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Now that the federal government has tabled proposed amendments to the law governing medical assistance in dying (MAiD), its imperative that the laws severe restrictions be lifted so that personal autonomy is respected. The law has forced disabled Canadians seeking MAiD either to attempt to take their own lives or suffer indefinitely.

The amendments in Bill C-7, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), propose a two-criteria system one for Canadians and the other for Canadians whose death is reasonably foreseeable.

We need to make sure the proposed amendments, tabled in Parliament on February 24, 2020, go far enough to fully correct the legislation, which the courts have struck down as unconstitutional.

Bill C-7 is the federal governments response to the Quebec Superior Court ruling in Truchon v. Attorney General of Canada, which said the requirement of a reasonably foreseeable death to be eligible for MAiD was discriminatory.

Bill C-14, which has come to be known as the MAiD law, has been widely criticized by civil liberties organizations and the Canadian Bar Association. They have urged the government to correct its unconstitutionality. In the legal community in Canada, there is agreement on this: the legislation is unconstitutional.

The unconstitutionality comes down to the 2015 Carter v. Canada Supreme Court case ruling, which does not stipulate that your death has to be reasonably foreseeable. The Carter v. Canada ruling was based on intolerable and irremediable suffering, not proximity to death. Kay Carter was an 89-year-old woman with degenerative spinal stenosis; she lived in a wheelchair as her body gradually collapsed on itself. The court found that being allowed to suffer indefinitely and kept alive against her will was unconstitutional. Reasonably foreseeable death is found nowhere in the decision.

Yet, the government went on to craft a law that has restricted medical assistance in dying to those applicants with a reasonably foreseeable death, a term that is vague and legally undefined. The family of Kay Carter has questioned whether she would have even qualified for MAiD under the current law.

The MAiD law is anything but fair, equitable legislation. Even Justice Minister David Lametti, who was an MP in 2016, voted against the MAiD bill that year, saying: As a professor of law in Canada for 20 years and a member of two Canadian Bars, I also worry about passing legislation that is at serious risk of being found to be unconstitutional. On these grounds, I was not able to give it my vote in good conscience.

What are the proposed changes?

Among the most notable changes tabled this week in Bill C-7:

For Canadians seeking MAiD where death isnt reasonably foreseeable, additional criteria must be met:

The government also wants to allow what it calls a waiver of final consent. This has been referred to by some as Audreys amendment. It would allow for an advanced directive only when natural death is reasonably foreseeable and the following criteria are met:

A person can give consent in writing to receive MAiD on a scheduled day, even if they are no longer able to consent. This waives the requirement that consent be expressed immediately before the MAiD procedure. If on the day of the MAiD procedure the person has lost capacity to consent to MAiD, the practitioner can provide MAiD using the written directive or waiver of final consent. Any consent given in advance would be able to be invalidated by the person demonstrating with words or gestures a refusal or resistance to the administration of MAiD at the time of the procedure.

Caution must be exercised

These amendments could set the table for further court challenges. If the government continues to restrict access that does not respect the rights outlined by the Charter (sections 7 and 15(1)), further cases are likely.

Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.

To prohibit access to assisted dying for any group limits their right to life, liberty, and security, when the result of prohibition is that some individuals are compelled to take their life prematurely, as Jocelyn Downie explained in the Carter v. Canada case.

Furthermore, it denies people the liberty to make decisions about their own health and medical care and bodily integrity. Allowing a Canadian to suffer intolerably also impinges on the security of the person.

Section 15(1) states, Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

If medical assistance in dying is limited to select categories of the population, the government is denying equal access and thereby the right to equal benefit of the law. Both sections 7 and 15(1) have been used in court cases to reinforce equal access to MAiD.

As MPs begin to debate the proposed amendments, lets hope for less of the paternalism that infused the initial legislation. That legislation was passed by many of the MPs who will be voting this time. The individual must have autonomy over a life after a diagnosis and a decision about their death.

Safeguards for disabled Canadians

There is a worry among disability rights organizations that an expanded MAiD could erode disability supports and lead people to encourage death over life for disabled Canadians. They fear the message a more expansive MAiD could send to disabled persons, as Catherine Frazee, former chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, has said.

However, equal, fair access to MAiD would empower disabled Canadians, giving them the same autonomy that others have in making their own choice on assisted dying. Disabled Canadians have not been given the right to make their own choice about MAiD because of so-called safeguards that restrict it to those with reasonably foreseeable deaths.

Disabled Canadians have successfully defended their Charter-given rights in some of our nations highest courts. From Carter v. Canada in 2015 to Truchon v. Attorney General of Canada, Lamb v. Canada, and A.B. v. Ontario (Attorney General), the plaintiffs were disabled Canadians. We would not have medical assistance in dying in this country without the efforts and courage of disabled Canadians. Its about time they have the full rights they have demanded.

The current legislation has excluded disabled Canadians from having the autonomy that Carter v. Canada afforded. In Carter v. Canada, the Supreme Court was clear on what it considered to be the criteria for access to medical assistance in dying: A competent adult person who clearly consents to the termination of life and has a grievous and irremediable medical condition, including an illness, disease or disability, that causes enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the circumstances of his or her condition.

It was a decision arrived at on the basis of suffering, not the end-of-life or the need to protect populations. If the government had considered the Carter v. Canada decision, any disabled Canadian enduring intolerable suffering would have the right to access.

The government speaks of individual autonomy but hasnt respected it in legislation. The government talks about protecting the vulnerable, yet Audrey Parker of Halifax famously had to use MAiD earlier than she wanted to. Other Canadians have committed suicide after being denied a medically assisted death, including Saskatchwans Cecilia Chmura, Quebecs Jacques Campeau, BCs Adam Ross, and Ontarios Adam Maier-Clayton.

There are those who are waiting in limbo for the government to adopt the amendments like Justine Noel, my common-law partner for whom I am a caretaker. For two years, she has struggled to access a medically assisted death. She would qualify except that her death isnt reasonably foreseeable. In Truchon v. Attorney General, Justice Christine Baudouin called the limitation of a reasonably foreseeable death a flagrant contradiction of the fundamental principles concerning respect for the autonomy of competent people and referred to it multiple times in her 187-page ruling as discriminatory.

And then there are those who have pursued VSED, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, as Jocelyn Downie has written.

The government has used language like safeguards to rebrand restriction, constitutional violations and suppression of rights.

Is MAiD for mental illness possible?

These amendments arent a cure-all. MAiD is still denied to Canadians whose sole diagnosis is mental illness. What will it take for them to be afforded their Charter rights?

Ken Chan, a 62-year-old Canadian military veteran with depression, committed suicide on the stairs of the Alberta legislature in December 2019, less than an hour after sending emails to federal and provincial health ministers urging them to expand access to medical assistance in dying. Will it take deaths, suicides and evidence of mistreatment before people with mental illness can draw on their Charter rights?

Canada has an opportunity to create legislation that is fair and balanced, something every Canadian deserves. Theres no room for partisan politics. This is a chance to produce legislation that is constitutionally sound.

Photo: Shutterstock, by sasirin pamai.

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How far should the assisted-death law go? Look to the Charter - Policy Options

Commercial growth in Wiltons 2019 grand list was sparked by a new addition and parking garage at ASML at 77 Danbury Road.

Commercial growth in Wiltons 2019 grand list was sparked by a new addition and parking garage at ASML at 77 Danbury Road.

Photo: Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media

Commercial growth in Wiltons 2019 grand list was sparked by a new addition and parking garage at ASML at 77 Danbury Road.

Commercial growth in Wiltons 2019 grand list was sparked by a new addition and parking garage at ASML at 77 Danbury Road.

Wilton grand list sees 0.78-percent increase

There was good news on the grand list front for Wilton, following last years decline.

Wiltons 2019 grand list has increased by 0.78 percent. It stands at $4.285 billion, up from $4.251 billion in 2018, a difference of $33,328,535.

The grand list decreased 2.8 percent last year, when properties faced revaluation.

First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice attributed the 2019 grand list increase to commercial growth and inclusion of a few new residential houses and permitted remodeling/additions.

Commercial growth included a new addition and parking garage at ASML at 77 Danbury Road, and completion of Sunrise of Wilton, a new assisted-living facility at 211 Danbury Road.

Nearby, New Canaans grand list increased by 0.74 percent, similar to Wiltons, Ridgefields grand list increased by nearly 1 percent and in Darien the increase was 0.96 percent. Westons grand list increased by just 0.1 percent.

The grand list represents the assessed value (70 percent of market value) of all property real estate, personal property and motor vehicles in Wilton from Oct. 1, 2017 through Oct. 1, 2018. It is one of the tools the Board of Finance will use in figuring the mill rate for fiscal year 2020-21.

Wiltons 0.78-percent grand list increase comes from commercial and residential real estate values, which were up 0.77 percent; personal property which was up 1.58 percent; and a 0.24-percent increase in motor vehicle values.

The top 10 Wilton taxpayers on the 2019 grand list are:

1. CT Light & Power Company, assessed at $102,045,220.

2. Teachers Insurance & Annuity Assoc., assessed at $63,600,110.

3. ASML US LLC, assessed at $59,957,590.

4. Avalonbay Communities, Inc., assessed at $52,524,280.

5. Wilton Campus 1691 LLC, assessed at $29,022,980.

6. Wilton 50 LLC, assessed at $19,896,610.

7. Wilton 40 LLC, assessed at $18,485,740.

8. Wilton River Park 1688 LLC, assessed at $16,791,460.

9. Wilton Retirement Housing LLC, assessed at $16,708,260.

10. Sunrise of Wilton Prop Co LLC, assessed at $15,564,270.

Due to higher assessments for renovations and improvements, ASML moved from fourth to third on the list. And Sunrise of Wilton moved into the top 10, displacing I Park Norwalk II LLC.

pgay@wiltonbulletin.com

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Wilton grand list sees 0.78-percent increase - The Wilton Bulletin

Western Loudoun's signature greenery and quaint mid-century architecture collide on this five-plus-acre Bluemont property, which just entered the market for $989,000.

"The environment on the property is just so beautiful and peaceful," listing agent Melissa Donnelly told the Times-Mirror. "The two relaxing porches, one on the side and one on the back, make this the perfect spot to enjoy all of the peacefulness and wilderness that the mountain has to offer."

While at no lack for connection to nature, the 4,284-square-foot, three-bedroom home boasts plenty of visual and environmental appeal on its own. The contemporary spirit of this 1955 construction remains steady, even after having undergone more than $350,000 in renovations in the past two years.

These "personal touches," as Donnelly calls them, are evident from the moment one approaches the front door, itself a custom addition. Several recent additions can be found in the kitchen, its backsplash comprised of tiles handmade by a local artisan, a new, stainless-steel range hood hovering above the open-flame stovetop. White cabinetry, top-tier appliances and a massive, hardwood-topped center island combine to make a paradisaical playground for the chef in the family not to mention the massive walk-in pantry and the wine storage room at the other end of the home.

With an open-concept design that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining area, family room and recreation room, the entire main floor is "very family-friendly," per Donnelly. "You have people playing pool in one room and hanging out, other people could be by the fireplace. It's great for entertaining," she said. Further, those wishing to get some exercise while unexposed to the elements can use the home gym, which was just finished last year.

The expansive master bedroom has its own fireplace and enjoys the same rustic hardwood flooring that runs throughout the main living area. The attached bathroom is nothing short of regal: Its heated floors are covered with honed marble and a large, mosaic-style medallion; the footed tub and aromatherapy steam shower afford the owners maximum relaxation. Additional living quarters and an opportunity for steady income can be found in the small cottage on the other end of the property, which has its own single-car garage.

For more information on this listing, contact Donnelly at 703-727-1124 or at melissadonnelly@premieragent.com.

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Home of the Week: 18368 Blueridge Mountain Road, Bluemont - Loudoun Times-Mirror

Concerned that the southern part of their city could be overloaded with apartments, DeBarys leaders have put a temporary halt on new multifamily housing projects around the citys SunRail station.

The City Council Feb. 19 unanimously approved a moratorium on new apartment-only projects in the transit-oriented development district, near the SunRail depot.

Our vision for that area is mixed-use, City Manager Carmen Rosamonda said. The commercial corridor could be eaten up with apartments.

Rosamonda added commercial development will be needed for a growing population.

For at least the next seven months, proposals for single-use multi-family housing, with no retail or office additions in the TOD will be on hold, while planners consider new standards and regulations for development and build-out in the district.

The vision of the community is [that] this would be mixed-use, Mayor Karen Chasez said. This is the sentiment of the community ... the sense that we have to get this right. ... I do think a pause is the right thing.

The moratorium will be in effect until Sept. 25, unless the council lifts it sooner.

The ordinance allows the City Council to terminate it earlier, City Attorney Kurt Ardaman said. You have that authority.

City leaders are aiming to ensure there is a balance and blend of other types of development in what is supposed to be a vibrant village or downtown-type center with events that will draw patrons from a wide area.

The moratorium is important so that we can have smart growth, Council Member Patricia Stevenson said.

Rosamonda added DeBary needs retail stores and offices to provide goods and services for those living in the city now and in the future.

Build it right the first time, he said, so that the downtown center will become a destination.

In a report from city planning staff given to council members, city staff put a fine point on the problem.

Most contact [city] staff is having from potential developers is for apartments only, the summary reads. Single use developers are more prevalent, and therefore more likely to approach DeBary Staff. However, mixed-use developers, while less frequent, do exist and may be a more appropriate fit in this area.

The report went on to say that, if left unchecked, residential-only development could choke out commercial and mixed-use development around the station.

Currently, one apartment complex, Integra 289, is now under construction in the TOD area, but city officials say there is interest in more multifamily development within the district.

Just before the council enacted the moratorium, the city received a proposal to build an apartment complex on the site of Clayton & Sons Garage, an auto salvage business at 721 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., DeBarys name for its segment of U.S. Highway 17-92.

Theres no appetite for commercial on this site at all, developer Lara Swanson told the council, in defense of more housing as necessary for future retail development. Commercial follows rooftops; there are not enough rooftops.

Swanson noted Clayton & Sons 14-acre parcel is a brownfield, whose soil is likely contaminated by automotive chemicals that would have to be cleaned and treated before any redevelopment could occur.

The TOD area encompasses about 200 acres, mostly privately owned, that leaders see as the future core of DeBary. DeBary, the TOD districts proponents say, will draw visitors and businesses if the area is developed to its full potential.

As matters now stand, Rosamonda said, city planners say as many as 3,825 homes both single-family and apartments may be built in and adjacent to the TOD district.

That number includes homes to be built in The Junction, a mixed-use project set to be developed on 64 acres owned by Steve Costa on the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 17-92 and Dirksen Drive.

In addition, there may be as many as 4,000 other homes within a 2-mile radius north of the TOD in the near future. That number includes some existing homes, Rosamonda said.

Original post:
DeBary calls timeout on apartments on city's south end - The West Volusia Beacon

EA Games have released a Spring Update for Need For Speed Heat. And, with it, they have added a selection of new content to the racer. The good news is that some of that is available free of charge to anyone who owns the base game. But a few additions will set you back a few bucks.

However, this is the murky Black Market were dealing with here, where nothing in life is (truly) free. So, its hardly surprising that money comes into the equation somewhere.

The Black Market Delivery feature will be added to the game once the latest patch has been downloaded. And its from there that you can enjoy your potential spending spree. Thats because somebody named Raziel will start importing a range of car models for you to populate your garage with. But, like I said, some things come with a catch.

That catch is the price tag of $4.99 which may, or may not be, value for money to you (but the only way of unlocking that 1993 McLaren F1). However, the free stuff I mentioned earlier isnt to be sniffed at, either. And could keep you busy, out on those open roads, for some time yet.

These freebies include a number of new characters and challenges, along with a selection of new accessorising parts. But the 2018 Aston Martin DB11 Volante is also included in that offer, so youll have at least one new set of wheels to try out. Thats if this version of Need For Speed has kept you checking your mirrors. If it has, the patch is 8.4 GB in size and is available now so, start your engines and well see you on the streets!

To keep up to date with all of our latest news and reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Thanks, you sexy beast.

We sometimes link to online retail stores. If you buy something from our links, we may make a small commission which goes towards keeping the lights on and coffee in the pot.

Living life one Batmobile chase at a time. When shes not writing about video games, shes writing terrible jokes that even a Christmas cracker would be embarrassed to share.

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Spring Update Adds A McLaren To Need For Speed Heat - Pure PlayStation

Every craft, job, and career path you take requires a decent amount of understanding and passion for whatever it is you're doing. And that's definitely no different when it comes to entertaining hundreds of thousands, if not millions of viewers.It's all about authenticity and showing that you're not just another sellout trying to make an easy buck.

As far as the automotive tv show industry goes, there have been quite a few shows with their hearts in the right place, that have sharedtheir passion and authenticity with their viewers, showing that cutting corners is noviable way to build up a reliable and entertaining show.

On the other hand, there have been numerous others that have tried to improvise their way through the industry, which only led to backlash and hate from the community. With that being said, here are 10 of the fakest car tv shows out there, and 5 that are undoubtedly genuine.

You'd expect an automotive TV show to actually tackle cars and everything else related to them, but that's not that case when it comes to Counting Cars.

Airing its first episode back in 2012,the show is better of as "Counting Problems" as theconstant bickeringand drama the host of this show and his crew get into are countless, and, to be frank, boring and stale. And so are this series' episodes of everything you don't wanna see in an automotive tv show. Miraculously lasting 8 seasons, the show aired its last episode in 2018, and there have been no updates since then on whether or not the show will resume.

What is unarguably one of the worst automotive TV shows, Pimp My Ride checks off all the red flags. From disrespecting their participants, to scripting several parts of the show, the whole thing was nothing more than a masquerade hiding behind gimmicky customizations that had little to no actual functionality.

The show hosted by rapper Xzibit would remodel the cars, adding severalgimmicks to them, from your mainstream things like TVs and sound systems to the more bizarre additions such as full-sized pool tables and cotton candy machines. These customizations took long periods of time, often violated safety regulations, and had no use for the actual functionality or performance of the car.

It takes more than just two know-it-all mechanics to entertain an entire nation. It may be true that the show and the hosts are all about cars, but you have to keep in mind that this is the entertainment industry, and failing to entertain people doesn't go well in showbiz.

Airing their first episode back in 2001, and with a very low rating of 3.4/10 on IMDb, we're surprised the show has managed to last till now. For a show that tackles a lot of fast cars, they sure do know how to make your time go by slow.

You really hate to see an automotive TV show that had potential turn into another Keeping Up With The Kardashians reality show, and that's exactly what happened with Desert Car Kings. What started out as an insaneand interesting idea to restore vintage cars, quickly turned into yet another family feud.

The show would go on to last one season, as most of whatever cars the family actually repaired when they weren't too busy arguing lacked life and charisma, which quickly made the show dull and unentertaining to watch. This is one of those shows that has you wondering what it would've been like under different production.

You know a show is not destined for greatness when they have to spell the word "cars" with a z. Graveyard Carz was never expected to blow up. Especially taking into consideration the crew's extremely narrow field of experience, dealing exclusively with 1960-1970 Chrysler muscle cars.

With a slogan like "It's Mopar or No Car," we're surprised the show is still airing. If you find entertainment in one-trick wonders, then this show would be perfect for you.

RELATED:The Mopar Lowliner Concept Reimagines A 1968 D200-Series Pickup

Despite having a unique and entertaining idea, where the show ventures into the streets of Oklahoma to capture the street racing scene, the execution wasn't quite there. A lot of the show's parts felt overly scripted, and a lot of the viewers were complaining that the show's host failed to show genuine brotherhood towards his crewmates and friends.

A combination of celebrities and cars, Unique Whips was all about remodeling and customizing vehicles for people like Lebron James, Chris Brown, and 50 Cent.

You'd think a show like this would be great, but unfortunately, it's not. It was repetitive most of the time and didn't provide any entertaining car-related content. It failed to balance its focus between celebrities and cars, which ended up ruining the automotive vibe and made it feel like another celebrity reality show.

This show deserves some credit as the idea and the results are amazing. If you appreciate the charm andelegance of these six-wheeled beauties, then you're bound to like some of the makeovers on Trick My Truck.

The show features a crew that remodels and customizes trucks of selected drivers. Sadly, the process of these makeovers and customizations isn't shown, making the series more of a talk show rather than an automotive one.

RELATED:15 Pickup Trucks You Should Buy Over The Toyota Tacoma

Wrench'd is a perfect example of what an automotive TV show shouldn't be. The self-proclaimed "visionary in his field" host Justin Nichols is considered rather pretentious by his peers in the community.

As someone who's supposed to be a car expert, Nichols sure messes up a lot of the times and oftenhas no idea of what is going on. Just goes to show how "acting" isn't enough to run a successful tv show, especially when it comes to cars.

Considered to be the "world's worst car tv show" by Drive Tribe, Caffeine And Octane certainly fits the description. Whether it's the ingenuine camaraderie between the hosts or the fact that the show tries to copy content from other better-known shows in the industry, it'sjust a disappointment all around.

Moreover, the show focuses more on the hosts talking rather thanentertaining car-related content. It definitely isn't a show worth spending time watching.

The Grand Tour was created as a result of previous Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson being fired from the British production. This show is a great display of genuine camaraderie as Jeremy's previous co-hosts from Top Gear followed the automotive enthusiast and expert to Grand Tour.

The show exhibits very entertaining automotive content and provides a friendly competitive atmosphere in which the hosts compete against each other to win challenges in exotic rare cars.

Being a personal favorite, Chasing Classic Cars is probably one of the best shows for all of you classic car fanatics out there. The passion and love for classic cars that the show host Wayne Carini has are enough to maintain his viewers' attention, interest, and love.

The show that focuses on winning classic car bids at auctions and restoring them to their former glory, understands the importance of showing its viewers the restoration process which makes the show all around even better.

RELATED:15 Classic Cars From The '80s You Can Still Buy For Pretty Cheap

At first glance, Fast N' Loud looks like your typical car restoration show, but it's not. Packed with lots of adventure, this show features two phenomenal automotive experts traveling the country and collecting worn-out cars that they restore to near-perfect state.

Part of this show's appeal also comes from the mutual friendship the two hosts share, in addition to the show adding some skits into the different themes of episodes. It's a very unique show that has managed to grab the attention of millions of viewers since the premiere of their first season.

Jay Leno's Garage is one of those shows that has something for everyone. The show features former late-night celebrity host Jay Leno embarking on his journey to repair, test, and exhibit some of the best cars in the country.

The show is quite entertaining as it goes into different aspects of the automotive world, as well as cover the stories of different peoples' car collection, from celebrities to your everyday folks. It also doesn't lack in comedy taking into consideration that Lenon is a stand comedian, which gives the show that nice little finishing touch to it.

The Overhaulin' crew repair, customize, and remodel broken down cars of unknowing deserving people such as returning veterans. The emotions and interactions on this show are heartwarming and tearjerking, which adds that personal feel to it. The crew did a great job connecting with their viewers, which brought the show success for nine beautiful seasons.

NEXT:Why You Shouldn't Waste Your Money On American Sports Cars

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10 Of The Fakest Car TV Shows (5 That Are 100% Real) | HotCars - HotCars

Bollywood has always been a dreamland for many, especially because of the extravagant lifestyle of the actors. Moving around in expensive luxury cars is one of the reasons behind peoples love for Bollywood. Well, there are many Bollywood celebrities who own humble cars just like us apart from owning a range of luxury vehicles. Who are these celebrities and which cars do they drive? Heres a list.

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

He is an avid automobile enthusiast and owns a few super bikers and cars like Nissan GT-R. John is a purist and also owns a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, which has now been discontinued from the market. John has kept his white Maruti Suzuki Gypsy in a top condition and also takes it around the around every now and then.

Toyota Innova

The Toyota Innova has been the preferred choice of ride for many during the long hauls. The comfort of the cabin and exceptional reliability that it provides cannot be matched by any other car. Jackie, who owns cars like Bentley also owns an Innova and uses it quite regularly.

Tata Safari Storme

Anil Kapoor has been an actor for over 40 years now and the man who first caught the eye of the public or rather disappeared in front of your eyes inMr India is best known for his collection of flagship luxury sedans from Mercedes, BMW and Audi. However, he also has the Safari Storme SUV which was gifted to him by the carmaker to promote a TV series. The Safari Storme in Mr Kapoors garage uses a 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a manual gearbox.

Toyota Fortuner

Next up is Aamir Khan, who is among the best actors in India right now. Also known as a Mr Perfectionist, Aamir owns a fleet of luxury cars including the Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes-Benz S-Guard among others. However, when it comes to regular cars, he owns a few of them including the Toyota Fortuner and a Mahindra XUV500. The new-gen Fortuner that he owns is not used much by him except for when he wants to be discreet.

Mahindra CJ4A

The veteran actor, Nana Patekar lives simple and does not own any fancy car. He owns a Mahindra CJ4A jeep, which rarely comes out of the garage. It is finished in a desert colour and is powered by a 2.2-litre petrol engine that develops a maximum of 72 Bhp.

Mahindra Scorpio Getaway

The adventurous Gul Panag loves to explore and is often spotted with her motorcycle in the mountains. She also owns a heavily customised Mahindra Scorpio Getaway that can go extreme places. The additions on her Scorpio Getaway include a rooftop tent, snorkel, off-road spec tires, a chemical toilet, a winch on the front modified bumper and so on.

Toyota Fortuner

Fortuner is a car with bulletproof reliability and it can run for years. Bipasha Basu owns a white coloured Fortuner and uses it regularly to tackle the Mumbai traffic. Since expensive cars can get damaged in the heavily congested roads and it takes a lot of money to repair them, using such humble cars is a much better idea.

Tata Nano

Tagged as the most affordable production car in the world, the Tata Nano found a place in the garage of many Indians but not as much Tata would have liked. When it comes to the celebrities, the Nano just never made an impact there. Kim Sharma, a popular model-turned-actor in Bollywood drives around in a Nano. Kim also owns a couple of luxury cars but when it comes to tackling the city traffic, she chooses the Nano over any other car in her garage.

Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze

Bollywood young heartthrob Disha Patani is the owner of two quite humble cars. These are the Chevrolet Cruze and the Honda Civic, both D-segment sedans. While now she is mostly seen in her Mercedes E-Class, Land Rover Range Rover or the BMW 5-Series, she used to travel a lot in her Cruze and Civic some time back. Disha has also been spotted enjoying a drive in her Honda Civic quite a lot of times.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Malaika Arora is a fashion diva and roams around in extremely luxurious vehicles including a brand new Range Rover Vogue. Malaika also owns a Toyota Innova Crysta which is used by her often. She has also been spotted driving around the car by herself. Malaika owns the 2.7-litre petrol automatic version of the car, which offers a very smooth and quiet ride.

Excerpt from:
HUMBLE cars of Bollywood - CarToq.com

All houseplants need air, light and water to survive, but thats not always an option when plants are shaded by trees or sit far from windows.

Lack of sunlight is one of the most common challenges for indoor houseplants, said plant expert Annette Gutierrez of the Los Angeles garden store Potted. Do you have any low-light houseplants? is the No. 1 question we get from our customers, she said. (The second is Do you carry plants that clean the air more on that later.)

The good news is that there are many houseplants that can grow in low light. But that doesnt mean they prefer it or thrive in those conditions.

A low-light plant isnt a plant that does best in low light, explained Danae Horst, owner of Folia Collective in Eagle Rock and author of the upcoming coffee-table book Houseplants for All. Its just a plant that is adaptable enough to tolerate low light.

Gutierrez agreed. You have to look at them as plants that can survive low light.

With that in mind, here are 10 indoor houseplants that will survive in low-light conditions as chosen by garden experts Horst and Gutierrez, Rhiannon Cramm of Mickey Hargitay Plants and Erin Marino of the Sill:

Variegated tropical leaves pattern of snake plant or mother-in-laws tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentii).

(Chansom Pantip/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

1. Snake plant

Botanical name: Sansevieria trifasciata

Family: Agavaceae

Pet-friendly: No

Popular sansevierias such as the snake plant, or mother-in-laws tongue, an upright plant with sword-like yellow-edged marbled leaves, are easy to grow, require little water and thrive in warm interiors as a tropical plant.

While most sansevieria thrive in bright light and even direct sun, they can tolerate medium to low light conditions, said Rhiannon Cramm of Hollywood nursery Mickey Hargitay Plants.

The key to helping plants thrive in lower light? Reduce the amount of water you give them in both frequency and quantity. When plants are in lower light, they are using less of their resources, so they are not able to use up as much water as plants receiving a lot of light, Cramm said. Water also evaporates a lot slower in cooler, darker areas so less water is definitely key.

The sculptural plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and is especially dramatic when paired with shorter plants. For extra drama at home, uplight them.

Interesting new varieties Cramm recommends: Cylindrica, Moonshine, Starpower, Masons Congo and Kirkii.

A zamiocula or ZZ plant.

(Annette Gutierrez / Potted)

2. ZZ plant

Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Family: Araceae

Pet-friendly? No.

If you are intimidated by houseplants, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is a tall, sculptural tropical that can survive just about anywhere.

A native of drought-prone East Africa, the succulent features glossy green leaves that will grow to a height and width of about 2 feet. It can survive up to four months without water, so if you are an aspiring plant parent who enjoys watering, this plant is not for you.

A slow grower, the ZZ thrives in medium to low indirect light and can tolerate bright indirect light. It can be propagated by separating the potato-like rhizomes that hold water at its base or by cuttings.

A sexy new black variety called the Raven ZZ or Zamioculcas zamiifolia Dowon looks to be the next hot houseplant. (It was voted the best new foliage plant at the 2018 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition.) The patented plant is grown exclusively by Florida-based grower Costa Farm and is available through Walmart. We also spotted it online at Home Depot. By the end of 2020, expect to see black ZZs everywhere.

Parlor Palm, Chamaedorea elegans

(The Sill )

3. Parlor palm

Botanical name: Chamaedorea elegans

Family: Palmae

Pet-friendly: Yes

If your taste is more Bohemian modern than traditional, the arched fronds of the parlor palm, or good luck palm, will add a relaxed tropical vibe to your interiors.

The miniature palm is a slow grower that can reach about 3 feet high or, with repeated repotting, as high as 6 feet.

Like most tropical plants, Chamaedorea elegans thrives in warm, humid rooms, so it helps to mist them or place them on a tray filled with moist pebbles.

Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema

(Potted)

4. Chinese evergreen

Botanical name: Aglaonema modestum

Family: Araceae

Pet-friendly: No

The Chinese evergreen is often recommended for beginners because it is hearty, easy to grow, drought-tolerant and can tolerate just about any indoor lighting situation.

There are many different varieties of the genus Aglaonema, which are noted for their long patterned leaves speckled with gray, cream and pink. The Chinese evergreen has waxy green oval leaves spotted with silver.

The Chinese evergreen is great for tabletops and bathrooms. Variegation is quite common with Aglaonema. Cramm recommends the varieties Maria, Silver Bay and Emerald Beauty.

Satin Pothos or Silver Vine (Scindapsus pictus), Araceae.

(DEA / C. DANI/De Agostini via Getty Images)

5. Satin pothos

Botanical name: Scindapsus pictus Exotica

Family: Araceae

Pet-friendly? No

The lesser-known satin pothos not to be confused with philodendron features distinctive blue-green heart-shaped leaves with silver variegation that is compatible with modern interiors.

Because it likes humid conditions, this spiller is a great choice for bathrooms, where the long vines can cascade from hanging baskets. If leaves turn brown, it may mean that the air is too dry. Position it near other plants or on a saucer filled with damp pebbles to add moisture. You can train it to grow upright, with stakes and strings, or drape it along a fireplace mantle or bookshelf.

Calathea Medallion.

(The Sill )

6. Calathea medallion

Botanical name: Calathea roseopicta

Family: Marantaceae

Pet-friendly? Yes

The tropical Calathea medallion is named for its unique oval medallion-like leaves that feature pink and white variegation on top and deep purple tones underneath.

Calatheas are often called prayer plants a common name for Calathea, Maranta and other Marantaceae because their leaves open during the day and close at night, a phenomenon known as nyctinasty.

Although beautiful, Calathea can be a diva and needs consistent watering, pruning and feeding. High humidity is essential too, and foliage should be misted daily. Because the plant prefers lime-free water we told you its a diva take it outside when it rains.

Heartleaf philodendron, Philodendron hederaceum

(The Sill )

7. Green heartleaf philodendron

Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum

Family: Araceae

Pet-friendly: No

Philodendron hederaceum, known for its heart-shaped green leaves and trailing vines, is one of the most common houseplants (it is the Sills bestseller) and one of the easiest to grow. The plant can survive a variety of lighting conditions and can be grown as a climbing or trailing specimen. Pinch it back and it will become bushy.

8. Corn plant

Botanical name: Dracaena Lisa Cane

Family: Agavaceae

Pet-friendly? No

Large houseplants can transform and warm up a space. Dracaena Lisa Cane, green and palmlike with arching leaves, can grow 7 to 8 feet tall with little sunlight. It will work well in a hallway or foyer away from windows. Regular dusting or misting is recommended; its known as a dust collector.

Dieffenbachia Camille

(Potted)

9. Dumb cane

Botanical name: Dieffenbachia maculata

Family: Araceae

Pet-friendly? No

Dieffenbachia are beloved for their highly decorative leaves tinged with yellow, cream and white.

The maculata variety, commonly known as spotted dumb cane, is a popular species featuring narrow green leaves with irregular white markings.

Native to Central and South America, it is most comfortable in warm and humid interiors. If your interiors are dry, place it on a tray of damp pebbles for humidity, or group it with similar humidity-loving plants to create a moisture pocket.

Because it can grow to 5 feet tall or or more, it is an excellent choice for an empty wall.

The plants name dumb cane comes from the dieffenbachias milky sap, which is poisonous and can cause oral irritation. Be sure to wash your hands after removing leaves or cuttings.

Fittonia do best in high humidity. Stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles and mist for adequate moisture.

(Lisa Boone )

10. Nerve plant

Botanical name: Fittonia verschaffeltii

Family: Acanthaceae

Pet-friendly? Yes.

This creeping plant, which is indigenous to tropical rainforests, features green leaves with delicate white, silver and red veins.

Fittonia can be finicky: They dont like direct sunlight, which damages their leaves, and they need careful watering or their leaves will dry up and become brittle or brown around the edges. Keep soil barely moist at all times and give it a regular misting or place it on a tray of wet pebbles.

Because it is happiest in warm and humid conditions, the low-growing fittonia is an excellent choice for bottle gardens, terrariums and bathrooms. For a more compact look, pinch the growing points to encourage branching.

Originally posted here:
What are indoor plants that don't need a ton of light? - Los Angeles Times

A smoker steps outside to have a quick cigarette. They wait to light up until theyre well beyond the state-mandated smoke-free area outside the buildings door. No one is around. When theyre done, they put out the butt, dispose of it properly, and walk back inside.

As far as current laws and social norms go, this smoker has done everything right. But new research published Wednesday in Science Advances reports that even these best-intentioned smokers could have negative effects on those around them thanks to the toxic chemicals that linger on their clothes and are brought indoors.

While smokers, of course, experience smoke firsthand, those in the direct presence of a lit cigarette are exposed to secondhand smoke. Now, researchers are bringing attention to a new type exposure: thirdhand smoke.

Thirdhand smoke is the residual contamination of surfaces and spaces with nicotine and other chemicals from smokers, which others breathe in through dust or gases. And unlike secondhand smoke, thirdhand smoke is unseen and can often go unnoticed.

In the new study, researchers from Yale University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry looked to a well-ventilated movie theater where smoking had been banned for 15 years. Over four days, the team measured the air in the theater before moviegoers arrived, as well as throughout the movie.

The researchers found that toxic chemicals such as benzene were most prevalent when moviegoers first walked into the theater. And although they diminished over the course of the film, they were present throughout.

R-rated films showed the highest levels of thirdhand smoke, even when the audience was smaller than the G-rated showings.

During the hour-long period around R-rated movie showtime, the average emissions were equivalent to one to 10 cigarettes of secondhand smoke, said Roger Sheu, the Yale chemical engineer who led the study, in a teleconference.

While firsthand and secondhand smoke have been known to cause health complications, theres a possibility for complications from this newfound thirdhand smoke. Further research has to be done to examine whether factors like the type of indoor location, or even the brand of cigarettes, affect the amount of off-gassing, say the authors.

These results, along with past surface measurements of nicotine in nonsmoking environments, indicate that this is occurring frequently around us, said Drew Gentner, a Yale engineer also involved in the study. This effect is not just limited to the period [of time when the] smoker is off-gassing, but can leave a persistent contamination on the surfaces after those people leave.

In the teleconference, Gentner and Sheu didnt have any direct advice as to lowering the spread of thirdhand smoke. For now, Gentner says, people should be aware that the toxins are still there even when you cant see them.

[Smokers] themselves remain a source of those chemicals when they go back inside, says Gentner, which may be particularly important in the presence of small children or sensitive populations.

Excerpt from:
Thirdhand Smoke: Study Finds Smokers' Clothes are Carrying Cigarette Chemicals Indoors - Discover Magazine

DUBLIN, March 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Light Control Switches Market by Product Type (Switches, Dimmers), Communication Technology (Wired, Wireless), End-use Application, Switch Solutions (Standalone, Integrated), Light Source, Geography - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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The global light control switches market is estimated to grow from USD 6.6 billion in 2020 and projected to reach USD 10.1 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.9%.

The major factors driving the growth of the light control switches market include the advent of integrated lighting control systems, ongoing and upcoming smart city projects in developing economies, increasing adoption and reduction in prices of LEDs, and growing awareness about energy savings among consumers and governments worldwide. Factors such as lack of awareness regarding installation cost and payback period for smart lighting solutions and privacy and security issues with smart lighting control are restraining the growth of the light control switches market.

Wired technology is expected to hold a larger share of the light control switches market by 2025.

Currently, the light control switches and dimmers based on wired technology are widely adopted for different types of structures as this technology offers reliable connectivity, with no limitation on long-distance data transfer. Wired communication technologies for light control switches and dimmers include Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), Power-line Communication (PLC), and various wired hybrid protocols, which include company-specific proprietary protocols. Wired protocols offer reliable performance and greater control; thus, the technology held the largest share of the market.

Highways & roadways to hold the largest size of light control switches market for outdoor application during the forecast period.

The highways & roadways lighting application segment holds the largest market share of the outdoor light control switches application due to government support and subsidies encouraging the installation and use of smart light control solutions. As of now, the latest trend in the street lighting segment is the replacement of existing street lighting sources with LED street lights to reduce energy consumption significantly.

Light control switches market in APAC expected to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The light control switches market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to rapid infrastructure building activities being undertaken in APAC, mainly in China and India, where smart light control solutions pave the way for the modernization of infrastructure. Factors such as the ever-growing population, increasing per capita income, as well as vast geographic expansions, have indirectly contributed to the growth of the market for light control switches in the Asian countries.

Key Topics Covered

1. Introduction

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Premium Insights

5. Market Overview5.1. Introduction5.2. Market Dynamics5.2.1. Drivers5.2.2. Restraints5.2.3. Opportunities5.2.4. Challenges

6. Industry Trends6.1. Introduction6.2. Value Chain Analysis6.3. Key Industry Trends

7. Light Control Switches Market, By Product Type7.1. Introduction7.2. Switches7.2.1. Manual ON/OFF Switches7.2.1.1. Toggle switches7.2.1.2. Rocker switches7.2.1.3. Illuminated switches7.2.2. Electronic Switches7.2.2.1. Wireless switches7.2.2.2. Sensor-based switches7.2.2.3. Others7.3. Dimmers7.3.1. Wired Dimmers7.3.2. Wireless Dimmers

8. Light Control Switches Market, By Switch Solutions8.1. Introduction8.2. Standalone switch solution8.3. Integrated switch solution

9. Light Control Switches Market, By End-use Application9.1. Introduction9.2. Indoor9.2.1. Residential9.2.2. Commercial9.2.3. Industrial9.2.4. Others9.3. Outdoor9.3.1. Highways & Roadways Lighting9.3.2. Architectural Lighting9.3.3. Lighting for Public Places9.3.4. Others

10. Light Control Switches Market, By Communication Protocol10.1. Introduction10.2. Wired10.2.1. DALI10.2.2. KNX10.2.3. Digital multiplex (DMX)10.3. Wireless10.3.1. Zigbee10.3.2. BLE10.3.3. EnOcean10.3.4. Wi-Fi10.3.5. Z-wave

11. Light Control Switches Market, By Geography11.1. Introduction11.2. North America11.2.1. US11.2.2. Canada11.2.3. Mexico11.3. Europe11.3.1. UK11.3.2. Germany11.3.3. France11.3.4. Italy11.3.5. Spain11.3.6. Rest of Europe11.4. APAC11.4.1. China11.4.2. Japan11.4.3. India11.4.4. South Korea11.4.5. Rest of APAC11.5. RoW11.5.1. Middle East & Africa11.5.2. South America

12. Competitive Landscape12.1. Introduction12.2. Market Ranking Analysis12.3. Competitive Leadership Mapping12.4. Competitive Scenario12.4.1. New Product Launches and Developments12.4.2. Acquisitions12.4.3. Agreements and Contracts12.4.4. Expansion

13. Company Profiles13.1. Key Players13.1.1. Signify Holding (Philips Lighting)13.1.2. Legrand S.A.13.1.3. Eaton Corporation PLC13.1.4. OSRAM Licht AG13.1.5. Acuity Brands, Inc.13.1.6. Lutron Electronics13.1.7. Schneider Electric SE13.1.8. Honeywell International Inc.13.1.9. Hubbell Incorporated13.1.10. Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.13.1.11. Havells India Limited (Havells)13.2. Other Important Players13.2.1. Dialight PLC13.2.2. Helvar13.2.3. Zumbtobel Group13.2.4. Ideal Industries13.2.5. General Electric Company (Current-Powered by GE)13.2.6. ABB13.2.7. Siemens13.2.8. LightwaveRF PLC13.2.9. RAB Lighting13.2.10. Synapse Wireless, Inc.13.2.11. Panasonic

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The Future of the Global Light Control Switches Market, 2025: $10+ Billion Opportunity Assessment - Yahoo Finance