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Домой News PVRIS singer Lynn Gunn shares thoughts on stating publicly that one is...
PVRIS singer Lynn Gunn shares thoughts on stating publicly that one is gay
In a recent BBC interview PVRIS singer Lynn Gunn shared her thoughts on the importance of publicly speaking about being gay
In a recent interview with BBC's Newsbeat, PVRIS frontwoman Lynn Gunn shared her thoughts on stating publicly that one is gay.
"I used to want to be private about it," she said. "But I think it's something that needs to be shared publicly. I think a lot of people are trying to accept themselves and come to terms with it because it's still a pretty big thing right now. I never had someone to look up to and be like 'oh that person is OK and they're gay.' If I can be that for someone then it's why I'm open about it… The more it's talked about, the more accustomed people become to it and it's not an issue any more."
PVRIS latest studio album, White Noise, came out in 2014. Catch the band on a US tour this fall with Bring Me The Horizon.
Watch: PVRIS share black-and-white video 'Holy'
Do you agree with Lynn Gunn's words? Leave us your comments below and stay tuned with Alterock Facebook and Twitter to never miss on the news about your favorite alternative music!


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Q: ImageDataGenerator causes unwanted color changes in images Finally I have a question for which I didn't find any answer searching stack overflow. :)
I have the issue that the ImageDataGenerator from Keras changes the RGB values of images when it should not.
Right now, I am working on semantic segmentation of images of electric motors. I use the ImageDataGenerator for the augmentation of my training data. The masks contain 7 classes which are saved as RGB values.
Now I face the issue that the ImageDataGenerator changes the RGB values while performing rotation or width/height shift. This affects the quality of the segmentation, since all the pixels which have a RGB value different to the original values are assigned to the wrong class.
Here is my code:
#mask is array of shape [256,256,3]
x=mask.reshape((1,)+mask.shape)

#Reshaping the mask array from [256,256,3] to [65536,3]
colors = mask.reshape(-1, mask.shape[-1])

#Printing all unique values contained in the array
print(np.unique(mask,axis=0, return_counts = True))

>>> (array([[  0.,   0.,   0.],
       [  0.,   0., 255.],
       [  0., 255.,   0.],
       [  0., 255., 255.],
       [255.,   0.,   0.],
       [255.,   0., 255.],
       [255., 255., 255.]], dtype=float32), array([  185,   198,  1839,   164,  6424,   116, 56610], dtype=int64))

data_gen_args = dict(
                   rotation_range=90,
                   width_shift_range=0.2,
                   height_shift_range=0.2,
                   horizontal_flip=True,
                   vertical_flip=True,
                   fill_mode='nearest',
                   dtype='float32'
                                 )

image_datagen = ImageDataGenerator(**data_gen_args)
image_datagen.fit(x, augment=True, seed=seed])
y=next(image_datagen.flow(x, batch_size=1, seed=seed]))
y=y[0,:,:,:]

#printing all colors of the mask after the augmentation
colors = y.reshape(-1, y.shape[-1])
print(np.unique(y,axis=0, return_counts = True))

>>> (array([[  0.        ,   0.        , 255.        ],
   [  0.       , 0.81301534, 0.81301534],
   [  0.       , 1.3285289 , 0.        ],
   ...,
   [255.       , 254.28366 , 254.28366 ],
   [255.       , 254.6897  , 254.6897  ],
   [255.       , 255.      , 255.      ]], dtype=float32), array([  166,     1,     1, ...,     1,     1, 56319], dtype=int64))

This shows there are only 7 different RGB values in the original mask. Doing the same after the augmentation reveals additional RGB values. If I only use horizontal/vertical flip the augmented mask contains only the original RGB values. So my problem seems to be linked to the rotation and width/height shift of the DataGenerator.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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(Life Hack)
What are Female Genies Called?
By Nick Mwangi / Monday, 25 Oct 2021 06:03AM / Leave a Comment / Tags: genie
[lwptoc width="full" float="none"]
What is a female genie called?
A female genie's name is Genie, of course. However, some people have referred to a female genie as Jeannie.
The Middle Eastern and African cultures worship genies (also known as Jinn or genii). Women also possessed a spirit, which was referred to as a juno.
Why do genies grant three wishes?
As stated in the synopsis, the Jinn (genie) pledged to grant three wishes to whoever released him in the third century. However, in "The Fisherman and the Jinni," the genie decided to grant three wishes rather than following a magical commandment.
What magical abilities do genies possess?
Genies are capable of incredible feats like shapeshifting, weather manipulation, and even bending reality to a certain extent. However, it's likely that even this level of strength has a cap.
Some genie legends mention laws that the genies must abide by and cannot breach.
What are the rules of a genie?
Generally, genies are subject to a number of restrictions in genie tales.
They can only grant a certain number of wishes (usually three), can't kill somebody, and can't make anyone fall in love with them.
What words do genies say when they grant a wish?
The most common phrase said by genies in most tales, is "Your wish is my command". That is to say, they must comply with your instructions.
Whenever you meet with the Genie, remember that his one and only rule is that if you make a wish that has already been made by someone else, it won't come true, and you won't have a chance to change your wish.
Why is Genie blue?
Because Aladdin's Genie is a gas, its molecules scatter light at lower wavelengths, giving him a blue appearance.
Can genies die?
Genie deaths are possible, but it's not guaranteed. As long as they're touching their lamp, little genies can grant their own wishes.
One of the only ways genies can die is by dissipating into nothingness.
What is the second wish of Aladdin?
When Iago steals the lamp, Aladdin's second wish—to save Jasmine—is dashed. By making this request, Jafar hopes to visit the Cave of Wonders with Genie.
It is Jafar's wish for Genie to crush Sora and his friends Aladdin, Donald, and Goofy as soon as they arrive to the Cave.
What do genies wear?
Genii are frequently represented as being half-human with wispy haze legs. Some even appear to be a typical human being.
Genie costumes have evolved over time, so it's difficult to pin down exactly what one would look like.
Is it possible to summon a genie?
Genies don't exist; they're just a fiction. You cannot "summon" them, not even in legend. Even if they did exist, you'd have to figure out where they live first.
Can you wish for another genie?
No, because you're only allowed to make three wishes. In other words, if the genie grants your three wishes, he'll have granted them all. If you have not exhausted your 3 wishes, you could in theory have the remaining ones granted by another genie.
Where do genies live?
When the genies are enclosed in the bottle or lamp, they shrink to miniscule proportions. It is possible for them to create fantastic worlds within their minds while yet being aware that everything is an illusion created by magic.
When they're in the bottle or lamp, it's as if they're constantly dreaming.
Taelyn Dobson: Biography, Salary, Net Worth.. Everything About Nick Carter's Sister
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


When looking for a deck contractor, timeline and price should not be the only thing you focus on. Finding a contractor that can complete the work faster at a discount is great though you must take care not to hire an amateur who doesn't know what they are doing. There are many other factors to consider when looking for a deck contractor apart from price and timeline. The following are some of the qualities.
The first factor you should consider is communication skills. You should choose a contractor with good communication skills since it will lead to a good relationship. A contractor with good communication skills will be open and will not be afraid to tell you the facts.
Secondly, ensure the contractor is licensed and has insurance. The first thing to inquire about a deck contractor is whether they have a license and insurance. Do not hire a contractor who doesn't have a license or insurance or one who is evasive about them. Hiring a contractor with these requirements is a guarantee that they will do a good job and that you will get compensated in the event your home gets damaged during construction. Again, a licensed contractor gives you peace of mind since you will know that the deck is safe.
Another thing that you should take into account is the reputation of the contractor. Your contractor should be able to produce examples of previously done work. You can also take your time and do research on the quality of work that the contractor delivers by looking at their testimonials and reviews. Do not read only the first reviews, make sure you read more reviews especially the long ones since the clients took the time to write them. You can also ask around from people you know to recommend some of the contractors they have worked with previously. This helps you to get to see the work of the contractor first hand and then get to decide which contractor is suitable for your needs.
Another thing you should take into consideration is how experienced the contractor is. You should choose a contractor that has been in the field for a couple of years since it means they have gained a lot of experience in that sector. An experienced contractor will be able to notice issue even when you see like the job is just straightforward this is because they have been doing the job for a long time hence they know all the tricks. Apart from the general experience, ensure the contractor knows the kind of project you want and that they have dealt with such projects before.


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Sat, Feb 27, 10 12:48PM by roman
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchi or the airways to the lungs, which results in narrowing of the airways. This leads to tightening of the chest, coughing and difficulty in breathing.
Asthma help
There are primarily two ways to get relief from Asthma, long term medication and quick relief medicines. Long term medication includes oral medication and inhaled cortico-steroids, whereas quick relief medicines include inhaled beta2-agonists, oral medications and nebulizers.
What is bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways connecting to the lungs, which are also called bronchi. Bronchial asthma is an alternative name for asthma.
Who discovered asthma
Galen, a Greco-Roman doctor, was the first to discover that the cause for asthma was bronchial obstruction but the disease was originally described and named by Hippocrates, a Greek physician.
Can my asthma doctor tell that i smoke weed
Although smoking is a primary cause or trigger for asthma attacks and in many cases regular smokers develop symptoms of asthma, it is usually not possible for any doctor to confirm whether the patient is a smoker.
How do you prevent asthma
The best way to prevent asthma is to keep the patients away from the triggers which cause the asthma attacks. The most common triggers which cause asthma attacks are dust, pollution, airborne allergens and extreme climatic conditions.
Famous people who have asthma
Kenny G, a famous musician who plays the saxophone and trumpet and has sold millions of records worldwide has achieved all this inspite of being an asthma patient. Similarly, Ludwig van Beethoven, the musical genius led a normal life despite his asthma. Another such inspiring name is Jackie-Joyner Kersee, who won many Olympic gold medals as an athlete inspite of being an asthma patient.
Can bartonella cause asthma and allergy like symtoms
There is no evidence available presently to confirm that bartonella can lead to allergies and consequently cause asthmatic symptoms.
Is there a cure for asthma
Asthma is not a curable disease and all available treatments help in controlling the symptoms and recurrence of attacks. The best way to control or manage the disease is by taking the necessary precautions so as to continue leading a normal life without the fear of asthma attacks.
How does obesity affect asthma
Research and data in various countries seem to indicate a correlation between increase in asthma along with an increase in obesity. In the US, the reported cases of asthma have gone up with the sharp increase in cases of obesity. Similarly, in Taiwan, research has confirmed the correlation between an increase in body mass index and that of asthmatic symptoms.
Asthma allergy help
Asthma caused from allergies can be treated without the need for medical intervention if the asthmatic can avoid or remove the source of allergens and by maintaining better hygiene. This is very useful in case of allergies caused by dust mites, chemicals and other pollutants.
How is asthma treated
The medical treatment of asthma usually involves short-acting and long-acting treatment, depending upon the frequency and severity of the disease and its symptoms. The short-acting medications usually involve bronchodilators or inhalers and nebulizers, along with selective bet2 agonists, such as salbutamol. The long-acting medications usually involve inhaled cortico-steroids and oral glucocorticoids for severe cases.
Where was asthma discovered
Galen, a Greco-Roman doctor, discovered the symptoms of asthma and also the cause of asthma as bronchial obstruction in ancient Greece during the period 201 – 300 BC.
Asthma the history symptoms how to prevent
Hippocrates first recognized this condition as a disease and called it 'Asthma'. Till the beginning of the last century, asthma used to be treated as a psychological disorder and the treatment included that of depression.
How to prevent or treat asthma from cold air naturally
The best way to prevent or treat asthma in case of cold weather and high altitudes is to take necessary precautions such as avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, avoiding any strenuous activity which can lead to breathing problems in asthmatics and ensuring that asthma patients do not catch cold or flu.
Best places to live if you have asthma
The places ideally suited for people suffering from asthma should have a mild climate, low levels of smoke and pollution and low pollen levels. Some of the cities in the US which qualify under these criteria as good places to live for asthma patients, are Orange County, San Jose and San Diego in California and Honolulu in Hawaii.
How do allergies trigger asthma attacks
Allergies, or allergens causing these allergies, activate a response in the immune system of asthma patients, whereby the bronchi or airways get inflamed and mucus is formed. This inflammation of the airways, coupled with the formation of more mucus, results in narrowing of the airways which reduces the intake of air and leads to breathing difficulties and tightening of the chest.
How to diagnosis mild asthma
If a person experiences regular coughing at night, feels out of breath after some mild exercise or has a persistent cough along with phlegm stuck in the throat, then there is a high probability of the person suffering from mild asthma.
Does carpet cause asthma and allergies?--sauerhoff
Carpets are best avoided in homes where there are asthma patients as they can be a source of different types of allergens which can trigger attacks in asthmatics. Many carpets contain chemicals which can result in allergies, it is also a source for allergies caused by dust mites and pet hair.
Is asthma hereditary
Research done to find out genetic predisposition to contracting asthma have confirmed, in some studies, that there are over 100 genes that can be connected to asthma. These genes when inherited affect the person's immune system and its response to stimuli causing asthma.


text:
{{Ficha de persona
| nombre = Ramona Onetto Galarza
| padres = Carlos Eleuterio OnettoMauricia Galarza
| cónyuge = Fernando López (matr. 1961-2005)<ref>[https://www.ellitoral.com.ar/corrientes/2006-1-13-21-0-0-ramona-galarza-la-novia-correntina-que-enamoro-con-su-canto-al-parana Ramona Galarza, la novia correntina que enamoró con su canto al Paraná - 13-01-2006]</ref>
}}
Ramona Modesta Onetto Galarza, conocida artísticamente como Ramona Galarza (Corrientes, 15 de junio de 1940-Buenos Aires, 22 de septiembre de 2020), fue una cantante argentina de chamamé y música litoraleña y ocasional actriz de cine.

Grabó más de treinta álbumes originales y participó en nueve películas. Difundió e hizo populares varias canciones incorporadas al cancionero popular de la música litoraleña, como «Merceditas», «Pescador y guitarrero», «La vestido celeste», «Virgencita de Caacupé», y su versión en guaraní de «Kilómetro 11», entre otras.

 Biografía

Ramona Galarza nació en la ciudad de Corrientes, capital de la provincia homónima. Su padre tenía un pequeño boliche ―tal como era en el ámbito rioplatense y aledaños, modesto comercio y bar donde se despachan bebidas y algunos comestibles― a la vera del río Paraná. Ella comenzó a cantar en la escuela y luego integró el coro de la provincia, bajo la dirección de Naón Solís.

Sus comienzos como artista corresponden a 1958, a los 18 años, al participar en la película Alto Paraná, dirigida por Catrano Catrani y protagonizada por Ubaldo Martínez, donde actúa como actriz de reparto. Su primera actuación como cantante la realizó en 1960 en Radio Splendid de Buenos Aires, grabando también para el sello Odeón sus primeros simples, como «Galopera» y «La vestido celeste» que se convirtieron en éxitos inmediatos. Ramona Galarza fue una de las estrellas destacadas de lo que ha dado en llamarse el «boom del folclore», en un momento de grandes transformaciones sociales y migraciones del campo a la ciudad y del interior a la capital.

Desde ese momento Ramona Galarza se convertiría en la cantante emblemática por excelencia de la música litoraleña y en las siguientes dos décadas grabaría más de 20 álbumes —Litoraleña, Noches correntinas, Alma guaraní, Al Paraguay con amor, Pescador y guitarrero, etc.— y participaría en otras ocho películas —Ya tiene comisario el pueblo, Argentinísima, El canto cuenta su historia, Mire que es lindo mi país, etc.—.

Ramona Galarza alcanzó también un importante éxito internacional, sobre todo en Paraguay y Estados Unidos; en este último país realizó una recordada presentación en el Carnegie Hall.

En 1993 presentó junto a Teresa Parodi el espectáculo Correntinas, del cual surgieron dos álbumes con ese título, lanzados en 1993 y 1995.

En 1985 y 1995 recibió un Diploma al Mérito de los Premios Konex como una de las cinco mejores cantantes femeninas de folclore de la última década en Argentina.

Su última presentación pública fue el 22 de enero de 2020, en el marco de la sexta luna de la 30.a edición de la Fiesta Nacional del Chamamé. En la ocasión, se vivió una jornada única, ya que en el escenario confluyeron tres mujeres emblemáticas del género, con las presencias junto a Ramona de Teresa Parodi y María Ofelia. La ocasión fue también aprovechada por la vicegobernación de la provincia de Corrientes, que a su vez y en el marco del Día Nacional del Músico Argentino, la homenajeó junto a otras mujeres referentes del género con la entrega de la distinción «General José de San Martín».

 Fallecimiento
Ramona Galarza falleció el  22 de septiembre de 2020. Se encontraba internada en el Hospital Pirovano de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, al cual había ingresado tras sufrir un paro cardiorrespiratorio en su domicilio en la capital Argentina. Tenía 80 años.

 Obra

 Álbumes solista
 Litoraleña (1960), Odeón LDI-402
 Misionerita (1961), Odeón LDI-449
 La novia del Paraná (1961), Odeón LDI-460
 Brisa suave (1962), Odeón LDI-493
 Alma guaraní (1962), Odeón LDI-521
 Ramona Galarza (1963), Odeón DMO-55470
 Río manso (1963), Odeón LDI-550
 La voz del litoral (1964), Odeón LDI-228
 Los grandes sucesos de Ramona Galarza y su conjunto (1966), Odeón CM 4002
 Cancionero guarani (1966), Odeón LDB-75
 La voz inimitable (1966), Odeón LDB-109
 Noches correntinas (1967), Odeón LDB-123
 Correntina (1968), Odeón LDB-156
 Lunita de Taragüí (1968), Odeón CM 4064
 La vestido celeste (1968), Odeón DMO-55520
 Canción del adiós (1969), Odeón LDB-189
 Kilómetro 11 (1969), Odeón CM 4085
 Memorias De Una Vieja Canción (1970), Odeón LDB-1022
 Le canta al Paraguay (1970), Odeón CM 4105
 Para que no me olvides (1971), Odeón SLDB-1054
 Mi provincia guarani, EMI 4342
 Al Paraguay con amor, EMI 6373
 Los mayores éxitos de Ramona Galarza, EMI 6635
 Homenaje a Agustín Lara (1971), EMI 6829
 Mi tierra litoral (1972), EMI- Odeón S911
 Al amor de mi vida (1972), EMI- Odeón 51021
 Retrato (1972), EMI- Odeón 53017
 Pescador y guitarrero (1974), EMI 6567
 Autentica (1974), EMI 6632
 Ah, mi Corrientes porá (1974), EMI 6952
 Grandes del Litoral, junto a Tarrago Ros (1976), EMI 6274
 Te damos gracias señor (1976), EMI 6316
 La máxima del litoral (1980), EMI 6136
 Chamamé (1986), CBS 80530
 Grandes Éxitos, EMI 6494
 Ramona Galarza canta a: Alberico Mansilla (compilación de sus primeras grabaciones publicado en 1986), EMI 6758 Álbumes con otros artistas
 Carnaval correntino, con Coco Díaz, 1968
 Los Grandes del litoral Vol 1, con Tarrago Ros, 1976
 Los grandes del Litoral Vol. 2, con Los Reyes del Chamamé
 Correntinas, con Teresa Parodi, 1993
 Correntinas II''', con Teresa Parodi, 1995

 Películas
 Mire que es lindo mi país (1981).
 El canto cuenta su historia (1976).
 Argentinísima II (1973).
 Argentinísima (1972).
 Ya tiene comisario el pueblo (1967)
 Cosquín, amor y folklore (1965)
 Viaje de una noche de verano (1965)
 Buenas noches, Buenos Aires (1964)
 Alto Paraná'' (1958)

Véase también
 Chamamé
 Historia de la música folklórica de Argentina
 Música litoraleña

Referencias

Enlaces externos

Cantantes femeninas de Argentina
Cantantes de folclore de Argentina
Chamameceros
Correntinos (capital)
Cantantes en español
Cantantes en guaraní
Músicos de la provincia de Corrientes
Actores de cine de Argentina
Fallecidos por causas naturales

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


UWS crossover truck tool boxes provide a safe, secure, convenient storage space that integrates with the layout of your truck. Our truck tool boxes are particularly set apart with their patented RigidCore™ lid design, extra-thick aluminum construction and expansive range of options.
Unlike any other truck tool box on the market, each UWS crossover truck tool box features a patented RigidCore™ lid. The lid is filled with a unique solid foam that works with the aluminum structure to maximize strength and increase resistance to bending and warping. This also helps ensure smooth opening and closing of the lid.
This patented rigid-core technology is applied to all UWS crossover tool boxes and most of our other tool box and utility chest options.
To further enhance the performance of our crossover truck tool boxes, we add a MicroSeal™ gasket and self-opening struts to the lid. The MicroSeal™ gasket runs along the entire edge of the box opening, providing a barrier against moisture, dirt, insects and debris and helping to keep your tools and equipment better protected.
For convenient access to our tool boxes, most are equipped with self-opening struts that raise the lid of the box after being unlocked. This makes operation much easier, especially when your hands are full.
Something else that makes UWS truck tool boxes unique is their extra-thick construction. We use a 0.058" thick aluminum to construct the tub and lid, increasing the box's structural integrity and adding durability against heavy tools and cargo.
Each box is welded together into a single piece to prevent leaks. Aluminum construction also offers the advantage of being lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant.
To provide the best possible fit for your truck, UWS crossover tool boxes are not a one-size-fits-all solution. We manufacture a wide variety of sizes and styles to better integrate with your truck's layout and promote the most custom fit possible.
Most of our truck tool boxes are available in three different finish options, including bright aluminum, gloss black powder coat and matte black powder coat. Each one also comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware for an easy installation right out of the box.
For an enhanced security tool box option, our Secure Lock truck tool boxes have a unique locking system. Both handles on the box are lockable, allowing for either side or both handles to be locked. They also have a connecting rod on the interior that allows the lid to be opened from either side of the vehicle after unlocking. This provides more convenient access while maintaining reliable security.
Secure Lock truck tool boxes also feature an interior BedRug™ liner that adds a protective buffer for tools and equipment. The carpet liner is also fully removable for easy cleanup whenever necessary.
All UWS truck tool boxes are built for dependable security, featuring stainless steel locking handles. Stainless steel construction helps ensure long-lasting operation and resistance to rust. We also design our tool boxes to have the handles set wider apart for easier and more comfortable access over the truck bed walls.
UWS truck tool boxes are not only available in a variety of sizes to perfectly fit your truck, but they also come in multiple styles and with a range of extra features. We offer low-profile boxes for a better view out the rear window, gull wing boxes for side half-box access, slim-line boxes and angled boxes for truck beds with limited space, and extra-wide boxes for maximum storage space.
Many of our truck tool boxes are available with an included tool tray and built-in screwdriver holders for convenient organization of hand tools or other small items. We also offer several tool boxes with an integrated lid rail, providing a secure tie-down anchor for storing additional cargo on top of the box.


Independent bike shop Twenty3c has outgrown its store footprint following a strong 18 months of trading.
The shop, open since the end of 2008, is staying in Stony Stratford and will be offering the same (and more) services from the new premises, including a fully equipped workshop, bike fitting and expert advice on all things cycling, for novices and long-term cyclists alike.
Ceri, director of Twenty3c, said: "It's been a really exciting journey since opening the shop and it's the right time now to make this step. Cycling is becoming mainstream and with the help of British Cycling's success it's turned a corner.
On the edge of Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford is within a few hundred meters of Buckinghamshire lanes so riders can pop into the shop mid ride.


The Listening & Language Home Programme, written by Liesel van Niekerk (Speech and Hearing Teacher), is a home schooling programme which helps your child to develop his/her language skills.
The programme teaches your child listening skills, logical reasoning, the correct use of grammatical, structures, language concepts and descriptive language and also helps to improve vocabulary. It offers practical advice and allows the child to progress at his/her own pace.
WEEK TEN: Odd One Out!


Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has said that a movement ban was now in place on the farm, which remains unnamed.
The appearance of the first cases of "mad cow disease" in 1986 in Britain caused a public health scare that lasted several years.
More than 180,000 cattle were infected in the United Kingdom and 4.4 million slaughtered during an eradication program in the 1990s.
The Israeli Strategic Affairs Ministry relies on tips from informants and social media snooping to identify BDS activists. Ruling on her case Thursday, the Supreme Court of Israel said there was not satisfactory cause to bar her entry.
BSE has been detected on a farm in Aberdeenshire, eastern Scotland.
America is also set to import British beef and lamb for the first time in 20 years - after branding the meat unfit for consumption and banning it from the market.
When transmitted to humans, it is known as new Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD or nvCJD).
Mad cow disease is a "progressive neurological disorder of cattle that results from infection by an unusual transmissible agent called a prion", according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"Consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place and that Food Standards Scotland official veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors working in all abattoirs in Scotland will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains a priority". Before that, the animal becomes aggressive and loses its coordination, which is why the illness has been dubbed "mad cow disease".


As Pablo Aguilar was waking up in his cell in Yolo County's juvenile hall in rural Northern California one recent Sunday morning, a white minivan was making its way toward him, up Interstate 5.
Dawn illuminated the tomato fields across the road from the jail, but the 16-year-old likely didn't see that. The only window in Pablo's cell -- roughly 6 inches tall by 2 feet long -- was positioned so high in the cinderblock wall that he would have needed to stand on his concrete bunk to peek out.
When the trio reached Sacramento, they stopped at an IHOP for breakfast before driving the last 20 minutes to the jail in Woodland. The pancake stop has become a ritual of the journey, which they make every three weeks.
"We leave Los Angeles at 2 in the morning," Evelyn told me. "It's a night when we don't sleep, because of all the anticipation about seeing Pablo."
Pablo has been held in immigration custody for more than 21 months. He had just turned 15 when he left El Salvador in the hope of finding a safe haven with his mother in California. He made it across the Rio Grande but wound up in the hands of the Border Patrol. That was in June of 2014. He's been locked up ever since.
Pablo is one of more than 200,000 migrant kids traveling without their parents who have been detained at the U.S.-Mexico border over the past five years. He's part of a wave of Central American children fleeing violence, as criminal gangs in El Salvador and neighboring countries have come to wield terrifying power with impunity, and weak governments struggle to respond. That violence is a legacy of the civil wars of the 1980s, subsequent migrations to the United States and the deportation of gang members back to their home countries in the 1990s.
When adults are picked up at the border, they are dealt with by the Department of Homeland Security. But unaccompanied children are turned over to a different agency, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As the number of migrant kids has multiplied, ORR's job has grown. In 2011, the agency took custody of 7,000 children. In 2014 it was 57,000.
The vast majority of those kids spend about a month in a licensed ORR-funded shelter, and then they're placed with a relative or another sponsor while they await their day in immigration court. But a small fraction -- roughly 500 to 700 in any given year -- are placed in jail-like settings: locked group homes or juvenile detention facilities, as Pablo has been. Those kids are held for two to three months, on average, but, like Pablo, some are detained much longer. Advocates say they become practically invisible.
Lawyers for immigrant children say kids in ORR detention don't have the legal protections they should. Many may be eligible for asylum or some other kind of protection. But half of them don't even have a lawyer. And prolonged detention can be psychologically damaging, according to child advocates.
By law, children in immigration custody must be placed in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interest of the child. But they can be confined if their behavior is disruptive or dangerous, if they're considered an escape risk, if they have a criminal or delinquent history or if they're merely suspected of criminal activity. Often that information is provided by the Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency that is handing the child over to ORR. But advocates for immigrant kids say ORR makes placement decisions behind closed doors.
Evelyn says the government hasn't told her why it won't release her son.
She and her mother stepped out of the minivan into the parking lot of Yolo County's juvenile hall, in sweatshirts and sneakers, a little bleary from the trip. They always arrive in Woodland early to maximize the visit. Evelyn showed me a stack of family photos she was bringing to Pablo.
Evelyn told me she came to the United States a decade ago, seeing no other option to support her children as a single parent than to follow her own mother to L.A. She said she left Pablo and his older brother, William, in the care of her sister in their town of San Juan Nonualco, an hour outside the capital. She sent money to support them from the housecleaning business she built in L.A.
Red-winged blackbirds swooped along the fence row in Woodland and dogs barked at the Sheriff's Department compound next door. But Evelyn's mind was back in El Salvador. She told me about how her boys grew up with their cousins, attended a good school and played soccer. But the area where they lived grew sketchier after she left and gangs operated openly. The police were either intimidated or corrupted, she said. And teenagers were frequent targets of gang recruitment and coercion. Four years ago, something happened to William.
"William was 16 when I lost him, the same age Pablo is now," Evelyn said. "One weekend I was driving to work when my sister called and said she had something bad to tell me. ... She said, 'Here's what happened to William. The gang took him.' He was always trying to steer clear of them. But they forced him. They disappeared with him."
In anguish, she added, "As a mother I have hope that one day someone will tell me if he's alive or not. I'm still hoping."
Pablo became physically sick after is brother disappeared, Evelyn told me. But she wasn't there to take care of him. Two years later, when Pablo reached high school, Evelyn said her sister told her he was not safe. So the boy headed north to avoid his brother's fate. But he never reached his mom.
So, in spite of her lack of immigration status, Evelyn walks right into the jail every three weeks in order to see her child and to finally have a chance to touch him. She and Albertina would have two hours in a family room with Pablo, followed by another two hours in the "no contact" visit area, speaking by phone with a glass partition between them.
Evelyn gathered up the things she can take inside the jail: the photographs, her ID and her Bible. They always start the visit with a prayer. She pressed a buzzer and spoke into the intercom. A guard ushered the women into the lobby, and waved a metal detector wand over them. I wasn't permitted to join them, so I watched through the plate glass as Evelyn and her mother disappeared through a heavy door into the jail.
On another day, I got an idea of what life is like for Pablo by visiting the facility with Brent Cardall, the Yolo County probation chief.
He took me in through the "sally port," the double set of steel doors, which are locked and unlocked remotely to prevent escape. He showed me the family room, where Evelyn visited with her son. And I saw a classroom, windowless but full of books, like the one where Pablo goes to school. Then we stepped into an empty cell, much like Pablo's. It was about 8 feet by 12 feet, with a stainless steel toilet and sink, and that tiny window -- what Cardall called "your normal cell-looking type of room."
"I'm really proud of our juvenile hall," he told me. "We have a lot of great things going on." He showed me murals on the walls, and talked about the volunteers who come in to work with the kids.
"The facility does look like a jail, but we are trying to make it more homelike," he said.
Yolo County has a $4 million contract to house up to 30 juveniles for the Office of Refugee Resettlement. That revenue helps Cardall cover the cost of general Probation Department staff.
A few miles down the road from the juvenile hall is the UC Davis law school. Professor Holly Cooper runs the immigration law clinic, and she and her students are working to gain Pablo's release. When I visited, law students were drafting legal briefs, case notes spread across conference tables. The files for another immigrant kid, a 2-foot-tall stack of paperwork, teetered beside Cooper's computer.
Cooper has devoted much of her career to minors in immigration custody, and her office walls are covered with artwork made by detained children. She told me Pablo has been transferred around the country by ORR so many times that no pro bono lawyer has had a chance to build a case for his release until now.
"He's been in McAllen, Texas, he's been in Miami, Florida, he's been in Virginia, he's been in Portland, Oregon, and now he's out here in California," she said. Pablo has been housed in the Woodland facility since September.
The government did appoint a so-called child advocate from the nonprofit Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights to speak up for Pablo's best interests. Cooper showed me the group's recommendation: three times last year the advocate sent letters to ORR arguing that Pablo be released to his mom, or at least placed in a less restrictive shelter nearer Evelyn's home. But ORR hasn't acted. And Pablo is still locked up.
The crux of the problem, say Cooper and other advocates, is that ORR makes decisions at internal meetings about where children are placed and whether they're released. And ORR doesn't recognize courts as a place where children can challenge their detention. The upshot is that kids like Pablo, who have not been charged with a crime, can be jailed indefinitely.
"Without any judicial or third-party oversight, ORR is both the jailer and the person who decides whether the kid is getting out," said Cooper. "That's a really dangerous power dynamic that is developing."
The "secure" and "staff-secure" lockups may indeed be the right placement for some children. But Cooper and other lawyers say there's no way to know without an open proceeding. They note that adults in immigration custody have more access to due process, because they have the right to go before an immigration judge to contest their detention and request release on bond. Children do not.
In addition, says Jessica Jones, policy counsel at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service in Washington, D.C., children in other types of legal proceedings have more of a voice than kids in ORR confinement do.
"What is so disturbing about this whole process is that unlike the juvenile justice system, where you have the involvement of the child's attorney and the child themselves, they are completely left out of the process," said Jones. "The child may have a parent in the country and they are often completely left out of the decision-making process. ... ORR should do better by children and be meeting basic child welfare standards in care."
Carlos Holguin, of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law in Los Angeles, is charged with monitoring the government's treatment of minors in immigration custody, as part of a two-decade-old legal agreement known as the Flores Settlement.
Most advocates believe ORR is a better custodian than in the old days, before 2002, when detained migrant children were held by immigration agents. But Holguin, Jones, Cooper and other advocates around the country want better. They have been meeting with ORR officials, arguing for more transparency.
"The process itself is completely opaque," said Holguin. "Most times there's no written decision at all. There's great delay before the decisions are actually released. And there's no opportunity for the juvenile or the proposed custodian to review the evidence that the federal government is relying on to maintain the juvenile in custody."
After three months of requesting an interview, I finally got to speak with the person who oversees ORR's unaccompanied children's program: Bobbie Gregg, the deputy director for children's services in the agency.
Gregg emphasized that the safety of children is her first priority. She said all children are assessed when they first arrive, and every 30 days that they're in custody. The agency monitors the physical health and mental health of children and provides them with a legal orientation. And it posts its policies on its website in detail.
But when I asked Gregg about the lack of a system for children to challenge their detention, she told me instead about how parents or others who have been turned down as sponsors can appeal that decision to higher-ups within the agency. In Evelyn's case, there's nothing she can appeal, because ORR has still not made a decision on her fitness as a sponsor for Pablo.
"The sponsor can make a request for information about the reason for the decision and can appeal from that decision," said Gregg. "With respect to the child him or herself, children are kept informed through their case managers."
ORR has been in hot water in recent months after a number of cases where officials failed to screen sponsors properly and children were released to labor traffickers rather than relatives. That scandal led to Senate hearings, an investigation by the Government Accountability Office and a series of reforms at ORR to tighten the vetting of sponsors before releasing children from custody.
I asked Gregg about how a kid like Pablo could be detained for 21 months and bounced around the country between so many facilities.
"I can't speak to any particular child," Gregg told me. "But for each child we're making determinations based on the least restrictive setting for that child, taking into consideration that particular child's safety, the safety to the community as well as the risk of flight."
What does it mean for a kid to be locked up for almost two years, with no clear idea why they're being held or for how long?
Holly Cooper, the UC Davis law professor, says one of the toughest things for kids in ORR detention is not knowing when they'll be released. She said she's also seen the pain caused by giving kids false hope.
"It's an indefinite custody," she said. "And when you start telling kids, 'You've been recommended for release. Your parent can come get you. Next week you'll be out. Tomorrow you'll be out,' and it doesn't happen? We've seen that that can be very psychologically harmful to the kids."
That's what happened to another teenager Cooper and her students are representing: Rafael Armenta.
Rafael's case is a little different. His mother brought him to the U.S. from Mexico as an infant, Cooper said, and he grew up in Southern California. In middle school, she said, he got involved with a rough crowd and ran afoul of the juvenile justice system. He served a sentence (the family doesn't want to talk about the details) and then, had he been a U.S. citizen, he would have been released. But Rafael, who's 16, is undocumented, so he was put in deportation proceedings and handed over to ORR.
Over several months the agency kept suggesting Rafael could be released to await his deportation hearing. Then officials backtracked over the holidays.
A few weeks later, though, there was another reversal. In February, Rafael was released from the detention facility in Woodland. His mother and some cousins arrived to collect him, after making their own all-night drive from Southern California. He hugged his mom for the first time in seven months and walked out of the juvenile hall into the winter sunshine.
There in the parking lot, wearing a crewcut and a dazed smile, Rafael told me how good it felt to take off the jail uniform -- khaki shorts and a brown T-shirt -- and put on his own T-shirt and jeans.
"I thought this day was never going to come," he said. "But it came."
I asked him what it felt like to be told repeatedly that he could go home and then to hear that he could not.
"I had a bad reaction to that," Rafael said. "I'd go in a room and just do some inappropriate things, like hit the wall and stuff like that."
We talked a little longer, but Rafael was anxious to go. So he and his mother and his three cousins piled into the family car, and headed home to Orange County. In the weeks that followed, Rafael would reacquaint himself with his younger brother and sister and enroll in high school, where he hoped to stay clear of trouble. He said he had covered so much coursework in detention that his teachers told him he'd be going in as a 12th-grader. Holly Cooper and her law students would keep in touch and help him fight to stay in the U.S. legally.
Cooper told me she has seen kids who have harmed themselves, including cutting themselves, in response to the powerlessness of indefinite detention. An official at the Yolo County juvenile hall said that they routinely have kids on suicide watch.
Juvenile justice experts say ORR's secure detention may not be intended as a form of punishment, but it is punishing by nature. Barry Krisberg, a criminologist at UC Berkeley and an expert in juvenile detention, said that's especially true for children who have been through traumatic experiences already.
"The consequences of secure detention are generally quite bad," said Krisberg. "Increasingly what we understand is that secure custody -- and it doesn't really matter whether it's staff-secure or there's razor wire on the outside -- is a toxic experience for youth."
I asked Bobbie Gregg at ORR if she was concerned about the psychological toll of prolonged detention.
"We're very mindful that this is a special population with special needs," she answered. "Having said that, we're also very mindful of our responsibility as their custodian while they're in care."
The afternoon was almost gone when Evelyn and her mother emerged from the juvenile hall in Woodland. Pablo was glad to see her, she told me, and happy to get the photos. With no end in sight to Pablo's confinement, they rely on faith to keep going, she said. But it's not easy.
Listen to the full Reveal episode above with an extended version of this story.
"I'll be honest: I walk out and part of me is still inside," she said. "I want to take him with me. I want so badly to take him with me…. I go, and half of me leaves but half of me stays here."
Evelyn would return in three weeks' time. She and her mom and her friend Mario would drive through the night, 400 miles up the length of California. And she'll keep coming back, until the day when she gets to take her son home with her.
This story was reported in collaboration with the public radio program Reveal: from The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX. You can hear an extended version of this story and subscribe to the Reveal podcast here.


The final day of diving, the sun was shining and it was a sad morning for as all as we cleaned out the school och started packing all our belongings. When we got out to the mountain the divers for the day prepared to take the last pictures and videos of the cave and bringing back all the safety tanks to the opening.
As the last divers went in to the cave the others started to take down base camp, tents was taken down, gear taken appart, compressors lifted up on scooters and the general mood was low since the week had come to an end. We all had a great week and the exploring of the cave has been a real success. Our first data indicates that we have mapped another 382 meters of new cave extending the total length to 1782 meters. For next years expedition we have new findings to explore and we are one big step closer to follow the water further in to the mountain.
Our last evening was spent at the local restaurant Fjällripan that has cooked us lovely meals every evening and is truly recommended if you visit Stora blåsjön. We also want to thank the local Ica store that has sponsored us with food and coffee on the mountain all trough the expedition.
The locals have been very supportive with help and scooters to make the logistics work, and they know their mountain better than we ever will. Thank you all for kindness, help and your time, without you it would never work. Big thanks to Mikkes skoteruthyrning for lending us his scooters.
We had the opportunity to get help mapping the dry cave Bjurälvsgrottan with a team of very experienced climbers and spelunkers. The help has been amazing and the divers was given the opportunity to learn more about the dry cave and rope climbing during one of the last days.
We also want to thank all our sponsors of Expedition Bjurälven 2015. The size of the expedition makes help and sponsoring crucial the keep the exploring going. We could never do this on our own and are ever so grateful for everything everyone has invested and done for the expedition.


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This is Europe: An image of homelessness in Paris
Tourists flock to the French capital for Christmas, but what is it like to live on the streets of the city of love?
by Omar Havana
Sun Dec 23 2018 05:47:02 GMT+0000
Dominic sits on a street in the centre of Paris. He has been homeless for the past 20 years. A medical patrol by a team of volunteers working with Medecins du Monde provide him with a hot drink and a conversation, something Dominic says he misses the most. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
"The meaning of the other and love have disappeared from this society. Without money, people do not exist." - Jean, a 33-year-old homeless man living on the streets of Paris
At least 3,000 people are thought to be living on the streets of Paris this winter, more than half of whom are believed to have been born outside of France.
According to France's National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), in 2014, the number of homeless adults in the Paris Metropolitan Area had increased by 84 percent in the proceeding decade.
Some of that growth has been attributed to the 2008 financial crisis, some to the large numbers of migrants and refugees making their way to the French capital and some to the failure of salaries to keep up with the rising cost of living, particularly the cost of buying or renting a home.
According to INSEE, 16.1 percent of Parisians - roughly 463,000 people - live below the poverty line, with an average monthly income of 747 euros ($848.65), which is 261 euros ($296.52) less than the poverty threshold.
The result is that having a job no longer offers protection against homelessness. Fifty-year-old Kemal understands this all too well.
He used to be a taxi driver, but health issues led to him losing his job.
"I have earned salaries of over 2,000 euros ($2,272) in the past, but Paris is an expensive city and I could not pay my debts," he recalls. "Today, I have lost everything and my health problems will not allow me to dream of a better future."
Now, Kemal sleeps beneath a shelter made from scraps of plastic in a square on the outskirts of the city.
"But I do not lose hope and I keep working hard every day to improve my life and to be able to earn some money to one day travel to a country with sun every day. The cold and rain is worsening my health condition," he adds.
"Without money, we do not exist any more in France," explains Eddy, a 35-year-old homeless man from Tunisia who originally came to France in search of a better life. That dream now lies shattered on the streets of the capital.
But studies have shown that Parisians tend to have more sympathetic attitudes towards the homeless than residents of many other European cities.
According to a 2009 study, 75 percent of French people felt some degree of solidarity with those sleeping on the streets and 56 percent said they could imagine one day being in the same position.
Every night, dozens of volunteers patrol the city's streets 'en maraudes', searching out those in need of a blanket, a paracetamol or just a conversation.
"In Paris, it is impossible to die from hunger. There are so many good organisations providing us with a free meal every day," says Hicham, a homeless man who is originally from Morocco and carries with him a book that Paris' City Hall has created listing the social services available to those in need.
But according to campaign group Morts de la Rue, 400 homeless people died across France in 2017. Many organisations believe the real number to be much higher.
"Some ask for money, some for food. Cold is our worst enemy," explains Nasser, a homeless man originally from Algeria. "But the indifference of the people is an obstacle that is difficult to overcome.
"The solitude of our lives can happen to anyone. The people of Paris need to understand that we just want a smile or a simple 'bonjour'. That can make a cold day not be hell for us."
A fan of the writer Victor Hugo and the artist Picasso, Nasser explains: "There is beauty in every corner of our lives, but this society has lost sensibility. Ideas have disappeared and money is making this society blind to love."
Across Europe, the far right is on the rise and it has some of the continent's most diverse communities in its crosshairs.
To the far right, these neighbourhoods are 'no-go zones' that challenge their notion of what it means to be European.
To those who live in them, they are Europe. Watch them tell their stories in This is Europe.
With thanks to the team and volunteers of Secours Catholique, Medecins Du Monde, Secours Populaire and Association Aurore who helped make this article possible.
A man from Romania sits on the street where he sleeps in front of one of the most popular shopping centres in the French capital. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Chinese tourists walk along an avenue illuminated with Christmas decorations adjacent to the Champs Elysees, where several of the capital's most expensive and exclusive boutiques are located. The average price per square metre for residences in Paris is approximately 9,000 euros ($10,225). But that jumps to more than 20,000 euros ($22,721) in some areas, such as that around the Champs Elysees, which also has the highest retail rental costs in Europe. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Jean Philippe, left, and Marie Louise pose for a photo during their weekly encounter with the team of volunteers from the organisation Secours Populaire. Sixty-five-year-old Marie Louise has spent the past five years living on the streets of Paris and says the cold is her biggest enemy. She recounts an incident when she tried to take shelter in a public car park but was attacked by a security guard and his guard dog. Jean Philippe, who says he used to be a guitarist, has been homeless for many years. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Gabriel, left, and Frank lay on the street where they sleep. Frank suffers from a cardiovascular illness, while Gabriel has rheumatic problems. Both have been living on the streets of Paris for more than 10 years. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Jean Philippe waits by a Secours Populaire van as volunteer Lucia prepares a hot drink for him. Every day a team of volunteers from Secours Populaire drive around the city providing food, drinks and toiletries to those living on the streets and, perhaps most importantly of all, taking time to talk to those who say they are often overlooked and ignored by the rest of society. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
A homeless man sleeps in the doorway of a building in the city centre. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Dominic smokes a cigarette while sitting on the street where he sleeps. Residents of the neighbourhood say they have tried to offer him help but that he is reluctant to accept it. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Taxis line up by the entrance of one of the most exclusive hotels in the French capital. Paris is one of the three most visited cities in the world and is particularly popular during the Christmas period. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Homeless people sleep on the grounds of a building in the French capital. Some of the older people who sleep here have been doing so for the past 15 years, but now construction plans for the building risk pushing them out of the only 'home' they've known for years. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Thirty-year-old Hassam speaks to friends inside a centre run by Secours Catholique, Maison Caritas Batignolles. Hassam is originally from Morocco but left when he was 17, heading first to the south of Spain, where his father worked. There, Hassam found work picking fruit. But then the financial crisis struck. For the past five years, he has lived in a house in France that does not have any electricity. He searches through the streets for items that have been discarded by others but which he might be able to sell in the city's street markets. 'I would like to return to Spain. Here, life is very expensive and for people like me, there is no future,' he says. 'In Spain, I earned less but life was much easier.' [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Twenty-five-year-old Weles looks out of a window at the Centre d'Hebergement d'Urgence Ivry Massena, run by Association Aurore, where he lives. Weles fled conflict in Sudan in 2014. He first went to Libya, where, for two years, he worked as an electrician. 'In my time in Libya, the hardest thing was to suffer constant racism and discrimination,' he says. Before obtaining refugee status in France, Weles travelled by dinghy to Italy with 120 others on board. He was held at a migration centre in Sicily but escaped and made his way to France. He now works as a painter on the outskirts of Paris. 'I am impressed by the history of France,' he says. 'I am also a big fan of Victor Hugo, who I studied in school, and I learned from his books to never lose hope.' [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
A homeless man puts his hand on top of a radiator inside the Maison Caritas Batignolles, run by Secours Catholique. Many of those living on the streets identify the cold as their worst enemy. Those who come to the centre every morning, take any opportunity they can to warm up by holding teapots or resting their hands on radiators. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Lamiel Hughes, 44, sits on his bed inside the Centre d'Hebergement d'Urgence Ivry Massena, run by Association Aurore. For a long time, he worked in the hospitality industry, but in recent years he started to experience psychological problems and became suicidal. 'The way people look at you when you are in a situation like mine is one of the hardest things I have experienced in my life,' he says. After years of poverty and isolation, Association Aurore is helping him to recover and get his life back on track, and he is now working in hospitality once again. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Originally from Cote d'Ivoire, 33-year-old Jean left his country when he was five and moved to Italy, where his parents worked. 'When my parents left my country, I was a little boy. All my life, I have felt that capitalism stole my parents and my childhood,' he says. Jean finished high school in Italy but struggled to find a job in a country where he says he experienced constant racism. He ended up living on the streets of Milan. Then someone he thought was a friend, persuaded him to move to France, promising him a better life there. But he again found himself on the streets. 'We are stigmatised by this society,' he says. 'The way that people look at us, together with the solitude of the streets, in the hardest part of my existence. In this society, we no longer have love for others; money is everything and if someone does not have money, they do not exist. I do not care about money any more, but rather about loving the people that I meet every day.' [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Thirty-five-year-old Eddy plays scrabble with volunteers and other homeless people inside the Maison Caritas Batignolles. Originally from Tunisia, Eddy left his country in search of a better life but ended up living on the streets. 'Here, without papers, we cannot work and we have no rights to social benefits,' he says. 'I just want a chance to work and have a very normal life.' [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]
Fifty-year-old Kemal poses for a photo inside the structure he has constructed to provide him with a little shelter. Originally from Turkey, Kemal has been living on the streets of Paris for the past two months, after suffering health problems that forced him to quit his job as a driver. 'Despite what [former president, Nicolas] Sarkozy once said, about how those who work more will earn more, nowadays, the more you work, the less you earn as the cost of living is increasing faster than salaries in France,' he says. [Omar Havana/Al Jazeera]


text:
Home Politics As Understanding of Russian Hacking Grows, So Does Alarm
PoliticsToday
As Understanding of Russian Hacking Grows, So Does Alarm
By Joselyn Keeler
On Election Day, Basic Paul M. Nakasone, the nation's prime cyberwarrior, reported that the battle in opposition to Russian interference within the presidential marketing campaign had posted main successes and uncovered the opposite facet's on-line weapons, instruments and tradecraft.
"We've broadened our operations and really feel superb the place we're at proper now," he instructed journalists.
Eight weeks later, Basic Nakasone and different American officers answerable for cybersecurity are actually consumed by what they missed for not less than 9 months: a hacking, now believed to have affected upward of 250 federal businesses and companies, that Russia aimed not on the election system however at the remainder of america authorities and plenty of massive American firms.
Three weeks after the intrusion got here to gentle, American officers are nonetheless making an attempt to know whether or not what the Russians pulled off was merely an espionage operation contained in the programs of the American paperwork or one thing extra sinister, inserting "backdoor" entry into authorities businesses, main firms, the electrical grid and laboratories creating and transporting new generations of nuclear weapons.
At a minimal it has set off alarms in regards to the vulnerability of presidency and personal sector networks in america to assault and raised questions on how and why the nation's cyberdefenses failed so spectacularly.
These questions have taken on specific urgency on condition that the breach was not detected by any of the federal government businesses that share accountability for cyberdefense — the navy's Cyber Command and the Nationwide Safety Company, each of that are run by Basic Nakasone, and the Division of Homeland Safety — however by a non-public cybersecurity firm, FireEye.
"That is trying a lot, a lot worse than I first feared," stated Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia and the rating member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. "The dimensions of it retains increasing. It's clear america authorities missed it."
"And if FireEye had not come ahead," he added, "I'm unsure we'd be absolutely conscious of it to this present day."
Interviews with key gamers investigating what intelligence businesses consider to be an operation by Russia's S.V.R. intelligence service revealed these factors:
The breach is much broader than first believed. Preliminary estimates have been that Russia despatched its probes solely into a number of dozen of the 18,000 authorities and personal networks they gained entry to after they inserted code into community administration software program made by a Texas firm named SolarWinds. However as companies like Amazon and Microsoft that present cloud providers dig deeper for proof, it now seems Russia exploited a number of layers of the availability chain to achieve entry to as many as 250 networks.
The hackers managed their intrusion from servers inside america, exploiting authorized prohibitions on the Nationwide Safety Company from participating in home surveillance and eluding cyberdefenses deployed by the Division of Homeland Safety.
"Early warning" sensors positioned by Cyber Command and the Nationwide Safety Company deep inside international networks to detect brewing assaults clearly failed. There may be additionally no indication but that any human intelligence alerted america to the hacking.
The federal government's emphasis on election protection, whereas essential in 2020, might have diverted sources and a focus from long-brewing issues like defending the "provide chain" of software program. Within the personal sector, too, corporations that have been targeted on election safety, like FireEye and Microsoft, are actually revealing that they have been breached as a part of the bigger provide chain assault.
SolarWinds, the corporate that the hackers used as a conduit for his or her assaults, had a historical past of lackluster safety for its merchandise, making it a simple goal, in line with present and former staff and authorities investigators. Its chief govt, Kevin B. Thompson, who's leaving his job after 11 years, has sidestepped the query of whether or not his firm ought to have detected the intrusion.
A few of the compromised SolarWinds software program was engineered in Jap Europe, and American investigators are actually inspecting whether or not the incursion originated there, the place Russian intelligence operatives are deeply rooted.
The intentions behind the assault stay shrouded. However with a brand new administration taking workplace in three weeks, some analysts say the Russians could also be making an attempt to shake Washington's confidence within the safety of its communications and reveal their cyberarsenal to achieve leverage in opposition to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. earlier than nuclear arms talks.
"We nonetheless don't know what Russia's strategic targets have been," stated Suzanne Spaulding, who was the senior cyberofficial on the Homeland Safety Division in the course of the Obama administration. "However we needs to be involved that a part of this will transcend reconnaissance. Their aim could also be to place themselves able to have leverage over the brand new administration, like holding a gun to our head to discourage us from appearing to counter Putin."
Rising Hit Listing
The U.S. authorities was clearly the principle focus of the assault, with the Treasury Division, the State Division, the Commerce Division, the Power Division and components of the Pentagon among the many businesses confirmed to have been infiltrated. (The Protection Division insists the assaults on its programs have been unsuccessful, although it has provided no proof.)
However the hacking additionally breached massive numbers of firms, a lot of which have but to step ahead. SolarWinds is believed to be considered one of a number of provide chain distributors Russia used within the hacking. Microsoft, which had tallied 40 victims as of Dec. 17, initially stated that it had not been breached, solely to find this week that it had been — and that resellers of its software program had been, too. A beforehand unreported evaluation by Amazon's intelligence crew discovered the variety of victims might have been 5 instances larger, although officers warn a few of these could also be double counted.
Publicly, officers have stated they don't consider the hackers from Russia's S.V.R. pierced categorized programs containing delicate communications and plans. However privately, officers say they nonetheless don't have a transparent image of what might need been stolen.
They stated they fearful about delicate however unclassified knowledge the hackers might need taken from victims just like the Federal Power Regulatory Fee, together with Black Begin, the detailed technical blueprints for a way america plans to revive energy within the occasion of a cataclysmic blackout.
The plans would give Russia a success listing of programs to focus on to maintain energy from being restored in an assault just like the one it pulled off in Ukraine in 2015, shutting off energy for six hours within the useless of winter. Moscow long ago implanted malware within the American electrical grid, and the United States has done the same to Russia as a deterrent.
A Provide Chain Compromised
One foremost focus of the investigation up to now has been SolarWinds, the corporate based mostly in Austin whose software program updates the hackers compromised.
However the cybersecurity arm of the Division of Homeland Safety concluded the hackers worked through other channels, too. And final week, CrowdStrike, one other safety firm, revealed that it was also targeted, unsuccessfully, by the identical hackers, however by means of an organization that resells Microsoft software program.
As a result of resellers are sometimes entrusted to arrange purchasers' software program, they — like SolarWinds — have broad entry to Microsoft clients' networks. In consequence, they are often a great Malicious program for Russia's hackers. Intelligence officers have expressed anger that Microsoft didn't detect the assault earlier; the corporate, which stated Thursday that the hackers viewed its source code, has not disclosed which of its merchandise have been affected or for a way lengthy hackers have been inside its community.
"They focused the weakest factors within the provide chain and thru our most trusted relationships," stated Glenn Chisholm, a founding father of Obsidian Safety.
Interviews with present and former staff of SolarWinds recommend it was sluggish to make safety a precedence, at the same time as its software program was adopted by America's premier cybersecurity firm and federal businesses.
Staff say that underneath Mr. Thompson, an accountant by coaching and a former chief monetary officer, each a part of the enterprise was examined for value financial savings and customary safety practices have been eschewed due to their expense. His method helped virtually triple SolarWinds' annual revenue margins to greater than $453 million in 2019 from $152 million in 2010.
However a few of these measures might have put the corporate and its clients at larger threat for assault. SolarWinds moved a lot of its engineering to satellite tv for pc workplaces within the Czech Republic, Poland and Belarus, the place engineers had broad entry to the Orion community administration software program that Russia's brokers compromised.
The corporate has stated solely that the manipulation of its software program was the work of human hackers fairly than of a pc program. It has not publicly addressed the potential for an insider being concerned within the breach.
Not one of the SolarWinds clients contacted by The New York Occasions in latest weeks have been conscious they have been reliant on software program that was maintained in Jap Europe. Many stated they didn't even know they have been utilizing SolarWinds software program till just lately.
Even with its software program put in all through federal networks, staff stated SolarWinds tacked on safety solely in 2017, underneath menace of penalty from a brand new European privateness legislation. Solely then, staff say, did SolarWinds rent its first chief info officer and set up a vice chairman of "safety structure."
Ian Thornton-Trump, a former cybersecurity adviser at SolarWinds, stated he warned administration that 12 months that until it took a extra proactive method to its inner safety, a cybersecurity episode can be "catastrophic." After his fundamental suggestions have been ignored, Mr. Thornton-Trump left the corporate.
SolarWinds declined to deal with questions in regards to the adequacy of its safety. In a press release, it stated it was a "sufferer of a highly-sophisticated, advanced and focused cyberattack" and was collaborating carefully with legislation enforcement, intelligence businesses and safety specialists to research.
However safety specialists word that it took days after the Russian assault was found earlier than SolarWinds' web sites stopped providing purchasers compromised code.
Offense Over Protection
Billions of {dollars} in cybersecurity budgets have flowed lately to offensive espionage and pre-emptive motion packages, what Basic Nakasone calls the necessity to "defend ahead" by hacking into adversaries' networks to get an early take a look at their operations and to counteract them inside their very own networks, earlier than they will assault, if required.
However that method, whereas hailed as a long-overdue technique to pre-empt assaults, missed the Russian breach.
By staging their assaults from servers inside america, in some circumstances utilizing computer systems in the identical city or metropolis as their victims, in line with FireEye, the Russians took benefit of limits on the Nationwide Safety Company's authority. Congress has not given the company or homeland safety any authority to enter or defend personal sector networks. It was on these networks that S.V.R. operatives have been much less cautious, leaving clues about their intrusions that FireEye was finally capable of finding.
By inserting themselves into the SolarWinds' Orion replace and utilizing customized instruments, additionally they averted tripping the alarms of the "Einstein" detection system that homeland safety deployed throughout authorities businesses to catch identified malware, and the so-called C.D.M. program that was explicitly devised to alert businesses to suspicious exercise.
Some intelligence officers are questioning whether or not the federal government was so targeted on election interference that it created openings elsewhere.
Intelligence businesses concluded months in the past that Russia had decided it couldn't infiltrate sufficient election programs to have an effect on the result of elections, and instead shifted its attention to deflecting ransomware assaults that would disenfranchise voters, and affect operations aimed toward sowing discord, stoking doubt in regards to the system's integrity and altering voters' minds.
The SolarWinds hacking, which started as early as October 2019, and the intrusion into Microsoft's resellers, gave Russia an opportunity to assault essentially the most weak, least defended networks throughout a number of federal businesses.
Basic Nakasone declined to be interviewed. However a spokesman for the Nationwide Safety Company, Charles Okay. Stadtlander, stated: "We do not think about this as an 'both/or' trade-off. The actions, insights and new frameworks constructed throughout election safety efforts have broad optimistic impacts for the cybersecurity posture of the nation and the U.S. authorities."
In actual fact, america seems to have succeeded in persuading Russia that an assault aimed toward altering votes would immediate a expensive retaliation. However as the size of the intrusion comes into focus, it's clear the American authorities didn't persuade Russia there can be a comparable consequence to executing a broad hacking on federal authorities and company networks.
Getting the Hackers Out
Intelligence officers say it may very well be months, years even, earlier than they've a full understanding of the hacking.
Since the extraction of a top Kremlin informant in 2017, the C.I.A.'s information of Russian operations has been diminished. And the S.V.R. has remained one of many world's most succesful intelligence providers by avoiding digital communications that would expose its secrets and techniques to the Nationwide Safety Company, intelligence officers say.
The perfect assessments of the S.V.R. have come from the Dutch. In 2014, hackers working for the Dutch Basic Intelligence and Safety Service pierced the computer systems utilized by the group, watching them for not less than a 12 months, and at one level catching them on digital camera.
It was the Dutch who helped alert the White Home and State Division to an S.V.R. hacking of their programs in 2014 and 2015, and final month, they caught and expelled from the Netherlands two S.V.R. operatives accused of infiltrating technology companies there. Whereas the group isn't identified to be damaging, it's notoriously troublesome to evict from pc programs it has infiltrated.
When the S.V.R. broke into the unclassified programs on the State Division and White Home, Richard Ledgett, then the deputy director of the Nationwide Safety Company, stated the company engaged within the digital equal of "hand-to-hand fight." At one level, the S.V.R. gained entry to the NetWitness Investigator software that investigators use to uproot Russian again doorways, manipulating it in such a method that the hackers continued to evade detection.
Investigators stated they'd assume that they had kicked out the S.V.R., solely to find the group had crawled in by means of one other door.
Some safety specialists stated that ridding so many sprawling federal businesses of the S.V.R. could also be futile and that the one method ahead could also be to close programs down and begin anew. Others stated doing so in the midst of a pandemic can be prohibitively costly and time-consuming, and the brand new administration must work to determine and include each compromised system earlier than it may calibrate a response.
"The S.V.R. is deliberate, they're refined, and so they don't have the identical authorized restraints as we do right here within the West," stated Adam Darrah, a former authorities intelligence analyst who's now director of intelligence at Vigilante, a safety agency.
Sanctions, indictments and different measures, he added, have failed to discourage the S.V.R., which has proven it may possibly adapt rapidly.
"They're watching us very carefully proper now," Mr. Darrah stated. "And they'll pivot accordingly."
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The Benefits of Baling in Silage Wrap
Experts share valuable information on the benefits of silage wrap to provide insight into the significance of using this fantastic baling product. Are you curious...


This riverside reserve is a popular destination for a family day out, freedom camping and casual summer recreation.
A picturesque riverside location popular for swimming, picnics and freedom camping.
Vinegar Hill is one of our most popular and well used picnic and camping reserves. Situated 40km north of Feilding, it offers great swimming and views of high cliffs rising from the Rangitikei river.
A popular camping and picnicking area,Totara Reserve sits at the top end of the Pohangina Valley. It is a beautiful part of the Manawatu District, particularly in autumn.


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Мади́на () — деревня в Гехаркуникской области Армении. В 1922 году заселена несколькими семьями беженцев из Алашкерта, которые ранее поселились в Неркин-Геташене.

География
Расположена в 12 км к юго-западу от города Мартуни и в 6 км к югу от села Верин-Геташен.

Климат континентальный, средняя годовая температура в районе +2 °C. Самым жарким месяцем является август, а самый холодный — январь. Среднее годовое количество осадков составляет 809 мм. Самый влажный месяц — май (в среднем 102 мм осадков), самый сухой — декабрь (46 мм осадков).

В 4 км к юго-западу от села располагается гора Армаган, представляющая собой потухший вулкан высотой 2829 метров над уровнем моря и являющаяся достопримечательностью.

Инфраструктура
Имеется регулярное автобусное сообщение с городом Мартуни и селом Верин-Геташен (по состоянию на 2019 год эксплуатируется автобус ПАЗ-672). Деревня электрифицирована и газифицирована. Есть библиотека, школа, дом культуры, почтовое отделение и медпункт.

Памятники истории
По сведениям 1873 года в селе имелись развалины церкви.

Население
По данным «Сборника сведений о Кавказе» 1880 года, в селе Мадина Новобаязетского уезда Эриванской губернии по сведениям 1873 года было 27 дворов и проживало 208 азербайджанцев (указаны как «татары»), которые были шиитами.

По данным Кавказского календаря, в 1911 году в селе Мадина Новобаязетского уезда проживало 443 человека, в основном азербайджанцы, указанные как «татары».

Знаменитые уроженцы
 Гасанов, Али Алишер оглы (1920—1977) — журналист, депутат Совета депутатов Армянской ССР VI и VII созывов.

Примечания

Литература

 Национальная статистическая служба Республики Армения


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Poriner er membranproteiner, der virker som kanaler for f.eks. sukker, ioner og aminosyrer i bakterier, mitokondrier og grønkorn. De består af beta-barrels (beta-tønder), således at kanalens inderside er hydrofil (polær), mens molekylets yderside mod membranens indre er hydrofob (upolær). Poriner er specifikke og tillader diffusion af et bestemt molekyle eller en gruppe molekyler.

Cellebiologi
Proteiner


Researchers have for the first time discovered that common plastics emit greenhouse gases as they degrade. The findings suggest that the environmental impact of plastic is more severe than previously thought, as it emits greenhouse gases that are not accounted for in current climate change projections.
The research, published today in the journal PLOS ONE, found that plastics used across packaging, clothing, construction and beyond emit the greenhouse gases methane and ethylene when they are exposed to sunlight.
These greenhouse gases are direct contributors of climate change, impacting sea level, temperatures and the wider environment. As a result, the findings have significant implications for climate change projections, particularly given the growing presence of plastics in the environment.
"Plastic represents a source of climate-relevant trace gases that is expected to increase as more plastic is produced and accumulated in the environment," said David Karl, senior author on the study and SOEST professor with the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE).
The researchers tested a wide variety of plastics commonly used across industry, including polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, polystyrene and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
The plastic with the most severe rate of greenhouse gas emissions was polyethylene, which is the most widely produced – and thrown away – plastic in the world due its use in plastic bags.
It was found that these plastics emitted greenhouse gases when exposed to light, but continued to do so once in darkness. This includes plastics found in the ocean, adding an additional harm vector to ocean plastics.
The news comes as concerns over the environmental impact of plastic is growing and efforts are being made to cut back – particularly with single-use plastics such as bags and straws.
However, many businesses remain high producers of plastic, with other social concerns such as veganism conflicting with efforts to reduce use of the material.
With this news, however, businesses will likely face renewed pressure to reduce their plastic consumption, with some potentially even attempting to eliminate plastic altogether.
"Considering the amounts of plastic washing ashore on our coastlines and the amount of plastic exposed to ambient conditions, our finding provides further evidence that we need to stop plastic production at the source, especially single use plastic," said lead author Sarah-Jeanne Royer, a post-doctoral scholar at C-MORE.


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PT | EN Contacts
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Rui Pena Pires
Rui.Pires@iscte-iul.pt
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Rui Pena Pires is a professor at ISCTE-IUL, where he completed his BA, MC, and PhD in Sociology, and is a researcher at CIES-IUL. He has been the scientific coordinator of the Portuguese Emigration Observatory (Observatório da Emigração) since 2009. Formerly, he was the head of the Department of Sociology and Pro-Vice-Rector at ISCTE-IUL. From 2007 to 2010 he was a member of the Management Board of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) of the European Union (EU). His research interests include sociological theory, international migration and sociology of development. He is author of several publications, including the book Migrações e Integração: Teoria e Aplicações à Sociedade Portuguesa (Migration and Integration: Theory and Applications to the Study of Portuguese Society) (Celta 2003).
Licenciate in Sociologia, ISCTE-IUL - Instituto Superior Ciências Trabalho e da Empresa, in 1982
Other type of qualification in Provas de Aptidão Pedagógica e Capacidade Científica em Sociologia, ISCTE-Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, in 1987
PhD in Sociologia, ISCTE-IUL - Instituto Superior Ciências Trabalho e da Empresa, in 2003
Aggregation in Sociologia, ISCTE-Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, in 2019
International migration, Sociological theory, Sociology of development
Inequalities, Migrations and Territories
Aquisição de estudo sociológico sobre a integração dos jovens migrantes e descendentes de migrantes no Concelho de Sintra
Immigration and trafficking for labor exploitation. Nepalese in greenhouses in Portugal
Civil Engagement in Social Work: Developing Global Models
Observatório das Desigualdades
Students and their Trajectories in Higher Education: Success and Attrition, Factors and Processes, Fostering Best Practices
Remessas de Imigrantes em Portugal
Emigration Observatory
Scientific journal paper
Pires, R. P., Pereira, C., Azevedo, J., Vidigal, I. & Moura-Veiga, C. (2020). A emigração portuguesa no século XXI. Sociologia, Problemas e Práticas. 94, 9-38
Pires, R. P. (2020). O ensino da teoria sociológica. Sociologia On Line. 23, 11-30
Pires, R. P., Delaunay, M. & Peixoto, J. (2020). Trauma and the Portuguese Repatriation: A Confined Collective Identity. In Ron Eyerman; Giuseppe Sciortino (Ed.), The Cultural Trauma of Decolonization. (pp. 169-203). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.
Pires, R. P. (2019). Portuguese Emigration Today. In Cláudia Pereira; Joana Azevedo (Ed.), New and Old Routes of Portuguese Emigration. Uncertain Futures at the Periphery of Europe. (pp. 29-48). Cham: Springer.
Pires, R. P. & Cândido, A. (2019). Emigration and development in the European periphery: Portugal's case. In Constança Urbano de Sousa (Ed.), The Relevance of Migration for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. (pp. 71). Lisboa: Universidade Autonoma de Lisboa, EdiUal.
[ver mais]
Pires, R. P., Azevedo, J., Vidigal, I. & Moura-Veiga, C. (2019). The aging of Portuguese emigrant population: an analysis of the 2001 and 2011 censuses . Migrações e Estado-providência.
Pires, R. P. (2019). O Observatório da Emigração. Fórum Pesquisas CIES-ISCTE 2019: Ciência e Sociedade.
Pires, R. P. (2019). Pode a inclusão de categorias étnico-raciais no censo de 2021 servir as políticas de saúde e integração em Portugal?. Categorias Étnico-Raciais, Integração e Saúde.
Pires, R. P. (2019). A emigração portuguesa. Imigrações em Portugal: Experiências e Lições Práticas.
Pires, R. P. (2019). Trump, nacionalismo e imigração. Colóquio Trump a Meio do Mandato, Instituto Europeu, Faculdade de Direito, Universidade de Lisboa.
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While I was working up the sample of my Griffin Shawl, I knew I wanted to come up with a similar design for a crochet afghan pattern that was worked in the round. Beginners and seasoned crocheters alike will love that the Centaur Mandala Afghan pattern uses simple crochet stitch pattern repeats to create the textured design, making it perfect for those days when you need to sit, crochet and decompress.
Pair this crochet blanket pattern with Lion Brand Yarns Mandala, a self-striping yarn, and all of the colorwork is done for you making this a perfect crochet project for binge watching your favorite TV show. And I don't know about you, but my favorite part of self-striping yarns is that I'm not left with a bunch of ends to weave in!
I previously purchased several cakes of Lion Brand Yarns, Mandala. I'm normally a solid color girl when it comes to most everything in life, especially yarn. But there's just something about these gorgeous cakes of yarn… I hear them calling my name every time I walk down the yarn aisle! While I love them all, I am ashamed to admit that I've been hoarding more cakes than I've been using. The colorways I've used so far are Gnome, Genie and most recently Griffin. I used the Gnome colorway for my Girls Butterfly Mandala Vest and matching 18″ doll 5 piece set. I used the Genie colorway for my Water's Edge Shawl. And I used the Griffin colorway for a new shawl, the Griffin Shawl. Even though I've only used a couple of the cakes I had on my shelves, when I saw the Centaur colorway in the store, I knew it would be perfect for an afghan crochet pattern!
For the Centaur Mandala Afghan, I've combined several simple crochet stitches to give it a nice texture and drape. The size is easily customizable so you can make it smaller for a baby shower gift or larger for a wedding gift! Check out my Blanket Size Chart HERE, for standard blanket sizes.
The free pattern is below, but if you love to work offline, or need to order your yarn, I've got a couple other great options for you.
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF, including all photo tutorials, on Ravelry here.
Purchase the kit here! Lion Brand also has a full kit of the Centaur Mandala Afghan, available on their website. The kit includes your choice of 4 colorways and a printed copy of the pattern below.
Yarn: DK Weight / 3 / Yarn (Lion Brand Yarns, Mandala, in Centaur was used for the sample in the photos) (150 g / 5.3oz / 590 yards / 540 meters / 100% acrylic) per cake – You'll need approximately 3.75 cakes (2,200 yards) to make a 48″ x 48″ afghan (size shown in the photos).
Dimensions are included within the instructions to check gauge. Gauge isn't crucial for this project.
Check out my Blanket Size Chart HERE, for standard blanket sizes.
Single Crochet Puff Stitch (puff st): Yo, insert your hook into the indicated stitch/space, yo and pull up a long loop, (yo, insert your hook into the same stitch/space, yo, and pull up a long loop) 4 more times, yo, pull through all 11 loops on your hook. Note: You typically close a puff stitch with a ch 1, but for this design, it is written to ch-1 after the stitch. This ch-1 is used to close the puff stitch and create the next ch-1 space in the design. So only work one ch 1 after each puff stitch, not 2 like you may be used to.
Alternate Double Crochet – Double Crochet Cluster (alt-dc-cl): After turning your work, do not ch, instead, insert your hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert your hook into the same stitch/space, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru remaining loops. Click HERE for a complete tutorial.
2 Double Crochet Cluster (2 dc-cl): Yo, insert hook where indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru remaining loops. Click HERE for a complete tutorial.
I tend to crochet on the tighter side. You may need to go down a hook size (or two) to meet gauge if you crochet on the looser side.
Turning chains are not included in stitch count.
The first stitch of every row is worked into the same stitch as the turning chain, unless stated otherwise.
Chains (for chain spaces) are included in stitch count. When reading the instructions, skipped stitches can be chains or stitches.
Yardage: 3.75 cakes (2,200 yards) made an afghan approximately 48″ x 48″.
Yarns similar in fiber and weight can be substituted.
Designer Tip! Use ANY weight yarn you'd like. I suggest using a hook size at least 1mm larger than what's listed on the ball band of the yarn you'd like to use. Adjust hook size until you get the drape you'd like for your afghan.
Note: Make sure to keep your ch-1's loose in the linen stitch rounds (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st), or your work will cinch inward.
Rnd 1: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, in the 2nd ch from your hook work (sc, ch 2) 4 times. Join w/ a sl st to the 1st sc. Turn. (12 sts) *Chains (not including turning chains) are counted as stitches.
Rnds 5 – 7: Do not ch-1, [ (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8 each rnd. (60 sts at the end of Row 7) Approximately 4″ square at this point.
Row 8: Alt-dc-cl in the first ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, [ (2 dc-cl in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the next ch-2 sp, (2 dc-cl, ch 2, 2 dc-cl) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (2 dc-cl in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8. (68 sts at the end of Row 8) Approximately 5″ square at this point.
Rnds 9 – 11: Do not ch-1, [ (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8 each rnd. (92 sts at the end of Row 11) Approximately 5.75″ square at this point.
Row 12: Ch 1, [ (puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep from ( to ) across to the next ch-2 sp, (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8. (100 sts at the end of Row 12) Approximately 6.75″ square at this point.
Rep Rows 5 – 12, ending w/ a Row 11 rep, until your afghan is the size you prefer. You can end on any round you'd like, this is just the round I prefer to end on.
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Professionally finish your afghan by blocking it. Click HERE for my Super Easy Blocking Tutorial.
Please share your finished ACS projects with us in the A Crocheted Simplicity Crochet Community Group on Facebook! Use hashtag #ACrochetedSimplicity when sharing on social media so I can find your posts!