title: Elliot heads foreshore makeover underway

text:
Streetscape projects have been rolled out in locations across the Bundaberg Region but now it’s time for Elliott Heads to shine with work commencing this week to complete Stages One and Two of the $4 million Foreshore Masterplan.
Major road works, linked footpaths, landscaping, shelter shed, a viewing platform and more than 100 formed car parks are included in the scope of works associated with the masterplan development.
Divisional representative Cr Scott Rowleson said infrastructure including the kiosk and park toilet facilities had previously been completed but this latest work would provide the connectivity to allow the planned use of traffic corridors and pathways.
“While we are finalising Stages One and Two, the great news is that through project savings and efficiencies Council has also provided the go-ahead for Stage Three to be completed.
“The Foreshore Masterplan was the culmination of extensive community consultation. Council received a State Government grant of $1.6 million in October 2017 which represented 40% of the project cost of just over $4 million.
“Stages One and Two will be finalised by the end of June, weather permitting, and the project would then move seamlessly to Stage Three which involves additional road works, footpaths and parking. The footprint for Stage Three has actually been enlarged to align with Welch Street.
“This work represents a milestone achievement for the Elliott Heads community and is a great reward for its demonstrated patience. There is no doubt this will provide enhanced facilities that will encourage a surge in visitor numbers,” said Cr Rowleson.
He said the upgraded entry into the caravan park would assist with an increased focus on safe traffic movements within the area. “Importantly, we have increased signage to assist in directing more visitors to the safer patrolled swimming areas.”
The Elliott Heads Masterplan was adopted by Council in 2012 and a new kiosk constructed in 2014. Cr Rowleson said the finalisation of a fourth and final stage will be a matter for future Council budgets or grant applications.
The redevelopment is a joint project of Council and the State Government.
- Other news: Bundaberg Region observes World Labyrinth Day


tier: cub

shelf: science-engineering

title: Iupesm survey of joint medical physics and biomedical engineering departments and actions

text:
The International Union of Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine (IUPESM) established in 1980 represents over 100,000 medical physics and biomedical engineering professionals. IUPESM has just created a Task Group (TG) on Integrated medical physics and biomedical engineering actions. The purpose is to determine the status of joint departments, programs, actions, and achievements of integrated actions of these two specialties in a large part of the world. The TG is Co-Chaired by Prof. Andrew Nisbet and the President of IUPESM, Dr Madan Rehani. The structure of the TG can be seen at:
The TG has prepared a survey questionnaire that is available at:
Ethical approval for the collection and processing of data acquired from this survey has been obtained from the Scientific Ethics Commission, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
It is being circulated to joint departments and official channels of two constituent organizations of IUPESM, namely the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) and the International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE).
You are requested to provide your inputs using the link above. Please note, you are under no obligation to participate or complete this survey. Participation is entirely voluntary. However, your participation would be greatly appreciated, as the results from this will provide an insight into the workings of departments globally. These findings will be used both for developing a strategy by IUPESM for strengthening the subject of medical physics and biomedical engineering, and for a journal publication to disseminate the findings to our community.
The deadline for this survey is extended to 10th March 2025.
Please note that once a response has been submitted, it cannot be withdrawn. As such, the questions of the survey have been provided as a pdf for you to view prior to participating in the survey. If a response is incomplete or has not been submitted before the deadline of this survey, it will automatically be deleted by the software.
Thank you for your participation,
Andrew Nisbet and Madan Rehani
Co-Chairs of the Task Group


tier: kodiak

shelf: software-docs

title: ibm-data-and-ai.ideas.ibm.com

text:
This portal is to open public enhancement requests against products and services offered by the IBM Data & AI organization. To view all of your ideas submitted to IBM, create and manage groups of Ideas, or create an idea explicitly set to be either visible by all (public) or visible only to you and IBM (private), use the IBM Unified Ideas Portal (https://ideas.ibm.com).
Shape the future of IBM!
We invite you to shape the future of IBM, including product roadmaps, by submitting ideas that matter to you the most. Here's how it works:
Search existing ideas
Start by searching and reviewing ideas and requests to enhance a product or service. Take a look at ideas others have posted, and add a comment, vote, or subscribe to updateson them if they matter to you. If you can't find what you are looking for,
Post your ideas
Post ideas and requests to enhance a product or service. Take a look at ideas others have posted and upvote them if they matter to you,
Post an idea
Upvote ideas that matter most to you
Get feedback from the IBM team to refine your idea
Specific links you will want to bookmark for future use
More Properties/Editing options for Rave 2 Visualizations
We would like more properties/editing options implemented into the new Rave 2 Visualizations (custom palettes specifically). Also would like to have the ability to add conditional formatting or a conditional palette to a visualization.
It would be great if we would have the function (export Dashboard to PPT / Excel). We are having a lot of reviews with the Executives and most of time we are combining charts (e.g. some from Ops and some from other Finance team) into 1 deck, so wi...
Allow Custom Sorting of contents like Folders, Reports and Packages
Ability to control custom sorting of contents has been removed from v11. This is highly required item by our business community. Arranging the contents by alphabetical order is not sufficient. Not adding this feature back will be a big negative.
I would like to have the ability to schedule a refresh of an uploaded file. If you store your excel or text to a file share and grant Cognos access to that share, you should have the ability to schedule a refresh of that data file.
Reorg Utility Progress data is missing in db2 list utilities and db2 list utilities show detail command
The db2 list utilties and db2 list utilities show detail command will not display the Reorg utility progress. 1) The command will display the Runstats progress details for the table 2) The command will display the Load progress details for the tab...
almost 6 years ago
Not under consideration
Show list of recently used data packages when creating new report
We have a large list of Framework Manager packages to pick from in our Cognos production environment and our users rely on the functionality currently in Cognos 10 to select from a list of recently used packages. Cognos Analytics does not offer th...
Ability to freeze column headers in reporting crosstabs
The feature in dashboard crosstabs to freeze column headers is excellent, and should be replicated as well in the reporting environment. This is a long standing user request that is very difficult to achieve today.
Would like the ability to burst PAW reports as PDF.Would like the ability to burst PAX reports as Excel Slice, Excel Snap-shot or PDF.eg. TM1 Perspectives Print Report featureWith added email notifications and ability to email burst reports by rea...
Do not place IBM confidential, company confidential, or personal information into any field.


shelf: health

title: Security guards and their role in patient safety

text:
Security guards are responsible for the safety of patients and staff. They are the first line of defense against any security issue that may arise in a healthcare facility.
Security guards play a key role in patient safety. They monitor the building to ensure that no one enters without permission, they keep watch over patients, and they also provide guidance to staff on how to handle any security issues that may arise.
What is a Security Guard?
A security guard is a person who works to protect and enforce the rules of a particular place or institution. Security guards are typically employed by private companies, government agencies, or institutions such as hospitals, prisons and schools.
A security guard’s job duties may include providing protection to certain places or people, conducting patrols, monitoring surveillance cameras for criminal activity, escorting visitors, maintaining order within the facility or on public property outside of the facility.
What are the Different Types of Security Guards and What are their Roles?
Security guards are responsible for protecting the premises of a company or facility. They typically work in shifts and have different roles.
The three main types of security guards are:
– Security Guards with a uniform that is worn on the outside of their clothing
– Security Guards with a uniform that is worn on the inside of their clothing
– Security Guards without a uniform that wears a badge, ID card, and hat
Security Guards & Patient Safety in Hospitals – Why is it so Important?
Security guards play a vital role in the safety of patients and staff in hospitals. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of patients, staff, property, and information. They have latest guns and 22lr ammo.
Security guards are not always present in hospitals to provide protection to patients. Sometimes the task is left up to hospital staff who is already overburdened with their duties. In these cases, security guards may be able to provide assistance with patient safety by taking on tasks such as checking visitors and providing escorts.
Patient Safety: Patient care can be compromised due to not having enough security guards in hospitals. This can lead to a number of issues including patient abuse, theft of property or information, and neglecting other duties that they have been assigned such as checking visitors or escorting them from one area of the hospital to another.
What Happens if There is a Breakdown in Hospital Security at Night or During Emergencies
If a hospital security breach happens during night or an emergency, there are a few ways to handle it. The first is to have hospital employees on site 24 hours a day. The second is to have security personnel and police officers stationed at the hospital 24 hours a day. A third alternative is to use robots that can patrol the grounds of the hospital and detect any abnormalities in their surroundings.
Here, we will discuss what happens if there is a breakdown in security at night or during emergencies, and how hospitals can prevent such situations from happening.
The first option – having employees on site 24 hours a day – would require significant costs and manpower which might not be feasible for many hospitals.
The second option – having security personnel and police officers stationed at the hospital 24 hours – would require significant costs.
State of Hospital Safety in 2017 – Where do We Stand?
The state of hospital safety in 2017 is not great. There are many factors that contribute to the issue, but one of the biggest ones is that hospitals are not prepared for disasters. This is because they do not have a clear idea of what to do when something happens.
One of the biggest challenges with hospital safety is that there are no clear guidelines on how to prepare for disasters and emergencies. As we have seen with Hurricane Harvey, hospitals lack proper emergency plans and resources, which can lead to even more serious consequences such as death and injury.
Here, we will discusses some solutions that can be implemented by hospitals in order to improve their overall safety and reduce the chances for serious injuries or fatalities during an emergency situation.


shelf: finance

title: How do second mortgages work

text:
Many homebuyers don't know they can take a second mortgage on their homes. The first loan, the primary mortgage, is taken while purchasing a property. A second mortgage is a type of mortgage that lets you borrow against the value of the same property while your first loan is not fully paid.
Knowing how second mortgages work can be beneficial in the future, especially when you need quick cash for an emergency, school fees, debt, and more. In this article, we’re going to break down how second mortgages work and when you might consider getting one.
What is a Second Mortgage?
A second mortgage is a type of subordinate mortgage obtained while a primary mortgage is still in effect. In cases of default, the proceeds from the home’s liquidation would first go to the primary loan. Anything left over would then roll over into settling the secondary mortgage.
The interest rates for second mortgages are usually higher because a second mortgage would only receive repayments when the primary mortgage is paid off, but the amount borrowed will be less compared to the primary mortgage.
A loan is always taken out against the equity in your property, and second mortgages aren’t exempted from that. The loan amount that a second mortgage lender will offer depends on the equity you’ve built up in your home.
Benefits of Second Mortgages
Just like other loans, a second mortgage has its advantages. Here are some reasons you might consider a second mortgage over refinancing your current mortgage.
Get a Higher Loan Amount
Getting a second mortgage can let you get high loan amounts. Some lenders will let you borrow up to 80% of your home’s worth. This means you can borrow more cash with a second mortgage than with other loans, especially if you’ve been paying your loan for a long time.
Lower Interest Rates
Second mortgages usually have lower interest rates compared to other types of loans. It’s because second mortgages are considered secured debt. This means second mortgages have collateral behind them; the collateral being your property. Because there are fewer risks for lenders, lenders will offer lower rates for second mortgages than credit cards.
Types of Second Mortgages
Home Equity Loan. A home equity loan lets you take a lump-sum payment from your home’s equity. When you take out a home equity loan, your second mortgage lender gives you a percentage of your equity in cash.
In return, the lender gets a 2nd lien on your home. You pay the mortgage back in monthly installments with interest, just like your primary mortgage.
Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC). HELOCs don’t give you cash in a single lump sum. They work like credit cards. Your lender approves you for a line of credit based on the amount of equity your property has. After that, you can borrow against the credit the lender offers you.
If you’re qualified for a second mortgage, it can help you pay for home renovations, pay for your child’s tuition fee, and more.
If you’re ready to get a second mortgage, call one of our helpful loan officers for more info.


shelf: education

title: Plagiarism in chinese academia

text:
It appears in China the problem is not only with the students but also some of the academics.
There is an interesting blog run by friends of Fang Shimin aka Fang Zhouzi, who
...has been fighting a lonely crusade exposing the many frauds in China's scientific and academic communities. His efforts has gained as many enemies as friends.
I must say I have had some doubts and always ask my students and colleagues about academic life in China. When discussing publishing in journals one colleague quipped that allegedly some journals pay you to publish in them (the good ones) and the others you have to pay the journal to publish in them (the bad ones). I am sure this is not strictly true.
Does that rule make economic sense?
The only papers that can really be trusted are those in peer reviewed international journals. I suspect that other academics in China already know this.
China's Scientific & Academic Integrity Watch
Some examples of the stories of this blog:
An Academician Who Plagiarized
Yale Professor Criticizes Wide Spread Plagiarism at Peking University
This is an excellent post and contains a letter from the Professor complaining about student plagiarism. It appears to be institutionalised which may explain some of the problems we face in the UK. If a student has done an undergraduate degree in China and comes to the UK to undertake a postgraduate degree it might be argued that certain bad habits travel with them.
H/T to China Law Blog


shelf: home-craft

title: Microbrewery employee volunteerism giving back to communities goldbet7 radheexch 11xplayonline

text:
goldbet7, radheexch, 11xplayonline: In recent years, microbreweries have become not just a place to enjoy craft beer but also a hub for community engagement and volunteerism. Many microbrewery employees are dedicated to giving back to their communities, whether it’s through organized volunteer events or individual efforts. In this article, we’ll explore how microbrewery employee volunteerism is making a positive impact and why it’s become such an important aspect of the craft beer industry.
At the heart of microbrewery employee volunteerism is a desire to support and strengthen the communities in which these businesses operate. Many microbreweries source their ingredients locally, support other small businesses, and contribute to the economic development of their neighborhoods. Giving back through volunteer work is a natural extension of this commitment to community.
One of the primary ways that microbrewery employees give back is by volunteering at local events and festivals. Whether it’s pouring beer at a charity fundraiser or helping to set up for a community event, brewery staff are often the face of the business in these settings. This not only helps to promote the brewery but also allows employees to connect with customers and community members in a meaningful way.
Another common form of microbrewery employee volunteerism is through environmental initiatives. Many craft breweries are committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. This can involve everything from recycling programs to beach clean-ups to tree planting events. By getting involved in these efforts, brewery employees are not only helping the environment but also demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility.
In addition to these organized efforts, many microbrewery employees also choose to volunteer on an individual basis. This might involve coaching a youth sports team, serving on a local board or committee, or helping out at a soup kitchen. By giving their time and skills to these causes, brewery staff are able to make a direct and personal impact on their communities.
But why has microbrewery employee volunteerism become such a prominent feature of the craft beer industry? One reason is the close-knit nature of many breweries. Employees often form strong bonds with one another and with the brewery owners, creating a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that extends beyond the workplace. This culture of collaboration and community involvement naturally lends itself to volunteerism.
Additionally, many craft beer enthusiasts are passionate about supporting businesses that align with their values. By demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, microbreweries can attract and retain customers who share these same ideals. Volunteerism is not just a way to give back; it’s also a way to build relationships and strengthen the brewery’s connection to its community.
In conclusion, microbrewery employee volunteerism is a powerful force for good in the craft beer industry. By giving back to their communities, brewery staff are not only making a positive impact on the world around them but also strengthening their businesses and building relationships with customers. Whether it’s through organized events, environmental initiatives, or individual efforts, microbrewery employees are proving that giving back is a key ingredient in the recipe for success.
Q: How can I get involved in microbrewery employee volunteerism?
A: If you work at a microbrewery, reach out to your employer or colleagues to see if there are any volunteer opportunities available. You can also check local community boards or websites for information on upcoming events and initiatives that may need volunteers.
Q: What are some benefits of microbrewery employee volunteerism?
A: Volunteering not only allows you to give back to your community but also gives you the opportunity to connect with others, develop new skills, and make a positive impact on the world around you. Additionally, volunteering can help boost employee morale and create a more positive work environment.
Q: Can microbrewery employee volunteerism help attract customers?
A: Yes, many craft beer enthusiasts are drawn to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. By showcasing your brewery’s volunteer efforts, you can appeal to customers who value these qualities and help build a loyal customer base.


shelf: history-culture

title: Featured artist leila josefowicz

text:
Violinist Leila Josefowicz has appeared with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras and eminent conductors since she made her debut in 1984 at Carnegie Hall with Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Her passionate advocacy of contemporary music for her instrument is reflected in her diverse programmes and enthusiasm for performing new works.
As a favourite of living composers, she has premiered many concertos – including those by Colin Matthews, John Adams and Esa-Pekka Salonen, all of which were written especially for her – and recently gave the Dutch premiere of Helen Grime’s Violin Concerto. She enjoyed a particularly close working relationship with the late Oliver Knussen, performing various concertos, including his own, with him as conductor in over 30 concerts. Other premieres have included John Adams’ Scheherazade.2 with New York Philharmonic and Steven Mackey’s Beautiful Passing with BBC Philharmonic. As a recitalist she has performed in renowned venues throughout the world and this season gives the first performance of Charlotte Bray’s new commission Mriya, which pays tribute to the people of Ukraine, at Wigmore Hall with pianist John Novacek; and of Colin Matthews’ Paraphrases with Huw Watkins at the 2025 Aldeburgh Festival.
Find out more about Leila in an extract from her interview for Britten Pears Arts, In Conversation with Leila Josefowicz.
Leila Josefowicz in the 2025 Aldeburgh Festival:
Leila Josefowicz begins her Festival residency with fellow Featured Artist Helen Grime’s violin concerto, performed with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Sakari Oramo.
Josefowicz is accompanied by brothers Huw and Paul Watkins, for a stellar chamber concert that includes the premiere of Colin Matthews’ new piece, Paraphrases.
Josefowicz leads a fascinating discussion on the theme of the psychology of performance.


shelf: civic-law

title: Boeing lawsuit toxic fumes on aircrafts may cause serious injuries

text:
NBC news has reported the filing of a lawsuit against Boeing Aircraft related to several flight attendants who claim that they have suffered permanent injuries after inhaling toxic fumes while on flights they have worked.
The product liability lawsuit against the aircraft manufacturer claims that the aircraft was defective in design and that Boeing failed to provide proper warnings to warn that the “bleed air” system can result in toxic fumes being released into the aircraft’s cabin.
The allegations against Boeing are that the toxic fumes, also referred to as hydrocarbon exposure, can result in headaches, dizziness and long-term affects including blurred vision, decreased motor skills, trouble concentrating and memory loss. The complaint further alleges that shortness of breath and a metallic taste are an indication of hydrocarbon exposure.
The FAA has issued a report suggesting testing and monitoring of the quality of cabin air. Of note, Boeing aircraft has recently started to manufacture aircrafts that do not contain the bleed air system.
If you or a loved one have suffered from hydrocarbon exposure and/or have had side effects following flights including headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, decreased motor skills, memory loss or trouble concentrating, call the Robenalt Law Firm to speak with a product liability lawyer. Your right to pursue a claim are subject to time limitations and thus it is important to contact a lawyer immediately.
The Robenalt Law Firm handles product liability claims. Call today for free, no obligation, consultation from an experienced lawyer at 216-223-7535 or toll free at 877-674-8787.


title: 5

text:
Maintaining health becomes paramount in the golden years of life, especially regarding nutritional intake. Westmont of Riverside, a beacon of care and expertise in Riverside, CA, provides an insightful guide on the best protein supplements for elderly health. Our commitment is to empower our senior community with knowledge and options to boost their health and well-being.
Understanding Protein Needs for the Elderly
Protein is a crucial building block of life, vital in repairing cells, building muscles, and supporting immune function. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing protein, making it essential for seniors to consume adequate amounts to maintain muscle mass, strength, and overall health.
The Role of Protein Supplements in Elderly Nutrition
For various reasons, including decreased appetite and dietary restrictions, many seniors struggle to meet their daily protein requirements through food alone. This is where protein supplements for elderly individuals come into play, offering a convenient and effective way to ensure adequate protein intake.
Top Recommended Protein Supplements
- Whey Protein: Easily digestible and containing all essential amino acids, whey protein is ideal for muscle repair and growth.
- Casein Protein: Known for its slow digestion, casein provides a steady release of amino acids, making it perfect for nighttime consumption.
- Soy Protein: A great plant-based option, soy protein supports heart health and is rich in essential amino acids.
- Pea Protein: Another excellent plant-based choice, pea protein is hypoallergenic and easy on the digestive system.
- Rice and Hemp Protein: These provide complete protein options for plant-based alternatives.
How to Choose the Right Protein Supplement
Selecting the right protein supplement involves considering dietary restrictions, taste preferences, and specific health needs. Westmont of Riverside recommends consulting healthcare professionals to tailor a supplement plan that aligns with individual health profiles.
Benefits of Protein Supplements for Seniors
Incorporating protein supplements into the diet can significantly impact seniors’ health and quality of life. Benefits include improved muscle mass and strength, better bone health, and enhanced recovery from illness or surgery.
Incorporating Protein Supplements into Daily Life
Making protein supplements a part of daily routine doesn’t have to be a chore. They can be easily blended into smoothies, mixed with oatmeal, or even incorporated into baked goods, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Expert Guidance from Westmont of Riverside
At Westmont of Riverside, our expertise is more than just providing top-notch care and empowering our residents and the wider senior community with the knowledge to make informed health choices. Our team of nutritionists and healthcare professionals is always on hand to provide personalized advice on nutritional supplementation, ensuring that each individual’s needs are met with precision and care.
Tailoring Protein Intake to Individual Needs
Every senior has unique health considerations, and at Westmont of Riverside, we understand the importance of a personalized approach. Activity level, health conditions, and personal goals are crucial in determining the optimal protein intake and supplement choice.
Navigating Dietary Restrictions and Allergies
Choosing the right protein supplement is critical for seniors with dietary restrictions or allergies. Alternatives like pea, hemp, or rice protein offer excellent options for those avoiding dairy or soy, ensuring everyone can access quality protein sources.
The Importance of Hydration and Protein Supplementation
When increasing protein intake through supplements, maintaining adequate hydration is essential. Protein metabolism requires water, so we encourage our community members to drink fluids throughout the day to support overall health and kidney function.
Safety and Quality in Protein Supplements
Not all protein supplements are created equal. Westmont of Riverside emphasizes choosing high-quality, third-party-tested supplements to ensure purity, safety, and efficacy. Reading labels and understanding ingredient lists is crucial in selecting a supplement that meets high standards.
Engaging with Healthcare Professionals
Before starting any new supplement regimen, consulting with healthcare providers is essential. This ensures that the supplements chosen are safe and beneficial in the context of any existing health conditions or medications.
The Community Approach at Westmont of Riverside
At Westmont of Riverside, we believe in a community-centered approach to health and wellness. Sharing meals, participating in group fitness activities, and engaging in health education workshops are ways to foster a supportive environment for our seniors to thrive.
Staying Informed and Empowered
Continued education on nutrition and health supplements is key to empowering seniors. Westmont of Riverside regularly hosts seminars and discussions by health experts to keep our community informed and engaged.
Embracing a Healthier Future with Confidence
The right protein supplements can significantly enhance seniors’ quality of life, providing the strength and vitality needed to enjoy the golden years. At Westmont of Riverside, we are committed to guiding our community through this journey with expertise, compassion, and personalized care.
Your Health Journey, Supported by Westmont of Riverside
Suppose you or a loved one are exploring protein supplements for elderly health and need expert guidance. In that case, Westmont of Riverside is here to help. Our team of nutritionists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to supporting you in making informed choices that promote wellness and vitality. Don’t hesitate to reach out and begin your journey to enhanced health with confidence.
For more information and personalized guidance, call us today at 951-697-2100.


text:
A quick summary of the last article for those that didn't read it:
- Sound in Linux has an interesting history, and historically lacked sound mixing on hardware that was more software based than hardware.
- Many sound servers were created to solve the mixing issue.
- Many libraries were created to solve multiple back-end issues.
- ALSA replaced OSS version 3 in the Kernel source, attempting to fix existing issues.
- There was a closed source OSS update which was superb.
- Linux distributions have been removing OSS support from applications in favor of ALSA.
- Average sound developer prefers a simple API.
- Portability is a good thing.
- Users are having issues in certain scenarios.
Now much has changed, namely:
- OSS is now free and open source once again.
- PulseAudio has become widespread.
- Existing libraries have been improved.
- New Linux Distributions have been released, and some existing ones have attempted an overhaul of their entire sound stack to improve users' experience.
- People read the last article, and have more knowledge than before, and in some cases, have become more opinionated than before.
- I personally have looked much closer at the issue to provide even more relevant information.
Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of OSS and ALSA as they are, not five years ago, not last year, not last month, but as they are today.
First off, ALSA.
ALSA consists of three components. First part is drivers in the Kernel with an API exposed for the other two components to communicate with. Second part is a sound developer API to allow developers to create programs which communicate with ALSA. Third part is a sound mixing component which can be placed between the other two to allow multiple programs using the ALSA API to output sound simultaneously.
To help make sense of the above, here is a diagram:
Note, the diagrams presented in this article are made by myself, a very bad artist, and I don't plan to win any awards for them. Also they may not be 100% absolutely accurate down to the last detail, but accurate enough to give the average user an idea of what is going on behind the scenes.
A sound developer who wishes to output sound in their application can take any of the following routes with ALSA:
- Output using ALSA API directly to ALSA's Kernel API (when sound mixing is disabled)
- Output using ALSA API to sound mixer, which outputs to ALSA's Kernel API (when sound mixing is enabled)
- Output using OSS version 3 API directly to ALSA's Kernel API
- Output using a wrapper API which outputs using any of the above 3 methods
As can be seen, ALSA is quite flexible, has sound mixing which OSSv3 lacked, but still provides legacy OSSv3 support for older programs. It also offers the option of disabling sound mixing in cases where the sound mixing reduced quality in any way, or introduced latency which the end user may not want at a particular time.
Two points should be clear, ALSA has optional sound mixing outside the Kernel, and the path ALSA's OSS legacy API takes lacks sound mixing.
An obvious con should be seen here, ALSA which was initially designed to fix the sound mixing issue at a lower and more direct level than a sound server doesn't work for "older" programs.
Obvious pros are that ALSA is free, open source, has sound mixing, can work with multiple sound cards (all of which OSS lacked during much of version 3's lifespan), and included as part of the Kernel source, and tries to cater to old and new programs alike.
The less obvious cons are that ALSA is Linux only, it doesn't exist on FreeBSD or Solaris, or Mac OS X or Windows. Also, the average developer finds ALSA's native API too hard to work with, but that is debatable.
Now let's take a look at OSS today. OSS is currently at version 4, and is a completely different beast than OSSv3 was.
Where OSSv3 went closed source, OSSv4 is open sourced today, under GPL, 3 clause BSD, and CDDL.
While a decade old OSS was included in the Linux Kernel source, the new greatly improved OSSv4 is not, and thus may be a bit harder for the average user to try out. Older OSSv3 lacked sound mixing and support for multiple sound cards, OSSv4 does not. Most people who discuss OSS or try OSS to see how it stacks up against ALSA unfortunately are referring to, or are testing out the one that is a decade old, providing a distortion of the facts as they are today.
Here's a diagram of OSSv4:
A sound developer wishing to output sound has the following routes on OSSv4:
- Output using OSS API right into the Kernel with sound mixing
- Output using ALSA API to the OSS API with sound mixing
- Output using a wrapper API to any of the above methods
Unlike in ALSA, when using OSSv4, the end user always has sound mixing. Also because sound mixing is running in the Kernel itself, it doesn't suffer from the latency ALSA generally has.
Although OSSv4 does offer their own ALSA emulation layer, it's pretty bad, and I haven't found a single ALSA program which is able to output via it properly. However, this isn't an issue, since as mentioned above, ALSA's own sound developer API can output to OSS, providing perfect compatibility with ALSA applications today. You can read more about how to set that up in one of my recent articles.
ALSA's own library is able to do this, because it's actually structured as follows:
As you can see, it can output to either OSS or ALSA Kernel back-ends (other back-ends too which will be discussed lower down).
Since both OSS and ALSA based programs can use an OSS or ALSA Kernel back-end, the differences between the two are quite subtle (note, we're not discussing OSSv3 here), and boils down to what I know from research and testing, and is not immediately obvious.
OSS always has sound mixing, ALSA does not.
OSS sound mixing is of higher quality than ALSA's, due to OSS using more precise math in its sound mixing.
OSS has less latency compared to ASLA when mixing sound due to everything running within the Linux Kernel.
OSS offers per application volume control, ALSA does not.
ALSA can have the Operating System go into suspend mode when sound was playing and come out of it with sound still playing, OSS on the other hand needs the application to restart sound.
OSS is the only option for certain sound cards, as ALSA drivers for a particular card are either really bad or non existent.
ALSA is the only option for certain sound cards, as OSS drivers for a particular card are either really bad or non existent.
ALSA is included in Linux itself and is easy to get ahold of, OSS (v4) is not.
Now the question is where does the average user fall in the above categories? If the user has a sound card which only works (well) with one or the other, then obviously they should use the one that works properly. Of course a user may want to try both to see if one performs better than the other one.
If the user really needs to have a program output sound right until Linux goes into suspend mode, and then continues where it left off when resuming, then ALSA is (currently) the only option. I personally don't find this to be a problem, and furthermore I doubt it's a large percentage of users that even use suspend in Linux. Suspend in general in Linux isn't great, due to some rogue piece of hardware like a network or video card which screws it up.
If the user doesn't want a hassle, ALSA also seems the obvious choice, as it's shipped directly with the Linux Kernel, so it's much easier for the user to use a modern ALSA than it is a modern OSS. However it should be up to the Linux Distribution to handle these situations, and to the end user, switching from one to the other should be seamless and transparent. More on this later.
Yet we also see due to better sound mixing and latency when sound mixing is involved, that OSS is the better choice, as long as none of the above issues are present. But the better mixing is generally only noticed at higher volume levels, or rare cases, and latency as I'm referring to is generally only a problem if you play heavy duty games, and not a problem if you just want to listen to some music or watch a video.
But wait this is all about the back-end, what about the whole developer API issue?
Many people like to point fingers at the various APIs (I myself did too to some extent in my previous article). But they really don't get it. First off, this is how your average sound wrapper API works:
The program outputs sound using a wrapper, such as OpenAL, SDL, or libao, and then sound goes to the appropriate high level or low level back-end, and the user doesn't have to worry about it.
Since the back-ends can be various Operating Systems sound APIs, they allow a developer to write a program which has sound on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and more pretty easily.
Some like Adobe like to say how this is some kind of problem, and makes it impossible to output sound in Linux. Nothing could be further from the truth. Graphs like these are very misleading. OpenAL, SDL, libao, GStreamer, NAS, Allegro, and more all exist on Windows too. I don't see anyone complaining there.
I can make a similar diagram for Windows:
This above diagram is by no means complete, as there's XAudio, other wrapper libs, and even some Windows only sound libraries which I've forgotten the name of.
This by no means bothers anybody, and should not be made an issue.
In terms of usage, the libraries stack up as follows:
OpenAL - Powerful, tricky to use, great for "3D audio". I personally was able to get a lot done by following a couple of example and only spent an hour or two adding sound to an application.
SDL - Simplistic, uses a callback API, decent if it fits your program design. I personally was able to add sound to an application in half an hour with SDL, although I don't think it fits every case load.
libao - Very simplistic, incredibly easy to use, although problematic if you need your application to not do sound blocking. I added sound to a multitude of applications using libao in a matter of minutes. I just think it's a bit more annoying to do if you need to give your program its own sound thread, so again depends on the case load.
I haven't played with the other sound wrappers, so I can't comment on them, but the same ideas are played out with each and every one.
Then of course there's the actual OSS and ALSA APIs on Linux. Now why would anyone use them when there are lovely wrappers that are more portable, customized to match any particular case load? In the average case, this is in fact true, and there is no reason to use OSS or ALSA's API to output sound. In some cases, using a wrapper API can add latency which you may not want, and you don't need any of the advantages of using a wrapper API.
Here's a breakdown of how OSS and ALSA's APIs stack up.
OSSv3 - Easy to use, most developers I spoke to like it, exists on every UNIX but Mac OS X. I added sound to applications using OSSv3 in 10 minutes.
OSSv4 - Mostly backwards compatible with v3, even easier to use, exists on every UNIX except Mac OS X and Linux when using the ALSA back-end, has sound re-sampling, and AC3 decoding out of the box. I added sound to several applications using OSSv4 in 10 minutes each.
ALSA - Hard to use, most developers I spoke to dislike it, poorly documented, not available anywhere but Linux. Some developers however prefer it, as they feel it gives them more flexibility than the OSS API. I personally spent 3 hours trying to make heads or tails out of the documentation and add sound to an application. Then I found sound only worked on the machine I was developing on, and had to spend another hour going over the docs and tweaking my code to get it working on both machines I was testing on at the time. Finally, I released my application with the ALSA back-end, to find several people complaining about no sound, and started receiving patches from several developers. Many of those patches fixed sound on their machine, but broke sound on one of my machines. Here we are a year later, and my application after many hours wasted by several developers, ALSA now seems to output sound decently on all machines tested, but I sure don't trust it. We as developers don't need these kinds of issues. Of course, you're free to disagree, and even cite examples how you figured out the documentation, added sound quickly, and have it work flawlessly everywhere by everyone who tested your application. I must just be stupid.
Now I previously thought the OSS vs. ALSA API issue was significant to end users, in so far as what they're locked into, but really it only matters to developers. The main issue is though, if I want to take advantage of all the extra features that OSSv4's API has to offer (and I do), I have to use the OSS back-end. Users however don't have to care about this one, unless they use programs which take advantage of these features, which there are few of.
However regarding wrapper APIs, I did find a few interesting results when testing them in a variety of programs.
App -> libao -> OSS API -> OSS Back-end - Good sound, low latency.
App -> libao -> OSS API -> ALSA Back-end - Good sound, minor latency.
App -> libao -> ALSA API -> OSS Back-end - Good sound, low latency.
App -> libao -> ALSA API -> ALSA Back-end - Bad sound, horrible latency.
App -> SDL -> OSS API -> OSS Back-end - Good sound, really low latency.
App -> SDL -> OSS API -> ALSA Back-end - Good sound, minor latency.
App -> SDL -> ALSA API -> OSS Back-end - Good sound, low latency.
App -> SDL -> ALSA API -> ALSA Back-end - Good sound, minor latency.
App -> OpenAL -> OSS API -> OSS Back-end - Great sound, really low latency.
App -> OpenAL -> OSS API -> ALSA Back-end - Adequate sound, bad latency.
App -> OpenAL -> ALSA API -> OSS Back-end - Bad sound, bad latency.
App -> OpenAL -> ALSA API -> ALSA Back-end - Adequate sound, bad latency.
App -> OSS API -> OSS Back-end - Great sound, really low latency.
App -> OSS API -> ALSA Back-end - Good sound, minor latency.
App -> ALSA API -> OSS Back-end - Great sound, low latency.
App -> ALSA API -> ALSA Back-end - Good sound, bad latency.
If you're having a hard time trying to wrap your head around the above chart, here's a summary:
- OSS back-end always has good sound, except when using OpenAL->ALSA to output to it.
- ALSA generally sounds better when using the OSS API, and has lower latency (generally because that avoids any sound mixing as per an earlier diagram).
- OSS related technology is generally the way to go for best sound.
But wait, where do sound servers fit in?
Sounds servers were initially created to deal with problems caused by OSSv3 which currently are non existent, namely sound mixing. The sound server stack today looks something like this:
As should be obvious, these sound servers today do nothing except add latency, and should be done away with. KDE 4 has moved away from the aRts sound server, and instead uses a wrapper API known as Phonon, which can deal with a variety of back-ends (which some in themselves can go through a particular sound server if need be).
However as mentioned above, ALSA's mixing is not of the same high quality as OSS's is, and ALSA also lacks some nice features such as per application volume control.
Now one could turn off ALSA's low quality mixer, or have an application do it's own volume control internally via modifying the sound wave its outputting, but these choices aren't friendly towards users or developers.
Seeing this, Fedora and Ubuntu has both stepped in with a so called state of the art sound server known as PulseAudio.
If you remember this:
As you can see, ALSA's API can also output to PulseAudio, meaning programs written using ALSA's API can output to PulseAudio and use PulseAudio's higher quality sound mixer seamlessly without requiring the modification of old programs. PulseAudio is also able to send sound to another PulseAudio server on the network to output sound remotely. PulseAudio's stack is something like this:
As you can see it looks very complex, and a 100% accurate breakdown of PulseAudio is even more complex.
Thanks to PulseAudio being so advanced, most of the wrapper APIs can output to it, and Fedora and Ubuntu ship with all that set up for the end user, it can in some cases also receive sound written for another sound server such as ESD, without requiring ESD to run on top of it. It also means that many programs are now going through many layers before they reach the sound card.
Some have seen PulseAudio as the new Voodoo which is our new savior, sound written to any particular API can be output via it, and it has great mixing to boot.
Except many users who play games for example are crying that this adds a TREMENDOUS amount of latency, and is very noticeable even in not so high-end games. Users don't like hearing enemies explode a full 3 seconds after they saw the enemy explode on screen. Don't let anyone kid you, there's no way a sound server, especially with this level of bloat and complexity ever work with anything approaching low latency acceptable for games.
Compare the insanity that is PulseAudio with this:
Which do you think looks like a better sound stack, considering that their sound mixing, per application volume control, compatibility with applications, and other features are on par?
And yes, lets not forget the applications. I'm frequently told about how some application is written to use a particular API, therefore either OSS or ALSA need to be the back-end they use. However as explained above, either API can be used on either back-end. If setup right, you don't have to have a lack of sound using newer version of Flash when using the OSS back-end.
So where are we today exactly?
The biggest issues I find is that the Distributions simply aren't setup to make the choice easy on the users. Debian and derivatives provide a Linux sound base package to select whether you want OSS or ALSA to be your back-end, except it really doesn't do anything. Here's what we do need from such a package:
- On selecting OSS, it should install the latest OSS package, as well as ALSA's ALSA API->OSS back-end interface, and set it up.
- Minimally configure an installed OpenAL to use OSS back-end, and preferably SDL, libao, and other wrapper libraries as well.
- Recognize the setting when installing a new application or wrapper library and configure that to use OSS as well.
- Do all the above in reverse when selecting ALSA instead.
Such a setup would allow users to easily switch between them if their sound card only worked with the one which wasn't the distribution's default. It would also easily allow users to objectively test which one works better for them if they care to, and desire to use the best possible setup they can. Users should be given this capability. I personally believe OSS is superior, but we should leave the choice up to the user if they don't like whichever is the system default.
Now I repeatedly hear the claim: "But, but, OSS was taken out of the Linux Kernel source, it's never going to be merged back in!"
Let's analyze that objectively. Does it matter what is included in the default Linux Kernel? Can we not use VirtualBox instead of KVM when KVM is part of the Linux Kernel and VirtualBox isn't? Can we not use KDE or GNOME when neither of them are part of the Linux Kernel?
What matters in the end is what the distributions support, not what's built in. Who cares what's built in? The only difference is that the Kernel developers themselves won't maintain anything not officially part of the Kernel, but that's the precise jobs that the various distributions fill, ensuring their Kernel modules and related packages work shortly after each new Kernel comes out.
Anyways, a few closing points.
I believe OSS is the superior solution over ALSA, although your mileage may vary. It'd be nice if OSS and ALSA just shared all their drivers, not having an issue where one has support for one sound card, but not the other.
OSS should get suspend support and anything else it lacks in comparison to ALSA even if insignificant. Here's a hint, why doesn't Ubuntu hire the OSS author and get it more friendly in these last few cases for the end user? He is currently looking for a job. Also throw some people at it to improve the existing volume controlling widgets to be friendlier with the new OSSv4, and maybe get stuff like HAL to recognize OSSv4 out of the box.
Problems should be fixed directly, not in a roundabout matter as is done with PulseAudio, that garbage needs to go. If users need remote sound (and few do), one should just be easily able to map /dev/dsp over NFS, and output everything to OSS that way, achieving network transparency on the file level as UNIX was designed for (everything is a file), instead of all these non UNIX hacks in place today in regards to sound.
The distributions really need to get their act together. Although in recent times Draco Linux has come out which is OSS only, and Arch Linux seems to treat OSSv4 as a full fledged citizen to the end user, giving them choice, although I'm told they're both bad in the the ALSA compatibility department not setting it up properly for the end user, and in the case of Arch Linux, requiring the user to modify the config files of each application/library that uses sound.
OSS is portable thanks to its OS abstraction API, being more relevant to the UNIX world as a whole, unlike ALSA. FreeBSD however uses their own take on OSS to avoid the abstraction API, but it's still mostly compatible, and one can install the official OSSv4 on FreeBSD if they so desire.
Sound in Linux really doesn't have to be that sorry after all, the distributions just have to get their act together, and stop with all the finger pointing, propaganda, and FUD that is going around, which is only relevant to ancient versions of OSS, if not downright irrelevant or untrue. Let's stop the madness being perpetrated by the likes of Adobe, PulseAudio propaganda machine, and whoever else out there. Let's be objective and use the best solutions instead of settling for mediocrity or hack upon hack.


title: Health

text:
Mothers and children in Sudan’s South Darfur region are facing one of the world’s “worst” health emergencies, according to humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders on Tuesday (September 24).
This is one of the results of the conflict that has gripped the country since April 2023.
Doctors Without Borders, better known as MSF, reported 114 maternal fatalities between January and mid-August 2024.
Over half of maternal deaths occurred in medical settings, with sepsis the leading cause of death in MSF-supported hospitals.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, causing organ dysfunction.
It can be prevented.
Between January and June, 48 newborns died from sepsis at two MSF-backed medical facilities.
In August, 30,000 children under the age of two were screened for malnutrition, including nearly 33% who are acutely malnourished and 8.1% who are severely and acutely malnourished, MSF said Tuesday.
“This is a crisis unlike any other I have seen in my career — multiple health emergencies happening simultaneously with almost no international response from the UN and others,” said Dr. Gillian Burkhardt, MSF sexual and reproductive health activity manager, in Nyala, South Darfur. “Newborn babies, pregnant women, and new mothers are dying in shocking numbers. So many deaths are due to preventable conditions, as almost everything has broken down.”
Women at Nyala Teaching Hospital and Kas Rural Hospital faced particularly terrible conditions, with MSF reporting 46 maternity deaths between January and August. In the two institutions, 78% of maternal deaths occurred during the first 24 hours of admission.
Most humanitarian organizations have not returned to Nyala, the capital of South Darfur and Sudan’s second largest city outside of Khartoum.


text:
The Armstrong Report: Spring 2024 Firm Update
Reginald A.T. Armstrong • The Armstrong Report
It’s always wonderful to enter Spring. It brings a sense of renewal and hope.
The economy continues to grow at around 2%. A year ago, most economists thought we would have a recession by year-end, and we did not. Currently, very few see a recession happening this year. We will see if they are correct this time. What has confounded many analysts, myself included, is that several classic indicators of recession were and are pointing to recession. While manufacturing has been in contraction for 16 months, the remainder of the economy is on decent footing. The bottom line is that continued growth is likely, but there are risks. The biggest risk continues to be in the commercial office real estate sector as vacancy rates are now at 20%, topping the 19% during the Great Financial Crisis. The remote work movement has created major challenges in big cities, and potentially for the regional banks that have loaned money to the owners of those buildings.
Global equity markets have had a good start to the year, especially for US and Japanese stocks. While funda-mentally expensive, US stocks show no sign of slowing down. We do have the most concentrated market in history, with 33% of the S&P 500 market capitalization in the top 10 stocks. However, historically, it is more likely that the remaining 490 stocks start to catch up rather than a major crash occurring. Just remember, my friends, that there is still a market cycle, and eventually, what is working now will no longer do so. Bonds have been relatively flat to slightly negative for the year. With the Federal Reserve set to drop the Fed Funds rate two to three times this year (probably from 5.5% to 4.75%), it is likely that bonds will return at least mid-single digits this year.
By the time you read this, Emily will have returned. Leslie has done a fantastic job while Emily was on maternity leave but is quite happy to have things get back to normal. Amanda Collins, who has helped reduce the workload for Leslie the past three months, has returned to other duties at LPL Financial. We thank her for her diligent work. She really helped us a lot.
This photo is from the recent House of Hope event with Jeff Foxworthy. We continue to support worthy causes (no pun intended). See this newsletter for two of our major causes.
Blessings and thank you for your trust.


title: THE TECHNOLOGY OF STUDY Course Overview

text:
THE TECHNOLOGY OF STUDY Course Overview
Consider this for a moment: In all your schooling, did anyone ever teach you how to study something?
Today, people are graduating school unable to read or write at a level adequate to hold a job or deal with life. It is a huge problem. It is not that subjects cannot be learned; what isn’t taught is how to learn. It is the missing step in all education.
L. Ron Hubbard filled this gaping hole by supplying the first and only technology of how to study. He discovered the laws on which learning is based and developed workable methods for anyone to apply. He called this subject “Study Technology.”
This technology provides an understanding of the basics of learning and supplies exact ways to overcome all the pitfalls one can encounter during study.
Study Technology is not speed-reading or memory tricks. These have not been proven to raise one’s ability to comprehend what was studied or to raise literacy. Study Technology shows how one studies in order to comprehend a subject so one can apply it.
Contained herein is only a small portion of the entire body of Study Technology developed by Mr. Hubbard. Regardless, this brief overview contains fundamentals which you can use to study more effectively. With this technology, any subject can be learned by anyone.
Ease of Study
This course is laid out in a step-by-step manner, with a sequence of reading assignments and questions to check your understanding.
Before you begin, you create your own personal logon on the Scientology website. Once logged in, the online program will guide you through each step of the course to full completion, with all course materials provided from within the Scientology website.
Length of Course
6 to 7 hours. You may, however, do the course at your own pace. In other words, it is not timed. The course is our service to you, free of charge.
Booklet: Technology of Study
or The Scientology Handbook
Your course materials are also integrated within the online course. In other words, once logged on, you may read the materials from within the online course program as you do each step. We do, however, recommend that you download for free or purchase the booklet, to review and refer to when you are not logged into the course program.
Through the length of your course, you will receive supervision from your personal online course supervisor, who will help to ensure you understand and achieve the maximum benefit from the course materials. The end result is that you are fully able to apply the data contained therein. If you have any further questions, contact us here.
Upon completion of The Technology of Study Course, you will
receive a certificate
The services of our online courses are always available to you. If at any time you need assistance with your course assignments, do not hesitate to contact your online course supervisor, whom you can reach using the 'Need help?' button in your online course program.
“Before doing the The Technology of Study Course, I had difficulty learning new things. While on the course, I learned what was stopping me from being able to learn. These barriers to study: Absence of Mass, Too Steep a Gradient, and The Misunderstood Word are so easy to overlook.
“But if they are easy to overlook, they are just as powerful in solving the mystery of why I couldn't understand some of my previous studies. It wasn't until after I learned of these barriers and their remedies that I began to get any understanding of what I was learning. But even more so, when I started to use these methods for real, my inability to learn anything new was totally blown away.
“I don't think there is anything I can't learn now. This stuff should be taught in schools everywhere. It could very well solve all our education problems!”
“The topic of the barriers to study has helped me so much. It has sharpened my mind and given me more desire to study. And it has helped me to clear all the barriers which hinder me from continuing with my studies.
“The misunderstood word: This topic has challenged me a lot. Now I know how to deal with the difficult words, how to clear them and continue with my studies. Through this, I will help many people who are in the situation of feeling they need to drop a subject or lesson.
“Basic word clearing: This has been a big success for me because when I read this, I was very encouraged. Many people who are struggling in study are under this category of yawning or sleeping while reading. Through this section of the course, I was able to overcome that situation and I will help many people in their future.
“Overall, this has been a great course which is important to many people, especially students or those who are learning.”
More Free Online Courses
SZCIENTOLÓGIA EGYHÁZ KÖZPONTI SZERVEZET
Our Church provides for the delivery of all Dianetics and Scientology Introductory Services. These include evening and weekend seminars, providing an overview of fundamental principles and their application in life.


title: Mountain equipment lhotse jacket review

text:
When you step out into the great outdoors you never know what’s going to happen. You might be treated to one of those rare moments – particularly rare in Great Britain – where the clouds part and the sunshine falls perfectly on your footsteps.
More likely though (especially if you’re out on a serious expedition) you’ll come up against some testing conditions at some point on your adventure. And when that happens, you need a jacket that’s up to the task. It could be the difference not only between ploughing on ahead or turning home, or if you’re in a remote location, between life and death.
It’s in these kind of conditions that you want to be sporting the Lhotse Jacket from Mountain Equipment. It’s the cream of the crop.
“Whether you’re coming up against gale-force winds or blizzards worthy of Narnia it’ll keep you dry, warm and battling through the elements.”
The renowned Lhotse Jacket has won a whole host of awards in its time – and it’s no mystery why. Whether you’re coming up against gale-force winds or blizzards worthy of Narnia it’ll keep you dry, warm and battling through the elements. It’s Mountain Equipment’s best selling Gore-Tex pro jacket and it’s basically a mountaineer’s dream. The cut is perfect, the hood is brilliant and the fabric and all-round build is unbeatable in the field.
If this jacket feels incredibly well-built the second you put your hands on it, that’s because it is. Three-layer Gore-Tex Pro 40D fabric is backed up with 80D fabric reinforcement on the shoulders, hips and the outsides of the sleeves. What this means is that no water is getting into the jacket, and that’s it’s going to be incredibly durable as well.
The stitching on the jacket is hidden, which further prevents abrasion and gives a smooth, sleek look to it. It’s neat, tidy and practical.


tier: polar

text:
Dublin’s DART hits every target – discover the coast of Dublin with a train
Temple Bar, St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse: central Dublin is packed with well-established tourist hotspots. Equally appealing but less familiar attractions lie in wait along the Dublin Coastal Route, within easy reach by jumping on and off the DART railway line.
“You know, I can stand here enjoying this view on a fine day and realise this place has everything I need.” Shane O’Doherty pauses for a breather to soak in the panorama from the cliff walk – his favourite spot – on the Howth headland marking the northern edge of Dublin Bay. His boisterous dog, a Visla named Loki, comes bounding through yellow gorse, and some fellow hikers wave cheerily from below. Everybody here, it seems, is acquainted with Shane.
To a playlist soundtrack of Irish musical highlights, from the Cranberries to Christie Moore, local man Shane takes myself and Loki on a short voyage round Ireland’s Eye, a rugged island a few kilometres offshore from Howth Harbour. We see a colony of grey seals basking on the rocks; peer up at the contorted cliffside geology, the home from springtime to uncountable guillemots, and spot cormorants congregating on the sandy beach.
From his Ireland’s Eye Ferries tour boat, Shane points out one of the 28 well-preserved circular Martello towers constructed along this stretch of Irish coastline as early 19th-century defences against anticipated French invasion. His excitement at wanting me to “breathe in and experience what we have to offer” here is infectious. He name-drops along the way, casually mentioning his acquaintance with local rock heroes such as U2’s drummer Larry Mullen Jr and the late Shane McGowan of the Pogues and Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott.
Gardens and ghosts
Howth is last stop on the northeast fork of the DART – Dublin Area Rapid Transit – rail line, and next morning I jump on the train at central Dublin’s Tara Street, using my 72-hour Dublin Leap pass. The DART, following the Dublin Coastal Trail, serves commuters from the city’s scenic coastal suburbs but is also the perfect way for visitors to explore its many and various outlying attractions.
Another of these, 14 kilometres to the north of the city, is the magnificently spooky Malahide Castle, founded in the 12th century and steeped in Irish history, the details of which the expert guides are an endless source. During my visit I don’t encounter any of the ghosts, including a spooky White Lady, reputed to haunt its lovingly restored Great Hall and other rooms, erstwhile home over eight centuries to generations of the aristocrat Talbot family. But I do admire the adjacent gardens that include a restful walled section planted entirely with non-native species.
Malahide is a perfect family destination, and don’t worry too much if it’s hard to extricate the kids from the enchanting Butterfly House; DART trains back to the city centre are sufficiently frequent.
All the joys of Joyce
Next day I take the DART at Tara Road, a five-minute stroll from my Trinity City Hotel, to Dún Laoghaire, one of the larger towns on the coast. We pass the suburb of Sandymount, where the low tide has exposed broad beach, over which a flock of Brent geese soars in a perfect arrow.
I join the joggers and dog-walkers for a stroll along Dún Laoghaire’s east pier to the lighthouse, inhaling the tempting aroma of fish and chips emanating from a kiosk, then hugging the shoreline round to Sandycove and the Forty Foot baths. I watch the bold souls taking a dip in the sea from the rocky headland before visiting another Martello Tower, this one housing a museum commemorating a significant literary claim to fame.
This is where James Joyce set the opening scene of his classic novel Ulysses. Near Dalkey Station, where I’ll later jump on the DART again, I pass a truck laden with casks of dark, rich Guinness beer at the Fitzgerald Pub, with its elegant Edwardian decor. This is one more location with a strong Joycean connection, not least as a venue for the annual Bloomsday celebrations on June 16. For aficionados of Ireland’s foremost literary figure, this area is pretty much Joyce Central.
Angry birds and soulful seals
It’s too early for Guinness but not for a lobster burger, one of several seafood options on the lunch menu at the Corner Note Cafe. Apparently, it’s also lunchtime for the frenzied seabirds at tiny Bullock Harbour. They swoop, squawk and squabble over boxes laden with fish scraps left on the quay. The shiny snout and soulful eyes of an inquisitive – and hungry – grey seal, hoping to be thrown a few scraps, pop up from the water.
Sitting on a harbour bench, I chat with Jenny Kilbride who runs the kayaking.ie tour company out of the harbour here, guiding tourist and team-building groups of kayakers along the coast, promising even closer encounters with those grey seals. Jenny confesses to an obsession with all things waterborne and has paddled waterways across the world.
“Dublin Bay is an oasis of wildlife, so close to the city,” she says. “The area is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere. We have a big variety of birdlife, seals, even bottlenose dolphins.” The Biosphere status depends on voluntary community behaviour rather than regulations. Jenny and Shane O’Doherty, with his instructive hikes and boat trips, play their part in informing their customers about the Bay’s environment and diversity.
All this sea air has worked up an appetite, and I finish the day back in town at Cleaver East, one of several classy restaurants close to Dublin’s ‘original rock and roll hotel’ (by virtue of its U2 connections), the riverside Clarence Hotel. Sumptuous sea bass and a sinful chocolate dessert barely leave room, but after dinner I still have time for a cool glass of that iconic dark beer, without which no Dublin visit is complete.


title: Open letter premier minns

text:
31 environment groups have signed onto this open letter calling on the Minns Government to stop logging and announce the Great Koala National Park.
IT IS PAST TIME FOR THE MINNS GOVERNMENT TO STOP LOGGING THE GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK. THEY MUST HONOUR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROTECT IT
The Minns’ Government was elected on a promise to save Koalas and create the Great Koala National Park, but instead they have increased logging, 21 months later they have logged 7,185 hectares of the park, 8.4% of its loggable area, and refuse to stop. This likely encompasses the homes of over 500 Koalas, along with another 37 Threatened Species.
In January 2015 the NSW ALP opposition leader Luke Foley first promised, if elected, to create the 315,000 hectare Great Koala National Park (GKNP), incorporating 175,000 ha of State Forests and 140,000 ha of existing reserves. This commitment was also taken to the 2019 election.
For the 2023 election the NSW ALP also committed $80 million to create an iconic GKNP protecting approximately 20 per cent of the wild koala population in NSW, the catch was that there would first be an assessment of the 176,000 ha of State Forest. The Forestry Corporation have no intent to stop and the Minns’ Government has refused repeated requests to implement a moratorium, phase-out strategy or protect core Koala habitat, choosing instead to encourage logging. Far from protecting the GKNP, they are accelerating its degradation.
It took 8 months to commence the assessment. Conservation groups participated on the Community Advisory Panel on the promise that the assessment would be completed by the end of July 2024 and the Minns Government would decide areas to be included in the final GKNP by the end of 2024. While the assessment was not completed until early November, conservation groups were still assured a Cabinet decision would be made in December 2024.
Now we are told a decision will be made early in 2025. Meanwhile, almost ten years after the ALP committed to protecting the full GKNP, and 21 months after the election of the Minns Government, the logging of the GKNP and core Koala habitat continues, with no commitment as to when they will stop logging the areas the assessment has identified as having amongst the highest densities of Endangered Koalas and Greater Gliders.
A review of Forestry Corporation logging history, harvesting plans and satellite images identifies the net areas of native forest logged within the proposed GKNP as:
- 20,630 ha logged in 98 months since ALP’s 2015 commitment to protect the GKNP, until
the March 2023 election - 7,185 ha logged in 21 months since the election of the Minns Government in 2023
It is evident that under the Minns Government logging has greatly accelerated within the boundary of the GKNP, with the area logged increasing from 1,968 ha in the 12 months before the election, to 3,285 ha in the 12 months after the election, with another 3,900 ha logged in just the past 9 months. Since they were elected the Minns Government has logged 8.4% of the loggable area of the GKNP. It’s being logged more than 60% faster by Labor than under the Coalition.
While the environmental assessment shows the whole proposal should be protected as one of NSW’s great national parks, we still have no idea how much will be, and how much more degradation the ALP will allow until then.
It is past time for the Minns Government to stop the logging and fulfill their original promise to create a world class Great Koala National Park.


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a measure of quality of energy in the sense that the lower the entropy the higher the quality
what are the properties of life?
order, response to stimuli, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, energy processing, and evolution (GRAD HERO REP)
what are the levels of life from smallest to largest?
atom/molecule (not life), organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere
what is a covalent bond?
a bond where two atoms share valence electrons
what is the difference between a nonpolar and polar covalent bond?
nonpolar covalent bonds share electrons equally because same electronegativity, like in a hydrogen diatom
polar covalent bonds share electrons unequally, like H2O
what is polarity in a molecule?
there is one negative end & one positive end
what is hydrogen bonding?
noncovalent attraction between hydrogen & an electronegative atom
what is cohesion?
linking of like molecules
how does cohesion work in water?
water can be transported up cuz water molecules on the leaves pull lower water molecules with them
the clinging of one substance to another
how does adhesion work in water?
helps water travel up plants cuz the water adheres to the cell walls by hydrogen bonds & helps counter gravity
a measure of how difficult it is to stretch/break the surface of a liquid
how does surface tension work with water?
at the border between air & water there’s **ordered** arrangement of water molecules, w/ H bonded to one another & water below, so water has high surface tension
tendency of water to rise in a thin tube
What are the four macromolecules?
carbohydrates,lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
dehydration synthesis reaction
two molecules covalently bond by removing water
Breaking down complex molecules by adding water
what are carbs made of
what are carbohydrates?
produce/store energy for organisms
simple sugars; monomers of carbs, like glucose, galactose, fructose
2 monosaccharides like sucrose, malltose, lactose
more than 2 monosaccharides like starch, chitin, glycogen, cellulose
how are lipids nonpolar?
has hydrocarbons which form nonpolar covalent bonds
chains of carbon atoms bonded to H atoms; monomers of lipids like fats or oils, move and store energy for an organism
three fatty acids linked to one glycerol molecule; solid at room temp
fatty acid molecules that are packed closely together; solid at room temp; straight; no double bonds between carbons; most animal fats; max H atoms
bent; liquid at room temperature; not a lot of H, 1 or more double bonds, most plant and fish fats
making unsaturated fat to saturated by adding H to solidify it
3 carbon alchohol w/ hydroxyl group attached to each carbon
lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings; reduce inflammation
function of steroids
component of cell membranes (cholesterol), signaling molecules that travel through the body (hormones)
fats/oils glycerol and 3 fatty acids connected by dehydration synthesis; energy source
2 fatty acids (tail: hydrophobic/nonpolar) & phosphate group attached to glycerol (head: hydrophyllic/polar)
function of phospholipids
lipid bilayer of membrane
monomers of proteins composed of an amino group and carboxyl group
directionality of protein
amino group to carboxyl group
the bond between amino acids
polymer of amino acids
nitrogen bonded to 2 H & to carbon skeleton
A functional group in organic acids consisting of a single carbon atom double-bonded to oxygen atom & bonded to a hydroxyl group.
20+ amino acids
determined by their r group, categorized as hydrophobic with nonpolar side chains, hydrophilic with polar side chains, or hydrophilic with electrically charged side chains
primary protein structure
a protein as it appears as a sequence of amino acids
secondary protein structure
amino acids linked by H bonds & coils/foils in polypeptide chain; 2 types: aplha (helix) beta (pleated sheets)
tertiary protein structure
3D shape of a protein due to side chain (R) interactions
quaternary protein structure
protein consisting of multiple polypeptide
what happens to a protein that loses its structure?
the protein loses its three-dimensionalness and goes back to a string of amino acids
what can cause protein denaturation
changes in pH, salt concentration, temp, or other environmental factors (changes structure/function)
monomer of nucleic acid
what are the three parts of a nucleotide?
a nitrogenous base, five-carbon sugar, and phosphate group
allows organisms to reproduce and pass along their genes, provides instructions for its own replication, directs RNA synthesis, and controls protein synthesis through RNA
genetic material organisms inherit from their parents
how many bonds between A & T
how many bonds between C & G
3 (harder to separate)
why is DNA antiparallel
one side is 5’ > 3’ while the other is 3’ > 5’ (we can only add to 3’)
genes on a DNA molecule direct mRNA synthesis; the mRNA then interacts with ribosomes to produce proteins
what parts of nucleotide make the steps of the ladder
what parts of a nucleotide make the sides of the ladder
phosphate and sugar
flow of info to make proteins
why is DNA replication semi-conservative
must keep half of DNA to be able to replicate it (for example 30 A & 20 G = 20 C & 30 T)
what is the difference between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell?
prokaryotes are unicellular organisms without nuclei, eukaryotes are multicellular with nuclei
differences between plant and animal cells
Plant cells have chloroplasts, a cell wall, and vacuoles while animal cells don’t
structures that all cells have
a cell membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and ribosome
encloses the nucleus and separates its contents from the cytoplasm
A netlike array of protein filaments lining the inner surface of the nuclear envelope; helps maintain the shape of the nucleus.
units of discrete DNA organization
complex of DNA & proteins that make up chromosomes
prominent structure in nuclei that appears as granules and fibers adjoining chromatin
site of protein synthesis
A system of membranes that is found in a cell's cytoplasm & assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids.
ER that has no ribosomes
ER that is dotted with ribosomes
A system of membranes that modifies and packages proteins for export by the cell
carry out intracellcular digestion
the semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails
fluid mosaic model
model that shows how a membrane is a mosaic of protein lolecules bobbing in a fluid bilayer of phospholipids
channel proteins that allow the passage of water through the plasma membrane
the ability of a surrounding solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water
when the concentration of two solutions is the same
when a cell gains water in a solution because it has a higher salinity than the solution
when a cell loses water because it has a lower salinity than the solution
Movement of specific molecules across cell membranes through protein channels
what cells can diffuse through a membrane?
small,uncharged, hydrophobic molecules
what cells need energy to diffuse through a membrane?
charged molecules like ions, water, and polar molecules
when a cell engulfs a particle by extending pseudopodia around it and packaging it into a food vacuole
when a cell continually gulps droplets of extracellular fluid into tiny vesicles
receptor mediated endocytosis
The movement of specific molecules into a cell by the inward budding of membranous vesicles containing proteins with receptor sites specific to the molecules being taken in; enables a cell to acquire bulk quantities of specific substances.
when particles are enclosed in a vesicle and released from a cell
Metabolic pathways that release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds;increase entropy
Metabolic pathways that consume energy to build complicated molecules from simpler ones;decrease entropy
how does the first law of thermodynamics apply to life?
when an organism dies its energy is released as energy for its predator or heat
a measure of molecular disorder, or randomness
how does atp work?
atp powers cellular processes by adding a phosphate group to another molecule to activate it
proceeds with a net release of free energy and is spontaneous
Endergonic reactions are those in which the products have more energy than the reactants, so energy is required as an input; unspontaneous
what do enzymes do?
they lower activation energy of reactions by acting as catalysts
the reactant an enzyme acts on
amino acids that are tightly bound to the enzyme and bind loosely along the substrate to assist in catalysis
If the cofactor is an organic molecule.
bind to the active site of an enzyme, by mimicing the substrate and blocking the real substrate from entering the active site
bind to the enzyme and impede the reaction by changing the enzyme's shape


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How to Free Download Microsoft Outlook & Install on Win10/11 – Windows Server 2019
We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent.
To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download.
Windows 10 November Update Version is available for download and installation. Microsoft is rolling out the update to all Windows users. We already discussed the features and enhancements included windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download version and already know that it is more of a performance windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download or a service pack than a full-fledge feature update.
This version is also called Windows 10 19H2. If you go to the Windows Update settings screen, you will see that it is listed as an optional update and you will need to press the download and install button to install it.
It will not automatically install, на этой странице least for the time being. Since this is just a performance update, it is recommended that you upgrade your Windows to this latest version. You can also block this update from installing on your computer. There are two ways to install this update.
If you are running Windows 10 Version or versionyou can get it windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download the Windows Update. Just run the Windows Update and it will automatically be available for download and installation.
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The following video is very useful for this complete upgrade process:. There are several ways to download and install Windows 10 version You can go through the list of methods to download Windows 10 November Update and select whatever is suitable for you. Let me list down the ways here:. Download Windows 10 ISO in all languages. Windows 10 Version bit English 5.
Windows 10 Version bit English 3. These links come directly from Microsoft. We mask the links because больше на странице links expire after every hours and a new link is generated. The above-mentioned link will always point to the latest working link from the Microsoft download site.
If you install this version without an Internet connection, the build number will be But since this version is available along with other Patch Tuesday updates, new updates will be installed and your build number will become If we look at the hardware, Windows 10 Version and are the only ones officially compatible with 10th generation Intel adobe photoshop elements 12 download free download. Both these versions will also have the same base kernel and system files.
Therefore, both versions will get the same cumulative updates in the future. You can check out the Windows processor requirements for all Windows versions here.
Most of my windows 10 machine is having version D During covid pandamic we shutdown all the system from march After restarting the system in june 1 no cumulative or security update is coming fror machines.
Unfortunately I had stopped upgrade for a while in late and hence thies is not upgraded to higher version also. Do i need to create Media by downloading iso from microsoft to upgrade to ? In your situation, the best way to go forward is to use the upgrade assistant.
It will tell you if your PC hardware is compatible with the latest update of Windows If it is, you can easily upgrade using other methods mentioned in our Windows 10 download article.
We recommend you update to the most recent version of Windows 10 to get the latest features and security improvements. The update assistant will take you directly to the latest version of Windows. Hey I have windows 10 pro version and my по этой ссылке explorer loads up really slow I was wondering if I can downgrade to is that possible?
How will I make bootable DVD for that? DVDs normally comes with 4. People do not want to always burn 5 gb to 8 gb pen drive as backup. I have downloaded the English version from the direct download links from Microsoft provided by you: Windows windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download Version bit English 5. You will need to do it manually. You can use Windows 10 upgrade assistant. Hi i want to download this ISO to upgrade my windows 10 to ver.
If you already have Windows 10 installed, the same product key will be used. The upgrade is free of cost. But if you have pirated copy of Windows, then the new Windows 10 Version will need activation with a valid product key. You can skip the product key screen. This will install Windows 10 as an unlimited trial. You can install the product key later when Windows is installed. Yes your Windows 10 Version will be updated to Windows 10 Version which is that latest at the moment.
Well what жмите сюда be the size of the update if i update it through a Windows 10 Update Assistant program? My guess is that it will be around 2 to 3 GB. You simply have to download Windows 10 Version the latest one at the moment from the direct download links given in this article.
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It really depends upon the product key rather than the ISO image. This ISO image contains all the editions except the enterprise one which can be downloaded from Windows 10 Enterprise download page. Yes it is the complete Windows 10 installation ISO file. You can install and re-install Windows using the same ISO. Thanks for the links! Is there any difference between upgrading via the updater vs the ISO? I am curious about one thing. To begin, I run the Dutch version.
Strangely enough the November updat on the regular Pro ran without problems but on the N set it tries and tries and tries. Keeps on telling the update in available, but will not finish. Anyone got a clue or a workaround? Te agradezco si los rehabilitas. Sorry: the links to this daypm Central America are no longer available. I thank you if you rehabilitate them. Thank you. If you have the Windows 10 Pro product key, once you enter the key, the Windows 10 Pro will automatically be activated.
Yes the latest version of Windows 10 Version supports Photoshop The update is still rolling out slowly. If you want to upgrade right now, you can download the ISO file and run the installer. It will automatically upgrade your version of Windows to Version Great work.
The links work perfectly and point to the same ISO file which is hosted at Microsoft. Is this the actual update file? If I windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download this, will this uninstall Windows 10 Windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download ? I have tested it in my lab.
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Windows 10 iso file download 2019 free download
Windows 10 ISO images are available for download for everyone. Microsoft makes the ISO files available so that users can download and clean. Download Windows 10 Pro (Official ISO Image) for Windows. Choose a mirror. Download. 64 bit – ISO – May Update v Build Download.
Download Windows 10 – How to download the Windows 10 May 2019 Update ISO file
Jun 11, · How to download ISO files with Windows 10 (including older versions) If you use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, you can download only the latest version of Windows At the moment we published this article, the newest version is Windows replace.me you want to download an ISO with an older build or version of Windows 10, like the November Update, you Estimated Reading Time: 6 mins. May 22, · For bit system, the download size of Windows Update ISO is around GB, roughly MB. On an 80Mbps internet connection, you can download the file Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins. Apr 13, · Yes, you can download Windows 10 ISO for free. The ISO file is essentially a free Windows 10 download. When you download this, you will be able to install Windows 10 Home, or Windows 10 Pro. If you want to know which is the best version, have a look at this guide: Windows 10 Home vs Pro. Note: You can choose to fully activate your Microsoft 5/5(2).


title: General 8

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Below is a list of resources which can be so useful for getting your head around chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as helping you understand how the Mind Body connection works in order to help treat some of these chronic conditions.
Testimonial by K.H
"MBR has given me my life back. I heard about MBR with Monnica Marwick via a YouTube video that was sent to me from a friend. I was very interested in what seemed like a very scientific based therapy, using the principles of neuro-plasticity to help the brain recover and no longer send the symptoms of chronic illness to the body. Initially some things from the sessions I found confronting, such as learning to let go of my dearly held "pacing" as a way of managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. However, with Monnica's training and support and availability for trouble shooting I have made rapid progress with my recovery since starting MBR. I would recommend MBR to anyone suffering a chronic illness, including those who have found some relief symptom relief through medication or other therapies such as physical therapy. MBR can work well alongside these other therapies and can increase your recovery speed. For me, I was using Low Dose Naltrexone and was just increasing my dose as I started MBR. However, I was extremely concerned about "over doing it" and "pacing", and so I don't think I would have progressed nearly as quickly or to such a high level of symptom relief without MBR. I would have trialled things very slowly, and I might still be having my nap (several hours long) every day! However, with MBR I rapidly learned how to listen to my body and seek out activities and situations that would be positive and provide a feeling of safety, enjoyment and security for my body. I was amazed at how much energy my body was able to produce when I was listening carefully to its needs. I started to drop my nap, and to engage in activities that I would normally avoid for fear of Post Exertional Malaise. This resulted in a positive spiral effect in that the more I listened to my body and engaged in positive activities, the more energy I had to continue to do this. I started doing the food shopping (very exciting when you have not been able to do this for two years); I started walking without fear, I started driving more and I started to do more fun things with my children such as going to the zoo. Now, at least six months post starting MBR, I live (what feels to me) a normal life. I drive my children around and I can care for our toddler so my husband can return to work. I walk and swim. I enjoy mowing the lawn. I get tired, as people normally do, but this is not the crippling fatigue that I battled for 2 1/2 years. I even used what I learned in MBR to help me in my rehabilitation from gall bladder surgery! If you are even remotely thinking about MBR, you should definitely give it a go. You won't regret learning these helpful techniques and approaches, both for your health now and in the future."
Many thanks Monn! I have my life back!
Dr Howard Shubiner and Dr Hal Greenham
Dr Howard Shubiner interviewed by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Positively Covid by Amy
Dr. Paul Garner's Recovery Interview with Amy
Recovery Norway Website


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Building a Digital Financial Platform in Asia
The need for digital financial services has grown rapidly in Asia against the backdrop of the proliferation of the internet and smartphones. To capture the growth of consumer finance in Asia, which is expected to further digitalize, and to capture the future leader in the field, MUFG has started strategic investment in digital finance services providers to build a foundation for the digital financial platform.
Under the new MTBP, we will pursue strategic investment opportunities for digital finance services providers under the “Asia x Digital” strategy. By focusing on supporting the growth of investees, we will capture the development of digital financial services in Asia that could not be fully captured through conventional financial services and contribute to financial inclusion in the region.
In addition, we will promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among the investee digital finance services providers, partner banks, and MUFG group companies, aiming to build MUFG’s unique digital economic sphere, which will also include external partners.
Enhanced Economic Security of the Unbanked in Emerging Markets
MUFG also focuses on accumulating expertise in consumer finance acquired through investments in digital finance service providers, knowledge sharing, and creating synergies among investees.
This has led to the formulation of a unique ecosystem called MODE (MUFG Openly-connected Digital Ecosystem). By using these activities to expand opportunities to provide digital lending, we aim to promote financial inclusion and contribute to improving the economic stability of the unbanked population in emerging economies. To enhance value for the MUFG Group as a whole, we will further promote cooperation and collaboration among entities within the MUFG ecosystem, including investees, partner banks, and MUFG Group companies.
Provision of Microfinance through HATTHA Bank Plc.
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), our Partner Bank in Thailand, provides opportunities for customers in emerging and developing countries to access financial services through its microfinance institution in Cambodia, HATTHA Bank Plc (HTB), and others.
In addition to providing microfinance, HTB also provides financial education to those with low-income, which contributes to improving their living standards.
Issuance of Gender Bonds by Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya)
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), our Partner Bank in Thailand, has issued social bonds (gender bonds) to support the financial needs of women entrepreneurs.
Proceeds from the bond issuance are used to finance women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand. Through the issuance of these bonds, the bank provided opportunities for the underserved women in SME segment to access financial services and contributed to the development of the fast-growing social bond market in Asia.