#master of science in Lebanon

[austedu]

"Explore AUST's MS in Computer Science program, offering 39 credit hours of advanced study, cutting-edge research, and career-focused training. Elevate your expertise in AI, data science, and software engineering."

[royaliabilities]

Zar al Ghul is an Egyptian diplomat, philanthropist and international model who currently serves as chargée d'affaires at the Egyptian Embassy in London, UK.

Upbringing ›

Born on November 1st, 1991, in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, Zar al Ghul (Egyptian Arabic: زار الغول) is the sole offspring of retired diplomat Ra's al Ghul, a native of the Bedouin nomadic tribes dwelling in the Rub' al-Khali desert of the southern Arabian Peninsula, whose ancestors traversed from Sub-Saharan Africa to Saudi Arabia. Drawn to politics from an early age, Ra's left his tribe, settling in Riyadh to pursue his education. Upon becoming chargé d'affaires for his nation in Gift of the Nile, he wed Zar’s mother, Anat al-Durr—an Egyptian-Palestinian prosecutor whose ancestral ties can be traced to Shajarat al-Durr, the first female sultana to rule since Cleopatra VII. Regrettably, Anat perished during childbirth.

Background & Career ›

Following in her father’s footsteps, Zar holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the American University in Cairo (AUC) (2012). During her undergraduate years, she showcased her burgeoning leadership skills through active involvement in various student organizations and diplomatic societies, including the Model UN and the International Relations Student Association (IRSA). Furthermore, she immersed herself in internships and residencies, honing her diplomatic prowess in real-world contexts, where she gained invaluable insights into multilateral diplomacy and global governance.

Zar completed her Master’s in International Law at the University of Cambridge (2014). Showcasing consistent commitment and exceptional academic performance, she subsequently obtained a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)’s Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies (2018).

Simultaneously, Zar initiated her professional career as a foreign affairs officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Her diligence and dedication gained her extensive experience and a deep understanding of her homeland’s diplomatic complexities, ultimately leading to her promotion as the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department.

In 2020, Zar achieved a noteworthy milestone in her career upon becoming an advisor on human rights issues at the Egyptian Diplomatic Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York, US. She passionately led initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and improving refugee living conditions, which garnered recognition and acclaim from both her superiors and peers.

Presently, Zar serves as a chargée d'affaires at the Egyptian Embassy in London, diligently working to strengthen Egypt’s bilateral relations with the UK and promote cultural exchange between the two countries. With steadfast commitment to diplomacy and fostering cross-cultural goodwill, she tirelessly drives her country’s foreign policy goals while cultivating ties with her host nation.

Philanthropy ›

Zar is involved with her own charity organization Help From Your Heart; since 2013. The project distributes donations to families and children in orphanages in Cairo. Additionally, the foundation supports the Paws for a Cause, which provides aid and shelter to street animals, further extending its impact within the community.

Modeling ›

Throughout her diplomatic missions, Zar’s alluring beauty garnered significant attention. Her tall, slender frame, perfectly complemented by her polished onyx eyes and lustrous black hair, quickly caught the eye of the fashion industry.

While initially hesitant to step into the limelight, she soon recognized the opportunity to use her platform to promote her values and champion humanitarian causes. Balancing her ambassadorial responsibilities with the modeling career, Zar has covered more than 50 magazine in Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, France, Italy and four times on the cover of Elle Middle East and Marie Claire Arabia, Vogue Arabia & Italy.

Affiliations ›

Ra's al Ghul (father), Anat al-Durr (mother), Zain Javadd Malik (husband), Cattleya al Ghul Malik (daughter), Yahya Abdul-Malik II (son)

Signature:

[miss-miaumiau]

TAG GAME - FAVOURITES

Colours

black, grey pastel black, bordeaux, purple, violet, navy, teal, dark green, antique silver, antique gold

Gemstones

emerald, malachite, lapislazuli, amethyst, ruby, garnet, rose-quartz, moonstone, opal, amber

Flowers

rose, lily, lavander, orchids, sunflower

Animals

felines, wolves, spitz dogs, birds of prey, corvides, cetaceans, cephalopods, tube worms, tardigrades

Mythical Creatures

Ainur, Elves, Sphinxes, Phoenixes, Mermaids

Food

asian & mediterranean cuisine, spicy food

Beverage

still water, tea (preferably green), coconut juice

Music

Don’t take the listed ���genres” too seriously. All those categories, sub-categories and sub-sub-categories seem quite redundant to me - imho, they’re just unnecessarily confusing … but, then again, I’m no music-nerd, after all.

Actually, there is just “Like” or “Don’t Like”, but this list might give you an idea:

Medieval, Renaissance & “Classical”

Walther von der Vogelweide, Guillaume de Machaut, Cantigas, John Dowland,Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi, Rachmaninov, Tschaikovsky, Smetana, Schubert, Chopin, Rossini, Wagner, Sissel Kyrkjebo, Hayley Westenra, Sarah Brightman, Sumi Jo, Vanessa Mae, Thomas Bergersen, Two Steps from Hell, Audiomachine, Howard Shore, Soundtracks, …

(Neo-)Folk

Joan Baez, Esther Ofarim, Ofra Haza, Loreena McKennit, Nolwenn Leroy, Eivør Pálsdóttir, Gudrid Hansdóttir, Cecile Corbel, Enya, Celtic Women, Blackmore’s Night, Versengold, Sumerluft, Annwn, Anois, Garmarna, Arany Zoltan, Noel McLoughlin, Luc Arbogast, Patty Gurdy, Psalteria, Estampie, Dead Can Dance, Faun, Omnia, Skáld, Wardruna, Heilung, Vàli, In Gowan Ring, Hagalaz’ Runedance, Sonne Hagal, Of the Wand & the Moon, Gae Bolg & the Church of Fand, …

“Goth”

Sopor Aeternus, Helium Vola, Qntal, Dargaard, Arcana, Artésia, Ataraxia, Die Verbannten Kinder Evas, Trobar De Morte, Triarii, Wolfsheim, Deine Lakaien, Faith & the Muse, In my Rosary, Kirlian Camera, The Frozen Autumn, The Crüxshadows, VNV Nation, She Past Away, Lebanon Hanover, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Joy Division, The Cure, Clan of Xymox, The Sisters of Mercy, AlienSexFiend, Bauhaus, Lene Lovich, Depeche Mode, …

Metal & Rock

Van Canto, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Wisdom, Therion, Nightwish, Edenbridge, Within Temptation, Apocalyptica, Equilibrium, Kamelot, Sabaton, Finntroll, Dimmu Borgir, Ghost, Metallica, HIM, The 69 Eyes, Mono Inc, Subway to Sally, Evanescence, Garbage, Muse, …

Other

Kanon Wakeshima, The Brilliant Green, Onmyou-za, Rin’, Kalafina, Yuki Kajiura, Akiko Shikata, Kokia, Alan Dawa Dolma, Malukah, ShadowCa7, Erutan, Alina Gingertail, Karliene, Peter Hollens, Andra Ariadna, Minniva, Aurora, Lana Del Rey, Cher, The Doors, The Beatles, The Seekers, ABBA, ...

Literature

Fantasy & Sci-Fi

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, etc.

M.Z. Bradley’s Avalon-Novels & Firebrand

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter

Medieval & Antique Literature, Myth & Folklore

Ovid’s Metamorphoses

The Edda

Nibelungenlied

works of Walther von der Vogelweide

Arthurian Romances (like Erec, Iwein, Parzival, etc.)

Gregorius

Aeneasroman

Iliad & Odyssee

Murasaki Shikibu’s “Genji Monogatari” (the language is really beautiful, but I can’t stand the protagonist)

some Classics

Pride & Prejudice

Wuthering Heights

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders

The Picture of Dorian Grey

Dracula

Faust I+II

Macbeth

The Life and Opinions of Tomcat Murr

works of the Brothers Grimm

Siddharta

some "regular" novels

Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”, “Brida”

Nobara Takemoto’s “Shimotsuma Monogatari”

some fanfiction

“Father’s Heart” & “Process of Elimination” by Fern Withy

“Antiquity’s Corollary” by gonnabefamous

biographical books

Mineko Iwasaki’s “Geisha of Gion”

Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”

Baird T. Spalding’s “Life and Teachings of the Masters of the East”

interesting non-fiction

such as science-related books / websites

those of a more metaphysical & occult subject matter

or those about more controversial topics, such as Extraterrestrials, so-called “conspiracy theories”, and the like (Problem!? Your loss. I don’t see why I shouldn’t look into these topics. It certainly is interesting, and it’s quite arrogant to assume we have it all figured out. Besides, no one says you have to believe anything you read, but it sure can’t hurt to approach things with a more open mind, and to just look where evidence leads us, when it presents itself.)

~*~

I'm tagging:

@aikoiya, @monkey-li, @mikeilo & @chattegeorgiana

[faceshine]

Cosrx Lebanon: Revolutionizing Skincare with Science and Nature

Why Cosrx is a Game-Changer in Lebanon’s Skincare Scene

Lebanon is known for its vibrant beauty culture, where skincare and cosmetics are deeply embedded in daily routines. However, finding products that effectively address the region’s diverse skin concerns while being suitable for the Mediterranean climate can be challenging. This is where Cosrx shines. With a focus on delivering results without the fluff of unnecessary additives, Cosrx products are designed to meet the needs of those seeking clear, healthy, and radiant skin.

The brand’s product lineup is built on the philosophy of “less is more,” meaning that its formulations contain only essential ingredients that work harmoniously with the skin. Cosrx Lebanon This approach has garnered a loyal following, particularly in Lebanon, where more people are adopting skincare routines that prioritize health and wellness over heavy makeup.

Popular Cosrx Products in Lebanon

One of the reasons Cosrx has gained popularity in Lebanon is the wide range of products that target specific skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and sensitivity. Let’s explore some of the brand's most beloved products that have become staples in Lebanese skincare routines.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch:

Acne is a common skin concern, especially in humid climates like Lebanon’s. The Acne Pimple Master Patch is a miracle worker for those who struggle with breakouts. These small, transparent hydrocolloid patches work overnight to absorb impurities from blemishes, reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process. They are a lifesaver for those who want a quick, discreet solution to pesky pimples.

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser:

This gentle yet effective cleanser has become a fan favorite in Lebanon. Its low pH level helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, preventing irritation while effectively removing dirt and impurities. The inclusion of tea tree oil also makes it an excellent option for acne-prone skin, as it helps control excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence:

Lebanese consumers love products that promote hydration and radiance, and this snail mucin-based essence delivers just that. It provides intense hydration and helps repair damaged skin, making it ideal for those dealing with dryness or dullness. Snail mucin is known for its anti-aging properties, which makes this essence a must-have for anyone looking to keep their skin youthful and glowing.

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid:

Blackheads and clogged pores are concerns many Lebanese individuals face due to environmental factors and oily skin types. The BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a cult favorite for reducing blackheads and preventing breakouts. It exfoliates the skin gently, helping to keep pores clean without causing irritation.

Cosrx and the Lebanese Beauty Community

In Lebanon, the beauty community is highly engaged and constantly seeking out the latest trends and products. Cosrx has made a significant impact, not just through its effective products but also by fostering a sense of trust and transparency. The brand’s use of well-researched, high-quality ingredients, such as Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, resonates with Lebanese consumers who are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about skincare.

The brand’s affordability is another key factor in its popularity. While Lebanon’s economic situation has made access to high-quality beauty products more challenging, Cosrx offers effective skincare at accessible prices, making it possible for a wider range of consumers to invest in their skin’s health.

Where to Buy Cosrx in Lebanon

Cosrx products are widely available in Lebanon through various online and physical retailers. Anua Lebanon Trusted online platforms, beauty stores, and pharmacies carry a range of Cosrx products, ensuring that customers can easily find what they need. Many Lebanese beauty enthusiasts also share their experiences and reviews online, creating a community around Cosrx that continues to grow.

[joeabdelsater]

Assignment 6: Part 1

Introduction

My name is Joe Abdel Sater, and I am a master’s student at the University of Hertfordshire. I recently started my studies in games art and design after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science back in July 2023. Before moving to the UK, I was studying at Notre Dame University – Louaize, while working as a freelance 3D Generalist for local companies in Lebanon. I decided to pursue a master’s degree as I was much more interested in the artistic side of game-making and wanted to improve my skills in creating assets and environments while exploring Unreal Engine 5.

Project Idea

In order to speed up the design process and foster creativity, the fashion industry has embraced digital tools and techniques more and more. This advancement of Digital fashion technology has been in many ways beneficial to a wide range of aspects in the scope of game design, and creating realistic clothing for video games has never been more accessible. In this article, I will be covering the behind-the-scenes workflow of garment creation and integration into Unreal Engine. With the huge advancements in digital garment creation technologies, it has become a bit overwhelming for new artists to choose the method of work to take on, so I aspire to find the most beginner-friendly efficient pipeline for digital fashion creation.

I hope that my project serves as a valuable resource for fashion designers and game artists like me interested in exploring the realm of digital fashion and its applications in various industries.

The process doesn’t require you to have extensive knowledge in the area of dressmaking and couture, it only requires you to have an eye for design, 3D skills, and the proper tools like: Marvelous Designer for pattern making and simulations, 3Ds MAX for prepping and polishing (or a similar software), Substance Painter for texturing, and Unreal Engine to bind everything together.

In order to construct the best workflow possible for my purpose, I went through extensive research of all the possible ways to go about transitioning from one software to another while preventing any sorts of technical issues. The many trials and errors led me to finalize and polish the digital fashion workflow I discovered and share it with you in detail.

Valuable technologies

In Marvelous Designer, two key features that are particularly valuable to my digital fashion workflow are Automatic UVs and Mesh Transformation.

First, Marvelous Designer offers an Automatic UV unwrapping feature, which simplifies the process of creating UV maps for the 3D clothing models. UV unwrapping is the process of flattening a 3D model's surface onto a 2D plane, allowing textures and materials to be applied accurately. Marvelous Designer's Automatic UVs generate optimized UV layouts automatically, reducing the need for manual UV manipulation. In my project, I needed Automatic UVs to ensure that I can apply textures, patterns, and materials accurately onto the garments, while saving time and effort by automating the tedious process of manually unwrapping each pattern piece. What Marvelous Designer initially does is create the UVs following the pattern outlines of the garments that I create, thus preparing the clothes for direct texturing.

Second, Marvelous Designer provides tools for mesh transformation, which allows me to optimize and refine the topology of the clothing models. This process involves converting the initial triangular mesh generated by the software into a more optimized and animation-friendly mesh with quad polygons for example. By creating a cleaner mesh topology, I can achieve better deformations during animation and improve the integration of the garments into game engines or other 3D software. It also has a “remesh” option that allows me to transform the overall topology of an outfit into a clean grid of squares that wraps around the shape of the garments.

Furthermore, when working with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity, optimizing the mesh topology can significantly improve performance and rendering quality. Quad-based topology is generally preferred in real-time rendering environments as it provides better support for subdivision surfaces, smoothing groups, and more efficient rendering.

Concept and references:

I believe this is a crucial step before officially starting the practical work. During this stage, I hop on Pinterest and browse through the fashion board where I have been saving my pins of favorite outfits and designer clothes. These images serve as a visual inspiration for the clothes that I will be creating.

Figure 1- Pinterest Fashion Design Board

I later gather the collected pictures into groups that form references for potential assortments that I can recreate in 3D. These pictures are saved in PureRef, an application that allows me to organize the pictures to use them as references for my creations. I keep the PureRef window open all the time to visualize color combinations, fabric textures, and potential pattern pieces for my garments.

Figure 2 - PureRef file of one of the dresses

[whattheabcxyz]

2023-10-18

Singapore

Yet another person here gets scammed - greed & stupidity are common traits shared by scam victims

Clementi Police Division HQ to relocate to make way for new Cross-Island MRT line

Police/NParks will reject applications to hold public events relating to Israel-Hamas war

Education

Singapore: $5K subsidy for some NTU master’s degrees + extra 10% off for alumni

Singapore: PRs & foreign students in government-funded schools to pay higher fees from 2024-2026

Transport

Singapore: COE premiums continue rising - dealers say higher Nov-Jan quota unlikely to cool car demand

Nature

Kangaroo drags man's pet dog into river & refuses to let it go - So he punched it, as you do down under! 🤣 Wtf did that kangaroo want with the dog btw?!

Politics

Biden pledges support for Israel against Hamas & condemns terrorist group - but what about condemning Israel's actions against innocent civilians too, or is that ok because they're all hypocrites, lol?!

Xi criticises western efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese economy - he should do some self-reflection here: if he hadn't been such a pig, people would've been happier to work with him

Science

^ Coin flips aren't 50-50, scientists find - I knew it!!!

Travel

Some 370K discounted SIA & Scoot tickets to go on sale next month - can be purchased @ Suntec City

Singapore: 4 luxury cars made to turn around at Tuas checkpoint after cutting queue - good!!!

Singaporeans advised not to travel to Lebanon, or to leave as soon as possible

Shopping

Nintendo pop-up store to open at Jewel Changi Airport next month

[soisialta]

Interview with Dipu Patel, Vice Chair for Innovation and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh DPAS from akwyz on Vimeo.

Dipu Patel is a board-certified, doctorally-trained PA passionate about medicine and PA education. She received her Bachelor of Science and Physician Assistant Certificate from St. John’s University’s Bronx-Lebanon Physician Assistant Program, Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a specialization in Emergency Medicine, and Doctorate in Medical Science with a focus on Education from the University of Lynchburg.

She has over 23 years of clinical, operational, and leadership experience which has inspired her to lend her talent to the education of the next generation of PAs. Having worked in various settings, including emergency medicine, urgent care, and hematology/oncology, has allowed her to fully embrace her previous roles as Associate Program Director and Director of Simulation Education.

Her leadership extended beyond academia into healthcare tech at DayToDay Health where she was the Director of Clinical Pathways. She led a team of global clinicians where she assured that each clinical pathway is provider-driven and patient-centered.

Currently, as Vice Chair for Innovation and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh DPAS program, she brings her leadership skills to further the PA profession and its impact by teaching and developing skills in quality improvement and innovation. She maintains a robust teaching schedule at various universities as an adjunct and consults on curriculum development and redesign, professional coaching and mentoring, and digital health.

She has served on several gubernatorial-appointed positions including the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Physician Assistants since 2009 and has been Chair of the Board since 2012. She has previously served on the Governor’s Advisory Council-Task Force on Foreign-Born Healthcare Professionals in Massachusetts and the Foreign-Trained Medical Professional Commission. Additionally, she was elected to serve as Director-at-Large for the Physician Assistant Education Association from 2016-2020, where she was actively involved in conversations about the implications of education and practice at the professional, clinical, and academic levels.

Incorporating clinical skills and knowledge with new technology that enhances patient education and advocacy is what drives her work. While technology and education will be ever-evolving, they will always need a human touch. She strongly believes that our work has to be rooted in both technology and humanity.

[dailygist-uk]

Eligibility criteria There are up to 4 scholarships (three Bseisu-Imperial College London Scholarships and one Chevening-Bseisu Scholarship) available for exceptional students who are commencing a one-year full-time MSc degree at Imperial College London in October 2023. To be considered for these scholarships you must: be ordinarily resident in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon or Jordan, or holding citizenship of Palestine, Syria, Lebanon or Jordan be available to commence your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2023 have received an offer of admission to study for a one-year full-time MSc degree in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences or Imperial College Business School at Imperial College London by 11:59 pm (UK local time), Monday, 8 May 2023. Please note that MRes/MBA courses are not eligible. demonstrate that you have come from a disadvantaged background Additional requirements In addition to the above: preference will be given to applicants with at least two year's work experience. applicants who are awarded this scholarship will be required to have met College English entry requirements (Pre-sessional English courses are not supported by this programme) by 28 July 2023. If you have not met the English entry requirements yet, please make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible to ensure you meet this requirement by 28 July 2023. Please visit our English language requirements page for further information here: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/english/ Application process How to apply Stage 1: Apply for a one of the eligible master's degree courses at Imperial College London You must submit an application for one of the eligible master’s degree through the standard College application procedure as soon as possible and have an offer of admission by offer of admission by the deadline of 11:59 pm (UK local time), Monday, 8 May 2023. Application fee: If you’re applying for a postgraduate course at Imperial, you may need to pay an application fee. For information on application fees and to check if you're eligible for an application fee waiver, please go here. Stage 2: Offer holders will be invited to apply for the scholarship During the week commencing 15 May 2023, applicants who have an offer of admission will be contacted by email with scholarship information and asked to complete a Bseisu Scholarship application form in order to apply for the scholarship. If you meet the eligibility criteria, hold an offer of admission but have not received an email from Student Financial Support, please contact us at scholarships@imperial.ac.uk on 19 May. Applicants will be assessed on academic merit or potential through the standard admission process. Applicants will be required to successfully demonstrate that they come from a financially disadvantaged background and this will be assessed through the information provided on the scholarship application. Preference will be given to applicants with at least two year's work experience. Value and Number of Awards The scholarships cover 100% of the cost of tuition fees. There are up to 4 scholarships: three Bseisu-Imperial College London Scholarships for one year full-time MSc degree in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences or Imperial College Business School one Chevening-Bseisu Scholarship for a student in receipt of a Chevening Scholarship for the relevant year and enrolling on a one-year full-time MSc degree in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine or Faculty of Natural Sciences. Outcome of Award The successful candidates will be notified by email no later than 28 July 2023. If you have not heard from us by this date, please assume you have been unsuccessful in your application. The successful scholars may be expected to meet informally with the donors on

occasions, participate in events surrounding this scholarship, or be required to submit a short statement of progress that will be shared with the donors. This award is for students starting in the academic year 2023-24 and cannot be deferred. All scholarships are awarded subject to students accepting award Terms and Conditions. If you have any queries regarding this scholarship, please contact us at scholarships@imperial.ac.uk Contact If you have any additional questions, please contact us at scholarships@imperial.ac.uk.

[maacwanowrie]

How to Use Digital Technology and Media for Global Learning

Think about implementing these five techniques to help children comprehend the diversity and complexity of our global community while also contributing to it. Over the course of your study in MAAC Pune design institute, you will master the basics of design and important techniques.

 1. Promote international media literacy. assist students in locating, analysing, and evaluating worldwide news sources that are accessible in both their native tongues and in English translation. Investigate further to promote understanding of how and why various occasions, individuals, groups, and cultures are portrayed in the global mass media, as well as how this affects intercultural communication.

 Just a small sample of international headlines following President Obama's recent visit to Turkey demonstrates how the media frequently shapes how an event is viewed in various nations: "Arabs hail Obama overture to Muslims" (Agence France-Presse), "Good but not enough" (Daily Star, Lebanon), "Turkish leader criticises Obama" (AP), and "American public did not understand this visit" (Hürriyet, Turkey).

 Start now: When conducting research, instruct students to consult a variety of international media sources. As part of their conclusions, instruct them to examine the rationale behind why various sources adopt various perspectives. Make sure to include this in the evaluation criteria.

 2. Learn the viewpoints of individuals behind global concerns. Increase students' exposure to viewpoints from different nations through the use of personal digital content like podcasts, videos, blog postings, and comment boards as well as a variety of collaborative technological tools.

 In order to create a greater awareness of the range of Islamic voices within the heterogeneous communities of Asia, Asia Society has launched a project called Creative Voices of Islam. High school students in the U.S. and Indonesia began this year to produce digital audio slideshows about the history, customs, and traditions of respective communities, which they then exchange and discuss on the website of the Asia Society. Students produce collaborative productions and screen the media projects in their communities using the new insights they learned from internet exchange.

 Start now: Search the Internet for "citizen journalist" writers. They frequently provide commentary or breaking news regarding current global issues. Ask your pupils to assess how these opinions differ from media reporting and/or how they are similar, as well as the significance of individual voices in a global conversation. Help students express their own thoughts through a variety of youth-to-youth international websites, including TakingITGlobal and Youth Media Exchange.

 3. Access the world's knowledge networks. Through international networks where information is gathered and analysed, assist students in realising the power of "collective intelligence." By participating in these networks, students can gain cross-cultural awareness while solving global concerns, combining knowledge from other cultures, and working in international teams to ethically add to and create new knowledge.

 Leading the way are numerous scientific collaborations that are conducted online. Youth, educators, community members, and scientists are all involved in the GLOBE programme (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment), which is run by NASA and the National Science Foundation in 110 nations. It encourages data collection and international data sharing about important environmental issues.

 Start now: Make contact with groups that let students collaborate on initiatives and issues around the world. Try SEED ePALs, iEARN, or GLOBE in addition to GLOBE. They provide entertaining programmes for students as well as pedagogical assistance for teachers.

 4. Reach a worldwide audience by publishing online. These days, students should use technology to not only share their research and ideas within the confines of the classroom or school, but also to share their learning with a global audience through websites and online publishing platforms.

 The student publication International Insider from the College of Staten Island High School for International Studies (CSI) in New York City is one illustration. Students from CSI communicate regularly with student reporters in other nations, including Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Poland, and Syria, using a free blogging tool, to cover themes ranging from global warming to the violence in Iraq. Through the PEARL World Youth News Service, a collaboration between iEARN and the Daniel Pearl Foundation that serves as an international wire service for publishing youth-produced news articles online and in student newspapers worldwide, they have also contributed to student newspapers all over the world.

 Start now: Starting a free blog with Blogger, WordPress, or another similar platform is as simple as publishing. Take into account the Oracle Foundation's ThinkQuest competition for students for a more organized—and sophisticated—option. Integrated global teams address global issues and disseminate research and suggestions for improvement.

 5. Use virtual simulation to its full potential to comprehend the complexity of the world and develop solutions. Students can test out global theories while immersing themselves in the target topic by using virtual reality, games, and modelling tools that imitate real-world experiences through technology.

 A New York City after-school programme called Global Kids has included game creation into their online leadership curriculum for teenagers. A group of high school students developed "Ayiti: The Cost of Life," a game in which players take on the virtual responsibility of a fictional family in Haiti and make decisions regarding when to send children to school versus work and how to allocate limited resources. The game was developed in collaboration with Global Kids staff and a game design company.

 Start now: Through Games for Change, a company that promotes online games for social change, you can find Ayiti and other "serious games" on international concerns.

 There are multiple ways to include global knowledge and abilities in any of these instances. Start exploring how these might integrate into your digital media efforts.

[legole45]

Lucius Colonna Loud is a wealthy billionaire, philanthropist, the Chairman and CEO of Loud Industries, the father of Richard Loud III and his sisters, and Lynn Loud Sr.‘s 4th cousin. He’s also the godfather of Bobby and Ronnie Anne Santiago, and Lincoln Loud and his sisters (since they converted to Catholicism). Born in Great Lakes City to a wealthy Catholic family of English, French, Irish, Italian, and Scottish descent, Lucius is the eldest of 9 children of Richard Loud Jr. and Angela Loud. When he graduated high school, he enlisted in the US Marines, and was sent to Lebanon as part of a peacekeeping operation. In 1983, he was one of many Marines attacked by Hezbollah in the Beirut Barracks bombings, but he survived and earned a Purple Heart. He was honourably discharged and he enrolled in Harvard University afterwards. He earned his Bachelor of Science and PhD degrees from Harvard and a Master of Engineering degree from MIT. After earning his degrees, he joined Loud Industries as one of its scientists, developing technologies that would benefit humanity as a whole. He met Margaret Carroll at a dinner party in New York City, and they fell in love. They later married, moved to Royal Woods, and would go on to have 11 children. He was later promoted to Chief Technology Officer of Loud Industries. However, when his father was arrested by the FBI on charges of racketeering, bribery, and money laundering, Lucius was chosen by the board to take over the company as Chairman and CEO, and started cleaning out the corruption that went on during his father's tenure as CEO. He would later go on to become one of the wealthiest people in the world. Lucius is a strong, athletic, tough, and intelligent man. Compared to Lynn Loud Sr. and Rita Loud, Lucius has a short stature, but he is tougher and stronger than Lynn Sr., having served in the US Military. He is somewhat strict, but he is a loving father to his kids, and he is kindhearted and generous. Lucius is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and he was made a Commander of the Order of St. Gregory for his charitable work. He is currently 56 years old.

[wutbju]

Dr. Donald "Don" Michael Hudson, age 63, of Johnson City, Tennessee, died on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. Don was born on June 22, 1959, to the late Donald Eugene Hudson and Frances Jane Roberts Kramer in Roanoke, Virginia. He was a member of Tazewell Presbyterian Church, Tazewell, Virginia. Don married the love of his life, Christina Camille Flynn Hudson on March 3, 2012. They lived in several places throughout the world, but the happiest years of his life were when he and Christina lived in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Professionally and academically, Don was a very accomplished man, having four master's degrees and a Ph.D. He was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He was Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Bible and Religion Department at King University in Bristol, Tenn. In his role as the leader of the Religion 1001 class and others, Don likely taught more students at King than any other individual professor. His zeal for understanding the Christian Scriptures in the 21st century was evident among those who were privileged to sit under his instruction. He designed and developed the course, Foundations of Christian Thought and Practice, which encouraged students to develop their worldviews and apply critical thinking skills to their faith.

Prior to joining King University, he taught in the Philosophy and Religion department at Appalachian State University. He co-founded the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology in 1996. He crafted the original vision of the school, hired faculty and staff, recruited students, raised funds, and designed the curriculum for the MA in Theology and the MDiv. For years, Don led teams of undergraduate students to Palestine to pursue epistemological humility, excellence in scholarship, and nuanced thinking in regards to religion and geo-politics.

As chair of the Bible and Religion department, Dr. Hudson had been actively promoting undergraduate research and scholarly activities in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Hudson promoted education in his community by speaking regularly at churches, local high schools, community colleges, universities, student organizations, and with local news media about religious violence and extremism and Iron Age archaeology in Israel. Dr. Hudson also served on the governing board of the King Institute of Faith and Culture.

At heart, Don was a fly fisherman and served as both a guide in Montana and taught a course for undergraduate students on fly fishing at King. He also travelled around to local high schools to teach high school students the art of fly fishing. As Don would have put it, to echo the words of Norman Maclean in A River Runs Through It, "in our family there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing."

Don authored, co-authored, and/or edited ten books and had written over 60 essays and articles in journals such as Imaginatio et Ratio, Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, Mars Hill Review, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, Inklings, The Everyday Study Bible, Sojourners, and Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft. He also founded and co-directed the Mars Hill Review where he served as concept editor for nine years. He gave more than 500 research and public scholarship presentations in 47 states and 14 countries. He has also been a consultant with international organizations managing refugee populations in Germany, Austria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Germany, and Turkey.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Christina; children, Madilyn Trula Pereira and Donald Michael Martin Hudson; siblings, Jodi Hudson Crown and Taylor, Scott Hudson and Heather, and Beth Hudson Proffitt and George; and many nieces and nephews.

Don's family will receive friends from 8:45 until 9:45 a.m. EST at King University Library, 1350 King College Rd., Bristol, TN 37620, on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The visitation will conclude promptly at 9:45 a.m. EST so please plan accordingly. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will commence immediately following the visitation, in the King University Memorial Chapel, under the direction of Dr. Brian Alderman. The service will be available to view at 10 a.m. EST via livestream at www.webcast.king.edu.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to support refugees, a cause important to Don and his family, are directed to Middle East Children's Alliance (https://www.mecaforpeace.org/), United Palestinian Appeal (https://upaconnect.org/), Anera (https://www.anera.org/), or Mercy USA for Aid and Development Inc. (https://mercyusa.org/).

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, Tennessee, is honored to serve the Hudson family. (423) 282-1521.

[canyouimaginethatstory]

Prom Night (Lucifer X Reader)

AUTHOR NOTE: This is a high school au. It might not seem like a Lucifer x reader but it is.

It was that time of year for high schoolers. Prom season and it was all anyone talked about throughout the halls of Lebanon High. You of course were excited. You had been dating Micheal Shurley for almost your whole senior year. He was the most popular boy in school. You were actually shocked he even noticed you. He was cute. Short blonde hair. Blue eyes. Tall. Had this aura of authority to him. Definitely never expected a boy like him to even notice a girl like you.

  THE DAY YOU AND MICHEAL MET

You were late to the cafeteria. The halls were packed with students. Some you had gotten to know well. Some you had only met a few times. By the water fountain in the main hall stood Dean Winchester. One of the best football players in school. And his girlfriend Jo Harvelle. Sitting on a bench in front of the main office was Dean's brother Sam Winchester. One of the smartest kids in the entire school. And his girlfriend Jessica Moore. She was a cheerleader. There was their best friend Castiel Shurley. Who was also one of Micheal's brothers standing by the auditorium doors. He was probably the most silent of the group. And when he did speak it was when he was confused by something. He was talking to Meg Masters who he claimed was just his friend. She was a rebel. Castiel wasn't fooling anyone though. The way the two flirted and danced around each other. Feelings were there. You hurried into the crowded cafeteria and bumped your way through the herd of students to the lunch line which was shorter than you thought it would be. You grabbed your tray and hurried through the line. You swore you were gonna start packing your lunch soon. As you headed for your usual table which consisted of Dean, Jo, Sam, Jessica, Castiel, Meg, and Charlie Bradbury. She was the super smart techy type. When someone bumped into you hard enough to make you drop your tray. "Watch out!" you yelled at the guy in annoyance.

"What was that cluts?" the boy asked as he started for you like was he was about to get in your face.

"Bart!" Someone called making him stop and turn around. It was Micheal Shurley. Captain of the football team, "what's the problem?" he asked.

"This chick tried to blame me for her clumsiness," he accused as he shot a glare at you.

“Bartholomew, you know that's not true," Micheal pointed out, "I saw it. You knocked into her. You owe her an apology,".

"Fine," the boy you now knew as Bartholomew growled, "sorry," he muttered with an eye roll before storming off. Micheal just shook his head as he looked at you.

"Are you ok?" you asked.

"I'm fine," you said as you looked at your now ruined food on the school floor, "ill be hungry until I can get home,".

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Y/N," you said, "Y/N Y/L/N, we have homeroom and science together,".

"Y/N, why don't you let me share my lunch with you," he said, "if it helps I always get something from somewhere other than school,". You laughed.

"That sounds nice," you said, "thank you,". Micheal's table consisted of Bartholomew, Lilith Demonico the head cheerleader and queen of the school, Rowena Macleod. She was the school editor for all the big things like the newspaper and the yearbook along with the morning announcements, his brother Gabriel Shurley. Lebanon high school's biggest prankster, and then there was his other brother Lucifer Shurley. Who had also been the one you had been crushing since ninth grade. But you know for sure he'd never go for someone who was as goody goody as you.

PRESENT DAY

As you looked yourself over you felt a bit of relief that Micheal had asked you to prom. He had been acting kind of distant lately. You weren't sure why. He was busy a lot. Either with school work, practice, or games. You've really only seen him at school. Or when you would go over to his house. More often than not Micheal would have to leave to do something. Which often left you with his brothers. Usually Lucifer. Which you didn't mind. Lucifer was usually to himself most of the time at school. You hated it for him. Everyone looked at him like he was the worst of the Shurley boys. That was mostly Micheal's doing. All because he didn't kiss up to their father like the rest of them did. But at least you could see past all that. There was a gentleness to the school bad boy.

One that just made your crush on him intensify. You felt guilty of course but you just couldn't help it especially since the time you thought you'd be spending with Micheal always ended up being spent with Lucifer. You watch movies together. Discovering you both loved horror movies. You two play games. You had gotten really good at playing cards. But your favorite part was when you two would just talk. The conversations between the two of you were always so easy. Comfortable. You would catch yourselves flirting. You just couldn't help it. Of course, you never did anything. You weren't a cheater. Just as you made your way downstairs the doorbell rang. Your mom answered and it was Micheal. He was dressed in a nice black and white suit.

"Micheal you look so handsome," your mom greeted.

"Thank you Mrs. Y/L/N," he said, "is Y/N ready?".

"I am," you said grabbing your purse.

"Come on kids I have to get pictures first," your mom insisted. So after about ten pictures you and Micheal were off to the prom. The prom was beautiful. Decorations of the school colors were everywhere and the music was blasting. Dean and Jo were already on the floor. Sam and Jess were talking by the snack table. Meg and Castiel were sitting in the bleachers. You could tell Meg was trying to get Castiel to dance.

"I gotta go do something real quick," Micheal told you, "we'll dance when I get back,". You nodded as he left. You sat there for what seemed like hours just staring out the window. You laughed to yourself as you watched Gabriel and Lucifer goof around as they stood outside for a bit before eventually walking out of sight. You were starting to worry. Micheal still hadn't come back yet. Just as you were about to call his cell phone you looked up into the crowd of dancing students and you froze. There in the middle of the dance floor was Micheal and Lilith. They were kissing as they danced. Anger filled you and stormed over to them.

"Michael!" you called getting his attention. When he turned to face you he was wearing the biggest smirk, "is this the thing you had to do?" you asked as you pointed to Lilith.

"Oh honey, he's been doing me all year, "Lilith said wearing a proud smirk of her own. And that's when it hit you. All the times he would leave you at his house or tell you he couldn't hang out. Wasn't because of practice or schoolwork. He was with Lilith.

"How could you do this?!" you asked. Anger causing your tone to rise.

"Chill Y/N," he said, "we weren't really a couple anyway,".

"What?" you asked confused.

"Bartholomew dared him to see how long he could string you along," Lilith chimed in, "sad really how long you let it go on. You are so simple,". Tears brimmed your eyes as you slapped Micheal and ran off. You kept going until you were standing outside on the school steps. You couldn't hold the tears back anymore so you let them fall. You felt hurt, humiliated, and lied to. How could someone treat another person the way Micheal had you and just not care that they're hurting someone. You were sure the word was going to travel all over the school and you would be the biggest loser. You already felt like it. A while later you were numb. Lost in thought before someone gently called your name. You looked up to see Lucifer standing there. Concern showed in his blue eyes as fresh tears formed in yours.

"Did you know?" you asked. Your voice hoarse from crying.

"No I didn't," he said, "my brother is a cuck. Never cares about anyone but himself and our father,".

"Guess I'm an idiot," you said wiping tears from your cheeks.

"No Y/N," he said, "you're just way out of my brother's league,". Lucifer could hear the music change to a slower melody from inside and he held out his hand, "let's dance,".

"You wanna dance with me?" you asked a little surprised.

"No one else worth dancing with," he said. You gave him a small, thankful smile as you took his hand. He gently wrapped his arms around your waist as you placed your hands on his shoulders and you both began to sway to the muffled tune.

"Y/N?" Lucifer said after a few moments and you looked up at him, "you deserve better than my brother. You know that right?". You sighed.

"I don't know," you admitted, "for a whole year I was tricked into thinking someone loved me,".

"Someone does love you," Lucifer said locking eyes with you, "he just isn't sure you'd give him a chance,". You smiled more.

"Well, I'll need time to process tonight," she said, "but I'm sure if he ever asked me he just might like my answer,". Lucifer softly kissed your forehead.

"I'll wait as long as you need Y/N," he told you, "I've loved you for a while now,". You stopped dancing and looked at him for a moment before pressing a sweet kiss to his cheek.

"You won't have to wait long I promise," you informed him as you rested your head on his shoulder and you both started to dance again, "and I love you too,".

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[orbitguideofficial]

History Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy

Formerly named Ekaterynoslavsky Higher Female Courses Institute the school was established in 1916. In 1920, the institute moved up to State Academy which was later in 1994, it was again recognized by Cabinet Ministers of Ukraine to be known as Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy.

Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy is directed by a well-known Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine - Mr. G.V. Dzyak. Academy has taught more than 50000 doctors, including general dentistry dentists, pharmacists, dentists and nurses up to the time of its founding. Researchers from the academy are often invited to international conferences and symposia. In the last five years over 165 Master's Theses as well as the doctoral thesis have been accepted in the name of Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy. Over 265 patents have been filed under the name of Academy and the Academy has published 516 papers internationally as well as more than 6500 in the country.

The journals of science - "Medical Perspectives", "Urology" and "dermatovenereology, cosmetology, sexual pathology" are published through the Academy itself.

The DSMA is built on 85 hectares of landscape comprising 52000 square meters of land. The academic block comprises more than 600 classrooms, laboratories, libraries equipped with electronic devices offices, tech centres, offices and museums, etc. The academy houses clinical departments within greater than 25 medical facilities within Dnipropetrovsk. Dnipropetrovsk and the number of clinics exceeds 40. There are more than 15,000 beds controlled by those clinics run by the academy within these hospitals. The university has employed over 1100 staff members , of which there are over 600 teachers who impart high-quality education across various departments. The Academy is well-trained and specialized. staff, which includes approximately 350 candidates in Medical Science, around 100 Doctors of Medical Science, and many other workers from Science and technology, workers of higher and public education in Ukraine and doctors from Ukraine as well as members of the the international scientific society , etc.

Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy has seven hostels within its campus that span over 46000 square meters. The capacity of the hostels is greater than 2800 students. Sanatorium, a variety of extracurricular facilities and vivarium are available on the campus. There is a sports facility that also has fitness facilities and a shooting gallery, a swimming pool, as well as other games like table tennis lawn tennis courts and wrestling.

DSMA is home to a total of over 4500 students. There about 700 foreign students at the campus. It has taught more than 1000 students from abroad up to the present. From over 35 countries, students come to the academy to learn and earn a an advanced degree. The most important countries which the academy receives students are Bangalore, Pakistan, Jordan, Nigeria, China, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and Ghana.

The Ministry of education and health of Ukraine has recognized Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy (DSMA) with level IV of accreditation. This is most prestigious among schools in Ukraine. Two journals of medical science "Ekaterynoslavsky Medical Journal" and "New Surgical Archive" were published at the time of accreditation by the Academy in 1992.

Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy (DSMA) offers the most up-to-date technological and methodological foundations for research and academic activities within the campus.

Click to know more about study MBBS Abroad, visit our website Orbit Guide.

[jeannassif]

Jean Nassif | Jean Nassif Toplace | Now Is The Time For You To Know The Truth About Best Builder Australia

The story of success for Jean Nassif is an inspirational one for all aspiring property developers starting on their journeys. Early in his life, he began with similar aspirations to make a name in the property development arena.

Jean Nassif started his journey with a degree in Civil Engineering from Beirut, Lebanon. In 1989, he had to migrate to Australia due to the civil war in Lebanon. Before pursuing further higher education, Jean Nassif started working as concreting and establishing formwork and steel fixing company. He earned his Master’s of Science from Somerset University in Construction Management.

Further down his career, Jean Nassif founded the Toplace Group, a development company. Ever since then, he has been on an upward trajectory with high-quality value creation. With professional self-improvement and utmost care for Corporate Social Responsibility, Jean Nassif has carved out a path for himself full of brilliant success.

Let’s look at his professional portfolio and CSR efforts to get a better picture of his success.

Expansive Development Vision

With his utmost dedication and commitment to higher standards of professionalism, Jean Nassif’s Toplace Group has become a giant. He transformed the group from humble beginnings to one of Australia’s most significant privately owned construction, building, and property development business. It’s truly remarkable to see the massive progress despite cut-throat competition in the industry.

Jean Nassif Toplace works on a motto, ‘’Building tomorrows communities today’’.  He believes in working for the community developments on an expansive level. To give you a general magnitude of Toplace, note that the Toplace Group has developed every 1 in 10 Sydney based apartments. Moreover, the group proudly holds one of the oldest building licenses in Australia.

With a 4.500 plus experience network of consultants, suppliers, staff, and construction trade, Jean Nassif has delivered over 30,000 residential homes, commercial sites, and shopping centres in Sydney, New South Wales. He’s already finished 4000 apartments. Furthermore, with 15,000 apartments in the multi-billion dollar development pipeline, you can see the scale of success Jean holds.

Jean Nassif Toplace has a Knack for Value Creation

While following the vertical integration model, the Toplace group generates top quality value for all the stakeholders. They create value for investors, owners, and the community by effective location identification methods. This method involves a careful market analysis.

Architectural design excellence and strategic planning ensure a secure investment for Toplace owner-occupiers and investors alike. Moreover, the group also offers a convenient lifestyle in the connected communities.

While collaborating with the leading architects in Sydney, Toplace ensures remarkable buildings adaptive to lifestyle trends and evolving designs. Also, the ALCC awarded Jean Nassif the Business of the Year Award in 2002. The award category was construction.  

Jean Nassif’s Commitment to a viable CSR Culture

Jean Nassif rejects the old business models that only focus on profitability. He concentrates on more comprehensive employment creation and a reliable work environment. Jean Nassif believes that the contemporary business environment can be rewarding for employee and customer loyalty.  

Apart from his massive contributions to the Wiping Tears Charity, Jean Nassif also contributes to the environment with greener communities. Moreover, Jean Nassif’s Toplace operates on principles that ensure consistent building costs. Due to massive operations, the group avoids any surprise price hikes from the suppliers as a turn-key developer.

What’s more? One more example of Jean’s consideration for community-inclusive culture is his regard for the buyers. Toplace has come up with amicable solutions for buyers with an inability to pay on final purchase monies. In adherence to his fairness policy, Jean Nassif is always finding ways to avoid customers’ failures.

Top Profiles:

Website: https://www.toplace.com.au/about-us/

https://au.linkedin.com/in/jean-nassif-350ab647 https://twitter.com/JeanNassifWork https://www.facebook.com/Jean-Nassif-Toplace-105208765298285 https://www.instagram.com/jeannassifwork/

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Portland protests see clashes between far-right, far-left groups (Reuters) Protests by rival far-right and left-wing groups in Portland descended into violence on Sunday, as the opposing sides engaged in clashes and at least one man was arrested for firing a gun at demonstrators. Nobody was hurt in an exchange of gunfire—and by Sunday evening there was no word on any injuries in numerous other skirmishes that saw opposing sides brawling, dousing each other in what appeared to be bear spray and breaking car windows of rivals. Police Chief Chuck Lovell said during a briefing on Friday that officers would not necessarily intervene to break up fights between the groups. But he added that “just because arrests are not made at the scene when tensions are high, does not mean that people won’t be charged with crimes.”

Henri hurls rain as system settles atop swamped Northeast (AP) The slow-rolling system named Henri is taking its time drenching the Northeast with rain, lingering early Monday atop a region made swampy by the storm’s relentless downpour. Henri, which made landfall as a tropical storm Sunday afternoon in Rhode Island, has moved northwest through Connecticut. It hurled rain westward far before its arrival, flooding areas as far southwest as New Jersey before pelting northeast Pennsylvania, even as it took on tropical depression status. Over 140,000 homes lost power, and deluges of rain closed bridges, swamped roads and left some people stranded in their vehicles.

Classes starting, but international students failing to get U.S. visas (Reuters) Kofi Owusu occasionally waits outside the U.S. embassy in Accra to ask fellow students what they have done to secure a timely visa appointment. Classes for his master’s program at Villanova University in Pennsylvania are scheduled to start Monday, but his in-person interview appointment for a first-time U.S. student visa is still nine months away. It’s the second time the political science student from Ghana won’t make it to the United States in time for school. Visa processing is delayed as U.S. embassies and consulates operate at reduced capacity around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving some students abroad unable to make it for the start of the academic year. The wait and the hassle threaten both the country’s standing as a preferred choice for international students and their economic contribution of around $40 billion annually to many universities and local economies. New international student enrollment in the United States dropped 43% in fall 2020 from the year prior, months after COVID sent the world into lockdown. The number of new students who actually made it onto campus in person declined by 72%, according to an enrollment survey by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

FDA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Bloomberg) The pioneering coronavirus vaccine made by pharmaceutical companies BioNTech and Pfizer was granted full approval by U.S. regulators. The government imprimatur is expected to trigger a flood of mandates by municipalities, agencies and private employers that had been waiting for the Food and Drug Administration sign-off. Following the announcement, the Pentagon said it would make vaccinations mandatory for military personnel worldwide and President Joe Biden called for mandates by companies.

Hospitals and Insurers Didn’t Want You to See Their Prices (NYT) This year, the federal government ordered hospitals to begin publishing a prized secret: a complete list of the prices they negotiate with private insurers. The insurers’ trade association had called the rule unconstitutional and said it would “undermine competitive negotiations.” Four hospital associations jointly sued the government to block it, and appealed when they lost. They lost again, and seven months later, many hospitals are simply ignoring the requirement and posting nothing. But data from the hospitals that have complied hints at why the powerful industries wanted this information to remain hidden. It shows hospitals are charging patients wildly different amounts for the same basic services: procedures as simple as an X-ray or a pregnancy test. And in many cases, insured patients are getting prices that are higher than they would if they pretended to have no coverage at all. This secrecy has allowed hospitals to tell patients that they are getting “steep” discounts, while still charging them many times what a public program like Medicare is willing to pay.

‘A Beautiful Feeling’: Refugee Women In Germany Learn The Joy Of Riding Bikes (NPR) Like most Americans, I learned to ride a bike as a kid. I still remember the glee after learning how to ride a bike on a subdivision road where I grew up in Florida. But girls around the world don’t always get to experience the joy of a first bike ride. In some countries, conservative societies frown upon women and girls who ride bikes—it’s not considered dignified or appropriate—and gives a girl too much independence. Joumana Seif, a Syrian lawyer and activist, recalls riding a bike as an 11-year-old in the capital city of Damascus. “For the people [watching on the street], and even for the children, it was shocking to them that I was riding a bike. They started to say, ‘Oh, shame on you, you are a girl riding a bike,’” Seif says. “It just wasn’t in our culture.” But it’s never too late to learn. In Germany, a nonprofit group called Bikeygees is teaching refugee women from countries such as Iran, Iraq and Syria how to ride. Since the group first started, it has taught 1,100 women how to ride a bike, says founder Annette Krüger. “It is possible to change the life of a woman in two hours. It is really magical,” says Krüger, an avid cyclist. “It’s a beautiful feeling when a person is riding a bike,” one refugee says with a broad grin.

Gunfire at Kabul airport kills 1 amid chaotic evacuations (AP/Foreign Policy) A firefight at one of the gates of Kabul’s international airport killed at least one Afghan soldier early Monday, German officials said, the latest chaos to engulf Western efforts to evacuate those fleeing the Taliban takeover of the country. The shooting at the airport came as the Taliban sent fighters north of the capital to eliminate pockets of armed resistance to their lightning takeover earlier this month. The Taliban said they retook three districts seized by opponents the day before and had surrounded Panjshir, the last province that remains out of their control. The tragic scenes around the airport have transfixed the world. Afghans poured onto the tarmac last week and some clung to a U.S. military transport plane as it took off, later plunging to their deaths. At least seven people died that day, in addition to the seven killed Sunday. Tens of thousands of people—Americans, other foreigners and Afghans who assisted in the war effort—are still waiting to join the airlift, which has been slowed by security issues and U.S. bureaucracy hurdles. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces a quickly deepening economic crisis, with financial hardships increasingly affecting those in Kabul and other cities. Banks remain closed, food prices are rising, and the value of the local currency has plummeted. The suspension of commercial flights to Kabul’s international airport has in some ways exacerbated the crisis, halting the flow of some medical supplies and aid.

US special operations forces race to save former Afghan comrades in jeopardy (ABC News) Current and former U.S. military special operations and intelligence community operatives are using their own networks of contacts to get elite Afghan soldiers, intelligence assets and interpreters to safety as they’ve become increasingly disillusioned and fed up with the U.S. government-led evacuation effort in Kabul, ABC News has learned. One informal group, dubbed “Task Force Pineapple,” began as a frantic effort last weekend to get one former Afghan commando into Hamid Karzai International Airport as he was being hunted by Taliban who were texting him death threats. They knew he had worked with U.S. Special Forces and the elite SEAL Team Six for a dozen years, targeting Taliban leadership, and was therefore at high risk of reprisal. The former elite commando was finally pulled into the U.S. security perimeter at the airport, where he shouted the password “pineapple” to American troops at the checkpoint. Two days later, the group of his American friends and comrades also helped get his family inside the airport to join him. Other former members of the military and CIA have consolidated their own efforts with a separate group calling itself “Task Force Dunkirk,” a reference to the massive evacuation of British and other Allied forces from France in 1940 under threat of the Nazi juggernaut. Task Force Dunkirk and the groups it has banded together with have helped get at least 83 at-risk Afghans out of the country.

Lebanese hospitals at breaking point as everything runs out (AP) Drenched in sweat, doctors check patients lying on stretchers in the reception area of Lebanon’s largest public hospital. Air conditioners are turned off, except in operating rooms and storage units, to save on fuel. Medics scramble to find alternatives to saline solutions after the hospital ran out. The shortages are overwhelming, the medical staff exhausted. And with a new surge in coronavirus cases, Lebanon’s hospitals are at a breaking point. The country’s health sector is a casualty of the multiple crises that have plunged Lebanon into a downward spiral—a financial and economic meltdown, compounded by a complete failure of the government, runaway corruption and a pandemic that isn’t going away. The collapse is all the more dramatic since only a few years ago, Lebanon was a leader in medical care in the Arab world. The region’s rich and famous came to this small Mideast nation of 6 million for everything, from major hospital procedures to plastic surgeries.

China changes law to allow married couples to have three kids (NY Post) China will now allow married couples to legally have a third kid amid concerns that its shrinking number of working-age people will threaten the country’s future prosperity and global influence. China has tried for decades to control the population, beginning with a policy imposed in 1979 that strictly limited couples to one child. Couples who didn’t follow the rule faced fines or loss of jobs—and in some cases, mothers were forced to undergo abortions. A preference for sons also led parents to kill baby girls, causing a massive imbalance in the sex ratio. The number of working-age people, meanwhile, has fallen over the past decade and the population has barely grown, adding more strain to an aging society. With growing fears that the country would grow old before it became wealthy, the family planning rules were changed for the first time in 2015 to allow two children.

Cases up down under (CNN) Australia, like China, New Zealand, and some other countries, has attempted to completely eradicate Covid-19 inside its borders. The strategy had largely worked until recently; Australia has just 44,026 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 981 deaths. But several major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and the capital Canberra, are again under lockdown as authorities struggle to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant. On Saturday, thousands took to the streets of Melbourne and Sydney to protest the long lockdowns; hundreds were arrested, and at least seven police officers were injured during violent clashes. In an opinion piece published Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison hinted at an end to the country’s zero Covid-19 infections strategy, but warned Australians to expect a rise in infections as restrictions relax.