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Does Earth Day Matter?
Earth Day and its relevance to the modern environmental movement is a perennial question.
Conceived in the heat of the radical 1960s and first celebrated on April 22, 1970, Earth Day started out as an educational "teach-in" but morphed into a massive demonstration. Nearly 20 million Americans came out to rally support for the Earth that day, a moment that is widely regarded as the birth of the environmental movement.
The power of the eco-wave that swept the nation at the time compelled President Nixon to sign an executive order creating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Soon thereafter Congress worked on new environmental legislation, and passed the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act among others.
Calm Amid the Storm
Today, with a few notable exceptions, Earth Day has become a calmer, gentler affair, comprised largely of community and school groups picking up trash or organizing tree planting campaigns. These are laudable activities, but some question whether too much of the original Earth Day fire has dissipated. Has its observance become a ritualistic relic of the past? Is it time to mobilize more robust activism, especially in light of the increasing threat of a rapidly warming planet?
The online environmental news outlet, Grist, has been highly critical of Earth Day, and at the time of the day's 40th anniversary launched a Screw Earth Day campaign. Though the campaign's title was negative, in fairness, Grist featured a collection of essays on both sides of the debate.
Among the critical essays was Jennifer Oladipo's "Losing Earth Day in the Eco-Babble." Oladipo argues that Earth Day's brand no longer carries cache as a social movement and, in light of everything else on people's social justice radar, is a mere "blip on the green screen."
More derisive was Daniel Akst, whose essay "Earth Day: The Ultimate Empty Gesture," dismisses the holiday as stale and hypocritical, and admonishes environmentalists for failing to set a better example.
Among Akst's recommendations is for people to stop the showy green posturing and simply "do what yields the biggest reduction for the smallest pain." His suggestions included giving up beef, flying less, and buying used goods—coincidentally, these climate friendly recommendations were also reflected in the attention-grabbing Green New Deal, a bold Congressional resolution seeking to set the agenda for combatting climate change.
The Grist essayists in support of Earth Day included Bill Christofferson, whose piece, "Screw Earth Day? Not so Fast," argued that Earth Day is the largest secular civic event worldwide, with a billion people participating each year. He dismissed critics who fail to recognize the day's continued importance for the environmental movement, and how it has played a role in institutionalizing environmental education and values.
Christofferson also quotes from Senator Gaylord Nelson, a chief architect of the first Earth Day, who wrote that the goal was about more than saving whales and polar bears: "Our goal is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all human beings and all other creatures — an environment without ugliness, without poverty, without discrimination, without hunger and without war."
Earth Day, Every Day
Planet Aid agrees wholeheartedly with this original Earth Day goal. Our mission aims to foster environmental stewardship, save resources, reduce poverty, and empower disadvantaged communities.
As we celebrate Earth Day this year and draw near to its golden anniversary, we renew our commitment to the original aims. Extreme weather brought on by climate change is wreaking havoc with the environment and is impacting the poor the most. The need to act could not be more urgent.
You can join in the effort by donating your unwanted textiles, and do some good for the planet and for people. Just find your nearest big yellow bin in one of our 11 service areas.


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Turkey Pulse
US maintains mystery about long-term intentions in Syria
Mahmut Bozarslan February 8, 2018
Remember that "border force" the US said it was, and then wasn't, forming in Syria? Apparently, it's already there.
REUTERS/Rodi Said
Fighters from a new border security force under the command of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold their weapons during a graduation ceremony in Hasakah, northeastern Syria, Jan. 20, 2018.
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — "What is the United States doing in Syria?" This is the question Turks have been asking since American soldiers showed up in Syria's civil war. This still-unanswered question has caused unprecedented deterioration in the US-Turkey connection. Tension in the already-strained relations reached a peak when the United States announced Jan. 14 that it was setting up a 30,000-strong border army in northern Syria — just as Turkey was about to launch its offensive on Syria's Afrin province.
The United States subsequently tried to soften its announcement, but that didn't calm the reactions. Naturally, the strongest reaction came from Turkey, which called the proposed force a new "army of terror."
What is this "new army"?
According to wide-ranging research by Al-Monitor, this army exists — and it doesn't. It exists because the United States — by arming the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), its ally against the Islamic State (IS) — had already created an armed force on the ground. But it doesn't exist because, as notable locals insist, this is not a new army.
Kurds say they realized they needed a military system in the post-IS period and decided to set up a force. Officials of the SDF, a Kurd-Arab alliance, told Al-Monitor this force became perceived as an army. Training has begun at 14 training camps set up in Kurdish-dominated areas. There is a new officer-training school and a military college. An SDF official who didn't want to be identified said the project is financed by the Kurdish cantonal administration and its goal is to reach 30,000 members.
"It's not a 'new army,' as some say," the same source told Al-Monitor. "To set up an army would mean splitting off from Syria. Creating a state is not part of our thinking. We already have a military force and we want to develop that [and] make it professional. Whether the United States supports this project or not, it is an essential need. We have to do it."
What do analysts say about the 'new army' label? According to Syrian political analyst Mahir Afrini, the label is a propaganda scheme. Afrini told Al-Monitor, "Before that announcement, the SDF was already receiving American assistance, and that continues. Training continues at full pace. This very much sounds like propaganda to me."
Afrini said the United States intentionally avoids a transparent strategy in the region. "Some allege that the US military and its State Department are speaking from different pages, but if you ask me, this is intentional. In Syria and [the area], everybody is each other's enemy. Every state has some interests. But the United States as a superpower pursues its own strategy to manage the affair."
For example, he said, the United States hopes to avoid new conflicts there and wants Turkey to find some common ground with the PYD — the US-supported Kurdish nationalist Democratic Union Party, which is affiliated with the SDF and which Turkey considers a terrorist group.
"We don't know what the United States' final goal is," Afrini said. "Does it want to create a smaller Syria? What does it want from Kurds, from Shias?"
He said the United States has invested too much in the region to leave anytime soon. "I don't know how long [its stay] will be, but it will be long. These are not projects that can be wrapped up in a couple of years."
Al-Monitor also spoke with Serbest Nebi, a well-known name in political science in Syria who at the moment is an assistant professor at Koya University in Iraqi Kurdistan. Nebi, who has lectured in universities in Turkey and Yemen, agreed that such an army was already formed. The United States is looking for an alternative to Turkey as an ally.
He said, "If Kurds gain stature in the region, Turks want it to be under their control. But Erdogan and his then-prime minister, [Ahmet] Davutoglu, both pursued this, and after seven years of war and violence in Syria, Turks realized their aspirations were out of reach. Turkey became the country that gained the minimum in the region and Erdogan became the least-reputable leader in the world. The United States wanted to spoil Turkey's plans. Turkey under AKP [Erdogan's Justice and Development Party] rule couldn't become a European Union country. Its relations with Europe haven't improved. Now you are hearing calls for Turkey's expulsion from NATO."
Turkey's relations with the EU aren't likely to improve, Nebi said. "This is why the Americans are searching for an alternative [ally], which could be northern Syria [Western Kurdistan, also known as Rojava]. Such a region would provide a robust and powerful base for the United States, Israel and Europe to stand against Russia. That army [the Kurdish force in Syria] is already established. Trained units have already taken their places in the field. The issue is done with. The US narrative and attitudes clash daily with Turkey. No matter how angry Turkey may be, the United States will not leave. It will not sacrifice its interests in northern Syria for Turkey's sake," especially not before a regime is established in Syria.
"Nobody should have illusions. The United States has been investing here for years," Nebi added. "If I were an American decision-maker, I wouldn't leave."
However, Turkey doesn't need to fear the American-backed Kurdish forces. "We [Kurds] have never threatened Turkey or attacked it. Erdogan suffers from Kurdophobia. It is out of the question for us to tamper with Turkey's borders. If we wanted to, we could have spilled the struggle into Turkey, but we are not doing it. We have other cards that could be problems for Turkey, but we are not using them. We can be two good neighbors," Nebi said.
The Afrin offensive is leading in the opposite direction. Kurds in both Syria and Turkey are unhappy. Even the Kurds who had voted for Erdogan's AKP are reacting negatively to the Afrin operation and the loss of lives.
Although Turkey tends to raise its voice, America prefers a low-key approach. This doesn't please either the Kurds or the Turks; only the United States is satisfied with the prevailing uncertainty. Meanwhile, without transparency, Turks will continue to ask, "What is the United States doing in Syria?"
Found in: Turkish-Kurdish conflict
Mahmut Bozarslan is based in Diyarbakir, in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast. A journalist since 1996, he has worked for the mass-circulation daily Sabah, the NTV news channel, Al Jazeera Turk and Agence France-Presse, covering the Kurdish question as well as local economy and women's and refugee issues. He has also frequently reported from Iraqi Kurdistan. On Twitter: @mahmutbozarslan
With Turkey preoccupied with Libya, Idlib slips through Ankara's fingers
Syrian Christians on front line have sad Christmas, again
Could Congress' latest Syria sanctions bill backfire?
Rojava Information Center, a media bridge to the world outside
Intel: Pentagon renews calls for US allies to join Syria fight
Residents in northeast Syria brace for winter as oil smugglers thrive

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Grill up a pizza using store-bought dough, fresh seasonal toppings and lemony arugula as a garnish.
Preheat a grill to medium. Turn two rimmed baking sheets upside-down and lightly oil the bottoms, set aside.
In a small bowl, toss goat cheese with chopped herbs, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Toss asparagus in 2 tsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill asparagus, turning once, until tender and lightly charred, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 2-inch lengths. Set aside.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll pizza dough into 2 ovals, each about 12-inches long and 1/8-inch thick. Brush both sides of the dough with 2 tbsp olive oil and place on prepared rimmed baking sheets for transport.
Remove dough from baking sheets, place on grill and cook until bottom is crisp and slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes. Remove crust using tongs or a large spatula and return to rimmed baking sheet, cooked side up.
Scatter goat cheese mixture, tomatoes and reserved asparagus on cooked side of pizza crust.
Return to grill and cook until bottom of crust is cooked through and cheese is soft, about 4 minutes. Using baking sheets, transfer pizzas to cutting board.
Toss arugula in lemon juice and remaining 1tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper and place on top of pizza. Cut pizza into wedges and serve.


President Hu Jintao made his first visit to Xinjiang province on Tuesday after the ethnic riots last month that left hundreds dead, the AP reported. He was shown on television visiting with members of the Uighur minority group, touring factories and talking to military and security forces. "The victory of this struggle fully showed the power of the party and the people," Hu said. "The [separatist] forces are doomed to fail and their sabotage activities will not shake the overall situation of the stable development of the reform in Xinjiang." On the same day, an article on the website of the state-controlled China Daily said that 200 people were to be tried for a "day of carnage" for their part in the riots, but the webpage was taken down within 24 hours, and the Urumqi government press officer said that only 83 suspects have been formally charged and no trial date has been set. The July riots were considered a serious enough threat to stability in the region that President Hu was required to cut short his attendance at the recent G8 conference in Italy to attend to reestablishing law and order.


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Mörk svämmygga, Aedes nigrinus är en tvåvingeart som först beskrevs av Karl Eckstein 1918.  Aedes nigrinus ingår i släktet Aedes och familjen stickmyggor. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Stickmyggor
Aedes

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text: Q: Word (Office 365) - "autofit to content" does not give the table with the shortest height Lately I have noticed that in Word (Office 365), doing "autofit to content" does not give the table with the shortest height. I am able to further adjust column widths to make the table shorter. Why? What logic is used behind "autofit to content" for tables in Word.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Royal Mail helps to deliver Christmas wishes
With only seven weeks to go until Christmas, Royal Mail is once again lending a helping hand to one of its most special customers, Father Christmas.
Debbie Clarke
For 53 years, Royal Mail has had the special privilege of managing Santa's mailbag and seeing what children really want for Christmas.
Royal Mail asks children to please write to Father Christmas by no later than December 9. Don't forget to tell him your full name and address.
Last year, Royal Mail helped deliver over hundreds of thousands of special letters to Santa. Including one from Louie and Charlie who asked Santa if he could deliver their presents on Christmas Eve instead as their daddy is a fireman who was working on Christmas Day.
For 53 years, Royal Mail has been helping to make Christmas wishes come true by sending children's letters to the North Pole. Santa's team of helpers at Royal Mail are gearing up to deliver the many thousands of letters sent to him by children from all across the UK.
Alex McConnell, Royal Mail chief elf, said: "Royal Mail plays a special part at Christmas.
"We are proud that for over 50 years, Santa has allowed us to help manage the special letters he receives from boys and girls across the country."
He added: "His special team of elves at Royal Mail enjoy taking a peek at what children are asking for and helping Santa reply to these special letters.
"Remember to include your full name and address on your letter so Santa can reply to you!"


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Don't have internet? City of Holland, libraries, national providers are stepping in to offer free connection
Carolyn Muyskens @cjmuyskens
WEST MICHIGAN — Places where the public can connect to the internet are being shut down at the same time that people are being told to conduct their business online and work from home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With schools closed, parents are also looking for online resources to keep their children learning — and occupied.
This poses a challenge for those in Ottawa and Allegan counties who don't have access to the internet in their homes and need to do business, as well as access news and information about the outbreak.
But communities and companies are already offering solutions to the problem.
The city of Holland has set up a high-speed WiFi network anyone may connect to for free from the parking lot of Holland Civic Center Place.
The WiFi network is called MiHollandFreeWiFi and is accessible from the north lot. While the Civic Center building is closed to the public, the WiFi may be used while parked in the lot. Overnight parking is prohibited by city ordinance, so hours are limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Internet providers Comcast and Charter Communications have announced they are broadly expanding access to their services and offering a reprieve from shutoffs and late fees in light of the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Comcast's Xfinity WiFi hotspots will be open for free to non-customers for the next 60 days, and low-income families can sign up for basic internet services and receive 60 days of free service. The company will not disconnect service or add late fees for unpaid bills during this period and has lifted data use caps for customers.
Charter Communications, which owns the Spectrum brand, said it will offer 60 days of free internet service to new customers with K-12 and college students in their households. Charter is also opening Spectrum WiFi hotspots for public use.
Internet access is a major hurdle for public schools trying to provide instruction during the extended school closure. Local public school districts, including Holland, West Ottawa and Zeeland, have said they will not issue required or graded coursework because there isn't a guarantee of equal access for all students.
Districts are still aiming to provide learning resources and tips for staying academically engaged on their district websites.
Area public libraries, communities' go-to centers for access to information and educational resources, are doing their best to continue playing that role in the community while they are closed, offering connection to their public WiFi from outside and pointing people toward their digital collections.
Herrick District Library in Holland said free WiFi connection is available 24 hours a day from the library's parking lot. The library posted on its official Facebook page that signal strength is best in the rows closest to the building, but may vary depending on how many people are trying to connect at once.
Zeeland's Howard Miller Public Library and the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library have also encouraged people to park or sit outside the library and use their free internet service.
For librarians it's difficult, but necessary, to keep their doors shut to comply with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders and protect public health.
"That's the hard thing," said Howard Miller library director Heather Wood-Gramza. "We're all about access and wanting people to have access to things."
Howard Miller is currently closed through Sunday, April 5. But there are still ways to use the library's services.
The library offers digital books, audiobooks, magazines and streaming movies and music. Visit hmpl.org for instructions on how to access materials through OverDrive, Hoopla and RB digital.
Library staff are available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday via telephone and email to assist with information and with accessing digital collections.
Although Howard Miller had initially offered curbside service so patrons could still check out library materials during the closure, the library announced Wednesday afternoon it was suspending that service to protect the health of library staff.
Zeeland's library is also offering virtual programming while all regular library events are suspended. On Friday, staff will begin a daily livestream read-through of "Peter Pan." Tune in every weekday at 1 p.m. on the Howard Miller Public Library's official Facebook page for the free storytime.
Herrick District Library has also temporarily closed both locations until April 5 or until conditions improve.
Sara DeVries, community relations manager for Herrick District Library, noted there are some resources available during the closure.
DeVries suggests visiting herrickdl.org/elibrary for eBooks, eAudioBooks, eLearning, eMovies, eMusic, eTV, and more. The library has invested more than $35,000 in its digital library collections to help provide more digital resources "at this challenging time."
Herrick has also raised the limit on how many digital items may be checked out through the eBook service Hoopla from eight items per month to 15.
DeVries noted physical library resources (including books) may be returned to the exterior drop box at the Main Library only — the book drop at the North Branch will be unavailable. Returned materials will not be checked in until the library opens in April. Due dates for physical materials will be extended for the length of the library's closure.
The library has canceled all programs through Saturday, April 11.
— Contact reporter Carolyn Muyskens at cmuyskens@hollandsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter at @cjmuyskens. Features editor Lori Timmer and education reporter Mitchell Boatman contributed to this report.


Aisyah is a wife, a mother, and a farmer. Most critical to all of her roles is time. "Time to work my rice fields means more money I can make for my family; our life is better," Aisyah explained.
As a smart business woman growing one of Indonesia's most desired crops, Aisyah recognized the lack of access to water at home as the main obstacle keeping her from having the time needed to farm.
"Time to work my rice fields means more money I can make for my family; our life is better," Aisyah explained.
Until recently, a typical day for Aisyah included waking before sunrise to walk a few kilometers, all for the purposes of collecting water. Her options for water varied – a river, a community pump or her neighbor's bore well – none reliable. After several back-and-forth trips to collect enough water for her family's needs, finally a tired and often frustrated Aisyah made her way to the rice field.
It is for people like Aisyah that Water.org created WaterCredit. We connect them to affordable financing, empowering them to install household water connections and toilets at home. A smart solution for a smart business woman, Aisyah knew water at home meant more time to produce a larger harvest. With these benefits in view, she confidently approached taking a loan to construct her very own water tap.
Now the obstacle between Aisyah and time to work has been removed. And now, as we have seen for millions of others, Aisyah continues to change her world.
Give to Water.org and empower a woman like Aisyah to change her own world.
Water.org made possible for people like Juleha and her husband small, affordable loans to cover the up-front costs associated with connecting to their local water utility's pipelines. Read Juleha's story.
For generations, women in Sariati's family faced an impossible choice when it came to giving their families water - certain death without water, or possible death from consuming unsafe water. For these women in Indonesia and millions of others around the world, collecting water would take up to six hours each day.
Mherindalee's home is important to her. It's where her family lives, works, plays, and rests. The water flowing from Mherindalee's kitchen tap means now she has time - time to care for her home, time to play with her children, and time to make her family's favorite dishes.


Few years ago I took PHOTOS OF LONDON ON CHRISTMAS DAY (also see on the VICE).
This year I went to central London just to take photos of the bridges.
This entry was posted in Silent London on January 2, 2017 by Corrado Chiozzi.


The Singapore Business Institute is pleased to arrange a workshop on Import/Export Business & International Commerce". Export trading company (ETC): Whereas an EMC has merchandise to sell and is utilizing its energies to seek out patrons, an AND MANY OTHERS attacks the other side of the trading coin. Import/export companies match home and foreign patrons and sellers of assorted products and commodities.
Due to this fact, you have to determine not simply the worth of the product, however the value of your providers as effectively. Or, you may want to supply catalogs and samples, working with a network of small companies, or gross sales representatives from a bigger conglomerate.
These prices range from lower than $5,000 to more than $25,000 for the import/export business. Place calls, send emails and mail advertising and marketing supplies directly to sales and purchasing managers in each company, and always follow up on all conversations and agreements.
How have you learnt the product will sell? You will handle the sale, the paperwork, the cash, all transport, customs, and foreign distribution. EMCs normally specialize by product, international market or each, and-unless they've taken title-are paid by fee, wage or retainer plus commission.
Two well-known firms which are eager to work with brokers, consultants and small businesses are UPS and Fed Express Both can also help with getting paid, a vital a part of the worldwide gross sales process. Editor's be aware: This article was excerpted from our Import/Export Enterprise start-up guide , accessible from the Entrepreneur Bookstore.


Rayna Boychuk of Dominion Lending Centres is your mortgage broker of choice.
Having 9 years of successful consumer mortgage experience behind her, you will truly see this is her professional niche. Passion fuels success, Rayna's passion is helping people achieve their home ownership dreams and or mortgage financial goals. By using her innovative and unique business approach.
Rayna is a savvy business woman with a competitive edge, who will always go the extra mile for her valuable clients. Her energy, passion and industry skills allows her to make real connections with all her clients. This IS what she loves to do.
Rayna's genuine, warm personality will put you at ease immediately and you will know, you are in the hands of a true professional who cares about your needs.
To ensure that your mortgage experience is one of unsurpassed quality, call, text, email or message Rayna and begin the successful path of achieving all your mortgage financial goals.
Rayna lives by the adage "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire." She truly hopes that you do the same.


You may have heard about dabbing – a way of consuming herb concentrate that gives you an immediate, long-lasting, mind-blowing experience.
If your first thought was "sign me up Scotty", and you're wondering how to get started dabbing, you've landed in the right place.
Here at Loto Labs we've put together the top questions most first-timers have about dabbing, and some tips you'll need to know to have a solid first experience.
How exactly does one "dab"?
Dabbing usually involves heating a chamber (sometimes metal or glass) with a blowtorch until it's hot enough to vaporize the moisture in your concentrate almost instantaneously. Then, the "dab" – a small amount of concentrate – is placed in this chamber, and the resulting vapors are inhaled.
Because concentrate has a higher amount of active ingredients and purity, you need very little product to get a euphoric feeling with dabbing, and if it's your first (or even second or third time) take it easy until you gauge your tolerance levels.
Like anything, safety when dabbing is related to your knowledge and experience. If you use too much, or mishandle your blowtorch, things might not go well. But really, a little common sense goes a long way here, and most individuals experience dabbing without issue.
What we can't stress enough, is the potency of your session is going to be much higher than you would experience with regular old dry herbs. If you're still new to vaping herb, you may want to take it slow and learn how your body reacts, allowing you to appropriately pace yourself during sessions.
Another consideration when dabbing is the purity of your product. Never purchase homemade concentrate; these may still contain combustible solvents. Even a small amount of leftover solvent could cause an explosion….the last thing you want near your face. If you choose your concentrate carefully, however, combustion shouldn't be a concern.
There are many different devices available for dabbing, and you can buy them as a set or as individual parts. If you want the easiest, fastest dab experience, try the all-in-one torchless dab rig, Loto Legend.
But I thought I needed a blowtorch to dab?
Nope. Not unless you want to go old school, which is a totally acceptable option. Who doesn't love using a rotary phone or fax machine? All jokes aside, the latest tech in the vaping industry is induction for vaping concentrates. To experience the full power of induction, check out the Loto Legend, the newly released dab rig from Loto Labs. Unlike most dab rigs, the Legend reaches full power in under 10 seconds, thanks to patented non-contact induction heating technology. It uses non-contact heating and has no exposed heating coils, providing a safe, clean experience with minimal cleanup. Savor every terpene. Enjoy the full profile of your concentrates like never before. Bring dabbing out of the garage with the Loto Legend.
How else can I dab?
If you already own a bong, you can use that to inhale the vapors from your dab. If you don't, you can buy either a bong or a "water pipe" – it serves the same function, but is created specifically for dabbing.
You'll still need to buy a nail whether or not you have a bong. You can buy a higher priced one with a "dome," to catch more of the vapors from your dab, or a less-expensive version without a dome.
Next, find a good blowtorch. Many dabbers like creme brulee torches, since they're small and easy to use.
To manipulate your extract and place it on the hot nail, you'll need what's called a "dab tool." This is simply a long metal piece that helps you precisely place the dab on the nail at the moment you need it.
Finally, pick out some concentrate. Generally, oils are easiest to dab. CO2 oil is a popular choice; rosin is more expensive, but also more pure. BHO is also a common extract used. It should be noted that some oils can also be vaped and oil concentrate cartridges are a thing.
You can also use wax (it's a bit more challenging, though) or budder (expensive, but the best way to measure out the same amount of extract each time).
Shatter is one of the most challenging to dab, so if you're new to dabbing, we recommend you start with one of the easier forms.
That, honestly, depends on your concentrate. Different forms of concentrate have different amounts of active ingredients per ounce, so some will need less than others for the same effect.
In general, all concentrates only need about a tiny crumb-sized amount to give you a pretty intense experience.
Thanks to modern extraction methods, dabbing provides one of the most enjoyable experiences available, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the dabbing experience. It'll be a trip you never forget.
And if you're ready to elevate your dabbing experience, give the Loto Legend a look. This dab rig from Loto Labs is designed to provide a superior vaping experience, full-bodied flavor and a session you won't forget.


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Rural and Indigenous Health Symposium
September 21, 2017 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT
Join fellow health care researchers, policy analysts, and clinicians for a full day symposium to discuss some of the major challenges facing rural and Indigenous health care in Ontario. The symposium, a joint initiative between the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, looks to create an agenda for research and health system design in rural, Indigenous and northern communities.
Participants will hear from a number of panels of experts including:
Dr. Suzanne Stewart Director of the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health
Dr. Carrie Bourassa, Scientific Director CIHR Institute of Aboriginal People's Health, who will address some of the major challenges facing Indigenous health in rural communities
Dr. Gregory Marchildon of IHPME, & Director of the North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, who will speak to the health policy research agenda for rural and northern communities
Dr. James Rourke, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, who will discuss a rural road map of action, with a focus on capacity development and planning for rural, Indigenous and northern communities.
Register Now – This event is free of charge
Program Schedule [PDF] (subject to change)
Watch the Event Live: http://streaming.med.utoronto.ca/18951
Type in your name and press enter
9:00 am - 5:00 pm	EDT
https://rural-healthsymposium.eventbrite.ca
41 Willcocks Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S1C7 Canada + Google Map


The Truth About Time and Materials Estimates.
There are two ways to contract for design and engineering services: fixed price and time and materials. The former can give the purchasing department an idyllic vision of security and control, while the latter offers a vision of mayhem and runaway costs. When competing product development firms use different methods to bid on the same project, uncertainty and false expectations can overshadow the real benefits of a well-considered time and materials estimate.
Myth 1: "Time and materials contractors run amok, prolong the project, and hold us hostage."
Reality: Yes, it happens, but developers who routinely lengthen the duration of projects tend to not stay in business. Old fashioned word-of-mouth, the Internet, and social networking expose the reputations of unscrupulous contractors, warning-off new customers.
Successful development companies deliver customer satisfaction by promoting a straightforward relationship with their clients. Frequent status meetings with the client, and weekly activity summaries are tried and true methods of sustaining this relationship. We work at the direction of our clients as a team, and communicate with checks and balances to insure we are on the right track to do what they hired us for.
Myth 2: "Keeping a time and materials project on time and under budget is impossible."
Reality: Staying within an agreed budget is important for both parties. Our customers don't want un-planned bills, and we want to do business with them in the future. Monetary and time goals can be met if two key ingredients are addressed before starting a project: 1) A clear project definition with a description of what the bid actually does and does not cover, and 2) A realistic budget should be based on real world experience, not a sum of what needs to be done.
Both key ingredients refer to the confusion and misunderstandings that can occur when either our team or our customer doesn't fully appreciate the scope of the project. This is when bids from competing companies can be helpful. If two product developers bid on the same project, and there is a significant difference in their estimates, it's a yellow flag: Someone doesn't have a complete grasp on the overall scope, and it needs to be cleared up before anyone starts working (or paying).
Reality: Accurately predicting a fixed price for something that has not been done before is nearly impossible. There are too many variables like erratic marketing mandates, patent revelations, unforeseen design opportunities, component obsolescence, and not the least of all, the limitations of physics. Each can significantly impact the cost of a development program.
At best, a cost prediction is an educated guess based on available information, and things almost never go exactly as planned – that's the nature of developing new and unique products. On the other hand, breaking a project down into logical phases and establishing working budgets for each, is both practical and useful. Bottom line, budgets need a level of flexibility.
Reality: Revisiting the project definition, recurrent proposal writing, purchasing negotiations, and sorting new P.O.'s result in non-productive reporting overhead. Re-working activities like this don't contribute to the task at hand and should not be an added burden for the people (the client and the contractor) who are trying to do the job. Of the two types of estimates only a T & M relationship allows for flexibility. If a new need arises, it is addressed and handled. It's as simple as that.
In summary, when working under a time and materials agreement, a simple process of weekly progress reviews, weekly billing reports, and close customer participation in the development process insures project transparency for all involved, and expediently allows the work to be completed in timely manner.
Earl Robinson is Omnica's President. He has been in the product development business for over 40 years.


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Working on a Shakespeare monologue? Here's our database of Shakespearean monologues that we've broken down, translated and explained. We've done all the hard work for you!
Get stuck into many of Shakespeare's iconic monologues and learn how to truly bring them to life. These pages are all broken down by professional actors, who in many cases have played the roles. The monologues unpacked team includes Damien Strouthos, Jess Tovey and Andrew Hearle.
Titania Monologue (Act 2, Scene 1)
Andrew Hearle on September, 7th 2020
Titania. What a character! She is one commanding lady, and no wonder Oberon has to turn to magic to get what he wants – there is no messing with Titania! I hope this page will...
Ophelia Monologue (Act 3, Scene 1)
Damien Strouthos on September, 7th 2020
Ophelia, left alone on stage, grieves the loss of Hamlet's mind and her own misfortune. Prior to this moment, Ophelia is taken aside by King Claudius and her father, Polonius. They order Ophelia to stop...
Oberon Monologue (Act 4, Scene 1)
After Oberon prevails in obtaining the Indian Prince from an enchanted Titania, he takes pity on her and breaks the spell that has made her fall in love with Bottom. He also commands Puck to...
Petruchio Monologue (Act 2, Scene 1)
While alone, Petruchio primes himself for his first encounter with Katherine 'the shrew'. Prior to this moment, Petruchio has met with Katherine's father, Baptista who informs Petruchio of Kate's demeanour and unwillingness to be woo'd....
Puck Monologue (Act 2, Scene 1)
This is a monologue taken from Puck's opening scene. Referred to also as Robin Goodfellow, Puck is a one of the most powerful creatures in the play, second only to Oberon and Titania. In the...
Adriana Monologue (Act 2, Scene 2)
Adriana rails against Antipholus of Syracuse in the middle of the streets in Ephesus, believing that he is her husband. He is not. He is in fact, her husband's identical twin brother. Let me set...
Helena Monologue (Act 3, Scene 2)
Helena unloads on Hermia, questioning her best friend, whom she believes is in cahoots with Lysander and Demetrius in trying to humiliate her. Let me set the scene. Lysander and Hermia have stolen away into...
Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2
Andrew Hearle on August, 24th 2020
Here we take a look at Hamlet's third Soliloquy "O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I". This is an iconic piece and the longest monologue from the play. Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2...
The Prince of Arragon Monologue (Act 2, Scene 9)
Damien Strouthos on August, 5th 2020
The Prince of Aragon has sailed to Belmont to win the hand of Portia in marriage by a game of chance. He must choose between three caskets (or chests) one made of gold, one of...
The Prince of Morocco Monologue (Act 2, Scene 1)
This is the first time we meet the Prince of Morocco. He is the first of three suitors to Portia that will appear in the play. He has sailed to Belmont where Portia lives to...


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Home / Show Suggestions / Les Miserables
Les Misérables, colloquially known as Les Mis or Les Miz, is a musical that was composed in 1980 by the French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg with a libretto by Alain Boublil, and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. Sung through, it is one of the most well-known and performed musicals worldwide. On October 8 2006, the show celebrated its 21st anniversary on London's West End and became the longest-running West End musical in history, reaching 9,500 performances. The production continues to this day at London's Queen's Theatre. The show is now in its 25th year. Based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name, it is set in early 19th-century France and follows the intertwining stories of a cast of characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution.
The show had its Broadway debut on March 12, 1987 at the Broadway Theatre. The musical ran at the Broadway Theatre through October 10, 1990, when it moved to the Imperial Theatre. It was scheduled to close on March 15, 2003, but the closing was postponed by a surge in public interest, probably because of the announcement. After 6,680 performances in sixteen years, when it closed on May 18, 2003, it was the second-longest-running Broadway musical after Cats.
The Tony Award-winning score features the song I Dreamed a Dream, sung as a solo by the character Fantine during the first act. Numerous Professional artists have recorded cover versions of this song since the musical's premiere in October 1985, including Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, David Essex, and Michael Crawford. The song had a resurgence in popularity in 2009 when Scottish amateur singer Susan Boyle performed it live as her audition for the third series of the British reality television program, Britain's Got Talent.
Jean Valjean is released after spending 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. As a result, he is a bitter and desperate man. Due to the kindness of a Bishop, Valjean is able to find God and is motivated to be a good man. Eventually he rises to become the Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer and a factory owner. Unfortunately, he has also broken his parole and Javert, a policeman, is after him. As one of his workers, Fantine, is about to die, Valjean promises to take care of her daughter, Cosette. After Valjean purchases Cosette from the money-grubbing Thenardiers (where she had been lodging), the show moves 9 years to the future where Cosette has become a woman. With the French Revolution ensuing, Cosette falls in love with a student revolutionary, Marius. After a battle, Marius falls unconscious in the sewer of Paris. Before Valjean dies, he manages to save Marius so that Marius and Cosette can be wed.
Victorian Interior Backdrop
Palace Interior Backdrop
Tenement Street Backdrop
Higgin's Study Cut Backdrop
Beam & Plaster House Interior Backdrop
French Street Backdrop
Rustic House Interior Backdrop
Tavern Interior Cut Backdrop
Higgins Study with Backing Backdrop


Reston, VA (27 Mar 2019) — VOZIQ, a leading provider of Cloud-based Actionable AI Solutions for Predictive Customer Retention to recurring revenue businesses, announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company, has named VOZIQ's Predictive Customer Retention Solution as one of the winners of the prestigious 2019 CUSTOMER Product of the Year Award, presented by CUSTOMER magazine.
According to TMC Award selection committee, the winners represent prominent players in the market who consistently demonstrate applicability of advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to solve real business problems. Each recipient is a verifiable leader in the marketplace.
What sets VOZIQ's solution apart from other customer retention solutions is the use of multiple predictive models powered by AI/ML and precisely tuned to individual stages of the customer lifecycle. Unlike many other solutions that stop at insight, VOZIQ goes one step further to turn insight into action by blending predictive intelligence into contact center and marketing operations using explainable AI technologies.
"With 100+ years of combined experience of working with large subscription businesses, we have been able to respond quickly to the changing needs of our customers. '2019 Product of the Year Award' is a testament to our understanding of revenue risks in recurring revenue enterprises and the operational priorities of executives in these businesses," said Akula.
VOZIQ's Predictive Customer Retention Solution can be implemented either on-premise or as a Cloud-based solution with pre-built text analytics, risk driver libraries and predictive ML models that significantly cut time-to-value in industries such as Home Security and Automation, Deregulated Utilities, Telecom, and Insurance.
VOZIQ is the only cloud-based predictive retention solution provider that enables recurring revenue businesses boost their retention rate by 10% within 1 year by leveraging structured and unstructured enterprise customer data, text analytics and AI-powered predictive churn models.
Since 1982, CUSTOMER magazine (formerly Customer Interaction Solutions) has been the voice of the call/contact center, CRM and teleservices industries. CUSTOMER magazine includes news and insights on the latest developments in agent training, analytics, ERP, IVR, social CRM solutions, mobile apps, workforce management and more. Please visit http://customer.tmcnet.com for more information.


Mud Bowl 2008 will celebrate a theme of "Mudmerican Bandstand" when the World Championships of Mud Football splash off in North Conway's Hog Coliseum, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 5 through 7.
It's good clean two-hand touch football fun, played in knee deep mud. And while whimsical in theme, the competition is intense with a world championship title at stake.
Spectators will enjoy plenty of yuks in the muck when they come to the games, which will feature pep rallies, the 26th annual Tournament of Mud Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, the Mud Bowl Ball at Tuckerman's Restaurant & Tavern located at New England Inn Saturday evening, Sept. 6; cheerleader competitions, Imari and the Sahara Desert Belly Dancers of Bridgton, Maine, at halftimes Sept. 6; the world's best synchronized mud swimming, and more mud mania.
Now in its 33rd year in North Conway, the colorful 13-game, double elimination mud football extravaganza includes three days of exciting football action, culminating with the championship Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7.
2005 world champion North Shore Mudsharks of Beverly, Mass. The Gumbys were undefeated at both the 2006 and 2007 Mud Bowls.
The other six teams from throughout New England that will participate in this year's tourney include the 16-time champion Muddas Football Club of Amherst, N.H., the hometown 11-time champion Mt. Washington Valley Hogs of North Conway, N.H.; the 2001 champion Merrimack Mudcats of Franklin, N.H., the Peabody Predators of Peabody, Mass.; the Carrabassett Valley Rats of Kingfield, Maine; and the Cumberland Muckaneers of Rhode Island.
The family-oriented event benefits local charities, with more than $470,000 having been raised over the years. Patrons may use their admission ticket as their entry in raffle drawings that will be held throughout the weekend. Three-day tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Daily tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12. A $15 family pass for two adults and two children is available as well.
For information about Mt. Washington Valley lodging, dining, attractions and more, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/admin_mwv/a_presskit/www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800- DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).
For more information on Mud Bowl 2008, call the MWV Chamber of Commerce at 800-367-3364, the North Conway Community Center at (603) 356-2096, or North Conway Day Care at (603) 356-5213.
Also during Mud Bowl Weekend, don't miss the the Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Club's 16th annual Car Show at Settlers' Green OVP (603-356-7031) is set for Sunday, Sept. 7.


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Salitje is a populated place in the south of Eswatini, by the border with South Africa, about 25 kilometres south of Hluthi.

Sources
Tracks4Africa.c.za: Salitje border post

Populated places in Eswatini
Eswatini–South Africa border crossings


Luz del Mundo is a home/child minding centre in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, run by Gabriela Rojas Llave. Local children attend and are offered English classes as well as other extra curricular activities such as theatre, music and cultural studies. There is no cultural centre in Santa Cruz and the aim of these classes is to provide the children with a rich knowledge of their culture and enable them to demonstrate what they learn to others through performance.
Gabriela, the director provides them with lunch and all of their learning materials, birthday and Christmas parties/presents, haircuts as well as encouragement and the loving support that they need.
What kind of children attend Luz del Mundo?
Children of single parents living in absolute basic living conditions who are in real need of an escape from their ordinary lives in order to broaden their horizons and hopefully prevent the fall into the delinquency and ignorance that unfortunately becomes the reality for a lot of the ones who are brought up in these poor areas.
My name is Gabriela Rojas Llave, I'm the daughter of a single mother and thanks to god, my mother taught me to cultivate love towards others. After I finished my secondary school, I took a course that would enable me to work and create a beneficiary foundation for the children in my neighbourhood. I had previously worked in a home for poor children where I was witness to things and situations that would change my life and way of thinking forever. I realized that until then I didn't know what the importance of life was and since then I realize how wonderful a gift it is to be able to give and help people. I am myself a young mother of two daughters and have a loving husband; I adore my family and it's tough as we only get to spend a few hours in the week together since my husband works 7 days a week.
* I want other poor areas of the city to be able to see and implement similar learning activities and opportunities to their children and together change the minds of our future in a positive way.
* I want to achieve my dream and vision in our own institution and build a more comfortable dining area, a proper classroom, a library and an area for the babies and smallest children to enable their older siblings to leave them happily whilst they participate in classes.
Bolivian culture and dance performances.
* To involve other people from the zone to conduct classes in language, arts, computation, and manual work as well as someone to act as a nanny for the youngest children.
* To change the image of the poorest neighbourhoods in Santa Cruz and transform them into rich cultural areas where the people strive for a better life.
I intend to make it the work of my life to achieve these goals.
We now have 91 children aged between 6 months and 15 years at LDM.
VOLUNTEERS: This year we had a 3 month period without volunteers and fewer volunteers than in previous years.
INFRASTRUCTURE AT LUZ DEL MUNDO: The kids have a video room, but have an old TV, we hope to get a sofa, but for now they sit in 3 chairs and the floor on cushions.
CHRISTMAS IN LUZ DEL MUNDO: This Christmas (2013) was wonderful, the best in recent years. The children had a gift of a pair of shoes for school, a new backpack, a gift and a Christmas dinner with cakes, pies, soft drinks and chocolate. It was fantastic for everyone. We are grateful to many people who made this possible.
- We have a bigger fridge to help in preparing meals.
MOST IMPORTANT NEEDS: The biggest problem we have is the lack of food to give to the children at lunchtime. Due to lack of money, we often have had to provide low quality meals with little nutrition.
INTERNET: We have recently had an internet connection installed at LDM, but this costs us 200 bolivianos per month which is expensive.
FOOD: We spend 200 bolivianos minimum and try to feed 91 children, we don't eat well, we would love to be able to give the children healthier meals.
Expenditure per month is 2000 bolivianos. Electricity, water and gas in total is 1000 bolivianos.
In the last couple of years the number of children attending LDM had increased significantly and we are now more reliant than ever on external funding.
We are very grateful for any such donations to support our work and help in the operation of the Centre.
You can donate using most types of funds transfer, if you're not sure which service to use please consider using www.xoom.com, which we have found to be cheap and efficient (you register your debit/credit card in Xoom, and make a transfer to a local bank that Gabriela can collect).
and we will send you the address and bank details to transfer to.
We need volunteers to help with teaching English and we would also welcome volunteers with a background in music, theatre or any other skills that could help our organisation.
The Centre is open 4 days per week, Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat, for 4 hours in the morning only (the children go to school around mid-day). As a volunteer expect to play with the kids, teach English, Computers, help the children with their homework, help in running the centre, etc. Activities initiated by the volunteers are very welcome.
It's not essential that volunteers are qualified teachers, we would prefer native English speakers for teaching English, however a high level of English as a second language would be OK. The level of the kids is very basic and one of the most important things that they learn is pronunciation since in many cases these classes are the only chance they get at hearing English when they don't have television or stereos in their homes.
Volunteers should be aware that while working with us they may be the only foreign volunteer on-site. Volunteers need to be independent and capable of organising their own work, unsupervised.
The Centre is located in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of the city and you will hear warnings from local people about the dangers of venturing into this part of town. We encourage volunteers to generally dress-down and not draw attention to themselves when working or travelling to the centre. None of our volunteers have had any problems so far and obviously we are keen to keep it that way.
We would prefer volunteers to have basic Spanish speaking skills and we would like you to stay with us for at least 4 weeks, though it's not essential.
Volunteer assistance is very much appreciated and there are no fees or participation costs to volunteer with us. However volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own accommodation and support themselves financially while working with us.
A ballpark figure for living costs in Santa Cruz is USD$80 per week.
Although we can answer any specific questions you may have, we can only accept volunteer applications from people who are already in Bolivia or those on the road in a neighbouring country.
We can accommodate between 1 and 4 (maximum) volunteers at any one time.
Luz Del Mundo is a 20 minute bus ride from the centre of town.
Opening day - our new Classroom.


The metamorphosis of the spectator and the arts in the age of YouTube.
The foremost philosopher of art argues for a new politics of looking.
An unique account of cinema's most influential journal.
Hitchcock gets onto the analyst's couch in this extraordinary volume of case studies.
An absorbing look at how early twentieth-century Hollywood shaped the US's conception of Mexico.
A leading philosopher presents a radical manifesto for the future of art and film.
A compendious anthology of women's writing on film.
A lively celebration of the genius and power of Palestinian cinema.
Brings to light the links between animation, avant-garde art and modernist criticism.
A diverse collection of essays considering film and the urban experience.
Peter Wollen's book is based on the premise that there are no fixed ways of writing about film.
Dal Jinhau's commentary on Chinese cinema, culture and politics.


The TomTom One Protection and Travel Kit, everything you need to keep your device clean and protected whilst on the move.
The Advanced Screen Protector is manufactured from a new ultra high-clarity plastic, increasing the thickness of the screen protector without impairing screen brightness or clarity. Each kit contains an application card to make perfect-fitting, quick and easy.
The 2-in-1 Stylus provides both a ball point pen and durable stylus in one. This multi-function, generic stylusis compatible with all touch sensitive screens.
The kit also contains a handy bottle of Mobile Device Cleaner and a Screen Cleaning Cloth to remove dust, grease and dirt from your device.


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Lily Collins: 'I want to dig deep, tell the truth and be more brave'
Jane Mulkerrins
The actor is emerging from a long run of hauntingly gothic parts and, despite a starry childhood in LA, she has a few ghost stories of her own
Sun 28 Apr 2019 03.00 EDT Last modified on Thu 9 May 2019 21.05 EDT
'I enjoy playing characters who seem like they are barely keeping it together': Lily Collins wears jacket and shoes by Mansur Gavriel and tank top by Re/Done. Styling by Danielle Nachmani at the Wall Group; hair by DJ Quinteroc; and makeup by Vincent Oquendo at the Wall Group. Photograph: Benedict Evans/The Observer
The day before we meet, Lily Collins had what felt like a breakthrough encounter. At the end of a short, on-camera interview, the journalist had asked where she lived. Los Angeles, she told him, where her mother was born and raised, and where she has lived since the age of five, when her parents divorced. He then asked where her father lived. England, and partly in the US now, too, she answered. And what did her father do for a living? After some stifled giggling from the crew, Collins, who has just turned 30, gently explained her parentage. "And the guy just looked at me with the biggest eyes," she laughs. "He's like, 'I'm sorry, what did you just say? Oh God, now I feel silly.'"
She insists that she was very grateful for his ignorance. "I'm so proud of my family, but I have also worked really hard to carve my own path and to not have that define me.'"
The daughter of superstar musician Phil Collins and his second wife, Jill Tavelman, she admits that her famous surname has inevitably opened doors, but insists that nobody has ever "made a phone call" for her. "I did get told that I could have other ways in," she shrugs, when we meet on a rainy New York afternoon. "but I never wanted to give anyone the opportunity to say: 'Well, she only got X or Y because of that.' I knew it would take longer to do it on my own, but it would be so much more worth it."
'I've ended up playing the woman who inspired the elven princess': Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins in Tolkein
Collins's insistence on carving her own path is now paying off, with two high-profile films – Tolkien, and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, and the US launch of the BBC miniseries Les Miserables, for which her performance as the tragic Fantine is already creating some early awards buzz.
Tolkien, a biopic of the author's early life, stars Nicholas Hoult as JRR Tolkien, the philologist and author of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series, while Collins plays Edith Bratt, his childhood sweetheart and, later, his wife, who was the inspiration for Lúthien Tinúviel, the elvish princess in Tolkien's Middle-earth. "I had auditioned to play an elven character in one of Peter Jackson's movies, and I didn't get it… but I've ended up playing the woman who inspired the elven princess," grins Collins. It is her most mainstream, highly anticipated film to date, and a world away from the romcom roles she was getting five years ago. While there's a heavy focus on Tolkien's male friendships – the inspirations for his "fellowship" in his books, Bratt is fully fleshed-out and three-dimensional, too, not some flimsy, token love interest. "She was very creative and very passionate and driven, and he was intellectually stimulated by her," says Collins. Bratt and Tolkien were both orphans. "At that time women of her status and in her position weren't really afforded the opportunity to seek higher," says Collins. "But she encouraged him to continue on his path. It's very selfless, and, at times, heartbreaking."
'I have a tattoo that says: True delicacy is not a fragile thing': Lily Collins wears shirt and jacket by Christopher Esber. Photograph: Benedict Evans/The Observer
She sees a similar selflessness in Fantine, her once-vivacious character in Les Miserables, who becomes a prostitute and sells her hair and teeth in order to feed her child. "I died on day two of filming," says Collins, with a laugh. She sent a picture of herself in character to her mother, who replied, "No one should have to see their daughter like this."
"My choices have tended to go quite dark," admits Collins of her recent roles. Just three days ago, she finished filming Inheritance, a forthcoming thriller in which she stars alongside Simon Pegg. "That's incredibly dark, too. I really enjoy playing these characters that, under the surface, have so much more going on than they are saying, or who seem like they are barely keeping it together.
"I've always believed that asking for help is not a weakness, it's a strength," she continues. "I have a tattoo that says: 'True delicacy is not a fragile thing.' You can look delicate, but it doesn't mean that you're fragile." I surmise, from her having it made permanent in ink, that people have, perhaps, underestimated her in the past.
'It was too big a message to ignore': Collins in To the Bone, a film about a young woman with chronic anorexia. Photograph: Gilles Mingasson/AP
Undoubtedly the darkest of her recent projects is Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, about the serial killer Ted Bundy, who murdered more than 30 girls and women in seven US states in the 1970s. The title comes from the judge's summation of Bundy's acts when sentencing him to death. Collins plays Elizabeth Kloepfer, the killer's long-term girlfriend who is convinced of his innocence, with Zac Efron playing a charismatic and persuasive Bundy.
While preparing for the role, over the Christmas holidays, Collins recounts how she would wake every night at 3.05am. "I would go downstairs and have a cup of tea, trying to figure out why I had woken up again." Then, she says, "I started being woken up by flashes of images, like the aftermath of a struggle." She went to the internet to investigate. "I discovered that 3am is the time when the veil between the realms is the thinnest and one can be visited." She began to believe women who were murdered by Bundy were, perhaps, trying to contact her. "I didn't feel scared – I felt supported. I felt like people were saying: "We're here listening. We're here to support. Thank you for telling the story."
Collins tells me all of this in a completely matter-of-fact manner, as if receiving messages from long-dead murder victims were a perfectly normal part of preparing for a film. It's pretty much the only moment in our time together when she seems more Californian than British. Even her looks – porcelain skin, dark hair and dramatic eyebrows – are eminently more London than LA. And, while in person her accent is pure California, on screen in Tolkien, her clipped, turn-of-the-century English consonants and vowels are flawless, as are her more working-class ones for Fantine. She looks deeply relieved when I tell her so. "I did worry that people were going to be like, 'Well, she is actually British, her accent should really be better,'" she laughs. "There's an extra level of pressure. I worked with a dialect coach as I needed it to be absolutely spot-on."
'My choices have tended to go quite dark': Collins as Fantine in Les Miserables with Dominic West and David Oyelowo. Photograph: Mitch Jenkins/BBC/Lookout Point
Collins was born in Guildford, Surrey, at the height of her father's success – six months later he would release Another Day in Paradise. Is it true, I ask, that Elton John used to babysit her? "I've really got to sit my parents down and ask them questions about that. I've been hearing it for so long, but I really have no idea," she says.
After relocating with her mother to LA at the age of five, following her parents' divorce, she attended the prestigious Harvard-Westlake school, where former pupils include Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, and began auditioning for film and TV roles. "I was getting told 'no' all the time," she says, which she puts down simply to a lack of experience. "I'd done musicals and plays at school, but I hadn't studied acting or anything, and auditioning for film and TV is very different."
At the same time, journalism held an appeal, too. "I wanted to be the youngest-ever talk show host," she says. After pitching ideas to magazine editors, she began writing for Teen Vogue and Elle Girl, and scored a job as a reporter for the children's channel Nickelodeon, covering the 2008 presidential election and Obama's inauguration. "I was 18 and I could just vote, so I was like, 'Oh great, I get to ask all the questions that I don't know the answers to.'" What she liked less, however, were the questions she had to ask as a roving reporter on the red carpet. "I would think, oh, that's not what I really want to ask this person, I would hate to be asked that," she recalls. On the other side of the microphone now, there are questions she simply doesn't answer, about her personal life, or about politics, on which she refuses to be drawn.
Dark stars: with Zac Efron in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Photograph: Brian Douglas/Sundance Institute
She studied broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California, but dropped out in her second year when, in 2009, after several years of auditioning, she won her first film role, as Sandra Bullock's daughter in The Blind Side. Soon after, she was perfectly cast as Snow White in Mirror Mirror, followed by Rosie Dunne in Love, Rosie, the adaptation of Cecelia Ahern's novel Where Rainbows End.
Though acting has clearly won out over journalism and talk show ambitions are on hold for now, Collins is still a keen writer. In 2017, she published Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, a collection of personal essays in which she opened up about her struggles and self-doubts, her relationship with her father, with partners, and with her own body, writing about the eating disorders she battled for some years. "A lot of young women write to me on social media [she has more than 14m followers on Instagram], saying, 'I just wanted to let you know that this is my situation and my insecurity, not that you would ever be able to relate to it…' and I'll always be like, 'No, I really can relate,'" she insists.
Collins describes in Unfiltered how, as a child, she had only positive associations with food, but that changed when she turned 16. Her father was separating from her stepmother, his third wife, while Lily was juggling school, a budding modelling career, a social life and trying to break into acting, too. "My life felt out of control," she writes. "I couldn't handle the pain and confusion surrounding my dad's divorce, and I was having a hard time balancing being a teenager with pursuing two different grown-up careers – both of which I'd chosen myself, but which also focused heavily on how I looked." She began starving herself, exercising obsessively and became addicted to diet pills and laxatives, habits which continued well into her early 20s.
Into the light: Lily Collins wears top, jumper and skirt all by JW Anderson; sandals by Mansur Gavriel, and jewellery by Cartier. Photograph: Benedict Evans/The Observer
She pitched the book proposal during a dry spell in acting. "I hadn't booked anything film-wise for a while, and I was itching to do something. The idea for the book had been at the back of my mind for a while, and I thought, well, maybe now's the time." Soon after, she was also sent the script for To The Bone, a film about a young woman with chronic anorexia. "It was too big a message to ignore," recalls Collins. She attended group therapy sessions with recovering anorexics. "I didn't want them thinking that I was just coming in to be nosy. I wanted them to know that I actually could relate. It encouraged me to really dig deep and tell the truth, to be more brave. And it was freeing," she says. Collins sent a copy of the book to Michelle Obama "on a whim. I wanted to reach out to certain people and just thank them for being an inspirational woman, someone who I look up to," she says. "I certainly never expected to receive a letter back thanking me and saying the same thing. I need to get that letter framed."
This summer, she's heading to France to film Emily in Paris, the new comedy-drama from Sex and the City creator Darren Star. "I knew I had so much baggage that I needed to get rid of in order to take on the baggage of all my characters," she says. "And the second I did that, my career and my personal life opened up in a whole new way." Collins, it seems, having been drawn to the darkness, professionally and personally, is now heading towards the light.
Tolkien is released on 3 May. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is on Sky Cinema and in cinemas from 3 May


Terrible news for those of you who hate looking up information on your phones: Google is changing things up so desktop users will have outdated search results. I have no idea why you would do this unless you were deliberately hating on non-mobile users.
Although Illyes did not give an indication of exactly when the mobile index will launch in his conference speech, he later spoke with Search Engine Land and said that it would be within "months". It means that mobile and desktop searchers will end up seeing different results. Google is not just launching the mobile search index to run alongside its desktop index, it will become the primary index. While Google is clearly placing a great deal of focus on mobile traffic here, quite what the implications are for websites is not yet clear. While it could certainly be argued that people searching from their mobiles need the most up to date information, desktop searchers may well feel they're getting a raw deal by being delivered results from an index that is less up to date.


Brunk's Window and Door provides and installs Commercial Storefront Metal and Glass windows and doors.
J&S Overhead Doors was established in 2013. Our main goal is to provide service at the cheapest prices with the highest reliability.
Commercial Door Repair and Replacement Service Companies owned by past military and present military members. Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB), Active Duty Military, Reservists and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Companies (SDVOSB) of the United States Army (USARMY), Air Force (USAF), Marines (USMC), Navy (USN), Coast Guard (USCG) and National Guard specializing in commercial door repair and replacement services.


L-O-V-E the cover of your new book! Congrats!! Can't wait to try this recipes. Looks delish!
Congrats on the book! I've baked a number of things you've posted and every one has come out amazing!
Also just wanted to put this out there, but I work on a beer radio/podcast/internet show, and if you'd be interested in doing a call-in at some point (we're in NJ) to promote the book, I'd love to make that happen!
Congrats! Stumbled upon your site a few years ago and being a food and craft beer loving girl I check in often. I love local food and eating seasonally so can't wait to get my hands on your new cookbook.


text:
Q: move class data members (C++) I want to know if I'm doing this right. I have a class that holds some data:
class Foo {
// ...
  Type a_;
  Type b_;
  Type c_;
};

And a different class that does something else, but is constructed using class Foo. So, I reckon declare a ctor like this:
class Bar {
  Type a_;
  Type b_;
  Type c_;
  AnotherType A_;
  AnotherType B_;
  // ...
public:
  typedef std::tuple<Type, Type, Type> Tuple;

  Bar(const Tuple&);
  Bar(Tuple&&);
};

I now need to create a Foo method that will return a tuple of the data members that Bar needs, which I can pass to Bar's ctor. I also make a rvalue reference for Tuple because those data members of class Foo will not be needed anymore except via class Bar, so why bother copying data when I can move it?
So, I create methods in class Foo that will a return a Tuple. In particular, I need one that can be used by the Bar ctor that uses an rvalue reference. Is the following correct?
auto Foo::move_data() -> Tuple&& {
  return std::move( Tuple(a_, b_, c_) );
}

Or is this completely wrong? (Pointing out anything else stupid will also be appreciated. Of course, I've left out some typedefs and other unnecessary details.)

A: No it's not. This:
Tuple&& Foo::move_data() {
    return std::move( Tuple(a_, b_, c_) );
}

would copy your elements into a Tuple, and then move the Tuple itself... not your elements. What you want to do is move them into the Tuple, and then return it by value:
Tuple Foo::move_data() {
    return Tuple(std::move(a_), std::move(b_), std::move(c_) );
}

A: It highly depends on the overall code, but from your problem description my question would be why not put a, b and c together in their own structure?
class Abc {
    Type a_;
    Type b_;
    Type c_;
};

class Foo {
    // ...
    Abc abc_;
    int somethingNotInBar_;
};

class Bar {
    Abc abc_;
    AnotherType A_;
    AnotherType B_;
    // ...
public:
    Bar(const ABC&);
};

Some advantages:

*

*It you would save the trouble of resorting to tuples;

*It would make the code easier to grasp (it's often more difficult to understand what a tuple is about, since names are lost in the process);

*It would make modification easier (for that day you realize you also need d, or you don't need b anymore).


Joanne Bull, founder of Opal Gems, is a Cheshire based jewellery designer, working from a studio in a renovated cotton mill in Stockport.
Her designs are created using traditional bench making techniques using sterling silver, elements of 9ct gold and semi-precious gemstones. Joanne is also a lapidarist, this means that she is able to cut and polish her own gemstones.
One of Opal Gems signature designs is jewellery incorporating milk sea glass from the North East of England. Joanne is inspired by natural elements and working with milk sea glass and its natural sea washed forms often determines the final designs for her collections. Collections include Ocean Gems, Tidal and Shore.
With a background in Art History, Joanne finds inspiration in many forms of art, be it a sculpture or artwork by a famous artist. One design she has created is a necklace based on Matisse's 'The Snail' and she is currently working on a piece based around Van Gogh's Starry Night.


Quote of the day, from a taxi driver: "Anything is normal in Germany." This explains much.
What I never appreciated about the military before is that once inside its protective shield, once you wave your magic ID card, all manner of things are provided for you. Some things are free (snacks, coffee, Internet, some transport, some accomodations, the gym) and the rest highly subsidized (nearby hotels, phone cards, everything in the base's restaurants and well-stocked shops). It's downright communist. In a "from each according to his orders, to each according to his rank" kind of way.
No local laundromat though. Right now that is my most compelling need. I'm sure you're fascinated.
I feel kind of redundant blogging the space-a experience, what with a friend of mine having already written about it compellingly, but what the hell else am I going to talk about, right? Also, the AMC space-a passenger-service people seem to have gotten their act together considerably since he was here; they can now tell you about flights to Balad well in advance, and seem to stick to their story no matter how many times I ambush them at their desk. Meaning less uncertainty and much more freedom to wander.
Not that I'm actually getting there any faster. This morning I was #20 on the list. There's a very slim chance of tonight, and a better but far from guaranteed chance of tomorrow. Oh well. It's not like I'm in any kind of a hurry, and even if Wired spikes the article, the kill fee will cover all my costs.
The fitness center here is pretty impressive. A soccer field and running track outside; inside, a full-size basketball court convertible into three smaller basketball/volleyball courts, a weight room, squash courts, and, believe it or not, a gymnastics training room. (Hey, it is the Air Force.) They even offer a Yogilates class, albeit only once a week. The weight room, in terms of both equipment and population, could have been anywhere, except for the sign on the exit: This emergency door opens to perimeter fence, potentially exposing personnel to small arms fire. Do not use unless directed.
The sign was blithely ignored.
Today between space-a flight denials I ducked into Frankfurt for a couple hours. Didn't bring my camera and didn't much regret it. It's not ugly, exactly, just a forgettable modern city of skyscrapers and concrete plazas. I did like the belt of parkland around the city center, and the river was nice, and the obviously-rebuilt-since-WW2 cathedrals and castles and bierhauses were pretty in a DisneyGermany way.
I never appreciated before that English is not so much Germany's second language as its one-and-a-halfth. English-language posters dotted the streets, fully a third of every bookstore was devoted to English books, and even Starbucks' menu was written in (sort of) English, with German subtext1. I finally found a copy of the German translation of Dark Places, which was not on sale in Frankfurt airport, which made me sad2. But I rediscovered that I share a publisher with Umberto Eco, which made me happy.
Airport bookstores here order books by publisher rather than author. Wacky.
For no particular reason, other than to flex my descriptive muscles, I will now take you through an example sojourn in Rhein-Main space-available. Prepare to be bored.
The taxi drops you outside the main gate that says RHEIN-MAIN AIR BASE; only a few prescreened taxi companies are allowed within. The Steigenbergen InterCity Hotel, a modern four-star hotel, is just opposite the gate. Otherwise this grassy belt of land between the airport proper and a major highway is wasteland.
A high fence with angled three-strand barbed wire surrounds the entire compounds. The gate's vehicle entrance and exit are two-lanes, with a grassy median between. Concrete barriers with an Atari-logo cross-section alternately block one lane and then the other, to prevent an intruder from speeding into the base. Incoming vehicles are waved into a bay off the side to be searched (a sign threatens dogs, but I haven't seen any). As a pedestrian, you walk up to a little hut in the grassy meridian and show your ID card3. The guard checks your face against the card, smiles, and waves you on.
The road stretches on for some ways ahead of you, lined by warehouses and low but large office-type buildings - actual houses are unheard of. It looks a little like an office park, everything painted in bland colours. There's really nothing but roads, paved footpaths, and buildings, widely spaced by close-cropped grass. Oh, there are occasional signs that helpfully identify buildings. To your right, cargo planes nest on the tarmac, behind another fence. To the left, past a warehouse full of various incomprehensible machinery, is a strip mall: ATM, post office, food court (Subway and two more obscure fast-food bands) mini-Wal-Mart-esque department store, and commissary aka grocery store. Behind this building there's allegedly a bar and a bowling alley.
When the wide main road you're on ends at another lawn, you turn right, pass another set of buildings, and turn left at a six-foot-high wall, approaching a parking lot. You've walked about ten minutes, maybe one kilometre, from the gate. On the other side of the parking lot is the passenger terminal. You'd know it immediately just by its shape. Arrivals to the left, Departures to your right. If it's midday, the parking lot is full, and people are waiting outside Arrivals, for the shuttle bus around the base or to the airport. A huge one-way spinning door, like a large version of NYC's one-way subway turnstiles, thick with rust, prevents access to Arrivals. Automatic double doors lead you into Departures, down an exterior hallway parallel with the front of the building.
The security check is just like any other airport's, except you go through it going in, and the first thing you have to do is (once again) show your military ID card. Got a laptop? Turn it on. Then you're in. A big room with a tiled floor, racks of padded blue seats, a check-in counter on the other side, another countery to your left beneath a PASSENGER SERVICE COUNTER sign. Monitors up ahead display the non-sensitive (ie non-Iraq/Afghanistan) incoming and outgoing flights. Only a few a day. There are vending machines, phones, a computerized information booth. A corridor leads past a rack of lockers, and an ATM that spits both euros and dollars, to Arrivals and the exit. To the right, stairs and an inoperative escalator lead to gates and services. Everything is clean, pale, faded. Clocks hang on the walls, one of them, behind the PSC, labelled 'ZULU' and then in smaller letters 'GREENWICH MEAN'.
If it's midday, the place is thronging with Army soldiers in desert camo gear, families in civilian clothes with small children, and a much smaller number of harder-to-classify people. You'll occasionally see others in green camouflage in blatant violation of the No Weapons Outside Gates rule. At morning or night this whole area may be deserted, or there may be soldiers sleeping on the seats despite the hard plastic dividers between. There's someone at the PSC regardless. Go to the Space-Available Sign-Up desk, at the end of the PSC counter, show your ID card and orders, get your orders stamped - that timestamp, in the absence of other factors such as rank and urgency, is what dictates your place in the space-available queue - and wait. But not here, this place is just too boring, the upstairs is more alive.
Uh. I hope you didn't expect dancing girls. A long gray corridor. To your right, lead to gates for those lucky souls who actually have a confirmed flight to catch. Signs warn you that you need both ID and a boarding pass to get into a gate. To your left, many AT&T phones (all DSN - dedicated worlwide military network - phones are on the ground floor), several TVs showing CNN and Eurosport, washrooms (the graffiti in which consists of countless unit names and home towns scrawled in the grid around the wall tiles), the well-stocked 24-hour PX, the fast-foot court with the somewhat odd hours of midnight to 4 PM, a video arcade, the Family Lounge and the USO. The last two are sort of a single entity, with a buffer zone of seven broadband Internet stations between. A fierce old Germans ensures that you sign up for the Internet and don't exceed your time if there are people waiting. Another TV, wide-screen, sits in front of several plush chairs and couches. There are bookshelves for children and adults, colourful children's toys, a table of cookies and coffee, a Crib Room for babies, USO donation jars, copies of Stars & Stripes (actually a pretty good newspaper for what it does) lying around.
Eventually your number comes up, your name bubbles to the top of the list, your flight gets called. What happens next? Haven't the faintest. I'll let you know. But probably not tomorrow.
1By 'subtext' I mean descriptive text written in a smaller font, not some kind of mysterious symbolic clues from which the Starbucks customer might divine the allegorical meaning of the menu. Though that would be cool too.
3Incidentally the most flattering photo I've ever had on government-issued ID.


text:
StagsTV
All-Time Top 25 Appearances
Every Player
Ground & Tickets
Players & Management
Match Posters
The Beer Hunter's Guide
Classic Programmes
Andrzej Perkins
Balogun, Abiola
Abiola Balogun eschewed the usual career trajectory around these parts. He spent his younger years playing for LOASS (Leyton Orient Advanced Soccer School) in the Olympian League, rather than the youth team of a semi-pro club.
He performed consistently at LOASS, adding more goals to his tally each season.
By the time he joined Forest in 2015, he was a fully-grown man, and his pace and power helped him to six goals in 20 first team appearances.
He left the club was Terry Fogarty was replaced as manager, eventually turning up at Enfield 1893, where Matt Hanning, Fogarty's former assistant, was now in charge.
He spent the next three seasons playing sporadically at Enfield, but never really securing a first team place. In 2017-18, he appeared 20 times, but only four of these came as starts.
He did score a crucial last minute goal in 2017 (his only one that season), coming in the 120th minute against Leverstock Green in the FA Vase.
He turned up at the start of the 2018-19 season, but only made two substitute appearances for the club.
Club League Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
2012-13 LOASS 8 1 1 9 1
2013-14 LOASS 15 4 1 16 4
2014-15 LOASS 14 8 1 1 15 9
2015-16 Waltham Forest 17 4 3 2 20 6
2015-16 Enfield 1893 12 5 12 5
2016–17 Enfield 1893 14 3 1 15 3
2017-18 Enfield 1893 17 3 1 20 1
2018-19 Sporting Bengal Utd 2 2
Overall 99 25 10 4 109 29
Balauka, Skirmantas
Banton, Joshua
Essex Senior League


Christopher Ainsworth, partner in hospitality sector law firm Kimbells, helps one reader understand the legal rights of staff and employers when accommodation is offered with the job.
Solution: The law says that when a business is sold, all contracts of employment transfer to the new owner; they are not terminated.
So you need to establish what terms and conditions the staff are on. The terms and conditions would have automatically transferred over to you under TUPE if they are employees, and the old terms and conditions still apply.
If they are entitled to accommodation under their terms and conditions, then you cannot renege on that and ask the staff to move out for so long as they remain in your employment. If you did, you would be breaching their terms of employment and you could face various claims.
However, if the "staff" are no longer employees, then you need to find out whether there is any formal basis for their occupation, such as an assured shorthold tenancy. They may have statutory or common law rights to remain in occupation.
If the staff are employees who are entitled to occupy as a benefit of employment, that benefit does not extend to friends and partners. You need to see what their contracts say. If the contract does not specify that staff are entitled to have others living in the accommodation, or if there is no written contract, then you are entitled to insist that no visitors are allowed.
If you wanted to change any terms and conditions, you should seek further legal advice.
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Grip Games has released a new developer diary for Foosball 2012, which goes into detail about the different game modes and multiplayer options.
Local play allows gamers to play up to four players in various combinations. Players will also be able to have some use the PlayStation Move while others can use the DualShock 3 to play. Up to two local players can work together to play against other teams online and earn higher spots on leaderboards amongst friends and the world.
The game features a comprehensive single player mode with a World Tour mode that will have players face of against 29 different opponents. This mode will allow players to unlock tables, balls, foosmen customizations, and flags & team banners to represent themselves.
Fans of foosball or gamers looking for some more interesting PlayStation Move and PlayStation Vita games will want to keep an eye out for this game that can be purchased together for both PS3 and PS Vita for a single price. Check out the new developer diary video below.


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text:
Home » Contraceptive Mandate » Hobby Lobby » Oral Contraceptives » Religious Freedom Restoration Act » science » SCOTUS » The Contraception Mandate: The Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Decision's Five Ironies
The Contraception Mandate: The Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Decision's Five Ironies
Much of the commentariat's dismay over the setback of Obamacare's contraception mandate has been based on the twin principles of women's health and economic justice. But for an unthinking Supreme Court majority, says critics, the U.S. lost an important chance to link federal health policy to the enlightened science of preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Which leads to five ironies:
1) The Supreme Court Justics would agree that they know little about health or economics: It was the conservative Mr. Scalia who opined in another case involving health care that the issue at hand was not "known to the nine Justices of this Court any better than they are known to nine people picked at random from the Kansas City telephone directory."
No one should be surprised that the Supremes focused on the law.
2) This isn't about health or economics, but ultimately about Progressivism: In this timely Wall Street Journal essay, Charles Murray distinguishes between classic liberalism and progressivism. The latter was first championed by President Woodrow Wilson and, decades later, still promotes a reliance on disinterested experts to mold social policy in the interest of collective well-being. One tradition of progressive thought is that the Constitution is ill-suited to the eminently rational work of those experts.
Progressivists everywhere are going to view the Hobby Lobby decision as a vindication of their long-held beliefs.
3) The Affordable Care Act is untouched: Contrary to popular opinion, the text of the Affordable Care Act makes no mention of contraception. Rather, it outsources the creation of an "essential health benefit" to Health and Human Services. In a classic exercise of modern progressivism, its experts - not Congress - used a regulatory process to determine that significant religious considerations should not stand in the way of women's public health and first dollar coverage of the pill.
Repeat: the Affordable Care Act is untouched.
4) Blame Bill Clinton: As the PHB understands it, the experts in Health and Human Services never contested that Hobby Lobby's owners were deeply religious or that oral contraceptives also prevented implantation of a fertilized egg, i.e., led to an abortion. When that was examined under the requirements of Religious Freedom Restoration Act that was originally signed into law by Bill Clinton, Mr. Alito managed to craft a 5 to 4 majority.
By the way, at the time RFRA was passed, both chambers also had Democratic Party majorities.
5) When It Comes to Experts, You Get What You Pay For: For better or worse, when competiting interests lead to winners and losers, we turn to our court system. Since it's unlikely that the U.S. is going to dismantle its legal system, experts would be best advised to craft compromises that accommodates reasonable constitutional threats to their reasoned planning.
Congress is probably going to step in and do what its outsourced Executive Branch experts should have done in the first place: reconcile the RFRA and access to contraceptives. We deserve better from HHS.
Contraceptive Mandate, Hobby Lobby, Oral Contraceptives, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, science, SCOTUS