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How Siemens Building Technologies is revolutionising the construction sector with ingenuity
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InfrastructureMiddle-East constructionSustainability
By Laura Mullan . May 30, 2018, 10:29AM
Championing comfort, sustainability, safety and security, Siemens Building Technologies is revolutionising how we see buildings today with technological innovation
We spend a large proportion of our lives in buildings and it makes sense that they, in turn, have an enormous impact on our lives.
Studies show that buildings can have a tangible effect on our mood and wellbeing and, as a result, Siemens has made it its driving motivation to create perfect places for its consumers.
Headquartered in Switzerland, the company's Building Technologies Division has earned a strong reputation for producing cutting-edge technologies for commercial, industrial and public buildings alike.
"It's about creating buildings which allow you to grow, to learn, and feel safe and secure. Today, 90% of our lives are spent indoors and this is why at Siemens we don't just make buildings, we want to make perfect places - perfectly designed for its purpose"
In doing so, it has become a trusted technology partner for those who want to create comfortable, energy-efficient, safe and secure spaces.
Ahmad Farrakh Manzoor, Head of Building Technologies in Siemens Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, says that buildings aren't just four walls and a roof. Buildings are alive – and they talk to us with information. Billions of intelligent devices and machines generate massive amounts of data every day, every hour, every second and, with the right digital tools, you can now learn from them and interact with them like never before.
"It's about making perfect places for people to spend their lives, whether it's educational spaces, work environments, hospitals or even leisure facilities," Manzoor explains.
"It's about creating buildings which allow you to grow, to learn, and feel safe and secure. Today, 90% of our lives are spent indoors and this is why at Siemens we want to make perfect places - perfectly designed for its purpose."
Siemens Building Technologies is renowned worldwide for its state-of-the-art solutions and innovative thinking but, for Manzoor, what gives the company a competitive edge is the talents and expertise of its staff.
"I think the most important thing is our team," he observes. "We have a very creative and talented team of people who can explain to our customers how they can benefit from our technologies and what sets our solutions apart. This is the key to our success.
"You can buy fire detectors, thermostats and security cameras from anywhere in the market, but it's how our team explain the benefit of these technologies and adapt it as per customer needs, so it works for you, is what makes us unique.
"It's this human element," he continues. "You need good communicators who can showcase the technology to the customers. It's about the usage of the technology and ensuring that our customers can use their technology and be successful on their own."
As one of the divisions within Siemens, Europe's largest conglomerate, Siemens Building Technologies can also tap into the company's cross-industry knowledge across sectors like healthcare (Siemens Healthineers), transport (Siemens Mobility) and computer software (Siemens PLM Software).
It is this cross-industry knowledge which means the firm can uniquely provide end-to-end building technology solutions for its customers.
"Siemens is uniquely positioned as the only company in the market who can provide end-to-end solutions," Manzoor notes.
"We can leverage this breadth of knowledge across Siemens and bring it together with our technologies to create solutions that are useful for our customers."
This wide-reaching expertise is helping the company create incredible projects ranging from industrial facilities, educational buildings, office spaces and even cinemas, but perhaps the firm's most notable contribution has been in its creation of smart cities.
The global smart city market has mushroomed in recent years and it's an industry which Siemens Building Technologies is already tapping in.
Market researchers at Navigant Research have estimated that by 2023, global income from smart technologies will have tripled from its 2013 level – from $8.8bn to $27.5bn.
With the latest industry knowhow and end-to-end solutions, it seems Siemens Building Technologies is readying itself for this fast-growing trend.
"We have a unique position in smart cities," Manzoor explains. "If you think about what constitutes a smart city, especially in the Middle East, you need three things: smart mobility, a smart grid, and smart buildings. Smart buildings play an immense role with over 70% of energy being consumed by buildings for cooling in the hot summer months."
In today's ever-evolving technology sector, the company's competitive edge hasn't gone unnoticed by the business world.
Last year, the German firm took a top spot on Forbes's list of the World's Top Regarded Companies, an achievement which Manzoor credits to the innovative, free-thinking work culture that is nurtured at Siemens.
"We are lucky we are seen as an employer of choice," explains Manzoor. "The company's reputation greatly helps to attract and retain the very best talent and expertise in the region.
"The company's work culture has also been key," he continues. "We've created a progressive, forward-thinking environment where there's no such thing as a bad idea, because even if someone has an idea which isn't that great, you can challenge each other, and have discussions which could inspire someone else."
Heading up the Building Technologies Division's operations in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Manzoor believes that the Middle East is a particularly promising region for innovation and technology.
"I wouldn't say the market is changing fast, I would say it's disrupting fast," he observes. "If you look at the demographics, the region is unique because of its young, tech-savvy population and high social media penetration. Therefore, it complements our digital offering and smart city business."
As more and more technologies enter the fray, Siemens Building Technologies has kept pace, if not led the way, when it comes to digital disruption.
"I like to think that buildings can talk, we just need to listen," explains Manzoor.
"Just like human beings or robots, buildings can talk. We just need to open our ears and listen to them. This is what we do in Building Technologies. We see the data they generate, run analytics on this, and can better predict what's going to happen in the future.
"So, for instance, we've been tapping into artificial intelligence to see how buildings can learn from the occupancy patterns of rooms," he notes. "By using sensors, you can see which rooms are being occupied every day and which are not. Then, using artificial intelligence we can predict when it will be occupied in the future and you can adapt the air conditioning, for instance, to suit this. You can also make the building owners more aware which rooms and spaces they can free up and reuse across their portfolio.
"The building can automatically cool up the room if it predicts there's going to be a conference. By doing this, you're not only making the building smarter, you can also save electricity, improve productivity, and make it more comfortable."
Finding the right balance between comfort, building performance and sustainability is a task which Siemens has mastered over the years.
According to the firm, buildings represent 40% of the world's primary energy use and so creating energy-efficient buildings is more important than ever.
As such, Siemens has set itself an ambitious goal to become the world's first major industrial company to be completely carbon neutral by 2030. To achieve this, it is investing in technologies such as energy management systems and automation system for buildings.
This commitment isn't just good for corporate citizenship, it's also good business, says Manzoor.
"The company plans to cut its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in half by 2020 and then to be completely carbon neutral by 2030. This requires a lot of funding so we are investing around €100mn ($118.75mn) in improving our energy efficiency so we can make our planet better. We like to walk the talk."
In conjunction with its high sustainability standards, Siemens has also led the way as a strong champion of high safety and security protocols.
"We've seen many safety and security incidents across the world and so our mission is to create perfect places for everybody which are, most importantly, very safe and secure; but don't just ask us, ask our customers," Manzoor says.
"Most mission critical facilities in Saudi Arabia use Siemens' Building Technologies, whether it's the oil and gas industry or hospitals. Now, the one of the very first cinema complex has opened its doors in Saudi Arabia and guess who they chose to implement fire detection within those cinemas? Siemens.
"We're very excited and, of course, we're very proud that the Cineplex is using our technology," he adds. "There are around 350 cinemas with more than 2,500 screens planned to open in Saudi Arabia by 2030. The Kingdom has a vibrant society and is investing heavily in entertainment. It's a promising, emerging market for us and we're very excited about it."
Whether creating cinemas or shopping malls, museums or university lecture halls, Siemens has earned its stripes as a leading building technology provider.
As Manzoor highlights, buildings can talk and if you have the right tools and analytics, and it's clear that Siemens Building Technologies is there to listen.
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TACON: the construction partner of choice in Ethiopia
Dale Benton .
Sep 21, 2018, 10:03AM
As a proud member of the TAF Group, Tekleberhan Ambaye Construction PLC (TACON) is a team of innovative, committed and engaged professionals who strive to deliver and exceed on the diverse expectations of all its stakeholders.
While engineer Tekleberhan Ambaye Fanta made his name as a philanthropist and
As a proud member of the TAF Group, Tekleberhan Ambaye Construction Read more.
Creating and building the innovative technological airports of the modern world
Aug 09, 2018, 7:42AM
Construction projects are often complex ecosystems, with layer upon layer of stakeholder. From the contractors on the ground, the construction managers right through to the executive teams, each party has a key role in the development of any project. But one particular stakeholder is proving more and more integral to the successful delivery of any
Construction projects are often complex ecosystems, with layer upon Read more.
US ConstructionSustainabilityInfrastructure
New Horizon Academy builds sustainable schools to nurture children for the communities of the future
"Working at New Horizon Academy, where children have a safe place to grow and learn, I'm doing something that matters and will have a long-term impact on the community." For Alan Ruth, Vice President of Facilities & Construction, New Horizon Academy is more than just a developer – it works to nurture the children and
"Working at New Horizon Academy, where children have a safe place to Read more.


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Did Beyonce Get Plastic Surgery? Why Fan Think the Singer Has Denied Rumors: Transformation Photos
Jan 23, 2023 2:04 pm·
By Shelby Stivale
Kylie and Travis Scott's Son Aire Webster: Cutest Photos
When it comes to being an icon, no one is more recognizable than Beyoncé. But, has the singer ever gotten plastic surgery? Fans are convinced that the songstress has subtly shut down rumors over the years.
Beyonce's Bikini Photos Are Irreplaceable! Her Sexiest Swimsuit Pictures
Following the release of her January 2020 Ivy Park campaign, some social media users claimed that Beyoncé had gotten work done. One person wrote, "Ik bbl bum when I see it," seemingly referring to the Brazilian butt lift surgery. Others echoed the same sentiments while the loyal BeyHive members defended the "Irresistible" musician.
"Y'all mute tweets when you're loud and wrong," one fan hit back. "She's fluctuated in weight forever and after having 3 kids, 2 being twins, your weight will change, CONSTANTLY. Beyoncé doesn't/didn't need surgery and it's OK. Not everybody has to have surgery to look good you know."
While Beyoncé, for her part, stayed tight-lipped about the rumors, some people think that she addressed plastic surgery speculation in her verse on Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" remix, which was released in April 2020.
"Big B and that B stand for bands / If you wanna see some real ass, baby, here's your chance," she sings. "Texas up in this thang, put you up on this game / Ivy Park on my frame … / If you don't jump to put jeans on, baby, you don't feel my pain."
Of course, Twitter was abuzz with the meaning behind her lyrics. One social media user wrote, "Beyoncé saw y'all lil funky tweets saying she got her body done and had to check y'all real quick." There you have it, no one messes with the queen!
Beyonce's Most Fashionable Braless Moments: See Photos!
While she hasn't addressed plastic surgery rumors head on, Beyoncé did discuss her body during an August 2021 interview with Harper's Bazaar.
"In the past, I spent too much time on diets with the misconception that self-care meant exercising and being overly conscious of my body," the "Single Ladies" singer explained. "My health, the way I feel when I wake up in the morning, my peace of mind, the number of times I smile, what I'm feeding my mind and my body — those are the things that I've been focusing on."
Scroll through our gallery to see Beyoncé's transformation over the years.
Umdadc/Shutterstock
During the early days of her career, Beyoncé was part of Destiny's Child before going solo in 2002.
Becoming a Star
She's since released seven full-length studio albums, starting with Dangerously in Love in 2003.
Eric Workum/Starpix/Shutterstock
Her Film Career
Aside from her music career, Beyoncé has also kicked off an acting career. She's appeared in movies like Dreamgirls, Obsessed and The Lion King, among others.
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Beyoncé married Jay-Z in 2008.
A Mom of 3
Beyoncé welcomed daughter Blue Ivy in January 2012. She welcomed twins, Rumi and Sir, in June 2017.
Admedia/Sipa/Shutterstock
Dealing With the Haters
Fans start speculating that the singer got plastic surgery in 2020. However, it appeared that she shut down rumors in her song.
In 2021, Beyoncé made history with her Grammy Awards. Winning 28 awards made her the most decorated female artist in Grammys history.
Richard Young/Shutterstock
Beyoncé's Next Chapter
In June 2022, the songstress kicked off her next musical era.
Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock
Her Triumphant Return to Performing
Beyoncé hit the stage for her first full concert in more than four years, playing a private show for the opening of Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai on January 21, 2023. In her plunging costumes, some fans questioned if she had undergone a breast enhancement.
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DASHING MAN WITH PLACES TO GO AND PEOPLE TO SEE, POSES FOR HIS PORTRAIT IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
The gentleman featured in this cabinet card portrait appears to be dashing off to conduct some business. He holds a walking stick and wears a scarf. He was photographed by the Mulligan Brothers studio in Columbus, Ohio.
on July 31, 2013 at 12:01 am Comments (1)
Tags: Columbus, Mulligan, Mulligan Brothers, Ohio
LITTLE GIRL PARTICIPATES IN RELIGIOUS CEREMONY IN REGENSBURG, GERMANY
A young girl poses for her photograph creating a memory of her participation in a religious ceremony. Is the event a communion, or possibly a confirmation. This pretty girl is holding a prayer book and a lit candle. She is dressed in all white and wearing a pair of gloves. The photographer is Walter Klie whose studio was located in Regensburg, Germany.
Tags: Communion, Germany, Regensburg, Walter Klie
STRIKING WOMAN IN DECATUR, ILLINOIS
A striking young woman poses for her portrait at Shively's Tower Art Gallery in Decatur, Illinois. The studio was located on the corner of Water and Park Streets. She is wearing a wide necklace with a hanging charm.
on July 29, 2013 at 12:01 am Leave a Comment
Tags: Decatur, Illinois, Shively
PRETTY GRADUATE IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
It is time for graduation pictures and the pretty young lady featured in this cabinet card portrait is posed at the Carlisle studio in Providence, Rhode Island. She appears to be holding her graduation dipoloma. She is wearing a lot of jewelry including a ring, earrings, necklace and collar pin.
Tags: Carlisle, Graduation, Providence, Rhode Island
THEATER ACTRESS LILLIAN CONWAY (PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSE MORA)
This cabinet card features a portrait of theater actress Lillian Conway. The image was produced by Jose Mora, the famous New York celebrity photographer. To view other images by Mora, click on the category "Photographer: Mora". Lillian Conway was Brooklyn born and grew up in a theatrical family. Both her parents were appeared on the stage and her mother was also a theater manager. Lillian's sister, Minnie, also was an actress. Lillian made her theater debut at the Brooklyn Theater playing a minor role in the burlesque "Evangeline". She next appeared as the lead in "Virginius". After her parents died, Lillian moved to Boston where she appeared in Globe Theater productions and next moved to Philadelphia to continue her theatrical career. While in Philadelphia, she met and married a local banker, left the stage, and had two children. The marriage had multiple problems including allegations that her husband was an alcoholic. She divorced her husband, who later died in 1887. Miss Conway returned to the stage and organized the Lillian Conway Opera Company. She took the "show on the road" but her theatrical group failed, partially due to scandal. It seems Lillian Conway was guilty of sharing a hotel room with the troupe's unmarried business manager. Conway later fell ill, and with the help of the Actor's Guild was able to finance a trip to London for treatment. Unfortunately, she died there in 1891 from rheumatic fever.
Tags: Actor's Guild, Brooklyn Theaer, Conway, Evangeline, Globe Theater, Lillian Conway, Minnie Conway, Mora, Rheumatic Fever, Sarah Conway, Virginius
RETICENT WOMAN IN RUFFLED DRESS IN MANSFIELD, OHIO
A taciturn woman in a ruffled dress stands in the shadows at the Pollen studio in Mansfield, Ohio. The photographer posed her in such a way that she almost blends in with the curtains beside her. At one point in time E J. Pollen's gallery was located at 3 1/2 North Park Street in Mansfield.
Tags: E. J. Pollen, Mansfield
MAUDE BRANSCOMBE: CELEBRATED BEAUTY AND ACTRESS
Maude Branscombe was a very popular stage beauty and light opera singer. She was reported to be the most photographed woman of her day. Biographical information about her is sparse and more will be added at a later date. Her first appearance on the New York stage was in 1876 as Cupid in a revival of Ixion at the Eagle Theatre. The portrait at the top was photographed by renowned W & D Downey of London, England.
The second portrait was cropped so the photographer is unknown.
The third portrait (Branscombe is wearing a necklace) is by L. Levin & Son of San Francisco, California.
The fourth cabinet card image was photographed by Sarony. Sarony was a well known celebrity photographer and more of his portraits can be viewed by clicking on the category of "Photographer: Sarony". Sarony does an excellent job of capturing Branscombe's beauty and her alluring eyes.
The fifth and sixth, and seventh cabinet card were photographed by another celebrity photographer, Jose Mora, of New York City. Interestingly, the fifth and seventh cabinet card captures Branscombe in the same costume as the second cabinet card. It is likely that the photographer of cabinet card number two, is also Jose Mora. To view other photographs by Mora, click on the category of "Photographer: Mora".
The eighth cabinet card portrait of Branscombe was photographed by Howell, another New York City photographer with a studio on Broadway. Howell's close-up photograph captures the actress's beauty and her wonderful eyes. She is wide eyed and her hair is a bit mussed. These qualities add to the allure of Miss Branscombe.William Roe Howell was born in 1846 in Goshen, New York. He had a passion for drawing and painting and he directed his creative interest into the field of photography as a young adult. He opened a photographic studio in Goshen. In 1863 he moved to New York City where he joined Robert and Henry Johnston at Johnston Brothers Studio at 867 Broadway. In 1866 the firm became Johnston & Howell. In 1867, he became the sole proprietor of the gallery. By 1870, he was gaining much recognition in the field of photography. His great location in New York City gave him access to many fashionable upper class men and women as well as many celebrities. Among his photographic subjects were P. T. Barnum, Buffalo Bill, and Robert E. Lee. He opened a branch studio in Brooklyn. In 1873 he came one of five Americans to be awarded a special grand prized at the Vienna World Fair. He frequently received mention in the photographic journals. He published a book of cabinet cards that received much praise. He became a photographer for West Point, Princeton, and other notable institutions. He won many medals at photography exhibitions. In 1878 he moved his business from 867 to 889 Broadway and opened another studio with a partner (Meyer) at 26 West 14th Street. In 1880 he retired from photography due to health reasons. In 1886 he moved with his family to Washington D.C. intent on opening a photography business there. He then disappeared. He vanished just two weeks before the grand opening of his new studio. He left his wife of 16 years (Fannie Scott) and his five children penniless. His wife stated that Howell was an eccentric man and that he must have got tired of business and family problems "and cut loose from us". He apparently returned home after a short duration of absence and his business appeared in the 1888 Washington D. C. business directory but not in the 1889 directory. He died of tuberculosis in New York City in 1890. He had been residing at the home of a colleague who ran a photography studio in Harlem. It is believed by some biographers that he had divorced his wife and returned to New York without his family.
The ninth cabinet card is another portrait photographed by Jose Mora. The actress's costuming detracts from the overall appeal of the photograph. She seems lost in the swirl of her head covering. However, the photographer does an excellent job of highlighting Miss Branscombe's seductive eyes. The phrase "Maude Branscombe eyes" certainly rivals the phrase "Bette Davis eyes".
Cabinet card number ten also comes from the studio of Jose Mora. She is well dressed in this portrait. It is not clear if she is dressed for a stage role or if she is attired for a jaunt around town.
Tags: actress, Barnum, Branscombe, Broadway, Buffalo Bill, Cupid, Downey, Fannie Scott, Goshen, Harlem, Hats, Howell, Johnston Brothers, Light Opera, Mora, Princeton, Robert E. Lee, San Francisco, Sarony, Vienna Worlds Fair, West Point, William Howell
A BOY AND HIS PEDAL CAR IN CORONEL SUAREZ, ARGENTINA
Photographer Arturo Stinco took this wonderful portrait of a young boy and his pedal car. The boy has long hair and is wearing a large bow. Judging by his clothing and his expensive toy car, he is likely from a very well-to-do family. The boy's name is written on the reverse of the photograph. His name is Carlos Aguerra (possibly Aguerro). The photographer's studio was located in the Argentinian town of Coronel Suarez. This town was founded in 1883 and is in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. It was named after Manuel Isidoro Suarez (1799-1841) who was an Argentinian army colonel who fought in wars of independence against the Spanish.
Tags: Argentina, Arturo Stinco, Carlos Aguerra, Carlos Aguerro, Coronel Suarez, Manuel Isidoro Suarez
PRETTY YOUNG LADY IN SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK
A pretty young lady poses for photographer R. E. Atkinson at his studio at 257 and 259 State Street in Schenectady, New York. The young woman in this image has a look that exudes an abundance of personality. Photographers took great pride in their work which is evident in Atkinson's advertisement on the reverse of the photograph which states his occupation as "Artist and Photographer". Atkinson worked as a photographer in Schenectady from at least 1885 through 1888 when he was succeeded by a firm called Smith and Talbott. In 1906 he shows up in the Schenectady business directory again but this time his profession is listed as "nursery stock". Research reveals that during the 1870's Atkinson worked as a photographer in Troy, New York.
Tags: Atkinson, R. E. Atkinson, Schenectady, Troy
WEDDING COUPLE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
A. C. Paris, the proprietor of the City Gallery of San Antonio, Texas, produced this elegant wedding portrait . On the reverse of the cabinet card is an inscription stating "Alex Rossy, Josephine Fink's father". The cabinet card's edges are gold embossed and scalloped. Census research reveals that the groom in this image, Alex Rossy (1862-1925) was the son of Charles and Aminda Rossy. Alex's father was of Austrian ancestry. The 1880 US census reports that Alex was the fourth of seven children living in the Rossy's home. San Antonio business directories assert that Alex's occupation for many years was "Cigar Manufacturer". Josephine Fink was actually Josephine Rossy Fink (1897-1980) and she was the daughter of Alex Rossy. She later became the wife of Lewis Fink.
Tags: A. C. Paris, Alex Rossy, Josephine Fink, Josephine Rossy, Lewis Fink, San Antonio, Wedding


We cover all ends of the market to bring to you the best quality products at the most competitive prices.
The company was founded in 2004, with its Head Quarters located in North East England. From here, Furniture Clinic manufacture a unique range of leather cleaning, repair & restoration products used in many industries including Furniture, Automotive, Clothing, Handbag, Luggage and many more.
Furniture Clinic was founded on the knowledge & experience of Keith Staerck, an innovative company director with over 20 years working practice in the leather industry. From the beginning Keith was assisted by his son Ben, who has now taken over as Managing Director.
Furniture Clinic uses state of the art technology to develop and test new products to be used in their cleaning & repair process. From the initial design stage, the products are then approved by 3rd party test houses to make sure they conform to industry standards. The products are then used first by Furniture Clinic technicians before being brought to market. This vigorous process ensures all products are fully vetted giving you complete piece of mind.
Furniture Clinic mix & blend specialist chemicals, paints & dyes in order to achieve safe to use and effective products. The main production facility is located at their UK head quarters and is housed in a dedicated 6000 square foot factory capable of producing up to 1000 bottles per hour.
Not only does the company produce products for professional leather repair, but they also have an exciting range of retail products specifically branded for point of sale. These products range from after sales care kits for leather, fabric & wooden furniture to custom cleaners & protectors for use across all markets. All fully backed up by a sales & support team, plus a dedicated technical department to help with any technical enquiries.
By covering all ends of the market Furniture Clinic have been able to develop a product range that meets the requirements of each market segment, and from day to day interaction with the consumer they know exactly what they want. This knowledge has been passed into the manufacturing of all products so the tradesmen, retailer & manufacturer get the best possible.
THE SCOPE OF THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY FURNITURE CLINIC EXPANDS BEYOND SIMPLY FURNITURE AND SO WE HAVE LAUNCHED INDUSTRY SPECIFIC BRANDS FOR EACH MARKET.
Handbag Clinic offer bespoke, professional handbag care & restoration services and after-care products to public and commercial customers. The highest standards of service and quality are offered in caring for items produced by the most exclusive, prestigious brands in in the world.
The brand of FC Care & Repair is specially designed for Mainland China market, which is the sole distributor and services provider for furniture care and repair of Furniture Clinic Limited (UK).
Shoe Clinic is a luxury shoe care brand, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products for the care of all types of footwear. Benefiting from Furniture Clinic's extensive experience in the care of items made from leather and fabric, our commercial partners enjoy the complete peace of mind concerning the quality, consistency and cost effectiveness across our entire product range.
A dynamic new player in the equestrian market, Saddle Clinic provide a revolutionary, innovative range of products for the care, repair and restoration of saddles, riding gear and tack. Our products are unique in the market, offering unparalleled ease to cleaning & maintenance, colour restoration, protection, appearance and function.


A friend which knows of multiple parties at all times and guides you to them. They come in handy when a party gets busted or broken up and a second one is needed.
What you trying to do tonight?
I don't know man... maybe find a party but I don't know of any.
Let me call up my party sherpa Mike.
Get a Party Sherpa mug for your guy Günter.


Many of us have made resolutions this year to do something out of our comfort-zone or something that seems much bigger than our own abilities. We've made these resolutions because the nudges of the Spirit just won't quit; we must obey despite the odds. The other morning while reading 2 Timothy (my book of the Bible for this year) I began to do some digging into the words of verse 7. This is what I found in the Lexical aids of my Key-Word Study Bible.
Power= Dynamis- To be able. Power, ability, achieving power. All the words derived from the stem dyna- have the meaning of being CAPABLE, sometimes volitional ability.
I was excited about the definition of the Greek word. When I think of power, I think of dynamite or something with unatural strength, but this word does not necessarily deal with strength. It means ability. Capability. Wow!
We are not given a spirit of cowardice, but a spirit of ability! Does this jazz anybody else besides me? Will you join me in claiming this scripture when you are tempted to be afraid to follow the urge of Holy Spirit to step out in faith to do what the Lord has called you to do? If God has called you to it, He has given you the ability to DO it!
I'm tired of being defeated and afraid. It's a new year. The past battles have left me a little weary, but His word gives me strength and hope. I pray for all of us to have greater revelation of the truth of 2 Timothy 1:7 this year. Revelation of the Spirit of Dynamis! The Spirit of Love! The Spirit of self-discipline! It is not our human spirit, but the Spirit of Christ in us! Hallelujah! Let's do it! You my sisters are capable!


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Q: Chrome Extension Development using the Whatsapp API I am trying to make a chrome extension that uses the WhatsApp API to share the link of the page I am at with just a click on the extension.
The API is - https://wa.me/?text=urlencodedtext , where I provide the urlencodedtext.
the code I have written to perform this is -
(   function(){     const YOUR_PHONE='';     window.open(https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=${YOUR_PHONE}&text=${encodeURIComponent(location.href)});   } )();
The above code redirects me to the Whatsapp page.ScreenShot
Being directed to the Whatsapp page make the process longer.
Is there a way I can skip the Whatsapp page and go directly to the web whatsapp (or the desktop whatsapp).

A: I do not believe there is currently anyway to do this using that URL.
On Web, when you visit :
https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=xxxxx&text=yyyy
It will show an intermediate page with a "Send" button which would send via WhatsApp Web if you already have it configured.
However On Mobile, when you visit the same URL, it should load your WhatsApp App with the content , ready for you to press send.
For the extension you are trying to write, you would have to do the following:

*

*Receive the inputs from the Extension User.

*Check if WhatsApp Web is opened on any tab (meaning you need to have permission to view all open browser tabs) or Open a New Tab with WhatApp Web.

*Use Javascript to initiate a new message with the number you want  (meaning you need permission to edit browser pages)

I don't believe you can use the WhatsApp URL (it is not the API)  you mentioned to achieve your purpose.

A: Maybe it is not exactly what you needed, but if you add  "&type=phone_number&app_absent=0" to the end of your link, it will work and send directly to where you want.
The link will look like:
"https://web.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=${YOUR_PHONE}&text=${YOUR_TEXT}&type=phone_number&app_absent=0"

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Richmond, VA – For the final time in 2016 the cars and the stars of Arena Racing USA piled into the Richmond Coliseum to crown a new champion. Attrition seemed to be the keyword of the night as drivers were fighting tooth and nail for all they had. Practice and qualifying took place earlier in the afternoon before gates opened for the fans. We picked up the nights action with the Top Dog qualifying races.
Branden Sanders would find himself leading the field to the green flag for the A-Main with Connor Medeiros, who currently sits second in points, to his outside. Camden Testerman, who holds just a thirteen point lead entering tonight's race, would roll of the grid way back in the seventh position.
Murhpy stays low as officials display the cone – just like at the local short track level lead lap cars are able to chose which line they would like to restart in – while Jordan Wood elects to restart to his outside. As the two were battling for the lead out of turn four it appeared the Murphy put a little to much left side tires on the concrete which send the car up and over the right side and sliding down the front stretch on his lid, his night would be done.
The ensuing restart, coming just one lap before halfway, should have found Wood & Testerman on the front row but the #28 of Wood stalls coming out of turn two just prior to the cone. Officials looked in the rear section of the car but could not get him re-fired. This allowed Carlton to move up one spot and restart behind Testerman – Zupo and Medeiros only two to take the cone.
The high line not working to well for Zupo who falls back quickly. Leaving Testerman in control of this one with Carlton riding hot on his tails. Carlton starting to take a peak under Testerman as we work lap 30 and is able to make the pass coming out of turn four however the the field would be slowed yet again as Branden Sanders spins for a second time.
Restart coming up with just laps to go and Carlton not playing games, gets a great jump and clears Testerman off four who is left to fend off Maines. Top four, separated by just a car length a piece, able to extend their lead by a full straightaway until the caution is displayed yet again on lap 45 – DiSavino coming to a halt on the back stretch with what looked like a broken right front.
Carlton with another great jump to clear Testerman. Medeiros and Manes battling hard for the third spot. So hard in fact Manes makes pretty solid contact with the wall. Everyone able to keep things rolling and Cody Carlton will take home the A-Main trophy and lock himself into tonight's Top Dog.
John & Savannah Nicken – the father daughter duo – lead the field to the green for their 50-lap feature. Either Savannah caught her old man sleeping or dad was slow to get to the gas to allow for Savannah to get to the bottom. She jumps out to an early lead over her father John Nickens who falls back to as far as fourth place.
First caution of the race comes early in this one on lap 11 from none other than who we were just talking about, John Nickens, who had an incredible save coming off turn four after the car gets crazy loose. However, he was not able to gather it back up and collides with Jim Grady in turn one and blocking the track.
Savannah electing to start on the bottom on the ensuing restart plays in her favor and jumps out to a 15 car lead. Leaves Matt Sanders, Davis, and Shonk to battle things out for the second and third postion. Some beating and banging – as is the norm here at Arena Racing – proves to be beneficial for Sanders who takes the second spot away and sets his eyes on S. Nickens.
Field pretty strung out as they reach half way with the expection of Alford and J. Nickens – who about wrecks himself again in turns one and two trying to snag the position away from Alford. Looking back up front Savannah, for the first time all race, had to navigate her way by the slower car of Ogden – this allowed for Sanders to catch up as well as Davis.
Whoa, scary moment for the leaders with just over 10 laps to go. Alford and J. Nickens make contact out of four and get way out of shape. The two are able to gather things up and we stay under green, but allows for Sanders and Brad Davis to catch up to the bumper of Savannah Nickens who, just a couple laps later would have a huge slip out of two, allowing Matte Sanders to attempt the pass on the outside. With the help of the slower machine of Ogden, Sanders successfully makes the pass for the lead in turn one.
Davis and Shonk restart on the front row, good battle for a couple laps till Shonk spins his self out coming out of turn two to put the field back under yellow. Alford will be your lucky dog and puts Savannag Nickens back into the second postion after going to the rear of the field along with Brad Davis – who mad contact with her bringing out the previous yellow flag after a dive bomb in turn three did not work.
Savannah Nickens, electing to take the cone and restart on the top side, which appeared to be the preferred line here tonight, took the lead from Matt Sanders. All of that however, would be for nothing as the caution flag waved yet again for a wreck here on the back stretch after Shonk made contact with her father and turning him around. This time Nickens chooses to start on the bottom, boy does she wish she could have that one back, as Sanders went top shelf getting the better restart and ultimately grabbing the win.
The entire Top Dog starting grid set by random pill pulls. Shane Zupo came out on top of tonights draw, no seriously, he will lead the field to the green flag for the final 50-lap feature of the night. Followed by points leader Camden Testerman, Johnny Shonk, B-Main winner Matt Sanders, and John Alford to round out the starting five – have to note that Conner Medeiros will roll off the grid sixth.
Took only about three-quarters of a lap for things to get interesting in the nights final race. Pole sitter Shane Zupo goes for a spin into the inside blocks and comes to a rest in the infield with some left front damage, his night his done before we complete a single lap. This put the #911 machine of Alford on the point with the championship contenders starting to his outside.
Attrition was the name of the game for the Top Dog feature as five of the fourteen cars had dropped out and two cars have heavy front or rear end damage with just two laps of the fifty in the books. Points leader Camden Testerman ran into issues early as he was caught up in one of the wrecks causing him to lose his rear bumper cover. Connor Medeiros, also getting caught up in the action early would retire from the race with front suspension issues.
By the time we could actually run more than two consecutive laps the we found Garret Manes pacing the field over Carlton, Testerman, M. Sanders, and Alford. Top three drivers did a very good job of distancing themselves from the pack staying no more than a few car lengths from each other's bumpers.
With the longest green flag run of the evening setting up some great racing in the top three. Manes scored your leader at halfway break with Carlton hot on his heels, however, the field would be slowed yet again with cars spinning all over the track. After officials got things cleaned up and cars lined back up we went back green flag racing where Carlton was a man possessed on the restart.
Carlton to the lead as we complete lap 34 just before the field would be slowed for yet another yellow flag from Branden Sanders, who was facing the wrong way out of four. Murphy and Alford appear to get a piece – Alfords night over.
On the ensuing restart both Carlton and Testerman catch Garrett Manes sleeping and jump out to a huge lead. Manes has to get up on the wheel and fight off Matt Sanders to stay in third. Luckily for Carlton the field was able to keep things together and we were able to finish this thing off under green with Carlton pulling off the sweep. Testerman, Manes, M. Sanders and Davis rounded out the top five.


...I know I've said so before, but this time I'm ready to get back in the saddle so to speak!
...I am having a few photo issues with Blogger right now...and although you can read the recipes, none of the picture-by-picture steps seem to be showing!!!
Have tried to contact Blogger, but no reply or reason as yet...in fact I had to delete and reload the background and banner to make them work this morning...and really don't relish the thought of doing the same for all the pictures in over 100 posts!!!
But in the meantime don't stop watching Sew Appetising...there will be new posts soon...once technical difficulties are sorted!!


64 SOS to SEK exchange rate – This is known more formally as the 'interbank' rate. It is the rate banks or large financial institutions charge each other when trading significant amounts of foreign currency. In the business, this is sometimes referred to as a 'spot rate'. It is not the tourist rate and you cannot buy currency at this rate, as you are buying relatively small amounts of foreign currency. In everyday life it is the same as the difference between wholesale and retail prices. The rates shown in financial newspapers and in broadcast media are usually the interbank rates.
What is 64 SOS to SEK?
The meaning of 64 SOS to SEK is to exchange 64 Somali Shilling to Swedish Krona by applying the latest currency rate on the market. The actual exchange rates you can get vary between different bureau de changes. Forex.gg is offering inter-market exchange rates to convert 64 SOS to SEK on the chart below.
Who can exchange 64 SOS to SEK?
Anyone with 64 Somali Shilling can find a local bank or a bureau de change to convert into Somali Shilling. However, if neither SOS nor SEK is the local currency. It might be quite difficult to find a local broker to faciliate the exchange. That's why Forex.gg is offering details about local forex brokers to save the time of searching around for the right broker.
When to exchange 64 SOS to SEK?
Due to the nature of the forex market, the exchange rates for 64 SOS to SEK is changing all the time in New York between 01:00 pm – 10:00 pm GMT; at 10:00 pm GMT Sydney comes online; Tokyo opens at 00:00 am and closes at 9:00 am GMT; and to complete the loop, London opens at 8:00 am and closes at 05:00 pm GMT. So the currency rate you see in this page may change any minute. It's better to lock in the exchange rates with your local broker so that you won't be affected for any future rate changes.
Why do I want to convert 64 SOS to SEK?
Most likely you are traveling and want to get some Swedish Krona cash. Or you've just came back from a recent trip or received cash transfer from overseas. There are many reasons to convert 64 Somali Shilling to Swedish Krona. And we believe you should be getting the best exchange rate available on the market to exchange the currency.
Where to convert 64 SOS to SEK?
Usually you can find a local bank, post office or bureau de change to exchange 64 SOS to SEK. But you will soon find out that the exchange rates you can find at all thoses places vary by a lot. It's better to be prepared before hand and do your research about the local forex brokers. That's the exact reason why Forex.gg is doing the homework for you to find the best local bureau de change to avoid being ripped off. All you need to do is input the amount of Swedish Krona you wnat to buy or sell and we will show you where to find the best rate. No forex exchange commissions or fees required!
How to exchange 64 SOS to SEK?
Use the tool we provided here to find the best exchange rates for 64 Somali Shilling to Swedish Krona. Lock in the rate by contacting the broker directly by phone or message. And go to the branch with 64 SOS in hand and exchange the cash you want in store or online. It's just that simple with no fees or commissions from Forex.gg!
64 Somali Shilling to Swedish Krona Cross rate – This is the rate we give to customers who want to exchange currencies that do not involve the local currency. For example, if you want to exchange Australian dollars into US dollars.
64 SOS to SEK added Somalia: where money is exchanged on the streets.
64 SOS to SEK added Soomaaliya waa qaran lacag la'aan ah? Somalia is a nation without its own currency?
64 SOS to SEK added UNWRAPPING THE CURRENCY OF "SOMALIA"


North Carolina State University shares how to leverage gamification in course development and set students on the right career path.
When students enter college as freshmen, they often have a sense of the job they'd like to end up in eventually. They don't always have an idea of the path it takes to get there.
Edwin Lindsay, a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University, says his students tend to eye high-prestige, high-paying jobs such as athletic director or head football coach.
Recognizing students could use a better sense of the entry-level positions they would more realistically start a career in, Lindsay sought some advice from NC State's Distance Education & Learning Technology Applications (DELTA). Lindsay teamed up with Stephen Bader, business and technology applications specialist for DELTA, to integrate gamification into Lindsay's Introduction to Sport Management course.
In the end, the team developed a gamification module that runs as a Moodle plug-in to challenge students to amass points within 14 skill sets they need to develop along one of 10 different career paths. Careers range from sports media to sports tourism, as well as head coach or general manager of a professional sports team. NC State offers the course for three credits, both online and as a traditional course.
Based on the results of the game, students gain greater insights into their strengths and weaknesses, along with the courses they'll need to reach their goals. Some may realize they need to improve financial accounting skills or learn more about budgeting for a sports team. Others may realize they'll need to take some writing or journalism courses if they want to work in sports media.
Students who participate in the module have shown marked improvement, Lindsay says, and scores on midterms have increased on average by seven points. Overall, the quality of those students' responses has also improved, he says. Based on their experiences at NC State, Lindsay and Bader offer five best practices for IT teams and course developers looking to experiment with gamification at their own institutions.
Lindsay and Bader have high hopes for future gamification at NC State. Professors in the horticulture department have already launched gamified courses, and other departments have expressed interest.
1. Have a clear set of goals and objectives.
NC State knew it had to start small, but its goal all along was to share the gamification module with other departments and expand on the program once the proof-of-concept course was tested.
2. Partner with the faculty and technology staff.
Every college has course experts and technology staff, but do they have the patience and expertise to take difficult course material and turn it into an effective game? Lindsay gives a great deal of credit to DELTA for making the project a success. He says they had a very keen sense of how to keep the students engaged while learning.
3. Choose a flexible learning management system.
NC State uses Moodle, an open-source learning management system that Lindsay says allows for consistent feedback and gives instructors numerous options to engage students.
4. Build in ample planning time.
When they started, Lindsay and Bader planned to just build one unit, but as they got into the details, building a game for the entire course made sense. Lindsay says it took about a year to decide what they wanted, plus another year before they were convinced that the game was fun and engaging enough.
5. Think of creative funding mechanisms.
Lindsay received a grant to get started and a strong partnership with DELTA, the university's distance learning organization. Partner with the appropriate technology group and also solicit support from the administration and department heads. For example, while there may not be funding available for a full faculty line, the department head may consider flextime for the faculty member on the project or allocate funding for an additional teaching assistant.


Susan S: A line can be...feathery!
This is the second of two blog posts about my Fall Hand Stitching class. To see the first post...go here. The class focused on using a selection of hand stitches in unique ways...learning to stretch! Themes covered included: line, pattern and rhythm, texture and layers. First time students worked in a limited palette. Students painted and printed their own fabrics to use in class.
Susan S.: Line Sampler with beads.
Susan S.: Layers and Lines.
Susan S.: Layers and Textures.
Susan S.: Combining it all!
I also had two continuing students who took the class as an independent study. Jan B. referenced photos from a summer trip with family to Yellowstone and the Tetons. Susan G. continued work on her Healing Cloths that are "portraits" of family members.
Jan B.: Buffalo made for handmade paper.
Seeing results like these reminds me of why I love to teach!!
I'm teaching a fast track version of this class this weekend called Jumpstart in Hand Stitching. Leave a comment if you'd like more information!


This year were getting an Air Jordan 11 Low Concord, so we know that Jordan Brand isnt averse to churning out classic colorways of this silhouette in Low form. But will we ever get others like the Bred, Cool Grey, or Space Jam? For the time being, this upcoming pair with Infrared 23 and a little bit of speckling on the back end is probably the closest thing well get to Space Jam C and were use that some clever customization will turn no small number of pairs into that sort of an homage.


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Developers break ground on new Blue Lagoon office tower
Offices will join six other buildings in 250-acre park
February 12, 2016 03:45PM
A rendering of the 800 Waterford Tower office building
The owners of Miami's Waterford at Blue Lagoon corporate park just broke ground on a new 10-story office building.
Dubbed 800 Waterford Tower, the 250,000-square-foot offices are being built speculatively by owners TIAA-CREF and Allianz Real Estate of America. It's the first new building to go up in the 250-acre park in seven years, according to a news release about the groundbreaking.
The developers expect 800 Waterford to open mid-year 2016. It will join the park's six other office buildings, all located directly south of the Miami International Airport.
Financial giant TIAA-CREF, which provides retirement plans for academics, has owned the office park since the 1980s. Last year, the firm partnered up with Allianz, which paid $375 million to buy a 49 percent stake in the complex.
Leasing efforts will be handled by the Hogan Group, which markets and manages the Waterford at Blue Lagoon on behalf of Allianz and TIAA-CREF.
Earlier this year, the partners also announced they plan to build Burger King a new corporate headquarters in the park. The fast food chain would be downsizing from its current 200,000-square-foot digs next door to a custom-built 150,000-square-foot office building. — Sean Stewart-Muniz
Source: The Real Deal
Duke Realty inks tenants for spec warehouse in Pompano Avenir, mixed-use project in Palm Beach Gardens, nears approval


Summer is the best time of year. Most of us, whether we live in an apartment or home, have an outdoor space. If you use that outdoor space wisely, you have increased your home's livable square footage. Here's some things to perk up that outdoor living area.
Think of your outside space as a living room with a sofa, chairs, coffee table, and end table. But, be sure you leave space for your grill or fire pit, which is essential to summertime entertaining. Another thing to consider is the furniture's durability. Wicker isn't your best option if you live in a windy area. Get something that will last like a sturdy teak or iron-framed outfit.
If you have a covered patio, your options are endless. You don't have to worry about the elements as much, so you can go with large, plush cushions. Those of you without a roof, you can do the same, but you'll want to be sure to store the cushions away when not in use to keep your fabric beautiful throughout the summer. In addition, much of the outdoor fabric is getting better with its dirt and mold resistance.
Don't go with your standard beige when dressing up your outdoor space. Make it pop with color, pattern, and great accessories. Mixing and matching whimsical pieces and roadside finds makes the space your own. Again, this is an outdoor living room and you want to make a statement with your style.
As you do inside your home, a rug ties everything together. A large outdoor area rug makes the space more cohesive and inviting.
Once you have your outdoor living room put together, invite some friends over and spend the evening enjoying the breeze. Happy summer!
If you would like to have a custom outdoor living room, give GAMINO Décor a call.


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First look inside the Parramatta Powerhouse's galactical spaces
The public has been given its first glimpse inside the Parramatta Powerhouse, with new plans revealing large column-free exhibition spaces and a 360-degree immersive tour of the galaxy.
Three major construction firms - Multiplex, Lendlease and the builders of the Art Gallery of NSW's extension Sydney Modern, Richard Crookes - have been shortlisted for the contract to build the western Sydney headquarters of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
An artist's impression of Parramatta Powerhouse's 360-degree immersive screen space.
At the same time, the museum has named Indigenous astronomy, private space exploration, transport, agriculture and food science, and the interconnection between climate change and energy among the thematic priorities for the museum's program now in early development.
"That's really been our history collecting and exhibiting the great stories and ingenuity and innovation, and this is what this museum will do but in a whole range of different ways," chief executive Lisa Havilah said at the launch of a new shop front at Parramatta Square to share the museum's ambitions with the local community.
The year-long formal planning process for the new museum is almost complete with protests continuing to beset the NSW government's plan to dismantle and relocate the historic home Willow Grove to North Parramatta to make way for the new museum.
A union green ban remains in place on the riverside site that will be home to the Parramatta Powerhouse. The Department of Planning is expected to give final planning approval in early 2021.
Artist impression of a presentation space inside the Parramatta Powerhouse. Indigenous astronomy and private space exploration have been highlighted as focuses of the gallery.
An Infrastructure NSW spokesperson said subject to approval, the first works will start early next year with the main works contract to be awarded later in 2021. The spokesperson said an assessment and archival recording of Willow Grove was underway to inform the dismantling and reconstruction of the former maternity hospital. The relocation of Willow Grove is subject to further design development, site selection assessments and planning approvals.
Meanwhile, planning has begun to develop a range of exhibitions for the new museum with early conversations underway with the Australian Space Agency.
Future collecting and exhibitions will focus on the rise of space programs in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the miniaturisation and privatisation of space, and ongoing human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The building's exoskeleton provides for column-free exhibition space, among the largest in Australia, Ms Havilah said, with the most substantial of these at ground level in the eastern wing.
"It will be one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country," she said. "It can be both a lightbox and a black box, it has full climate control, it will have weight loadings that we'll be able to suspend aircraft, present trains really be able to present any of those large objects from our collection."
A completely immersive screen space - offering a multi-dimensional experience - will be designed by scientists and creatives to occupy one level of the western wing.
"The floor, walls, ceiling will be completely LED, it will be like walking into, in a very large scale way, another world whether it's walking into another hemisphere, or walking into the galaxy. We'll be able to have a fast-changing program because of the technology," Ms Havilah said.
Amid criticism that plans have been too vague about climate control levels, Ms Havilah said engineering and design consultants, Arup, had provided for climatic conditions that would allow international and interstate loans of items of significance.
The museum will also collaborate with scientists, First Nations agronomists and staff from the Royal Botanic Gardens to create a productive garden within a working research and education space on the building's roof.
A demonstration kitchen with space for 200 people will be built next to the garden. The museum six months ago established a culinary archive to collect the stories of the great chefs and producers of Australia.
"The history of market gardens in western Sydney is an incredible story of ingenuity. We are looking to that as one of the first incredible stories we want to tell here how those waves of new communities coming into western Sydney, being so entrepreneurial, but how that changed food culture and through those histories changed the food identity and broader cultural identity of Sydney and Australia," Ms Havilah said.
"At any given time there will be six different exhibitions happening at the museum so you will be able to come and have six different experiences whether they are international shows or local history shows, science or immersive screen."
Sue Frost, relieving deputy principal of Macarthur Girls High School and headteacher at Doonside Technology High School, said she hoped locating the Parramatta Powerhouse in the heart of western Sydney would not only improve access for her charges but spur them to consider careers in technology and the sciences.
"It's about showing them how an interest, or a passion or a hobby that they've got in gaming or in science can actually turn into a career for them, that they can do what they love," Ms Frost said. "They are going to have to work for a very long time so they need to be doing something that they're passionate about, that's where they will be successful."


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Lucy Dorrell: How can we live with HIV?
There are currently around 91,000 people in the UK living with HIV/AIDS. HIV is a challenging target because it can mutate its genetic makeup. We are trying to deal with this by developing a vaccine which focuses the immune response on parts of HIV that it cannot change easily without weakening itself.
Q: What happens when people are infected with HIV?
LD: When HIV gets into the body it infects and destroys the immune system. It does this by infecting a specialised kind of cell called a CD4 T cell. CD4 T cells play a really critical role in controlling and regulating how the body copes with responses to a whole range of microbes. So when these cells are destroyed and depleted over time they can fall to a critical level. At that point the individual can become seriously ill just from exposure to relatively harmless germs in the environment and that is what indicates that they have AIDS.
Q: Can you explain why it can take years for AIDS to develop?
LD: The body has a very large reserve of CD4 T cells and although a large proportion of them are destroyed in the earlier stages of the infection, the body can cope for a while and it takes quite a number of years before they fall to dangerous levels. There is a minority of infected individuals who seem to be able to live for ten or twenty years without showing any signs of illness and by studying these rare individuals we have some clues as to why it takes a long time to develop AIDS. Clearly the genetic makeup of the individual plays a part and in particular the genes that code for specific components of the immune response seem to be important in determining how long it takes to develop AIDS.
Q: What are the most important lines of research that have developed over the past five or ten years?
LD: Over the past ten years researchers have started to piece together the process of the immune response to the virus from the very earliest stages of infection. What has become clear is that HIV is extremely versatile. It seems to be able to cope with and outwit just about any immune defence that the body throws at it which makes it an extremely difficult target for a vaccine. On the positive side there have been huge improvements in treatment. HIV is treated with combinations of drugs called antiretrovirals and these drugs have improved enormously in recent years. Nowadays if you are a person with HIV living in the UK where treatment is freely available you can expect to have a pretty much normal life span if you are diagnosed early.
Q: How big a problem is HIV in the UK today?
LD: It is estimated that there are about 88,000 people living with HIV and worryingly about a quarter of those are not aware of their status so they can unknowingly pass the infection on to other people. In recent years the largest increases in cases of HIV have been among heterosexuals.
Q: How does your research fit into Translation Medicine within the department?
LD: The goal of our research is to develop a vaccine to prevent HIV infection, but also to use vaccines in combination with drug treatments to try and help infected individuals get rid of the virus from their body. HIV is an extremely challenging target because it can mutate its genetic makeup. The way we are trying to deal with this has been to develop a vaccine which focuses the immune response on parts of HIV that it cannot change easily without weakening itself. We now have vaccines in clinical trials in Oxford both in healthy volunteers and in patients, testing out this strategy and we have some early encouraging results.
How can we live with HIV? by Lucy Dorrell
The aim of Professor Lucy Dorrell's research is to develop immunotherapy to reduce the dependence of those infected with HIV-1 on their current treatment - antiretroviral therapy (ART). This is because 9 million of the estimated 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS today are not able to access the ARTs which they are in immediate need of.
More podcasts related to HIV
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a stigmatised group in Africa, but a predominant actor in the transmission of HIV. Recognising this vulnerability and developing better prevention programmes targeted to this population will ultimately reduce the wider public health impact of HIV epidemic.
John Frater: Can we eradicate HIV?
It is increasingly apparent that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may not be the long-term solution to the management of HIV infection, and that other avenues need to be explored. As a result of various recent cases, the idea of eradicating HIV altogether is becoming less unimaginable to some scientists.
Andrew McMichael: Aiming for a HIV vaccine
Although we know a lot more about HIV, the infection keeps spreading and there is a real need for a vaccine. Various strategies are investigated: either prevent the infection by stimulating really good antibodies, or control it by harnessing the cellular immune response that could prevent the disease.
Sarah Rowland-Jones: HIV and children in Africa
HIV behaves very differently in children and in adults: while most adults are able to control the virus after infection, children often struggle to do so resulting in an extremely high mortality rate. Research is carried out with the few that do survive childhood in order to study the differences in immune responses and to find out how to best treat them.
Tomáš Hanke: HIV Vaccine Development
Big challenges face the development of an HIV vaccine, including the enormous HIV variation. Professor Hanke focusses on the most conserved regions of the HIV-1 proteome, and also works on the development of a vaccine both for adults and against mother-to-child transmission. The ultimate goal is to create an effective universal HIV vaccine.
Seph Borrow: HIV immunology for Vaccine Design
The earliest interactions between HIV and host immune responses have been shown to be critical determinants of the subsequent disease course. Innate responses can be activated very rapidly after infection to contain early pathogen replication and induce the adaptive response. Modulation of innate responses could complement existing HIV vaccine strategies.
From Bench to Bedside
Ultimately, medical research must translate into improved treatments for patients. At the Nuffield Department of Medicine, our researchers collaborate to develop better health care, improved quality of life, and enhanced preventative measures for all patients. Our findings in the laboratory are translated into changes in clinical practice, from bench to bedside.


BRAIDS – For autumn, braids and plaits seem to be the main hair trend all over the fashion world's catwalks. This season Alexander McQueen and DKNY models came with cornrows, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Creatures of the Wind had plaited pigtails and knotted plaits could be spotted at Givenchy. No matter, if you are going for a playful or more elegant look, braided hairstyles go well with almost anything. Also they look terrific with a coat and other autumn wardrobe.
PILED EYE SHADOW – Recent runway shows are dominated by dark and heavy eye shadows that often extend beyond the lower or upper lids. Supermodels like Clara Delevingne totally rock the moody makeup trend, which can be worn for any occasion and perfectly captures an autumn-like aura.
OX BLOOD NAILS – Who else but Dita van Teese could top off a stunning look with some Ox blood-colored nails? Well, this autumn you can! Ox blood definitely is one of the trend colors of the upcoming autumn season and makes for an amazing combination with earthy tones, black or different shades of red.
SLICKED BACK HAIR – Iggy Azaela shows us yet another variant of what a classy autumn hairdo can look like. As seen during recent runway shows for Jeremy Scott and Christian Dior, the slicked back hair will be an autumn all-rounder, no matter if you are aiming for androgynous sophistication or a fresh-out-of-the-shower look.


Picking a wedding date may seem like the easiest thing to do. I mean if you think about it, all you need to do is pick a date and you are done. Unfortunately it's not that simple and you will soon discover (assuming you just started planning your wedding). It will be the first and sometimes hardest decisions you will have to make for your wedding.
the availability of the ceremony location and reception location. Your favourite venue might have the date you want the ceremony location might be fully booked. You may have both locations available but the timing is too far apart. For example the ceremony is available 10am and the reception at 7pm. Another example is that they are both available but only at the same time. This mostly occurs from September to November as it is wedding season and venues during this time book out quickly. Some places book out over 1 year in advance.
Other reasons that can occur are due to working around other family and friends calendars. A good example your best friend is getting married as well and you want to coordinate your weddings so you can attend each other weddings and not overlap the honeymoon or your sister could be pregnant and you don't want her to miss out on your wedding. There are also religious and important dates you can or can't get married on.
The easiest thing to do is pick a month and work within that month instead of an individual date. Of course have your ideal date but you may easily find that either venue and ceremony reception are booked out. By having a date range to work with you have a much higher chance to have the wedding around the time you want and be able to lock it in to avoid missing out. This works even better especially if you have multiple venues or ceremony locations in mind.
There are a few factors when picking the wedding date. I have broken down the various factors to consider when choosing a date.
As mentioned above, wedding season is from September to November and again February to April. Some venues can be easily booked out a year in advance and have bookings years in advance. Many times we have seen a couple have the ceremony and venue location free and decided to book it 'next week' only to discover it was booked out and too late.
There are days that will be meaningful to you but also your whole family. Keep in mind of these dates especially if your partner has different beliefs and their half of the family will not be able to attend. For example events like Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah, Asalha Puja, Ramadan and so on.
Some families have everything in the same time period. A good example is my wife's family as there are 10+ birthdays in the month of April alone. While birthdays and anniversaries can be worked around, it is advisable to work around these dates sometimes to make things easier on everyone.
You will be surprised but some couples assume you can have everything booked and have the wedding in 3 months (then the budget, booked venues and reality set in). A year in advance is perfectly fine especially for times during wedding season but if budget and time are not on your side then 18+ months will make things a whole lot easier.
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Juliusz Kühl (* 24. Juni 1913 in Sanok, Polen; † 19. Februar 1985 in Dade, Florida) war ein polnischer Konsularbeamter, Wirtschaftswissenschaftler, Aktivist der jüdischen Diaspora und ein Mitglied der Ładoś-Gruppe, die unter der Leitung von Aleksander Ładoś von 1941 bis 1943 zur Rettung der Juden vor dem Holocaust eine große Anzahl lateinamerikanischer Pässe illegal herstellte.

Leben und Wirken
Kühl wurde in einer Familie orthodoxer Juden in Sanok (Österreich-Ungarn heute Polen), geboren. Nachdem er seinen Vater früh verloren hatte, zog er 1929 dank der Bemühungen seiner Mutter zu Verwandten in die Schweiz um. An der Universität Bern nahm er ein Studium auf. Im Jahr 1939 verteidigte er seine Dissertation über die polnisch-schweizerischen Handelsbeziehungen mit Auszeichnung. Die Dissertation zog die Aufmerksamkeit der polnischen Gesandtschaft in Bern auf sich. Dort wurde Kühl nach dem Ausbruch des Zweiten Weltkriegs angestellt.

1943 heiratete er Yvonne Weill, mit der er drei Töchter hatte. Eine von ihnen, Evelyn Kühl, war Ehefrau von Israel Singer, der von 1986 bis 2001 der Generalsekretär des Jüdischen Weltkongresses war.

Rettungsaktion und "Passaffäre"
Kühl war von 1940 bis 1945 stellvertretender Leiter der Konsularabteilung in der polnischen Gesandtschaft, obwohl die Schweiz seinen diplomatischen Status nicht anerkannte. Von 1941 bis 1943 beteiligte sich Kühl zusammen mit dem Konsul Konstanty Rokicki und mit der Unterstützung durch den polnischen Gesandten Aleksander Ładoś sowie dessen Stellvertreter Stefan Ryniewicz an der illegalen Herstellung von mehreren tausend paraguayischen Pässen. Sie wurden von jüdischen Organisationen in das von Nazi-Deutschland besetzte Polen geschmuggelt.

Nach Angaben der Schweizer Polizei war es Kühls Aufgabe, die Blanko-Pässe dem bestochenen Honorarkonsul von Paraguay abzukaufen. Konsul Rokicki füllte sie dann aus und gab ihnen so den Anschein der Legalität. Kühl hielt zudem ständigen Kontakt mit jüdischen Organisationen, die mit der polnischen Gesandtschaft zusammenarbeiteten, insbesondere mit der einflussreichen Familie von Isaak und Recha Sternbuch aus Montreux, dem Hilfskomitee für die jüdischen Kriegsopfer (RELICO) von Abraham Silberschein und mit der internationalen orthodoxen Organisation Agudat Israel.

Die Pässe dienten dazu, den Transport von Juden und Jüdinnen in die Vernichtungslager zu verhindern. Die Inhaber der Pässe wurden stattdessen in Internierungslager vor allem in Frankreich gebracht, wo sie gegen Deutsche ausgetauscht werden sollten, die in den alliierten Staaten interniert waren. Die größten Internierungslager befanden sich in Vittel und Bergen-Belsen. Nach Einschätzung von Historikern und Journalisten konnten auf diese Weise mehrere hundert Menschen vor dem Holocaust gerettet werden. Im Laufe seiner Tätigkeit wurde Kühl zweimal verhört und ihm mit Abschiebung gedroht. Die an die polnische Gesandtschaft gerichteten Aufforderungen, Kühl zu entlassen, wurden jedes Mal von Aleksander Ładoś abgewiesen.

Späteres Leben
Im Juli 1945 verließen Kühl, Ryniewicz und Rokicki den diplomatisch-konsularischen Dienst, nachdem die Kommunisten die Macht in Polen übernommen hatten. Kühl blieb in der Schweiz. Mit Aleksander Ładoś engagierte er sich für die Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe von Stanisław Mikołajczyk.

1949 siedelte Kühl nach Kanada um, wo er zuerst Uhren verkaufte und dann zu einem erfolgreichen Geschäftsmann in der Baubranche wurde. 1980 zog er in die USA um, wo er verstarb.

Rezeption
Kühl hinterließ Dokumente über die Pass-Operation, die nach seinem Tod an das United States Holocaust Memorial Museum und das Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust übergeben wurden. Die Tätigkeit von Kühl wurde umfangreich von Holocaust-Historikern beschrieben, die sich mit der Schweiz befassten. Kühl sah sich als Funktionär des polnischen Staatsapparats und behauptete, die Passoperation sei auf Anweisung von Ładoś durchgeführt worden. Der sollte wiederum allgemeine Anweisungen der polnischen Regierung ausgeführt haben. Die Dokumente bestätigen diese Behauptung nicht, weil Ładoś die Regierung nicht informiert hat, dass er sich mit der Fälschung von Pässen befasst.

Aufgrund des konspirativen Charakters der Operation und der guten Kontakte zwischen Kühl und der jüdischen Gemeinde in der Schweiz entstand die Ansicht, dass Kühl der Initiator und Anführer der Ładoś-Gruppe war. Diesen Mythos bekräftigte Mark MacKinnon, der Kühl als "kanadischen Schindler" präsentierte. Gegen diese Darstellung wandten sich die polnischen Journalisten Zbigniew Parafianowicz und Michał Potocki. Ihrer Ansicht nach war Kühl einer von vier polnischen Diplomaten, die an der Operation teilnahmen, an deren Spitze Aleksander Ładoś stand. Die Forscherin Agnieszka Haska vertritt hingegen die Auffassung, dass Kühl und Ładoś als Tandem agierten. Für sie ist allerdings die Rolle von Ryniewicz und Rokicki sowie der Vorgang der Passfälschung zweitrangig.

Kühl wurde für seine Tätigkeit nie ausgezeichnet. Er wurde aber neben Ładoś, Ryniewicz und Rokicki in einem Schreiben von Agudat Jisra'el an die polnische Exilregierung als eine der Personen genannt, die das Leben von mehreren hundert Juden gerettet haben.

Siehe auch
 George Mandel-Mantello

Literatur
 Agnieszka Haska: "Proszę Pana Ministra o energiczną interwencję". Aleksander Ładoś (1891–1963) i ratowanie Żydów przez Poselstwo RP w Bernie, "Zagłada Żydów. Studia i Materiały". 11, S. 299–309, 2015, ISSN 1895-247X
 Aleksander Ładoś. In: Leksykon historii Polski, red. Michał Czajka, "Wiedza Powszechna", Warszawa 1995
 Iwona Kulikowska: Aleksander Ładoś – konsul generalny II RP w Monachium. In: W nieustającej trosce o polską diasporę, Gorzów Wielkopolski 2012, S. 263–279, ISBN 978-83-933510-1-5
 Kto był kim w Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej (red. Jacek M. Majchrowski), wyd. BGW Warszawa 1994, S. 103, ISBN 83-7066-569-1
 Mark MacKinnon: "He should be as well known as Schindler": Documents reveal Canadian citizen Julius Kuhl as Holocaust hero. "Daily Globe and Mail", 7. August 2017
 Naomi Lubrich: Pässe, Profiteure, Polizei. Ein Schweizer Kriegsgeheimnis. Herausgegeben vom Jüdischen Museum der Schweiz. Edition Clandestin, Biel/Bienne 2021, ISBN 978-3-907262-09-2
 Rachel Grünberger-Elbaz, Die bewegenden Enthüllungen des Eiss-Archivs: Über eine bisher unbekannte Schweizer-Rettungsaktion für Juden im 2. Weltkrieg, Audiatur-Online.ch, 31. August 2017
 Stanisław Łoza (red.): Czy wiesz kto to jest ?. Wydawnictwo Głównej Księgarni Wojskowej, Warszawa 1938
 Zbigniew Parafianowicz, Michał Potocki: Wie ein polnischer Gesandter in Bern Hunderte Juden rettete. Swissinfo.com, 10. August 2017

Einzelnachweise

Holocaust in Polen
Schweiz im Zweiten Weltkrieg
Diplomatiegeschichte
Person (Judenretter)
Pole
Geboren 1913
Gestorben 1985
Mann
Konsul von Polen

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