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Home > Medications > Estrace (Estradiol)
Estrace (Estradiol)
ESTRACE®
Estradiol-17b (micronized)
Action And Clinical Pharmacology: Estrogens are secreted mainly by the gonads and, to a very small amount, by the adrenals. In addition, they are formed, to an important degree, from peripheral conversion of adrenal and gonadal androgens to estrogens. They circulate in both unconjugated and conjugated forms in the blood, with the unconjugated estrogens, either free or bound to proteins, mainly albumin, or to the specific sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which shows a great affinity for estradiol.
Estrogens are metabolized mainly in the liver, with the metabolites being conjugated with glucuronic acid or sulfuric acid and even double conjugates such as estriol-3-sulfate-16a-glucuronide are formed. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the circulating estrogens are secreted in the bile and of this fraction 20% is reabsorbed after hydrolysis in the intestinal tract. The exact site of the hydrolysis is not known, but it probably takes place in the intestinal lumen and is catalyzed by enzymes secreted into the intestinal tract or present in the microflora. Estradiol is the most potent of the known naturally occurring estrogens in stimulating the growth of the reproductive tissues. Estradiol promotes uterine growth in the rat without undergoing chemical transformation and responsive tissues, such as the uterus and vagina, show a characteristic affinity for estradiol.
When administered to humans about 65% of the dose is excreted in the urine, almost entirely in the water soluble form as b-glucuronides or sulfate esters. Estrone, estradiol and estriol account for about 1/2 of the excreted products. A number of steroids with 3 oxygen functions have been identified such as 16-epiestriol, 16-ketoestradiol, 16-hydroxyestrone and 2-methoxyestrone with estradiol being a precursor to these compounds.
Estradiol is the most potent physiologic estrogen and, in fact, is the major estrogenic hormone secreted by the human. Estradiol controls the development and maintenance of the female sex organs, the secondary sex characteristics and the mammary glands as well as certain functions of the human uterus and accessory organs, particularly the proliferation of the endometrium, the development of the decidua, and the cyclic changes in the cervix and vagina. The production of estradiol by the ovaries is under the control of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In menopausal women, the depletion of ovarian follicles leads to lower plasma estradiol and elevated plasma FSH and LH.
Estrogen deficiency is manifested by hot flushes, sweating, insomnia, paresthesia, irritability, and urogenital atrophy. As replacement therapy in estrogen deficiency states (such as the menopause), low doses of estradiol in cyclic regimens have been found to relieve such deficiency.
Estrogen deficiency is the main cause of postmenopausal bone loss and contributes to age-associated losses leading to osteoporosis. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that estrogen therapy prevents bone loss and reduces the incidence of vertebral, hip, and Colles' fractures.
Although the mechanism of action of estrogen on bone metabolism is still not completely elucidated, estrogens have been shown to have several effects: increase in renal tubular absorption of calcium, thus reducing urinary calcium; decrease in the sensitivity of bone to the parathyroid hormone (PTH); increase in the intestinal absorption of calcium and increase in circulating levels of active 1-25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Recent research has shown that osteoblasts also possess receptors for estrogens.
Indications And Clinical Uses: For the symptomatic relief of menopausal symptoms. Estradiol-17b may also contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis in naturally occurring or surgically induced estrogen-deficiency states when combined with other important therapeutics such as diet, calcium and exercises. In patients with intact uteruses, estradiol-17b should always be supplemented by sequential administration of progestogen.
Contra-Indications: Should not be administered to patients with any of the following conditions: active hepatic dysfunction or disease especially of the obstructive type, a history of breast or endometrial cancer except in special circumstances, endometrial hyperplasia, known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia, known or suspected pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, a history of cerebrovascular accident, coronary thrombosis, or in the presence of classical migraine, active thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders, partial or complete loss of vision or diplopia, from ophthalmic vascular disease, a history of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders associated with previous estrogen use, endometriosis and leiomyoma of the uterus, lactation.
Manufacturers' Warnings In Clinical States: Malignant Neoplasm: Long-term continuous administration of natural and synthetic estrogens in certain animal species increases the frequency of carcinomas of the breast, cervix, vagina, and liver. There is now evidence that unopposed estrogens increase the risk of carcinoma of the endometrium in humans.
Three independent case control studies have shown an increased risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women exposed to unopposed exogenous estrogens for prolonged periods. This risk was independent of the other known risk factors for endometrial cancer. The 3 case control studies reported that the risk of endometrial cancer in estrogen users was about 4.5 to 13.9 times greater than in nonusers. The risk appears to depend on both duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. In view of these findings, when estrogens are used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, the lowest dose that will control symptoms should be utilized and medication should be discontinued as soon as possible. When prolonged treatment is medically indicated, sequential administration of progestogen is indicated for women with intact uteruses.
Studies of the addition of a progestogen for 7 or more days of a cycle of estrogen administration have reported a lowered incidence of endometrial hyperplasia. Morphological and biochemical studies of endometrium suggest that 10 to 13 days of progestogen are needed to provide maximal maturation of the endometrium and to eliminate any hyperplastic changes. Whether this will provide protection from endometrial carcinoma has not been clearly established. There are possible additional risks which may be associated with the inclusion of progestogen in estrogen replacement regimens. The potential risks include adverse effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The choice of progestogen and dosage may be important in minimizing these adverse effects.
Close clinical surveillance of all women taking estrogens is important. In all cases of undiagnosed abdominal vaginal bleeding, adequate diagnostic measures should be undertaken to rule out malignancy.
At the present time there is no satisfactory evidence that estrogens given to postmenopausal women increase the risk of cancer of the breast. There is a need for caution in prescribing estrogens for women with a strong family history of breast cancer or who have breast nodules, fibrocystic disease, or abnormal mammograms.
Thromboembolic Disease: Although the estrogen content of oral contraceptive therapy has been associated with an increased risk of various thromboembolic, thrombotic and vascular disease, to date no such increased risk in postmenopausal users of estrogens has been detected. Nevertheless, the physician should be alert to earliest manifestations of thrombotic disorders (thrombophlebitis, retinal thrombosis, cerebral embolism and pulmonary embolism). If these occur or are suspected, estrogen therapy should be discontinued immediately.
Precautions: Before estradiol-17b is administered, the patient should have a complete physical examination including a blood pressure determination. Breasts and pelvic organs should be examined and a Papanicolaou smear and endometrial biopsy should be taken. The first follow-up visit should be done 3 months after estradiol-17b tablets are prescribed. Thereafter, examinations should be performed at least once a year or more frequently if indicated. Baseline tests should include blood sugar, calcium, triglyceride, cholesterol and liver function tests.
If any surgical procedures are performed, the pathologist should be advised of the patient's therapy when specimens are sent for examination. If feasible, estrogens should also be discontinued at least 4 weeks before surgery which may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization. Liver function tests should be made periodically in subjects who have, or are suspected of having, hepatic disease.
Patients who develop visual disturbances, classical migraine, transient aphasia, paralysis, or loss of consciousness should discontinue medication.
Patients taking estrogens may experience corneal edema, that may cause visual disturbances and/or changes in tolerance to contact lenses, especially the rigid type of contact lenses. Soft contact lenses usually do not cause disturbances. If visual changes or alterations in tolerance to contact lenses occur, temporary or permament cessation of wear is advised.
Patients with essential hypertension whose blood pressure is well controlled may be given estradiol-17b tablets but only under close supervision. If a significant elevation of blood pressure in previously normotensive or hypertensive subjects occurs at any time during the administration of the drug, cessation of medication is necessary.
Development of sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness of uterine fibroids requires discontinuation of medication. Pre-existing uterine leiomyoma may increase in size during estrogen use.
Estrogens may cause fluid retention. Where this may be undesirable such as in cardiac or renal dysfunction, epilepsy, asthma or migraine, particular caution is indicated.
Elevation of blood pressure in previously normotensive or hypertensive patients necessitates cessation of medication.
Diabetic patients or those with a predisposition to diabetes should be observed closely to detect any alterations in carbohydrate metabolism.
In patients with metastatic carcinoma and hypercalcemia, estrogen medication should be used with caution. It should also be used with caution in patients with metabolic disease and in patients with renal insufficiency.
When liver or endocrine functions tests are indicated, the results should not be considered reliable unless therapy has been discontinued for 2 to 4 months.
Certain patients may develop undesirable manifestations of excessive estrogenic stimulation, such as abnormal or excessive uterine bleeding and mastodynia.
Prolonged administration of unopposed estrogen therapy has been reported to increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia in some patients.
A recent study has reported a 2- to 3-fold increase in the risk of surgically confirmed gallbladder disease in women receiving postmenopausal estrogens similar to the 2-fold increase previously noted in users of oral contraceptives.
Estrace 2 mg tablets contain tartrazine which may cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals.
Benign hepatic adenomas have been reported with the use of combined estrogen and progestogen oral contraceptives. Although rare, these tumors may rupture and cause death from intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Such lesions have not yet been reported in association with other estrogen or progestogen preparations, but they should be considered if abdominal pain and tenderness, abnormal mass or hypovolemic shock occurs in patients receiving estrogen. Hepatocellular carcinoma has also been reported in women taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. The causal relationship of this malignancy to these drugs is not known.
In patients with history of jaundice during pregnancy, there is an increased risk that jaundice will recur with the use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. If jaundice develops, with the use of estrogens, the drug should be discontinued while the cause is investigated.
Estrogens may diminish the effectiveness of anticoagulants and antidiabetic agents.
Preparations inducing liver enzymes, e.g., barbiturates, hydantoins, carbamazepine, meprobamate, phenylbutazone or rifampicin may interfere with the activity of orally administered estrogens.
The results of certain endocrine and liver function tests may be affected by estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. The following changes have been observed with large doses of oral estrogen: increased sulfobromophthalein retention; increased prothrombin time; increased factors VII, VIII, IX, X; decreased antithrombin III; following administration of estradiol-17b tablets for 28 days no effect on antithrombin III levels was seen; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability; increased thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone (T4) as measured by column or radioimmunoassay; free T3 resin unptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG, free T4 concentration is unaltered; TBG was not affected in clinical trials with estradiol-17b; reduced response to the metyrapone test; reduced serum folate concentration; increased serum triglyceride and phospholipid concentration.
The results of these tests should not be considered reliable unless therapy has been discontinued for 2 to 4 months. The pathologist should be informed that the patient is receiving estrogen therapy when relevant specimens are submitted.
Adverse Reactions: The following adverse reactions have been reported with the use of estrogens.
Genitourinary: breakthrough bleeding, spotting and withdrawal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, increased cervical mucus, endometrial hyperplasia, reactivation of endometriosis, sodium and water retention, premenstrual like syndrome, increase in size of uterine leiomyoma, vaginal candidiasis, and change in cervical eversion and in degree of cervical secretion.
Breast: breast swelling, tenderness and secretion.
Gastrointestinal: nausea, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating and cholestatic jaundice.
Skin: loss of scalp hair, allergic reactions and rashes, hemorrhagic eruption, itching, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, pigmentation of skin, melasma.
CNS: headaches, mental depression, increase or decrease in libido, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability.
Cardiovascular: change in blood pressure in susceptible individuals and aggravation of migraine headaches.
Thromboembolic Effects: A statistically significant association has been demonstrated between the use of estrogen-progestin preparations and the following serious reactions: thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism and cerebral thrombosis. Although available evidence is suggestive of an association, such a relationship has been neither confirmed nor refuted for the following serious reactions: coronary thrombosis and neuro-ocular lesions (e.g., retinal thrombosis and optic neuritis). Altered coagulation tests (increase in prothrombin time and Factors VII, VIII, IX, X).
Miscellaneous: increase or decrease in weight, reduced carbohydrate tolerance, precipitation or aggravation of porphyria cutanea tarda in predisposed individuals, edema and increased blood sugar levels.
Symptoms And Treatment Of Overdose: Symptoms and Treatment: Numerous reports of ingestion of large doses of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives by young children indicate that serious ill effects do not occur. Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. Remove ingested drug by gastric lavage and give symptomatic treatment. tag_DosageDosage
Dosage And Administration: The lowest dose of estrogen required to prevent menopausal symptoms and to prevent development of osteoporosis should be used.
In general, estrogen is usually administered cyclically for the first 21 to 25 days of each month. In patients with intact uteruses a progestin should be sequentially administered for the last 12 to 14 days of estrogen administration in order to prevent development of endometrial hyperplasia as a result of estrogen stimulation.
In hysterectomized patients estrogen alone should be given continuously.
Menopausal Symptoms: Treatment of menopausal symptoms is usually initiated with a 1 mg tablet/day. Thereafter, the dosage should be adjusted to the needs of the individual. Attempts to taper or discontinue the medication should be made at 3- to 6-month intervals.
For Prevention of Osteoporosis: Prophylactic therapy with estradiol-17b to prevent postmenopausal bone loss should be initiated with 0.5 mg/day as soon as possible after menopause. The dose may be titrated upward and downward based on the patient's clinical status and plasma estradiol levels. Ideally, plasma estradiol levels should be maintained around 50 pg/mL.
Availability And Storage: 0.5 mg: Each white, scored, compressed tablet contains: estradiol-17b micronized 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia, dibasic calcium phosphate, cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and talc.
1 mg: Each lavender, scored, compressed tablet contains: estradiol-17b micronized 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia, dibasic calcium phosphate, cornstarch, D&C red No. 27 aluminum lake, FD&C blue No. 1 aluminum lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and talc. Bottles of 100.
2 mg: Each turquoise, scored, compressed tablet contains: estradiol-17b micronized 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia, dibasic calcium phosphate, cornstarch, FD&C blue No. 1 and yellow No. 5 aluminum lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and talc. Bottles of 100.
ESTRACE® Roberts Estradiol-17b (micronized) Estrogen
General Illness Information Medical Term: Prostatic carcinoma Common Name: Prostate cancer Description: Prostate cancer is a type of cancer developing in the prostate gland. Causes:…
General Illness Information Common Name: BREAST CANCER Medical Term: None Specified Description: A malignant growth of breast tissue. Breast cancer may spread to nearby lymph…
General Illness Information Medical Term: Menopause Common Name: Menopause Description: Menopause is final cessation of menstruation either as a normal part of aging, or surgical…


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Your Song Arrives at Widden
Your Song Arrives at Widden2013-06-142017-08-13http://widden.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/widden_logo_white_v2.pngWidden Studhttp://widden.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/widden_logo_white_v2.png200px200px
The 2013 breeding season is fast approaching and our new recruit Your Song arrived safely at the farm yesterday completing what we believe is a stellar line up of stallions.
Your Song fits our proven profile for success perfectly. A dual city winning 2yo to dominant Group One winning 3yo against the WFA sprinters, he combines sizzling speed with jaw-dropping good looks.
Breeders have been quick to declare their support, so we urge you not to deliberate too long before booking to this brilliant new son of champion sire Fastnet Rock and he represents great value at $22,000.
Golden Slipper winner Stratum goes from strength to strength and remains the most successful sire son of Redoute's Choice by stakes-winners, winners and Australian progeny earnings.
He is the youngest stallion to post 100 winners for this season and his high class daughter Streama looks in top form judging by her third in the Group 1 BRC Stradbroke Handicap last weekend. She looms as the horse to beat in the upcoming Group 1 Tatts Tiara at Eagle Farm on June 22, the final Group I event of the Australian racing season.
We have never been more confident about the prospects of two young sires than we are about Sebring and Northern Meteor and have been thrilled and delighted with their progress.
In the past few months, every week has delivered new winners for each young sire as they have battled neck and neck to be crowned leading first season sire, their intense rivalry has been enjoyed by many breeders who supported them, the racing media and racing fans.
Whoever wins the title of leading first season sire by winners and earnings is almost irrelevant from our point of view as we know they are both top class and on the brink of joining the 'elite'.
It's also full steam ahead for our younger sires with the first two year-olds by Champion sprinter Nicconi to race in the spring and yearlings by Champion 2yo colt Star Witness (who won the Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes, the same as Northern Meteor) and the Redoute's Choice, dual Group One performing juvenile Tickets to sell at the sales next year.
We have made a concerted effort to target a particular type of Stallion – Australian bred horses with precocity and speed – and results would indicate the recipe is delivering as we always knew it would.
If you would like to arrange an appointment to inspect Your Song or make a booking be sure to contact the team at Widden Stud on 02 6549 9999.
Northern Meteor Hits the Front2013
Star Thoroughbreds and Widden Combine2013

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Q: RegEx and JavaScript error alerts I am new to JavaScript and particularly, working with Regular Expressions. I was wondering, if I define a regEx that checks for a number of different errors, how can I generate individual error alerts for each error, rather than one message that covers all the errors found? for example, this expression prompts an alert box is the input field is numbers, if there are spaces, or the defined invalid characters are found. How can I generate alerts that refer to each condition individually, ie, if the problem is only that a space is found, that's all the message says:
var pattern = /[\d+\s#!%&*:<>?/{|}]/
if(document.myform.usernameInput.value.match(pattern)){
  alert("do not use numbers, spaces or invalid caharacters: #%&*:<>?/{|}")

A: The simplest way is to use several regExps:
function check(str) {
    var digits = /\d/;
    var spaces = /\ /;
    var chars  = /[\#\!\%\&\*\:\<\>\?\/\{\|\}]/;

    if(str.match(digits)){
        alert("do not use numbers");
        return false;
    };
    if(str.match(spaces)){
        alert("do not use numbers");
        return false;
    };
    if(str.match(chars)){
        alert("do not use invalid caharacters: #%&*:<>?/{|}");
        return false;
    };
    return true;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Mr Bongo presents this live album of Terry Callier recorded on 14th March 2008 at the Jazz Caf in Camden, London. This album also acts as a warm-up to Terry Callier's forthcoming album with MASSIVE ATTACK called Hidden Conversations due out on Mr Bongo later in 2008, and his gig at the MELTDOWN FESTIVAL in June. Terry Callier's live performances are regarded by many as spiritual experiences rather than a gig. Time and time again audiences return to see Terry and his immensely talented, long-standing band (all of whom are top players on the world jazz circuit) to witness something different, be it a new story or a new take on a track. This recording is another snapshot of a career that has spanned nearly four decades and fourteen albums. Terry Callier is, without question, one of the few remaining true musical legends.
People who buy terry callier CDS may also enjoy, in order of descending probability, the works of Myracle Brah, Leon Thomas, Wisley, Mark Bacino, David Ackles, Chills, Jackie De Shannon, Marlena Shaw, Jason Ringenberg, Damien Jurado, Lamont Dozier, Doris Duke, Howe Gelb, Baby Lemonade, Bettye Swann.


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USDA says biodiesel offers fossil energy ratio of 5.54 to 1
Eric Loveday
Jul 28th 2011 at 11:47AM
Researchers from the University of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have analyzed the energy life cycle of soybean-based biodiesel and presented updated data showing the renewable fuel offers a fossil energy ratio of 5.54 to 1. This isn't a typo. The 5.54:1 ratio comes mostly from the "free" power of the sun that helps the crops grow.
This energy-in, energy-out ratio – commonly referred to as energy balance – shows that "biodiesel production continues to improve when it comes to efficient use of resources," according to Don Scott, director of sustainability at the National Biodiesel Board. Furthermore, Scott claims that, "No other fuel available in the U.S. comes close to such a high energy balance."
Since the USDA had to conduct its analysis using data from 2006, it's quite likely that biodiesel production techniques have improved significantly in five years' time. Why? Well, there seems to be a trend in biodiesel production efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and USDA completed a comprehensive life cycle assessment for biodiesel back in 1998. That study found a 3.2:1 energy balance. Then, in 2009, the DOE and USDA revisited biodiesel production and, using data from 2002, found the ratio had soared to 4.56:1. Jim Duffield, USDA senior agricultural economist, who co-authored all three biodiesel life cycle analysis, says that:
In addition to improved energy efficiency at processing facilities, soybean growers have accomplished greater yields with lower inputs of water and fertilizer per bushel, even as cropland has declined.
And the Western Farm Press boldly claims that biodiesel is the "only commercially available, advanced biofuel" made in the U.S.A. Apparently, standard corn ethanol isn't considered "advanced," then?
[Source: Western Farm Press | Image: jsbarrie – C.C. License 2.0]
renewable diesel


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3rd JIFORM Global Migration Summit
Trafficking Day: JIFORM Demands More Capacity Building For Journalists
Modupeoluwa Oduwole
The Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) has called for a review of strategies to include more capacity building and partnership with the media to combat human trafficking across the globe.
In a statement signed by the President of the JIFORM, Dr Ajibola Abayomi to mark the 2022 Human Trafficking Day, he said the present realities both within the developed and developing nations showed that there was need to change various strategies being adopted to combat the criminal acts.
Ajibola, argued that "flowing from the theme for 2022 which is the Use and Abuse of Technology, which primarily focuses on technology being a tool to proliferate human trafficking. We need not to debate the usual statistics on human trafficking now pointing towards increase in the numbers of human trafficking globally. With the paradigm majorly shifting to digital, the vulnerability of victims has increased.
"The stakeholders must intensify efforts to engage and empower the media with adequate data and information rather than the usual rehearsing of principles at different fora that usually ends with mere paper work.
He was however quick to emphasize that the "Journalists must continue the frontline role to frustrate the recruitment, transfer, transportation, harbouring of persons by the use of threat, means of force, or other forms of coercion, deception, abduction, fraud, or abuse of power. Forced labour services, practices of slavery, sexual exploitation, among other forms combined are what accounts for exploitation."
"The third world countries especially Nigeria in Africa must sustain impressive battle against human trafficking as being led by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
"We should not be deceived that trafficking of persons is only a major headache of Pakistan, Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh that are in the top 10 for countries with the largest number of trafficking victims around the world. India is at the top of the list with 14 million victims, China comes in second with 3.2 million victims, and Pakistan comes in at third with 2.1 million victims."
The JIFORM President added that collaboration and healthy interface with the media should be central so as to encourage continuous agenda setting reports aimed at justice for the victims and bring perpetrators to book.
"In advancing anti-human trafficking war, we must come to terms with the fact that "perpetrators have found ways to be more organised and anonymous while committing this horrendous violation. Therefore journalists must redouble efforts to fight the crisis and raise awareness about being secured and protected while surfing across cyberspace and not fall victim to trafficking.
"We are so passionate about war against human trafficking, that is why the subject matter is a major point of discuss at our various local and international events this year.
JIFORM established in 2019 will host its third global migration summit on migration between October 1-10, 2022 in Toronto Canada in partnership with Abedorc Productions Inc Canada, while its maiden intercontinental migration summit would be hosted by the Medger Evers College, City University, Brooklyn, USA between November 2-4.
Sign up and stay in touch with us!
Copyright 2023 © JIFORM. All rights Reserved.


From versatility to enhanced performance not to forget style, Hubsan's range of quadcopter and drone models bring practical and aesthetic appeal while providing outstanding video and photo quality no matter the project or requirement. With the five products covered below, we hope to pick through the details and offer you advantages and disadvantages to better help you decide which Hubsan drone is perfect for you.
Not only is it the world's smallest commercial quadcopter, the Hubsan drone X4 is also equipped with real time video transmission features. The FPV (first person view) function has a wide-angle lens and you can start/stop recording at the push of a button on the controller.
What is amazing is that the camera is only a 0.3-megapixel sensor with 640 x 480 resolution capability but it displays the feed on the controller monitor at 720 x 480. This is not too great considering that it appears 'flat' until converted from 240 to 480 into whatever size you need for uses off the controller. Finding the right aspect-ratio altering software is the only inconvenience.
Video recording can get a little glitchy while streaming but that is manageable. However, a micro SD card records the feed in the controller not the drone, meaning faulty video footage will be recorded as such. Charging happens through a USB cable and it takes half an hour to get the battery ready, which is good for 7 minutes of flight time.
The Hubsan drone X4's size is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It is small and compact and the added camera makes it a super-toy but it cannot reasonably have GPS features. This means flying will be shaky and the Hubsan drone X4 can display a mind of its own at times.
Micro SD card is in the controller not the drone. Any faulty video gets recorded as such.
Video feed needs to be converted using apt software if needed for use elsewhere.
Charging wire has to be rolled up and cinched inside a small compartment on the drone, which can lead to wear on the wire.
The 34-inch wingspan is detachable, making this plane portable. We cannot technically call it a drone because of its obvious plane-like features but it is a drone nevertheless. It is crafted using lightweight crash-proof foam material, enhancing durability. Thanks to the overall design, you can easily see the device from the ground. It is usable only outdoors or the wings can pose a hassle in close quarters.
With an impressive 9-10 minutes of flight time, the Spy Hawk is amazing to fly but annoying to land because you need to time the battery lifespan and bring it in for a runway-like landing before the battery runs out.
The highlight feature on this drone is a 5-megapixel camera capable of real-time aerial photography and video streaming in 1280p HD quality. The footage is also stored in a 2GB Micro SD card, which is included. You can switch to the first person view (FPV) on the transmitter control and enjoy color video as it streams to your 3.5-inch LCD screen.
Integrated mini joysticks help with controlling the plane. 3-axis stabilization features grant enviable stability for the plane in flight. Even beginners will appreciate the control this feature imparts. For a drone, it possesses many features often found in more expensive models, including a 2.4Ghz Radio with built in 5.8Ghz video reciever and 5.8Ghz FPV system with recording module, not to forget the exquistely multi-functional controller.
You have to land it along a tangent, like an actual plane, so you need to time battery loss and land the drone accordingly.
Control Range 50 – 100meters.
Capable of performing 360-degree flips and rolls, the Hubsan drone X4 Cam Plus packs a 720p HD camera that adds immense allure to its functionality. With LED light indicators for nighttime flights and the drone being small enough to fly indoors as well, you have such versatility with this model.
One among the 2.4 GHz series of drones, you get range and distinct control over several performance factors. One example being how the drone can fly in a vicinity packed with other drones and not have their signals interfere with its own.
The controller is as small and compact as the drone itself, shaped after the familiar X-Box and Playstation analog controllers. A single button push activates the camera and another snaps photographs.
Video streaming is quite excellent with this drone; the camera is after all the main focus of this model. For its size, the Hubsan drone X4 Cam Plus is rather stable in the air and thanks to the altitude mode option allows you to snap or record footage from good vantages.
The battery performs really well and has a 40-minute recharge timer with the help of a USB cable.
Its size cannot handle large scale damage so avoid flying it headlong into obstacles.
The first thing most people are impressed with is the size of this quadcopter; it is remarkably small for something so efficient, about the average size of a smartphone. Perhaps that is why Hubsan made this little beauty with soldered parts. It may be strangely heavy but that is to help with stability during flight. The construction is strong and durable, adding to the Hubsan drone X4 Cemare's appeal.
Great for beginners (even the manual has a quick-start guide in addition to a more detailed look at the workings of the Cemare) this drone can be charged using a standard USB cable and takes only 30 minutes after which it is ready for takeoff.
Once you have performed the initial calibration reset, you can fly the drone. Bear in mind that the legs can be uneven because Hubsan designed them to snap temporarily to dissipate a crash force. The legs are flexible and can be snapped back into place.
With 7 minutes of flight time, you have something good going for this drone while larger drones have shown lesser time in the air. LED light indicators flash when the battery is low. Response or reaction times are near perfect. You can use either the beginner or expert mode on the controller. Most defaults can be changed to complement your skill.
You can perform 360-degree flips in expert mode. The Hubsan drone X4 Cemare shows noteworthy wind resistance but not against overly strong breezes; which is reasonable given its size. This drone is quite powerful for its size and the 720p HD camera can take both videos and photos. The propeller guards can be detached and put back on, as you prefer.
Its size can work against the Cemare. It can hard to see it at a distance, including the LED light indictors for when the battery gets low.


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Halacha for Sunday 3 Kislev 5780 December 1 2019
A Wise Son Shall Gladden His Father
During the past few days, we have discussed the Mitzvah of honoring one's parents. We have mentioned that those who honor their parents in their old age usually merit that their children honor them in their old age as well.
Hagaon Harav Shalom Schwadron zt"l recounts an incident which occurred over one-hundred years ago in a town in Poland. There was a wealthy Jew, G-d-fearing Jew who lived in the city who was married to a woman who was influenced by the Enlightenment, which was making waves at the time. Eventually, the couple had a son who would be their only child.
When the child was approximately five-an-a-half, the wife told her husband, "Our son is getting older and you are probably thinking to send our son to Talmud Torah. However, if we send our son to study Torah, what will become of him? A Yeshiva boy and possibly a Kollel husband thereafter? When we get older, how will we support him?" The husband replied, "Thank G-d, we have enough money to live for many more years," however, his words were to no avail. The wife was adamant that the son should attend public school so that he would be able to support them in their old age. Indeed, the wealthy man gave in to his wife and sent his son to public school, in spite of the stern opposition of the town's rabbi.
Ten years later, when the young man was fifteen years old, there was a disaster in which the entire town burned down (most houses at the time were made almost entirely of wood). Tens of Jews were left completely destitute, without even a roof over their head.
The wealthy man's house was among those that burned down, however, because of his others assets in other parts of the town and abroad, this incident did not affect his wealth too much.
On one of the days following the inferno, the heads of the community met in the rabbi's house to discuss what steps could be taken to rehabilitate their community. The community leaders told the rabbi that they had already turned to the Polish government for assistance and the government had already authorized a massive loan to be repaid in full within thirty years that would help defray the cost of rebuilding the entire town. However, the government required a guarantee against the loan.
In the middle of this meeting, the rabbi turned to the wealthy man and said, "I promise you that this loan will be repaid in full by the end of the thirty-year deadline. Please therefore co-sign on this loan to fulfill the Mitzvah of saving all these Jewish lives!"
"Honorable rabbi," replied the wealthy man, "What will happen to all my property if the loan is not repaid? This guarantee is equal to the worth of all of my assets!" The rabbi looked at the man and told him passionately, "If you do not sign this guarantee and save all the Jews in this town, you will lose your portion in this world and the next!"
The wealthy man's heart beat wildly and he requested a day's time to think things over. When he arrived home, he consulted with his wife about the proposition. His wife scolded him, "What are you thinking? How could you jeopardize all our money?!"
The next day, the wealthy man returned to the rabbi and told him what had transpired with his wife. Nevertheless, the rabbi was relentless. "You will sign as a guarantor on this loan to save the Jews of this town!" the rabbi commanded. Ultimately, the man signed without his wife's knowledge.
After filing all necessary paperwork along with the guarantee with the relevant government offices, the rabbi called over the wealthy man and told him, "As I said yesterday, if you do not co-sign on the loan, you will lose your share in both worlds. However, now that you have signed and taken responsibility for this great Mitzvah of loving-kindness to your fellow Jews, Hashem shall help you in this world and the next." The wealthy man left the rabbi's home and returned home.
Two weeks later, the government transferred the money to the Jewish community and they began rebuilding the town. The Jewish community began seeing the light again.
Five years passed. The son of the wealthy man was already twenty years old and his mother, who was getting on in years, told her husband, "It is about time that our only son joins the family business and be successful in this aspect of his life as well." The parents called their son and notified him of their decision to include him in the family business. They wished him much success in his transition and told him that everyone would benefit as a result.
The son replied, "Thank you so much and may Hashem grant you both a long life! However, I am not interested." Bewildered, the parents asked, "Why not? We are both very excited for you to begin!" The son finally acquiesced, "Fine, I will take you up on your offer but only as a worker." And that is how began setting forth his "conditions"…
The parents included their son in the family business partially at first. It was not long before the son understood how reliant his parents were on him and how interested they were for him to take over the entire business. Eventually though, the son began to show his true colors.
One day, the son asked his father to sign a legal document that transferred ownership of the entire business to him. The father asked why this was necessary. The son explained, "One of these days, father, you may need to travel abroad and I may need your signature for an important business deal." In this way, the son was slyly able to convince his father to give him power of attorney as an authorized signatory on all of his businesses and accounts.
Two months later, the father arrived at his office to check on its state of affairs. The son turned his nose to his father and asked disparagingly, "What are you doing here? You are disturbing me!" This is how the son slowly but surely caused his parents a long saga of anguish.
The father owned a mansion at the time. About half a year later, the son approached his father and told him, "Father, you are already older. You do not need such a big mansion and a smaller apartment will suffice for you and mother. I need the mansion to develop the business further. I will need to live here in order to host customers and the like. You go live in another apartment." The elderly and weak parents could not oppose the pressure of their only son. With heavy hearts, they began to see the intentions of their sole heir.
The situation deteriorated from year to year. The son had already gotten married and had found more excuses to mistreat his parents until he finally began to convince them to move into an old-age home. The parents asked him, "Why does it bother you if we live in this small apartment peacefully? Why do you think it will be better if we move into a nursing home?" The son replied, "At present, I have to come visit you every week and give you money from the business. I am uncomfortable giving you such a paltry sum of money and thus, I give you much more and it is too hard for me. If you move into a nursing home, all of your needs will be taken care of and all I will need to do is make one set monthly payment."
"Why?" the father cried, "We gave you all of your businesses!" However, the father's cries fell on deaf ears. A dispute ensued between father and son until the son brazenly told his parents, "If you continue arguing with me, I will simply throw you both into the streets!" Little did the father know that the son's decision to put them in a nursing home came exactly thirty years to the day from when the fire burned down their Polish town.
The father left the house teary-eyed and dejected and made his way to the home of the elderly rabbi. As soon as he entered, he closed the door behind him and burst out crying. He told the rabbi everything that had happened and added, "I admit that I have sinned! The rabbi was correct. I have truly merited the ultimate Nachat from our only son," he added sarcastically. "What should I do now?" he asked as he wept bitterly.
Suddenly, the rabbi had an idea. He told the father, "Do you remember that thirty years ago, when you signed as a guarantor for the community's loan, I blessed you that Hashem would do good for you in this world and the next? With the help of Hashem, you will be saved from your wayward son if you heed my advice. Listen closely," the rabbi said.
"Every year, I would save money from the communal fund toward repayment of the loan to the Polish government in just a few weeks from now. From time to time the money would be given as loans to people who needed it but right now, I have the entire sum with me. When the due date arrives, we will not repay the loan! Do not tell anyone about my idea, not even your wife. In the meantime, go tell your son that you agree to move into an old-age home, however, beg him to allow you to remain in your apartment for another three months at which point you will move out, as he requested."
The father went to his son and did as the rabbi instructed him. The son requested that his father sign on a document relinquishing ownership of the apartment at the end of the three months, which the father signed.
Two months later, the due date for repayment of the loan arrive. As planned, the Jewish community defaulted on the payment and as such, an official letter from the Polish treasury department was immediately issued to the son. He immediately ran to his father and frantically asked him, "What is this letter? What is going on?!" The father replied, "Oh yes, now I remember. The town burned down thirty years ago and I signed as a guarantor on the Jewish community's loan."
"Father, run to the rabbi quickly," the son said, "And tell him to repay the loan right now!" The father went to the rabbi's house and played along with the son's request. When he returned, he told his son, "The rabbi is not interested in dealing with this matter at the moment."
Several days passed and appraisers arrived on the son's property with a police escort to seize the estate. The appraised the value of the property at a high price and put up all the assets for public auction. The sales were finalized and a total of half-a-million rubles were collected by the government.
The son was totally broken. He began visiting his parents in their humble abode looking for ideas to help him overcome their current predicament. The son finally began to honor his father and appreciate his integrity and insight. One day, the mother told her son, "Go to the rabbi of the city. He may be able to help you with a loan so that you can get back up on your feet and maybe to support me as well!" The son took his mother's advice and knocked on the rabbi's door.
The rabbi listened to the son's pitiful story and agreed to loan him the money. Before doing so, however, the rabbi inquired, "Tell me, did you don Tefillin today? Is that something you saw your father do, G-d-forbid? Maybe put on a pair of Tzitzit. Don't you think your parents deserve some Nachat from their only son?"
Since it was already broken, the rabbi was able to penetrate the son's heart and throughout the next few days, the rabbi was able to rebuke the fellow for all of his past misdeeds and foolish actions. The son eventually realized that his past behavior was unacceptable and one day, he entered the rabbi's study and exclaimed, "Rabbi, you have saved me in two worlds! I do not need any inheritance. What a pity you did not do this to me twenty years ago. Thank G-d, now I became a person."
The rabbi surprised him and replied, "Worry not, you will receive an inheritance from your elderly parents as well. You will be able to live as a wealthy man and at the same time, support your parents honorably in their old age!" The son did not understand what the rabbi was referring to. The rabbi the opened up his safe and showed the son all of the money that belonged to his father, the enormous sum of money that the Jewish community owed him!
This above is an actual, true story. A man who many souls merited that his son would repent and finally honor him. However, in retrospect, if the father would have provided his son with a proper Torah education, he would not have had to experience such hardships along the way. (Story quoted in Chumash Ha'Maggidim, Devarim, page 154)
הלכה יומית מפי הראש"ל הגאון רבי יצחק יוסף שליט"א
נשים לא יכולות להוציא את הגברים בברכת המזון
לחץ כאן לצפייה בשיעורים נוספים
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Facebook has just filed its latest amendment to it S-1 filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to its Initial Public Offering (IPO) which is set to take place on 18 May.
The latest filing suggests that Facebook expects its share price to be in the region of $28 (£17) to $35 (£22) which will value the company at between $77bn and $95bn, just shy of the magical $100bn figure which has been touted up to now.
The IPO, which will see Facebook float on the Nasdaq and raise up to $13bn in funding, is set to to be the largest technology flotation in history, far outstripping the £23bn Google was valued at when it floated in 2004.
A market value of that magnitude would put it at the same level as Amazon and Cisco, or about twice the current market capitalisation of HP. However it is still far below technology giants like Google ($200bn) and, of course, Apple ($540bn).
Facebook shares are expected to start trading under the symbol "FB" on 18 May.
While some investors have voiced some concerns regarding Facebook's recent quarterly earnings dip, the first in two years, there is expected to be a huge take up for the shares.
Facebook is planning on selling around 337.4 million shares, about half of which are being sold by founders, investors and employees.
"Facebook, Inc. is offering 180,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock and the selling stockholders are offering 157,415,352 shares of Class A common stock," the company wrote in the S-1 filing.
"We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. This is our initial public offering and no public market currently exists for our shares of Class A common stock. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $28.00 and $35.00 per share."
Founder and main shareholder Mark Zuckerberg "will hold or have the ability to control approximately 57.3 percent of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock following this offering."
Zuckerberg, who founded the company in a dorm room at Harvard eight years ago, will be worth over $18bn following the flotation.
The company is expected to go carry out a roadshow over the next two weeks to pitch the flotation to investors.
The Facebook IPO is the crowning jewel in the most recent round of new internet IPOs which has seen the likes of daily deals website Groupon and social gaming giant Zynga debut on the stock market.
The had been a rumour that Facebook would delay its flotation following a recent dip in tech stocks on the stock markets, but this seems to have been false.
Facebook is nearing the one billion member mark and has spawned a number of other companies which use its platform to engage with customers.


Whilst in Australia David (Xavier Samuel) met Mia (Laura Brent) and was smitten, so smitten that after a week he proposed and flew back to the UK to get his life long friends Graham (Kevin Bishop), Luke (Tim Draxl) and Tom (Kris Marshall) to return to Australia to attend his wedding as his best men. But between Tom being not in favour of marriage, Luke dealing with being dumped and Graham being a fool with a recently grown Chaplin moustache things certainly don't go smoothly especially as Mia's father is a politician who sees the wedding as a chance to advance his political position.
What happens when you find yourself in conversation with someone you don't like? Do you do the polite thing and stick it out or do you make your excuses and get the hell out of there. I stick it out and that is the same when it comes to movies where I find myself presented with some unlikeable characters which is the case of "A Few Best Men". Every single character in this comedy from director Stephan Elliott is simply unlikeable and so it is a case of enduring the comedy which is presented without caring what happens and who ends up hurt.
But the lack of sympathy and empathy for the characters is not the only issue with "A Few Best Men" as it ends up feeling like a movie inspired by many other movies such as "The Hangover" as we have friends messing everything up for David as his wedding day approaches. That means we have a stag night from hell, amnesia the next morning and of course an inappropriate wedding speech amongst other things including accidentally getting involved with a drug dealer. It is all too familiar and as we don't care for the characters the jokes end up lacking something.
What this all boils down to is that "A Few Best Men" has a few good laughs but for the most it comes across as a weak mishmash of other laddish wedding comedies whilst making the huge mistake of failing to make any of the characters likeable.


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Kevin has a new puppy! A three month old "adorably cute" Australian Labradoodle.
Gary's playing with his new iPhone and really loving the camera and some of it's new features, particularly night view.
We discuss Apple Arcade, and whether having only 100 curated games is really that different than a top-100 or 100 curated games in addition to thousands of others. The general feeling, though, is that games will get better as a result.
In another headline grabbing non-event did Google make a significant progress on quantum-computing, or did they not? An article has been retracted that might indicate so, or is this really Schrodinger's Article? Engaget: Google may have taken a step towards quantum computing 'supremacy' (updated)
Leo mentioned a death in his circle of friends, and reminds us all of the importance of making sure your digital world is accessible somehow in case of disasters (not limited to death).
Leo signed up for Disney+ which lead to a lengthy discussion of streaming options. Kevin points out that it's a case of "be careful what you ask for" compared to our complaints of some years ago. Several shows are making major moves to streaming networks. Leo also reminisces to the days of the 10ft "Big Ugly Dish" and some of the political gaffs that enabled.
Kevin's been watching Glow (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) on Netflix.
The streaming services walk away with most of the Emmys. So much good TV.
We noted that most episodic television now has major story arcs across seasons. We'd never watch an 8 hour movie, but we'll happily watch — if not binge — the equivalent amount of story delivered in half hour chunks.
Tags Apple Arcade, CGI, Dogs, Emmy Awards, Fleabag, Gary, GLOW Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, Hulu, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Kevin, Leo, Night mode, Photography, streaming rights, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, video games Leave a comment Post navigation
TEH 082: Literally Literally Means Literally


I'm going to start this piece about Looking Glass Studio's 2000 release Thief II: The Metal Age by pointing out that, actually, there's not that much difference with the original Thief; indeed it uses a tweaked version of the same engine. Essentially, this game is "further adventures of Garrett" with a few new features (including invisibility potions and even a remote camera) but, in general, similar gameplay to the original title.
But I think it's worth discussing why Thief II works so well. Whilst I doubt they were direct influences, it's possible to trace this game's spiritual lineage back to games like the original Saboteur! through Guild of Thieves, Inside Outing and even Bonanza Bros. The idea of the player having to sneak around a hostile environment avoiding danger if possible rather than confronting it head-on and ransacking buildings for treasure had already been tried in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras but it wasn't until the post-Doom 3D FPS engines that it really worked and Thief was the first game that showed us what could be achieved. For starters, the player was able to explore the environment from a first-person perspective meaning that they could hunt for hidden switches and caches of gold as they would in the real world rather than typing "LOOK UNDER BED" or pushing a chair aside in an isometric environment (early first-person titles like 1987's Driller had this freedom to explore to some extent but the necessary slowness of the gameplay made any real sneaking and guard-dodging antics impossible). The other main innovation was the use of light and dark: a player that could hide in the shadows (visibility being show with the useful onscreen "light gem") and elude the watchful eyes of the guards this way rather than just moving when their backs are turned as in Bonanza Bros and Saboteur!. Using the shadows is a big part of the Thief games and demonstrates how much these titles were distancing themselves from the FPS games that were being churned out at the same times. FPS titles are shooter games, action games; the Thief series has much more in common with the original Zork, they're about sneaking, exploring and grabbing treasure with the fighting being more of a secondary aspect to gameplay. For that reason playing them is a very different experience. When you hear guards you don't run towards them, you try and stay away, hide in the shadows, or find a way of sneaking up behind them without being noticed and knocking them out (and then you have to hide the unconscious body); when you enter a room you don't just dash through it, you search every nook and cranny looking for a hidden pile of coins or gemstone; rather than worrying about ammo the player instead worries about being seen. In this respect Thief II is actually a more "pure" realisation of the idea behind the Thief series than the first game since it sticks more to the looting and sneaking aspect whilst the original Thief tended to veer off into missions that involved the player finding their way around mazes and fighting monsters, something that there was already plenty of in other titles.
"Come out come out wherever you are..."
As usual there's a plot woven through all of this and, cleverly, much of this is revealed by listening to the conversations of other characters as you sneak around which not only adds an atmospheric element of eavesdropping but makes sure that the storytelling doesn't get in the way of gameplay. Once again the Hammers, a villainous cult from the first game, are involved along with a new group called the Machinists. Oh, and although I had to wait until the second level to hear it, the excellent made-up curse-word "taffer" appears again.
Although Thief II is basically more of an extension to the first game than anything else it's arguably closer to the what the original game promised. Whilst Thief was supposed to be based around sneaking and stealing the developers couldn't resist sending Garrett to forgotten tombs to fight zombies as well. Thief II seems more focussed on breaking into buildings, hiding in the dark, grabbing loot and dodging guards and it looks like there are rather less levels along the lines of "Down in the Bonehoard" with its infuriating maze-like tunnels and gas-breathing monsters.
Last time I was in town, I noticed that the whole Thief trilogy (the third game, Thief: Deadly Shadows, was written by a different team and used a completely different engine but continues the story of Garrett and has similar gameplay to the first two games) is now available in a compilation and, if you've never got around to playing any of this excellent, atmospheric and innovative series, you really ought to pick up a copy. To pass the Thief series by would be the act of, well, a taffer.


1 Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
2 Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Ulm 89081, Germany.
3 Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
4 Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA.
† Present address: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
‡ Present address: Aposense Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel.
Citation: L. Roth, J. Wakim, E. Wasserman, M. Shalev, E. Arman, M. Stein, V. Brumfeld, C. A. Sagum, M. T. Bedford, J. Tuckermann, A. Elson, Phosphorylation of the phosphatase PTPROt at Tyr399 is a molecular switch that controls osteoclast activity and bone mass in vivo. Sci. Signal. 12, eaau0240 (2019).


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Russian demography
Russia appears to be committing suicide
EuropeOct 2nd 2004 edition
IN KEEPING with its propensity to extremes, whereas western Europe has a demographic problem, Russia faces a catastrophe. Its population has fallen by around 3.5m since the break-up of the Soviet Union. Such a slump normally results from mass emigration or war, but Russia has been largely peaceful and a net importer of people. The cause is starker: around 10m more deaths than births since the end of communism.
Russia's birth rate dived at the start of the 1990s. It has since stabilised. But widespread infertility, caused in part by the over-use of abortion and in part by sexually transmitted diseases, will help to make a bounceback unlikely. Many rich countries have comparably low birth rates, though; it is Russia's death rate that is beyond compare. It rocketed in the early 1990s; subsided between 1994 and 1998 "from the catastrophic to the merely gruesome", as Nick Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC, puts it; but has since exploded again. Male life expectancy is lower than it was 40 years ago. Fewer than half of 16-year-old Russian boys will reach 60.
Poverty is only part of the explanation. Russian men are dying earlier than in previous times of comparable hardship, and also earlier than other, even poorer people elsewhere, including in former Soviet states. A wanton disregard for their own health is a big factor—especially their high regard for vodka. Russians are among the heaviest drinkers in the world; but it is above all what they drink, and how (mostly in binges), that explains their susceptibility to heart disease, industrial and traffic accidents, and murder and suicide. A Russian man is around ten times as likely to die a violent or accidental death as a British man. But alcoholism is itself just a symptom of the long, dark night of the Russian soul ushered in by the disorienting collapse of communism.
As Mr Eberstadt notes, in so far as Vladimir Putin's government pays heed to the problem (aside from exhortatory footage of the president's judo bouts), it mainly concerns itself with fertility. The Duma is waging a proxy battle with the beer industry: a ban on drinking beer in the streets, a habit of many Muscovites on their way home from work (and of some on their way in), looks imminent. Yet shop-bought vodka remains a bargain, to say nothing of the caustic moonshine that is widely drunk.
How low could Russia's population go? Perhaps to 100m by 2050, or less if the country continues to neglect its AIDS problem. Tuberculosis is rife. Russia's suicidal bent could eventually threaten its disintegration, if its vast, depopulated territory became ungovernable.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline "Death wish"
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Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
One principle of biblical leaders is that the people who are the fruit of their ministry will bear the transformation that only the Spirit brings through writing on the tablets of their hearts. It's really the Spirit that does the work. It's not that leaders are so skilled and great, it is that the Holy Spirit helps them to lead well and also works in the hearts of those who the leaders lead.


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Home » News » Agriculture » Smallholder farmers gain access markets
Smallholder farmers gain access markets
Government is planning to focus its efforts to help smallholder farmers to increase their access to markets in the year ahead. Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said this when she briefed media on the International Cooperation, Trade and Security Cluster's plan of action for 2017.
South Africa's agricultural, forestry and fishery exports increased by 18% last year to make the country a net exporter of products in this sector. The briefing came after President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 9 February.
Minister Molewa said the level of investment in agriculture increased by 9.6% in 2016.
"We are also focusing on increasing market access for smallholders through the implementation of the South African Good Agricultural Practice and intra-African trade," she said.
Trade between South Africa and its traditional partners in the West remains a significant contributor to the economy.
"The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) came into force in September 2016, thus providing new market access opportunities for South African products. Almost all South African products (about 99%) will have preferential market access in the EU, compared to about 95% under the Trade Development Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). About 96% of the products will enter the EU market without being subjected to customs duties or quantitative restrictions. The other 3% will still have access, albeit partial, that is similar or improved compared to the TDCA," Minister Molewa said.
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Super Mario World: Theme & Variations
Heya folks! Gonna dive right in today: I talked briefly in in one of my other posts about the division of themes in this happy relic of my childhood; Koji Kondo associates certain melodies with certain types of levels of the game (i.e. the dark scary theme for castles and ghost houses, and the happier theme for pretty much everything else). But even though the melodic material is clearly the same between levels—we instantly recognize it when we hear it—there are many changes in the music that supports the melody. Accompaniment, key, meter, texture...there is, in fact, a name for this compositional technique, and it's a very cool one that has been in use for hundreds of years. It's called theme and variations.
Theme and variations is one of many musical forms, that dates back to the Classical period and is still in use today. First things first--what's a form? Well, form as you know is short for "formula;" musical forms are essentially different formulas for how material is organized in a composition to make it a cohesive piece. In layman's terms: form is what makes a piece make sense.
There are several basic forms that became popular during the Classical period (1700's and 1800's, Mozart and Beethoven's time), some of which are still in use today. There are entire libraries written about the Classical period, but one of the main things you should know is that, during that time period, music was supposed to appeal to the average listener; most of the people in concert halls did not have any sort of musical training at all, so the music was supposed to be easy for the audience to "understand," i.e. easily recognizable melodies, phrases, harmonies, and of course, forms. There are tons of textbooks that talk about the forms of that period: sonata, rondo, scherzo, minuet and trio, etc...and of course, theme and variation (which I will know refer to as t&v).
Let's take a look at an example t&v; this example is aptly named "Variations on a Theme by Haydn," by Romantic period composer Johannes Brahms. You certainly do not. need to listen to this entire thing to get the idea, but I encourage you to because it's AWESOME. When you listened to it, you probably said, "Hey, this piece is just the same basic melody, or harmony, or rhythm over and over again. Brahms just messes with it in different, crazy ways." This is all part of the form called theme and variations (t&v). In t&v, you can literally vary ANYTHING: texture, instrumentation, rhythm, meter, key, register, harmony, etc. The possibilities are never-ending...which Brahms proved by writing twenty minutes worth of variations. He chose a theme by Classical composer Haydn, introduced it to you, and then varied different aspects of it throughout the course of the piece, while retaining some kind of recognizable elements of it.
"Cool...hey, wait! Isn't that what Koji Kondo did for the levels in Super Mario World?"
YES. YES IT IS.
I can't think of a more perfect example of theme and variation in the context of a video game. All the elements are there! Kondo created his main melody, and for the rest of the game, he messes with it. BAM. In a classical t&v, the theme is introduced first, and then the variations follow. Since the very first level we play contains the Overworld, then we call the Overworld the theme, and the rest of the levels following it the variations. Let's take a looksy (and you should listen to the tracks too, links on the Arrangement page!):
1) Overworld. Straightforward. Tuba hammers out the bassline, the jumpy banjo fills out the chords, and steel drum beats the melody in your face. Only in Super Mario World would all of those instruments work so perfectly together. Genius.
2) Underwater. The theme is now in a different meter; the original theme was in common time (4/4), while this variation is in a dreamy waltz (3/4).
3) Underground. In that low, percussive marimba, there's our friend, the ostinato! This is a perfect example of one of the most common uses of ostinato: as a variation technique. The composer can go completely nuts on the melody, harmony and rhythm of the theme, while the ostinato binds everything together.
4) Athletic. (No sheet music yet, sorry!) Now we've taken the theme and put it into a new musical style: a rag (short for "ragtime"). This is also a common way to vary a theme; for example, many composers have at least one movement that puts the theme into a "jig" format, which is a dance in 6/8. Lastly, it's in a different key.
5) Bonus Level. Almost forgot about this one! The changes in this one are not as drastic as in the other variations; it's been pushed to a more rapid tempo, with a new accompanimental pattern in the bass and steel drums. And of course, nonstop bongos. FTW.
Now, just to clarify: for game music to be considered t&v, it's not enough to just bring back the theme over and over again in a video game soundtrack. There's a difference between using a leitmotif (recurring theme) and actually constructing a classical theme and variation, where the variations are very distinct and clearly divided. But we'll talk about that more next time!
Enjoy this week's arrangements for Underground Theme, Bonus Level, and the map themes for Bowser's Valley and Special Zone! More on the way!
Atsumu link
Great article, Laura! I really love when composers make variations from a theme. My favorite in classical music is the Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Paganini theme, which is based on the Paganini's Caprice Nº24 which is also a theme and variations!. In games my favorites are the Super Mario World variations and the Suikoden's Passacaglia (here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JoomdrYRY), it's just awesome! and everything in just one track!
Atsumu
ur mum link
shitest article I've ever read!!!
Your creativity just oozes from your brilliant comment
This is such a useful article - I'm teaching theme and variation to year 7 in the UK (which I think is the equivalent of 6th grade...) and will be using Super Mario as a way of bringing it up to date. Thanks so much!
Debbie Holmes
I would second the last post. I am a teacher in the UK teaching t and v to year 8. This is a fabulous way of making t and v relevant and inspiring to youngsters. I intend to commision them after learning about t and v to write a set of t and v's for a video game either existing or a new one. Fantastic article.
John Boylan
Great article, myself and a friend were chatting about theme and variation in Super Mario World a little while ago, it's cool to have the different iterations broken down like this and to know what went into each :)


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GREAT WHITE's MARK KENDALL Holds 'No Ill Will' Toward JACK RUSSELL
GREAT WHITE guitarist Mark Kendall says that he holds no ill will toward the band's original lead singer, Jack Russell.
Russell exited GREAT WHITE in December 2011 after he was unable to tour with the group due a series of injuries, including a perforated bowel and a shattered pelvis. Jack largely blamed these injuries on his alcohol and painkiller addictions as well as the prednisone drug he was prescribed.
Speaking about his current relationship with his onetime friend, Kendall told 80's Glam Metalcast (hear audio below): "I haven't spoken to him in a long time. I guess he's out there trying to do it [with his own band]. I know he has [had] to cancel shows and stuff like that.
"The situation was never, like, 'I hate you,' or some big fight or anything like that," he continued. "It all had to do with substance abuse and him not taking care of himself and [him being] unable to perform. So we just told him to go get well, and then, after a year, he came at us with a lawsuit. He wanted the name and just to hire people to play with him. So we were forced to defend ourselves. But there's definitely no ill will. And besides that, I never take anybody's addictions personal. I work with a lot of people with addiction problems daily, and that's one thing — I never take it personal, because I know it's a difficult thing to get away from."
He added: "It's a sad situation… It's really unfortunate. We went as long as we could until literally… He had walkers and colostomy bags… It was just a horrible situation. We're all healthy and sober, and it's very difficult when you're in that situation. And we still have the energy to play music. It started out just getting somebody to fill in. We even had Jani Lane [WARRANT] in the band for, like, 10 shows. And then [Jack] just couldn't return. And now he's out there. He's kind of struggling, but I guess he's able to play, and God bless him."
Russell sued his onetime bandmates in 2012 over their continued use of the GREAT WHITE name after Jack had taken a leave of absence from the band for medical reasons. A short time later, Russell was countersued by Kendall, rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Michael Lardie and drummer Audie Desbrow, claiming the vocalist's self-destructive behavior was damaging the GREAT WHITE name (they also alleged he was charging promoters less for his own touring version of GREAT WHITE). The parties settled in July 2013 without going to trial, with Russell now performing as JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE while the others are continuing as GREAT WHITE.
Less than two years ago, GREAT WHITE announced the addition of new singer Mitch Malloy to the group's ranks. He replaced Terry Ilous, who was fired from the band in July 2018.
The Ilous-led GREAT WHITE released two albums, 2012's "Elation" and 2017's "Full Circle", before Terry was shown the door.
Last July, Russell told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation" that he will "always love Mark. Me and Mark started this together, and we have had some of the most amazing moments of our lives together," he explained. "We accomplished things that people rarely accomplish. And we set out to accomplish what we set out to do. There were a lot of moments that we shared that are priceless. And that will always resonate in my soul. I'll always have a love for him, no matter what goes down. And yeah, I miss him — I miss him in my life. We were really close.
"For me, I'm over all the… whatever," he continued. "I'm not upset or mad or anything else. I take my part of it — I own that. And yeah, I miss him. I miss Mark. I always will. I wish that we could be friends, at least on a social level. At least to be able to call him and go, 'Hey, how're you doing, man? How's the band? How's the family?'"
In 2018, Desbrow told ListenIowa that there was never any discussion about possibly bringing Jack back after Terry's exit from GREAT WHITE. "Not at all," he said. "We've already moved on from that. We've gone through a lot of stuff with that over the years, and the fact that he sued us in federal court for the name, and we spent a lot of time and money, you just don't return from that. People tell me that they've seen his latest shows, and it's just hard to look at because his health isn't as good as it could be. We've got a really grueling schedule, and it's hard enough for me, and I'm semi-healthy. [Laughs] I couldn't imagine someone in his condition doing what we're doing. We did shows with him toward the end, and he was in and out of a wheelchair and crutches, had to be carried up stairs, was falling asleep onstage. It just got old. It's a business, and we have families to support and mortgages to pay. You can't go to work messed up 24/7 and still be able to work there."
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