimal and does not allow the full use of all available drugs and regimens? A major challenge is not only to develop new drugs that are active against resistant virus, but to design studies utilizing the best that current knowledge and resources can offer, so that more meaningful results can be obtained.
With all of the understandable focus on the benefits of ART, the relevance of the immune system to the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of treatment remains an enigma. Many patients demonstrate a lack of CD4+ cell response, while others have an unexpectedly fabulous CD4+ cell response, though all have high-level HIV suppression. It is still unclear and often unpredictable why there is so much variation from patient to patient. This study from the Immunology Group of the ACTG sheds new light on this issue.
Mildvan D, Bosch RJ, Kim RS, et al. Immunophenotypic markers and antiretroviral therapy (IMART): T cell activation and maturation help predict treatment response. J Infect Dis. May 15, 2004;189(10):1811-1820.
The Immunophenotypic Markers and Antiretroviral Therapy (IMART) study used a novel data-sharing strategy involving data from 5 ACTG trials that measured naive and activated CD4 and CD8+ T cells in 324 subjects.
A regression model that adjusted for baseline CD4+ cell count, plasma HIV-RNA level and study demonstrated that high pretreatment CD8+ cell activation predicted subsequent virologic failure (P = .046). Another model revealed that the greatest increases in CD4+ cell counts were seen in subjects with the highest pretreatment-naive CD4+ cell counts, an effect that was magnified by high CD4+ cell and low CD8+ cell activation rates. The total lymphocyte count also predicted the subsequent change in CD4+ cell count.
The authors concluded that T-cell markers are predictive of treatment outcome, and may have merit in the study or management of HIV-1 infection.
In the April 2004 edition of The Body Pro's HIV JournalView, David Wohl highlighted several studies regarding the impact of GB virus C (GBV-C) on the natural history of HIV infection (the conclusion was that it has a seemingly positive impact). In this article, just published in The Lancet by Jack Stapleton and colleagues from the University of Iowa, the authors evaluated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) coinfected with GBV-C and HIV. The conclusion was that GBV-C induces inhibitory chemokines and downregulates CCR5 expression. As the Lancet editors note, that mechanism provides useful insight into potential new strategies for both anti-HIV medication and disease-modifying vaccine development.
Xiang J, George SL, Wünschmann S, Chang Q, Klinzman D, Stapleton JT. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by GB virus C infection through increases in RANTES, MIP-1a, MIP-1B, and SDF-1. Lancet. June 19, 2004;363(9426):2040-2046.
Previously published data provided by the study authors have generally, but not universally, reported that persistent GBV-C infection slows the progression rate of HIV to AIDS. Though there were a variety of proposed mechanisms for that effect, there was little actual data.
In this study, the investigators coinfected PBMCs with GBV-C and HIV, then monitored infectivity and HIV p24 antigen production. GBV-C infection of PBMCs resulted in decreased replication of both clinical and laboratory strains of HIV. The degree of inhibition was related to the dose and timing of GBV-C infection: higher inhibition was seen with higher doses of GBV-C and with increased time between GBV-C and HIV infection. This inhibition was seen with both the CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic strains of HIV. Expression of mRNA for the chemokines RANTES, MIP-1a, MIP-1b and SDF-1, and secretion of those chemokines into the culture supernatant, were higher in the GBV-C-infected cells than in controls. PBMC surface expression of CCR5 was lower in the GBV-C-infected cells. Finally, the inhibitory effect of GBV-C infection on HIV infection was blocked by neutralizing antibodies against the respective chemokines.
These intriguing results provide a plausible explanation for the effect of GBV-C infection on HIV. The study needs to be repeated in additional trials and different laboratories but, if confirmed, should stimulate research into novel anti-HIV drug and vaccine strategies.
The debate around the effects of GBV-C on the natural history of HIV infection underscores how much we still need to learn about how factors other than the standard surrogate markers of HIV-RNA levels and CD4+ cell count -- such as human leukocyte antigen type, chemokine and receptor levels, drug-metabolizing genotypes and thymic restorative capacity -- influence the clinical course of HIV infection in patients, and how we can use this information in decision making.
HIV-2 infection has been fairly limited to West Africa, with a small number of imported cases in the United States. Available data suggest that HIV-2 is less pathogenic than HIV-1. The natural history of HIV-2 infection appears to involve a longer period of clinical latency, though it can still result in AIDS. There is little published data on how well HIV-2-infected patients respond to standard HAART regimens.
This article is important for several reasons. First, it summarizes details for 10 HIV-2-infected persons in the United States, which is helpful for those of us that have not seen many cases of HIV-2 infection.
Information relating to diagnosis of HIV-2 infection, measurement of quantitative HIV-2 RNA levels (performed at the Harvard School of Public Health using an in-house method), CD4+ cell counts and clinical features is provided. Finally, details about the response to a range of fairly standard HAART regimens are provided.
Mullins C, Eisen G, Popper S, et al. Highly active antiretroviral therapy and viral response in HIV type 2 infection. Clin Infect Dis. June 15, 2004;38(12):1771-1779.
Chris Mullins and colleagues have provided a useful service by summarizing experience with 10 HIV-2-infected patients (7 from Cape Verde and 1 each from Guinea, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone) who received HAART in the United States from 1994-2004. The approach to HAART for these HIV-2-infected patients mirrored that for HIV-1, with the major exception being that NNRTI-based regimens were not used (currently approved NNRTIs are generally not active against HIV-2).
Three subjects were asymptomatic. The CD4+ cell counts for asymptomatic subjects were higher than for those who were symptomatic (median levels 639 and 175 cells/mm3, respectively). Plasma HIV-2 RNA was also higher for the symptomatic than for the asymptomatic subjects (median levels 4.7 and 2.5 log copies/mL, respectively). All of the symptomatic subjects had low CD4+ cell counts and elevated viral loads.
Treatment responses in the 7 symptomatic subjects were generally disappointing. Three of the 7 subjects had increased CD4+ cell counts, but none had a greater than 2-log reduction in HIV-2 RNA. Four of the 7 did not improve clinically, with 2 of those subjects having problems with adherence.
Some of the treatment regimens for those 7 patients would be considered marginally acceptable by today's standards (i.e., they took triple NRTIs or stavudine [d4T, Zerit] plus didanosine [ddI, Videx] plus nelfinavir [NFV, Viracept]). No subjects received an initial boosted-PI regimen, and some had prior dual-NRTI therapy. No resistance information was provided.
Importantly, the HIV-2 diagnosis for 3 of these patients was made after an initial diagnosis of HIV-1, with additional tests ordered after laboratory tests or response to treatment seemed not to fit the usual pattern. The treatment response reported here is disappointing but understandable, since many of the patients had prior suboptimal therapy with a variety of regimens. As the authors point out, more data is needed, particularly using subjects who from the beginning were given potent boosted PI-based regimens. This article is a good reference for clinicians to use if they encounter an HIV-2-infected patient.
In the United States, most HIV-1 infections involve subtype B virus but, worldwide, HIV-1 subtype C is probably the most common infection. The majority of the data regarding the use of ART has come from resource-rich countries, and therefore involves subtype B infections. However, different HIV-1 subtypes possess distinct amino-acid sequences in their proteins, including the viral protease. This study looked at the use of nelfinavir in patients infected with HIV-1 subtype C.
Nelfinavir's most desirable characteristic is that it preserves other PI treatment options after virologic failure when the D30N PI mutation develops. Data on that issue,11 however, have been mostly restricted to patients with subtype B HIV-1. This study compares the genotypic and phenotypic replication capacity of HIV-1 isolates from nelfinavir-treated patients infected with subtype B or C HIV-1. The results demonstrate that use of nelfinavir in patients infected with HIV-1 subtype C results in broader cross-resistance to other PIs than has been the experience in those infected with subtype B.
Grossman Z, Paxinos EE, Averbuch D, et al. Mutation D30N is not preferentially selected by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C in the development of resistance to nelfinavir. Antimicrobial Agents Chemother. June 2004;48(6):2159-2165.
Jonathan Shapiro and colleagues from ViroLogic and the Sheba Medical Center in Israel reported on the virologic features of 159 subtype-C-infected and 65 subtype-B-infected patients failing nelfinavir as their first PI.
The characteristic D30N PI mutation was seen in only 7% of the subtype-C-infected patients, compared with 23% of the subtype-B-infected patients (P = .03). Significant differences were also found in the occurrences of M36I (98 vs. 36%), L63P (35 vs. 59%), A71V (3 vs. 32%), V77I (0 vs. 36%) and I93L (91 vs. 32%) (.0001<P<.05) between subtype C and B HIV isolates from these patients. The subtype C isolates with the D30N mutation showed a change in 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in susceptibility to nelfinavir only -- much less than the change seen in subtype B isolates with the D30N mutation -- while other mutations increased the IC50 values for all PIs.
The replication capacity of the subtype C virus was reduced relative to a subtype B reference virus (details were not provided in the paper). The ViroLogic database was reviewed for the replication capacity of subtype C virus with the D30N versus the L90M and/or other mutations. Both groups had a lower replication capacity compared to wild-type virus, but there were no obvious differences between the 2 groups (data not provided).
This study has numerous limitations, notably that samples were not from patients in any form of randomized study, and in addition, information about adherence or treatment response was not available.
There may be some demographic differences between the patient populations. Subtype C patients are more likely to be from Africa, with lower socioeconomic standing, which could influence treatment outcomes. Nonetheless, the results confirm other reports that HIV-1 subtype-C-infected patients failing treatment with nelfinavir generally have a different resistance pathway than subtype-B-infected patients and develop broader PI cross-resistance, possibly due to different baseline polymorphisms. Use of nelfinavir as the first PI in subtype-C-infected patients would be less likely to preserve other PI treatment options than has been the experience in subtype-B-infected patients.
Although not a research article, this report provides an excellent overview of the HIV/AIDS situation in China. This is the third collection of articles in Science magazine's series on HIV in Asia (the first, published Sep. 19, 2003, focused on Southeast Asia; the second, published Apr. 23, 2004, focused on India). As the most populous country in the world, with a booming economy, China seems to be at high risk for a disastrous problem, while simultaneously having the resources to blunt the impact, if it can gather the political will to do so.
Cohen J. HIV/AIDS in China: poised for takeoff? Science. June 4, 2004;304(5676):1430-1439.
The introduction begins with a description of the Premier of China, Wen Jiabao, shaking hands with Sun Fuli, an HIV-infected taxi driver from Shanxi Province, on Dec. 1, 2003 -- World AIDS Day. The story was widely carried throughout China, and seemed to send a powerful message of the Chinese government's intentions to get serious about the threat of HIV.
Increased spending on treatment and education, pilot needle exchange and methadone treatment programs, and roll-outs of limited antiretroviral drug treatment programs all indicate that China has become serious about dealing with the country's estimated 840,000 HIV-infected persons -- two-thirds of whom are intravenous drug users (IDUs) -- as well as ramping up prevention efforts.
Although there are still many problems, the Chinese HIV situation has improved considerably relative to several years before. The history of the AIDS epidemic in China has been divided into 3 phases. From 1985 to 1988, the country reported only 22 infections, so the disease was viewed as a foreign problem. The government stated that the disease could be kept in check, because of limited homosexual activity as well as a believed low rate of promiscuity. In addition, they barred foreigners with HIV from living in the country. However, in 1989, around 150 IDUs in Yunnan Province tested positive for HIV. This signaled the "spreading phase" of the epidemic.
Adding to this was the fact that during the early 1990s, many commercial firms pooled blood from paid donors and returned the blood cells to the donors while keeping the plasma for sale. That and a lack of clean needles and HIV testing standards led to an estimated 250,000 infections.
The current "expansion phase" of the epidemic includes spread of HIV from IDUs to their partners and children, and now the rise of infection in sex workers and gay men. Another explanation for the rapid rise in reported HIV cases is clearly the government's more accurate reporting and expanded testing opportunities.
There is still considerable concern about human rights issues for HIV-infected persons in China. In addition, another article12 in this series discusses the limited availability of antiretroviral drugs.
When I was in China in May 2004, numerous physicians expressed their frustration that their only medications were didanosine and stavudine, which provide only marginal benefit and lead to high rates of neuropathy and pancreatitis.
This series makes for worthwhile reading, with specific articles on efforts to educate IDUs, the story of HIV-infected plasma donors in Henan Province and efforts to develop vaccines customized for China.
Although not part of last month's journal publications, this additional review may be of interest. From early in the epidemic, HIV has been reportedly associated with various rheumatologic disorders. However, the diagnostic possibilities can be numerous when confronted with an HIV-infected patient with joint complaints. I often refer such patients to a rheumatologist to help sort out the likely cause and best approach to therapy. After one such referral of an HIV-infected, African-born patient, the rheumatologist sent the following 2 articles to help me beef up on the topic.
Solinger AM. Rheumatic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus. Curr Rheumatol Rep. June 2003;5(3):205-209.
Various rheumatic, musculoskeletal or other immune disorders are associated with HIV infection. Reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, acute nonspecific arthritis, Sjögren syndrome and inflammatory myositis have been reported. During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, there were numerous reports of "acute painful joints," which seem to have diminished. This review of the literature concludes that the possible association between HIV and rheumatic or definable autoimmune disorders is fairly limited to the reactive arthritidies. Vasculitis has more recently been associated with hepatitis C coinfection.
There actually seems to be a decreasing frequency of rheumatoid arthritis in the setting of HIV infection, with a worsening of pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis after the initiation of potent ART (possibly supporting the role of CD4+ cells in inflammatory synovitis). There also seems to be an increased incidence, though solid epidemiological evidence is sparse, of secondary muscle and joint infections in HIV patients.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Primary and secondary syphilis -- United States, 2002. MMWR. November 21, 2003;52(46):1117-1120.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Increases in HIV diagnosis -- 29 states, 1999-2002. MMWR. November 28, 2003;52(47):1145-1148.
Chakraborty H, Sen PK, Helms RW, et al. Viral burden in genital secretions determines male-to-female sexual transmission of HIV-1: a probabilistic empiric model. AIDS. March 30, 2001;15(5):621-627.
Bozzette SA, Berry SH, Duan N, et al. The care of HIV-infected adults in the United States. N Engl J Med. December 24, 1998;339(26):1897-1904.
Yeni PG, Hammer SM, Hirsch MS, et al. Treatment for adult HIV infection: 2004 recommendations of the International AIDS Society-USA Panel. JAMA. July 14, 2004;292(2):251-265.
Paterson DL, Swindells S, Mohr J, et al. Adherence to protease inhibitor therapy and outcomes in patients with HIV infection. Ann Intern Med. July 4, 2000;133(1):21-30.
Farmer P, Kim JY. Community based approaches to the control of multidrug resistant tuberculosis: introducing "DOTS-plus". Br Med J. September 5, 1998;317(7159):671-674.
Mitnick C, Bayona J, Palacios E, et al. Community-based therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Lima, Peru. N Engl J Med. January 9, 2003;348(2):119-128.
Lopez Bernaldo de Quiros JC, Miro JM, Pena JM, et al. A randomized trial of the discontinuation of primary and secondary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV infection. N Engl J Med. January 18, 2001;344(3):159-167.
Currier JS, Williams PL, Koletar SL, et al. Discontinuation of Mycobacterium avium complex prophylaxis in patients with antiretroviral therapy-induced increases in CD4+ cell count: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. October 3, 2000;133(7):493-503.
Clotet B, Ruiz L, Martinez-Picado J, Negredo E, Hill A, Popescu M. Prevalence of HIV protease mutations on failure of nelfinavir-containing HAART: a retrospective analysis of four clinical studies and two observational cohorts. HIV Clin Trials. July-August 2002;3(4):316-323.
Cohen J. HIV/AIDS in China: a new treatment campaign, but with limited weapons. Science. June 4, 2004;304(5676):1433-1434.
Keith Henry, M.D.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Grove Villas comprises of 24 generously sized plots in an open landscape. There have a choice of plot sizes to choose from, to fit any requirements or budget, with 2 distinctive house designs available.
The original design of the villas was conceived in-house but was drawn and visualized by Mr Alan Whitley, an architect from the U.K. with an inherent love of Asian architecture. With both Thai and Balinese influences the design attempts to incorporate the best of Asian architectural design whilst bringing modern touches and feel to a timeless design. Each house still keeping true to the overall design mandate but at the same time being unique in its own way.
The Villas are a 2 hr drive from Bangkok, and are situated 14 Km inland from Hua Hin centre. With excellent road connections, it is a location easily reachable from any direction. Five star facilities such as the Golf Course, Water Park & Wakeboard park lie just 3Km away at the world rebound Black Mountain Resort.
15 minutes West of Hua Hin town, close to Black Mountain Golf Course and easy access to the Bypass road to Bangkok and the South.


The New Lyngarth reflects the warm friendly atmosphere to be expected when staying with friends, if you shun modern soulless accommodation - this will be the place for you.
Situated minutes away from Blackpool North Train Station and Talbot Road Coach Station.
Ideally situated for the centre of Blackpool with all its shops and nightlife, Blackpool Tower and the world famous Funny Girls.
All rooms have Colour TV's, Hairdryers, Digital TV, clock Radios, tea and coffee making facilities.
Approx 2 mins walk from Blackpool North Railway Station and 5 mins walk from Talbot Road Bus Station.


Those who have been diagnosed with this condition, also known as "thalamic syndrome", have usually suffered injury in the thalamus, the right hand side of the brain, following a stroke. This injury leads to a constant and unrelenting pain that has been described as burning, aching, or pricking in nature. The conventional route to managing this condition is with anti-depressants but what if even those don't work? Are there any effective alternative painkillers that can relieve the symptoms? Omega-3 and omega-6 oils can stimulate the pathways which result in the production of two anti-inflammatory prostaglandins PG1 and PG3. These fatty acids have helped a reader deal with post-herpetic neuralgia, which, according to him, sounds similar to CPSP. Sugar and other simple carbohydrates should also be eliminated as they cause the release of high levels of insulin, which blocks the synthesis of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Other alternative pain-relief therapies recommended by readers include homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, biofeedback, yoga and meditation.


St Mary's Church was completed in 1841. It stands on the site of former chapels going back to the 16th century at the very heart of the village. Surrounded by the churchyard it is bordered on one side by North Street which runs parallel to the tidal River Trent.
Next door literally is West Butterwick Methodist Church with whom St Mary's enjoys close ties. West of the Church and with direct access is the Primary School which is a church school and whose staff and pupils regularly make use of St Mary's.


Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronically relapsing skin disorder that begins most commonly during infancy, childhood, or adolescence. The cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. Immunologic, genetic, physiologic, and pharmacologic factors play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. It is often associated with personal or family history of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and/or asthma.
History: The main symptoms are itching and scratching that can be so severe as to affect sleep and quality of life.
Physical exam reveals raised bumps on the skin, thickened, red, gray or scaly skin (lichenification), red, fluid-filled bumps, and crusted lesions. Extensive fissures, weeping, and crusting may be present in advanced cases.
Tests: Some immunologic and skin testing may be required. Elevated total IgE suggests allergic cause.
No known therapy is curative. Currently, treatment consists of removal or reduction of irritating factors, use of topical corticosteroids, application of water-trapping agents such as mineral oil, and reduction of stress.
Oral cortisone drugs (rarely, and for short periods only).
Lubricating ointments for the hands.
Due to decreased immunity, Staphylococcal, viral, and dermatophytic infections are common in atopic dermatitis. In severe cases, evolution into exfoliative erythroderma, and development of cataract may occur.
The outcome of atopic dermatitis is difficult to predict. Periods of remission and spontaneous resolution appear more frequently as an individual grows older. Late onset of disease correlates with more persistent disease.
Other possibilities are rare immunologic disorders and enzymatic deficiencies.
You or a family member has symptoms of atopic dermatitis.


text:
Congress leader DK Shivakumar arrested in money laundering case
New Delhi Published: Sep 03, 2019, 08:54 PM(IST)
Karnataka Congress Minister DK Shivakumar. Photograph:( ANI )
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was questioning him over the last four days, said he was not cooperating with the investigation.
Congress leader and former Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar was on Tuesday arrested under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reported news agency ANI.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was questioning him over the last four days, said he was not cooperating with the investigation, the report added.
Shivakumar maintained that he has not done anything wrong and cooperate with the investigating agency.
ED issued a summon against Shivakumar on August 29 and asked him to appear before it the next day.
Earlier, a Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summon issued to him.
He had also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him.
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Some songwriters are philosophers and mystics; some are court jesters. Chapell stands out as someone who's music draws from a complex (and at times, conflicting) palate.
I caught up with Alan Chapell via phone earlier this week. He's taking a break from recording his latest album and spending the holidays with family in Nicaragua. Although now firmly grounded in New York City, travel is a big part of Chapell's story. Born and raised in Stamford Connecticut, Chapell started making music as a young child playing mostly classical piano and trumpet. In college, he was a member of a "great but fame was never their fate" band out of New England called All the Voices. He has fond memories of those days, but admits to never really feeling at home in that scene.
Chapell sensed deep in his bones that Connecticut was not the right place creatively. But having that knowledge and actually taking steps to find your creative home are two very different things. Immersed in a malaise, if not outright depression, Chapell didn't just need a change. He needed something drastic. So he went off to join a band in… Mumbai, India? "India might not be the first place you think of when it comes to Western music, but I spent most of my life following my gut", said Chapell. Chapell was looking for something new and different musically, and encountered a band of musicians from Mumbai through the Village Voice classifieds. A few of the Mumbai musicians were temporarily living in the "little India" of Jackson Heights, Queens. Only a stones throw from Connecticut but light years away culturally and stylistically.
You can hear whispers of Indian influence on The Redhead's Allegations, Chapell's first studio album in many years. Check out Shayna and (albeit to a lesser extent) the song Heroes to understand what I mean. Chapell was kind enough to play a few tracks off of his upcoming album with the caveat that it's still a work in progress. To my ears, there wasn't much Indian influence from any of the tracks off the new (yet to be titled) album. Chapell has a different take. "You might hear an occasional tabla or other Indian percussion part, but Indian rhythms are not really what I took home from my time in Mumbai", says Chapell. "The most important thing I learned from Mumbai is to play with people who come from different musical backgrounds. In India, we had a few people who had been trained in various forms of Eastern music, and a couple of Westerners, including me. And that tension between multiple styles is what helped make the music so compelling." Chapell has taken that philosophy into his current band, where the Americana, jazz and soul influences add a unique texture to Chapell's indie-rock sensibility. "The last thing I want is to sound like any other band coming out of NYC", Chapell said.
Style is something that oozes out of Chapell's previous work. The Redhead's Allegations is a nice Indie-pop album that contains some colorful storytelling. And while I find the album to be really nice listen overall, the stories don't consistently break through the luster of their indie-pop music shells. Chapell disagreed, stating that the production team of Jerry Harrison and ET Thorngren were critical to bringing the album to life.
But that's not to say that Chapell is at all finished experimenting with these songs. "I've taken to playing a few of the songs from The Redhead's Allegations acoustically with mandolin as part of my live show, and they've gone over really well", said Chapell. "They feel a bit more organic this way, and it creates a nice little show-within-a-show, and gives the opportunity to feature a different side of my band." Speaking of Chapell's live show, the next one is at The Slipper Room in NYC on January 19. I'll be there. And judging from what I read about his previous Slipper Room show, I'd best get there early.
But one final question. I was curious what caused Chapell ultimately to leave India behind? Like many endings, this one came down to money. "Eventually, I ran out of cash. I was able to work a bit writing music jingles for Indian TV, but it turns out that musicians can't make a living in India either." (Imagine that.) "I couldn't even afford a plane ticket home. But I managed to sneak onto a plane heading to Florence, Italy and eventually made it back through JFK," Chapell recalls. "Someday maybe I'll share that story at one of my concerts." From what Chapell shared with me, the leaving India story is both harrowing and hilarious. In many ways, a microcosm of the musician himself.
You can find Chapell on Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube and www.ThisIsChapell.com. See Chapell live at the Slipper Room in NYC on Thursday January 19 at 8pm. Tickets are available here.


VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - September 22, 2016) - Members of the public and media are invited to a celebratory launch event for the redevelopment of the Heather Street Lands (former RCMP Lands) in Vancouver. The lands were purchased from the federal government through a Joint Venture created between Canada Lands Company and the MST Partnership (Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in October 2014.
When: September 24, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., with speeches and cultural celebration (songs and dances) commencing at approximately 12:15p.m.
Spokespeople will be on hand to answer questions as part of the event.
For more information about the project and the Joint Venture partnership, please visit www.heatherstreetlands.ca.


text:
Notre Dame 99-to-0: No. 54 Blake Fisher, early-enrolled freshman left tackle, starter?
By Douglas FarmerJun 3, 2021, 6:00 AM EDT
Notre Dame Athletics
Listed measurements: 6-foot-6, 330 pounds.
2021-22 year, eligibility: A freshman, though a semester ahead, Fisher has all four seasons of eligibility remaining.
Depth Chart: Fisher turned Notre Dame's offensive line expectations on their head early on in spring practices. Very quickly clearly a possible starter on Labor Day Eve (95 days), Fisher created a new set of lineup permutations for the Irish to consider. He is not yet the definitive starter, but either Fisher or sophomore Tosh Baker should start at left tackle at Florida State.
Recruiting: An All-American and rivals.com five-star, Fisher ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Indiana, the No. 6 offensive tackle in the class and No. 25 overall prospect in the country. Thus, expectedly, he held a scholarship offer from every pertinent program.
NAME, IMAGE, LIKENESS
That's called style.
A post shared by Blake Fisher (@bigfish_54)
Along with fellow early-enrollee guard Rocco Spindler, Fisher could not have impressed more people this spring. No matter how highly recruited, no true freshman is genuinely expected to emerge as a starter — especially as an offensive lineman — let alone force his way into the starting lineup in spring practices held when he should still be in high school.
But that is exactly what the pair did.
"You have Rocco and Blake come in, they're playing at a very high level right now through spring," fifth-year offensive lineman Josh Lugg said in mid-April. "That's awesome to see.
"That gets the guys so juiced, when you watch film and you see these young guys, they're applying what they're learning in the meeting room so quickly. They're very coachable, and they should be in high school. They should have prom next weekend, but instead, they're blocking Kurt Hinish in a scrimmage today."
And the fifth-year defensive tackle noticed those blocks.
"Rocco Spindler and Blake Fisher are damn good," Hinish said. "They're really good offensive linemen and they're going to be really good here. They're the best two freshman offensive linemen that I've ever seen or have gone against. They're supposed to be seniors in high school, but these guys are grown men playing with us, and they play with us, it's not like they are seniors in high school and just compete with us here and there."
WHAT WAS SAID WHEN FISHER SIGNED
This was, admittedly, wrong.
"Fisher has the size, the strength and the footwork to play as a backup from day one. He'll have to adjust to the speed of the college game, but that is true for anybody. …
"There are other former top-line recruits in the pipeline, Tosh Baker chief among them, but Fisher should have the inside track on starting on the outside by 2023 at the latest."
Inside the Irish
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Despite all the springtime praise, it should not be presumed Fisher starts in Tallahassee. If he does so, he will be the first Notre Dame freshman starter on the offensive line in the season opener since Sam Young in 2006. And Baker is a quality player himself.
But all that springtime praise makes it seem likely Fisher will start, quite possibly alongside Spindler. At that point, all bets are off.
Many will see a pair of 18-year-olds starting on the offensive line and punt on the Irish season. That would be rash. Both Fisher and Spindler played at a collegiate level this spring, somehow.
There will undoubtedly be hiccups, just as there would be with Baker getting his first true action, but if Fisher can find some footing in September and maintain through the grueling stretch that awaits the Irish in October, he could put together a November impressive enough to garner even more hype entering 2022.
RELATED READING: ND OL comes into focus thanks to early-enrolled duo and a fifth-year utility man
DOWN THE ROAD
It feels distinctly rash to look at a player that has not seen a single collegiate snap and ponder him jumping to the NFL after his junior season, but given that the Irish have produced only first- and second-round draft picks from left tackle during the entire Brian Kelly era, the thought of Fisher starting as a true freshman plays right into him heading to the draft after the 2023 season. (To again acknowledge one's own error, suggesting 2023 would be when Fisher might first start was conservative to a fault.)
To risk pulling this into a bigger and broader conversation than any "99-to-0″ entry warrants, at some point the years remaining in Kelly's tenure need to be considered. This past spring, Aaron Banks became the first offensive lineman in Kelly's 11 years to spurn one more season for the NFL draft when a first-round possibility was not assured. Banks going in the second round proved the logic to his decision, but the intended point is that Kelly and his staff have made a habit of talking elite offensive linemen back into one final season. Ronnie Stanley and Mike McGlinchey top the list of those who benefited from such persuasion, but the list covers Kelly's 11 years.
Come 2023, though, Kelly will have been at Notre Dame for 14 seasons. If he is retiring then — not a prediction, just an acknowledgment that with every season passed, the odds of Kelly stepping away increase — that sales pitch may not land with the same effectiveness. Fisher could head to the NFL after only three seasons, not that anyone could blame him.
Fisher is not the average 18-year-old. He was so active in recruiting on behalf of Kelly and the Irish staff that Fisher earned the nickname "The Mayor." He never wavered in that decision, an in-state decision that thus carries some additional weight with it.
But in addition to all that, he has known tragedy most of us hope to never ponder. His sister, Breonna, died in 2011 from a virus that was never thoroughly understood, per a local news story during the coronavirus pandemic. She remains a constant note in his life.
❤ My Angel pic.twitter.com/SMXNVcuUhH
— Blake Fisher (@bfisher54_) May 30, 2021
NOTRE DAME 99-TO-0
Let's try this again
No. 99 Rylie Mills, sophomore defensive tackle
No. 98 Alexander Ehrensberger, sophomore defensive end
No. 97 Gabriel Rubio, early-enrolled freshman defensive tackle the size of a Volkswagen
No. 95 Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, fifth-year defensive tackle-turned-end
No. 92 Aidan Keanaaina, sophomore defensive tackle
No. 88 Mitchell Evans, early-enrolled freshman tight end, a former high school quarterback
No. 87 Michael Mayer, star sophomore tight end and lead offensive weapon
No. 85 George Takacs, senior tight end, '152 years old'
No. 84 Kevin Bauman, sophomore tight end
No. 82 Xavier Watts, sophomore receiver
No. 81 Jay Brunelle, speedy sophomore receiver
No. 80 Cane Berrong, early-enrolled freshman tight end
No. 79 Tosh Baker, sophomore offensive tackle
No. 78 Pat Coogan, incoming freshman center
No. 77 Quinn Carroll, junior offensive lineman
No. 76 Joe Alt, incoming and towering freshman offensive lineman
No. 75 Josh Lugg, fifth-year right tackle, finally a starter
No. 73 Andrew Kristofic, junior offensive tackle, possible backup center
No. 72 Caleb Johnson, early-enrolled offensive tackle, former Auburn commit
No. 70 Hunter Spears, junior offensive guard, former defensive tackle
No. 68 Michael Carmody, sophomore offensive tackle
No. 57 Jayson Ademilola, senior defensive tackle
No. 56 John Dirksen, senior reserve offensive lineman
No. 56 Howard Cross, junior defensive tackle
No. 55 Jarrett Patterson, the best Irish offensive lineman
No. 54 Jacob Lacey, junior defensive tackle
tweet to @d_farmer


Recently it snowed in London and a major Nor'easter battered New York City.
This got us thinking about ways to see art while not daring to venture out into the weather.
While nothing can replace the joy of looking at an original drawing from mere inches away, being able to zoom into a drawing on a clear and bright computer screen allows a level of discovery that makes up for not being there in person with your favorite piece.
We decided to share a few of our favorite online drawing collections with the hope that you will be inspired to get out into the world and draw more!
The Morgan Library and Museum has a stunning collection of Drawings Online with an amazing zoom feature.
We curated a sample search of The Metropolitan Museum's Online Drawing Collection here. We set it to Highlights, though there are hundreds more online.
Finally, here is the Web Gallery of Art Database which is online only. They have a stunning collection of works including drawing, painting, and sculptures. This one can take hours of your otherwise dreary day!
Black chalk and brown wash on wove paper.
Very nice links, love being able to download them and view them in a high resolution.


SCOOPS makes learning lax tons & tons of fun!
SCOOPS Lacrosse has a single goal, to help kids to be better players, teammates, and individuals on and off the field. Participants (and coaches) have tons and tons of fun while learning the fundamentals of lacrosse.
As your favorite local sporting goods retailer, we wish to remind those interested in Paddle Tennis that we have a readily available collection of gear waiting for you!
Suddenly, Saturday soccer rolls around and… "Darn-it! I forgot to buy Virgil and Wanda new cleats!"
This Saturday, April 28, stop by the store for special pricing on soccer, softball, and baseball gear. As an additional incentive, each equipment purchase will qualify for a FREE pair of athletic socks or a thirst-quenching sports hydration bottle.


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SAT / PSAT (Classes of 2023 & 2024)
DIGITAL SAT / PSAT (New for Class of 2025 & Beyond)
ACADEMIC / STUDY SKILLS
COLLEGE WRITING PREP
HSPT / ISEE / SSAT / SHSAT
ACT/SAT FUNDAMENTALS
SAT SUBJECT TESTS (discontinued June 2021)
PROCTORED (In-Person or Live Online)
INTERACTIVE (Online, On-Demand)
DIGITAL ADAPTIVE (New for Class of '25 & Beyond)
SELF-ADMINISTERED
COMPASS GUIDE
DEI BOARD
ACT and SAT Testing Dates
By Ash Kramer July 1, 2022 July 19th, 2022 ACT, College Counseling, SAT
A little advanced planning can go a long way when it comes to admission testing.
One of the first steps in designing the most effective test prep plan is to determine a target test date. The November SAT might seem like an ideal time until you realize that it's the day after Homecoming! Sitting down early to compare the test dates with your personal and school calendar can save you the headache of trying to switch test dates or registration down the line.
Below, we've compiled a chronological list of the ACT and SAT test dates. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) are announced or estimated.
Need help registering for one of these test? Click here to learn everything you need to know about registering for the SAT and ACT.
2022–23 ACT and SAT Dates
Test Date
Multiple Choice Scores Available
August 27, 2022 SAT July 29, 2022 August 16, 2022 September 19, 2022*
September 10, 2022 ACT August 5, 2022 August 19, 2022 September 23–November 2, 2022*
October 1, 2022 SAT September 2, 2022 September 20, 2022 October 14, 2022*
October 22, 2022 ACT September 16, 2022 September 30, 2022 November 4–December 16, 2022*
November 5, 2022 SAT October 7, 2022 October 25, 2022 November 18, 2022*
December 3, 2022 SAT November 3, 2022 November 22, 2022 December 16, 2022*
December 10, 2022 ACT November 4, 2022 November 11, 2022 December 23, 2022– February 3, 2023*
February 11, 2023 ACT January 6, 2023 January 20, 2023 February 24–April 7, 2023*
March 11, 2023 SAT February 10, 2023 February 28, 2023 March 24, 2023*
April 15, 2023 ACT March 10, 2023 March 24, 2023 April 28–June 10, 2023*
May 6, 2023 SAT April 7, 2023 April 25, 2023 May 19, 2023*
June 3, 2023 SAT May 4, 2023 May 23, 2023 June 12, 2023*
June 10, 2023 ACT May 5, 2023 May 19, 2023 June 23–August 4, 2023*
July 15, 2023 ACT (Not Offered in NY) June 16, 2023 June 23, 2023 July 28–August 28, 2023*
August 28, 2021 SAT July 30, 2021 August 17, 2021 September 20, 2021
September 11, 2021 ACT August 6, 2021 August 20, 2021 September 24–November 3, 2021
October 2, 2021 SAT September 3, 2021 September 21, 2021 October 15, 2021
October 23, 2021 ACT September 17, 2021 October 1, 2021 November 5–December 17, 2021
November 6, 2021 SAT October 8, 2021 October 26, 2021 November 19, 2021
December 4, 2021 SAT November 4, 2021 November 23, 2021 December 17, 2021
December 11, 2021 ACT November 5, 2021 November 19, 2021 December 24, 2021– February 4, 2022
February 12, 2022 ACT January 7, 2022 January 21, 2022 February 25–April 8, 2022
March 12, 2022 SAT February 11, 2022 March 1, 2022 March 25, 2022
April 2, 2022 ACT February 25, 2022 March 11, 2022 April 15–May 28, 2022
May 7, 2022 SAT April 8, 2022 April 26, 2022 May 20, 2022
June 4, 2022 SAT May 5, 2022 May 25, 2022 June 13, 2022
June 11, 2022 ACT May 6, 2022 May 20, 2022 June 24–August 5, 2022
July 16, 2022 ACT (Not Offered in NY) June 17, 2022 June 24, 2022 July 29–August 29, 2022
Once you've selected a target test date, you can start thinking about how far in advance you should begin your preparation. Download our guide to popular prep timelines for more information.
Download Compass Testing Timelines
Popular testing locations fill up, so savvy families make sure to register for the ACT or SAT early!
To register for the ACT, click here.
To register for the SAT, click here.
In the table that follows, we compare fees and policies for the ACT and SAT.
Policy or Fee
Sunday testing for religious reasons Available Available
Standard Fee $63 + $25 for Writing Test $60
Late registration Fee add $36 add $30
Change test date add $40 add $25
Change test center add $40 add $25
Cancel registration n/a add $25
add $35 for canceling after the change deadline
Standby/Waitlist add $63 Not available for 2022–23
Included score reports 4 4
Additional reports $16 each $12 each
Score choice per test date per test date
Cancel scores Until Thursday after test Until Thursday after test
Calculator No Alegebra functions; TI-89 and -Nspire CAS not permitted Algebra functions OK; TI-89 allowed
Essay Verification $50 for multiple choice; $40 will confirm the essay was not mis-scanned $55 to hand score the multiple choice
Copy of Test $30 if the order is placed before the test begins
$40 if the order is placed after the test $16
About Ash Kramer
With a career in test prep and higher education that began in the late 90s, Ash has held a variety of educational roles from tutor to administrator. She is currently a PhD candidate at USC and the Director of Curriculum at Compass, where she is lucky to lead a brilliant team creating the very best learning materials for students and their tutors.
Role: --- Student Family Counselor Other
Class Year: --- 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Other N/A
National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs Class of 2024 December 4, 2022
SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities July 19, 2022
Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores May 11, 2022
PSAT National Merit FAQ December 4, 2022
Using PSAT Scores to Compare SAT and ACT December 1, 2022
The New Digital SAT December 5, 2022
How Compass Tutoring is Paying Off for this College Student-Athlete November 7, 2022
Categories Select Category Accommodations (2) ACT (97) Admissions (8) Advanced Placement (14) College Admission Requirements (52) College Counseling (33) Compass News (10) Featured (15) For Students (46) Fundamentals (2) ISEE / SSAT / HSPT (4) LD (5) Math (1) National Merit (25) Online Tutoring (6) PSAT (52) SAT (101) SAT Essay (5) SAT Subject Tests (25) science (1) Scores (6) Summer (2) Test Prep (12) Tutors (2) Uncategorized (6) Writing (3)
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ollie113 says:
FYI, the College Board has committed to getting scores out faster:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/educators/k-12/score-schedule
Art Sawyer says:
Ollie,
Thank you. I believe that the multiple-choice score windows that we have in the table agree with the current schedule. Students should note that Essay scores will typically be released 5-11 days after MC scores.
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It's a platform for the students to enhance the skills in the field of Debate, Extempore, Role plays, Pictionary, Creative writing, Essay writing and all activities related to language.
It's an arena for the students to venture out the activities which will make them proficient in their field of commerce/Business.
It's an exclusive work shop or an arena in which the students have regular activities to develop their exposure of the industry at global level.
CAE - Centre for Academic Excellence.
CQA- Centre for Quality Assurance.
CPD- Centre for Personality Development.
CR&D - Centre for Research and Development.


"Anacaona" by Marie-Agnès Sourieau, Ph.D.
"Anacaona" by Marie-Agnès Sourieau, Ph.D.
Sourieau is Professor of Modern Languages and Literature at Fairfield University. She co-edited Ecrire en pays assiege (2004) and Caribbean Creolization: Reflections on the Cultural Dynamics of Language, Literature, and Identity (1998).
According to the Spanish colonial chronicle, the island of Ayti, in 1492, was divided between five kingdoms populated by at least one million Indians. The Cacique Caonabo (Gold chief) reigned over the kingdom of Maguana while his spouse, the radiant and refined Anacaona (Golden flower), a poet and a musician, ruled over Xaragua.
When in 1500 the administration of Hispaniola was handed over to Nicolás Ovando, Christopher Columbus' rival, the native population was enslaved to the harshest labors and forced to pay exorbitant tributes. Within ten years, the Indians would be near extinct, except for those living under Anacaona's sovereignty. Indeed,the kingdom of Xaragua was not fully controlled by the Spaniards although it owed them tributes. Fernández Oviedo, Hispaniola's first historian, recounts that Queen Anacaona was "courteous, of noble speech and manners, and the Christians' loyal friend".
This genocide would never be forgotten, slowly becoming the metaphor for the island's tragic destiny, and Anacaona, the mythical figure essential to the Haitian's collective memory.


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holladaddy
http://www.reddit.com/user/holladaddy
holladaddy3 karma 2015-07-02 01:52:16 UTC
I'd possibly kickstart it
Ohhh that's a bummer. Maybe the labeling like on some of the DOD ones that had two sets of labels? That's kind of odd. A lot of other companies like Earthquaker use quirky/silly/inexact knob labels, I wonder if they end up with the same support issues. I hadn't ever considered that.
Do you think that people have a different set of expectations for effects now or might be a bit more open minded about them? I've noticed a huge trend in a lot of Digitech's products specifically that the crazier/weirder stuff didn't fly back when it came out, but people these days love them. It's similar with a lot of older Boss and Ibanez pedals too that were whacky in their own ways, but weren't commercially successful in the same ways that straight up delays, choruses, and distortions were.
I'd love if you guys went back to nonsensical knob labels. They really gave a lot of character to the DOD FX line that I don't think is too common these days in effects pedals. I've seen a lot of that sentiment online too.


With the NBA calendar turning over and free agency in the NBA still in its early stages, there are four teams that keep flirting in trade talks with each other. The free agency landscape could change drastically if either or both of these deals go down any time over the offseason.
Kyrie Irving was the first player to get a new deal when free agency started on July 1 and found a unique way to celebrate. Irving will sign a 5-year, $90 million extension that will start once his current rookie contract runs out after the 2014-15 season. Players cannot make these contracts official until the league moratorium is lifted on July 10.
The Wizards struck a deal to keep their free agent big man around for the next five seasons as well. Marcin Gortat has agreed to a 5-year, $60 million contract that is fully garenteed: no player or team options are part of the contract.
The Pistons were also busy as they have agreed to a 3-year, $20 million contract with shooting guard Jodie Meeks. Former Cleveland Cavalier has agreed to change teams and will sign a 4-year, $18 million deal with the Pacers.
Besides these early agreements, the players changing teams and free agent frenzy has yet to really begin. That being said two trades (one is a lot closer to happening than the other) can amp up the offseason madness and really shape what free agents end up where.
With the NBA Draft just two days away, here is my final mock draft (with trades once again). Be sure to let me know what you think by commenting below or tweeting at me. And I hope you are not looking for mock drafts 1-81 because you will be looking for a long time (they do not exist).
-Phoenix has three first round picks (14, 18, 27) and does not want to add three rookies to an already young roster. Either a trade or the Suns will draft a player and stash them overseas.
-Sacramento is now actively shopping the No. 8 pick. Bleacher Report talked about a trade sending to Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson to Detroit for Josh Smith. This might then line up a trade involving Rajon Rondo (Smith's close friend) for Sacramento's No. 8 pick and other pieces.
-There is so many solid players in this draft that even as I was doing this mock draft Marcus Smart started to fall simply because of the team picking did not need a point guard. Look for teams to move up if a player like this actually does fall out of the top ten.
Now with the injury to Joel Embiid everything gets shaken up. The Cavs could still trade the pick here, but right now they are not getting good enough offers to make a trade worth it. I am starting to think they stay put, take a player in Wiggins who owner Dan Gilbert likes, and go from there in trying to make the playoffs this season.


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Help a community tune into the world around them with their own radio. Some of the world's poorest communities live in danger of cyclones, earthquakes and health scares. But with a radio, they can listen to the latest updates and make sure their families are prepared – whatever the weather.
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Ear candling, also known as Coning, is an alternative medicine method of ridding the ears of earwax, ear aches and improving general health.
The way this works is that a hollow,conical candle made of either beeswax or paraffin wax is placed in the ear canal and once the candle is lit, earwax and other kinds of impurities from the brain, facial sinuses and inner ear are sucked out of the ear. The lit candle placed in the ear canal acts as a vacuum to remove these unwanted debris.
According to earcandling.com, the practice of ear candling dates back "thousands of years and has been found in nearly every culture since the beginning of civilization." However, several accounts claim that Ear candling originates back to Ancient China, Tibet, Egypt, the pre-Columbian Americas, and even Atlantis!
Is this method actually effective in accomplishing these benefits?
The process of conducting ear candling includes having the person turn on their side in which a "collecting plate" is held above their ear. A collecting plate is a plate that has the candle inserted into a hole and into the ear canal. Light the candle and when the candle is removed, remove the visible earwax/debris and apply ear oil. The debris is supposed to be a dark residue. The wax drips into a bowl of water.
However, there are some problems and precautions into take into consideration when performing this task. Some of the dangers of ear candling include burning, infection, perforation of the ear drum and obstruction of the ear canal. Another risk is that that the eardrum might rupture from trying to peel off the sticky wax. One candle manufacturer claimed that their candles are only made of beeswax because paraffin is supposedly carcinogenic.
An assumption that can be made about this technique is that it works and that these claims/benefits are correct. Another assumption is that it is therapeutic since it is eliminating impurities and fixing imbalances in the body. This technique gives the assumption that there is a direct connection of the ear to the brain. An implication of ear candling is that it is a method that has been overlooked. It is a secret dating back to ancient times based on medicine used by numerous ancient civilizations and this secret needs to be spread to the people.
Personally, I would not want to take the risk of having this procedure done to my ears even though I have problems with my sinuses. The internal ear contains many delicate parts that have long lasting damages if the method is not done properly. I might run the risk of burning my ear canal and other parts. I also would not try this technique because there are still many uncertainties, including the actual origin of this technique as well as the correct tools (wax) to use. Some of the benefits claimed to result from having this done are somewhat vague and have no scientific evidence that proves otherwise.
Would you be willing to try ear candling?
An ex-boyfriend of mine actually did this. His ear was hurting him (I personally think it was an infection) and he actually was sitting at my table doing this. Of course, if it was an infection this would never help. I think he was just nuts, and it didn't end up helping. I think he ended up getting some sort of ear drops. It was definitely something to see though, some guy sitting at a table with a candle stick hanging out of his ear.
When I was younger, I had this terrible ear infection. What happened was some waxy material clumped together into this tiny thing and lodged itself behind my eardrum. My eardrum was not vibrating like it should and I could not hear out of that ear for two weeks until the doctors did an ear washing (not pleasant). After that incident, I had about two more infections within 3 months. So now, I have to be careful with my ears; I can't wear the ear-bud headphones, I chew a lot of gum, and I wear earplugs everyday when I shower. Based on this experience, I do not want to risk anymore damage to my ears by inserting a candle in my canal (regardless of what wax it is made of).
After looking at the supposed benefits of this procedure and then reviewing the precautions, I can't imagine why people would risk making their health worse when there are better ways to handle some of the medical issues. Some of the claimed benefits, such as purifing the blood, aren't even linked to the anatomy/physiology of the ear at all.
Ack, this is a terrible idea. I know someone who claimed his grandfather's hearing dramatically improved after this procedure, but I am still skeptical. The idea of inserting something large and foreign into the ear that could possibly leave behind residue and burns makes this form of "alternative treatment" seem unappealing. Ear-related health issues should be taken care of by a doctor, in my opinion, not someone with a candle. On a related note, Q-Tips are not good for cleaning the ear, I hear.
My sister did this and the stuff that came out of her ear was disgusting but it only worked a little bit. She ended up having to go to the doctors. It's definitely better to go to a doctor then try this.
I've heard of old fashioned remedies for ear-aches such as hot garlic and oil (Which does actually work by the way) that actually does help. However, I feel like you inserting anything that large into your ear will only do damage.


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Q: Incomplete Controller Action job handle I am working on an asp.net mvc project. From my app I have to export certain entities to another app.
what I do is
1) I export certain entities on a button click
2) after successful export I mark those entities as exported
Now the question is what if before being marked as exported in database browser is closed or network connection interrupted?
3 cases may happen
1) export and database update both are done
2) export may be done and database not updated
3) export and database update both are not done
In case of number 2 &3 i am trapped. so if there would be a background processor for web application it would be helpful and I could always ensure number 1 to happen.
I went through various webbackground job handler like webbackgrounder,hangfire,quartz.ne etc..
But what I saw is they actually are doing scheduled job on a regular interval.
And how can I actually do the task from these background handler as if I am doing it in the controller and accessing db .
And in my case can asynchronous controller  be another option?
And for another console application to run in server many people are discouraging saying that why I am not using available libraries for handling background job

A: I am using hangfire now and handling the background job smoothly


text:
Btc usdt Tradingview
Emami scouts for acquisition in India and abroad
kaffet
KOLKATA: FMCG major Emami today said that it is exploring opportunities to acquire companies, mainly in the personal care and the healthcare area, within and outside the country.
"Internationally, we are looking at the CIS markets, the Middle-East, Africa and also the South-East Asian markets. Some proposals are still at the evaluation stage. Mostly we are looking at personal care and the healthcare areas," Emami Executive Chairman R S Agarwal said here.
"We cannot disclose the names of companies. There are some under consideration of course, but we would not like to reveal their names or their territories," he said.
It is definite that Emami is moving aggressively on acquisitions, but not at very high price, Agarwal added.
The Emami Group is also in the process of merging three companies under its fold — Zandu Realty, Emami Reality and
Emami Infrastructure
— into one, thereby bringing all its real estate businesses under one roof.
These companies, however, were not subsidiaries of Emami Ltd.
"Zandu (Zandu Realty Ltd), Emami Reality and Emami Infrastructure all are in the process of being merged. The details will be revealed in the next 2-3 months," Agarwal told reporters after the annual general meeting of the company.
"Nowadays the trend is to reduce the number of subsidiaries as much as possible so that the operational problems are least. Other benefits like fund raising is also there. Otherwise, we have to go for bank loans for each company," he said when asked about the rationale for the merger.
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