#African Growth and Opportunity Act

[touchaheartnews]

Ecobank MySME Growth Series: Proper Packaging and Basic Certification are Critical for SME Exports, Says Expert

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have great potentials and opportunities to earn foreign exchange (forex) if their products are well branded and packaged to meet international standards. Managing Director/Chief Executive, Export and Sell Limited, Nduka Udeh made this submission in his presentation titled: Earning FX By Exporting to USA and Canada, delivered at the Ecobank MySME…

[sayruq]

A bill has been submitted to the United States congress calling for a full review of the country’s bilateral relationship with South Africa following the International Court of Justice ruling that found it plausible that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Gaza. The bipartisan bill which was introduced by US Republican congressman John James and Democratic Party congressman Jared Moskowitz this week could threaten South Africa’s prospects to benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The bill will still need to be discussed and passed by congress. It states that not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, US President Joe Biden in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees and release publicly an unclassified determination explicitly stating whether South Africa has engaged in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests.

[pinazee]

The Old and the Restless

The first episode to include another Spencer! Now, granted we don’t get much here other than henry doesn’t seem to get along with his dad and maybe doesn’t like the idea of his son being around him. Plus, I don’t think he’s ever mentioned again. I was hoping the introduction to grandpa spencer would give us some kind of reason for why henry is so controlling. We could possibly infer, strictly based on his personality, that grandpa spencer wasnt the most responsible and that henry, as elder brother, took on the brunt of taking care of the family. I mean, you could possibly even go as far as to say grandpa spencer had some run in’s with the law and thats how henry got interested in it- out of spite of his own father and thus leading to the idea that spencer sons resenting their fathers is like a family curse (i think thats actually a thing? I have a vague memory of someone saying it at least). But again, this is all speculation because we never see him again. Grandpas also act differently with their grandkids than their own kids too so who’s to say what it was like for henry growing up. Either way, this flashback really emphasizes how strict henry was, and the more flashbacks i see, the more saddened i get by how downtrodden little shawn is every time he shows up. Liam visibly shrinks when he sits next to him, its heartbreaking. But im glad his grandpa stuck up for him (which is probably why he never saw him again).

The way they pop up here makes me snicker

I love the fast one they played on henry! Shawn knew there was no way he would help unless he thought he could use it as an opportunity to show him up (because his dads a grade A asshole).

I also have no respect for men who call other men girls as an insult, especially when one of those men is his own fucking son. So you gotta imagine shawns heard that kind of bullshit his whole life, so i kind of give him a pass when he makes fun of gus for not being manly enough, though thankfully that seems to dissipate in later seasons so we can call it character growth (though i think it was just the writers, or maybe james, who decided it wasn’t very funny and just hurt the character). Henry has a lot of ground to cover before he can get redeemed in my book. He’s just the worst. im having a much harder time with henry during this rewatch.

Gus is being absolutely adorable here. This episode really made it seem like Gus was henrys kid too, not only because he’s completely comfortable sleeping on his shoulder (I’ve never felt that close to my friends parents at least) but also because he’s giving shit to henry as much as shawn is and i love it! It makes sense too considering how often gus was at his house, henry practically raised him as well.

This is a semi good shawn vs. henry episode. I wish they would have highlighted better how shawn and henry gather their information in different ways but it was more like Henry got some pieces and shawn got pieces but neither had the complete picture so they ended up just working together instead of against. I think i’d have preferred if henry was seeing all the same stuff but shawn actually came to the right conclusion, or that shawn showed kindness to the right person and got the key piece of info that way because ultimately its how he connects with people that separates him from henry (simply because henry is pretty good at seeing the same stuff shawn does a lot of the times is all).

“Just this time im going to teach you a lesson” just this time??? Thats literally all you do henry! Thats like your whole thing!

The way Henry says this makes it seem like he was struggling to call Gus his life partner haha

Shawn and gus both knew of african gambian pouch rats, so i can only assume they watched a nature documentary together haha Sidenote: i randomly looked up african gambian pouch rat to see what they looked like and they’re being used to sniff out tuberculosis apparently?!? Crazy stuff man.

Lassie just wanted to straight up incarcerate a child. Thank god karen became chief over him- could you imagine??? Shawn would definitely have been locked up in the pilot. Gus wouldve been killed next to mira or something, juliet would still be in miami. Buzz wouldve been fired or killed by that serial killer. So many crimes would’ve been unsolved and so many people would’ve been locked up and innocent. So again, thank god for chief vick.

The indian blood bit gets a pass simply because of the line “they were here first” and gus’ response “im not hating on indians im hating on you” I dont think its terribly offensive but it is a dumb stereotypical joke. It just kind of makes me sigh and shake my head.

Why is gus always trying to get shawn to taste blood?? Does that show up later? Is this a consistent thing? Its just kind of weird considering gus is really squeamish around it? I think its Gus’ way of trying to prank him but he’s like really bad at it haha Also i didn’t like gus’ face there. It made it seem vaguely… nevermind. Its just weird lol

I dont like the B story with juliet and lassie. I think i did at one point because juliet put the fear of god in him and inadvertently that same fear in the others which was fun, but this kids a fucking creep so i don’t think theres any combination of words that would cause this character to suddenly become respectful and it might be the most unrealistic thing to happen on psych, which is truly saying something. Its just one of those scenes you can’t overanalyze so I won’t! Its fun! (But like, thats what im doing here so jk). I did enjoy the “scared straight” subversion moment. Prisons great kids. Its like summer camp. Also his friends name is “white slavery” and idk what to do with that information except point at it with my mouth open in amusement.

I just like how lassie does his “strike two” and im doing that from now on.

Overall its not one of my fave episodes but heres some gifs of some of my fave moments

[zvaigzdelasas]

[The East African is Kenyan Private Media]

The United States has officially struck off Uganda and three other African countries as beneficiaries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), effectively ending Kampala’s ability to export certain commodities to the US duty-free.

In a decree dated December 29, President Joe Biden said he had “determined” that the four countries “do not meet the requirements” necessary to allow them to continue benefiting from the trade deal, effecting his earlier stated plans to delist them.

“Accordingly, I have decided to terminate the designations of the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries for purposes of section 506A of the Trade Act, effective January 1, 2024,” read the statement by the US President.

In an October 2023 letter to the speaker of the US Congress expressing his intention to remove the four countries from the list of Agoa beneficiaries, Mr Biden said Uganda has “engaged in gross violations of internationally recognised human rights.”

This came after President Yoweri Museveni assented to the anti-gay law passed by the Ugandan lawmakers, which introduced serious repercussions, including life imprisonment or death, for same-sex relations in the country.

Uganda’s expulsion from the deal could destroy thousands of jobs, cause a foreign-exchange earnings drought, and low utilisation of raw materials locally, experts have warned.[...]

Over 80 percent of Uganda’s exports under Agoa were from the agricultural sector, which employs about 72 percent of the country’s workforce, indicating that the expulsion could have a significant hit on jobs.[...]

In the region, Uganda now joins South Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi on the list of countries unable to benefit from the preferential trade agreement with the US. Juba was suspended in 2015 due to the rise of ethnic conflicts.

Other countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have been removed from the list are Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Gabon, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Central African Republic, [Niger,] Zimbabwe and Sudan.

2 Jan 24

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

OPEDS

Is it time to go?

By Howard Sackstein

Today, the South African Jewish community numbers but one third of what it did at its peak. Though our numbers have shrunk, the vibrancy of our community has remained intact.

In the 1970s and 1980s they used to joke, “When the Jews go; it’s time to leave, when the Portuguese go; it’s too late.”

The clock ticked, and stopped on 7 October 2023.

The behaviour of the South African government was nothing short of betrayal. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to condemn the 7 October massacre; his failure to reach out to the families of the two South Africans massacred in the Hamas genocide; his failure to act on the two South Africans kidnapped by Hamas; and his smirk blame of Israel for deserving the attack two weeks after the massacre, while wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, will forever be a symbol of his Judas moment.

In American politics, they talk of a “tortoise on a lamppost”. Sometimes, the tortoise mistakenly believes that it got onto the lamppost by itself.

Ramaphosa’s spineless leadership has allowed his jihadist foreign minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, and her mujahidin director general, Zane Dangor, to direct foreign policy without intervention. Pandor mislead Parliament by claiming that there were no beheadings of babies and that Israel had attacked the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital. With no South African diplomats in Israel and Al Jazeera as her only source of information, Pandor meanders in the dark. Her ignorance, however, is self-inflicted. Her department was invited to view the 47-minute video of Hamas-captured atrocities, and declined to attend.

Hamas informs us that Pandor telephoned it to congratulate it on the success of its “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack on Israel. Pandor claimed that she was merely offering humanitarian assistance, but refused to release the “call-out” transcript of the conversation. As a convert to Islam, Pandor uses her own zealotry to pursue a pro-Hamas agenda to the detriment of South Africa.

In December, Hamas visited South Africa, was feted in our Parliament, and celebrated in the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) offices in Johannesburg. When Ramaphosa finally met the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, he sprinted to issue a statement and later, while meeting the Muslim community, stated that they had issued a statement as “we’re concerned there are distortions”. Given that the president’s statement was issued first, this both makes no logical sense and effectively paints the official representative body of Jews in South Africa as liars.

It’s a clash of civilizations. Jews have traditionally ascribed to the values of Western liberal democracy. In the ANC’s hard-left, revolutionary world view, Western interests must be opposed everywhere – in Ukraine, in Morocco, and in Israel. South Africa believes that it must be the vanguard liberation movement celebrating the imagined successes of Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and Russia. Pandor is currently attending the 7th Africa-Cuba Solidarity Conference in White River.

But actions have consequences. The West is becoming increasingly disenchanted by South Africa’s antics. Last year, South Africa’s invitation to the G7 Summit didn’t materialise, and the currency has lost 50% of its value under Ramaphosa. The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act looks increasingly precarious together with the approximately 250 000 jobs it created. South Africa is increasingly isolated from those countries which could help it the most.

Ramaphosa had a choice to turn South Africa into a Singapore or a Sudan. He chose Sudan.

[strawberry-soot]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 🍎EPEL BIRTHDAY SSR FLOWER ANALYSIS* 🍎*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

*Mandatory reminder that I’m no flower specialist, which means these are all very subjective opinions. Take everything with a grain of salt!

Just like Vil, Epel has a plethora of roses, this time white, pink, and purple ones.  White roses stand for innocence and appreciation, as well as youthfulness, purity, and loyalty. They’re used to represent new beginnings and love. Pink roses symbolize gratitude and admiration and make a perfect present to friends and siblings. They’re symbols of elegance, refinement, and sweetness. Other readings of pink roses include that of recognition and appreciation, as well as grace, joy, gratitude, elegance, and sweetness. Lastly, purple roses are the rarest roses to find. They stand for enchantment and carry an air of regality, which gives them a very majestic flair. They’re typically gifted to show the recipient that you think very highly of them, that they’ve caught your attention, or that you find them inspiring.

The tiny white flowers in his bouquet are glysophila or baby’s breath, which symbolize purity, innocence, light, goodness, beginnings, possibility, protection, and understanding. They’re commonly paired with (red) roses since they represent innocence and everlasting love.

Rather than lavenendar which stands for purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness, I think Epel has anise hyssops, which are not commonly given in bouquets, but they represent dedicated sacrifice and the purity of the actions of the recipient. In the language of flowers hyssops act as a charm against evil forces and negative energies and thus carry a meaning of protection and magical enchantment. Additionally, purple hyssops specifically also indicate humility and being down to earth.

Sweet rocket is known for its loveliness and deceitfulness. It has no fragrance of its own during the day, but at night it exhumes a lovely smell, which is why it’s associated deception and pretense – having earned itself the name flower of deceit.

Anemones mostly symbolize anticipation and excitement, but due to their wild nature they're also a reminder to enjoy the moment and to take in opportunities at the right time. They’re protectors against evil and ill wishes, but can also represent a forsaken or forgotten love/affection, or act as a bad omen.

Purple buttercups stand for joy, youth, purity, happiness and friendship, though the color purple carries a meaning of success, grace, and royalty.

The native violet symbolizes innocence, faithfulness, honesty, protection, determination, and the idea of setting goals. It’s often associated with growth, expansion, and peace, and thus a symbol of mental clarity.

Osteospermum, or the African daisy, represents innocence, purity, and loyal love, though it can also mean faith, awareness, inspiration, and passion.

Finally, purple pansies are most commonly known as a symbol of love, but beyond that they symbolize loving thoughts, freedom of thoughts, consideration, and love in idleness.

Naturally, these are only my un-educated guesses, but feel free to let me know if I got anything wrong/what flowers I might’ve missed. As always, I’ll also update my final guesses/thoughts and switch out the low-res pic once I get my hands on a better quality one.

[emmanuelnsutebu]

Chat About Life Changing Lessons from Inspirational Guests| 2023 Episodes

Chat About Life Changing Lessons from Inspirational Guests| 2023 Episodes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=904eOyQV3bw A recap of life changing tips from our special guests in 2023. The conversations were inspiring, thought-provoking and priceless. Discover practical tips and strategies for overcoming obstacles, developing a success mindset, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Learn how resilience and growth can lead to personal and professional excellence. Join us on this journey to unlock your full potential and achieve success in every aspect of life. 🔔Unlock the power of resilience with Emmanuel Nsutebu! Hit subscribe to learn how every struggle can lead to greater success. https://www.youtube.com/@FromStrugglesToSuccess/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. 👉Facebook: https://ift.tt/ZbRjucJ 👉Instagram: https://ift.tt/sqRhuYt 👉Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/nsutebu 👉Linkedin: https://ift.tt/m0hS4Rq 👉Tiktok: https://ift.tt/UTty01j ✅ For Business Inquiries: info@strugglestosuccess.com ============================= ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 Mr. Zachary Nsutebu's Life Journey: Education, Perseverance, And Success | Emmanuel Nsutebu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUJ-tN24NAI&t=16s 👉 Transform Struggles Into Success: Top-Rated Personal Development Course | Emmanuel Nsutebu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKp5KIO5BI8&t=188s 👉 How Vally Mbawa Overcame Challenges To Succeed In IT: Inspiring Success Story | Emmanuel Nsutebu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EetRR3oBtCU&t=332s 👉 Keeping perspectives struggles success shorts 💪💪💪 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi9ltGIawwc 👉 Overcoming Dyslexia: Turning Struggles Into Success: Professor John Walley’s Personal Growth Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnPxKRsZ2pY&t=4s ============================= ✅ About Emmanuel Nsutebu. Hit subscribe and learn to use struggles to become stronger and more successful. We are perpetually either in a crisis, emerging from a crisis, or just about to experience one. That is the reality of life! Your biggest problem or crisis may be your greatest gift. You can either grow through your difficulties or simply get through them. Growth is what great people do! Success is about how you respond to a problem/crisis. 🔗About Dr. Emmanuel. Dr Emmanuel Nsutebu is an award-winning author and consultant physician in infectious diseases. He is President of the African Sepsis Alliance and a member of the Global Sepsis Alliance executive committee and board. He has won numerous local, national, and international awards for turning around problems in healthcare. Dr Emmanuel is a global citizen. He works in the UAE, was born in Cameroon, and has lived in Australia and the UK. He enjoys coaching people to overcome life struggles and turn major problems into success. For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: info@strugglestosuccess.com 🔔 Hit subscribe and transform your problems into power with Dr. Emmanuel! Get deep into the art of growing through life's inevitable crises and transforming into success. https://www.youtube.com/@FromStrugglesToSuccess/?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= ADD HASHTAG HERE ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Emmanuel Nsutebu. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Emmanuel Nsutebu via Emmanuel Nsutebu https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3da9f_4IpuQ8rIUNPFty0Q August 20, 2024 at 10:53PM

[voskhozhdeniye]

A bill has been submitted to the United States congress calling for a full review of the country’s bilateral relationship with South Africa following the International Court of Justice ruling that found it plausible that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Gaza.

The bipartisan bill which was introduced by US Republican congressman John James and Democratic Party congressman Jared Moskowitz this week could threaten South Africa’s prospects to benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

The bill will still need to be discussed and passed by congress.

It states that not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, US President Joe Biden in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees and release publicly an unclassified determination explicitly stating whether South Africa has engaged in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests.

It further states that the US government must provide an unclassified report submitted to the appropriate congressional committees justifying the determination upon its certificate.

US Embassy mission spokesperson David Feldmann declined to comment. The ANC and the government’s response will be added when received.

The bill accuses the ANC of acting inconsistent with its publicly stated policy of nonalignment in international affairs.

It states that the South African Government has a history of siding with malign actors, including Hamas and the Russian Federation.

The US congress bill argues that the South African government’s support of Hamas dates back to 1994, when the ANC first came into power, taking a hardline stance of consistently accusing Israel of practising apartheid.

The ANC and the South African government have however been known to have ties with the Palestine Liberation Organisation dating back to former president Nelson Mandela’s term in office.

“Following Hamas’ unprovoked and unprecedented horrendous attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, where Hamas terrorists killed and kidnapped hundreds of Israelis, members of the South African Government and leaders of the ANC have delivered a variety of anti-semitic and anti-Israel-related statements and actions,” it reads. 

The US congress states that some of the anti-semitic remarks include President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statements accusing Israel of genocide. 

It said that the anti-semitic statements also include International Relations and Cooperations Minister Naledi Pandor’s statement expressing concern about escalating violence, urging Israel’s restraint in response.

It adds that Pandor implicitly blamed Israel for provoking the attack through “continued illegal occupation of Palestine land, continued settlement expansion, desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque and Christian holy sites, and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. 

It accused the ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri of anti-semitic remarks after stating that the decision by Palestinians to respond to the brutality of the settler Israeli apartheid regime is unsurprising. 

“On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed a politically motivated suit in the International Court of Justice wrongfully accusing Israel of committing genocide. The South African Government has pursued increasingly close relations with the Russian Federation, which has been accused of perpetrating war crimes in Ukraine and indiscriminately undermines human rights. South Africa’s robust relationship with Russia spans the military and political space, including allowing a United States-sanctioned Russian cargo ship, the Lady R, to dock and transfer arms at a South African naval base in December 2022,” the bill stated. 

It also cites that South Africa dispatched multiple high-level official delegations to Russia to further political, intelligence, and military cooperation.

The congress bill states that South Africa and the ANC’s relationship with the Chinese government and its ruling Chinese Communist Party(CCP) – which is committing gross violations of human rights in the Xinjiang province and implementing economically coercive tactics around the globe – undermine South Africa’s democratic constitutional system of governance. 

These acts include what it says are ongoing ANC and CCP inter-party cooperation; recruitment of former United States and NATO fighter pilots to train Chinese People’s Liberation Army pilots at the Test Flying Academy of South Africa; South Africa’s hosting of 6 Chinese government-backed and CCP-linked Confucius Institutes; South Africa’s participation in a political training school in Tanzania funded by the Chinese Communist Party, cooperation with the Chinese global Belt and Road Initiative; and the widespread presence in South Africa’s media and technology sectors of PRC state linked firms. 

“The ANC-led South African Government has a history of substantially mismanaging a range of state resources and has often proven incapable of effectively delivering public services, threatening the South African people and the South African economy,” the bill stated. 

The bill accuses Ramaphosa of having declared the national state of disaster over the worsening energy crisis, “the worsening, multi-year power crisis caused by the ANC’s chronic mismanagement of the state owned power company Eskom, resulting from endemic, high-level corruption”. 

It states that the persistence of Transnet’s insufficient capacity, an on-going outbreak of cholera, a failure to provide clean water to households and rampant state capture are part of ANC governments mismanagement of the state.

^Link to the bill.

[julia-pek]

Michael Shvartsman: Bridging Tech and Philanthropy to Combat Racism

In the vibrant landscape of tech entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Michael Shvartsman, a seasoned expert in global payments and information technology, stands out as a thought leader committed to making a meaningful impact. Based in Miami, Shvartsman has not only excelled in the world of technology but has also become a passionate advocate for social justice, particularly in the fight against racial hate.

A former tech entrepreneur turned philanthropist, Shvartsman brings a thoughtful approach to charitable giving. He emphasizes, "Giving money is not just about the act of charity; it's about strategically investing in initiatives that address systemic issues and pave the way for a more equitable future."

Shvartsman's expertise in global payments and IT has afforded him unique insights into the intersection of technology and social justice. He believes that leveraging technology for philanthropic endeavors is crucial in creating sustainable solutions to deeply rooted problems. His philanthropic efforts are characterized by a nuanced understanding of how targeted interventions can drive positive change.

In the realm of social justice, Michael Shvartsman is particularly focused on combating racial hate. He notes, "Racism is not just a social issue; it impedes economic development and hampers the growth of communities. Addressing racism is an essential component of fostering an environment where everyone has equal opportunities."

Shvartsman is passionate about raising awareness of the historical injustices faced by the African American population. He emphasizes, "To remedy the suffering that has been endured, it's crucial for individuals and organizations to acknowledge the historical context and actively work towards creating a more inclusive ecosystem."

Quoting Michael Shvartsman, he articulates, "Remedying the historical suffering of marginalized communities is not just an act of charity; it's a strategic investment in the overall development of the ecosystem. When everyone has equal access to opportunities, it catalyzes economic growth and innovation."

In his commitment to philanthropy, Shvartsman believes that fighting racism is one of the most important objectives for humankind. He asserts, "Beyond economic considerations, combating racism is a moral imperative. It's about creating a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of their background."

The intricate intersection of tech entrepreneurship and philanthropy in Shvartsman's journey reflects a comprehensive understanding of how advancements in technology can be harnessed for social good. He envisions a future where technology plays a pivotal role in dismantling barriers, fostering inclusivity, and combating the root causes of racial hate.

In conclusion, Michael Shvartsman's story is one of entrepreneurship, expertise, and a profound commitment to philanthropy with a focus on combating racial injustice. As he navigates the realms of global payments and information technology, his advocacy against racial hate serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how strategic philanthropy can contribute to a more just and equitable world.

[maddielivinginternationally]

Week 2: Palo Alto's Unique Blend; Suburban Characteristics and Complex Challenges

This week's readings prompted me to ponder my California trip, especially our visit to Palo Alto, where we explored the city and Stanford University, examining the distinctions and links among urban, suburban, and edge city areas.

Palo Alto, California, located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is part of Santa Clara County, looked like a residential neighborhood when I visited. It featured tree-lined streets, relatively low population density, and a mix of single-family homes and low-rise apartment buildings. When viewed in light of our textbook readings and class discussions, I can see why it is generally considered a suburban area, although it's more accurately described as a city with suburban characteristics. It is not as rural or isolated as some traditional suburbs and has a thriving job market and cultural amenities. I observed a rich diversity in racial and ethnic backgrounds, encompassing white, Asian, Hispanic, African American, and more. Palo Alto's multiculturalism is fostered by the presence of Stanford University and the tech industry, attracting a global population. This trend aligns with Palen's findings that highly educated Asian immigrants tend to settle in suburban neighborhoods with strong employment and educational prospects for their children. Similarly, Latino suburban growth thrives in regions offering significant economic opportunities, challenging the notion of exclusively "lily-white" suburbs (p. 129).

So, while Palo Alto has a suburban feel in many parts of the city, it also has urban and academic elements that make it a unique and vibrant community within the larger Silicon Valley region. I was thus left to wonder why a city like Palo Alto did not become an edge city like Tysons in Virginia or Plano in Texas. Suburbia is increasingly diverse, with some older suburbs maintaining their status due to zoning restrictions and the attraction of high-status residents (Palen p130). Despite Palo Alto's thriving tech industry and evolution since the late 19th century, its development differs from more commercially focused and high-rise-intensive edge cities. It adheres to suburban traits with low-density development, strict zoning, green space preservation, and limited high-rise buildings. Like many U.S. suburbs, it relies heavily on automobile transportation, with residential neighborhoods and shopping areas being less walkable.

I was then curious to know which concerns arose from this low-density development, considering that Silicon Valley will keep on growing as a dominant and dynamic hub. Indeed, Palo Alto faces a delicate balancing act in accommodating the growth of its thriving tech industry while preserving the well-being of its residents. The increasing demand for office and commercial space necessitates careful management to maintain environmental sustainability and the overall quality of life. Additionally, the city grapples with a housing affordability crisis driven by strict zoning, height limitations, and an emphasis on single-family homes. These factors have restricted new housing construction, leading to soaring property values and rents. This affordability gap poses difficulties for lower- and middle-income individuals and families seeking housing in the city, heightening concerns about socioeconomic diversity. While I didn't observe demographic homogeneity, I did note a lack of diversity in terms of residents' socioeconomic backgrounds.

[dan6085]

Thomas Sowell, an influential economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, is known for his profound and often provocative ideas on economics, politics, race, and culture. Here are 25 of his key beliefs, with details:

### 1. **Importance of Empirical Evidence**

- Sowell emphasizes the need for empirical evidence over ideological beliefs. He argues that policies and theories should be judged by their real-world outcomes rather than by their intentions or theoretical elegance.

### 2. **Critique of Social Justice**

- Sowell is critical of the concept of "social justice," arguing that it often leads to policies that do more harm than good. He believes that attempts to achieve equality of outcomes can undermine freedom and economic efficiency.

### 3. **Economic Freedom**

- He is a staunch advocate of economic freedom, believing that free markets are the most effective way to allocate resources and generate wealth. Sowell argues that government intervention often creates more problems than it solves.

### 4. **Cultural Capital**

- Sowell emphasizes the importance of "cultural capital"—the attitudes, values, and knowledge that individuals inherit from their culture. He argues that differences in cultural capital contribute significantly to economic and social disparities.

### 5. **Opposition to Affirmative Action**

- Sowell opposes affirmative action, arguing that it leads to unintended negative consequences, such as stigmatization and mismatching students with institutions that do not fit their academic preparation, leading to higher dropout rates.

### 6. **Role of Incentives**

- He believes that incentives are a critical driver of human behavior. Sowell often highlights how well-intentioned policies can fail if they ignore how incentives affect people's actions.

### 7. **Equality vs. Equity**

- Sowell distinguishes between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. He argues that while equality of opportunity is desirable, striving for equality of outcome can lead to coercion and economic inefficiencies.

### 8. **Disparities and Discrimination**

- He contends that disparities in income and achievement are not necessarily evidence of discrimination. Sowell argues that many factors, including differences in skills, education, and preferences, contribute to these disparities.

### 9. **Criticism of Intellectuals**

- Sowell is critical of intellectuals who, in his view, are detached from real-world consequences and often promote policies that sound good in theory but fail in practice. He believes that intellectuals often overestimate their ability to engineer society.

### 10. **Limited Government**

- He advocates for limited government, believing that a smaller government is less likely to infringe on individual freedoms and more likely to foster economic growth and innovation.

### 11. **Human Nature**

- Sowell has a realistic view of human nature, acknowledging that people are motivated by self-interest. He argues that good policies take human nature into account, rather than assuming people will act altruistically.

### 12. **Importance of Family Structure**

- Sowell emphasizes the importance of stable family structures for economic and social success. He often cites the breakdown of the family as a significant factor contributing to social problems, particularly in the African American community.

### 13. **Opposition to Minimum Wage Laws**

- He opposes minimum wage laws, arguing that they often hurt the very people they are intended to help by increasing unemployment among low-skilled workers.

### 14. **Critique of Welfare State**

- Sowell is critical of the welfare state, arguing that it creates dependency and undermines work ethics. He believes that welfare policies often have the opposite of their intended effects, perpetuating poverty rather than alleviating it.

### 15. **Focus on Trade-offs**

- Sowell frequently emphasizes the importance of recognizing trade-offs in policy decisions. He argues that every policy has costs and benefits, and that failing to consider the trade-offs can lead to harmful unintended consequences.

### 16. **Skepticism of Central Planning**

- He is skeptical of central planning, arguing that it often leads to inefficiency and waste. Sowell believes that decentralized decision-making, guided by market signals, is more effective than top-down control.

### 17. **Education Reform**

- Sowell advocates for education reform, particularly school choice and charter schools. He believes that competition among schools can improve educational outcomes, especially for disadvantaged students.

### 18. **Critique of "Race" as a Determinant**

- He argues that race, as a determinant of behavior or outcomes, is often overstated. Sowell believes that cultural factors and individual behavior play a more significant role in determining outcomes than race.

### 19. **Free Speech**

- Sowell is a strong proponent of free speech, arguing that the freedom to express unpopular or controversial opinions is essential for a healthy society.

### 20. **Historical Revisionism**

- He criticizes historical revisionism, particularly when it involves interpreting historical events through a modern lens. Sowell believes that history should be understood in its own context, rather than being judged by contemporary standards.

### 21. **Personal Responsibility**

- Sowell emphasizes personal responsibility as a key factor in individual success. He argues that individuals must take responsibility for their actions and decisions, rather than blaming external factors for their circumstances.

### 22. **Critique of "Victimhood" Mentality**

- He is critical of the "victimhood" mentality, where individuals or groups see themselves primarily as victims of societal forces. Sowell believes this mindset is disempowering and hinders progress.

### 23. **Meritocracy**

- Sowell supports meritocracy, where individuals succeed based on their talents and efforts rather than on their background or connections. He argues that merit-based systems are fairer and more effective than systems based on quotas or affirmative action.

### 24. **Opposition to Rent Control**

- He opposes rent control, arguing that it reduces the supply of housing and leads to higher rents and lower-quality housing over time. Sowell believes that market-based solutions are more effective in addressing housing affordability.

### 25. **Critique of Utopianism**

- Sowell is critical of utopianism—the belief that a perfect society can be engineered through social policies. He argues that such attempts often lead to tyranny and oppression, as they require coercion to achieve their goals.

Sowell’s beliefs are rooted in a deep understanding of economics, history, and human behavior. His work challenges conventional wisdom and encourages critical thinking about complex social and economic issues.

[healthcarehubhh]

Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market will grow at highest pace owing to Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The global Antimicrobial Therapeutics market offers a wide range of drugs and therapies used for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. Antimicrobial drugs play a vital role in treating life-threatening infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV, and hospital-acquired infections. They are used as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic agents in various therapeutic areas including respiratory infections, hospital-acquired infections, ENT infections and skin infections. Rising prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases worldwide owing to unhealthy lifestyle practices and lack of sanitation in many developing nations is driving the growth of the antimicrobial therapeutics market.

The Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 219.80 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the Antimicrobial Therapeutics market are Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck & Co., Novartis AG, Roche Holding AG, AstraZeneca plc, Sanofi SA, Bayer AG, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, Inc., AbbVie Inc., Allergan plc, Mylan N.V. Major players are focusing on R&D initiatives for development of novel drug formulations with enhanced efficacy against drug-resistant microbial strains. Rising prevalence of chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disorders leading to increased risk of infections is a key factor driving the demand for antimicrobial therapeutics. According to the WHO, chronic diseases accounted for 70% of global deaths in 2020. Advancements in drug delivery technologies are allowing development of effective compounds with less toxicity for treatment of complex and multi-drug resistant infections. This includes development of long-acting parenteral and oral formulations. Market Trends Increasing R&D efforts for development of new antibacterial drugs: Significant drug resistance among bacterial pathogens has heightened the need for novel drugs. This is encouraging large investments in R&D for new classes of antibiotics. Focus on combination therapies: Combining two or more existing antimicrobials is emerging as a promising strategy to fight multidrug resistant pathogens. This minimizes the risk of generating resistance. Rise in M&A and partnership activities: Companies are actively pursuing acquisition and partnership routes to augment their product pipelines and technology platforms in this space. Market Opportunities Untapped emerging markets: Majority of future growth is expected from developing Asian, Latin American and African countries owing to improving access to healthcare and rising healthcare spending in these regions. Pediatric antimicrobials: There is growing demand for pediatric formulations given current drugs are predominantly adult-dosage medications. This presents new product development opportunities. Increasing investments towards antimicrobial stewardship programs: Such programs aimed at optimal use of antibiotics and guiding physicians on resistance issues present new revenue streams for players.

[urbtnews]

Invest in URBT: Profit, Fame, and Africa’s Global Entertainment

Urban Television Network (URBT), an American-based media company, empowers Africans to be part of something extraordinary. Invest in URBT to secure financial returns while joining Africa’s thriving global entertainment scene. URBT connects your investment directly to the entertainment industry, unlocking opportunities for success and recognition. As URBT expands, African talent will illuminate the international stage, making your investment profoundly impactful. By investing in URBT, you support African creativity while enjoying substantial financial benefits. Invest in URBT: Africa’s Global Entertainment Opportunity with Joseph Collins Jr. Africa’s expanding middle class fuels a rising demand for Africa’s global entertainment. URBT’s innovative model lets you invest in this growth while participating in the creative process. Your investment promises financial gains and brings you closer to the dream of entertainment in Hollywood. Download the URBT News App from your App store. Apple / Andriod Many dream of seeing their names in lights. URBT can make that dream a reality. Your investment helps URBT expand, creating new opportunities for actors and filmmakers in Africa’s global entertainment sector. Supporting URBT advances African stories and talents on the world stage. This investment offers a pathway to fame and influence. URBT’s dedication to diversity ensures that African investors actively participate in shaping Africa’s future. As URBT succeeds, African talent gains global recognition. This is your chance to profit and elevate African culture on the international stage. Investing in Africa’s Global Entertainment Investing in URBT also provides opportunities to network with industry professionals, offering you a chance to learn and grow within an investment opportunity that is bridging the gap between Africa and Hollywood. Whether you dream of being on screen or behind the scenes, your investment can help make that dream a reality. URBT is your gateway to Africa’s global entertainment, combining financial returns with involvement in something bigger. Now is the time to act. By investing in URBT, you secure financial returns and step into the future of entertainment. Support the growth of African talent and invest in Hollywood with URBT today to achieve fame, success, and prosperity. Read the full article

[zvaigzdelasas]

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that he intends to end the participation of Gabon, Niger, Uganda and the Central African Republic in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program. Biden said he was taking the step because of "gross violations" of internationally recognized human rights by the Central African Republic and Uganda. He also cited Niger and Gabon's failure to establish or make continual progress toward the protection of political pluralism and the rule of law.[...]

Biden said he intends to terminate the designation of these countries as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under the AGOA,

31 Oct 23