Color grading long, extensive projects is made easy with this simple solution for moving from Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve without rendering.Top image via ShutterstockIn this jam-packed tutorial, D.L. Watson details the process of working with a long project that needs to be moved from Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve for color grading. This process has proven to be extremely tedious and frustrating and there’s plenty of room for malfunctions.Following the steps below, you’ll be able to edit your video and make changes in DaVinci Resolve before the rendering process, therefor saving lots of time (and sparing your sanity). How to Move Projects From Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve Without RenderingLet’s take a look at some of the key points made in Watson’s tutorial.Step 1: Duplicate and Clean Up TimelineGetting rid of all the extra stuff like lower thirds, audio, and graphics is the first step. Start by duplicating your timeline, renaming the new one for the necessary color correcting identification.Open up the duplicate timeline and get rid of all the extra media you don’t need in DaVinci Resolve, as well as all audio/music. Make sure you’ve unlinked everything before doing this, obviously. Next, delete all the empty tracks (for cleaning up purposes).Step 2: Export Project to Final Cut XMLExport the Project to Final Cut XML and save it to your Desktop.Step 3: Open DaVinci ResolveOpen up DaVinci Resolve. Make sure the drives are associated with the correct clips that you’ll be importing.For Mac: Go to Preferences. There will be an option to assign the media to the correct drive.For Windows: Resolve will look for a drive letter. When you import the XML, you’ll most likely see a message telling you that the clips you’re trying to import can’t be found. Don’t fret! Open the XML in Notepad ++, a free program you can download here. Under the PathURL you’ll find the name of your drive.Since Watson is using multiple drives, he does a quick Find and Replace for the drives, renaming them to what they should be and then does a Replace All. After you’ve done the same, hit Save and then re-import.This option provides an immediate notation under the clips explaining exactly where it came from and the type of clip its is, whether it be MPEG or H.264. Not only will you be saving two renders, you can work the footage in a more knowledgable, efficient fashion.Have you run into troubles with making the move from Premiere to Resolve before? Share in the comments below.
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The Small Town World Of Facebook
My small Indian town ethos — yes, that’s the only plausible explanation. Nothing else can quite explain this new burst of energy that keeps me wired to you, and to you, and to you on your latest updates, pictures, and endless stream of videos on this weird sounding networking portal called Facebook. Honestly, I have become social all over again — hearing and wanting to be heard from you.At its best, addictive, at its worst, social hara-kiri, where you want to say it all, share it all, after being moored to big-city sensibilities of social indifference for so long. Stepping back in time to the good old days might seem inexplicable and perhaps inexcusable. Yet, I persist in flirting with my past. Once plugged, the fall is absolutely free, unchecked. I am romancing with the virtual world as much as I resist the real one. Fingertips felt a funny jingling sensation — I miss him on this wet afternoon — but I keyed it nonetheless. Who; all ok; chill girl; take it easy. In a blink, I was the collective responsibility of these virtual people, living thousands of miles away in their own world of real people and real issues. But for reasons unknown, this make-believe world has its own hints of truth, even if touch-and-go.When was the last time I had bared myself to the public this unpretentiously? A while back, or many whiles back, at a time when all were one. My heartfelt and heartaches were never mine alone; they belonged to everyone. Life would be pathetically incomplete if it was lived in isolation; it ought to be shared. The tais always had an idea or two and the kakis countered with something weightier and more profound. For good or for bad. Oh well! Who cared back then.Selective amnesia? Honestly, I don’t know, but I don’t see myself very far from the debilitating condition. I have locked myself into a time warp of kakis and tais, doggedly refusing to let go, and not without reason. Those social rules define me, even as I grapple with perceptions diametrically opposed to my small-town values. But then, everything non-conforming to the age-old is simply a departure, an aberration that will ultimately wither to give me back myself, or at least a piece of me. I insist on looking back through these virtual visions.Ah the memories! Those were the days when the whole family stood in line until the videographer — such a small-town word — shooed us all away, “This is a moving picture that you got to insert in your VCR and watch like a movie.” Embarrassed we would walk around with that cool dude with his gizmo of the 80’s chasing the prettiest. And lord, how can I forget those blank and white valet size photos. As much as I’d love to deny, I had my own stock with that huge, black, corded receiver in one hand and the other running through my hair, and a sheepish grin. Such chilling images!My virtual family has a way to dig out those moments of funny small-town truism.From vacations to trips to private moments, I see it all. The content might have changed — suggestive pouts; bold body thrusts; daring necklines; mouthwatering cleavages — but the context remains, as it was always meant to be. I giggle back in time browsing the photos. Love it, love it with all my heart. And in some mysterious way, they have brought out the good old kaki I never thought existed within me. I scan through friends, their families and their families’ family. What a sacrilege it would be if I logged out without my two cents. A 30-some mother of two who I have not seen in decades, but had to — out of some small town value — compliment on her pictures, profusely.A vacation was a neighbor’s envy. The days I came home red-nosed on hearing about friends and families disappear into the clouds of Shimla, Nainital and Darjeeling. “Lord, how do I possibly make my father see a point in going for vacations, if for nothing than just social standing?”Today, the backgrounds have changed from demure hill stations to bold Metros and Megapolis — Paris, Istanbul, Tel Aviv — but the zest remains unchanged. As for me, I remain firmly rooted to the wistful, religiously posting a note or two on all take-offs and landings.It was heady to be associated with our own version of the white crowd in those small towns. For the rest of the not-so-happening crowd, just about everyone maintained a safe distance in the name of cool. This time the syndrome takes the form of this networking website. Do you know how many friendship request are pending because they don’t conform to my style, model and of course oomph appeal? Some who have made it remain on the fringes, just to beef up the head-count. Love it or hate it, but small town India, with its organic values and earthy rules, remains, if only in traces, in all of us — the good Samaritan neighbors who make up my contact list on Facebook.From small to big, as neighborhoods mushroom virtually, I marvel not at the complicated coding algorithms that keeps Facebook going and growing, but the IT equivalent of Sigmund Freud, who understood and tied together my basic need for small town settings and all its trappings, even if imaginary.Lov’ya all for giving me a part of myself! Related Items
Sports Wrap: Virat Kohli evolves from raw talent to global statesman, Joe Root backs Alastair Cook and more
Virat Kohli 2.0 – From raw talent to global statesmanVirat Kohli is no longer known as the brash and cocky cricketer he once was when he burst onto the international scene in 2008.Alastair Cook is the right man to lead England for ‘years to come’: Joe RootVice-captain Joe Root it seems is in no mood at the moment to step into Alastair Cook’s shoes as captain of the English side.Australia coach Darren Lehmann looks to defuse Glenn Maxwell-Matthew Wade rowAustralia coach Darren Lehmann is to hold clear-the-air talks ahead of the one-day series against New Zealand after recalled all-rounder Glenn Maxwell criticised wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.Russia’s athletics ban to run into 2017The Russian Federation (RUSAF) was banned in November 2015 after an independent WADA probe exposed state-sponsored doping on a massive scale.Rivals rule out final league game against ChapecoenseThe confederation has not yet decided whether to play the final round of games which were scheduled for Sunday.
We need to stop talking about Antonio Brown as a football story
Share on LinkedIn Antonio Brown quits NFL, and references Kraft massage parlor charges Read more Share on Messenger Since you’re here… This Friday will mark the one-year anniversary of Palo Alto University professor Christine Blasey Ford testifying before Congress about the sexual misconduct of then-nominee, now-sitting associate justice of the US supreme court, Brett Kavanaugh, when they were both in high school.Much of the current related media coverage is, like that of Brown, Kavanaugh-centered – on the fallout from the publication of The Education of Brett Kavanaugh, the New York Times’ woeful lapse in judgement when describing a second accuser, the ensuing correction, the President’s defense of Kavanaugh – the list goes on. Part of what has been lost in the swirl of this news cycle is the notion that through the act of testifying, Ford offered a platform to even have these kinds of conversations. The problem is, she hasn’t been included in any of them. The conversations happening now, one year after her coming forward and more than 30 years after the alleged assault, have to do with the man she accused: his actions, his character, his politics, his career.I watched Ford’s testimony on my laptop at work. Watching her face, her movements – this wasn’t the testimony of an emboldened, empowered woman. This wasn’t a warrior, a fighter, or any of the other trite stereotypes used to label women advocating for themselves. This was a professional woman, uncomfortable and subject to profound misinterpretation and condemnation on a very public stage, who was coming forward anyway.One of the problems with conversations around sexual misconduct, and abuse, is that we tend to oversimplify the takeaways. We compress the narratives to soundbites: Did it happen or not? Can you remember every precise detail? Yes or no? It is stripped of the painfully complicated nuances it entails, of the deep ambivalences, ambiguities and contradictory feelings that can result when the assailant is a known acquaintance. We don’t have enough of a safety net in place for these kinds of discussions to unfold post-disclosure, to cushion the aftershock of ongoing criticism and doubt. The alleged victim appears, discloses and is chased out of the public eye in a cloud of Twitter outrage. The news cycle and our attention moves on.For now, Brown remains in limbo under ongoing NFL investigation. But there is a sense of process taking place, legal formalities that will help his story move forward. What is unclear is whether these events will yield a wider cultural understanding of how to care for victims after the disclosure, or whether the headlines will peak, fizzle and dry out. Today, it is still Brown’s future we’re waiting to hear about, not Taylor’s. New England Patriots … we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading and supporting The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many new organisations, we have chosen an approach that allows us to keep our journalism accessible to all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. But we need your ongoing support to keep working as we do.The Guardian will engage with the most critical issues of our time – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism, to maintain our openness and to protect our precious independence. Every reader contribution, big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. Support The Guardian Share on Twitter Share via Email Topics Rape and sexual assault Share on Facebook US sports comment In the hours following Friday’s announcement that wide receiver Antonio Brown was released by the New England Patriots amid mounting allegations of sexual misconduct only 11 days after signing with the team, the media served up a competitive play-by-play on his status. TMZ reported Brown “looking sad” as he touched down in Miami. CBS pondered “why the Patriots could be in trouble if things get any worse”. Iterations of “Brown out. What now?” sprouted up innumerably across the web. Brown, for his part, tweeted eight similar “thank you” messages to the Patriots for the opportunity and a “Just got fired on Friday” with a facepalm emoji. A sizable chunk of the thousands of comments in response to his posts invoked God and prayer for Brown’s resolve to stay strong and keep fighting. He capped off his thread with a photo sitting on the hood of a Rolls Royce in front of a private jet, with the caption: Beat the odds.Brown will not face criminal charges for the accusations leading to his dismissal, including most notably one of rape in a civil lawsuit by his former trainer, Britney Taylor (Brown has denied the allegations). He took again to Twitter on Sunday morning to answer the headlines’ musings himself. He said he was quitting the NFL and took shots at Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his former teammate Ben Roethlisberger. Earlier this week, Taylor spent 10 hours in discussion with the NFL investigation team going over her lawsuit. Her social media profiles have been wiped clean. Share on Pinterest NFL Share on WhatsApp Reuse this content
Former SS guard of Nazi camp 92 to go on trial in
Berlin: A Hamburg court says a 92-year-old former SS private will go on trial on 5,230 counts of accessory to murder on allegations that, in his role as a guard, he helped the Stutthof concentration camp function. Spokesman Kai Wantzen told on Thursday that the suspect, identified by German media as Bruno Dey, will go on trial October 17, after experts determined his health was good enough, so long as sessions are limited to two hours a day. Over 60,000 people were killed at the Nazi German camp built east of Danzig, which is today the Polish city of Gdansk.
Canadian model Winnie Harlow on confidence modelling and being a 6Goddess
If you want Winnie Harlow’s opinion on what other people think of her looks, it’s quite simple: “I don’t care if you think I’m beautiful, I think I’m beautiful.”The Canadian model is used to being in the public eye having appeared on America’s Next Top Model, working with brands like Swarovski and Diesel, and garnering an Instagram following of 1.2M. Despite having experienced bullying and people judging her skin condition, vitiligo, Harlow maintains her focus on her career, no matter how public it may be.“I knew from growing up that people would have their opinions, I really just didn’t care. I literally just grasped my beauty and put it on display even though others would have their say, I decided to make my statement first,” said Harlow who has partnered up with Dove’s newest campaign #MyBeautyMySay to garner conversations around women’s accomplishments — not just appearance. LEAVE A REPLY Cancel replyLog in to leave a comment Advertisement Harlow, who attributes her start in modelling to social media also advises young women and men to not be afraid to put themselves out there and, instead, make their own views of themselves the utmost priority. Login/Register With: Advertisement Twitter Facebook Advertisement
CRTC report calls for action to strengthen Canadian culture
“The new CRTC chair’s call for equitable contributions from all industry participants—whether online, cable, ISP, foreign or domestic—is a big step in the right direction,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “If Netflix, Google and Facebook and all the other American giants don’t have to reinvest their Canadian profits in Canadian shows and local news, our cultural identity will be in big trouble.”Unifor agrees with CRTC Chair Ian Scott’s conclusion that American digital media is moving fast to a dominant position in Canadian television’s audiences, revenues, and profits. Login/Register With: Twitter Advertisement LEAVE A REPLY Cancel replyLog in to leave a comment OTTAWA, May 31, 2018 – The union representing 12,000 Canadian journalists and media workers has endorsed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s call for a “bold and judicious” overhaul of federal media regulation.
Advertisement Advertisement Facebook “Mr. Scott has it right. Every industry player regardless of head office location must make an equitable contribution to Canadian content and local news, even if it’s not a one-size-fits-all model,” said Howard Law, Unifor’s Media Sector Director.Unifor cautions that, for domestic media companies, the CRTC’s recommended shift from the one-size-fits-all licencing standard to more flexible service agreements should be implemented carefully.“If service agreements are going to be the new licencing, it will have to be an especially transparent and public process,” said Jake Moore, Unifor Local 79M President. “Media companies have a special responsibility to deliver Canadian local news and must be held to a high standard.”“The ball is now in the Minister’s court. The federal government must act,” Moore concluded.Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
North Dakota Governor signs executive order to force evacuation of NoDAPL camp
(North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple)Dennis WardAPTN National NewsThe Governor of North Dakota is ordering people at the Oceti Sakowin camp to pack up and leave immediately.On Monday, outgoing Republican Governor Jack Dalyrmple signed an Executive Order calling for a “mandatory evacuation of all persons located in aread under the proprietary jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers located in Morton County.”It’s another political setback for those fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline and comes just one day after the United States Army Corps of Engineers said it would not forcibly remove people from the camp.The Order calls for people to leave and not to return.WHEREAS, Morton County is currently experiencing severe winter weather storm conditions, and it is anticipated harsh winter conditions will continue until next spring; andWHEREAS, winter conditions have the potential to endanger human life, especially when they are exposed to these conditions without proper shelter, dwellings, or sanitation for prolonged periods of time; andWHEREAS, large populations have chosen to stay in areas of Morton County managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers south of the Cantapeta Creek and the Cannonball River (The areas include the confluence with Cantapeta Creek east, east of North Dakota Highway 1806, north of the Cannonball River, and west of the Missouri River) in tents, vehicles, temporary and semi-permanent structures which have not been inspected and approved by Morton County as proper dwellings suitable for winter habitation; andWHEREAS, the aforementioned areas of Morton County are not zoned for dwellings suitable for living in winter conditions, and also do not possess proper permanent sanitation infrastructure to sustain a living environment consistent with proper public health; andWHEREAS, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has ordered the aforementioned area of Morton County which they manage to be vacated due to public safety concerns related to the inability to effectively provide emergency, medical, fire response services, and law enforcement services; andWHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the state to assist citizens and visitors to North Dakota in addressing the emergencies, disasters, and other hardships that may face the state, its citizens and visitors, to include issuance of orders in the best interest of public safety.Dalrymple has directed “agencies, emergency service officials and nongovernmental organizations to reduce threats to public safety by not guaranteeing the provision of emergency and other governmental and nongovernmental services in the evacuation area.”The Order says any person who chooses to enter, re-enter or stay in the evacuation area does so at their own risk, and assumes any and all corresponding liabilities.The Order is effective immediately.
Ban pays tribute to new forum promoting reintegration of excombatants
4 May 2009Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the opening of a new forum for the United Nations to advance its work on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process in countries emerging from armed conflict. Mr. Ban noted that there have been nearly one million beneficiaries of DDR efforts worldwide over the past 20 years, in a message to the International DDR Congress in Cartagena, Colombia.“DDR is designed to advance security and stability in post-conflict environments so that recovery and development can firmly take root,” Mr. Ban said in a message that was delivered on his behalf by Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions Dmitry Titov.“Our experiences in Mozambique, Sierra Leone and many other places have shown how effective DDR initiatives can be in helping ex-combatants build a new life for themselves and a better future for their countries,” he added.The message highlighted the first edition of the Integrated DDR Standards launched in November 2006 to guide the design and implementation DDR programmes. “I am glad there is now a wider forum where we can join with other partners to push this work forward,” Mr. Ban stated, welcoming the Congress’s focus on how DDR can fit into peacebuilding, and how DDR can be better coordinated with broader projects.
Army says it has only limited role in north
The Sri Lankan Army has maintained that its involvement in the Northern Province is limited “only to demining, construction works and infrastructure development in connection with the resettlement of people.”Responding to a questionnaire sent by The Hindu on the status of the Army’s presence in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, it said: “We have almost totally disengaged [ourselves] from non-military activities.” On a question about the Army’s plan to close down camps in the North, it said since the end of the “humanitarian operation” [that’s how the Eelam War IV is called in the Army’s parlance] in May 2009, the deployment of troops had been “regularly reviewed” based on “threat assessment, national security concerns and strategic implications”. Accordingly, troop deployment had been “readjusted on several occasions. This is a continuous process and the number of troops and bases will be in accordance with the national security concerns.” It said the troop deployment adjustment and the release of private lands [taken over by the Army during the War] are “continuous and ongoing processes”. It confirmed that in the last five years, it has released 19,159 acres in the Province, including 6,258 acres in Palaly.The Army described the Thalsevana holiday resort being run by it in Kankesanthurai of Jaffna as an “R&R [rest and recreation] facility”. It also said the resort was open to the public “in a limited manner” when rooms were vacant.In late May, Chief Minister of the Province, C.V. Wigneswaran, told an international tele-press conference that President Maithripala Sirisena had made an offer to him to take over the resort and run it as a conference hall. State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene told The Hindu then that no decision had been taken as there were two views within the government on the issue. Last month, a statement put up on the website of the Ministry of Defence stated that 59 camps in the Northern Province were closed down since May 2009. No camp was wound up this year. There were also media reports, quoting Major General Nandana Udawatte, that the number of army camps came down from 152 to 93 [during 2009-2014].The Army also denied reports that 75 per cent of its divisions are located in the North, but refused to give the exact figure. “No army in the world would disclose actual numbers.” It pointed out that “even identification numbers of army formations, naval and air fleets in many countries are not disclosed.” The Oakland Institute, a US-based policy think tank, had earlier reported the Army has “expanded” itself into “non-military activities” and is “engaged in large-scale development, construction projects and business ventures”.
UNESCO urges teaching from earliest age in indigenous mother languages
“It is widely acknowledged nowadays that teaching in both the mother tongue and the official national language helps children to obtain better results and stimulates their cognitive development and capacity to learn,” the Director-General of the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Koïchiro Matsuura, said in a message for International Mother Language Day, which is celebrated on 21 February. UNESCO’s General Conference 1999 proclaimed the Day in recognition of the importance of the world’s linguistic diversity and to promote mother tongue languages. But a survey being undertaken by the agency indicates that although the use of mother languages as a medium of instruction is gaining ground, few countries have incorporated the idea into their education systems. The study shows that India is one of the world leaders in the development of multilingual education systems, with about 80 languages being used to teach children at different levels of schooling. But across Africa, where an estimated 2,011 languages are spoken, the languages of the former colonial powers – English, French, Spanish and Portuguese – still dominate education systems. A similar situation prevails in Latin America. According to the “Atlas of the World Languages in Danger of Disappearing” there are more than 6,000 languages spoken in the world today. Ninety five percent of these languages are spoken by only four percent of the population, and an average of two die out each month.
Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the
TORONTO – Poloz in Oshawa, Ont.: Canada’s top banker will be in his hometown of Oshawa, Ont., on Tuesday addressing Durham College, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Trent University. The event will mark Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz’s first public remarks since last week’s federal budget.Quebec budget: Quebec is expected to present its third consecutive balanced budget when it tables the fiscal plan Tuesday. Last fall, the province projected a surplus of $2.2 billion in the 2016-17 fiscal year while abolishing a unpopular health tax.TD Bank meeting: TD Bank holds its annual general meeting in Toronto on Thursday. The lender has found itself at the centre of allegations that its employees signed up customers for services without their consent. CEO Bharat Masrani has said he doesn’t believe the accusations accurately reflect the bank’s workplace culture.BlackBerry results: BlackBerry releases its fourth-quarter and year-end results prior to the opening of the markets Friday. It will be the first earnings report since CEO John Chen said the company is no longer in turnaround mode and is now focusing on growth after a loss of US$117 million in the previous quarter.GDP: On Friday, Statistics Canada will release the gross domestic product figures for January. The economy wrapped up the final quarter of 2016 with a surprise — an annual growth rate of 2.6 per cent — largely fuelled by household spending. by The Canadian Press Posted Mar 26, 2017 8:00 am MDT Last Updated Mar 26, 2017 at 8:40 am MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week
Urgent action needed to safeguard genetic diversity of worlds forests UN study
Among the primary actions called for by the report is stepped up management and data gathering on forests resources. While existing tree species in the world is estimated at between 80,000 and 100,000, only 2,400 (around 3 per cent) are actively managed for the products and services they provide. Data from 86 countries in the report show a lack of data and insufficient awareness of the importance of forest genetic resources, Linda Collette, Secretary of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, said, adding that it often translates into national policies that are “partial, ineffective, or non-existent.”“Governments need to act and implement the Global Plan of Action for Forest Genetic Resources and FAO and its Commission stand ready to guide, support and assist countries in the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources,” she said. Half of the forest species reported by countries are threatened or subjuect to genetic erosion When forest genetic resources are well-managed, forests can provide important benefits Conservation and sustainable management efforts so far Urgent action to better manage the genetic diversity of forests – under pressure from climate change, exploitation and conversion for other uses – is needed to ensure that the benefits they provide will survive, the United Nations said in a first-of-its-kind report released today.“Forests provide food, goods and services which are essential to the survival and well-being of all humanity,” Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director-General for Forestry at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said on the release of The State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources.“These benefits all rely on safeguarding the rich store of the world’s forest genetic diversity – which is increasingly at risk,” he added.The report says that half of the forest species regularly utilized by countries are threatened by the conversion of forests to pastures and farmland, overexploitation and the impacts of climate change. Biodiversity in forest genetic resources is also essential, it says, to improving both forest species’ productivity and the nutritional value of the foods they produce, which includes leafy vegetables, honey, fruits, seeds, nuts, roots, tubers and mushrooms. A wide variability in desirable traits, such as fruit size, growing speed, oil composition and pulp proportion, is a prerequisite for breeding and domesticating improved tree species, it says. At the same time, it adds, genetic diversity is needed to ensure that forests can adapt to changing environmental conditions, including those stemming from climate change and invasive pests and diseases.
Posturing Russians to send aircraft carrier and fleet along the English Channel
One Nato naval source said the Russian vessels were due to leave Severomorsk near Murmansk imminently and could pass Britain as early as next week.The source said: “It’s not catching us by surprise, we are working up what to do and we are all over it. The most likely thing is that they will go through the North Sea, down the Dover Strait and through the Channel.“They might even stop off the North East coast to fly for a bit.”But the source said it was also possible the Russian warships would split, with some going through the Irish Sea or down the West coast of Ireland, “to cause more trouble”.The source said: “Even if it splits five ways and we can’t man mark them, it doesn’t matter, we have got this covered.” The Royal Naval preparations come after Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, this week triggered a diplomatic row by saying he would “like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy” in London over Moscow’s role in the ongoing Syrian conflict.A former First Sea Lord on Friday said Russian posturing risked inflaming tensions further.Nato navies have been preparing a major operation to track the 55,000 tonne Admiral Kuznetsov and its escorts in a game of “naval cat and mouse” down through the North Atlantic to the Bay of Biscay and then into the Mediterranean. Want the best of The Telegraph direct to your email and WhatsApp? Sign up to our free twice-daily Front Page newsletter and new audio briefings. Russia is expected to sail its only aircraft carrier through the English Channel later this month amid strained relations between London and Moscow over the Syria crisis.Royal Navy chiefs and their Nato allies are drawing up plans to escort up to eight Russian warships which are due to leave port imminently to join the country’s air strike campaign against Syrian rebels.Admirals believe the Kremlin will use the voyage as an opportunity for a show of strength as it passes Britain, and expect the carrier’s aircraft to launch flying drills off the British and French coasts. One Royal Navy Type 23 frigate and one Type 45 destroyer are being prepared to monitor the Russians, while an RAF Rivet Joint spy plane, C130 Hercules and Typhoon jets will also be on standby.But sources said, with the Royal Navy short of ships and sailors, the warships would have to be diverted from other missions to meet the Russian vessels.Sergei Shoigu, Russian defence minister, has said the carrier will be escorted by six warships and three or four support vessels. The Russian vessels are expected to include the battlecruiser Peter the Great and a Udaloy class destroyer.Once in the Mediterranean, the Kuznetsov is set to take up position off the coast of Syria for four to five months, where it could uses its complement of MiG-29K/KUB jets and helicopters to carry out airstrikes.Lord West of Spithead, a former First Sea Lord, said the Russians were entitled to sail down the Channel, and the ageing carrier was not fully operational, but he said the country’s posturing over Syria would risk inflaming tensions.He said: “When people start posturing, things become dangerous. It all raises tensions and makes things more difficult and that’s not a clever thing to do.“It makes sense to have them monitored by a couple of Nato ships. The fact that the Navy is scrabbling around for a frigate is symptomatic of the fact that it’s a national disgrace we only have 19 surface escorts.He said: “I find Russia very worrying at the moment. Their economy is on a war footing.”Dr Igor Sutyagin, a Russia expert at the Royal United Services Institute, said that as the country’s economy foundered it was left only with its military might to project influence.
Experts warn that the polio outbreak in Syria may threaten Europe
TWO INFECTIOUS DISEASE experts have warned that a new outbreak of polio in Syria recently might endanger neighbouring regions, including Europe.The outbreak of the disease was confirmed by the World Health Organisation in October.Writing to the journal, The Lancet, the two experts said Professor Martin Eichner, of the University of Tübingen, and Stefan Brockmann, of Reutlingen Regional Public Health Office, in Germany, said that most European countries today use inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) rather than oral polio vaccination (OPV), which has been discontinued in most areas due to rare cases of it causing acute flacid paralysis (AFP), the main symptom of polio.VaccineThey said that while the IPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing polio disease,it only providespartial protection from infection.In Europe, where the circulating polio viruses have been eliminated for decades, transmission can only be prevented by IPV if vaccination coverage is continually very high and if the population has high hygienic standards and low crowding, they explained.As large numbers of refugees are fleeing Syria and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries and Europe, they said there is a risk that the virus could be reintroduced into areas which have been polio-free for decades.European countries at riskThe two experts warned that areas such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Austria, where vaccination coverage is low, could be most at risk. “Immunity may be insufficient to prevent sustained transmission if the polio virus is reintroduced into the community,” they stated.Tübingen and Brockmann speculate that the virus might circulate for nearly a year before a single case of AFP arises and an outbreak can be detected, even though by this time hundreds of individuals might carry the infection.According to the authors: Vaccinating only Syrian refugees—as has been recommended by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control—must be judged as insufficient; more comprehensive measuresshould be taken into consideration.DiscontinuedThey said that the oral polio vaccination provides high protection against acquisition and spreading of the infection, but this vaccine was discontinued in Europe because of rare cases of vaccination-related acute flaccid paralysis.They warned that only some of the European Union member states still allow its use and none has a stockpile of oral polio vaccines.They said that routine screening of sewage for poliovirus has not been done in most European countries, but said there should be intensified surveillance measure considered for settlements with large numbers of Syrian refugees.Read: UN warns of Syria polio outbreak after cluster of cases reported>Read: Over nine million people in Syria need outside help to survive>
Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo in numbers
Virgin Galactic unveiled a new model of its SpaceShip Two spaceplane on 19 February. The private space tourism firms second spacecraft model has been bestowed the name VSS Unity.The VSS Unity has been designed to eventually replace the space tourism companys first model, the VSS Enterprise, which crashed during a test flight in 2014. The incident cost the life of a pilot, while severely injuring the co-pilot.Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson said that the VSS Untity was the outcome of around 700 engineers working tirelessly, throughout the day and night for over a year. Hinting at possible improvements prior to the unveiling event, Branson said, Weve got some wonderful surprises later on today, Good Morning Britain reported.Virgin Galactic showcased its new spacecraft at its Mojave Spaceport in California, in ceremonial style. The VSS Unity appears almost identical to its predecessor. However, the companys engineers have made major improvements and changes in the new model, which is also slated to take off, orbit and re-enter the Earths atmosphere, as planned before with the VSS Enterprise.The VSS Unity has enhanced auto-pilot features. The automotive functions were specifically designed so as to provide pilots with additional support, in the event of a malfunction. The first SpaceShip Two models unfortunate crash is believed to have occurred in part, due to pilot error. In efforts to ensure increased security, engineers have boosted the new spacecrafts automotive functions.Another change in the new SpaceShip Two model involves fuel. The VSS Unitys engine will use a different fuel source, which has rubber-like consistency, to ensure that engine combustion is optimised. However, this type of fuel has also been known to cause the companys spacecraft engines some issues in the past, the Verge reported.Virgin Galactic has not yet tested its newest spacecraft. The companys vice president of projects Will Pomerantz has said that the VSS Unity has been scheduled for its first round of test flights later in the year.
Karwan Bazar slum fire burns 100 shanties
A plume of black smoke was seen in Karwan Bazar area after a fire broke out on Monday. Photo: Jamil KhanAt least 100 shanties were razed to the ground in a fire at a Karwan Bazar slum near the railway track on Monday.The fire originated at the slum around 12:30pm.Fire fighters rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control within an hour.Deputy director of Dhaka fire service Devasish Bardhan said that they were carrying out rescue work after dousing the fire.Black smoke loomed large over the slum, witnesses said.No injury was, however, reported.
Indias first childfriendly gay film to premiere at Mardi Gras festival
India’s first gay film to get a child-friendly classification will have its world premiere in Sydney. Evening Shadows is a heartwarming film about a young man who comes out to his mother in a small Indian town. | Photo: Supplied GAYSTARNEWS- eTN Chatroom for Readers (join us) ‘We couldn’t have asked for a better showcase for the world premiere of our film than Mardi Gras Film Festival, which is one of the oldest and most prominent film festivals celebrating its 25th edition this year,’ Rangayan said.‘Our film not only underlines the challenges, but celebrates diversity.‘Audiences at the festival will get a close peek at the cultural and social conflicts the Indian LGBTQ community faces even today, as well makes a strong plea for gender equality.’While in Australia, Rangayan will also be one of the Jury members to judge the ‘My Queer Career’.My Queer Career is Australia’s largest competition for LGBTIQ short films.[embedded content]Globetrotting shadowsActress Mona Ambegaonkar, plays the mother in the film will be in Sydney for the premiere.‘Evening Shadows is a true globe trotter! Born in the heart of Southern India it has leaped across hemispheres and continents already,’ Mona Ambegaonkar said.‘It’s a matter of great pride that our film is being appreciated so much across the world and it validates all our hard work and all our hopes for the film.’Got a news tip? Want to share your story? Email us .
Read the full article on Gaystarnews: :https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/indias-first-child-friendly-gay-film-to-premiere-at-mardi-gras-festival/ Set in a small town in southern India, Evening Shadows, is about a son coming out to his mother. Once he comes out, the film explores the upheaval it causes.In an exclusive interview with Gay Star News, Indian filmmaker and gay activist Sridhar Rangayan said he was ‘thrilled’ with the film’s rating.‘Our main aim when we made the film was not only to reach out to the LGBTQ community, but also mainly to parents and families in small towns,’ he said at the time.Continuing on from the rating boon, Evening Shadows’ will premiere at the internationally renowned Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival.The film festival runs in conjunction with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and is celebrating its 25th year. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading…
Record Air Pacific loss Air New Zealand to stay but Qantas wants
<a href=”http://www.etbtravelnews.global/click/28a30/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://adsvr.travelads.biz/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=10&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a5c63036″ border=”0″ alt=””></a> The financial woes of Fiji’s Air Pacific may have Qantas, its second biggest shareholder, offering up its stake, but minority shareholder Air New Zealand is going nowhere, according to reports. Majority owned by the Fijian government, Air Pacific posted the biggest loss it has ever suffered in its 59-year history this year. A total loss of $F65.3 million (AU$38 million) for the year to March was recorded, compared to a loss of F$12.5 million a year earlier. But while this has made it an even more pressing task for Qantas to offload its 46 percent stake in the airline, Air New Zealand is showing no signs of concern over Air Pacific’s performance, according to a recent report in Stuff.co.nz. The report sources an Air New Zealand spokesperson as saying there would be no change in the airline’s policy and that it would retain its minority 1.9 percent shareholding. Qantas, on the other hand, has made it completely clear it wants out of Air Pacific, according to a report last week in The Sydney Morning Herald. The Australian carrier signalled their intentions to sell their holdings during talks with Air Pacific in September 2009. Since then discussions have been continuing, the most recent of which saw Air Pacific’s Chairman Nalin Patel and CEO Dave Pflieger fly to Sydney to talk with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce in May.Air Pacific has declared the past financial year to be the toughest in its history, and blamed increased competition following the introduction of Fiji-Australia routes by Jetstar and V Australia, as well as higher fuel costs and fuel-hedging losses, as the reason behind its financial slide. And this latest round of losses will make it harder for Qantas to find a buyer. Despite assurances from Air Pacific that it will turn its fortunes around, industry insiders quoted by the SMH suggested that this is highly unlikely. “They are going to be squeezed into oblivion,” an insider said.Air Pacific faces major structural problems, and only has a fleet of two leased Boeing 747-400s, three 737s and one 767. On top of this, it has suffered from years of under-financing from its government shareholders. Source = e-Travel Blackboard: S.F
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Comments Share In the third round, Kiper has the Cardinals taking Michigan center Graham Glasgow, who started 37 games on the Wolverines offensive line. Glasgow received All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2015 and was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.ESPN has Glasgow ranked as the fourth-best center available in this year’s class behind Ryan Kelly of Alabama, Nick Martin of Notre Dame and Max Tuerk of USC. Kelly, incidentally, is the player most frequently projected as a first-round pick of the Cardinals, showing up in 24 mocks since March 1. Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact Top Stories The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling
Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires The NFL Draft is just nine days away, and the flood of mock drafts put out by experts is increasing in its intensity.Like his ESPN colleague Todd McShay did last week, Mel Kiper Jr. has published his three-round “Grade-A” mock draft in an insider piece on the website. In this mock, he plays the role of general manager for each team and makes his selection based on what is best for each franchise in the given draft slot. Louisiana Monroe quarterback Garrett Smith gets up after being tackled by Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd during an NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. (Brant Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Kiper mocked the first three rounds of the draft in which the Arizona Cardinals own two selections. Here’s the haul the longtime draft expert has coming to the Cardinals.Arizona CardinalsRound 1 (29): Leonard Floyd, OLB, GeorgiaRound 3 (92): Graham Glasgow, C, MichiganAnalysis: This draft is off to a good start already thanks to the addition of Chandler Jones, who represents that second-round pick that was shipped to New England. While safety is a clear need, with Vonn Bell off the board it makes sense to grab Floyd, who provides needed pass-rushing ability. There aren’t gaping holes, but I don’t need to reach for a needed center in Round 1 at the cost of passing on a high-upside pass-rusher like Floyd, and I’m able to grab Glasgow in Round 3.Floyd has been frequently linked to the Cardinals at number 29. In fact, the Georgia outside linebacker has shown up as the Cardinals’ first-round pick in 10 mock drafts tracked by ArizonaSports.com since March 1. Floyd was the Bulldogs’ second-leading tackler in 2015, with 74 combined stops. He also led the team with 4.5 sacks and was tied for the team-lead with 10.5 tackles for loss. In his three years in Athens, Floyd registered 184 total tackles, 17 sacks, forced five fumbles and had 54 quarterback pressures.