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Hong Kong airport passenger and cargo volumes fall in August
By Varsha Saraogi
Varsha Saraogi 16 September 2019
Hong Kong Airport witnesses slump in passenger numbers in August 2019. Credit: Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw a significant drop in passenger numbers due to ongoing political unrest in the Asian hub, according to figures released by the Hong Kong Airport Authority (AA) on 15 September.
This August, the international airport handled six million passengers and witnessed 35,655 air traffic movements, down 12.4% and 3.5% respectively compared to 2018, AA revealed in a statement.
Passenger traffic from the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia and China's Taiwan saw "significant declines" compared to the same period a year ago. The statement said airport and flight operations were disrupted by the assemblies at the airport on a number of days.
Cargo volume also plummeted during the month, falling 11.5% from a year earlier to 382,000 metric tonnes. International shipping and imports dived to 19% and 15% year-on-year, respectively, the AA said. Among key trading regions, cargo business pertaining to Southeast Asia and Mainland China "decreased most significantly".
Commenting on the figures, executive director of AA's airport operations C K Ng said: "In the past few months, there have been huge challenges to airport operations at times."
The decline in numbers is a result of the anti-government protests which brought the airport operations to a standstill last month when protestors pressurised the government to respond to their demands over a now-withdrawn extradition bill.
Violent clashes broke out on 11 and 12 August after an unauthorised march went ahead, with riot police firing tear gas and water cannons and protesters launching petrol bombs. Protests inside the terminal forced operations to temporarily close and grounded hundreds of flights, while rallies outside blocked transport routes including the freeway leading to the airport.
In previous years, Hong Kong has been a popular destination for travellers. In August last year, Hong Kong saw 65 million total visitor arrivals – an 11.4% increase from 2017 – according to government statistics.
However, in the wake of the political unrest, countries such as Singapore, Australia, the US, the UK, and Ireland issued warnings for those travelling to Hong Kong urging travellers to exercise increased caution over the protests.
The HKIA is hardly alone in witnessing a decline in numbers. On 11 September, Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific reported a decline in passenger and cargo numbers for August 2019. Cathay Pacific and its regional sister airline Cathay Dragon carried a total of 2,906,954 passengers last month – down 11.3% compared to August 2018.
Cathay Pacific's group chief customer and commercial officer Ronald Lam said August was an "incredibly challenging month, both for Cathay Pacific and for Hong Kong."
"Overall tourist arrivals into the city were nearly half of what they usually are in what is normally a strong summer holiday month, and this has significantly affected the performance of our airlines," Lam said.
"Our inbound Hong Kong traffic was down 38% while outbound was down 12% year-on-year, and we don't anticipate September being any less difficult."
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Isaias out of character: Why Eritreans are getting nervous
July 18, 2018 by Abraham T. Zere·Comments Off on Isaias out of character: Why Eritreans are getting nervous
(Published in African Arguments; July 18th, 2018)
In barely the blink of an eye, Eritrea's unpredictable president has completely reversed his rhetoric of the past two decades.
Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed and Eritrea's President Isaias Afewerki at an official dinner in Asmara. Credit: Yemane Gebremeskel, Minister of Information, Eritrea.
In just a few weeks, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have not just shifted dramatically but – in many ways – turned upside down.
For two decades, President Isaias Afwerki had demonised Ethiopia, seeing it as an existential threat. He used the supposed Ethiopian menace as a pretext to establish one of the world's most repressive regimes, ban widespread freedoms, and impose indefinite military conscription. Some of the only bits of music to get official approval from Asmara were toxic war songs that reinforced this all-encompassing enmity on which the nation's identity was based.
Now, this could not have flipped more completely. In the past month, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias have embraced warmly in both Asmara and Addis Ababa, greeted by huge doting crowds. Eritrean praise-singers have literally changed their tunes to praise peace in Amharic and Tigrinya. Today, the first flight between the two countries in 20 years landed in Asmara, carrying a fully-booked plane that included Ethiopia's former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
In barely the blink of an eye, full-throated enmity seems to have turned into whole-hearted love – to the extent that hopeful Eritreans, whose lives have long been determined by the mood of one man, are starting to worry.
Given the opaque way in which the regime governs, Eritreans are used to following Isaias' words and actions carefully in search of any hints. But for even those unaccustomed to observing him, his recent performance in Ethiopia was startlingly. He appeared out of character, praising the leader of his long-time foe excessively, and proclaiming that the two nation's populations are "one people". He then remarkably told Abiy "you are our leader" and announced happily to the crowd: "I've given him all responsibility of leadership and power". Click here
All you need to know about Ethiopia and Eritrea's rapprochement
July 16, 2018 by Abraham T. Zere·Comments Off on All you need to know about Ethiopia and Eritrea's rapprochement
(Published in Africa is A Country; July 15, 2018)
The pace of rapprochement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, longtime foes who have been in deadlock for the last 20 years, changes quickly. It is hard to keep up. By the time this is published, it could be old news.
To recap: On June 5th, Ethiopia declared it was fully implementing the Algiers Peace Treaty signed between the two countries in 2000. This was followed by a long silence on the Eritrean side. Then, suddenly, two weeks later, Eritrea not only accepted the peace offer, but took a step further and sent a delegation to Ethiopia. Shortly after, Ethiopia's prime minister visited Eritrea. The two leaders signed a joint Declaration of Peace; telephone service between the two countries immediately resumed after 20 years; Ethiopian Airlines will start regular flights to Asmara (a direct flight between the two countries would take an hour; it currently can take up to a day); and roads are about to be opened between the two countries, etcetera. On 14 July, Eritrea's president Isaias Afwerki visited Ethiopia for three days. The Eritrean embassy in Addis Ababa is expected to be re-opened during Afwerki's visit in Ethiopia. Click here
Eritreans are happy about peace and wary of Isaias' promises
July 10, 2018 by Abraham T. Zere·Comments Off on Eritreans are happy about peace and wary of Isaias' promises
(Published in Al Jazeera English; July 9, 2018)
Despite officially welcoming Ethiopia's peace efforts, the Eritrean regime is keeping its people in the dark.
In this grab taken from video provided by ERITV, Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed is welcomed by Erirea's President Afwerki as he disembarks the plane, in Asmara, Eritrea, Sunday, July 8, 2018 [ERITV via AP]
Ever since Ethiopia announced in early June that it will fully accept the terms of a 2000 peace agreement with neighbouring Eritrea, the pace of normalisation of relations between the two countries has been truly stunning.
First, a high-level Eritrean delegation made a visit to Addis Ababa on June 26 and kickstarted the talks on ending the decades-long conflict. Only a couple of weeks later, Ethiopia's reformist new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made a landmark visit to Asmara and met the Eritrean president face-to-face.
As the convoy carrying Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki – who personally greeted his guest at the Asmara airport – travelled across the city, people waved the twinned flags of Ethiopiaand Eritrea and threw flowers and corn. Portraits of Abiy and large Ethiopian flags could be seen on public buildings around the city.
At a state dinner Isaias hosted in honour of Abiy, the two leaders took turns in praising each other. In a televised speech, Isaias said he was "grateful" for the peace efforts of the Ethiopian prime minister. He said that the two countries have already made up for most of what was lost in the past 20 years of conflict. Click here

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Best of SB Nation NBA
Report: Bulls looking to ensure actual accountability this year by...just kidding same old same old
subtle shifting voices!
By your friendly BullsBlogger@BullsBlogger May 1, 2017, 9:04am CDT
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Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
I have a lot of bones to pick about KC Johnson's latest article detailing the moribund Bulls front office.
To begin, it's the story itself. It's not much, but that's part of the problem. We already knew that this season, like our lives as Bulls fans, was pointless and everybody is coming back since it was all fine. And that the plan is that next season will be pointless too.
And this was somewhat encouraging...
the Bulls front office is small by league standards. Team President Michael Reinsdorf has been quietly gauging other organizational structures and is expected to push for more open debate, discussion and exchange of ideas between principal decision-makers.
but then...oh, no: what his this godforsaken trash?
Jim Paxson is an example of someone who could have an increased voice or role.
So...it's just same same ol' cronies then. This does read like an organizational shift from Forman to Paxson, but that's shuffling the table placards at a Bulls family wedding, not actual change. The Bulls do have a small front office, staffed with either Bulls Dynasty or AmesMafia do-nothings and more resources towards ticket sales analytics than basketball analytics. As Stephen Noh of The Athletic lamented, it's a backwards and under-staffed organization that's been falling behind for years.
You'd think even if it's a pipe dream that the loyalty brigade would be transitioned elsewhere, there'd be mention of hiring more people, even (gasp) an outside voice. Listening to some other entrenched guy more would certainly not be accountability. It's been a bad 6 years, and a really bad past 2. After an initial report of coaching staff changes in the 2016 offseason there turned out to be nothing, and after this season the only change is letting Paxson's brother call in from the Scottsdale Panera more often?
Now other things I hate about KC's article:
Jim Paxson is described as "Bulls director of basketball operations and former Cavaliers general manager who drafted LeBron James". That's it. Not that he was the failed and fired GM of the Cavs, or that he's John Paxson's brother. Jim was hired by the Bulls in 2006 as a consultant and then scout, with self-professed responsibilities of "Primary focus on NBA Pro Personel [sic]. Secondary focus West coast college draft scouting and NBA minor league responsibility." So I guess we have him to thank for both the Tony Snell draft pick and the trade of Snell for Michael Carter-Williams? Jim was promoted in 2010-11 and I can't think of anything that's gone less than ideal since then.
Like no mention of Jim as John's brother, I also find it curious that Michael Reinsdorf isn't explicitly mentioned as Jerry's son. Obviously most people know that, but their shared genes are not just happenstance, it's their primary qualifications for their jobs.
this line: "there's a demand for change from the outside. And the meetings are expected to produce that, albeit not in the loss of jobs and more subtly than those thirsting for blood might prefer". That's right: we're all 'bloodthirsty'.
Couching the use of Jim Paxson's name as "an example of someone who could have an increased"...like he was just thumbed through the media guide as a possibility? That'd be remarkably useless, if true. This instead was undoubtedly floated as a possibility by the organization, so report it as such.
Ugh, so we had that brief glow of not having to watch Bulls basketball, and already the team is back to stomp on our souls with this tepid nonsense. They're reportedly going to have a press conference early this week, I'm sure that'll be more of the same too. And at the risk of sounding too 'bloodthirsty', I hope they're ceremonially impaled and I can drink their blood! Or I'll merely settle for seeing any non-trivial change.
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The UN in North Macedonia
UN Entities in North Macedonia
Our Team in North Macedonia
Systematic solutions as an answer to the global food and energy crisis
The United Nations annual conference, this time entitled as "Look further" was held today in Skopje.
Photo: © UN RCO
Skopje, December 21, 2022. - At the conference entitled "Look further", which was held today in Skopje in the organization of the United Nations, representatives of several UN agencies together with international experts and representatives of the government discussed the key measures that the Republic of North Macedonia is taking and should take plans in the future in order to overcome the challenges in the food and energy crisis.
"The current crisis is in many ways unprecedented. However, the root causes and drivers are neither new nor surprising and reflect our inability to prioritize the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Policy solutions are complex. We need to respond to the immediate needs to lift people out of poverty, but we also need to support businesses in order to save jobs, with concrete measures to ensure the best possible results with the available resources. Most importantly, policies should be systemic, sustainable and visionary to ensure that, despite the challenges, we remain strongly focused on sustainable growth and development. That requires timely and accurate data, cooperation and coordination," said the UN Resident Coordinator, Rossana Dudziak, at the opening of the conference.
During the panel, the Vice Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Fatmir Bytyqi, emphasized that the problems should be solved systematically. "If they are not solved systematically, the problems increase. For example, we have been talking about digitization for years, but it was only superficial and not essential. Digitization requires a fundamental change in the behavior of stakeholders and citizens. We have not entered any segment to solve the problem in the way we should solve it", says Bytyqi. "Regarding the energy crisis, we understand that production is important, but we knew that we are 35 percent dependent on energy imports. It was nice because the price was good. As soon as a crisis comes, everyone asks why the problem is not solved. That problem is not solved overnight. The problem is again systemic. It should have started to be solved 10 years ago, and that in the field of alternative energies. Green energy. We are now trying to get old timers back into traffic with little intervention. But that is not a solution. The solution is green energy, a transition to green energy," added the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
The deputy representative of UNICEF, Artur Ayvazov, pointed out that shocks from price growth disproportionately affect households with more children and poorer families, due to their lower incomes and the greater share of food and energy consumption in their household budgets. Rising food prices leave these families with very little means to meet other basic needs. Ayvazov indicated that the Government should consider additional measures to reduce the burden on children and other vulnerable groups, including by expanding the access and volume of existing cash transfers and to ensure that the budget crisis does not disrupt basic health care services. , social protection and education.
Addressing the conference, the Deputy Regional Representative of FAO for Europe and Central Asia, Nabil Gangi, emphasized that from a long-term perspective, it is important to consider the structural causes of the food crisis, and in order to have a better approach to solving this problem, distinguishes between issues affecting access to food and issues affecting food availability. In terms of access to food, the situation is multidimensional and reflects the complex interrelationship between food, energy and financial crises. According to Gangi, addressing food security challenges caused by current crises requires an "agri-food systems" approach, which FAO promotes to act outside the usual sectoral frameworks. It is a systematic combination of policies, investments and solutions focused on sustainable improvements in productivity and efficiency, greater resilience and ensuring enough healthy food for all.
"Empirical research shows that a well-developed financial system can increase growth by up to 1 percent, and more importantly, reduce poverty. Financial systems contribute to encouraging savings and channeling them into investments, which are important for increasing the volume of capital and productivity, which in turn are the main determinants of long-term growth," said the Governor of National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia, Anita Angelovska - Bezhoska. "The importance of finance is especially great in these crisis circumstances that emphasize structural weaknesses and the need for a green and digital transformation of the economy. It is positive for us that credit support for green transformation is growing, i.e. loans for this purpose in the past three years have recorded an increase of 80%", says Angelovska - Bezhoska.
According to the Permanent Representative of the UNDP, Armen Grigoryan, the crisis will probably continue in 2023 and it is difficult to predict in which direction things will develop. "UNDP and other UN agencies in the country, together with other development partners, are here to support institutions and citizens and contribute to public dialogue and consensus building around specific policies and other measures that will contribute to addressing current development challenges and the impact of the global crisis. However, we now have a better understanding of the vulnerabilities and root causes of the crisis, internal and external factors, and propose systemic pathways in response to the crisis. One of the things that should be paid attention to is the gray economy, which, according to research, amounts to somewhere around 35 percent entering the system, to pay taxes. The second thing is the encouragement of small and medium-sized enterprises and regional cooperation," Grigoryan said.
The Minister of Finance, Fatmir Besimi, emphasized that the past three years, which have been marked by crisis, have moved the mid-term framework of the planned fiscal targets, aimed at the consolidation of public finances and their long-term sustainability. "But at the same time, the policy makers give us the opportunity and show us where in the system we need changes. That's why we think it's good to implement the reform agenda in crisis episodes."
He added that this year, contrary to expectations, was not a year suitable for fiscal consolidation, and there was a need for measures to support citizens, the economy and for greater production of electricity from domestic capacities to deal with the energy and price crisis.
"In these conditions, the Government successfully resorted to rationalization of the expenditure side of the Budget, with which the achieved deficit is largely kept within the framework of the fiscal targets, which by 2027 should be reduced to 2.8% of the GDP budget deficit and public debt below 60%", said Besimi.
The goal of the United Nations agencies, UNDP, FAO and UNICEF, together with national and international partners, is to find sustainable and long-term solutions that will respond to the needs of vulnerable groups and at the same time support growth and development, in conditions of high inflation. and modest financial resources.
Aleksandar Dimishkovski
Communications and Advocacy Officer
aleksandar.dimishkovski@un.org +38970742503
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
United Nations Children's Fund
United Nations North Macedonia
Welcome to the United Nations country team website of North Macedonia
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1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Find out what the UN in North Macedonia is doing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn about employment opportunities across the UN in North Macedonia.
© Copyright 2023 United Nations in North Macedonia


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"SAN FRANCISCO — The classroom of 10th graders had already learned about sexually transmitted diseases and various types of birth control. On this day, the teenagers gathered around tables to discuss another topic: how and why to make sure each step in a sexual encounter is met with consent."


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← Mark Watches 'Jane the Virgin': S02E10 – Chapter Thirty-Two
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Mark Watches 'Jane the Virgin': S02E11 – Chapter Thirty-Three
Posted on July 15, 2020 by Mark Oshiro
In the eleventh episode of the second season of Jane the Virgin, Jane struggles with possibly inappropriate thoughts; Rogelio babysits; Michael gets closer to the truth; and Petra must reckon with her past self. Intrigued? Then it's time for Mark to watch Jane the Virgin.
Trigger Warning: For discussion of consent, racism.
I don't think this is necessarily the first time I've brought this up in this context, but I'm enjoying that while Jane the Virgin toys with telenovela tropes and patterns, it really excels when it—to use an unfortunate turn of phrase from Professor Chavez—digs deep into what those tropes actually mean in the real world. The idea of the forbidden romance—of crossing the line of what's appropriate—is a staple of romantic fiction and CERTAINLY of telenovelas. And while I'm starting with Jane's story, this motif appears across the board: What counts as appropriate? Inappropriate? When should we behave a certain way, and when are the power dynamics too overwhelming or insurmountable?
So, let's jump into this, because… well. Jane. And her professor. I appreciated that the show didn't try to obfuscate how potentially inappropriate this was. Jane spells it out directly, so there's no subtlety here, but I don't think there should have been. The fact that Jane is so open about this is what makes this compelling. There is a fantasy at play—that of the hot, intellectually challenging professor. And we've all seen that fantasy in some form, and maybe some of us have actually entertained it. But the line here deals with power dynamics: Is it ethical for Jane to pursue a romance here with someone who is in charge of her education? Is it ethical for Professor Chavez to entertain that, too? Who is it worse for? Who has the power?
What's interesting is that there is a brief line (I believe from Xiomara, if memory serves me) that mentions that as long as it's between two consenting adults, then everything should be fine. And while that may be the case on a superficial level, a deeper examination makes this a lot more comfortable, and that's why I liked that this did not go as the fantasy dictated. Because if this was just a strict telenovela, there would have been a torrid affair that unfolded… exactly like Jane's dream, right??? I also understand Xiomara's enthusiasm and why she didn't seem at all bothered by the notion of Jane dating her teacher. Sometimes, we have things we don't see in a negative light, and Xiomara saw Jane being interested in a stable, handsome man, and I think she got excited! She wasn't thinking of the ethical conundrum so much as she was thinking of Jane's potential to be happy. Thus, Xiomara helped Jane feed into the fantasy. TO AN EXTENT. Because while this goes to a DEEPLY, DEEPLY uncomfortable and awkward place, I still have to wonder about Professor Chavez's physical affection: Was that not meant as a sign from his point of view? If so, maybe… don't touch your students? At all?
Look, I don't want to blame Jane entirely for the missed signals because part of having power in a given social situation means accepting that your behavior can be interpreted a certain way. It means that you have to think about the ramifications of what you say and do—as well as the things you don't say or do. And I wasn't expecting perfection here! If anything, I found this fulfilling because it's about how Jane really fucked up with that attempt at a kiss, and how she came to accept that her actions crossed a line she could not uncross, not matter how much she apologized. It was agonizing to see her ask to have another advisor, but given what happened, that truly felt like the best ethical choice. Creative, too! Because how can you write romance in a situation like this? Jane had to free herself from this situation if she was ever going to grow as a writer.
I admit I feel weird about Professor Chavez asking her to dinner anyway. I think an unnamed aspect of this that could make this more uncomfortable concerns his side. Has he ever done this before? Because if you're in a position of power and you view people lower on the hierarchy of power as potential dating options… that is bad. Like, very bad. Consent matters, but I think we should also consider what kind of pressure a person is under to consent. In this dynamic, would a student feel compelled to date a professor because they're afraid of a bad grade? Could a professor be objective when teaching that student or would an unconscious bias develop? I get that this is all from Jane's perspective, but I don't want to lose sight of someone who is a position of power both because they are a teacher and because they are a man.
Xiomara's Future
Within Xiomara's story is yet another subversion of the expected telenovela trope: the dramatic proposal. There are shenanigans (and heartbreak) within this story, from Xiomara finding Liliana's ring in Rogelio's apartment, to the CRUSHING reveal that Rogelio intended it for Jane, not Xiomara, to Xiomara discovering that the bar owner who she had a professional relationship with did not believe she was committed to being a singer. It's a lot of emotional volatility, y'all. (I'm sticking with the metaphor I came up with on camera: This episode was like watching twenty car crashes in a row.) But this is also something that the show has been building up to! We've seen Xiomara struggle with not being where she wants to be professionally or creatively, and as she's certainly made strides, she's also been held back by various factors. So I completely understand why she turned down going to her own fortieth birthday party over playing this gig. She needed to prove that she was serious about her work, and the timing was just so awful.
Look, I also understand why she turned the proposal, despite how heartbreaking it was. In that rejection was an acknowledgement: Rogelio and Xiomara had not spoken about what kind of family they wanted. Rogelio wants more children, and Xiomara wants to focus on her career. I don't think this problem is insurmountable or impossible to solve. Ultimately, I believe Rogelio will understand someone he loves wanting to pursue a creative life. But that doesn't make this sting any less. It's still so damn painful. WHY MUST THIS SHOW HURT ME SO.
Good Dads
The same goes for Rogelio's babysitting subplot! Holy shit, this got SO fucking uncomfortable once Jane was in the hospital and let loose on her father, criticizing him for the whole "Mateo ate a diamond thing." Like, that's genuinely scary! What if it had caused Mateo internal damage? Or he had choked on it? There's a very terror in what happened, and that fear influenced how Jane criticized Rogelio. What I didn't expect was the brutal introspection from him, the internalization of the message inherent in what Jane said: What if Rogelio is a bad father? This relates to his plot with Xiomara, of course, but it's also so damn revealing. Because Rogelio wasn't there for Jane! So it makes sense that he'd be so critical of himself after this. How much of that feeling is based on guilt and shame?
For what it's worth, I think Rogelio, if he does have children, will certain struggle with fatherhood, but… everyone does! And he's had some experience, since he has stepdaughters with his ex-wife, right? So it's not like he's completely without skill. But no one knows EVERYTHING about being a parent before they become one, and they still don't know everything even after they do. It's a learning curve, and that's what we've seen with three generation of Villanueva women; I think we'd see it with Rogelio, too.
Mutter and Sin Rostro
Hi, holy shit, WHAT. WHAT. I don't know how to deal with this??? Sin Rostro is Mutter's step-daughter? THIS FAMILY IS SO FUCKED UP, I CAN'T HANDLE IT. For a while, I wondered if Mutter and Sin Rostro were in competition with one another, but this… yeah. I did not see it coming. I admit that I like this plot less for the story itself—which can be fun at times—and more for how it intersects with the other characters. Like… what the fuck are Rafael and Luisa going to do in the long run with this information? How is it going to affect Luisa's complicated relationship with Rose? What of Rafael's already complicated notions of what it means to be a family? And what about Michael's case? I don't know how long this specific subplot can last at this point, but it was exciting to see Rose in a (slightly) new face here. WHAT ARE THEY PLANNING.
Susanna Bennett
Hey, wow, my queer feelings are CRUSHED. I am liking Luisa's writing more and more this season, especially as the writers are giving her a chance to round out. She isn't used for comedic relief nearly as much. But the sheer gay ANGST of this plotline was so much? Because this, too, fits within the motif of crossing a line. Luisa is a witness in a case that Susanna is working, so it is unethical for her to pursue any sort of personal relationship with her. And while this also fits a telenovela/romance trope, the writers decided to shoot daggers into all of our hearts with some much-needed honesty. I noticed during the scene where Luisa was wired and speaking to Rose's old driver that Susanna was having an emotional reaction, which seemed very out of character for her. Why did she care so much?
BECAUSE. Her attraction is real! She actually can't stop her feelings for Luisa, and I can't even imagine the conflict she's going through. But the same issue as we saw in Jane's plot pops up here: What line can't be uncrossed? What power dynamic is at play, and how does that make this inappropriate? So I fully expected to see Susanna turn down Luisa's advances because of that power imbalance, especially since we've seen how much Susanna hates to break the rules. That is precisely why I didn't expect Susanna to admit that the reason largely had nothing to do with that. It was because Susanna believed Luisa's declaration that she still loved Rose. That moment was like a punch in the chest, y'all. ANOTHER CAR WRECK. So, there goes THAT potential!!!!
Petra's Past
That moment also has a parallel here between Petra and Rafael, though the context leading up to the same motif is drastically different. But I want to talk about another aspect of this story as I lead up to that. The show doesn't explore it at all, but I couldn't ignore the subtext: Petra, an upper class white woman, once yelled at and insulted a brown woman working as a barista. That act was completely unforgettable for Petra; at no point in "Chapter Thirty-Three" does she ever recall what she did to Izzie. For Izzie, it was a moment that was memorable enough that she created a piece of art born of that act of cruelty. Izzie never forgot what Petra did. And classifying it as a grudge is really not what the incident deserves. This was an aggressive, racist act, with undertones of classism, too. Izzie was beneath Petra, and thus, Izzie violated Petra's understanding of how the world worked for people like her. It doesn't matter the spilling coffee is a benign act most of the time. To Petra, her right to a "perfect" experience was violated, and so she lashed out.
All of that is of course bullshit, but it's how people like Petra think. I'd say that Petra has grown since then—and she has in some ways—but didn't we just see her mistreating people who worked for her in the previous episode? I understand the emotional reasons behind her rejection of the nurses, but that doesn't mean we should ignore the ramifications of how whiteness moves throughout the world. The show doesn't do it at all, but I'm certainly going to.
Still, at least Petra tries to make amends, though even then, they're for selfish reasons, since she needs Izzie's wedding to happen at the Marbella. I only tangentially felt that she was trying to be a better person for the sake of it or because she hurt someone all those years ago. What I wanted to see was pretty simple: What was Petra willing to give up? How was she willing to do something so that Izzie would feel that Petra was genuinely trying to make it right? That's why Petra's first attempt was so disastrous! She did it without consulting Izzie, and she only made matters worse. It was only when she presented a solution to Izzie—one that would absolutely cost the hotel a TON of money, since weddings there cannot be cheap—that Izzie was finally on board. Petra was willing to give up the ENTIRE fee for the wedding and some of her own dignity by allowing that art piece based on her to stay in the lobby. Yes, this still might work longterm for the hotel, and that waters down the act in a way, but at least Petra tried here. She's hurt a lot of people over the years, and I felt that ultimately, this was a better way for her to approach that.
And then, of course, there's that last punch in the gut, that last car wreck. Rafael and Petra, after this whole thing is resolved, have a lovely, emotional conversation, one that reflects on what is good about Petra, and they KISS. They actually kissed! I was shocked by that, but not as much as I was by Petra asking Rafael if he was over Jane yet. BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER IS NO. HE ISN'T.
And just like that, the fantasy is over.
The video for "Chapter Thirty-Three" can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
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In September 2017, Japanese singer and artist Etsuko Yakushimaru received the Ars Electronica EC STARTS Prize 2017 for "Artistic Exploration" with her project "I'm Humanity."
In "I'm Humanity," Yakushimaru creates pop music through biotechnology, converting musical information into a long, durable DNA sequence capable of recording massive amounts of data.
The full 14-minute video of her performance of "I'm Humanity" at the Prix Ars Electronica Gala held at the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria, has now been released. In the clip, Yakushimaru appears onstage after Ars Electronica Artistic Director Gerfried Stocker introduces her background and a video summarizing the aim and process of the project is shown.
Dressed in an originally designed hakama skirt by FACETASM and a flowing robe by SINA SUIEN, Yakushimaru performed "I'm Humanity" in front of an audience that included multinational jury members and artists as well as political figures from EU nations.
Also known for creating various original instruments, she performed the piece by utilizing creations such as the "nine-dimensional" instrument "dimtakt" and the YXMR Ghost "Objet," which controls sound and visual effects through gestures, along with a KAOSS PAD sampler. Motoki Yamaguchi from Yakushimaru's band Sotaisei Riron supported her on drums.
After her mesmerizing performance, which an Ars Electronica staff member noted as being so captivating, "It was the first time I saw politicians in the audience leaning forward in their seats to get a better view," she exits the stage with a simple, "Bye-bye."


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Oby: Activist by Day, Politician by Night
Posted by African Examiner Articles/Opinion, Latest News Sunday, May 18th, 2014
-Uwa Eghomeka
There appears to be a growing trend in this country. As I reflect on the last few weeks in our nation's history, something about it seems hauntingly familiar, and it's not merely the apparent unity of the Nigerian people in the face of the heinous kidnapping of our Chibok girls, or the involvement of the international community in the search for the girls.
Women Group Demands Release Of Abducted School Girls
During the days of the Occupy Nigeria protests against the removal of fuel subsidy in 2012, many social media critics and activists were born. While that in itself is laudable, because Nigerians are learning to speak out using every means available to them, what I find disturbing is that ex-government officials did not merely join the bandwagon, they virtually began to 'own' it.
I am reminded of how Mallam Nasir El Rufai, with his eloquent and often poignant messages on twitter and facebook, posed as a man of the people and the face of opposition throughout the Occupy Nigeria protest in 2012. This,of course, was before the release of his controversial book. One would safely assume that the mallam bargained on riding on his new found fame at the time to lend some measure of authenticity and honesty to his printed pack of unsubstantiated claims. But he would not have his way. El Rufai has been exposed for the man he is; he can no longer beguile people with his penchant for peddling lies as the truth.
In the wake of Nasir El Rufai's crash landing and subsequent transition from Occupy Nigeria hero to power-starved narcissist, like a phoenix rising from Nasir's inglorious ashes, another ex-government official, social media critic cum activist has emerged. Fondly referred to by El Rufai as his friend and sister, Oby Ezekwesili has taken to using social media to advance her agenda, gaining popularity especially after her popular keynote address delivered at the APC conventionheld in Abuja.
Oby Ezekwesili has clearly decided that using El Rufai's modus operandi; posting as many tweets as possible, using every medium available to make Nigerians believe you actually care; that you are one of them, while making derisive defamatory remarks about government administrations you were not a part of, would earn her the popularity she so desperately seeks.
This trend of ex-government officials frequently taking swipes at successive administrations for the very same offences their administrations were guilty of is becoming quite alarming. Do they perhaps believe that by belittling these people they somehow raise people's perception of their administration as over and above all others in terms of not merely accomplishments, but standards as well?
Mrs Ezekwesili would do well to remember the saying, "Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones". This is not attempt at digging up dirt on her, though there is dirt enough. But let's leave things as they are, after all why should we show more than a passing interest in her connection with a certain 'wonder bank', or how and why "dear Nasir" lavished her with loads of money and choice property in Abuja when he was the FCT Minister;the same man who rendered many Nigerians homeless, might I add.
It would have been so much easier to believe that Oby is who she claims to be, but some of her associations, actions and even statements have rendered her claims null and void. At this point one even wonders, with all her claims to goodness and public displays of passion for the people, why World Bank did not leave her in their employ rather than terminate her contract. Could it possibly be an indication of a less than stellar performance? And if it is, then it would justify her desperation to gain the recognition that eluded her while at World Bank by attempting to portray herself as a 'man of the people'.
Oby has claimed so many times that she is nonpartisan, but we will not be carried away by people's claims any longer. After all, her bosom buddy and long standing friend, Nasir El Rufai, the accidental public servant, also claimed piety while in government, yet we all know that his claims were baseless lies and his term as minister was an accident indeed. Then again, she's not some innocent wading in the murky waters of politics for the first time; and as she uses the unfortunate incident of the Chibok kidnappings to gain traction, it becomes clear that Oby is ready to play in the big leagues. With her non-partisan claims making waves, we may very well soon find ourselves burdened with an 'accidental politician' as well.
Jonathan to Nigerians: New Policy on Tokunbo Cars'll Not Cause Hardship
Governorship Polls Witness Low Turnout, Late Arrival Of INEC Officials
Buhari Appoints Amokachi Nigeria's Football Ambassador
Bayelsa: Alaibe Bows To Pressure, Withdraws From APC Governorship Primary


text:
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I am having this problem for weeks. I am getting  the following error:
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In addition I am getting this Warning message:

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A: I had the same problem! Please make sure you don't have minor errors in your LaTeX markup. In my example after changing the location of the comma from $X,$ to $X$, my pandoc error disappeared and I was able to render my pdf.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Contemporary Novels with Just a Hint of 'What-If' Paranormal Possibility
Old Hickory Lane, a novel
audio sample of Old Hickory Lane
http://www.ejruek.com/EJRuek-author-blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Retail-Sample.mp3
Raised white, half Cree, Warren Jeffreys, D.V.M., is gifted with animals, but not very people savvy.
Struggling to survive his first year in private practice, bad luck and worse judgment lands him broke and homeless, camping out with vagrants and vagabonds. He's cleansing cows and cutting up dead lambs inside bawling ewes—an animal mechanic working for a small-time veterinary service in rural North Idaho.
Filled with intense, critical emergencies, all of them based on true cases, the book has been "vetted" by modern, practicing veterinarians. It's the animals that make you really pull for Dr. Warren Jeffreys, because, despite his best attempts not to, he cares. A lot. And, because he cares, because he competes against death, regardless the odds, he makes a difference. Unfortunately, the often cantankerous farm folk he serves don't always appreciate his efforts and skill. Nor do they trust him, the "too tall, long-haired Injun." Warren truly is a man without a home, with a foot in two worlds, but welcome in neither until he learns to trust his own heart.
YEARS IN THE WRITING
This novel took years to write. I consistently avoided writing certain scenes–the most critical and emotional ones–because it was soul-searing to plunge into the midst of their moment-to-moment crises. Faced with either abandoning the novel completely or finishing it, I chose to make myself finish the missing scenes and finalize the manuscript.
And, once done and in the hands of aforementioned practicing veterinarians, their veterinary staff, and a handful of beta readers, the reception the book got was jaw-dropping. Everyone was genuinely riveted by it. Emotionally captivated, Dr. C. called me late one night weeping in shock as she neared the end of the story. She was devastated and enraptured, grieving and joyful, simultaneously. It was a very good feeling for me to know that, what I'd set out to do, I'd managed to do ten times better than hoped…because everyone, absolutely everyone, had the exact same reaction: "What happens next? When are you going to write the sequel?"
It's in process. It's titled Come-Back Road
AVAILABILITY OF THIS TOP READER-RATED BOOK: Amazon.com in print, audio, and eBook. Print and all other eBook formats from any eBook and/or print book distributor. Unabridged audio from Amazon.com, Audible.com, and iTunes. (READ CHAPTER ONE)
To Inherit a Murderer, psychological (paranormal? 😉 ) suspense
At 7, William killed his mother's dog.
At 10, he stabbed his father
with a letter opener.
There's the murder
of the family maid.
Now, his parents die
in a strange traffic accident,
and Deborah is willed custody.
Willed custody of her best friend's son, Deborah Rheinhart suspects the twelve-year-old is a murderer…and he is.
At seven, William killed his mother's dog. At ten, he stabbed his father with a letter opener. There's the murder of the family maid.
Deborah finds that she's brought home a boy who is driven by hatred and rage. Injured by him the very first day, William threatens Deborah's carefully secured life. Finding a knife stuck in her bedroom door, waking to William standing over her when he's supposed to be locked in his room, she's is pushed to the brink of hysteria as both she and the boy's hired chaperones suffer increasingly disturbing incidents.
Straddling North Idaho ranch life and the prestigious world of Grand Prix show jumping, To Inherit a Murderer by E. J. Ruek is the story of a woman who must learn to love and listen, regardless how evil-seeming the child within her care. It is a story about earning respect and admiration by actions, which Deborah achieves, despite herself. William believes in her as he has never believed in anyone. But when Deborah lets her guard down and begins to believe in William, death answers.
I'll be audio recording To Inherit a Murderer as soon as I get a chance. Keep an eye out for it, or sign up for my newsletter.
Slightly Disturbing Stories, an anthology
This book is dedicated to all those who like a nerve-tingling story that ends well for the innocent and good.
There's no 'gruel'-no gore and cruel. There's nothing to make you scream or hide your eyes. There's no sexual perversion. What there is might bring a tear of joy at story's end and make you squirm a bit in the middle, but, regardless, the stories will stick with you, each a slightly disturbing ripple in your memory. It's not what's shown or told; it's what's left unsaid that echoes …forever.
Available at Amazon


This article is about the Alliance forces in Tanaan Jungle. For the draenei council sometimes called "Hand of the Prophet", see Council of Exarchs.
The Hand of the Prophet is the main Alliance force in Tanaan Jungle.
Yrel has assembled the remaining Exarchs and is calling for a crusade in Velen's name. Together they are working to establish a foothold in Tanaan Jungle and to overthrow Gul'dan.
[Medallion of the Legion] drops from the [Hellbane] mobs, and grants +1000 rep with the Hand.
The reputation was originally meant to have its own [Hand of the Prophet Tabard].
This page was last edited on 30 March 2019, at 23:16.


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Ireland's Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac is closing. Now the state is investigating what's happening to its exhibits
WSHU | By Eda Uzunlar
Published October 29, 2021 at 8:49 PM EDT
Jllm06
Ireland's Great Hunger Museum, located in Hamden, Connecticut as part of Quinnipiac University, announced it would close in 2021. The museum focused on the Irish Great Hunger of 1845–1852.
Quinnipiac University announced in August that Ireland's Great Hunger Museum, housed on its campus, is closing permanently after a near two-year hiatus during the pandemic. On top of community members being concerned about the museum's collection, a state investigation began this week.
Community members sent a letter to the Connecticut Attorney General William Tong expressing suspicion that the museum's collections would be sold off. Tong's office confirmed that an open inquiry was underway, but declined further comment.
John Morgan, a university spokesman, said the administration has no intention of selling the artifacts.
"[Quinnipiac is] committed to finding a solution for the display of the collection that will ensure it remains publicly accessible, advances the museum's original mission and preserves the story of the Great Hunger," Morgan said.
Community members said they aren't convinced. Adrian Flannelly, a supporter of the museum since its inception in 2012, said he doesn't believe the university is telling the full story of the collection's future in the two months since announcing the museum's closure.
"In Ireland, this would be referred to as closing the gate before the horse is gone," he said.
Flannelly said he doesn't think the museum should have closed before the creation of a plan for the collection.
"We'd like them to fill us in on whatever [options] they have," he said, "not just blanket statements to make them look better."
A Facebook group, Save Ireland's Great Hunger Museum has arisen in response to the museum's closure. Some members of the group, including Flannelly and over 1,400 other supporters, will be gathering outside the building in Hamden on Saturday, October 30 at 1 p.m. for a community salute and celebration of the museum, which is set to include live music, dancing, and street art.
Connecticut NewsConnecticutQuinnipiac UniversityEda UzunlarHistory
Eda Uzunlar
Originally from South Dakota, Eda Uzunlar is a first generation Turkish-American and student at Yale University. Her work has appeared in NPR, Reveal, the Solutions Journalism Network, High Country News, and Wyoming-based news outlets.
See stories by Eda Uzunlar


Osteoporosis is a condition of the bones in which the bones lose their density and start to become brittle. This weakening of the bone and the resulting complications are more common in women than in men.The most common causes of osteoporosis include menopause leading to hormonal changes, deficiency of calcium and Vitamin D, and the presence of other diseases which could cause weakening of the bones. The biggest health risk for people with osteoporosis is fractures from injuries and falls. It is common for people with osteoporosis to have weakened bones and also a poor posture from curved bones. Hormone therapy, dietary supplements and healthy lifestyle form the mainstay of treatment. When diagnosed early, bones can be protected from further damaged and risk of fractures can be minimized.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone. In this disease, the bones start to get thinner and brittle. They also lose their density and become more porous, much like a sponge. As a result, they have a tendency to break more easily, causing fractures. The process of degeneration of bone density can take several years before the onset of osteoporosis. Apart from causing fractures, osteoporosis can cause other problems like decreased mobility, pain and a stoop in posture.
Most people with osteoporosis have no symptoms. A minor injury or fall resulting in a fracture is usually how osteoporosis presents itself. Although osteoporosis can involve bones in any part of the body, it is known to commonly involve the wrist, hip, and spine. Studies have shown that the incidence of osteoporosis among women over the age of 50 is about 20%. This is a clear indicator of just how intense the problem is. What is more alarming is the fact that osteoporosis is no longer a problem affecting only those with advancing age but it is experienced even by those who are significantly younger.
Type 1 or post-menopausal osteoporosis affects women who reach menopause. This is therefore seen more in women than in men. It typically affects women between 50-70 years of age. The strength of the bone decreases because the spongy mass contained in the bone reduces, making a person more prone to fractures in the wrist and spine.
It is observed that the bone is at its healthiest around the age of 30. After this age, bone health tends to decline marginally with every passing year. Women who attain menopause tend to lose bone mass at a more rapid rate than men of the corresponding age. This is caused due to lowered levels of oestrogen in the body. If the bones do not attain their maximum health by the age of 30, the chances of developing the disease later in life increase considerably. Preventive measures are the best defences for such conditions.
This form, known as senile osteoporosis is experienced after 70. Women are twice as likely to develop type 2 osteoporosis than men. In this type, both the spongy mass in the bone and the hard exterior degenerate. The common bones to get affected are hip and spine causing hip and spinal fractures.
In this form of juvenile osteoporosis, the exact cause for osteoporosis is not known. It is known to affect boys more than girls. Beginning just before puberty, the child may grow to experience pain in the lower body, including feet, ankles, hip, knee and lower back. The child may have trouble walking and be prone to fractures in the legs, feet, and ankles. While bone density may be gained again during puberty, there is no certainty that it will attain optimal levels in adulthood.
Chronic backaches, which are most pronounced when getting out of bed. The pain is usually the worst when walking or standing. Sudden, severe pain in the back is also another common experience. Back pain may sometimes be extremely severe due to compression fractures in the spine. These may, however, not cause any symptoms sometimes.
The body tends to lose flexibility when suffering from osteoporosis. Simple activities including bending, twisting and stretching the body become difficult, or cause severe pain when being performed.
Fractures are a common symptom of osteoporosis. The occurrence of fractures, especially after minor falls and injuries are a clear sign. The most common places for fractures include spine, hip, and wrist. Simple daily activities like lifting bags, getting into and out of the car and sitting on a low stool or chair may prove dangerous.
Body posture tends to suffer as a result of osteoporosis. The person may start to stoop and it is also observed that some people may lose height as a result of the disease.
Another common symptom which is visible through dental X-rays is loss of bone in the jaw.
Bone health is at its peak around the age of 20. By this time, the body has spent a considerable amount of time building and repairing bones. The cause for an increase in bone mass at this stage is because of the ability for bones to build faster than they break down. With advancing age, the ability to build and repair is slowed down, causing bones to weaken progressively. The higher the bone mass is during youth, the greater will be the reserves that are created in the body for the future. An inadequate build up of bone mass is the single largest cause of osteoporosis.
The tendency to develop osteoporosis increases with an increase in age. Once over 40, we are 1.5 times more at risk of developing the condition. Moreover, the likelihood increases 1.5 with each passing decade of our life. This occurs due to a reduction in the absorption of calcium in the body, reduced levels of the hormone calcitonin produced in the body, and rise in the parathyroid hormone.
Osteoporosis affects women more than men, especially after women enter menopause.
Genes are also responsible for an increase in the risk of osteoporosis. Whites and Asians are among those who are in the highest risk group. The chance among monozygotic twins is also significantly higher. Those who have a family history of osteoporosis also fall under the high-risk group.
Our diet can play an important role in increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Increased amounts of alcohol and caffeine, high sodium diets and diets high in animal protein can contribute to the disease. Inadequate consumption of calcium in the diet is one more factor that increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Anorexia induced by exercise and early onset of menopause put women at greater risk of osteoporosis. Obesity is another risk factor. However, the most major contributor is oestrogen in women and testosterone in men. Those undergoing treatment for prostate related problems and women undergoing treatment for breast cancer are at higher risk.
Those who have a history of, or are being cured for diseases like cancer, Celiac disease, Lupus, liver or kidney disease, myeloma, and inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk.
Smoking cigarettes and sedentary lifestyle are other factors that add to the risk of osteoporosis.
Preventing osteoporosis is of greatest importance when dealing with the disease since the condition is irreversible for life. Science has still not managed to find a way to reverse damage to bones and tissue once lost, and looking after the body and paying attention to tell-tale signs is critical.
The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to understand if you are in the high-risk group for one or more factors and care for the body accordingly. Understanding higher risks help in two ways. Firstly, it helps to be aware of and sensitive to the needs of the body. Secondly, it helps find alternatives and coping mechanisms in modifying diet and lifestyle to keep the patient safer.
Protein and calcium are the main nutrients that help build the bone. Protein helps build stronger bones, and if you do not receive enough through your diet, you may need to opt for supplements. Healthy, natural sources of calcium are another way to help prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium in the blood and very important for bone health. Not many people get sufficient Vitamin D naturally since the greatest source is sunlight.
Watching your weight is important in preventing osteoporosis. There are dangers to being both overweight and underweight. Those who are overweight stand a greater chance of fracturing the arm and wrist. Being underweight may make you prone to loss of bone density.
Exercise has benefits no matter when you start, but there is no substitute for the benefits of exercising when you are young. Working out with weights and using a varied exercise regimen helps make the muscles surrounding the bones more flexible, and also improves the strength of the arms and spine. Exercises targeting the lower body help strengthen the hips, legs, and spine.
Weight-bearing exercises are very effective in strengthening the bones and in preventing osteoporosis. Examples of weight-bearing exercises include squats, push-ups, leg presses, climbing stairs and use of weights. These exercises should always be performed under supervision and after seeking a doctor's approval.
Women who are prescribed hormone replacement therapy should take it cautiously and weigh the benefits as well as the possible risks of osteoporosis by following the advice of their doctor.
Since smoking increases the risk of osteoporosis, it is best to give up smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
Anyone who has a family history of osteoporosis, who has suffered a fracture or who is above the age of 40 should be screened carefully for the disease. It is also important to check those who have symptoms of other diseases that could be the possible triggers of osteoporosis.
There are several ways of diagnosing osteoporosis.
This is usually the first step to a diagnosis and is carried out for various reasons. The first, most important step is to check for various parameters which could indicate a related ailment that may, in future, cause osteoporosis if not causing it already. Various markers found in blood and urine samples including hydroxyproline and N-telopeptides help indicate to what level reabsorption occurs in the bone, and also whether treatment is proving useful. It is not, however, the most accurate in predicting the risk of fracture. Various substances tested in the urine and blood help flag patients who do not have adequate reabsorption and bone formation.
This is yet another commonly used test to diagnose osteoporosis since radiodensity is markedly lower among such patients. However, in order to be visible in the radiograph, there must be at least a 30 percent reduction in bone calcium. If the levels are any less, it is unlikely that a conventionally used radiograph will recognise it. Depending on how the film has been developed, the weight of the patient and exposure to X-rays, several discrepancies may be noticed in radiographs.
This is by far the most accurate test to measure bone density and check for the risk of developing fractures. There are several tests that fall under this method including quantitative ultrasound, single-energy X-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography, and others. Of these, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry has been known to be the quickest, taking less than 7 minutes, and is most accurate in determining bone mineral content. Using an x-ray beam to determine bone mineral density, it can help predict the risk of fractures. For every single deviation from the desired range, the risk of fracture doubles.
A variety of courses of treatment are available for osteoporosis. However, optimal treatment includes a combination of medical intervention and changes made to lifestyle. Treatment always begins with a complete study of the patient's history and an analysis of all possible factors that may contribute to the disease. Following this, the most suitable method of treatment may be chosen.
These help by preventing the breakdown of bones, and are most effective for post-menopausal women. They may be taken orally as tablets or injected into the bloodstream. However, there are several side effects that can be experienced including irritation in the throat, nausea, trouble swallowing and pain in the abdomen.
Usage of calcitonin is primarily to reduce bone loss in the post-menopausal stage. This is usually administered in nasal form and can have similar effects as oestrogen replacement therapy. The normally prescribed dosage requires spraying into the alternate nostrils. This has been found to be the ideal treatment for those who have symptoms of acute vertebral fractures. This method, in some cases, has even shown a marginal increase in bone mineral density. There are accompanied side effects which may include rashes, facial flushes, and gastrointestinal problems.
This is the only known agent that stimulates cells that develop bone (osteoblastic cells) and aids bone formation. In studies conducted where subjects were given high doses of sodium fluoride, bone mineral density in the spine increased significantly. The rate of spinal fracture, however, remained unchanged. This is an ideal form of treatment for those with a mild or moderate form of osteoporosis. Another encouraging fact about this therapy is that there are almost no known side effects. What goes against it is that sodium fluoride treatment is yet to receive FDA approval.
Calcium is among the most popularly known minerals for bone strength. The body is incapable of making its own calcium, but loses it quite regularly, making dietary intake calcium extremely vital. The incidence of calcium deficiency is growing among people, and a common cause of increased incidence among the elderly is the tendency to develop an intolerance to lactose. Consumption of calcium supplements has shown stabilisation of skeletal bone mass, and consuming a recommended dose every day can lower the rate of bone loss.
Vitamin D is needed to increase absorption of calcium in the body. Supplements are recommended for those with insufficient vitamin D levels since it counters bone loss during the post-menopausal stage. It is important that the dosage is monitored carefully since excessive consumption can cause complications including nausea, hypercalcemia and kidney stones.
Exercise can be highly beneficial when performed under supervision and after seeking doctor's approval. Exercises that focus on strength training are recommended for people with osteoporosis. These include squats, push-ups, use of dumbbells and resistance bands. Exercises help strengthen and make the body more flexible, improve coordination and also helps increase bone density.
Unlike several other medical conditions which rely on medicines and have little difference in the role played by lifestyle, osteoporosis is all about managing lifestyle and making the right choices.
For people who are at risk for osteoporosis, it is important to prevent falls and fractures. This is more critical in people with an advanced age, as they tend to lose balance faster and have a greater chance to trip. Improve flooring indoors so it isn't slippery and offers you a good grip. Make sure you have a high bed so it is easier to get in and out. Install grab bars and handles in the toilet to help support you as you sit and get up. Avoid having to climb stairs within your house.
Regular exercise is a must for those high at risk and those who already suffer the condition. Exercise allows more flexibility and ease of movement. A common symptom of osteoporosis and related ailments is pain and stiffness in the back, spine, thighs, and legs. While the body may crave rest and more sedentary lifestyle owing to these troubles, it becomes more necessary to loosen the surrounding muscle and keep it supple. Exercise also helps in movement and maintains better body balance and alignment, lowering the chances of having a fall.
Having a proper diet rich in foods that help in boosting calcium levels in the body can prove to be useful.
Those who are overweight are not just more prone to osteoporosis, but also put the body at greater risk of falls and fractures. Managing body weight can be done through diets, exercise and consulting a nutritionist.
Excessive consumption of alcohol has been shown to contribute to osteoporosis, and tobacco is known to weaken the bones.
Being outdoors helps cut down on the sedentary lifestyle, allows some refreshment and recreation and also gives the body much-needed vitamin D. Those at risk sometimes prefer staying confined to the house because of the fear of falls and fractures, but it only causes more damage than good.
Prognosis for osteoporosis is encouraging when it is detected early, and also when the age of the patient is lower. With treatment, risks of fracture may be reduced and density of the bone improves. Even in cases of mild osteoporosis, it is possible for bones to heal quickly and completely. When diagnosed and treated, it is possible for patients to live a quality life.
Medicines listed below are available for Osteoporosis. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.