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WILLIAMSTOWN, MA -- The Williams College men's and women's track and field teams will host their lone spring home meet Saturday at 12:00 p.m. when they compete in the Dick Farley Invitational.
The 2016 Farley Invitational is a throwback to the early days when Farley was the head coach of Williams' men's and women's track field as it will be a dual meet. Year in and year out Williams and MIT are among the top teams in New England in both men's and women's track and field. The Williams-MIT track and field rivalry stretches back over two decades as they have battled for New England DIII honors.
Dick Farley is now in his 45th year coaching Williams' track and field teams even though he retired in 2014. For 16 years Farley was the head track and field coach for the men and then he added the women's team to his resume when that team achieved varsity status in 1977.
Farley's first Eph track team competed on a cinder one-third of a mile track that circled both the football and baseball fields at Weston Field. In 1987 the Eph teams moved to the one-quarter mile Tony Plansky All-Weather Track that circled just the football field. In 2015 the Ephs moved to the Lee Track that was funded by the family of James B. Lee '75. Farley coached James Lee in indoor and outdoor track.
When Farley was named the Ephs' head football coach in 1987 he relinquished his head track coach mantle and became an assistant track coach for both men and women during the outdoor season.
Farley is in his second year as a volunteer assistant track coach at Williams, bringing his total number of years coaching Eph track to 45. The 45 years Farley has been involved with Williams track translates to an incredible commitment to Wiliams' men's and women's track and field as it spans many years of doing both men's and women's track indoors and out as the head coach of both teams and then later as an assistant to both teams outdoors and then reverting back to both indoor and outdoor track when he retired as the head football coach, and now he serves as a volunteer assistant coach for both teams indoors and out.
Farley spent 32 years coaching Eph football. The first 15 years Farley was an assistant coach and the last 17 years he was the head coach, logging the first five perfect seasons in Eph football history. In 2006 Farley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is also the Farley in Farley-Lamb Field, where the Ephs currently play football and lacrosse and could play soccer if need be.
"We can think of no better way to honor coach Farley than with a classic dual meet match up vs. MIT," noted Eph head women's track and field coach Nate Hoey. "The two schools have had some epic competitions over the years and this will be a fun competitive meet here on campus."
When Dick Farley was a standout track and football athlete at Boston University in the 1960s he would often line up against MIT athletes as everyone competed in the same division back then.
This will be current Eph head men's track coach Ethan Barron's first experience with a dual meet, including his time as a competitor in high school, college and his collegiate coaching career.
"Sometimes I feel that our sport has done itself a disservice moving towards these huge invitational meets every weekend," said Ethan Barron. "Athletes have always performed their best when they ignore the clock (and the tape measure) and simply race the guy next to them. Most of my time is spent getting guys into that mindset of just competing. That is increasingly difficult in these larger, more anonymous meets. When you look back at the older meets and the times that people used to run on cinder tracks, it flies in the face of these invitational meets. Just put two rivals on the track together and let them race for pride, you'll see some fast times...and some exciting races."


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A-Z Flower Seeds
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When growing anything in the garden it can seem like forever before you see the fruits of your labour. That's why we're dedicating this blog post to Speedy Spring Sowing Seeds!
While you're planning for Autumn don't forget to include some of these flowering varieties in your garden patch.

subset: commoncrawl


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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 Review.
You know, earlier this week I watched the first TMNT film on vhs. I really enjoyed it, from its great plot, acting, and amazing special effects from the Jim Henson Company, its a top notch flick. I then started thinking about the sequel, secret of the ooze, something I also watched a few months back out of curiosity. I remember it being a fine film, not as great but still good, and with a nice step up from the first film with the turtles now fighting a new pair of mutants. Then I remembered the third film in the trilogy. I've heard critics much better than me talk about it before, but I've never actually sat down and watched it. So, I decided to do just that, and that my friends is how this review came to be! So let's do this!
The plot begins in feudal japan, with a man on horseback being chased down. He stops in the middle of the woods and has some of the worst sword fighting I've ever seen with the other guys on horseback. Finally his sword is knocked out of his hand and I guess he just accepts his loss because they pull his horse and instead of like, jumping off he just stays on his horse. But while this happens, a girl is watching. Suddenly we cut to the turtles in the turtle lair who are just showing off. As expected, they don't sound anything like they did in the past films, and neither does splinter. But they're not the only actors who were replaced, as April O'Neil comes down to see them. Well, to be fair they replaced her in the second one, but I just felt like it needed to be pointed out.
Anyways she comes bearing gifts for then turtles, and for splinter, and then says she's gonna go on vacation. She pulls out this weird scepter that looks more like a lantern. Meanwhile in ancient japan the guy who was taken by the guards is revealed to be the emperors son, whos on the side of a rebellion against his dad. Just before emperor kills his son, our main bad guy just trots in on a horse. His name is Walter. Walter! What kind of a villain name is Walter it's literally the least intimidating name I can think of!
Anyways he makes his plot clear, to sell the japanese his guns. Prince gets away and destroys a statue in a room in the Pagoda, where he finds the same scepter. He reads some words on it the zap him and April trade places in time, and for some reason also trade clothes. Prince thinks he was taken by Cappas, while the japanese guards think April is a witch. She gets tried and arrested after being proven not a witch. Back in the present the turtles decide to travel back in time to save April, so they get Casey Jones to watch the prince and the 4 guys who would travel to the present in their place. Its also established that if things aren't fixed in 60 hours, the timeline is fucked and so is the universe. Remember that.
They travel in time, but to their shock they're in the middle of a battlefield. Mikey gets lost in the scuffle and the rest of the turtles decide to follow the army back to the castle. Meanwhile April's in the dungeon, another inmate joins her whos supposed to look like Casey Jones. He really doesn't but, whatever. Meanwhile again Mikey ends up getting caught by the rebellion, lead by the girl from the start of the film. Back at the pagoda, Raph, Leo, and Donny rescue april and the other guy, then flee into the forest to find Mikey. The next morning Raph starts loving the nature of it all, like clean water and air. Suddenly the three of them are attacked by the rebellion.
However, suddenly the lady stops the fight as she recognizes that the turtles look like Mikey. They take them to their village and then see the village is on fire! We have a short action scene and the turtles are reunited! Suddenly they notice a hut is on fire with a little boy inside of it. Mikey runs in and saves him, and then Leo performs CPR, saving the boy, named Yoshi. After this the village respects them, but it seems that the scepter is gone. They plan, then, to rebuild it. While this happens, Raph bonds with Yoshi, playing with him and shit. Now, realistically since Raph is a jerk and a hot head he should be the last one to bond with a kid, but fuck it this film needs to get out quickly cause we already made the samurai TMNT toys.
Later, the scepter is finished, the night before the rebellion attacks the pagoda. But in a scuffle to see it it gets dropped and breaks. At the same time Walter convinces the emperor to buy his guns to take down the rebellion. Raph visits Yoshi and gives him a yo-yo for a gift. In return, Yoshi gives Raph the scepter! Raph goes to the guys and then blames the lady, saying she told Yoshi to hide it so the turtle's can help. Just before they can time travel, the Casey guy takes the lady hostage for the scepter, then just takes both and runs to the Pagoda. With no other options, the turtles must fight.
Jeeze, how do you fuck up the characters of the turtles? I mean yeah no one else has any depth and the acting is wooden, but the 80s cartoon made these turtles more diverse! We all know the words, Leonard leads, Donatello does machines, Raphael is cool but rude, and Michelangelo is a party dude. But in this film they just all act like Mikey! They're all just joking chucklefucks. It doesn't help that 3 of them sound exactly the same either. They're basically at 90s pop group levels of interchangeable at this point.
Good god what happened. The costumes and effects in TMNT 1 and 2 looked great! The faces were expressive and didn't just flap up and down, and the production budget is bigger for this film than the first one, so how the hell does it look so much worse! The turtles look like they're those mascots at Disney with moving mouths, but worse! At least those heads mouths aren't like 70% teeth. They look creepy and horribly unconvincing! That's really all that needs to be said, so fuck it let's move on.
The Ending:
So, the turtles use their samurai gear to sneak into the Pagoda. They break out the lady and we get one big fight scene after another. Ok, one point to this first fight scene, its choreographed, moderately well. Anyways they spill out into the pagoda and break out the slaves, who somehow already have makeshift weapons. Like pitchforks and torches. A battle happens and the emperor has a sword fight with Leo, and ends up trapped in a bell. Suddenly Walter brings out his men with guns.
Leo decides to use the fact they think they're Cappas to his advantage, and says that if they fire their guns at them it wont do anything. Walter calls his bluff and fires a cannon ball at his head, but Leo uses his turtle powers to hide in his shell so it misses. Then everyone just runs away, so I guess the rebellion wins. Walter grabs his Scepter and tries to escape, but the turtles corner him at the edge of a cliff. He throws the scepter into the air and tries to escape, but the turtles catch it and Casey guy hits him with a catapulted fireball and knocks him off the cliff, killing him instantly.
A little later, the turtles meet up to say their goodbyes, and Mikey says he wants to stay. Ok now it's time for the gloves to come off. 1. Why. Mikey had no established attachment here, Raph did! He's the one who enjoyed the nature, he's the one who bonded with Yoshi. 2. Remember what I said earlier about the universe being fucked if they don't get back in 60 hours? Well the turtles don't! They keep saying how he has to come because they're brothers and shouldn't be apart, and all I can think is "The universe is fucked if he doesn't go back!" Then to further cement the idea that even the writers forgot which turtle was which, Mikey for some reason hugs Yoshi goodbye, but he takes too long and doesn't travel to the present with the rest, but he does seconds later anyways so fuck it. The emperor surrenders to the rebellion, and Splinter wears a goofy hat. The end!
Wow! This is shit! I mean, it's kinda worse than I even thought it would be. If you want a good TMNT movie, watch the first one. If you have kids, or you can put up with some more childish elements, then check out the second one, but please just avoid this one. It's just so bad. The plot is confused whos who, the acting sucks, and the effects are fucking terrible. This isn't the worst film we've done here, but it's still pretty fucking bad. Have a nice week everyone! See ya guys next time.


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FreeLift Climacool T-Shirt
A shirt that keeps you cool during high-energy workouts.
Train hard in cool comfort. This men's training t-shirt manages the heat while you focus on your goals. With strategically located climacool® mesh inserts provide ventilation, the tee has a contoured fit that helps it stay put while you move and flex.
- Ventilated climacool® keeps you cool and dry
- Crewneck
- FreeLift Pattern for supportive, contoured fit with full range of motion and stay-put coverage
- Engineered camo mesh back and underarm inserts for breathability
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- 100% polyester interlock
CLIMACOOL® is a combination of performance fabrics, open mesh and ventilation channels keep cool air flowing in and heat and sweat flowing out. You stay dry comfortable and performing at your peak in even the most heated competition.


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Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope. People have different ways of reacting to stress, so a situation that feels stressful to one person may be motivating to someone else.
Healthy and fit in a small company
By means of this tool, SME are e.g. enabled to optimise their workflow, to increase product quality, to improve internal organisation or to avoid stress and thus to initiate a continuous improvement process in cooperation with their staff in so-called "brainstorming meetings".
Sorry, this article is only available in the original italian version.
Click here for an abstract in English.
The project "Mental Health in the World of Work" (psyGA - Psychische Gesundheit in der Arbeitswelt) is promoted by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The Federal Association of Company Health Insurance Funds (BKK Bundesverband) is responsible for the project management. The project aims to reduce mental stress and to promote mental health in the workplace.
Sorry, this article is only available in the original german version.
Employers as well as employees can find a lot of interactive offers on this website. It contains a mix of topics which are important to handle mental strain: Management of stress, leadership and cooperation, communication, how to manage time, how to act in a healthy way in familiy enterprises and last but not least emotional competence.
It's very difficult for safety advisors to talk to their colleagues about safety. With the help of this audio production employers can improve their abilities in communication in a quite simple and entertainig way. The booklet, which is included, gives further information to improve skills in communication.
Fit and healthy in small enterprises
The new BG Information Sheet "Arbeiten: Entspannt - gemeinsam - besser" (Working: Stress-free - together - better) explains how stress develops on the basis of six case examples and suggests possibilities to keep stressful work situations under control.
Sorry, this article is only available in the original German version.


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Marco Andretti took his best result since finishing on the podium at Auto Club Speedway back in 2015 when he finished fourth around the streets of Toronto on Sunday.
The Andretti Autosport driver started the race in eleventh position, but the American driver felt his pace was deserving for around sixth or seventh place, so he was naturally happy to leave Canada with a top four result.
Andretti thanked his team for giving him a good car and for having good pit stops throughout the race, and he was content to have finished so high despite saving fuel in the closing stages.
"I think (it seemed like) we were quiet all weekend because we got hosed by that yellow in qualifying," said Andretti. "But, I think our pace was actually about sixth or seventh, so we're happy to come away with a fourth.
"My engineer did a good job with the car. We were really balanced. I could really wring it out and we saved fuel at the end. I had a good car here in Toronto. I'm happy for the UFD team; the boys did a great job for us all day in the pits."
Team-mate Ryan Hunter-Reay finished sixth, and felt that the turnaround compared to 2016 for the team and for Honda was remarkable. The former series champion lost fifth late in the day to Simon Pagenaud after his car became loose due to worn tyres, but he felt it was a good day for Andretti Autosport with three cars inside the top six.
"We had a bit of a handful today, for sure," said Hunter-Reay. "The result was a good turnaround, though. Really nice good job by Alex (Rossi), finishing second and Marco (Andretti) grabbing fourth.
"We had a great battle with Simon (Pagenaud). I was almost able to hold him off to keep fifth, but we just couldn't keep it and finished sixth. I just got too loose at the end. I think I burnt the rears off trying to catch Marco. That's the way it goes, though.
"Overall, it was a pretty good day and a good turnaround from last year."


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Caring and sharing
Middle-school students in James Madison University's Valley Scholars program visited the College of Health and Behavioral Studies this month for a lesson in "Helping People Across the Lifespan."
The scholars were divided into three groups for participation in various hands-on activities, including a stroke simulation in which the students had to complete a task with their non-dominant hand while wearing impairment goggles, a nursing demonstration using a lifelike mannequin, and eye-tracking software in the psychology department.
"Hopefully there's some interest there, and the students will be motivated by it and want to keep their grades up so that they can get these scholarships," said Dr. Twylla Kirchen, assistant professor of occupational therapy.
The scholars' families also took part in activities throughout the day that were designed to foster understanding and support for their children as they prepare for college.
The Valley Scholars program provides outreach activities to first-generation middle- and high-school students who demonstrate financial need, engaging them in educational enrichment activities designed to increase awareness and access to institutions of higher education with the goal of providing scholarship support for students admitted to and attending James Madison University.
Dec. 23, 2014


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Hobokenpix: Gearing up for St. Patty's
[Continuing the ORIGINAL Hoboken411 "Photo of the Day" series…]
Hoboken Photo of the Day – 3/5/2009
Was walking by Yash Liquors (10th and Wash) with Oscar last night – and being the observant person I am – I noticed giant stacks of el-cheapo 30 can packs of beer. Like Coors Light, Miller Light and so on (along with some delicious Guinness as well).
I stopped in to snap a photo, and chatted with the owner. Here's some bullet points:
- The Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Parade is the single biggest revenue day for all liquor stores. Beats New Year's Eve by far.
- Has the whole staff working that day/night "all hands on deck" style.
- He had over 500 cases of this cheapo beer in stock – and expects to sell out easily
- No public bathroom access allowed. He said not only can they make a mess (sloppy urination, vomit) – that they also do lots of drugs (cocaine, primarily).
- He said there's been some fights in the past, but nothing that wasn't quelled before massive damage took place.
PS – if you have images collecting dust on your camera or hard drive – send them in for eventual inclusion on Hoboken411! Please state how you'd like to be credited in your email, and a description – if desired!!


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Looking for unique, cool and stylish ceiling fan to decorate your home? As you know, most ceiling fans are pretty common and usually staid and boring, but not for this Fanimation Enigma Ceiling Fan. As you see in the photo, the cool Enigma ceiling fan breaks tradition with a cool, modern, single-blade design that comes with a halogen light in the center and 3-speed uplight dimming via a wall plate or remote control.
This cool fan which available in black, matte white or satin nickel finishes is priced for about $800. It will amazing will you put one in the living room.


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Mexico: Fear for safety
Melchor Lopez is the director of a small commercial radio station Radio Mixteca, based in the southern state of Oaxaca. On 17 April 2008 he was followed by men in a white jeep when he left work; men driving a white jeep fired shots at his house the following morning. He has been forced to seek safety in Mexico City. He had received repeated death threats since he set up the radio station in April 2007, from people trying secure control of the radio station for their political interests.


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by LadyObie33
Jennie-Lynn and I spent a few blissful days with our mother and the other ladies. We lived in the crystal house that was our mother's, ate wonderful food, and explored the idyllic land we were now in. If there was any real form of paradise, this most assuredly was it.
During that time we learned about their true nature. All of them, including our mother, existed only in spiritual or mystical forms, since they were physically deceased. That frightened me and Jen for a bit, but we recovered quickly. Althea explained that the reason we could see and feel them as if they were fully alive was due to the close connection between their souls and ours.
"But how?" Jen asked. "Is this real, or is it only a dream? Are Todd and I sleeping?"
"No, this is real, my darling," Mama replied. "You and Todd are awake! There is an important reason why you were brought here, even beyond being reunited with us."
"What is it?" I asked. "Is there something wrong? Do you need our help?"
"No, no, baby! Everything is good here with all of us, even better since you came," Mama said.
"Let me speak," said a mystic dressed in violet who identified herself as Sylvia. She was a striking black woman who said she was our great-great-grandmother!
"Sure, go right ahead," Mama replied.
"Thank you very much, Rose," Sylvia said, then flashed our mother a warm smile. Sylvia turned to us and began, "Children, there are two very important mystical objects scattered out in your world. They serve as both symbols and talismans for our family. We all believe they also hold the key to your future!"
Jen and I looked briefly stunned, but we listened to Sylvia attentively. "What objects?" Jen said. "There have got to be gazillions of magic objects on Earth!"
"They are a magic lantern and a ring," Sylvia said.
"You don't mean…" I said, thinking of my father's famed green lantern and ring.
"No!" Sylvia replied. "The Green Flame is your paternal birthright, but this is something that is a legacy from your maternal side. The Silver Flame is the behest of your mother's family; hence the lantern and the ring you search for will both be silver."
She continued, "Both also bear the symbol of the Silver Phoenix. The lantern has two silver phoenixes, one engraved on each side! The ring has a signet of a tiny silver phoenix. With your connection to the power, you will know beyond doubt when you have found the objects."
"But wow, to search the world for two small objects! That could take forever!" I replied, concerned.
"Not nearly!" another mystic named Phoebe said. "Besides, we have made arrangements for someone to help you!"
Jen and I looked around the mystic ladies and wondered who our helpers would be. We saw Phoebe gesture as if she were calling someone over. Then we saw the most amazing thing approach — a large creature who had the head, legs, fur, and eyes of a cat, with a line of scales leading from her posterior onto a long tail that resembled that of a dragon! Her body was smoke gray and her large, almond-shaped eyes were bright green.
"Hello Jennie-Lynn, Todd!" the cat dragon purred as she approached us. "I am Xyzandra, the mystic dragon of life and hope!" she said. "I have many gifts and hope to be of great help to you!"
"We'll be glad to have your help. It will be our honor," Jen said.
"I second that!" I replied, noting that the great Xy was on our side. I'd hate to have an enemy that big! I thought.
Todd and I talked to the mysterious cat dragon Xyzandra. She was a mystical being hundreds of years old and had been a friend of our ancestor Phoebe since the latter was a child. Xy had been quite young back then herself, so she and Phoebe had practically grown up together.
We realized we had to begin our search for the Silver Phoenix lantern and ring ASAP! We bid our mother and family a sad but fond farewell, saying we'd return once we found the objects! They waved at us as we departed.
Todd and I climbed atop Xy's back, and she flew off to help us find the lantern and ring we needed. Our ancestors had told us that we'd get a strong feeling when we approached the objects. That kind of spooked Todd, which amazed me, since he was the one who presented me with the book that had first led us on this adventure.
Xy continued flying through a beautiful sunrise with us on her back. "This is absolutely breathtaking!" Todd said with a smile as we rose up into the sunrise.
"I agree, twinnie! This is just great!" I replied.
Xy flew us over the USA, and we had a strange feeling when we approached a certain cavernous area out west, not far from the Grand Canyon. We told Xy to land in a deserted, mountainous area. To most this would seem indistinguishable, but when I saw the trestle bridge nearby, I knew where we were almost immediately.
"This couldn't be… Jen, could it?" Todd gasped.
"Todd, I think it is," I replied.
"This is the place where Dad's train crashed," said Todd, "where he found his green lantern." (*)
[(*) Editor's note: See Green Lantern, All-American Comics #16 (July, 1940).]
"Oh, my…" I said. We both felt a very strange feeling at that moment.
"Why would the silver lantern come here?" Todd said. "Could someone have put it here as a joke?"
"I don't think it's any joke, twinnie!" I said as we began searching the grounds. "Maybe it came here because of the connection this place has to us. Mom and the others said the lantern and ring had a strong connection to our souls," I continued. "So maybe they came here because it would be easy for us to find them."
"Good observation, Jennie!" said Xy, who was helping us search the grounds.
"Jen, Xy, come over here!" Todd called out suddenly.
We saw a small shine peering out from under some stones. We moved the stones and discovered the shimmering silver lantern we had been looking for. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. We quickly searched the area for the ring, but we could not see or even sense it, so we knew our search would have to continue. Still, it was getting dark out and we were tired, so we set up camp for the night. We had our dinner and then went to sleep.
"Good night, Jennie!" Todd called.
"Good night, John-Boy, er, Todd!" I called back.
I was joking, of course. We both had a good laugh before we went to sleep.
Blue Valley, Nebraska:
It was a rather brisk, late winter day. A young woman was cleaning her family's large home when the doorbell rang. I'll get it, she thought as she ran to the door. "I'm coming!" she shouted toward the door. As she opened it, she saw a rather ghostly female figure standing there. She was stunned silent as the mysterious spirit spoke to her.
"You are Frances Kane, aren't you?" she said.
"I a-am," Fran stammered, "but who are you? How did you know who I am?"
"I am a friend, Frances!" the spirit lady continued. "There is something I need you to look out for."
The ghost then gestured toward town. "Out there is a special mystical object you must find and protect! I can't tell you exactly what it is, but when you find it, you'll know!"
"What does this object, whatever it is, have to do with me?" asked Frances. "Why do you want me to protect it?"
The ghost answered, "Frances, it is hard to explain, but this magical item is the key to your future. Others are looking for it. They mean no harm. When they come, listen to them. As with the object, you'll know when the two of them have approached you. I'm sorry to have to cut this short, but I must be going now, Frances! A bright future is on the horizon for you. It all begins at the tip of a finger." As she concluded and began to fade away, she gestured toward Fran's ring finger on her right hand.
"What was she talking about?" Fran thought aloud. "What is this object? How will I find it, and why must I protect it? She said two strangers would be coming for it. And all this has to do with my future? I don't know what to do, where to begin looking, or even if this is worth my worrying about!" She sighed. "I have to go to town to get some things from the supermarket anyway, so I think I'll walk; it'll do me good and allow me some time to think things out."
Fran got some grocery bags and started heading down the road, so distracted that she didn't even realize she was heading in the exact direction the ghost sorceress pointed. Fran then felt her left foot kick an object.
I bet it's just an old can, but I'll have a look anyway, she thought.
Fran then looked down and saw not a soda can but instead a beautiful, shining silver signet ring. The ring's symbol was a strange-looking silver bird. Fran picked it up and held the ring in her right hand.
"My God, this couldn't be what my ghostly visitor was talking about, could it?" Fran said as she felt waves of something like power flowing through her body.
After that experience, she knew she hadn't just found a lost piece of costume jewelry. She placed the ring on her right ring finger, did her shopping as quickly as she could, and then returned home to contemplate all that had happened and await her two strange visitors.
Frances Kane waited for days in her Blue Valley home. There was no sign of her mystery callers, and she began to wonder if her ghostly visitor had lied to her.
She had gone back to her life as normal, and she was in the process of selling her family's large home. Living there with the memory of her dead parents and brother was just too painful. Her dad and brother had perished in a car accident caused by her first power manifestation, one that she couldn't control. Her powers helped her survive, but she still carried guilt that she couldn't prevent that crash. Her mom blamed Fran for the accident, believing her to be an agent of the devil. (*)
[(*) Editor's note: For the Earth-One version of this tale, which differs somewhat, see "The Possessing of Frances Kane," New Teen Titans #17 (March, 1982).]
And only weeks ago, not long before she died of heart disease, Fran and her mom had been able to make peace. Her mother apologized for her misunderstanding, and Fran forgave her. They had a few happy days before the elderly woman's life came to an end. Fran now felt it best to move on with her life. She put her house up for sale and had set up to move into an apartment in town.
Still, her thoughts wandered back to her strange encounter and the ring she had found. She thought often thought to herself, When will they come?
Jennie-Lynn and I continued our travels with Xyzandra. We'd searched for the ring all over the world for days, including Asia, but had come up empty-handed. "I guess we weren't meant to get this ring so easily after the way we found the lantern," I said.
"I guess not, Todd, but this is getting annoying!" Jen replied. "We checked all the spots related to the Starheart and Green Lantern's travels and have nothing to show for all that work! It's like looking for a needle in a haystack!"
Xy sighed and then tried to reassure us, her passengers. "Don't worry, children. We will find that ring! We musn't give up hope!"
To help lighten the atmosphere, I said jokingly while winking at Jen, "Hey, Sis, suppose someone else found the ring?"
Jen laughed, then replied, "Perish the thought, twinnie! I don't think that ring would call out to anyone else. I bet it's just buried somewhere. We'll sense it when we get close."
"Back to the U.S., then, kiddies?" Xy asked.
"Sure, let's go!" I replied.
We flew across the Pacific Ocean after ending our last check in Japan and opted to have Xy do a flyover of the connected forty-eight U.S. states.
But it would turn out not to be fully necessary. As we approached the center of the country, Jen and I felt a slight tingle, which told us we were nearing the ring.
We all laughed as we saw where we were approaching — Blue Valley, Nebraska. On Earth-One, as we recalled the Flash telling us during the Crisis, it was Kid Flash's town, a hero who was famous for his own ring! I really wondered sometimes if someone was toying with us in the choice of hiding places the mystic objects took, but it wasn't that much of a big deal.
We'd swoop down to Blue Valley, find and snatch up the ring, and then we'd get to go back to Mama and the others.


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Orlando Pirates midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi believes he is now mature enough to make his mark at a big club after joining the side in July.
The 24-year-old winger moved to ABSA Premiership in 2014 and failed to make an impact upon his arrival at Mamelodi Sundowns. He made only 16 appearances and scored on his debut, but soon fell out of favour.
A switch to Golden Arrows the following season saw Mahachi creating a name for himself where he managed a modest 12 goals in 79 appearances, but played a key role in their attacking setup.
"First when I arrived in South Africa, and I was playing for Sundowns, I think I was still young, and I had fear because I came from Zimbabwe into the PSL," Mahachi told KickOff.
"As a player, sometimes it can come that you are hot [on form], and people are expecting more, but when you get into a new environment you need to adjust.
"So, I had fear because I was seen playing with top players like Surprise Moriri, Teko Modise, Anthony Laffor, Elias Pelembe, I can name them …
"But, for me, I didn't expect to play with them at that time. Now I'm matured after three seasons at Arrows, and I now know how the PSL works."


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Our company, with years of experience in the field, is also active in the design, construction and replacement of electrical medium and low voltage panels.
The main types of electrical panels are:
• recessed
• External
• General low-voltage fields
• Fields of medium voltage (replacing old with new)
• Automation Panels
• Transformer Protection and Inspection Panels
• Μarking control panels and alarm protection devices (ALARM) for example filling pits, temperature drop, error switching generator / PPC. , UPS faults etc.


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The Pc Engineering Know-how program prepares graduates for careers in sustaining, manufacturing integration and help of computer programs. Computers and the Internet – The power to carry out basic thinking processes a lot sooner enables business, science and commerce to proceed rather more efficiently. Theories of technology usually try to predict the future of technology based on the high technology and science of the time. As with all predictions of the longer term, nonetheless, technology's is uncertain.
A enterprise (moreover usually known as an enterprise, a company, or a corporation) is an organizational entity and authorized entity made up of an affiliation of individuals, be they pure , accredited , or a mix of every who share an peculiar goal and unite with a goal to focus their numerous experience and arrange their collectively out there accessible on the market expertise or property to appreciate specific declared targets and are … Read More


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Black Families' Love ones With Developmental Disabilities On Stage & In Film: Tatum's Family Short Film, I AM MORE
As you know I've been writing about Black disabled people from activism to music to film etc. In 2006 & 2007 I covered & interviewed the director of the Hollywood movie, My Brother that starred Christopher Scott and Donovan Jennings, two Black young men with Down syndrome. And in 2012 I interviewed Playwright, advocate & mother, Yvonne Pierre, about her play, Then We Stand, about a Black couple dealing with the news that their baby will have Down Syndrome. Now today the Tatum family, Brandon, Kinaya, & their daughter that have Down Syndrome & is a budding actress, Kei'Arie along with her brothers, Jay'C & Ocean. all had their hands in making the short film, I AM MORE that came out this year. I asked the whole family some questions about the film & other topics.
Leroy Moore: Ok my first question is how did the whole family become interested in this film & how did you all work together as a family on this project?
Tatum's Family: We came together on this film to spread awareness about Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), on how bullying could be in the home. Also this film was made to show Kei'Aries' and our whole family's passion and ability as one unite, to create films for families. Working together was fun as we represent our company Better than Great (B.t.G) Entertainment Inc
Leroy Moore: I was excited to see this movie as a Black disabled man. What was it that pushed you all to make this movie? Who is/are your target audiences?
Tatum's Family: We felt that the special needs community would take a likening to this film because it was starring an actress Kei'Arie who has Down syndrome. Also we felt that this movie will bring attention to other film makers to write movies for our special needs community in giving our children/adults the full chance that strive for what they desire as authentic talent. Kei'Arie has been acting and modeling but never had the opportunity to get speaking roles until now.
Leroy Moore: Kei'Arie, you really want to be an actress so is this film a true story about your future goals?
Tatum's Family/ Kei'Arie: YEAH!!!!
Leroy Moore: As parents & Black parents what do you see that needs to change in our community about youth & young adults with developmental disabilities?
Tatum's Family/Parents: Well, there needs to be more! There is a need for education for our youth and young adults. Not just in math, reading and writing, but in areas that interest them and their talents. We need to help cater to their needs because were in this world together.
Leroy Moore: I know when I was growing up sometimes my sisters would get frustrated with me because of my disability. Was some of your acting true feelings/treatment sometimes towards your sister?
Tatum's Family/The Kids: OCEAN: Our sister acts just like a regular little sister, spoiled and bossy.
JAY'C: The movie was just acting, we don't treat her that way. We love and appreciate the gift God gave our family
Leroy Moore: Throughout my years of looking for movies/books on and by Black disabled people only recently I'm finally seeing more and more that look like me. Do you think that the Black community has been supportive or pushing to open more doors for Black disabled or families who like you all trying to produce movies etc.?
Tatum's Family: We feel that our black community is open to supporting however, we as a whole seem like we need to hear or see about it first, and that I feel, needs to change. We as a whole should be more sensitive in helping push our special needs community in reaching their goals/dreams. Our job as parents, advocates and friends is to help individuals like Kei'Arie receive Grammy's, Oscars, Billboard Awards, Best Actor, Number One Album, Doctor, Nurse, Lawyer or Judge degrees.
Leroy Moore: What was the hardest point in making & acting in this short film?
Tatum's Family: The hardest part was actually having to see the actors act. Being mean and saying mean things to Kei'Arie wasn't easy to act out or watch. However, we believe our daughter is heaven sent, for the most part she knew it was acting as well as the affirmations of the rest of the cast loving all over Ker'Arie.
Leroy Moore: How did your classmates & friends react when they saw the movie?
Tatum's Family/The Kids: Our classmates and friends reacted out of shock. They all respected the movie for its cause, creativeness and that we made it as a family.
Leroy Moore: As parents what would you like to see improve in the near future for your daughter?
Tatum's Family /Parents: BRANDON: I would like to see her light shine on the world in all areas.
KINAYA: I would like to continue to watch her father Brandon Tatum create phenomenal roles for her, to continue out her journey/passion craft as a courageous talented, well known actress. Inspiring the world to never give-up and to make the non-believer a believer.
Leroy Moore: In the disability field when I was growing up I saw a lot of mothers being everything i.e. advocate, networkers, caregiver. So it is really good to see a Black father like yourself, Brandon. What is your advice for other Black fathers who have sons or daughters with developmental disabilities?
Tatum's Family/Brandon: Thank you Leroy, my advice to our black fathers is, be grateful. I know it gets tuff but you were made to be the father of the baby God gave you (precious gift). Love, protect and be what you were meant to be when you found out you were having a baby; a father! You're robbing yourself if you don't push harder or apply a better effort, you have a "special" baby so you must be a special dad.
Leroy Moore: Do you see Bullying toward your sister at school or in the neighborhood where you live?
Tatum's Family/Kids: OCEAN: No, she was bullied at school under her teachers watch. No one bullies Kei'Arie around us or in our neighborhood.
JAY'C: everybody loves Kei'Arie, she makes people laugh and smile.
Leroy Moore: What are your plans with this film & will you continue to make more & if so what is next?
Tatum's Family/Brandon: Our plan with this film is, to keep it going viral and getting viewed/liked. As a family we just finished another short film called THE BLACK BAG that is in postproduction right now. Were looking for investors to help the budget for our feature films that we have, one of which is a feature film starring Kei'Arie.
Leroy Moore: Please tell us what else is on your mind that people should know.
Tatum's Family/Brandon: I want people to know that the Tatum family is headed to the top as a family with our company B.t.G ENTERTAINMENT Inc. Stay tuned for our movies, music, clothing, games and inventions. We are looking forward to working with great and loyal people.
Leroy Moore: How can people order the film & contact you? Also where will the film be shown?
Tatum's Family/Brandon: Every body can go on YouTube, type in this link http://youtu.be/yf5cSfPqvms and purchase it with a "like"/"thumbs-up". This film was shown at the DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA convention at UFC March 7th, 2014.
(407) 202-0001


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Welcome to my world of colours, emotions and energy.
I do abstract art. I decorate textiles and interiors
and I do paintings. In my works of art I visualize the
internally perceived mental energy into abstract
compositions. Hence the name PshArt – images of soul.
Viewing abstract compositions allows you to create room for dormant intuition present in the background of mental processes. It helps you to perceive the world differently.
Allow yourself to perceive everything the painting evokes in you. Everything is part of a whole. The painting mirrors even your heart.
Petr Jáchym


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Security researcher builds Apple Lightning Cables that can hijack users' PCs.
It is rigged with an implant that emanates wifi hotspot for connection.
The researcher wants to use this hack as a security tool.
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Global cyber security firms have been releasing advisories on how to stay protected from the threats lurking online. But what if someone takes advantage of a piece of hardware to compromise your PC, and you don't even understand how that happened? A security researcher, who has a Twitter handle by the name @_MG_, has customised an Apple Lightning Cable that can give him access to the computer of the cable's user. Worried now? Read on to know more.
The cable looks like the one offered by Apple, and works exactly like it's supposed to. But it also gives an attacker a way to remotely tap into your computer. What you need to do is to connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod that has a port for a regular Lightning Cable to a PC. You must be thinking that why would you do that? Obviously to charge it or sync/update your data, which basically a normal thing iPhone users would do.
How does an attacker gets access to the PC?
As mentioned, this cable is custom-made and the maker has added an implant in it. That component emanates a wifi hotspot that can assist the attacker to open a terminal and run commands on the PC. In fact, the cable, called O.MG Cable, comes with various payloads, or scripts and commands that an attacker can run on the victim's machine. The researcher (MG) typed in the IP address of the fake cable on his own phone's browser, and ran tools on the victim's computer. Moreover, the hacker can also remotely "kill" the USB implant to hide evidence of its use or existence, Vice reported.
"It looks like a legitimate cable and works just like one. Not even your computer will notice a difference. Until I, as an attacker, wirelessly take control of the cable. It's like being able to sit at the keyboard and mouse of the victim but without actually being there," the security researcher told Motherboard. MG suggested that people can swap it for a target's legitimate one or even gift this rigged cable to the target.
Reportedly, MG made these cables by hand. "In the end, I was able to create 100 percent of the implant in my kitchen and then integrate it into a cable. And these prototypes at Def con were mostly done the same way," he was quoted as saying. He is selling the cables for $200 each, and what's interesting is that people are actively showing interest in buying this malicious cable. He showed a demo at DEF CON, an underground hacking conference that was held from August 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I'm currently seeing up to 300 feet with a smartphone when connecting directly," he said, adding that a hacker can use a stronger antenna to expand the reach. "But the cable can be configured to act as a client to a nearby wireless network. And if that wireless network has an internet connection, the distance basically becomes unlimited," he added. The researcher, however, wants to use this hack as a legitimate security tool. "Apple cables are simply the most difficult to do this to, so if I can successfully implant one of these, then I can usually do it to other cables," he said, adding that these cables can be made from scratch rather than modified Apple ones.
I will be dropping #OMGCables over the next few days of defcon.
I will also have 5g bags of DemonSeed, if that's your thing.
I've been very busy with @d3d0c3d & @clevernyyyy.
Details and update here: https://t.co/0vJf68nxMx
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We are about leadership-the 9.9 kind! Building a leading media company out of India.And,grooming new leaders for this promising industry.


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2020 PBK Lecture: John Yarmuth
From A+ To F: How The Liberal Arts Led Me to Congress (and Also Changed the World)
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Middleton Auditorium, Strickler 101
*Sponsored by the UofL College of Arts & Sciences and the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Kentuckiana.
*Parking available in the lot adjacent to the North Visitor's Center as well as the lot between the School of Music and the College of Business.
In this talk, Congressman Yarmuth of Kentucky will share about the role the liberal arts have played in his life path. He will also talk about what he views as the critical role the liberal arts have played, and will continue to play, in a democracy and civil society.
Chairman John Yarmuth represents Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now in his seventh term, he was elected Chairman of the House Budget Committee for the 116th Congress. He has been recognized for his work to improve education, expand access to affordable health care, and revitalize manufacturing in Louisville.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Chairman Yarmuth graduated from Atherton High School and Yale University. He and his wife, Cathy, have one son, Aaron, who is owner and editor of LEO Weekly.


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MEGEVE (France) • Tom Dumoulin's fantastic Tour de France ended in pain and disappointment yesterday after he quit following a crash.
The Dutchman injured his wrist, putting a question mark over his Olympic participation next month.
Having won two stages and finished second in Thursday's uphill time trial, Dumoulin was enjoying a dream Tour, but it all went wrong 60km from the end of the 146km Alpine 19th stage.
The time-trial specialist was sitting comfortably in the peloton but innocuously lost control of his bike and crashed, injuring his wrist.
He was checked by race medics and forced to quit visibly in pain.
It comes at an awkward time, less than three weeks away from the Olympic time-trial competition in Rio, in which he was expected to be among the favourites.
Earlier, Tour leader Chris Froome had said that Dumoulin would be the man to beat in the time trial at Rio.
The 31-year-old Briton noted of Dumoulin: "He's certainly the man to beat in Rio. He's made it a big objective and focused a lot on it."
Froome got the better of the Dutchman on Thursday after he was beaten by Dumoulin in the first one last week.
Thursday's time trial was just 17km long and almost all uphill, whereas the one Dumoulin won was more than twice as long. And although it had two climbs, most of it was flat.
The Rio time trial will be 54.5km long with four climbs, suiting time-trial specialist Dumoulin.
Froome was third in the time trial in London four years ago behind British team-mate Bradley Wiggins and German Tony Martin.
On a flatter course, three-time world time-trial champion Martin would probably be the favourite in Rio, or even veteran Fabian Cancellara, a four-time world champion.
But it is Dumoulin's ability to be strong on climbs as well as on a flat speed test that makes him the favourite for Froome.
"He's a great rider, he's shown already what he can do in Grand Tours, he's been very close to winning the Vuelta (a Espana)," said the Briton.
"Let's see, he's got great potential. Let's see what he can do in Rio."
Dumoulin proved his versatility last year in coming in sixth at the Vuelta, having led the race until late on.
The 25-year-old won two stages during that race, including a time trial, just as he has done at this year's Tour de France.
He now has about three weeks to recover and prove he is a class act in Rio.


text: Patrick 230 Report post Posted February 27, 2017 Hi, Today I implemented a new feature into the rankings system, which will associate your forum account and TeamSpeak UID. To do this, ensure you've filled out your TSUID field here: https://forum.enigma-gaming.co.uk/settings (Click Edit Profile on the right) This will then allow you to gain extra points per minute as long as your last forum post was within 7 days ago, you will gain extra points on top of what you already get. The amounts I've set are only to start with as they will need tweaking and if you wish to give input feel free to: Posts Points 10+ 5 Bonus 20+ 10 Bonus 50+ 15 Bonus 100+ 30 Bonus 200+ 40 Bonus 300+ 50 Bonus 400+ 60 Bonus 500+ 70 Bonus Please remember these are PER MINUTE. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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- Play:
- Song Name: 34. Thumbs up, Pompeii!
- Artist: On the Time Lash
- Album: Series 4
In a look at The Fires of Pompeii and The Aztecs, Ben and Mark discuss rewriting history, the statute of limitations on joking about catastrophic human tragedy and whether or not William Hartnell was the first of the romantic Doctors.
Also: An appreciation of 1960's design work, ham fisted attempts to pronounce ancient Mexican names, The Crystal Maze theme tune and Frankie Howerd.


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In 10 years, no one will talk about "contextual commerce" — it'll just be commerce. That's what Rich Aberman, co-founder of WePay, predicts.
Native commerce is where Aberman believes all platforms are headed — and that's not just true for software developers like Apple, Google and Microsoft, but also for social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
"In 10 years," predicts Aberman, "your ability to transact using your payment credentials will be universal across all the platforms you use to engage in commerce. It'll be commerce in context of where you spend your time, whether physically or online."
His prediction is looking increasingly likely as more and more tech companies throw their hats into the Pay ring — Microsoft being the most recent, with its announcement earlier this month that it's bringing bill pay and invoice payments into the Outlook ecosystem.
While that's not exactly the same as what Apple and Google are doing with their Pay products, Aberman said this latest announcement from Microsoft is pushing toward the same end goal.
"None of these tech companies necessarily want to be payments companies," Aberman said, "but they recognize that, to allow commerce to be native on their platforms, having an active role in facilitating payments is an important first step."
In a recent interview with Karen Webster, Aberman shared his 10-year vision for the world of payments and commerce, as well as his thoughts on how Microsoft and others are moving toward it.
The Media/Commerce Connection
Media, in some ways, exists to drive commerce, said Aberman, and social media is an evolution of that — which makes Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest media companies. Just like their traditional media predecessors on TV, these companies are competing for eyeballs to sell advertising.
What's different is that these platforms don't have to generate any of their own content — they rely on user-generated content to draw users in, while retailers compete with that content (and with each other) to attract the eyeballs that are already there and sell their products.
However, said Aberman, media and commerce have historically been decoupled because they exist in different contexts. Media drives interest and awareness, while any resulting commerce takes place offline or out of band. That makes it really hard to measure the success of any given ad campaign.
New media platforms do away with this fuzzy return on investment, Aberman said, delivering concrete numbers around clicks and purchases to show advertisers exactly what they're doing right (or wrong).
Whether the media company drives commerce through advertisers paying to inject themselves into newsfeeds or by acting as a conduit for brands, Aberman said the "how" is secondary. The important thing is that they are allowing commerce to happen on their platform rather than out of band.
Facebook is notorious for wanting to keep users inside its walled garden, but it's not the only platform doing so — indeed, that's the power of enabling commerce, and payments are the rail to that. According to Aberman, that is why Microsoft, Apple, Google – and likely, one day, Facebook – are all introducing their own Pay capabilities.
More Than an Access Point
Building payment credentials into the Windows operating system signals that Microsoft is aware of its role as an access point for commerce, Aberman said, and has opted to play a more active role as such.
He said Apple and Google would have had the same realization when creating their own Pays, but they were starting from a different point. Microsoft doesn't have the App Store or Google Play. It doesn't have the massive consumer base or advertising business that Apple and Google have.
What it does have, said Aberman, is Office, a fairly ubiquitous platform used for business purposes such as sending invoices. It may have made sense for Apple to start by powering payments on apps like Uber and Wayfair, but for Microsoft, enabling payments within emails made the most strategic sense.
"It's not a fundamental difference in strategy," Aberman said, "just in market."
Aberman believes that one day in the middle future — not next year, but maybe within the next 10 — people will be able to transact on any platform seamlessly and securely. The friction of cards, payments and bank account credentials will be a thing of the past.
It may sound impossible today, but Aberman said the evolution of authentication methods, such as biometrics, will make it much safer, helping to increase consumer comfort with the new shape of anytime, anywhere commerce. People's ability to transact will be tied to their identities, and their identities will be provable with greater validity and confidence than is currently possible.
Aberman said the shift of media into payments and commerce has been a natural evolution, and growing consumer confidence will be as well, as payments become more and more invisible.
But for now, security isn't the only challenge companies like Microsoft must overcome when powering payments and commerce. Media companies still struggle with the fact that people are on their platforms for the media, not to buy things.
For example, Facebook has long been trying to make itself into a commerce platform for purchases, but nothing seems to be sticking. Members can now use the platform to shop, make a restaurant reservation, make a donation, or find a hair salon and book an appointment. It has a lot of irons in the fire, yet none have become the breakout use case the social media giant may have hoped for.
Aberman, however, thinks it's just a matter of time before Facebook or somebody else hits on that one key use case that will take contextual commerce to the next level.
"I'm not sure Facebook will be the dominant platform, despite their current lead," he said. "But I do think people will feel more and more comfortable with the commerce use case. It's a big step, and it'll happen slowly, but I do think it's inevitable."
The How We Shop Report, a PYMNTS collaboration with PayPal, aims to understand how consumers of all ages and incomes are shifting to shopping and paying online in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research builds on a series of studies conducted since March, surveying more than 16,000 consumers on how their shopping habits and payments preferences are changing as the crisis continues. This report focuses on our latest survey of 2,163 respondents and examines how their increased appetite for online commerce and digital touchless methods, such as QR codes, contactless cards and digital wallets, is poised to shape the post-pandemic economy.


text: Today, utility companies are faced with challenges on every front; consumers, regulatory agencies, competition, profit erosion and aging infrastructures. To maintain greater speed and agility in market, utility companies must adapt faster to change, get closer to customers, increase focus on value-added services, and collaborate more dynamically with a wider range of potential partners.The Internet of Things (IoT) enables companies to embark on new business models to meet these increasing demands—at a much faster rate and with relatively minor investments, as compared to traditional infrastructure investment costs and timelines. Download this white paper to learn:•The transformation and changing needs of utilities•How IoT can support business models for change•Top 5 essential steps for getting started with IoT


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Happy Hump Day everyone!
Snow decided to make an appearance in the DMV area again today – which I am fortunate enough to enjoy in my nice, warm house with Ms. V as I work from home. 🙂
Here are some photos I took of the pretty snow:
Tommy and I had plans to attend the Grand Opening party for the Yard's Vida Fitness Aura Spa tonight (hello free drinks, appetizers, and prizes) but I think we're leaning towards staying inside tonight with our Princess by the fire. 🙂
For all you local folks, stay safe and warm!
(Visited 9 times, 1 visits today)


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Located opposite Silver Tree jewellers on Penny Street, Mariyana's is a stylish boutique for attractive female fashions. They're regularly updating their collections. Find out their latest news at: www.mariyanasboutique.com
Where? 56 Penny Street
What do they sell? Ladies fashion
As a card holder you will get: 10% discount off items not already discounted.


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Democracy Matters: Strategic Plan for Action
Phi Beta Iota: Worthy of a full read. Full of lies and avoids mentioning the racketeering conspiracy with George Soros and Eric Schmidt or #GoogleGestapo censorship board — or the AIPAC role in manipulating media, money, and more, but a starting point. In our view, David Brock along with Eric Schmidt and George Soros should be under investigation for sedition and conspiracy.


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Liturgical Colour : Purple/Violet
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are reminded that we need to be humble and to have faith in God, through our Scripture passages which brought to our attention what our predecessors had done in the past. We heard first the story of the prophet Jonah in Nineveh, the mighty capital city of the Assyrian Empire in our first reading today, while in the Gospel we heard the Lord Jesus speaking in rebuke to the people who still doubted Him and asked Him to show them signs when He had done all those miracles before them.
In our first reading we heard the prophet Jonah who have arrived in Nineveh, after he tried to flee from the Lord and the mission He gave him earlier on, only to encounter a terrible storm that ended up with him asking to be thrown into the sea to spare the rest, and was saved in the belly of a whale for three days and three nights. Jonah then obeyed the Lord and proceeded with his mission to bring the message of doom and the upcoming judgment and destruction of Nineveh.
At that time, the city of Nineveh was one of the greatest cities in the world, with population as mentioned in the Scripture as being over a hundred and twenty thousand, which was a truly monumental population for the time. It was the capital and most important city of the vast and powerful Assyrian Empire, which had expanded rapidly and conquered many nations, and it was also the Assyrians who conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, destroyed its capital Samaria and brought the northern tribes of Israel into exile.
For all of these, and for all the wars and destructions that the Assyrians wrought, and the likely decadent lifestyle in the court of the King of the Assyrians, the sins of Nineveh and its people were truly numerous and terrible, well known to everyone, and it was Jonah who was tasked by God to proclaim His judgment and the upcoming destruction to the entire city and all of its people. No one in the city, from the King to the lowest slaves, even the animals would be spared.
Certainly we may remember another occasion in the Scripture where not just one but two cities were destroyed because of their sins, that is the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both cities were destroyed with a mighty rain of fire and brimstones from the heavens, and save for the righteous Lot and his family, everyone in the two cities perished because of their sins. It was likely then that this fate would have befallen Nineveh and its people as well.
Yet, what distinguished Nineveh from the earlier case of Sodom and Gomorrah was that immediately after they heard the words and the terrible premonition of the prophet Jonah, the whole city of Nineveh went into great mourning and repentance before God. Everyone from the King, who issued the order to the whole city and its people to repent from their sins, right down to the lowest among the people, all humbled themselves, tore their clothes and wore sackcloth as a sign of penance.
God saw and knew the sincerity of their repentance and He spared the whole city and its people from the punishment they were about to suffer then. Compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, which did not repent from their sins but instead doubled down further in their wickedness, the repentance and humility of Nineveh had won for them the forgiveness and reprieve from God for their numerous, terrible sins and mistakes.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, it was these signs and actions that the Lord Himself then referred to as He addressed the people who doubted Him and demanded miraculous wonders and signs from Him as described in our Gospel passage today. Jesus Himself has performed many wonders and miracles openly before the people, and many had witnessed and seen for themselves the glory of God at work. Yet, unlike the people of Nineveh who repented and believed in God, many among the people of the time of Jesus, especially the Pharisees, hardened their hearts and refused to believe.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the important lesson from this for all of us is the reminder that humility is a very important trait we must have for us to achieve forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Conversely, pride is our greatest obstacle and our greatest enemy in our fight and struggle against sin and evil. As long as we have pride in us and we indulge in that pride, we will find it difficult to seek God's forgiveness, mercy and love.
In this season of Lent, we are called to resist that pride in us, and instead grow in humility. Today, let us all look at the good examples and virtues set by one of our holy predecessors, namely St. Casimir, a holy noble and one of the heirs of the Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania, who was renowned for his great piety, personal humility and virtues, and for his great love and dedication to God and His Church.
Although St. Casimir was born as the heir of the two powerful realms which during that time was among the mightiest kingdoms in Christendom, but like the King of Nineveh, that did not cause him to be prideful and filled with hubris. Instead, he exhibited great piety and humility, known for his charitable efforts and works among the poor and the sick, caring for the needs of those who were less fortunate and ignored by the society.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, all of us as Christians can also follow in the footsteps of St. Casimir, in humbling ourselves before God and in loving Him, by dedicating ourselves to the many works of mercy and love for our fellow brethren, which are indeed highly encouraged for us to do during this blessed season of Lent. Let us all then discern what we are going to do to enrich and make best use of our Lenten observation, and commit ourselves to God anew from now on.
May God bless us always, and may He strengthen our faith in us and may He help us to remain true and faithful to Him, and to be humble at all times following the humility and great piety of His servant, St. Casimir, holy prince and servant of God. St. Casimir, pray for us! Amen.


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Fix Them or Fire Them
FixThem or Fire Them
FixThem or Fire Them
1)Does the author think it is better to "fix" an employee or"fire" them and why?
Accordingto the author, it is better to "fix" employees when possibleinstead of "firing" them. Shaer suggests that employers haveseveral platforms and strategies they can use to improve theperformance of the team members. His book elaborates on effectivemeasures that managers can use to improve productivity ofunderperforming staff members. He outlines theories, strategies, andpractical information that can help to increase employeeproductivity, and in case the effort fails to yield results, heoffers the approach managers should follow in dismissing burdensomeemployees. Since the author stipulates that firing an employee shouldbe the last option a manager should take, this proves that he prefers"fixing" the employees to "firing" them. The author claimsthat, sometimes, employees' underperformance could result from thebehavior of the supervisor. As such, it becomes important for themanagers to re-evaluate their management behaviors. The authorproposes that supervisors should remain supportive to the teammembers in order to make them feel valued. As a corporate manager andskilled consultant, Shaer expresses optimism that supervisors cancoach underperforming employees until their performance attains avaluable level for the firm. Every company has internal solvingdisputes that can help to increase an underperforming employee(Shaer, 2013).
2)What are some of the key things that a performance plan needs to haveto be efficient?
Aperformance plan is a collection of objectives that employees plan toachieve in an organization. Some of the essential components that aperformance plan should have in order to be efficient include:
1)Definite goals: the plan should stipulate the objectives thatemployees are supposed to accomplish. The managers and the employeesshould discuss and set the goals that team members should aim ataccomplishing in order to enhance its performance level.
2.Specific period: the employees should schedule to accomplish thescheduled goals within a given duration.
3.Setting the scene: this involves planning and agreeing on variousthings such as projects, deliverables, and outputs (the goals staffis planning to achieve) relevant skills and experience required forattaining the objectives and the conduct of the employees, whichguides the strategy they use to accomplish their objectives.
4.Performance plan should also identify he support employees will needto accomplish the set goals
5.Define good performance: the plan should describe an analysis methodthat the supervisors will use to determine whether the employees areon the right track to attaining the set objectives
6.Performance plans should schedule the dates on which the managers andthe employees should meet to next to discuss the progress of the setgoals, evaluate new obstructions, and develop strategies foraddressing the hindrances
7.The set objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable,Realistic and Time focused (SMART) for it to have a positiveinfluence in an organization
3)What are three ways underperforming employees rationalize theirperformance? Explain.
Underperformingemployees often rationalize their performance level using variousapproaches such as:
1).Myperformance level is excellent. The problem is the measurement levelthey are using: employees comforting themselves using this strategyare often in denial of reality that their performance level issubstandard. The attitude that the employer is using an unsuitablemethod to assess their performance level hinders them from seekingadvice, assistance, skills, and other tools that can boost theirachievement (Shaer, 2013). In some cases, these employees developstereotypic mindset that they can reach performance level of thecolleagues the supervisor is comparing them with because they havelonger experience in their respective fields than they do.
2.Although I do not perform well in this section, I am still valuableto this business because I perform perfectly in another field. Theseemployees have a mentality that they can compensate their poorperformance in one section with excellent performance elsewhere(Shaer, 2013). For example, a schoolteacher with poor disciplinarycapacity for correcting students, but often produces candidates withhigh grades accepts his weakness, but he takes comfort that he isstill valuable to the school because he is excellent in teaching.
3.In other cases, individuals are aware their performance issubstandard, but they do not bother to increase because they feelthey are above struggling to achieve goals. This attitude is mainlycommon with sole-proprietors (Shaer, 2013). They know that theirproductivity is below standard, but they feel they should not fightto improve it since they are the boss hence, the junior employeesshould instead struggle to accomplish their supposed chores.
4)How can you apply the lessons from this book to your own performanceas an employee?
Oneof the lessons from this book that can help to improve my performanceas an employee is that I need to look for knowledge and skillsconstantly in my respective field in order to improve my performancelevel. In addition, I should refrain from deliberate misconduct sinceit can reduce my performance output. The author also emphasizes onthe significance of discipline as the pillar for excellentperformance. I have discovered that if I am disciplined, I can avoidconflict with colleagues and supervisors, which in turn would help meto develop a good rapport with people who can help to boost myoverall performance at my workplace (Shaer, 2013).
Whatlessons can you take from this book that will help you perform atyour job so that you do not need to be "Fixed" nor "Fired"?
Furthermore,this book has helped me to discover rationalizations that I have beenusing to justify my underperformance. For example, I often think ofmy achievements as the best, although some of my colleagues outdo myperformance. I have been comforting myself that our talents aredifferent therefore, I should not strive to compete with thesepeople (Shaer, 2013). However, I have now discovered that thisattitude has been contributing to my underperformance because I donot put relevant effort to match the performance of theseindividuals, despite the fact that I know I could surpass theiraccomplishments if I can also devote my energy into achieving thebest.
Shaer,J.S. (2013). FixThem or Fire Them: Managing, Evaluating and TerminatingUnderperforming Employees.Challenger Books.


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Just Add Magic screencaps
In the US comedy series The Mysterious Cookbook (OT: Just Add Magic) is about the girl Kelly Quinn and her two best friends Darbie and Hannah who stumble in the attic on a mysterious cookbook Kellys grandmother. After the recipes are not only delicious cakes can conjure, but also heal injured ankle or get annoying little brothers to silence. So, for example, called one of the recipes "Shut'em Up Shortcake", while the other is called "Healing Hazelnut Tart". Kelly, Darbie and Hannah can not wait to try out the curious goodies - but then falls to them that they need some strange ingredients to prepare. In the cookbook is "thyme Taurian" from "Cedronian vanilla" and the speech. Where did all over the world, the three girls get all these things? But Kelly, Darbie and Hannah have a plan and before she provided sichs, the first cake is already in the oven. Annoyingly schnabuliert Kelly's little brother a piece of the cake and it leaves him speechless - literally! Not a word comes out of his mouth, Darbie talks all the more. Now it's up to Kelly and Hannah find out what secret actually hiding behind the cookbook Kellys grandmother. Main characters of The mysterious Cookbook Kelly (Olivia Sanabia) Kelly is a young girl who always starts curious and cheerful in their day. In the attic of the family home she finds a magical cookbook, which comes from her grandmother. Darbie (Abby Donnelly) belongs to Hannah to the circle of Kelly's best friends. Together, the three girls go through thick and thin. There are on that they would not engage any adventure. Hannah (Aubrey K. Miller) is - just like Darbie - literally moved in with Kelly. Around the clock hanging the three girls together around and share all a great passion for cooking. (MH)
Televison show Just Add Magic seasons available for download - 1,2,3,43 seasons
Just Add Magic season 113 EpisodesDownload
Just Add Magic season 226 EpisodesDownload
Just Add Magic season 311 EpisodesDownload


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EA has officially announced that Madden NFL 20 will launch on August 2 this year.
Check out some of the exciting new features and announcements in this year's game:
Madden NFL 20 release date announced, Patrick Mahomes named cover athlete
Madden 20 will feature 10 college football teams as part of a new Career Mode
The NEW Face of the Franchise!
Feel Like an NFL Superstar in #Madden20
— Madden NFL 20 (@EAMaddenNFL) April 25, 2019
With the 2018-19 NFL season over, the New England Patriots hoisting another championship tropy, and EA releasing the Ultimate Team of the Year, it's about that time where we don't necessarily move away from last year's game but begin to look forward to a new iteration in the Madden franchise.
This year's game will presumably be titled Madden NFL 20 (referred to as Madden 20 for short, most likely). But other than some possible players that could see ratings bumps, according to EA, we don't really know much about the game. So when can we expect to hear more?
EA hasn't even begun to talk about Madden 20, but all you have to do is look into the past for a better idea of when to expect a reveal announcement. Madden NFL 19 was first announced on May 25, 2018, though we didn't find out that Antonio Brown would grace the cover until July. Madden NFL 18 was also announced in May with EA revealed Tom Brady as the cover athlete on the same day.
So we can expect, based on the last two games in the series, that Madden NFL 20 will be announced sometime in May. The reveal will likely also contain a release date for the game.
Speaking of release dates, Madden games typically release in August. While we used to have to wait until late August – around the end of preseason – EA did shift the release of Madden NFL 19 up to early August. Madden 19 officially released on August 10, 2018, though EA Access members on Xbox One did get a brief head start with the game. Madden 18 released on August 22, 2017, but again, EA Access members and those who pre-ordered the "G.O.A.T. Edition" were able to play three days earlier. Madden NFL 17 released on August 23, 2016.
So as you can see, an August release date for Madden NFL 20 seems most likely. The only thing we're left wondering is if it'll be early or late August.


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Palpatine In Star Wars 9? The Truth Behind Those Emperor Rumors
There are rumors Emperor Palpatine will appear in Star Wars: Episode IX, but there isn't anything concrete to back them up. The Emperor, also known as Darth Sidious, served as the overarching villain for the first six installments of the saga. He was vanquished by Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, and many years later, George Lucas went back to depict Palpatine's rise to power in the prequel trilogy. The Emperor's influence still lingers over the current Star Wars canon, with novels detailing his Contingency Plan and the First Order rising from the ashes of the old Empire.
With Star Wars 9 set to be the final episode in the Skywalker saga, many are wondering how director J.J. Abrams will attempt to weave the three trilogies together. Of course, official plot details are being closely guarded for the time being, meaning the ever-churning rumor mill has become a source for fans eager for new information. And while this speculation can be quite fascinating at times, usually it's all smoke and mirrors.
Related: Everything We Know About Star Wars 9's New Cast
Case in point: the latest Episode IX rumor that states Palpatine will return to the big screen. The alleged scene (hat tip Syfy) involves Kylo Ren visiting a vault on a jungle planet, projecting an image of the Emperor, and seeing "blueprints or plans that could be a new weapon."
Episode IX set photos have shown a jungle planet, but this rumor doesn't read as highly plausible. To start, the source from which it originated is highly questionable, making this more wild speculation and hearsay that snowballed than anything else. Beyond that, just a basic analysis of the sequel trilogy would poke holes in it. Palpatine has hardly had a presence in the modern films, save for the First Order obviously being modeled after his old Empire. If Kylo Ren were to seek guidance from a villain of the past, it would be more consistent with his character for it to be Darth Vader (which is why fans are theorizing Kylo will visit Vader's castle on Mustafar). Palpatine has no role in this trilogy and lacks connections to the new characters for a cameo to have the intended impact. When Yoda showed up in The Last Jedi, it was to shed some final wisdom on Luke. Callbacks to the original movies are fine, but they have to be organic to the story.
There's also the nature of there being yet another super weapon in a Star Wars movie. With Abrams at the helm, it's easy to make Return of the Jedi 2.0 jokes, but the director was actually quite conscious of the parallels between Force Awakens and A New Hope. When defending those story choices, Abrams said the similarities were intentional to help remind viewers what Star Wars feels like and why they fell in love with it. Especially after fumbling a Wrath of Khan redux with Star Trek Into Darkness, Abrams should know by now there's only so many times you can go back to the well before audiences start to tire of it. Odds are, the Resistance will have some sort of master goal in order to win the war, but hopefully it doesn't involve blowing up a big gun.
More: Every Star Wars 9 Update You Need To Know
Source: Syfy


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Updating code to GCC 6¶
- Table of contents
- Updating code to GCC 6
Starting with art 2.6, GCC 6 is an available option as compiler.
UPS packages using it are denoted by the
e14 qualifier (as opposed to
e10 for GCC 4.9.3a).
- is not binary-compatible with GCC 4: libraries compiled with GCC 4 might have issues when loaded by programs compiled with GCC 6, and vice versa. This is called a ABI change
- has a more complete support for newer C++ standards (C++14 and some expected in C++17)
- it has an improved detection of potential errors in the code
The last feature in particular might cause some warnings and errors1 to appear in code which GCC 4 was happy with.
This page collects some of the most common issues we encountered.
develop branches have been updated, as tracked in issue #16096. User branches, instead, haven't been touched and there is a good chance that if you have an old branch you'll have to chisel some error out.
1 As a reminder, LArSoft settings escalate all warnings to errors, which can't be ignored.
Variable length array (
A variable length array is a C array whose size is not known at compile time, usually from a variable. For example:
auto const nPlanes = TPC.Nplanes();
int chargePerPlane[nPlanes];
In this snippet,
chargePerPlane is a variable length array, because its size
nPlanes is not known at compile time (in fact, its value comes from the geometry description which is loaded from a GDML file at run time). Don't let yourself mislead by the fact that
nPlanes is declared
const: that is just a variable whose value can't be changed, which is not enough as array size specifiers go.
Variable length arrays were never in C++ standard, although many compilers would allow them as "extensions"; they are instead in C (as opposed to C++) standard, currently as an "optional" feature.
The common solution is to use a dynamically allocated vector:
auto const nPlanes = TPC.Nplanes();
std::vector<int> chargePerPlane(nPlanes, 0);
If this has too big an impact to the performance of your code (which might well be), please discuss
the issue with LArSoft. There are alternative solutions which may be better, or worse.
The compiler checks the code for misleading indentations. This can happen when curly braces are not used after an
if statement. In at least one case, this check turned up an actual bug where two lines were meant to be within the if block.
The following examples of bad indentation come from LArSoft and experiment code:
(likely, the line with assignment to
if (btrack.NumberFitMomentum() > 0)
//mom = btrack.VertexMomentum();
// fill bezier track reco branches
TrackID = iTrk; //bezier has some screwed up track IDs
mom was commented out later, resulting in a bug).
The following is a "false positive": GCC will suspect that we might have meant to have the second if nested into the first one:
if(eff[plane] == 0) eff[plane] = 0.001; if(pur[plane] == 0) pur[plane] = 0.001;
In the following, the align suggests that the last
return be under the
if statement (another false positive):
else if (a.fSeedPoint[1] != b.fSeedPoint[1])
return a.fSeedPoint[1] < b.fSeedPoint[1];
return a.fSeedPoint[0] < b.fSeedPoint[0];
The following has a spurious semicolon immediately after the
if clause.
if (plane >= planehits.size());
throw cet::exception("TrackKalmanCheater") << "plane " << plane << "...\n";
It was likely in some unused code, or it would throw an exception every single time...
Note that here "false positive" means that the dreadfully aligned code, interpreted according to the C++ rules, yielded the intended behaviour. But it still is dreadfully indented.
(see some solutions to the above...)
Sometimes code works because a required system header has been included upstream. When the compiler changes, the set of upstream headers might also change. Whenever code is using a variable directly, the appropriate header should be explicitly included.
Here is a simple example of a missing header. This particular problem can be resolved by adding #include <numeric> to OpFlashAlg.cxx.
[ 92%] Building CXX object larana/larana/OpticalDetector/CMakeFiles/larana_OpticalDetector.dir/OpFlashAlg.cxx.o /home/garren/scratch/larsoft/dev/srcs/larana/larana/OpticalDetector/OpFlashAlg.cxx: In function 'std::vector<int> opdet::sort_permutation(const std::vector<T>&, int, Compare)': /home/garren/scratch/larsoft/dev/srcs/larana/larana/OpticalDetector/OpFlashAlg.cxx:738:5: error: 'iota' is not a member of 'std' std::iota(p.begin(), p.end(), 0); ^~~
Missing headers are not always this easy to spot. See #16112 for another example.
This site can be very helpful in identifying the correct C++ header: http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/algorithm
Missing parenthesis¶
This test can be misinterpreted by a compiler:
if(evdlayoutopt->fMakeClusters == 1 && !evdlayoutopt->fMakeSeeds == 1){ ...
The error:
[ 98%] Building CXX object lareventdisplay/lareventdisplay/EventDisplay/CMakeFiles/lareventdisplay_EventDisplay.dir/TWQProjectionView.cxx.o /home/garren/scratch/larsoft/dev/srcs/lareventdisplay/lareventdisplay/EventDisplay/TWQProjectionView.cxx: In static member function 'static void evd::TWQProjectionView::MouseDispatch(int, void*)': /home/garren/scratch/larsoft/dev/srcs/lareventdisplay/lareventdisplay/EventDisplay/TWQProjectionView.cxx:527:72: error: logical not is only applied to the left hand side of comparison [-Werror=logical-not-parentheses] if(evdlayoutopt->fMakeClusters == 1 && !evdlayoutopt->fMakeSeeds == 1){ wqpp->SetClusters(plane);} ^~
The solution is to use parenthesis to make sure the code is interpreted as intended:
if((evdlayoutopt->fMakeClusters == 1) && !(evdlayoutopt->fMakeSeeds == 1)){ ...


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"How did you guys enjoy that?" I overheard someone pose this question and had to laugh. How do you respond to this? "No, we didn't enjoy it." That is clearly not the response he was expecting or likely seeking.
I admit I am guilty of using leading questions. "Did you love it?" or "Isn't he great?" When you are excited or have an opinion, it can be challenging to set aside your perspective and objectively inquire about someone else's views.
How you frame questions influences how people engage and respond. Your words can invite people to participate in the discussion – "What do you think about …?" and encourage them to share their perspectives – "Can you describe how that could work?"
Leading questions are framed to guide people to a particular response or way of thinking. Instead of asking about an individual's experience or their opinion your word choice guides them to an answer. This can happen in several ways:
- Adding a personal appeal of agreement. "The new session format is the best we've tried, don't you think?" or "This is the worst program we've ever offered, isn't it?"
- Using an assumption. "Do you think Tim's team will fail to meet the deadline again?"
- Phrasing the question so that the easiest response is yes. "Shall we all approve the revised publication proposal?"
Consider the questions you ask for the next 24 hours. If you find that you use leading questions set aside 15 minutes a day to frame questions to use in your discussions and meetings. The more you practice good questioning, the easier it becomes.
Visit The Question Project for sample questions and resources to support your questioning.
"Successful people ask better questions, and as a result they get better answers." ~ Anthony Robbins


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My counselling session on Friday was a very difficult one.
I've reaslised that I have become extremely hyper vigilant around men. I explained to my therapist how how the subtle displays of aggression from men leaves me feeling anxious and paranoid. They advised that I am experiencing the effects of trauma and it can come and go like waves.
I have been really out of sorts and I feel like I am unraveling. Intrusive
thoughts, anxiety and bouts of depression. Some days are okay. Work and gaming
are useful distractions. But then some days I am completely disoriented or
crying like the drop of a hat.
I was with my brother and his wife this weekend. We went to see the new Dumbo movie which was my favourite Disney cartoon when I was a child. I pretty much cried from start to finish. My sister in law was like, "I don't understand why you were crying all the time". It was her birthday and I was really struggling to keep my shit together.
I must have been terrible company. I only had one bottle of Corona, hardly touched my pizza, cried for approx 180 mins and walked out of the cinema with mascara and eyeliner all over my face. I didn't even realise how bad I looked until we arrived back at my brothers house and I was handed a baby wipe so I could clean up.
I thought about him a lot during my drive back home – nothing in particular, just random memories rushing through my mind. At one point I did think about how I would spoon him and fall asleep (I was the big spoon), and then my mind wandered to the night he smashed my bedroom furniture. That was last year, the 16th of December. I know the date because recorded that incident.
The recording of the 11th of January is a from another incident. I think that was the time he smashed my TV and went AWOL for a week. I am not sure – I can't remember exactly, I don't want to listen to it.
On my drive home, I wondered if I would ever have the courage to listen to the recordings again. I thought about what it would be like to publish his emails and the recordings online and to disclose his identity so that his blog readership could see that he was a danger to women. But no, I wouldn't dare do that.
I then thought about all the ways he can get revenge on me. He made it very clear to me that he gets revenge on if anyone who fucks with him.
If he wanted to hurt me himself, the easiest thing he could do would be to hack me. He even gloats about it on his blog, claiming that it would be very hard for him to resist doing this to anyone who pisses him off. It's worth mentioning that he wrote that blog post the same week that the police removed him from my life. But he didn't have to warn me off – he had already secured my silence before writing that post. I had already told the police that I was too scared to charge him because of what he might do.
He could do a lot worse than hack me.
He joked a couple of times about setting my car on fire if we broke up. He buys his drugs from the dark web and one evening he showed me this "services" area where you can pay for people to do bad things for you.
He made a big deal about all the ways which earning lots of money is advantageous due to the power it would give him specifically.
We were watching the American Crime series about the OJ trial and he said: "This is why I am going to be rich baby. Money buys you good lawers…you can get away with anything".
He isn't OJ-rich at the moment but he does earn a lot of money and has a pattern of spending it impulsively on whatever he wants in the moment.
I will keep my mouth shut.
I wish I could stop thinking about him…erase everything from my mind.
So this is what PTSD feels like.


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AVR: Programming the EMSL Target Board from Mac OS X
The EMSL Target Board is built around the ATmega 168 micro-controller (same controller as the Arduino — which, frankly, I couldn't care less about other than as a source of knowledge…).
It is an extremely easy to use and surprisingly powerful micro-controller. If it weren't so convenient, I wouldn't be writing this.
Seriously. If you have any interest in screwing around with micro-controllers, there is little excuse not to dive in now. It is cheap, easy, and powerful.
Beyond the EMSL Target Board, you'll also need a Lady Ada USBTinyISP programmer that has been appropriately patched (when assembled).
First, grab and install AVR Mac Pack from the fine folks at Objective Development (same source of LaunchBar and Little Snitch — both awesome products in their own right).
AVR Mac Pack has everything needed to talk to the AVR, a compiler that can target the AVR, and support for Xcode based development.
Once installed, the next step is to verify that the programmer can talk to the board using avrdude (all commands assume that $PATH has been updated to include the AVR Mac Pack stuff — be forewarned that the installation of AVR Mac Pack will edit some files in /etc/ to change the shell. It doesn't work if you are using tcsh):
avrdude -p m168 -c usbtiny -P usb avrdude: initialization failed, rc=-1 Double check connections and try again, or use -F to override this check.
Uh oh! That ain't good! Oh, that happened because I hadn't flipped on the "power the target board" switch on my programmer. With the stock USBTinyISP, it'll be a jumper. Replace it with a switch. You'll be happier.
Anyway, once on:
avrdude -p m168 -c usbtiny -P usb avrdude: AVR device initialized and ready to accept instructions Reading | ################################################## | 100% 0.01s avrdude: Device signature = 0x1e9406 avrdude: safemode: Fuses OK
You could use AVR Mac Pack's avr-project command to create an Xcode project, but it produces an Xcode project that can't install the built executable from within Xcode. I find it easier to start with the Peggy Makefile. Xcode's Organizer can be trivially configured such that cmd-b will cause the makefile to build and install the desired chunk of code.
Firs,t you'll need to edit the opening bits of the maekfile to successfully target the m168 part (this assumes that your source file
PRG = buttflip OBJ = buttflip.o PROGRAMMER = usbtiny PORT = usb MCU_TARGET = atmega168 AVRDUDE_TARGET = m168 OPTIMIZE = -Os DEFS = LIBS =
Now, the makefile claims no need to edit below that particular header. It lies. There are these evil things called "fuses" in AVR micr-controllers that you have to deal with exceedingly carefully. Seriously. Wrong value can lead to a nice bit of inert plastic encased silicon.
Actually, you really want to change the makefile preamble to also include a CPU speed indicator (which is set via the ungodly confusing fuse values mentioned below):
AVRDUDE_TARGET = m168 OPTIMIZE = -Os DEFS = LIBS = HZ = 1000000
And, slightly below that, change the definition of CFLAGS to this:
override CFLAGS = -g -DF_CPU=$(HZ) -Wall $(OPTIMIZE) -mmcu=$(MCU_TARGET) $(DEFS)
You'll see why in a second.
Ben pointed me to the AVR Fuse Calculator. God send. For now, I'm sticking with the default fuse values because I'm too lazy to go read the spec sheet closely enough to figure out what the more optimal settings might be:
install: $(PRG).hex avrdude -p $(AVRDUDE_TARGET) -c $(PROGRAMMER) -P $(PORT) -v \ -U lfuse:w:0x62:m \ -U hfuse:w:0xDF:m \ -U efuse:w:0x01:m \ -U flash:w:$(PRG).hex
I totally don't understand the fuse values. The default fuse calculator came up with a different value for efuse. avrdude complained. I set it to 0x01 because that was the value avrdude indicated was expected. It works. I have no clue why.
OK… great… now… need some kind of Hello, World! for a micro-controller. Sounds like it is time to Blink an LED or something.
Of course, you'll need an LED. I used a random red LED because they are the cheapest and most commonly available. Thus, if I melted the LED, no real pain incurred.
You'll also need a resistor to drop the voltage a bit for the LED. I used a 120 ohm resistor as that was handy — anything in the 120 to 220 ohm range should do fine.
LEDs have polarity. That is, they only work one way. The lead coming out of the flattened side of the LED is the negative lead (or, if you haven't clipped them, the longer lead is the positive lead).
To make this code make the most sense, I wired up the LED such that it turns on when the output pin is turned on and turns off when off. That is, the positive lead of the LED — the round side — is connected to the PB0 pin of the ATmega168 chip. The negative is connected to one lead of the resistor. The other lead of the resistor is then connected to ground (GND) on the target board.
Aside: Usually, the LED will be hooked from VCC [positive] to the chip through the resistor. I'm not fully sure why, but it makes the code backwards– setting the bit turns off the LED, and vice-versa. Confusing. For this, I hooked it up the intuitive way.
The code is rather straightforward:
#include <avr/io.h> #include <util/delay.h> int main(void) { DDRB = 255U; // Make all PB* pins output while (1) { PORTB = 0x1; // high _delay_ms(250); // 1/4 second on PORTB = 0X0; // low _delay_ms(2500); // 2.5 seconds off } }
That is it!
Setting DDRB simply configures all PB# pins to be outputs. Overkill for only one pin, assuredly.
Setting PORTB to 0x1 simply turns on pin PB0 — takes pin PB0 high [5v]. If the LED were hooked to PB1, that would be 0x2. PB3? 0x4. PB4? 0x8. Etc… It is just basic bitwise I/O.
The calls to _delay_ms() entirely rely upon the setting of HZ in the makefile (which sets F_CPU). The ATmega168 part has an internal oscillator running at 8 MHZ, but that is subdivided to yield a 1 MHZ CPU speed.
End result?
The LED should blink; short tim on, longer time off.
Next up?
Two LEDs & some useful tools for manipulating bits. And the circuit will be refactored into a more standard form (LEDs connected to VCC).
The latest source code for this project is available in my personal subversion repository here: http://svn.red-bean.com/bbum/trunk/avr/ATmegaXX8/one-led-blinker/.
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