Explore the science of chemical reactions by baking some tasty apple muffins – WWLP.com

(Mass Appeal) Are you looking to sneak in a little extra education in your childrens day? Have them join you in the kitchen for a lesson in chemical reactions while you make dinner or some tasty muffins. Ashley Tresoline, Owner of Bella Foodie explains how she keeps children engaged in cooking lessons by explaining the chemistry involved with recipes. She also shares her recipe for apple crunch muffins.

Apple Crunch MuffinsBy: Ashley Tresoline

Ingredients:

cup non diary milk plus tbs apple cider vinegar (I use almond milk)1/3 cup applesauce unsweetened cup maple syrup plus 2 tbs. cup melted coconut oil1 egg2 tsp. vanilla extract cup almond flour or almond meal1 cup all purpose flour (can sub 1 to 1 gfree flour)1 tsp. baking powder tsp. baking soda tsp. salt1 tbs. cinnamon tsp. nutmeg1 cup granny smith apples, peeled and diced

Crumble topping1/3 to cup almond meal flour2 tbs. maple syrup2 tbs. coconut sugar almonds, coarsely chopped or your favorite nut2 tbs. coconut oil, meltedPinch of cinnamon

Directions:Preheat the oven to 425and line a muffin tin with paper liners about 9 muffins. Measure out the non-diary milk and add the cider vinegar and set aside. In a small bowl combine all the crumble ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl add the almond flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined. Peel and chop your apple and set aside. In a small bowl combine the wet ingredients milk vinegar mixture, egg, unsweetened applesauce, cup maple syrup, the rest of the coconut oil and the vanilla extract. Whisk together until combined and then add to the dry ingredients and mix together. Once well combined fold in the apples. Fill the muffin tins way. Bake at 425for 5 minutes then lower the oven to 350for 10-15 minutes.

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Explore the science of chemical reactions by baking some tasty apple muffins - WWLP.com

Vols Center Brandon Kennedy Shares Thoughts on Potential 7th-Year, OL Chemistry Heading Into Week One – Sports Illustrated

Our offensive line coach always tells us that we want to set the tone, so I think if we set the tone for the team, we can be very successful. We want to be able to win our box, (our) five guys, we have a job every play. Thats kind of the goal we set going into a game we want to win every play and dominate our box. Those are two things that we focus on as an offensive line, " Brandon Kennedy told local reporters during Tuesday's Zoom interview.

The interviews come just days before Kennedy starts his sixth season at the college ranks. Six seasons for Kennedy, two different SEC schools, and he might not be done just yet.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the NCAA to essentially give all college players electing to play this fall a free pass. No eligibility will be counted, so essentially all seniors could return in 2021.

Kennedy would be a 7th-year senior, and he is not ruling out the option of returning. He said, "You know, right now I'm kind of focusing on this season. It really wasn't in the plan, but whatever happens, after this season is up to chance. I'm just kind of taking it day by day as far as this sixth year that I have, and if it may happen in the future, it may, but as of right now I'm not really sure.

Kennedy has been dubbed as "The Kingpin" of Tennessee's offense, and he could be a valuable piece of Tennessee's offensive line, if he was to return in 2021. He has been a key part of building a strong chemistry upfront for the Vols.

He said of that today, "I think weve been really good at building chemistry. It has allowed us to get different guys at different positions this year, so I think its been great. Our expectations going into the first game is we want to be physical upfront, and make a name for ourselves with our physicality, so thats what we pride ourselves on with the offensive line.

The unit projects to be Tennessee's strongest group heading into Saturday night's season opener against South Carolina, which will air at 7:30 ET.

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Vols Center Brandon Kennedy Shares Thoughts on Potential 7th-Year, OL Chemistry Heading Into Week One - Sports Illustrated

‘We’ve got to walk the walk:’ Wichita State looks to regain team chemistry as they return to the court – Wichita State Sunflower

Following an unprecedented offseason for Wichita State basketball, Head Coach Gregg Marshall was left searching for answers.

According to Marshall, last seasons team was the first time in his coaching career that the team chemistry was bad. As a result, the Shockers had six players transferring out of the program.

With the seven newcomers that have been added to this years roster, Marshall has placed an importance on team chemistry and feels it has improved to this point.

Ive had multiple players, newcomers and returners, tell me how different this is and how much better it is. I didnt see any problems at this time last year, Marshall said.

They can talk the talk, but weve got to walk the walk. Weve got to support each other and pull for each other. There are 16 young men on this team, and theyve all got to be pulling in the same direction. Whether you start or come off the bench, whether you play 32 minutes or 12 minutes, its about Wichita State being the best that they can be.

On Sept. 16, the NCAA announced that the start date for the 2020-21 basketball season would get pushed back until Nov. 25. Marshall said that the conference had been considering doing a round-robin for conference play with each team playing each other twice.

In terms of non-conference play, much is still up in the but the schedule will most likely look much different than in years past.

Were losing our exhibition game, our private scrimmage and a few non-conference games where our seven newcomers would be learning our system and playing a game, Marshall said. There will be no gimmees on our schedule. Every game will be a Quad I or Quad II game on our schedule. Well have to grow up very quickly.

As the season gets closer, the more the program will be allowed to get out on the floor. As of Wednesday, the program will be able to partake in twelve hours a week which includes eight hours of basketball-related work and four hours of strength and conditioning.

For Marshall, he feels that to this point they have been able to use these times productively especially in getting the newcomers up to speed.

All of these practice times, were using to the utmost, Marshall said. Were training them up and theyre doing a great job of listening and coming by and talking to us. These are guys that want to be great players and they want to win. Im looking forward to the expanded time we get as of tomorrow.

One of the big question marks that still remain for the upcoming season is whether or not fans will be allowed to attend games for this upcoming season. Overall, Marshall feels that not having fans at games would have a big impact for WSU.

For us, its going to be a big difference, Marshall said. I hate it for our fans. I hate it for our players because theres nothing like playing in Koch Arena. I dont know how theyre going to do that and thats something the athletic administration has to figure out. It cant be easy. Its not something we want to do, but were going to do the right thing for the health of our fans and our supporters as well as the health of our team.

Overall, Marshall had high praise for all six returners to the program and felt that they were able to take advantage of the extended time off as they prepare for the upcoming season.

We feel good about the work these guys have put in during the pandemic, Marshall said. Their bodies have improved. Their games have improved. Theyve taken strides with their development. Its exciting. Its a lot of fun working with these young men. Were chomping at the bit ready to get going.

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'We've got to walk the walk:' Wichita State looks to regain team chemistry as they return to the court - Wichita State Sunflower

Clippers failed to find identity, develop chemistry in series against Nuggets – Binghamton University Pipe Dream

Gap between Lakers and Clippers widens as James proves greater value than Leonard

Prior to facing off against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, the Los Angeles Clippers held the record for the longest conference finals drought in the NBA at 49 years. After almost half a century, the Clippers had a chance to break this drought. This was going to be the year they were going to dispose of that unwanted record. Well, that number is no longer. Thats because it now sits at 50 years half a century.

With a 3-1 lead over the Nuggets, a conference finals matchup between both Los Angeles teams seemed inevitable, but unfortunately, that all fell apart when the Clippers lost three consecutive games to the Nuggets.

This wasnt the first time Doc Rivers and the Clippers had blown a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. In 2015, the Lob City Clippers held a 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets. The Clippers had a 19-point lead deep into the third, but ultimately lost after getting outscored in the fourth quarter 40-15, mainly by the likes of Josh Smith and Corey Brewer.

This season was supposed to be different. They had just signed the reigning finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and had traded for 2019 MVP candidate Paul George. Prior to these acquisitions, last years team had won 48 games and took the reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors, to six games. They successfully retained the talents of Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell, players who were acquired when the Clippers traded away Chris Paul in 2017. Even with four players averaging nearly 20 or more points in the regular season, this team still couldnt get the job done.

So what exactly went wrong? Is there anyone in particular to blame for the Clippers shortcomings?

First and foremost, credit must be given where credit is due. We must tip our hat to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. This marked the second consecutive series where the Nuggets came back from being down 3-1. However, dont be fooled. The Nuggets did not win this series. The Clippers lost the series to themselves.

Leonard was never on the same level as LeBron James. One may argue that since Leonard was the Finals MVP last season, he is better than James. However, that would be the equivalent of saying, Since James averaged one less point this season than the prior season, James has regressed as a basketball player.

The impact James has on a basketball team is astronomical compared to the impact Leonard has on a team. When Leonard left the Raptors, the Raptors still boasted the second-best record in the East and were a couple of possessions away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. When James left the Cavaliers in 2018, the Cavaliers tied for the second-worst record in the league, only ahead of the New York Knicks.

The other argument that is often made is that Leonard beat the Warriors team last season that was going for a three-peat. However, people seem to forget that Kevin Durant did not play in the series. Additionally, when Klay Thompson got injured, the Warriors were leading in Game 6. Overall, Leonard is not held to the same level of scrutiny that James is. Unless James is on your team, it will take a lot more than one man to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Leonard had a bad game. Everyone else had a bad series. Williams, who averaged 20 points at one point in the regular season, averaged just 10 points on 36 percent for the series. Harrell, who averaged 19 points in the regular season, averaged only 12 points in the series. Many of us knew that James and Anthony Davis were the better duo than Leonard and George. The X-factor for the Clippers was their depth.

But most importantly, The Clippers never found their identity. This might be attributed to chemistry issues. There were reports by Fox Sports Chris Broussard that players resented the special treatment head coach Doc Rivers gave to George despite his inconsistent play. This was never an issue for Leonard, as he, for the most part, delivered. According to The Athletics Shams Charania, multiple teammates had verbal spats with George throughout the postseason, citing in their exchanges a lack of accountability from him.

Accountability is one of the most underrated ingredients for a championship-caliber team. It is historically proven that accountability starts with the leaders of a team, either from a coach or the best player. Its no secret that Leonard is not a vocal leader. In LA, that person was supposed to be Rivers. Safe to say, that never worked out.

The Lakers are the biggest brand team in the NBA. The Clippers are considered to be the second team in town. James is the biggest brand name in sports. Leonard is one of the most humble players in sports. James and Davis were both former No. 1 draft picks. Leonard and George were drafted 15th and 10th overall, respectively. James and Davis chased the bright lights of California. Leonard and George were raised in Southern California. Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard were big names off the bench of the Lakers. Williams and Harrell were trying to make a name for themselves, being former 45th and 32nd overall draft picks, respectively. The Lakers are a historical franchise. The Clippers are the underdog franchise. Herein was an opportunity for the underdogs. Leonard and George were supposed to be the hometown heroes. Yet, this underdog identity never fully materialized.

The Clippers were full of dogs, but they never got to bite. Better yet, they didnt even get to sniff the Lakers.

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Clippers failed to find identity, develop chemistry in series against Nuggets - Binghamton University Pipe Dream

The Future of Nonprofit News in Midland Chemical City Paper – Chemical City Paper

First and foremost, the City Paper is deeply appreciative of the support our donors and sponsors have provided, even during this challenging time for the entire community. Thank you. We do not take your support for granted.

Yesterday, I finally signed the City Papers Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Obtaining tax-exempt status is the holy grail for most nonprofit organizations, and, if granted, it will allow us to solicit much-needed grants in order to fulfill our mission, participate in local, nonprofit initiatives, and for our supporters: retroactively transform your donations into tax-deductible contributions.

The application is a behemoth, and the I.R.S. is notorious for being strict with this document. It includes all of our financial information, conflicts of interest, business plan, and more. The average time frame for approval once an application is filed is 8-9 months. We retained the local law firmPoznak Dyer Kanar Schefsky Thompson PLC for the filing, and were very appreciate of their guidance, counsel, and support. Once approved, in the same spirit and manner we treat all of our important documents and financial information, we will make the entire application, which clocks in at over 50 pages, available to the public.

Since our launch, even though the City Paper is a Michigan Domestic Nonprofit Corporation, we have operated at the federal level as a for-profit corporation. Essentially, we have all of the obligations of a corporation and enjoy none of the benefits of a nonprofit. Yesterdays application seeks to change that. We chose to launch and operate before filing because we know that our mission is critical to the health of the community, and we knew of the complexities and long time-frame involved in the application process.

We have made tremendous progress in making our community aware of the differences between a community-owned nonprofit news organization dedicated to fulfilling a mission and for-profit, conglomerate-owned organizations primarily dedicated to shareholders.

Even around the country, as our rare, mission-first model begins to replicate and spread, nonprofit news organizations are beginning to change the media landscape for the better. ProPublica, another nonprofit news organization, won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, journalisms most prestigious honor, along with the Anchorage Daily News, for a riveting series that revealed a third of Alaskas villages had no police protection, took authorities to task for decades of neglect, and spurred an influx of money and legislative changes.

The Salt Lake Tribune, the largest newspaper in Utah, actually transformed from a traditional for-profit media entity into a nonprofit news organization, creating a model (as well as inspiration) for other news organizations to follow. Nonprofit news organizations are the future of news as well as the solution to the decades-long decline and bleeding of traditional, for-profit media entities. Mega-mergers, buyouts, furloughs, position consolidations, new payment schemes, and cutting costs all the way to the bottom can only last so long. The drive to chase the almighty dollar at the expense of a decline in the quality of local journalism takes its toll.

This isnt to say that the reporters and editors at our local, for-profit news sources care more about shareholder value than they do about high-quality journalism. In fact, its probably the opposite, they are our neighbors and community members. However: the higher you climb the ladder, the more those priorities flip, and at the top brass level, its all about shareholder value.

When things are going well, the difference between a for-profit and a nonprofit news organizations is negligible. But when things arent going well thats when citizens and readers begin to see the true difference between those sets of priorities. No well-meaning local editor of a for-profit, conglomerate-owned newspaper will have any say over New York or San Francisco during tough times. Media consolidation leads to a loss of local control, and readers want important decisions about their local news sources made on Main Street, not Wall Street.

Local control and the nonprofit model, however, do come with enormous challenges. And we remain committed to facing those challenges head-on. Even with our limited resources, we continue to control the local news narrative. You are seeing more and more local news stories not just from us on the things we believe readers care about: in-depth local coverage of people and policies in government, education, business and the arts.

Since its launch, the City Paper has built key relationships and has grown into a niche publication favored by engaged citizens as Midlands authoritative source on area public policy issues. Earlier this year, we led the community conversation on the tragic and ongoing opioid epidemic in Midland. In a full print edition Special Report, we interviewed dozens of victim families, and learned and shared their stories; and talked to medical and public policy officials about what needs to happen to make an impact toward a solution. In May, after the historic flood of the Tittabawassee River and the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams, we published another full print edition (as well as an online feature) Special Report entitled Weve lost everything.

COVID-19, just like with many other organizations, threw a wrench into City Paper operations earlier this year. Starting in March, the City Paper stopped conducting in-person meetings, and the staff started working from home. Our board of directors did not meet from January to July during the pandemic, canceling two meetings. We also briefly paused the production and delivery of our print edition in order to facilitate social distancing and due to the closures of most of our newsstand locations, continuing to deliver our news report on our mobile, Web, and social media platforms.

As far as news coverage, we have striven to cover the pandemic in a responsible manner. For us, that means breaking news on things such as the first confirmed case in Midland, but staying away from horse race and fear-driven daily updates on confirmed cases or deaths. As always, our news report is driven by the people and policies which impact our community most, carefully balanced by our current resources.

In January, we partnered with M.B.A. students from Northwood Universitys DeVos Graduate School of Management on strategy and market analysis. The class, MBA 654 Competitive Strategy & Marketing Practicum, was taught by Dr. Matthew OConnor (who also served on the City Papers board of directors).

Students selected various local companies and organizations to partner with on marketing and strategy and the City Paper was honored to be one of the selected organizations. From the programs flyer: Your business receives valuable research through the project, and student consultants reinforce their understanding of business fundamentals while applying cutting-edge management practices to strategic and marketing issues and opportunities.

The four talented graduate students who worked with us Christian Barry, Mark Thomas, Marissa Dudek, and Brenden Campbell submitted their final report and recommendations for the City Paper earlier this year. The document is a detailed examination of the City Papers current practices, proposed processes, market research survey results, detailed recommendations, and more. The City Paper remains deeply appreciative of the partnership with Northwood and for the students steadfast dedication and hard work.

The market research that our Northwood University partners conducted revealed some interesting thoughts from our readers. The City Paper is fiercely nonpartisan. But Ive often said, the folks usually most concerned about how partisan we are tend to be the most partisan themselves. Some of our reader comments did not disappoint.

High quality slightly leaning Democratic, said one reader, fo
llowed by another comment: Alternative to Midland Daily News, but with a bend to the right.

I suppose if the left thinks youre right and the right thinks youre left, youre doing just fine.

Along with filing our application for tax-exemption, the City Paper also adopted a new Conflict of Interest Policy to ensure we adhere to the highest ethical standards when it comes to nonprofit organizations. To that end, each Director will sign an annual Disclosure of Financial Interests, which the City Paper will make public. We are committed to remaining the most transparent, ethical, and accountable media organization in the area. Weve also reduced the number of our Directors to seven to increase our nimbleness and better reflect our current size. At our annual meeting this year, we welcomed A.J. Hoffman to our Board of Directors. Mr. Hoffman is the co-host of the Small Market Podcast, a local podcast on sports. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in journalism.

Our staff also used some of the added down-time during the peak months of the pandemic to work on new strategies for the City Paper which will guide us in our work toward improving the community. We focused on four major areas: increasing and diversifying our readership, focusing on how to best serve and recognize our donors, placing an emphasis on technology, and growing our operating revenue ambitiously. Part of that plan, on the editorial side, is to place more emphasis on what we believe to be the long-term future of news in general: mobile and audio platforms.

We have also redesigned our print edition, which is a monthly digest of the news found on our other media platforms. We tailored the new print edition toward the reader base and audience which, over the last year or so, weve developed with our journalism. That audience is engaged in our community, influential, well-educated and affluent. While its tempting to think of the City Paper solely through our print newspaper, we have to do a better job of emphasizing that our print edition is just one way we deliver our journalism and fulfill our mission.

Most of the world is still stuck in a print-centric line-of-thinking when it comes to news organizations. Introductions to the City Paper are often met with questions such as So are you a weekly? or Whats your circulation? Those are print-centric ways of thinking of our organization, which instead should be thought of as a public charity first, and a news organization which uses all forms of media audio, mobile and Web, and yes, print in order to fulfill our mission.

We will soon be releasing our 2019 financials and tax filings. As Im sure you know, the City Paper is deeply committed to transparency. We believe our readers deserve to know who gives us money. We fulfill this obligation with our Donor Wall in print and on the Web which also allows our donors to take pride in helping to make our community a better place. I am very proud to announce that, in 2019, 100 percent of dollars from donors and sponsors were used on mission-fulfilling activities. CharityWatch, a noted charity watchdog, rates nonprofits that spend at least 75 percent of their income on mission work as efficient. Our unique model includes a diversified revenue stream so that our administrative and overhead costs are covered by our advertising revenue.

Finally, one of the most important aspects of our editorial strategy is to embrace and adapt the technologies which enable us to tell our stories more effectively. We must reject that Luddite apprehensions and juvenoia that doomed the Old Media dinosaurs when it comes to new media platforms and opportunities. We are extremely excited to announce that the City Paper will have a mobile app for both Apple and Android devices which we aim to have available for our readers in the coming days. The apps will allow our users and readers to read the City Paper, but most importantly, they will give our readers the chance to receive news alerts on the areas of coverage most important to them: local government, education, business, or the arts.

Triton Legal PLC, a criminal defense law firm based in Bay City, stepped up to help sponsor our new mobile app. Their support helped significantly to defray the cost of developing, testing, building, and submitting our apps. We are very grateful for their support and were proud that they are a Community Partner with the City Paper.

The City Paper should produce journalism so compelling and valuable to readers that theyre inspired to support us financially. Only 30 people do today. We believe this is the ultimate measure of an engaged audience, so we must focus our efforts on moving more readers from their initial experience with our organization and our journalism into experiences that bring them closer to a Modern Explorers membership.

Please know that even a small donation of $10 helps us tremendously. You can make a difference and help to improve your community today. Please consider donating to the City Paper if you can afford it.

Donate $10/mo.

Donate $100 annually

We look to other successful nonprofit news organizations, such as The Texas Tribune, Voice of OC and Voice of San Diego, and even N.P.R. We dont seek to replicate their models, mostly because that would be inappropriate considering the size of the news market here in Midland, however we do seek to use their ideas and even their language in a scaled-down, tailored fashion designed to serve our community.

As we get used to a more socially distant world, we are also implementing a plan to consistently publish more content. During the peak of the pandemic, we decided to use our limited resources on developing the tools which will allow us to fulfill our mission more effectively. Now that were at the end stages of those plans, its time to devote more of our resources toward our journalism. We aim to do that by making smarter choices about what we cover and when we cover it, establishing more writing opportunities for community members, and trying to establish sponsor-led explanatory and investigative reporting that draws in readers and serves our community. And we will seek deeper connections with our donors and readers, pursuing the market penetration already seen by the Daily News, and by way of enhanced editorial coverage, new media partnerships and live events, once the world returns back to normal.

Michael Westendorf is Executive Editor & CEO of Chemical City Paper.

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The Future of Nonprofit News in Midland Chemical City Paper - Chemical City Paper

DeAndre Hopkins natural chemistry with Kyler Murray has led to 22 receptions – Yahoo Sports

Saints receiver Michael Thomas set the NFL record last season with 149 catches. He made 20 of those in the first two weeks.

Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins has 22 catches already this season. His previous best through the first two games was 14 receptions, which he accomplished three times with the Texans.

Yes, its early, but it has Hopkins on pace for 176 catches. His career high is the 115 receptions he made in 2018 with Houston.

I really dont look at stats too much, but just the way my body feels and the game plan going into it, this is the best Ive felt on a Week Three, Hopkins said, via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic

Hopkins has made All-Pro each of the past three seasons, averaging 105 receptions for 1,372 yards and 10 touchdowns. He arrived in Arizona in a trade from Houston already regarded as one of the top-two receivers in football.

He looks even better paired with Kyler Murray.

I envision greatness, just like he does, Murray said. I feel like he can have a great year. The first however many years were together, I feel like as long as we put the work in, it should be hard to stop.

Hopkins has never led the league in receptions or receiving yards. He currently ranks first in receptions and fifth in receiving yards.

Baker Mayfield talked last week about his connection with Odell Beckham has to come naturally. The Browns teammates havent found that yet. But Murray and Hopkins have hit it off from the start.

We just kind of hit it off through natural vibes, Murray said. Hes a real good dude. And then from there, youve got that quarterback-receiver connection, and its something I cant really explain unless you played the game and been a part of it.

I think we kind of just naturally have that connection already.

DeAndre Hopkins natural chemistry with Kyler Murray has led to 22 receptions originally appeared on Pro Football Talk

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DeAndre Hopkins natural chemistry with Kyler Murray has led to 22 receptions - Yahoo Sports

There’s an Actual Scientific Way to Perfectly Melt Cheese on Toast – ourcommunitynow.com

Courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt

Chemists from the Royal Society of Chemistry and cheese experts from the British Cheese Board teamed up to conduct scientific research onthe best way to melt cheese on toast. (No, we arent making this up.)

Like any other scientific experiment, the chemists carried out several tests changing one variable at a time in order to come up with the perfect formula.According tothe Science Executive, Ruth Neale, they testedthree different components: consistency of the temperature of the melted cheese across the slice, the texture of the cheese, and the taste. The chemists focused on the temperature and scientific documentation working alongside the Secretary of the British Cheese Board, Nigel White, who judged the texture of the cheese and the taste.

Courtesy of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Okay, after reading that formula, you probably had one of two reactionseither younerded-outabout the scientific method, or your eyes glazed over and your brain shut down. If you didnt ace your high school chemistry class, dont worry! Well explain what the formula actually means without the scientific jargon:

"We found that the perfect slice can be made by melting 50 grams of sliced hard cheese, such as cheddar, on a slice of white bread, 10mm thick, under the grill. The cheese on toast should sit at a distance of 18cm from the heat sourcewhich in our grill was at a temperature of 115 degrees Celsiusand needs to cook for four minutes to achieve the perfect consistency and taste." Ruth Neale

For those of us who aren't chemists using the metric system, that means use about 1.75 ounces of sliced hard cheese on white bread that's about .4 inches thick. Make sure the heat source is heated to 239 degrees Fahrenheit and is keptabout 7 inches away from the cheese toast.

We're almost certain this might be a publicity stunt to get us interested in studying science, but who cares! It got us talking about a few of our favorite thingscarbs and cheese! What's your favorite type of cheese to melt on toast? Let us know in the comments below.

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There's an Actual Scientific Way to Perfectly Melt Cheese on Toast - ourcommunitynow.com

Chemistry prof honoured for years of research in electrochemical and solid state science – UCalgary News

Without energy, says Dr. Venkataraman Thangadurai, nothing moves. Energy is everything.

Thangadurai, PhD,chemistry professor in the Faculty of Science, is the only Canadian to be inducted into the 2020 class of Fellows by The Electrochemical Society (ECS), which was founded in 1902 to advance the theory and practice of electrochemical and solid state science and technology.

The Fellows award, established in 1989, honours outstanding individual contributions in these fields. For Thangadurai, this recognition from peers who themselves are experts in their fields is a special honour.

To be a fellow of the ECS is about being involved in advancing next generation environmentally friendly electrochemical technologies.

Electrochemical and solid state science has applications in many fields everything from the materials that make up cell phones, batteries for electric vehicles, converting fuels into electricity, converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals, and many more.

Developing new and innovative all-solid-state battery and solid oxide fuel cells technologies are essential, he says. We need lightweight batteries that are capable of providing high storage capacity and use safer and less expensive materials.

Compared to the acid-based batteries used in cars, the next-generation lithium batteries areessential to making substantial improvements in performance and reducing environmental impacts. All solid-state lithium and sodium batteries currently developed in the Thangadurai research group will operate at higher temperatures and rule out the safety concerns of present-day batteries the key to cleaner modes of transportation, but also an impactful way to store energy from renewable sources like wind and solar means to balance the power grid.

The path to becoming an internationally recognized chemist has always been about new challenges for Thangadurai. Growing up in a rural village in India, Thangadurai was encouraged by his family and teachers to strive for excellence. Later, as a masters student in the Muthurangam Government Arts College in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, faculty mentors organized visits to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. And that, Thangadurai says, is when everything changed.

I realized my passion for research. I could see that everything I had learned in the classroom chemical principles, chemical reactions and reaction mechanisms were being further investigated by researchers. It was a moment of clarity that inspired the next stage of his academic career.

At the University of Kiel in Germany, Thangadurai completed a Humboldt fellowship, pushing his fundamental research into the realm of applied materials science. I was able to study without limitations to what I could do or try, he says, and realized the practical applications of the fundamental research I had started in India.

Coming to the University of Calgary in 2005 was a natural next step. Here, we had people working on research of clear, practical value, and in an environment that encouraged entrepreneurial activities. The University of Calgary is a highly energized institution in an energized city it was the best place to continue my work.

With the support of his colleagues and family, Thangadurai flourished.

Im doing the things I love best. Research, teaching, service I love it all.

Earlier this year, Thangadurai joined the second cohort of Parex Resources Innovation Fellows. The program enables researchers to focus on innovation and technology transfer. The fellowship will allow him to continue to push towards commercial solid-state ionic devices, including solid-state batteries and solid oxide fuel cells.

Dr. Thangadurais work is on the leading edge of clean energy innovation, says Dr. Cathy Ryan, PhD, associate dean (research) in the Faculty of Science. The ECS Fellows award is a remarkable accomplishment, and he is a most deserving researcher working in a research area of critical importance.

As for whats next? His recent invitation to join the Creative Destruction Lab gives him new opportunities to promote commercialization activities in energy to encourage innovation and development, even as he forges ahead with groundbreaking research.

Science has no boundaries, says Thangadurai. His advice for students and new researchers is to always think about whats nextand what comes after that. Theres always something more, always room to think. Invention has no end.

Originally posted here:
Chemistry prof honoured for years of research in electrochemical and solid state science - UCalgary News

NASAs New Mars Rover Will Use X-Rays to Hunt for Chemical Fingerprints Left by Ancient Microbes – SciTechDaily

In this illustration, NASAs Perseverance Mars rover uses the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL). Located on the turret at the end of the rovers robotic arm, the X-ray spectrometer will help search for signs of ancient microbial life in rocks. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

PIXL, an instrument on the end of the Perseverance rovers arm, will search for chemical fingerprints left by ancient microbes.

NASAs Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has a challenging road ahead: After having to make it through the harrowing entry, descent, and landing phase of the mission on February 18, 2021, it will begin searching for traces of microscopic life from billions of years back. Thats why its packing PIXL, a precision X-ray device powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

Short for Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry, PIXL is a lunchbox-size instrument located on the end of Perseverances 7-foot-long (2-meter-long) robotic arm. The rovers most important samples will be collected by a coring drill on the end of the arm, then stashed in metal tubes that Perseverance will deposit on the surface for return to Earth by a future mission.

Nearly every mission that has successfully landed on Mars, from the Viking landers to the Curiosity rover, has included an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer of some kind. One major way PIXL differs from its predecessors is in its ability to scan rock using a powerful, finely-focused X-ray beam to discover where and in what quantity chemicals are distributed across the surface.

PIXLs X-ray beam is so narrow that it can pinpoint features as small as a grain of salt. That allows us to very accurately tie chemicals we detect to specific textures in a rock, said Abigail Allwood, PIXLs principal investigator at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

Rock textures will be an essential clue when deciding which samples are worth returning to Earth. On our planet, distinctively warped rocks called stromatolites were made from ancient layers of bacteria, and they are just one example of fossilized ancient life that scientists will be looking for.

PIXL requires pictures of its rock targets to autonomously position itself. Light diodes encircle its opening and take pictures of rock targets when the instrument is working at night. Using artificial intelligence, PIXL relies on the images to determine how far away it is from a target to be scanned. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

An AI-Powered Night Owl

To help find the best targets, PIXL relies on more than a precision X-ray beam alone. It also needs a hexapod a device featuring six mechanical legs connecting PIXL to the robotic arm and guided by artificial intelligence to get the most accurate aim. After the rovers arm is placed close to an interesting rock, PIXL uses a camera and laser to calculate its distance. Then those legs make tiny movements on the order of just 100 microns, or about twice the width of a human hair so the device can scan the target, mapping the chemicals found within a postage stamp-size area.

A device with six mechanical legs, the hexapod is a critical part of the PIXL instrument aboard NASAs Perseverance Mars rover. The hexapod allows PIXL to make slow, precise movements to get closer to and point at specific parts of a rocks surface. This GIF has been considerably sped up to show how the hexapod moves. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The hexapod figures out on its own how to point and extend its legs even closer to a rock target, Allwood said. Its kind of like a little robot who has made itself at home on the end of the rovers arm.

Then PIXL measures X-rays in 10-second bursts from a single point on a rock before the instrument tilts 100 microns and takes another measurement. To produce one of those postage stamp-size chemical maps, it may need to do this thousands of times over the course of as many as eight or nine hours.

That timeframe is partly what makes PIXLs microscopic adjustments so critical: The temperature on Mars changes by more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) over the course of a day, causing the metal on Perseverances robotic arm to expand and contract by as much as a half-inch (13 millimeters). To minimize the thermal contractions PIXL has to contend with, the instrument will conduct its science after the Sun sets.

PIXL is a night owl, Allwood said. The temperature is more stable at night, and that also lets us work at a time when theres less activity on the rover.

PIXL opens its dust cover during testing at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. One of seven instruments on NASAs Perseverance Mars rover, PIXL is located on the end of the rovers robotic arm. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

X-rays for Art and Science

Long before X-ray fluorescence got to Mars, it was used by geologists and metallurgists to identify materials. It eventually became a standard museum technique for discovering the origins of paintings or detecting counterfeits.

If you know that an artist typically used a certain titanium white with a unique chemical signature of heavy metals, this evidence might help authenticate a painting, said Chris Heirwegh, an X-ray fluorescence expert on the PIXL team at JPL. Or you can determine if a particular kind of paint originated in Italy rather than France, linking it to a specific artistic group from the time period.

For astrobiologists, X-ray fluorescence is a way to read stories left by the ancient past. Allwood used it to determine that stromatolite rocks found in her native country of Australia are some of the oldest microbial fossils on Earth, dating back 3.5 billion years. Mapping out the chemistry in rock textures with PIXL will offer scientists clues to interpret whether a sample could be a fossilized microbe.

More About the Mission

A key objective for Perseverances mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will also characterize the planets climate and geology, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first planetary mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust). Subsequent missions, currently under consideration by NASA in cooperation with the European Space Agency, would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these cached samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.

The Mars 2020 mission is part of a larger program that includes missions to the Moon as a way to prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet. Charged with returning astronauts to the Moon by 2024, NASA will establish a sustained human presence on and around the Moon by 2028 through NASAs Artemis lunar exploration plans.

JPL, which is managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, California, built and manages operations of the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers.

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NASAs New Mars Rover Will Use X-Rays to Hunt for Chemical Fingerprints Left by Ancient Microbes - SciTechDaily

Not even Fall Guys devs can agree on the anatomy of the titular beans – Polygon

Fall Guys has been a smash success, and absolutely everyone loves the silly beans and the way they swarm across ridiculous stages in pursuit of a goal. Theres just enough in each level, like cotton candy landscapes and giant, silly billboards, to ignite fans imagination about the world. And they want answers to the difficult questions. Specifically, how do these Fall Guys live, and what, exactly, do they look like?

Well, it turns out that not even the developers at Mediatronic are sure, especially in light of several recent tweets.

Senior concept artist Tudor Morris provided a sketch on Twitter, which suggests that every single Fall Guy is stuffed with a giant, spooky skeleton. I dont like this very much! Morris wrote the following explanation on his Instagram, which may either soothe or further unsettle players.

You have have options for how you interpret this, but I refuse to comment to elaborate:

1) This was a lunchtime sketch that has no meaning and was done as a joke

2) This is a canonical representation of whats inside a fall guy, we knew from the start that they werent as marketable like this so we gave them nice little cuddly suits.

The important thing to bear in mind is that, whatever the interpretation you take away, they are very happy little beans.

Well! Its good to know that these beans are happy, because it simply wouldnt do if they were miserable while they chased eggs and jumped on brightly colored hexagons. Meanwhile, principal concept artist Ash Kerins has a much sunnier view on the anatomy of each little bean, which also showed up on Twitter.

The developers arent the only one who have speculated about the origin and creation of the Fall Guys. Fan artists online are also up to the task, coming up with many ways that these beans are assembled and prepared for a life of eternal platforming combat. What if theyre not born... but created?

Another Tweet suggests that the Fall Guys could be like towering mechas, ready for combat.

Even the games publisher, Devolver Digital, got in on the wild speculation train by quote-tweeting a piece of art back in August. Devolver quote tweeted a gif of the Fall Guys being ground into the goo that shows up on maps like Slime Climb.

This is canon, they wrote, with an air of finality that they have not earned. Please respect our decision.

We may never know the truth behind these mysterious beans or why theyre so hungry for crowns. Even Mediatronic and Devolver seem to disagree with several key points of this games mythos. Perhaps the upcoming season 2 will answer some questions, but it might just increase the mystery.

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Not even Fall Guys devs can agree on the anatomy of the titular beans - Polygon

Anatomy Of A Scandal is being adapted into a Netflix TV show – Cosmopolitan UK

If there's one thing Netflix is good at (er, they're good at lots of things actually), it's adapting best selling books in TV shows. They did it with Mindhunter; they did it with You, and now they're doing it with Anatomy Of A Scandal.

The book by Sarah Vaughan, which came out in January 2018, tells the story of a high profile couple, whose marriage begins to unravel when he's accused of a heinous crime. Barrister Kate is prosecuting the case, and is not only convinced James is guilty, but also determined he'll go down. It's SUCH a good thriller. Here's everything you need to know about the Netflix adaptation, from release date to cast:

In September 2020, Deadline first announced an adaptation was in the works. Their report revealed Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley and former House Of Cards showrunner Melissa James Gibson were collaborating to create the series, which will be directed by S.J. Clarkson of Succession and Jessica Jones fame.

The series will be six episodes, each lasting one hour.

Anatomy of a Scandal

6.55

Now this is mainly why we're so excited. The cast is STELLAR.

Sienna Miller will play Sophie, the Oxford graduate and mother of two who has her seemingly perfect life turned upside down by the scandal surrounding her husband, James.

Rupert Friend from Homeland and The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas will play James, the handsome, privileged and charismatic man, who works as a Westminster politician.

As for 'steely' Kate? Downtown Abbey's Lady Mary Crawley aka Michelle Dockery will take on the role of the barrister, who is experienced in sexual assault cases and sees this as the career move of a lifetime.

Getty Images

Hard to know. Filming in London hasn't yet begun, given the filming restrictions caused by coronavirus lockdown, so we could have a while to wait. But worth it!

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Anatomy Of A Scandal is being adapted into a Netflix TV show - Cosmopolitan UK

Long Trends and Disruption: The Anatomy of the ‘Post World’ of the Covid-19 Crisis – Valdai Discussion Club

What will be the economic architecture of the world after the Covid-19 crisis? This question involves understanding the major trends at work for twenty years now.

The world that will emerge from this crisis will be marked by these major trends, which, for some, will be reinforced by this crisis. However, this crisis has created too specific disruptions, in particular in the field of transport and energy. It has also provoked an awareness of the centrality of sovereignty, and in particular of economic sovereignty. Finally, the economic and monetary policies that have been put in place to combat the economic effects of the epidemic and of containment will have long-term consequences on international financial balances.

An acceleration of the change of the world?

Since 2000, we have witnessed the rise of an Asian bloc to the detriment of what we might call the Western bloc, that is to say the United States, the European Union and the United States. Japan. This Asian bloc is heterogeneous, as is the Western bloc. In each of these bloc politics is the main factor of homogeneity. But, these blocs also correspond to an economic reality: that of the countries of old industrialization against the countries, which it is better to call new industrialization than emerging ones.

Graph 1

Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook database

During his long tenure as Prime Minister of Japan, Abe managed to formulate his own foreign policy strategy and take measures to implement it. In addition, the Abe administration was characterised by an unprecedented concentration of power in the hands of the prime minister, his advisers and the administration. The high stability of power and great foreign policy activity made Abe one of the most recognisable and respected politicians in the international arena.

In 2000, the China-India-Russia combined represented only 15% of world GDP, while the United States, the European Union and Japan combined weighed more than 47%, or three times as much. In 2020, the two blocks are tied at around 31.5%. If we take into account the immediate effects of the Covid-19 crisis, this movement is even expected to grow. The IMF has made forecasts which indicate that China and emerging countries should recover much faster from the shock of this crisis than the so-called "advanced" countries, ie countries of former industrialization. The world should see the shift to Asia amplify in the coming years.

Graph 2

Source: IMF staff estimates

The death of oil has been greatly exaggerated (bcc, Mark Twain)

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound influence on the energy market and on oil production. The persistence of the pandemic means that air transport, among other things, will not return to its 2019 level before, no doubt, 2024. This implies a weak demand for kerosene as estimated by the International Energy Agency Forecasts of global oil demand and post-crisis economic growth are determined by different assumptions. In the optimistic scenario, there is a rapid economic recovery in a more or less flattened "V" shape in the first half of 2021, but the demand for oil does not fully return to the pre-pandemic trend. In the more pessimistic scenario, oil demand will not reach 2019 levels until 2023, and its growth will remain well below the pre-pandemic trend. The current evolution of the pandemic suggests that we are closer to this pessimistic scenario. These two scenarios also assume that zero-emission vehicles will represent 60% of new vehicle sales by 2040, because investments are high in these technologies. Therefore, they both forecast a slowdown in demand for oil to peak in the mid-2030s at around 105-108 Mb/d. What will be the consequence?

In the medium term, OPEC will have to manage the probable return of part of the 5.7 Mb / d of unused production in OPEC countries (Venezuela, Iran and Libya) and non-OPEC countries (Syria and Yemen). ). OPEC will also have to deal with the resumption of US hydrocarbon production (particularly shale oil), a recovery that may be slow due to falling investment, as demand and the price of oil rise. US production of hydrocarbons has fallen by more than 2 billion barrels / days, due to the closure of existing wells, reduced storage capacity and reduced demand.

The impact of Covid-19 on oil demand will therefore be profound, particularly in the event of a deep and long recession associated with a protracted pandemic. Without aggressive intervention by OPEC, the average crude oil price could thus remain below $ 50 / barrel until mid-2022. During the second half of this decade, supply and demand are expected to move closely towards equilibrium as non-OPEC production, especially from Russia, begins to decline and US hydrocarbon production reaches a low. tray. The price of oil is expected to rise to around $ 80-90 / barrel (optimistic scenario) or $ 70-80 / barrel (pessimistic scenario), even without OPEC intervention.

As we can see, however, despite all voluntarist proclamations one can hear here and there, oil will remain a major source of energy for at least the next thirty years.

The return of economic sovereignty

A more direct change brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic is the realization of the importance of economic sovereignty. Of course, a number of countries, China, Russia, but also the United States and India, were acutely aware of the importance of this sovereignty. The European Union, for its part, had adopted a very negligent attitude on this subject. The strong disruption of international trade caused by the pandemic caused a real shock on this point. Of course, there is no question of returning to more or less self-sufficient economies. But, the economic, social, and even strategic damage caused by free trade policies are globally more taken into account today.

This will accelerate the return of nations and the crisis of multilateralism that we could already observe. The economy is once again becoming a breeding ground for strategy. Through the policy of economic sanctions, which the United States has used and abused since well before the election of Donald Trump, we are witnessing an acceleration of the fragmentation of the world economic space. American pressure on Huawei, or on the Chinese social network "TikTok" is an example. De-globalization had passed from the stage of possibility to that of concrete fact; with the effects of the pandemic it will pass from that of fact to that of major fact.

This return to economic sovereignty induces the great revenge of politics over "technology", the triumph of decisions over the automaticity of standards. However, " technology" is embodied today mainly in economics and finance. The pandemic heralds the return of sovereignty, and being sovereign is above all having the ability to decide. The countries will then be referred to logic of bilateral relations, or even to regional logic. It will then be necessary to seek allies.

The questioning of the "global" character of the companies linked to the INTERNET, the desire of several countries to build their "digital sovereignty" is an example of the struggle that is looming for economic sovereignty. This resurgence of politics does not mean that, in our societies, certain spaces are not governed by the technical order, and that there are spaces dominated by technical legitimacy. But, these dimensions will now become second in relation to the political, which will recover its rights.

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Long Trends and Disruption: The Anatomy of the 'Post World' of the Covid-19 Crisis - Valdai Discussion Club

The Anatomy of Arabesque: Why Placement and Turnout Are Key to Achieving This Crucial Position – pointemagazine.com

Training Grounds

Melendez was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where she danced from age 4 at a small recreational studio. "I did everything from ballet to contemporary, jazz to acro," says Melendez. At 8, she switched to All American Dance Factory and Classical Ballet School, studying and competing in the standard comp-kid fare of jazz, acro, contemporary and hip hop. Yet Melendez found herself drawn to ballet's clear structure. "My first ballet competition was Youth America Grand Prix in 2011," she remembers. "I did it on flat because that was my first year on pointe." Before long, she became a regular in the top five at ADC|IBC, World Ballet Competition, YAGP and New York City Dance Alliance.

Melendez says there wasn't any one lightbulb moment that made her realize ballet was her dream. But that doesn't mean the ballet world wasn't taking notice of her. In 2015, the Ballet West Academy had already offered 15-year-old Tatiana admission to their year-round program when she was spotted at ADC|IBC by Houston Ballet II's ballet master Claudio Muoz, who was judging. "My eyes went right to Tatiana, because her jumps and turns had phenomenal energy," Muoz recalls. That "raw, incredible talent" netted Melendez a full scholarship to the Professional Program at Houston Ballet Academy. After taking time to consider Houston Ballet's rep (contemporary-leaning), her connection with Muoz (strong and encouraging), and friends' testimonials about the year-round program (glowing), Melendez moved into student housing.

In Houston, Melendez saw no shortage of stage time. She was cast in The Nutcracker and Stanton Welch's Cinderella, on top of all her academy performances. She was also one of a few academy dancers picked by company member Oliver Halkowich for his contemporary piece Full Circle.

Between shows, she worked hard. "At my competition studio, we never had pas de deux or full pointe classes," Melendez says. "The grueling academy schedule really polished my technique." Muoz says that in just two years Melendez transformed her own dancing: "Tatiana is the most incredible hard worker I ever saw. She became a beautiful swan, with a classical heart and contemporary soul."

Going Pro, With Cons

After graduation, Melendez headed to Fort Worth, where she'd landed a trainee contract with Texas Ballet Theater. It was a tough transition. "I went from training all day every day, to one morning class followed by standing on the side during hours of rehearsal," she says. Melendez's gifts were far from ignored, though. As a trainee, she danced in the corps of productions like Swan Lake and Beauty and the Beast, was one of six lead women in Ben Stevenson's world premiere Martinu Pieces, and led multiple performances of The Nutcracker as Clara.

At the end of the season, however, Melendez's worst nightmare came true. Her contract was not renewed because, at 5' 1", she was considered too short for the company. "My height had always been an insecurity," Melendez says. "Once, at a ballet competition, someone told me as I came offstage that I would never make it because I'm 'not built for dance.' "

From left: Candy Tong, Melendez and Eriko Sugimura in Dwight Rhoden's Love Rocks

Justin Chao, Courtesy Complexions Contemporary ballet

Disappointed, Melendez threw herself into auditioning for classically based companiesonly to be told over and over that, while her technique was great, her size was a nonstarter. "Being told 'no' so many times was really discouraging, because my height is something I can't change," she says. Melendez had even started talking herself into taking a year off from dance when she decided at the last minute to attend Complexions' open call in New York City. "Complexions was always a dream in the back of my head, but I never thought it'd be attainableit wasn't even on my list of places to audition," she remembers.

Taking Flight

Thus began what Melendez calls the hardest, happiest two days of her life. More than 400 dancers showed up to the Complexions' open call in April 2018, but after technique classes and "the fastest I've had to learn choreography, ever," Melendez made it all the way through the final cut. By the end of the two nonstop days, she felt sure that Rhoden's daring, athletic contemporary movement was her true callingbut still assumed she wouldn't get the job.

She needn't have worried. As Desmond Richardson, Complexions' co-founder and co-artistic director says, "Tatiana clearly made her presence known from the moment she walked through the door. I remember Dwight and I saying, 'Wow, she's really something.' Her professionalism, her innate sense of musicality and the sheer force of her were quite nostalgic to me." Rhoden adds, "What made Tatiana stand out was her fearlessness. She applied corrections, dynamics and ideas immediately in the audition. She knows how to cross the t's and dot the i's."

Simon Plant and Melendez performing Dwight Rhoden's WOKE

Stephen Pisano, Courtesy Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Melendez says that joining Complexions was a complete 180, in the best way possible. Because the company is made up of just 17 dancers, she and other new members were immediately thrown into learning repertoire, performing across the country and internationally, and collaborating with Rhoden in the studio. "Working with Dwight one-on-one is incredible," she says. "Performing choreography actually made on you, using your strengths, is so satisfying. Especially in this work called WOKE that's about issues of social justice, I've really had to dig deep and bring a different dancer out from within myself."

Though she's occasionally felt homesick for the classics, Melendez believes that dancing with Complexions allows her to dance as the fully mature version of herself. "As much as Clara was a fun role, and as much as I love watching classical ballet, I don't want to always be typecast as a little girl," she explains.

After a season and a half of whirlwind touring (so far to New Zealand, Europe and throughout the U.S.) and intense creative process, Melendez's newfound routine with Complexions has sadly been put on pause in the age of the coronavirus. At home in Tampa with family, she has used the hiatus to pursue her other creative passions of drawing and photography, and to teach Complexions rep as part of the company's virtual offerings. Melendez is looking forward to getting back to work with Complexions, and to continued guest appearances with classical companies, like Italy's Roma City Ballet. "Growing up, I thought I had to focus on ju
st ballet or just contemporary if I wanted to be good," she says. "Now I see that having kept my feet in both worlds will help me dance as many roles as I can for as many choreographers as I can to the fullest capacity I canwhich is all I've ever wanted to do." We'd like to see someone try to stop her.

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The Anatomy of Arabesque: Why Placement and Turnout Are Key to Achieving This Crucial Position - pointemagazine.com

10 Pop Hits That Could Be ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Episode Titles – TV Insider

Every single Greys Anatomy episode shares its name with a song titleeven 1-800-799-7233, the episode named after the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

So with that in mind, weve combed the current Billboard Hot 100 for pop hits that could be the namesakes for Season 17 episodes, and weve even dreamt up loglines for these imagined episodes. (Dont worrywere not going anywhere near WAP.)

In the (imagined) series premiere, Grey Sloan is overloaded by coronavirus patients and victims of one of the many wildfires impacting the Pacific Northwest.

Owen (Kevin McKidd) and Teddy (Kim Raver) finally have it out over her pre-wedding hookup with Koracick (Greg Germann), and in so doing, they reopen old wounds from their years of romantic strife.

Richard (James Pickens Jr.) and Catherine (Debbie Allen) are exposed to COVID-19 at one of his physical therapy sessions, and as they quarantine together for two weeks, they reach a verdict about their relationship.

Jessica Brooks/ABC

When they scrub in on a marathon operation, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) helps Jo (Camilla Luddington) process Alexs abrupt departure, sharing from personal experience that there is love after The One.

Link (Chris Carmack) realizes hes out of his depth with a complicated orthopedic case, so sends Catherines private jet to NYC to pick up Grey Sloans original ortho god: one Calliope Iphegenia Torres (Sara Ramirez).

This years batch of Catherine Fox Award nominees include multiple Grey Sloan docs as well as Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) and Nicole Herman (Geena Davis).

Sparks flyliterally and figurativelywhen Schmitt (Jake Borelli) tags along on an all-night rescue mention with strapping Station 19 firefighter Travis Montgomery (Jay Hayden).

Kelsey McNeal/ABC

Maggie (Kelly McCreary) and Hayes (Richard Flood) embark on a rare heterotopic heart transplant on a toddler, piggybacking a donor heart onto their young patients original heart.

Meredith, preoccupied with the prospect of developing Alzheimers like her mother did, teams up with Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) to test an experimental preventative treatment involving flickering light.

A cabin depressurization aboard a jetliner sends scores of passengers with ruptured eardrums to Grey Sloan. (Sorry! We had to!)

Greys Anatomy, Season 17 Premiere, Thursday, November 12, 9/8c, ABC

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10 Pop Hits That Could Be 'Grey's Anatomy' Episode Titles - TV Insider

Still Anatomy 101: Exploring The Anatomical Depths Of Batch Distillation – The Whiskey Wash

Pot stills are special vessels they possess this ability (superpower, really) to transform this slightly acidic, alcoholic, carbonated liquid into a more refined, grown-up version of itself. To some, theyre just a shiny pot with a funny looking arm, used to produce higher-proof alcohol; while not untrue, pot stills can be quite diverse. Coming in a range of heights, widths, shapes, and materials from round to square, squat to tall, and copper to clay each still can have its own character. Some might even have unique damage or dents that the distiller believes is the secret sauce.

Many of these characteristics can impact the process or the flavor profile of the spirit. Either way, the still is the heart and soul of the distillery and their uniqueness should be celebrated. However, there are some components that are essential to operation, which can be categorized as: safety, practical features and heating, reflux and flavor development, and condensing and collection. Certainly, there can be variations within each category, and this is what makes distillation such an exciting venture.

Although, there is one area where minimal variation should exist safety.

Distillation is an inherently dangerous process. Heating a solution to remove and concentrate alcohol by vaporization creates a risk for fires and explosions. Therefore, equipment must be designed and operated by trained professionals to prevent such events from occurring. Additionally, the distillery must have standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure correct and safe operation of the equipment.

Outside of fire suppression systems, SOPs, and facility layout, still design should incorporate a few key elements to minimize the risk of explosion or collapse. Pressure relief valves (PRVs) are spring-loaded safety valves that are designed to vent excess pressure to atmosphere when its setpoint is exceeded. However, one must also consider the flammable vapors inside the still and what might happen when they are released. Anti-collapse valves (ACVs) are installed to prevent still collapse due to the formation of a vacuum.

While the activation of the ACV possesses less risk to the operation or distillers safety, it does signal the occurrence of an event that could cause damage to the still. These valves are critical in minimizing the risks of explosion, damage to equipment and property, and injury of personnel. Although, safety doesnt stop here and should be woven into every aspect of still design and operation.

Aside from charging and discharging lines, manways are another essential element; this is a medium-sized opening with a sealed door that allows for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance activities. While it sounds like an entrance, stills are not designed to have people inside and only trained professionals under strict supervision should enter them. When done inappropriately, entering the still can pose serious safety risks and violate safety regulations.

Sight glasses provide a window into the soul of the wash still, which gives the distiller valuable information about what is happening inside. For example, during this initial distillation, foaming can occur inside the still due to the still charge containing a lot of particulate (yeast and/or grain) and dissolved carbon dioxide; the sight glass gives the distiller visibility to prevent flare-ups.

Excessive foaming can lead to entrainment (aka puking) of solids or liquid in the passing vapor and into the spirit, negatively impacting quality. When observed, the distiller can mitigate entrainment by reducing the heat input.

Still heating methods have evolved as the industry has matured and two major types are in use: direct and indirect. Direct-fire is a more traditional practice, where more archaic fuels include the use of wood or coal. While direct-fire stills are still in use, most have been upgraded to more efficient gas burners or electrical elements.

Indirect-fire utilizes steam as the heating medium, typically delivered by coils and/or pans within the pot. Steam is generally preferred due to enhanced safety, improved consistency, and increased operational efficiency.

Although direct-fire has advantages, such as the creation of unique flavor profiles; this is due to the localization of heat and its intimate interaction with components within the wash or beer. In fact, some distilleries have attempted to switch to steam but quickly reverted back due to a shift in flavor profile.

While important, the heating method employed only plays a smaller role in flavor development, especially when compared with elements impacting reflux and rectification level.

During distillation, reflux is essentially a purification step (aka rectification) where liquid is vaporized and condenses back into itself. Rectification is closely tied to the volatility of the components of the matrix. Compounds with lower volatility (water) will readily participate in reflux, therefore enriching compounds with higher volatility (ethanol) in the spirit-stream. In general, this creates a lighter flavor profile with higher alcohol content.

In batch distillation, there are several design elements that can impact the level of reflux, such as: the shoulders, neck, lyne arm, and the pot itself.

Inherently pot design is critical for practical reasons; but, standing out in importance from a rectification standpoint are the pots fill level and construction materials. Fill level impacts the amount of surface area that can participate in heat exchange with the environment; higher fill levels decrease the heat transfer surface area. Heat transfer is also impacted by construction materials; copper is commonplace due to its excellent heat transfer properties. This exchange helps facilitate reflux on the walls of the pot, neck, and shoulders of the still.

Thus, the shape, curvature, width, and height can all have an impact. Above the pot and shoulders is a frustoconical section called the neck. Common designs include plain, ball, lantern, and tray-inserts (in order of rectification). Pot stills with trays within their necks are referred to as hybrid stills, or batch rectifiers, as trays are key design elements of continuous distillation.

Connecting the neck to the condenser is the lyne arm. While the lyne arms primary function is directing vapors to the condenser, it also provides an opportunity for condensation or reflux. Depending on the angle of the lyne arm connection (aka swan neck), there can be an impact on the flavor profile with obtuse angles providing more reflux and acute angles providing the least.

Other rectification design elements exist, such as dephlegmators and purifiers. While not always essential, they provide another opportunity to create a unique spirit. Commonly, these devices use cooling water to condense the passing vapors. Dephlegmators are located in the neck of a hybrid still and the condensed liquid naturally refluxes down. Installed in a downward-sloped lyne arm, purifiers require additional piping to route the condensed liquid back to the pot.

While these partial condensers can be optional, complete condensation of the vapor is requisite in making the final spirit.

Condensation of vapor into liquid (distillate) is usually performed by one of two condenser types: shell and tube or worm and tub. Before the advent of the modern shell and tube condenser, worm and tubs were state-of-the-art. All vapor is routed through a coiled pipe (normally copper) in a tub of cooling water and the condensed vapor is collected.

While not as efficient as their modern-day equivalent, they do have some advantages by providing potentially richer and stronger flavor profiles (i.e. meatiness). Shell and tube condensers are made of tubes within a metal cylinder (shell) filled with water; vapor enters the tubes and condenses on the water-cooled surface. Once condensed, the distiller embarks on the most critical steps of the batch distillation: cuts and collection.

Collection generally occurs through an
intermediary glass box en route to collection vessel(s), called the spirit safe. This is the first opportunity the distiller has to assess and analyze the newly condensed distillate, typically by measuring alcohol with a hydrometer in the spirit safe. With this information, the distiller can determine when to divert to heads, hearts, or tails collection or to terminate distillation altogether.

Samples may also be taken for external assessments, such as appraisal of aromatic properties. Sensory and alcohol level are often used to determine cut points, although it could also be time-based. As with most elements of still design, variation exists; regardless, some version of a spirit safe is integral as the cutting process plays a vital role in final distillate quality.

Pot still to pot still, a Sherry Butt-load of variations can exist. While not entirely responsible for the amount of diversity within the whisk(e)y space or other distilled spirits categories, these differences can play a significant part. Personally, its exciting as a distiller and consumer to reflect on and appreciate this.

Even though some anatomical elements are essential, such as safety features, heat, and the pot itself, still design can be quite dynamic. From frustoconical configurations to dephlegmator, the distiller has many options to contemplate as the still will inevitably become the distillerys heart and soul (dents optional).

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Still Anatomy 101: Exploring The Anatomical Depths Of Batch Distillation - The Whiskey Wash

Scarlet Witch: The Mystical Avenger Has Marvel’s Wildest Powers and History – CBR – Comic Book Resources

The Scarlet Witch has gone through a litany of changes throughout both her comic book and MCU career that showcase how unique and boundless she is.

Elizabeth Olsen's portrayalof Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen Scarlet Witch's popularity skyrocket. Like other heroes in the Marvel Universe, she has particularly unique skills and anatomy, all of which have factored into her progression as a character.

Scarlet Witch was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appeared in 1964'sX-Men #4. Wanda has always been an incredibly complex character full of rich storylines that delve deep into her personal relationships with her twin brother,husband and children, buther notable appearances in Avengers:Infinity War and Endgame didn't have nearly enough time to do anything but paraphrase her odd family bonds.

However, her MCU appearances did showcase Wanda's supreme ability and outright power on a battlefield. Still, her scenes didn't scratch the surface of her real power. Scarlet Witch has gone through a litany of changes throughout both her comic book and MCU career that showcase how unique and boundless this protagonist truly is.

RELATED: Captain America: Sharon Carter Realizes What Her Greatest Strength Is

Wanda and her twin brother Pietroare commonly referred to asmutants, but their powers and abilities have a much more complicated origin. Their powers come from the demon Chthon and were manipulated by the High Evolutionary.

The High Evolutionary played an instrumental role in Wanda's path to becoming the Scarlet Witch. High Evolutionary's claim to fame is the serum that allows him to manipulate and unlock the human genetic code. He decided to build a futuristic citadel in Transia on the Wundagore Mountain to conduct his experiments. While he was trying to cure his lycanthropy with dark magic, he summoned an ancient demon known as Chthon.

Herbery banished the demon but he found traces of its power remaining in a pair of twin infants that were born on themountain --Wanda and Pietro.The High Evolutionary experimented on the twins. Their Chthon influence offered him a window into its world and he wanted to tap into its raw power. However, his experiments were unsuccessful and he left the children with a Romanicouple who had lost their own children.

Related:SWORD: Marvel Ties X of Swords to Empyre with a New Series

Wanda eventually fell in love with Vision in the seminal storyVision and the Scarlet Witch by Bill Mantlo, Rick Leonardi, Ian Akin, Brian Garvey, George Roussos and Janice Chiang. Billy and Tommy are referred to as Vision and Scarlet Witch's children, but theywere in no way conceived in a conventional way.

Tommy and Billy are missing shards of a demon brought to life with Wanda's magic. At one point, the children are reabsorbed by the demon they come from, but are reincarnated into their current forms of Wiccan and Speed. Wiccan shares his mother's powers, while Speed has identical powers to his uncle Quicksilver.

Wanda unleashed the full of extent of her chaos magic and it created a reality-altering event known as the House of M, byBrian Michael Bendis, Olivier Coipel, Tim Townsend, and Frank D'Armata.Wanda has a mental breakdown and uses her massive power to change reality so she can get her children back.

This alternate reality sees Magneto and the mutants rise to take control of the world. The X-Men and Avengers join forces to reverse the reality-altering Chaos magic. These events were incredibly impactful and led directly into the Secret Wars events.

RELATED: Thanos vs. Scarlet Witch: Who Would Win?

Chthon actually came back and possessed Wanda a couple of times. The most recent possession happened during Secret Empire,by Nick Spencer, Rod Reis, Joshua Cassara, Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Rachelle Rosenberg, Sunny Gho and Travis Lanham. Hydra uses Chthon to possess Wanda and turn her against the Avengers. It's actually Wanda's former fianc, Doctor Doom, who frees her from Chthon's grip so she canrejoin the Avengers.

Wanda Maximoff's MCU origin shares important similarities to her comic book beginnings, but it hasone major difference. Both versions of Wanda's character were heavily influenced and involved in the political turmoil sweeping her country. After her parents were killed by Stark weapons, she and her twin brother swore to get their revenge, which eventually led to her involvement with the Avengers.

However, Wanda's powers in the MCU weren't created by a demon's magic but an Infinity Stone:The Space Stonem,aka the Tesseract. Wanda and her brother signed up for radical experimentation to end the war in her country of Sokovia. These experiments led to the birth of their extreme powers. While Pietro doesn't make it out of Avengers: Age of Ultron,the Scarlet Witch becomes a staple member of the franchise.

KEEP READING: WandaVision: Reality Comes Apart in Disney+ Series' First Trailer

Punchline's One-Shot Gets a Variant Cover Featuring the Villain's Mug Shot

Jonathan Olsen-Koziol has been training for this his entire life. Since he was a young child he's been consuming and studying comic books, movies, video games, heroes, villains, story arcs, and pop-culture. Now he gets to relay a lifetime of passion and knowledge to the people! If his writings find you; hopefully you leave entertained. Jon graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor's in journalism and concurrently works as a head editor and digital content specialist for RespectMyRegion.com.

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Scarlet Witch: The Mystical Avenger Has Marvel's Wildest Powers and History - CBR - Comic Book Resources

Six degrees of separation: From starry-eyed start to messy finish, the anatomy of Tata-Mistry divorce – Economic Times

For two of India's premier business groups, September 22 marked the beginning of a bitter end to an association that had begun 70 years ago.

After four years of rough litigations, Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group on September 22nd said it would be exiting Tata Sons as minority shareholder. This is likely to bring the curtains down on the decades-long partnership between the two Parsi business families that had soured since the ousting of Cyrus Mistry in 2016.

The time between Mistry's entry and exit was marred with rifts, charges and legal battles, turning Ratan Tata's legacy-building decision of handing the reins to an outsider (a non-Tata) into an eventual courtroom nightmare for both the parties involved. Heres a summarised timeline of how the Tata-Mistry relationship came to this pass, from a starry-eyed start to a disgruntled finish.Chairman-in-lawIn 2011, many were left witless when a 43-year old Cyrus Mistry who at the time was primarily known for heading SP Group was announced as Ratan Tatas successor and the sixth chairman of one of the nations largest businesses.

It was well known that SP Group and Tata Groups relationship existed outside of business too. During the long-drawn search for Tata's successor, there were expectations of Tatas half-brother Noel Tata who is married to Aloo Mistry, daughter of Pallonji Mistry taking the reins, doing the rounds till before the day of the announcement.

Cyrus Mistry had joined the Tata board in 2006 after taking his fathers vacated seat, and during his time there had impressed Ratan Tata with his "quality of work, astute observations and humility". Many business insiders recounted the resemblance that Mistry had with Tata, pointing at similar temperaments and hobbies.

Paradise lostThe Tata Group had pushed hard for the youth to pave the way forward in leading positions during hiring and promotions in those years. "Be your own man" is what Tata advised the fledgling chairman while passing the baton. And that Mistry did.

The ultimate blow which immediately preceded the unceremonious ouster and which many see as a direct factor behind Tata's ire was Mistrys June 2016 clearance for Tata Powers $1.4 billion acquisition of Welspuns solar farms without seeking the approval of Tata or other key shareholders.

"Tata Power is a cash guzzler but generates very little profit. Yet, when its embarking on its biggest buyout, a principal shareholder is kept in the dark. Thats unprecedented in Bombay House (Tata Group headquarters)," said an old-time group insider.

But for some, Mistry was somewhat inept for the role from the very start. They perceived him as precocious and wayward to the group's core values. There was a clear disconnect between how Mistry and Tata operated with regard to the old cadres ethos and vision. Some even complained that letters questioning future plans sent to Mistry only got lukewarm responses, adding to a growing schism between the Tata Sons chairman and Tata Trusts.

Mistrys decision to dispose of some Indian Hotels overseas properties, bundled with the move to shut UK steel operations, did not sit well with the latter. Tata Trusts believed that Mistry did not take shareholders and the groups global ecosystem into account. "Tata was unhappy with the decision to shut down or sell the groups steel business in Europe," said a person close to Tata. "He wanted the group to turn around the loss-making business rather than sell it."

Other areas of discontent included legal battles with NTT Docomo, the collapse in negotiations with Vodafone, and the sacking of Indian Hotels MD Raymond Bickson. In a few cases, things got so out of hand that Tata himself would have to get involved to mediate. Furthermore, some began questioning the Chairmans eye for talent. "The people he hired are not inspirational leaders, just individuals," said a former Tata Motors executive.

Coup d'tatAlthough Mistry's ouster came as a bombshell announcement, for insiders the decision was a long time coming.

According to sources, Mistry was not consulted regarding the appointments and was even offered an opportunity to resign beforehand, which he refused. The growing frustrations within the Tata Group were sure to end in confrontation, said Tata group insiders.

A day before the infamous Tata Sons board meet, a message was conveyed to Mistry from Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata regarding what might be discussed in the meeting. On October 24th 2016, Tata Sons board announced the ousting of Mistry as Chairman, and Ratan Tata was named interim Chairman of the group. By February next year, Mistry was removed from the boards of all Tata Group firms.

Hell hath no fury, like a Chairman scornedAfter the ousting, Mistry accused the boards trustees of 'shadow control', alleging legacy issues in the group. Tata, on the other hand, justified the decision citing performance issues.

The days that followed saw accusations and counter-accusations intensify. Mistry denied the allegation outright that the board had not been consulted regarding Welspun Power acquisition.

Regardless, in early 2017, N Chandrashekaran at the time TCS chairman was named Tata Sons Chairman.

In December 2016, two Mistry family-backed investment firms Cyrus Investments and Sterling Investments moved the NCLT Mumbai alleging mismanagement and oppression of minority stakeholders by Tata Sons, further challenging Mistrys removal by the company's board. At this point, Tata Sons served Mistry a legal notice alleging breach of confidentiality.

The Mistry family filed a contempt plea alleging that Cyrus removal was in violation of the courts order under which the involved parties were not to initiate any actions against one another while the matter was under consideration. This ignited a back-and-forth court brawl spanning three years or so.

In March 2017, NCLT set the plea aside over maintainability issues, as the two investment firms didnt meet the criterion of 10 per cent ownership in Tata Sons under the Companies Act. The Mistry family owns 18.4 per cent in the company, but the holding is below 3 per cent when excluding preferential shares. NLCT also rejected the firms plea seeking waiver.

Objection!After a joust with NCLT that didn't go in their favour, the Mistry-backed firms moved the NCLAT, challenging NCLTs order and the rejection of their waiver plea. During this period, a proposal to turn Tata Sons into a private company was passed by its shareholders in August 2017. NCLAT allowed pleas by the two firms seeking waiver, but dismissed Mistry's other petition on maintainability.

In July 2018, NCLT Mumbai also dismissed the pleas challenging Mistrys removal and allegations of misconduct on Ratan Tata, saying it found no merit in these allegations on Tata group firms. Unfazed, the two firms approached the NCLAT against this order too.

A month later, Mistry approached the NCLAT in his personal capacity. NCLAT finally admitted the petition, and decided to hear it along with the main petitions filed by the two Mistry-backed firms. In May of 2019, the NCLAT reserved its order after completing the hearing and in December 2019, Mistry was restored as executive chairman of Tata Sons.

However, the NCLAT suspended implementation for four months to give time for the Tatas to file an appeal. And so they did, challenging NCLATs order in the Supreme Court, which stayed the order. Mistry claimed he did not seek to return as Tata Sons Chairman, but rather was protecting the Mistry familys rights as a minority shareholder.

In July this year, Tata Sons said in a filing that financial performance and the companys brand diminished under Mistrys leadership. Mistry-backed firms pointed at Tata Sons turning into a private company amid the NCLAT hearing in their affidavit to the SC, which Cyrus had earlier claimed was gone under nefarious circumstances.

New normal"The current situation has forced the Mistry family to sit back and reflect on the past, present and possible future for all stakeh
olders. The past oppressive actions, and the latest vindictive move by Tata Sons that impact the livelihoods of the wider SP Group community leads to the inexplicable conclusion that the mutual co-existence of both groups at Tata Sons would be infeasible," the SP Group said in a statement on September 22.

The SP Group has now made public its plan to sell its Tata stakes in order to raise capital. Tata Sons will now need to buy out the 18.37 per cent stake, which is valued at around $20 billion, bringing a possible end to the court battles and the 70-year long corporate partnership.

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Six degrees of separation: From starry-eyed start to messy finish, the anatomy of Tata-Mistry divorce - Economic Times

Maryland University of Integrative Health announces educational partnership with the AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine – Reported Times

Sep 25, 2020 12:32 PM ET

iCrowd Newswire Sep 25, 2020

Laurel, Md. Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. MUIH and AOMA have entered an educational collaboration with the goal of enhancing graduate education in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Through this partnership students from both institutions participate in case of study analyses together, virtually in real-time and guided by faculty from both institutions. This provides students with the opportunity to broaden their clinical treatment strategies and deepen their clinical knowledge.

This is an academically enriching partnership that we are excited to have in place. Both institutions are committed to academic rigor and integrative health, and this partnership will represent an effort toward academic diversity of thought in diagnosis and treatment approaches. This will serve the faculty, students, and ultimately, patients, said Alexandra York, Assistant Provost for Strategic Academic Initiatives at MUIH.

What we learn from one another and what we learn together will help us transform care. Partnerships like this will strengthen our ability to prepare truly outstanding clinicians who will put our values into action and fulfill our mission of transforming lives and communities, said Dr. Mary Faria, President, and CEO of AOMA.

MUIH has been training acupuncturists since 1981 and in 1985 became the first school accredited by the organization now known as the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Since 1986, MUIH has offered graduate programs in the field including the Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Doctor of Acupuncture, Master of Oriental Medicine, Master of Acupuncture, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Chinese Herbs. MUIH also offers masters and doctoral degrees and graduate certificates in Ayurveda, cannabis science, health and wellness coaching, health promotion, herbal medicine, integrative health studies, narrative health, nutrition, and yoga therapy.

About Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)

Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) is a leading academic institution focused on the study and practice of integrative health and wellness and one of the few universities in the U.S. dedicated solely to such practices. Deeply rooted in a holistic philosophy, its model for integrative health and wellness is grounded in whole-person, relationship-centered, evidence-informed care.

Since 1974, MUIH has been a values-driven community educating practitioners and professionals to become future health and wellness leaders through transformative programs grounded in traditional wisdom and contemporary science. MUIH has more than 20 progressive, graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, offered on-campus and online.

In the on-campus Natural Care Center and community outreach settings, MUIH provides compassionate and affordable healthcare from student interns and professional practitioners, which delivers more than 20,000 clinical treatments and consultations each year. For more information visit http://www.muih.edu.

About AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine

AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine offers regionally accredited masters-level and doctoral-level graduate programs in acupuncture and Chinese medicine that prepare students for careers as skilled, professional practitioners. Since AOMAs founding in 1993, the institution has grown rapidly in size and reputation, drawing students from around the nation and faculty from around the world.

AOMA is an active member of the national and international healthcare community and remains committed to scholarship, research, and engagement, as evidenced by the publication and presentation schedules of the faculty, the yearly Southwest Symposium it hosts, and the continuing education opportunities the institution provides. AOMA also conducts approximately 17,500 patient visits annually in its student and professional clinics.

AOMA works cooperatively with Western healthcare institutions and gives back to the community through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and by providing free and reduced-price treatments to people who cannot afford them otherwise. For more information visit https://aoma.edu.

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Kionne S. Johnson Communications Manager [emailprotected]

Keywords:Integrative Health, Partnership, Acupuncture, Health, Health and Wellness, Science

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Maryland University of Integrative Health announces educational partnership with the AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine - Reported Times

Real Talk: Do Probiotics Even Work If You’re Not Taking Them Every Day? – mindbodygreen.com

Probiotic supplements can have many functions. Diversifying the gut is a big one, Gandhi says, which helps to maintain or restore balance in the gut microbiome.*

"Probiotics create an environment favoring a healthy-functioning gut with minimal inflammation," Davar adds. "If you have a damaged gut, probiotic supplements can help restore a healthy gut barrier."*

While supporting gut health is one obvious benefit, studies have also shown changes in the microbiome can help manage depression, autoimmune disease, heart disease, and more, depending on the strains, Gandhi says.

As for probiotic foods, "Ideally we should always be eating probiotic-rich, fermented food daily," Gandhi says, "but even more so if you are not taking a supplement." These foods introduce multiple new strains of good bacteria to the gut, optimizing the GI tract and diversifying the microbiome, she explains.*

One way to get gut-friendly benefits, while also extending the life span of seasonal produce, is to preserve vegetables. "Making and eating traditional foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, natto, kombucha, and beet kvass is a delicious and fun way to optimize your gut health and strengthen immunity," registered dietitian Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, says.

As a general rule of thumb, Davar recommends getting probiotics from a variety of sources. "Those who don't have time for cooking, or don't like the taste of probiotic-rich foods, might greatly benefit from the supplement," she explains.*

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Real Talk: Do Probiotics Even Work If You're Not Taking Them Every Day? - mindbodygreen.com

Dr. Thomas Chaney and Dr. Stephanie Chaney to Host an Online Webinar that will Focus on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes – Yahoo Finance

TipRanks

Markets are volatile, there can be no doubt. So far this month, the S&P 500 has fallen 9% from its peak. The tech-heavy NASDAQ, which had led the gainers all summer, is now leading the on the fall, having lost 11% since September 2. The three-week tumble has investors worried that we may be on the brink of another bear market.The headwinds are strong. The usual September swoon, the upcoming election, doubts about another round of economic stimulus all are putting downward pressure on the stock markets.Which doesnt mean that there are no opportunities. As the old saw goes, Bulls and bears can both make money, while the pigs get slaughtered. A falling market may worry investors, but a smart strategy can prevent the portfolio from losing too much long-term value while maintaining a steady income. Dividend stocks, which feed into the income stream, can be a key part of such a strategy.Using the data available in the TipRanks database, weve pulled up three stocks with high yields from 7% to 11%, or up to 6 times the average dividend found on the S&P 500 index. Even better, these stocks are seen as Strong Buys by Wall Streets analysts. Lets find out why.Williams Companies (WMB)We start with Williams Companies, an Oklahoma-based energy company. Williams controls pipelines connecting Rocky Mountain natural gas fields with the Pacific Northwest region, and Appalachian and Texan fields with users in the Northeast and transport terminals on the Gulf Coast. The companys primary operations are the processing and transport of natural gas, with additional ops in crude oil and energy generation. Williams handles nearly one-third of all US commercial and residential natural gas use.The essential nature of Williams business really, modern society simply cannot get along without reliable energy sources has insulated the company from some of the economic turndown in 1H20. Quarterly revenues slid from $2.1 billion at the end of last year to $1.9 billion in Q1 and $1.7 billion in Q2. EPS in the first half was 26 cents for Q1 and 25 cents for Q2 but this was consistent with EPS results for the previous three quarters. The generally sound financial base supported the companys reliable dividend. Williams has been raising that payment for the past four years, and even the corona crisis could not derail it. At 40 cents per common share, the dividend annualizes to $1.60 and yields an impressive 7.7%. The next payment is scheduled for September 28.Truist analyst Tristan Richardson sees Williams as one of the midstream sectors best positioned companies.We continue to look to WMB as a defensive component of midstream and favor its 2H prospects as broader midstream grasps at recovery Beyond 2020 we see the value proposition as a stable footprint with free cash flow generation even in the current environment. We also see room for incremental leverage reduction throughout our forecast period on scaled back capital plans and even with the stable dividend. We look for modestly lower capex in 2021, however unlike more G&P oriented midstream firms, we see a project backlog in downstream that should support very modest growth, Richardson noted.Accordingly, Richardson rates WMB shares as a Buy, and his $26 price target implies a 30% upside potential from current levels. (To watch Richardsons track record, click here)Overall, the Strong Buy analyst consensus rating on WMB is based on 11 Buy reviews against just a single Hold. The stocks current share price is $19.91 and the average price target is $24.58, making the one-year upside potential 23%. (See WMB stock analysis on TipRanks)Magellan Midstream (MMP)The second stock on our list is another midstream energy company, Magellan. This is another Oklahoma-based firm, with a network of assets across much of the US from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi Valley, and into the Southeast. Magellans network transports crude oil and refined products, and includes Gulf Coast export shipping terminals.Magellan's total revenues rose sequentially to $782.8 in Q1, and EPS came in at $1.28, well above the forecast. These numbers turned down drastically in Q2, as revenue fell to $460.4 million and EPS collapsed to 65 cents. The outlook for Q3 predicts a modest recovery, with EPS forecast at 85 cents. The company strengthened its position in the second quarter with an issue of 10-year senior notes, totaling $500 million, at 3.25%. This reduced the companys debt service payments, and shored up liquidity, making possible the maintenance of the dividend.The dividend was kept steady at $1.0275 per common share quarterly. Annualized, this comes to $4.11, a good absolute return, and gives a yield of 11.1%, giving MMP a far higher return than Treasury bonds or the average S&P-listed stock.Well Fargo analyst Praneeth Satish believes that MMP has strong prospects for recovery. [We] view near-term weakness in refined products demand as temporary and recovering. In the interim, MMP remains well positioned given its strong balance sheet and liquidity position, and ratable cash flow stream Satish goes on to note that the dividend appears secure for the near-term: The company plans to maintain the current quarterly distribution for the rest of the year.In line with this generally upbeat outlook, Satish gives MMP an Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating, and a $54 price target that implies 57% growth in the coming year. (To watch Satishs track record, click here)Net net, MMP shares have a unanimous Strong Buy analyst consensus rating, a show of confidence by Wall Streets analyst corps. The stock is selling for $33.44, and the average price target of $51.13 implies 53% growth in the year ahead. (See MMP stock analysis on TipRanks)Ready Capital Corporation (RC)The second stock on our list is a real estate investment trust. No surprise finding one of these in a list of strong dividend payers REITs have long been known for their high dividend payments. Ready Capital, which focuses on the commercial mortgage niche of the REIT sector, has a portfolio of loans in real estate securities and multi-family dwellings. RC has provided more than $3 billion in capital to its loan customers.In the first quarter of this year, when the coronavirus hit, the economy turned south, and business came to a standstill, Ready Capital took a heavy blow. Revenues fell by 58%, and Q1 EPS came in at just one penny. Things turned around in Q2, however, after the company took measures including increasing liquidity, reducing liabilities, and increasing involvement in government-sponsored lending to shore up business. Revenues rose to $87 million and EPS rebounded to 70 cents.In the wake of the strong Q2 results, RC also started restoring its dividend. In Q1 the company had slashed the payment from 40 cents to 25 cents; in the most recent declaration, for an October 30 payment, the new dividend is set at 30 cents per share. This annualizes to $1.20 and gives a strong yield of 9.9%.Crispin Love, writing from Piper Sandler, notes the companys success in getting back on track.Given low interest rates, Ready Capital had a record $1.2B in residential mortgage originations versus our $1.1B estimate. Gain on sale margins were also at record levels. We are calculating gain on sale margins of 3.7%, up from 2.4% in 1Q20, Love wrote.In a separate note, written after the dividend declaration, Love added, We believe that the Board's actions show an increased confidence for the company to get back to its pre-pandemic $0.40 dividend. In recent earnings calls, management has commented that its goal is to get back to stabilized earnings above $0.40, which would support a dividend more in-line with pre-pandemic levels.To this end, Love rates RC an Overweight (i.e. Buy) along with a $12 price target, suggesting an upside of 14%. (To watch Loves track record, click here)All in all, Ready Capital has a unanimous Strong Buy analyst consensus rating, based on 4 recent positive reviews. The stock has an average price target of $11.50, which gives a 9% upside from the current share price of $10.51. (See RC stock analysis on TipRanks)To find good ideas for dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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Dr. Thomas Chaney and Dr. Stephanie Chaney to Host an Online Webinar that will Focus on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes - Yahoo Finance