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Exploring a Design Space for Patterns and Tilings Competition 2015: Unterschied zwischen den Versionen
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The advantage of the command list approach is the separation of learning and application: The learning procedure can be one of the many alternatives from symbolic AI, statistical learning, Neuronal Networks to Evolutionary Computation so a huge number of researchers from diverse fields could potentially participate in this contest. Regarding to the method independent approach this type of competition is similar to the data science competitions at [http://www.kaggle.com/competitions Kaggle]. Nevertheless the focus should be on Evolutionary Computation because of the embedment in an Evolutionary Art context (also this should not be excluded for later competitions). On the other hand if a command list that generates a pattern from prototiles is available an image interpreter can use this list (and modified it) in every other programming and script language independent of the learning environment. And because the elements in the command list are logically independent from another they can be parallelized on this level which is of use especially if the image operations are also parallelized like in a programming language that can use the GPU (like [
The advantage of the command list approach is the separation of learning and application: The learning procedure can be one of the many alternatives from symbolic AI, statistical learning, Neuronal Networks to Evolutionary Computation so a huge number of researchers from diverse fields could potentially participate in this contest. Regarding to the method independent approach this type of competition is similar to the data science competitions at [http://www.kaggle.com/competitions Kaggle]. Nevertheless the focus should be on Evolutionary Computation because of the embedment in an Evolutionary Art context (also this should not be excluded for later competitions). On the other hand if a command list that generates a pattern from prototiles is available an image interpreter can use this list (and modified it) in every other programming and script language independent of the learning environment. And because the elements in the command list are logically independent from another they can be parallelized on this level which is of use especially if the image operations are also parallelized like in a programming language that can use the GPU (like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenGL], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulkan_%28API%29 Vulkan], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenVG OpenVG] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenCL OpenCL]).
There is evidence that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_grammar Shape Grammars] are well suited to represent patterns and tilings (for example: Ulu & ŞENER: [[A SHAPE GRAMMAR MODEL TO GENERATE ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERN]]. In: [[Generative Art 2009]]; Cenani & Cagdas: [[A Shape Grammar Study: Form Generation with Geometric Islamic Patterns]]. In: [[Generative Art 2007]]) therefore [http://www.grammatical-evolution.org/ Grammatical Genetic Programming Systems] would be one obvious choice for a learning environment.
There is evidence that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_grammar Shape Grammars] are well suited to represent patterns and tilings (for example: Ulu & ŞENER: [[A SHAPE GRAMMAR MODEL TO GENERATE ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERN]]. In: [[Generative Art 2009]]; Cenani & Cagdas: [[A Shape Grammar Study: Form Generation with Geometric Islamic Patterns]]. In: [[Generative Art 2007]]) therefore [http://www.grammatical-evolution.org/ Grammatical Genetic Programming Systems] would be one obvious choice for a learning environment.
Version vom 31. März 2015, 12:32 Uhr
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- 1 Introduction
- 2 Competition terms
- 3 Prize money
- 4 Definition of a pattern generation task
- 5 Required components
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Definition of the Pattern Design Space
- 8 Public Relation strategy for the Competition
- 9 Future Directions
- 10 Notes
- 11 References & Links
- 12 Tiling Classification in "B. Wichmann: The world of Patterns"
- 12.1 Mathematical
- 12.1.1 Regular polygons all having the same edge length
- 12.1.2 Containing mainly regular star polygons all having the same edge length
- 12.1.3 Tiling patterns made entirely from one shape: Monohedral Patterns
- 12.1.4 Patterns defined by the symmetry classes of the vertices and tiles: Homeohedral Tilings
- 12.1.5 Other shapes of mathematical interest
- 12.2 Artistic
- 12.1 Mathematical
The goal of this periodic programming competition is to develop methods that can explore a very general but on the other hand specific design space of patterns and tilings (see DS-definition), implement those methods and apply them to built alongside a repository of generation commands for interesting patterns and tilings that could be used directly in image editing by contemporary and future artists, illustrators, designers, ... under an appropriate open source license.
In image editing a mathematical compass and straight-edge construction approach is not helping. One must be able to built these structures by prototiles shaped cut-out image parts. For example: The red equilateral triangle on transparent background in the figure below is the prototile that assembles the p3m1 symmetry group image. To built a tile with it would lead to a red image (possible with some gaps) which is good for counting possible gap pixel but not so useful for image editing purposes. Therefore the red shape is used as a mask together with a parent image; with the right type of compositing function a triangle part of the parent image is cut out (p3m1_G1); again with transparent background. With such a prototile a pattern generation in image editing makes sense and could done by a sequence of image processing commands (CRMT-commands: clone the prototile, rotate it, mirror it, translate it over a pattern image to a specific position).
As a prove of concept there are reference implementations for several tiles of the euclidean symmetry groups with the CRMT-approach (see the following four images); for older examples of implementations of the euclidean symmetry groups with non CRMT methods by G. Bachelier 2007 with PerlMagick see References & Links.
- pmm Reference Implementation
- p4m Reference Implementation
- p3m1 Reference Implementation
- p6m Reference Implementation
There are (or were) software that are using tiles in image editing like the Photoshop filter Terrazzo from Xaos Tools, the Photo Tiling Tool Pavimenta (António Salgueiro: Pavimenta: A Photo Tiling Tool. In: Bridges 2011. Pages 515–518) and the GIMP filter Texturize. The first two were not available any more and they were only using the 17 euclidean symmetry groups of the plane and none of the diversity of the other tiling methods. There is also the possibility to make tilings in vector graphic programs like Illustrator (here) and Inkscape (here), but again only the 17 symmetry groups were available.
The search for a pattern generation procedure could be thought as a 2D packing problem with overlap → min ∧ gap → min in combination with a learning/optimization procedure to generate a sequence of image processing commands that could built a pattern with given prototiles from scratch. Or it can be viewed as a puzzle solving problem were the prototiles are the puzzle elements that are moved over a plane and put together to built tilings and patterns.
An Evolutionary Algorithm environment could process this 2D packing problem like a physical puzzle (dissection puzzle, Tangram, T puzzle, tiling puzzle, eternity puzzle, geometric magick square, jigsaw puzzle). A complex example is the physical "Zellij Multipuzzle" (Jean Marc Castera: Zellij Multipuzzle. In: Bridges 2006. Pages 665–666), which implements a puzzle based on Islamic tilings and ornaments with an extreme number of 21 prototile types (see following images from Castera: Zellij Multipuzzle) and a total number of 669 prototiles (plus different boarder pieces) where one side is colored in white, the other in a different color. The task is to pack a number of prototiles together with no gap and overlap. In the case of the Zellij Multipuzzle there is a large design space of configurations with and without symmetries that satisfy this condition which means that they are all in the Pareto front of this 2-objective problem "overlap → min ∧ gap → min" and the Evolutionary Algorithm environment should be able to return all of the elements in the Pareto front.
The advantage of the command list approach is the separation of learning and application: The learning procedure can be one of the many alternatives from symbolic AI, statistical learning, Neuronal Networks to Evolutionary Computation so a huge number of researchers from diverse fields could potentially participate in this contest. Regarding to the method independent approach this type of competition is similar to the data science competitions at Kaggle. Nevertheless the focus should be on Evolutionary Computation because of the embedment in an Evolutionary Art context (also this should not be excluded for later competitions). On the other hand if a command list that generates a pattern from prototiles is available an image interpreter can use this list (and modified it) in every other programming and script language independent of the learning environment. And because the elements in the command list are logically independent from another they can be parallelized on this level which is of use especially if the image operations are also parallelized like in a programming language that can use the GPU (like OpenGL, Vulkan, OpenVG or OpenCL).
There is evidence that Shape Grammars are well suited to represent patterns and tilings (for example: Ulu & ŞENER: A SHAPE GRAMMAR MODEL TO GENERATE ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERN. In: Generative Art 2009; Cenani & Cagdas: A Shape Grammar Study: Form Generation with Geometric Islamic Patterns. In: Generative Art 2007) therefore Grammatical Genetic Programming Systems would be one obvious choice for a learning environment.
Competition terms
- In the first competition the task is to built an Evolutionary Algorithms environment that can reproduce as much as possible of the known tilings with the command list approach. The environment and the settings must be made public available without any restrictive licensing.
- In a first step the prototile or prototiles of a known tiling/pattern were identified based on an image for example retrieved from "B. Wichmann: The world of Patterns" (see Tiling Classification). This could be done by human expertise, interactively or automatic if a good enough tile image is given. Automatic approaches must have some knowledge about euclidean geometry to correct measured angles and length.
- If the additional condition is given that a tile image should be reproduced exactly one can not only identify the types of prototiles but also the number of each prototile type. With this information an obvious stop criteria would be the use of all the members in the given prototile set.
- In a second step prototile images were generated were monochrome prototiles are exactly drawn on a transparent background with no borders. The width and height measures of the prototiles must be balanced so that they fit together and could built a tile or pattern. The width and height of the prototile images define the width and height of the pattern image (see the Notes to pattern image). If a prototile is specified by one length (like the width of a equilateral triangle in the p3m1 case), the length should be specified with 1000 pixels.
- If the goal would be solely reproducing existing tilings one could use existing algorithms for example in math environments like Mathematica in combination with a general strategy to generate image command lists for any geometrically constructed pattern. But because the wider goal is exploring a design space such approaches should not be accepted. On the other hand Evolutionary Algorithms are in some cases implemented in math environments like Christian Jacobs Evolvica for Mathematica so exploring the design space with Evolutionary Algorithms in such an math environment would be honored.
- Each competitor (person or team) must verify the capability of his approach by submitting a minimum number of different tiles from different tile classes from "B. Wichmann: The world of Patterns" (number of tiles and number of tile classes must be specified).
- The winning condition is the maximal number of submitted different tiles from different tile classes.
- For the proof of the number of submitted tiles and their verifiability each competitor (person or team) must register in a wiki design_space_for_patterns_and_tilings (to be made) and every submitted tile must be documented there with the given page template (template sketch must be further specified).
- Every entry in the template (text, code, command lists, images, ...) is published under a creative commons license that allow the unrestricted use for all non-commercial and commercial purposes for contemporary and future artists, illustrators, designers, ... Note to CC license
- Competition start: 15.04.2015
- Competition end: 15.01.2016
- Announcement of the winner: 15.04.2016
Prize money
Definition of a pattern generation task
- One or more prototiles (polygon shapes): $S1 ( ..., $Sn) given as png files where the shape points are touching the canvas boarders and with transparent background. The shapes are monochromatic.
- A pattern image $P with width $w_P and height $h_P that should be covered with the prototiles. Notes to pattern image
- A set of image processing commands like (clone, rotate, mirror, translate). Note to pattern image and image processing commands- Note to 6-tuple extension approach
- A fitness condition: overlap → min ∧ gap → min (which defines the problem as a 2-objective minimization problem). Notes to fitness condition
The Pareto front of solution candidates consisting of image processing command lists $comdo_list_j regarding to the 2-objective minimization problem overlap → min ∧ gap → min (graphical each solution is a point in a Cartesian coordinate system with one axis is the gap measure and the other is the overlap measure). Each command list consists of 6-tuples $6_tuple_j_k of parameters for five CRMT commands:
- coding of the clone command by using a prototile number that refers to a prototile in an image list $Shape_list: {0, ..., n}.
- coding of the rotate command: [0,360[ degrees. Note to rotation
- coding of a mirror command Flop: Fo.
- coding of a mirror command Flip: Fi.
- coding of a translate command with one value for the x-axis and one for the y-axis in one ($T) or two separate commands ($x, $y). Notes to translation
Example implementations show that we must use a flexible coding scheme regarding the positions of the rotate and mirror commands because there are some combinatorial cases to consider that must be distinguished because the image processing commands are in general not commutative (the sequence matters). This means that a simple coding scheme with fixed positions like ($C, $Fo, $R, $Fi, $x, $y) can not be used.
First of all one can say that the position of the clone and the compositing command is fixed: it is the first and last place in the command list. Regarding the rotate and the two mirror commands the following combinations are possible (including the first case were none of them were applied):
($C, $x, $y), ($C, $R, $x, $y), ($C, $Fo, $x, $y), ($C, $Fi, $x, $y), ($C, $Fo, $R, $x, $y), ($C, $R, $Fo, $x, $y), ($C, $Fi, $R, $x, $y), ($C, $R, $Fi, $x, $y), ($C, $Fo, $Fi, $R, $x, $y)=($C, $Fi, $Fo, $R, $x, $y), ($C, $R, $Fo, $Fi, $x, $y)=($C, $R, $Fi, $Fo, $x, $y), ($C, $Fo, $R, $Fi, $x, $y), ($C, $Fi, $R, $Fo, $x, $y)
Therefore it is necessary to also code the type of command like 'C' for clone, 'R' for rotate, 'Fo' for Flop, 'Fi' for Flip, 'x' for x-translation and 'y' for x-translation.
The next fact that must be included is the use for parameters with the C, R, x, and y command:
$C = 'C' . $prototile_nr;
$R = 'R' . $rotation_degree;
$x = 'x' . $x_value;
$y = 'y' . $y_value; (or $T = 'T' . '_' . $x_value . '_' . $y_value;)
With this components a flexible coding is possible that consider all possible positions of the commands. For example (C0, Fo, R-60, Fi, x250, y0) is coding the following processing pipeline:
- Clone first prototile in image list (when list numbering starts with 0)
- Flop
- rotate it -60 degree (plus additional correction of rotation offset ( Note to rotation))
- Flip
- composing_over with x-value of 250 and y-value of 0
In PearlMagick this would be implemented as (see for details the reference implementation of a p3m1-tile):
$prototile_crm = $Shape_list->[0]->Clone(); $prototile_crm = Flop(); $prototile_crm->Rotate(degrees=>'-60', color=>'transparent'); $prototile_crm->Trim(); $prototile_crm->Flip(); $tile->Composite(image=>$prototile_crm, compose=>'over', x=>'250', y=>'0', color=>'transparent', matte=>'true');
Required components
1) Automatic Programming environment/Evolutionary Algorithm environment that generates populations of solution candidates.
2) Image-interpreter that generates candidate images from the solution candidates by using a graphic program or library (like Image Magick or OpenGL).
3) Fitness-evaluator that is counting the gap pixels and compute the overlapping pixels of the candidate images with the help of the command list.
The following over all pseudo code assumes that the fitness evaluation can be done after a candidate image was generated and did not need to be inside the image generation process. Because of the lack of a technical definition of an overlap measure that can be computed only with the result image and the corresponding command list it is unclear if this kind of procedure is possible.
Use the Evolutionary Algorithm-environment to generate an initial population of solution candidates: $comdo_list_t_0_j, j = 1, ..., n;
Until ($stop_criterion == 0) {
Use the Image-interpreter with solution candidates and given prototiles as input to generate candidate images: $image_t_j;
Use the Fitness-evaluator to compute the fitness values $gap_j and $overlap_j for every candidate image;
Check the stop criterion;
if ($stop_criterion == 0) {Use the EvoAlgo environment for reproduction: apply a 2-objective method to generate a new population of solution candidates $comdo_list_t+1_j, j = 1, ..., n with the help of the fitness values} else {stop};
Definition of the Pattern Design Space
The combinational pattern design space of this idea could be written as the Cartesian product
PDS = S(poly) x S(com) x S(fit) x S($P) x S(dim) x S(geo)
- S(poly): Set of possible prototiles (if one prototile is used) or set of combinations of possible prototiles (if more than one prototile is used) Note on pattern coloring
- S(com): Set of possible commands (with {clone, rotate, mirror, translate} as the minimal set)
- S(fit): Set of possible fitness conditions
- S($P): Set of possible sizes of pattern image $P
- S(dim): Set of possible dimensions
- S(geo): Set of possible geometries
In the first run/runs of this programming competition the Design Space should be constrained:
- S(poly) = Set of prototiles that are generating a known tile or set of combinations of prototiles that are generating together a known tile.
- S(com) = {clone, rotate, mirror, translate}.
- S(fit) = {overlap → min ∧ gap → min}.
- S($P) = {($w_P, $h_P) = f($mult, $w_S_i, $h_S_i | i = 1, …, n)}, for example: $mult = 4, $w_P = $mult * max($w_S_i | i = 1, …, n), $h_P = $mult * max($h_S_i | i = 1, …, n).
- S(dim) = {2}.
- S(geo) = {euclidean}.
Public Relation strategy for the Competition
- Mail in general Evo Algo mailing lists
- EC Digest The Evolutionary Computation Mail Digest: http://ec-digest.research.ucf.edu/ firstname.lastname@example.com
- Yahoo GP news group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/genetic_programming/info
- Mail in mailing lists of Evo Algo software
- ECJ (Java, http://cs.gmu.edu/~eclab/projects/ecj/): https://listserv.gmu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=ecj-interest-l&A=1
- EO Evolutionary Computation Framework (C++, http://eodev.sourceforge.net/): https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/eodev-main firstname.lastname@example.com
- Beagle - Open BEAGLE (C++, http://code.google.com/p/beagle/): http://groups.google.com/group/openbeagle-users
- Deap (Python, http://code.google.com/p/deap/): https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/deap-users
- HeuristicLab (?, http://dev.heuristiclab.com/): https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/heuristiclab
- Watchmaker (Java, http://watchmaker.uncommons.org/): https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/watchmaker
- Twitter
- Deap (http://code.google.com/p/deap/): https://twitter.com/deapdev
- BridgesMathArt: https://twitter.com/BridgesMathArt
- MathArt: https://twitter.com/hashtag/MathArt
- GenerativeArt: https://twitter.com/generativeart
- AlgorithmicArt: https://twitter.com/hashtag/algorithmicart
- https://twitter.com/lumenprize
- Scientific Social Networks (ask question, make post, make announcement, ...)
- Post in online forum
- Cooperation with blogger
- Cooperation with conferences
- EvoMUSART 2015 http://www.evostar.org/2015/cfp_evomusart.php Conference chairs: Colin G. Johnson (c.g.johnson ät kent.ac.uk), Adrian Carballal (adriancarballal ät gmail.com)
- EuroGP 2015 http://www.evostar.org/2015/cfp_eurogp.php Programme Chairs: Penousal Machado (machado ät dei.uc.pt), Malcolm Heywood (mheywood ät cs.dal.ca)
- Cooperation with journals
- Evolutionary Computation http://www.mitpressjournals.org/loi/evco http://www.researchgate.net/journal/1530-9304_Evolutionary_Computation
- Genetic Programming and Evolvable Machines http://www.springer.com/computer/ai/journal/10710 http://gpemjournal.blogspot.de/ http://www.researchgate.net/journal/1389-2576_Genetic_Programming_and_Evolvable_Machines
- Swarm and Evolutionary Computation http://www.journals.elsevier.com/swarm-and-evolutionary-computation/ https://www.researchgate.net/journal/2090-4908_International_Journal_of_Swarm_Intelligence_and_Evolutionary_Computation
- Journal of Mathematics and the Arts http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tmaa20/current#.VKU6FNegMhc https://www.researchgate.net/journal/1751-3472_Journal_of_Mathematics_and_the_Arts
- Cooperation with scientific societies
- SIGEVO - ACM Special Interest Group on Genetic and Evolutionary Computation http://sigevo.hosting.acm.org/wiki/tiki-index.php http://www.sigevolution.org/ https://www.researchgate.net/journal/1931-8499_ACM_SIGEVOlution Contact: Wolfgang Banzhaf (banzhaf ät mun.ca)
Future Directions
Fitness functions
Experiments with other fitness conditions especially adding appropriate aesthetic measures for tilings and patterns: S(fit) = {overlap → min ∧ gap → min ∧ F(aest) → max}.
Image manipulator
Extend the image interpreter to an image manipulator that manipulates the CRMT command lists and/or the associated list with prototiles/shapes. A design space of possible types of manipulations could be developed and this space could be explored with evolutionary methods, which requires again aesthetic fitness measures if such an exploration should be done automatically. This approach has connections to the tile'ish patterns below. Two use cases should be described: black and white (or gray scale) prototiles and color prototiles.
- If black and white prototiles are used it doesn't matter if large gap artifacts arises if a prototile is rotated or translated because such a black region is becoming part of the black background (if the result is written in jpg). Such black and white patterns could be used as masks for color images and the outcome of the command list manipulations are interesting mask variants with conserved or broken symmetry.
- If color prototiles are used large black region can be considered as aesthetically disruptive. In such a case a colorized background should be used perhaps the pattern that arises from the non manipulated CRMT command list, a transformed version of this, or a pattern with other color prototiles.
Example: If there is a symmetric black and white tile/pattern is used like a p3m1-tile with its top-bottom symmetry two corresponding local CRMT command lists are identified and manipulated accordingly for example by translating the top triangle more to the top and the bottom triangle more to the bottom. In this case the symmetry is preserved but in the same time the symmetry of the p3m1-tile becomes broken.
Non fitting prototiles
Experiments with prototile sets that do not fit exactly together viz tiles and pattern with known gaps (and/or overlaps) that are nevertheless interesting and aesthetic (tile'ish patterns). The fitness condition must be modified in this cases from a minimization to a sufficiency condition and possibly an appropriate aesthetic measure would be needed to explore this design subspace automatically.
Finite subdivision rules
Reverse approach by Finite subdivision rules: Given is a shape that acts like the pattern image $P with a given tiling. A subdivision rule changes that tiling by subdividing the given polygon into smaller polygons which can be continued iteratively. After a stop criteria holds the given tiling is analyzed (by hand, interactively or automatic) to identify the polygon types (prototiles) and the number of each type that built together the tile. Then a tile learning procedure (from previous iterations of the competition) generates a command list that pushes the prototiles together so that the tiling can be used for image editing purposes. The use of evolutionary computation can be twofold here: First a Genetic Programming approach can search for subdivision rules with interesting and aesthetic results and in the second step an evolutionary algorithm search for a command list that reproduces the pattern from the given prototile set.
Generalized Tangrams
Explore relationships to generalized tangram: Generating of prototiles by subdivision of a shape and searching for interesting/aesthetic configurations of the prototiles within a larger pattern image (no gap → min condition).
Vector graphics
Experiments with vector graphics: There are possibilities to script vector objects in Inkscape: Four ways to generate or process Inkscape vector graphics automatically. With --verb on the command line Inkscape can process basic geometric commands like --verb ObjectFlipVertically, but because the verb-approach can not process parameters it is not yet clear if this approach is directly powerful enough to interpret the CRMT-lists. But SVG images are defined in XML files therefore components of vector objects and their behavior can be edited with text editors so methods and parameters could be specified on this way. In conclusion it seems plausible that a CRMT-vector-image-interpreter could be made, that takes a vector object in the shape of a prototile and a CRMT-command list and generates a tile or pattern.
Inkscape has the ability to generate tiles but again restricted to to plane groups. With the use of CRMT-lists the large design space of tilings and pattern could be used in vector graphic formats.
Inkscape is able to cut out vector image parts with the Clipping and Masking methods. If a clipping path is shaped like a polygon it can be used to generate a color prototile that a CRMT-command list transforms to a tile or pattern.
Additional processing commands
Experiments with additional image processing commands: scale; affine matrix transformation or more general the distortion transformations in ImageMagick with affine and lots of other parameters (http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/distorts/): Affine, AffineProjection, ScaleRotateTranslate SRT, Perspective, PerspectiveProjection, BilinearForward, BilinearReverse, Polynomial, Arc, Polar, DePolar, Barrel, BarrelInverse, Shepards, Resize. Even with an added scaling command there are iterative function systems IFS possible with the opportunity to explore the aesthetics of self similarity within the general design space approach.
Ornament deformations
Parquet/ornament deformations (see Craig S. Kaplan: Computer Graphics and Geometric Ornamental Design, pp. 57): Searching for interesting/aesthetic mathematical deformation functions, analyzing the deformed ornaments to identify the polygon types (prototiles) and the number of each type that built together the ornament just like in the case of the Finite subdivision rules. Then using a pattern learning procedure that can reproduce the deformed ornament with CRMT-command lists. Again evolutionary computation can be used for searching deformation functions and for the learning process whereat the number of prototile types could become very large because every layer of the parquet has slightly different types and therefore the number is also dependent of the range of the parquet.
Note to CC license
- CC0 Public Domain https://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/?lang=en
- CC4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode https://creativecommons.org/choose/ Usage with "appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.")
Notes to pattern image
- Mathematical tile generation algorithms are in principle able to generate a pattern with any width x hight. The search for a program (with a Genetic Programming environment) that is able to generate an image command list for pattern generation for an arbitrary pattern size is more complex than the search for a program that generates a command list for only one specific image size. Therefore one should restrict the underlaying problem to the later case.
- A predefined pattern image $P has the disadvantage that it does not reflect the size of the prototile/s. A pattern should be large enough that one can see the regularities but it should be restricted because the cost of generating is growing fast with the size of the pattern. Therefore the width and hight of the pattern image should be a function of the width and height of the prototile/s and a multiplier $mult: ($w_P, $h_P) = f($mult, $w_S, $h_S) or ($w_P, $h_P) = f($mult, $w_S_i, $h_S_i | i = 1, …, n). A 3x3- or 4x4-pattern (for periodical tilings) should be sufficient and for the function with prototiles one could for example determine the prototile with the largest number of pixels and use its width and hight.
Note to pattern image and image processing commands
In the work about the euclidean symmetry groups G. Bachelier used a slightly different approach for the pattern image and the processing commands ( References & Links). The generation process of a tile begins with one shape (equals the pattern image) and this image is successively extended at one of its four edges and then a shape of the same type is rotated, mirrored and translated in one of the edges of the extended image. This means that the tile is growing until it has reached its full size so the command list used in this variant would be (clone, rotate, mirror, extent, translate) (see: http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/crop/#extent or "Extent" method in http://www.imagemagick.org/script/perl-magick.php). With the parameters width=>integer and height=>integer the new size of the tile part is defined and with gravity=>{NorthWest, North, NorthEast, West, Center, East, SouthWest, South, SouthEast} it is defined where to insert an image part with background=>'transparent'. The advantage of this approach is that one needs only the gravity-parameter with its 8 possible values for the translation instead of the x and y values. Possibly such an extend-approach would be more efficient because it reduces the search space of the optimization problem but on the other hand this has the risk of becoming trapped in a local sub-minimum.
Notes to fitness condition
- This 2-objective minimization is independent of any kind of aesthetic measure. The definition of an appropriate measure for tilings/patterns built with monochrome shapes should be part of one following competition.
- The definition of gap is obvious as the number of transparent pixel in a candidate image and can be determined with the result image without the knowledge of the generation process viz the command lists. The definition of overlap is more complex and it must quantify the number of pixels of the pattern image that are covered more than one time during the generation process. The question is if such a measure can be computed with the result image and the command list or must it be computed during the generation process. The later requires the integration of the Fitness-evaluator in the Image-interpreter.
The overlap of two shapes can be thought as the intersection of two point sets which is in ImageMagick implemented by the set theoretic compositing method "Darken" (http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/compose/#set_theory). The computing of the overlap in this case would require a second parallel generation process with compose_darken besides the generation process with compose_over. Every compose operation is made with compose_over for the generation of the result image and with compose_darken for the computing of the overlap measure. The measure would be the sum of the pixels of each intersection during the processing of the command list.
Given is a pattern image $P with width $w_P and height $h_P. In the beginning (t=0) $P is empty i.e. all pixel are transparent resulting in the notation $P_0. Given is also a command list with m 5-tuples ($S, $r, $m, $x, $y). From the command list the sequence @C_S = ($S | j = 1, …, m) of prototiles is extracted as the list of shapes that will be step by step composed independent if there is only one or more prototile types given.
In step t=1 the fist element from @C_S undergo a rotate and mirror transformation with the corresponding parameters $r_1 and $m_1 resulting in $S_1. $S_1 is then composed_over $P_0 with the transition parameters $x_1 and $y_1 resulting in $P_1. Because $P_0 was empty the overlap measure $overlap_1 in step 1 is always zero and the gap measure $gap_1 is computed as the number of non transparent pixels in $P_1 (if this is necessary). In step t=2 the second element from @C_S is transformed with $r_2 and $m_2 resulting in $S_2 and composed_over $P_1 with $x_2 and $y_2 resulting in $P_2 which could lead to an overlap. To compute $overlap_2 $P_1 is cloned and denoted as $P_1_d and $S_2 is composed_darken over $P_1_d with $x_2 and $y_2 resulting in $P_2_d. The overlap $overlap_2 is the number of non transparent pixel in $P_2_d equal to the number of non transparent pixels in the intersection of $P_1_d and $S_2. The overlap values could be pushed in a list @overlap_list which has after processing the whole command list m elements. The overlap measure of the whole generation process of the result image $P_m would be the sum of all m overlap values in @overlap_list.
Is it possible to make an overlap measure that can be computed given the result pattern image and the command list without the m intermediate steps? => Overlap Measure
Perhaps it is even not necessary to have such an absolute overlap measure that counts the actual pixels that are covered more than one time in the generating process of a pattern/tiling if such a measure is used in a fitness evaluation context. Possibly some kind of relative fitness value would be enough to make a fitness ranking of candidates to implement a selection strategy for reproduction,
Note to rotation
If a shape is rotated the ratio of the image can increase and the shape is not any more touching the image borders. This has consequences for the following translation because the translation in ImageMagick uses the left upper point as reference for the x- and y-value and uncorrected this would lead to gaps and/or overlaps. To correct this the parameterless IM-method Trim() can be used directly after rotation ($image=>Trim();)
Notes to translation
- If one uses an interpreter that can not use sub-pixel precision a naive range would be: x: [0, ..., $w_P - 1] and y: [0, ..., $h_P - 1]. But one must allow negative values to compose shapes in a way that the boarder regions of the pattern canvas are covered. Be w_shape_before_translate the width and h_shape_before_translate the height of the shape canvas before the translation the ranges are expanded to x: [-w_shape_before_translate + 1, ..., $w_P - 1], y: [-h_shape_before_translate + 1, ..., $h_P - 1]. (In PerlMagick the translate command would be integrated in a compose_over-command with absolute x and y coordinates.)
- A decision must be made if absolute pixel positions in an pattern image should be used like in the CRMT-tuples or relative values regarding to the width and height of the prototile if only one prototile is used or the width and height of tile/pattern image.
- If an image-interpreter is used which relies on a graphic program or library that can not use subpixel accuracy it is shown (in PerlMagick implementations of the euclidean symmetry groups) that gap artifacts could be generated at edges where the prototile polygons fit together. This is often the case if the polygons have other angles than {90, 45}°. If such tiles or patterns are saved in file formats that did not support transparency like jpg the gap pixel are set to black which result in viewable artifacts. A simple image editing heuristic was developed to fill all the gap pixel with local content by compose=>'over' the pattern over a slightly enlarged version of itself. In the case of the fitness evaluation it might be reasonable to distinguish between such gap pixel lines that can be corrected in image editing contexts and two-dimensional gap defects that can not locally corrected.
Note to 6-tuple extension approach
Alternatively an approach could be used that begins with one prototile (with transparent background) and iteratively extend the image until the given width and hight of the pattern is reached. This requires and additional image processing command (Extent()) and results in a 6-tuple:
- coding of the clone command by using a prototile number that refers to a prototile in an image list $Shape_list: $C = 'C' . $prototile_nr; $prototile_nr from {0, ..., n}.
- coding of the rotate command: $R = 'R' . $rotation_degree; $rotation_degree from [0,360[.
- coding of a mirror command Flop: $Fo.
- coding of a mirror command Flip: $Fi.
- coding of an extent command with two parameters: $E = 'E' . $gravity . '_' . $extention_value.
- gravity=>{North, West, East, South}. (simplified list of gravity options)
- delta-extension in pixel.
- coding of a translate command for the composite command : $T = 'T' . '_' . $gravity (or $xy = 'xy'. . $gravity).
- gravity=>{NorthWest, North, NorthEast, West, Center, East, SouthWest, South, SouthEast}. (full list of gravity options)
For example a 6-tuple (C0, Fo, R-60, Fi, E_West_250, T_West) would be interpreted as:
- Clone first prototile in image list (when list numbering starts with 0).
- Flop.
- rotate it -60 degree (plus additional correction of rotation offset).
- Flip.
- extent the tile on the left side (= west) of 250 pixels.
- composing the prototile over the tile and set the prototile at the left boarder of the tile (= geometry: West).
In PearlMagick this would be implemented as:
$prototile_crm = $Shape_list->[0]->Clone(); $prototile_crm = Flop(); $prototile_crm->Rotate(degrees=>'-60', color=>'transparent'); $prototile_crm->Trim(); $prototile_crm->Flip(); ($w, $h) = $tile->Get('columns', 'rows'); $w_new = $w + 250; $tile->Extent(gravity=>'West', width=>$w_new, height=>$h, background=>'transparent'); $tile->Composite(image=>$prototile_crm, compose=>'over', gravity=>'West', color=>'transparent', matte=>'true');
Note on pattern coloring
The prototiles in mathematical constructions of tiles are first of all monochrome with one color independent if one or more prototile types are used. There are many ways to color a pattern by assigning different colors to a prototile at different positions of the pattern or different colors to different types of prototiles. The set of possible coloring algorithms could be an additional dimension of the design space but for to underlying goal of using patterns for image editing this is not necessary. One can substitute a coloring rule system by enlarging the set of prototiles so that every color correspond to new added prototile type. If for example a tiling is used with one prototile and a coloring rule system with three colors one could enlarge the set of prototiles to three.
References & Links
- Descriptions of some euclidean symmetry groups with a modified clone-rotate-mirror-translate-approach (G. Bachelier 2007): (note: web links in the pdf's are not valid any more)
- http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/IM-examples/IM-plane_group_pmm/pmm_e.pdf
- http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/IM-examples/IM-plane_group_p4m/p4m_e.pdf
- http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/IM-examples/IM-plane_group_p3m1/p3m1_ges_e.pdf, internal link
- http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/IM-examples/IM-plane_group_p6m/p6m_e.pdf
- http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/IM-examples/IM-plane_group_p3/p3_e.pdf
- http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/IM-examples/IM-plane_group_p31m/p31m_e.pdf
- G. Bachelier's evolutionary art processes (2007) with some pointers to his use of euclidean symmetry groups: Günter Bachelier: Embedding of Pixel-Based Evolutionary Algorithms in My Global Art Process. In: Romero, Juan; Machado, Penousal: The Art of Artificial Evolution. Springer, Berlin, 2007, S. 249-268. http://www.vi-anec.de/Trance-Art/AROSHU/Talks/SpringerEArtBook2006rev.pdf
- Sehnaz Cenani, Gulen Cagdas: A Shape Grammar Study: Form Generation with Geometric Islamic Patterns. In: Celestino Soddu (ed.): Generative Art 2007, X Generative Art Conference 12-14 December 2007. ISBN: 9788896610084. http://www.generativeart.com/on/cic/papersGA2007/22.pdf
- Ebru Ulu, Sinan Mert ŞENER: A SHAPE GRAMMAR MODEL TO GENERATE ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERN. In: Generative Art 2009. http://www.generativeart.com/on/cic/GA2009Papers/p25.pdf
- Ramgopal Rajagopalan, Eric Hortop, Dania El-Khechen, Cheryl Kolak Dudek, Lydia Sharman, Fred Szabo, Thomas Fevens and Sudhir Mudhur: Inference and Design in Kuba and Zillij Art with Shape Grammars. Pages 419–428 http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2006/bridges2006-419.html http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2006/bridges2006-419.pdf
- B. Lynn Bodner: Hankin's 'Polygons in Contact' Grid Method for Recreating a Decagonal Star Polygon Design. Pages 21–28 http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2008/bridges2008-21.html http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2008/bridges2008-21.pdf
- Data Science Competitions: http://www.kaggle.com/competitions
- Tilings Encyclopedia (for substitution rules): http://tilings.math.uni-bielefeld.de
- Brian Wichmann: The world of Patterns. 2001. ISBN: 978-981-02-4619-8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789812839008_0001 http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/4698#t=toc
Tiling Classification in "B. Wichmann: The world of Patterns"
Regular polygons all having the same edge length
1.1.1) The simplest form of tiling pattern with only regular polygons are those known to the Greeks (these have only one type of vertex): Archimedean tilings
1.1.2) The next simplest category of tilings with regular polygons are those with two different types of vertices
1.1.3) The obvious generalization of the above are those tilings with three different types of vertices
1.1.4) Tilings formed from tiles which dissect a regular polygon
1.1.5) Tilings produced just with squares, but having different edge lengths
1.1.6) Tilings produced just with equilateral triangles, but having different edge lengths
1.1.7) Tilings produced with a mixture of regular polygons, but having different edge lengths
1.1.8) Tilings produced with a regular polygon and another polygon having maximal symmetry
1.1.9) Lastly, other shapes of mathematical interest are collected here
Containing mainly regular star polygons all having the same edge length
1.2.1) This part contains regular patterns with star polygons.
1.2.2) This part contains regular tilings with degenerate star polygons with just four sides, ie diamonds.
1.2.3) Other patterns with star polygons.
Tiling patterns made entirely from one shape: Monohedral Patterns
1.3.1) Tilings in which the single shape is a triangle.
1.3.2) Tilings in which the single shape is a quadrilateral.
1.3.3) Tilings in which the single shape is pentagonal.
1.3.4) Tilings in which the single shape is hexagonal.
1.3.5) Tilings formed by joining equilateral triangles together.
1.3.6) Tilings formed by joining squares together.
1.3.7) Tilings formed by joining regular hexagons together.
1.3.8) Other convex monohedral tilings.
1.3.9) Tilings having a central point.
1.3.10) For most single tiles which tile the plane, the same shape can tile the plane infinitely many ways. For some tiles, the number of ways is limited to 1, 2, etc up to a maximum of 12.
1.3.11) Several beautiful patterns are made by tiling the plane in a spiral design.
1.3.12) Lastly, other shapes of mathematical interest are collected here, including those designed for their artistic effect.
Patterns defined by the symmetry classes of the vertices and tiles: Homeohedral Tilings
1.4.1) 2-homeohedral tilings.
1.4.1) Others.
Other shapes of mathematical interest
1.5.1) Patterns made from polygons which can tile the plane in a limited number of ways (due to P Schmitt).
1.5.2) Monohedral tilings with regular vertices.
1.5.3) Tilings made only from infinite lines.
1.5.4) Tilings made from recursive defined patterns.
1.5.5) Others.
2.1.1) Roman
2.1.2) Celtic
2.1.3) Those collected by F M Hessemer (which actually covers Arabic and Italian sources)
2.1.4) Those collected by Carol Grafton (which actually later but are mainly in the Byzantine style)
2.1.5) Those collected by Robert Field from churches
2.1.6) Other earlier patterns
2.2.1) J Bourgoin
2.2.2) I El-Said and A Parman
2.2.3) David Wade
2.2.4) S J Abas and A S Salman
2.2.5) Mirza Akber
2.2.6) The Iranian collection
2.2.7) Tilings with a grill design. These are mainly derived from window and door grills
2.2.8) Tilings from the Topkapi Roll
2.2.9) Tilings which are at two levels
2.2.10) Robert Field
2.2.11) Other sources
2.3.1) Quilt patterns
2.3.2) Lattice patterns
2.3.3) Other patterns


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text:
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1518, as implemented in the Bailiwick by the Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Channel Islands Order 2000, has been amended. The effect of the amendments, which are automatically effective in the Bailiwick, is to remove one entity from the list of persons and entities subject to financial restrictions under Resolution 1518.
Further details about the amendments are available here:
All businesses must check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise have any kind of relationship with any natural or legal person, entity or body designated under Resolution 1518, and must treat any funds, other assets or economic resources
directly or indirectly belonging to, owned, held or controlled by them, whether wholly or jointly, or
derived from any funds or economic resources directly or indirectly belonging to, owned, held or controlled by them, whether wholly or jointly, or
belonging to individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, whether wholly or jointly
as frozen with immediate effect if this is not already the case. Businesses must report any findings to HM Procureur immediately.
Businesses must also refrain from making any funds or economic resources available directly or indirectly, wholly or jointly, to or for the benefit of
any designated person, entity or body
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other than in respect of transactions that come within a permitted derogation and have been authorised by
HM Procureur.
The information referred to above is required by HM Procureur in the exercise of powers conferred by the 2000 Order.
Any information or queries should be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com with the subject line "Iraq".
Further information on the effect of asset freezes and related issues including licences is available on the States of Guernsey website at https://gov.gg/sanctions


text:
The Government yesterday launched the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), dubbed the British FBI, with the aim of tackling drug trafficking, organised immigration crime, money laundering, and identity fraud.
The new agency is drawing on officers from the former National Crime Squad and National Criminal Intelligence Agency. Drug trafficking intelligence officers from HM Revenue and Customs and specialist organised immigration crime officers from the Immigration Service are also involved.
One function of SOCA is to replace the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU). The NHTCU, launched in April 2001, was the UK's first national law enforcement organisation dealing exclusively with computer crime, such as computer-related fraud, hacking, industrial espionage, viruses and denial of service, child porn, and software piracy.
According to home secretary Charles Clarke, the agency "will work across operational boundaries to tackle the problem, focusing its resources on where the harms are the greatest. Drug and people trafficking will be its top priorities along with fraud and identity theft."
Agents will "exploit hi-tech 21st century technology and uncover the new wave of crime bosses", he added. "They will draw on new powers of search, seizure and interrogation to provide a specialised and relentless attack on organised crime, alongside existing law enforcement agencies."
But Struan Robertson, editor of OUT-LAW, said today: "It is surprising and a little disappointing that the NHTCU isn't even mentioned in the publicity material for SOCA. While SOCA's manifesto includes combating frauds that use the internet, we really can't say whether SOCA will be more effective than the NHTCU."
Robertson says it is too early to say if it will or will not bring more cyber criminals to justice. "But the biggest problem is likely to be resource: the remit of SOCA is wide and it will need to prioritise," he said. The SOCA Board has already suggested that only 10 per cent of SOCA's effort will be directed at fraud – which will include phishing and investment or advance fee frauds.
Another problem could be that, if the frauds are the work of an individual, not an organised crime syndicate, they may be beyond SOCA's reach. "Such crimes were of concern to the NHTCU, but if SOCA doesn't get involved, would they be left to local police, who won't be as well equipped to investigate and bring cyber criminals to justice?" asked Robertson. "We've sought clarification from the Home Office, but haven't had a response yet."
Copyright © 2006, OUT-LAW.com
OUT-LAW.COM is part of international law firm Pinsent Masons.


text:
Nick Evans
Nick Evans is a masters student in communications at Florida State University. Before moving to Tallahassee, Nick lived in and around the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. He listens to far too many podcasts and is a die-hard 49ers football fan. When Nick's not at work he likes to cook, play music and read.


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BELGIUM: EU, NGO argues more work needed on carbon emissions
Food manufacturers and retailers have today (19 November) been urged to think more laterally to reduce their CO2 emissions in their use of technology use and management of production.
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Did this piece for tonight's Feast or Famine group show at Upper Playground/Seattle.
Artsy fartsy symbolic explanation: The wise and patient elephant warrior (artist) protects the three muses, who inspire us all. At the center, is the rare Kadupul flower, native to Sri Lanka. This rare flower blooms at midnight and dies at dawn, much like the raw energy inside all artists that burn the midnight lamp, and work 'till sunrise. The elephant graveyard is the final resting place of all those artists that came before and died rich, or poor, doing what they love.
Man on the street explanation: Painting elephant armor, skulls and Muse decolletage is good times.
"Guardian of the Muses"
12" x 16"
Acrylics on board


text:
Friday 29 May 2015 at 20:00
Helena Velena (trans/gender hacktivist, artist and technologist, IT), Janez Janša (artist and curator, SI), Agnese Trocchi (artist and hacktivist, IT), moderated by Tatiana Bazzichelli
See the whole programme HERE.
Tickets: 5€ per day
Event of the Disruption Network Lab in cooperation with Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien
Kunstquartier Bethanien
Studio 1, Mariannenplatz 2, Berlin, Germany
See cyborg-berlin
Friday 22 May 2015 at 19:00
In the frame of Hedonist International 2015 World Congress.
Wiese, Ferdinandshof
See NAME - Readymade
From 16 May 2015 to 10 July 2015
Solo Exhibition
Saturday, 16 May 2015
5 pm — Lecture and Q&A at Casa Cavazzini, Museo d'arte moderna e contemporanea, Via Cavour 14, Udine, Italy
7 pm — Exhibition opening
via F. Mantica 7/4, Udine, Italy
See Supertrash
From 13 May 2015 to 5 September 2015
In frame of the 16th Media Art Biennale WRO 2015 Test Exposure
Opening events: 13 - 17 May 2015
WRO Art Center
Widok 7, Wroclaw, Poland
See Jobless Avatars
From 13 May 2015 to 5 June 2015
Solo Exhibition
Exhibition opening and lecture by Paolo Pedercini: WED, 13 May 2015 at 8 pm
Free entrance
Related events:
Radical Games Against the Tyranny of Entertainment, lecture by Paolo Pedercini:
14 May 2015 at 7 pm, Filodrammatica, Rijeka (CRO). Organised by Drugo More
18 May 2015 at 6 pm, Kunsthaus Graz (A). In the frame of FH Joanneum: Lecture Days - Design to the people, organised by FH Joanneum
Aksioma Project Space
Komenskega 18, Ljubljana, Slovenia
See Molleindustria
Monday 11 May 2015
Liberation of the movie My Name is Janez Janša
Available online FREE of charge with subtitles in English, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Croatian, Czech and Slovenian languages.
See FREE Janez Janša
From 24 April 2015 to 15 May 2015
Group exhibition
Curator: Tatiana Bazzichelli
Exhibition opening: THU, 23 April 2015 at 7 pm
In the frame of the festival Mine, Yours, Ours.
Organisation: Drugo More, Rijeka
Production: Drugo more, Aksioma – Institute for Contemporary Art, Ljubljana
Free entrance
Dolac I/II, Rijeka, Croatia
From 22 April 2015 to 9 May 2015
Solo Exhibition
WED, 22 April 2015
7 pm — Lecture by Richard Barbrook: Class Wargames: ludic subversion against spectacular capitalism and screening of the movie The Game of War, at The Old Power Station, Ljubljana
9 pm — Exhibition opening
Free entrance
Aksioma Project Space
Komenskega 18, Ljubljana, Slovenia
See Class Wargames
From 24 March 2015 to 10 May 2015
Solo exhibition
Curated by Anna Gritz
Conversation between Jasmina Cibic and Anna Gritz: TUE, 24 March 2015, at 6 pm
Reading group event 'Setting the Scene' with Pieternel Vermoortel: FRI, 27 March 2015 at 3 pm
MGLC - International centre of graphic arts
Tivoli Castle, Pod turnom 3, Ljubljana, Slovenia


text:
Jeremy lives! Maybe. Probably not.
Steven R. McQueen is set to return to The Vampire Diaries this season, TVGuide.com has learned. TVLine.com first reported the news.
McQueen's character Jeremy died in a February episode after Katherine (Nina Dobrev) essentially handed him over as a feedbag to the evil Silas, who bled him dry and then snapped his neck.
TV Scorecard: Renewed or canceled?
The real question is whether McQueen will return as Jeremy in a flashback or if Silas will take on his form as he's done with other characters, like Caroline (Candace Accola).
Are you excited that McQueen is returning? What are your theories on how he's coming back?
The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.
(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by a joint venture between Lionsgate and CBS, the latter which also owns The CW in a joint venture with Warner Bros. Entertainment.)


text:
Naresh Subedi, Nepal
Office? The jungle. Colleagues? Elephants, rhinos and tigers. Naresh Subedi has many stories to tell. Stories that are not only fascinating and impressive but that can also make your hair stand on end.
Naresh Subedi works to save Nepal's wildlife. He studies and monitors animals such as rhinos and tigers, and actively involves local communities in conservation.
Naresh is currently involved in carrying out a rhino census in the Chitwan National Park, which has the second largest population of greater one-horned rhino in the world. He recently fitted radio collars on eight rhinos living in the park and now conducts regular patrols to monitor their movements. This often means spending the whole night in the park, which is also home to tigers, elephants and gharials.
The main purpose of this work is to study the impact that Mikania micrantha, a major invasive species in Nepal, has on rhinos. Mikania micrantha grows on plants that make up the diet of rhinos, blocking the sunlight that those plants need to survive.
"Mikania is ranked as one of the most invasive plants in the world," says Naresh. "It can smother and choke other plants and it causes soil erosion. No single technique has yet proved effective to control it".
Naresh and his team perform 24-hour rhino tracking sessions, riding captive elephants. This way they can clearly see the devastating impact of Mikania: they notice huge trees that have been completely covered by the weed and now lie dead beneath it.
Sitting on the elephant's back, Naresh and his team can also see how rhinos use Mikania-infested habitats. They can find out whether the spread of Mikania is forcing rhinos to move to new areas of the park, or worse, to leave the park in search of new sources of food.
This mode of transportation in the jungle didn't use to pose any problems in the past, when there were no wild elephants in the park. But today, there are 30 to 40 wild elephants which make rhino tracking extremely dangerous.
|"I was recently tracking a rhino on top of a captive elephant, Mahout, which suddenly gave a sign of danger", says Naresh. "While we were looking around I noticed a big wild bull elephant approaching us. Mahout and I were very scared as a bull elephant had already killed five local people in the southern part of the Chitwan park. Fortunately, the bull was very gentle and I discovered that it was not the same animal. He followed us to our camp and stayed there for the whole night, together with the captive elephants. We never tried to disturb him and we kept quiet, which may have been the reason why he didn't attack us. I have still many years to work in the jungle for conservation and no elephant or tiger should hurt me!"
Apart from rhinos, Naresh is also involved in tracking other animals. Last year he took part in a tiger census in the Chitwan National Park where 125 - a very encouraging number - of adult breeding tigers were tracked. He also supports anti-poaching activities, addresses human wildlife conflict issues and carries out conservation education work in the vicinity of the park.
Naresh Subedi works for IUCN Member organization, National Trust for Nature Conservation, often in partnership with other national and international institutions, as well as local communities.
Naresh can be contacted at email@example.com


text:
Bicycles are a great way to get to and from and around campus. However, bicyclists are faced each day with dangerous situations that can lead to serious injury or even death. Just as with motor vehicle accidents, riders have the power to avoid most accidents. Riders who exercise defensive riding, use proper equipment and follow the rules of the road are far less likely to experience a bicycle accident in their lives.
Safety Equipment
Even at low speeds, bicycle accidents can be very serious. Falls or impacts with motor vehicles or other objects can lead to minor injuries, such as cuts, and to far more serious injuries, including broken bones or head injuries. Wearing proper safety gear and having good equipment on your bike is crucial.
While most of us are not riding in a style that requires special clothing or full body armour, a few basic pieces of equipment and gear should be used each time you ride. Basic safety equipment for riders includes:
- Helmet — Although not required by law for adults, helmets are highly effective in preventing head injuries when worn properly. Purchase a quality helmet from a bike shop that can fit you to ensure the correct size and fit. When riding, the helmet must be properly fastened at all times to be effective. If you have been involved in a collision while wearing a helmet, it should be inspected and replaced if compromised in any way.
- Gloves — When a fall occurs, your hands are often the first piece of your body to contact the ground. In addition to protecting your hands from pavement cuts and burns when you fall, gloves will keep your hands warm during cold weather and are very convenient if you have to stop and service your bicycle during your ride.
- Shoes — Not flip flops or sandals. Real shoes. Enough said.
- Reflective Vest or Clothing — Whether it be day or night, reflective clothing makes you visible to drivers and other riders. Although important during the day, reflective clothing at night is imperative for your safety.
In addition to what you wear, your bike is your next line of defense. State law dictates many bicycle equipment requirements. Please refer to the Bicycle Laws web page for more information on California State Laws. At minimum, you should consider each of the following:
- Lights — A front headlamp is required on bicycles at night. New, flashing LED lights are preferred by many riders because they cannot be missed by drivers and have a longer battery and lamp life. In addition to lights, reflectors in the rear and the sides of your bicycle and on your clothing and/or helmet increase your visibility for motorists at night. Remember, however, that reflectors are not a substitute for lights and they cannot be seen until hit by headlights or another light source, so lights are much preferred.
- Rearview Mirror — No matter how good a rider you are, you have not yet sprouted eyes in the back of your head. And, if you are riding, as the law requires, with the flow of traffic, you are unable to see the traffic that is approaching you from the rear. A mirror, affixed to your handle bar or helmet, gives you almost 360 degree visibility without requiring you to take your eyes off the road.
- Brakes — Tires — Of course your bike needs brakes and tires. But, how often do you check your brakes and tires? Both should be visually inspected before each ride and inspected periodically by a trained technician. Brakes that are no longer effective for quick stops and tires that are bald need to be replaced.
Safe Riding
Now that you and your bike are equipped properly, what you do on the road is as important as how you protect yourself. Following just the laws is not enough to keep you safe. Riding defensively allows you to follow the rules of the road while using common sense and your observation skills to prevent collisions and conflicts on the roadway.
- Go with the Flow — Bicycles must travel in the same direction as traffic when traveling on public roads, including those on campus. Some bicyclists feel safer looking at traffic by traveling against the flow. This is less safe, however, because drivers expect to see bicyclists traveling with them, bicyclists traveling against the flow of traffic often appear quickly and unexpectedly and the bicyclist is unable to read relevant road signs alerting them to changes in road conditions or other important directions. If you are concerned about traffic approaching from your rear, use a rear view mirror.
- Rules of the Road — All signs and signals that provide direction to motorists apply to riders also. In the State of California, bicycles must follow the same rules as vehicles when on roadways.
- Walk in Crosswalks — Crosswalks are for pedestrians. If you are riding your bicycle and elect to use the crosswalk instead of the traffic lanes, become a pedestrian by walking your bicycle.
- Hand Signals — One of the biggest keys to safe riding is being predictable. Don't be an erratic moving target for cars. Using hand signals allows drivers to know what your plan is and drive accordingly. It is also important for other riders and pedestrians know your plans so don't ignore hand signals when you think you are alone. Also, move predictably. Don't veer into traffic or suddenly change your direction of travel or just stop. Just as you are trying to predict the movements of drivers, they are trying to predict yours.
- Stay to the Right — Bicyclists must travel as far to the right as as is safe. When doing so, however, keep your eyes out for the doors of parked vehicles that may suddenly open, pedestrians darting into traffic and vehicles turning right in front of you. Riding in the middle of the road and blocking vehicles is not legal and often angers drivers, setting up a recipe for an accident.
- Watch Motorists — Just like when you are walking, you can tell much about a driver's plans (or lack thereof) by watching them and making eye contact. A quick glance at the driver next to you will tell you if they are paying attention, if they see you, if they plan to turn or other valuable information. If you cannot tell what a driver is doing or if they do not see you, use caution or allow them to pass. This is especially important at intersections or crossings.
- Single File Riding — When riding with friends or around other riders, ride single file. Although it is nice to socialize while riding, that is one more thing keeping your attention from the road and it makes it more difficult or impossible for drivers to safely pass you.
- No iPod™ Zone — Despite the popularity and prevalence of iPods™ and other music players, the road is no place for them. Riding with both ears covered is against the law. Many riders choose to ride with one ear covered. This is still not safe, as your ability to hear and respond to sounds on that side is severely limited. Save the music for later and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Don't Drink and Ride — We all know the dangers of drinking and driving or driving while under the influence of other drugs that may impair your abilities. However, it is important to remember the same dangers exist while on a bicycle. Just like in a car, it is unlawful to ride while under the influence. This very dangerous activity can lead to serious injures for the rider and a driver who may encounter him or her.
- Handlebars — Handlebars are for your hands. They are not designed as secondary seats for your friends. If you need to carry stuff, get a basket. Carrying things in your hands and not using your handlebars prohibits you from making quick turns to avoid hazards and endangers everyone on the road. Also, just like motorcycles, your handlebars may not be higher than your shoulders.
- Hitching a Ride — In addition to being illegal, this is one of the most dangerous things that riders can do to save a few minutes. Don't risk the ticket or the injury.


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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a veteran player on the dietary supplement market, having enjoyed two decades of activity as a heart health supplement. CoQ10 fits into the small niche of dietary supplements that are characterized by being (1) manufactured by the body, (2) available from foods, and (3) can be reduced by drugs or disease. CoQ10 has an integral role in cell energy production and also serves as a fat-soluble antioxidant.
Your CoQ10 supply can be threatened by a group of drugs called statins, which have risen to global prominence. Statins are embraced as the drug of choice for producing favorable changes in blood cholesterol profiles and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, the way in which they exert their lipid-lowering effects happens to intersect with the same biochemical pathway that regulates the body's CoQ10 synthesis capacity. Thus, statins have the potential of reducing CoQ10 concentrations in the body.
One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that use of the statin drug simvastatin (Zocor) produced notable drops in blood CoQ10 concentrations. In one of the only studies that has peered into muscle "under the influence" of statins, European researchers found that 8 weeks of either simvastatin or atorvastatin (Lipitor; another statin drug) induced similar reductions of blood CoQ10 in men with elevated blood lipids. Only high dose simvastatin produced a sharp drop in skeletal muscle CoQ10 content.
Two of the more common adverse side effects associated with statin therapy are elevation of liver enzymes (chemical hepatitis) and myopathy, a condition characterized by skeletal muscle weakness, pain, and reductions in the integrity of muscle cells. Indeed, reports of liver failure and over 100 deaths associated with the use of cerivastatin (Baycol) ultimately led to its removal from the market in 2002. Because of skeletal muscle's high energy demands, energy production and muscle cell integrity are vital aspects of well functioning tissue. Because CoQ10 content can vary between muscle types, and blood concentrations may show seasonal and racial differences, a certain minority of individuals may be at higher risk of statin-associated adverse effects that are suggestive of CoQ10 depletion in tissues. Indeed, 1-5% of those using statins manifest muscle weakness and pain.
It's prudent to inform your medical professional about your use of CoQ10 supplements if you are on statin therapy.
1. Jula A, et al. Effects of diet and simvastatin on serum lipids, insulin, and antioxidants in hypercholesterolemic men. JAMA 287:598-605, 2002.
2. Paiva H, et al. aggressive lipid-lowering with statins and skeletal muscle ubiquinone: a randomised, controlled trial. Atherosclerosis Suppl 3:147-8, 2002.
3. Bliznakov EG. Lipid-lowering drugs (statins), cholesterol, and coenzyme Q10- The Baycol case - a modern Pandora's box. Biomed Pharmacother 56:56-9, 2002.
4. Benoist J-F, et al. Differences in coenzyme Q10 content in deltoid and quadriceps muscles. Clinica Chimica Acta 329:147-8, 2003.
5. Reis F, et al. Circadian and seasonal variation of endogenous ubiquinone plasma level. Chronobiol Int 19:599-614, 2002.
6. Thompson PD, et al. Statin-associated myopathy. JAMA 289:1681-1690, 2003.
† Compare price is the price compared to the manufacturer's suggested retail price or estimated selling price of the same or similar item at full-price stores. See Pricing Policy for details.
Information provided on this site is solely for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read more©2000-2020 Nutrition Express. All rights reserved.


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Liberals apologize for attack ad casting Tim Hudak in role of The Joker, laughing as hospital explodes
TORONTO — Accusations of dirty tricks flew fast and furious Wednesday on the Ontario campaign trail, with just a hours to go before voters decide if the minority Liberals should continue to govern after more than 10 years in power.
The Progressive Conservatives were incensed about a Liberal flyer substituting Tory Leader Tim Hudak as the psychopathic Joker from the Batman movie The Dark Knight, calling it "terrorist literature" and a desperate attempt to scare voters.
The flyer, which was distributed in a Liberal riding north of Toronto, depicts Hudak laughing as he walks away from an exploding hospital. The question beneath the picture asks voters if they trust Hudak and the Ontario PCs with their future.
"I haven't seen the piece of literature, but this kind of campaigning is not acceptable," Premier Kathleen Wynne said during a stop at a Toronto elementary school.
"It's not consistent with what we have been doing throughout this campaign."
Steven Del Duca, who holds the riding of Vaughan, apologized to Hudak over Twitter, saying it "was a mistake for which I am sorry."
The stakes are high as public opinion polls have suggested the Liberals and Tories are in a virtual tie ahead of Thursday's vote. Wynne, who has been barraged by accusations of corruption from her rivals, is using those numbers to drive home her point that NDP supporters must turn to the Liberals to stop a Hudak government that plans to cut 100,000 public sector jobs.
Wynne is running a "campaign of fear," the Tory leader said during a campaign stop in Mississauga, west of Toronto.
"I know that Kathleen Wynne began her day yesterday in a school, saying that our plan is going to hurt children, and she finished the day yesterday with an over-the-top flyer with me laughing in front of a hospital blowing up," he said.
"That's way across the line, and the Kathleen Wynne that I used to know would never have stooped to that kind of tactic to cling to power. When you go that far, when you go over the top that much just to hang on to your job, it's time to pack it in — you're no longer there for the public interest, you are there for yourself."
But the finger-pointing didn't end there. Allegations of Liberals illegally taking down a Tory campaign sign were countered with recriminations that the Tories had broken the rules by putting the sign up in the first place.
Tory complaints that the Liberals were breaking the media blackout on partisan ads were met with outrage from the Liberal camp, which said it had run them by election officials in advance.
There were also accusations of deliberate voter suppression efforts on Tuesday after dozens of voters in London and some in Ottawa received letters directing them to the wrong polling station.
The Tories said it was an innocent mixup and apologized, with Hudak saying they had just made mistakes. But the Liberals have filed a complaint with Elections Ontario.
New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath said the Liberal-Tory shootouts show "a little bit of last-ditch desperation."
"There's no doubt that there has been that tenor in the last couple of days, but I think the stakes are high," she said in Oshawa.
"Not necessarily the stakes being high for the politicians, but the stakes are high for the people of this province. They deserve much better than what they've had in the last number of years."
The rapid-fire war-room missives came as leaders of all three main parties were making a final push for votes before polls open Thursday morning.
Wynne stayed in vote-rich Toronto, visiting five NDP-held ridings that the Liberals hope will swing their way, and the PC riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore — the Tories' only Toronto seat — which was previously held by a Liberal cabinet minister.
Horwath also made eight stops at non-NDP ridings in Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Oshawa, Belleville and Kingston.
Hudak headed to Waterloo and Niagara Falls and ended the day in Jarvis with a town hall meeting.
At dissolution, the Liberals held 48 seats in the 107-member legislature, the Conservatives 37, the NDP 21 and one vacant.


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Dear MusselFans,
We wanted to take a moment to send out a quick reminder that the moment you have been waiting for takes place on Sunday November 15, 2016. The 2016 multisport season begins with your opportunity to register for a summer of fun in the scenic Finger Lakes Region on Seneca Lake. Come and feel the sun warm your face, smell the grapes and enjoy Geneva, NY like nobody can while testing your resolve with some swimming, biking and running unless of course you are only swimming and biking. Like many races, you'll pay the lowest entry fee if you register early; unlike many races, the Musselman is still a 'value race' at any tier - you won't need to empty your bank account to join us July 8 - 10 in Geneva! Register today: http://musselmantri.com
In 2015, each participant at the Musselman received a seedling in their goody bag. The baby tree was meant to encourage participants to share their love of triathlon with friends and loved ones. By planting the tree, a pledge was made to help the environment and become a more sustainable society - thus improving both the health of everyone around these trees and the health of the planet. Musselman also made sure that the packaging could also be recycled or reused. The additional use was being able to turn your container into a bird feeder. If you have pictures of the tree you planted or the bird feed that you made, or just want to share a story of growth, vitality, and friendship, please send us a note. We'd love to see a mural of trees grace this page in coming years. Check it out: http://musselmantri.com/before/trees.html
RESULTS AND PHOTOS Take a moment and reflect on your 2015 race with last year's results.
DoubleMussel: http://results.score-this.com/ResultFiles/20150712DBLMResults.pdf
Musselman: http://results.score-this.com/ResultsMS.php?raceid=20150712MUSL
Mini-Mussel: http://results.score-this.com/ResultsMS.php?raceid=20150711MINI
microMussel: http://results.score-this.com/ResultFiles/20150710MICAResults.pdf
Musselman and mini-Mussel photos: http://www.backprint.com/twellottphotography/132551
Check out what Rudy Project has to off with 50% OFF Rudy Project Helmets! 40% OFF Everything Else! Offer ends 12/31/15. Click here, http://www.e-rudy.com/en/promotion/offer/event-promotion/promo-1
We have added a few things to the Musselman website so take a few minutes while you are at work to poke around the website and see what you can find. As the year goes on we will be making announcements via this newsletter, but also on our social media, so please give us a like and a follow.
We are only 20615025 seconds or 343,583 minutes or 5726 hours or 238 days away (plus or minus) from triathlon nirvana!
kind regards, Richard Clark race director 2.0 spelling and grammar not my strong suit
http://musselmantri.com http://flybynightdu.com http://score-this.com
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That Championship Season
*To all of my football lovers out there: this one is for the Giants. Because we were ALL IN.*
Before Super Bowl XLII in February of 2008, then-Giants' wide receiver Plaxico Burress predicted his team would beat the Patriots by a score of 21-17. New York wound up beating New England in exciting fashion, 17-14. It may have taken another four years but last night Burress's prediction finally came to fruition.
In Super Bowl XLVI the Giants beat the Patriots 21-17, in another exhilarating title match.
I can't really explain why – maybe it's just God's way – but whenever the Giants and Patriots meet, the Giants seem to have their number. Two weeks ago I wrote about all the similarities between this year and their last Championship season.
And both Super Bowls proved to be just as comparable.
2007: The Patriots led at halftime, but not by a lot: 7-3.
2011: The Patriots led at halftime, and again, not by much: 10-9.
2007: Eli Manning had the ball on his own 17-yard line, Giants trailing 14-10 with just 2:39 left in the game.
2011: Eli Manning had the ball on his own 12-yard line, Giants trailing 17-15 with just 3:46 left in the game.
2007: On third and five Manning evaded what looked like a sack, threw up a Hail Mary, and miraculously hit David Tyree, who pinned the football up against his helmet for a 32-yard completion and a first down. The catch laid the groundwork for the winning touchdown.
2011: On the first play from scrimmage, Manning found Mario Manningham near the sideline and beating double coverage, hooked up with him for a 38-yard gain, giving the Giants prime field position to set up a score.
2007: Manning hit Burress in the end zone for a TD with just 35 seconds left on the clock. Tom Brady and the Patriots failed to move the ball into field goal range as time ticked down and lost by three points, 17-14.
2011: Ahmad Bradshaw hesitantly ran the ball into the end zone for a TD, leaving Brady and the Pats with only 57 seconds to score a touchdown. And once again, Brady and his receivers failed to move the ball down the field, losing by four points, 21-17.
2007: Manning wins the Super Bowl XLII Most Valuable Player award. He went to Disney World and the Canyon of Heroes – in that order.
2011: Take a guess who won Super Bowl XLVI MVP….Yes. It was Manning again. Today Manning was once again at Mickey Mouse's home – and tomorrow he'll be with his teammates in the Canyon of Heroes.
This year truly was, as Yogi Berra would say, déjà vu. Or déjà blue, depending on which way you want to phrase it. New York once again triumphs over New England, and gets the opportunity to celebrate a huge win.
Jubilation in New York. And for the fans in Boston; New England: more heartache.
Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe had it right today when he wrote,
"History Repeats:
Instead of celebrating a grand slam–championships in every major sport over a period of four years and four months–New Englanders are spitting out pieces of their broken luck, bracing for the avalanche of grief from those annoying New Yorkers."
Yeah, pretty much spot on.
Every fan of the Patriots must be saying "Mario (bleeping) Manningham" right now, the same way four years ago they were undoubtedly saying "David (bleeping) Tyree" – and just like most Red Sox fans in the past have exclaimed, "Bucky (bleeping) Dent" and "Aaron (bleeping) Boone."
A win like yesterday is the type of victory that can carry New York bragging rights over New England for a long way.
I know as a fan of the Giants, and as a fan who doubted they would go anywhere this season, I was enthralled; fascinated. The familiar feeling of sports joy overcame me. One of my favorite teams won a title and I was so happy I got down on one knee and…I'm not calling it "Tebowing." In the spirit of the win, I prefer to call it "Manning'ing."
That's what I did.
Tom Coughlin, the Giants' Head Coach, seemed just as happy as I was, seeing as how he was on the hot seat when the Giants scuffled. Coughlin became the oldest Head Coach in the NFL to win a Super Bowl at 65 years. He is also only the second coach to lead the Giants to a Super Bowl win. Bill Parcells was at the helm of the squad for the Giants' first two Super Bowl victories in 1986 and 1990.
As for Manning…well…
At the outset of the season he called himself an elite quarterback; a top five-caliber manager who deserves to be put on the same level as Brady. The media jumped all over that statement and put Manning under the microscope. When he struggled, they doubted his words.
But now that he has beaten Brady three times in his career – and twice on the worldwide stage – his bold words are now inarguable. Manning is an elite quarterback, and he is as every bit as good as Brady, if not better. He led his team in a total of eight game-winning drives in the fourth quarter this season (including the postseason).
If that isn't considered clutch, what the heck is?
And now, if anyone tries to call out Manning; say he isn't one of the best QBs in the league, their point will be invalid. The proof of his greatness lies in his stat columns and the number of Super Bowl rings on his fingers.
No more Manning-bashing.
The Giants became only the fifth team in NFL history to win four or more Super Bowls. The Pittsburgh Steelers own six titles, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers both have five. The Green Bay Packers have four, and now, so does the so-called "Big Blue Wrecking Crew."
That's right. The Steelers have the most Super Bowl titles in history with six. Football certainly is a different game than baseball as far as the Championship goes, looking at the 27 World Series titles the Yankees have.
And speaking of the Yankees, Spring Training will be starting shortly. Pretty soon camp will start and before we know it camp will break, bringing the 2012 MLB season. Now that football season has come to a dramatic and happy ending, baseball is soon to begin.
And while we wait, we can enjoy yet another New York Championship.


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Minimum security: Alston shipped to Botetourt
Andrew Alston's family hoped he'd do his time at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail– and for a while last spring, the father of the man he killed was afraid Alston would.
"What little time he got should be in a penitentiary," said Howard Sisk, whose only son Walker died at Alston's hands. "He's living at Club Med on Avon."
That was in March, when Alston was still at the Regional Jail after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter in November and formally sentenced to three years, including time served, in February.
On April 29, he was moved to Troutville at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unless a soon-to-be-filed appeal shortens the remainder of his three-year sentence, Botetourt Correctional Center will be Alston's home until next summer.
Alston, 23, has been in jail since November 8, 2003, the night he killed 22-year-old Walker Sisk on the Corner. He now finds himself in what the Department of Corrections terms a "Level 1-high" facility, almost the lowest security in DOC's six-level tier.
"It's a secure facility," says a DOC spokesperson, who asks that her name not be used. (The usual spokesperson, Larry Traylor, was not in the office.)
Built in 1960, Botetourt can hold 342 inmates, but its mid-July population was 223. The jail is a substance abuse therapeutic community, and Alston likely is in a treatment program, according to the DOC. Alston had been drinking heavily the night he stabbed Sisk 18 times.
Some inmates at Botetourt Correctional have pets through the Pen Pals program. Prisoners can adopt a pet and train it for six weeks.
"It helps inmates with being responsible for something," says the Department spokeswoman. The animal sleeps with the inmate, is groomed and fed by the inmate, and after six weeks is put up for adoption by the SPCA.
"He's living the good life," says Howard Sisk. "We're still devastated. I have a dead child. This does not go away."
The low-level prison is just another insult for Sisk, still in disbelief that despite the 18 stab wounds plunged into his unarmed son, a Charlottesville jury convicted the UVA student of voluntary manslaughter rather than second-degree murder, which the prosecution had sought, and sentenced him to three years.
"That's what hurt the most," says Sisk, "the jury saying [Alston's] troubled. And seeing people getting eight or nine years for drugs. Is there any justice?"
Off Interstate 81 on the northern outskirts of Roanoke, Botetourt is less than a six-hour drive for Alston's parents, who live in Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, where his father is a town supervisor and attorney, and his mother a school counselor.
Alston's father has a history of traveling to Virginia when his son is in trouble. After his son was charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Robert Alston made a same-day visit to draft an affidavit for her to sign claiming she concocted the story. Testimony in the murder trial indicated that the elder Alston was on the road to Charlottesville again on November 8– at least an hour before his son was arrested. He did not return a phone call from the Hook.
Alston's attorney, John Zwerling, declines to comment on the parents or the facility to which his client was remanded.
"I just want to let the citizens of Charlottesville get on with their lives," says Zwerling. "There must be other things of importance going on there."
Scenic Troutville in Botetourt County is Andrew Alston's home until he's freed June 21, 2006.


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The Soyuz-class was a type of Federation starship that was in service with Starfleet during the late 23rd century. The class was retired by the late-2280s. (TNG: "Cause and Effect")
External design Edit
The class design was based on the single hull configuration that was employed by the Miranda-class. Mounted on the underside of the primary hull were two nacelle pylons connected to the warp nacelles. The aft section featured an enlarged tail section that protruded out behind the ship, surrounded on either side by its dual shuttlebays. Above either nacelle were mounted outboard sensor pods. (TNG: "Cause and Effect")
Internal designEdit
Main bridgeEdit
The Soyuz-class bridge shared a similar floor plan with contemporary Federation starships of its era.
Located in the front was the ship's viewscreen, with the captain's chair located near the center of the bridge. A stand-up console is located on the rear starboard side between the captain and the railing that separates the center of the bridge from the rear wall, which has various systems stations located along it. (TNG: "Cause and Effect")
Ships commissionedEdit
- USS Bozeman (NCC-1941)
Background information Edit
According to the script, the design for the Soyuz-class was simply described as "clearly an older style starship."
It is noted in several reference books, including the Star Trek Encyclopedia (3rd ed., p. 457), the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, and the Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission, that it was originally hoped that a new design could be developed for the Soyuz-class Bozeman, whereas, it was also suggested to make the ship a 1960s-era, pre-movie Constitution-class vessel. Unfortunately, budget demands put an end to that when the costs of creating and filming ships, props and costumes began to add up.
As a result, the art department was asked to modify the already existing USS Reliant miniature from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, minus the roll bar and with new sensor turrets, docking port and bridge. A preliminary idea for this "new" Soyuz design, was a modification of the Reliant, dated 14 February 1992, drawn by Mike Okuda on an image of the Miranda-class USS Courageous (NCC-1861), photocopied from the fan publication, Ships of the Star Fleet, Volume One. The final modifications were made by Okuda and Greg Jein.
This design change of the ship also changed the era from which USS Bozeman originates. Instead of pre-movie TOS era ship it became a movie era ship which get lost in the anomaly between TMP and TWoK movies.
According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia (3rd ed., p. 457), "the class was named for the Russian spacecraft that shuttled cosmonauts up to the Salyut space station." The name "Soyuz" (Союз) means "union" in the Russian language.
For further information on the studio model, see: Miranda-class studio model
External linkEdit
- Soyuz class at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works


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San Carlos School x Ivory Tees ADULT shirt - Limited Time Only (more colors avail.)
A message from Angelina (our founder):
In March this year, Olivia, a third grader at the San Carlos School, contacted me about her interests in helping save the elephants and how she and her school wanted to join our cause after learning about the poaching crisis. For me, to hear that Ivory Tees was influencing one person to take action was extremely humbling. So, I contacted Olivia to see if she was interested in co-designing a t-shirt that we could sell to her school community and anybody else interested in order to spread awareness about the crisis. This is OUR shirt. This t-shirt directly supports the fostering of elephants in Kenya through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I hope that you join Olivia, the San Carlos School, and me in our fight to protect the next generation of elephants. Details • Designed by Olivia and Angelina • Pre-shrunk • 100% cotton (heather colors contain polyester) • Super comfy :) • Soft and lightweight The male model is wearing a size M. He's 6.2 feet (190 cm) tall, chest circumference 37.7" (96 cm), waist circumference 33.4" (85 cm). The female model is wearing a size M. She's 5.8 feet (178 cm) tall, chest circumference 34.6" (88 cm), waist circumference 27.16" (69 cm), hip circumference 37.7" (96cm).
Size guide
Elephant Sweatshirt (5 colors, Unisex)
Size Chart For comfort, streetwear, gifts, and saving elephants.
• 50% cotton/50% polyester • Double-lined hood• Front pouch pocket
Hooded Logo Sweatshirt (5 colors, Unisex)
For comfort, streetwear, gifts, and saving elephants. • 50% cotton/50% polyester • Double-lined hood • Front pouch pocket
Hooded Sweatshirt (6 colors, Unisex)
Polaroid Long Sleeve Top (Unisex)
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As a young, beautiful actress, Olivia Wilde doesn't have a wrinkle on her face. Yet the 26-year-old "House" star has recently picked up a role playing Justin Timberlake's character's mother.
No, she won't be playing an over-botoxed Hollywood housewife. The premise of director Andrew Niccol's untitled new thriller is immortality.
The movie is "based on a society where aging stops at 25 and time has become the currency," Entertainment Weekly reports. "As such, even a 50-year-old can look 25. In this world, the rich are immortal and the rest struggle to stay alive."
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Wilde and Timberlake are reuniting with Amanda Seyfried, who all worked together in Nick Cassavete's "Alpha Dog" (2006). E! Online also reports that 31-year-old "Mad Men" star Vincent Karthesier is playing Seyfried's father.
With this new project, Wilde has a full plate on her hands. In addition to her continuing gig as "House" minion Thirteen, she's starring in Universal's comedy, "The Change-Up" with Ryan Reynolds and Justin Bateman.
The actress also just finished up filming for sci-fi thrillers "Cowboys & Aliens" and Disney's "Tron" to be released next year.
Selected Reading: Entertainment Weekly, E! Online