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Green Economy

Greening the Land

Waste Management

Waste management may not be the most glamorous of industries, but its importance to the environment is widely accepted. In Oman, the environment has always been a topic of importance, […]

Waste management may not be the most glamorous of industries, but its importance to the environment is widely accepted. In Oman, the environment has always been a topic of importance, and the new solid waste management strategy announced at the end of 2014 is one of the latest initiatives in the direction of improving environmentally focused infrastructure. The new drive is led by Be’ah, the Sultanate’s government assigned solid waste management institution. While it will be critical for Oman from an efficiency and environmental standpoint, one of the major positives will be the commercial opportunities that will be available for foreign investors and local SMEs alike.

With over 350 solid waste disposal sites throughout Oman, some solid waste infrastructure is in place. However, the efficiency and safety of each of these sites has been widely sub standard to such an extent that many of them have needed to be closed down, and alternatives sought.

Tariq Ali Al Amri, CEO of Be’ah, explains that the fundamental development for Oman has been to create engineered landfills in order to apply proper practice, and then put in place transfer stations to facilitate the disposal procedures. Work has gradually been done in this area, with 12 engineered landfills now in place along with 25 transfer stations. This number could reach up to a maximum of 36 as the population grows.

To support this infrastructure, the new strategy has ambitious, but reachable, goals, according to Mr. Al Amri. Six major sites have already been shut down in Al Dakhiliyah, and this will continue throughout the country as the replacement infrastructure is formed. Recycling is one of the most significant priorities, as the strategy aims to divert 60% of all waste by 2020, and 80% by 2030 through recycling. The environmental impact will be notable if these are successful as Mr. Al Amri hopes that “the number of operating landfills should be reduced from 12 to roughly six around the country.“

There will also be some additional positives derived from an improved and upgraded solid waste management industry. Plans have been made to implement refuse-derived fuel (RDF) or waste-to-energy within a number of different industries. Be’ah has already held talks with Raysut Cement, the Salalah based company, to use RDF. If the project is executed, Mr. Al Amri thinks it is possible that “most of the waste in Salalah will be converted into RDF.“ Not only will this have a positive impact on Salalah, which is fast becoming one of Oman’s most important cities, but the energy needs of the cement industry, which has been one of the first to face higher gas prices, will be maintained.

Another area in which RDF will play a role over the next five years is the desalination industry. With around 2,000 tons of solid waste produced per day in Muscat and the surrounding areas, the idea is to desalinize 80,000 cbm of water per year using RDF. As this would account for over 30% of Oman’s current water demand, which is likely to increase with the population increasing, the materialization of this project would be highly beneficial.

Foreign investment also has a great potential to grow. Be’ah has already taken steps to bring in foreign experts to contribute to the strategy, both in terms of design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Mr. Al Amri suggests that the new incineration plant would require investments of up to $1.95 million, while the waste-energy-water project in particular is deemed to need international support. As Oman’s private sector does not yet have the necessary expertise, foreign companies are not only welcome but highly sought after to lead projects and provide knowledge transfer to the local industry.

According to British government statistics, the turnover of the UK waste management industry in 2014 was $14 billion, with 70,000 people employed through 3,000 companies, figures that will be very encouraging for Oman’s burgeoning sector. Assuming that proper steps are taken to increase the efficiency and safety of infrastructure in Oman’s solid waste management industry, the economic advantages of a revamped strategy could match the environmental benefits.

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Ventura County Superior Court issues mask mandate as coronavirus infections rise

Victoria Talbot
Ventura County Star
Ventura County Superior Court has reinstituted COVID-19 safety measures as of Monday. Visitors to the court are required to wear masks and will be spaced apart in courtrooms.

Because of a recent increase in new COVID-19 infections, the Ventura County Superior Court has implemented a mask mandate for all persons entering any courthouse, courtroom or other court facility, regardless of their vaccination status, beginning Monday.

Ventura County remains in the highest COVID-19 risk tier, as ranked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State data on Friday show daily case rates in the county averaged 34.5 infections per 100,000 people.

"The mask order is a precaution to reduce the spread of the virus in an effort to keep the court operating during this period of increased cases," said Robert Sherman, assistant court executive officer/chief financial officer of Ventura Superior Court.

"Since June 20, 2022, 38 court personnel and courthouse visitors have tested positive for the virus," reads the order, issued Thursday. "Three court departments are in 'outbreak status', according to the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA guidelines."

Since the July 14 order, six more employees have tested positive, court officials said.

Outbreaks are defined as three or more employee COVID-19 cases in an "exposed group" within a 14-day period, according to Cal/OSHA's emergency temporary standards on COVID-19 prevention. Since June 20, 18 courtrooms have had a COVID-19 exposure, according to the court order.

Individuals who do not wear a mask and do not have a court order for an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act or California Rules of Court will be reminded to wear one. If they refuse, they will be denied entrance and may have to reschedule their legal matters.

In the event a visitor removes their mask within the courtroom they will be asked to replace it. Upon refusal, they will be asked to leave voluntarily or be escorted out of the courthouse by the Ventura County Sheriff's deputy and may be subject to punishment for contempt.

In addition to masking, visitors will be seated in every other seat to maintain distance.

Ventura County public health officials have recently described the COVID-19 rise as moderate and said they won’t consider a countywide indoor masking mandate or other restrictions unless hospitalizations and intensive care cases jump significantly.

Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and CSU Channel Islands outside of Camarillo have already initiated mandates in response to the CDC ranking.

The increase in cases seems to be the result of virus subvariants, said Ventura County Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas last week at a county Board of Supervisors meeting.

Local transmission rates began to rise in April. A majority of the infections are now caused by the highly contagious omicron subvariant, BA.5, believed to be more evasive to antibodies from vaccines or natural immunity. Vaccines still reduce chances of severe illness and death.

Though omicron subvariants appear to cause less severe illness, more will be known about BA.5 as it continues to spread across the region, public health officials said.

Victoria Talbot is a courts and breaking news reporter with The Star. Reach her at or 805-437-0258.

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Week in Geek | Star Trek, Stargate Model Maker Eaglemoss in Trouble, but Don’t Panic Yet

Week in Geek is The Companion‘s weekly digest of all the latest trailers, announcements, controversies, spicy memes, and more. Not everyone has the time or inclination to sit on social media all day staying on top of this… but we do and we need to justify the time we’ve wasted.

If you’d like Week in Geek poured piping hot into your inbox every Monday, sign up here.

What We’re Looking At

Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 3 will air on August 25. In keeping with previous posters, this homages The Search for Spock (1984).

What We’re Talking About

Eaglemoss, specialists in part-work magazines and high-quality models of Star Trek, Stargate, and others, plans to go into administration. We’ve written an explainer as to what that involves but if you’re a subscriber, our advice is to be patient, and to be mindful that jobs are at risk before you complain on social media.

Joe Dante, director of Gremlins, has pointed out the similarity between Grogu and Gizmo, describing him as “completely stolen.” In defense of The Mandalorian, Dante did not invent the visual language of cuteness…

Black Mirror Season 6 – the first since parting way with creator Charlie Brooker – has cast Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2), Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Josh Hartnett (30 Days of Night,), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Kate Mara (House of Cards), Danny Ramirez (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Clara Rugaard, Auden Thornton, and Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve).

Squid Game scores 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, becoming the first foreign language show nominated for Best Drama Series. Check out the full list of sci-fi noms.

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Star Trek actor/director Jonathan Frakes joins Ian Spelling for the launch of a new interview series To Boldly Ask…, exclusively on The Companion.

What We’re Watching

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What We’re Buying*

*These aren’t sponsored, we don’t get a cut, and nobody sends us freebies. It’s just some cool stuff we’re lusting over hard.

If you picked up Ace Books’ deluxe edition of Dune a couple of years ago, you’ll be thrilled to know that Herbert’s second and third books, Dune Messiah (USD$45/GBP£34.12) and Children of Dune (USD$45/GBP£35.63), are now up for pre-order.

They come with new covers and splash page art from illustrator Matt Griffin.

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Wave 1 features Baron Harkonnen, Paul Atreides (in his aristocratic attire), Paul Muad-Dib (in his stillsuit), a Saudukar Warrior, and Stilgar. They’re priced at USD$18 (approx GBP£15) each or USD$90 (approx GBP£75) for the whole set.

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10 Popular Sidewalk Chalk Art Ideas + BONUS Chalk Date

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Say hello to screen-free fun that costs next to nothing! These sidewalk chalk ideas will provide you with endless fun and some fresh air! Even if you haven’t created sidewalk chalk art in years, we have ideas that are so simple even your littlest kids can join in!

PLUS, don’t scroll past an adorable SIDEWALK CHALK DATE IDEA you can do with your spouse! A little artsy, flirty, outdoor fun is a great way to connect!

10 Genius Sidewalk Chalk Activities

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.

1. Play a Life-Sized Game

How to make a game board out of sidewalk chalk | The Dating Divas
Game Board Chalk Ideas

Make a game board out of sidewalk chalk, and use rocks as game pieces! You could also make a target to toss rocks at, create a Twister board, or even make your own chalk-version of Chutes and Ladders!

2. Make a Creative Chalk Art Background

Create a background for photos using sidewalk chalk art |The Dating Divas
Chalk Art Photo Background Ideas

Sidewalk chalk art at its finest! Create a background with chalk and add your kids–or yourself–into the scene. This sweet photo (by Samantha Johnson) can provide some great inspiration!

3. Create a Chalk Track

Sidewalk Chalk Ideas that Involve Making a Track for Cars and Bikes | The Dating Divas
Activities for Kids to Do with Sidewalk Chalk

Create a track or scene for your kids to use. This sidewalk chalk activity will put a new spin on old toys! You could even scale the track larger and make roads for them to ride their bikes.

4. Make a BIG Sidewalk Chalk Creation

How to Make a Bike Track with Sidewalk Chalk | The Dating Divas
Bike Chalk Ideas for Fun

My favorite thing to do as a kid was to make a huge sidewalk chalk city complete with roads and houses. Cruising around a chalk road on a bike is so much fun, and so much work to draw–but not with this gadget!

5. Create a Chalk Game board

Side Walk Chalk Ideas & How to make a Side Walk Chalk Board Game | The Dating Divas
How to Make a Chalk Game Board

Grab your chalk–you’ve got work to do! Make a game board and click the link above to print a dice that pairs with your chalk game!

6. Chalk Art Paint Ideas

Sidewalk chalk art paint | The Dating Divas
Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Put a twist on your typical sidewalk chalk ideas and use sidewalk chalk paint! You could make your own sidewalk chalk paint or buy some for convenience.

7. Stencil Messages

Leave an kind sidewalk chalk message | The Dating Divas
Sidewalk Chalk Messages

Boost someone’s mood with a happy sidewalk chalk message! Use a stencil and chalk paint to create a birthday message, a love note, or a cute site for a photo op! Click the link above for a full how-to tutorial.

8. Make a Themed Chalk Art Theme

What to Do with Sidewalk Chalk & Ideas for Chalk Art | The Dating Divas
Sidewalk Chalk Art

Choose a theme and create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece. You could create chalk art of space, the jungle, a pirate ship, a candy store–the possibilities are endless!

9. Target Practice

Sidewalk chalk ideas that are easy and fun for kids in the summer | The Dating Divas
Make a Target Out of Sidewalk Chalk

Make a simple target out of sidewalk chalk and keep score. The best part is, you can toss rocks, acorns, anything you find nearby!

10. Create a Hopscotch Obstacle Course

Hopscotch Obstacle Course Chalk Art Ideas | The Dating Divas
Hopscotch Sidewalk Chalk Ideas

This is a must-try sidewalk chalk idea from Hands on as We Grow! Make an obstacle course with jumps, spins, and balance exercises.

SideWalk Chalk ARt Date

It’s time to put your sidewalk chalk talents to work–it’s date time! Start by prepping the popsicle invite and attaching it to a popsicle stick and a box of chalk.

Sidewalk Chalk Ideas for a Date Outside | The Dating Divas
Popsicle Sidewalk Chalk Invite

Once you have your date secured, print and prep the other free printables. We have included several fun activities for your sidewalk chalk date!

Epic Chalk Contest

Kick your date off with a bang! Here’s how the contest works:

  1. Set the timer for 60 seconds for each round.
  2. Take turns choosing a printable prompt.
  3. Try to draw what the prompt says in 60 seconds or less.
  4. Vote on who wins the “Best Chalk Artist” award. Whoever wins gets to choose between a high five, hug, or kiss!
How to Have a Chalk Drawing Contest | The Dating Divas
Chalk Art Contest

The free printables have a printout of the contest rules as well as the drawing prompts. Fold each card in half and prop it up next to your masterpiece!

Ideas for What to Draw with Chalk | The Dating Divas
What to Draw with Chalk

Chalk Art Activity

Next up is a date activity more about your connection than your artistic skill! Here’s how you play, Let’s CHALK About It!

  1. Have your spouse lay down on the sidewalk.
  2. Set the paper hearts alongside your spouse.
  3. As you begin to trace your sweetie, read out loud each question and take turns answering.
  4. Once you finish tracing, switch places and use the remaining questions until your masterpiece is finished!
Good Questions to Use on a Date Night | The Dating Divas
Sidewalk Chalk Question Prompts

Trace your lover and have a great conversation while you’re at it! Let the hearts guide your conversation while you draw your partner with sidewalk chalk. The questions include:

  • If you had to do an extreme sport, what would you do?
  • What’s another career that you think you would enjoy?
  • What do you want to name a pet, or your next pet?
  • Which game show do you think you could win?
  • Do you prefer looking at the sunrise or the sunset?
Fun ideas to do with chalk outside in the summer on a date | The Dating Divas
Chalk Art Date Activity Ideas
  • Do you have a motto you like to live by?
  • What would you like to create with your own hands?
  • What is the best toy every kid should have?
  • If you started your own restaurant, what food would you serve?
  • What other languages would you want to learn?

Sidewalk Chalk Act of Service

There is no better feeling than brightening someone else’s day. As part of your date (or another time if needed), have you and your partner take your box of sidewalk chalk and leave a note on a loved one’s walk or driveway. Don’t forget to leave this darling printable note on their door handle, or attached to a box of chalk you leave them as a gift.

Summer Act of Service Ideas | The Dating Divas
Summer Act of Service

Enjoying writing kind notes and drawing pictures all around their house. Think about what will brighten their day and make them laugh!

Service Sidewalk Chalk Ideas | The Dating Divas
Fun Ideas for a Summer Bucket List

Leaving a box of chalk is a fun way to give someone else a fun summer activity and a smile!

Sidewalk Chalk Ideas

With all of these sidewalk chalk ideas in your arsenal, you are locked and loaded for a fun summer night outdoors! These ideas are great for kids or couples, too! Pick and choose which chalk art activities best fit your night, or do all of them!

Sidewalk Chalk Ideas for Summer Outside | The Dating Divas
Popsicle Dessert After Chalk Art Fun

No matter what you do, end the night with popsicles! It’s the perfect end to a fun date outside with your love.

Outdoor Date Ideas for the Summer | The Dating Divas
Outdoor Date Ideas
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Sidewalk Chalk Date

Printables Designed by Courtney Exclusively for The Dating Divas

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This week’s question centers on team building for drilling crews — really, for any group of people working together on common goals. How do you plan team-building events and not have half the staff roll their eyes? Host and The Driller contributing writer Brock Yordy has some ideas for crew morale, a worthy goal given what a good, cohesive team can accomplish. It’s Ask Brock, episode 132.

“That’s the important thing about team morale, is everybody relating and understanding why we come together at this business at this moment,” Yordy says.

This episode also touches on the value of building connections between coworkers, how to get started planning a team event even once a quarter, ice cream and other topics. Click the video to hear more.

Have a question for Brock? Send an email to


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online pcb supplier - jlcpcb, intro to jlcpcb, tour to jlcpcb, fabrication house jlcpcb, why choose jlcpcb
Hi Guys! We welcome you on board. We always strive to come up with useful information that adheres to your needs and requirements. Today, I am going to review about one of the best Online PCB supplier named as JLCPCB. As we are stepping forward in the world of smart technology, electronics is evolving and becoming innovative where devices are becoming tiny and compact, cover less space, carry less weight and capable of performing more tasks than their predecessors. PCB plays a vital role in the development and designing of any project. And if you really want your project gets off the ground in the early stage of development process, you need to pay extra heed in the development different types of PCB boards, specially when PCB board is an integral part of your project. Choosing and picking quality online PCB supplier service for the manufacturing of PCB is little bit tricky and you may feel exhausted and overwhelmed while searching for the best fabrication company that truly resonates with your needs and expectations and sets you free from the hassle of making quality board so you can pay more attention to other design and development process in order to complete your project well and on time.

Online PCB Supplier - JLCPCB

I have a wealth of experience working with multiple PCB board fabrication houses but there are only few companies who provide quality service when it comes to the development of precise and accurate product. JLCPCB is one of them, which is an online PCB supplier company. There are number of reasons why we prefer them over others and most important one is the quality assurance. They always strive to give you quality product that resonates with your demands. No matter if you are interested in the manufacturing of most basic design or multilayer complex PCB, they are expert in all of them, making sure to implement your ideas and requirements into all of their work so you don't need to keep coming back in order to fix your problems related to your board. Still, if you feel the product you ordered and anticipated doesn't meet your needs and unable to fulfill your requirements, you can send back the order immediately and they will fix it according to your needs and will keep following up with you until you are completely satisfied with your product.
online pcb supplier - jlcpcb, intro to jlcpcb, tour to jlcpcb, fabrication house jlcpcb, why choose jlcpcb
JLCPCB supplier comes with a team of experts who help you right from the start of the process i.e. from making to layout design, to the manufacturing of complete product and keep you updated with regular intervals so you don't feel you are left out in the process. Customer support is quick and responsive, that you don't need to wait too long to get your questions answered. Not everyone is expert when it comes to making perfect PCB layout design. If you feel you're one of them, you can get immediate help from their staff. They have a professional team of engineers who not only incorporate your idea into the product design, but also give you valuable suggestions that can make your design an ideal choice for your project.
What They can Deliver
PCB comes in number of forms ranging from single layer to double layer to multiple PCBs. Also, in terms of substrate used, many PCB boards are available including Flex board, Rigid board, Rigid-Flex board, Aluminum board, High Frequency board. JLCPCB supplier is proficient in making all of the above design with high precision and accuracy.
online pcb supplier - jlcpcb, intro to jlcpcb, tour to jlcpcb, fabrication house jlcpcb, why choose jlcpcb
PCB can be manufactured using SMD ( Surface Mount Technology) or Through Hole Technology, you can pick any of those based on your needs and demands of the project. You must be sure which type you want to pick, because it will help you the installation of PCB board  on your electronic project as some project are well suitable and prefer SMD while other are ideal for Through Hole mounting. Price of different PCB boards is as follows:
  • 2 layer board incorporated with FR4 substrate material, green solder mask and white silkscreen - $2/10 PCS
  • 4 layer board with same specs as above - $16/10 PCS
  • 6 layer board with same specs as above - $80/10 PCS
  • Similarly, SMT Stencil (190mm x 290mm) Frameless - $9/1 PCS
Keep one thing in mind - Lead time is different for different orders and it depends on the nature of the item you select, however, it ranges from 2 business days to 1-2 weeks. Rest assured, whenever they promise to deliver, they deliver within due date.
Why Choose Them
There are number of reasons, that we prefer JLCPCB over others. 1. They don't compromise on quality. They are highly concerned when it comes to maintaining the high quality throughout the whole fabrication process. If you want basics design to be manufactured or you are interested in the most complex design, they are there to help you. 2. They have recently installed advanced production lines that are properly maintained and supported by the technical team. They keep on checking every machine with regular intervals every now and then, in order to make sure the quality of product doesn't effect at any cost.
online pcb supplier - jlcpcb, intro to jlcpcb, tour to jlcpcb, fabrication house jlcpcb, why choose jlcpcb
3. What makes them cost effective? Labor cost is very low in China that makes them stand out from others when it comes to producing high quality product with low cost. Labor cost  in China is almost half what is required in other countries like USA and UK, which makes it first preference for the manufacturing of economical product. No need to worry about if you intend to order fewer number of products, you can order as low as 5 number of PCBs. However, ordering in bulk quality gives you edge in terms of pricing. 4. On time delivery is another factor that puts them ahead form their competitors. Making quality product will of no use until you deliver on time. Because delaying in the orders can put your project at risk and effect number of factors that can alter the overall quality of the project. They are equipped with highly skilled supply chain team who keeps a close eye on the processing of your order and make sure your order is delivered on time. 5. Some people don't trust the PCB supplier company unless assurance and confidence given by the satisfied customers. JLCPCB has been serving their customers quite a while now with the intention of retaining them with flawless and impeccable service. Almost 200,000 customers around the world are using their service with complete satisfaction. What makes customers keep coming back and again for more orders is that JLCPCB keep updating their customers throughout the process with the complete revision of product until they are satisfied.
online pcb supplier - jlcpcb, intro to jlcpcb, tour to jlcpcb, fabrication house jlcpcb, why choose jlcpcb
That's all for today. I hope you have got enough information why you choose this online PCB supplier? Specially, when you want your presence and idea must be valued and respected. If you still feel skeptical or have any question related to this PCB supplier, you can ask me in the comment section below. I'd love to help you according to best of my expertise. Feel free to keep us updated with your valuable feedback and suggestions, so we keep providing your quality work that matches with your requirements. Stay Tuned!


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16 March 2017

Indian geometry

Marc Auclert offers contemporary jewels made up from old elements. These, composed of rectangles, triangles and gold circles assembled like a sculpture, originally formed a pair of earrings typical of South India. No one really knows the origin or the exact meaning of the symbols. Local legend has it that they are a version of the earrings worn by Shiva during her cosmic dance.

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Maureen Quill tells us to SHAG OFF!

This was the message delivered by Maureen Quill to a group of citizens collecting a petition asking for a referendum on our membership of the European Union.

Ms. Quill is a former teacher with a history in politics, she is a former TD, member of Seanad Éireann and a former Lord Mayor of Cork city – one would expect to find an up-standing citizen.

I think we can expect that Ms. Quill is drawing multiple pensions from our public money.

Quill’s comments were made in a rude and disrespectful manner.

On Saturday last a group of citizens were exercising their right to exchange ideas and distribute information to the public, on the question of Ireland’s membership of the EU.

Ms Quill approached and told us we should “cop on” and asked this writer “what do you do with yourself?”  Her suggestion, from the exchange, was that we were unemployed, and therefore wasters, and should be grateful for whatever our EU benefactors were bestowing on us.

We explained that we were “standing up for the rights of the people and promoting debate on a very important question” the rebuff was simple and to the point: Ye should shag off!”

We are not over sensitive types who can’t take a bit of criticism, and respond in an appropriate spirit – but this is too much, from an individual with such profile.

This seems to be the respect that the ‘power-that-be’ hold for any citizens who dare to express ideas to challenge the elite in any way.

We have seen peaceful protestors charged, jailed and brought before courts for doing just that. We have seen Cork people effectively excluded from the public galleries at meetings of our own City Council. We have seen citizens excluded from public forums – in case they would ask difficult questions of our public representatives in Europe.

City Hall in Cork provides a constant stream of abuse towards the people and disregard for our rights, the housing department alone is a law onto itself.

Dáil Éireann is similar, once elected our TD’s ignore the people, they engage in their ‘deal’ making and agree what next to impose on the people.

Ms Quill attitude is a reflection of the attitude our state holds towards us, the citizens, it is not good enough.

We now publically call on Maureen Quill to return to our Information Stall which is outside Dunnes Stores, Patrick’s Street, Cork every Saturday afternoon and apologies to the good citizens who are doing what all good citizens should be doing – engaging in the democratic process.

We await…


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One of the first questions new drivers ask when shopping for insurance is, “What does ‘deductible’ mean in car insurance?” You may be wondering why so much consideration is given to the deductible amount. Choosing a deductiblethe amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket when making a claim before your insurance covers the restis an important part of securing quality coverage. Learn what your deductible means for your car insurance policy and how to choose the right one.

What Do I Need to Know About Car Insurance Deductibles?

The deductible is the amount “deducted” from the cost of car repairs resulting from collisions or other accidents. It is the amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest of your expenses. For example, if your deductible is $500 and your car repairs cost $2,000, the insurance company will only pay $1,500 of the bill. If the car is damaged badly, your collision and comprehensive coverage will pay up to the amount of your policy’s limit or the value of your vehicle. When the damage outweighs the car’s value, the insurance adjuster considers it a total loss, or “totaled.” Your deductible will be subtracted from any settlement made on a claim.

Do I Pay a Car Insurance Deductible on a Liability Claim?

Car insurance deductibles are related to claims on collision and comprehensive coverage, not liability claims. Comprehensive coverage involves damage to the car from incidents other than collisions. These incidents might include hailstorms, tree limbs falling on the car, fire, and similar issues. Comprehensive coverage also includes theft. If your car is stolen and never recovered, you receive the value of your vehicle at the time of the crime minus your deductible.

Liability coverage involves damage a driver causes to another person or someone else’s property. While there is no deductible on liability insurance, your coverage extends only to the limit of your policy.

Deductibles can also apply to uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in some states. If an uninsured driver hits your car, or you are struck by a driver with insufficient liability insurance for property damage, this type of coverage will pay the repair bills or reimburse you up to your coverage limit after the deductible is paid.

Woman concentrates while reviewing documents to understand her car insurance deductible

How Do Car Insurance Deductibles Work?

Keep in mind that car insurance deductibles do not work the same way as health insurance deductibles. With health insurance, after you have met your deductible for the year, you generally only pay any required copayments for additional services. With car insurance deductibles, each claim is considered on its own. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and are involved in two collisions during a one-year period, you must pay $500 out of pocket for each incident before your car insurance coverage kicks in. On the other hand, if you are involved in several minor accidents in which the damage never exceeds $500, you are responsible for all the paymentsa $499 bill is on you.

If you opt for a lower deductible, say $250, you will pay $250 of that same $499 bill. With an even lower deductible, like $100, the insurance company pays $399.

Car Insurance Deductibles for At-Fault Drivers

Car insurance deductibles are usually required when you are the at-fault driver. If you were not at fault, the other driver’s insurance company should pay your repair bills, up to the limits of the policy. If it is not clear who was at fault, the insurance company must investigate. This investigation can take some time, however; your car is probably waiting in the repair shop.

If you need your car back to go to work and run errands, you might end up paying the deductible out of pocket. If that happens and the other driver is later found responsible for the collision, you should get your deductible back after the two insurance companies finish looking over the evidence. Essentially, the other driver’s insurance company pays your insurance company, and you receive a deductible reimbursement.

Choosing the Right Car Insurance Deductible

Figuring out the right deductible for your car insurance depends on your individual circumstances. Consider your finances and risk levels before deciding on a number.

If affordability is your #1 concern, you may want to choose a higher deductible to lower your premiums. However, while you can save money by selecting a high premium, that only makes sense if you have ready access to that amount of cash. If you get into an accident and cannot pay the repair deductible, you might end up having to take out a loan or pay off a high-interest credit card.

If your car is worth a lot of money, you will most likely pay higher premiums. If you go with a high deductible, you could end up with substantial savings.  If your car is older and lower value, you might want a lower deductible as your repairs won’t exceed the price of a high deductible.

Make your decision by doing the math. Figure out what you would pay for a $1,000 deductible, a $750 deductible, and a $500 deductible. Determine your savings while keeping in mind that you don’t know if you’ll have an accident during the year, and go with the amount that provides the most savings with the protection you want.

High Deductible Car Insurance

Save money on your premiums by opting for high deductible car insurance. The downside is that if an accident occurs, you must pay more out of pocket for repairs than if you carried a lower auto insurance deductible.

Weigh the pros and cons of a high versus a low deductible by figuring out how much you can afford to pay in a worst-case scenario. If you have the means to pay more out of pocket without seriously impacting your lifestyle, choosing a high deductible might be the best way to go. If your budget is very tight, you will probably be better off with a lower deductible albeit with higher premiums. That arrangement offers you more financial protection in case your car is wrecked in a crash.

The Claim Process

If you are involved in a car accident and your vehicle is damaged, file a claim with your insurance carrier to get it repaired. You must file the claim as soon as possible. Provide the insurance company with the names, insurance companies and contact information of anyone involved in the collision. Let the insurer know when and where the accident happened and send photos of the damage. You should also send a copy of the police report. Always call the police after a car accident, even if it seems no one was hurt and there was little damage. Failing to report an accident and then discovering the damage is worse than you thought means the insurance company may not pay your claim.

When you report the accident, an insurance adjuster inspects your car and checks out the damage. Viewing the damaged vehicles and seeing where and how they were hit helps the company gather evidence and determine who is at fault. Afterwards, the adjuster estimates repair costs. You may have to use an approved repair shop if you can’t go with one of your choosing. The repair shop submits a report regarding the cost of repairs and the insurance company must approve it.

File any claims easily with The General®. Car accidents are stressful but filing the claim doesn’t have to be.

The General® Can Help

At The General®, we understand that car insurance can be complicated. Choosing a deductible can seem overwhelming, but our team is here to answer any questions you have to help you choose the best policy for your unique situation. Just give us a call today or get a free quote online in under two minutes to see how much you can save!


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Ignorant Art.

YES! We finally get Iggy Azalea's latest mixtape, Ignorant Art!!! I've been waiting so long for this. And to think that the first two times I downloaded this, the zip file wouldn't open?! Cruelty to my soul! Mixtape contains 9 tracks, 4 features, and all the dopeness of Iggy herself! I love her! Get it girl! DOWNLOAD NOW!!!!

'Always More, Never Less'-Es

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An icefield in the Saint Elias mountain icefield ranges is seen in an undated handout photo.Zac Robinson/The Canadian Press

Climate change is causing glaciers in British Columbia, Yukon and Alberta to retreat faster than at any time in history, threatening to raise water levels and create deserts, scientists say.

David Hik, an ecology professor at Simon Fraser University, said the region is one of the hot spots for warming and the magnitude of change in the glaciers is dramatic.

“Probably 80 per cent of the mountain glaciers in Alberta and B.C. will disappear in the next 50 years,” he said.

The Peyto Glacier in the Rocky Mountains and part of Banff National Park has lost about 70 per cent of its mass in the past 50 years, Prof. Hik said. “It’s a small glacier but it’s typical of what we’re seeing.”

Zac Robinson, a professor at the University of Alberta, said as the climate warms, the fragmentation of some of the large ice caps in the Rockies will continue.

Glaciers are formed when snow accumulates in the winter but doesn’t melt completely the following summer.

As the Earth warms at a faster rate than it did previously, a combination of less snow and a rapid melt is causing glaciers to recede in area and volume, Prof. Robinson said.

The first “State of the Mountains” report, co-authored by the two professors and published in May by the Alpine Club of Canada, says outside of the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland, Canada has more glacier cover than any other country. Of the estimated 200,000 square kilometres of Canadian glaciers, one quarter is found in the West and the remainder are in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

Prof. Robinson said mountain glaciers, given their sensitivity to warming, are showing the earliest and most dramatic signs of ice loss, and the St. Elias Mountains in Yukon are losing ice at the fastest rate.

“Yukon glaciers in the St. Elias ranges have lost approximately one-quarter of ice cover since the 1950s,” he said.

Scientists studied the glaciers using a number of methods, including analyzing old photographs and remote sensing.

Prof. Hik said the rate of melting varies in different places in the Canadian West. “We don’t have detailed measurements everywhere but where we have measurements the rates can be 25 to 70 per cent [of melt] in the last six to seven decades.”

The rates of melting are similar to what is seen in the European Alps and the Andes, he said.

One of the first effects of melting glaciers is an increase in sea level, Prof. Hik said.

Melting of the St. Elias glaciers accounted for a 1.1-millimetre increase in sea level rise in the past 50 years, Prof. Hik said.

“That doesn’t seem like very much but if you take the St. Elias Mountains, the Rocky Mountains and high Arctic mountains and the Himalayas-Hindu Kush and the Andes and the Alps, and if you put all of those contributions together it counts for one of the largest increases in sea level over the past decade.”

While the melt increases water levels and sets off coastal erosion and flooding, it also causes dry areas and dust bowls. As glaciers recede, more water flows downhill, but the further the ice sheets retreat, the less water there is to go down stream and soon the area begins to dry, Prof. Hik said.

“In places like the Kluane River in Yukon, there is significantly more dust because the valley that the river flows through is essentially dried out,” he said.

But the area still experiences katabatic winds – winds coming off the glacier – which are quite strong and blow the dust from the dried stream beds farther out on the landscape, Prof. Hik said.

This dust can create problems for vegetation by settling on trees and plants, and reducing photosynthesis, he said.

Glaciers act as a bank account during hot summers when water is scarce, he added.

The melt also changes the way water flows and where it accumulates, creating lakes, wetlands or desert-like conditions.

“In some places you’ll have locally increased water availability and in many, many, many places that water availability will be reduced as well,” Prof. Hik said.

The changes alter the flora of the area. Tree lines are moving up the slope, and willows and birches – water-loving species – are prospering at higher elevations, Prof. Hik said.

Prof. Robinson said it’s important to study mountains because they respond rapidly and intensely to climate changes and are recognized as sentinels of change.

“Mountains give an important glimpse into the future and can show us what’s coming down the line.”


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Peng Shuai of China during her women's doubles semi-final match at the Kunming Open, in China's southwestern Yunnan province, on April 27, 2019.STR/AFP/Getty Images

Allegations of sexual assault against a former top Chinese official rocketed through social media Wednesday as censors rushed to contain them, deleting even oblique references to the scandal.

Late Tuesday, Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai wrote a long account on her verified Weibo page accusing former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her before the two began a years-long affair. Mr. Zhang, 75, was a member of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee before he resigned from public office in 2018.

Ms. Peng, a former doubles No. 1, said the alleged assault occurred in Mr. Zhang’s house, when he was working in Tianjin, “more than 10 years ago.”

“I never consented that afternoon, crying all the time,” she wrote.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, left, and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli applaud during the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, in Beijing, on March 20, 2016.The Associated Press

Her account could not be independently verified by The Globe and Mail. In the post, Ms. Peng noted that she would be unable to provide any evidence of her allegations. Neither she nor Mr. Zhang could be reached for comment.

Posted around 10 p.m. Tuesday, Ms. Peng’s account was deleted within an hour. As users began sharing screenshots on Weibo and other social media platforms, censors went into overdrive, blocking terms such as “tennis player” and Ms. Peng’s initials. No Chinese media outlet has yet mentioned the scandal.

While accusations of sexual misconduct involving top Chinese officials are not uncommon, they are typically aired as part of a corruption investigation against someone who has already fallen from grace. Mr. Zhang is by far the most senior figure to be accused in such a fashion without already facing some kind of internal Communist Party probe.

Yun Jiang, a researcher at Australian National University, wrote in a newsletter Wednesday that Ms. Peng’s accusations were all the more surprising “because it would take so much courage and bravery for the allegation to be made.

“Going against a senior CCP official (who is not already in trouble with the CCP) can ruin Peng’s life,” she wrote.

In her post, Ms. Peng appeared to acknowledge this, saying she doubted that Mr. Zhang would be afraid of her airing “the truth.”

“But even if I am like an egg hitting a rock or a moth fighting a flame, I will tell the truth about you,” she wrote.

Chinese feminist activist Lü Pin tweeted that Ms. Peng’s allegations were “very important.”

“They allow people to see the real side of China’s top leaders as never before,” she said. “They have always been this rotten and corrupt, including the exploitation of women, but this has always been hidden behind a dark curtain. That makes it all the more important to ‘speak up.’”

China’s #MeToo movement has made only modest progress in a society that remains deeply patriarchal. In August, Canadian-Chinese pop star Kris Wu was detained on suspicion of committing rape after an accuser came forward on social media. That same month, e-commerce giant Alibaba faced a reckoning of sorts over an alleged culture of forced drinking and sexual exploitation that a top executive described as “shameful.”

But there have also been setbacks. Feminist activists have been arrested or, like Ms. Lü, forced to go into exile overseas. Discussions around #MeToo are often subject to censorship.

In one of the most high-profile cases, a Beijing court ruled against accuser Zhou Xiaoxuan in September, saying there was insufficient evidence to support her claims.

Ms. Zhou, also known as Xianzi, had accused a prominent TV host of groping and forcibly kissing her. Since losing the case, she has said, she has faced widespread censorship. After the verdict, the nationalist state-run tabloid Global Times said “the #MeToo movement has not played a positive role in opposing sexual harassment in China.

“Some Western media outlets are deliberately trying to use the #MeToo movement as a tool to incite gender antagonism and even a ‘colour revolution’ in China,” the paper said. “But Chinese people have the ability to tell what is real and what is transgression in camouflaged clothes.”

The degree of censorship of Ms. Peng’s accusations suggests co-ordination by the central propaganda authorities. As well as individual posts being deleted on Weibo, commenting was disabled on posts by large sports accounts, including one owned by state broadcaster CCTV, which has more than 23.8 million followers.

Some social media users worried that even discussing the topic privately could be punished. In one group on the messaging app WeChat, a member urged people not to share anything more about Ms. Peng’s accusations.

“Please stop, if you dig more I think it will bring risk to our group,” they wrote.

Our Morning Update and Evening Update newsletters are written by Globe editors, giving you a concise summary of the day’s most important headlines. Sign up today.


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HDI restructures UK & Ireland and specialty businesses

HDI Global and HDI Global Specialty’s UK and Ireland branches are to be brought under a single leadership structure to create a unit in control of over £1bn ($1.25bn) in gross written premium.

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Vampire Blood Cocktail

Vampire Blood Cocktail

Adult beverage

Makes 1 8oz glass

5 oz Vodka

1 oz Gin

1 oz Cherry Vodka

3 oz club soda

2 tsp Grenadine

1 tube of Wilton Black Glitter Gel

1 tube of Wilton Red Glitter Gel

1/2 C Silver sprinkle Jimmies

1/4 C clear corn syrup

Cherries for garnish

Lime wedge for garnish

Mint sprigs for garnish

Rim your glass in bloody drips of the red or black or both glitter gel

If using the sprinkles, pour the corn syrup onto a plate as well as the sprinkles onto another plate

Dip the rim of the glass into the corn syrup and lightly shake off the excess

Dip the rim into the sprinkles

Fill your glass with ice

Using a shaker, Pour in the vodka, Gin, Club soda, Cherry Vodka, and Grenadine

Shake well

Pour over ice

Top with your favorite garnish and enjoy!

Please drink responsibly and abide by your countries drinking laws

This post contains affiliate links

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Statement from The Kennedy Forum Ahead of U.S. House vote on the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2019
December 3, 2020

Washington, D.C., December 3, 2020 – The Kennedy Forum strongly opposes the passage of the MORE Act, which would legalize marijuana in the U.S. Removing cannabis from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) will inevitably lead to increased usage. Unlike alcohol and tobacco, which have been waning among youth, marijuana is going in the wrong direction—with potentially alarming consequences.

Marijuana has been proven to exacerbate mental illness and some researchers are even finding casual connections between high potency THC and psychosis and schizophrenia. At a time when people everywhere are struggling—mental health and addiction challenges are increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic—this is the wrong move for our country. We must put public health before the profits of a growing industry. And make no mistake, it is an industry.

As former U.S. Rep. and founder of The Kennedy Forum Patrick J. Kennedy has stated, “The entities who stand to gain tens of billions of dollars from the legal sale of marijuana are masters at using sophisticated techniques to produce, package, brand, market, and up-sell consumer goods.”

The products they have traditionally marketed to the public are naturally habit forming—and today’s marijuana, with its increased THC concentration, is no different. No matter how “homegrown” the marijuana movement looks from the outside, no one should be fooled. There’s a reason why marijuana product offerings have multiplied and diversified over the past decade to include highly potent, albeit innocuous-looking, candies and soft drinks with catchy names. Reaching more—and younger—consumers is key to growth. And marijuana retailers are more likely to be in neighborhoods with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic residents and residents living in poverty.

Like the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), we believe that public health should drive cannabis policy and that we must end our country’s traditionally punitive approach. We stand ready to work with Congressional leaders to pass federal legislation that would strike a more appropriate balance—one that prioritizes public health. This would entail preventing the dangerous commercialization of marijuana, while also removing criminal penalties for low-level marijuana use—in addition to not burdening individuals with non-violent drug offenses with criminal records.

We strongly urge members of the House to vote NO on the MORE Act.

About The Kennedy Forum

Founded in 2013 by former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), The Kennedy Forum leads a national dialogue on transforming the health care system by uniting mental health advocates, business leaders, and government agencies around a common set of principles, including full implementation of the Federal Parity Law. Launched in celebration of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s signing of the landmark Community Mental Health Act, the nonprofit aims to achieve health equity by advancing evidence-based practices, policies, and programming for the treatment of mental health and addiction. The Kennedy Forum’s “Don’t Deny Me” campaign educates consumers about their rights under the Federal Parity Law and connects them with essential appeals guidance and resources. To learn more about The Kennedy Forum and donate, please visit

Media Contact

Amber McLaughlin
(703) 407-6070


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How Do You Learn in the Digital Age?

flickr photo by GotCredit
shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

In lieu of Digital Learning Day, I thought I would ask a very simple question, "How do you learn in the digital age?" Even though this is a simple question, the answer can be very complex. The reason is because there are so many resources, learning styles, and strategies that can be used today to gain and share information.

In a world that is constantly evolving, it is arguably more important than ever to engage in continuous professional learning.  As educators in this world, it is often difficult to keep up with the latest research, new technology, and best practices.  However, in order to prepare our students for their future, we need to be continually asking ourselves these challenging questions:

  • What am I doing to stay informed of the latest research in education?
  • What am I doing to keep updated with innovative technology tools and resources?
  • What am I doing to ensure that I am implementing best practices in my classroom?

The problem we often face is not knowing how to effectively filter and process the information that we find to be relevant and reputable. In fact, Clay Shirky famously said, “It’s not information overload, it’s filter failure.” But in a society where we spend hours and hours of every day online, and more and more information in all its forms comes to us, we need better filters (Notter and Grant, 2016).  So, here are some strategies and tools that will help you to manage your online resources by successfully filtering meaningful content.

Use an RSS Reader to let information come to you

One of the biggest challenges of online learning is the fact that there are so many websites and resources that are out there.  In order to learn more efficiently, we not only need to be consuming information, we need to be curating information.  Rather than going out and searching for websites, why not let websites come to you?

By using a RSS Reader, you can choose to subscribe to your favorite websites and blogs for free! What's more, you can organize and manage these resources into custom categories of your choice.  I would recommend using Feedly to begin filtering your favorite resources.  To get started, I would recommend following, or subscribing to the following websites:

Find a Social Bookmarking tool that works for you

I personally love using Diigo as a social bookmarking tool to curate lots of different resources. A social bookmarking tool is a service that allows you to bookmark, organize, and share saved articles and resources on the web.  Whenever I happen to stumble across a website, article, blog post, or online journal entry, I use Diigo to digitally bookmark the site, which allows me to save the site in my account.  It also allows me to add labels or "Tags" to my bookmarks so that I can quickly locate them by topics that I choose.  Another feature of Diigo allows me to create different folders or "Outliners" to organize all of my bookmarks.  This allows me to make all or some of my bookmarks and outliners public if I choose to share them with others.

Engage in social media

Did you know that you can search Twitter without having an account?  If you are new to social media, this is the first place that I would start.  By visiting Twitter and searching for educational hashtags, you can view or "lurk" conversations around specific topics in education, even without contributing.  I would recommend searching the following hashtags#edchat#edtechchat#edtech, and #education.  For a more comprehensive list of other educational hashtags and Twitter chat schedules, visit Twitter Chats for Educators.  If you would like to view multiple hashtags at once, I recommend using Tweetdeck for a "bird's eye view."  As you begin reading these conversations, try to "follow" colleagues, educators, and organizations that you highly value.  And when you are ready, I encourage you to participate in these conversations. Everyone has something to contribute to a conversation.  Even you!

Create your own Personal Learning Network (PLC)

While taking graduate courses is a great way to answer these questions, it can become very expensive and time consuming.  Therefore, I would argue that it is more cost-effective and time-sensitive to create your own Professional Learning Community (PLC). By creating a PLC, you will be able to connect, learn, and share with other passionate educators from around the world, at your convenience.

Watch Tutorial Videos

Have you ever learned how to do something from watching an online video?  I bet you have.  I have personally learned how to do so much from watching "How To" videos on YouTube and other platforms. Most of the videos I watch are to help me learn how to use a new technology tool for teaching and learning.  However, I watch videos to learn how to do things in my personal life as well.  For example, outside of education, I have learned how to install a garbage disposal, solve a Rubik's cube, and assemble furniture, just to name a few.  Believe it or not, but YouTube is the second most popular search engine, with Google being number one.  There are so many tutorial videos available on the internet today that you can practically learn how to do anything.

Type up Notes: Turning Print into a Digital Record

One thing that I have done for over 10 years is type up notes and quotes from books that I read.  First I read a book, and I use a highlighter to highlight parts of the book that I happen to find meaningful and relevant.  Then I create a Google Doc and begin typing the quotes that I highlighted from the book.  I also include the page number as a quick reference.  In addition, I also use the comment feature in Google Docs to insert a comment on quotes that I find applicable to my life in some shape or form.  I also do this process with other forms of prints such as magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and journals

The benefit of doing this is to be able to quickly access and reference resources when I need to make an argument, or solidify my understanding of something.  There are two different ways in how I do this.
The first way is doing a search in my Google Drive for a specific topic or theme.  For example, I might type in the word "inquiry" if I want to search through all of my documents that include the word inquiry.  This allows me to quickly reference the sections of documents that are about inquiry.  The second way I use this, is by searching inside a specific document for a word or topic that I remember reading about.  In order to do this, I open the document, and use the keyboard shortcut "ctrl + f" on a Chromebook or PC, or "command + f" on a Mac.  This calls the "Find" command on a computer in order to search my entire document for a particular word or phrase, and it shows me everywhere in the document that contains my search criteria.

Participate in a local EdCamp

EdCamps are one of the most innovative professional development opportunities that exist today. Why, you might ask?  Because, not only are they free events, but there is no schedule or agenda. Topics are organically created the morning of the event and any participant can volunteer to lead a session. EdCamps are increasingly sweeping the nation and are changing the way that we learn as professional educators.  Check out some of the upcoming events and take a creative risk by signing up for one near you.

For your consideration

In addition to these examples, there are many other creative ways to engage in a PLC. Consider using your Google+ account to follow your colleagues and join educational Communities.  And consider signing up for a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) at to learn about meaningful topics with others for free.

If there are other ways that you are learning in the digital age, please share by posting a comment. Happy Digital Learning Day, and happy learning!

You might also like

The Teacher’s Guide To Twitter
George Couros on Social Media
My Personal Learning Network is the most awesomest thing ever!!

Notter, Jamie, and Maddie Grant. Humanize: How People-Centric Organizations Succeed in a Social World. Que, 2016.

  1. I don't think that engaging into social networks is a good idea for learning. It destracts attention and you always feel tempted to like friend's photo/status instead of concentration on the main idea.
    However, e-learning is more interesting indeed. I like for they add elements of game to apps which makes it more interesting both for children and adults There is even a process of app creating called gamification!

  2. Good information.I would like your article.Keep share more articles and pass information.
    Amazing article, thanks for sharing this valuable piece of information it's of great help for a newbie like me

  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  4. I think that it is necessary to make significant changes to the education system now. The world has changed, everything is becoming digital and this must be taken into account when drawing up education reform. Many schools keep up with the times, but we need to do this everywhere. Why did business companies recognize the importance of IT technologies and use the services of salesforce implementation consultants, and our children are teached as if we still live in the 20th century?

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Glossier Delivers to the UK | My Picks

Yes, ladies and gents, the moment beauty bloggers and makeup lovers have been waiting for: Glossier now ships to the UK. Woo, yeah etc. Sidenote -before I begin, you can get 10% off with this link, just so ya know.

Anyway, I placed an order a little while ago - which you can see more on here - and I've been testing the products ever since. So, I think I've given them enough time for me to make my mind up on what's worth a purchase and what's just ok. Let's start with the best, shall we?

First of all, I've been head over heels obsessed with the Glossier Cloud Paints. They're basically a liquid blush in a little tube and you need a very small amount to notice the colour. And I mean small, I once put on too much and looked like I'd been left in a sauna for an hour once... I guess we can conclude that makes them very pigmented and cost-effective, as you'll get a lot of use out of such a small tube. I got the shades Puff which is the perfect flushed pink shade and Beam, a gorgeous peachy tone which really warms up the face. I'll totally be ordering the other shades asap!

Another product I love is the Glossier Moisturising Moon Mask. Not only do I adore the packaging, but the product inside does exactly what it says on the tin (tub?). It says 20 minutes, but I only leave it on for ten and it still works effectively to give your skin a big boost of hydration, leaving it plump and soft - perfect!

Another product I've enjoyed testing is the Glossier Stretch Concealer which is a hydrating, light-medium coverage concealer which would suit most skin types. This does have more of a sheen to it, so I tend to use it around my face or under the eyes if they're looking especially tired!

Now, I don't want to hate on any Glossier products as there's honestly nothing wrong with any of them. I just have the products that stand out and the products that are fine - I'll continue to use them - but they didn't blow my mind.

Controversially, the Glossier Balm Dotcom makes it onto this list. Now, bear with me, because I do really like it, but I just wish I had of got a flavoured version instead of the plain one. It isn't exciting at all, as it's just a fairly standard long-lasting lip balm, but if I had of got the cherry or the birthday cake version then I think this would be on the love list.

The Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is also here because it's nice, but not on the repurchase list. If you're in the market for a standard morning or second cleanse cleanser, then this one may be for you, but to me there was nothing magical about it. It gets the job done and leaves your skin feeling soft, but it doesn't feel like a treat which I prefer my skincare to be!

Next we have Glossier Brow Boy. Now, I wanted this for low-maintenance brow days where I could brush a bit through and walk out of the door, but I just couldn't get this to work? I'd have to brush loads through to get any noticeable effect, but then I was left with a lot of product used but without the definition that I'd get when I use a brush. However, if you barely do anything to your brows makeup-wise, then you may love it!

Finally, the Glossier Lip Gloss. Just don't bother unless you like the 90s hair-sticking-to-your-lips effect.

What will you be picking up?

Helen x


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Learn the advantages of fasting every other day

Health Benefits of Fasting

What is Alternate Day Fasting?

Alternate day intermittent fasting has proven benefits for aiding in weight loss and controlling insulin resistance.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not medical advice. A low carb diet may not be suitable for you. Consult your health care provider before making any changes to your lifestyle or use at your own risk.

Many people find that intermittent fasting techniques help them lose weight and achieve other health goals. This is because when we give our bodies a break from digesting food, it is able to heal and repair itself naturally. Also, given your lower caloric intake when you fast, your body is more likely to start burning through extra stores of fat for energy. But a lot more goes on behind the scenes when you fast, so if you are interested in learning more about this eating technique, keep reading! In this article, we focus on one particular method called Alternate Day Fasting, which has shown great benefits – especially for diabetics and prediabetics struggling with insulin resistance.

What is Alternate Day Fasting?

Alternate Day Fasting, or ADF for short, is a method of intermittent fasting where you fast for one day, then eat what you want the next day, and repeat. One of the benefits of this approach is that you only have to restrict what you eat half of the time, rather than fasting upon waking every single day. In addition, many people follow a modified ADF method, where you can eat about 500 calories on fasting days, or 20-25% of your regular caloric intake. This method is much more sustainable and has been shown to be just as effective as doing full fasts. You can also consume as many zero calorie beverages as you want on non-fasting days, including water, tea, and coffee with added zero calorie sweetener, if you like.

Alternate Day Fasting and Weight Loss

Studies among adults who were overweight or obese showed that alternate day fasting can help you lose between 3-8% of your body weight in 2-12 weeks. ADF is particularly effective at reducing harmful belly fat. Having excess fat in this region of the body is strongly associated with a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is because the fat cells that accumulate in this area of the body in particular secrete hormones and chemicals that have been linked to a number of chronic diseases. If your waistline measures 35 inches or more for women or 40 inches or more for men, then you may be at risk of harboring these kinds of harmful fat cells.

Physical activity in combination with ADF can also accelerate weight loss. When the body is already in a fat-burning state while you are fasting, this is a great time to incorporate some light cardio, yoga, Pilates or HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts as they require less carbohydrates than strength or muscle building. You should avoid heavy lifting on fasting days as these require you to eat protein after you work out to help with muscle regeneration. That said, find what works for you and your energy levels depending on your current fitness level and whether or not you decide to choose the modified ADF method. Remember to stay hydrated, especially when working out, and don’t worry if you hit a wall on the first day – your body is already doing a lot of work while you fast!

Alternate Day Fasting and Managing Diabetes

People with diabetes or prediabetes must keep close watch on their blood glucose and insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body process glucose (sugars) from our diet into energy. However, diabetics either cannot produce enough insulin, or it does not function optimally in their bodies. Diabetes develops as the result of insulin resistance, where the cells in the body don’t respond well to insulin. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise and promote excess fat storage. High blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to cells and organs, which, over time, can lead to a number of health complications including kidney disease, eye and nerve damage, more frequent infections and heart disease.

Research has shown that fasting, especially using the ADF method, can help regulate insulin levels in the body. It works by drastically reducing blood sugar levels on the days that you don’t eat, which helps the body produce and respond to insulin normally. Over time, this can reverse the effects of insulin resistance. Talk to your doctor about managing insulin resistance through your diet.

Fighting Inflammation with Alternate Day Fasting

Another benefit of ADF is the reduction of chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancer, heart disease, arthritis and other serious diseases. Inflammation occurs when there is a buildup of free radicals in the body, which are toxic compounds caused both by natural metabolic processes and also environmental stressors. Environmental stressors that cause free radical buildup include things like processed and fast food, air pollution, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and stress. In addition to reducing your exposure to these things and eating a clean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, it can help to fast from time to time or follow a more routine fasting schedule such as ADF.

Fasting helps reduce free radical buildup in the body that leads to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. As mentioned previously, regular metabolic processes can create free radicals as natural by-products. However, when you are not consuming anything, as in the case of fasting, the body can divert more resources to fighting off free radicals, rather than processes that cause more oxidative stress. In addition, the natural reparative state that the body enters when you fast (which is similar to when you sleep) can fix damage caused by environmental stressors, so long as those are also managed as well.

Other Benefits of Fasting

Here are a few more benefits and perks associated with fasting:

  1. The skin undergoes revitalization that can help reduce the appearance of blemishes, skin tone and wrinkles, as well as improve circulation.
  2. Memory and mental clarity improve due to cleaner blood supply and the elimination of toxins from the brain.
  3. Diseased tissues are broken down and dead cells or tumor-like growths can be eliminated via a process known as autophagy.
  4. Cholesterol enters the blood as part of the detoxification process, but overall levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol are lowered with regular fasting.
  5. Levels of ghrelin, which is a hormone that controls your feelings of hunger, are normalized. The result is more “disciplined” hunger when you come out of a fast.

Tips for Fasting

Fasting is definitely no easy task, but it is one that is well worth the effort. Read below for what to expect and how to make your fasting experience more pleasant.

There are different stages of fasting, which are accompanied by different effects in the body as well as different emotions, feelings and sensations. During the first 6 hours of fasting, you might find yourself feeling hungry and irritable. It is important to manage these emotions for this time, as you will reach a breakthrough. Remember all of the logical reasons for fasting and focus on an activity that does not require a lot of physical effort.

After the first 6 hours, the real magic starts to happen. Blood glucose levels will start to return to normal and the body will begin its restorative processes. By 12 hours, you will have entered the metabolic state known as ketosis, which others may achieve by eating a low carb high fat diet. In ketosis, the body switches from burning glucose for energy to burning fat. If you are not consuming any food, the body will convert excess stores of fat into energy. Within 24 hours, your cells will begin the process of autophagy, in which diseased, damaged or dead cells are eliminated. Exercise combined with fasting can increase autophagy.

For days when you are fasting, you’ll need a few things to get you through the day. The first of which is water; it is crucial to stay hydrated to avoid feelings of dizziness, fatigue and other uncomfortable physical side effects that people commonly experience when fasting. You can also consume coffee, tea and other zero calorie drinks to help subside feelings of hunger. Check out Zevia Zero Calorie Soda and Zero Sugar Iced Tea for some flavourful options. You can also use a zero calorie natural sweetener in your coffee or tea, but skip the milk and cream as these add calories.

If you choose the modified version of ADF, you can eat up to 500 calories on fasting days. Some low calorie foods to explore include Miracle Noodle Konjac Pasta and Rice Substitutes, Walden Farms Zero Calorie Condiments, Mama Lupe’s Low Carb Flour Tortillas, Dixie Diner Bake Mixes, super lean BUFF Bison Jerky Sticks and ThinSlim Bakery Snacks! Bone broth is also great to sip on throughout the day since it is rich in essential nutrients yet relatively low in calories.

As you can see, there are several benefits to fasting – even doing it once in a while can provide numerous health benefits if something like ADF seems too daunting. It can be helpful to remember that our bodies are designed to cope with fasting. As a culture, we have become so conditioned to eating three meals a day, often with snacks in between, yet humans have survived on just one meal a day for hundreds of years. Eating so frequently – especially when our meals are high in refined carbs – can place enormous stress on our bodies over time. These effects are exacerbated if we are also dealing with other underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or chronic inflammation.

You can think of fasting as good bodily “hygiene”. In the same way that you take a shower or brushing your teeth, allow your body to clean itself and repair any damage from time to time. If you currently are dealing with a health condition such as diabetes, want to lose weight, or frequently experience symptoms of chronic inflammation such as body pains, fatigue, depression and mood disorders, gastrointestinal complications or frequent infections, you may consider fasting as a solution. The results you will see and feel will surely beat the temporary feeling of satisfaction that food can give you.

Stay Connected

We hope that you picked up a thing or two about the processes, benefits and tips on intermitted fasting and alternate day fasting. If you’d like to share your thoughts, we recommend joining our online communities and discussions over on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

If you’d like to leave your feedback with us, please take a moment to write a Google Review. And, for all things low-carb and keto – please subscribe to our weekly newsletter for sales and store updates.


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Is Green Construction Actually Profitable? Looking at it from a Business Viewpoint

We know that environmental consciousness is a necessary concern in every industrial field, as the effects of not being acquiescent with the environmental standards are becoming more apparent with every passing year.

However, in order for the smaller general contractors to participate in the green construction initiatives, the projects need to be profitable as well, otherwise it would go against the very purpose of running a business in the first place. On that note, let’s take a look at green construction from a business point of view and find out if the financial aspects here are of any promise.

Dealing with the Elephant in the Room

As it is supposed to be a business-oriented piece, let’s address the elephant in the room first. In spite of all the planetary benefits, it is still a fact that traditional construction can be generally cheaper than conscious, eco-friendly construction methods and materials.

This happens to be a big problem for the contractor, because in order for them to be part of the clean earth program, the clients need to agree to the costlier investments as well. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, would prefer to save money, as the difference in expenses could be quite significant, depending on the scale of the particular project.

Developing Mindsets are Playing a Big Role in Changing That

Thanks primarily to the internet and social media, more people now know about the hazardous water, land and air conditions which are being created by traditional construction methods and materials. This has already played a big role in changing the customer mindset in both the residential and commercial sector.

A good number of clients in 2019 are willing to shell out that extra cash if it means better health for the ones using the building, financial gains in the long run, and reduced impact on the environment around the construction site. There’s still a long way to go of course, but the customer mindset will continue to change even more towards adopting eco-friendly construction in the coming years.

From the perspective of the contractor or any other associated business, there is no reason why a green construction project can’t be profitable, if the clients agree to the pricing.

EPA-Compliant Suppliers: Green Construction Materials at Affordable Prices

In order for the materials to be EPA-compliant, they need to be manufactured and supplied by an EPA-compliant organization like WR Meadows first.

Their products cover a whole range of construction materials, with specialized focus on providing eco-friendly, air/water insulation solutions to commercial and residential contractors. The strict EPA-compliance and the availability of the materials at affordable wholesale prices are all part of what makes WR Meadows a dependable, green materials supplier for contractors to partner up with.

Failure to Comply with the EPA Standards will Incur Severe Punishments

The United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has become particularly strict in regard to both construction materials used, as well as the methods used by a contractor in any new project.

Failure to comply to each and every one of the EPA standards could result in anything from a hefty fine and costly corrective measures, to cancellation of the contractor’s license (where applicable) and actual jailtime. Since this could very well ruin a business’s reputation and finances at the very least, and put key decision makers in jail at worst, EPA compliance is mandatory to even consider being profitable in construction today.


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The Expropriation of Land by Ivan IV 1565–71

Map Code: Ax00926

The 1560s were marked by Ivan IV’s descent into paranoia. The catalysts were the death of his wife in 1560, suspected to be by poisoning, and the desertion in 1564 of one of his closest confidantes, Prince Andrei Kurbsky, to his Lithuanian enemies. That same year, he holed up in a country retreat, insisting he would abdicate unless he was granted absolutist powers. Fearing the chaos that would ensue with an interregnum, the boyars acceded, whereupon Ivan announced the creation of the Oprichnina. Literally, this came to mean a ‘land apart’ within Russia (mostly within the region of Novgorod) under his absolute control. To execute his will, he created the Oprichniki, a paramilitary police, with the power to expropriate the lands of nobility. Their depredations led to migrations of the dispossessed, the partition of aristocratic estates, and development of a new land-owning class, loyal only to the tsar.

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Resteck Neck and Shoulder Massager Review

Resteck Electric Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massage B07DBY2X24Dealing with neck and shoulder pain in this day and age is something that many of us have to do. We spend countless hours in front of the computer, we bend down to pick up things, or we just stand in an incorrect body position. This is a device that can assist you in getting rid of neck and shoulder discomfort. Our Resteck electric massager review will show what makes it stand out from the crowd.

Features and Benefits

If you are in the market for a unit that can both offer you a nice massage and also comes with a heating function, this model is definitely worthy of your consideration. The rollers that it is outfitted with can knead in opposite directions or just in one direction depending on how you adjust the product. The heat can also be turned on or off depending on your momentary needs.

Besides, the speed of the nodes rotation can be customized with the touch of just one button. The area where this device is a net winner is its user-friendliness. It has an integrated control panel on the upper side of the right handle. There are four buttons that you can use to adjust the speed, direction, and heating, and also turn the unit on and off.

The handles that the model is equipped with can be utilized to add more pressure. This means that you can add more or less depending on your requirements. The pressure is deep-tissue if you pull on the handles, so it can deliver a thorough and relaxing massage.

As for the slots, they are sizable and wide, which means that you can rest your entire hand inside. This means that controlling the machine can be done with ease. It also gives you a superior grip on the handles.

Although it might be slightly pricier when compared to other models in the same line, the Resteck choice is definitely worth taking into account. It’s made with PU leather material, which means that it both looks and feels good to the touch.

Massage features: Deep Tissue Massage and nodes

Weight: 4.8 pounds

Power source: Power outlet

Massage nodes: 8

What to expect from the Resteck Neck & Shoulder Massager?

Resteck Electric Shiatsu Massager ReviewBased on the consumer reports gathered by this model, it seems that it offers good value for the money. It’s reliable, easy to use, as well as convenient, and it is even accompanied by a car adapter so that you can use it when you’re in your vehicle.

The cost of the model is less than a session you’d have with a massage therapist, so the return on investment is really good. Some customers have noted that they’ve used it for more than 50 times now and they haven’t noticed any change in its performance. It works as if it were brand new.

As for versatility, there isn’t anything stopping you from using it on other body areas, as well. Several individuals have even used it on their mid and lower back.

  • The construction is sturdy and it’s made of high-quality materials
  • It’s accompanied by a convenient carry bag
  • Comes with a car adapter
  • Boasts deep kneading, and heating
  • The contact page of Resteck is responsive

  • This is not a cordless choice, so you can’t use it with batteries

Wrap Up

If you want to get a nice massage on your neck and shoulders and you’re looking for a good-quality device to get the job done, the Resteck alternative should fit the bill. It’s packed with useful features and it has an ergonomic and user-friendly design. Plus, it has received plenty of favorable feedback from those that have given it a try in the past.

About Emma White

Emma White has been an event organizer for clubs for several years. The stress that comes with this job made her pursue various methods on how to decompress and relax. That’s when she discovered that massages can help her unwind after a hard work’s day. This website is a collection of all the topics she researched over time in her journey to recover and rejuvenate from a stressful work environment.

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Entertainment Earth

Interview with the Cougarlicious Karen Kougar at Exxxotica NJ 2011

All photos courtesy of Negative Pop.

One of the hottest and sexiest MILFs to ever grace the world has to be the beautiful Karen Kougar. Not only she is stunning (hard to believe this gorgeous woman is 49!), but she is also very friendly and has a wonderful down to earth, bubbly, flirty, and sexy personality. And, I had the utmost pleasure of learning this first hand when I interviewed this natural beauty at Exxxotica earlier this month. Check it out as she talks about why she started doing porn, what she likes sexually, and lots more!

She also posed for some very sexy pics.

Now playing: Immortal - Beyond The North Waves
via FoxyTunes

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I really enjoyed her DVD which I picked up at Exxxotica. It's very sensual and well produced.

Giovanni Deldio said...

Agreed! Working on a review of it. Love it so far!


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Support The Moscow Times!

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France Investigates Possible Russian Influence on Yellow Vest Riots

Benoit Tessier / Reuters

France opened a probe into possible Russian interference behind the country’s Yellow Vest protests, after reports that social-media accounts linked to Moscow have increasingly targeted the movement.

According to the Alliance for Securing Democracy, about 600 Twitter accounts known to promote Kremlin views have begun focusing on France, boosting their use of the hashtag #giletsjaunes, the French name for the Yellow Vest movement. French security services are looking at the situation, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Sunday in a radio interview with RTL.

Russia has been criticized for using social media to influence elections in the U.S. and elsewhere. Attempts to use fake news reports and cyberattacks to undercut the 2017 campaign of French President Emmanuel Macron failed, but Russian-linked sites have pushed questionable reports of a mutiny among police, and of officers’ support for the protests.

“An investigation is now underway,” Le Drian said. “I will not make comments before the investigation has brought conclusions.”

The Twitter accounts monitored by the alliance usually feature U.S. or British news. But the French protests “have been at or near the top” of their activity for at least a week, according to Bret Schafer, the alliance’s Washington-based social media analyst. “That’s a pretty strong indication that there is interest in amplifying the conflict” for audiences outside France.

The Alliance for Securing Democracy is a unit of the German Marshall Fund of the U.S., which monitors pro-Kremlin activity.

The assertion of police dissatisfaction — which doesn’t appear to be supported by facts — resembles other Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns that have tried to engender mistrust in Western governments and show that liberal democracies are in decline, Schafer says.

Russian state media

Much of the tweeted material comes from Russian state media outlets including the Sputnik news website, the RT television network, and Ruptly, a German-based video news agency that belongs to RT. These outlets are covering the French crisis closely; RT has said that 12 of its journalists have been injured in the protests, far more than any other news organization.

Sputnik and RT have reported in recent days that most French police no longer support Macron and are siding with the protesters. Their sources: representatives of two small police unions that together won less than 4 percent of votes in nationwide union elections this month. Sputnik and RT also have shown a video – widely shared on French social media — of police in the southwestern town of Pau removing their helmets in what was described as a sign of solidarity with protesters. Local police and journalists on the scene said the description was untrue. They said some officers had briefly removed their helmets to talk with protesters before putting them back on.

In response to questions from Bloomberg News, Sputnik later corrected its article about police in Pau showing solidarity with protesters, to say the report "hasn’t been backed by evidence so far." RT said its article about police siding with protesters, based on comments by the head of a minor police union, was justified because he had been quoted by other news outlets.

Macron complained repeatedly during his 2017 campaign that Kremlin-controlled media outlets were spreading fake news about him, because he took a tougher stance on Russia than his chief rivals, Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Front and François Fillon of the conservative Republicans. But negative stories, such as a Sputnik report claiming Macron lived a “double life” and was backed by a “wealthy gay lobby,” never gained traction.

In one instance, a bogus website resembling the site of a Belgian newspaper reported that Macron’s campaign was being bankrolled by Saudi Arabia. The source of the hoax was never determined, but the European Union’s East Stratcom Task Force, which tracks Russian disinformation efforts, said it bore striking similarities to an earlier incident traced to a Russian “troll factory.”

Separately, the Macron campaign was hit with repeated email phishing attacks resembling those used by Russia against Democratic Party organizations in the U.S. The Kremlin said it had no involvement in any fake news or cyber attacks on Macron, describing such accusations as “slander.”

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