Category Archives: Life Extension

Time is one thing you can't buy more of. You can, however, try and make the most of yours by using savvy tools that will help save you valuable minutes.

Chrome Extensions are a great example of such tools; tiny little software snippets that embed into your Google browser ready to help when needed. From a tool that can auto-type your commonly used phrases to one that will stealthily correct your spelling mistakes, read on for a a superb suite of services that will see you saving some serious time.

Credit: Screenshot / Google

If you spend too much time checking in on your Gmail inbox, you need this nifty extension. Checker Plus for Gmail is a handy tool that provides customized Gmail notification pop-ups. This way, you can keep up-to-date with what's happening in your inbox without having your email open in a separate browser tab. You can also click on this extension's icon to get an inbox preview window to briefly check the first few messages in your inbox without opening and being distracted by full-fat Gmail. You can also compose from the preview window, ideal if you want to fire off a quick missive without launching and loading a new tab.

Dualless is described as "a poor man's dual monitor solution" and is a fabulous free tool for anyone who would benefit from the time-saving advantages of multiple screens, but doesnt have the money or desk space required Multiple screens can really save you time by letting you look from the window youre working on to a second window with a document you need to reference perhaps, or a chat screen, or r the news. Dualless can double your productivity by splitting your browser window into two on your single screen in ratios that suit your needs. These can be 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, or 7:3.

Focus To-Do is described as "a science-based app that will motivate you to stay focused and get things done There are task management tools to explore, but on a simple level you can use this as a timer to break your working day up into half-an-hour chunks. This is based on the theories behind Francesco Cirillo's "Pomodoro Technique." This technique, developed in the 1980s, sees a timer being set for 25 minutes during which time you work intensely, then when the timer goes off you take a five-minute break.

Grammarly can save you time by checking your spelling and grammar as you type. This can improve the written content you produce, and up your credibility. This extension will automatically correct your text in Gmail, Google Docs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, WordPress, and across millions of other sites. It will underline words in red if theyre misspelled, and also flag up grammatical errors, and misused punctuation, and even analyze how concise your writing is. If you set up a Grammarly account, you can get a personalized writing report each week to help you track your progress and identify areas in need of improvement.

Magical is just what its title suggests, from a time-saving point of view. This text-expanding extension helps you to save time, and increase your typing accuracy, by creating shortcuts of text you commonly use. Whether it's email addresses, phrases about your company, answers to FAQs, frequently used email templates, or simply greetings, sign-offs, and signatures, this tool can take a string of characters and automatically expand it. For example, you can set up "-TINV" to auto-expand into "Thank you for your interest in our company but we currently have no vacancies. Please keep an eye on the recruitment page of our website for future opportunities". Magical can also be used to correct words you consistently spell wrong.

Momentum, a very popular Chrome extension boasting over three million users, can help you save time by starting your online day the right way. If you're the type of person that likes to center yourself and take a calming deep breath before you hit the power button on your laptop, Momentum is for you. It replaces your normal new tab page with a "personal dashboard" featuring a beautiful landscape photograph, a to-do list so you can start to plan your day, your personalized weather report to save you having to check it elsewhere, and inspirational quotes. Momentum also asks you what your "main focus" is each day, a handy reminder to keep yourself on track.

If your time management issues make you like you've been working hard all day but have achieved very little, then RescueTime is worth a look. You do have to sign up for an account, but once you do, RescueTime will automatically keep track of the time you spend when using the Chrome browser, and provide you with a clear picture of what you were doing all day. RescueTime gives you daily and weekly reports letting you know how productive you've been and what sites you've spent your time on. You can also use the Extension to set productivity reminders, to block certain sites for certain time periods, and to get alerts if you spend too long on one site.

The Simple Notepad extension is just that; a streamlined way to make notes without leaving your browser window. This time-saving tool will save you having to find a physical notepad, or launching a separate program. If you have the Simple Notepad pinned to your Chrome toolbar, you simply need to click on the pencil-shaped icon to bring up a notepad you can instantly start typing into. You can make multiple notes by clicking on the plus icon in the notepad, and you access previous notes by hovering over the left hand edge of the notepad to view a list of all the notes you've made. If you've enabled Chrome syncing, Simple Notepad will sync your notes when you use different machines.

If you're the kind of person that's capable of multitasking, in that you can carry out an online task whilst listening to audio, you're going to love Speechify. This extension, which requires a premium subscription, promises to help you get through more reading in less time. Since listening to text can be as much as three times faster than reading it, this extension allows you to "listen" to any website, to Gmail, to content within Google Docs, to Wikipedia articles, blog posts, news articles, online courses, PDFs, and more. Speechify has great customization options that allow you to create folders, change the speed of the audio being read to you, and sync content onto a mobile device by downloading the Android or iOS companion app.

The StayFocusd extension stops you from wasting time on websites that ruin your time management efforts. StayFocusd has a robust settings section that lets you add the URLs of sites you know you use for procrastination when you should be focussing on production. You can then set time limits of how long you will allow yourself to spend on each site on a daily basis. Once you hit that time limit StayFocusd will block that site for the rest of the day. You can also block sites only on certain days, e.g., workdays, and certain times, e.g., work hours leaving you free to browse during me time. .

Credit: Video Speed Controller

Video Speed Controller enables you to speed up, slow down, advance, and rewind HTML5 audio/video. This tool will revolutionize your online video viewing by allowing you to quickly speed through unnecessary parts of a video, as well as rewind the video to hear the last few seconds one more time. Once the extension is installed, on any page that offers HTML5 video, you'll see a speed indicator in the top left corner of the video player. Hover over the indicator to accelerate, slow down, or rewind the video. Alternatively you can save even more time by using keyboard shortcuts. These are set by default in the extension, but if you go into the extension's settings you can customize them to suit you.

If you use the Zoom platform often, either for cloud meetings or for online socializing then you need this extension in your life. The Zoom Chrome Extension allows any user to schedule Zoom cloud meetings directly from Google Calendar. With the click of your mouse, you can start an instant meeting right there and then, or schedule a future meeting for a time that suits you. Once you've set up a Zoom meeting, the meeting URL and any other information you've added is sent via a Google Calendar invitation so the person, or people, you've invited can join with a single click.

Follow this link:

12 Chrome extensions that will help you save time - Mashable

Permanent Representative Urges International Community to Pressure Militias, Sponsors That Are Undermining Political Settlement

With the truce in Yemen extended for another two months markedly improving the humanitarian situation and significantly reducing civilian casualties efforts towards a lasting peace must be further consolidated, the Special Envoy for that country told the Security Council today, as members welcomed this positive development while also highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Yemeni people as a result of the seven-year-old conflict.

Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, reported that the truce has been holding in Yemen for two and a half months unprecedented during this war and seemingly unimaginable at the beginning of2022. The parties recently extended the truce until 2August, and it continues to hold in military terms, leading to a significant reduction in civilian casualties. However, unexploded ordnance continues to claim lives, and there are reports from both sides regarding alleged violations. To prevent a new cycle of violence, his office convened new meetings of the military coordination committee, which has agreed to meet monthly.

He stressed, however, that the truce must work to alleviate the suffering of the people of Taz, describing a recent visit in which he witnessed how severe restrictions have crippled the economy, worsened access to health care and made travel difficult for civilians. His office has developed a proposal for the phased opening of roads, to which the Government has responded positively. Reporting that Ansar Allah has yet to respond, he urged them to do so without delay. The truce offers a rare opportunity to pivot towards peace that should not be lost, he emphasized.

Ghada Mudawi, Acting Director of the Operations Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, echoing the Special Envoys assessment of the truces impact on the country, said the humanitarian crisis remains as severe today as it did before the truce. Yemen is particularly vulnerable to the supply chain shocks emanating from the war in Ukraine as it depends on imports. Beyond the food sector, huge gaps continue in services such as water, health and education. Mine action is also urgently needed, and aid agencies are facing alarming levels of insecurity.

Despite these challenges, she pointed out that agencies are still delivering aid across Yemen, reaching 11million people every month. Still, the United Nations response plan is currently just 26percent funded and many essential programmes are scaling back when they should be expanding. To make matters worse, the cost of humanitarian aid in Yemen is increasing due to rising global prices. In addition, the project to prevent a catastrophic spill from the Safer oil tanker is stalled due to lack of funds. This issue, as you know, becomes more dangerous by the hour, she stated.

Azal al-Salafi, Protection and Advocacy Officer at the Peace Track Initiative, pointed out that the participation of women in peace and political processes remains below the agreed-upon 30percent quota, and the committees formed as a result of the peace process still count no women among their members. Highlighting the Feminist Peace Roadmap and thanking the Council for reflecting the Roadmaps recommendations in the resolution adopted last February on inclusion and multitrack design, she urged the international community to support the Roadmap by considering it as a reference to the peace process.

In the ensuing discussion, Council members praised the agreement between Yemen's internationally recognized Government and Ansar Allah to extend the truce for two months. However, many also expressed concern over the danger of unexploded ordnance, the looming environmental and humanitarian disaster threatened by the Safer oil tanker, recruitment of children and road closures around the city of Taz.

On that point, the representative of the United Arab Emirates urged the Special Envoy to deepen his efforts to open the main roads in Taz, which will contribute to confidence-building between the parties. The remarkable progress in the past two months brings hope that developments are proceeding in the right direction, she said. Yet, she also noted that, despite the current truce, the Houthis continue to mobilize, recruit and spread an extremist ideology in so called summer camps.

Brazils representative similarly called for efforts to monitor Ansar Allahs commitment to cease recruiting and using children, as well as its commitment to release, rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society. Additionally, the food security crisis in Yemen has been worsened by the unilateral economic measures of a few countries, and he encouraged donors to fully fund the United Nations humanitarian response plan.

The representative of Ghana also expressed concern that an estimated 19million Yemenis are likely to face acute food insecurity in the second half of2022, with about 161,000people projected to experience famine-like situations. The high risk of catastrophic spillage by the Safer oil tanker and the ensuing environmental and humanitarian disaster remains an urgent issue. He called on the international community to bridge the huge revenue shortfall of almost 74percent of the $4.28billion needed for the United Nations humanitarian response plan.

Indias representative joined others in spotlighting the threat posed by the Safer, welcoming pledges by certain countries to address this issue, along with the United Nations crowdfunding campaign to bridge the funding gap. He also joined other speakers in urging that immediate progress be made on opening the roads to Taz. This is not only a humanitarian imperative, he stressed, but also crucial to ensuring that the implementation of the truce agreement is not lopsided.

The representative of Yemen said that the decision of the Presidential Leadership Council [the executive body of Yemen's internationally recognized Government] to extend the truce for two months was based on that bodys rejection of the use of humanitarian needs as leverage. However, the Houthis continue to renege on their commitments, he said, adding that they have planted landmines indiscriminately, violate the truce daily, and are using the Safer as a bargaining chip.

Stressing that these militias do not care about the suffering of Yemenis only political gain he called on the international community and the Council to pressure the militias and their sponsors that are trying to undermine a political settlement. Peace cannot be achieved without a genuine, true partner, he added.

Also speaking were representatives of the United Kingdom, Gabon, Russian Federation, Mexico, United States, China, Kenya, Ireland, Norway, France and Albania.

The meeting began at 3:01p.m. and ended at 4:53p.m.

Briefings

HANS GRUNDBERG, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, said that the truce has been holding in Yemen for two and a half months, which is unprecedented during this war and seemed unimaginable at the beginning of2022. The parties recently extended the truce until 2August, and it continues to hold in military terms. However, while there has been a significant reduction in civilian casualties, those due to unexploded ordnance are increasing as people venture into previously inaccessible front-line areas. Further, there are reports from both sides about alleged violations within Yemen, including shelling, drone attacks and the redeployment of armed forces. Against that backdrop, he underlined the need to prevent such incidents from occurring, as they could provoke a new cycle of violence. Towards that goal, his office convened new meetings of the military coordination committee, which has agreed to meet monthly. These face-to-face meetings are the first step towards building trust and improving communication between the parties.

He went on to welcome the Governments efforts to prioritize the needs of Yemenis by facilitating the opening of Sanaa Airport, also noting that a steady flow of fuel into Hudaydah port has been maintained throughout the truce. This consistent delivery of fuel has relieved pressure on vital services, significantly decreased queues at petrol stations and allowed Yemenis to travel more easily throughout the country. He also stressed that the truce must work to ease the suffering of the people of Taz, whose freedom of movement has been greatly impeded for years by the conflict. Describing a recent visit, he said that he witnessed first hand how severe restrictions have crippled the economy, worsened access to healthcare and made travel difficult for civilians. To address this, his office has developed a proposal for the phased opening of roads, which the Government has responded positively. However, reporting that Ansar Allah has yet to respond, he urged them to do so without delay.

Recent weeks have demonstrated the fragility of the truce, he continued, pointing to delayed implementation, transactionalism and escalatory media rhetoric as an undermining factor. While the truce created a more conducive environment for the parties to engage in good faith, it also revealed contentious political issues such as revenue management, public sector salary payments, travel documents and a more durable ceasefire. His office held consultations last month with Yemeni public figures, civil society and the private sector, he said, adding that discussion on political, security and economic issues has given us a direction for the way forward. He underscored that a structured, inclusive and multitrack process can provide the platform required to reach durable solutions and an opportunity to move Yemen towards a sustainable political settlement that meets the demands of Yemeni women and men. The truce offers a rare opportunity to pivot towards peace that should not be lost, he stressed.

GHADA MUDAWI, Acting Director, Operations and Advocacy Division, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that in its first two months, the truce has had a tremendous impact a drop in civilian casualties and an end to severe shortages. Extending the truce would allow these trends to continue. However, Yemens humanitarian crisis remains as severe today as it was before the truce. The war in Ukraine is driving up prices of food and other commodities worldwide, as well as straining global supply chains. Yemen is particularly vulnerable to these kinds of shocks as it depends on imports. More than half a million children were already likely to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year. In addition, 19million people across the country are estimated to be going hungry, including more than 160,000who are at catastrophic levels of starvation and are on the brink of famine. Since February, food prices in Yemen have risen by roughly another 10percent, and a government analysis projects that prices could rise another 50percent by the end of the year.

Beyond the food sector, huge gaps continue in services such as water, health and education, she continued. Mine action is becoming urgent, as well, particularly as the truce allows more civilians to move around front-line areas. More than 4million people are also still displaced, including more than 7,000who fled in the last two months. Aid agencies are facing alarming levels of insecurity. Attempted carjackings, abductions and other attacks are all on the rise. Two United Nations staff arrested in Sanaa last November remain in detention, and five United Nations staff kidnapped in Abyan in February are still missing, she said, calling for the immediate release of all detained staff. Despite these challenges, agencies are still delivering aid across Yemen, with more than 200humanitarian partners two thirds of them Yemeni organizations are reaching 11million people every month with assistance, working through the United Nations response plan.

The response plan, however, is currently just 26percent funded, she said. Underfunding is the third major threat facing the humanitarian situation right now. It is also the reason many essential programmes are scaling back when they should be expanding. Food assistance has already been reduced for 8million people. Other sectors essential to preventing famine including nutrition, health, water and sanitation are all currently funded below 25percent. Services for displaced people in Marib, Hajjah, Taz and other places are also struggling. So far this year, shelter programmes are just 14percent funded. To make matters worse, humanitarian aid in Yemen is getting more expensive as a result of the rising global prices. The World Food Programme(WFP) estimates its monthly operating costs in Yemen have gone up by as much as $30million due to surging prices of food, fuel and transport. On the threat of a catastrophic oil spill from the Safer tanker, which remains stalled due to lack of funds, she said the United Nations has received about $60million in pledges for the project, which requires $144million, including $80million to get started. This issue, as you know, becomes more dangerous by the hour, she said.

AZAL AL-SALAFI, Protection and Advocacy Officer at the Peace Track Initiative, noting positive signs such as the halting of cross-border military operations and the reopening of Sanaa airport, called for the opening of all roads inside the country. Pointing to cases of aid relief convoys tipping over and people, including pregnant women, losing their lives, she welcomed the Governments acceptance of the Envoys proposal for opening five roads and called on the Houthis to accept it. People in Aden are suffering, she stressed, noting that the Yemeni riyal in Aden is extremely devalued, compared to that used in Sanaa, due to inconsistent economic policies. Further, Aden suffers from poor basic services such as electricity, water and internet access.

Turning to the plight of Yemeni women human rights defenders and vulnerable groups who relocated outside Yemen to escape arbitrary detention and lifethreatening situations, she noted that many have successfully registered as refugees, but have been waiting for years for resettlement opportunities. The participation of women in the peace and political processes remains limited and below the agreed-upon 30percent quota, she noted, adding that the committees formed as a result of the peace process still have no women among their members. Drawing attention to the Feminist Peace Roadmap that was developed in consultations with local communities in Yemen, she described it as an expert document that was collectively envisioned by hundreds of Yemenis from all walks of life.

Thanking the Council for reflecting the Roadmaps recommendations in the resolution adopted last February on inclusion and multi-track design, she called on the 15-nation organ to continue to support the truce and enable the opening of all Yemeni entry ports, airports and roads. Also stressing the need to restrict the flow of arms into the country and support the removal of military camps and depots from highly populated cities, she urged the donor community to fulfil their humanitarian, development and reconstruction pledges to Yemen. That will ensure sustainable solutions that empower Yemenis and focus on stabilizing basic services, disbursing salaries and strengthening infrastructure. It is also crucial to support the establishment and funding of a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Survivors Fund without delay, she said, calling on the international community to support the Feminist Peace Roadmap by considering it as a reference to the peace process.

Statements

BARBARA WOODWARD (United Kingdom), reiterating her concern about the grave humanitarian impact of the continued road closures around Taz, called upon the Houthis to continue to demonstrate the flexibility they have shown so far to reach a compromise, and open the main roads. The three-track process outlined by the Special Envoy has allowed for positive progress on the economic and military tracks. This includes dialogue on the payment of salaries and initiatives to support greater monetary policy coordination. Welcoming that the military coordination committee intend to establish a joint coordination room, she pointed out that the number of civilian casualties remains well below pre-truce averages. But, we must strive for this figure to be zero, she emphasized, noting that landmines and unexploded ordnances were the highest cause of casualties last month. Warning that 2.2million Yemini children are at risk of physical and cognitive impairments due to acute malnutrition, she called on all donors to ensure that funding is available and disbursed at pace.

LANA ZAKI NUSSEIBEH (United Arab Emirates), describing Yemen as standing at a critical juncture, welcomed negotiations aimed at de-escalating violence and alleviating the suffering of civilians. The remarkable progress in the past two months brings hope that developments are proceeding in the right direction, she said. Applauding the engagement and flexibility of Yemens Government and praising the roles being played by Saudi Arabia and Oman, she called for more diplomatic endeavours and reiterated the need to ensure meaningful and active participation of Yemeni women. Meanwhile, she urged the Special Envoy to deepen his efforts to immediately open the main roads in Taz, which will contribute to confidence-building between the parties, build on the current momentum and advance the political process. Despite the current truce, the Houthis continue to mobilize and recruit, spreading an extremist ideology in so-called summer camps in violation of the action plan recently signed with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. She called for efforts to address those actions, as well as the condition of the Safer oil tanker and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country.

MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon) said that the two-month extension of the truce gives hope for a lasting peace to around 30million Yemenis exhausted by fighting, illness, displacement and a collapsing economy. Further, measures surrounding the truce, such as the circulation of essential goods and people, the resumption of commercial airlines, increased freedom of movement and the facilitation of humanitarian access will help improve the socioeconomic climate and stabilize the country. However, the security situation remains fragile, and he stressed the importance of lifting the siege of Taz. He also expressed concern over the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance, as well as attacks and kidnapping attempts perpetrated on non-governmental organization staff. Additionally, the international community must keep food stocks and supply chains open to Yemen to prevent a food crisis that could negatively affect the weak progress seen to date. He added a call for greater mobilization from the international community to avert an environmental and humanitarian disaster stemming from the Safer oil tanker.

DMITRY A. POLYANSKIY (Russian Federation) welcomed the agreement between the Presidential Leadership Council [the executive body of Yemen's internationally recognized Government] and the Ansar Allah movement to extend the truce for another two months. Acknowledging the role of the Special Envoy in facilitating the truce, he pledged his countrys continued support for him. Fulfilling all provisions of the truce and rejecting unilateral provocations will help bring about a comprehensive political settlement. However, not everything goes as smoothly as hoped, he said, expressing regret that ongoing negotiations on the road reopening in Taz has not led to the expected results. In this regard, he called on the parties to find the common denominator. He also expressed concern about the socioeconomic situation in Yemen, adding that it is necessary to lift restrictions on the delivery of food, medicines and other goods across all regions of Yemen, regardless of who controls the territory. He then recalled Security Council resolution598(1987) and other initiatives aimed at subregional stabilization, including an updated Russian collective security concept.

JOO GENSIO DE ALMEIDA FILHO (Brazil) noted that the recent renewal of the truce should be seen as the renewal of an opportunity and called on all parties to cooperate and ensure the provision of full and safe humanitarian access. Calling on Ansar Allah to make serious efforts regarding the roads into the city of Taz, he also stressed that the ports of Hudaydah are also a critical lifeline for the Yemenis. However, spotlighting reports of an uptick of casualties caused by landmines, including explosive remnants of war, he urged all parties to ensure effective demining operations and mine awareness activities. He also called for efforts to monitor Ansar Allahs commitment to cease recruiting and using children, as well as its commitment to release, rehabilitate and reintegrate them into Yemeni society. Pointing to the food security crisis in Yemen, worsened by the unilateral economic measures by a few countries, he encouraged donors to fully fund the United Nations humanitarian response plan.

HAROLD ADLAI AGYEMAN (Ghana) expressed deep concern that an estimated 19million people in Yemen are likely to face acute food insecurity in the second half of this year, with about 161,000people projected to experience famine-like situations. About 2.2million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, with more than half a million at severe levels. The high risk of a catastrophic oil spillage by the Safer and the ensuing humanitarian and environmental disaster also remains a matter of great concern. Welcoming the renewal of the two-month nationwide truce, he called on the international community to bridge the huge revenue shortfall of almost 74percent of the $4.28billion for the United Nations humanitarian response plan. Calling for an indefinite extension of the truce both as a confidence-building measure and as evidence of the commitment of the conflicting parties to the political process, he urged on the parties to consider the proposal of reopening roads leading into and out of Taz and other governorates. He further acknowledged the recent resumption of commercial flights out of Sanaa for the first time in six years, which enabled 2,495Yemenis to have travelled between Sanaa, Aman and Cairo.

ALICIA GUADALUPE BUENROSTRO MASSIEU (Mexico), welcoming the extension of the truce for a further two months, called on the parties to fully cooperate with the Special Envoy to reach agreement on opening the roads around Taz. Making progress on this issue is important, as doing so will contribute to alleviating the humanitarian suffering that has persisted there since2016. Expressing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the country, she said that hostilities and economic collapse have exacerbated vulnerabilities, especially among those with disabilities. The international community must redouble efforts to guarantee humanitarian access, which includes ensuring the freedom of movement and security of humanitarian workers. She also pointed out that the traumatic experience of seven years of armed conflict has led to a mental health crisis that affects a significant part of the population. Funding must be provided for psychosocial support, she stressed, also calling for funding for demining tasks and addressing the situation of the Safer oil tanker.

LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States) said that there is reason for hope thanks to the extension of the truce, describing it as the best opportunity for peace. The past two months witnessed a reduction of civilian casualties and improved humanitarian access. This is cause for genuine optimism. However, difficult work lies ahead, she cautioned, drawing attention to United States President Joseph R. Bidens trip to the region next month. Parties to the conflict must faithfully implement the provisions of the truce, she said, urging them to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement. It is incumbent for the Houthis to reopen roads in Taz. A political settlement is the only way to end the conflict. This process must include voices of women and other marginalized groups. Further, the international community should not lose sight of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen; donors should disburse their pledged funds. As well, the United States is working to provide additional $10million to salvage the Safer tanker.

ZHANG JUN (China), welcoming the extension of the truce agreement, said that the truce has brought initial peace dividends and a ray of hope to the Yemeni people. Since the start of the truce, civilian casualties have halved, tankers have sailed into Hudaydah and flights have resumed into Sanaa. Now, the main task is to fully implement the truce agreement, particularly with regards to opening the route to Taz and mitigating the humanitarian situation therein as soon as possible. On that, he expressed hope that the Yemeni parties will build on the Special Envoys proposals, demonstrating the political will to open the road to Taz and to create the necessary conditions for peace talks. He went on to express concern over the economic situation in Yemen, calling on the international community to maintain focus on the situation there and lend a helping hand by assisting the country in stabilizing its currency, alleviating the energy shortage and meeting the basic needs of the population.

GIDEON KINUTHIA NDUNG'U (Kenya) welcomed the extension of the truce in Yemen as a positive step. Noting concessions made by the Government, he voiced his hope that the Houthis will similarly engage constructively in particular by opening roads in Taz. Expressing deep concern over the countrys security situation, he said reports of a recent uptick in suspected Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, and activity in Aden and southern Yemen could further fragment the fragile security situation. The peace process should incorporate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in such a way that reintegrated former fighters do not relapse into armed conflict or radicalization. In addition, there was concern over Yemens dire economic and humanitarian situation, which are being impacted by disruptions in global food and energy supply chains. To address those challenges, he urged more support for Yemens 2022humanitarian response plan, the promotion of local agriculture and food production and increased development assistance, among other things.

GERALDINE BYRNE NASON (Ireland), calling the parties extension of the April truce heartening good news, said that the establishment of a joint coordination room and agreement on monthly meetings by the military coordination committee is further positive signals of the parties commitment to de-escalation through communication and building trust. She also hailed first steps towards re-opening roads in Taz whose closures have been described as a repulsive environment for humanitarian and medical workers and welcomed progress towards addressing the threats posed by the Safer oil tanker. However, she also voiced concern about the fragile security situation across the country, especially in Marib, Hudaydah, Aden and elsewhere in the south. In that context, she called for the prioritization of mine clearance, urged the international community to address funding gaps and called for support for an inclusive, Yemeni-led and -owned political settlement, under United Nations auspices.

TRINE HEIMERBACK (Norway) noted that the two-month renewal of the truce in Yemen has dramatically reduced civilian casualties, increased fuel deliveries and resumed commercial flights through Sanaa airport. Urging Ansar Allah to consider the United Nations proposal of opening the roads in and out of Taz city is a critical next step. It is important to seize the humanitarian gains from the truce to facilitate progress towards a comprehensive political settlement, she said, stressing the importance of designing a process that includes diverse voices and interests, especially women and youth who are most impacted by conflicts. Welcoming the first and second meeting of the military coordination committee, she noted that it was the first time that the parties have met face to face under United Nations auspices. She also expressed deep concern about growing food insecurity in the country and the dire risk of famine, mine-related deaths and injuries, and the humanitarian and ecological danger related to the Safer tanker emergency.

NATHALIE BROADHURST ESTIVAL (France), welcoming the extension of the truce, reiterated her call for a permanent nationwide ceasefire. Citing significant concessions made by the Yemeni Government in recent weeks, including the opening of commercial flights from Sanaa airport, she called on the Houthis to reopen the roads in Taz. The people in that city have been cut off from the world for years. This situation is unacceptable. Emphasizing the importance of ensuring full humanitarian access to all people in need, she warned that Yemen continues to face food insecurity. Regarding the Safer oil tanker, urgent action is needed to avoid an ecological and humanitarian catastrophe. She also underscored the need to include Yemeni women in the peace process, pointing out that the prospect of peace has never been closer. Let's not miss this opportunity, she stressed.

AMARNATH ASOKAN (India) said that the truce, now renewed for two months, has helped reduce violence and civilian casualties while also providing an opportunity for direct meetings between the parties. Further, it has resulted in significant humanitarian gains, such as the opening of Sanaa airport that has brought relief to many especially those who require urgent medical care. In addition, at a time when global oil prices are increasing, the number of fuel ships entering Hudaydah has alleviated the suffering of millions. He encouraged the parties to build on this progress and convert the truce into a durable ceasefire. He also called for immediate progress on opening the roads to Taz, which is not only a humanitarian imperative, but is also important to ensure the implementation of the truce agreement is not lop-sided. He went on to spotlight the environmental, humanitarian and maritime threat posed by the Safer oil tanker, welcoming pledges by certain countries to address this issue, along with the United Nations crowdfunding campaign to bridge the funding gap.

FERIT HOXHA (Albania), Council President for June, speaking in his national capacity, described the resumption of flights between Sanaa airport and Amman and Cairo, as well as for the entry of fuel ships into Hudaydah port, as dividends of the truce, which have brought relief to thousands of Yemenis. The parties should continue their engagement for the re-opening of roads in Taz and other Governates. He then called on the Houthis to reciprocate the flexibility shown by the Government. The full implementation of the truce should lead to a nationwide comprehensive permanent ceasefire. The political process should be inclusive. Therefore, the meaningful participation of women and youth and civil society representatives remains of paramount importance. Children continue to suffer the brunt of war, even after the truce, he said, calling on the Houthis to release the children they have recruited and work for the full implementation of the Action Plan they signed up last April. The situation of women also testifies to the need to maintain evidence-based monitoring and reporting mechanisms, as well as independent, international, impartial capabilities to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen.

ABDULLAH ALI FADHEL AL-SAADI (Yemen) noting that the Special Envoy and certain Council members mentioned the issue of landmines in Yemen, emphasized that it is the Houthis that are planting such mines indiscriminately, including more than 2million in past years. This has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, disabled women and children and will continue to cause suffering. Turning to the Presidential Leadership Councils approval to extend the truce for two months, he said this decision was based on that bodys rejection of the use of humanitarian needs as a bargaining chip. However, the Houthis continue to renege on their commitments, obstructing international efforts to achieve peace and deepening the humanitarian crisis. They have stolen tax revenues and refused to pay the salaries of public employees, which demonstrates that these militias do not care about the suffering of Yemenis, only political gain.

Since the beginning of the truce, the Government has exercised selfrestraint despite daily violations by the Houthis, including artillery shelling, drone flights and the redeployment of troops, he continued. These ongoing violations are a test for the international community and the Council, who must pressure the militias and their sponsors that are trying to undermine a political settlement. Peace cannot be achieved without a genuine, true partner, he said. He also called on the international community to keep Yemen at the top of its list of priorities and to integrate development needs into humanitarian interventions. The working methods of United Nations agencies must move from rescue and humanitarian action to rescue, development and peacebuilding action, creating jobs, promoting growth, developing infrastructure and providing basic services. Further, Houthi militias are using the Safer oil tanker as a bargaining chip. The Council must act swiftly to ensure the Houthis abide by the United Nations plan and on the international community to fund and implement the plan to avoid a disaster that will cost billions of dollars to address.

Originally posted here:

Extending Yemen's Truce Has Resulted in Improved Humanitarian Conditions, Reduced Civilian Casualties, Special Envoy Tells Security Council | Meetings...

Matt Moylan looks set to ink an extension with the Sharks after turning his career around with impressive first half of the season.

Moylan comes off contract at the end of the 2022, however coach Craig Fitzgibbon revealed the 31-year-old is closing in on a new deal.

Asked if he can see Moylan being at the club next year, Fitzgibbon said yeah, weve been working away at that in the back ground.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

Moylan has reportedly requested a two-year extension and the club is now likely to grant it given his form this season.

He scored a try in Saturdays 18-10 win over the Titans and got four tackle busts, two offloads, a linebreak and two linebreak assists.

Moylan joined the Sharks on a big-money deal in 2018 and played 24 games in his first season. However he only managed 34 games in the following three seasons due to injuries.

When Fitzgibbon joined the Sharks he made the call not to offer Josh Dugan, Aaron Woods or Shaun Johnson new deals but he did give Moylan a one-year lifeline.

MORE NRL NEWS

FUSE IS PRETTY SHORT: Dragons Walker ploy exposes Rabbitohs problem

TEAM NEWS: NSW and QLD were dealt blows... heres how they could solve them

REVEALED: Bellamys huge praise for Hughes, Storm ingredient missing since Smith

Moylan has since repaid the faith by proving to be one of Cronullas most important players in the first 15 rounds.

Speaking at the post-game press conference, Fitzgibbon was full of praise for the playmakers turnaround.

One thing I love (about) working with Matt is that hes taken total responsibility for having a few lean years and accepted the challenge for how you prepare for footy and how important footy is...

And putting stuff not only on the training paddock and game together but hes put his life together and obviously the footy is following suit.

So hes accepted a challenge, taken it on and hes playing some good, consistent footy now for that.

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

See original here:

Put his life together: Sharks coach opens up on Moylans turnaround as star eyes new deal - Fox Sports

NEW YORK, USA, 20 June 2022-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Rose Mary Tiep, fled domestic abuse and the conflict in South Sudan five years ago. Today she is helping others through their trauma in an Ugandan refugee camp, as part of a UN-backed support programme.

Ms. Tiep lives and works in Omugo II, an extension of Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, which is home to 43,000 refugees from South Sudan.

After receiving counselling from theSpotlight Initiative a global initiative of the UN, supported by the European Union, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls she became a volunteer psychosocial support assistant with an NGO in Uganda, helping other women and children leave and recover from violent situations.

Two things led me to flee South Sudan: the war and my abusive husband. I was living in Yei, South Sudan, working for an organization that handled cases of violence against women.

Life was fine, I had money and a place to stay. I was even able to buy a car from my earnings. However, I now know that even if you have resources, if you have stress in your mind, you can go mad.My husband used to beat me. He was a soldier and would threaten to shoot me. Sometimes, I would sleep in the bush. He felt that the children favoured me, and he would get angry about that, but children know love and thats why they favoured me. I decided to leave him.

I fled in August 2017 and arrived in Uganda four days later, after a painful journey with my five children. I was unable to carry food; because the children were so young, I had to carry them. We walked using side roads because driving on the main road would get us killed by the rebels. The rebels wanted to capture me as their wife as they knew I had money.

Once we reached the border, we were met by the UN who helped transfer us to the settlement

When I first arrived at Omugu II, I wanted to die. I was lonely, I would isolate myself and pity myself. In South Sudan, I was doing well.

As refugees, we experience discrimination. Sometimes, the host community will claim the land as theirs. [Within the settlement, every refugee household is allocated some land to plant food.] Even if they harass you, youre not allowed to respond to them, or they react violently. The host community are resentful that we are using their land, but this is not their land, this is Gods land. The host community speaks Lugbara, so we cannot communicate.

Psychosocial counselling sessions [with TPO Uganda, an implementing partner ofUN Women] helped me a lot. I can support my children now. Thanks to the psychosocial support I received, I was able to be a better mother.

Even when the counselling sessions ended, I mobilized groups of women and we would hold discussions. I transferred the knowledge I gained to the community I continued the work that I left behind in South Sudan. I chose to enrol as a Volunteer Psychosocial Assistant (VPA) with TPO Uganda.

With the confidence I have gained, I now help families that experience violence and I make referrals to partners, police and to childcare, if the case requires it.

We give psychosocial support to children who have lost their parents and I learnt how to identify cases of gender-based violence. I usually pose questions to the women, using my own life experience as an example.

The volunteer training changed me, and I am now recognized in the community. I have changed the lives of community members who have experienced violence and I was enrolled as a womens representative in the Omugo community. I feel confident and comfortable in my work.

I wish that my children could have grown up elsewhere, and not in a settlement. I want to make sure they learn, go to school and get jobs. One day I will be old, I want to prepare them for the future.

Distributed byAfrican Media Agencyon behalf of Un News.

The post First Person: The South Sudanese refugee helping others through trauma appeared first on African Media Agency.

Read more:

First Person: The South Sudanese refugee helping others through trauma - Guardian Nigeria

Mice receiving a gene for a telomere-building enzyme have had their lifespan extended by 41%. Treatment with another gene, this time for follistatin (FST), extended their lives by 36%. Both treatments significantly boosted glucose tolerance, physical performance and stalled body mass decline and fur loss.

The life extension came as a surprise to the researchers. We wanted to see what the effects were [of the gene therapy], explains Hua Zhu at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. In the meantime, we saw that the [24] control mice died, whereas all [36]experimental mice were still alive, so the treatment clearly was significantly increasing the lifespan of the mice.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that cap chromosomes and tend to shorten with ageing. Efforts to extend the healthy lifespan of people is an active area of research, and features a range of techniques such as caloric restriction and small molecules that target metabolic pathways linked to ageing.

The researchers delivered the gene for telomerase reverse transcriptase, which activates and encourages telomere lengthening, and FST, a secretory protein with an important role in muscle development and maintenance, using a herpes virus.

Monthly treatment began in mice aged 18 months. After two months, the treated mice looked stronger and had shinier, healthier fur than controls, which started to lose their fur and suffered declining body weight, notes Zhu. Injections were repeated monthly to sustain high levels of the protein. All mice in control groups died by 29 months, while the mice in the experimental groups died between 38 and 42 months.

Liz Parrish, chief executive of the biotech firm BioViva that provided funding for the research, notes that the next step will be to test the safety and efficacy of the gene therapy in monkeys using weakened strains of a rhesus virus. Based on the result of the monkey studies, we will submit our report to the [US Food and Drug Administration] to give us permission to start clinical trials in humans, she explains.

There are major hurdles for anyone wishing to treat ageing with a gene therapy approach, says Ilaria Bellantuono, a professor of muscular ageing at the University of Sheffield, UK. We find difficulties proposing a drug approach, which is far less expensive and risky, so a gene therapy approach would encounter [a] higher level of resistance.

Bellantuono says that it is still hard for any treatment for ageing to compete with diet and exercise. Therefore, the best approach would be to target an age-related condition such as muscle loss or dementia, she says. This would require a clinical trial to test whether the intervention prevents such conditions.

A preventive trial is very complex. You need to give the treatment. Then wait for the disease to manifest, says Bellantuono. You would need biomarkers, which would tell us within three to six months whether an intervention gene therapy or drug is working.

Peter Lansdorp, a molecular biologist at the University of British Columbia in Canada, notes that ageing is multi-factorial and it seems unlikely that a single protein could have such a large impact on lifespan. He notes also that side effects from repeated activation of the immune system by viral vector infection are of concern in humans, but not so much in mice. First, possible effects of the transgene on viral virulence need to be excluded, Lansdorp says. Next this study needs to be reproduced in mice by other, independent groups.

Read the original here:

Gene therapy showcases technique to extend life in mice - Chemistry World

Experiences in 4-H and with Extension programs vary and most individuals have their favorite area of activity. Sometimes one can become so wrapped up in their favorite Extension and 4-H activity that they forget about the other areas of the entire program.

In other situations, individuals may want the program to have objectives that align well with mission and vision statements while other times individuals may have personal objectives that do not align with program mission and vision statements. Both Purdue Extension and Indiana 4-H have their own mission and vision statements. Lets take a look at these statements:

-- Indiana 4-H Mission: The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world.

-- Indiana 4-H Vision: Indiana 4-H Youth Development strives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.

-- Purdue Extension Mission: We deliver practical, research-based information that enhances lives and livelihoods.

-- Purdue Extension Vision: We will be a leader in providing relevant, high-impact educational programs that transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities in Indiana and the world.

As we enter the summer time period with exhibit competitions, keep these statements in mind. The real-life educational experiences for youth working on projects and activities will be memorable for them if they are allowed to take ownership and be engaged. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives, it is fine to help give ideas to youth who seek guidance but please dont do the project and take this great opportunity away from the youth.

In the adult exhibitions, you will have great opportunities to use practical and research-based information you have learned from Extension programs and other life experiences to demonstrate how your life and livelihood has been advanced.

Visit http://www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this weeks column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

June 15 Whats the Deal with Diets? program, free, 5 p.m., Fairgrounds. Register at 653-8411.

June 15 YQCA Putnam 4-H, 1 p.m. Register https://yqcaprogram.org/

June 17 Summer PARP, 9 a.m., Fairgrounds. Register at 653-8411.

June 27 YQCA Putnam 4-H, 6 p.m., register https://yqcaprogram.org/

July 12 Forest Management and Selling Timber webinar, noon.Register at https://women4theland.org/upcoming-events.

More here:

Local News: Mission and vision focus of Extension effort (6/6/22) | Greencastle Banner Graphic - Banner Graphic

SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: EVFM) (Evofem) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally extended the shelf life of Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid, potassium bitartrate)from three to four years.

Evofem Biosciences (Nasdaq: EVFM) (PRNewsfoto/Evofem Biosciences, Inc.)

"The FDA's approval to extend Phexxi's shelf life to four years speaks not only to the safety of our ingredients but also to the exceptional standards applied in the manufacturing of Phexxi," said Saundra Pelletier, Chief Executive Officer at Evofem. "As we continue our long-term strategy to reduce operating expenses, this shelf life extension provides a significant and valuable operational efficiency, solidifying our ability to manage inventory within the growing US market and as we evaluate our strategic opportunities for the global licensing of Phexxi."

In May of 2020, the FDA approved Phexxi for the prevention of pregnancy. The initial approval included a 30-month shelf life for Phexxi, which was extended to 36 months in April 2022 by the FDA. Earlier this week, the FDA formally approved Evofem's 'Prior Approval' supplement for the shelf-life extension to 48 months.

Later this year, Evofem expects to readout top-line, Phase 3 registrational data from the EVOGUARD clinical trial investigating EVO100 (the investigational name for Phexxi) for the prevention of chlamydia and gonorrhea in women, two potential new indications.

AboutPhexxi

Phexxi is an on-demand method of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Phexxi is not effective when used after sex.

Important Safety Information

Rare cases (0.36%) of bladder and kidney infections have been reported. If you have a history of urinary tract problems that keep coming back, you should not use Phexxi.

Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing genitourinary side effects such as vaginal burning, itching, discharge, genital discomfort (including in male partners), yeast infection, urinary tract infection, or bacterial vaginosis.

Phexxi does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Story continues

For more information about Phexxi, talk to your healthcare provider and see full Product Information atwww.phexxi.com.

Please report side effects by contacting Evofem Biosciences toll-free at 1-833-EVFMBIO or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 orwww.fda.gov/medwatch.

IntendedforUnited Statesresidents only.

About Evofem Biosciences

Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:EVFM) is developing and commercializing innovative products to address unmet needs in women's sexual and reproductive health, including hormone-free, woman-controlled contraception and protection from chlamydia and gonorrhea. The Company's first FDA-approved product,Phexxi(lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate), is ahormone-free, on-demand prescription contraceptive vaginal gel. It comes in a box of 12 pre-filled applicators and is applied 0-60 minutes before each act of sex. Learn more atphexxi.comandevofem.com.

Phexxiis a registered trademark of Evofem Biosciences, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements or that could impair the value of Evofem Biosciences' assets and business are disclosed in the Company's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2021, filed with the SEC onMarch 10, 2022. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by such factors. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law.

Media ContactJack HirschfieldEvofem Biosciences, Inc.jhirschfield@evofem.com(512) 674-5163

Investor Relations ContactAmy RaskopfEvofem Biosciences, Inc.araskopf@evofem.com(917) 673-5775

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-food-and-drug-administration-extends-phexxi-shelf-life-to-four-years-301559998.html

SOURCE Evofem Biosciences, Inc.

See more here:

US Food and Drug Administration Extends Phexxi Shelf Life to Four Years - Yahoo Finance

Anti-submarine warfare capability, or ASW, is one of the U.S. Navys top priorities. After all, adversary submarines such as the Russian Typhoon class and Red Chinas Type-093A Shang-II Class pose arguably the deadliest threat to American carriers. To counter the threat of silent submersible stalkers, the Navy continues to use an aerial platform that has served faithfully for over 50 years: the Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion.

Still Going Strong

Though the P-3 Orion is slowly but surely being replaced by the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for ASW work, the transition is far from complete. The older Orion unlike other famous Cold War-era Navy warplanes such as the F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder, and A-7 Corsair IIhas definitely not been retired yet. The P-3 is currently being used by two Navy Reserve patrol squadrons, VP-62 and VP-69. It also lives on as a land-based multi-intelligence reconnaissance variant, the EP-3E Aries II.

And thats without even counting the 16 foreign countries that still fly the Orion.

The P-3 was based on a commercial airliner, the Lockheed L-188 Electra, that was first flown in 1957. This is somewhat akin to how the E-3 Sentry AWACS plane was based on the commercial Boeing 707. The militarized Orion variant made her maiden flight in November 1959 and officially entered service in August 1962a mere two months before the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thus, in 2012, the P-3 joined the pantheon of military aircraft that the U.S. has used for 50-plus years, joining the B-52, the KC-135, the C-130, and the U-2.

The keydistinguishing feature of the P-3 that you wont see on the civilian L-188 is the Magnetic Anomaly Detection boom at the tail end of the fuselage. This feature makes the P-3s submarine-hunting mission feasible in the first place. Needless to say, the Cold War never went hot, so the Orion never got to put its sub-killing potential to the test in the real world. But that doesnt mean the Orion didnt get battle-tested.

P-3 Orions over Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans

Indeed, it was during 2002s Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan that the P-3 pulled off what is arguably its most remarkable wartime feat. As noted by the official Lockheed Martin website, During a key battle in the Shah-e-Kot Valley, P-3 crews scouted the rugged valleys below and radioed in movement of enemy vehicles, allowing Special Operations Forces soldiers on the ground to set up strategic ambushes and save countless lives. Not bad for a fifty-year-old sea-searching aircraft design on duty in the middle of the desert.

Rewind 11 years to 1991s Operation Desert Storm: It was here that the P-3 first showed its potential as a land surveillance aircraft, monitoring Iraqi troop activities and providing battle-damage assessments on the ground. The introduction of new long-range video cameras for use over the skies of Bosnia allowed these planes to provide real-time combat intelligence for NATO commanders, a tactical advantage that proved equally useful during Operation Deliberate Force in 1995.

The P-3 Orion: A Versatile Plane

One characteristic shared by all the planes that have reached a half-century of service is versatility, and the P-3 Orion is no exception in this regard. Beside the military applications weve already covered, this old warbird has also proven adaptable for civilian law enforcement, namely anti-narcotics smuggling and anti-illegal immigration missions. It is flown by the intrepid aircrews of the Air and Marine Operations component of one of my former employers, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection. The CBP dubs its P-3 variant the Long Range Tracker.

Like its fellow 50-somethings, the P-3 hasnt failed to keep up with technological advances. To quote the Lockheed Martin folks one more time, The P-3 MLU [Mid-Liffe Upgrade] Program is the answer to maintaining effectiveness and reliability in a critical global economy. It consists of a life extension kit replacing the aircraft outer wings, center wing lower section and horizontal stabilizer with new production components.

MLU removes all current P-3 airframe flight restrictions and provides 15,000 additional flight hours, greatly enhancing capability leveraged with cost-effectiveness. The design replaces all fatigue-life-limiting structures on the aircraft with enhanced-design components and new improved corrosion-resistant materials that will greatly reduce the cost of ownership over the aircrafts remaining service life. This is an affordable solution that Lockheed Martin has proven can be installed in 11 months.

Specifications/General Characteristics

Primary Function:Anti-Submarine warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare

Contractor:Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company

Propulsion:Four Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop engines (4,600 hp each)

Length:116.7 feet (35.57 meters)

Height:33.7 feet (10.27 meters)

Wingspan:99.6 feet (30.38 meters)

Weight:Maximum takeoff, 139,760 pounds (63,394 kilograms)

Airspeed:411 knots; Cruise, 328 knots

Ceiling:28,300 feet (8,626 meters)

Range:2,380 nautical mile radius; for three hours on station at 1,500 feet, 1,346 nautical miles

Crew:Three pilots, two naval flight officers (NFOs), two flight engineers, three sensor operators and one in-flight technician

Armament:AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-65F Maverick missiles, Mk46/50/54 torpedoes, rockets, mines and depth bombs

Christian D. Orr is a former Air Force officer, Federal law enforcement officer, and private military contractor (with assignments worked in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kosovo, Japan, Germany, and the Pentagon). Chris holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC) and an M.A. in Intelligence Studies (concentration in Terrorism Studies) from American Military University (AMU). He has also been published in The Daily Torch and The Journal of Intelligence and Cyber Security.

Go here to read the rest:

P-3 Orion: The Plane Built to Hunt and Kill Russia's Submarines - 19FortyFive

All Dolores Spragg wanted for her 90th birthday was a 4-H banquet. What she got was a celebration of her 61 years as a 4-H adviser and her many years on the 4-H Advisory Council. Current Shamrock adviser Barb Blazeski went to work with the help of her fellow advisers and club members planning the banquet and celebration to honor Dolores on her 90th birthday. The basement at the Presbyterian Church in Harrisville was filled with former 4-H members of the Shamrock 4-H club, fellow advisers, OSU Extension staff, and many friends. Dolores was surprised when greeted with a long ovation as she and her family entered the room and the party was on.

Dolores has been helping young people all her life as a nurse, Sunday school teacher, and church youth group leader along with her 61 years as a 4-H leader. She has approached her life and work with zeal, a positive attitude, and a zest for life, and she pasted that on to all she encountered. Dolores and her family established a 4-H scholarship in honor of her late husband, Earl Spragg, which has helped youth in both Harrison and Jefferson counties for many years now.

Following a wonderful meal and a cake made by one of her former 4-H members, everyone enjoyed a video reviewing many of the Harrison County 4-H activities, including judging, style shows, fair week, and camping, covering the many years of Dolores service. Many of the folks attending shared memories and testimonials of their time in 4-H and work with OSU Extension.

Dolores didnt just teach us to cook and sew but also so many valuable life lessons.

I wasnt very good at sewing or cooking in 4-H, but Dolores sowed the seeds, and today I cook, bake and sew.

I didnt do so well as a 4-H member, but because of Dolores influence, I became a registered nurse.

We always knew as Extension staff that Dolores had our back and was always there for us.

Dolores was the first adviser to welcome me as the new Extension Educator into Harrison County.

And on the evening went, with so many sharing their thoughts, kind words, sincere gratitude, and love for what Dolores has meant to and done for so many.

While Dolores has slowed down and retired this year as the school nurse for Buckeye West Elementary, she says she will still be available to help when needed. We all wish Dolores a very happy birthday and are deeply grateful for her generous and loving spirit.

Go here to see the original:

90 years and still going strong - Harrison News Herald

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru on Sunday marked 55 years of the 1.2mm trisonic wind tunnel, the only industrial wind tunnel providing the high-speed aerodynamic data for national aerospace programmes, both in the civil and military sectors.

Wind tunnels are used for simulating flight conditions in the laboratory. The NAL stated that the facility will continue to meet the experimental aerodynamic data requirement of future programmes.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-NAL is currently working towards setting up a continuous wind tunnel facility to meet the increased demand for high speed experimental aerodynamic data. Practically each and every indigenously developed aerospace vehicle in the country has graduated out of this facility. To cater to the emerging requirements of the country, continual upgrades of the facility have been implemented in CSIR-NAL, leading to many state-of-the-art techniques related to high-speed wind tunnel testing mainly to improve the data quality, productivity and life extension of various components of the wind tunnel, a statement from CSIR-NAL read.

The 1.2m trisonic wind tunnel was built by the CSIR between 1963 and 1967. The first blow-down (test) was conducted on May 29, 1967. The vision of the late Dr P Neelakantan, the first Director of CSIR-NAL, enabled the realisation of this facility, which is the major workhorse for all the national aerospace programmes. The highest speed of this tunnel is Mach 4.0 which is four times the speed of sound, the release said.

The mission of this facility is to provide advanced technology solutions to national aerospace programs, fighter aircraft, defence systems, launch vehicles and satellites and space systems.

This wind tunnel was primarily conceived for research and development in experimental aerodynamics. Subsequently, as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) started the development of launch vehicles, missiles and aircraft, the need for high-speed wind tunnel tests in the 1.2m wind tunnel increased. To name a few, DRDOs missiles such as Agni, Akaash, Prithvi, Pralay, SRSAM, LRSAM, ASTRA, NAG, LRAShM, BrahMos, Nirbhay, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, etc. were characterized in this facility.

Similarly, aerodynamic characterisation of the ISROs launch vehicles such as ASLV, PSLV, SLV, SSLV, GSLV, RLV and GAGANYAAN programmes were carried out extensively. The nations first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-TEJAS) was conceived at this facility and now it is flying in the sky. Many weapon integration programmes on LCA, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30, Jaguar, MiG aircraft etc., were successfully carried out in this facility.

Follow this link:

Bengaluru: NAL marks 55 years of 1.2m trisonic wind tunnel - The Indian Express