Last week we looked back with a certain amount of pride over the past year. Now we look forward with a great deal of excited anticipation and optimism to our proposed events and visits of 2011.
Saturday15th. January we start the year off with a continuation of our Language & Cultural Exchanges together with our friends of the Centre Valencia Menorca. The theme this time will be DIADA Menorca, Sant Antonio Abad and Institutional Acts, Els 3 Tocs a Ciutadella and the Flags of Menorca. These Language Exchanges will continue on the first or second Saturday of each month depending on the dif-ferent fiesta days and each with a different theme.
This is followed on Friday 21st. January by an interesting morning with the very knowledgeable Andrés visiting just one of the hundreds of small mineral mines that are scattered throughout Menorca. Relics of days past when silver, copper and iron was mined by the locals there are still deposits and for the enthusiasts small pieces of stone which through a magnifying glass show the wonderful crystal structures of which they are made. This can only be for a small group of able bodied members as the terrain can be uneven.
On February 19th we are arranging a visit by coach to the cheese farm of Subaida followed by a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Monte Toro. Lunch will be included at the restaurant Sa Posada del Toro.
Bryce has prepared a PowerPoint Presentation, which he has used in the past for visiting groups; during this he will explain the fascinating history of Menorca from its origins through to modern times. This is provisionally arranged for the evening of Wednesday March 10th and will be held in the Sala Multifuncional in Es Castell.
Sunday March 20th and we have completed arrangements for the Menorca Britannia Charity Concert in the Teatro Principal. We are delighted to say that this variety show will star the wonderful soprano Doña Maria Camps, the folkloric group "Es Rebost" with their authentic costumes and music, and the amazing playing ver-satility of the guitarists of "The Amigos de la Guitarra, Menorca" All the artists have agreed to perform free of charge so that the maximum amount can be raised for our nominated charities which includes ALBA (Breast cancer research). We have had a lot of support and encouragement from the theatre and the performers and we are all working hard to produce a spectacular evening and we hope you all, our members and the general public will also show their support and appreciation. Watch out for the publicity in due course.
Arrangements are underway for an Island Tour by coach on, perhaps, March 26th. This will be a variation on previous routes and therefore be of interest to members old and new. An excursion is also planned to Ciutadella on the 16th of April with visits to the Diocean Museum and the Ca-thedral and/or free time to explore the shops before lunch.
With the huge interest shown by the visitors from Newcastle and Morpeth to our Collingwood commemora-tion last March, Menorca Britannia has been invited to visit together with the folkloric group "Es Rebost" for their 44th. Annual "Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering". This always takes place on the weekend following Easter and this year on the 29th. 30th of April and 1st. May. They are anxious to position a copy of our bust of Collingwood within the Town Hall precinct and being the copyright holders we have given permission for Helen Ridehaugh to produce a replica provided it clearly states that it is a copy of the one in Mahon Harbour, Menorca. They are hoping that we can carry out the official act of unveiling during our visit. As well as giving some 5 performances during the 3 day event, discussions with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Mayor of Morpeth are ongoing and it is hoped that some Civic Events will also be included.
The "Gathering" is the Mecca for folk groups, painters and poets from all over the Northeast of England. With the City of Newcastle and Northumberland having a population in excess of 600,000 inhabitants and the major companies, Jet2.com, EasyJet, Thomas Cook and Tui operating direct flights during the tourist season from Newcastle International airport it would be tragic to miss this wonderful opportunity to showcase Menorca directly to the people of the area.
To take some 25/30 Es Rebost performers, plus Menorca Britannia members to this event is way beyond the means of our small association. Viajes Magon are producing a costing of flights, accommodation and transport for us and we have prepared a project which we are submitting to the Tourist Authorities for help with funding. We believe that this is the time when we should all work together and play a part in promoting tour-ism which is the life blood of Menorca. Should there be any businesses interested in helping to finance this project then we would be very pleased to discuss details with you.
Hopefully we will just be back from the previous trip with a little time to prepare for the "MENORCA BRITANNICA HERITAGE WEEK". This, the first of an annual event, this year is provisionally set to run from the 7th. to 15th May. The Asociación Menorca Britannia has promised to take a prominent role in this event promoted by the Fundación Desti Menorca.
Ahora miramos adelante con gran acuerdo de la exitosa anticipación y optimismo a nuestros eventos y visitas propuestos para el 2011.
El sábado 15 de Enero empezamos el año que acabó con la continuación de nuestros intercambios de Lenguaje y Cultura junto con nuestros amigos del Centro Valencia de Menorca. El tema esta vez será Diada de Menorca, San Antonio Abad y actos institucionales, Els 3 Tocs en Ciudadella y las banderas de Menorca.
Esta será seguido del Viernes 21 de Enero por una interesante mañana con el gran conocimiento de Andrés visitando solo una de las cientos de pequeñas minas de mineral que hay dispersas por todo Menorca. Reliquias de días pasados cuando plata, cobre y hierro fueron encontrados por la gente local, aun hay depósitos y para los entusiastas pequeñas. Piezas de piedra las cuales muestran magnificas cristales con estructuras de cómo se han formando. Esto será solo para un pequeño grupo de socios ya que el terreno este muy desigualado.
El día 19 de febrero estamos preparando una visita en autobús al predio de Subaida seguido de un tour guiado al santuario de Monte Toro. La comida estará incluida en el restaurante Sa Posada del Toro.
Domingo 20 de Marzo y hemos completado los arreglos para el "Menorca Britannia Charity Concert" en el Teatro Principal Nos deleitamos en decir que esta concierto de variedades empezará con la maravillosa soprano Doña María Camps, el grupo Folklórico "Es Rebost" con sus autenticas costumbres y música, y la increíble versatilidad tocando de los guitarristas de "Los Amigos de la Guitarra, Menorca". Todos los artistas están de acuerdo en actuar gratuitamente para que podamos recaudar los máximos para nuestras nominadas caridades, incluyendo ALBA (cáncer del pecho).
Los arreglos para una Vuelta de la Isla guida quizá el 26 de Marzo están en marcha. Esta será una variación a previas rutas por lo tanto ser del interés de nuestros nuevos y antiguos socios.
Una excursión está planeada también a Ciutadella el 16 de Abril con visitas al Museo Diocesano y la Catedral y/o con tiempo libre para ver tiendas antes de la comida.
Con el gran interés mostrado por los visitantes de Newcastle y Morpeth a nuestra Conmemoración de Collingwood el pasado Marzo, Menorca Britannia ha sido invitada a visitar junto al grupo folklórico "Es Rebost" su 44avo. Anual "Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering".
Este será en la semana siguiente a la Semana Santa y este año será el 29 y 30 de Abril y 1 de Mayo. Ellos están ansiosos en posicionar un copiar de nuestro busto de Collingwood, (que hay en el puerto de Mahón,) en el recinto del ayuntamiento de Morpeth. Nosotros tenemos los derechos de autor pero hemos dado permiso a Helen Ridehaugh (la escultura) para hacer una réplica. Ellos esperan que podamos inaugurar la estatua durante el acto en nuestra visita.
También daremos 5 actuaciones durante los 3 días de eventos, las discusiones con el Lord Mayor de Newcastle y el alcalde de Morpeth están en curso y se espera que algunos eventos Cívicos estén también incluidos.
El "Gathering" es la meca para los grupos folklóricos, pintores y poetas de todo el Nordeste de Inglaterra. Con la ciudad de Newcastle y Northumberland teniendo una populación en exceso de 600.000 habitantes y las ajores compañías, Jet2.com, Easyjet, Thomas Cook y Tui operando vuelos directos a Menorca durante la temporada turística desde el aeropuerto internacional de Newcastle sería trágico perder esta maravillosa oportunidad para mostrar Menorca directamente a la gente del área.
Para llevar unos 25/30 artistas de Es Rebost, mas algunos de los socios de Menorca Britannia a este evento ir mas allá para nuestra pequeña asociación. Viajes Magon está produciendo el coste de los vuelos, acomodación y transporte para nosotros y hemos preparado un proyecto en el cual quiérenos que las autoridades de turismo nos ayuden con los fondos. Creemos que esta es la hora de mostrar todo el trabajo que hemos hecho juntos y jugar parte en promocionar turismo que es la sangre de vida en Menorca. Si hubiese algunos negociantes interesados en ayudar a financiar este proyecto estaremos encantados en discutir los detalles con ustedes.
Esperamos volver a tiempo del previo viaje con algo de tiempo para preparar el "Menorca Británica Heritage Week".
Este es el primero año de este evento promovido por Fundación Destí para las primeras semanas de la temporada turística. La Fundación Destí está planeando y esperamos será un evento anual. Este año está provisionalmente acordaba para que sea del 7 al 15 de Mayo.
Esto fué promocionando durante el World Travel Market en Londres en Diciembre y ellos han decidido llamarlo la semana de la Herencia Menorca Británica. La idea de relacionar todas estas reliquias, fortificaciones, edificios, lengua y gastronomía de la época Británica y producir un programa para estimular el interés de los turistas británicos al empezar la temporada turística, especialmente con el interés en cultura y la historia de la Isla. Esta asociación ha estado implicada desde el comienzo y está comprometida a ayudar de cualquier manera que podamos y estamos preparados y esperamos tomar un mayor parte durante la semana.
Las fechas provisionales de este evento son del 7 al 15 de Mayo y ahora estamos esperando los detalles finales del programa propuesto por Destí Menorca para planear nuestra contribución. Lo que será anticipadamente una colorida semana de eventos.
A finales del mes de Mayo estamos planeando otro safari en Jeeps con picnic en un aislado y bonito paraje. Una ruta diferente otra vez de los otros previos safaris. La fecha será anunciada más adelante.
Junio será el Reunión Anual General de la Asociación y seguido la semana después por nuestra muy popular Cena Baile.
A mitad de Julio, y por las más unánimes sugerencias de nuestros socios, otra vez dispondremos de un barco para que nuestros socios e invitados disfruten la Fiesta del Carmen.
Es sabido por todos que la Isla del Rey este año celebra su 300 aniversario de su fundación en el 1711. Esta. Planeando varios eventos conmemorativos para los meses de verano. Junio siendo el actual aniversario. Aunque Menorca Britannia espera implicarse en estos eventos y dar nuestro apoyo al General Alexandre y la Fundació Isla Hospital. Hasta ahora no estamos enterados de algo de su proyectado programa. Sin embargo hemos sido informaros que buques navales de Gran Bretaña, Holanda, Italia, Estados Unidos y España tomarán parte. Todos estos países cuyos marineros han usado las instalaciones del Hospital Militar de la Isla del Rey en uno o otro tiempo. También hemos sido informados por una fuente de confianza que la confirmación ha sido recibida de la RAF que los "Red Arrows" estarán en Menorca el 25, 26 y 27 de Mayo para enseñar la bandera Británica en la inimitable manera que solo ellos pueden hacer.
Ha sido convenido por la junta que el "Family Membership" estará disponible para los no residentes con villas y apartamentos que visitan por una o dos semanas y que también tienen miembros de su familia haciendo vacaciones en otros ocasiones. Tenemos muchos propietarios preguntando por este tipo de asociación y creemos que esto dará la oportunidad a todas los socios de familia a disfrutar de nuestros eventos/visitas cuando estén en Menorca.
Al final tenemos un experto de IT quien empezando a cambio y re-construir la Menorca Britannia Sitio de Web. Con un nuevo concepto el incluir no solo reportajes o eventos pasados y fotografías pero también artículos históricos que hemos publicado y noticias de los futuros eventos planeados. Esperamos el nuevo Sitio Web es en marcha dentro de dos semanas y que ellos de vosotros quienes regularmente visita pronto notéis la diferencia con el extensivo nuevo contenido, y que todos los nuevos visitantes del sitio lo encontréis interesante e informativo.


Congenital anomalies are defined as abnormalities of body structure or function that are present at birth and are of prenatal origin (1). Synonymous terms that are often used are "birth defects", "congenital abnormalities" and "congenital malformations", but the latter has a more specific meaning. For the purposes of this manual, the term "congenital anomalies" will be used throughout.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010, an estimated 270,000 deaths globally were attributable to congenital anomalies during the first 28 days of life, with neural tube defects being one of the most serious and most common of these anomalies. In an effort to decrease the number of congenital anomalies worldwide, the Sixty-third World Health Assembly adopted a Birth defects resolution. Among other objectives, this resolution encourages countries to build in-country capacity related to the prevention of congenital anomalies and to raise awareness about their effects (2).
Through the development of a population-based surveillance programme that accurately captures congenital anomalies, countries can gain a better understanding of the burden of and risks for these conditions, refer identified infants to services in a timely manner, and use prevalence estimates to evaluate any current prevention or clinical management programmes. Countries can also use the information gathered to inform stakeholders and policy-makers about the importance of investing in programmes aimed at reducing the occurrence of congenital anomalies, and help them plan for appropriate services.


text:
package cn.edu.zjnu.acm.judge.controller.problem;

import cn.edu.zjnu.acm.judge.Application;
import cn.edu.zjnu.acm.judge.domain.Problem;
import cn.edu.zjnu.acm.judge.service.ProblemService;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest;
import lombok.extern.slf4j.Slf4j;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;
import org.junit.platform.runner.JUnitPlatform;
import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
import org.springframework.boot.test.autoconfigure.web.servlet.AutoConfigureMockMvc;
import org.springframework.boot.test.context.SpringBootTest;
import org.springframework.data.domain.Pageable;
import org.springframework.http.MediaType;
import org.springframework.test.context.web.WebAppConfiguration;
import org.springframework.test.web.servlet.MockMvc;
import org.springframework.test.web.servlet.MvcResult;
import org.springframework.transaction.annotation.Transactional;
import org.springframework.web.servlet.mvc.support.RedirectAttributes;

import static org.springframework.test.web.servlet.request.MockMvcRequestBuilders.get;
import static org.springframework.test.web.servlet.result.MockMvcResultMatchers.content;
import static org.springframework.test.web.servlet.result.MockMvcResultMatchers.redirectedUrl;
import static org.springframework.test.web.servlet.result.MockMvcResultMatchers.status;

@AutoConfigureMockMvc
@RunWith(JUnitPlatform.class)
@Slf4j
@SpringBootTest(classes = Application.class)
@Transactional
@WebAppConfiguration
public class ProblemStatusControllerTest {

    @Autowired
    private MockMvc mvc;
    @Autowired
    private ProblemService problemService;

    /**
     * Test of gotoProblem method, of class ProblemStatusController.
     *
     * {@link ProblemStatusController#gotoProblem(String, RedirectAttributes)}
     */
    @Test
    public void testGotoProblem() throws Exception {
        log.info("gotoProblem");
        String pid = "test";
        mvc.perform(get("/gotoproblem").param("pid", pid))
                .andExpect(redirectedUrl("/searchproblem?sstr=" + pid))
                .andReturn();
        pid = "1000";
        mvc.perform(get("/gotoproblem").param("pid", pid))
                .andExpect(redirectedUrl("/showproblem?problem_id=" + pid))
                .andReturn();
    }

    /**
     * Test of status method, of class ProblemStatusController.
     *
     * {@link ProblemStatusController#status(HttpServletRequest, long, Integer, Pageable)}
     */
    @Test
    public void testStatus() throws Exception {
        log.info("status");
        Problem problem = Problem.builder().contests(new long[]{0}).timeLimit(1000L).memoryLimit(65536L).build();
        problemService.save(problem);
        long problemId = problem.getId();
        MvcResult result = mvc.perform(get("/problemstatus").param("problem_id", Long.toString(problemId)))
                .andExpect(status().isOk())
                .andExpect(content().contentTypeCompatibleWith(MediaType.TEXT_HTML))
                .andReturn();
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Chalk up – avoid the mess !!
This chalk bowl will eliminate mess by allowing the user to shake off the excess chalk into the bowl.
Bowl sits at 1000mm off the ground for easy access (no more leaning over into a bucket).


Lozano JJ, Pastor M, Gago F, Cruciani G, Centeno NB, Sanz F. 3D QSAR on mutagenic heterocyclic amines that are substates of cytochrome P450 1A2. En: Gundertofte K, Jørgensen FS, eds. Molecular Modeling and Prediction of Bioactivity. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2000: p. 321-2.


text:
Better luck this year? Predictions on how Hong Kong will fare in 2021
Covid-19 will continue to affect economic recovery at least until autumn, but radical conflicts are not expected, fortune-tellers say.
The spectre of the coronavirus cast a pall over most of 2020, and while a new dawn awaits every dark night, Hong Kong's geomancy and cartomancy practitioners interviewed by the Post have predicted another uneasy year for the city in 2021.
The pandemic that has wreaked havoc across the world will continue to plague the city, retarding economic recovery until autumn, despite the availability of vaccines, according to the clairvoyants.
It is not all doom and gloom, however – the soothsayers say the radical conflicts of 2019 are not expected, although some internal social disputes will linger.
On the Covid-19 pandemic
Celebrity Tarot card reader Fanny Wu Ming-fong, who has been practising for 20 years, did not expect a quick end to the pandemic. "Although vaccines are available, possibly the virus might mutate to weaken their effectiveness, if not making them obsolete," Wu warned.
Combining astrology, Wu uses her intuition and judgement to interpret information stored in the tarot cards she has drawn and laid out in what she calls a Celtic Cross that formulates her visions of possible future events.
And the card that represents the overall outlook of the pandemic is "The Tower", which is often interpreted as meaning danger and chaos.
"The appearance of the 'reversed Moon' card also suggests people are dealing with fears and anxiety," said Wu, also predicting the pandemic would start to die down in autumn.
Wu had accurately predicted a fresh wave of Covid-19 attack in late autumn in 2020 after a brief reprieve.
Tarot card reader Fanny Wu.
Her advice to Hongkongers: "We should unite and deal with the pandemic. Trust science and do not get fooled by rumours. Otherwise, we may never get out of the cycle of anxiety."
Feng shui master Raymond Lo Hang-lap, who has earned a "grandmaster" title from the International Feng Shui Association in Singapore, also came up with familiar predictions, by calculating how the five elements – metal, earth, water, wood, and fire – interact based on the movement of the sun and moon that would create auspicious or inauspicious forces.
He said the year 2021 was the year of the metal ox, which did not contain the fire element.
"In traditional Chinese medicine, the metal element represents the breathing organs. As metal needs fire to melt into useful tools, when the fire element is missing, the metal element becomes imbalanced and unhealthy," he said.
Lo predicted there could be more cases of the flu and viral infections affecting people's breathing organs.
He said he had accurately forecast the fall of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991 and the killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in 2011.
On Hong Kong's economy
Eric To Chung-yin, a third-generation master Chinese astrologer, said 2021 would be an eventful year. His predictions are based on the Chinese sexagenary cycle under which everything can be regarded as running in a repeating, 60-year cycles.
"Sixty years ago, we had the Great Leap Forward campaign in China and millions of people died of starvation. And in the previous 60-year cycle in 1901, there was the unequal treaty of Boxer Protocol after the Qing dynasty's defeat in the Boxer rebellion by the eight power expeditionary force," To said.
"Hit by Covid-19, the economy can hardly rebound in the first half of 2021. Although the latter half of 2021 would become less unstable, there are still many ups and downs. The economy may not be able to fully pick up until 2022," he predicted.
"With Joe Biden coming in as the new US president, things can get more predictable. And China might have an easier year ahead. That might also be helpful to Hong Kong," To added.
Biden was born in 1942, the Year of the Horse. And those born in the horse year are regarded as more easy-going and sincere, according to Chinese astrology.
Famed feng shui master Danny Wong Chun-yue was more optimistic and predicted the economy would start recovering as early as the middle of 2021. The tourism and catering sectors would start picking up, he said.
He also called on Hong Kong people to stay united. "Hong Kong is a blessed place," Wong said. "Although some sectors of the economy are hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, like tourism, retailing, some sectors remain strong, like housing."
Fortune-teller Raymond Lo.
"People also need to keep brushing up their skills, so they can grab the opportunities when they come," he added.
He also pointed to the Greater Bay Area scheme, saying the delta area was near water, and water was important in feng shui because it was the symbol of prosperity and abundance. Flowing water symbolises income.
Celebrity geomancer Fong Hoi-yue, president of the Shunto Metaphysics Association of Hong Kong, also predicted that 2021 would not be as savage as 2020. "The overall sentiment of society would not be as tense. But there are still some deep-rooted conflicts that cannot be resolved in 2021," Fong said.
He expected those sectors under metal or water elements to boom in 2021, including tourism, transport, and finance, while those of the earth element, including property and construction, would be mediocre.
On Hong Kong's politics and the coming Legislative Council elections
From the Celtic Cross spread, Wu predicted Hong Kong society would become more stable after the Legislative Council elections next summer – if the polls were held properly.
"The card that reveals the likely long-term solution of the issue is 'justice'. It relates to the law and thus could be understood as referring to the Legco elections," Wu said. "The message could be that if the elections are held properly, Hong Kong could become more stable.
"The card of 'The Empress' takes the central position and this should mean Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor will stay. She is unlikely to be removed from office," Wu said.
But she predicted Lam, a Taurean, would still face difficulties in pushing her policies ahead.
Interpreting a "moderately good" fortune stick for Hong Kong politics, number 44, drawn at the Wong Tai Sin Temple, Eric To said it shed light on the coming elections. "On the surface, it carries a good message that things can go smoothly. But if it is to be interpreted from the perspective of politics, or elections, that might look different."
Hong Kong's Legislative Council elections are slated in 2021.
Written as a poem, the message on the stick, according to To, was about Emperor Xuanzong of the ancient Tang dynasty and his favourite consort Yang Yuhuan.
"The emperor asked his officials to name the most beautiful flower in the palace garden and all voted for peony because they knew it was Yang's favourite flower and they wanted to please the emperor," To said. "If I may interpret the message in this way – those whom people think Beijing favours will stand a better chance to win in the elections."
But he predicted that Carrie Lam, who was born in 1957, the Year of the Rooster, would have an easier year ahead. "Overall, roosters would likely have good fortune in 2021," To said. "But Lam's role will remain passive. She will have to listen to her boss."
To refused to be drawn into whether it was an auspicious or inauspicious sign for Hong Kong society, only saying: "It depends on your stance and the perspective from which you look at the issue."
Earlier last year, he had predicted Lam would stay in her job as the chief executive, despite persistent rumours that Beijing would like to replace her over her handling of the social unrest in 2019.
Tung Shing, a Chinese divination guide and almanac, had forewarned the arrival of a big plague last year.
On fortune telling
The fortune-tellers warned, however, that their offerings were forecasts, likely trends, or patterns, and the future was not set in stone.
Wu said: "People thought tarot cards can predict the future. But tarot does not tell you what will happen. Each prediction or card selection may not indicate the same result. It tells you what might happen and it is still up to you to decide how to respond to an event."
Wong also said: "A feng shui practitioner can tell you what is likely to happen. For example, we did foretell that there would be a big infectious disease coming early in the year. But the magnitude of the pandemic was unexpected."
But Fong Hoi-yue cited Tung Shing, a Chinese divination guide and almanac. It had forewarned the arrival of a big plague last year that would cause a lot of deaths and that the outbreak would be the most serious during winter.
"Some people say 2020 was an unpredictable year, it is just that they were not paying attention. Because many geomancers had foretold the arrival of the plague. People did not take it seriously or just thought it would be some kind of flu. In addition, some countries did not handle the pandemic properly and let it go out of control."
#covid 19 #joe biden #covid #coronavirus
What Angela Merkel's exit means for Germany — and Europe
The European Union is about to lose one of its last anti-populist voices.
Pamela Anderson joins Tucker to talk about potential final day pardons
Actress Pamela Anderson, who became close friends with Julian Assange, says his pardon would be a "defining moment" for...
How Biden can be a global leader
Joe Biden's greatest challenge will be to repair America's reputation—currently the lowest it's been for two decades.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Find the answer to the most commonly asked questions about the lottery.
What is the PDSA Weekly Lottery?
The PDSA Weekly Lottery draw takes place every Friday, with the chance to win up to 50 cash prizes. Anyone who is a resident in Great Britain and over 16 years old may enter, and each £1 ticket gives you the chance of winning one of a number of cash prizes.
How many numbers can I buy each week?
You may purchase a maximum of 10 entries into each weekly lottery draw, with each entry costing £1.
You can win one of 50 cash prizes each week, including our cash prizes of £1,000, £250, £100 and 47 runner-up prizes of £10. You also have the chance to win up to £10,000 in our rollover!
For our rollover each week, a random 6 digit number is drawn. If nobody has this number then the rollover pot increases by £250. If a winner hasn't been chosen by the time the rollover pot reaches £10,000, then we will draw a random lottery number, who will win the £10,000!
Why is the price £4.34 per month?
The monthly cost breakdown of £4.34 for playing the lottery is based on paying £1 per week over a 52 week year. Direct Debits are only collected once monthly. Sometimes there will be five weeks in a month and the additional £0.34 is to build up credit to cover the fifth week on the five-week months.
We will contact you by letter to notify you of a win. You can also check our Weekly Lottery Winners' page for a full list of weekly winners.
You won't need to do anything. We'll verify your identity in the event of a win, then prize payment shall be made by BACS into the account that payment was initially taken from. If you have paid by cheque we shall pay your winnings by cheque.
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We launched the PDSA Weekly Lottery because as a charity, we do not receive any HM Government funding to provide our vital veterinary services, so we are always looking at developing new ways supporters and pet lovers can get involved. Plus, a lottery offers a guaranteed cash prize every week to our loyal supporters – so everyone wins!
Can I choose my own lottery number?
Although you can't choose your own number, our number generator will assign you a unique entry number that will be exclusive to you. It's the best and most secure way to play.
What is the minimum age to take part in the Lottery?
The minimum age for entry into the PDSA Weekly Lottery is 16. No prizes will be paid to anyone under the age of 16.
The Lottery terms and conditions are a list of rules we adhere to, to ensure you are completely clear about the terms of your membership of our lottery. Click here to see a copy of the terms and conditions.
Gambling can be great fun, but it is also important for players to know when to stop and what the danger signs are. If you think you may be developing a gambling problem, need help or you suspect someone may have a gambling problem, please refrain from entering the PDSA Weekly Lottery. You can also speak to BeGambleAware on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.begambleaware.org. Alternatively, you can visit GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk.
If you wish to make a complaint about any aspect of the PDSA Weekly Lottery, please email lottery@pdsa.org.uk or call our team on 0370 034 0788.
What are my lottery numbers?
Once you have registered for the PDSA Weekly Lottery, we will send you a notification letter with confirmation of your numbers. We would advise you to make a note of this number but if you do misplace it, just drop us an email to lottery@pdsa.org.uk or call 0370 034 0788 and we can let you know your number.
Please note: You don't need to know your number to win as we will automatically notify you.
Can I stop playing the Weekly Lottery at any time?
Yes, you can stop playing at any time. If you have paid in advance, then depending on how many weeks you have already played, you may be entitled to a refund. Please call us on 0370 034 0788 or email lottery@pdsa.org.uk and we will be able to cancel your agreement and advise if you are entitled to a refund on any unused credit.
Can I enter for a single draw?
You may buy just one entry for a single weekly draw, to be in with a chance of winning a fabulous cash prize. Of course, we would be delighted if you chose to play regularly as this would give you a chance of winning every week, and would help us raise funds to continue our life-saving work helping pets in need.


Relax on this ultra trendy, great looking hammock with a stylish Miami Beach inspired design in cool aqua blue. An extra large hammock, there's plenty of space to selfishly sprawl or simply hang out with another if you wish to share.
The Miami can be hung between two trees in the traditional manner or by using one of our great hammock stands; have a look at our suggestions or hammock stand compatibility chart for further details. The hammock is delivered in a reusable bag made of colour-coordinated hammock material, which is perfect for storage or on the move.


President Donald Trump, with pen in hand, speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, January 30, 2017, before signing an executive order requiring government agencies requesting a new regulations to identify two regulations they will cut from their own departments.
Despite the Republican leadership's intransigence on all matters Donald Trump, the firing of FBI Director James Comey increases the odds that the 45th president will be removed from office. Trump's unfitness to lead the country has been apparent since he stepped into the political spotlight, and this latest turn of events underscores the observations that Co-Editor Robert Kuttner offered up one week after Trump's inauguration. We reprise his column here. Join The American Prospect's conversation about Trump, Comey, and what the future holds on Facebook.
There are two constitutional ways to remove a president. One is the process of impeachment. The other is the lesser-known 25th Amendment, which provides a way for an impaired president to be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of Congress.
Should Trump be considered impaired? Or should he be brought up on charges of violating the Constitution? Pick your poison.
Trump has been trying to govern by impulse, on whim, for personal retribution, for profit, by decree—as if he had been elected dictator. It doesn't work, and the wheels are coming off the bus. After a week!
Impeachment is gaining ground, because Republicans are already deserting this president in droves, and because the man is psychiatrically incapable of checking whether something is legal before he does it. The dossier of impeachable offenses will only grow.
The grown-ups around Trump, even the most slavishly loyal ones, spend half their time trying to rein him in, but it can't be done. They spend the other half fielding frantic calls from Republican chieftains, business elites, and foreign leaders. Trump did what? Poor Reince Priebus has finally attained the pinnacle of power, and it can't be fun.
The more unhinged he becomes, the less will conservative judges be the toadies to ordinary Republican policies that they too often have been. Anybody want to wager that the Supreme Court will roll over for Trump's illegalities?
In the past week, Republicans from Mitch McConnell on down have tripped over each other rejecting Trump's view of Putin. They have ridiculed his screwball claim of massive voter fraud.
Trump proposed reinstating torture, but key Republican leaders killed that idea. Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the Senate's third ranking Republican said Wednesday that the ban on torture was settled law and the Republicans in Congress would oppose any reinstatement. Trump's own defense secretary holds the same view. After blustering out his new torture policy, Trump meekly agreed to defer to his defense advisers.
Meanwhile, corporate America is in high gear to defeat his plan for a 20 percent general increase in tariffs. And other world leaders have expressed outrage at his order banning Muslims.
All this in just a week!—now capped by federal judges starting to rein him in.
After his order on immigrants, several more senior Republicans expressed dismay at their president.
The bipartisan group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has been conducting a detailed investigation. Senior legal scholars associated with CREW have filed a detailed legal brief in their lawsuit, documenting the several ways Trump is in violation of the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits a president from profiting from the actions of foreign governments.
For impeachment to move forward, one or more prominent Republicans would have to publicly break with Trump—to go beyond criticisms of individual policies and to challenge the fitness of the man for the office. This will take a little longer, but it will happen. And it's only been a week!
In 1984, the psychiatrist Otto Kernberg described a sickness known as Malignant Narcissism. Unlike ordinary narcissism, malignant narcissism was a severe pathology. It was characterized by an absence of conscience, a pathological grandiosity and quest for power, and a sadistic joy in cruelty.


Snow Days: What Do You Love to Do?
We've sure had our share of Snow Days lately! Kids' Corner reporters Gabby, Chloe, and Sophie asked students and staff, "What did you do during the snow days?"
Mr. Sarlo: "I did work, chores, read, and shoveled."
Mrs. O'Connor: "I did school work, and walked Leo."
Natasha, 4th grade: "I cannon-balled into the snow!"
Sophie, 3rd grade: "I played in the snow and drank hot cocoa."
Ella, 4th grade: "I chilled with friends."
Mr. Gibbons: "I read and shoveled snow."
Gabby, 4th grade: "I hung out with friends and cleaned my room."
Chloe, 4th grade: "I ate brownies and read."
Sophie, 4th grade: "I went sledding."
Hunter, 4th grade: "I had a snowball fight!"


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Music School in San Jose , CA
1428 Saratoga Avenue
San Jose , CA
See which of your friends have been to Saratoga Location
Inesa
For nearly 20 years, Soprano Inesa Anisonean has pleased audiences with her concert appearances in Europe and in the United States. To her credit are solo performances in numerous operas, including Capella "Doina" in Bach's Magnificat and Lauretta in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi. In 2002, Ms. Anisonean was invited to perform with the Las Vegas Opera Theater. She gives the best Voice and Paino Lessons in San Jose.
Mrs Anisonean has a Master's Degree from Komitas State Conservatory, Yerevan, Armenia and has done Post Graduate Courses, Soloist Position, Kishnev State Conservatory, Moldova. She is an experienced Educator and Vocal Coach. A former Vocal Instructor in the Conservatory, Ms. Anisonean has taught Master's level courses and has been a member of our faculty for several years. We are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to the students at our school to study with this gifted performer and experienced educator.
Her goal as a vocal coach is to help to her vocalists improve their singing technique, take care of and develop their voice, and prepare for the performance of a song. She teaches her students to keep their singing real, honest, and from the heart while improving their beautiful tembre. Whether you need to learn a new repertoire or to learn diction in different languages, Ms. Anisonean will help you achieve your vocal goals.
• Sing with joy, beauty, ease, confidence and expression
• Expand your range
• Attain smooth vocal registration
• Increase your breath control
Alexander Makarenko was born in Odessa, Ukrainian Republic. At the age of six, he was admitted to the Music School by A. Glazunov, and after graduating Alexander was accepted to the Odessa Music College, where he studied violin in the class of Honored Teacher Pavel Melamed.
After graduating from the Odessa Music College with Bachelor's Degree as a violin teacher, Alexander continued his musical education at the Odessa State Conservatory, for the time being The Odessa National A.V. Nezhdanova Academy of Music (http://odma.edu.ua/eng), where attended the violin, piano, chamber/orchestra music classes. In 1985 he graduated with a Master's Degree in violin with the qualification of an orchestra soloist and teacher.
In 1985 he entered Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet (http://opera.odessa.ua/en/) as a full-time orchestra artist where worked for more than 30 years. With Odessa Opera Theater, he has completed multiple tours to Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, and Ireland; also to Holland, Bulgaria, Russia, Greece, Lebanon, Qatar, and Cyprus.
Throughout his Professional Career, he was also teaching violin in Odessa Music School for more than 10 years.
Alexander with family moved to California in 2017. He is a 1st violinist of San Francisco Festival Orchestra and "Viva la Musica" Orchestra, San Mateo, and violin teacher with the Almaden School of Music & Art.
Mr. Makarenko is accepting new students for the 2019 academic year.
Marian Concus is a versatile flutist in The San Francisco Bay Area. She currently is a member of Fremont Symphony/Opera/Ballet and Santa Cruz Symphony. Her former positions include Solo Piccoloist with Boise Philharmonic and Banda Piccoloist with Central City Opera. Ms. Concus was Alto Flute Soloist with Fremont Symphony in a performance of Takemitsu's Toward the Sea for Alto Flute, Harp, and Orchestra.
While she was living in Philadelphia, Marian Concus was Principal Flutist for Wilmington Ballet and Opera Libera. She was guest soloist for both the Philadelphia Harp Festival and on the Brown Bag Concert Series at Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square. She was a weekly Midday Melodies Artist at Reading Terminal Market and an Art-Reach soloist
Ms. Concus has recorded in Paris with Adama, with Chicago based Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and Windy City Slickers, and in The San Francisco Bay Area with Laudamus Choir and Ohlone Chamber Singers. At the request of New Music Works, Santa Cruz, California composers, Ms. Concus recorded contemporary pieces for their CD Night of the Living Composers. Ms. Concus is also featured flute soloist on Enchante's Shades of Love, an eclectic collection of love songs arranged for flute, voice, and harp.
Marian Concus holds a Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Flute Performance from New England Conservatory of Music. She studied for two years in France with former Principal Flutist of Orchestre de Paris Michel Debost, and did undergraduate coursework in music at University of California, Berkeley. She has held flute faculty positions at Friends Central, Wynnewood, PA; Torah Academy, Wynnewood, PA; Oshmann Jewish Community Center School for the Performing Arts, Palo Alto, CA; and Bellarmine Preparatory School, San Jose, CA. Marian Concus was a board member and competition adjudicator for Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia. She is a member of American Federation of Musicians and National Flute Association.
Mr. Petr Kulvets is an experienced guitar teacher skilled in acoustic or electric guitar. He teaches classical, flamenco, blues, rock. He has been graduated from the Mussorgsky Music Academy and St. Petersburg, Russia.
More than 20 years experience teaching guitar in the world – renowned Music College of Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg, Russia Whether you love the Beatles or dream of playing Bach, Mr. Kulvets can provide the guidance you Seek to reach your individual goals.
Mr. Kulvets welcomes students of ALL ages and abilities.
Shri Nikhil Pandya, is a well-known figure within the Hindustani music community of the Bay Area. Nikhil has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years. He accompanies senior artists visiting from India as well as the upcoming talented youngsters.
Nikhil has a unique ability to relate and communicate with other musicians on stage which helps create memorable concerts. Nikhil's training under Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri has given him a strong foundation in the subject of tabla. While Nikhil is comfortable in the tabla solo format, he is also equally at ease providing accompaniment. He has had the priviledge of performing with some senior musicians such as Late Shri Kashinath Bodas, Bhikhubhai Bhavsar, Budhaditya Mukherjee, Krishna Mohan Bhatt and so on. Nikhil has also collaborated with western muscians and other performers of non-classical Indian music, making him a versatile performer.
Yong-Zi
Navid
Mr. Kandelousi started his musical journey at the age of six by studying violin with both Iranian and Russian teachers. In 1999 he was invited to join the Iranian National Orchestra as a violin soloist, a position which he held until 2006 when he left Iran for Italy.
Mr. Kandelousi studied western classical music at the Verdi Conservatory in Milano, Italy and at the Moscow Violin Academy in Russia. In 2009, he was invited to join the Gateway Symphony in New York City and the International American YPHIL Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.
He has mastered virtuosic skills on a great breadth of instruments including the Violin, Setar, Taar and Kamanchah, in addition to experience with piano, tonbak, santour and gheychak.
Throughout his professional career, he has collaborated with numerous prestigious Persian ensembles such as the Iranian National Orchestra, the Orange County Orchestra, and has performed all the great composers internationally across Europe, Asia and America in venues such as Lincoln Center, Juilliard Music School, Albert Hall, Kennedy Center, Sydney's Symphony Hall and Vahdat Hall, while winning numerous music and violin awards.
His teaching background includes work at the Yamaha School of Music, Suzuki Violin School, and Master Classes in Kamanchah, Taar and Setar at the Julliard School.
Mr. Kandelousi received a scholarship from Maestro Daniel Philips in Queens College of Music 2012-2015 and recently attended the Silk Road Global Music performance with Maestro Yo-Yo Ma in Kennedy Center!
Mr. Kandelousi is accepting new students at the Almaden School starting Fall 2019.
Mr. Ryman has got a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from the San Jose State University. He is skilled in classical, Rock, Blues.
Mr. Ryman has been teaching guitar lessons in the San Jose Bay Area for more than 10 years. His patient and considerate manner makes him a natural teacher. His methodical approach to lesson planning combined with his effective communication style enable each of his students to progress at their own pace while receiving a thorough music education.
Mr. Ryman Welcomes Students of All Ages and Abilities.
Nikoo
Tetyana
Mr. Russo is holds a Bachelor Degree in . Applied Music Woodwind Performance from the world renowed Berklee College of Music in Boston. He studied with Joe Viola, Andy McGhee and Frank Foster. He continued his classical studies with Keith Underwood and Sal Amato in New York, Jim Matheson at The San Francisco Opera, and with Joan Butterfield at The Dallas Symphony
Mr. Russo specializes in woodwind performances with many operatic and theatre genres. He has also taught music professionally for many years and has created different eclectic bands for private and social performances throughout the years. He has strong communication and management skills and positive interpersonal abilities.
Mr. Russo is a member of the Recording Musicians Association. He is also credited with the Producing and Writing several Music CDs.
Mr. Russo is accepting new students.
For more than 30 years, Mrs. Abramyan has shared her love of music with students in Russia, Georgia and the United States. She is a former Examination's Judge. Many of her students have won awards in a variety of competitions. She is experienced piano teacher in San Jose, CA. A love of music, 30 years teaching experience and a dedication to her students makes Mrs. Abramyan the perfect choice for enhancing your music interests or that of your child's.
Mrs. Abramyan Welcomes Beginning and Intermediate Students of All Ages.
Mrs. Papova began her studies of the violin as a young child. A graduate of music school at the age of 15, she earned her Bachelor's Degree from the College of Music in Minsk, Belarus, then her Master's Degree from the University of Belarus. She gives the best Violin and Viola Lessons in San Jose.
An experienced Teacher and Performer with more than 20 years teaching experience, Mrs. Papova has shared her knowledge of music with her students while continuing to perform in various orchestras and ensembles. She has been teaching San Jose violin lessons to many talented students that have gone on to have very successful music careers. She loves to share her knowledge of music with students of all ages and abilities and truly believes that "It is never too late to learn." She was voted "Best Teacher of the Year," by the students of The Almaden School in 2003.
Mrs. Papova looks forward to helping her students bring their music to life.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum with an emphasis in Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Soroptomist International Master Scholarship
Evert B. Person Music Scholarship
Doyle Scholarship
Teaching and Performing Experience: 20 + yrs
Past Teaching Locations:
East and West Coast, Schools, Universities, Churches, Concert Halls
Thesis on How Music Helps with Overall Mood, Brain Functioning and Learning
Where- Sonoma State University Library and World Wide Library Data Base
Mr. Eric Abramyan is an experienced performer and educator and composer. He is graduated from the Music College of Paliashvili and Republic of Georgia. He gives the best Clarinet and Saxophone Lessons in San Jose.
Mr. Abramyan began performing at the age of 7 in his native country, The Republic of Georgia. An outstanding musician, he has since pleased audiences in Russia, Armenia and the United States. Classically educated with an emphasis on jazz comprehension, Mr. Abramyan is a versatile performer and instructor.
Mr. Abramyan began teaching San Jose saxophone lessons in our school soon after it opened and quickly became a favorite with students. His experience and passion for music combined with his personable approach make him an excellent choice for students of all ages and abilities.
Many of our students enjoy playing jazz on the saxophone and clarinet. Rhythm and timing, mastering the major and minor scales as well as blues scales, while using proper intonation is an essential part of the learning process. A very important part of learning the saxophone and clarinet is creating the proper sound and tone. For more advanced saxophone and clarinet players, interpreting harmonies and chord progressions within the piece they are playing allows them to open their mind and soul.
Sarah Benton is a flutist based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is the newly appointed principal flute with Symphony Silicon Valley (SSV). Her recent engagements with SSV include child prodigy Alma Deutscher's American debut under the baton of Alasdair Neale, as well as performing the featured flute solo in Claude Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune with conductor Carlos Alberto Vieu. She also performs regularly with other orchestras in the Bay Area, including the Monterey Symphony and Santa Cruz Symphony.
SARAH'S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My greatest strength in teaching is that I cater to the aspirations and needs of each individual student. I believe in fostering an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere in my lessons, in which the student feels completely comfortable and understood while still being challenged to their full potential.
Students will study the standard classical flute repertoire in depth. This will include a wide range of warm-up exercises, etudes, and pieces from the solo repertoire. Mastery of tone and technique will be emphasized and monitored closely. Students will have many performing opportunities available to them. These include studio recitals, solo competitions, and auditioning for state honor ensembles and youth symphonies.
Ashot
Almaden Location
5353 Almaden Expressway, Suite D208, San Jose, CA, 95118, USA
Open3:00 am - 9:00 pm


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America's Road to Jerusalem
The Impact of the Six-Day War on Protestant Politics
Jason M. Olson
This study examines the role of the Six-Day War in American Protestant politics and culture. The author argues that American foreign policy towards the Arab-Israeli conflict, culminating in the Trump Administration's 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and the domestic Evangelical communities who supported it, has a direct correlation with the long-term consequences of the 1967 Six-Day War.
For most of America's history, biblical literalists, or Evangelicals, dominated the religious culture of the country. But, in 1925, the Scopes trial on science, evolution, and religion embarrassed Evangelicals and caused them to retreat from American culture and politics. Modern and liberal Protestants won dominance and established control in nearly all of the Mainline seminaries, publishing houses, and denominations, leading to the creation of the National Council of Churches by 1950.
This book argues that the Six-Day War reversed that power structure in American religion, with Evangelicals returning to a place of prominence in American culture and politics. Whereas the Scopes trial showed much of American Protestantism that the Modernists had the right understanding of the Bible; the Six-Day War demonstrated that, ironically, Evangelicals may have had it right all along. They used this historic leverage to vaunt themselves into the highest planes of American life, with Billy Graham becoming "America's Pastor."
In this historic process, the 1967 war between Israel and the surrounding Arab states clarified the way those different branches of American Protestantism thought about the Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly the issue of Jerusalem. Indeed, the nature of the Six-Day War was deep and appeared to be of Biblical proportions.
Because Israel gained territories in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the ancient Biblical heartlands formerly held by Jordan; historical, messianic, and even apocalyptic intrusions entered the various branches of American Protestantism. In some branches, supersessionism, a belief that the Church had replaced the Jewish people as God's chosen, was stoked. In other branches, supersessionism was rejected and the nature of Judaism and its connection to the Holy Land was re-evaluated. The important point is that the territories that Israel captured had thick theological meaning, and this would force all branches of American Protestantism to reconsider their assumptions about Judaism and Zionism, as well as Islam and Palestinian nationalism.
Evangelicalism.
Pages: 280 • Trim: 6¼ x 9
978-1-4985-8138-7 • Hardback • November 2018 • $95.00 • (£73.00)
978-1-4985-8139-4 • eBook • November 2018 • $90.00 • (£69.00)
Subjects: History / United States / 20th Century, History / Middle East / Israel & Palestine, Political Science / American Government / General, Religion / Christianity / Protestant, Religion / History
Jason M. Olson received his PhD in Near Eastern and Judaic studies from Brandeis University.
Chapter 1: American Protestantism and American Jewry before the Six-Day War
Chapter 2: American Protestantism and the State of Israel before the Six-Day War
Chapter 3: In the Midst of the Six-Day War: American Protestantism in 1967
Chapter 4: American Protestantism and Israel in the Aftermath of the Six-Day War (1968-1973)
Chapter 5: From Refugees to Freedom Fighters: The Palestinians in Post-1967 Protestant Politics
Conclusion: America's Road to Jerusalem
Olson's primary thesis is both ambitious and compelling. There is much to recommend in Olson's book. America's Road to Jerusalem contributes to the ever-growing body of literature on American Christians' relationship with and views of Israel.
— Journal of Church and State
Jason M. Olson demonstrates masterfully in this book how an external affair—Israel's victory in the Six-Day War—has helped to create a shift of power between Modernist and Evangelicals that took place in the United States during the 1970s. Olson shows that prior to 1967, Evangelicals predicted that Israel would take over the holy sites, and after the war, it gave them an advantage over mainline Protestants to assume a more prominent role in American culture and politics. Olson's analysis is refreshing and provocative. Highly recommended.
— Motti Inbari, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The Six Day War in 1967 transformed both inter-religious relations in the United States and Evangelical ties to Israel. In this timely and exhaustively researched study, Jason Olson shows how that transformation happened. Anyone seeking to understand why Evangelical leaders promoted America's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital will welcome this volume. It lays bare the religious ideas that reshaped American foreign policy toward Israel.
— Jonathan D. Sarna, Brandeis University


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Khloé Kardashian: Kim Kardashian West is "not doing that well" after Paris robbery
By Anna Swartz
Kim Kardashian West is experiencing "emotional terror" in the wake of her recent attack in a Paris hotel room, sister and fellow reality star Khloé Kardashian said on an episode of Ellen airing Tuesday.
"Tell me how Kim is doing," DeGeneres asks in a preview of Tuesday's episode. "I'm sure everybody here in wondering."
"I mean, she's not doing that well," Kardashian says. "I mean, it's incredibly traumatic what happened to her, but our family is super close and great and we'll get through it together and we do appreciate all of your guys' love and support and it will take time. You know, it was horrible what happened to her."
Kardashian West was robbed at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room earlier this month while she was in the city for Fashion Week. She was reportedly tied up by her hands and feet as armed men, dressed as police officers, stole about $10 million in valuables. As more details about the attack emerged, it became clear just how frightening it must have been for Kardashian West and her family; reports suggested that Kardashian West feared she would be raped during the attack.
But the news of the attack also inspired legions of trolls to victim-blame Kardashian West and her family for somehow bringing the attack and robbery upon themselves.
Four of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters with mom Kris Jenner Jordan Strauss/AP
In the days after the attack, the Kardashian-Jenner clan — who are used to sharing plenty of details about their personal lives on social media — were notably silent on their various platforms. E! even announced that filming for Keeping Up With the Kardashians was on hiatus.
"Everything's shut down now?" DeGeneres asks in the clip — a seeming inquiry into the future of the show and the sisters' social media presence.
Kardashian responds that the attack was "a wakeup call," and says it's possible the family will "make adjustments" to the level at which they share details of their lives with the public.
"Like I said, we're a family we'll do this together," Kardashian says. "I think it's important to make those adjustments, and to pull back a little bit, I think is always smart."


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Manchester United: Solskjaer calms talk of potential Euros call-up for Greenwood
Mason Greenwood has impressed in a breakout season for Manchester United, but talk of a Euro 2020 spot is premature, says his manager.
Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood - Getty Images
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tempered the excitement surrounding Manchester United talent Mason Greenwood, adamant it is too early to be thinking of potential England involvement at Euro 2020.
United academy product Greenwood has enjoyed a breakout season, making 17 Premier League appearances – all but two of them from the bench – after being introduced to the first-team fold by Solskjaer last term.
The 18-year-old has four goals in the league this season, plus another five across the EFL Cup and Europa League, in which only four players have scored more.
With Harry Kane a doubt for the Euros after suffering a torn hamstring that required surgery and Jamie Vardy unavailable for selection following his international retirement, Greenwood has emerged as an option for England manager Gareth Southgate.
READ | Courtois reveals late penalty research paid off for Madrid
Greenwood made four appearances for the England Under-21s last year and for the time being Solskjaer thinks he should be allowed to focus on United and Young Lions duty.
"I think Mason will have a top and long career," Solskjaer said ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay with Wolves.
"Let the boy settle in now first, before we talk about England and the Euros.
"His focus has to be on playing more for us and improving, and when he plays more for us, that [and England call-up] will happen by itself.
"He's just been picked for the England Under-21s, so he's focusing on his football."
Praise for Rashford, Martial and Greenwood
Greenwood is just one of three forward thriving at United this season, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial also enjoying strong campaigns.
Rashford already has 19 goals from 30 matches across all competitions, while Martial has 11 in 22 outings – but Solskjaer does not think he deserves a pat on the back for their respective improvements.
ALSO READ | Fabinho expects imminent Liverpool return
"I don't want credit for getting more out of them," he said. "They're working hard to improve their game, I think they've all done well.
"Of course, Mason is in his first season, so to have nine goals is fantastic. Marcus is really growing and improving all the time, and Anthony has missed about six-to-eight weeks.
"I'm impressed by them. They're working well, working on their finishing patterns, we want consistency and I think we'll see more and more of them as they're still very young."
Mourinho 'not jealous' of Man City, Liverpool squads
Collingwood: Archer, Wood and Woakes vying for England starting spot
Barcelona sacks Valverde, appoints Quique Setien
Courtois reveals late penalty research paid off for Madrid
Roma and Italy star Zaniolo suffers ruptured ACL


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Khzouz, M., Gkanas, E. & Shao, J., 2018.
Graziano, V. & Trogal, K., 22 Mar 2018.
Waugh, D. & Lawrence, J., 22 May 2018.
Løes, A-K., Evans, A., Nikolaos Katsoulas, N., De Marchi, M., Grøn Sørensen, C. & Schmutz, U., 27 Jun 2018.
Heames, R. & Thurairajasingam, K., Dec 2017.
Monkhouse, J., 12 Dec 2017, (Unpublished).
Anderson, C., Butterly, D. & Fitzpatrick, I., 2017.
Smith, S. & Jakubicek, M., 25 Jul 2017, (Unpublished).


The following press release for Nov. 7, 2012, is provided by The Trust for Public Land.
Of the 57 measures on local and statewide ballots, 46 passed, an approval rate of 81 percent. The measures in 21 states will provide more than $2 billion overall, including $767 million in new money to support protection of water quality, new parks and natural areas and working farms and ranches. Complete results can be found on The Trust for Public Land's LandVote website.
"From Maine to Texas to San Francisco, we saw voters across the political spectrum say yes to taxes and spending for conservation which helps their communities," said Will Rogers, President of The Trust for Public Land. "For example, in Maine, voters passed new spending for statewide conservation at the same time they elected an Independent to represent them in the United States Senate."
"Alabama voters gave their state to Mitt Romney at the same time they overwhelmingly renewed a statewide land conservation program, while Rhode Island voted for President Obama at the same time a statewide bond for open space was approved," said Rogers.
"This shows that while we may hold differing views about political offices, one thing which unites us all is the desire to build parks and protect land and water in our communities," said Rogers.
Of the 57 measures on yesterday's ballots, The Trust for Public Land and The Conservation Campaign were active in 27 and won 24, an approval rate of 89 percent. Over the past 20 years, The Trust for Public Land has had an approval rate of 82 percent.
Alabama - Alabama voters statewide passed a 20-year renewal of the state's successful Forever Wild land conservation program by 75 percent, which will mean $300 million for conservation.
Maine - Maine voters passed funding for the Land for Maine's Future conservation program, voting 62 percent in favor of a $5 million bond.
Rhode Island - Voters passed a $20 million bond to acquire open space and farmland, and to protect water quality in Narragansett Bay.
Massachusetts - Seven of the nine Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA) measures were approved in towns across the state. Massachusetts voters responded to the State Legislature's pledge of more CPA state matching funds.
Houston - Houston voters overwhelmingly approved a $166 million park bond to complete the city's bayou greenways network. It passed with 68 percent approval.
San Francisco - A $195 million city park bond won 72 percent approval, providing new money for park improvements and development.
Gunnison County, Colorado – Voters gave 80 percent approval to renew a sales tax supporting the county land conservation program, which will provide almost $5 million.
Bozeman, Montana – By a 73-27 margin, voters passed a $15 million land conservation bond.
Bend and Springfield, Oregon – These two Oregon communities approved park district measures, which will mean $49 million for parks and natural areas.
Polk County, Iowa – Voters in this county, which includes Des Moines, passed a $50 million bond by 72 percent. The money will pay for buying land to protect sensitive areas, connect greenways, and improve water quality.
El Paso, Texas – Voters gave 75 percent approval to a $245 million quality-of-life bond, which includes money to buy land and improve parks and recreation in the city.
Salt Lake County, Utah – A $47 million regional parks and trails bond won passage with 56 percent approval. It will help develop parks and recreation areas in the fast-growing county.
Founded in 1972, The Trust for Public Land is the leading nonprofit working to conserve land for people. Operating from more than 30 offices nationwide, The Trust for Public Land has protected more than three million acres from the inner city to the wilderness and helped generate more than 34 billion in public funds for conservation. Nearly ten million people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.


The only thing more important to Gragas than fighting is drinking. His unquenchable thirst for stronger ale has led him in search of the most potent and unconventional ingredients to toss in his still. Impulsive and unpredictable, this rowdy carouser loves cracking kegs as much as cracking heads. Thanks to his strange brews and temperamental nature, drinking with Gragas is always a risky proposition.
Gragas has an eternal love of good drink, but his massive constitution prevented him from reaching a divine state of intoxication. One night, when he had drained all the kegs and was left wanting, Gragas was struck by a thought rather than the usual barstool: why couldn't he brew himself something that would finally get him truly drunk? It was then that he vowed to create the ultimate ale.
Gragas' quest eventually brought him to the Freljord, where the promise of acquiring the purest arctic water for his recipe led him into uncharted glacial wastes. While lost in an unyielding blizzard, Gragas stumbled upon a great howling abyss. There he found it: a flawless shard of ice unlike anything he had ever seen. Not only did this unmelting shard imbue his lager with incredible properties, but it also had a handy side effect – it kept the mixture chilled at the perfect serving temperature.
Under the spell of his new concoction, Gragas headed for civilization, eager to share the fermented fruits of his labor. As fate would have it, the first gathering to catch Gragas' bleary eyes would shape the future of the Freljord. He blundered into a deteriorating negotiation between two tribes discussing an alliance with Ashe. Though Ashe welcomed a break in the tension, the other warriors bristled at the intrusion and hurled insults at the drunken oaf. True to his nature, Gragas replied with a diplomatic headbutt, setting off a brawl matched only in the legends of the Freljord.
When the fallen from that great melee finally awoke, Ashe proposed a friendly drink as an alternative to fighting. With their tempers doused in suds, the two tribes, formerly on the brink of war, bonded over a common love of Gragas' brew. Although strife was averted and Gragas hailed a hero, he still had not achieved his dream of drunken blissfulness. So once more, he set off to wander the tundra in search of ingredients for Runeterra's perfect pint.


The 'Westbourne' rusted iron plant support, is ideal for all of those worthwhile but troublesome plants. Peonies and perennial Poppies are kept firmly under control within the confines of the hoops.
The 'Westbourne' rusted iron plant support, is ideal for all of those worthwhile but troublesome plants. Plants such as Peonies and perennial Poppies are kept firmly under control within the confines of the hoops.
Excellent for holding up the likes of Delphiniums and Makleaya cordata, which can be quite troublesome if not controlled.
Plant supports for the larger garden.
This is an exceptionally large and heavy-duty plant support, intended to give support to very large herbaceous perennials.


text:
Язва роговицы или  язвенный кератит — воспалённое , более серьёзно, инфекционное состояние роговицы с нарушением её эпителиального слоя, затрагивающим строму роговицы. Это распространённое явление у людей, особенно у живущих в тропических и преимущественно аграрных странах. В развивающихся странах дети страдают от дефицита витамина А и подвергаются большому риску язвы роговицы и даже слепоты на оба глаза на всю жизнь. В офтальмологии язвой роговицы, как правило, называют инфекционную болезнь, а стиранием роговицы — физическое стирание.

Заживления роговицы
Язва роговицы заживает двумя способами: миграцией окружающих эпителиальных клеток с последующим митозом (деления) и внедрением кровеносных сосудов из конъюнктивы. Небольшие поверхностные язвы быстро заживают первым способом. Тем не менее, большие или глубокие язвы часто требуют наличия кровеносных сосудов для снабжения воспалённых клеток. Белые кровяные тельца и фибробласты производят гранулированные ткани, а затем рубцовые ткани, эффективно исцеляя роговицу.

Поверхностные и глубокие язвы роговицы
Язвы роговицы являются распространённым заболеванием глаз человека и обусловлены травмами, в частности, растительными веществами, также химическими травмами, контактными линзами и инфекциями. Другими причинами язвы роговицы могут быть энтропион, дистихиаз, дистрофия роговицы и кератоконъюнктивит (сухой глаз).

Многие микроорганизмы вызывают инфекционную язву роговицы. Среди них бактерии, грибки, вирусы, простейшие и хламидии:

 Бактериальный кератит вызывает золотистый стафилококк, Streptococcus viridans, кишечная палочка , энтерококки, Pseudomonas, Nocardia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae и многие другимие бактерии.
 Грибковый кератит вызывает глубокие и серьёзные язвы роговицы. Его причинами могут аспергил, фузариум, Candida, а также Rhizopus, мукор и другие грибы. Характерная особенность грибковых кератитов — медленное начало и постепенное прогрессирование, где признаков гораздо больше, чем симптомов. Небольшие спутниковые поражения вокруг язвы и обычно заметное нагноение являются общей чертой грибковых кератитов.
 Вирусный кератит вызывает изъязвление роговицы. Это обусловлено чаще всего вирусом простого герпеса, опоясывающего лишая и аденовирусами. Также он может быть вызван коронавирусами и многими другими вирусами. Вирус герпеса вызывает дендритные язвы, которые могут повторяться всю жизнь.
 Инфекции простейшими, такие как акантамёбный кератит, характеризуются сильной болью и связаны с использованием контактных линз при купании в бассейнах.
 Chlamydia trachomatis также могут способствовать развитию язвы роговицы.

Поверхностные язвы включают потерю части эпителия. Глубокие язвы проходят внутрь или через строму и могут привести к серьёзным рубцам и перфорации роговицы. Descemetoceles (грыжа десцеметовой оболочки глаза) возникает, когда язва проходит через стромы. Этот тип язвы особенно опасен и может быстро привести к перфорации роговицы, если запустить.

Расположение язвы в некоторой степени зависит от её причины. Центральные язвы, как правило, вызванные травмой, сухостью глаз, воздействием паралича лицевого нерва или экзофтальма, энтропионом, сильной сухостью глаз и трихиазом (заворот ресниц), могут вызывать изъязвление периферии роговицы. Иммуно-опосредованные заболевание глаз могут вызывать язвы на границе роговицы и склеры. К ним относятся ревматоидный артрит, розацеа, системный склероз, которые приводят к особому типу язвы роговицы под названием  язва Мурена (разъедающая язва роговицы). Она имеет круговой кратер как депрессия роговицы, только внутри лимб, как правило, с нависающим краем.

Симптомы
Язвы роговицы являются чрезвычайно болезненными из-за воздействия на нерв, и может быть причиной слезоточения, косоглазия и потери зрения глазом. Признаками также являются передней увеит, миоз (маленький зрачок), эффект Тиндаля (белок во внутриглазной жидкости) и покраснение глаз. Аксон-рефлекс может быть ответственным за формирование увеит — стимуляции болевых рецепторов в роговице в результате высвобождения медиаторов воспаления, таких как простагландины , гистамин и ацетилхолин. Чувствительность к свету тоже симптом язвы роговицы.

Диагностика
Диагностика осуществляется путём непосредственного наблюдения под увеличением щелевой лампы для выявления язвы роговицы. Использование флуоресцеинового пятна, которое покрывает открытую строму роговицы и проявляется зелёным, помогая определить границы язвы роговицы, может раскрыть дополнительные детали окружающего эпителия. Язва простого герпеса показывает окрашенную типичную дендритную структуру. Роуз-Бенгалии краситель используется также для supra-vital (выходящих за пределы жизненного цикла) целей окрашивания, но это может очень раздражать глаз. При грыже десцеметовой оболочки глаза, десцеметова мембрана будет выпирать вперёд и после окрашивания будет выглядеть как тёмный круг с зелёными границами, так как она не поглощает пятно. Делая скобление роговицы и изучая под микроскопом пятна, подобно Gram's и предварительно обработанных КОН можно выявить бактерии и грибки, соответственно. В некоторых случаях может понадобиться изолировать возбудителей при микробиологических тестах культуры. Другие тесты, которые могут быть необходимы — проба Ширмера на сухой кератоконъюнктивит и анализ функции лицевого нерва на паралич лицевого нерва.

Лечение
Правильный диагноз имеет важное значение для оптимального лечения. Бактериальная язва роговицы требуют интенсивной укрепляющей антибактериальной терапии для лечения инфекции. Грибковые язвы роговицы требуют интенсивного применения актуальных противогрибковых агентов. На вирусное изъязвление роговицы, вызванное вирусом герпеса, можно воздействовать противовирусными препаратами, как актуальная мазь ацикловир по капле по крайней мере, пять раз в день. Вместе с тем, поддерживающая терапия как обезболивающие медикаменты, в том числе актуальные циклоплеги как атропин или гоматропин, чтобы расширить зрачок и тем самым остановить спазмы цилиарной мышцы. Поверхностные язвы заживают менее чем за неделю. Глубокие язвы и грыжа десцеметовой оболочки может потребовать трансплантации конъюнктивы или конъюнктивный карман, мягкие контактные линзы, или пересадка роговицы. Рекомендуется правильное питание, в том числе потребление белка и витамина С. В случаях кератомаляции, где изъязвление роговицы происходит из-за недостатка витамина А, делается введение витамина А орально или внутримышечно. Средства, которые, как правило, противопоказаны при язве роговицы — актуальные кортикостероиды и анестетики — они не должны использоваться при любом типе язвы роговицы, поскольку они препятствуют исцелению, могу привести к суперинфекции с грибками и другими бактериями и часто осложняют состояние.

Упорные язвы роговицы
Упорные язвы роговицы — поверхностные язвы, что заживают плохо и, как правило, повторяются. Они также известны как  безболезненные язвы  или  язвы Боксера. Они, предположительно, вызваны дефектом в базальной мембране и отсутствием гемидесмосомных вложений. Они узнаются по разрушению эпителия, что окружает язву и легкой задней корке. Упорные язвы роговицы чаще всего видели у диабетиков и они часто позже поражают другой глаз. Они похожи на кистозную дистрофию Когана.

Лечение
Актуальные укрепляющие антибиотики используются с часовыми интервалами для лечения инфекционных язв роговицы. Циклоплегические глазные капли применяются для отдыха глаза. Обезболивающие даются по мере необходимости. Свободный эпителий и основу язвы следует соскрести и направить для сенситивного исследования культуры, чтобы определить патогенный организм. Это помогает в выборе соответствующих антибиотиков. Полное заживление занимает от нескольких недель до нескольких месяцев.

Лечение упорных язв роговицы может занять много времени, иногда месяцы. В случае прогрессирующих или незаживающих язв, может потребоваться хирургическое вмешательство врача-офтальмолога с трансплантацией роговицы для сохранения глаза. При всех язвах роговицы важно исключить предрасполагающие факторы, как сахарный диабет и иммунодефицит.

Убывающая язва
Убывающая язва — тип язвы роговицы с участием прогрессирующей потери стромы в убывающей ткани. Чаще всего это видно на инфекции Pseudomonas, но это может быть вызвано другими типами бактерий или грибов. Эти инфекционные агенты производят протеазу и коллагеназу, которые разрушают строму роговицы. Полная потеря стромы может произойти в течение 24 часов. Лечение включает в себя антибиотики и ингибиторы коллагеназы, такие как ацетилцистеин. Обычно необходима хирургия в виде трансплантации роговицы (проникающая кератопластика), чтобы сохранить глаз.

Примечания

Заболевания глаз

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Top 10 Rockford 2022 sports stories include titles, comebacks, awards
State titles. Individual stardom. Inspiring runs at state titles that fell just a bit short. Good news. Bad news. Trade news. Our list of the 10 biggest Rockford sports stories of 2022 comprises all six of those types.
Here is our list, from 10 to 1:
10) Harlem's football run
The Huskies beat Chicago Amundsen 35-21 and Grayslake North 24-20 to reach the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history. This continues a three-year climb where the Huskies went undefeated for the first time and won a rare NIC-10 title (6-0 in the COVID season), followed by a good playoff showing last year, losing 13-8 to Lake Forest in the second round, and then finally breaking through to the third round this year. And the Huskies say there is more still to come.
"I have no doubt in my mind that these guys I played with this year who were underclassmen are going to make it farther than what we did," senior defensive tackle Keshawn Harrington-McKinney said.
More:It's not in the water. Secret to tiny Illinois town's storybook season runs much deeper
9) Rockford's bowling dominance
Rockford has long been the premier bowling city in Illinois. The Professional Women's Bowling Association was headquartered at the Cherry Bowl from 1981-2003. NIC-10 schools have long dominated the state tournament. But 2022 was maybe the best bowling year of all for Rockford. It started with the PWBA Tour returning to Rockford. The Tour had an event in Rockford for 31 years in a row before going under in 2003. This 2022 Tour year began with the Rockford Open from May 11-15, with the finals broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
Then in June, Harlem won national titles in both boys and girls bowling. And now, just last month, Hononegah's boys bowlers set several national and state records.
8) Forreston's softball run
We remember stunning rallies. Forreston had three in a row. Plus two other wins when they were tied late en route to taking third in the state in Class 1A softball.
"I don't even think a movie could do this justice," coach Kim Snider said. "I don't know if people believe me when I tell them. … But it happened."
Here is what happened: Forreston scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to beat Durand 2-0 at regionals. Then trailed Pearl City 1-0 before Brooke Boettner homered in the seventh off All-State pitcher Cheyenne Handsaker to force extra innings. Rylee Broshous then won it 2-1 with a walk-off homer in the 12th off Handsaker, who struck out 15. In the sectional finals, Forreston trailed 7-5 until Breanna Kloster hit a two-out, two-strike, three-run double when Dakota was one strike away from winning. Finally, to get to state, Forreston trailed 4-0 and then 5-3 in the bottom of the final inning before Boettner hit another two-run homer to tie the game and Ella Ingram won it 6-5 with another homer.
And even at state, Forreston went into extra innings before winning 4-2 in the third-place game.
"It never really happened before, so we didn't know why it kept happening now," Ingram said.
7) Winnebago 2nd in state
Miyah Brown was a three-year All-Stater, and the first player in Winnebago history to make first-team by the Associated Press. But Winnebago (35-2) needed — and got — big contributions from more than just Brown to reach the state title game for the first time. No one stepped up more than Renee Rittmeyer, who like Brown was a four-year starter for Winnebago. Rittmeyer had 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the state semifinals and 16 points and five rebounds in the state title game. She also had 22 points and six rebounds in the supersectional win and led Winnebago in shooting percentage in each of its last three games. Campbell Schrank also had a huge game in the state semifinals, with 18 points and eight rebounds.
6) James Robinson traded
Robinson has been breaking records his whole life. He set state records at Rockford Lutheran, running for 9,045 career yards and 158 touchdowns. At Illinois State, he finished second in yards rushing and TDs, total yards and total TDs in Redbird annals. And then he became the first non-drafted NFL player to rush for 1,000 yards as a rookie. He was also just the fifth undrafted rookie to gain 1,000 total yards, and the fastest to do so, in only 10 games.
He battled injuries and fell out of favor a little bit for a dysfunctional Jacksonville team his second year, but still was rated as one of the most valuable six or seven running backs in the league by analytic sites. In late October, the third-year running back was traded to the Jets for a sixth-round draft pick. He has been injured and played little so far in New York, but has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time.
5) State volleyball champs
Basketball is Freeport Aquin's main girls sport, not volleyball. The Bulldogs have won 13 regionals and two state titles in girls basketball since 1998. They went 30 years with only one regional title in volleyball. Until they finished third in the state in 2021. And, with much of the same team, went 41-1 in 2022 and winning the Class 1A state title.
The Bulldogs were so dominant that 38 of those 41 wins came in straight sets and only one team in their seven-game state tournament run even scored 20 points against them (Springfield Lutheran, in a 25-20, 25-15 win for the state title). Their only loss was to Class 2A state champion Genoa-Kingston, a team they also beat once. At Aquin's victory celebration, their fans jokingly suggested a rubber match for an overall small-school state champ.
"That's what everyone at the celebration is saying," Aquin coach Robyn Stovall said at the time. They are an amazing team! Some of our girls played with their Libero when they were U-12. We are so happy for them and so proud of our girls."
4) Lena-Winslow wins again
Le-Win claimed its sixth Class 1A state football title since 2011 but this one cemented the school's status as the premier small-school program in the state, perhaps even more than the 2019 team that was probably the greatest 1A team in state history. The 2011 team won 47-13 in the finals, but that was Le-Win's first title. Or even the first time the Panthers had reached the state title game. They won again in 2013, but also lost three times that year. They were the best, but they weren't unbeatable. Their 2017 champions were led by singular talent Rahveon Valentine, a Division I recruit for NIU and the NUIC's all-time leading rusher. The 2019 champions were led by Big Ten recruits Isaiah Bruce and Gennings Dunker, and Sean Ormiston, who broke Valentine's NUIC rushing record and joined Bruce and Dunker at Iowa as a preferred walk-on. The 2021 champions were led by Marey Roby, one of the best 1A players in the state on both offense and defense.
Schools in the state's smallest class are not supposed to have Division I recruits, much less Big Ten recruits. This year's team didn't have any stars of that magnitude. Or even as dominating as Roby. Yet the Panthers dominated as much as they ever have. Three Le-Win players topped 1,000 yards rushing. The team finished 14-0 with no game closer than two TDs and only one closer than 22 points. Their average margin of victory was 38.6 points, including 30-8 in the title game. That type of dominance — again — in a year where it didn't look inevitable means, just maybe, it is inevitable.
3) Basketball stars leave
The NIC-10's two best basketball players, both only juniors, transferred away from Auburn and Boylan, which would have been — and maybe still might be — the two best teams in the league. Auburn center Mike Jones and Boylan guard Tristian Ford tried originally to transfer to Chicago Leo, but would not have been eligible to play. The wound up going to a Chicago prep school. Also, Hononegah lost its two best players when Division I volleyball recruit Brayden Savitski-Lynde decided to concentrate on volleyball and Brandon Beck transferred.
2) Scales Mound's Cinderella Story
One of the smallest basketball-playing public schools in the Midwest finished third in the state. An entire lineup of seniors who had been on varsity since they were freshmen led Scales Mound (official enrollment of 70.5) to a 36-3 season. Scales Mound had never won a supersectional or sectional title before in the school's 75-plus year history. Both their sectional games drew sell-out crowds at Pecatonica as fans around the entire area cheered for the Hornets.
1) Rockford gets an All-Star
Rockford native and Auburn grad Fred VanVleet staked a claim as being Rockford's greatest basketball player when he became a two-time conference player of the year at Wichita State and played in four NCAA tournaments, including for teams that reached the Final Four as a freshman and started 35-0 as a sophomore. He probably cemented the title when he was named a finalist for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2019. And he clinched it beyond all doubt when he became an NBA champion in 2019 — even earning an NBA Finals MVP vote.
That fall, he signed a four-year, $85 million deal to stay in Toronto, a record salary for an undrafted free agent at the time. And then VanVleet got even better, culminating with being named an NBA All-Star, when he averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 assists. That made him the only All-Star from Rockford in the history of the NBA, NFL, MLB or NHL.
The closest anyone else ever came to being an all-star in one of the four traditional major pro sports leagues in the U.S. is when East grad Skip Thoren made the 1969 All-Star game for the ABA, an upstart league that challenged the NBA for nine seasons. But Thoren never played in the NBA and even his ABA career (170 games in three seasons) was less than half as long as VanVleet (373 games as of Dec. 20) has already played. Note: East grad Ira Matthews never made a Pro Bowl or was honored by The Associated Press but was named All-Pro by Pro Football Weekly his rookie season in 1979. He, too, played only three seasons, mostly returning kicks. Also, Rockford native Jean Cione made the 1952 AAGPBL All-Star Game playing for the Kenosha Comets, after starting out with the Rockford Peaches.
But Fred VanVleet is the greatest born-and-bred Rockford athlete of all time. And he is both an NBA champion and an NBA All-Star. So our best is one of the world's best.