Casu-Marzu-Cheese

Casu marzu: The world's 'most dangerous' cheese

Monkeypox: Time to worry or one to ignore?

If you’re still reeling from the Covid pandemic, well sorry but there’s another virus to get to grips with. This time it’s monkeypox and there are around 80 confirmed cases in 11 countries, including the UK, that would not normally expect to have the disease. So what is going on? Is it time to worry or are we getting overly excited having just lived through Covid? Let’s be clear: this is not another Covid and we’re not days away from lockdowns to contain the spread of monkeypox. However, this is an unusual and unprecedented monkeypox outbreak. It has taken scientists who specialize in the disease by complete surprise and it is always a concern when a virus changes its behavior. Until now, monkeypox was pretty predictable. The virus’s natural home is wild animals, which are actually thought to be rodents rather than monkeys. Somebody in the rainforests of Western and Central Africa comes into contact with an infected creature and the virus makes the jump across species. Their skin erupts in a rash, which blisters and then scabs over. The virus is now outside its usual home and struggles to spread so it needs prolonged close contact to keep going. So outbreaks tend to be small and burn out on their own. Small numbers of cases have cropped up elsewhere in the world before, including in the UK, but all can be immediately linked to somebody traveling to an affected country and bringing it home. That is no longer the case. For the first time, the virus is being found in people with no clear connection to Western and Central Africa It is not clear who people are catching it from Monkeypox is spreading during sexual activities with most cases having lesions on their genitals and the surrounding area Many of those affected are gay and bisexual young men “We’re in a very new situation, that is a surprise and a worry,” Prof Sir Peter Horby, the director of the University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, told me. While he says this is “not Covid-Two”, he said “we need to act” to prevent the virus from getting a foothold as this is “something we really want to avoid”. Dr. Hugh Adler, who has treated patients with monkeypox, agrees: “It’s not a pattern we’ve seen before – this is a surprise.” So what’s going on? We know this outbreak is different, but we don’t know why. There are two broad options – the virus has changed or the same old virus has found itself in the right place at the right time to thrive. Monkeypox is a DNA virus so it does not mutate as rapidly as Covid or flu. Very early genetic analysis suggests the current cases are very closely related to forms of the virus seen in 2018 and 2019. It is too early to be sure, but for now, there is no evidence this is a new mutant variant at play. But a virus doesn’t have to change in order to take advantage of an opportunity, as we have learned from unexpected large outbreaks of both Ebola and Zika virus in the last decade. “We always thought Ebola was easy to contain until that wasn’t the case,” said Prof Adam Kucharski, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It’s not clear why gay and bisexual men are disproportionately affected. Are sexual behaviors making it easier to spread? Is it just a coincidence? Is it a community that is more aware of sexual health and gets checked out? It may also be getting easier for monkeypox to spread. The mass smallpox vaccinations of the past would have given older generations some protection against the closely related monkeypox. “It is probably transmitting more effectively than in the smallpox era, but we’re not seeing anything suggesting it could run rampant,” said Dr. Adler, who still expects this outbreak to burn itself out. Understanding how this outbreak started will help predict what happens next. We know we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg as the cases being detected doesn’t fit into a neat picture of this person passed it on to that person etc. Instead many of the cases appear unrelated, so there are missing links in a chain that seems to spread across Europe and beyond. A recent massive super spreading event, in which large numbers of people gathered and caught monkeypox at the same venue such as a festival and then took it home to different countries, could explain the current situation. The alternative explanation for so many unconnected people getting infected is if the virus has actually been bubbling along unnoticed for quite some time involving a lot of people. Either way, we can expect to continue to find more cases. “I don’t think the general public needs to be worried at this stage, but I don’t think we’ve uncovered all of this and we are not in control of this,” said Prof Jimmy Whitworth, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. But remember we are not in the same situation as we were with Covid. Monkeypox is a known virus rather than a new one, and we already have vaccines and treatments. It is mostly mild, although it can be more dangerous in young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. But it spreads more slowly than Covid and the distinctive and painful rash makes it harder to miss than a cough that could be anything. This makes the job of finding people who may have been infected and vaccinating those at risk of catching it easier. However, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, has warned that “as we enter the summer season… with mass gatherings, festivals, and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate”. Read more at bbc.com
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Ukraine takes the Eurovision Song Contest spotlight as the weirdest show on earth returns

It tells you plenty about the Eurovision Song Contest that Norway’s participants — two grown men in wolf costumes who sing about bananas and the imminent consumption of their grandparents — are flying relatively under the radar this year. The continent’s garish and much-loved singing competition returns to Turin, Italy on Saturday, but only one group is commanding the spotlight in the build-up: Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra. The folk-rap group are runaway favorites in the betting markets and their presence at the tournament has captured the imagination of fans from every competing country. “As we speak, our country and our culture are under threat. But we want to show that we are alive, Ukrainian culture is alive, it is unique, diverse, and beautiful,” Oleg Psyuk, the band’s frontman, told CNN. “This is our way to be useful to our country,” he said. At first sight, the six-piece group seems to slot in comfortably with dozens of their more eccentric Eurovision brethren. Most members wear elaborate national dress, with rapper Psyuk also sporting a pink bucket hat. One member is so submerged by patterned embroidery that only his mouth is visible, while the group’s double bassist comes dressed as a ball of yarn. But getting Kalush Orchestra to the Eurovision stage took some doing, and their journey is deeply interwoven with the war at home. The band initially finished second in Ukraine’s national selection competition, but they were elevated after it emerged the winner had previously traveled to Russian-annexed Crimea. They were unveiled as the country’s entry on February 22, two days before Russian troops invaded Ukraine. “All members of the group are somehow involved in the country’s defense,” Psyuk told CNN via email. A member of the team’s media team joined the territorial defense and is fighting on the front line, leaving the group shorthanded in Turin. Psyuk volunteers to find internally displaced Ukrainians shelter and organize the transportation of food and medicines. The backdrop of conflict complicated preparations for Eurovision. The group was forced to rehearse virtually until they were finally able to meet in Lviv after weeks of the war. And their song has taken on new meaning. “Stefania,” sung in Ukrainian, is a tribute to Psyuk’s mother, who still lives in the western city of Kalush from which the band takes its name. “On some days there are rockets flying over people’s houses and it is like a lottery – no one knows where it will hit,” Psyuk told CNN. Organizers banned Russia from the contest in February, 24 hours after an initial, widely criticized decision to allow it to take part. The European Broadcasting Union concluded that the country’s presence “would bring the competition into disrepute.” Belarus, which aided Moscow’s invasion, had already been suspended due to the suppression of media freedom in the country. Kalush, meanwhile, sailed through Tuesday’s semifinal and elicited wild cheers from the crowd when they came on stage. Eurovision is notoriously difficult to predict, given its point system relies both on jury verdicts and public voting from dozens of countries, but Kalush seems a safe bet to take this year’s crown. A Ukrainian victory would mean the country had the right to host next year’s contest — but it is far from certain that such an event would be possible in Ukraine next May. Psyuk, though, is optimistic. “We believe in our song … it has become a song about the motherland,” he said. “If it turns out that we will win, Eurovision 2023 will be held in Ukraine. In a new, integral Ukraine … a rebuilt, prosperous, happy country.” Read more
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Insurance: The Importance and Different Types of Coverage for a Secure Future

Insurance is a crucial aspect of our lives that protects us from various uncertainties and financial losses. From safeguarding our health to protecting our assets, insurance offers peace of mind and financial stability. With numerous options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right coverage. In this post, we will explore the importance of insurance and the different types of insurance available to help you make an informed decision. The Importance of Insurance Insurance helps in mitigating financial risks and losses by transferring the risk from the policyholder to the insurer. It provides financial security and peace of mind, especially in case of unexpected events such as an accident, illness, or death. Insurance acts as a safety net, helping policyholders to recover from losses without incurring heavy financial burdens. Types of Insurance Health Insurance: Covers medical expenses and protects individuals and families from high medical costs. Life Insurance: Provides financial support to the family in case of the policyholder’s death. Home Insurance: Covers losses and damages to a person’s home and its contents. Auto Insurance: Protects policyholders against financial losses due to car accidents. Disability Insurance: Provides financial support in case of temporary or permanent disability. Liability Insurance: Protects individuals and businesses from legal liability in case of property damage or injury to others. Health Insurance: Navigating the World of Coverage for Optimal Physical and Financial Well-Being Health insurance is a critical aspect of our lives that provides protection against unexpected medical expenses and financial burdens. With the rising costs of healthcare, having a good health insurance plan is more important than ever. However, choosing the right coverage can be a confusing and challenging process. In this post, we will guide you through the world of health insurance and help you understand the different types of plans available, their benefits, and how to choose the best coverage for your needs. Types of Health Insurance: Individual Health Insurance: Provides coverage for a single person and is typically more expensive than group insurance. Group Health Insurance: Offered by employers to their employees, providing coverage at a lower cost. Medicare: A federal health insurance program for individuals 65 years of age or older. Medicaid: A joint federal and state program providing health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Factors to Consider when Choosing Health Insurance: Network: Choose a plan with a network of healthcare providers that meets your needs. Cost: Consider your budget and choose a plan that fits your financial situation. Coverage: Make sure the plan covers the medical services you need, including prescription drugs and preventive care. Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs: Check for deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to understand your potential costs. Health insurance is an investment in your physical and financial well-being. By understanding the different types of plans available and considering your needs and budget, you can make an informed decision and choose the best coverage for you and your family. Don’t wait until it’s too late, invest in your health today! Life Insurance: Securing Your Loved Ones’ Future with the Right Coverage Life insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning that provides financial security and peace of mind to our loved ones in the event of unexpected death. With numerous options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right coverage. Types of Life Insurance: Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specified term and is the most affordable option. Whole Life Insurance: Provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life and includes a savings component. Universal Life Insurance: A flexible policy that offers both death benefit protection and cash value growth. Variable Life Insurance: A type of policy that invests a portion of the premium in underlying securities. Factors to Consider when Choosing Life Insurance: Coverage Amount: Choose a coverage amount that meets your loved one’s financial needs. Term Length: Consider the length of the term to determine how long the coverage will last. Premiums: Choose a policy with premiums that fit your budget and lifestyle. Riders: Consider adding riders to your policy to enhance coverage and provide additional benefits. Life insurance is a vital part of financial planning that provides peace of mind and financial security to our loved ones. By understanding the different types of policies and considering your needs and budget, you can choose the best coverage and ensure a secure future for your loved ones. Invest in life insurance today and give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind. Home Insurance: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset with the Right Coverage Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and protecting it against unexpected events is crucial. Home insurance provides financial protection against a variety of potential dangers, including natural disasters, theft, and damage. With numerous options available, choosing the right coverage can be overwhelming. In this post, we will guide you through the world of home insurance, help you understand the different types of policies, and show you how to choose the best coverage for your needs. Types of Home Insurance: Homeowner’s Insurance: Provides coverage for the structure of your home and your personal belongings. Flood Insurance: Provides coverage for damage caused by floods, which is not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance. Earthquake Insurance: Provides coverage for damage caused by earthquakes, which is not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance. Factors to Consider when Choosing Home Insurance: Coverage Amount: Choose a coverage amount that meets your needs and protects your assets. Deductibles: Consider the deductible amount and choose a policy that fits your budget. Discounts: Look for discounts that can lower your premium, such as discounts for safety features or a new roof. Claims Process: Make sure the insurance company has a fair and efficient claims process. Home insurance is a crucial part of protecting your most valuable asset. By understanding the different types of policies and considering your needs and budget, you can choose the best coverage and ensure the protection of your home and personal belongings. Invest in home insurance today and >>Read more
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How do I pick a life insurance company?

Roughly 1,000 life insurance companies sell life insurance in the U.S., but many are members of groups of companies and so aren’t really competitors with each other. Having separate companies enables a group to offer its products through separate distribution channels, to more efficiently meet the regulatory requirements of particular states, or to achieve other organizational goals. There are an estimated three hundred company groups. Moreover, not every group has a company licensed to operate in each state. As a general rule, you should buy from a company licensed in your state, because then you can rely on your state insurance department to help if there’s a problem. And if the insurance company becomes insolvent, your state’s life insurance guaranty fund will help only policyholders of companies it has licensed. To find out which companies are licensed in any state, contact that state’s state insurance department. There are several other points to keep in mind when selecting a life insurance company: Product – most, but not all, companies offer a broad range of policies and features, so choose a company that offers the product and features that meet your needs. Identity – life insurance company names can be confusing, and different companies can have similar names. Life insurance company names often use words that suggest financial strength (such as Guaranty, Reserve, or Security), financial sophistication (such as Bankers, Financial, or Investors, maturity (such as First, Pioneer, or Old), dependability (such as Assurance, Reliable, Trust), fairness (such as Beneficial, Equitable, or Peoples), breadth of operations (such as Continental, National, or International), government (such as American, Capital, or Republic), or well-known and respected Americans (such as Jefferson, Franklin, or Lincoln). Be sure you know the full name, home office location, and affiliation (if any) of any company you are considering (for an example, click here). Financial Solidity – life insurance is a long-term arrangement. There is no guarantee for life insurance policyholders similar to that provided for bank accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Select a company that is likely to be financially sound for many years, by using ratings from independent rating agencies. Market ethics – some life insurance companies subscribe to the principles and codes of conduct of the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes ethical conduct in life insurance marketing. Advice and service – for many people, life insurance is a strange, complex product, so that it helps to deal with a representative with whom you can communicate and who is attentive to your needs. This might be connected to the selection of a life insurance company because some agents represent only one or a very few life insurance companies. See How do I select a life insurance agent? Claims – you may want to check a national claims database to see what complaint information it has on a company. Also, your state insurance department will be able to tell you if the insurance company you are considering doing business with had many consumer complaints about its service relative to the number of policies it sold. Premium and cost – The premium is the amount you pay the company for the life insurance contract with all of its benefits. Even for a given death benefit and type of insurance (e.g., term life), the premium can vary widely among companies, either because some companies’ policies have features that others don’t, or because some charge more than others for the same coverage. So the first step in comparing policies is to make sure you compare similar insurance plans, based on: – Your age – The type of policy and policy features – The amount of insurance you are purchasing The premium for the policy isn’t the same as the cost of the protection portion of the policy. One policy might have a higher premium but also offer more benefits (for example, it might pay policy dividends) than another. Or both might promise dividends, but in different amounts at different points in time. In each case, the higher-premium policy might have a lower cost of protection. How can you tell what a policy’s cost is? Companies should tell you a policy’s Net Payment Cost Index and its Surrender Cost Index. Use the Surrender Cost Index if you’re thinking of keeping the insurance only for a specific period of time; use the Net Payment Cost Index if you expect to keep the policy indefinitely. Generally, the lower the cost index, the better.
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Exploring the Dynamic World of FOREX Trading

The foreign exchange market, also known as FOREX, is a decentralized market where the world’s currencies are traded. With a daily trading volume of over $5.3 trillion, it is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world. FOREX operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, and offers ample opportunities for traders to make profits. However, like any other financial market, FOREX also involves significant risks, and traders must have a solid understanding of the market before they can participate in trading. FOREX trading is a type of trading in which individuals, businesses, and financial institutions buy and sell different currencies from around the world. The value of one currency is determined by its exchange rate with another currency, and traders aim to make profits by buying currencies that are undervalued and selling those that are overvalued. Traders can use a variety of tools and strategies to trade in the FOREX market, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and chart patterns. It is important for traders to understand the various factors that impact currency exchange rates, such as economic data releases, central bank policy decisions, and geopolitical events, among others. Most Popular Forex Trading Strategies for Successful Traders Forex trading is a popular investment opportunity that allows individuals to trade currencies and make a profit. However, to be successful in this market, it is essential to have a well-planned and tested strategy. Let’s take a closer look at these most popular Forex trading strategies that have been proven to deliver results. Trend Following: Trend following is a simple strategy that involves identifying the direction of the market trend and making trades accordingly. This strategy is based on the idea that currency prices tend to move in a particular direction and continue to do so for an extended period. Scalping: Scalping is a high-frequency trading strategy that involves making multiple trades in a short period, typically within a few minutes. The goal of scalping is to profit from small price changes in the market. Breakout Trading: Breakout trading involves identifying key support and resistance levels and then entering a trade when the price breaks through these levels. This strategy is based on the idea that prices tend to continue moving in the direction of the breakout. Swing Trading: Swing trading is a medium-term trading strategy that involves holding positions for a few days to a few weeks. This strategy aims to profit from market swings and capitalizes on both up and down trends. Position Trading: Position trading is a long-term strategy that involves holding positions for weeks, months, or even years. This strategy is based on the idea that long-term market trends are more predictable and profitable than short-term movements. Carry Trade: Carry trade is a strategy that involves borrowing money in a currency with a low-interest rate and investing it in a currency with a higher interest rate. The goal of this strategy is to profit from the interest rate differential between the two currencies. Mean Reversion: Mean reversion is a strategy that assumes that currency prices will eventually return to their average value after a period of deviation. This strategy is based on the idea that prices tend to move back toward the mean over time. Momentum Trading: Momentum trading is a strategy that involves buying currencies that are rising in price and selling currencies that are declining in price. This strategy is based on the idea that prices tend to continue moving in the same direction once they start moving. News Trading: News trading is a strategy that involves making trades based on economic and political news releases. This strategy is based on the idea that news events can have a significant impact on the Forex market and cause prices to move in a particular direction. Technical Analysis: Technical analysis is a strategy that involves using chart patterns and technical indicators to make trades. This strategy is based on the idea that past price and volume data can be used to predict future market movements. There is no single Forex trading strategy that is guaranteed to be successful. The key to success in Forex trading is to find a strategy that fits your trading style and risk tolerance and to continually test and refine your approach. By using one or a combination of these Forex trading strategies, you can increase your chances of success in the Forex market. Conclusion FOREX trading is an exciting and dynamic way to participate in the world’s largest financial market. With a daily trading volume of over $5.3 trillion, the FOREX market offers ample opportunities for traders to make profits. However, the market can also be complex and difficult to navigate, especially for beginners. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to trade successfully in the FOREX market. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey and maximize your profits in the FOREX market!
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