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ERCOT CEO Fired in Aftermath of Deadly Texas Power Outages
The head of ERCOT is losing his job, the latest consequence of the deadly power outages that left millions of Texans freezing in the dark last month.
Bill Magness, the president and CEO of the Electric the Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), had his contract terminated when the non-profit agency’s board of directors opted to exercise a 60-day termination notice during Wednesday night’s emergency meeting.
More than 50 Deaths Connected to Texas Power Outages
Magness will continue to “work with state leaders and regulators on potential reforms to ERCOT” during the 60-day period. The Board also indicated that it would begin an immediate search for a new ERCOT CEO.
The lights went out in Texas on February 25th, after a massive winter storm forced millions of people to crank up the heat. But the unregulated power grid could not handle the surging demand, leaving large swaths of the state without heat, lights, and even water for days.
More than 50 deaths have been tied to the Texas power outages, including many that resulted from burns, hypothermia, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Millions were also left to cope with flooding, soggy carpets, and soaked drywall after the absence of heat caused frozen water pipes to rupture in their homes.
How ERCOT Failures Led to Texas Blackouts
Insurance industry experts estimate the costs associated with last month’s winter storm and power outage could equal those of Hurricane Harvey – the most expensive natural disaster in Texas history.
ERCOT is tasked with overseeing the Texas wholesale energy market. It’s become glaringly obvious that the agency’s failure to meet its responsibility was directly to blame for the state’s deadly power outages.
For one thing, ERCOT has long refused to enforce a “reserve margin” of extra power available above expected demand. As a result, the Texas energy grid was unable to meet demand during the February storm. The agency also doesn’t require that private power companies weatherize their equipment. Without such precautions in place, much of the state’s energy infrastructure froze in the cold and was unable to deliver what little power there was.
Magness Faced Pressure to Resign from ERCOT
Magness had been under pressure to resign since the storm. But on Monday, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick became the highest-ranking elected official to demand he step down. Patrick also called for the resignation of DeAnn Walker, chair of the Texas Public Utility Commission.
“The lack of adequate preparation by both the ERCOT CEO and the PUC chair before the storm, their failure to plan for the worst-case scenario and their failure to communicate in a timely manner dictates they are not the ones to oversee the reforms needed,” Patrick said in a statement released to the media.
Walker announced her resignation just hours later. Days earlier, five members of the ERCOT board had also resigned amid growing public criticism. A sixth person slated to fill a board vacancy withdrew his application.
According to The Houston Chronicle, Magness has worked at ERCOT since 2010 and became CEO in 2016. He earned $833,000 in salary and other compensation in 2018.
During legislative hearings on the outages, Magness said there wasn’t anything he would do differently. That attitude left many lawmakers less than satisfied.
“This is not a chamber of commerce update,” said Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. “This is the largest train wreck in the history of deregulated electricity.”
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If you or a loved one were injured, tragically killed, or sustained significant property damage because of the Texas power outages, call 1-888-603-3636, use the “chat” button on our homepage, or Click Here to send us a confidential email through our “Contact Us” form.
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domain: news


2014 Orbea Ordu Time Trial Frameset
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Dominican Republic chocolate export quantities and HS Codes
In 2019 The Dominican Republic shipped 954 tonnes of chocolate. For the year 2019 alone, the market for the Dominican Republic chocolate (processed category) has shrunk, changing by -4.409 % compared to the year 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, chocolate's exports grew by 15.92% earning the nation US$4.05m for the year 2019. the Dominican Republic's chocolate exports are classified as:
- Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs or bars weighing > 2 kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form, in containers or immediate packings of a content > 2 kg (excluding cocoa powder) (HS code 180620)
- Chocolate and other preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs or bars of <= 2 kg, filled (HS code 180631)
- Chocolate and other preparations containing cocoa, in containers or immediate packings of <= 2 kg (excluding in blocks, slabs or bars and cocoa powder) (HS code 180690)
- Chocolate and other preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs or bars of <= 2 kg (excluding filled) (HS code 180632)
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Dominican Republic chocolate export values
In 2019, the Dominican Republic shipped chocolate valued at 4.05m USD, a surge of 16.11% from 2018's total chocolate export of 3.488m USD. The annual change in value of the Dominican Republic chocolate between 2017 to 2018 was 14.737 per cent.
The annual variation in the amount of the Dominican Republic's chocolate exports between 2017 and 2019 was 15.92 pc in comparison to a variation of -4.409% in the period between 2018 and 2019.
Export markets for Dominican Republic chocolate ( in '000$ )
the Dominican Republic purchased 5,017 tonnes of chocolate in 2019.
Click here for price analysis of Dominican Republic chocolate.
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Production of other produce in the Processed category in Dominican Republic: Milk & Cream, Yogurt, Kefir & Buttermilk, Whey, Butter, Cheese, Natural Honey, Coffee, Green Tea and Black Tea.
See the production of chocolate in other countries across Caribbean : Aruba chocolate, Bahamas chocolate, Barbados chocolate, Cuba chocolate, Dominican Republic chocolate, Grenada chocolate, Guadeloupe chocolate, Haiti chocolate, Jamaica chocolate and Martinique chocolate.
Nutrition: chocolate calories and other nutrition facts

domain: statistics


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Feng Shui is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to relationships, and for good reason. This ancient Chinese art and science focuses on the arrangement of our living spaces to create harmony, balance, and positive energy flow. In the realm of love and marriage, Feng Shui offers a wealth of insights and techniques to enhance romantic connections and deepen bonds. By strategically placing certain items in our homes, we can positively impact our relationships and invite love to blossom.
At its core, Feng Shui is based on the belief that everything in our environment carries energy, also known as “chi.” The placement of objects within our surroundings influences the flow of this energy, which can directly affect our well-being and relationships. Creating a harmonious environment through Feng Shui can help attract love into your life or strengthen an existing partnership.
Understanding the basics of Feng Shui is crucial before diving into specific techniques for love and marriage. It involves key principles such as selecting appropriate colors, arranging furniture harmoniously, and incorporating meaningful symbols or objects associated with love. By grasping these foundational concepts, you will be better equipped to create a space that nurtures your relationship.
Understanding the Basics
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that believes in the energy flow, known as “chi,” and its impact on various aspects of life, including love and marriage. By understanding the basics of Feng Shui, individuals can create a harmonious environment that enhances their relationships.
One fundamental principle of Feng Shui is the idea that energy flows throughout our living spaces. To optimize this flow and promote positive energy in a relationship, it is important to create a balanced and clutter-free environment. This can be achieved by arranging furniture in a way that allows for easy movement and promotes harmony within the space.
Colors also play a significant role in Feng Shui. Certain colors are believed to attract love and enhance passion in relationships. For example, shades of pink and red are often associated with romance, while soft blues and greens can create a calming atmosphere that fosters communication and emotional connection.
In addition to creating a harmonious physical space, it is equally important to consider the emotional aspect of Feng Shui. This involves clearing any negative emotions or memories associated with the space to allow for new beginnings and positive energy. Simple practices such as decluttering, regular cleaning, and incorporating personal touches like photographs or sentimental objects can help establish an emotionally nurturing environment.
By understanding these key principles of Feng Shui, individuals can set the foundation for a loving and harmonious relationship. It is essential to consider both the physical arrangement of your space as well as its emotional aspects when practicing Feng Shui for enhancing love and marriage.
- Create a balanced environment by arranging furniture in a way that allows for easy movement.
- Use colors associated with love, such as pink and red, to create an atmosphere of romance.
- Clear negative emotions from your space by decluttering regularly and incorporating personal touches.
Feng Shui Items for Love and Romance
When it comes to attracting love and romance, certain Feng Shui items can play a significant role in creating a harmonious environment. These items are believed to harness positive energy and vibrations, ultimately enhancing the love and romance in your life. Incorporating these items into your living space can help create a loving atmosphere and attract the partner you desire. Here are some essential Feng Shui items for love and romance:
- Pair of Mandarin Ducks: In Feng Shui, Mandarin ducks symbolize lifelong love, fidelity, and happiness in relationships. Placing a pair of Mandarin ducks in your bedroom or relationship corner can enhance the energy of love and bring harmony between partners.
- Rose Quartz: Known as the “love stone,” rose quartz is believed to promote unconditional love, trust, and deep emotional healing. Placing a rose quartz crystal in your bedroom or wearing it as jewelry can help attract love, heal emotional wounds, and restore harmony in relationships.
- Double Happiness Symbol: The double happiness symbol is an ancient Chinese character that represents both joy and marital bliss. Displaying this symbol in your home or bedroom is said to attract happiness, harmonious partnerships, and strengthen the bond between couples.
- Red Candles: Red is considered an auspicious color that symbolizes passion, love, and strength of relationships in Feng Shui. Lighting red candles can activate the fire element and stimulate passion within a relationship.
- Peonies: Peonies are regarded as one of the most auspicious flowers for love and marriage in Feng Shui. Displaying fresh peonies or peony artwork in your home can invite positive energy into your space.
To incorporate these Feng Shui items for love and romance into your living space:
– Place the Mandarin ducks or double happiness symbol on a nightstand or shelf in your bedroom.
– Use rose quartz crystals as decor pieces or wear them as jewelry.
– Light red candles in the bedroom or relationship corner of your home.
– Decorate with fresh peonies or display peony artwork in areas associated with love and romance.
By incorporating these Feng Shui items into your living space, you can create a loving and harmonious environment that attracts and nurtures love and romance. Remember to choose items that resonate with you personally and bring joy to your heart.
The Blossoming Power of Floral Feng Shui
Flowers have long been associated with love, romance, and beauty. In Feng Shui, the art of arranging objects in a way that optimizes energy flow, flowers hold a special place for their ability to bring positive energy into relationships.
The use of flowers in Feng Shui is known as Floral Feng Shui, and it offers a powerful way to enhance love and marriage. By understanding the meaning behind different types of flowers and incorporating them strategically into your home, you can harness the blossoming power of Floral Feng Shui to create an atmosphere of love, passion, and harmony.
The Symbolism Behind Different Types of Flowers
When it comes to Floral Feng Shui, different types of flowers carry distinct meanings and energies. For example:
– Red roses: The ultimate symbol of love and passion, red roses are commonly associated with romantic relationships. Placing red roses in the bedroom or throughout your home can ignite feelings of desire and deepen the connection between you and your partner.
– Peonies: These beautiful flowers represent prosperity, happiness, and feminine beauty. Incorporating peonies into your living space can create an ambiance of joy and abundance while invoking feelings of tenderness in your relationship.
– Orchids: Orchids are often associated with fertility, longevity, and elegance. They are believed to promote marital bliss and deepen emotional connections between partners. Displaying orchids in key areas such as the bedroom or living room can invite positive energy into your marriage.
Tips for Incorporating Flowers Into Your Home
To harness the power of Floral Feng Shui effectively:
- Choose fresh flowers: Opt for fresh flowers over artificial ones whenever possible as they carry more vibrant energy.
- Consider flower placement: Place flowers strategically in areas where you spend significant time together as a couple, such as the bedroom or living room. Arrange them in pairs or groups to symbolize unity and harmony.
- Use appropriate vases: Choose vases made of materials that enhance the energy of love, such as crystal or ceramic. Avoid vases made of sharp or disruptive materials like metal.
- Follow your intuition: Trust your intuition when selecting flowers for your home. Let your personal preferences guide you in choosing blooms that resonate with you and evoke feelings of love and happiness.
By incorporating flowers thoughtfully into your living space, you can infuse your home with positive energy and create an atmosphere conducive to love, romance, and deepening connections in your relationship. Floral Feng Shui offers a beautiful and meaningful way to enhance the loving energy within your home and invite the blossoming power of nature into your love life.
Harmonizing Your Bedroom
The Importance of a Balanced and Peaceful Bedroom Environment
Creating a harmonious and balanced environment in the bedroom is essential for enhancing love and intimacy in a relationship. According to Feng Shui principles, the bedroom is considered a sanctuary where couples can nurture their love and deepen their emotional connection. By implementing certain Feng Shui tips, you can transform your bedroom into a space that promotes love, peace, and intimacy.
One important aspect of Feng Shui for the bedroom is ensuring that it is clutter-free. Clutter not only disrupts the flow of energy but also creates feelings of stress and chaos. It is recommended to declutter regularly, keeping only items that are meaningful or necessary. This allows for the free flow of positive energy or “chi” throughout the room, creating a more peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
Ideal Bedroom Layouts Based on Feng Shui Principles
Another crucial aspect of Feng Shui for the bedroom is the layout of furniture. The placement of the bed plays a significant role in promoting love and intimacy. Ideally, the bed should have a solid headboard against a wall to provide stability and support in the relationship.
It is also advisable to place the bed in a commanding position, which means that it can be easily seen from the door without being directly in line with it. This positioning symbolizes empowerment and allows for better rest and communication within the relationship.
Additionally, it is important to have equal access to both sides of the bed, as this signifies equality between partners. If there are any obstructions or imbalances in terms of furniture placement or layout, it may create disharmony or power imbalances within the relationship.
Selecting Appropriate Colors, Bedding, and Artwork
Colors have a strong influence on our emotions and can significantly impact our well-being within our living spaces. In Feng Shui for love and intimacy, it is recommended to choose colors that promote relaxation, passion, and balance. Soft, calming colors such as light blues or pastel pinks encourage a tranquil atmosphere, while warm hues like red or burgundy can ignite passion and romance.
When it comes to bedding, it is advised to select high-quality sheets and pillows made of natural materials that feel comfortable and luxurious. Additionally, incorporating artwork or decor in the bedroom that represents love and harmony can enhance the overall energy of the space. Images or sculptures depicting couples or symbols of love can help create a romantic atmosphere and remind partners of their deep connection.
By implementing these Feng Shui tips for your bedroom, you can create an environment that supports love, intimacy, and mutual understanding within your relationship. A harmonious bedroom not only encourages better communication but also promotes restful sleep and rejuvenation, allowing for a stronger emotional connection between partners.
The Role of Crystals and Gemstones in Feng Shui for Love and Marriage
Crystals and gemstones have long been prized for their beauty, but in the realm of Feng Shui, they are also known for their ability to enhance love and marriage. These natural wonders are believed to possess powerful energy that can attract love, deepen commitment, and harmonize relationships. In Feng Shui, specific crystals and gemstones are associated with love and marriage, each having unique properties that contribute to the overall well-being of a partnership.
One popular crystal in Feng Shui for love is Rose Quartz. Known as the stone of unconditional love, Rose Quartz is believed to open the heart to all forms of love-romantic, familial, and self-love. Placing a piece of Rose Quartz in the bedroom or relationship corner of your home can create a soothing and loving atmosphere conducive to deepening connections.
Another crystal often used in Feng Shui for marriage is Amethyst. Its calming energy helps reduce stress and anxiety while promoting understanding and trust. Amethyst is known as a stone of devotion and commitment, making it an excellent choice for couples looking to strengthen their bond or those seeking a partner with whom they can build a lasting relationship.
Citrine is another crystal frequently utilized in Feng Shui for love and marriage due to its association with abundance and happiness. This golden-hued stone is said to attract prosperity into relationships while infusing them with joy and positivity. Placing Citrine in the relationship corner or carrying it as a personal talisman can help bring about an atmosphere of shared happiness and fulfillment.
To incorporate crystals into your space for optimal benefits, you can place them strategically around your home or wear them as jewelry. Some suggestions include placing clusters of Rose Quartz on bedside tables or wearing Amethyst earrings regularly. The key is to follow your intuition when choosing crystals that resonate with you and your desires for love and marriage.
Inviting Love into Your Home
The entrance and living room are key areas in Feng Shui for attracting love and marriage. These spaces are the first impression for visitors and set the tone for positive energy in the home. This section will provide tips on how to arrange furniture, decor, and incorporate symbolic Feng Shui items to create a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere.
To invite love into your home, begin by decluttering the entrance area. Clear any obstacles or unnecessary items that may block the flow of positive energy. Keep the space clean, well-lit, and organized to create an inviting environment.
When arranging furniture in the living room, consider creating a seating area that encourages conversation and connection. Avoid placing furniture with sharp angles or pointing directly at entryways as this can disrupt the flow of energy. Instead, opt for rounded shapes and position them diagonally across from each other to promote harmony.
Incorporating symbolic Feng Shui items can also enhance love and marriage in these areas. One popular item is Mandarin ducks, which symbolize long-lasting love and harmony in relationships. Place a pair of Mandarin ducks figurine or artwork near the entrance or in the living room to attract loving energy.
Another recommended item is a pair of Koi fish figurines or paintings. Koi fish represent abundance, fertility, and good fortune in Feng Shui. Displaying them near the entrance or living room can symbolize a fruitful relationship filled with love and prosperity.
Lastly, consider adding fresh flowers or plants to these areas as they bring vitality and positive energy into your home. Choose flowers such as red roses for passion, pink peonies for romance, or orchids for love and fertility. Place them in a prominent location to attract love energy into your space.
By implementing these Feng Shui tips for the entrance and living room, you can create an environment that invites love into your home. Remember that intention and mindfulness play an important role in harnessing the energy of Feng Shui.
Sustaining Love and Longevity
In order to sustain a happy and fulfilling marriage, Feng Shui principles can be applied to create an environment that promotes positive energy and harmony. Communication, balance, and mutual support are essential elements for a lasting relationship, and Feng Shui can help enhance these aspects within the home. By incorporating certain practices and symbols, couples can cultivate a loving and long-lasting partnership.
One important aspect of Feng Shui for a happy marriage is open communication. It is important to create spaces within the home that encourage open dialogue between partners. Designate specific areas where couples can sit down and have meaningful conversations without distractions or disturbances. This could be a cozy corner in the living room or a private space in the bedroom. The key is to create an environment that allows for uninterrupted communication and understanding.
Another important principle in sustaining a happy marriage is balance. It is crucial to create a balanced environment both physically and energetically. In terms of physical balance, ensure that furniture arrangement in shared spaces like the living room or bedroom is harmonious and promotes equality between partners. Energetic balance can be achieved by using Feng Shui practices such as placing pairs of objects or symmetrical decorations in the home. This symbolism reinforces the idea of balance in the relationship.
Mutual support is also vital in maintaining a happy marriage, and Feng Shui can help foster this aspect. Incorporating symbols of love and unity throughout the home can serve as reminders of mutual support. For example, placing artwork or sculptures that depict loving couples or symbolic representations of partnership can reinforce this idea of solidarity within the relationship.
In conclusion, the practice of Feng Shui offers a powerful and transformative way to enhance love and marriage. Throughout this article, we have explored the fundamental principles of Feng Shui and how they relate to creating a harmonious environment for relationships to thrive. By incorporating specific Feng Shui items, such as flowers, crystals, and symbolic decor, we can harness the energy of Feng Shui to attract love, deepen connections, and sustain long-lasting partnerships.
One important aspect of Feng Shui is understanding the role of energy flow, or “chi,” in our living spaces. By arranging furniture and decor in a way that promotes the smooth flow of energy, we can create an inviting atmosphere that promotes love and intimacy. From selecting appropriate colors for the bedroom to choosing artwork that inspires feelings of love and passion, every detail plays a part in harmonizing our living environments for optimal relationship experiences.
Furthermore, open communication, balance, and mutual support are key factors in maintaining a happy marriage. By applying these principles within the context of Feng Shui, we can promote positive energy and harmony within our homes. This includes creating welcoming entrances and living rooms that invite love into our lives and incorporating symbolic items that represent love and happiness.
In summary, harnessing the energy of Feng Shui can have profound effects on our relationships by creating loving and harmonious environments. By exploring the various tips and concepts presented throughout this article, readers are encouraged to embrace the world of Feng Shui as a tool for enhancing love and marriage.
With an open mind and willingness to experiment with different elements within our living spaces, we can tap into the transformative power of Feng Shui to create lasting happiness in our relationships.
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domain: relationship


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A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced cancellation of CBSE Plus two exams, the Tamil Nadu Government will take a call on holding its Plus-2 State board exams in the next two days.
Talking to reporters after holding a review meeting with Chief Minister M K Stalin at the State Secretariat here, Shool Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said the CM will take a decision on holding the exams after eliciting the views of various stakeholders in two days.
The Minister, who had earlier said that the State’s decision will depend on the Centre’s decision on holding CBSE exams, said the government has sought the views from health experts, parents, teachers, students and academicians to decide on the next course of action.
“The Chief Minister has said that all sides should be heard and that a decision will be taken within two days based on this”, he said, adding that they will also consider what other States decide with regard to conducting their state board exams
The Minister appealed to parents, teachers and other stakeholders to write or send e-mails to the department sharing their views.
“Our Chief Minister and the government have always maintained the same position that while we acknowledge that exams are important for a student’s future, their health also should be taken into consideration,” he said.

domain: topicality


Welcome to the Oil and Gas HSE podcast — brought to you on the Oil and Gas Global Network by TechnipFMC.
Russell interviews Brett Davis with R360 Environmental Solutions, LLC | Permian Division Sales to discuss cleaning up wastes from drilling and completion operations.
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Vail Valley weather may dry out this weekend
Expect another round of monsoonal moisture next week
Summer in the Vail Valley and the Western Slope used to feature monsoon moisture that brought afternoon showers in July and August. That pattern has disappeared for the past few years.
This year has seen a return to the monsoon patterns. That’s been good news for a drought-parched region, particularly area streamflows. But the monsoons have also been bad news when dumping rain on wildfire burn scars.
The closure of Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon is the direct result of a lot of precipitation in a short time. The giant slides that have closed the highway indefinitely are due to the canyon being hit with four inches of rain in just five days. The area usually sees about 2.5 inches for the entire month of July.
The crews cleaning up the canyon — along with just about everyone else who plays outside in the summer — will get a break this weekend.
Erin Walter, a meteorologist at the Grand Junction office of the National Weather Service, said high pressure is building in the region. That will keep out the flow of tropical moisture.
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Walter said she expects the weekend to be “relatively quiet,” with the exception of some thunderstorms that might build up over the Continental Divide.
While the weekend is expected to be mostly dry, Walter said those days could bring some strong winds to the area.
Recent rains have prompted fire officials to rescind fire restrictions. White River National Forest spokeswoman Kelsha Anderson said the recent wet weather has provided a bit of a breather to fire crews who have been busy with this summer’s wildfires.
Firefighters are still keeping a close eye on conditions, noting that lightning from thunderstorms can still spark fires.
“We’ve been able to catch them so far,” Anderson said.
The drying pattern is expected to last only a few days before tropical moisture returns to the area.
Walter said monsoonal moisture could return to the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado by Aug. 10 or so, with the pattern moving farther north a few days later.
That’s good news for fire danger, but between winds and warm, dry weather, it’s hard to tell how long the loosened fire restrictions will last.
“We just have to take it one week at a time,” Anderson said.
Here’s the National Weather Service forecast for Vail for Aug. 5-8
Aug. 5: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Aug. 6: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. There’s a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon.
Aug. 7: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Aug. 8: Sunny, with a high near 81.


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A 45 bedroom mansion in Hyde Park is all set to become the most expensive home in the UK. The bid that put this home on the map is the astonishing sum of £280 million (which is more than $437 million) offered by a private bidder. The 60,000sq ft. property is a truly an urban palace and is also believed to be the largest single family home in London. Following the passing of the former owner Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, the house went on the market with a £300 million price tag but failed to sell. Only now, the private bid of £280 million will make this the most expensive property in the UK. Here’s your sneak peek into the luxury estate.
In the 1990’s Parisian interior designer Alberto Pinto’s company spent 2 and a half years refurbishing the home.
The team sourced luxury items from brands like Barovier & Toso, Laudarte, Valderamobili, Baccarat, Christofle and Baldi Home Jewels to decorate the house.
The fittings in the bathrooms include semiprecious stones as malachite, amethyst and precious metals such as bronze gold and silver with Baldi baths.
The current owner supposedly does not want any of the current fittings or décor pieces so these are slated to be sold in a public auction.
The house has also been adorned with millions of pounds of gold leaf.
Though the household items and furniture are expected to be worth millions (£50 million to be exact), the hope is that the auction will fetch at least £450000.
Most of the ultra-luxe furniture will probably sell at a fraction of the original cost.
We wonder how the new owner will decorate the fantastic house.
A look at the beautiful exterior. Even a tour of a home like this would be a magnificent experience for some décor enthusiasts.
[Via –Daily Mail]

domain: economics


January 11, 2024
Happy 2024! We’re back with another edition of “The Recall Notice,” our quarterly blog series where we explore the latest in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls. We also dive into how these recalls were addressed and how automotive connectivity solutions can be leveraged to streamline future recall rollout efforts. Last year, we covered a variety of both software-related recalls and hardware-related recalls. But to kick off the new year we’ve got something special in store; read on to learn more.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V877000
OEM: Kia America, Inc.
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 79,812
Remedy: Software update at dealership and potential engine replacement
Estimated Cost: $23.9M - $39.9M
No one wants their engine to spontaneously combust while driving, which is why Kia is recalling certain Sorento 2011 vehicles in NHTSA Recall 23V677. While the manufacturer has yet to identify the actual cause of the fires, they have narrowed the affected units down to those produced at the Kia Georgia plant between October 24, 2009, and June 24, 2011. Impacted vehicles are equipped with Theta II 2.4L Multi-Point Injection (MPI) engines and don’t have Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software installed.
The remedy is rather a failsafe that is intended to mitigate unreasonable fire risk resulting from potential engine damage. It includes the installation of KSDS software and if necessary engine replacement. Although over 79,000 Sorento vehicles are being recalled for this in-dealer fix, only 1% of these actually have the defect.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V787000
OEM: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 32,125
Remedy: Software update at dealership and potential battery pack replacement
Estimated Cost: $9.6M - $16.1M
NHTSA Recall 23V787 includes certain Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles from model years 2021 to 2023. Similar to the Kia recall, this one involves a fault that may result in a fire and a root cause that remains unknown. In May 2023 an investigation was opened regarding two reported fires that originated in the vehicle’s high-voltage (HV) battery. It was determined that battery cells manufactured within a specific date range had the potential to experience an unspecified internal failure that could result in a vehicle fire regardless of whether the engine was on or off.
If you’ve been with us for a while, you might remember some of the other HV battery-related faults we’ve covered over the last few years. Among them are a recall for a battery-fire issue with unknown cause in certain Chevy Bolts, an HV issue resulting in a sudden loss of power with a range of BMW vehicles, and an HV battery management system issue with certain Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles. In addition to being battery-related, these recalls share a common thread: none of the manufacturers had a means of remotely monitoring and diagnosing the battery, or deploying an over-the-air fix – be that temporary or permanent. As such the remedy for NHTSA Recall 23V787 requires a visit to the dealer, where new software will be flashed on the HV battery pack and – if a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) results – a battery pack replacement.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000
OEM: Tesla, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 2,031,220
Remedy: Over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge
Estimated Cost: Negligible
This isn’t the first time that we’ve mentioned Tesla in “The Recall Notice,” but the fact of the matter is that they have accomplished something that most automakers continue to struggle with: full-vehicle OTA. NHTSA Recall 23V838 includes a whopping 2M+ units, however none of those will be required to return to the dealership. The fault, which isn’t really a fault as much as an oversight, pertains to vehicles with a version of Autosteer that may be insufficient in preventing misuse of the SAE Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) feature. As such, impacted 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles will receive a free over-the-air update.
Of course, Tesla isn’t the only automaker saving time, money, and lives with OTA. In NHTSA Recall 23V768, Lonestar Specialty Vehicles released an OTA update to remedy an issue with the Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) of certain 2021-2023 SV Hybrid Electric S22 terminal tractors. Rivian has also adopted a connected approach to recalls, the company corrected a detection issue in the speed control system with an over-the-air update, in NHTSA Recall 23V883.
There is no way for automakers to go back and change the past. However, looking at how connected device solutions could have helped recalls in the present, gives us an idea of how to leverage them in the future.
Let’s start by looking at fault identification. Kia is still searching for the cause of the Sorrento engine fires – a task that can prove almost impossible depending on the extent of fire damage. A connected device solution like Sibros Deep Logger provides OEMs with full visibility of what is happening in the vehicle before, after, and during an incident. In addition to identifying the cause, it could also narrow the recall scope and the vehicles most likely to be impacted. Imagine the cost savings of a recall that included 798 vehicles (the estimated 1% that have the fault) instead of 79,812 vehicles. But let’s go a step further. After those 798 stop by the dealer for their in-person fix – as sadly the world has yet to devise a remote solution for part replacement – the other 79,000 or so non-affected vehicles that still require their KSDS software update can receive it with a full-vehicle OTA solution like Sibros Deep Updater.
Deep Updater could also be leveraged for the Chrysler recall, by deploying additional safety measures until owners can bring their cars into the dealer. Additionally, data provided by Deep Logger could help determine which battery packs are malfunctioning to help prioritize repair efforts, and identify the root cause, to avoid such issues in future battery iterations and designs. Another side effect of monitoring and maintaining battery health through data logging and remote updates is increased HV battery longevity and safety – which in turn improves customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and overall profits.
OEMs like Tesla, Rivian, and Lonestar understand the importance of OTA in revolutionizing recall remediation. Of course, the in-house development of a dependable and comprehensive connected device solution that not only includes OTA updates, but remote diagnostics, commands, and data logging as well, is easier said than done. Instead of investing indeterminate amounts of time and money in research and development, invest in the future and start saving today with an out-of-the-box connected device solution like Sibros Deep Connected Platform. Learn more, book a demo today.


text:
Fiat 500 Abarth sells out in US
NEW YORK, June 6 — It was with some trepidation that Fiat launched its compact 500 in the US, and for some time it looked as if the Italian firm had seriously misjudged the US market.
Sales floundered, and by this time last year, many were questioning whether Americans were ready for such a tiny car — but this week came a further confirmation of an incredible turnaround since then.
The Fiat 500 Abarth, a high-performance tuned version of the model, has already sold out in the month since its launch in late April, reports the Detroit News, with Chrysler halting orders from dealers.
As showrooms run dry of the models, customers are to be put on a waiting list for the 2013 version, the report says, with the factory unable to produce more than the 3,000 vehicles it promised.
Although the production capacity is low, the surge in demand for the high-performance version will allow Fiat to breathe a sigh of relief for the fate of the 500, which suffered from what Chrysler executives called an ‘awareness problem’.
A high profile campaign featuring Jennifer Lopez appears to have helped the problem, with sales of Fiat models up 432 per cent in the US last month, according to Chrysler figures.
A total of 4,000 Fiats sold in May, the brand’s fourth consecutive sales record this year, creeping up to Fiat’s original (hugely ambitious) sales goal of 6,000 sales a month.
Interest in the Abarth was also reportedly boosted by a Super Bowl commercial starring model Catrinel Menghia, which proved to be among the most successful of the sporting spectacle’s line-up. — AFP/Relaxnews

domain: automotive


text:
Binance’s Spanish subsidiary Moon Tech Spain has been granted registration as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) by the Bank of Spain. The move comes after the exchange gained European registration in both France and Italy.
Binance Subsidiary Gets Green Light From Bank of Spain
Binance, a leading crypto exchange, has been officially registered by the Bank of Spain as a VASP (virtual asset service provider). This enables the exchange to provide custody and crypto exchange services in the nation legally.
Binance stated in an announcement made on Friday that its Spanish subsidiary, which operates under the name Moon Tech Spain, was officially registered as a VASP on July 7 by the national central bank in Spain. In January, the company filed for registration.
The exchange is now permitted to offer fiat-to-digital asset exchange and wallet custody services in accordance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations within the country.
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao stated that the development in Spain is the result of their hard work to build their platform focused on user protection. He emphasized that:
“Effective regulation is essential for the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies. We have invested significantly in compliance and introduced AMLD 5 and 6 compliant tools and policies to ensure that our platform remains the safest and most trustworthy in the industry.”
Binance Spain’s director, Quim Giralt, also remarked on the latest developments. According to Giralt, the next step will involve expanding the workforce in Spain and making the exchange’s services more accessible. The executive stated that they would be hiring more local talent to serve the Spanish market and contribute to the country’s ecosystem development.
Binance Continues to Grow in Europe
In May of this year, the firm got approval from French authorities to register as a trading platform in the country. Binance stated that, as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP), it would offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services to residential users.
David Princay, CEO of Binance France, said:
“The registration of Binance France as a DASP is a key milestone for crypto in Europe. In particular, the new levels of protection for AML will help grow crypto adoption in France and Europe. Greater adoption will help bring better liquidity to the market, which will be welcomed by users and the community.”
Soon after, the firm obtained a second regulatory approval on the Old continent. Binance Italy, its Italian subsidiary, was granted approval to operate as a crypto exchange. However, local legislation required registering with the “Organismo Agenti e Mediatori” (OAM), which regulates the crypto space in Italy.
Zhao hailed the effective partnership between his company and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as the OAM, saying the launch would not have been possible without their support.
It is worth mentioning that, despite its success in France and Italy, Binance has encountered some challenges with a number of other European legislators. Last summer, the company’s derivatives products were suspended by regulators in Germany and the Netherlands.

domain: law


text:
Funny Pictures Of The Day – 35 Pics
The 20 Best Funny Pictures Of Today’s Internet
It would be good if you could put some coloured TRANSPARENT filler to join it back together, but still leaving a wide stripe.Then stand it against a window for the sun to shine through,I'M GETTING TOO INVOLVED NOW ARN'T I?
The Happiest Hedgehog cute animals adorable animal pets baby animals hedgehog funny animals cute!!
20 things Donald Trump looks like | The Poke
Funny Dog Pictures with Captions
Today 76 Best Lol funny pics - LOL MANIA CLUB
10 Cute Dog Pics for Your Wednesday
Very British problems #funny #lol pic.twitter.com/h11xI5MGV2 http://ibeebz.com

domain: entertainment


text:
The pair met 19 years ago in 2001, when they were part of J.Y. Park's '99% Challenge Project'. They have been close friends since then, and they've released a duet that reminisces back to the first steps they took in 2001. The friends sing about understanding and giving strength to each other as they run toward the same goal.
Check out the beautiful lyrics video above.


What is Frontier?
News & Updates
Frontier Site Outline
4.2b8 Change Notes
Mon, Jan 20, 1997 at 5:46:07 AM by DW
1. If memory available goes below 10K while installing, save changes.
Saves changes after it's finished and clears the main window.
1. Added suites.samples and suites.newsPage to the parts list.
I keep suites.samples pretty much up to date. It should be part of every Frontier release.
suites.newsPage is not documented yet, but I wanted to include it in the release to get as much review and testing as possible.
1. Important: The menu bar is not automatically installed.
Open the Extras folder and double-click on system.menubars.MACS to import the new version of the Finder's Scripts menu
2. About this Menu
The web page button -- pointed to the wrong web page.
3. Backup command (Cmd-B)
It can back up files now. Used to just be able to do folders.
Added a confirmation dialog.
Name changes to Backup... instead of Backup Folder...
4. Bookmarks sub-menu
Unlike the Apple menu, it reveals the items, it doesn't launch them.
Works like the Bookmarks menu in web browsers.
5. View in Browser
Send an Apple Event to current web browser, to view the selected file.
Hold down Control key to process macros and hot-up URLs in the text.
6. Send thru Eudora... in Net sub-menu
Only works for folders, select as many folders as you like in the Finder.
We use StuffIt to create an archive of the folders (they are stored in the "Email Attachments" sub-folder of the Frontier folder).
Then we create a new message in Eudora and attach the archive to the message.
This is a common operation that belongs in the Finder, and it shows off the power in the scripting features of both StuffIt and Eudora.
To people who are making other scriptable email packages, and want to work with Frontier, make sure your scripting interface can be interfaced to by the scripts in system.verbs.apps.Eudora.
7. Create MCF... in Net sub-menu
Creates an MCF index for each of the selected folders. If you select a file you'll get an error dialog.
See http://www.scripting.com/frontier/siteMap.mcf for an example of an index created by this command.
Feedback from Apple people would be welcome at this time. Send email to email@example.com, cc'd to firstname.lastname@example.org. Thanks!
8. Reconcile Folders command
Dialog was missing in 4.2b7. The command didn't work at all.
9. Finder.update calls
Added calls to Finder.update so if a file's type or creator changes the icon will be re-displayed.
In the previous release, the Menu Editor command had a single keystroke of Cmd-M.
It conflicts with Make Alias. Removed the single-keystroke.
See Using the Scriptable Finder from Apple for more docs.
WEBSTAR SHARED MENU
1. This menu *is* automatically installed.
It appears for the first time in Frontier 4.2.
See Commands in WebSTAR 2.0's Shared Menu for docs.
1. Preston Holmes, email@example.com, is making a pass on this so I can focus on getting the rest of 4.2 out.
In the interim I made a couple of changes...
2. outlineSite macro
First parameter defaults to html.data.page.adrSiteRootTable.
3. Web authoring navigator
Add html.data.page to the list of places you can jump to.
© Copyright 1996-97 UserLand Software. This page was last built on 5/7/97; 1:29:40 PM.
It was originally posted on 12/9/96; 6:48:55 AM.
Internet service provided by Conxion.


|Publication number||US4988911 A|
|Application number||US 07/270,348|
|Publication date||Jan 29, 1991|
|Filing date||Oct 17, 1988|
|Priority date||Oct 17, 1988|
|Publication number||07270348, 270348, US 4988911 A, US 4988911A, US-A-4988911, US4988911 A, US4988911A|
|Inventors||Jack V. Miller|
|Original Assignee||Miller Jack V|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (5), Referenced by (10), Classifications (13), Legal Events (5)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
For many years the commonly used light bulb has consisted of little more than a clear or diffusing glass globe surrounding a compact light source. Reflector lamps have been provided with on-axis spherical, paraboloidal or elipsoidal reflectors to produce various beam widths. Control of the direct horizontal disability glare in lighting fixtures is commonly specified as a requirement in terms of VCP (Visual Comfort Probability). Similarly, reflected glare from near-vertical light striking a task surface has been specified in commercial lighting fixtures in terms of ESI (Equivalent Sphere Illumination). Both VCP and ESI characteristics have been relegated to light fixture designers and are therefore simply ignored by the designers and manufacturers of light bulbs. Since the ordinary incandescent light bulb by far the most common light source in residential lighting, there is little or no control over the photometric properties of the lighting in virtually every home. A typical example is the ordinary table lamp, in which a light bulb with spherical light destribution is placed within a shade that limits horizontal brightness and diffusely reflects some light downwards. If the shade has high transmissivity and efficiency the horizontal brightness is excessive, providing VCP so visually disabling that it would violate lighting standards for offices or schools. If the shade is has low transmissivity the lamp is a very inefficient room light, and the small circle of light near the base creates reflected glare. In this case the inefficiency and reflected glare would be unacceptable for business or schools, but is the state of the art in nearly every home.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a highly efficient light bulb that will profuce precisely controlled light distribution, with low horizontal brightness for high Visual Comfort Probability and low vertical reflected glare for improved Equivalent Sphere Illumination. A purpose of one preferred embodyment is to substantially remove the infra-red energy from the reflected beam by allowing it to pass through the reflector and thereby permit a cooler illuminated area.
A light bulb according to the invention comprises an enclosing transparent envelope disposed about a radiant light source, such as an incandescent filament or a gas discharge tube, and supported spaced from and on the centerline of a base, such as a screw base, bi-pin base or bayonet base, which includes a means for connection of the light source to external power. The envelope has a transmissive portion and generally reflective portion including the plane of the light source normal to the centerline of the base. The reflective portion of the envelope is a reflector in the form of a concave reflector of revolution im which a focus is at the light source and the light is reflected outside the envelope on an axis of approximately 45° to the base centerline, wherein the 45° axis is rotated to form a depending cone.
One preferred embodiment of the invention provides a light bulb for such portable lamp applications as table lamps and floor lamps, in which a filament is axially spaced in an upward direction from a screw base and is at the first focus of a reflector comprising an elipse of revolution. The reflector is generally the enclosure of the distal (zenith) end of the bulb, has its major eliptical axis passing through the filament and inscribing approximately a 45° half-angle cone in the downward proximal (nadir) direction towards the base, with a second focus inscribing a circle comprising the intersection of the depending cone with a horizontal plane outside the bulb. The reflector limits horizontal brightness by intercepting and substantially reflecting rays radiating from the source in the distal direction, and extends downward past the horizontal plane of the light source to approximately a 60° half-angle from nadir.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides a a light bulb for such portable lamp applications as table lamps and floor lamps, in which a filament is axially spaced in an upward direction from a screw base and is at the focus of a reflector comprising a parabola of revolution. The reflector is generally the enclosure of the distal end of the bulb, has its reflecion axis passing through the filament and inscribing approximately a 45° half-angle cone in the downward proximal (nadir) direction towards the base. The reflector limits horizontal brightness by intercepting and substantially reflecting rays radiating from the source in the distal (zenith) direction and extending downward past the horizontal plane of the light source to approximately a 60° half-angle from nadir.
FIG. 1 is an elevation cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a light bulb according to the present invention, having a reflector in the form of an elipse of revolution.
FIG. 2 is an elevation cross-sectional view of a second preferred embodiment of a light bulb according to the present invention, having a reflector in the form of a parabola of revolution.
In FIG. 1 a light bulb 1 of a preferred embodiment is shown having a depending base 2 supporting and connecting a radiant light source 3, such as filament shown, to an external power source. A glass envelope 4 encloses light source 3 and has a generally transmisive window 5, and a substantially reflective portion comprising a reflector 6 capable of completely or partially reflecting incident light from source 3. A preferred embodiment of reflector 6 is in the form of a mirror film or a commonly available dichroic coating on glass envelope 4, whereby reflector 6 is substantially reflective at wavelengths shorter than 650 nanometers, and substantially transmissive at wavelengths longer than 650 nanometers. Reflector 6 is in the form of a portion of an elipsoid of revolution in which an elipse 7 has a major axis 8 passing through a first focal point at source 3 and a second focal poing 9 revolved at approximately a 45° half-angle cone about the nadir centerline 10 of base 2.
In operation there are three sources of illumination from the bulb. First, direct rays 11 are radiated from light source 3 and transmitted directly through window 5 are distributed in a generally constant brightness cone of light distributed around nadir, following the inverse square law, and extending upwards to the optical cut-off angle of approximately 60° from nadir by reflector 6. Second, direct rays 11a striking reflector 6 become reflected rays 12 from reflector 6 also are transmitted through window 5 through focal point 9 to be destributed generally in the direction of major axis 8 of elipse 7 in a beam pattern having a peak intensity pattern in the form of a depending cone with a half angle of approximately 45° from nadir. Third, some of the direct rays 11a from source 3 pass through reflector 6 and emerge from the bulb as filtered direct rays 14 of diminished intensity.
In FIG. 2 light bulb 21 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown having a depending base 22, illustrated as a bayonet base but equally functional as a screw base of a bi-pin base, supporting and connecting a radiant light source 23, such as filament shown, to an external power source. A glass envelope 24 encloses light source 23 and has a generally transmisive window 25 in the shape of a truncated cone, and a substantially reflective portion comprising a reflector 26 capable of completely or partially reflecting incident light from source 23. Reflector 26 is in the form of a portion of a parabola of revolution in which a parabola 27 has a major axis 28 passing through a focal point at source 23 and generally collimating rays 33 parallel to the parabolic axis 28, which is revolved at approximately a 45° half-angle cone about nadir centerline 30.
In operation there are three sources of illumination from the bulb. First, direct rays 31 are radiated from light source 23 and transmitted directly though window 25 are distributed in a generally constant brightness cone of light dirtributed around nadir, following the inverse square law, and extending upwards to the optical cut-off angle of approximately 60° from nadir by reflector 26. Second, direct rays 31a striking reflector 26 become reflected rays 33 from reflector 26 also are transmitted through window 25 to be distributed generally in the direction of major axis 28 of parabola 26 in a beam pattern having a peak intensity in the form of a depending cone with a half angle of approximately 45° from nadir. Third, some of the direct rays 31a from source 23 pass through reflector 26 and emerge from the bulb as filtered direct rays 34 of longer diminished intensity.
The resulting light bulb exhibits excellent Visual Comfort Probability, having very low horizontal brightness in both bare bulb installations, such as chandeliers; and also in fixtures having relatively transparent or translucent diffusing shades. The bulb according to the invention also exhibits very high Equivalent Sphere Illumination, having low energy in the regions near nadir where reflected glare is not desireable.
The present invention shows a preferred embodyment in the common screw base configuration for medium 110 v sockets and a bayonet base common for 12 v systems. Other standard bases, flanged, prefocussed, bi-pin and wire terminal bases are obvious applications for the bulb within the scope of the invention.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US2510421 *||Jul 21, 1945||Jun 6, 1950||Ossian Rygard Sune||Extracting energy waves of certain length from a heated body|
|US4506185 *||Apr 12, 1982||Mar 19, 1985||U.S. Philips Corporation||Electric reflector lamp|
|US4777400 *||Mar 5, 1987||Oct 11, 1988||U.S. Philips Corporation||Blown lamp bulb and electric lamp provided with such a bulb|
|USRE30832 *||Jul 24, 1978||Dec 22, 1981||General Electric Company||Ellipsoidal reflector lamp|
|DE2831622A1 *||Jul 19, 1978||Aug 2, 1979||Max Laser||Reflektoranordnung|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US6111344 *||Jan 19, 1998||Aug 29, 2000||Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh||Incandescent lamp with reflection coating|
|US6160341 *||Jan 19, 1998||Dec 12, 2000||Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh||Incandescent lamp having IR reflecting layer and specially shaped bulb|
|US7397192||Jul 5, 2005||Jul 8, 2008||Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH||Halogen incandescent lamp|
|US8946978||Oct 19, 2012||Feb 3, 2015||Koninklijke Philips N.V.||Lighting device with omnidirectional light distribution|
|US20060006801 *||Jul 5, 2005||Jan 12, 2006||Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Fur Elektrische Gluhlampen Mbh||Halogen incandescent lamp|
|EP1632986A2 *||Jun 3, 2005||Mar 8, 2006||Paten Treuhand Gesellschaft für Elektrische Glühlampen MBH.||Halogen incandescent lamp|
|WO1998032157A1 *||Jan 19, 1998||Jul 23, 1998||Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh||Incandescent lamp with a reflecting coating|
|WO1998032158A1 *||Jan 19, 1998||Jul 23, 1998||Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh||Incandescent lamp with reflection coating|
|WO2013056516A1 *||Oct 19, 2012||Apr 25, 2013||Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.||Lighting device with omnidirectional light distribution|
|WO2013119381A1 *||Jan 22, 2013||Aug 15, 2013||GE Lighting Solutions, LLC||Led lamp with diffuser having spheroid geometry|
|International Classification||H01J5/10, H01K1/28, F21V3/02, F21V3/04|
|Cooperative Classification||H01K1/28, F21V3/04, F21V3/02, H01J5/10|
|European Classification||H01K1/28, F21V3/02, F21V3/04, H01J5/10|
|Jul 21, 1994||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jul 6, 1998||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 8
|Aug 13, 2002||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Jan 29, 2003||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|Mar 25, 2003||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20030129


text:
Updated: Apr 24
Sitter sessions are so much fun, especially when you have twins! Eden and Luna joined me in the studio a few weeks ago when they were 7 months old for their sitter session. Sitter photo shoots is a milestone session in a baby's first year. This age is the best, at 6-9 months old your little one will be very interactive, and their personality begins to show. These twins definitely gave me a run for my money, you wouldn't know from these photos, but they weren't too happy on the day. Which does sometime happen, but their gallery still had 60 photographs of two happy, cheeky babies! After knowing their amazing mummy for a few years now, as soon as I found out she was expecting twins I couldn't wait to photograph them. Due to the lockdowns we couldn't schedule our planned newborn session, but a sitter session is definitely the next best thing! This session was extra special for me as their mummy is a fellow endometriosis warrior too!
They really are double the joy, and double the love! I also had the most loveliest review from Ellie, Eden and Luna's mummy!
"Grace, you were absolutely amazing with the twins, I cannot thank you enough for the amount of time, fun and professionalism you showed and put into our shoot.
I was absolutely devastated when lockdown came into effect and we knew this meant we wouldn’t be able to have any newborn photos done. However, that cloud of upset and disappointment was soon lifted when you discussed with me about a “sitter session”... Although the twins (one more than the other) could only just sit, you made it so accommodating for us to get such beautiful photos!.
It wasn’t the easiest shoot as the girls were very unsettled as it was the first time they’d left the house in 7 months but you made them feel so reassured, you made them laugh, smile and enjoy what time we had with you.
Your studio and set up was perfect, so beautiful and complimented the girls so so well. The photos were absolutely mind blowing, better than I could have ever imagined and it was so hard to decide on the final set we went for!
You are such an amazing photographer, so professional, friendly and kind and the girls and myself cannot thank you enough for your hard work, time and effort you put into our shoot! You're amazing. Thank you again.!"

domain: photo


text:
As you age, the more you know, the more likely that you will feel like “you know everything.” With age, we really do gain a lot of experience, and really are right about most things. At some point, though, you may feel there’s very little left to learn. An equally large problem is that people develop defense mechanisms against realizing that they’ve become closed minded.
So how can you avoid becoming too closed-minded – too “set-in-your-ways” – as you age? Here are 8 Simple Ways To Grow Happier With Age!
Explore new ideas
Be curious. Ask questions. Then ask follow-up questions. Creativity encourages you to discover new realities just for the fun of it, making any obstacle irrelevant. Take classes in something that seems a little crazy. Don’t think whatever you did in your past was always better. Allow yourself to get into situations where you are not an expert. When you have no idea what you are doing, you are required to be humble and to learn like a little child. Humility enables learning.
Explore new places
Travel more & Meet locals. Have meals with them. Hear their stories. If you can live in another country for more than a year. Hang out with locals when you do. Spend an extended amount of time abroad, and don’t just hang out with other travelers. Don’t just learn another language; live in another language. There’s really no better way to stay open to new perspectives and possibilities than by making yourself available to as many new experiences as you possibly can.
Do Not Dwell On The Past
Focus on the present moment and on the near future. It is important to value memories but also to understand that the past is out of our control and the far future is about as predictable as the weather.
Explore New Sounds
They did not stop making good music when you graduated from college. Turn off the classic rock station and find out what is happening out there. And go see some local bands.
Ask and listen more
Develop a learner’s perspective. Never consider yourself done and having arrived, but always in the process. Don’t just ask questions about what someone’s beliefs are: try to see the world from their point of view. Really listen to people, value them. Don’t discount others’ experiences. Reinvention doesn’t mean you’ve failed at one thing, it means that you’re a human who’s pursued various passions.
Don’t let your ego get the better of you
Only the foolish believe themselves to be sufficient in all regards. A good idea is a good idea, regardless of whether or not you came up with it. If someone has great advice to give, take it.
Befriend new people
Especially those who have different beliefs, personal backgrounds & interests. Don’t always be in the company of people your age. Mix it up with some younger people – and learn their thoughts.
Explore new trends
Keep in touch with latest trends around you and adopt a few. Try watching new movies or listening to albums from genres that you normally don’t identify with. Stay with them past the initial periods of discomfort and try to understand what it is about this movie or song that resonates with people who do enjoy or prefer it.

domain: psychology


Even though Trivex has been available for a while now, there is still much debate and confusion about how Trivex and polycarbonate stack up against one another. We'll lay out the facts and attempt to put the question to rest.
Born from the space race in the 1960's and introduced to the ophthalmic lens market in the late 1970's, polycarbonate has been around the block a few times and enjoys a sizeable market share, particularly in children's and safety eyewear due to its superior impact resistance. With a higher index of refraction and lower specific gravity, polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than their plastic and glass counterparts. Inherent UV protection and wide product availability also contribute to its popularity.
Polycarbonate, however, is not without its drawbacks. One of the chief complaints about polycarbonate is its optical quality, or lack thereof. With an Abbe value of 29, polycarbonate's chromatic aberration is the highest of any lens material in use today. Furthermore, with the increase in popularity of drill mount frames, some dispensers are hesitant to use polycarbonate because of its lack of tensile strength and likelihood of cracking around drill holes.
Introduced in 2001 by PPG, as the only lens material other than polycarbonate to pass FDA Impact Resistance Test (@ 1mm CT), the High Velocity Impact Test, and meet ANSI Z87.1 '89 standards, Trivex has been slowly increasing in both popularity and availability. While Trivex has a slightly lower refractive index (1.53 compared to 1.58), it's specific gravity, 1.11g/cm3, makes it the lightest of any lens material available today. Like polycarbonate, Trivex also has inherent UV protection. However, unlike polycarbonate, Trivex has an Abbe value of 45, making it optically superior. Further distinguishing itself, Trivex is ideal for drill mounting. The tensile strength of Trivex makes it highly resistant to cracking around drill holes, so much in fact, Younger Optics guarantees its Trivex products (Trilogy) for life, against stress fractures and drill mount cracking.
In summary, Trivex has the impact resistance and inherent UV protection of polycarbonate. With a lower index of refraction, Trivex may be slightly thicker than polycarbonate, but is lighter, and can be surfaced to the same 1mm center thickness. Trivex rises above polycarbonate with both its optical quality and suitability for drill mounting.
However, a couple of key points we discovered in our testing is first of all when you're dealing with average prescriptions, the differences in the material performance is often negligible, also keep in mind that when any type of coating is added, all bets are off in terms of impact resistance.
Finally, when comparing the price of Trivex to polycarbonate, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. If you are looking at a spherical polycarbonate product, compare it to a spherical Trivex product. You'll likely find the difference to be less than you might think.


Artsploitation Films release The Prince (El Príncipe) – a period film steeped in classic queer influences – on July 7th. This Chilean prison drama from renowned art director Sebastián Muñoz is based on an out of print Chilean novel by author Mario Cruz dating back to the early seventies. Muñoz and co-writer Luis Barrales adapt the novel for the screen, managing to capture a vivid sense of Chile amidst the Presidency of Salvador Allende.
This period in Chile’s history is explored through the eyes of Jaime (Juan Carlos Maldonado), a young freshly incarcerated prisoner, serving time for brutally murdering his best friend and the object of his obsession, El Gitano. Battling his repressed homoerotic desires Jaime arrives in a San Bernando prison where he is dubbed The Prince by revered and feared kingpin figure El Potro (Alfredo Castro – star of the The Club and excellent White On White), who fulfils Jaime’s narcissistic desires for recognition and affection, whilst introducing him to homosexual life behind bars. Threatened by power dynamics between prisoners and the brutality of prison guards.
Evocative of Jean Genet’s Miracle of the Rose and Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Querelle, The Prince plays with classic queer prisoner behind bars motifs, blending explicit sexuality with genuine themes of confused affection and longing. Jaime’s story is one of two halves – one being his narcissistic need to be desired (we see this built through flashbacks with Jaime and an older woman showering him in affection), something that El Potro seems to provide. Yet as the narrative progresses, we witness Jaime struggle with a genuine need to be loved – something which even behind bars he hunts for.
Jaime’s imprisonment is one which opens the floodgates of his previously repressed sexual desires. There is an irony in the fact that when behind bars Jaime experiences a sense of sexual freedom of which he felt the need to repress in conservative Chilean society. Aesthetically, The Prince is a film steeped in brutality and its visuals are presented in extremes – from the brutality faced by the prisoners at the hands of sadistic guards (a harrowing scene with El Potro and the guards lingers), to the bold, visceral sexual and erotic imagery that director Sebastián Muñoz adopts. This is adds an impressive tonal and visual style to The Prince capturing the extremities of prison life where life is explicit in regards to both violence and sexuality.
The Prince’s production design from Claudia Gallardo is also truly impeccable, transporting us to the dark, damp San Bernando prison of the seventies. This decaying locale creates a vivid and atmospheric canvas for Jaime’s claustrophobic tale of survival to unfold upon. Praise should be bestowed upon the performances of Juan Carlos Maldonado and Alfredo Castro. Maldonado’s Jaime is almost sociopathic in his brooding demeanour, with the actor managing to convey Jaime’s domineering desires for recognition and affection with limited use of dialogue. Castro’s El Potro is a much more vocal figure, with the actor conveying the openness and liberation of the kingpin’s prison hierarchy which helps Jaime awaken his repressed sexual desires.
Striking in its damp claustrophobic aesthetic and powerful erotic imagery, The Prince is an impressive look at sexual awakening and humankind’s need for connection. Paying homage to Genet and Fassbinder, Sebastián Muñoz’s film is also engrossing in its depiction of early 1970s Chilean prison life.


Can be used for hanging items on the three-wire, halo type track light system.
Product Name：Suspension hook
Color：Black / White
Country of Origin：Taiwan
Certificated：UL & C-UL, PSE, CE
* Can hold up to 20 kg.
* You can wire the pendant in this adapter then snap this adapter on the track.
* Need to secure the area of track where the fixture is hanging to make sure the track can hold the fixture well.
* For Halo Type track system
* Finished : Available in Black and White
* Rating: UL & CUL Listed


text:
Lamborghini has given the green light for production of the Estoque sedan.
Previous reports suggested that plans for the Estoque were canceled, and there were then reports that an SUV would instead become the third model in Lamborghini’s lineup. However, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has told Autocar that the Estoque is coming, and that there will be no SUV.
“We really have a choice when it comes to an additional model: an SUV or a four-seat four-door. And for me the SUV is a no-go. It doesn’t exist in our price segment, and it’s not a real luxury car,” said Winkelmann.


Julius Robert Oppenheimer was an American theoretical physicist who made many important scientific contributions, but he is best known for his work on the Manhattan Project. Like the others that worked on this project, he is known as one of the fathers of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer was born on April 22nd, 1904 in New York, and died on February 18th, 1967, in New Jersey.
After studying at both Harvard and Cambridge, he earned his PhD from the University of Göttingen in 1927. While in Germany, he met and studied with several prominent physicists, including Niels Bohr and Max Born. In 1929, Oppenheimer received offers to teach at both Cal Tech and the University of California at Berkeley. He accepted both offers, dividing his time between the two. By the time he returned to America, he had published several articles and had established his reputation as a theoretical physicist, making his mark on quantum theory.
In the 1930s, Oppenheimer became involved with left wing politics. He made donations to funds associated with the Communist Party, and, in the security questionnaire he filled out when he joined the Manhattan Project, admitted to being a member of communist organizations. This admission caused many people to view him with suspicion, and eventually played a large role in the loss of his security clearance.
He joined the Manhattan Project in 1941. Eventually the project yielded results, and in July 1945, the first test detonation of an atomic bomb took place, overseen by Oppenheimer and the other scientists working on the project. Upon witnessing the sheer destructive force of the bomb, Oppenheimer was greatly disturbed.
After the war, Oppenheimer became chairman of the influential General Advisory Committee of the newly created United States Atomic Energy Commission. Having come to deeply fear further use of the weapon he had helped creating in future conflicts, he used this position to lobby for international control of nuclear power and against a US led nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. But because of his outspokenness combined with the widespread Red Scare in the US in the 1950's, he fell out of favor with many powerful politicians and was eventually stripped of his security clearance following a much-publicized hearing in in 1954, and became as such effectively removed from political influence.
After this, Oppenheimer continued to lecture, write and work in physics, and eventually got some redress when President John F. Kennedy awarded (and Lyndon Johnson presented) him with the Enrico Fermi Award in 1963.


text:
Bernie's bond issue
Bernie's $1.4bn (£875m) Formula One bond issue finally made it over the finish line - with a little pushing from the underwriters.
German bank WestLB and US investment bank Morgan Stanley Dean Witter have bought the bonds themselves and plan to sell them to investors around Europe.
'It is wildly popular,' said one effusive banker. 'We could sell another $600m.'
Ecclestone tried to raise $2bn last autumn, but the issue has been dogged by controversy. To get the chequered flag, he cut the issue by a third and the bonds' maturity period from 21 years to 11.
The bonds have also gained a fourth, respectable single-A rating, from Standard & Poor's. The issue is the first step towards a flotation of Formula One, which holds motor racing's worldwide TV rights. The float will now be 'within a few years', the company's advisers say.
Last time, Formula One promised a flotation 'as soon as practicable'. The bonds will be listed in Luxembourg, against the London-listing announced last autumn.
Repayments, from motor racing's TV revenues, rise in steps to the 2010 maturity. They start at 1.3pc above London's inter-bank lending rate, until May 2002, then rise to 2pc above until May 2004, and then 3pc above.
The bonds are redeemable after 2002, and the banks expect most to be redeemed within five years.
Ecclestone has set up a new company, Formula 1 Finance B.V., which will borrow the money and lend it to his Formula One Administration Ltd.
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text:
Northern Lights Now – Active Region 2712 produced a beautiful B class flare On May 24 as it rotated into view in the northern hemisphere of the Sun. The region held together and grown slightly and has now produced a C-class flare that measured C2.77. Today the region has started to develop some mixed magnetic fields and shows potential to produce more C-class flares. It is now in the Earth strike zone.
Keep an eye on this region over the next several days. If it generates an eruptive flare and a CME it could impact Earth’s space weather later this week. Here’s a time lapse of the region show in SDO’s HMI colorized magnetogram.
Northern Lights Now – A new active region is rotating into view on the Eastern horizon of the Sun and is already producing flaring. Once numbered it will be the 6th active region visible in May and it will be numbered 2712.
If it holds together, and continues flaring, this region could have an impact on Earth’s space weather around the end of the month. The region will rotate from East to West across the disk and enter the Earth strike zone in 3-4 days. Once in the strike zone, any eruptive flaring cloud launch a CME towards Earth that would arrive 2-4 days later.
For now, we’ll have to settle for marveling at the amazing imagery that comes from the SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) of this image. Here is am image of the solar disk during a flare coming from this new region.
And zoomed in to just the plasma loop visible during the flare:
The Sun continues to approach solar minimum with fewer and fewer sun spots and active regions. There should be a slow increase in sun spots and active regions from the next solar cycle over the next 24-36 months.

domain: physics


text:
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domain: artistic


What Road Conditions To Expect For Montana Thanksgiving Travelers
Thanksgiving travelers can look forward to a pretty warm weather system in Montana, however, National Weather Service Meteorologist Corby Dickerson says drivers heading out tomorrow could run into a few trouble areas.
"It you're traveling north it shouldn't be too bad," said Dickerson. "If you are heading west it shouldn't be too bad. Plan for maybe a little bit of snow over lookout pass. If you are heading over Lolo pass maybe some snow. Your biggest complications are going to be if you're heading out on Wednesday evening towards Bozeman and those areas. Plan for some snow heading out of Butte and moving over the mountain passes pretty much half way to Billings."
Dickerson says the tougher weather will move north on Thursday, but that the real difficult conditions may be on the return trip.
"The bigger challenge may come on peoples return," Dickerson said. "Basically what we are looking at is a better chance for snow across all elevations as we move through the weekend and into the next work week. We are seeing a broader pattern change across the entire northwestern United States to a bigger troff. The snow level is going to stay down and the chance for seeing snow showers is going to increase."
Although some snow is likely to fall over the next week, most of it is in higher elevations and a big snow system is not expected.


text:
Companies in this industry operate restaurants and other eating places, including full-service restaurants (FSRs), quick-service restaurants (QSRs), cafeterias and buffets, and snack bars. Major companies include Bloomin' Brands, Darden Restaurants, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and YUM! Brands (all based in the US), as well as Greggs (the UK), Jollibee Foods (the Philippines), Skylark (Japan), and Restaurant Brands International (Canada).
Demographics, consumer tastes, and personal income drive demand. The profitability of individual companies can vary: while QSRs rely on efficient operations and high volume sales, FSRs rely on high-margin items and effective marketing. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, finance, and marketing. Small companies can compete by offering superior food or service. The US industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 15% of revenue.
Products, Ops & Technology
Products include appetizers, entrées/main dishes, desserts, and beverages. Companies may specialize in certain types of cuisines, entrées, or specialty food items. Among full-service restaurants, most establishments focus on ethnic cuisines, led by Asian food (20%), American food (10%), and European food (10%), according to Mazzone & Associates. Hamburger restaurants account for more than one-third of sales among US limited-service establishments, while pizza parlors account for about 15% and sandwich shops make up about 10%, according to Technomic. Bakery-cafés and Mexican food are the largest categories in the fast-casual segment. Industry revenue is roughly split equally between FSRs and limited service.

domain: food


Curtis Bohlen Ph.D.
Curtis Bohlen is the Director of the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership (CBEP). Bohlen has worked as a private environmental consultant, as a restoration ecologist with Trout Unlimited and on the faculty of Bates and Colby Colleges. Before arriving in Maine, Bohlen served as a Staff Scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and as an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland's Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. Bohlen holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Cornell University, and M.S. and B.S. degrees in biology from Stanford University.


text:
Casa Descansadero Surfistas is a duplex-style home located within walking distance to downtown Sayulita. Designed and built with classic Mexican-Sayulita-beach style, Casa Descansadero Surfistas is loaded with handcrafted tiles, classic arches, and Terrazas for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. The property is fully enclosed for privacy, and surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Casa Descansadero Surfistas has very good rental potential. You can live in one unit and rent the other, or you can rent the entire house. Casa Descansadero Surfistas is just a short walk to the main beach in Sayulita as well as the beach at Playa de Los Muertos. No car needed! Furnished, air-conditioned, ready to move in!
A surfing mecca of international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque fishing village is dotted with coves and beaches where surfers do their thing alongside day trippers from Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Riding the gentle breakers to shore, most of the action happens off the main town beach.

domain: travel


text:
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Artur Davis came home Wednesday to the city whose residents sent him to Congress for 8 years to represent their interest as a Democratic congressman.
But, Davis spent little time Wednesday night looking back to those years. Instead, Davis spent most of 90 minutes greeting and meeting members of his new party, the Republican Party, at a reception at a downtown tower where party donors drank wine, snacked on finger foods and listened to a convert tell them what most already knew: That the Alabama GOP is on the cusp of almost total political dominance of the state.
"On Nov. 6, Alabamians are going to elect a Republican chief justice and a Republican president of the Alabama Public Service Commission and when they do, every constitutional office in the state will be held by a Republican," said Davis.
If that happens, Davis told the 35 or so people who attended Wednesday's event, it will be due to two factors.
"The first is to your credit and to the credit of Republicans who have stuck to their guns over the years, stood tall and stood for values that most Alabamians share," said Davis.
But, Davis said the second reason for the ascendency of the state GOP has much to do with his former party.
"Our friends in the Democratic Party -- I think I have one friend left there -- pride themselves on taking positions that are not in step with 75 percent of the people of Alabama," said Davis. "They stand on their soapbox and take positions on issues they know Alabamians do not hold but they tell themselves they are morally superior. You know what they really are? They are irrelevant. And, they have confused irrelevancy with moral authority."
Davis said Democrats have lost power in Alabama because they lost sight of who they worked for, the citizens of Alabama.
"Over time, Democrats came to represents the interest of a few, a few groups, a few special interest, a few check writers," said Davis.
And, Davis said Alabamians came to see that Democrats no longer represented them.
"Not that long ago, 41 percent of Alabamians self-identified as Republicans with 38 percent saying they were Democrats," said Davis. "Today, 50 percent of Alabamians say they are Republicans and just 29 percent identify themselves as Democrats."
Davis did warn that Republicans do still have challenges in the state, especially in Jefferson, the state's most populous county.
"Most of the counties are red, a few blue but Jefferson is the state's only purple county, and what that means is that over the next three weeks what you do to help Republicans win on Nov. 6 will matter, whether it is in volunteering or in writing checks."
Davis predicted that Mitt Romney will defeat his one-time friend, President Barack Obama, in three weeks. Four years ago, then-Congressman Davis had been among the first Democrats to endorse Obama and had seconded his nomination at the Democratic convention in Denver.
In August, Davis stunned some in his old party when he addressed the GOP convention in Tampa and endorsed Romney.
"I feel good about it," Davis said about the race. "We have had two debates now, 180 minutes in debate and President Obama has not been able to say one time these two things: I have succeeded. I have kept my promises.
"If a president cannot say those things, he is not going to be re-elected, and this president is not going to be re-elected," Davis added.

domain: politics