text:
How Reno animal shelters are protecting against dog flu
Over the weekend, there was an article in RGJ which mentioned both Nevada Humane Society and the SPCA of Northern Nevada. It specifically referred to our collaborations with other shelters and rescues across the state as we transport homeless pets to Washoe County to provide them with a lifesaving opportunity through our organizations— therefore saving more lives statewide. The concern was making sure the animals that are being brought in and adopted out are healthy.
Watch:Dogs left behind in Puerto Rico reunited with family
Photos:The dogs of Westminster
More:Dog food is withdrawn over concerns about euthanasia drug
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the canine influenza, or dog flu, is highly contagious. Dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status are at risk of infection when exposed, and infection can occur year round. Almost all dogs exposed will become infected and the majority of them develop flu-like symptoms. It is not contagious to people. Supportive care should be provided to keep the dog comfortable and medications may be necessary but most dogs recover within a few weeks.
In the last two months, within the Reno area, there have been 80 new cases of canine influenza reported. We don't want to scare you, but ultimately there are pet-related businesses that are choosing to temporarily shut their doors or not accept new clients. So what are we doing about it, especially since, as it was pointed out, we are bringing in animals from other areas?
At both Nevada Humane Society and the SPCA, best practices are in place for the safety of the dogs and our community. Both shelters have full-time veterinarians and clinic staff. There are strict protocols in place to ensure that any sign of illness is immediately reported, then dogs are quarantined and examined by a veterinarian. All dogs are vaccinated for canine influenza (as well as other illnesses) at the time they arrive at the shelter and receive the appropriate boosters.
Both shelters also offer the canine influenza vaccine (among others) at weekly vaccine clinics for the general public. Nevada Humane Society has a low-cost vaccine clinic every Saturday from 9 am to 11 am; the SPCA has a low-cost vaccine clinic the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 5 pm to 7 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
Nevada Humane Society and the SPCA take any pet-related illness seriously. We work diligently to protect homeless pets and owned pets. When we take in pets from other shelters or rescues, we quarantine animals if we feel they may be contagious — and many times they are quarantined regardless if they are from specific regions where any illness is prevalent. We also do this with kittens and puppies — especially if they are too small to be vaccinated — in both the shelter and foster homes. If animals are surrendered, we have a thorough discussion with their owner to determine if the dog could have been exposed, and we work with them to try and keep the animal out of the shelter until a quarantined period has passed.
So what can you do? Learn the basics about the illness and how to protect your dog:
- Canine Influenza is spread primarily through the air, so coughing and sneezing even 20 feet away can cause infection
- It can spread by people moving between an infected dog and uninfected dog or contaminated objects (bedding, food bowls, etc.)
- Signs of the illness range from mild to severe
- Symptoms include coughing, possible nasal or eye discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite and fever
- Secondary bacterial infections can also occur if not handled in a timely manner
- Talk to your vet (establish a relationship with a full-service, private vet if you don't already have one) and see if the vaccine is right for your dog
- Wash your hands between dog-to-dog contact, and if you don't have to, avoid petting other dogs
- Avoid dog-friendly places, such as parks, daycares or other areas dogs may gather, as the virus can live outside of the host for up to 48 hours
Kimberly Wade is the communications director for Nevada Humane Society.


text:
You will find some functions of character and guy that contractors insurance doesn't cover, for example:
- Earthquake
- Other water damage and mold
- Dirt or landslides
- Worker thievery
- Functions of war
- Government action, for example, worksite shut lower because of codes violations
- Contractual breaches
When Does Coverage Begin?
The contractor's insurance plans limit coverage to deficits that occur after construction starts and before construction is finished. Quite simply, there has to be some construction happening to ensure that coverage to stay in place. If you want to get more information about builders risk insurance, then you can navigate to https://www.abipdx.com/
Image Source: Google
Optional cover
Concerning the projects insured by contractors insurance and the position of the property, there might be additional challenges that should be covered. Additional coverage could be added for:
- Losing important documents for example blueprints
- Certain risks on a trip with materials intended to do the job
- Ton
- An earthquake along with another earth movement
Saving Cash
Among the greatest risks that face the development site for restoration or new construction is the chance of fire. Getting a fireplace hydrant and/or fire department close to the worksite allows some financial savings on buying insurance.
A different way to get premium savings on the contractor's insurance is to buy multiple quotes from different companies. At our agency, we use several insurance service providers and can secure multiple quotes to be able to make sure you get the very best least expensive insurance policy for any project.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
On announcing the death of Fidel Castro, many media outlets refrained from using the word "dictator," except when referring to his predecessor, Fulgencio Batista, or to the claims of his "detractors" or "opponents" who "considered him to be a dictator."
Fidel Castro is dead and public figures and demagogues the world over are wallowing in grief at his passing.
Pope Francis used the words "His Excellency" and "deceased dignitary" to refer to the dead despot, and expressed "sentiments of sorrow."
And we glean from some of the most scandalous public statements on the matter that our own president "learned with great sadness of the death," while it was "with great sorrow" that Canada's prime minister "learned of the death."
Both statements lavish similar praise on the late tyrant, affectionately refer to him as "el Comandante," and the language in both is so alike that one might wonder if they share a press agent between them.
A long list of prominent people expressed equal sorrow, using the same sycophantic language, about the loss of their great model of statesmanship. It doesn't bode well for the future of humanity that a man who so readily made use of firing squads and mass incarceration to achieve his political aims is so admired by the "leaders" of much of the Western world.
But who was this man who could elicit such an outpouring of grief and sympathy on his death?
"A Giant among Global Leaders"
President Michael D. Higgins described him as "a giant among global leaders," a phrase unlikely to be applied to Mr Higgins himself and not only, we hasten to add, because of his physical stature. Rather Mr Higgins will go down in history as a midget among global leaders because of his willingness to be a stooge of the communist ideology and its enforcers, in spite of their disastrous consequences for humanity.
But in what sense could Castro be considered a "giant among global leaders?"
As a despot and mass-murderer he was up there with the greatest of them. Of course he didn't manage to slay as many people as Mao Tse-tung, Joseph Stalin or Adolf Hitler. But then, he had only a small country to tyrannise.
Estimates vary, but credible figures (https://www.quora.com/How-many-deaths-was-Fidel-Castro-responsible-for) suggest that 30,000 to 40,000 were executed or died in prison (other sources suggest as many as 200,000 http://www.therealcuba.com/?page_id=103), while similar numbers perished while fleeing the island prison across the shark infested Florida Straits in makeshift rafts.
All civil liberties were repressed in Castro's Cuba. The smallest details of life were controlled by pervasive agents of the state. Torture and imprisonment without trial were commonplace – rivalling Stalin's USSR for the proportion of the population that was incarcerated.
Financially, too, Castro was a "giant among global leaders."
According to Forbes, he had amassed a fortune of at least $900 million (http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/04/rich-kings-dictators_cz_lk_0504royals.html), although other sources put his wealth at the more modest figure of $168 million (http://www.news.com.au/world/fidel-castro-liveda-lie-to-his-own-people-as-claims-about-his-wealth-start-to-surface/news-story/6e40f9baa962854f3d704500723575cb). Either way, it is a huge amount to be siphoned off the small GDP of Cuba.
So it seems that his claim to live on the same standard wages as all Cubans – $30 per month – was not true. Nor was his claim that he lived in a fisherman's hut. The reality is that he treated Cuba as his personal fief. He lived in a colonial palace, and kept many other homes throughout the Caribbean – and all this while his fellow Cubans lived in abject poverty.
Perhaps Mr Higgins considers Castro to be a giant because "he built up a health system that is one of the most admired in the world." It is certainly admired by left wing demagogues and media outlets, in part because all they will get to see if they visit Cuba are the state-of-the-art health facilities for foreigners who can afford to pay (http://www.therealcuba.com/?page_id=77).
Meanwhile ordinary Cubans have to endure more humble facilities, propped up on charitable donations of drugs and equipment from other countries including Ireland (for example: http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/21639).
As a tyrant Castro was a giant. As a tycoon he was a giant. For building the greatest health system in the world, he turns out not to be such a giant. And, of course, for being "one of the longest serving heads of state in the world" (mentioned by President Higgins) he was a giant.
Which of these characteristics does Mr Higgins so admire? Which would he emulate?
Would Mr Higgins impose the Cuban legacy of his dead hero on Ireland if he could? We should be grateful to God that he doesn't have the power to do so.
Commenting in the Irish Independent, Ruth Dudley Edwards suggested that if, "as President, he can't keep his contentious opinions to himself, he should resign" (http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/ruth-dudley-edwards/president-higgins-puts-his-left-foot-in-it-with-gushing-praise-for-fidel-castro-35247897.html). And so he should.
But President Higgins didn't stop at what Senator Ronan Mullen quite rightly called "fawning, offensive and wholly inappropriate" comments. He went on to sign the book of condolences in the Cuban Embassy "on behalf of the people of Ireland."
How dare he associate us with his own obsequious attitude towards one of the most ruthless tyrants of the 20th Century?
Meanwhile Pope Francis offered his "sentiments of sorrow" to the Cuban people. It was while Castro was still alive that the Cubans were in most need of sympathy, if not some actual help to extricate themselves from under the heel of their dictator.
But what has shocked many who saw the statement of Pope Francis is that he promises, in very un-Catholic terminology, prayers for "his (Castro's) rest" (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/11/26/telegram_for_the_death_of_fidel_castro/1275046). Prayers for Castro's victims, living and deceased, would be more appropriate.
Perhaps we shouldn't be so hard on all these leftist leaders. Their world is crumbling. They can no longer persuade the masses. Just in the past six months the British have voted for Brexit; the Colombian people rejected a peace deal with the communist, drug-pushing terrorist group, FARC; and Hillary Clinton lost the American presidential election.
And now this grief!


text:
Our Allergy & Asthma Services
Treating the Root of Your Problems
When you come into Allergy & Asthma Specialists for service, you can rely on us to provide you with effective and personalized care. With more than 40 years of experience, we have expanded our locations to serve clients all throughout Pennsylvania. We offer testing and treatment for adults and children of virtually any age who are suffering from allergy and asthma problems. In our clinics, we aim to provide you with a positive experience and to improve the quality of your life.
We are pleased to offer you the following services:
- Allergy skin testing: To get to the root of your allergies and treat them effectively, we use a variety of techniques based on your unique symptoms. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction to medication, latex, food, or a contact reaction, you may want to consider having your skin tested.
- Asthma screening: If you suspect that you may have asthma, it is advisable to get tested sooner than later. A few of the symptoms associated with asthma include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, persistent coughing, as well as waking up in the middle of the night because of these symptoms.
- Immunotherapy: There are a number of ways to treat asthma and allergies, and one of the most effective and common treatments we offer is immunotherapy. Many of our patients experience relief from most or all of their symptoms by treating the actual underlying cause of the allergic reaction.
- Additional services: We also provide a variety of medical services, including food allergy testing, antibiotic/drug testing, latex testing, aspirin allergy testing, and integrative medicine. Our goal is to provide you with top-quality medical care focused on controlling allergic reactions and asthma here in a comfortable environment.
Convenient Locations Throughout Pennsylvania
If you are concerned about finding one of our locations close to you, rest assured because we have many different clinics in which you can receive top-notch care. In each of our eight conveniently located clinics, you will find the same quality of service and a dedication to providing you with lasting relief from your symptoms and condition.
Our locations include:
- Pottstown, PA
- King of Prussia, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Lansdale, PA
- Blue Bell, PA
- Collegeville, PA
- Doylestown, PA
- Jenkintown, PA
Are you interested in learning more about the services we offer at Allergy & Asthma Specialists? If so, please call us today at (610) 825-5800!


text:
Trainless Day
After our Pompeii excursion, we finally had a day without having to rush to catch a train. Today we would be touring the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill area with an actual tour guide. Steve the Translator's daughter Flavia would be taking us to see the sights of Rome.
Flavia would be arriving at 8 a.m. and we'd cab around Rome where needed. We were still residing at the Casa di Accoglienza Suore di Santa Elisabetta, which will once again be forthwith referred to as "the convent."
This was a working convent rather than a hotel, so I guess the amenities were intended to be more spiritual than practical. More icons, fewer blow dryers. The usual hotel room blow dryer was missing which resulted in a follicle crisis for Joanne fresh from the shower.
We had a fan so I went to work and in not time, we were ready to roll. Flavia arrived at eight driven by her mother Stefania, who had the day off of work and kindly offered to drive us around.
Trafficking in Risk
We didn't want to inconvenience her, but she insisted. When Italians insist nicely, they smile when they yell at you and make chopping motions with their hands like they're dicing invisible onions. It seemed prudent to graciously accept and we were very grateful for the drive and as it would turn out, their delightful company.
We hopped into the car and headed to the Colosseum. It didn't take long to realize we were participants in Death Race 2018 Rome Edition. Lord love Stefania, she is a delightful conversationalist, an extremely intelligent woman but her driving was literally, quite terrifying. I should qualify that by saying EVERYBODY'S driving in Rome is terrifying.
We have been through in this intersection on our way to the colosseum:
Later in the day on the way to the Catacombs of San Sebastian, we were approaching an intersection just as the light turned green and she kept rolling at 60 kph and pulled a U-turn into already moving opposing traffic and a cacophony of honking horns.
This was a six lane thoroughfare, mind you. To this day I have no idea how I came out of that with clean underwear. However, for the most part… she seemed to be a decent driver for Rome.
The Colosseum
In a short time, we parked on a side street next to the Colosseum. It was a beautifully sunny day and the gigantic structure stood out in strong relief against the bright azure of the morning sky.
The popular, ancient, hip hop group Flavian Dynasty built the Colosseum between LXXII and LXXX a.d. The group was comprised of M-prorZ Vespasian, Titus and Domitian and they required a venue for gigs that could hold up to 80,000 fans. K, that's not true but it's more fun that what Wikipedia will tell you on the matter.
Flavia tells us it's constructed from travertine and tuff, so it's made of rocks. Here's an article on the construction which will reveal the mysteries of Roman cement for those who require concrete evidence of the build.
She also informs us marble was also used extensively, but had been stripped and cannibalized for other buildings in Rome. Not only was the marble taken, but bronze fittings holding the marble facade were stripped, leaving the edifice with a pockmarked look.
Mybad! It's Dr. Flavia!
Steve had mentioned his daughter Flavia gave tours. I apparently missed the part where she gave tours to her graduate students. It turned out she's an archeologist with a PHD and had worked on the forum dig.
Aside from being a river of knowledge, her status meant she could ferry us past what felt like a kilometer long line of tourists waiting for the Colosseum to open. We were booking it on the ground level, Doric columns blowing by like telephone poles on the highway.
Along the promenade on the next level are a line of static, museum displays of antiquities and information on all aspects of the Colosseum and Roman life. It offers sensible context for what you're seeing. It was here our education on Roman history began.
While passing the displays, Flavia would offer context in terms of vivid descriptions of how people lived in Rome in whatever period was relevant for a particular display.
This would come into play for me later in the day in an unanticipated fashion. However, in that moment I was just soaking up as much of the moment as I could.
The Dynamic Duo
Stefania did an admirable job of listening without interjecting. At least she didn't interject in English, but… well. She's a mom and a woman fiercely proud of her Italian heritage. I'm sure she was just adding supplementary information in Italian.
I don't know if Flavia was upset by this as I had no frame of reference. Seeing Italians interact by flailing at the air with raised voices wasn't necessarily an indicator of "content" as I'd learned at the train station with Steve the Translator.
In truth, Italians aren't always this animated, but at minimum there's always that potential, passionate energy as sub-text in any interaction no matter how mundane.
Both Ladies Strut Their History Stuff
They finished their discussion and the tour continued. The day would prove to have a warm dynamic flow as we grew to know our new friends. In truth, Stefania and Flavia were more like family given my relationship with Steve the Translator.
Stefania had a wealth of historical information and I was completely captivated by her pride and intense love for her country and culture. Her energy was incredibly compelling. I felt completely charmed listening to her speak to these matters so dear to her heart. Through the day we'd change things up and I'd spend some time with Flavia and her incredibly detailed insights on not just the history, but the process of how history has been revealed.
More History Stuff
The primary focus of Colosseum history is of course, gladiatorial contests. We all saw "Gladiator," "Ben Hur" and other sand and sandal epics, so we're going to skip that part for now. So what happened to the Colosseum after Rome fell?
Whatever it was hadn't piqued my interest up until that moment. I'm tempted to take a survey to see how many people know the history beyond the spectacles Hollywood has shown us. Obviously, I'm guilty of the charge of being uneducated. I just wonder if I'm in the minority?
I'll just list stuff and feel free to comment on how many of these would have immediately come to mind. The primary facts here are all true. Let's check out the timeline.
It's a busy one. Let's see… two lightning strikes, fires, sacking by the Visigoths, earthquake, a bigger earthquake then sacking by the Vandals, we'll pick it up in year D.
Colosseum Chronology
D – DCCC (500-800) or so a.d. The Colosseum was alternatively a quarry, vagrant housing and a barnyard before a small chapel was built and it became a cemetery.
DCCC – MLIII (800 – 1083) or so a.d. If I was a municipal planner, I would say it was re-zoned Residential A and B with Commercial (C1) subzoning. The vaults under the seats became apartments. People lived here.
MLIV (1084) a.d. Sacked by Normans. When the Normans left, the Frangipane family took over and only Frangipane's or friends of the Frangipanes resided within. Fort Frangipane established and it becomes a military base.
MCCCXLIX (1349) a.d. A bigger earthquake than the rest brings down an entire side. Until the mid 16th century the Colosseum was used again as a quarry.
MDCCL (1750) a.d. Pope Benedict XIV begins restoration work.
During the 15th century, Pope Sixtus V wanted to make it a wool factory to employ prostitutes but died before this plan could unfold. In the 17th century a Cardinal wanted to turn it into a bullring, but public outcry killed that particular plan. Eventually we made it through the museum displays and emerged into the arena.
The Arena
We emerged into the bright, sunlit of the arena and initially, the sight is jarring. The original sand covered, wooden arena floor is gone revealing the cells that held animals and people beneath.
I feel compelled to break with my usual silliness and be serious for a moment.
I'd mentioned that Flavia's descriptions would offer an unexpected emotional moment. A chill overcame me as she described the "filler" entertainment between the gladiatorial bouts and animal hunts, centuries before, in this area immediately in front of us.
Imagine you're being held in a dark cell under the arena floor. It's sweltering. The fetid stench of sweat, fear and feces thicken the air. The roar of terrified animals in cages nearby is occasional punctuation for the muted sound of throngs cheering above. The lift comes down and the light from above reveals the platform covered with torn and bloodied flesh that was once living human beings. Then it's your turn to head up the lift.
If you were a Christian or a criminal, you might be taken to the arena floor and bound to a stake. A bear trained to tear out your liver and eat it before your eyes before you die would be released to entertain the crowd with your death.
A Moment of Clarity
In that moment, I felt more horrified than I'd ever been from anything I'd seen or read in TV, movies and books. In this case, the immediacy of geography was the great leveler. Despite the fact this occurred roughly 2000 years ago, I found the fact it occurred directly in front of where I was standing deeply distressing. Just writing about it is upsetting.
I have an difficult time understanding how people can treat one another with such savagery. The fact it occurred so long ago is irrelevant. In another week Joanne and I would be standing in Auschwitz where cruelty and inhumanity became industrialized.
The trip to Europe had moments of what I can only describe as spiritual epiphanies along the way. As a 4th stage prostate cancer patient I'll just say I'm on an unintended journey in that respect and leave it there for now. I leave it there because it's too long and complicated a topic for this particular post but I may visit the topic another time. I mention it because it's relevant to the experience and gives a bit more context.
After we left the arena that anxious, gut wrenching feeling passed. At least temporarily. There would be much to ponder later on. I listened to the ladies chat as we headed up to Palatine Hill. There was a lot more Roman history to see and learn that day. I'll leave this post with photos with real captions for a change.
Last time on TTWTH: Pompeii and Circumstance Parts B, C and 4


text:
Four ways how to play
Creative toys
Designed to grow with the baby
Lockable wheels
Non-adjustable handle
Apart from the non-adjustable handle, the Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet Shop 'n Cook Baby Walker is a marvelous baby walker with so many fun activities and toys that your baby won't know which one to try first. We really appreciate the ability to lock the wheels, which turns the baby walker into a stationary activity center.
The Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet Shop 'n Cook Baby Walker offers four ways how to play: stand and play, sit and play, walk and play, and shop and play.
The cook top offers many developmental activities, including a popcorn machine that makes sizzling sounds and makes plastic popcorn kernels fly around as your baby pushes the walker. But don't worry: the kernels are behind a plastic safety glass that ensures your little angel won't accidentally swallow them. Besides the popcorn machine, the cook top also features a sandwich maker, an egg roller, and a light-up button.
As your baby gets older, you can remove the cook top to reveal a small shopping cart, which can be used for roleplay activities. After all, babies love to mimic their parents, and only a few activities are more interesting to babies than shopping, with all the colors and shapes products in stores have.
If you want to use the Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet Shop 'n Cook Baby Walker as a stationary activity table, you can lock the wheels to prevent it from moving around. The only thing we don't like about this walker is the non-adjustable handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the walker come with batteries included?
Yes, the Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet Shop 'n Cook Baby Walker comes with three AA batteries, which is everything you'll need to power the electronic toys.
Is it possible to adjust the rolling speed of the wheels?
No, it's not possible to adjust the speed of the wheels. Expect the wheels to roll much faster on hardwood floors than on carpet or grass.
Does the baby walker come pre-assembled?
No, the walker doesn't come pre-assembled. That said, the assembly is very easy, and it involves only the installation of the handle bar, the wheels, and the activity tray. You should be able to do it in just a few minutes without any special tools.
Is it safe for me to use the walker if I have hardwood floors?
Yes, most babies won't have any problem using the walker on hardwood floors, and the plastic wheels don't leave behind any marks or scratches.
Where is the walker manufactured?
The Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet Shop 'n Cook Baby Walker is manufactured in China.
Haw tall is the walker from the floor to the handle?
About 16 inches.


text:
THURSDAY. QATAR AIRWAYS hosted an invite-only gala to celebrate the launch of new non-stop service from Philadelphia International Airport to Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, connecting the Philadelphia region to a network of more than 130 destinations worldwide.
Some of Philadelphia's notables were in attendance with Maria Papadakis serving as Mistress of Ceremonies and a musical performance by Philadelphia's own, Boyz II Men it was an exciting night for the guests.
FOR A COMPLETE VIEW OF ALL THE IMAGES from this event please select this link or the "Apr 3, 2014 Qatar Airways Launch Party at the Ritz" in the right column of this picture weblog it will link you to the images.
Coincidentally, two years ago to this day another Airline, Virgin America Airlines, and it's CEO, Sir Richard Charles and his "fun loving crew" met with city leaders and shakers at Del Fresco and the Hotel Palomar to make it socially official and they really turned the town out check out the images here.


text:
Before I Fall
Before I Fall
Before I Fall
- 1h 38m
- 2017
age 14+
PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Confirm current pricing with applicable retailer. All transactions subject to applicable license terms and conditions.
Samantha Kingston has everything: the perfect friends, the perfect guy, and a seemingly perfect future. But after one fateful night, Sam is trapped reliving the same day over and over, and starts to question just how perfect her life really was. As she untangles the mystery of a life derailed, she must also unwind the secrets of those closest to her, and discover the power of a single day to make a difference – before she runs out of time for good. Based on the best-selling novel, Before I Fall is a moving exploration of courage, kindness, and second chances.
© 2016 Open Road Films. All Rights Reserved.
Rotten Tomatoes® Score
Critics Consensus: Before I Fall's familiar ingredients are enlivened by a fresh YA perspective and a strong performance from emerging star Zoey Deutch.
More on Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media
age 14+
Common Sense Says
Mix of iffy behavior, strong messages in well-acted YA tale.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Before I Fall is based on Lauren Oliver's best-selling young-adult novel about 17-year-old Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch), who, after a seemingly fatal car accident, wakes up to live the same Friday over and over again. The movie, like the book, has plenty of iffy teen behavior, including partying, sex, verbal and physical bullying, and lying. On some of the repeated days, there's stronger language (including one use of "f--king hell," plus the occasional "b-tch" and "s--t") and more sexual behavior (there's one sex scene, and Sam even propositions a teacher one day) than others. But the day always ends in a party with underage drinking and either a careless-driving-related accident or suicide. In the end, though, the movie poses questions about how teens want to be remembered and has messages about the importance of second chances, the role of empathy, and the value of redemption, courage, and communication.
A Lot or A Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
Positive Messages
Positive Role Models
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
More on Common Sense Media
Additional Info
- Genre:Drama
- Release Date:March 3, 2017
- Languages:English
- Captions:English
- Audio Format:5.1
- Screen Pass Eligible:Yes
Resolution, color and audio quality may vary based on your device, browser and internet connection.Learn More


text: Halo Top Los Angeles, CA Finally, ice cream for just 280-360 calories per PINT that actually tastes great! Don't just take our word for it - dig in and see for yourself! SHARE THIS PAGE: Get Alerts about Halo Top By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from POPSUGAR. SWEET! You're all signed up.


text:
Bridge the digital gap before it's too late
Unless developing countries like Indonesia act now, they risk falling so far behind they won't be able to catch up
Over the past 25 years, developing nations have made huge gains in the fight against poverty. But continued progress is hardly inevitable. Indeed, if such countries don't rethink their approach to rapid digital transformation now, the gap that separates them from developed countries could well become unbridgeable.
The good news is that technology isn't only a threat. The digital revolution presents poorer nations with a huge opportunity to fast-track their economic development, deliver better public services, and create an inclusive economy and society. For these countries, there hasn't been a moment as fraught with possibility since the postwar manufacturing boom that propelled the so-called Asian Tigers to prosperity.
But emerging economies must be proactive. They can't simply allow technological changes to wash over them as more developed nations might, leaving citizens to adjust on their own. The benefits of technology tend to flow disproportionately to early adopters and growth is often confined to small sectors of the economy. Without careful planning, far too many others will confront job losses from automation, growing inequality and entrenched poverty.
What's needed is a shared national vision for digital change and coordination between governments, companies and civil society. It all begins with ensuring access. In Indonesia, we've recently completed the Palapa Ring project to bring fast broadband internet infrastructure to both urban and rural citizens. While this is a momentous -- and necessary -- achievement, we must do even more. Some 80% of people in developing countries already live within the radius of mobile phone coverage, yet less than 30% have ever accessed the internet.
The main obstacle is cost: New, innovative business models are needed to ensure that everyone can afford to get online. For example, in the mountains of Georgia, a small community cooperative has built their own network and, in Kenya, telecommunications provider BRCK is storing useful content offline and giving people access through free WiFi hotspots.
Companies also need to keep the needs of marginalized groups in mind when developing digital tools, products and services. In many places, for instance, women are discouraged from accessing digital technology; one study showed that across Africa,
Asia and South America, women are between 30% and 50% less likely to use the internet to participate in public life. While changing social norms is a task for everyone, digital firms can help by designing products not just for men or the middle class.
The second priority has to be ensuring that citizens have the skills they need to navigate this new digital world. This will require a much greater emphasis on teaching non-automatable soft skills as part of a standard school education. Moreover, the private sector must take on increased responsibility for providing on-the-job technical training. In Indonesia and Myanmar, less than 10% of companies currently offer skills training to their employees.
Governments and civil society can contribute to reskilling programs, too, both directly and indirectly. Next year, for example, Indonesia plans to launch a training program for 2 million workers with the cooperation of digital companies, teaching them coding among other skills. The government has also offered tax deductions to encourage companies to develop their own reskilling programs.
Third, policymakers must set the right conditions for innovation to thrive. A big part of this involves creating a positive enabling environment. Indonesia is proud to have spawned more tech "unicorns" such as ride-hailing pioneer Gojek than any other
Southeast Asian country. Yet, here as in other emerging markets, startups still face all too many barriers, not least access to capital. Governments need to lower those hurdles where they can, while private investors and donors can help to de-risk these environments by putting forward first-loss capital, or playing the role of "aggregators" to bring in other investors.
At the same time, we cannot assume that existing laws will remain fit for purpose in a digital age. Flexible new regulations will be needed to keep up with the rapid pace of change. Many countries -- including Kenya, Brazil and Philippines -- are adopting the European Union's general data protection rules.
But while it is tempting to import global technology policies wholesale, developing nations should be sure to tailor legislation to their specific national contexts. Global norms are forming around many digital issues, not just data protection, and coordination between regional or like-minded groups of countries will help to integrate developing-country priorities into global standards.
Finally, governments must take great care to build secure, accountable systems, so that citizens can trust that their data is protected and that the data provided by the government is transparent. Only then can they hold governments accountable and make their voices heard.
These are all huge tasks, especially for emerging economies already under pressure from trade tensions and slowing growth. They won't get any easier over time, however -- or any less necessary.
Disclaimer: This article first appeared on Bloomberg.com, and is published by special syndication arrangement."


text:
Ivy Noise, 2009
Electric wires climb the white walls, following not a casual pattern, but a defined one, after an accurate study of the growth of the ivy. Black lines design organic forms; brances form which unusual flowers blossom: conical speakers of various dimentions. A previously defined soundscape is given forth by some of these peculiar buds which acts as a background to the acoustic improvisation, determined instead by the human presence. Every noise is being captured by a series of microphones and random samples are taken in real time by a custom designed software, and rendered back through the speakers. Voices, steps, movements, nourish the installation. The totally synthetic sound, generated by this technological parasite creates however the illusion of being in a natural environment. A psychoacoustic journey, in which nothing stands still; everything is being transformed in an unstoppable and impromptu process of metamorphism. An experience which through multisensory stimulation creates a relation between man and technology, hypothesizing not only a peaceful coexistence of the two elements, but even an eco-sustainable hybridization, reinforced by the use of recycled materials.
Ivy Noise variant I
here and here


text:
People often do research that ends up collecting dust on a shelf. This is partly because people do not ask the correct questions. The best questions that have the greatest ROI impact decision making and make decision makers more informed so that they make better decisions. This is how market research becomes "intelligence." Questions that are "nice to know" should be deleted from your questionnaires. It's a bit like packing for an airplane trip and laying stuff out on your bed and then realizing you have too much and putting away the scarves, jewelry and lotions that you probably can live without.
It is critically important that you know what you are measuring. Often I find that people do not do enough research prior to designing a questionnaire and do not look into what the correct "best practices" questions are for gathering the information they want.
Often times the decision makers isn't screened for on top of asking the wrong questions. Are the people who answered the questions actually in your market? How do you know? Did you ask screening questions to identify them? If the person that writes the checks isn't answering your survey then chances are that your data is biased. If the person is the decision maker and you are asking "Are you interested?" instead of "Will you definitely buy?," then you have less solid data for your decision making. This is part of the reason that entrepreneurs often benefit from hiring an objective 3rd party researcher.
For example, "entrepreneurs" sometimes get data back that is "entre manure" because they ask questions like "Would you be interested in my product x?" Even their VC partner may say "wow, 92% are interested." Just because 92% of Americans are interested in solar PV, doesn't mean that 92% of all households will make a $20K-$50K investment and mount that investment to the roof of their house.
This week in Congress, "user fees" for airplane landings are being discussed. This is another example of people not understanding what the correct question is. Is the question, how to raise revenue for a safe aviation infrastructure? Then there is already a system in place to raise revenue via taxes on aviation fuel. This incorporates costs to those on private grass airfields and those using public airports alike. If you have a tax on landing at airports you miss some airplanes and you create costs to administer a "new program." Additionally one should look at behavior when changing price or tariff because, in the case of user fees, that also means pilots might practice fewer landings. Case in point: In England, pilots have landed far fewer times that in the US because of user fees. The pilots in England have more accidents and harsh landings as a result of these user fees as well as fewer trained pilots. In this case, the unintended consequences of not doing a market simulation actually had safety consequences and "program administration costs." Further unfortunate is that once an inefficient program is in place it is often hard to get rid of – people have plans for the revenue from price changes or tariff increases and they are difficult to remove.
The type of fee or cost structure you use is only one factor or "price" for an activity. The demand for a product depends on price, both out of pocket and convenience, for example. Also important is how that price, tariff or fee impacts behavior. People are often surprised at how a price change or fee changes behavior. The good news is that you can research how change impacts behavior by simulating the market place using market research. Plus, there is often good research that has already been done so you do not have to "re-invent the wheel." Call your researcher and ask. They may be able to answer your question: "been there and done that study, so you don't have to waste your time and money on a new study."


text:
You operate nationwide and need Workplaces in a professional office environment at several locations?
With ecosWORKSPACE NET we offer you one of the most flexible and powerful office solutions.
Our centers have modern technical infrastructures, conference rooms, office services in the form of secretarial and many other services, and all this in almost all the major cities and business locations in the country, some of them with a very central city center location and others practically linked to industrial estates.
Renting workplaces at up to 21 locations is simply and uncomplicated.
Book today and start right away!
*plus 19% VAT.
The ecos Workspace service module includes the following basic services:
*plus 19% VAT.


text:
Girls Basketball: Spinella says decision to step down is tough
At the Riverhead High School girls basketball team's first team meeting before the start of the season, Dave Spinella delivered the news. He told his players this was it, his final season as the Blue Waves' coach.
The decision was a difficult one.
"As weird as it sounds, it's one of the toughest decisions I ever had to make," Spinella, 38, said. "Making a decision to get married was easier."
Spinella, in his 14th season, said he wants to spend more time at home with his family. He and his wife, Tara, have three young children.
Heading into Tuesday night's game at Walt Whitman, Spinella had a 159-97 (.621) career record. He will leave an indelible mark on the Riverhead program. In 2012 he guided Riverhead to the New York State Class AA semifinals. Under him, the Blue Waves won three league championships (2008, 2012 and 2016). Although it appears likely they will not reach the playoffs this year, they have made it to the postseason 10 times with Spinella, advancing a round in five of those 10 playoffs.
Spinella said he is most proud of his team being a state scholar-athlete team for 13 straight years and having 15 of his players advance to play at the collegiate level.
The coach, often referred to by his players as "Spin," is well-liked by them.
"I know I'm going to miss him a lot," sophomore forward Kristin Dunn said. "He's probably the best coach I've ever had in my entire life."
Junior guard Faith Johnson-DeSilvia said Spinella's approaching departure is "upsetting, very upsetting. He's a good coach. If you need anything, he'll be able to talk to you about it. He's not just there to coach you. He's there to help you. I love him. He's just helped me a lot."
Spinella, who played basketball for West Babylon, was 24 and the youngest coach in Suffolk County when he succeeded Jim Janecek as Riverhead's varsity coach after running the junior varsity team for two seasons.
He is still a young coach. Can he see himself getting back in the game in the future?
"Maybe one day," he said. "I don't know. Who knows?"
Spinella, who is assisted by Paul Bertram and former Riverhead player Jalyn Brown, said he joked by telling someone, "I'm not dying. I'll be around." He said he expects to remain president of the Suffolk County Girls Basketball Coaches Association, a post he has held for a handful of years, for another year or two and stay involved in the game.
"It's just the next phase," Spinella said. "I love coaching the game I love with the kids I love. I'm so humbled by the opportunity I had."
His love of basketball remains strong, he said. "I love everything about it. I still have a passion for it, but you got to prioritize.
"Fifteen years of developing and establishing these relationships with so many great people, it's very difficult to let go, but I'm ready and my family is ready."
Photo caption: Dave Spinella, who will step down after this, his 14th season as Riverhead's coach, with guard Faith Johnson-DeSilvia. (Credit: Robert O'Rourk)


text:
Some people want a rewarding and fulfilling career. Other people need a high pay check or a flexible job position. In some careers, it is possible to enjoy all of these things. This list of highest paying jobs also offers flexible, rewarding career growth.
The Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs with Flexible Job Titles
1. Senior Project Manager, IT
Technology has revolutionized the economy as well as how employees actually work. In this job position, an estimated 26 percent of employees telecommute. To be hired, most applicants will need at least a bachelor's degree. If they have …


text:
While recovering from surgery on my foot, I had my TV and book lineup ready for six weeks of unadulterated reading and TV watching time.
One of the TV shows on the top of my list was the HBO series BIG LITTLE LIES. My sister raved about how good the series was and I was intrigued by the description, that was until I saw that it was based on a book. I immediately changed up my reading lineup so I could read this book before watching the show.
I have been reading a lot of historical fiction and historical mysteries lately and I actually got excited about reading something more contemporary and modern.
Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She's funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline's youngest (how is this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline's teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline's ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?).
Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare. While she may seem a bit flustered at times, who wouldn't be, with those rambunctious twin boys? Now that the boys are starting school, Celeste and her husband look set to become the king and queen of the school parent body. But royalty often comes at a price, and Celeste is grappling with how much more she is willing to pay.
New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for the nanny. Jane is sad beyond her years and harbors secret doubts about her son. But why? While Madeline and Celeste soon take Jane under their wing, none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all.
Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive (summary from Goodreads).
This is one of those books that was good but yet disturbing and not so pleasant to read. Admittedly, I wasn't really into this book until more than half way through. I can't say what drove me to keep reading other than I had invested too much time to give up on it.
I didn't like any of the characters, I had a marginal amount of sympathy for Jane and Ziggy but I still couldn't really bring myself to like them. Madeline was portrayed as the wronged ex wife who never really let go of her divorce, Celeste was the battered wife with the perfect life, and Jane the single mom searching for a normal life for her and her kid. I just never really liked any of them. They were each significantly flawed and yet horribly naive. It was a hard sell for me.
But oddly enough I was curious at how this whole thing was going to play out. There is a murder that happens at the beginning but the reader only gets short one-liners at the end of each chapter that hint at what might have happened. We have no information about the murder….who it was, what happened, or anything only that a murder occurred. By the very end we know everything we need to know but not a minute before.
I found this style of story telling interesting, I don't know that I liked it but once I got used to it, it wasn't so bad. Those little tidbits were probably the biggest thing that kept driving me to read the novel.
I think a lot of readers could relate to the school yard politics. I don't have a school aged child but I do know that this is more the norm than many parents would like to admit. There are cliques and expectations as well as parents who judge others harshly. By the time I was done reading this book I was terrified to send my poor little boy to school. Bullying, school yard politics, parents…..it seemed rather terrifying and sad.
This is a book that would be a great book club read. It's dark and uncomfortable but yet wrapped in this pretty facade. There are lots of different angles and the characters are each themselves so flawed and complex that each one would make for a very fruitful book club discussion. This is one of those books that you want to share and discuss with your friends, not one that you want to keep to your self. It's raw and real with a dark side…..the dark side that we all try to keep hidden. There were profound themes and observations in this book.
Even tough I was prepared to put this book down after a few chapters, I am glad I didn't because it was worth reading until the very end. Perhaps not a book typically in my genre and perhaps not a 5 star for me, but a solid 4 star for certain!
Challenge/Book Summary:
Book: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Hardcover, 460 pagesPublished July 29th 2014 by Berkley
- Review copy provided by: Personal collection
This book counts toward: NA
- Hosted by: NA
- Books for Challenge Completed: NA
Recommendation: 4 out of 5
Genre: Contempo lit, chick lit, women's fiction
Memorable lines/quotes: NA


text:
Volunteer Ambassadors.
Do you want to join us and make the difference in 2019?
Over the past few months we've been inundated with support from hundreds of people across the UK and abroad. We didn't realised just how many of you wanted to recognise, as we did, the role that horses, mules and donkeys have played in our history and, how through Poppy our magnificent War Horse, we can create a lasting legacy by supporting equine and military charities, including The Household Cavalry Foundation, Mane Chance Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Brooke and the Royal Artillery Association.
Now, to help us grow our ambition, and before we launch our 2019 campaign in May, we are looking to create Volunteer Ambassadors … individuals with a strong interest in fundraising and charitable giving as well as great communication skills. Our Ambassadors will represent us in their local village, town or county, bringing together other supporters and fundraisers on behalf of War Horse Memorial and our Purple Poppy Appeal.
We see this as a really important role as it will help us to reach new people, inspire new fundraising activity, and thank our growing army of supporters for the work they are doing.
Becoming a Volunteer Ambassador will suit you if you:
– Believe in our cause and want to help us make a difference
– Have an interest in and/or experience of charitable giving and fundraising
– Are interesting in working with and encouraging others to volunteer in your area
– Are proactive with a positive, enthusiastic attitude and are happy to give us a few hours of your precious time every month.
If you are interested we want to hear from you. Please email your details – something about yourself, why you want to be involved and a contact telephone number to: email@example.com


text:
Police arrested a 52 year old man from Limassol was arrested on Friday in connection with child pornography.
The man was arrested after Europol alerted Cypriot authorities that a social media account user had sent a video of child pornography to another user.
Officers arrested the man in his home on Friday afternoon and seized a mobile phone they found there.
Police are continuing investigations.


text:
I use drip irrigation system and I noticed that the water that goes to the plants frome the emitters taste like plastic.
the tubing and the emitters are also exposed to the sun which I belive release more contaminates from tubing and emitters to the water.
I try to grow organicly in containers and avoid chemicals.and I think that ן irrigate unintentionally water that are full with contaminates.
couldnt find any data about it.
any solutions or insights ??


text:
The Westmead Education and Conference Centre (WECC) Upgrade and Expansion project officially kicked off over the Christmas break with targeted refurbishments on level 2 of Westmead Hospital.
The redesign and refurbishment of the WECC is a key project of the partnership between the University of Sydney, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN) at Westmead.
The next stage of works will see the old staff cafeteria on level 1 transformed into contemporary, flexible shared learning spaces for staff and students as well as a new eating area for staff.
Late last year we touched on the role Information Technology would play in supporting and enabling current and future teaching and education practices within the WECC. Technology will play a key role in the design of the new areas and their functionality.
High definition technology such as the document camera pictured will be utilised to provide an innovative upgrade to the overhead projectors of old. An object can be placed on the designated viewing table and the image is able to be projected onto multiple screens in the learning space.
The key objectives for IT systems within the WECC are functionality, reliability and flexibility. These systems will be designed with the capacity to support a range of different activities and collaboration.
"It's important that the IT systems reflect the environment we are creating," University of Sydney project manager George Khouri said. "Staff and students need to feel confident they can find a suitable spot to work with their peers on projects in bookable private rooms, or hold impromptu discussions and exchange ideas in the informal spaces, and that the IT support systems will aid the ability to do this simply and easily."
The WECC project represents the first major partnership project between the University of Sydney, WSLHD and SCHN as part of the vision for a heightened level of collaboration between each organisation. It follows the successful delivery in 2016 of the clinical simulation laboratory to support nursing education, and the creation of a Westmead-based cohort for the Masters of Nursing (Graduate Entry) program. The University has committed to invest over $60 million to support education, training and research infrastructure and strategies at the Westmead precinct. This investment is the first instalment of the University of Sydney's commitment to invest $500m into Westmead for infrastructure and programs over the next 15 years.
The next phase of the WECC Upgrade and Expansion project will commence in February. Keep an eye out for more information to come about as we move closer toward the start of works on the new level 1 WECC areas.
If you have any questions you'd like to ask the Westmead Redevelopment team about the WECC project, contact us on 1800 990 296, or email us.
View more artist's impressions of the WECC in the Project Update 96 (aka Westmead Update) published 30.01.17.
Read more about the University of Sydney partnership.


text:
WW: WeightWatchers | Kick start your 2022 goals!
Join WW with 3 months FREE!* Hurry, offer ends Friday!
Losing weight and keeping it off is easy with a plan designed just for you.
Join WW today and lose the weight.
#People following the WW program can expect to lose up to 1kg/week. Featured members lost weight on a prior program and are continuing on PersonalPoints.
Our new program makes weight loss easier (and more delicious)
A plan that's yours—and only yours.
No two people are alike, so no two plans are alike. When you join WW, we'll ask you a series of questions via our PersonalPoints Engine, then we'll design your unique PersonalPoints Budget and ZeroPoint™ food list.
Science, simplified.
Based on groundbreaking nutritional and behaviour-change research, WW rewards you for healthy habits so you stick with them! For the first time ever, you'll add Points for doing healthy things—like eating veggies, drinking water, or moving more.
Zero deprivation.
Cook your favourite meals. Go to brunch, happy hour, and parties. With our new program, nothing is off-limits, and there are no restrictive rules—just balance. Simply track, live, and lose the weight you want.
WW members lose 2x more weight than doing it on their own.*
There's a membership for everybody
Answer some quick questions and we'll match you with the membership that fits your lifestyle and goals.
#1 Best Diet for Weight Loss 12 years in a row
WW works! Our most customised program ever, PersonalPoints, makes healthy and sustainable weight loss easier.
Your Top Questions, Answered!
We get these a lot…
Unlike other weight-loss programs, we look at kilojoules and complex nutrition data to create one simple number: a food's PersonalPoints value. Now, you can earn them—making good-for-you habits more rewarding and likely to stick! It's exactly why healthier eating feels easier—and actually fun—with WW.
Anything—seriously. Nothing is off-limits! When you sign up for WW, we'll ask you a series of questions via our PersonalPoints Engine, and then design your PersonalPoints Budget and ZeroPoint food list. You can eat whatever you want—and anytime you're hungry, reach for a ZeroPoint food without dipping into your Budget.
We have hundreds of meatless recipes that make a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle and weight loss totally possible—and delicious.
When it comes to nutrition, calories don't tell the whole story. PersonalPoints factor in calories, but also protein and fibre, and they differentiate between natural and added sugars, as well as unsaturated vs. saturated fats. They guide you toward a healthier pattern of eating so you'll lose weight and feel good. Just eat, track Points, and lose weight.
Get meal planners, sleep and activity trackers, over 6,000 recipes, a restaurant database, a barcode scanner (for tracking and shopping made easy!), on-demand workouts, 24/7 Chat with a Coach, weekly progress reports, and more. The app is included with all WW memberships!
Have to? Of course not. It's totally your choice. Workshops are available to attend in-person or virtually, so you can do what's right for you. Speaking of right for you, we have three memberships that deliver support in different ways—whether you want face-to-face meetings, one-on-one Coaching, or just a one-stop app for weight loss.
WW Coaches are experts in our program who provide the support you need, exactly when you need it. Whether in a live Workshop or through Coaching in our app, their advice (and encouragement!) will help you reach your goals.


text:
Bruce Jennings is Senior Fellow at the Center for Humans and Nature where he engages in research, writing, public speaking, and consulting. He is the editor of the Center's journal, Minding Nature.
He can be reached at email@example.com. His recent book, which grew out of Center research, was published in the spring of 2016 by West Virginia University Press—Ecological Governance: Toward a New Social Contract with the Earth.
Jennings is also the co-editor with Ceara Donnelley of Frog Pond Philosophy, a collection of essays by the late Strachan Donnelley—founder and first president of the Center for Humans and Nature; and co-editor with Christopher J. Orr and Kaitlin Kish ofLiberty and the Ecological Crisis: Freedom on a Finite Planet.
He holds faculty appointments at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society and the Yale University School of Public Health. He also serves as a Senior Advisor and Fellow at the Hastings Center, where he worked for 26 years, and served as Executive Director from 1991–99.
In 2011 Jennings was named Editor-in-Chief in charge of preparing a new edition of the Encyclopedia of Bioethics, the standard reference work in his field. Completed and published in 2014, this 6 volume work is entitled Bioethics, 4th Edition and is published by Macmillan Reference USA.
He has done work in the area of educational and curriculum development and has co-developed three major curricula: "Decisions Near the End of Life" (Education Development Center, 1989-96); "New Choices, New Responsibilities: Ethical Issues in the Life Sciences" (The Hastings Center, 1990-1996) and "Ethics and Public Health: Model Curriculum" (Association of Schools of Public Health, 2003).
From 2003-2009 Jennings served first as member and subsequently as Chair of the Ethics Advisory Committee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has been a member of the boards of directors of several scholarly and professional organizations, including the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (2000-2003) and the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (1997-2003).
A political scientist by training (Yale University BA 1971 and Princeton University MA 1973), he has written and edited 28 books and has published approximately 200 articles on ethics, political theory, and public policy issues. Among his other books are Regulating Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in the United States: The Limits of Unlimited Selection. (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015); Hospice Ethics: Policy and Practice in Palliative Care (Oxford University Press, 2014); The Hastings Center Guidelines for Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment and Care Near the End of Life, Revised and Expanded Second Edition (Oxford University Press, 2013), Public Health Ethics: Theory, Policy and Practice (Oxford University Press, 2007), and The Perversion of Autonomy: the Uses of Coercion and Constraints in a Liberal Society, (Georgetown University Press, 2003).
Articles in Minding Nature:
- The Covids of Our Climate
- Symbiotic Time
- Democratic Citizenship and Ecological Recognition
- Between Hubris and Humility
- Between Gaia and Demos
- The Greening of Green
- Stymied, We Stew
- Duty and Promise; Convenant and Gift
- What Is After Us?
- The Ecological Conscience of Liberalism
- Earth Ethics
- Ecological Care
- Who(se) Are We?
- The Architecture of Desire
- Unnatural Selection
- Gathering at the River: toward Communities of Conservation in the Hudson River Valley
- Beyond the Social Contract of Consumption
- Interpreting the Social Meaning of Biotechnology
- Governance in a Post-Growth Society: An Inquiry into the Democratic Prospect
- The Tyranny of No Alternatives
City Creatures Blog posts:


text:
VENICE, Italy — "Lebanon," an Israeli film that recounts Israel's 1982 invasion of the Middle East country through soldiers' eyes, won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.
The festival jury announced the Golden Lion and other prizes on the last day of the 11-day screening of films from around the world.
The anti-war film, directed by Samuel Maoz, tells the story of Israeli paratroopers searching a hostile town. The conflict is seen through the binocular-aided eyes of those aboard an armored vehicle.
"I dedicate this work to people all over the world that come back from the war safe and sound," the director told the audience at the award ceremony. "They work, get married, have children," but the memories get "stuck in their souls." Maoz was a young man when he served in the Israeli armed forces during the invasion.
The occupation led to a two-decades long occupation by Israel.
Variety has described the film as the "boldest and best of the recent mini-wave" of Israeli movies. The awards jury was headed by Ang Lee, himself a Golden Lion-winning director


text:
Clearing of European derivatives now looks set to stay in London for the foreseeable future, but traders still need to assess how the clearing house they use can impact portfolio optimisation of their derivatives. Fred Maple reports.
The political tug-of-war between the United Kingdom and the European Union on where is best to centrally clear euro-denominated derivatives has resulted in a rather large sideshow for firms that are trying to seek value for money – no matter which central counterparty (CCP) they use.
It might seem a simple choice. After all, LCH, Eurex and CME Group all clear products such as interest rate swaps, while ICE also clears credit defaults swaps (CDS), meaning there is enough competition in theory. However, there are a number of factors which go into deciding where a bank or buy-side firm should clear its trades.
"The total cost of trading comprises a number of components," says Christian Lee, a consultant at Catalyst. "There are not just clearing costs, but include capital and funding costs, and these are all part of the equation that feed into the ultimate trading cost in any portfolio."
Since clearing comes with certain unavoidable costs, such as margin and clearing broker fees for the buy side, and other CCP costs and capital charges for facilitating clearing for the clearing brokers, participants are keen to optimise the entire process. Much of this may depend on a firm's ability to be flexible about where they clear.
"There are degrees of sophistication to which banks are able to measure and make their decisions – more sophisticated players will have tools available to see pre-execution what the marginal costs will be. Those incremental costs will be dependent on the profile of trades that they already have been cleared, and will also be balanced against the profile of non-cleared trades," says Lee.
For CCPs there have been winners and losers as volume has amassed for certain derivatives in one clearing house or another. For example, in interest rate swaps cleared in the US, LCH has a roughly 95% market share in dealer-to-dealer trades, while that figure is also above 90% for client-cleared trades, which represent those trades executed by a buy-side firm via a clearing broker.
At the outset of mandatory clearing in the US, the playing field was more level between LCH and CME Group. But a significant basis began to emerge between the two in 2015, making it more expensive to trade the same swap at CME compared to LCH. This is predominantly as a result of capital rules put in place under Basel III, which has made it more expensive to clear at multiple CCPs.
Philip Whitehurst, head of service development for rates & FX derivatives at LCH, says, "If a dealer is able to make prices to a global client community from within a single CCP, and hedge in the interbank market clearing at the same CCP, then obviously it is able to flatten itself in terms of risk and therefore margin, and also to maximise their compression efficiency. So the cost of that trade is very little, to the dealer and also to the system."
Compression services can help in this regard, too. Basel's leverage ratio rule hits gross exposure so CCPs have tried to help reduce what is sitting on a dealer's balance sheet, even if the risk profile is the same.
The cost of clearing
For Whitehurst, trade execution costs are the biggest pain point for the clearing community. Take direct clearing fees. For a high-turnover client, the swap registered at the CCP has a US$25 fee, followed by a 10 basis points (bps) (0.1%) hit for initial margin (IM). But that can pale in comparison to the bid/offer spread charge.
"For example, a $50 million two-year interest rate swap has a PV01 of US$10,000. So if you can improve that trading price by 1bp that is worth $10,000. That puts into context where I think the costs lie and what should drive your choice of clearing house. Even a better execution price by only 1/10th of a basis point would save you $1,000, relative to a ticket fee of $25," says Whitehurst.
Execution costs might be one side of the equation and easy to minimise, but margin costs can also add up for buy-side firms. On a one off, £10 million, five-year swap the cost would be roughly 5% of the notional as an initial margin, equating to £500,000 – a potentially huge burden for smaller firms.
"In isolation that can be expensive, but where you get benefit is by scale. By adding directional risk it will make it more expensive, but a flat delta will leave initial margin relatively low because of the portfolio effects, and CCPs will manage a default scenario on a portfolio basis, so this makes it more efficient from an initial margin perspective to have more trades cleared," says Catalyst's Lee.
While margin can be expensive, most clearing brokers provide tools to enable buy-side firms to see what the impact of executing a certain trade at a clearing house will look like.
"When deciding where to clear a trade the first thing the trader will do is look to see what margin offsets might be available at the CCP, essentially they will be looking to see what the impact of any new trade is on their existing pool of risk," says Ricky Maloney, a consultant at Solvere FMC. "Clearing brokers provide pre trade margin calculators to their clients which are used to model the margin impact of a new trade. Where the greatest risk offset occurs one should see the least required margin."
The answer can become more complicated when considering most buy-side firms will have more than one clearing broker, and increasing the amount of trading with one broker or another in certain products could result in higher margin requirements in the long run, particularly if the exposure does not offset.
The best place to clear
So where does a trade clear in on order to achieve maximum efficiency?
"It's an easy question but the answer has so many variables," says Maloney. "A firm with two clearing brokers at a single CCP really only has to worry about which clearing broker account the new trade is given to, where there is an opportunity to reduce risk and consequently the margin, capital and funding profile of a portfolio it should absolutely be taken. On the very rare occasion where a new trade offers no advantage in that sense, then I guess it comes down to where the portfolio might be better suited going forward."
Some CCPs, like Eurex, have come up with new ways to help reduce the inevitable costs that central clearing brings. In Europe, where Eurex has a huge amount of liquidity in Bund, Bobl and Schatz futures, the CCP offers cross-margining capabilities between those contracts and OTC derivatives such as euro swaps.
"While other CCPs have similar functionalities, our uniqueness is that we have a significant franchise on euro listed business, and if you add euro OTC business to that, then you would be able to realise netting efficiencies – this is particularly useful for hedge funds, who run a lot of asset-swap business," says Matthias Graulich, chief client officer at Eurex.
For example, Graulich claims that a buy-side firm doing an asset swap – where the OTC swap and future have the same notional and are transacted in opposite directions – then a margin saving of 17% can be achieved. The problem for Eurex is that it has been hard to attract swap liquidity in OTC derivatives, making margin savings like that hard to achieve. Currently, Eurex has a notional outstanding in euro swaps of just over E1.5 trillion, compared to LCH's E40.5 trillion.
"Hedge funds have a high turnover of trades, but they are still hesitant because if they get into a trade today, because liquidity is not strong, they might incur some liquidity costs if they try to get out of the trade at a later point in time," says Graulich.
To help cure that liquidity issue, Eurex has launched a partnership program to get banks clearing their euro swap trades at the CCP, with the idea that the buy side will eventually see better and more competitive prices quoted at Eurex and help them realise those margin savings.
Another initiative is the firm's ISA Direct program, which is designed to ease the burden of the capital rules on the dealer community. Rather than being a credit intermediator, the clearing broker becomes a service facilitator, because the buy-side client directly faces off with the CCP, in theory making it more capital efficient. This would allow clearing brokers to charge for services but not the capital function.
"We believe if you optimised a trade from a collateral capital perspective, use the ISA Direct access model, and took advantage of cross-product margining, we believe an asset manager can save in the range of 30-40%. Even if they were to see a larger bid/offer spread on Eurex compared to LCH, even that would be way over compensated by these other benefits," says Graulich, who confirmed that three firms have signed up to the scheme.
©TheDESK 2017


text:
The Midcoast Antique Study Club is now forming and looking for charter members. A formation and planning meeting will be held Tuesday, April 29, at 6 pm, at the Camden Public Library.
The Midcoast Antique Study Club is modeled on a long standing, successful mid-western group, known as the Dayton Antique Study Club. The purpose of the study club is to bring together serious collectors interested in the scholarly pursuit of 17th- and 18th-century antiques. The group will focus on American furniture and the vast variety of decorative arts that were available in the American colonies, through foreign trade or importation from England.
Collectors of English, Dutch, German and Portuguese Delft, Majolica, British, French, German and Chinese porcelains, ceramics, glass, silver, paktong, pewter, brass, iron, early lighting, textiles, quilts, samplers, maps, prints, paintings, and other early items are encouraged to participate. Collectors with an interest in early 19th-century items of the Federal, Hepplewhite, or Sheraton period may also participate, but the primary focus will be on earlier pieces.
In addition to promoting a better understanding of individual items, the group will focus on how these early furnishings and decorative arts fit into their historic and cultural context, the prevailing architectural design preference of the time, and the historic vernacular in which particular pieces of furniture were built, sold, and used.
The goal will be to provide a forum for members to share information about their collections, an opportunity to network with fellow collectors and benefit from their collecting experience, and a pool of financial resources (in the form of dues) that will allow the group to bring in respected and authoritative speakers from widely recognized museums and institutions, as well as private individuals who have been identified as scholars or authorities in particular collecting areas. Members will also have the opportunity to present papers or programs to the group.
The meeting on April 29 will serve as a means of identifying potential members, assessing particular areas of interest, and laying the basic structure and schedule for future meetings. There is no obligation to join the club if you attend the meeting. Long-standing collectors, and novice collectors with a serious interest but limited collecting experience are encouraged to participate. The meeting is not a Camden Public Library event. This event is privately sponsored and there is no charge to attend the meeting.
For more information, contact 230-7141 or email email@example.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Riverhawks, Mariners tackle middle school football competition
David O. Harden
Hans Hoff
Wildcats claw to home win over competitive Mariners
Belfast continues to dominate in stick world