Meds you can buy for less without risk. => ed-trust.com

Read article : Meds you can buy for less without risk. => ed-trust.com

Flu vaccine: NHS patients wanted to test 'universal' jab

The experimental vaccine should work against most flu types and offer years of protection, research says.

Calls for Amazon to ban 'anorexia hoodie'

One woman living with anorexia said it could "damage" the mental health of those with the condition.

Body clock scientists win Nobel Prize

Understanding how our bodies keep time has "vast implications" for health, say Nobel committee.

NHS: Jeremy Hunt wants 5,000 new nursing training places

Jeremy Hunt says he wants to triple the number of existing NHS staff getting nursing qualifications.

Most Americans Think Editing the Human Genome Is Okay

Read article : Most Americans Think Editing the Human Genome Is Okay

Just hours before Sunday night's horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas, Texas-based Defense Distributed launched new software that allows people to mill metal handgun bodies at home. The two events are almost certainly unconnected, but it's hard not to consider them in a similar light, given the unfortunate timing. 

For those unfamiliar, Defense Distributed has been publishing open-source designs for 3-D printed guns online since 2013 (though that was a plastic part). Its stated purpose is to use 3-D printing and other technologies to render any attempts to regulate or track the possession of firearms obsolete—a move its CEO and founder, Cody Wilson, sees as fundamental to the U.S. constitution's guarantee of a right to bear arms.

While a 3-D printed plastic gun may have worked for that purpose, Wilson tells Ars Technica that with the machined metal devices “you’re making the identical item that you would otherwise handle, purchase, and fire—so it feels identical."

The newly released software allows people to use the firm’s $1,500 Ghost Gunner milling machine to create the body of an M1911 handgun, which is used in the Colt 45. Defense Distributed says “no prior CNC knowledge or experience is required to manufacture [the gun bodies] in the comfort and privacy of your home.”

Metal or plastic, the technology behind Wilson’s company probably isn’t making much of an impact on gun violence in the U.S.—mainly because guns are already so cheap and easy to come by. In fact, it's far more likely that the Las Vegas shooter performed a technically-legal modification on a weapon, which for a hundred bucks can turn an AR-15 (a gun that Defense Distributed has also worked to help anonymize) into something virtually indistiguishable from a machine gun. Building a gun from scratch at home is simply more effort than it’s worth, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

That in and of itself would be enough to make Defense Distributed's efforts look rather worthless, if not absurd. The company appears to be girding for some kind of apocalypse of gun regulation that shows no sign of materializing, despite a seemingly endless string of heartwrenching mass-shootings in recent years.

That its latest advance in its mission is now cast against the backdrop of the death of dozens more innocents in Las Vegas makes it all the more grotesque. Indeed, in a piece in Wired just yesterday Wilson said, "there is going to be universal access to arms. Even if I'm the only one working on it, it's going to happen."

In the shadow of one of the deadliest mass shootings that America has ever witnessed, that seems like a poor use of technology indeed.

Bristan | Bathroom Taps & Mixers for Sale

Read article : Bristan | Bathroom Taps & Mixers for Sale

▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

▄▄▄▄

▄▄▄▄▄▄

Kitchen and bathroom sales surge for Stax DIYWeek Product information

Read article : Kitchen and bathroom sales surge for Stax DIYWeek Product information

Stax Trade Centres has seen a surge in sales of kitchens and bathrooms in the last 12 months with all branches reporting increased sales and the Manchester depot up 40% on kitchens and 16% on bathrooms.

The company puts the performance down to several factors including the purpose built showroom in the flagship Manchester branch, the expansion of the range and it's sales support literature which makes it easy for retailers to sell the lines.

Following the success of the Manchester showroom, where customers can see and feel full room sets, the company has recently opened a similar showroom in Birmingham with plans for one in Leeds next year.

Purchase Director Simon Wright said: "Our customers enjoy being able to see and feel the quality of the product so they can recommend it to their customers in full confidence."

Stax has recently published its 2010/2011 catalogue that highlights a number of new and expanded ranges including contemporary taps, kitchen appliances, showers and shower screens, cloakroom basins, vanity units and bathroom cabinets, all of which are available ex stock from all Stax branches.

Wright commented: "These ranges are incredibly important to both Stax and to the independent retailer. We have to help our customers compete on the high street and we want to give them the opportunity to move into Kitchen and Bathroom sales very easily. By offering the independent retailer the full range of kitchen and bathroom product from units, worktops, sinks, ovens, hobs, hoods and appliances for the kitchen and suites, showers, taps, screens, vanity units, cabinets etc for the bathroom, their customers can purchase all they need from one source. Stax also supply a comprehensive range of flooring and tiles too, plus all the tools required to do the job."

Stax also recognise the need to help retailers sell kitchens and bathrooms:"We know many customers don't have the space to stock large ranges of kitchen and bathrooms, so we've produced a highly visual catalogue. Two versions of the catalogue have been printed, one with prices for the retailers own use, and one without prices so retailers can show customers how good the kitchens and bathrooms are. For these ranges customers should treat Stax like their very own storeroom, sell from the brochures then come in and get the stock," said Wright.

To view the new Kitchen & Bathroom brochure click here, or visit www.staxtradecentres.co.uk to find out how you can benefit by making us your No.1 Trade Supplier!

2 bedroom property for sale in Windsor Road, London, N13

Read article : 2 bedroom property for sale in Windsor Road, London, N13

A beautifully presented two bedroom garden flat occupying the entire ground floor of a semi-detached Edwardian conversion located in the heart of Palmers Green, within easy reach of the mainline BR station, bus links and shopping amenities. The property, which is offered with a share of freehold, boasts a stunning open-plan reception room/kitchen with a high ceiling and direct access to a private section of rear garden, a modern fitted bathroom and well-proportioned bedrooms including a spacious master with bay windows and a character fireplace.

Entrance Hall
Via communal door and hall; cornicing, stripped wood doors leading to all rooms, under stairs storage, combination tessellated tile and stripped wood flooring.

Reception Room/Kitchen:

Reception Area
Coving, double glazed patio doors leading to rear garden, two radiators, stripped wood flooring.

Kitchen Area
Inset ceiling lights, double glazed window to side aspect, range of wall and base units with block wood work top and tiled splash back, single bowl sink unit with drainer and mixer tap, range of integrated appliances comprising four ring gas hob with extractor above and electric oven below, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and eye-level microwave oven, tiled flooring.

Bathroom
Inset ceiling lights, frosted double glazed window to side aspect, panel bath with shower screen, mixer tap and wall-mounted shower, low-level flush WC, pedestal wash hand basin with mixer tap, part-tiled walls, shaver adapter, wall-mounted extractor fan, heated towel rail, tiled flooring.

Master Bedroom
Cornicing, bay to front aspect with wooden sash windows, feature character fireplace surround with tiled cast iron insert and stone hearth, radiator, high skirting boards, stripped wood flooring.

Bedroom Two
Coving, wooden sash window to rear aspect, radiator, stripped wood flooring.

Rear
Private section of garden with raised concrete patio, lawn with shrub borders, brick shed with storage at one end, space and plumbing for washing machine and tumble dryer and washing machine, gate providing side access, flood light. Please note that a section of the lawn and a foot path located at the side of the property provides right of access to a garden at the rear belonging to the first floor flat.

Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

Read article : Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

When a standard room simply won’t do, it’s a good thing that Miami’s already luxurious hotels can accommodate with over the top digs—and price tags to match. Here’s a peek inside Miami’s most sought after suites with room to spare, floor-to-ceiling windows, private rooftop pools, marble bathrooms, and panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the downtown skyline. This is our ranking of the most outrageous penthouses in Miami.

1. The Setai 

The Setai (pictured at top) is perhaps the most expensive hotel in South Beach—period. And the penthouse gives you 10,000 square-feet of zen-luxe accommodations, including a 3,000 square foot ocean front terrace—all for a mere $32,000 a night. The views from the 40th floor are best enjoyed from the private terrace’s infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The four-bedroom, four-bath suite also includes a Steinway piano, a full-service kitchen and amenities like butler service upon request, Frette linens, a rainfall shower, and a Bose surround-sound system. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-520-6000; thesetaihotel.com.

Continued below Continued below

2. Faena

Checking into the Faena Suite is like setting foot on a Baz Luhrmann movie set. The filmmaker and his wife, set and costume designer Catharine Martin, collaborated with Alan Faeana on the creative direction of the hotel. The suite is awash in lush red velvet, lavish animal prints and turquoise and gold accents. Connecting to a premiere oceanfront suite, it can be arranged into an extravagant four-bedroom suite at 3,549-square-feet. Drink in panoramic views of the Atlantic from multiple bathrooms or retreat in one of the five oversized bathrooms with a soaking tub. From $20,000 per night. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-534-8800; faena.com. 

 

3. The Miami Beach EDITION 

A two-story bungalow at The Miami Beach EDITION is like a little slice of heaven. With blonde oak and walnut wood paneling and plush, white sofas piled high with pillows, the aesthetic is all understated elegance. Outfitted with a separate bedroom, dining room and living room, the bathroom is a spa-like treat with a personal sauna. Top floor bungalows are equipped with private rooftop soaking tub and all enjoy panoramic views of the sea with oversized balconies. 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com/miami-beach.  

 

4. Mandarin Oriental Miami

Famous for being a Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five Star Hotel in Miami, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami features two presidential suite options that channel this tranquil-luxe experience. The Oriental Suite on the 20th floor is the largest room in the hotel at 2,365 square-feet. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized master bathroom, and a working fireplace, it’s a cozy retreat with a wraparound balcony and sweeping views of the city and Biscayne Bay. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that entertains eight, and a piano “christened” by Luciano Pavarotti. For the true spa seeker, reserve the Mandarin Suite on the 19th floor and enjoy a personal therapist on call 24 hours a day for in-room services in your designated relaxation room. The 2,000 square-foot room also boasts an infinity-edge soaking tub and a two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower. A night in either room will run you $9,500. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-913-8288. mandarinoriental.com/miami.

5. The Confidante Miami Beach

The 14th floor penthouse at The Confidante Miami Beach boasts a wraparound private terrace with both ocean and city views. The 980-square-foot pied a terrehas a master king bedroom with separate living and dining room and can be expanded to include an additional 367-square-foot deluxe king room with balcony. The luxurious bathroom includes a rainfall shower and whirlpool tub. All of this in Confidante’s signature playful palette of bright colors and patterns with a touch of vintage glamour. Nightly rates start at $1,500. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-605-4041; theconfidante.unbound.hyatt.com

6. W South Beach

The W South Beach has a collection of VIP suites, but none is so glamorous as the E-WOW Penthouse. The 2,600 square-foot suite has three bedrooms, all outfitted with king-sized beds and four balconies with unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. The modern-luxe furnishings are complimented with fresh orchids, a Nespresso machine, and a plush robe and slippers. Add to this a rooftop deck with private plunge pool and a grill, and you’ve found your home away from home. E-WOW comes with all the perks of a true VIP, including personalized concierge service, guaranteed entry into W’s nightclub Wall, and a farewell gift on the night of your departure. The E-WOW Penthouse is $4,000 a night. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-938-3000; wsouthbeach.com.

 

7. JW Marriott Marquis Miami

Situated 41 skyscraping stories above downtown Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, the JW Marriott Marquis’ Presidential Suite with floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows seems to float above it all. At 2,479 square-feet, the suite includes two bedrooms with Brazilian cherry wood floors, two and a half baths with Italian marble, a living room, dining room, office, and private treadmill room. This modern luxury in the clouds can be yours for $4,000 a night. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305-421-8600; marriott.com.

8. SLS South Beach

You can party like a rock star—or just sleep like one—at the SLS South Beach inside one of Lenny Kravitz’s Kravitz Design Inc. penthouses. Choose from the Villa overlooking the action at Hyde Beach or the Tower on the top floor of the historic tower originally designed by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939. Each high design penthouse is about 1,500 square-feet with a spacious ocean view balcony. The Tower features a grand living room, dining room, bar, and master suite with sumptuous interiors, like black and white marble, glass mosaic tile, textured leather, and screen-printed wallpaper in pewter and gold. The Villa has a contemporary feel with Cyprus wood paneled walls and stone floors, and a master bath with white Thassos marble walls and glass mosaic floors. If “you’re gonna go [this] way,” pricing starts at $2,500 per night. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-1701; slshotels.com/southbea ch.

 

9. InterContinental Miami

Originally named for President Ronald Reagan and Princess Caroline of Monaco, the InterContinental Miami’s pair of penthouse suites have been given an upgrade thanks to a 30 million dollar hotel renovation and the eye of tennis superstar Venus Williams and her V Starr design firm. Now named the Royal Palm and the Metropolis, each 3,300 square-foot suite offers a master bedroom, living room, dining room, multi-media room, office, and kitchen with gorgeous views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. A favorite hotel of competitors and attendees of the annual Sony Open Tennis tournament, Williams’ aesthetic is the perfect compliment to this classic downtown destination. Both penthouses start at $3,000 per night. 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; 305-577-1000; icmiamihotel.com.

 

10. 1 Hotel South Beach

At 3,600 square-feet, boasting two king master bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a living room, pool table alcove, media room and a balcony with sweeping ocean views and a daybed for lounging, 1 Hotel’s Presidential suite is a luxurious retreat. With furniture made of rough hewn white oak and natural fibers, wood-grained tile floors and nature-inspired pendant lamps, 1’s penthouse reflects the aesthetic of “bringing the outside in” at this eco-driven luxury hotel. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and free-standing Boffi tubs. A throne-worthy rattan swing adds a touch of whimsy to the blissful space. Rates available upon request. 2341 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-604-1000; 1hotels.com/south-beach.

11. Delano

Delano is considered the original South Beach “scene” hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck to resemble a glamorous stumble down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, it has an equally stylish penthouse. At 1,660 square-feet, it features a master bedroom, dining room, sitting area, and wet bar. Picture dazzling all-white rooms with Starck-designed custom furniture and the signature bowl of green apples amidst billowing floor-to-ceiling white curtains. The bathrooms feature oversized Italian marble soaking tubs, and there’s also a spacious private balcony for discreet sunbathing and incredible views of the aquamarine sea. Rates are available upon request. 1685 Collins Ave.; Miami Beach; 305-672-2000; morganshotelgroup.com/delano.

Shayne Benowitz is Miami.com’s Travel Editor. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at ShayneBenowitz.com.

A Dutch Effort to Form a Prostitute Cooperative Is Met With Hope and Skepticism

Read article : A Dutch Effort to Form a Prostitute Cooperative Is Met With Hope and Skepticism

“One of the things we have changed in recent years is that instead of talking about what is good for prostitutes, we have started to talk to them,” said Jasper Karman, spokesman for Amsterdam’s mayor, Eberhard van der Laan.

Continue reading the main story

Not everyone likes the idea, among them some fellow prostitutes who are suspicious of the city’s involvement. But My Red Light has drawn support from unlikely quarters, including award-winning Dutch furniture and interior designers, who have helped outfit the rooms.

Sitting on a blue vinyl mattress on a stage, a glowing red bathtub in one corner and a Richard Hutten red leather stool by the window, Lyle Muns, a male prostitute who is on the board of My Red Light, explained recently that the project, which opened in May, was still a work in progress.

“I am really passionate about this project and I believe it could work, but it is also an experiment, right?” he said. “We haven’t succeeded until My Red Light is run mostly by sex workers and we are making a profit.”

Photo

A male and a female prostitute, who chose not to be identified, in one of the rooms at My Red Light.Credit Ilvy Njiokiktjien for The New York Times

The concept of My Red Light was first discussed in Amsterdam as far back as 2007, when the city tried to combat crime in the neighborhood through the 1012 Project, a reference to the central red light district’s postal code.

Authorities eventually shut down about 125 windows where prostitutes displayed themselves, leaving many feeling they were being pushed out so that the city could gentrify the historic area, which claims some of Amsterdam’s most valuable real estate.

Protests led to regular meetings between the city and activists, and then to a feasibility study that eventually gave birth to My Red Light. The city helped a social investment fund buy four buildings that it now rents to My Red Light.

As soon as the fund bought the buildings late last year, all ties to the city were cut. Currently, My Red Light officially operates as a foundation. “We hope in a year or two we’ll be run entirely by sex workers or ex-sex workers,” said Justine Le Clercq, a spokeswoman for My Red Light.

When My Red Light starts to turn a profit, she said, it plans to invest the money in workshops and other programs for the prostitutes, like business training and language classes.

Photo

“We haven’t succeeded until My Red Light is run mostly by sex workers and we are making a profit,” said Lyle Muns, a male prostitute on the board of My Red Light, who is shown in one of the group’s rooms.Credit Ilvy Njiokiktjien for The New York Times

The group has also been discussing investing in something like workers’ compensation insurance so that prostitutes who get sick or injured can get financial support.

Continue reading the main story

When it came to the design of the interiors, My Red Light argued that prostitutes deserve the same quality of working environment as chief executives and celebrities. So they engaged the award-winning Dutch furniture company Lensvelt, which helped furnish the V.I.P. lounge at the Schiphol airport.

Lensvelt chose the interior design architect Janpaul Scholtmeijer, of Vens Architecten. His only strict directive was to make all the design decisions along with a group of about five prostitutes.

Left to his own devices, Mr. Scholtmeijer joked, he would have covered the rooms in velvet, but the prostitutes rolled their eyes at his impracticality.

“In the end, what was most important for the sex workers was that the spaces were easy to clean and hygienic,” Mr. Scholtmeijer said.

Continue reading the main story