title: Us judge abdul kallon is no 1 reason i

text:
Abdul Kallon |
If the election were held tomorrow, I would be among those Democrats. I could write a 100-page treatise on the reasons I have come to hold Barack Obama in utter contempt. They all have to do with Obama's stupefying failures on justice issues, which were driven home again last week by the resentencing of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman to almost six years in prison for "crimes" that do not exist under the law.
As a resident of Alabama, I see the Siegelman fiasco as clear evidence that a modern strain of Stalinism has come to the American South. But on an even more personal level, my disdain for Obama can be summed up in two words--Abdul Kallon.
Probably the single most important personnel decision Obama has made in our state was the appointment of the 43-year-old Kallon as a federal judge in the Northern District of Alabama. It's a lifetime job, and unless Kallon meets an untimely demise, he could be handing down rulings for another 40 years or more.
Kallon used something called the Rooker-Feldman doctrine to cheat us out of our rights to due process. The record clearly shows that no hearing was conducted on a sheriff's sale of our house, even though we properly contested it under Alabama law. But Kallon allowed our constitutional rights to be trashed by using an arcane legal doctrine that probably is unknown to all but a tiny handful of Americans. And even among lawyers who are well acquainted with it, the Rooker-Feldman doctrine is the subject of spirited debate.
Rooker-Feldman essentially holds that a state judge can violate your constitutional rights but you can do nothing about it in federal court. In other words, those "federally protected rights" we all hear about in high-school civics class are not federally protected at all. If a state judge issues a ruling that violates any of your constitutional rights--due process, equal protection, you name it--Rooker-Feldman might block any chance you have for redress in federal court.
I would argue, along with quite a few lawyers, that Rooker-Feldman is unconstitutional. But that is a post for another day. My point now is this: Regardless of one's views on Rooker-Feldman, Judge Abdul Kallon clearly misapplied it in our case.
Kallon has an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth and a law degree from Penn, so he isn't stupid. Rooker-Feldman is controversial, but it's not all that complicated, so I have every reason to believe that Kallon comprehends what the law actually says. The problem, I suspect, is that Kallon came from the pro-corporate Bradley Arant law firm, where he once made a handsome living by defending employers who discriminate.
Why would a Democrat like Obama nominate a guy who clearly is out to protect corporate and institutional interests? I have no idea, but it has caused me to sour on the president. And my experience with Kallon is just more evidence that Obama has done almost nothing to clean up the justice-related mess he inherited from George W. Bush. In fact, I feel like I might as well have voted for John McCain back in 2008.
I've written quite a bit about the battle over our property, and a post titled "Going On the Attack Against the Thugs Who Stole Our House" provides a summary. A post titled "Showdown in Shelby County, Part II," includes a video of our house being stolen--live and in color--on the courthouse steps in Shelby County, Alabama.
Mrs. Schnauzer and I filed a federal lawsuit over this charade, but Kallon ruled that he did not have subject-matter jurisdiction to hear the case, based on Rooker-Feldman. A little layman's legal research shows that the judge botched the case on relatively simple grounds. That suggests to me that the clearly intelligent Kallon is taking directions from his Bradley Arant buddies, which would amount to a federal crime called obstruction of justice. (That, too, is a post for another day.)
For now, we will cite a few issues where Kallon went wrong. And we will start with a brief explanation of Rooker-Feldman. It's actually a combination of two U.S. Supreme Court cases, one from 1923 and one from 1983. What do these two cases, 60 years apart, mean in the real world. Wikipedia provides a short, sweet summation:
The doctrine holds that lower United States federal courts other than the Supreme Court should not sit in direct review of state court decisions unless Congress has specifically authorized such relief. In short, federal courts below the Supreme Court must not become a court of appeals for state court decisions. The state court plaintiff has to find a state court remedy, or obtain relief from the U.S. Supreme Court.
Given that the nation's highest court hears only a tiny fraction of cases that come before it, Rooker-Feldman means that many victims of constitutional violations in state court have to hope for relief from the same court that screwed them in the first place.
Several exceptions exist to Rooker-Feldman, and some of them applied to our case. I feel certain that Abdul Kallon is smart enough to know that. But his actions suggest that granting us relief would have conflicted with the predetermined outcome that had been assigned to our case.
Here are brief looks at four specific issues on which Kallon cheated us:
* Mrs. Schnauzer's Claims Regarding the House She Jointly Owns--It was undisputed in our federal lawsuit that my wife is joint owner of our house. It also was undisputed that she was not a party to the state lawsuit our neighbor filed, resulting in a judgment of about $1,500 against me. A U.S. Supreme Court case styled Lance v. Dennis, 546 U.S. 459 (2006) governs, and it holds:
The Rooker-Feldman doctrine does not bar actions by nonparties to the earlier state-court judgment simply because, for purposes of preclusion law, they could be considered in privity with a party to the judgment.
Kallon clearly had jurisdiction to hear my wife's claims that her property interests had been unconstitutionally violated. He unlawfully refused to hear those claims.
* My Claims Regarding the House I Jointly Own--It's undisputed that I filed a claim of exemption regarding the notice of levy that had been placed on our house over the $1,500 judgment. It's undisputed that Shelby County Judge Hub Harrington, contrary to procedural and statutory law, conducted no hearing on my claim of exemption. The governing case is styled Dale v. Moore, 121 F. 3d 624 (11th Cir., 1997), and it states that Rooker-Feldman applies only where . . .
the party seeking relief in federal court had a reasonable opportunity to raise its federal claims in the state-court proceeding.
I filed a motion stating that our neighbor, Mike McGarity, had not contested my claim of exemption, so by law, the sheriff's sale could not proceed. I cited Rule 69(f) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and showed that was binding law where no contest had been filed. Harrington conducted no hearing on the matter and allowed the sheriff's sale to proceed, violating my rights to due process and equal protection of the law. To make matters worse, I was never served with the order that Harrington supposedly issued, so I had zero opportunity to be heard by the judge who ordered an auction of our house.
The constitutional violation here could not be more clear. From Dykes v. Hosemann, 743 F. 2d 1488 (11th Cir., 1984):
At a minimum, due process requires timely notice, in advance of a hearing. . . . Furthermore, "before a person is deprived of a protected interest, he must be afforded an opportunity for some kind of hearing."
I received no notice of Harrington's alleged order, and I had no opportunity to be heard, meaning Rooker-Feldman did not bar my claims. And Dykes spells out a constitutional violation that Kallon unlawfully chose to ignore.
* A Final State-Court Judgment? What Final State-Court Judgment?--Rooker-Feldman can be a pain for those who have been treated unlawfully in state courts. But it comes with significant limitations. Perhaps the most important one is spelled out in Nicholson v. Shafe, 558 F. 3d 1266 (11th Cir., 2009):
Pursuant to the Rooker-Feldman doctrine, lower federal courts are precluded from exercising appellate jurisdiction over final state-court judgments.
We were contesting an unlawful sheriff's sale. It did not involve a state-court judgment, final or otherwise. It's questionable whether it even involved a state-court order. If it did, I never was served with one.
By the clear language of Nicholson, my claim was not barred by Rooker-Feldman. Kallon unlawfully barred it anyway.
* Inextricably Intertwined?--In some cases, a federal claim can be barred if it is found to be "inextricably intertwined" with a state-court judgment. What does that mean? A case styled Casale v. Tillman, 558 F. 3d 1258 (11th Circ., 2009) spells it out:
A claim is inextricably intertwined if it would effectively nullify the state court judgment . . . or it succeeds only to the extent that the state court wrongly decided the issues.
My federal claim did not contest the $1,500 state-court judgment. In fact, I did not contest any state-court action. I contested the unlawful actions of Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry in allowing a sale to proceed, contrary to clear law. I also contested Judge Harrington's unlawful interference in a case that statutorily rests with the sheriff. But neither of those claims had anything to do with whether the $1,500 judgment was or was not correctly decided. And neither would nullify the state-court judgment.
The claims simply stated that if someone was going to try to make a claim on our property, they had to do it as prescribed by Alabama law.
These are only a few of the wrongheaded decisions Abdul Kallon made in the case involving our house. And as you can probably imagine, when someone messes with your house--in our case, it's one we've owned for 23 years, the only home we've known as a couple--it gets personal.
To be cheated by a judge . . . who was appointed by Barack Obama . . . who received my vote for president in 2008 . . . well, that sets off an overpowering sense of outrage in me.
Abdul Kallon has pretty much become the face of the Obama administration in my home. And it's an ugly face that tells me nothing has changed on the justice front since the George W. Bush years.
How two men of color can look the other way while our foundation of civil rights cracks beneath us is incomprehensible to me.
I long have contended that Obama would be sailing toward easy re-election if he had acted responsibly on justice issues. But he chose to "look forward, not backward," allowing GOP criminals like Karl Rove to raise vast sums of campaign money, and now he's in a horse race that could wind up with Mitt Romney in the White House.
If Obama winds up as a one-term president, it's exactly what he deserves.


tier: cub

shelf: science-engineering

title: Kxzsivq0hul1n

text:
I love this, I was looking for a shacket for this fall but i didn't want anything too thick and bulky. This flannel is perfect. It's thin so its not really like a jacket, but a great layering piece. i love the colors and I think the material is soft.
Everyone gave compliments
Fits as expected. If you want it to be a little loose fitting I’d recommend getting one size up. I would have definitely. But overall it’s really cute and I’ve received many compliments on it.
Exactly like the picture
I got a large for a larger fit on me it was perfect size super comfy but it's not thick is the only downside but I love it great for casual and fancy settings
The shacket of my dreams!
This was an impulse purchase, and I thought for sure I’d be returning it. Nope. I’m 5’9 with long arms and it fits perfectly. It is loose, but not too baggy where you’re swimming in it. It goes just past my butt so it would go well with leggings, but also looks great with jeans or pants. I wore it once and got so many compliments, including one from a barista at the Starbucks drive-through (No, I was not getting a PSL, but that would’ve been on-brand for wearing a shacket:). Very happy with this purchase!
I wish it was softer on the inside and I wish the material was thicker. It’s not too “scratchy” on the inside but it’s not soft. It’s a lot thinner than I expected too. It’s super cute and it was okay for the weather that I wore it in (mid 60s) but if you want to wear this in a slightly cooler fall temp, wear a long sleeve under it or go with something else.


shelf: software-docs

title: How to Play Retro Game ROMs on Windows

text:
How to Play Retro Game ROMs on Windows
Video games are always a fun time, something we desperately need during our COVID lockdown. A few years back I shared how to play retro games on Mac, as well as how to patch games to play popular ROM hacks like Grand Poo World and Invictus. One disadvantage that Macs have, however, is performance -- your typical gaming PC has much more power, and thus, much better gameplay. Let's have a look at how to play retro games on Windows!
Step 1: Download & Install RetroArch
RetroArch is the free, open source software that powers video game softwares like RetroPie and Recalbox. RetroArch can be installed on just about anything, but we'll simply install it on our Windows PC. The install is standard so no fuss needs to be made here.
Step 2: Install Emulators
After installing and opening RetroArch, choose the following menu items:
- Load Core
- Download a Core
- (Select the video game system / emulator of your choosing)
When presented with more options, like SNES, you will want to take some time to research the differences between them. For example, the "higan Accuracy" is much more resource intensive, while the snes9x is used by some popular streamers, and the bsnes 2014 Performance seems to make the games feel a bit faster. Regardless, there's a wealth of emulators available at just one click.
Step 3: Let's Play!
Once you have the emulators you want installed...it's time to play! Simply drag your ROM file into the RetroArch window and RetroArch will launch the emulator that best matches the ROM format. It really is that easy.
...but where do I find and/or patch games?
From a legal perspective, you're allowed to create ROMs from games you own, but downloading them is illegal. There, I said it. This, however, is the internet, and if you stumble into ROMs via a Google search, I cannot judge you for it. It's quite easy to do...
Patching ROMs to Create ROM Hacks
Patching ROM hacks is a big part of the retro game scene these days. Legendary Super Mario World ROM hack creators like Barbarous King and Juz Cook use Lunar Magic to transform vanilla Super Mario World into amazing new "Kaizo" experiences. I really enjoy these hacks because they take something I loved growing up and breathe new life into them. When ready these new hacks are posted to SMWCentral where they are downloaded by thousands of eager gamers.
Hacks aren't shared as the full game though -- that would be illegal -- so hacks are usually bps
files that need to be patched onto a clean game ROM to create the eventual modified, playable game. Some of my favorite SNES mods include Grand Poo World 2, Invictus, and Super Dram World.
Assuming you have a clean ROM of Super Mario World for SNES, we can patch it to create one of the hacks mentioned above. The application required to do the patching on Windows is Floating IPS. Floating IPS is very simple, prompting for the patch (bps
) file, the ROM to apply it to, and the desired file name of the output:
That's the traditional process for patching your own games! You can go many steps further in creating your own customizations to gameplay, like patching in a replay system!
Controls are actually the easiest part of playing games on Windows. Most emulators will allow you to use the keyboard as your controller. If you're like me and want to use the controller native to that system, there are scores of different USB controllers available to give you the desired input experience!
As someone who loves video games and software engineering, I find the landscape of emulators, ROM hacks, game patching, and streaming incredibly fascinating. I also appreciate how ROM hackers are keeping our childhood games alive while making them more difficult and more rewarding. I also want to say that I'm really impressed with the UI improvements made to RetroArch -- it's still rough around the edges but getting the emulators installed and playable took only a few minutes.


shelf: health

title: “Cancer Does Not Stop For Nighttime”

text:
“Cancer Does Not Stop For Nighttime”
RELAY FOR LIFE starts at dusk and ends at the next day’s morning. The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the physical effects, emotions, and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment.
The RELAY begins when the sun is setting. This symbolizes the time that the person has been diagnosed of having cancer. The days are getting darker and this represents the cancer patient’s state of mind as they feel that their life is coming to an end.
As the evening goes on it gets colder and darker, just as the emotions of the cancer patient do. Around 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. represents the time when the cancer patients start treatments. They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up. As a participant, you have been walking and feel much the same way. You cannot stop or give up; just as the cancer patients cannot stop or give up.
Around 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. symbolizes the coming of the end of treatment for the cancer patient. Once again, they are tired, but they know they will make it.
The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient. They see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that life will go on. The morning light brings on a new day full of life and excitement for new beginnings for the cancer patient. As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the RELAY is close at hand.
When you leave the RELAY, think of the cancer patient leaving their last treatment, just as you are exhausted and weak, so is that person after treatment.
Remember: THERE IS NO FINISH LINE UNTIL WE FIND A CURE!


shelf: finance

title: Gaps surprise earnings release shows strong second quarter

text:
Gap Inc. has made a significant statement with its latest quarterly earnings, demonstrating resilience amidst a challenging retail landscape. The company reported net sales of $3.7 billion for the second quarter ended August 3, marking a 5% increase from the same period last year. This performance has raised optimism about the effectiveness of the turnaround strategy implemented by newly appointed CEO Richard Dickson.
Under Dickson’s leadership, who gained recognition for revitalizing the Barbie brand at Mattel, Gap Inc. seems to be on a stable trajectory. The company reported a 3% increase in comparable sales across its popular brands, including Old Navy and Athleta. This figure is particularly notable considering the caution expressed by other specialty retailers like TJX and Abercrombie & Fitch about shifting consumer spending patterns.
One of the elements that stand out in Gap’s financial disclosure is its proactive adjustment of full-year guidance, raising both gross margin and operating income forecasts. This adjustment reflects confidence in ongoing strategies and signifies that Gap appears to be gaining momentum precisely when many in the industry are bracing for a downturn.
Interestingly, the company’s earnings report was released prematurely due to an administrative error, which might have raised some eyebrows among analysts. The unexpected early posting of results on Gap’s investor relations website just hours before the scheduled time did not dampen investor interest. Following the inadvertent leak, Gap’s stock saw an increase, climbing 3% shortly after trading resumed, adding to an overall year-to-date increase of 7.3%.
A closer glance at the sales figures reveals some intricacies regarding brand performance. Old Navy remains Gap’s powerhouse, achieving comparable sales growth beyond Wall Street projections. However, the namesake Gap brand has been slower in its growth, although it still gained market share.
Contrastingly, the Banana Republic brand struggled, with comparable sales remaining flat against an expectation of a modest 1.6% growth. Athleta, targeted at the activewear segment, experienced a 4% decline in sales, consistent with predictions. Despite these challenges, Gap maintains a positive outlook, expecting Athleta’s performance to rebound in the upcoming quarters.
The recent earnings results also emphasize the broadening consumer engagement Gap has managed to capture. While some retailers have voiced concerns over changing consumer spending habits, Dickson noted that Gap saw growth across all income demographics. This inclusive strategy may be key in attracting a diverse customer base, especially in a volatile economic environment.
Another competitive edge for Gap under Dickson’s guidance has been the strategic emphasis on celebrity marketing. By collaborating with well-known personalities, Gap has aimed to reinvigorate its brand appeal and relevance among discerning consumers. These efforts can be seen not only in advertising campaigns but also in the restructured executive ranks which align with the brand’s ambitious vision for future growth.
Gap’s turnaround plan has some skeptics, especially regarding the longevity of observed sales growth. Analysts caution that while improvements in product offerings, merchandising, and markdown strategies are encouraging, these changes must be consistently effective to ensure sustainable success. The retail landscape is unforgiving, and maintaining consumer interest demands continuous innovation and adaptation.
In conclusion, Gap Inc.’s recent earnings report celebrates undeniable progress and strategic execution under Dickson’s leadership. The combination of upward sales trajectory and a strong outlook for the remaining year renders an optimistic view on the retail giant’s future. As Gap continues to navigate the complexities of consumer preferences and market fluctuations, its ability to sustain growth will hinge on the ongoing refinement of its brand strategy and operational changes.


shelf: education

title: Youth media

text:
NETA is committed to amplifying youth voice by promoting and distributing media produced by/with/for youth, with a particular emphasis on both universal access to opportunity and on elevating the civic and creative expressions of youth most often marginalized.
The following is a collection of youth media programs that your station can adopt, adapt, or get inspired by!
Would you like to share your youth media initiatives? Submit your work here for an opportunity to be featured.
The Native Youth Media Project partners with Native youth organizations, working with youth 15-24 years of age in rural and urban Native communities. The partnership is collaborative, where the youth organization has autonomy and oversight of the project, while Vision Maker Media contributes resources for media training, production, and community engagement. The partnership works together to strengthen Native youths' story development. Youth, then, produce short-format videos around topics and issues relevant to and affecting them. They then share their stories with audiences in the community.
The impact for participating is the youth become more engaged citizens, strengthen their collaborative and critical thinking, deeply increase knowledge about their culture and history, and they sustain meaningful cross-cultural connections with each other and the audiences. Vision Maker Media looks to involve local PBS stations, when working in an area, to provide tours, training sessions, internship opportunities, and more.
PBS News Student Reporting Labs is building the next generation of informed media creators and consumers. SRL connects students with a network of public broadcasting mentors and an innovative journalism curriculum to develop digital media, critical thinking, and communication skills while producing original news reports. Learn about SRL’s current projects.
By/With/For Youth: Inspiring Next Gen Public Media Audiences is a research and development initiative that explores the role of media in the lives of tweens and teens, and where public media fits in. Check out their first publication: Navigating Youth Media Landscapes: Challenges and Opportunities for Public Media, by Patrick Davison, Monica Bulger, and Mary Madden, October 26, 2020.
KQED Youth Media Challenge offers stations an opportunity to engage tweens and teens in fun challenges to create media. From promotion to airing Youth Media Challenge submissions, this is a great way to reach that middle audience.
Girl Power! is an Emmy-nominated, multi-platform campaign that shines a light on girls who lead, mentor, impact and inspire those around them at home, at school, and in their communities. Produced by PBS North Carolina and distributed by NETA. Girl Power! also includes a PBS LearningMedia collection to further engage students.


shelf: home-craft

text:
How to Get the Mini-Forge in Stardew Valley
The Mini-Forge in Stardew Valley is a machine players can acquire as of Update 1.6. This machine, when used, allows players to access the services of the Forge, located at the top of the Volcano Dungeon. This portable version drastically cuts down on travel time, making it possible to do Forge activities without visiting Ginger Island. If you are unsure of how to get the Mini-Forge in Stardew Valley, this guide is for you.
Unlock the Mini-Forge Recipe and Craft It
To acquire the Mini-Forge, you must first unlock its recipe through the Mastery system introduced in Update 1.6. This system enables players to unlock special Masteries from the Mastery Cave. Specifically, you need to unlock the Combat Mastery to unlock and be able to use the Mini-Forge recipe.
Once you’ve unlocked the Mini-Forge Recipe, the next step is to craft it. The recipe for a Mini-Forge requires players to have the following materials available:
- Dragon Tooth x5
- Iron Bar x10
- Gold Bar x10
- Iridium Bar x5
Open the crafting menu and navigate to the Mini-Forge recipe. Craft it and then place it wherever you wish to have access to the machine.
What Does the Mini-Forge Do?
The Mini-Forge is a valuable addition to your collection. When placed and accessible, players can interact with it to access the Forge, typically found on Floor 10 of the Volcano Dungeon. With the Mini-Forge, players can upgrade weapons, enchant tools, combine rings, and alter weapon appearances, all conveniently from their own Farm.
The Mini-Forge is not the only new item that has been added to Stardew Valley. Players can unlock the new Anvil machine to re-roll Trinkets stats. They can also enter the basement of Mayor Lewis’s house to find an interesting reward.
Thoughts on our how to get the Mini-Forge in Stardew Valley Guide? Drop them in the comments below.


shelf: history-culture

title: RYKLIN FINE ART

text:
RYKLIN FINE ART
Born in 1934 and educated in Moscow, Vladimir Ryklin, upon completion of his studies, took a position with the Central Commercial Art Bureau as an illustrator and poster artist.
His employment afforded little opportunity for creative expression, and Vladimir, fearful of censorship by Soviet officials, was limited in his artistic endeavors to that which he could keep private within his own home.
Ryklin has gained wide recognition as a poster artist, not only in his homeland but at exhibitions in France, Belgium and England; his awards include Best Poster Honors in both Moscow and Bulgaria.
New York City Ballet, Dresden Opera and Vienna Opera had each commissioned Ryklin’s work, yet in his own country he was denied a privilege of being a free artist.
The repressive communist system proved too much for Ryklin, and finally, in 1975 he fled the USSR in search of the freedom he desired and the chance to pursue art as he felt necessary.
Settling in New York, he found employment with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) as a scenic artist, a position he held for many years. Since 1990, Vladimir Ryklin has worked as a production designer for CBS Night Show with David Letterman.
But he was free to be an artist, to publicly express emotions and views through his work, no longer bound and gagged by officials.
Today he enjoys a popularity that would have been impossible to achieve had he not emigrated to US. His canvases are sought by collectors and have been exhibited in numerous well-known galleries such as “Rowe House”, “Glass”,” Nakhamkin”, “S.W.Galleries”, “Inter-Art”, as well as museums, like Munjero Museum of Modern Art in Paris, and having been shown in number of cities and countries around the world.
Vladimir Ryklin continues to work every day in his studios in New York and Florida.


tier: polar

shelf: civic-law

title: Interpol president jackie selebi resigns from post

text:
LYON, France - Today, Sunday 13 January, the INTERPOL General Secretariat received a letter from Mr Jackie Selebi, National Commissioner of South Africa’s Police Service, formalising his resignation as President of INTERPOL effective immediately.
As his letter makes clear, Mr Selebi’s decision to resign was made in the best interests of INTERPOL and out of respect for the global law enforcement community that it serves.
The allegations against Mr Selebi relate to his capacity as Commissioner of Police for South Africa and have nothing to do with his position as President of INTERPOL or the work of the organization.
'Based on my experience of working with Mr Selebi in his capacity as Delegate, Vice President and ultimately President of the organization, he has always conducted himself and acted in a way to enhance global security and police co-operation worldwide,' said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.
'Corruption is one of the most serious offences that any police official can be accused of and INTERPOL has taken a number of significant steps to help law enforcement in our member countries investigate and fight this type of crime.
'INTERPOL believes that any such allegations should be prosecuted thoroughly, and the proper manner is for charges to be brought promptly before a court of law and not through media leaks and speculation,' concluded Mr Noble.
The INTERPOL General Secretariat and its National Central Bureaus around the world will continue to remain focused on its mission; to help law enforcement officers secure their countries’ borders, protect their citizens, investigate crime and enhance global police co-operation.


title: GEORGIA BATTERY LAWYER

text:
GEORGIA BATTERY LAWYER
It is called simple battery, but there is not anything simple about facing a battery charge. For starters, facing a battery charge also brings up the prospect of spending some time behind bars. Lost wages and a damaged reputation accompany prisons sentences to change dramatically the life of someone facing a simple battery charge. Future employment prospects are hard to find, as most employers screen job candidates for criminal convictions. The worst ramification of a battery charge might be how the charge wreaks havoc on your personal relationships, such as the bonds you have formed with friends, family members, and professional peers.
At Garland Law Group, our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers understands the stress and anxiety generated by the pressure of dealing with a simple battery charge. We go to great lengths to ensure our clients are in the best possible legal hands possible. Our battery charge experts will be with you every step of the way until we can exonerate you of all charges.
If you face a simple battery charge, the simple solution to your legal woes is to contact the battery specialists at Garland Law Group.
Overview of Georgia Battery Law
Georgia battery law is defined by statute O.C.G.A. §16-5-23: “A person commits the offense of simple battery when he or she either (1) intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another, or (2) intentionally causes physical harm to another.”
Convicting a defendant of a battery charge requires the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant committed the crime of battery. Despite the fear and anxiety that is often triggered by a battery charge, you should know that proving any crime “Beyond a reasonable doubt” is frequently a tough thing for the prosecution to do. All our team of Georgia licensed criminal defense attorneys has to do is plant one seed of doubt into the mind of just one juror for the entire jury to return to the courtroom with a not guilty verdict.
Simple Battery Penalty in Georgia
Hiring a highly rated battery lawyer in Georgia is a critical component of you presenting the most compelling case of your innocence. If you fight a battery charge on your own or hire an inexperienced criminal defense attorney, you might face a conviction that produces a misdemeanor on your criminal record. The punishment for a battery misdemeanor is jail time up to one year and a fine that cannot exceed $1,000.
However, Georgia criminal law ups the legal ante for a simple battery charge for several circumstances. The bump up to aggravated battery can produce a prison sentence up to one year, as well as a fine up to $5,000. Here are the circumstances as directly quoted from statute O.C.G.A. §16-5-23 that elevate a simple battery charge to an aggravated battery charge in Georgia:
“If the crime is committed against a person, who is 65 years of age or older or a female who is pregnant at the time of the offense.”
“If the simple battery is committed in a public transit vehicle or station. If the offense was against a police, officer, correction officer, or detention officer engaged in their official duties.
“If the crime is committed between past or present spouses, foster parents of foster children, or other persons living in the same household.”
“If the person committing the battery is an employee, agent, or volunteer at a long-term care facility and the victim is a person who is admitted to or receiving services from such facility or person. An example of a long-term care facility is an assisted living community or personal care home.”
“If the battery was against a sports official during an amateur contest or while the official is on or exiting the property.”
“If the crime is committed against an employee of a public school system of this state while the employee is engaged in official duties or on school property.”
Legal Options for Defending a Simple Battery Charge in Georgia
Our team of skilled criminal defense lawyers have numerous ways to defend clients against a simple battery charge.
Lack of motive
Defending another person or a group of people
Defending private property
Consent of the alleged victim
Our primary objective is to prove your innocence by presenting physical evidence that plants the all-important seed of reasonable doubt. We will also call witnesses to the stand that confirm your version of events. Defense of another person or a group of people is a common method for planting the seed of reasonable doubt as well.
Garland Law Group Battery Attorneys
If you face a simple battery charge in Georgia, you should treat the charge with a sense of urgency. Everything else in your life must go on hold for you to focus on restoring your good name. At Garland Law Group, we defend our clients against battery charges with the utmost sense of urgency by making sure the legal process proceeds in a timely manner. In addition, our dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys possesses the level of negotiating skills required to keep our clients out of prison.


title: How do I get started?

text:
How do I get started?
It really depends on what you're aiming for.
If you're looking to connect your AI application to the internet with Tavily tailored API, check out the Tavily API documentation. If you're looking to build and deploy our open source autonomous research agent GPT Researcher, please see GPT Researcher documentation. You can also check out demos and examples for inspiration here.
What is GPT Researcher?
GPT Researcher is a popular open source autonomous research agent that takes care of the tedious task of research for you, by scraping, filtering and aggregating over 20+ web sources per a single research task.
GPT Researcher is built with best practices for leveraging LLMs (prompt engineering, RAG, chains, embeddings, etc), and is optimized for quick and efficient research. It is also fully customizable and can be tailored to your specific needs.
To learn more about GPT Researcher, check out the documentation page.
How much does each research run cost?
A research task using GPT Researcher costs around $0.01 per a single run (for GPT-4 usage). We're constantly optimizing LLM calls to reduce costs and improve performance.
How do you ensure the report is factual and accurate?
we do our best to ensure that the information we provide is factual and accurate. We do this by using multiple sources, and by using proprietary AI to score and rank the most relevant and accurate information. We also use proprietary AI to filter out irrelevant information and sources.
Lastly, by using RAG and other techniques, we ensure that the information is relevant to the context of the research task, leading to more accurate generative AI content and reduced hallucinations.
What are your plans for the future?
We're constantly working on improving our products and services. We're currently working on improving our search API together with design partners, and adding more data sources to our search engine. We're also working on improving our research agent GPT Researcher, and adding more features to it while growing our amazing open source community.
If you're interested in our roadmap or looking to collaborate, check out our roadmap page.
Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or suggestions!


title: Expand the covid 19 toolbox

text:
The vaccines developed and distributed under “Operation Warp Speed” are now, and have been for some time, showing themselves to be ineffective to the point the CDC is recommending booster shots to restore their effectiveness. This points out the need to expand the COVID-19 response toolbox immediately. Focusing on vaccinations, especially those with real (in some cases) and perceived (in other cases) detrimental side-effects to the exclusion of other preventive and therapeutic measures, is unwise. As I believe you have realized, vaccinations will not stop this corona virus as it is here to stay. Other effective preventive and therapeutic measures are needed.
I applaud your formation of rapid response teams to dispense monoclonal antibodies to help prevent hospitalizations and deaths, but more needs done. Specifically, I’m asking you to direct the Florida Department of Health to issue authorizations allowing the use of prevention and treatment protocols incorporating Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine. The scientific and anecdotal evidence that these treatments work is available, yet it is being suppressed by those who have a vested interest in the big pharma vaccination approach.
Every Floridian should be able to rapidly obtain, or be issued in advance, a COVID-19 prophylaxis kit containing Ivermectin or Hydroxychloroquine and other medications with instructions for use that could be started at the first signs or symptoms of the virus. As with monoclonal antibodies, these kits should be made available without the need for a prescription. Early treatment has always been the key. The public health system failed its citizens by not recommending early treatment with off-label medicines, instead advising them to stay home until they were so sick as to require hospitalization.
Get these protocols into Floridians’ hands, tell them to use them at the first sign of illness, and watch hospitalizations and deaths decrease.


text:
How to Do Fundamental Analysis for Beginners?
If you’re new to the exciting world of Forex trading and intrigued by the question, “How to do fundamental analysis for beginners?”, this article is just for you. It aims to shed light on the essential steps of performing fundamental analysis and how platforms like Traders MBA can assist you in this thrilling journey.
What is Fundamental Analysis?
Fundamental analysis is a method used by traders to predict future price movements of currency pairs. It involves studying economic, social, and political factors that could potentially impact a country’s economy. Now, let’s break this down into manageable steps for beginners:
Step 1: Understand Key Economic Indicators
Economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment rates, and inflation rates serve as a reflection of a country’s economic health. A solid understanding of these indicators is the first step in fundamental analysis.
Step 2: Keep an Eye on Political Stability
A country’s political environment can significantly affect its currency strength. As such, staying updated on elections, changes in government policies, and international relations is pivotal in Forex trading.
Step 3: Assess Market Sentiment
Market sentiment refers to the overall attitude of investors towards a specific market. This is often influenced by news events, which can lead to volatile market conditions. Understanding these sentiments can give you a competitive edge.
Using Traders MBA to Simplify Your Journey
Now that we’ve outlined the process, it’s important to mention that platforms like Traders MBA can simplify fundamental analysis for beginners. Offering top-tier Forex Fundamental Analysis, Traders MBA provides timely, comprehensive insights to assist your trading decisions.
Why Traders MBA Stands Out
Traders MBA stands out for its in-depth analysis and real-time data. It not only provides accurate information but also actionable insights, helping traders, especially beginners, navigate the Forex market with confidence.
So, how do you do fundamental analysis as a beginner? By understanding key economic indicators, analysing the political environment, and assessing market sentiment, you can build a successful trading strategy. The right tools, like those offered by Traders MBA, can make the journey much easier. Visit Traders MBA today and kickstart your Forex trading journey with confidence.
Remember, becoming a successful Forex trader is not merely about guessing; it’s about making informed decisions. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools, and you’ll be well on your way to trading success.


text:
The prize handing ceremony on the contest “I am not
the puppet of a cigarette” that took place on the 28th May 2015 in Yaounde.
The laureates |
There are about forty projects that were subject to a thorough study
within this competitions jury. According to Monique Ngo Mayag, the reporter of
the jury, “This is the selection of interesting and mature messages that the
candidates submitted to the appreciation of the jury”. After 04 hours of
deliberations, the laureates are officially known:
1st prize: Bessawa Mpondo Léopoldine, form 3
student from Francois-Xavier Vogt College.
2nd prize: Sissako Sonia, form 5
student in Jean Tabi college.
3rd prize: Sokoudjou Ngutchou
Linda, form 5 student in Jean Tabi college.
The special prize of the jury was awarded
to Bassong Elouga Andréa-Morris, a form 1 student for the quality and
pertinence of her message.
the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco during this year World No Tobacco Day
2015, the contest of the best tobacco prevention message, wish to create a
discouraging environment to tobacco and implicate adolescents in the prevention
of this scourge amongst youths.
This contest was
opened to students of forms 3 to 5. During this pilot edition, the candidates
had to express their ideas by act of drawing and poems, their argumentsbeing that
they do not want to be the puppet of a cigarette one day.
Mr Pascal Awono, the representative of
the minister of public health, underlines all contest interest of this sort or
prevention against tobacco are welcomed. The authorities present during the prize
giving ceremony, put forward their wishes that this initiative be extended to


title: Apple cinnamon monkey bread

text:
I've posted a monkey bread recipe before and its my favorite "special" day breakfast treat. But when I saw this recipe on the blog What's Cooking Chicago, I knew I had to try it. She adapted the recipe from Paula Deen's Gorilla Bread Recipe - which I've actually tried before but wasn't really impressed with. The cubes of cream cheese in the middle of the rolls didn't really work for me. But this version with the cinnamon apple mixture in the middle of the rolls sounded great. It only takes a few extra minutes during the assembly process (which you can do the night before if you want) and adds an unexpected twist to the classic monkey bread recipe.
This would be great for a big breakfast while so many people have family over during the holidays. Add an egg casserole or strata for something savory and some fresh fruit and hot coffee and you have a great, easy breakfast that you can do all the prep work the night before and just bake in the morning.
3 cans refrigerated biscuits (I use the Pillsbury Buttermilk biscuits that come in a 4 pack)
2 large apples, diced (I used Gala)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for buttering pan
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heavily butter a bundt pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly around the bottom of the pan.
Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set aside. Open biscuits and flatten each individual biscuit into discs about 1/4" thick. Dredge both sides in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Continue until all biscuits are coated.
Combine apples with remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture. Spoon about one teaspoon of apple mixture into the center of each biscuit and fold up biscuit into a pouch and seal. Drop stuffed biscuits into the pan, trying to keep the layers even all the way around. Don't worry about packing them in too tightly, they'll fill in the gaps as it bakes.
In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium high heat. Heat just until the edges of the sauce start to rapidly bubble and boil. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pour mixture over the top of the rolls.
Bake about 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown. Cool about five minutes in the pan, cover with a large plate and invert. Uncover and serve warm.


text:
The Town of Spetses and Bouboulina’s Mansion Museum
Ride through the Old port of Spetses on a horse buggy and visit the house of the well-known heroine of the Greek War of Independence, Laskarina Bouboulina.
Enjoy a romantic ride on a traditional horse buggy, the trademark of Spetses Town. Ride to the Dapia area towards the Old Harbour, the island’s gem, with stunning scenery and a romantic ambiance, intensified by the lighthouse and old world charm.
After the ride, it's time for a guided walk to the impressive 17th-century mansion of Laskarina Bouboulina. Bouboulina is a national heroine of the Greek War of Independence. The architectural plan of the house is in the form of the Greek letter Π. This shape, in Spetsiot architecture, was related to the importance of its owner and it is the shape of the houses of the Spetsiot lords of that era. After a welcome drink at the patio, take the opportunity to explore the museum. An external stone staircase connects the front yard with the first floor, where the museum is housed.
It is possible to either return to the pier by foot or stroll independently through the beautiful promenade of Spetses town.
Notes: Sunscreen and hat recommended. A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. Please make your reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departures times will be published on board.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Current Price: 149 USD


title: How i achieved maximum success with 2

text:
Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death, and that your healthcare and financial needs are taken care of if you become incapacitated. Given the complexity of estate planning, selecting the right attorney to guide you through the process is essential. The best estate planning attorney will help you create a comprehensive plan that reflects your goals while complying with all relevant laws. However, with so many attorneys specializing in estate planning, knowing how to choose the best one for your specific needs can be a challenging task.
When choosing an estate planning attorney, one of the first factors to consider is the attorney’s experience and expertise. Estate planning laws can vary significantly depending on your state, so it’s crucial to find someone who is well-versed in the specific legal requirements of your area. Look for an attorney who specializes exclusively in estate planning or has a strong focus in this area, rather than a generalist who may not have the in-depth knowledge needed to handle complex estate matters. An experienced attorney will be familiar with different types of trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, and will be able to craft a plan that suits your needs.
Another important consideration is the attorney’s reputation and track record. Do some research to find out what past clients have said about their experiences with the attorney. Reviews, testimonials, and referrals from family members, friends, or financial advisors can give you valuable insight into an attorney’s reliability and professionalism. You should also inquire about the attorney’s success rate in handling cases similar to yours, especially if you have unique circumstances such as a blended family, significant assets, or business interests that require special planning.
It’s also essential to find an attorney who listens to your needs and takes the time to understand your personal goals. Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process, and your attorney should be willing to work with you to develop a plan that reflects your values, preferences, and family dynamics. The attorney should explain the options available to you in clear, understandable terms, without using overly complicated legal jargon. If you don’t feel comfortable or confident in your attorney’s ability to understand and address your concerns, it may be worth exploring other options.
Fee structure is another key factor in choosing the best estate planning attorney. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for certain services, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, while others bill by the hour. It’s important to discuss the attorney’s fee structure upfront to avoid any surprises later on. Be cautious of attorneys who offer exceptionally low prices, as this could indicate that they are cutting corners or lack the necessary expertise to handle your case effectively. While it’s important to find a lawyer who fits within your budget, the cheapest option isn’t always the best when it comes to something as important as your estate plan.
Moreover, accessibility and communication are vital when selecting an estate planning attorney. You want to work with someone who is responsive to your questions and available for consultations when needed. The estate planning process often requires multiple meetings and ongoing updates, so it’s crucial to choose an attorney who makes themselves available and communicates clearly throughout the entire process. If an attorney is difficult to get in touch with or doesn’t respond to your inquiries in a timely manner, it could be a sign that they’re not the right fit for you.
Finally, consider whether the attorney offers ongoing support after your estate plan is created. Life circumstances change, and your estate plan should evolve with them. An attorney who provides regular reviews and updates to your plan, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of children, can ensure that your plan remains relevant and effective over time.
In conclusion, choosing the best estate planning attorney involves finding someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a good fit for your personal situation. By doing your research, seeking recommendations, and considering factors like communication style and fees, you can confidently select an attorney who will help you create a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and provides peace of mind for the future.


title: Hiker rescued kilkenny ridge new hampshire

text:
The lost hiker was reportedly experienced but unprepared for snow conditions.
A hiker who officials say had no light or other essential gear was rescued in New Hampshire Saturday night.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game officials, conservation officers received a report at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday of a hiker who had called 911 after becoming lost off the Kilkenny Ridge Trail between Mount Weeks and Middle Weeks mountains in the northern White Mountains.
The hiker also reported that he was wet and cold and did not a light or other gear.
After the initial call to 911, the conservation officer tried calling the hiker back several times to help him find the trail and self-rescue, but was unsuccessful.
Concerned about possible hypothermia with heavy rain in the forecast, the officer initiated a rescue response.
Along with conservation officers, volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue (AVSAR), and Berlin Fire Department (BFD) responded to the call.
The hiker, identified as Richard De Reyna, 57, of Westwood, Massachusetts, was 4.5 miles from the closest road. AVSAR and conservation officers came in via the old unmaintained York Pond Trail in East Lancaster, while the BFD members hiked in via the trailhead off York Pond Road in Berlin.
The team of AVSAR and conservation officers hiked off trail up a drainage as the closest point to reach De Reyna and successfully found him at 9:19 p.m. He was still at the exact coordinate where he made his 911 call.
De Reyna was wet, cold, and mildly hypothermic and was provided warm, dry clothes, warm liquids, and a light source from the rescue crew. They then hiked 2.4 miles down to an awaiting ATV where he was driven out the remaining two miles, arriving at the staged vehicles at 1:45 a.m.
Officials said De Reyna had started hiking at 8 a.m. from the York Pond Trailhead off York Pond Road in Berlin with the intention of summiting Mount Weeks, Middle Weeks, and Mount Weeks South Peak, and then return the same way.
Upon reaching the Kilkenny Ridge Trail, he found deep snow conditions and kept losing the trail.
He was able to keep re-locating the trail via a mapping program on his cell phone, but in doing so, drained the battery to the point that he was only able to make a 911 call and report his situation before the battery completely died.
Officials said De Reyna has over 25 years of hiking experience, but was unaware of the snow conditions still present in the upper levels of the White Mountains and was therefore not prepared for the conditions he faced.
To find out what hiking the scenic Kilkenny Ridge Trail is like in much better conditions, check out this video below.


title: Woke attack on kirk camerons christian story hour backfires

text:
(Dmytro “Henry” Aleksandrov, Headline USA) Actor Kirk Cameron’s debut story hour for his Christian storybook — a healthy alternative to the degenerate drag queen story hour — that took place at the Indianapolis Public Library brought a huge crowd of people tired of the woke nonsense.
Zac Bell, the chief of staff of publisher Brave Books, said that approximately 1,000 people went to the library to hear Cameron read from his children’s book As You Grow, and the same number of people were standing outside of the building since there were too many people inside already, the Washington Times reported.
“Thank you for coming and making this such a special event today,” Cameron said. “Find Brave Books. I’m sure there are so many of them here at this library. Read them to your kids. God bless you and Happy New Year.”
After he reported on the event on his Twitter account, Ryan Wilson, a man who lives in Indianapolis, got into an argument with the library and another Twitter user who reposted the library’s comment that questions the number of people who attended the event.
“We are being inaccurately portrayed in news/social after a room rental yesterday. Our estimated door count during the event is around 750, not 2500,” the library tweeted.
“We’ve had larger events. We turn 150 yrs old in 2023. And our auditorium, which our guests chose not to rent, holds 300, not 2000.”
Wilson debunked the claim of the library officials who tried to downplay the number of sane people who want to hear Cameron speak.


title: Trust says farewell to Chief Executive

text:
Trust says farewell to Chief Executive
29th November 2024
This weekend the Trust will say an emotional farewell to Chief Executive, Ann Marr OBE who officially retired after more...
Whiston Hospital wins top gardens award
26th November 2024
Whiston Hospital has picked up the North West in Bloom Award for ‘Best Hospital Gardens’ in the region, for the...
Can you support hospital patients’ Christmas present appeal?
19th November 2024
No one wants to be in hospital at any time, but spending Christmas as a patient in hospital away from...
Whiston hospital patients to benefit from new lung cancer surgery procedure
18th November 2024
Patients with suspected lung cancers are to benefit from a new diagnostic procedure being offered at Whiston Hospital. The hospital...
Trust to host 10th annual baby and child loss remembrance service in December
14th November 2024
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is inviting people to attend its annual baby and child loss remembrance...
Local hospitals appeal for festive designs to brighten patients’ spirits this Christmas
12th November 2024
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is appealing for festive donations from members of the community to bring...
Special award for Ormskirk Hospital Maternity Support Worker
11th November 2024
A maternity support worker at Ormskirk Hospital has received a coveted national award for her “passion and commitment to providing...
Medical photographer snaps up national award
8th November 2024
Helen Seddon, a Medical Photographer at the Trust, is celebrating after winning two bronze awards at the Institute of Medical...
Prestigious award for anaesthetics departments
6th November 2024
The Anaesthetics Departments at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals has been awarded the prestigious Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) in recognition...
Still time to take part in charity’s Elf Run
5th November 2024
There is still time to get fit and “elfy’’ in time for Christmas and raise money for your local NHS...
Bonfire Night safety advice from doctors at the Mersey Regional Burns Centre
4th November 2024
Doctors from the Mersey Regional Burns Centre have highlighted ways to stay safe whilst around fireworks and sparklers this Bonfire...
New inpatient smokefree services team passes 1,000 patient milestone
1st November 2024
A new team offering hospital patients support to stop smoking has passed its first milestone. Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching...


title: Platform

text:
ACC stands out as the most revolutionary cloud management tool on the market, specifically designed for the business user. By simplifying cloud operations, enhancing security, and increasing productivity, ACC empowers organizations to leverage the full potential of cloud services. Accelerated provisioning, optimized resource utilization, and improved customer user experience transforms the way businesses interact with the cloud, ensuring efficiency, agility, and growth.
Accelerated Provisioning Time
ACC reduces the time required to provision cloud resources from an average of 30 days to just 30 minutes. This drastic improvement allows organizations to respond quickly to changing needs and seize opportunities without delay.
Optimized Cloud Resource Utilization
By providing real-time cost visibility and detailed information on cloud services, ACC helps businesses identify and address over-utilized or under-utilized resources. This optimization leads to cost savings and ensures efficient resource allocation.
Increased Productivity of IT Resources
ACC unleashes IT talent by eliminating tedious cloud management tasks, allowing high-level IT resources to focus on strategic initiatives. ACC puts the power of day-to-day provisioning and management of many cloud services in the hands of your non-technical staff. This results in higher retention and a more cost-effective team.
Improved Customer User Experience
With faster provisioning, optimized resource utilization, and visibility for the business user into their cloud workplaces, ACC greatly enhances the customer user experience. Businesses can deliver reliable and scalable services, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Functional Cost Allocation and Budget Control
Gain granular control and optimize your cloud budget in real-time! This empowers informed decision-making about IT cloud spending, leading to significant cost savings and improved resource management
Transform Your Business
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing your cloud services capabilities? Reach out to an Anantyx associate and discover how our streamlined approach to cloud management can create new efficiencies and power greater possibilities in your operations. Cloud-agnostic and multi-cloud capable, our tools are adaptable to the needs of every organization.


title: Wildcats fight to stay on road to omaha against delaware

text:
With the first game of the NCAA Lubbock Regional behind them, Arizona looks to face Delaware at 2 p.m. CST Saturday at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
The matchup will be the first time Arizona and Delaware have faced each other in program history.
With Arizona’s 18th College World Series appearance on the line, the Wildcats will look to keep their strong offense alive. They recorded 13 hits against Sam Houston State, three more than the Bearkats.
The Wildcats will still have plenty of bullpen to work with against Delaware, only throwing senior JC Cloney and sophomore Michael Flynn against Sam Houston State.
Delaware lost to No. 5 Texas Tech in the first game of the regional, 5-2. The Blue Hens registered six hits against the Red Raiders, but their pitching and defense was unable to keep the Red Raiders from crossing the plate.
The Blue Hens earned an automatic bid in the tournament after winning the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament and are making their first NCAA postseason tournament appearance since 2001.
Jordan Glover and Nick Patten both had a multi-hit game against Tech and were the only two players to record RBIs for the Blue Hens.
“You can’t win the tournament tomorrow,” Arizona coach Jay Johnson said. “We want to try to play in the first inning (Saturday) and you have to compartmentalize it.”
The Wildcats and Blue Hens will face off in an elimination game, with a super regionals trip on the line for both teams.
** Editor’s Note: McKenzi Morris is Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Toreador at Texas Tech University. Morris is covering regionals for the Daily Wildcat.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Twitter.


text:
Missisquoi Bay, located in southern Quebec at the north-eastern extremity of Lake Champlain, is subject to eutrophication arising from excess nutrients, predominantly phosphorus (P), contributed by agricultural watersheds. Factors such as land use pattern, management practices, soil properties and geomorphology have an impact on soil P levels. Land patches under different management practices introduce a cyclic pattern, especially when fitting the variogram. Geostatistics procedures were used to model soil test phosphorus (STP) within the 11 km2 Castor Watershed in southern Quebec, Canada. An ordinary kriging (OK) method was used to estimate STP at unsampled points, but this had a smoothing effect, resulting in an underestimation of high values and overestimation of low values. Therefore, a more efficient technique was needed to draw predictions from the conditional probability distribution at the simulation grid nodes. A sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) was adopted for this purpose, and used to create 50 equal probable realizations. Uncertainty was modelled using the E-type (mean) of the realizations, which ranged from 12.5 to 223 mg P kg–1 soil. The adequate spatial probability pattern for STP is a valuable criterion when seeking to delineate areas of high STP for site-specific best management practices (BMPs).
Assessment of uncertainty in soil test phosphorus using kriging techniques and sequential Gaussian simulation: implications for water quality management in southern Quebec Available to Purchase
Alaba Boluwade, C. A. Madramootoo; Assessment of uncertainty in soil test phosphorus using kriging techniques and sequential Gaussian simulation: implications for water quality management in southern Quebec. Water Quality Research Journal 1 November 2013; 48 (4): 344–357. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wqrjc.2013.112
Download citation file:


title: Bolton says trump wanted to tie ukraine aid to probe report

text:
WASHINGTON — Former national security advisor John Bolton alleges in a book draft that President Donald Trump wanted to freeze Ukrainian military aid until Kiev investigated his political rivals, The New York Times reported on Sunday.
Democrats quickly seized on the report to press demands that Bolton and other key people in the Trump administration be called testify in Trump's impeachment trial.
Citing Bolton's unpublished manuscript, The Times wrote that Trump told Bolton he wanted to keep frozen US$391 million in aid to Ukraine, until Kiev officials helped with a probe into his Democratic rival Joe Biden.
Trump was impeached last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. House of Representatives prosecutors have spent the three days laying out a detailed case that Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine and a White House meeting to pressure his Ukrainian counterpart to open an investigation into political rival Joe Biden and the former vice president's son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.
A key point of Trump's impeachment defense has been that there was no quid-pro-quo. Trump's team has maintained that the holdup in aid was separate from his requests for an investigation into the Bidens. Bolton's reported assertion in the manuscript would undercut this.
The Democrats want key Trump administration officials to testify, including Bolton and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, in the belief that they know a lot about Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Bolton has said he is willing to testify if subpoenaed.
In response to The Times' report, the lead House manager in the trial, Adam Schiff tweeted that Trump had "blocked our request for Bolton's testimony."
"Now we see why: Bolton directly contradicts the heart of the President's defense," Schiff wrote.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Senate Republicans' refusal to hear Bolton or other witnesses and documents is "now even more indefensible".
"The choice is clear: our Constitution, or a cover-up," she said.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer urged Senate Republicans to call for witness testimony during the impeachment trial.
But Republicans, who hold a 53-47 edge, have shown little inclination to break ranks with a president who has a history of lashing out ferociously at his perceived enemies.
Sixty-seven senators, a two-thirds majority, are needed to remove Trump from office. — AFP


title: Speeding Ticket Lawyer Del Valle TX

text:
Speeding Ticket Lawyer Del Valle TX
No matter the nature of the charge or the potential consequences, Anderson & Anderson Law Firm, P.C. knows and understands that each and every case is important and life-changing for you. We are here to help you navigate the Del Valle area court system in order to achieve the best result possible for you and your individual situation.
There is so much at stake when you are facing criminal charges. Your future, reputation, and freedom are all at risk when you encounter such a stressful matter. Anderson & Anderson Law Firm, P.C. have many years focusing on speeding ticket cases throughout the Del Valle area. Call (512) 581-9099 to schedule a consultation today-- the initial consultation is free.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime, regardless of complete innocence or guilt, we can help. Anderson & Anderson Law Firm, P.C. have been helping clients in the Del Valle area with their speeding ticket cases for many years. We provide high-quality, honest, and nonjudgmental advocacy that always have your best interests at heart.
Residents from the Del Valle area can depend on Anderson & Anderson Law Firm, P.C. for proper legal representation throughout the duration of their speeding ticket case. Allow Anderson & Anderson Law Firm, P.C. to prevent your speeding ticket case from becoming a burden on your life. Call (512) 581-9099 to speak with a qualified attorney for a free consultation on your speeding ticket case.
Anderson & Anderson Law Firm, P.C.
710 Water St
Bastrop, TX 78602


title: China lotion petroleum jelly body cream making mixing machine vacuum homogenizer emulsifier

text:
1.Homogenizer is installed on boiler bottom to increase motor power more thoroughly and strongly. It uses advanced German technology, with unique structure. The material moves of high-speed in the multi-gap between the rotor and the stator, which forms a strong hydraulic shearing. During few production, it can exert homogenizing effect fully.
2.Mightiness balance isotactic curve rotor is matched with stator with corresponding structure to realize liquid high-capability cut,rubbing,centrifugal to make sure exquisite and slick cream; boiler body and pipe surface mirror polishing.
3.Customer can choose frequency conversion timing homogenizer and highest rotate speed is 2900 r/min.
4.The oil tank and water tanks are equipped with rating stirring dispersion device 0.55KW, so that oil and water could be
heated more quickly and evenly.
5.The lid is with a light observation hole, which can keep control of the material emulsification situation in the kettle. There is a small material entrance, which is convenient to add special essence into the kettle.
6.Bottom material discharging is easy to operate. The finished materials can be directly moved into the filling and packing system.
The materials can also be dumped out, which is easy to clean.
Vacuum emulsifying machine is an ideal option to produce high-grade skin care products, pharmacy ointment, and many other kinds of creams which need to be very soft and smooth. It has the functions of heating, mixing, scraping, rotating at different speeds and vacuum supply. It has a very wide application from cosmetics (skin cream, hair gel, lotion etc) and food (jam, chocolate,sauces etc.) to pharmacy (ointment, syrup, paste) and chemicals(painting, adhesives, detergents).
The machine is mainly made up of oil tank, water tank, vacuum homogeneous tank (main tank), heating system, mixing system, vacuum system, electric lifting system, operation control cabinet and piping system.
Q1. How can I trust you for the first-time business?
Please note our business license and certificates above. if you still worry about our company, we suggest using Alibaba trade assurance service for all transactions to protect your money and ensure our service for you.
Q2. How about the after-sale service and guarantee period?
1. 18-month warranty period for whole machine except for human factors etc. and 18 months' after-sale service starts from the date when you receive machine or 18 months when installation finished.
2. Consultation services for whole machine life, and 24 hours technical support by email or video on line
3. English software, user manual and the installation & debugging by our experienced technicians.
Q3. If we have very special request on the production line, could you help me to do the design?
Customized design is provided.
Q4. How does the machine fit our voltage? How can I know your machine is designed for my product?
1. For each equipment, our sales team will confirm the voltage with the customer.If you need standard machines and samples, we can buy samples for your product testing in China, provided we have prototype machines.
2. If you need non-standard machine and special sample, please communicate with our team, then pay the deposit first, we will customize the machine according to the sample, after the production, we will provide you with detailed operation video and equipment photos.
Q5. How can you ensure the machine's quality after we put the order?
Before delivery, we will produce the equipment according to the agreed requirements, and after production, we will provide detailed installation videos, operation videos, operating instructions, testing documents, certification documents, etc.
Alternatively, we can arrange a third-party inspector to perform FAT, and we also support SAT.


title: Louis abel truchet

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title: 4

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While tooth extraction is a safe surgery with few complications, it is still surgery. You should take time to recover... View Article
Local Dental Blogs - Philadelphia, PA
Posts Tagged "dental services"
We are pleased to present below all posts tagged with 'dental services'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.
It’s that time of year where we indulge in rich, sweet foods with family and friends. While they taste delightful,... View Article
November is American Diabetes Month. Millions of people are at risk for diabetes, and millions more are living with it.... View Article
Digital impression (3D intraoral scanning) is a modern technological innovation that enables the dentist to capture an image of your... View Article
A beautiful smile is known to boost self-confidence. This is what Invisalign helps to achieve. Invisalign is a type of... View Article
Dental implants were invented in 1952 by Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Branemark. They are artificial tooth roots that serve as... View Article
Long ago, the human jaw was large enough to fit another set of molars at the back of the mouth.... View Article
Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about keeping your mouth and overall body healthy — although that’s important. A... View Article
Water is one of the most foundational of life’s building blocks. An untold number of bodily processes use water in... View Article
Tooth sensitivity isn’t fun. It’s hard to enjoy a hot coffee on a frigid winter morning or ice cream cone... View Article
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life
Are you unsure if cosmetic dentistry is right for you? Not sure if it is worth it? Check out this FREE article that will help you understand!


title: top of page

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top of page
Reservations must be made and accepted at least 24 hours before the chosen scheduled collection time.
Reserve your seat with a credit card, even if choosing to pay the driver in cash.
Payment can be made in cash to the driver upon boarding or, if preauthorized,
charged to a credit card.
If you request a cancelation, that request is not valid unless you have received confirmation of said request in email form from Caravan.
If a confirmation email was sent to the email address provided on the request, the reservation is confirmed.
The full credit card price per person will be charged for each Guaranteed Reservation that a passenger cancels with less than 48 HOURS notice before their departure time.
If you book within 24 hours of requested pick up date and a confirmation email is sent to you, you will be charged if you do not board the shuttle.
All guaranteed reservations that NO-SHOW and are not canceled or changed prior to their departure times will be charged the full credit card amount of their reserved seat(s). Any guest who does not call or email to check in when they have arrived and collected their luggage may forfeit their reservation.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time for any reason. We reserve the right to immediately terminate service to anyone at any time for any reason.
The driver will depart 1 hour after the last guest arrival time, but no later than 2:00pm.
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title: At a glance

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At a glance
AssignmentHelp4Me.com is a website that promises to handle all your essays when you’re struggling. Are they an illegal/legal site, like so many others online, or are they legit? Read this review to find out if you should use them.
Assignment Help 4 Me are not a company you can trust to write you the essay you need
How it works
Past customers say they were not happy with what they got, and it’s clear that they’ll deliver what you pay for. The other issue is that you can’t get a quote without getting in touch first.
Top Australian Writing Services
Services(types of papers, subjects, academic level)
There’s several different services listed on the site that you can choose from. These include essays and assignments, as well as dissertations and homework. They also list services by subject, such as nursing, auditing, and humanities. This is designed to make it easy for you to find what you need.
How it works(order form, payment system, currency)
If you want to order, you’ll first need to sign up for an account with AssignmentHelp4Me. Fill in the form at the top of the home page with the information they need about your essay. These will be handed over to a writer who will get started on it. Once it’s done, they’ll hand it to you to be checked, and then it’s all yours.
Prices(base, discounts, free features, additional services)
There’s not any information on pricing on the site here. If you want a quote, you’ll need to go through the process noted above in order to get an idea of pricing. As well as this, there’s no information on a discount deal or promotion code for first-time customers, as other site offer.
Writers(English/non, Bachelor, Masters, Ph.D., law, tech, medical, Australian)
This service say that they have 3000+ expert writers on hand, waiting for you to order. They’re handpicked and tested before working with Assignment Help 4 Me, so you should know that you’re safe ordering an essay with them.
Quality(samples, citation, etc)
Is this service a scam, or are they to be trusted? We’ve looked at what past customers have had to say to get an idea. Most reviews at their site are 5 stars, with customers saying that they’re happy with the level of writing in their essays, and that they’d come back to this service if they need them again.
Support(phone, chat, email; sales, billing, customer support)
If you need help with a refund, or have questions about your order, there’s a customer help team available 24/7. You can contact them through their free help number, email them, or login/sign in to live chat with them online.
Address: 32 Becharry Road, Blacktown NSW 2148, Sydney, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 8520 3658
Available Hours: 24/7
Live Chat: Yes
FAQ: Yes (https://www.assignmenthelp4me.com/faqs.html)
Assignment Help 4 Me are a not company you can trust to write you the essay you need. Past customers say they were not happy with what they got, and it’s clear that they’ll deliver what you pay for. The other issue is that you can’t get a quote without getting in touch first.


title: A message from Louise & Andy

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A message from Louise & Andy
Since taking on Beck Hall almost 10 years ago it has always been a place that has reflected us and our values. Beck Hall has thrived on these values, evolving into a special place loved by many.
During this time, we’ve also been on a personal journey which started at a place of compassion for animals and eventually led our family to a plant-based / vegan diet. We also recognise the positive impact eating more plants can have on the environment and on health. We’ve never looked back.
We cook plant-based dishes daily at home for family, friends and some of our harshest critics, the kids! What we’ve learnt is that plant-based food can be truly exciting and delicious.
Our menus at Beck Hall are already around 50% plant-based and if you’ve ever tried our sticky toffee pudding you will know that plant-based food doesn’t have to mean compromise.
Over the past six months we’ve been developing some of the most innovative, exciting and delicious dishes we’ve ever tried, anywhere! We believe that our plant-based food, from breakfast through to dinner, is for everyone.
We have so many loyal customers who love Beck Hall for its magical location, friendly staff, wholesome menus and dog friendliness and we want to reassure you that none of that is changing, if you give us a chance, I’m sure you’ll agree.
We realise that some guests will be opposed to this change and that’s okay, we thank you for the times we’ve shared and we’re sure you’ll go on to find a new special place – there’s so many meaty menus to choose from. But wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same!
We hope you’ll support us in our new beginning and we look forward to welcoming back loyal guests alongside those new ones, who – like us – would love to visit a fully plant-based hotel offering the most incredible food, location and team.
This isn’t a profit-led decision, Beck Hall is already 98% full year round, if anything, it is a risk for our family, but it’s one we’ve thought a lot about and we are all in. It may not be for you, but please don’t use this platform to try to change our minds and please be kind.


title: Part Three: NPR #81-#100

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Part Three: NPR #81-#100
83. Bobbie Gentry, Ode to Billie Joe
All of the songs are complex and abstract, full of bright details — a checkered feed-sack dress, two postcards from California — and few of them tell you the whole story. Dramatized by Jimmie Haskell’s cinematic string arrangements, Ode to Billie Joe is a compendium of intriguing, evocative scraps of poetry that always hint at something more lingering just outside the frame, in the dark. —Alison Fensterstock
Jonathan: I couldn’t be happier that NPR included Gentry on their list; she’s such an extraordinary, singular talent, and she’s something of a godmother figure for alt-country and Americana artists. In terms of her overall impact, Ode to Billie Joe was the obvious choice, and there’s no denying that it’s a terrific album. But her Delta Sweete is even stronger, with knottier narratives and a truly Southern Gothic POV. I would have loved for that should-be classic to have found its way onto the list.
Kevin: My experience with Bobbie Gentry is through compilations only, but the NPR selection and Jonathan’s recommendation will be a great starting point for her catalog!
88. k.d. lang, Ingénue
Big ballads with sweeping choruses were not mainstream fare in 1992, but Ingénue turned out to be the album that got lang all over the radio. The awards followed, as did the media storm over her Vanity Fair cover photo with Cindy Crawford, in which the model, in a high femme leotard, shaved the face of the besuited lang. Bold, butch and beautiful, k.d. lang made an album that was never of its time, and as such, is timeless. —Rita Houston
Kevin: Her country albums were very good, but paled in comparison to her first pop opus. She never reached the dizzying heights of Ingénue again, but to get up there even once is to breathe rarefied air.
Jonathan: I do love her early country stuff; listen to “Trail of Broken Hearts” and tell me mainstream country wouldn’t have been better off had it made room for lang. I wouldn’t have voted it into my top 150 or anything, but this is as good a time as any to plug case/lang/veirs, the terrific adult-pop album she made last year with Neko Case and Laura Veirs.
89. Shania Twain, Come On Over
Her songs about equality in marriage (her “9 to 5” update “Honey, I’m Home”), femininity that was never passive (“Men’s shirts, short skirts, oh, really go wild,” she sang in “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” perfecting the Southern gal-on-a-bender trope that persists throughout country to this day), and mutually satisfying sex (“If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask!” she sang, lending her trademark positivity to the feminist idea of consent). With Come on Over, Twain’s third album, she and Lange got her balance of home truths and forward thinking totally right — and shipped 40 million copies worldwide, making this the best-selling country album of all time. —Ann Powers
Jonathan: Full disclosure: Twain is someone I fundamentally respect as an artist who has very little music that I truly enjoy listening to. I only have a handful of her singles on my iPod, and 4 of those 6 are from The Woman In Me. It makes perfect sense to include Come On Over here, though, for its massive cultural impact and Twain’s version of pop-country that no one has ever been able to imitate with nearly the same panache.
Kevin: Up! is my favorite Shania Twain album. Come On Over is necessary for this list, as it is both the biggest female album and biggest country album of all time. But The Woman in Me should also be on this list, and higher, as it permanently shifted the female point of view in country music from one of submission to one of independence. Yes, it built on the foundation of what other women were doing in country music in the late eighties and early-to-mid nineties. But after Twain, there was no going back to the victim queen archetype, best exemplified by Reba McEntire’s dominance as the biggest female country artist for the decade leading up to Twain’s blockbuster release.
91. Alison Krauss & Union Station, New Favorite
Krauss, a former fiddle champion, did not reject bluegrass’s characteristic grit so much as she synthesized it into something new, channeling the talents of her band’s superlative pickers in service to the songs. That approach changed the landscape of the genre, and you can hear its influence in practically every contemporary bluegrass act today, from Punch Brothers to Sarah Jarosz. With New Favorite, Krauss showed, once and for all, that she had nothing to prove. —Amelia Mason
Kevin: I agree that Krauss has cast a long shadow over contemporary bluegrass, but I don’t see New Favorite as a turning point or particularly significant album in her career, with or without Union Station. Her work has been remarkably consistent, so I can’t quibble with this pick, but I think that the album that shines just a bit brighter than the rest is Lonely Runs Both Ways.
Jonathan: Agreed: This is a strange choice for Krauss. It’s fine in the way that even her lesser albums are always fine– she’s never less than thoughtful and classy– but it isn’t a particularly noteworthy selection of songs or performances. Chalk it up to recency bias, but I’d be inclined to vote for Windy City, which I’ve been returning to frequently this year. Thinking about the representation of Bluegrass and folk artists on the NPR list just now, I realized that Hazel Dickens isn’t anywhere to be found, so that’s another addition to our “Notably Missing” post!
99. Taylor Swift, Fearless
At its simplest, Fearless displays Swift as a brilliant songwriter. At its truest, the album shines with an explosive voice, an ineffable gift. No one can question Swift’s success now, and Fearless proved it then. Just ask a girl. —Maria Sherman
Jonathan: Oh, hell. One of the things I love about the NPR feature is the quality and passion of the writing. Knowing how fiercely Swift’s fans champion her work, this blurb for Fearless strikes me as half-hearted and thin. Granted, that could just be because I’m on record as not thinking this is a good album at all… But I do get why this album, which was her pop breakthrough and an awards-show juggernaut (care to chime in, Kanye?), is the one they selected. I just don’t think the writing is anywhere nearly as strong as the best moments of Speak Now or especially Red, on which she embraced the pop-star ambitions that truly play to her considerable strengths as a writer and a performer. And I don’t think it’s mean to point any of that out…
Kevin: Somewhere along the line, Taylor Swift took a page from the Madonna playbook and started using criticisms of her as a challenge to get better. Fearless showcases the worst of her excesses as a songwriter and her then-crippling limitations as a vocalist. She’s been getting consistently better on both fronts ever since, and I’d pick 1989 as the best representation of her talents at this point. Some artists are just better when they abandon any pretense of being country ones and go full blown pop. She’s one of them.


title: Polish vodka

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The Labour group on Carmarthenshire County Council, propped up in power by the closet Tory Independents, has several colourful characters on its benches, but probably none more so than Cllr Keri Thomas, who represents Tyisha in Llanelli, the town formerly famous for its saucepans, pots and kettles.
Cllr Thomas has got himself into hot water by blaming an "influx" of Polish people into Llanelli for a rise in outdoor drinking in the town. You can read the story here.
This very negative picture of the Polish community will certainly come as a surprise to most of us whose experience of Polish people in Wales is entirely different.
Earlier this year a Labour candidate in the Amman Valley got himself into trouble for a string of highly offensive messages on Twitter. Despite that, he remained the Labour Party's official candidate and received the backing of Kevin Madge, who put most of the blame on Twitter.
Cllr Thomas made his comments in a public forum, and so cannot blame it on the evils of social networking.
Regular readers of this blog may recall that Cllr Thomas was absent on long-term sick leave through most of 2011 and half of this year. It came as some surprise when despite this prolonged absence he gained the backing of the Labour Party to stand again in the council elections in May, although he was apparently not well enough to campaign.
It is good to see that he made a full recovery, although his comments about the town's Polish residents are an utter disgrace.


title: Life on earth could have started with molecules that look like a mixture of rna and dna 324064

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Life on Earth Could Have Started With Molecules That Look Like a Mixture of RNA and DNA
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For decades, chemists have tested theories for how life began on Earth. One hypothesis has caught the scientific imagination for years: RNA World. This theory proposes that prebiotic molecules joined up early on to form RNA, the molecules that carry instructions from DNA in organisms today. RNA World posits that once RNA formed on Earth, it began replicating itself and later gave rise to molecules like DNA.
RNA World is a fascinating theory, says Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy, PhD, an associate professor of chemistry at Scripps Research, but it may not hold true. The problem is that the ingredients, such as enzymes, to make RNA World work just didn’t exist on early Earth.
"RNA World has given rise to the idea that if you somehow synthesize RNA, which can replicate and catalyze reactions, everything else automatically follows,” says Krishnamurthy, who is a member of the Simons Collaboration on the Origins of Life and holds a joint appointment with the Center for Chemical Evolution, co-funded by the NASA Astrobiology program and the National Science Foundation. “That's not the case, because RNA World relies on RNA replicating itself, which is very difficult."
Part of the challenge is that RNA molecules form stable structures called duplexes. These structures have what’s known as a strong binding affinity. This means the RNA molecules have difficulty separating from each other and acting as templates for replicating further in the absence of enzymes.
Krishnamurthy now has experimental evidence to demonstrate that life’s process on Earth could have actually started with molecules that looked like a mixture of RNA and DNA. In the latest issue of Nature Chemistry, he and the study’s first author, Subhendu Bhowmik, PhD, also of Scripps Research, report that these mixed molecules form unstable duplexes and have lesser affinity for themselves. Surprisingly, these “chimeras” have stronger affinity for RNA and DNA, which allows them to act as templates for making RNA or DNA.
In fact, the researchers were able to form these chimeras under lab conditions and show that they have the potential to replicate RNA and DNA, and the thus formed RNA and DNA are able to reproduce the chimeras. This behavior could lead to a cross-catalytic amplification of RNA and DNA—a key step toward the evolution of complex organisms.
“A provocative implication of this study is that RNA and DNA could have appeared simultaneously instead of the widely accepted RNA World theory, where RNA appears first and then gives rise to DNA,” says Krishnamurthy. “This means mixtures of RNA and DNA could have co-existed.”
In organisms today, DNA and RNA perform very different roles in our cells. The new project experimentally supports the idea that life could have arisen from a much messier system, where “pure” RNA and DNA did not exist yet. As Krishnamurthy says: “It's OK not to have clean chemistry.”
In work spearheaded by Bhowmik, a research associate in Krishnamurthy’s Scripps Research laboratory, the team also created “heterogeneous” mixed molecules made of RNA and a synthetic molecule called TNA, which has been proposed to be a plausible ancestor of RNA (“pre-RNA”). TNA is very similar to RNA, but scientists have replaced one type of sugar molecule (ribose) with another (threose). This allows TNA to cross-pair with RNA and DNA. Krishnamurthy and Bhowmik say a molecule like TNA could have performed this cross-pairing at the very beginning of evolution, leading to the side-by-side formation of TNA and RNA.
By mixing RNA-DNA, the researchers showed that it could have been possible to form a mixed molecule that could work as templates for RNA and DNA. This mixed molecule is also a high-energy system in the sense that it forms unstable duplexes. The new research shows that these unstable duplexes (higher energy systems) are capable of giving rise to RNA and DNA, which form more stable duplexes (lower energy systems). Thus, there is a thermodynamically favorable movement from chimeric systems (less-stable, higher-energy) to homogeneous systems (more-stable, lower-energy).
“Hybrid system like these could have helped in the evolution of homogeneous systems,” says Bhowmik.
We’ll never know exactly how early life formed, but the experiments at least show chemical reactions that could have eventually led to the pure RNA and DNA sequences that support life today. The work also supports the findings of a 2018 Scripps Research study, which showed how an engineered bacterium can function with a mixed RNA-DNA genome.
Krishnamurthy says research going forward should focus on which ingredients needed for RNA-DNA chimeras would have been available on prebiotic Earth. The scientists used several molecules that were likely not available back then, though similar ingredients should have existed. The new study gives researchers a “proof of principle” that these reactions can work, and Krishnamurthy plans to follow up with further experiments to explore the pathways for how life’s molecules could have come together. “This study is the first step in that direction,” he says.
Krishnamurthy is also interested in how RNA-DNA chimeras might be used in medicinal chemistry studies. He says these mixed systems may help researchers overcome some challenges in genetic sequencing.
Reference: Subhendu Bhowmik and Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy. 2019. The role of sugar-backbone heterogeneity and chimeras in the simultaneous emergence of RNA and DNA. Nature Chemistry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-019-0322-x.
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