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Debates on government and discipline have often caused controversy and dissent in church-life. Our present fragmented Church is largely due to disagreement over church order with the added quarrels over the ordinances and eschatology. Doctrines rarely come into these debates unless it is argued that church orders are savingly relevant. Rather controversy often arises from arbitrary principles of organisation and administration. The first efforts to split the Reformed Church in England centred around whether one should kneel, stand, sit or walk by in procession at the communion service, or whether the minister should pray before or after the sermon, or whether one regarded baptism as a symbolic pointer to God's mercies in Christ… Full Article
Posts Tagged John Jewel
Lecture given at the Protestant Reformation Society, Regent's Park College, Oxford, 2007 The Troubles at Frankfurt A Vindication of our Martyrs' Legacy The tiny enclave that rescued the Reformation in England Readers of Asterix will be familiar with a tiny fortress, a mere dot on the map of the Roman Empire, which was to bring Rome to its knees. So much for fairy-tales. Solid fact are better than airy fiction. The real Frankfurt of 1553-59 was also a tiny bastion on the Roman Catholic map which because of its hospitality to the bulk of the Marian refugees, succeeded, by God's grace, in providing the doctrinal and spiritual power which brought down a more dangerous Rome in Reformation England. Sadly… Full Article


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As Wizard World Chicago nears, Kevin runs through a list of conventions that the crew from Abnormal Entertainment will be attending throughout the remainder of the year. These include Wizard World Chicago and Austin, Comikaze, C4 and Rapture Horror Expo.
Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save Link As..." to download.
You can always email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or tweet us @CinHeadCheese.
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subset: commoncrawl


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The following new rules were announced for the X Division during Impact Wrestling:
– 230 lb. weight limit.
– Every title match will be a Triple Threat Match.
– Whoever gets pinned or submitted in each title match will be eliminated from contention in the next title match.
– Whoever does not get pinned or submitted will be part of the next title match, along with a new contender.
– A new contender will be crowned in a Triple Threat match with the loser of the previous Title match and 2 new potential contenders.
A video explaining the new rules can be viewed below:


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I am very, very picky about whose freebie I choose to download; more to the point, whose list I subscribe to. And I never, EVER signup for the "done for you" or any other type of mass give-away event anymore.
Why you ask? Because every time I do, as soon as my email address hits their system, the bombardment of emails start appearing in my inbox. One after another … day after day. Sometimes I've even received 2-3 per DAY! Yikes! Yes, per day. I apologize if this sounds like a rant. But then, it kind of is 😉
Remember the 80/20 rule. Don't bombard subscribers with emails asking them to buy. The number of value-added emails should always be far greater than those asking for the sale.
I expect this from companies like HubSpot, but they really do offer a lot of value-added information and downloads, so I stay on their list. However I shouldn't have to expect this from every list I subscribe to. If you're doing this, then stop! Please, please stop! You might think you're going to persuade your subscribers to buy your product, buy your service, or attend your event if you send them email after email, but you are NOT! What you WILL do is drive them away. You'll make them want to unsubscribe and get as far away from you as possible. I know this because I've heard the same thing from so many other business owners.
I mentioned "done for you" and other types of give-aways and how I won't subscribe to them anymore. I won't because there are typically 10-15 or more business owners participating in the give-away. Some of them often offer pretty good downloads or services, but for each download or service, you have to sign up for that business owner's list. So, you sign up for the give-away and that puts you on one list – the list of the business owner hosting the event. Then, each time you accept an offer, you are added to the list of the business owner giving away that product or service – so you're added to one more list. Multiply this by 10 or 15 or more lists, and you've got email after email after email hitting your inbox day after day after day. Get my point?
I understand the point of participating in these give-aways is to get people to opt in to your list. We all want people to opt-in to our lists. But you want to keep them on your list and not drive them away by hammering them with emails. I don't even mind getting an email every day from someone – as long as it provides value and isn't a constant "buy my stuff, buy my stuff, buy my stuff." CoSchedule is a great example of providing value-added info – mixed in with sales and promotion. So is Marc Mawhinney of Natural Born Coaches. I actually look forward to seeing "CoSchedule" and "Marc Mawhinney" pop up in my email every day.
I don't mind subscribing to lists like the ones I mentioned above. They provide a lot of value-added information to their subscribers in addition to promoting their products and services. And you know what? I'm a lot more likely to not only stay on their lists, but also a lot more likely to purchase their products and services. It's as simple as that.Remember the 80/20 rule when marketing. 80% value-added information to 20% sales and promotion.
When someone signs up for my weekly tips ezine, they get the usual confirmation email sent out by all services. Then they get an email thanking them for joining us, and letting them know my tips ezine will land in their inbox every Friday. I then tell them "Over the course of the next 44 days we'll be sending you a series of emails … one a week, with more tips and great information to help you grow and nurture a successful business!" I may also send them an additional email from time to time if I have information to share with them, but do NOT bombard them with a gazillion emails once they are on my list. Maybe that's why I have such a low unsubscribe rate?
So my marketing tip for you is … if you want people to WANT to remain on your mailing list to hear what you have to say and to learn about your company and your products and services, give them a break. Follow the 80/20 rule of providing 80% value-added information mixed in with 20% sales and promotion.
And please don't bombard our inboxes. Rather than being endeared by your name appearing in our inboxes hour after hour, day after day, we cringe and wonder why in the heck we signed up for your list.
In business since 1991, Terry Green is the founder/CEO/President of BizEase Support Solutions, an American-based, online marketing support company comprised of a team of talented professionals from around North America. BizEase excels at providing speakers and business coaches worldwide with seamless online marketing solutions, from setting up ecommerce solutions, membership sites, web design and maintenance, to writing blog posts and managing Social Media and PR campaigns. BizEase clients (who span five continents) take great joy in allowing the BizEase team to take care of the details so they can get back to doing what they do best! Click here to get our bi-weekly tips ezine delivered to your inbox every other Friday, with tips on plugins, apps, and tools to make you more productive today!


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« AnteriorContinuar »
have here found :-we throw aside the pen of criticism; recollecting, as we do, (with not over-fond remembrance,) that we too have been young writers.
MEDICAL, and CHIRURGICA L. Art. 21. Obfervations in Defence of a Bill brought into Parliament, for
erecting the Corporation of Surgeons of London into a College; and for granting and confirming to such College certain Rights and Privileges : including a Sketch of the History of Surgery in England. By Thomas Chevalier, A. M. a Member of the Corporation. 8vo. pp. 105. 25. 6d. Johnson.
It is well known to every one who is connected with the practice of surgery in this metropolis, that a petition, signed by the majority of the Court of Assistants of the Surgeons' Company, was lately presented to the House of Commons ; of which the principal objects were :
11. That the Corporation should be erected into a College; that the names of its officers should be changed, and instead of Master, Wardens, Examiners, and Assistants, be called President, Vice Presidents, Censors, and Council. But though the names were changed, the number, power, and duties of each, respectively and together, were to remain exactly the same.
12. The second and principal article was, That business might in future be legally transacted in the presence of one President or Vice President, and four Censors ; and that if ever the President and both the Vice Presidents should happen to be dead at the same time, the senior surviving Censor might convene a Council for the election of others in their stead. ,
• 3. That the College thus constituted might be able to hold freehold property of the yearly value of one thousand pounds, (the sum allowed to the Colleges of Edinburgh and Dublin) without incurring any of the penalties of the statute of Mortmain.
• 4. That the jurisdiction of the Court of Examiners (or Censors) should be extended to ten miles round London, but with respect to future settlers only in the additional three miles; and that the pe. nalty for practising surgery without their authority, should be increased from five pounds per month, to ten.
• There was also a clause confirming the endowment for a course of chirurgical lectures; and directing those lectures to be given by one of the members of the Council: and another clause which required the candidates applying for examination, to be of the age of twenty-one years. '
• In every other respect the bill resembled the old act.'
A bill, in consequence, passed through the House of Commons, . but was, on the third reading, rejected in the House of Lords. This rejection is stated to have been owing to the unexpected opposition of some members of the company, who were not of the Court of Assistants ; and who, from the existing bye-laws of the company, were not eligible to that office.
In the present pamphlet, Mr. Chevalier has defended the principle of the bill in question with moderation and coolneso ; and, we think, with justice and ability. 14
. This dispute is still pending : a petition for a charter having been
presented to the Crown by the Court of Assistants, and by several members of the company. Art. 22. A Dressing for Lord Thurlow, prepared by a Surgeon,
8vo. '1s. Cox. Art. 23. Reflections on the Surgeons' Bill : in Answer to three Pam.
phlets in Defence of that Bill. By John Ring, Member of the Corporation of Surgeons. 8vo. Pp. 288. 45. 6d. Boards. Hook ham. 1798.
We couple together these two flippant performances, although written on different sides of the question. Though also of very dife ferent extent, yet, like equal quantities of dirt in opposite scales. they sully the machine indeed, but make no alteration in its proper. ties as a balance. Art. 24. A practical Essay on the Club-Foot, and other Distortions
in the Legs and Feet of Children, intended to shew under what Circumstances they are curable, or otherwise ; with thirty-one Cases that have been successfully treated by the Method for which the Author has obtained the King's Patent, and the Specification of the Patent for that Purpose, as well as for curing Distortions of the Spine, and every other Deformity that can be remedied by mechanical Applications. By J. Sheldrake, Trussmaker to the Wesminster Hospital and Mary.le-hone Infirmary. 8vo. pp. 214. 7s. Boards. Murray and Co. 1798.
From the cases related in this publication, several of which are wit. ressed by professional gentlemen, it is evident that much benefit has been derived from the means applied by Mr. Sheldrake, in various distortions happening to young children. -For a description of the instruments employed by him, we must refer to his book; as any ex. tract that we should make would be unintelligible without the figures by which the volume is illustrated. Art. 25. Essays on the Venereal Disease and its concomitant Affections,
illustrated by a Variety of Cases. Essay I.--Part I. On the antivenereal Effects of Nitrous Acid, oxygenated Muriate of Potash, and several analogous Remedies, which have been lately proposed as Substitutes for Mercury. By William Blair, A. M. Sure geon of the Lock Hospital and Asylum, and of the old Finsbury Dispensary. 8vo. pp. 252. 48. sewed. Johnson. 1798.
In this pamphlet, Mr. Blair first brings forwards the several testimonies which have been advanced in favour of the nitrous acid, and
other similar remedies, in the cure of the venereal disease in its dif· ferent stages. He next relates his own experience ; which has almost
uniformly been unfavourable to the newly-recommended practice ; and which consequently tends to confirm the established methad of sure-by mercury.
Twenty-four cases are here recorded, of the venereal disease in its primary state,-and twenty-six of confirmed syphilis, In all of these. cither the acid of nitre, the citric acid, or the oxygenated muriate of potash, was freely exhibited ; in most of them it failed, and the cure was established by mercury,
The The experiments seem to have been fairly conducted, and to be candidly related.
POETRY and DRAMATIC. Art. 26. Ode au Roi de la Grande Bretagne : Ode to the king of Great
Britain. 4to, pp. 21. Cambridge, 1798. De Boffe, London.
This anonymous poem seems to come from the pen of a truly loyal Emigrant from France, who has not spared his Republican country: men, and indeed, supposing their original plan of obtaining a free governme:t to have been a good one, in establishing it they have certainly disgraced the cause : first by assassinations and the guillotine ; and since by an unbounded spirit of conquest.
A well-written Advertisement opens this poem, in the spirit of counter-revolution; and the poem itself, which the author tells us is the first which he has ever ventared to publish, is by no means contemptible. The famous poet Rousseau *, the Pindar of France; seems to have been the author's model. The compliments to our King are neither inelegant nor fulsome: but unluckily for the author, few of our countrymen, with wliate ver facility and pleasure they may read French prose, are fond of verse in that language. More of our poets have been translated into French, than French poets into Enga lish. Shakspeare, Pope, Young, Thomson, Gay, &c. have been long since known in France by metrical versions. Art. 27.' Nilus; an Elegy t. Occasioned by the Victory of Admiral
Nelson over the French Fleet, on August 1, 1798. 4to. 2 S. Nicol.
The author of this poem is not a new acquaintance to us, either in verse or prose. As a poet, wc long since allowed him to be possessed of merit I ; and as a traveller, to be an entertaining and interesting narrator ll. In both these characters, we thought that seeds of promise were discoverable, which in time and by cultivation might spring up and produce flowers and fruits of considerable value. It is with reluctance, therefore, that we own that the production before us has not quite fulfilled our expectations. It appears indeed to have been composed in haste, " on the spur of the occasion," according to mo. dern cant : but Pegasus does not seem to have felt this spur, nor to have mended his pace from its puncture. Some of the stanzas are
* John Baptist Rousseau ; born at Paris, in 1669.
+ We are unable to discover the author's reason for styling this poem an Elegy. We should rather suppose it to be a song of triumph,
m celebration of a signal victory obtained over our country's most in· reterate foe. Had it been intended to lament the death of Admiral
Brueys, or the destruction of the French fleet, the title would have been appropriate : but, as Mr. I. clearly means an encomium on the intrepid Hero of the Nile, Nelson, and his gallant associates in renown, the appellation of Elegy, either from its derivation or its use, is inexpressive of the purpose of his production.
I See Vol. Ixii. of our Review, for 1780, Eastern Eclogues.
$o embarrassed in the construction, that, on three or four perusals, we were not certain that they were English, nor that we perfectly comprehended the author's meaning. Egyptian darkness so much prevails, that we should suppose that some mystagogue had wrapt The whole in impenetrable obscurity.
Inaccuracies of language may be ascribed to hurry, or to the press: but radical defects must fall on the author himself. Yet, during the inebriation of public joy, the subject which occasions it should skreen poetical effusions from critical severity, particularly if the adventurer be a young sinner : but we supposed the author of the present poem to have been, by this time, thoroughly initiated in all the mysteries of a writer's craft.
The following three stanzas are presented to our readers as the clearest and most pleasing in the poem : • For Nelson comes ! — with bold adventure warm,
His country's foes in quick dismay to whelm ;
Of half his prey the victor's beak deprives:
Like leaves autumnal, now o'er ocean drives : ! On Revolution's wheel, see, France! thy hope,
His rival distance, but with speed unmeet;
And leave to chance thy honour, and thy feet."
The Birth of Jupiter ; and Astrea appeased. Translated from the Original by Francis Olivari, Professor of Modern Languages. 8vo. pp. 106. Dublin. 1797.. .
We take it for granted that the translator of these admirable little dramas is an Italian; and therefore we may venture to call his atchievement an extraordinary performance for a foreigner: as it has ever been found more difficult to translate into than from a foreign idiom. Signior Olivari seems to have made himself master of our language beyond the usual limits of one who is not a native of Great Britain : Baretti wrote English prose tolerably well, but he never attempted verse ; and if the versification of these poems be not of the first class, the translator may comfort himself with recollecting that Milton's Italian Sonnets bear no comparison with his Paradise Lost, nor with his Allegro & Penseroso.
We have compared the first of these pieces with the original, and find the sense fairly given : but the elegance and poetical spirit of the celebrated author are wanting, as must ever be the case in translating poetry; unless it be undertaken by gifted men of equal genius with the original author, such as Dryden, Pope, and Gray.
In the first of these dramas, Scipio's Dream, the poet seems to have personified Fortitude, Resolution, Firmness, in the character of Cone stanza, rather than Constancy; which in English is usually applied to the passions of love and hatred, friendship, un varied habits, &c. Rev. Dec. 1798.
I i
We cannot allow space either for quotation, or for verbal critia cism; otherwise, we might produce some of the speeches of Publius, Fortune, and Constancy, in which the admirable sentiments of Metastasio are very well expressed ; and other parts of the dialogue, in which a slight change in the diction, or construction, would render the version unobjectionable.
The next two pieces abound in sublime sentiments, particularly the last, Astrea appeased; in which the speeches of Clemency, Rigour, Apollo on equality, and Astrea on inequality, are admirable. These important points are fairly and fully discussed ; as are those of selflove, and the passions.
These moral dramas, as well as most of Metastasio's operas composed during a residence of 50 years at Vienna in the service of the court as Imperial Laureat, were written as birth-day Odes--not to lavish praise for what is done, but to tell princes what they ought to do. Some royal virtue is recommended and displayed in each of these pieces; which, though all originally written for music, and performed by the greatest vocal characters of the time, contain lessons of morality, pru. dence, and virtue, of infinite importance to the welfare of mankind. Art. 29. The Irish Boy, a Ballad. 4to. is. 6d. Kearsley. 1798.
This ballad feelingly describes and laments the horrid cruelties and devastation which have so unhappily taken place in Ireland, in consequence of the recent rebellion there. The pathos and simplicity of the poem remind us of the pleasing and affecting ballads of Shenstone. The two concluding stanzas, though not the best in respect of the poetry, merit particular notice for the conciliatory spirit that (su very seasonably) breathes through them :
" Let us drive Party-rage from our breasts,
Whom the sharp fangs of anguish enfold.
We compassion and charity owe;
Nor in the depress'd view a foe.' . We have been particularly struck by the benevolent introduction of the half-famish'd cal, and the poor faithful and affectionate dog, found among the ruins of a burnt-down cottage: but for what relates to them, we must refer to the poem. It appears, from various melancholy accounts, that, in the general calamity which has so much desolated that lately flourishing country, the innocent cows, and the tamed and domestic animals of every kind, have had their full share.
Few men, however, extend their care so far from their own immediate personal concerns ! Art. 30. Saint Gyerdun's Well, a Poem. By Thomas White, Master
of the Mathematical School at Dumfries. 2d Edition, greatly enlarged. 4to. 28. Robinsons.
This poem has been noticed in a foriner Review, Vol. xix. N. S. p. 123. It is now considerably enlarged, and rendered somewhat


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I am a very poor C programmer. I barely understand how compilers work (although I'm familiar with the philosophical implications of the technology in a security-hostile world, a la Trusting Trust), and I've only today managed to bully bitcoind into running under a debugger (GUD in Emacs, of course!). In this post I'll document what I did (trivial) and what it looks like, why I did it (inane), and what I got out of the whole process.
Let's be frank: I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to computers. I'm the kind of guy who just has to piss on each and every fence nearby to find out which ones are electrified, at what frequency, how many volts they carry and how many amps they want to dissipate through my poor dong. $DAYJOB covers the standard backend stacks (Python, PHP, Ruby, Clojure, misc. Linux), and also has a huge dependency on the Apple development toolchain. As a direct result of most of the work on the table for the shop coming in on the "mobile" vector, I use an Apple computer as my "daily driver".
This has lead to no end of headaches when hacking on the bitcoind source. I've built bitcoinds in Docker containers and shipped them off to virtualized servers in The Cloud, I've built them in virtual machines local to my own development machine and run them in the selfsame VMs, and I even burned a few hours today attempting to compile bitcoin natively on my Mac (hey, someone said it was possible!).
Today I moved my entire development flow for hacking on bitcoind into an Ubuntu 14.04 virtual machine. This is just a stopgap until I get the time to build a fresh Linux tower with which I'll undertake Gentoo Quest. Again. For real this time, I swear.
While in the process of doing all of this, I wrote a new script to ease the procurement of dependencies and coordinating of state to get all of the bits into the right buckets at the right time:
#!/bin/bash set -xeu # requisite folders: mkdir -p distfiles mkdir -p ourlibs/lib mkdir -p ourlibs/include mkdir -p ourlibs/include/openssl # dependencies: which realpath which curl which g++ # globals: BOOST_ADDRESS_MODEL=64 BOOST_ARCH_TYPE=x86_64 SSL_ARCH_TYPE=linux-x86_64 OPENSSL=openssl-1.0.1g BDB=db-4.8.30 BOOST=boost_1_52_0 DIST=./distfiles OURLIBS=$(realpath ./ourlibs) # hashes and download locations: SSL_LOC="http://openssl.org/source/old/1.0.1/openssl-1.0.1g.tar.gz" SSL_HASH="53cb818c3b90e507a8348f4f5eaedb05d8bfe5358aabb508b7263cc670c3e028" BDB_LOC="http://download.oracle.com/berkeley-db/db-4.8.30.tar.gz" BDB_HASH="e0491a07cdb21fb9aa82773bbbedaeb7639cbd0e7f96147ab46141e0045db72a" BOOST_LOC="http://sourceforge.net/projects/boost/files/boost/1.52.0/boost_1_52_0.tar.gz" BOOST_HASH="eea637a4ce9f9b45a0d5e00bb9462c9f084086264d85d63133dd6d240398b28f" # compiler flags: CC=gcc CXX=g++ LD=ld CFLAGS=-I/usr/include LDFLAGS=-L/usr/lib PATH=$PATH:/usr/bin # paths export BOOST_INCLUDE_PATH=$OURLIBS/include export BDB_INCLUDE_PATH=$OURLIBS/include export OPENSSL_INCLUDE_PATH=$OURLIBS/include export BOOST_LIB_PATH=$OURLIBS/lib export BDB_LIB_PATH=$OURLIBS/lib export OPENSSL_LIB_PATH=$OURLIBS/lib check_hash() { local stored=$1 local file=$2 local computed=$(sha256sum $file | awk '{print $1}') if [[ "$stored" = "$computed" ]]; then return 0 else return 1 fi } memoized_download() { local remote_location=$1 local download_target=$2 local stored_hash=$3 if check_hash $stored_hash $download_target; then return 0 else curl -L $remote_location -o $download_target check_hash $stored_hash $download_target fi } expand() { local file=$1 tar xfvz $1 } compile_openssl() { pushd $OPENSSL make clean ./Configure --prefix=$OURLIBS $SSL_ARCH_TYPE \ no-dso no-shared make make install_sw cp libssl.* $OURLIBS/lib/ cp libcrypto.* $OURLIBS/lib/ mkdir -p $OURLIBS/include/openssl cp include/openssl/*.h $OURLIBS/include/openssl/ popd } compile_bdb() { pushd $BDB/build_unix ../dist/configure --enable-cxx --prefix=$OURLIBS make clean make make install popd } compile_boost() { pushd $BOOST echo "using gcc : $BOOST_ARCH_TYPE : $CXX ;" > tools/build/v2/user-config.jam ./bootstrap.sh ./bjam --clean ./bjam --build-type=minimal toolset=gcc address-model=$BOOST_ADDRESS_MODEL \ link=static -sNO_BZIP2=1 -sNO_ZLIB=1 -sNO_COMPRESSION=1 sudo ./bjam toolset=gcc address-model=$BOOST_ADDRESS_MODEL \ link=static --prefix=$OURLIBS install popd } compile_bitcoin() { pushd bitcoin/src make -f makefile.unix clean make LMODE=static LMODE2=static -f makefile.unix bitcoind } memoized_download $SSL_LOC $DIST/$OPENSSL.tar.gz $SSL_HASH expand $DIST/$OPENSSL.tar.gz compile_openssl memoized_download $BDB_LOC $DIST/$BDB.tar.gz $BDB_HASH expand $DIST/$BDB.tar.gz compile_bdb memoized_download "$BOOST_LOC" "$DIST/$BOOST.tar.gz" "$BOOST_HASH" expand "$DIST/$BOOST.tar.gz" compile_boost compile_bitcoin echo "done!"
This is a Bash script, not a sh script as distributed in the Foundation's tarball. This is so that I can leverage "crash only semantics" (to borrow a Yarvinism). Unset variables cause the script to fail, and function return values other than 0 cause the script to fail. This is convenient: when the script does fail (and fail it will, for the bedrock is made of pressed human excrement), the operator must simply scroll backwards through his or her terminal output until the line marked with a "+" (telltale sign of a Bash script containing the "-x" flag printing each line before executing it) and debug from there.
Extremely useful this, as you'll not see the happy "done!" printout unless each and every single intervening step succeeded as well.
what (it looks like)
M-x gdb <RET>
at the prompt (which will read "Run gdb (like this):"), enter:
gdb -imi=mi –args $PATH_TO_BITCOIND_ELF -printtoconsole -debug
To kick things off, setting automatic breakpoint at the main function, type "start" into the debugger. This will bring up the source with the appropriate breakpoint next to the debugger interface:
You can then:
M-x gdb-many-windows
which brings up the following (perhaps overwhelming) interface:
Starting in the upper left corner and walking clockwise, we have:
- the GUD CLI
- the locals/registers buffer, where local variables and registers are available for inspection
- a buffer displaying program input/output
- a buffer displaying threads and breakpoints
- a buffer displaying the call stack
- the source buffer
All of this and more wonders can be found in the manual and "RMS's gdb tutorial".
a guided tour of bitcoind booting up
Our journey begins in init.cpp with the application's main function:
int main(int argc, char* argv[]) { bool fRet = false; fRet = AppInit(argc, argv); if (fRet && fDaemon) return 0; return 1; }
main calls AppInit, which itself calls AppInit2 catching all exceptions in two seperate logic branches, shuting itself down if the second layer of AppInit doesn't fire correctly:
bool AppInit(int argc, char* argv[]) { bool fRet = false; try { fRet = AppInit2(argc, argv); } catch (std::exception& e) { PrintException(&e, "AppInit()"); } catch (...) { PrintException(NULL, "AppInit()"); } if (!fRet) Shutdown(NULL); return fRet; }
AppInit2 is where all of the initialization magic happens. This is a beast, so let's take it one step at a time:
bool AppInit2(int argc, char* argv[]) { // lotsa shit happens in here }
Due to mysterious BDB shenanigans on application shutdown, bitcoind needs to catch the termination, interrupt and hangup signals and clean its pants up nicely before going home to mummy:
// Clean shutdown on SIGTERM struct sigaction sa; sa.sa_handler = HandleSIGTERM; sigemptyset(&sa.sa_mask); sa.sa_flags = 0; sigaction(SIGTERM, &sa, NULL); sigaction(SIGINT, &sa, NULL); sigaction(SIGHUP, &sa, NULL);
An aside here: I can't find the specific location in the logs (and believe you me: I tried for at least 5(!) minutes), but at one point someone involved in this butchery suggested replacing the JSON-RPC system by which bitcoind communicates with its operator with a set of signal responses. This was (IIRC) dubbed crazy or hacky almost immediately, and tabled anyways as an exceptionally low-priority item.
From there, bitcoind progresses to calling
ParseParameters(argc, argv);
Which looks like (util.cpp):
void ParseParameters(int argc, char* argv[]) { mapArgs.clear(); mapMultiArgs.clear(); for (int i = 1; i < argc; i++) { char psz[10000]; strlcpy(psz, argv[i], sizeof(psz)); char* pszValue = (char*)""; if (strchr(psz, '=')) { pszValue = strchr(psz, '='); *pszValue++ = '\0'; } if (psz[0] != '-') break; mapArgs[psz] = pszValue; mapMultiArgs[psz].push_back(pszValue); } }
mapArgs is the global holding pen for the arguments with which bitcoind was booted. You may inspect its various call sites at jurov's lxr instance. It is used as a classic dictionary/map/lookup table, giving the RPC server a handle to the RPC username and password; as a truthy boolean lookup to indicate whether an option was passed in on the command line for downstream code; as the test in a ternary operator1, and to trigger alets to the user about the insecurity of their JSON-RPC setup2 to highlight the largest classes of use. It's not that bad in the grand scheme of things, but it is also this giant blob of state that just sits there in the program waiting for SoftSetArg to poke it (util.cpp):
bool SoftSetArg(const std::string& strArg, const std::string& strValue) { if (mapArgs.count(strArg)) return false; mapArgs[strArg] = strValue; return true; }
SoftSetArg being the thing that's responsible for setting all sorts of default behavior if the user doesn't bother with it themselves.
On top of all of this, there's also the mapMultiArgs data structure that holds (to the best that I can tell) command-line arguments for which the user could provide multiple values. Why this has to have a seperate data structure I don't think I'll ever know.
Immediately after ParseParameters, we encounter some 13 lines for handling the case when the datadir does not exist (util.cpp):
if (mapArgs.count("-datadir")) { if (filesystem::is_directory(filesystem::system_complete(mapArgs["-datadir"]))) { filesystem::path pathDataDir = filesystem::system_complete(mapArgs["-datadir"]); strlcpy(pszSetDataDir, pathDataDir.string().c_str(), sizeof(pszSetDataDir)); } else { fprintf(stderr, "Error: Specified directory does not exist\n"); Shutdown(NULL); } }
Even though the application's default behavior is to create the ~/.bitcoind directory itself unprompted (and yet not the bitcoin.conf file that the damn thing expects in there), if you pass it a data directory that doesn't exist, it refuses to create it.
Schizophrenic damn design, this. "We'll create the default directory for you if it doesn't exist, we'll spit a bullshit username/password combo for your RPC server to the console that you have to manually derp into a file at $datadir/bitcoin.conf, but if you pass a $datadir that doesn't exist let's just shit our pants and sit on the floor like a feral child confronted with a television showing tits." Bitcoind as written would be the best possible example of condescending software design if it were worthy of being called "designed" instead of "crufted together by a monotonically increasingly febrile group of contributors".
Then we move into ReadConfigFile (init.cpp):
void ReadConfigFile(map<string, string>& mapSettingsRet, map<string, vector<string> >& mapMultiSettingsRet) { namespace fs = boost::filesystem; namespace pod = boost::program_options::detail; fs::ifstream streamConfig(GetConfigFile()); if (!streamConfig.good()) return; set<string> setOptions; setOptions.insert("*"); for (pod::config_file_iterator it(streamConfig, setOptions), end; it != end; ++it) { // Don't overwrite existing settings so command line settings override bitcoin.conf string strKey = string("-") + it->string_key; if (mapSettingsRet.count(strKey) == 0) mapSettingsRet[strKey] = it->value[0]; mapMultiSettingsRet[strKey].push_back(it->value[0]); } }
The only thing worth noting here is the complixty cost (witness the backflips required to prioritize command line arguments over config file arguments) of tracking configuration in multiple places and having a prioritization scheme for it.
if (mapArgs.count("-?") || mapArgs.count("--help"))
I want to know who does this:
./proggy -?
…to get documentation. If you find this person, please send them to me.
Omitting some things, this is where bitcoind forks itself off if you pass the "-daemon" flag (init.cpp):
fdaemon = GetBoolArg("-daemon"); // omitted pid_t pid = fork(); if (pid < 0) { fprintf(stderr, "Error: fork() returned %d errno %d\n", pid, errno); return false; } if (pid > 0) { CreatePidFile(GetPidFile(), pid); return true; } pid_t sid = setsid(); if (sid < 0) fprintf(stderr, "Error: setsid() returned %d errno %d\n", sid, errno);
Our first print statements! This is what it looks like in GUD:
Ensure that only a single process gets a hold of the bitcoind data directory (init.cpp):
string strLockFile = GetDataDir() + "/.lock"; FILE* file = fopen(strLockFile.c_str(), "a"); // empty lock file; created if it doesn't exist. if (file) fclose(file); static boost::interprocess::file_lock lock(strLockFile.c_str()); if (!lock.try_lock()) { wxMessageBox(strprintf(_("Cannot obtain a lock on data directory %s. Bitcoin is probably already running."), GetDataDir().c_str()), "Bitcoin"); return false; }
Moving along, we have the function call in a test used to load addresses (init.cpp):
if (!LoadAddresses()) strErrors += _("Error loading addr.dat \n");
The implementation of which is:
bool LoadAddresses() { return CAddrDB("cr+").LoadAddresses(); }
class CAddrDB : public CDB { public: CAddrDB(const char* pszMode="r+") : CDB("addr.dat", pszMode) { } private: CAddrDB(const CAddrDB&); void operator=(const CAddrDB&); public: bool WriteAddress(const CAddress& addr); bool EraseAddress(const CAddress& addr); bool LoadAddresses(); };
bool CAddrDB::LoadAddresses() { CRITICAL_BLOCK(cs_mapAddresses) { // Get cursor Dbc* pcursor = GetCursor(); if (!pcursor) return false; loop { // Read next record CDataStream ssKey; CDataStream ssValue; int ret = ReadAtCursor(pcursor, ssKey, ssValue); if (ret == DB_NOTFOUND) break; else if (ret != 0) return false; // Unserialize string strType; ssKey >> strType; if (strType == "addr") { CAddress addr; ssValue >> addr; mapAddresses.insert(make_pair(addr.GetKey(), addr)); } } pcursor->close(); printf("Loaded %d addresses\n", mapAddresses.size()); } return true; }
Our first CRITICAL_BLOCK! This is the C++ mutex used throughout the bitcoind codebase to ensure that only one thread executes a given section of code at any point in time.
In any event, let us onwards to our next interesting stop on this marvelous train of C++: the first thread!
It begins here (init.cpp):
int nLoadWalletRet = pwalletMain->LoadWallet(fFirstRun);
Which calls pwalletMain->LoadWallet (wallet.cpp):
int CWallet::LoadWallet(bool& fFirstRunRet) { if (!fFileBacked) return false; fFirstRunRet = false; int nLoadWalletRet = CWalletDB(strWalletFile,"cr+").LoadWallet(this); if (nLoadWalletRet == DB_NEED_REWRITE) { if (CDB::Rewrite(strWalletFile, "\x04pool")) { setKeyPool.clear(); // Note: can't top-up keypool here, because wallet is locked. // User will be prompted to unlock wallet the next operation // the requires a new key. } nLoadWalletRet = DB_NEED_REWRITE; } if (nLoadWalletRet != DB_LOAD_OK) return nLoadWalletRet; fFirstRunRet = vchDefaultKey.empty(); if (!HaveKey(Hash160(vchDefaultKey))) { // Create new keyUser and set as default key RandAddSeedPerfmon(); std::vector<unsigned char> newDefaultKey; if (!GetKeyFromPool(newDefaultKey, false)) return DB_LOAD_FAIL; SetDefaultKey(newDefaultKey); if (!SetAddressBookName(CBitcoinAddress(vchDefaultKey), "")) return DB_LOAD_FAIL; } CreateThread(ThreadFlushWalletDB, &strWalletFile); return DB_LOAD_OK; }
Which looks for various error conditions (such as the wallet being locked, bad DB statues), creates a new key if none exist in the DB, sets the "address book name" (braindamage alert!), and then kicks off the ThreadFlushWalletDB function on a seperate thread (db.cpp):
void ThreadFlushWalletDB(void* parg) { const string& strFile =1 return; unsigned int nLastSeen = nWalletDBUpdated; unsigned int nLastFlushed = nWalletDBUpdated; int64 nLastWalletUpdate = GetTime(); while (!fShutdown) { Sleep(500); if (nLastSeen != nWalletDBUpdated) { nLastSeen = nWalletDBUpdated; nLastWalletUpdate = GetTime(); } if (nLastFlushed != nWalletDBUpdated && GetTime() - nLastWalletUpdate >= 2) { TRY_CRITICAL_BLOCK(cs_db) { // Don't do this if any databases are in use int nRefCount = 0; map<string, int>::iterator mi = mapFileUseCount.begin(); while (mi != mapFileUseCount.end()) { nRefCount += (*mi).second; mi++; } if (nRefCount == 0 && !fShutdown) { map<string, int>::iterator mi = mapFileUseCount.find(strFile); if (mi != mapFileUseCount.end()) { printf("%s ", DateTimeStrFormat("%x %H:%M:%S", GetTime()).c_str()); printf("Flushing wallet.dat\n"); nLastFlushed = nWalletDBUpdated; int64 nStart = GetTimeMillis(); // Flush wallet.dat so it's self contained CloseDb(strFile); dbenv.txn_checkpoint(0, 0, 0); dbenv.lsn_reset(strFile.c_str(), 0); mapFileUseCount.erase(mi++); printf("Flushed wallet.dat %"PRI64d"ms\n", GetTimeMillis() - nStart); } } } } } }
In which:
- bitcoind checks the fOneThread global, returning if its true (which appears to be used in precisely three places in the entire codebase, all in these three lines right here. TODO for intrepid muntzers: determine if this is safe to remove)
- bitcoind checks the global statewad of arguments for the "-noflushwallet" option, returning if it's true
- Goes into a while loop, sleeping for half a second until the global "fShutDown" variable kicks over into the "true" state
- In which it tracks the the time when it last went through the iterator and the time at which the wallet was last updated and the time of the last flush; waiting for the wallet to be updated without flushing and for the time since the last flush to exceed two seconds…
- At which point it prints a datetime, updates its time-counters internally, closes the database, and wraps up all of the Log Sequence Numbers currently in use
All of which strikes me as ridiculously ham-handed and unnecessarily complex given the goals on the tin and neglecting the…odd technical decisions driving all of this bookkeeping code. The damn cult of complexity, rearing its head to bury clean code (not that this project ever had any, I'm told) under a mountain of shit mostly only serving to inflate the egos of the individuals involved3.
Anyways, that wraps tonights tour of bitcoin to its first thread. Enjoy!
As another aside, in reading the source for this thing (again) I suspect that it opens itself up to inbound connections from any addr, although I'd like confirmation of this.
A bit of code indicative of the disdain with which the "dev team" regards the consumers of their work. "Oh, you forgot to set a username and password for the gaping security hole right in the middle of your military-grade cryptocurrency installation. We'll keep you from shooting yourself in the foot in that particular way, while still encouraging you to…run bitcoind nodes on servers attached to the internet." The attitude goes hand-in-hand with the "make bitcoin accessible to all and sundry" attitude the socialists currently blessed by the Eye of Sauron parade around in public to legitimize themselves. It can't work, and it won't work, because people so stupid as to need their hands held when running their bitcoind nodes at the outset are going to be so stupid that they're going to make other operational mistakes that you'll be unable to prevent. The whole charade is akin to handing an untrained child a .45, trigger-guard wrapped in tape and the safety mysteriously missing.
"Oh, but SSL will protect your credentials in transit…" No, it most certainly will not—remember "Heartbleed"?. In all likelihood, using SSL anywhere near your bitcoind instance is going to leak private keys.
Or to satisfy their handlers' desires that strong crypto libs be utterly unreadable and unmaintainable.


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Grimm Review: Return to SenderNick McHatton at .
"Leave It To Beavers" is the episode we've all been waiting for. In many ways it is the perfect episode to transition towards the end of the season. So many of its plot culminations are moments we've been rooting for and wanting and waiting to see since the beginning of the series.
The negative to tonight's episode is it, in what is typical Grimm fashion by now, leaves more questions than answers. It ends up hindering the quality of the episode, all of these pieces are in play but we're still mostly in the dark. There are no plot revelations at the end of the episode that shine light on what we've witnessed nor are we any closer to figuring out what is going on in this struggle that Nick is finding himself deeper in.
Hopefully, with three more episodes left in the season some of these questions will be answered.
Aside from those complaints, "Beavers" is a fantastic episode.
To begin, Juliette and Monroe finally had a chance to sit down together and get to know one another, and it was as awkward as all of us have hoped for. I would not be surprised to learn that the writers might have been holding out on letting Juliette in on Nick's Grimm life just for this moment. Watching them try to cover up their slip-ups in stories as Juliette slightly probed Monroe on his friendship with Nick provided a lot of comedy the show has been missing lately.
Not only that, the bromance between Nick and Monroe has really hit its stride as well. I can't remember the last time a solid bromance began with tackling and Grimm survival training in the woods, to awkward dinner conversation, to hiding bodies and deciding to invite more reapers to town.
Sounds like just another day in Portland.
Can we just take a moment and relish in just how much of a badass Nick is tonight? His character shift is absolutely fantastic. At the beginning of the series Nick was a cop and maybe a Grimm. Now he's
Nick: I'm a Grimm. I'm also a cop. | permalink
Nick is doing the bare minimum to cover up being a Grimm now. He has fully immersed himself into his new role and his new world. He's hiding bodies, shooting to kill, rallying support and using his position of power in the Wesen world to his advantage. It's a very far cry from the Nick we started with, but even for all that's changed his core is still the same. He's a good man and he wants to help and protect people. He's not afraid of going against the norm if it means doing what he believes is the right thing to do nor does he cut off heads for dissenting opinions amongst the Wesen.
No, Nick and Monroe cut the heads off reapers to send a message. The reapers were not very menacing this time around, and not just because they were thoroughly beat down by the chief ass kicker. No, they weren't very scary this time around because their leader seems to think Renard's greatest weakness comes in twos. Seriously? Your master plan to get the Grimm and outwit Renard is with two Reapers?
No wonder Nick and Monroe sent a message asking for better Reapers.
What did you think of tonight's Grimm?


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The most honest, genuine response to a proposal announcement I've ever heard came earlier this year, from a single bridesmaid to her now-engaged best friend: "I'm so happy for you," she said, "but so sad for me."
Womp. Womp. Sure, that's admittedly deflating for a bride-to-be to hear at the outset of what's supposed to be one of the most exciting times in her life. Although I can't help but also feel for her bestie. It's an unfortunate truth for the romantically unattached friends and family in a bride's life: A wedding and its lead-up mean celebrating the love you have while concurrently grieving the love they're without—especially for those in your bridal party. Put yourself in their shoes—even if they're super cute ones you picked out for them—and realize that constant exposure to you and Benjamin's happiness and impending "happily-ever-after," may only affirm their feelings that they have an indelible AlwaysABridesmaidNeverABride hashtag branded into their foreheads. Is that your fault? Of course not, and singletons don't want your pity. So, what can you do beyond your monthly ritual of bottomless mimosas, hair patting, and quiet coos of "there, there—your day will come"?
Download the Wingman app, and as their website puts it, "play cupid for your single friend."
Wingman's founder is Tina Wilson, a ballsy and brilliant Brit who, with the introduction of a match-making app as opposed to yet another dating app, has opened up the thrill of the swipe to literally everyone—single, married, and everything in between.
"My married friends have all said that there comes a point for brides where everything is just envelopes and stationery and maybe some cake tasting," says Wilson. "They want the fun distraction of helping their single friends with their dating lives. And imagine now they can actually say, 'This is going to be you next year, because we're totally finding your husband on this thing.' It's a story that keeps going."
What an ambassador of romance you'd be as the one responsible for finding your maid of honor's future husband (or maybe just preventing your brother from showing up with a date whose shirt disguised as a dress gives your Aunt Myrtle heart palpitations). There would 100 percent be Lifetime movies made in your honor!
Below, Wilson walks us through exactly how this thing works, and Wingman's very specific appeal to brides and married folk—many of whom missed out on the the wows and woes of Tinder. Plus, she offers sage advice on what to put in your friend's profile to guarantee more making of matches. Prepare for some fun, and possibly the only time someone says to you as a bride, "It's not about you."
Brides: The concept of a wingman is nothing new, but how did you reimagine it for the age of online dating? Where did this app come from?
Wilson: The idea came from my own experience of never wanting to date online and always picking terrible matches in real life. My girl squad in England, most of whom were in relationships, were the ones who encouraged me to finally get online. They helped me write a profile since I was uncomfortable writing my own, and kinda coached me throughout the whole process. Then years on, I moved to New York alone and I remember thinking, "Wouldn't it be great if a site existed that could somehow mimic that experience of having all your friends around you—even though it's so unusual for people to always be together—and they could help you in the dating world."
In the Wingman app, that "helping" means a bride creates a profile for her single friend (or imprudent sibling) and then swipes for matches that she deems suitable for said friend. Why is this matchmaking approach better than the direct approach of more traditional dating apps?
It doesn't feel like a solo journey anymore. It feels more like a night out. Plus, the people who know you best can best describe you and more objectively pick out what's good for you. And a friend can say something about you that you couldn't say yourself. With a traditional dating site, from my experience, people are very afraid of being too outspoken or coming across as negative or boring or whatever it is. People will say they love black tie and camping, but rarely they really like both. You like VIP but also being in the mosh pit? Hmm. But if your friends say something about you… [Ed. Note: Don't worry, fiancés. A bride can't create her own profile, swipe for her own connections, or chat with anyone in the app. It's seriously all about the other person.]
What are people saying about their friends?
People are being quite blunt, and we love the honesty, but maybe don't be too honest. Like, one wingman said about his friend, "You know, he's never really been faithful to anyone. I'm hoping there's a girl out there who can tame him." C'mon. This guy is 24. It's not like he's a sorry, old playboy. He's just young. He still wants to meet someone who he connects with. Even though you want to be truthful, you don't want to sabotage your friend—who still has to approve the profile, by the way. The most successful profiles are real, fun, humorous accounts of the person's personality. So for example, "She is absolutely fierce. She doesn't take crap. She's super OCD and she's a real nitpicker. If you're untidy, she would never date you. You better smell clean." or "He is like an M&M. He seems all hard and mean on the outside, but he's actually soft and creamy."
Beyond keeping their tone that of bar banter, what other advice do you have for brides filling out profiles for their friends?
As a friend, you shouldn't be afraid to say what you think would be good for them. Some of these single profiles have multiple testimonials. You'll have the mother who is like, "I just want her to have a nice Jewish boy who went to Yale." Then, you'll have a girlfriend saying, "She just needs to go out and let rip with a dancing buddy." Someone can get a real overall picture, but it doesn't necessarily have to be spot on. It's just what your opinion is. And even the interaction of the chat that says, "Oh, wow. Your friend really threw you under the bus" or "Your friend sounds crazy" or "Your friend mentioned something you did in college. What didn't she want me to know?" becomes a conversation starter—as opposed to the traditional "Hey" plus maybe one emoji of other dating apps and sites.
With Wingman, it sounds like brides can even support their bridesmaids or whomever from afar.
Right! One user told us she'd lived in a sorority house and when she left campus for her first job, her sorority sisters who'd ended up in different areas became her wingmen. She said it was almost like they were still with her going out, even though they weren't in the same city. My friends have said that even when they're married, they still want to know about the crazy singles who are going out and what they're getting into. The ones who are pregnant, and out of the drinking scene, still want to be connected in some way. What you see in testimonials is wingmen saying, "I have two babies, and I want my friend to have the same because I'm bored going to social outings without her." It's one more way of keeping brides and their friends in touch, as opposed to them being millions of miles away and only connecting once every month about the bridesmaid dress or other details that are really only about the bride.
And why do brides in particular make such awesome wingmen? Is it because they're on the most intense love highs right now, and they want those feelings for their closest friends?
I'd say for brides that whatever's happened, they've gotten through the [hard] part of dating, right? They've gotten to the point of now getting married. And, it's not saying that they were particularly clever to start—they've probably been through ups and downs—but they can be a little wiser now in helping their friends avoid mistakes or giving guidance on something that they wish someone had touched on with them. I always look to my friends who are more experienced than me for advice, and I think for a bride, that's going back and saying to her girlfriends, "Look, I got here. I'm going to help you get here."
I mean, brides are going to literally have a license in marriage. That hopefully counts for something.
Wingman is also an opportunity for brides to still feel somewhat involved in the fun of single life. When my friends were helping me online date before, they'd come around on a Sunday morning with bagels and coffee to drift through matches with me. It became a collaborative weekly meet-up that was as much about our friendship as it was about me being on a dating site. And so that bonding time was something that I took from it—really being appreciative of my squad.
I know you're still in the early stages, but I'm so optimistic.
Because there are so many dating apps out there, there's a natural hesitation for people. They don't want to be on "just a hook up" app, or they want to make sure whatever app they're using is "safe and legit." It's funny when people get annoyed about verifying their phone number with us and it's like, "Listen, dude. This is a serious thing. It's actually for the greater good." It sounds cheesy, but I think fundamentally Wingman is about helping someone by being being kind and supporting connections—those between you and your friends, and then those between your friends and someone new who is perfect for them, and who they never would've given a chance without your help.


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Delicate Arch Trail
Overview: An extremely popular route to the world's most famous arch, which is pictured on Utah state license plates.
Start: Wolfe Ranch Parking Lot
Distance: 3 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate, but could be strenuous on a hot summer day
Maps: USGS Arches National Park; Trails Illustrated Arches National Park
Drive 11.7 miles north into the park on the main road until you see the right-hand turn to Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch. Turn right and drive another 1.2 miles to the parking area on your left (north). To your right is a lot for oversize vehicles.
Trailhead GPS: 38.735502, -109.520666
If you've ever seen a postcard or poster of Arches National Park, you've probably seen Delicate Arch. This amazing arch has become the symbol of Arches National Park, which is somewhat surprising because it is barely visible from the road.
Be aware that the hike to Delicate Arch is not a stroll. The trail is 1.5 miles to the arch, or 3 miles round trip. Bring extra water (at least one quart per person), wear good hiking s hoes, and try to avoid the midday heat. Much of the trail is on slickrock following cairns (piles of rocks), and there is little shade.
Shortly after leaving the trailhead you cross over a sturdy bridge. Just after the bridge you can take a short side trip to the left to a Ute petroglyph panel. This is worth adding a quarter mile to your trip; however, it's best to do it on the way back to the car.
During the first part of the hike watch for collared lizards, which can run on their hind feet when chasing prey. They won't chase you, though!
As you get closer to Delicate Arch, you can see Frame Arch to the right. True to its name, this arch forms a perfect "frame" for a photograph of Delicate Arch, but be careful climbing up to it. Further along the trail follows a ledge for 200 yards—keep an eye on your kids here.
When you finally come around the corner and see the full breadth of Delicate Arch, you'll know why this is such a classic hike. You can walk over to the arch and have your photo taken standing under it, but when you're done, please move away so others can take photos.
Moab, Utah
The perfect fusion of red rock epicenter, serene wild places, mountain biking mecca and luxury escape.


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Insulation traps a layer of air between you and your surroundings. Duck down is used as the premium fill – those tiny filaments trap a lot of air. Having no quill down has little 'body' and is often reinforced by the addition of feathers. It is very susceptible to water and loses its insulation properties if wet. Not only does water rapidly draw heat away from the body but it also stops down's ability to loft – the drawing in of that insulating layer of trapped air which makes it expand from its compressed state. And some campers have a down allergy. Sleeping bags store down in chambers that allow an even spread and stops it migrating to one area.
At Easy Camp we use hollow fibre synthetic fills for they are far more user-friendly and do not carry the down's premium price. This captures air in tiny tunnels that run the length of each filament.
Synthetic sleeping bags do have a size and weight penalty but this is not a problem unless camping in more extreme conditions that demand low size/weight with superior performance. Premium synthetic fills have good insulation values and a longer life than cheap fills that rapidly lose their ability to loft and trap air. Synthetic fills are also easier to maintain than down and do not lose as much insulation properties when wet – making them the better choice for family campers.
Layers of synthetic sheets are used. Single layer bag, as used in our Chakra, Astro, Cosmos and Moon ranges are good for summer conditions, or for travel, or sleep-overs but cold spots can occur where the sheets are compressed by the stitching used to attach the layer to the sleeping bag's outer/inner face.
Our double layered bags, like the Nebula and Orbit ranges, avoid this problem by having two layers of insulation; one sewn to the outer fabric and one to the inner fabric. The layers are offset to cover the cooler compressed stitching areas, making the sleeping bag more suitable for general use throughout the year.


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Acting too quickly. Doing something that fills us with regret. We've all been there. And there's always that wish that time could be turned back just this once.
This anime shows how the pain of regret can be worse than physical pain.
It's as if the pain of regret is 100x worse than the physical or emotional pain we may have caused others.
We become an embarrassment to ourselves, and can't stand to have done something wrong, even after the other person has long forgotten.
In life everyone makes mistakes. Some realize it soon. Some reflect on it later. And some never come to see it.
In all cases we should be kind. For what if we were in the other position.
Remember the sting of regret? Who is immune to it?
The anime is the senior project of a a student from one of Japan's top art universities.
The the title here is A Reflection of One's Mind, a better translation might be Feelings on a Cloud.
I'm sure we'll be seeing more of this aspiring anime artist.


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Women's Spiritual Exercises, Sep 27-29, 2019
Marriage Day Getaway, Oct 5, 2019
A retreat is a beautiful way to move forward in your spiritual life. For lay members of Regnum Christi, retreats are offered over a weekend, or sometimes in a shortened format for a day or evening. In nearly all cases, the structure of the retreat follows the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Retreats are led by skilled, highly trained Legionaries of Christ retreat masters who help participants discover the path God has for their lives.
Retreats which are modeled after the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, allow you to set aside your daily routine to focus on God's call in your life. It will arm you with the spiritual tools to fight the good fight each day with the grace of God. These retreats are presided by a Legionaries of Christ priest and include guided meditations, conferences, and reflections modeled after St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises. There's daily Mass, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spiritual direction along with Eucharistic Benediction and Adoration.
Regnum Christi offers several different kinds of retreats:
2-Day Retreat
- Men Silent Weekend Retreat
- Women Silent Weekend Retreat
- Available for any Catholic wishing to deepen their relationship with Christ.
- For more information, contact (770) 837-2798 or email@example.com
3-Day Retreat
- Geared for Regnum Christi members although formal membership is not required for attendance.
- For men and women.
- For more information, contact (770) 837-2798 or email@example.com
Upcoming Retreats
- Men's Retreats – CLICK HERE
- Women's Retreats – CLICK HERE
For other retreats in North America, CLICK HERE.


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Blogged this earlier...now the review, up yesterday at Blurt. I gave it four stars, which is about as high as I go...totally enjoyable, especially if you came up in the early MTV years.
What's In Between
Electric Moth
Pedaljets arose in the mid-1980s out of the same rough-housing Kansas indie scene that birthed The Embarrassment (whose Bill Goffrier came east to co-found the great Big Dipper). The band was, at one time, a raucous r 'n r contender in the hunt for the next 'Mats, Husker or Meat Puppets. They shared stages with all these bands. Yet Pedaljets made just two albums in its heyday, the grungy, rackety debut Today Today in 1988 and the rushed and less satisfying S-T in 1989. They split a year after the second record, worn out with touring and disappointed with their showing. The Pedaljets' sophomore effort apparently rankled so much that the band actually reformed to re-record it in 2006.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Pedaljets split the difference between Paisley Pop and Mats-style mayhem
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Buy ANY 2 Nail Polish Shades – Get Mackenzie Lipstick FREE!
Valid through 3/27/16 (11:59pm EST)
Use Code: LIPLUV
Please note: Code is personalized & one-time use only.
*Valid online only at www.zoya.com through 3/27/16 (11:59pm EST). Continental US & Canada ONLY. International processing fee applies for orders outside of the US. Limit 1 Free Mackenzie Lipstick. Art of Beauty is not responsible for incorrect addresses, credit card entry errors, web related issues or any errors associated with declined credit cards. Returns or exchanges of promotional items not permitted. Code must be entered at time of purchase – code cannot be reinstated on canceled orders. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
ZOYA products are available exclusively in finer salons, spas, dermatology offices and specialty centers with salons on premises in over 15 countries and at www.zoya.com.


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Pet Sitting & Dog Walking – Why Our Care Model Is Superior Being firm believers in Good triumphing over Bad, Good Ju-Ju besting Bad Vibes and Karma sorting out This and That, we wanted to share the Sweetness and Light that forms the basis of our Care Model here at Poochy Doos, LLC and invite you to compare us to … Read More
Industry Pet Sitting Leader
Professional Pet Sitting and Poochy Doos, LLC This week has found The Poochy celebrating the professional pet sitting industry with its chums over at Pet Sitters International, Inc. (PSI). Today kicks off the 22nd Annual Professional Pet Sitters Week! Although we don't have a water cooler, we've all been gathering around our respective water bowls and chatting about the professional pet sitting industry over Milkbones® and donuts. … Read More
Deter Crime: Pet Sitting Safeguards
Make Your House Look Lived-In for Your Pet Sitting Peeps If you're leaving town and hiring our professional pet sitting service to care for your beloved pets, ensure the safety of your pets and our loving pet sitting team, by following these helpful tips: 1. Walk around your house and assess its weaknesses as though you were a burglar. Do you … Read More
Poochy Collaborates with WiggleLess
Biff and WiggleLess Sitting In A Tree – K-I-S-S-I-N-G! So, we were zooming around Twitter last month all happy and waggly when someone named WiggleLess said "Yo Poochy!" and stopped us in our tracks. We were immediately skeptical. WiggleLess? Were they some sort of nefarious anti-wiggle organization? Why would anyone not want to wiggle? After chatting a bit, we were … Read More
Dogs On Deployment
Poochy Doos, LLC wants to thank all of the men and women in the military serving our country. We hope everyone takes a moment today to remember all the heroes and victims of war and the families who support them. While there are all sorts of ways we can lend our support to active duty military, we wanted to highlight an organization … Read More
Walk For A Dog and Save Lives – Anywhere, Anytime!
Dog-Powered & Poochy Approved! As a dog walking and pet sitting company, Poochy Doos, LLC is proud to announce our official adoption of the "Walk For A Dog" App, by WoofTrax to benefit Animal House Rescue & Grooming! Our entire Poochy Care Team of professional dog walkers is dedicated to logging every single dog walk in order help support our pals … Read More
3 Cold Weather Dog Myths You Believe
Or Do You? We place our trust in people all the time. We trust drivers will obey traffic signals. We trust our doctor is qualified to care for us. And, perhaps most significantly, we trust our own judgment. So how savvy are we when it comes to believing common cold weather dog myths? As a professional dog walking company, we are always interested … Read More
Killer Dog Yards – Literally
You look out your slider to your backyard and everything seems fine. Nothing dangerous is looming, nothing is out of place. You turn away for a moment to pour a cup of coffee. You drop it in a panic when you hear your dog scream. In just 30-seconds of unsupervised play your dog is in critical condition and you're facing a 10K … Read More
Canine Parvo Virus and Pet Sitting
Why the Vaccination Doesn't Guarantee Your Dog's Safety Many people believe that once they've vaccinated their dog, their pet is no longer at risk of contracting the Parvo virus. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The Parvo virus is highly infectious and poses a great threat to your canine pal, vaccinated or not and kenneling may increase your dog's risk. … Read More
Professional Pet Sitting Companies vs Hobby Sitters
Is the Professional Pet Sitting Industry Silently Promulgating Pet Care Models of Listing Websites? Our Letter as Seen in Pet Sitter's World Magazine March/April 2015 Edition Thank you for bringing the problem of "listing websites" into focus and for the "Get a Real Pet Sitter" campaign. We were troubled by your survey results. Our interpretation of how these listing websites … Read More


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D4L (Dictionary for Life) and Literacy
The D4L Project is a partnership between Rotary and Usborne Publishing Limited.
D4L promotes British English and encourages children to widen their vocabulary to improve their life chances. It is principally aimed at Year 6 Primary School leavers (10 year olds).
The Dictionary has a space for the child's name on the inside cover in the Rotary information panel.
It is a highly visible promotion for Rotary. It is also a good way to get involved in schools and a useful Public Relations tool.
For ordering details and costs contact the District 1070 organiser:
Rotarian Bill Hill (Melton Mowbray)


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"Mo" is Australian slang for mustache. And "Movember," growing a mustache during November, was an idea concocted by a group of men over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia, 7 years ago.
One of those men, Adam Garone, noticed that many people asked him about his mustache at the workplace and he saw it as an opportunity to start a conversation about something more important than facial hair.
"They thought of men's health — the one thing that isn't talked about worldwide," Kim Mendoza, Movember Foundation representative said this week in a phone interview. "These four guys started it in Australia and just made a big global movement."
Inspired by the women who raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research, the "Mo Bros" decided to raise funds for cancers that affect men.
In 2004, the campaign grew to 432 Mo Bros, and they decided to focus on one cancer — prostate cancer. Together, they raised $55,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, representing the single largest donation the organization had ever received.
In the following years, Movember spread to the U.S., U.K., Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands and Finland.
"We're expecting a couple of countries to come in for next campaign," said Mendoza. "We are becoming one of the largest worldwide fundraisers for non-profit."
U.S. participation rose more than 300 percent between 2008 and 2009, more than any other country. Nevertheless, the U.S. remains behind Australia, Canada and the U.K. in number of participants.
As of Thursday morning, 43,998 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas were registered in the United States for 2010 and $1,136,700 had been raised. The funds will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance Program.
Several Maine men who had never heard of Movember be-fore are participating. For one month, they will grow a mustache, changing both their face and "the face of men's health."
Mo Bro Gibran Graham of Bangor has grown a full beard and a goatee before, but he has never worn a mustache.
"It's going to be an interesting month," Graham said. "A lot of us have interesting ideas about people with mustaches. There's a lot of jokes to be had, whether it be about '70s movie stars or people of less illustrious nature who fell on the wrong side of the law, and I'm neither one of those things — not a movie star or a criminal."
As his stubble turns into something substantial, he will experiment with the look. If it grows long enough for him to wax the ends out in curls, he just might.
It's an official rule that Mo Bros can't grow a beard. The mustache can't connect to any other facial hair.
"We like them to just have a mustache only because that's what strikes up the conversations," said Movember Foundation West Coast public relations manager Kim Murphy in a phone interview.
"Every time someone asks me about it, they're going to get a mouthful about men's health," Graham said. "As a man myself, these are issues I think about. I've certainly looked at a lot of different stuff on the Movember website to make sure I've got my facts straight."
He also has put some re-search into mustaches. Recently, he bought "The Facial Hair Handbook" by two-time World Beard Champion Jack Passion.
Graham formed a team of eight men from the Bangor area: Brett Slater, Erich Hunter, Bill Cassinelli, Casey Benn, Luke Shorty, Zachary Schiller and Flip Florey. And he's hoping to get more men on board.
"There seems to be not as many efforts out there that are specific to men's health, and I thought it was important that light was being shed on it," said Graham. "And it seemed like it would be a fun thing to do.
"I don't think men go around planning to not talk about this. I think it's just the way it is," he said. "Maybe it's just the fact that a lot of men don't want to wear 'pink ribbons' for them-selves. That's something that needs to change for better awareness."
Graham imagines fundraising will come a lot easier when he has a little more growth on his face, and he plans to post photos on Facebook.
"I have to prove it, right? I don't think any of us will shave it off until it's time. We have a commitment to it," he said.
Though Mo Sistas — women who support the cause and the male participants — make up a small percentage of participants, they are the majority of team captains.
Mo Sista Jean Fogelberg, 54, of Deer Isle is in the lead in fundraising efforts in the Bangor area with $539 in funds raised by Thursday. She has been donating to prostate cancer research for a number of years, ever since her husband, singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, died of the disease in December 2007.
On the Valentines Day after his death, Jean released a song her late husband had written for her called "Sometimes a Song" and donated the proceeds to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. She then became an advocate for the foundation, fund-raising for them "in small ways."
"Prostate cancer is one of the most curable cancers if you catch it in time," Jean said. "But getting men to talk about it is really hard."
This is the first year she will participate in Movember. She learned about the campaign while attending the 3-day conference "Advance on Washington Pushing for Progress in Prostate Cancer" in Washington, D.C.
Her Movember team "In Memory of Dan" had raised $2,111 by Thursday. Team members and supporters have joined her Facebook page online and wear faux mustaches in their Facebook profile photos.
"The mustache is like a blue ribbon. It's really the guys doing it," she said. "The way women can show support is putting on mos on Facebook."
About one in six men will be afflicted with prostate cancer in his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
"My goal is getting men to talk about it and understand what the numbers mean and take responsibility because if my husband and I knew what the numbers meant, he'd be here today," she said. "He was misdiagnosed."
Men should start screening for prostate cancer between the ages of 40 and 50, according to the American Cancer Society. The Prostate-Specific Antigen Test measures the level of protein in the blood produced by the prostate gland. The higher a man's PSA level, the more likely it is that cancer is present. Most doctors consider a PSA level below 4.0 ng/ML as normal.
"One of the main things we're working on is getting better tests, and there's one right around the corner," Jean said.
Near the end of the month, Movember gala parties will be held across the United States. Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in costume will compete for the Man of Movember and Lady of Movember titles. Awards will also go to the Lame Mo — an encouragement award to the "facial follically challenged" Mo Bro.
The closest official gala to Maine is Boston, but people wishing to throw their own galas can request the Movem-ber Foundation to send them a gala pack. The foundation also gives out two international awards and awards to the top fund raising individuals and teams in each country.
"This is purely a word-of-mouth campaign, and it's people hearing that other people are taking part," said Lisa Potter, Movember Foundation Director of PR and Communications for North America in a phone interview. "This year, we are tracking again three times where we were last year [for U.S. participants]."
Registration is open all of November, but keep in mind that it takes time to grow a mo.
For Jean Fogelberg's Mo Space website, visit us.movember.com/mospace/536860, and for Gibran Graham's Mo Space, visit http://us.movember.com/mospace/734886/. For information on the Prostate Cancer Foundation, visit www.pfc.org.


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Author Kate Mosse on her new Gothic thriller
PUBLISHED: 09:59 16 November 2015 | UPDATED: 12:00 03 November 2017
Internationally-renowned Kate Mosse OBE was suffering authorial burnout after writing the harrowing conclusion to her Languedoc trilogy, Citadel. So, as a palate-cleanser, she wrote Gothic thriller The Taxidermist's Daughter. Kate spoke to Jenny Mark-Bell
It is fitting that the craft at the heart of Chichester author Kate Mosse's latest novel is known for its meticulous care, its almost alchemical ability to breathe vitality into the lifeless cadavers of its subjects. In this, her latest book, Kate has conjured a protagonist that is still with me as I write, weeks after I turned the last page.
Here, the author has strayed from her usual literary stamping ground: instead of the Languedoc region of southern France, the watery environs of Fishbourne, near Chichester, provide the background to the action. It is an elegy to the area of Mosse's childhood, where she still lives. "All the time I was doing it I had on the one hand the place I could see now – me as a grown-up, walking with my dog, or sometimes my grown-up children, on that landscape – but I had the echo of myself as a teenager and as a child, and then of course I had the imagined landscape of 1912." For this novel she has forsaken the Languedoc Trilogy's timeslips in favour of a linear narrative, but for this writer time, and the traces it leaves on a landscape, as the potter's hands shape the pot on a wheel, is a lodestar.
"I suppose there were two real starting points," said Kate about the germination of the novel, a Gothic revenge thriller. "The first, as with all of my novels, is landscape. I grew up in Fishbourne just outside Chichester in the Sixties and Seventies. I came back to live down here in the Nineties with my family. Little by little, walking in the marshes, I realised that there was that prickling sensation of wanting to write something set here. The second was that growing up here there was a very famous museum of taxidermy called Potter's Museum in Arundel. It had come from Bramber, briefly went to Brighton and then, in the Seventies, was in Arundel. It was just one of those places I was obsessed with.
"My sisters, who are both younger than me, now say 'Oh my God, we hated that museum!' It was very macabre but every time I mention it any Sussex person knows it. We were all taken on school trips there and we can all remember sitting on the floor cross-legged with our sandwiches, amongst all the stuffed animals."
The taxidermist's daughter of the title is Connie, whose father Gifford is slumped in alcoholism. To shore up the family coffers, Connie is secretly practising the forbidden – to her, as a woman – craft of taxidermy.
As research, Kate learnt the basics herself: "I realised a few months into the writing that I would have to do it myself, just to find out what it felt like. It was so, so awful. It was the smell of it that got me. I'm a vegetarian, I don't even cook meat! But I do love bird taxidermy, I love birds and I love the idea that rather than a bird just being left to rot on the side of the road it is given a new type of life. I have always felt that about contemporary taxidermy. I respect the craft enormously and I came out of that respecting it even more: it is so delicate, so skilled and meticulous."
Another point of view, of course, is that taxidermy is a violation of the natural order, an inversion of vitality, and the story is Kate's most macabre yet.
Balancing act
At the heart of the story is family relationships: Connie's with Gifford, and an artist, Harry, with his father, a doctor. There is a distance in each relationship, which is deliberate, says Kate: "I do like balance, and I like the idea of these two young people, a girl and a boy. One loves her father but he cannot care for her, and as the story unravels we find out why, and then the other father – neither of them wants their child to be doing what they want to do." Then there is the tension between art – "with a capital A", says Kate, and which is represented by Hary, and Connie's working class craft.
The author also has a tightrope to walk with regard to violence, with some scenes that are increasingly difficult to read. "Gothic fiction is very violent," said Kate. "We think of that as a contemporary thing and there is a lot of violence in fiction at the moment that I really dislike: I think it is titillation and an awful lot of it is violence against women. It is there for its own sake, it's not part of the plot. Real violence is awful, and when it is made into something that is palatable, that is worrying. But when you go back to the very first Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto, and you move forward to The Monk, The Mysteries of Udolpho and Frankenstein, Gothic fiction has particular characteristics and the darkness and violence are part of that."
Connie's milieu is frightening in and of itself: she is surrounded by bell jars and their strange inhabitants, fur and feathers litter her workshop and an old ice house holds it own secrets…
It is perhaps surprising that this book was an antidote to personal tragedy and professional burnout: "I had spent a long time on Citadel, which was the third of the Languedoc trilogy. During that time my father became very ill and died and that was awful, the worst thing. The research was also very harrowing, because back to this point of how you use violence, the testimonies of the women resistance fighters who survived are very grim reading indeed. I came out of Citadel, for those reasons, very haunted and it sounds absurd to say that a Gothic revenge thriller was light relief, but it did feel like that." Reading the novel, I was struck by its filmic qualities – the landscape and house are evoked so vividly that you can almost smell them – and Kate is currently in discussions about an adaptation, alongside finishing the screenplay for another short novel, The Winter Ghosts.
A prolific writer – "I am a sprinter rather than a marathon runner" – she is also embarking on her next vast historical project, The Burning Chambers Trilogy, "a Romeo and Juliet story, Huguenots and Catholics in France, Amsterdam and South Africa."
She has no plans currently to set more books in Sussex, but Kate Mosse will be part of our literary landscape for a long time to come.
The Taxidermist's Daughter is £12.99, and published by Orion
• Fathers and Daughters - film review - Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and widower Jake Davis (Russell Crowe) is walking a fraying tightrope of declining mental health whilst trying to single-handedly raise his only daughter Katie (impressively played by newcomer Kylie Rogers).
• Ditchling artist Kate Sherman - Artist Kate Sherman welcomes Alice Cooke to her downland studio in Ditchling


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Onaran, Özlem ORCID: 0000-0002-6345-9922 (2008) Jobless growth in the Central and East European countries: a country-specific panel data analysis of the manufacturing industry. Eastern European Economics, 46 (4). pp. 90-115. ISSN 0012-8775 (Print), 1557-9298 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.2753/EEE0012-8775460405)


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Calling All Writers!
We here at Pets Best Insurance are unabashed animal lovers just like you. We love reading stories about heroic pets, funny, smart or jet-setting pets, and of course stories about how pet insurance helped your pet out. That's why we want you to share your Best Pet Story with us!
If you have a heartfelt, interesting or completely hilarious story about your pet (remember that time Fido dragged your dirty laundry out in the middle of your family reunion?) we want to hear it!
If we think your Best Pet Story fits the overall pet-enthusiast vibe we have here at Pets Best Insurance, we'll post your story on the Pets Best Insurance blog! Each month one Best Pet Story blog will be selected as a winner. In addition to being published, we'll award the author a $25 Amazon.com gift card.
Authors of winning stories will also have access to our unique blogger badge, which can be posted on your own personal blog or site to let the world know you won the Best Pet Story contest!
To enter the Best Pet Story blogging contest email your submission to us. Please limit your entry to 500 words or less and check spelling and grammar before sending. Remember to include the following information:
Your full name
Your pet's name and breed
Email address
Phone number
Two clear jpg. photos of you and/or your pet!
For official rules, see the Notes tab on the Pets Best Insurance Facebook page. We look forward to reading your "tails." Happy blogging!