#UK Dual Award

[eduspiral]

Top UK Dual Award Mechanical Engineering Degree at Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia

Find Out More About the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU) The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours programme at Asia Pacific University (APU) is specifically designed to equip students with the ability to apply engineering principles to the design, development and operation of systems for locating, extracting, processing and…

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Madonna - Like a Prayer 1989

"Like a Prayer" is a song by American singer Madonna and was released as the lead single from her 1989 fourth studio album of the same name. Written and produced by both Madonna and Patrick Leonard, the song heralded an artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who believed that she needed to cater more to her adult audience. Along with the parent album, "Like a Prayer" was a turning point in Madonna's career, with critics starting to acknowledge her as an artist rather than a mere pop star.

"Like a Prayer" is a pop rock and gospel song that also incorporates elements of funk. The lyrics contain liturgical words, but they have been interpreted by some people to have dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion. "Like a Prayer" was acclaimed by music critics upon release and was a global commercial success, becoming Madonna's seventh number 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, topping the Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks and also topping the charts in many other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and the UK. It was Madonna's fifth number 1 hit on the Eurochart Hot 100, and stayed at number one for 12 weeks.

The accompanying music video for "Like a Prayer", directed by Mary Lambert, shows a white woman being sexually assaulted and subsequently killed by a group of white men, but a black man is arrested for the crime. The video depicts a church and Catholic symbols such as stigmata. It also features the Ku Klux Klan's burning crosses and a dream sequence about kissing a black saint. Leon Robinson was hired to play the role of a saint; the part was inspired by Martin de Porres, the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony. The Vatican condemned the video, while family and religious groups protested against its broadcast. They boycotted products by soft drink manufacturer Pepsi, who had used the song in their commercial. Pepsi canceled their sponsorship contract with Madonna, but allowed her to retain the $5 million fee.

While most TV stations banned the music video, MTV notably continued to air the video on heavy rotation. The controversies leading to her "Like a Prayer" video introduced the concept of free publicity and became a turning point where Madonna was viewed as a shrewd businesswoman who knows how to sell a concept. At the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, the video for "Like a Prayer" was nominated in the Viewer's Choice and Video of the Year categories, winning the former. It was number one on MTV's countdown of "100 Videos That Broke the Rules" in 2005, and for the channel's 25th anniversary, viewers voted it as the "Most Groundbreaking Music Video of All Time". In addition, the video was ranked at number 20 on Rolling Stone's "The 100 Top Music Videos", and at number two on VH1's 100 Greatest Videos. In a 2011 poll by Billboard, the video for "Like a Prayer" was voted the second-best music video of the 1980s, behind only Michael Jackson's "Thriller". According to Screen Rant, "Like a Prayer" is one of the most used Madonna's songs in movies and television, most recently notably featured in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine.

"Like a Prayer" received a total of 87,9% yes votes! Previous Madonna polls: #18 "Who's That Girl", #184 "Live to Tell".

[scotianostra]

On 20th September, 1967, the QE2 launched from John Brown’s yard in Clydebank.

By the end of the 1950s, discussion over the replacement of the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth was taking place. The decision to replace the ‘Queens’ was deemed to be of national importance and as such a special committee, known as the Chandos Committee was created to advise the Government and to determine whether such a project was economically viable. Originally Cunard had wanted to build two new liners with the help of a Government subsidy, however the committee’s report proposed that the Government loan Cunard £18 million towards the construction of one vessel. The project became known as ‘Q3’ and six British shipyards were asked to tender – this prestigious project was a huge opportunity for home based shipbuilders to construct a transatlantic liner.

The new ship, code-named was built by John Brown & Company Ltd, Clydebank (later Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd) and scheduled for May 1968. On 20th September 1967 the keel was launched by Queen Elizabeth II and the ship was named Queen Elizabeth 2. She was the last Atlantic Ocean Liner of it’s kind to be built in the UK.

QE2’s maiden transatlantic crossing set sail on 2 May 1969. She was well received by the American public, and became a profitable ship in her early years of service. During her first season, Cunard were able to repay £2.5 million of the Government loan. Her dual purpose design had allowed QE2 to thrive where her transatlantic counterparts could not.

In January 1971 while cruising in the Caribbean, QE2 received a distress call from the French liner Antilles. Antilles had run aground off the coast of Mustique in the Grenadines and caught fire. Being a fast ship in close proximity to the Antilles, QE2 went to her assistance.

However, by the time the QE2 arrived the passengers had been taken ashore. Antilles passengers and crew were brought aboard QE2 and taken to Barbados. As a testament to the quality of service offered aboard QE2, some of the Antille’s passengers booked subsequent cruises on the Cunarder.

In May 1972, while at sea during a transatlantic crossing, Captain William Law received notification that there was a bomb aboard QE2. Cunard took this threat very seriously and alerted the British Government who sent a bomb disposal unit out to the ship. Bomb disposal experts parachuted into the sea close to the ship and were brought aboard by QE2’s tenders. After a full sweep of the ship, the all clear was given as it turned out to be a hoax.

Later the FBI arrested the culprit for making similar threats against Pan American Airways. The bomb disposal teams were awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

As QE2’s cruising popularity increased and in response to the ongoing decline in shipping traffic on the North Atlantic, Cunard reduced the number of transatlantic crossings that QE2 took. The company maintained a strong summer presence on the Atlantic, however shifted the focus for the ship towards cruising. This saw QE2 undertake her first world cruise, an event that was well received – QE2 undertook a further 25 world cruises during her career.

Queen Elizabeth 2 was retired from active Cunard service in November 2008. She had been acquired by the private equity arm of Dubai World, which planned to begin conversion of the vessel to a 500-room floating hotel moored at the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Following a multi-million-dollar investment programme, the 13-deck ship has been restored to her former glory and today serves as a world-class entertainment, tourism, hotel and dining destination in Dubai.

[socially-awkward-skeleton]

All Along the Watchtower (Chapter 3)

Pairing: Captain John Price x Fem!OC (3rd person POV)

Word count: 3K+

Warnings: mentions of violence, human trafficking, morally gray characters, CIA Black missions = shady shit, swearing

Summary: The first flashback chapter for Rory regarding her time in Iraq working operations for the CIA (will tie into the overall story fyi, no ship stuff this chapter)

A/N: Rory Sinclair is a dual citizen (both Canada and the UK) who's been living in the UK since she was 14. She is 28 at the time of this fic, Price is 32. This series is set in 2017 before the events of the first MW game. Rory's thoughts are bold and italicized, other italics are used for emphasis. Will also be available to read on AO3.

2016 - Anbar Province, Iraq / Syrian Border 

“All right, people, you have your orders. This ain’t gonna be pretty. So get your shit on right.”

Rory tried her hardest to ignore the droning voice of Officer Walker, the CIA operative assigned to the squad sitting in the front passenger seat, giving his best military impersonation for the crowd of soldiers jammed together in the armored vehicle. Crammed so tight her shoulders barely had room to bump against her fellow passengers as they drove along the rocky road. They were sardines in a tin can being boiled together on a hot stove – a pressure cooker – and the situation they were about to find themselves in only made it worse. 

“We are fifteen minutes out from the Syrian border. I repeat one - five minutes. This is known home turf for ISIS. We’re expecting heavy resistance. I will remind you all that this is unsanctioned. We are heading into the Black. There will be no questions. There will be no reports. There will be no crying to your mamas on the phone when you get back to base, ‘cause believe me, we’ll be tracking it. That goes for you limey fucks too,” he said with a smirk, looking up into the rearview mirror with his amber eyes. “ God Bless Homeland Security. ”

Walker’s wry smile was enough to turn Rory’s stomach, but she didn’t get to choose her bosses in the middle of warfare. She had to nod her head with a ‘yes, sir’ and a ‘no, sir’ to make her way through this. He might have been American, he might have been CIA, but right now, he was in charge. 

“We are dealing with a serious piece of shit in one Abdullah Al Ghulam, he is our target. I want him kept alive at all costs. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

She said nothing while the other soldiers around her offered their oath of fealty to the man. Instead, Rory kept her head down and her mind focused on the mission. Her mind always had to be on the mission. In situations like these, knowing she was about to see some shit, she did her best to block out the conscience her mother had instilled in her – doing good things for the right people . Out here there was just getting your hands dirty and hoping that it would be for the best, that it paid off in the long run and wouldn’t come back to haunt. The end justifying the means when things went dark like this, Machiavellianism at its very peak. There were no heroes out here, no matter who was patted on the back and awarded medals. 

Across from her Lt. Andrew Owen kept his eyes on her, his blue stare darkened by the brim of his helmet. The corner of his lip curled as he noticed her looking back at him with a ‘can you believe this guy’ flick of her brow, his head shaking slightly in return. He was the second in command of her unit, they seemed to never be too far away from one another, having fought in enough foxholes together to trust that the other had their six, and despite what the mission was expecting to serve them, seeing him there in the vehicle with her did add a certain sense of relative calm to the situation. There was a face in the crowd of strangers that wouldn’t just see her as some waste of space. Andrew knew what she was capable of. All too well . 

As the stream of armored vehicles came to a stop, the soldiers completed their final weapons check as the sun began to fade down into the horizon, streaking the sky in deep orange and red like the hellfire they were about to rain down. Readying their thermal scopes and night vision, making sure their tac gear was strapped on tight, the doors opened, and shadows crept out into the evening. 

Rory swung the strap of her rifle over her head and across her shoulder, looking out at the sky turned purple, the sun nearly completely gone down except for one lingering sliver of light along the horizon line. Pulling down on the goggles that would help lead her into the dark, seeing only in green and black as she marched forward, she followed her Lieutenant into battle. He was quick to give her a bump to the shoulder, that last little bit of comfort from a friend before hitting any possible SNAFUs. 

“You good, Sinclair?” he whispered into the comm.

“Yeah. Same old, same old. Right, Andy?”

Chuckling at the nickname, a smile cracked his otherwise serious face, “Fuck you.”

Tensions were relieved for only a moment, building right back up as boots crunched slowly through the sand and small bits of gravel towards the munitions bunker American intelligence had confirmed the existence of several klicks across the border with the use of drones. It was up to her and the rest of the squad to clear out the guard of enemy combatants, neutralize the weapons, and then collect the intel that would lead to who had actually shipped them in. Weapons didn’t come from nowhere, there was always a trail that led back. 

Silently stalking into the night, radio chatter was kept to an absolute minimum, hand signals being used instead. They’d crossed the border into enemy territory, they were no longer within the boundaries they were meant to maintain, they were in a country they weren’t at war with – not yet anyway. The squad broke up into two units, flanking the building in a pincer movement that would leave the resistance fighting from two opposing directions. Rory was split off with Walker and Lt. Owen, coming in from the rear of the bunker along with several other NATO soldiers of different rank and file, while the others stormed the front with charges to the doors. 

Shock and awe . 

Explosions rang out into the night, flashes of white light sparking from the corner of Rory’s night vision, the heat blurring her view for just a moment. She gripped her rifle a little tighter as they moved forward, heading down towards the opposite entrance of the complex. The heavy doors were locked tight, so C4 was strapped on in order to breach. Flying open along with a blast of sand, the doors were left to creak on their hinges as the soldiers entered before the ringing in their ears could quiet. 

Black figures stormed through the halls lined with flickering fluorescent lights, the sounds of gunshots and yelling echoing as the B squad moved to meet them in the middle. Bullets ripped through the air, bodies falling. This wasn’t a precise operation, a striking opposite from the way Rory usually worked. Shifting from shock to all out bedlam for the enemy, the dead littered the bunker as the force pushed through the halls. They weren’t taking prisoners here, no hostages, this was meant to be a clean sweep except for the target, clearing all rooms of anyone armed or considered dangerous.

Room after room, corridor after corridor, this place seemed to go on forever. Some passages ran tighter than others but would lead into expansive rooms and from them more men would appear, gun spray missing the soldiers as they fired haphazardly. There would only be casualties on one side tonight as the enemy seemed to swarm like insects, wave after wave, protecting what lay at the heart of the labyrinth of tunnels. Cut down as the soldiers expected more to rise from their place. 

Heading down one of the tunnels, it steadily grew darker as Rory’s squad moved away from the main hall. The lamps above glowed with warm, golden light, yet shadows still bloomed against the walls of the corridor. Another heavy steel door blocked their path at the end, and Walker was sure that was the entrance to Abdullah’s private area, sectioned off from everyone else like the queen in a nest. 

Taking point at the door, Walker motioned for one of the other soldiers to come forward with the charges to breach, and the blood in Rory’s ears began to thunder with each pump of her heart, the sweat starting to form on her brow. It didn’t matter how many times she was in a situation like this, how practiced of a routine it had become, she still had that frantic moment just before hell was about to break loose. When the anxious prey animal in her head was set free before the chomping jaws of the wolf would clamp back down again and she’d return to calm. Battle readiness swept over her as the adrenaline spread through her body, keeping her head on a swivel. 

With a massive bang and a gust of rushing air, the door was breached and once more they dove headfirst into the unknown. The darkness dissipated and the lights of sconces on the walls lit their way to Al Ghulam who threw himself down on to his knees without an order, wasting no time in placing his hands behind his head, as if he already knew he wouldn’t be sacrificed despite his crimes. 

Rory’s hawklike gaze travelled over their newly acquired prisoner, surprised to find a man who was still clean cut and wearing a well-tailored shirt and pants and smooth leather boots, despite having been in a bunker for apparently some time, using this as his headquarters. He was a man who still held onto his ties to the West, despite working with terrorist organizations that actively despised the nations that made up its colonial powers. 

Stalking up to the man, Walker grabbed the zip ties from his vest and slapped them around Abdullah’s wrists. “Well shit, you went down easy, huh?”

“Allaenat ealayk." <Arabic: Fuck you.>

“You gonna call me an American pig while you’re at it?” He looked down at the prisoner, his brow raised waiting for an answer, but he was met with only silence. “That’s what I thought. So, Mr. Al Ghulam I think you already know why we’re down here, so why don’t you save us nice people some trouble and lead us to your stash, ‘kay?”

Dark eyes rose to look at the American through a furrowed brow. “There are no weapons here,” he said confidently. 

“You can fuck right off with that bullshit; I know for a fact –”

“You know nothing, fucking CIA.” Abdullah’s eyes scoured the officer with a glare. “You are led by your masters, but you don’t know anything at all.”

Grabbing Abdullah by the collar of his shirt, Walker lifted him to his feet and looked him in the eyes. “I know what I need to. And right now, you’re gonna play your role and lead me to the containers I know you have kept here.”

“Containers yes, but there are no weapons.”

“Sure there aren’t.” Walker shoved the man forward, causing him to stumble as he was pushed past the soldiers. 

Rory’s stare followed him out of the room, focused on Walker and Al Ghulam. Containers, but no weapons – what was that supposed to mean? She looked to her Lieutenant, the question caught on her tongue, but it came through in her furrowed brow. Andrew gave her no answer, he didn’t have any more to go on than she did, but his jaw sat clenched. 

They followed the CIA operative down, further down into the bunker. Metal stairs clanging as the boots of a dozen soldiers stomped upon them. Finally entering a massive room with a large roll up bay door at the end of it. Storage space, a delivery system, this base was well-established. Placed in the middle of the room were six large metal shipping containers and Walker’s eyes went wide at the sight. 

“Alright, people, I want those doors opened. We’re taking inventory and then sweeping for intel.”

Using large bolt cutters, the locks on the containers were removed by the soldiers, but upon opening the doors it brought no peace. There weren’t any weapons as was promised, just as Al Ghulam had said, there was something else. Something that made Rory’s stomach drop and her eyes go wide with horror. 

Inside each container sat women and children. Weeping and starving, treated like cattle. Their clothes dirty, the smell of body odor near unbearable as it wafted throughout the room.

“ Jesus Christ… ” Rory could only speak in a whisper, eyes glued to the sight before her. 

Bolt cutters fell to the cement floor with a heavy bang. Soldiers stood, shocked so quiet they could hear a pin drop. The flashlights of a dozen rifles travelled over the tear-streaked faces of innocent people caught in the crossfire of a war that had been going on for too long. Herded into pens, treated like property, to be sent off to God only knew where. 

She seethed, a deep-seated anger in her making her blood run cold. Violence she’d seen and dealt with, able to manage it and push it down to where it no longer kept her up at night. Such abhorrent behavior towards human lives however, that was something she couldn’t shut out. Her gut twisted, the stoic exterior breaking as her mouth hung open and her eyes began to sting. 

Children and women reached out towards the soldiers, seeing their captor pushed to his knees and a gag shoved in his mouth. They thought the forces were there to save them and it broke Rory’s heart. They weren’t heroes, they weren’t here to save the day, if Walker had his way these civilians would likely be left here for some clean-up crew to deal with. Lives didn’t matter, just having the upper hand in the fight did. 

Walker stood, his hand pressed to Al Ghulam’s shoulder as he forced the man to stay on his knees, but his face never seemed to change. Even as his amber eyes travelled over the countless faces that sat before him, the sickening sight had little effect on the man who had filled his life with secrets, lies, and deception, all to keep the power imbalance for the empire of America going strong. 

“What the fuck is this?” Rory looked to Walker, her lips drawn back in a snarl. “What the fuck is this, Walker? I thought we were coming down here for weapons.”

“Yeah, we were. Intel was wrong,” he said with a shrug.

“How did no one know about this?” She tossed her arm out towards the half dozen steel cargo containers filled with women and children. 

“Calm down, soldier. You think in an active war zone we got the time to be looking for missing persons? You think that’s what we’re here for? You think we give a shit about that? We are fighting terrorists, we are not the fucking UN,” Walker snapped.

Rory took off her helmet and held onto it by the straps, stabbing her tongue into her cheek if only to compose herself. “I think that whatever the fuck this asshole has going on –” Her attention turned to the man on his knees currently bound and gagged before her eyes darted back to Walker. “It’s a lot worse than whatever you or anyone else has been led to believe.”

The CIA officer stared her down, his face growing harder as he glared at her from under his brow. Unmoved by her compassion for humanity, he had a job to do and she was hindering those efforts. 

“Don’t go pulling any heroics, Sinclair,” Andrew hissed, grabbing her arm and pulling her closer to him until he could talk low enough for only her to hear. “We don’t need to go any deeper than this. This is above our paygrade already. We’re just here to shoot, remember ?” His glare stabbed into her as if to caution her next move. “I'd like to keep it that way.”

Her brow knit together, her jaw tightening ever still. It was like she was the only one who could see what was happening, the only one with clarity of mind to know that something monstrous was going on here and it sunk deep into the bowels of things. There was an unseen side to war, and she had yet to have gotten a stomach for it. “There are women and children locked up in steel boxes like cargo. I don’t care if this isn’t the weapon shipment we were sent in for. You think I'm going to turn a blind eye to that?”

“I think we shouldn’t push our CIA friend.”

It was a warning. Andrew had been around this block more times than she, he knew how bad things could get, but still she couldn’t understand how he wouldn’t object to what was happening here. “ Andy ?” She was taken aback by her Lieutenant’s sudden willful withdrawal of his conscience. They were at war, weapons were something she expected, a human trafficking ring was not on her list of things to discover in a bunker.

“Listen to me, Rory. We let Officer Walker do what he needs to with our target, and you and I stay quiet. Do you understand me, Sergeant?” Rory’s eyes drifted away from Andrew and back over to Walker, still holding onto Abdullah like a hostage before Lieutenant Owen grabbed her arm and brought her attention back to him as her superior. “There’s a reason the CIA wants him kept alive when it would be so easy to just put a bullet in his head. I’d prefer not to be privy to all that. Clear?”

“Rog’,” she said sullenly.

“Good. Now then let’s say we help Officer Walker here find a private room where he can hold a discussion with Mr. Al Ghulam. The sooner we can get out of here, the better.”

Rory nodded, her face sunken into a scowl. She hated being beholden to a law that didn’t even truly exist, a shadow of the rule of justice that was meant to be carried out, where war crimes and human rights violations were swept under the rug so long as the right hands were greased and information could be swapped between hands. It was dirty, stained in red, and going into the black meant it would never come to light. 

[shiftingtomydrs]

Fame Dr

still bored and on 11% battery without a charger lmao

Name: Anastasia Joanna Tolstoi

Birthdate: 11.11.1991

S/O: Orlando Bloom (born 1985 bcs I put lotr into 2009 instead of 2001)

Nationality: Russian-British (born in russia but since i live in the UK i got the dual british nationality in 2019 btw i have no idea if thats possible i havent researched that yet haha so if its not pls tell me)

Job: Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Businesswoman

Years Active (actress): 1992-present

Years Active (singer-songwriter): 1997- present (songwriter), 2005 - present (singer)

My Filmography (not finished yet): Here

My Discography: Just taylor swift mostly like really I just copied all except like 1 or 2 songs and then 2 original albums im gonna make a seperate post about

My hobbies: horse riding, singing (kinda also my job but anyway), fencing, ballet, figure skating, song writing (again, also my job but also hobby)

Languages I speak: Russian, English, Spanish, French, German, Finnish, a bit of Japanese, a bit of Polish, tiny bit of Greek

Fantasy languages I speak: High Valyrian, Elvish, Orcish, Khuzdul, Dothraki, Klingon, Adûnaic

Awards: I haven't exactly worked it out yet but definitely a few oscars, grammys, golden globes and more haha I'll add a link once I'm done with planning it :)

Parents: Haven't worked out names yet but my dad is a doctor and my mum owns a ballet studio

Sibling: 1 older brother (2 years older) named Adrian

Idrk what else to add but it'd be great if you guys could ask me some questions haha if you have any <3

[msclaritea]

One of the organizers of the past tense named event honoring a foreign television show starring a foreign-born dual threat A-list actor says he was always lovely. He loves the fans and would never say no to any request BUT, was also the reason the event barely made any money because of his security demands and what he charged for appearances. Who was the worst cast member to deal with? This foreign born recurring actor on the show who has been nominated/won a lot of the UK big awards. He says no more often than yes to the requests of fans and is generally rude to all fans and you can tell he only does the event for money.

Past tense named event: Sherlocked

Foreign-born dual threat A-list actor:   Benedict Cumberbatch

His security demands and what he charged for appearances: Hiring bodyguards to ‘protect’ him from the watchers, enforcers etc. working for Team Soso…the irony is strong in this one. His agents and blackmailers demanded a sizeable cut so blame them for the hefty fees.

‘Rude’  foreign-born recurring actor: Mark Gattis or Andrew Scott 

@gatorfisch peep it. Oldie but goodie.

[isispoet-blog]

TUNE IN to the Speak Your Truth Show, 4-6pm (uk time), Saturday 25 March, when at 4:30 I will be joined by my wonderful Sista Queen JoanJoan, award winning writer & director who recently premiered her newest documentary on the BBC – That Great British Documentary. Shot over 10 years it explores Britain’s colonial past & the legacy her dual Afrikan & white heritage has had on her life, Sista Joan describes herself as “the sum total of the conquest of land times colour times class” she has been homeless, suffered from depression & was expelled from school at 16, she has no time to be anything but real. Engaging Conversation Eclectic Music A Pan Afrikan Perspective We love to hear from you so give us a call, WhatsApp or text us on +44730 541 7668 or leave your comments in the comment box. http://www.feferitylondon.co.uk/feferity-radio/ https://m.mixcloud.com/Feferityradio/ Download Feferityradio App on iPhone https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/feferity-radio-app/id1574339890 On android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibitway.feferity #documentary #filmakers #womeninfilm #storytelling #colonialism #racism https://www.instagram.com/p/CqKonwqIX3Y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kryzobi-wan]

I've been on a quest to make myself like tea, because I watch so many British shows that it only feels right to drink tea while cozying up and watching them

And now I've finally done it

Forgotten I was drinking tea and let it get cold

I'm told this is a common experience among tea drinkers in the UK

Do I get some kind of award now? An endorsement? Dual citizenship?

[eduspiral]

Top 10 Reasons to Study Computing & Information Technology (IT) at First City University College

Top 10 Reasons to Study Computing & Information Technology (IT) at First City University College

Find Out Why Students Should Consider First City UC for their Computing & Information Technology (IT) Studies in Malaysia Students will be able to obtain a UK Dual Award Computing & Information Technology (IT) degree that’s affordable at First City University College First City UC has more than 30 years of experience in offering Computing & IT programmes at its safe & strategically located…

[ssbs1]

M.Sc. Biotechnology in UK

The M.Sc. Biotechnology in UK program at Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences (SSBS) is a highly sought-after dual-degree course in collaboration with Aston University, United Kingdom. This program offers students the unique opportunity to pursue their master's degree in biotechnology across two leading academic institutions, combining the rich academic expertise of India and the UK.

In the first year, students complete core biotechnology courses at SSBS, Pune, covering subjects like molecular biology, genetics, bioprocess technology, and bioinformatics. The state-of-the-art facilities at SSBS, along with expert faculty, provide a strong foundation in biotechnology.

In the second year, students transfer toAston University, United Kingdom,a globally recognized institution known for its excellence in research and innovation. At Aston, students dive deeper into advanced biotechnology topics, gaining valuable international exposure. The program also provides opportunities for industry internships and research projects, enriching their global learning experience.

Upon completion, students are awarded dual degrees from both Symbiosis International University and Aston University, significantly enhancing their global employability. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, biotechnology industries, and pharmaceuticals, both in India and internationally.

For more details, visit the https://www.ssbs.edu.in/MSc-Biotechnology-Dual-Degree website and apply for this global learning opportunity.

[freenewsreport]

Michal Berkner: A Legal Trailblazer in the World of M&A

Who is Michal Berkner? If you're in the legal or business world, chances are you've heard of her. Michal Berkner is a name synonymous with excellence in the legal industry, especially in the field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With over 27 years of experience under her belt, she has become a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors. But what makes her stand out in such a competitive field? Let's dive into the remarkable career and contributions of Michal Berkner.

The Early Days: Where It All Began

Michal Berkner's journey to becoming one of the most influential lawyers didn't happen overnight. Born with a passion for law and justice, she pursued her studies rigorously, eventually gaining qualifications in both New York and England & Wales. This dual qualification set the stage for an international career that would see her advising on cross-border transactions and corporate governance at the highest levels.

A Lifelong Commitment to Excellence

From the get-go, Michal Berkner was dedicated to excelling in her field. She quickly made a name for herself in the world of M&A, focusing on complex transactions that required not just legal expertise but also a deep understanding of the industries she served. Her work in the life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors has been particularly noteworthy, as these are areas where the stakes are incredibly high, and the legal landscape is constantly evolving.

Michal Berkner at McDermott Will & Emery

One of the most significant milestones in Michal Berkner's career was joining the London office of McDermott Will & Emery as a partner. Here, she continues to practice in the field of mergers and acquisitions, where her expertise is invaluable. McDermott Will & Emery is a global law firm known for its work in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, making it the perfect platform for Berkner to showcase her skills.

A Leader in Cross-Border Transactions

Michal Berkner's role at McDermott Will & Emery involves advising clients on some of the most complex cross-border transactions in the world. Her ability to navigate the legal intricacies of multiple jurisdictions has made her a go-to lawyer for companies looking to expand globally. Whether it's a multi-billion dollar merger or a strategic acquisition, Berkner has the experience and insight to guide her clients through every step of the process.

Recognitions and Awards: A Testament to Her Impact

Michal Berkner's contributions to the legal field have not gone unnoticed. She has been ranked among the most influential lawyers in both "Chambers Global" and "Chambers UK." These rankings are a testament to her expertise, dedication, and the respect she commands in the industry. But that's not all. In 2017, she was named one of the 50 Women Business Leaders of the Year by the "Financial Times," a recognition that highlights her impact not just as a lawyer, but as a leader in the business world.

Championing Women's Rights in the Legal Profession

One of Michal Berkner's most significant contributions outside of her legal practice is her work in advocating for women's rights in the legal profession. She was instrumental in the formation of the Skadden Women Attorneys Network, a platform that supports and empowers women lawyers. Her efforts have been lauded across the industry, and she continues to be a vocal advocate for gender equality in the workplace.

The Human Side of Michal Berkner

While Michal Berkner is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the legal world, it's important to remember that she is also a person with a life outside of work. Despite her busy schedule, she has always found time to mentor young lawyers, particularly women, helping them navigate the challenges of the legal profession. Her commitment to giving back to the community is one of the many reasons she is so highly regarded by her peers.

Conclusion

In a world where the legal profession can often seem impersonal and detached, Michal Berkner stands out as a beacon of integrity, expertise, and humanity. Her work in mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors, has had a lasting impact on the industry. But perhaps even more importantly, her advocacy for women's rights in the legal profession has paved the way for future generations of women lawyers.

Michal Berkner is not just a lawyer; she is a leader, a mentor, and a trailblazer. Her career is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, passion, and a commitment to excellence. As she continues to break new ground in her field, there's no doubt that Michal Berkner's legacy will inspire many for years to come.

[madaminamorganheadsforthearctic]

Last leg

Well, it certainly was a rocky night. The boat is going north/south and the wind west/east. The Kwells means I felt fine, but the motion prevented sleep until about 4 am when it calms. During my sleepless night I finally remembered who designed Norway. In the ever entertaining Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, it was Slartibartfast who was the planet designer whose favourite part of his job was creating coastlines and he won an award for his creation of Norway.

My alarm goes off at 6.30 and time for a coffee. We are disembarking at 8 am, but unlike the cross channel ferries, we all have to be on the car deck and in the cars for 7.30. The port is Hirtshals which is the northern tip of the Jutland Peninsula. The rain is biblical; Noah would have felt at home; and out of the shelter the gale is still blowing. On the dual carriageway road of this very flat part of Denmark the  big lorries have claimed the outside lane. It is going to be a slow journey for me as big lorries in this weather just throws the water right over the car and the body is aluminium so it is light. Not good Morgan conditions.

It is a pity that the North Sea crossing ferries no longer exist. There used to be at least one direct to Scandinavia from the UK and Hull to Hamburg was popular but clearly not popular enough. The only one left is Hook of Holland to Harwich or Newcastle  but as the Hook is only a couple of hours from Calais and is a very short night crossing to Harwich, it is not worth it for me.

A couple of stops - one Talk Radio interview and another on GB news (energy price cap announcement day and they want comments)- and a very slow crawl round Hamburg again, after some  400 miles from Hirtshals I arrive at Bremen for my last night of my holiday. The booking.com app I had used again at one of my stops and it gives me a 10% discount for customer loyalty. I have booked Raddison again and as the room wasn’t quite ready they give me a free drink voucher; and I use my points for food. Not a bad clutch of reductions!

Then on the following beautiful and balmy summer day, I leave Bremen and head for Calais. I have looked at every web site possible and it is going to be fine  weather at last, so it’s roof off and tonneau back on. As it is a good 6 hour plus drive depending on the traffic, I decide to book my crossing when I am closer to Calais.

It’s 13.30 and I have just filled up with petrol and got an ice cream: the sun really is out. Day still glorious I have done half the journey so I go onto the website which gives me ferries and the tunnel. Tunnel for preference, but nothing until 9pm; the P&Os have space at around 5pm which is too early and then again not until 9pm.  DFDS has a 6.05pm crossing. My road app says I should be at the port by 5pm; a tad fine but I reckon I can make it so I book it online. If you are interested, Direct Ferries is easily the best of the sites and does ferries and other options and more or less everywhere.

So it’s 3hours 30mins to the port. No probs and I set off. A couple of queues but nothing serious I should still be there by 5pm. And then an hour out from the port and the red flashing lights come on ahead. Now as you will all know, there is no speed limit on German motorways and undertaking is almost as normal as overtaking. At 80mph I am slow- any more and the wind in my face is too much - and even a Fiat 500 passed me doing about 90 (infra dig!). So when I saw the red lights I assumed an accident. Wrong. It was yet another huge rainstorm and even the seriously fast stuff had dropped to around 50mph. I am instantly soaked. I put my dark glasses so I can see (it is easier to wipe water off specs than off your eye balls) and carry on until I see a services. I get the tonneau off and the roof back on in 10 mins-  I challenge anyone to do it in that time- and get back on the road, using The last of my paper hanks to wipe down the screen on the inside and the mirrors. Forget me, I am just wet! With the speed down and with that stop, I am going to be lucky to get to the port on time.

I finally draw up 5.15pm by the only DFDS booth without a queue, as it’s on the left hand side. Not entirely surprising that the rest have gone for booths on the drivers,  but I am short of time, it’s still pouring rain, I have my shower  jacket on, there is no cover and my  hair is wrecked anyway! ‘You have just made it’ she says and gives me my lane number. 1105.

I do the same at French passport control and he leafs through my totally full passport. I still have 2 years to go but every page is full now; maybe I can get an extension as I have my visas in this passport and having them visible is better than relying on them being on a system. He can’t find what he is looking for and says ‘when did you enter France?’ ‘August 5’ I replied. I neither look or sound like an illegal immigrant and there is no room in the Morgan for anything, so he gave up looking for the entry stamp and passed it back and waved me through. 

The queue for British passport control is wholly different and is long. It is now 5.25 pm and I am seven cars back and each car seems to be taking about 4mins to get through, so I clearly can’t catch that ferry. There is another line moving quicker so I get out for a look and to see if they will let me in as most people’s hangers say they are on the 7.20pm. There are a couple of others though going for 6.05pm so I splash across to the two lanes reserved for lorries as they are empty. I ask the  man in the  booth…... ‘Yes’ he says. 

So I slosh back knocking on the windows of the other two cars I could see with the same ferry time, say follow me and inch the Morgan out of the existing lines into the lorry lane. They follow me and someone shouts. I assume that shout is either ****!!! or ‘I have the same problem have you a solution’. No time for a discussion so I just shout back ‘yes’! 

It worked and I and now several others are through and race for the DFDS which is at the far end of the dock. The ferry is already loading, but we make it into the last line the 1105, with a handful of minutes to spare before the ferry departs. It actually finally departed about ten minutes late.  

Now I am wholly prepared to take my responsibility for being a bit late and deciding to take the option of 6.05pm rather than wait for the later one, but how many people missed that ferry because on the British customs side, they neither had enough officers on duty (some of the customs booths were closed), nor did they have the equivalent of a ‘last calls’ line for those who were booked on a ferry that was shortly due to depart? Maybe this is a customs officer go slow in support of a 35% pay rise from Starmer, or maybe no one has just thought about it from the customer perspective - who knows.

My son who lives in Spain texts me and asks me to send him the rain. Would do that with pleasure!

Half way across the channel it stops raining, but whatever is ahead the roof is now staying on!

The Hurtigruten emails me and asks for feed back. I respond very fairly and say that they are running a high class floating retirement home and but they do have a responsibility to tell customers that a low deck number at the stern is noisy, before they book. I am asked for one word that describes my trip. I reply ‘boring’. I receive a response to thank me for my valuable comments - bot speak!

I get a coffee from the bar and am asked if I want the days deal which is a warm muffin. I have not had anything to eat all day and as there  is nothing that looks like a muffin I ask “which is the muffin?” She shrugs. I point at a few things. She shrugs again and so I try s'il vous plaît pouvez-vous indiquer le muffin?” I get given a  scone with jam and cream.

Dover and it’s only a couple of hours to home.

I have driven 3,365 miles plus about another 1,000 by boat and ferry; my exhaust is well and truly blown; the passenger side carpet is soaked and I will need to take it out to dry to avoid it going mouldy - and the same can be said for me- It’s been a bit too wet and I messed up the Tromso back to Bergen leg. But  I have taken the Morgan to the Arctic Circle and back and had a great adventure. What shall I do next year? Ideas on a postcard please!! 

[lavelled]

the halfwit couplet. 

The crux of it was inhumane tragedy, racial falsehoods from a saleswoman, and you mocking bullied young victims on the Internet through your own unchecked print and digital campaign.

“X Confirms It’s Moving Out of San Francisco.” Ah. You’re denying me cable cars or you’re referencing Alcatraz Island. I’m good. I’ve got Nicolas Cage.

What seems to be happening is a professional-failure of a prince is toying with sympathetic members of the public over a painful and deadly disease known as cancer that, Kate, a princess, does not have so he can claim sexual first-ness with a woman who says no. “Continues to battle” is tied canopy bedding.

A news quip signifying nothing on counterfeit spouse’s sister. You should know that in his fused code: half-sibling means half. Of 8. Four. Harry had Samantha be photographed hand-delivering a sealed letter outside Kensington after his blowhard wedding. Google it. A wheelchaired reminder that after decades, not a burden lifted, a hermetic life was still immobile and childless.

Days of Thunder. The actors play assigned roles in whistling arrow flight. Robert Duvall plays Harry Hogge. English actor, Cary Elwes, plays Russ Wheeler. J.C. Quinn plays Waddell. Randy Quaid is Tim Daland. The Wales’ pedophilia is well-driven in turbo banked curves on a track. I was sixteen at filming. Your dad views little girls as melty fresh-snow lovers. Actor J. C. Quinn died in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, which are his initials and in no way means anything in the worst possible ways.

AP Archive YouTube video: UK: PRINCE WILLIAM & PRINCE HARRY AT HIGHGROVE 1999. William drives on gravel in a white car, a red L near the headlight. Alas, K. He’s next to Harry, decked out in green, and they coordinate a synchronized dance where we see nothing but elbows and a ghostgirl of a certain age because love. Charles goes to the middle. Twerp rubs his nose. Stupid, if you ask me. And yeah, red jacket and dual camera gents.

We lifted tech-lord camo for Archillect, Murat Pak, Elon Musk, Piers Morgan, Spencer Morgan, Bill Ackman, and Donald Trump. Morbid wordsmith of: “I’m sad to announce, my father Donald Trump has passed away. I will be running for president in 2024.” Donald Jr’s page. For Tom. Sad is happy. Happy is Harry. Harry is a dead-eyed sociopath, next stop, the asylum, haha, I hate this. I left twitter poolside. He compared poisoned Skittles to refugees (altruism). Junior means jailer.

The world is done with code we’d rather block out, with underage under-priced contracts, your family and wife.

Verne Troyer—comedian and sidekick in Austin Powers and Harry Potter films—suicide. April 21, 2018. One month before your wedding.

Kieron Durkan—English footballer—suicide. At 44-years-old, he was found dead in his car in Wigg Island Park, UK. Three months before your wedding.

Greg Boyed—New Zealand journalist, broadcaster, marathon runner—took his life while on a family holiday in Switzerland. Three months after your wedding.

Kolya Vasin—Russian writer and music historian—jumped from a gallery shopping centre. At the young parkouring age of 73. Three months after your wedding.

Kagney Linn Karter—born Christina Abbey in Harris County, Texas—singer, dancer, porn actress in adult parodies of Silence Of The Lambs and Not Married with Children, which is badass given her chosen name. A few months ago, she shot herself in the mouth with a shotgun.

Duangphet Phromthep—At 13, was Thai captain of that junior football team rescued from a trapped cave in 2018. He won a football scholarship to England. At the Brooke House College Football Academy, he committed suicide. Valentine’s Day. He was 17.

Lee Sun-kyun—Screen Actors Guild Award-winner—best known as the dad in the con-artist thriller, Parasite, thematically about class and society and the rich Park family versus the destitute Kim clan. Lee died by suicide in a car at a park in Seoul, a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat.

Billy Miller—thrice-time Emmy Award-winning actor—traveled to Austin, Texas to commit suicide from a gun to the head. Last year. September 15. He guest starred on Suits as MARCUS.

K

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Playing with rings!

Stop playing with the rings. SH's change of his finger rings could sign nervousness about his new PR job 😅

STARZ has sent SH as a PR to Los Angeles at the Television Critics Association - TCA Press Tour Summer 2024 to achieve dual promotion. The plan was to promote both Outlander Season 7 Part B and “The Couple Next Door” This last is the bigger interest and at the same time align the promotion with some award nominations, but there are other very competitive series titles every season.

SH, also known as STARZ’s "eye candy," will take advantage of this opportunity to promote himself by posing for photographers. Perhaps he is looking to update his photo portfolio in hopes of receiving some award nominations.

But Why didn't STARZ invite other Outlander or TCND actors to attend this promotion tour? As they did with other series. STARZ’s alternative was miles from reality between an idea and what is possible to achieve with SH.

His trip to L.A. was a coincidental coincidence with the ASTRA 2024 (formerly Hollywood Critics Association) nomination award for Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series. It is quite surprising nomination between the 8 nominees considering new season of Outlander is not available yet. “Outlander" aired eight episodes of season seven in 2023 before taking a lengthy midseason hiatus. It's now been announced that the second half of season seven will begin airing on November 22, 2024. The Outlander series was nominated for Best Cable Drama Series.

This was a necessary move considering the highly competitive landscape of show premieres. It’s not a risk as a requirement for SH to promote itself, especially given the impending Outlander series finale and the uncertainty surrounding the American premiere of “The Couple Next Door” a British-Belgium series which was not filmed in Leeds UK (supposedly set in Leeds) but in the Netherlands and Belgium, with a Neighborhood that looks more like California with Palm trees and resembles nothing to England. It’s a remake of an original Dutch series but doesn’t work. Such a shame because the Dutch (original) version was rather good. In UK television the six-part thriller never reaches the Top.

While this promotion comes with costs, STARZ could anticipate covering these expenses with profits generated by the series premiere in the United States next winter.

The future outcome remains to be seen 🧐

Posted 13th July 2024

[evoldir]

Fwd: Postdoc: ImperialC_London.EvolutionaryGenomics

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Postdoc: ImperialC_London.EvolutionaryGenomics > Date: 9 July 2024 at 05:41:41 BST > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > Research Associate in Evolutionary Genomics > Imperial College London > > Location: Silwood Park Campus London > > > Salary: GBP 46,593 to 54,630 per annum > > Job Summary > You will investigate how plant-fungal symbioses underpins speciation and > plant diversity, including surveying mycorrhiza in Howea palms using > metabarcoding, dual-RNA seq, and including fieldwork and experiments > on the minute and isolated Lord Howe Island, a-UNESCO designated World > Heritage Site in Australia. > > Lab website: https://ift.tt/bVInK74 > Duties and responsibilities > >  *   Genomic Analyses: Your primary responsibility will entail (i) >      conducting comprehensive genomic analyses of metabarcoding data >      from root and soil to characterise mycorrhizal diversity on Lord >      Howe Island; (ii) characterise differential gene expression in >      natural conditions between interacting organisms (DNA extractions >      and analyses of dual-RNA seq data), and (iii) characterise the >      potential interaction among host and fungal genotypes and between >      soils using a common garden experiment already set up on the >      island (DNA extractions and analyses of dual-RNA seq data). >  *   Team Leadership: In addition to your analytical duties, you will >      help supervise a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team comprising both >      PhD and Masters students. This pivotal position necessitates adept >      guidance, fostering collaborative synergies, and ensuring the >      seamless execution of our research objectives. >  *   Publications: As a valued team member, you will actively >      contribute to disseminating our ground-breaking research findings >      by co-authoring publications in high-impact, refereed journals, >      thereby fostering broader scholarly discourse and advancement in >      the field. > > Essential requirements > These include: > >  *   Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in evolution, ecology, >      genetics, or genomics. >  *   A robust background in genomics, molecular biology, or a closely >      related field. >  *   Demonstrated proficiency in analytical methodologies and research >      techniques. >  *   Proven experience in leadership roles within collaborative >      research environments. >  *   Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to effectively >      convey complex scientific concepts. > > Further Information > This is a full time, fixed term position until 30 June 2026. You will > be based at Silwood Park Campus. > > Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be > appointed as a Research Assistant. > > Should you require any further details on the role please contact: > Prof Vincent Savolainen v.savolainen@imperial.ac.uk > > TO APPLY visit > https://ift.tt/d1LmKyI > > > Closes: 22nd July 2024 > > > > > Prof. Vincent Savolainen > > Director, Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet > > Imperial College London > Department of Life Sciences > Silwood Park Campus > Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK > Tel +44(0)7746972672 > v.savolainen@imperial.ac.uk > www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/v.savolainen > > "Savolainen, Vincent"

[northernmusic]

Dub Apocalypse Reggae Rise Up THU ~ JUL 11, 2024 Doors 7 PM - Show 7:30 PM Sanctuary - Event and Live Music Venue 82 Main St, Maynard, MA 01754 978-933-1476 www.SanctuaryMaynard.com

TICKETS $15 General Admission $25 Hi-Top Table Seating Ticket Link: bit.ly/4eUEs2j

Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/1111210976632144

Dub Apocalypse is an instrumental dub reggae band from Boston, MA. Band members are Tommy Benedetti (drums), Van Martin (guitar), Johnny Trama (guitar), Aaron Bellamy (bass), and Timo Shanko (sax & bass).

The band came together in 2007, led by drummer Tommy Benedetti and guitarist, Johnny Trama. Tommy Benedetti is one of the founding members of American Reggae Pioneers, John Brown's Body. He brings a wealth of experience from the reggae/dub scene to the table, having recorded albums for the legendary Shanachie Label, John Zorn's Tzadik Label (mixed by Bill Laswell), and is currently with John Brown's Body on Easy Star Records. This history is combined with almost 2 decades of International touring, as well as backing some of the giants of Jamaican music, including The Meditations and Justin Hinds.

Guitarist Johnny Trama adds a soulful blues touch to the Dub Apocalypse signature sound. Trama has spent time on the road with the great Ron Levy, BB King's organ player, as well as many other regional rock and Soul/R&B acts. Not long after Dub Apocalypse came together, longtime friend Timo Shanko entered the fold.A dual threat on both bass and saxophone,Shanko is a veteran of the blues and free jazz scene.He spent many years on the road with Blues legend, Eddie Kirkland, as well as with G. Love and Special Sauce. Shanko is also a prolific composer,and his improvisational stylings are an integral part of the Dub Apocalypse sound. Although DA started out as more of a collective,in the past few years the lineup has solidified with the addition of bassist Aaron Bellamy and guitarist Van Martin. Bellamy is a longtime fixture in the Boston funk scene, and in combination with Benedetti, they form the deep, militant sound at the core of Dub Apocalypse.

Originally hailing from Chicago, Van Martin rounds out the lineup on guitar. Martin has much touring experience as well, including appearances with Bernie Worrell and Big Daddy Kane. His sonic textures, adventurous playing and songwriting have helped Dub Apocalypse take their sound to a new level. The DA sound is an evolving mix of original compositions and their own interpretations of classic Jamaican and UK songs and dub plates. Heavy hitting drum and bass grooves set the table. A twin guitar attack, with Trama's rhythmic anchor, and Martin's dub sonics, swirl in and out in tandem. These pieces, combined with Timo Shanko's Coltrane inspired sax approach, give Dub Apocalypse a sound that is truly their own.

The band has appeared at many clubs and festivals throughout New England. They've won a Boston Music Award, were named "One of 10 Local Acts You Need To Hear Now" by The Improper Bostonian, and have one of the most popular and longest running weekly residencies in Boston. Dub Apocalypse released their first CD, "Road To Oblivion" in March 2015. The CD release will be followed by an International release on vinyl through Mnemonic Dojo Records out of the UK.

@DubApocalypse https://dubapocalypse.com https://www.facebook.com/DubApocalypse

Promotion by Northern Music northernmusic@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/MusicInNewEngland https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewEnglandMusicNetwork

#Dub#Apocalypse#Jamaican#Jamaica#reggae#band#live#music#shows#concerts#Boston#Sanctuary#Maynard#Massachusetts#NewEnglandMusic