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Paul Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin and a vice-presidential candidate in the 2012 election, will today be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. This ends the latest protracted spell of infighting among Republicans. Although they have a majority in the House, they are bitterly divided over whether to co-operate with President Barack Obama or to block him. That conflict did for the outgoing speaker, John Boehner, from Ohio, and the man who was initially expected to succeed him, Kevin McCarthy of California. Mr Ryan, a fiscal conservative with some moderate instincts—for example, on immigration reform—has been pushed into the job to bring unity. But that looks impossible. His first task will be to placate right-wingers who are seething over the budget agreement Mr Boehner struck this week. If it passes, it will increase both the federal-debt ceiling—and spending—by $80 billion over the next two years. | {
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In October, 2018, a set of BLJ-16 and a set of BLL-20 tyre pyrolysis plant will be shipped to the Philippines. The Philippines customer purchased the two sets of plants to dispose of waste tyres and rubbers. Customer would get fuel oil, carbon black and steel wire from the waste tyres and rubbers.
BLJ-16 tyre pyrolysis plant in the Philippines is a kind of semi continuous plant. It’s daily capacity is 15-20t. And BLL-20 tire pyrolysis plant is a kind of continuous plant which can reach 20-24t output per day. Tyre pyrolysis plants in the Philippines will make great contribution to the environmental friendly.
Firstly, the two plants will deal with a lot of waste tires and rubbers per day. The stacking waste tyres will turn into useful products. You can use the end products for yourself or sell them yo get profits.
Secondly, as professional tyre pyrolysis plant manufacturer, our dedusting system of our tire pyrolysis machines includes four steps: water washing, waster spray, ceramic ring adsorption and the activated carbon adsorption. After four filters, the clean smoke can meet EU environmental protection and emission standards.
Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the eco-friendly problem. The Philippines is one of our important markets. Our salesperson and engineer often go to visit the Philippines customers. We have visited the Philippines three times in 2018, such as in April, July and September. If you have any questions about our pyrolysis plants for sale, please tell us. You got a investment idea. You gotta catch the business chance and put into action. Just go get it.
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Jury awards $17M to 3 plaintiffs in deadly Amtrak derailment Three people who sued over a deadly Amtrak derailment in Washington state in 2017 have been awarded nearly $17 million by a jury for their pain and suffering
TACOMA, Wash. -- A federal jury has awarded three people who sued over a deadly Amtrak derailment in Washington state nearly $17 million for their pain and suffering.
An eight-person jury in U.S. District Court in Tacoma decided Friday to award $7.75 million to Dale Skyllingstad, $7 million to Blaine Wilmotte and $2 million to his wife, Madison Wilmotte.
On Dec. 18, 2017, Amtrak's first paid passenger run on a new route from Tacoma to Portland, Oregon, plunged onto Interstate 5 near DuPont, killing three people and injuring more than 60 others. Amtrak admitted liability before trial, and the jury heard evidence for two weeks on the damages and effect on the plaintiffs.
Skyllingstad was a passenger on the train when his railcar left the tracks after the train approached a 30-mph (48-kph) curve going 78 mph (126 kph). His attorneys said he broke his back, fractured his hip and suffered a traumatic brain injury that Skyllingstad said has changed his personality.
Blaine Wilmotte was a passenger in a truck on Interstate 5 when a railcar crashed onto the truck from the overpass. He was trapped in the truck in what he described to the jury as "excruciating pain," for 90 minutes before he was extracted and taken to a hospital.
He broke multiple bones including his femur under the weight of the railcar crushing the truck. In medical testimony, it was revealed that he also has an adjustment disorder, which can happen after a traumatic life event. In closing arguments, his attorney said that every day Wilmotte worries he will die.
Madison Wilmotte sued over how the accident has impacted her relationship with her husband. Madison Wilmotte was 22 and pregnant at the time of the derailment.
Both Blaine Wilmotte and Skyllingstad have returned to work since the crash, and Amtrak argued their injuries will not have long-term effects.
U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle declared a mistrial for fourth plaintiff Adam Harris and said a new trial date should be set for his claims because a doctor testified about an examination of Harris that was not disclosed to Amtrak before trial.
In June, the National Transportation Safety Board published its final report on the crash, with the agency's vice chairman blasting what he described as a "Titanic-like complacency" among those charged with ensuring safe train operations.
The case and the jury's decision could set the stage for future claims against Amtrak. Luvera Law Firm and Clifford Law Offices, which represented the victims, also represent dozens more.
"The Wilmottes and Mr. Skyllingstad got to tell their stories and the jury listened," said Sean P. Driscoll, partner at Clifford Law Offices. "These people's lives are forever changed due to the negligence of those in charge who simply ignored safety regulations." | {
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When the proposed new Las Vegas stadium for the Raiders was approved for $750 million, there were a lot of shocked people. That’s record public money for an NFL stadium. Well, according to the Raiders stadium resolution, that’s not the end of it.
Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal is reporting that the Raiders stadium resolution projects the stadium cost to actually be $1.7 billion as opposed to the $1.9 billion previously projected/reported.
The Raiders relocation resolution pegs the cost of the Vegas stadium at just under $1.7 bil. that's $200 mil less than widely reported — daniel kaplan (@dkaplanSBJ) March 26, 2017
Then again, after infrastructure costs, the total cost jumps back up to $1.9 billion. But here’s the kicker, that extra cost is being shouldered by public money, not Mark Davis or Bank of America.
And the resolution says there's another $200 mil of public funds 4 capital improvements at Vegas stadium, on top of the $750 mil. done deal — daniel kaplan (@dkaplanSBJ) March 26, 2017
That means the public money jumps up to close to a billion dollars, while the projected debt for the Raiders to Bank of America comes down.
That’s insane money coming from public funds. NFL owners see that kind of money coming from the public and they drool over the precedence it sets for future stadium demands of their own. And therefore you uncover the reason why the NFL owners are largely ignoring any potential issues with Las Vegas with the same vigor they are unwilling to forgive the imperfections in the Oakland plans. | {
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What a memorable week this has been for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In the span of just seven days, the Blue Jackets participated in the NHL Draft, held their prospects’ development camp and dealt with free agency. In the midst of that, two of the longest tenured players in Blue Jackets history moved on from Columbus.
Did you miss anything from this past week? Well you’re in luck. We’re here to help you fill in the blanks, while giving you thoughts on everything that happened. We’ll also get you ready for anything else that could come up. Consider this your summer guide to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The NHL Draft
Let’s start our journey by revisiting the NHL Draft. It won’t be soon forgotten by Blue Jackets fans considering what happened the first night. The Blue Jackets came in with the third overall pick thanks to winning the third draw at the draft lottery. Many expected the Blue Jackets to take Finnish star Jesse Puljujarvi with the third pick. This draft was “the big three” and everyone else.
There was lots of chatter suggesting the Blue Jackets could trade down if they truly weren’t interested in Puljujarvi in the third spot. It was interesting to see if the team made the pick or made a trade. When the Blue Jackets turn came up, the group led by John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen and Ville Siren had Blue Jackets jersey in hand ready to give to the third pick. At that point, I couldn’t help but think that Puljujarvi was the pick. They didn’t trade down. But still, something seemed “off”.
The team needed a center. They didn’t seem sold on Puljujarvi. Were they settling for Puljujarvi since they couldn’t make a move? Or, were they ready to pick someone else? I didn’t want to believe they were picking someone else. In my mind, Puljujarvi is one of the best prospects of the last 10 years given his skill set.
Then, in a moment that would change the Blue Jackets franchise forever, Siren spoke something into the microphone that no Blue Jacket or NHL fan will forget for a long time.
“Columbus Blue Jackets are proud to select from Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Pierre-Luc Dubois.”
In that moment, I literally froze. I had goosebumps. Part of me was stunned. The other part of me saw this coming. The range of emotions felt in that moment were very surreal. Was this really happening? Were the Blue Jackets really passing on one of the best prospects of the last several years? Then I remembered how thorough and detailed Kekalainen and company are when it comes to stuff like this. Questions just started flooded my brain at that moment.
Why Dubois? Why not Puljujarvi? What are we missing in Dubois that makes him this good? Are there red flags in Puljujarvi we aren’t aware of? Given this pick’s importance and who they passed up, this draft pick will go down as the defining moment of the Kekalainen era in Columbus.
The immediate question that everyone will rush to ask is “Did Columbus make the right pick?” We won’t know that for many years. But I can tell you this. The team loves Dubois. In a behind the scenes video released by the team, Davidson tells Dubois that “we are excited as hell.” In a separate video, the Blue Jackets scouting team raved about the kind of player Dubois is. Clearly, based on these videos and how the draft went down, the Blue Jackets got the player they wanted and are very happy about it.
I can understand if many Blue Jackets fans are still upset with the pick. Here’s my take. There were many teams, the Vancouver Canucks being one of them, that coveted Dubois. He is widely considered one of the best five players in this draft. He was also considered the best Canadian skater on Central Scouting’s final list. In my mind, the team improved with this pick. Now consider he could play center, and you start to see why this pick makes more sense than many are willing to admit.
Again, we won’t know for years if it was the right pick. But there is clear logic that went into this pick.
Columbus was not nearly done at the NHL Draft. Saturday saw the Blue Jackets select four players, highlighted by defenseman Andrew Peeke and forward Vitaly Abramov. At first, I didn’t understand the Peeke pick. On my personal list, he was a third rounder. Kekalainen admitted after the draft that they had him as a first rounder. In the end, the team liked his size and mobility. It could be a good pick if it pans out. I just think there were better options out there at 34th overall.
As much as I question the Peeke pick, I definitely do not question the Abramov pick at 65th overall. How in the world did he fall this far? I had him at the end of round one. So did the Blue Jackets. This pick is a home run for the team. The Blue Jackets now boast two of the most intriguing prospects in terms of skill in Abramov and Oliver Bjorkstrand. I am looking forward to seeing how they develop the next few years.
The Blue Jackets ended that Saturday by picking goaltender Peter Thome and forward Calvin Thurkauf. Thome plays for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL and will play at North Dakota starting in the 2017 season. Thurkauf plays for Kelowna in the WHL and was a member of Team Switzerland in the World Junior Tournament. Each will be given plenty of opportunity to develop. We’ll see if either can eventually make an impact with the Blue Jackets.
Development Camp
After the draft, the Blue Jackets wasted no time and got going with their summer development camp. I got to watch portions of the camp online, including the 4-on-4 tournament that ended the week on Thursday. This is a great chance for fans to see their prospects on the ice together before they leave for the summer. It also gives the prospects a chance to spend time together on and off the ice, while spending time in the community.
It’s easy to overreact to development camp especially if a prospect shines. It’s such a small sample size. I try not to put too much stock in what we see. With that said, here are some observations I noticed that we’ll want to keep in mind.
I’m beginning to wonder if Sonny Milano lives at the rink. He was the main headline at this development camp even though he was a major contributor to the Lake Erie Monsters and their Calder Cup run. Milano is a rink rat. He loves this kind of thing and didn’t think anything of it. This is the kind of player that coach John Tortorella loves. Milano is fast and one of the hardest workers you will find. Is it enough to make the Blue Jackets opening day roster? He’s in the discussion.
A prospect that I’ve had my eye on for quite sometime time is Keegan Kolesar. He enjoyed a great year for Seattle in the WHL and to me, is one of the fastest rising prospects the Blue Jackets have. Think of him as a more skilled version of Jared Boll. Kolesar is not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone, but can make you pay offensively. Calling my shot here: I think he makes the Blue Jackets in 2017-2018 in their bottom six.
Dubois scored a pair of goals in the opening game of the 4-on-4 tournament. In that quick glance of him, I could see why he is so highly thought of. Makes you wonder if he can make the Blue Jackets opening day roster. He just signed his ELC which included the highest bonus for a third overall pick ever. There are some who believe he can make the opening roster. I’m not to that point yet. But if he kills it in the gym in the summer and comes to camp ready, a spot could be there for him. They could start himas a winger, but ultimately, the team views him as a long-term center. I think one more year in Cape Breton will do him wonders.
The other prospect that stood out was Abramov. He has high-end offensive skill. He put that on display in his shootout winner in the 4-on-4 tournament. Nobody was stopping that shot. I expect he goes back to the QMJHL for this upcoming season. But keep Abramov in mind for future seasons. This guy has great upside.
Free Agency
As expected, the Blue Jackets have been quiet in free agency. The salary cap is the main reason, as they were up against the cap until the recent buyouts of Fedor Tyutin and Jared Boll. Combined, Tyutin and Boll played over 1,000 games for the Blue Jackets and are very well-respected by their teammates and the community.
Unfortunately, hockey is a cruel business and you have to make decisions that aren’t always popular or convenient. The buyouts created needed cap space for the Blue Jackets to allow for maybe a small, depth signing and room for potential roster bonuses. Tyutin is now in Colorado while Boll is still looking for a team. Their contributions to the Blue Jackets and Columbus have been gigantic over the years. For that, we say thank you to two of the classier men you’ll ever deal with or meet. Best wishes to Tyutin and Boll in everything they do.
Is it possible that the Blue Jackets will sign somebody as a free agent? Maybe. If the right player becomes available for the right price that fills a need, the Blue Jackets will look at it. Aaron Portzline, one of the best beat writers in the country, made an interesting comment the other day about the fourth line. He said that the line was no where close to being set with Gregory Campbell and William Karlsson in the fold. Perhaps these players fill that role. But to hear Portzline say that, makes you wonder what the team could do. Is there someone in Lake Erie that can fill that role? Are the Blue Jackets looking at a depth signing? Make no mistake, the Blue Jackets fourth line of late has been awful. If Columbus wants to head in the right direction sooner, they need to stabilize that fourth line. It’ll be curious to see if the Blue Jackets look for outside help or start with what they have. If Kekalainen has his way, some players from Lake Erie will start to push the veterans.
Other Random Stuff
Let’s now take some time to discuss a few things as we head towards the summer.
I expect Scott Hartnell to start the season with the Blue Jackets. Is that 100% certain? Nope. But of you consider the team has tried to deal him on multiple occasions and hasn’t been able to, it shows that other teams worry about remaining term. Hartnell has three years left on his deal. The Blue Jackets reportedly have said they’d consider retaining salary if that meant a deal could happen. Hartnell is still a very productive player and can help the Blue Jackets this season. But, don’t be surprised if this is revisited as we approach the next trade deadline, depending on where the team is at in the playoff race.
Many expect the Blue Jackets to have another lousy season, meaning that they won’t make the playoffs. While I think the team will improve, to go from 27th to 16th is quite the jump. Considering that most of the team from last season will return, except for a few youngsters, I expect the team to miss the playoffs, but trend in the right direction. Can this team make the playoffs? They can, but a lot of things have to happen.
What has to happen for the Blue Jackets to make the playoffs? First, they have to hope Sergei Bobrovsky returns to form and stays healthy. Prior to his injury, he played some of his best hockey, after playing some of his worst hockey. It will be interesting to see how Bobrovsky handles the summer. He’s one of the most dedicated players when it comes to working out and preparation. What changes if any will they make to the routine to get him ready?
Next, a couple players need bounce back seasons, most notably Nick Foligno. He enters his second season as the Blue Jackets captain. He suffered through a career low in shooting percentage. If the Blue Jackets hope to gain any substantial margin in the standings, Foligno needs to lead the way. I expect he’ll be better than last season, but to expect 30 goals again might be a bit of a stretch. He knows he needs to improve. If the Blue Jackets want the playoffs, he must improve.
Don’t think the roster is set by any stretch. Many players will have their first taste of the Tortorella training camp. Anyone who has experienced this knows it is one of the most difficult camps that any coach has. Coming in unprepared is a big no-no. We will learn very quickly who did work in the summer and who didn’t. This could help decide the last few roster spots. It’s open season.
An always interesting topic are the lines. As of now, here’s how I see the Blue Jackets opening the season. Saad-Jenner-Atkinson Calvert-Dubinsky-Foligno Hartnell-Wennberg-Bjorkstrand Campbell-Karlsson-Anderson Murray-Jones Johnson-Savard Werenski-Prout/Goloubef
David Clarkson would make the 13th forward. Speaking of, anyone else find it somewhat unusual that there’s a lot of silence when it comes to his status? Clarkson has dealt with back issues since his arrival in Columbus. But we really don’t know how he’s doing or what his status is. He has four years left on his bonus-laden contract. I don’t suspect we’ll get much in the way of clarity until training camp opens. He is a great person and ambassador in the community and hope his recovery is going well. Keep this in the back of your mind once we get to camp.
Who could be the 14th forward to open the season? I think Bjorkstrand and Anderson make this team. I think Milano is right there. I think Dubois could use another season in the Q, but could earn a roster spot right away. Camp will have its really good battles. A good camp for a player could mean making the big club.
I’ll leave you with a couple of way too early predictions. I think both Brandon Saad and Alexander Wennberg enjoy career offensive seasons. I think Karlsson will be the team’s most improved player. I think he ends up on the top-9 at some point. And finally, my boldest prediction, has Bjorkstrand garnering rookie of the year votes.
Thanks for following along this season. If any news breaks during the summer, we’ll bring it to you. Have a great summer and we’ll catch up with you most likely from the prospects tournament in Traverse City. | {
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Nederland heeft moeite gehad met het steunen van de NAVO-verklaring over de aanval van Syrië, waarin de lidstaten de volledige steun hebben gegeven. Volgens minister Stef Blok (Buitenlandse Zaken) komt dit door het ontbreken van eigen informatie over de aanval.
Wegens NAVO-solidariteit is Nederland wel akkoord gegaan, met de kanttekening dat het kabinet "zelf wel bij begrip blijft". Dit schrijft Blok in een brief aan de Tweede Kamer, zo is te lezen op 1848.nl.
Nederland sprak eerder geen steun uit voor de westerse vergeldingsactie tegen Syrië, want Den Haag beschikt niet over voldoende eigen informatie dat het Syrische regime achter een gifgasaanval op het rebellenbolwerk Douma zat. De vergeldingsaanval werd uitgevoerd door de VS, het Verenigd Koninkrijk en Frankrijk.
''Wat in de Nederlandse politieke geschiedenis heel belangrijk is, is dat je steun uitspreekt op het moment dat je ook eigen informatie hebt'', zei Blok in het programma WNL op Zondag.
Chemische wapens
Hij noemde het zeer plausibel dat het regime van president Assad chemische wapens heeft ingezet. Assad heeft dat ook in het verleden gedaan, benadrukte de bewindsman. ''Vandaar dat we nu ook begrip hebben voor deze actie.'' De aanval is ook heel precies gericht geweest op de ''productiecapactiteit'' van chemische wapens, aldus Blok verder.
Hij wijst erop dat in de Veiligheidsraad van de Verenigde Naties is aangedrongen op een ''compleet'' onderzoek, ook om vast te stellen wie er achter de gifgasaanval zat. Maar zo'n onderzoek is door Rusland, de verdediger van het Assad-regime, geblokkeerd. Daardoor is het niet mogelijk erachter te komen of het ''alweer Assad'' was.
148 Dit is waarom VS, VK en Frankrijk Syrië hebben aangevallen
Onderzoek
Blok bestempelde de situatie als een gesloten knoop: ''Je mag de vraag niet stellen, dus je zult het antwoord niet krijgen.'' De huidige missie van de organisatie tegen chemische wapens door de Organisatie voor het Verbod van Chemische Wapens (OPCW) onderzoekt alleen de inzet van gifgas.
Zo wordt er volgens Blok een ''rookgordijn'' opgeworpen. Want zonder antwoord op de vraag wie de schuldige is, kun je blijven zeggen dat je niet kunt reageren. Hij noemde de houding van de Syrische bondgenoot Rusland heel cynisch.
Bombardementen
De bombardementen van het westen, die in de nacht van vrijdag op zaterdag op drie doelen in Syrië werd uitgevoerd, waren gericht op productielocaties van chemische wapens.
De landen hebben 105 raketten afgevuurd die succesvol hun doelen hebben geraakt. Het programma voor het maken van chemische wapens zou volgens het Pentagon nu "kreupel" zijn, omdat Syrië veel materieel is verloren.
Wil jij elke ochtend direct weten wat je 's nachts gemist hebt en wat er die dag gaat gebeuren? Abonneer je dan nu op onze Dit wordt het nieuws-nieuwsbrief! | {
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An event begun on social media a couple of days ago, calls on people "with or without gilets jaunes" to march against tax evasion on Kirchberg on Monday.
The event calls on citizens to march peacefully against tax evasion.
The organiser, Patrice Cerignat, who came all the way from the south of France, hopes to assemble a group of people to protest peacefully.
The event is supposed to run smoothly and respecting Luxembourg's laws, the organiser stated.
Nevertheless, the manifestation, as of now, has not gained a significant number of followers. Despite the lack of interest, the police has closely followed the interest in the manifestation and taken all the necessary precautionary measures. | {
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LIVE OAK >> A 15-year-old boy seriously injured his hand in a fireworks blast on Saturday at a home in Live Oak, deputies said.
The boy found the explosive on Corcoran Beach. Deputies are trying to determine where it came from.
Saturday evening, three boys ages 11, 13 and 15 were visiting Santa Cruz from Livermore, said Santa Cruz County sheriff”s Sgt. Kelly Kent.
About 7 p.m., the boys were at Corcoran Beach near 21st Avenue with an adult. One of the boys found a “gold shaped egg made of cardboard and a small fuse,” Kent said.
They brought it back to a relative”s home on the 500 block of Corcoran Avenue, where the 15-year-old lit the fuse, deputies said. The object exploded and launched shrapnel at the boy”s torso. It also resulted in the “potential loss of his hand,” Kent said.
Deputies and Central firefighters responded, and the boy was transported by helicopter to Stanford Hospital, authorities said.
Kent said it did not appear that the object was left on the beach to harm anyone, but deputies combed the beach and the surrounding area for other similar devices. They found none.
Deputies said anyone who finds similar objects should not touch them; instead call 911.
Kent said fireworks can be dangerous and can harm people.
“This tragedy is every parent”s worst nightmare,” said Sheriff-elect Jim Hart. “This is why we seize commercial-grade fireworks and step up enforcement on the Fourth of July.”
The Sheriff”s Office asks anyone with information to call 831-471-1121. | {
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Tom Heaton says Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearly broke his arm with a vicious shot the goalkeeper acrobatically saved in Burnley's 0-0 draw at Manchester United.
Former United player Heaton never made a senior appearance during his eight years at the club from 2002 to 2010.
But he showed the Old Trafford faithful what they missed out on with an inspired performance on Saturday, pulling off a string of saves to deny the dominant hosts, who had Ander Herrera dismissed and manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands.
The pick of the one-cap England international's saves featured a star jump and strong fist worthy of United goalkeeping great Peter Schmeichel.
Leaping off the ground and spreading himself wide in the second half, Heaton prevented Ibrahimovic from scoring with a fierce volley at the back post.
The stop appeared to have come at a cost, as the keeper received treatment in the aftermath of his eye-catching intervention.
And speaking afterwards, Heaton joked about the force of the Swedish veteran's attempt.
"I knew I had two men behind me on the line so I thought I'd get out, close the space and spread," he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"Thankfully it has hit me but it nearly broke my arm!"
Burnley barely registered a presentable chance of their own in the game as they mounted a rearguard action that become increasingly desperate as the match wore on, but Heaton claimed the Clarets were satisfied to finish up with a hard-fought share of the spoils.
"We came with a gameplan, put in an incredible shift and hung in there," he said.
"Much has been made about our away form but what a place to come and get our first point." | {
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Thanks to Darkly Dexter for the heads up: Aimee Garcia and David Zayas posted a photo via their Twitter accounts few days ago, from set of ... | {
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There's been much speculation about what the next generation of video games will bring, but already a pattern is emerging: old men . It seems the technological arms race of future game engines is being waged over the wrinkled battlefields of translucent, withered skin. David Cage came out strong with his old man , all thin lips and flowing white hair. Nvidia's old man wasn't that old at all . They are clearly falling behind the times.
But wait, who's this emerging from a hitherto unnoticed patch of liver spots? It's Activision's R&D department, who demoed their old man at GDC. And some younger men and women, just for old times' sake.
Wait isn't that the same Not Old Man from the Nvidia demo? Activision explain on the video's YouTube page : "Yes, this is the same source data from ICT used by Nvidia at GTC, but rendered using a completely different tech."
According to a post by Activision R&D's Jorge Jimenez , this is the result of "many years of work in photorealistic characters." Supposedly, the tech was demoed live at GDC on a two-year old laptop.
More screenshots below:
Thanks, RPS . | {
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Mike Huckabee isn't happy with the Republican Party.
When it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, the former governor of Arkansas says his party should "[g]row a spine, show a modicum of knowledge about the way we govern ourselves, and lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way."
The man who did surprisingly well with Republican primary voters in 2008 and is reportedly considering a second presidential bid in 2016 has even threatened to leave the GOP and become an Independent if the party doesn't toughen up on marriage.
Gripping stuff. There's just one problem: it's not entirely clear what, politically, the Republican Party can do about same-sex marriage.
The Supreme Court has yet to hand down a Roe v. Wade–type decision on gay marriage. But it has done the next best thing, letting a slew of lower federal courts strike down state-level laws defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
The Supremes themselves have overturned California's popularly enacted Proposition 8 and weakened the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Huckabee may be exasperated by these developments. But what does he propose as the remedy?
The most obvious solution is a constitutional amendment rolling back the courts' handiwork. Yet the federal marriage amendment failed to garner even plurality support in a Republican-controlled Senate a decade ago, with a purportedly sympathetic president in the White House.
At that time, the defenders of traditional marriage were winning (although warning clouds were on the horizon). Gay marriage continued to fail whenever it was subjected to a popular vote, even in reliably blue states. It only existed where imposed by judges.
No mainstream Democratic presidential candidate would dare support gay marriage, at least not one with serious hopes of winning the White House. (Expect Hillary Clinton to receive frequent reminders of this history over the next two years.)
The last time a former Arkansas governor was in the White House, opposing same-sex marriage was a no-brainer. A 1996 Gallup poll found that only 27 percent of the American people were in favor. By May 2014, that number had skyrocketed to 55 percent.
Today, support for gay marriage is virtually non-negotiable for mainstream Democrats outside the most socially conservative parts of the country. Conservative and Christian subcultures are increasingly becoming the only spaces where there aren't strong taboos against being against gay marriage.
If Huckabee was just one outlier of this broader trend, it wouldn't matter much for the GOP. But he represents a significant minority — around 40 percent — of the American people. His views remain the majority among Republicans and even more so among white evangelical Christians, the party's largest voting bloc.
Not all of these voters share Huckabee's intensity. But there are a few reasons why they may not give up as quickly as expected.
First, social conservatives have been told for decades that Roe is the law of the land and legal abortion isn't going anywhere. While both assertions have remained true for more than 40 years, it is equally true that abortion remains a live political issue and opponents have made strides that once seemed unthinkable in public opinion, legislation, abortion rates, and even the courts.
Just because that happened with abortion doesn't mean it will be the case with gay marriage. But social conservatives can be forgiven for not immediately heeding the same people who told them to shut up and go away on abortion.
Second, opposition to gay marriage will shift for some people from an attempt to uphold traditional social norms to concern about their own religious liberty. Individuals will feel, with varying degrees of justification, that they, their businesses, and their religious institutions are being coerced into recognizing marriages contrary to their faith.
Even back when theirs was a minority position, gay marriage supporters always had one advantage: for many of them, it was an intensely personal issue. It might be about to become personal for their opponents, too.
Third, competing visions of marriage — what some conservatives call the conjugal view of marriage versus equality for all sexual domestic partnerships — may remain politically relevant even if the policy implications dwindle.
For example, the country can divide politically over questions like single motherhood and out-of-wedlock births — think back to the whole Dan Quayle-Murphy Brown culture war moment. Yet even at that time, the policies actually being debated would have just tinkered at the margins. The most consequential of these was probably the family cap for welfare beneficiaries.
People like Mike Huckabee probably won't leave the Republican Party en masse. But they won't leave the American political debate either. | {
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A new federal directive on transgender public school students' access to facilities is making waves across the nation -- guidance from the Obama administration to school districts on allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and other facilities that correspond with their sexual identification, rather than their assigned gender.
Texas, Oklahoma and West Virginia sent a letter to the White House challenging the Obama administration's directive. Days before, North Carolina launched a lawsuit against the federal government over the issue. As of Friday, Republican legislators in Oklahoma are mulling a measure to impeach the president because of the directive.
In the days since its implementation, it's sparked impassioned and politically charged rhetoric.
Massachusetts issued its own directive in 2013 that defends public school students' ability to choose a bathroom or locker room that matches the gender they identify with, among other protections -- in line with the Obama administration's call. Three years later, the Bay State debate has moved beyond schools, now asking whether legislators will extend similar protections to all public accommodations.
In Massachusetts, the federal directive has caused barely a ripple. Why? Because the Bay State has more or less gotten this particular debate out of its system.
As other states now grapple with debate over school bathrooms, here's a look back at what Massachusetts went through in 2013.
However, passing Massachusetts' public school policy for transgender students didn't go over easily at the time.
The state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued guidance to schools on the treatment of transgender students, from the proper use of names and pronouns to permitting bathroom access and scholastic sports participation based on the gender with which students identify. From the agency's perspective, the 11-page directive represented the practical application of a state law passed in 2012 that, among other things, barred discrimination against transgender students in public schools.
It was first reported in the state's paper of record one day later, with a straightforward wire service article in the Saturday metro section. In the Sunday edition, Boston Globe reporters delved more deeply into a policy decision that took many by surprise.
Opponents were apoplectic.
Within weeks, conservative pundit Bill O'Reilly was skewering the policy on Fox News. State groups who opposed the measure made a media push.
"The School Commissioner's first duty is to protect all students, from kindergarten to grade 12, not endanger them," Kris Mineau, then-president of Massachusetts Family Institute, said in a statement at the time. "The overriding issue with this new policy is that opening girls' bathrooms to boys is an invasion of privacy and a threat to all students' safety."
Amidst that outcry, Bay State trans rights groups were celebrating.
"Research shows that transgender and gender non-conforming students suffer higher rates of verbal harassment, physical harassment, and physical assault in school. We also know that there is a lot of misunderstanding about transgender students and that some schools may not have the internal expertise to address all issues of concern as they arise," Gunner Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, said in a February 2013 statement.
Scott cheered the bill as "practical guidance" that identified steps "to create a safer and more welcoming environment for transgender youth in our Commonwealth's schools."
In the years since, the Massachusetts Family Institute has not recorded any instances of what it calls "transgender bathroom abuse" in K-12 schools, either here in Massachusetts or elsewhere around the country.
_________________________________________
Now fast-forward three years, and those opposing fronts have realigned around a new battlefield.
A new Massachusetts bill currently headed toward a vote before the House of Representatives would prohibit discrimination against transgender people in public places, and protects the right to choose a restroom or other public facility that matches their sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.
Of course, even in what has been a relatively quiet issue locally, groups like the Massachusetts Family Institute see a chance to redeem their loss in 2013. In a letter Thursday, its president called on its members to rally against the bill on Beacon Hill.
"Even though the MA Senate voted in favor of the Bathroom Bill, the real fight has always been in the House. I've talked to many pro-family legislators who are committed to opposing this bill, but even they are telling me that most of their colleagues are hearing primarily from transgender activists," current president Andrew Beckwith wrote in an appeal to members.
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and its fellow LGBT advocacy groups see the bill as a tipping point, an opportunity to finally advance protections that were not included in a 2011 gender identity protections law, which took effect in 2012.
Supporters take heart in what they see as positive signs from the governor's office that he'll support the bill.
Gov. Charlie Baker, for his part, has refused to take a definitive stance on the bill prior to the House vote, in line with his usual policy. When pressed in a WGBH radio interview Thursday on which way he's leaning, Baker held fast to his say-nothing policy.
"Why does everybody always want to get ahead of where the process is?" he objected.
_________________________________________
To some extent, it's an issue of red state, blue state.
Baker isn't one for national politics, and as a Republican governor in the heavily Democratic Commonwealth, that means he's stuck in an unenviable position. National opposition to transgender protection laws like Massachusetts' is fierce right now, loudly championed by Baker's party.
It's a cultural battle, but also deeply political. In addition to concerns for public safety, states are also reacting to a perceived overreach by federal government and distaste for the Obama administration in general.
In the midst of the national firestorm, left-leaning Massachusetts is singularly positioned.
The national uproar currently raging contains echoes of Massachusetts' 2013 debate, as schools grapple with how to interpret the directive in practice.
A May 10 Suffolk University poll suggests 53 percent of Massachusetts supports the transgender accommodations bill, while 15 percent are undecided. Nationally, the issue is far more divided. Support for the bill is at 41 percent nationwide, according to a recent CBS/New York Times poll.
Then again, Massachusetts has been here before.
________________________________________
>> Photo courtesy Ted Eytan via Flickr/Creative Commons | {
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A grassroots movement (formerly known as "Corona Victory Gardens") to share resources and get millions of people to grow food for themselves and their communities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLEASE SIGN UP AT THIS LINK & AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS (growing food is hard and we want you to be successful!): www.CoopGardens.org
Description As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc around the world, economies are tanking, supply chains are being disrupted, and shortages of critical supplies and food items are already widespread. With borders shutting down, a lack of skilled migrant workers — who pick the vast majority of the fruits and vegetables we eat — along with other agricultural workers, all of whom are rightly afraid of getting sick or becoming a vector of transmission, may yet lead to a cascade of problems across the global food system. But a grassroots movement like ours (already over 1,000 strong in less than a week, with hundreds of organizers coordinating over national conference calls and laying the groundwork for a lasting movement) will have a role to play long after this crisis is over, because the pandemic was not the beginning of food insecurity and injustice for people in so many communities. EFN and our allies and colleagues are urging all people who can to establish "Cooperative Gardens" to grow as much food this year as they possibly can. This movement is organizing to help people provide themselves and their communities with healthy fresh food, reduce our reliance on the faltering industrial food system (which is terrible for the environment and human health even when fully functioning), and make it easier for folks to stay home or in their immediate neighborhoods and avoid transmission of the virus. Please join us! (Link above)
Researcher background I'm one of the co-founders of EFN. My bio can be found in the "About" page.
Are you seeking volunteer growers or other types of volunteers? Yes, seeking volunteer growers
How many volunteers do you need? 50000000
What will you ask volunteers to do? We are urging all people with the ability to do so to plant a garden with fruits, vegetables, grains, and oilseeds, and to use it to help feed themselves and their communities (or possibly nearby communities). We are urging commodity crop farmers to grow more edible grains and vegetables this year. We are also asking those with resources (seeds, soil/compost, tools, tillage equipment, money, paid employment, land for growing food on, etc) to make those resources available to people who lack them. In addition, we will surely need more help coordinating this effort. This project page is merely informational: Please sign up at CoopGardens.org to get involved!
Other requirements of volunteers? Sign up at CoopGardens.org!
Is this a multi-year project? Yes
Can volunteers expect to be able to keep some germplasm (seeds, bulbs, cuttings, spores, etc) at the close of the project? Yes, of course
Anything else? This is a moment when we simply cannot rely on the government and existing power structures to get us through. The only people we can rely on are ourselves. | {
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Environment Canada says two fall storms will bring rain events to B.C. this week, with a third system on the horizon.
A special weather statement was issued Monday morning, warning of heavy downpours bringing 50-70 mm of rain, particularly overnight and into Tuesday morning for Metro Vancouver, the North Shore and Sea to Sky regions.
"This is a very active pattern ... residents should be prepared for localized flooding and pooling of water," said Environment Canada meteorologist Philippe-Alain Bergeron.
The central coast's coastal and inland sections will be hit with the same system, and the special weather statement also extends to Vancouver Island .
Wilder weather for B.C.'s interior
Special weather alerts were also issued for B.C.'s interior, with strong wind gusts expected Tuesday morning.
"There is also potential for a squall line to develop with intense thunderstorms. Strong gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy showers, possibly mixed with flurries, can all be expected with the passage of the squall line," said Environment Canada's statement.
"Challenging driving conditions are expected over Rogers Pass with the possibility that heavy flurries and strong winds could reduce visibility to near zero."
Bigger storms coming Wednesday
The rain is expected to taper off Tuesday morning, and the skies will likely clear — but a more powerful system is expected to hit mid-week.
"Our main concern for the South Coast is a stronger storm coming on Wednesday with very significant rain and winds," said Bergeron.
Strong winds from both storms are expected to bring down leaves, and residents are reminded to keep storm sewers clear to prevent flooding.
Don't put the umbrellas away yet
The weather patterns aren't expected to let up any time soon, however.
Bergeron said while it's too soon to predict the severity, another system is expected to hit next weekend, bringing cooler temperatures and snow accumulation in higher elevations. | {
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Frame – BMC Team Machine
Wheels – ENVE 3.4 Disc Tubeless
Tires – Vittoria Rubino Pro Tubeless
Crankset – ROTOR 2InPower
Pedals – Shimano Dura-Ace
Drivetrain – Shimano Di2 Dura-Ace Hydro
Handlebar – ENVE Compact Handlebar
Brakes – Shimano Dura-Ace Hydro Disc Flat-Mount
Saddle – Selle Italia
For 2019, Team Dimension Data partners with the Switzerland based bike brand, BMC. While the riders will have their choice of road-bikes from BMC’s line-up, the main bike of choice will be the Team Machine.
Founded in 1986, BMC is no stranger to the World Tour with a bike brand presence in the pelton since 2001. Throughout the years, they’ve seen much success including wins at the Tour De France and World Championships.
As the World Tour Peloton has slowly seen the transition to disc brakes, Team Dimension Data will join the move with a full fleet of disc-brake bikes for the 2019 season. Shimano will provide the hydraulic brake and electric drivetrain for these state of the art race bikes.
“We’re excited about the move to disc brakes with Dimension Data. We’ve had fully developed disc brake road wheels in our line for a while now, and this now allows us to show that technology on the big stage.” said Jake Pantone with ENVE.
“By pulling off the brake track, we can further refine the materials and lay-up for each wheel. Similarly, we can shape the rim where it meets the tire to provide better aero transition from the tire to the rim. The SES disc line-up in which the Dimension Data team will be running is an advantage”, added Pantone.
We’re excited to see these bikes in action throughout the 2019 race season. Follow along with @DimensionData and @ENVEComposites. | {
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[Lightning-dev] Summary of the Second Lightning Development Summit (2018 Adelaide)
The link in the original post contains actual descriptions of "wumbo" and "hidden destinations". Admittedly, the linked wiki page is not necessarily clear, so I shall describe them here anyway. Wumbo is the study of all things wumbological. I wumbo, you wumbo, he wumbo she wumbo. Wumboing. Wumbological, being or having wumbo. If "M" is "mini", we can turn around the "M" into "W", which means "wumbo". In short, more clearly, "wumbo" mans "maxi" or removing the channel capacity limit. If both sides of a new channel agree to wumbo each other by setting `option_i_wumbo_you_wumbo`, they can build channels with capacity higher than 167.77216mBTC. A node that advertises `option_wumborama` allows any node to build channels with capacity above the limit. Please blame one of the persons attending the summit for this term. Unfortunately, due to rules imposed, non-attendees can only learn who to blame if that person admits this. Hidden destinations is basically "rendezvous routing". See "Rendez-vous Routing" thread by CJP on the list, and the discussion on thread "Link-level payment splitting via intermediary rendezvous nodes" on the list. Regards, ZmnSCPxj Sent with [ProtonMail](https://protonmail.com) Secure Email. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 8:41 PM, Cezary Dziemian <cezary.dziemian at gmail.com> wrote: > Thanks, > > Great work. I'am excited especially by dual-funded channels. > > Unfortunately I don't know what "Wumbo" and "hidden destinations" are. Could you explain or provide some links? > > What about eltoo? > > Best Regrads, > Cezary Dziemian > > wt., 13 lis 2018 o 00:29 Rusty Russell <rusty at blockstream.com> napisał(a): > >> Two years ago, a dozen Lightning implementers met in Milan to start the >> Lightning Specification 1.0. Last week the 18 most active spec >> contributors gathered in Adelaide to kick off version 1.1. >> >> After two days we emerged with 30 accepted changes for next version, >> many very detailed and some requiring further on-list refinement. >> Highlights include multi-path payments, dual-funded channels, splicing, >> wumbo, hidden destinations, and many gossip improvements. >> >> Please join in the continuing discussion: the work points have been >> transferred to the Wiki: >> >> https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lightning-rfc/wiki/Lightning-Specification-1.1-Proposal-States >> >> Thanks to all those who attended and patiently contributed their >> expertise to some extremely difficult questions; it was an honor to be >> in the room with you all. >> >> Cheers, >> Rusty. >> _______________________________________________ >> Lightning-dev mailing list >> Lightning-dev at lists.linuxfoundation.org >> https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/lightning-dev -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.linuxfoundation.org/pipermail/lightning-dev/attachments/20181114/4a71172c/attachment.html> | {
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RAF Lossiemouth Typhoons scrambled over Russian aircraft Published duration 27 May 2017
image copyright MoD
Two RAF fighters were scrambled in Scotland after two Russian planes entered UK airspace, the MoD has confirmed.
A pair of Typhoon jets took off from RAF Lossiemouth on Saturday morning.
An MOD spokesman said the fighters which were scrambled "in response to two Russian aircraft entering the UK's airspace", had both since returned.
The RAF and Royal Navy have been frequently called on to monitor Russian planes and warships in recent years.
And in January, Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans was deployed to "man mark" the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and its battlegroup as the vessels sailed close to UK territorial waters, returning from operations supporting the offensive in Syria. | {
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1. Introduction
This Monthly Report analyses the evolution of the demographics of the European football players’ labour market. The study covers the thematics of training (club-trained players), internationalisation (expatriate footballers) and stability (players recruited during the year). The CIES Football Observatory is currently the only organisation in a position to provide such an analysis.
The statistical indicators that have been reviewed allow us to compare policies pursued by clubs in composing their squads on both a temporal and spatial level. The sample is made up of 466 teams participating in 31 top division leagues of UEFA member associations. The study covers a period of nine years between 2009 and 2017*.
[* See also Monthly Report 19 (2016).]
In order to be taken into account, a footballer had to be present on the 1st October in the first team squad of the clubs analysed. Moreover, he should have already played in domestic league games during the current season, or, if this was not the case, to have taken part in adult championship matches during each of the two previous seasons. The second and third goalkeepers were included in all cases.
Figure 1: sample of the study (01/10/2017)
2. Training
The analysis of the thematic of training is based on the definition of a club-trained player as conceived by UEFA and used by numerous national leagues so as to encourage the employment of local footballers. Club-trained players are those having spent at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21 in their employer team.
Between 2009 and 2017, the proportion of club-trained players in the squads of teams analysed went down from 23.2% to a new negative record level of 18.5%. This is the eighth year of consecutive decrease. This finding highlights the intensification of the mobility of footballers, as well as the ineffectiveness of measures put into place to encourage the employment of home-grown players.
Figure 2: evolution in the percentage of club-trained players in squads (2009-2017)
In one league only, the Slovakian top division, club-trained players still account for over one-third of squad members. In 2017, record lows were registered in nine championships, including the Turkish Süper Lig. At the other end of the scale, no record high was observed. The proportion of club-trained players is less than a tenth in four countries: Turkey, Portugal, Italy and Belgium.
Figure 3: % of club-trained players, by league (1st October 2017)
3. Expatriates
The notion of expatriate defines players having grown up outside of the national association of their employer club and having moved abroad for football-related reasons. This definition allows us to isolate migrations directly linked to the practice of football. Indeed, players of foreign origin having grown up in the association of their employer team are not considered as expatriates.
During the period taken into account, the proportion of expatriates in squads has increased steadily: from 34.7% in 2009 to a new record high of 39.7% in 2017. The increase has actually accelerated over the past two years: +1.1% per year since 2015 as opposed to about 0.5% per year for the six previous years.
Figure 4: evolution in the percentage of expatriate players in squads (2009-2017)
In 2017, Turkey overtook Cyprus as the country with the championship made up of the highest percentage of expatriate players: 65.5%. This proportion is at least 50% in seven leagues, including the English Premier League and the Italian Serie A. Expatriates represent less than one-quarter of squads in only two countries: Serbia and Ukraine.
Figure 5: % of expatriate players, by league (1st October 2017)
4. Stability
In order to measure the stability of teams, we have calculated the percentage of players recruited by their employer club during the year of reference. Footballers having joined the first team squad directly from the youth academy were not considered as new signings.
Between 2009 and 2017, the percentage of new signings in the squads of clubs analysed has increased sharply from 36.7% to 44.8%. In 2017, a new record was recorded in 11 of the 35 competitions studied: Belgium, France, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Sweden and Ukraine. This result also reflects the acceleration of mobility in the footballers’ labour market.
Figure 6: evolution in the percentage of new signings in squads (2009-2017)
On the 1st October 2017, players signed over the course of the year represented more than half of squads in eight championships, including the Portuguese Primeira Liga (57.6%). At the other end of the scale, the clubs with the most stable squads were to be found in the German Bundesliga (30.9%) and the English Premier League (33.3%).
As time passes, stability has become a luxury that few leagues and clubs can afford. The gaps between championships are also explained by the different approaches in the manner of conceiving football as a business. However, despite regional differences, our analysis shows that speculation on the transfer of players is an increasingly common activity for more clubs and leagues across Europe.
Figure 7: % of new signings, by league (1st October 2017)
5. Conclusion
Our study confirms the increase in the mobility of players in the footballers’ labour market. The teams’ squads are more and more unstable. Moreover, mobility occurs ever earlier during the players’ career. The constant and considerable drop in the number of club-trained players within squads is a visible instance of this process.
Player mobility pays scant regard to national borders. The continuous increase in the percentage of expatriates reflects the growing internationalisation of the European footballers’ labour market. This state of affairs is primarily to the advantage of the wealthiest clubs and leagues that are able to regroup the best players independently of their origin.
The regularity of the trends observed enables us to confirm that a real change is taking place in top-level European football. The central question is to know just how far this process can go without jeopardising the interest of competitions, the credibility of professional football and its sustainable development in the majority of countries. | {
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Singura autostradă care ar trebui finanțată din fondurile UE pentru perioada 2014-2020 a fost caracterizată săptămâna trecută drept proiect imatur, fără studii geotehnice complete și pe baza unor studii vechi. Aceasta susțin membrii unui comitet de reformă a companiei de autostrăzi.
Lucrari sunt desfasurate pe santierul lotului III al autostrazii Sibiu - Orastie, in zona viaductului de la Aciliu din judetul Sibiu, vineri, 7 noiembrie 2014. OVIDIU DUMITRU MATIU / MEDIAFAX FOTO
Ultimele trei tronsoane din Sibiu - Pitești urmează a fi ridicate în sistemul electronic de achiziții publice până la finalul anului, a declarat, marți, Ștefan Ioniță, director general al Companiei Naționale de Administrare a InfrastruActurii Rutiere (CNAIR), la o dezbatere găzduită de Asociația Generală a Inginerilor din România (AGIR).
"La această dată noi trebuie să ne prezentăm în fața reprezentanților Comisiei Europene și trebuie să demonstrăm fezabilitatea acestui obiectiv, pentru că așa sunt regulile. Atâta timp cât dorești să obții o finanțare externă trebuie să demonstrezi că obiectivul este construibil, că este eficient din punct de vedere economic, că este prietenos cu mediul, că îndeplinim toate condițiile din directivele europene. La acest moment suntem. Noi spunem că, undeva la finele lunii octombrie, o să vedeți ridicate în SEAP alte două sectoare din acest obiectiv rămânând de clarificat decât sectorul care este paralel cu DN 7, între Boița și Cornetu", a spus Ioniță.
Acesta a menționat că un al treilea lot au urma să fie publicat în SEAP până la finalul anului, ultimul din această autostradă, iar două loturi au fost deja publicate în SEAP.
Ștefan Ioniță a afirmat că în primăvară ar putea fi semnate contracte cu antreprenori pentru toată autostrada, din care pentru primele două loturi ar putea fi anunțați în ianuarie — februarie. Acesta susține că autostrada ar putea fi gata până la finalul anului 2020.
În realitate stadiul proiectului nu este atât de fericit. Prezenți la discuții în România săptămâna trecută oficiali ai entității Jaspers, care asigură consultanță pentru România din partea Comisiei Europene, au caracterizat proiectul drept imatur. Cel puțin aceasta susține Alin Goga, fost jurist în cadrul companiei și membru în Grupul de Inițiativă pentru Restructurarea şi Reprofesionalizarea CNAIR (GIRR).
Participanți la discuții din partea companiei au confirmat pentru Digi24.ro că Jaspers a reclamat anumite probleme pe care le are acest proiect. ”Oficialii Jaspers au spus că proiectul nu este matur astfel încât să primească bani europeni și au spus că mai devreme de anul viitor nu va primi undă verde de la ei”, spune Alin Goga, după discuții purtate de el cu participanți la întâlnirea cu Jaspers
Una dintre probleme pare a fi cea a forajelor geotehnice care nu au fost efectuate. Aspect important căci după începerea lucrărilor constructorul se poate trezi că autostrada o ia la vale după modelul Sibiu - Orăștie, lotul 3, Lugoj – Deva, lotul 2, Sebeș – Turda, lotul 4. In atare situație el poate opri lucrările costul acestora poate exploda iar proiectul se poate bloca. Forajele trebuiau făcute de asocierea Tecnic-SPEA care a avut un contract de realziare a studiului d efezabilitate. Acesta a fost însă reziliat de CNAIR.
Un alt aspect critic privind proiectul Sibiu Pitești este lipsa studiilor de mediu. Mai precis acestea trebuiau realizate și să fie cât de recente. Faptul că studiul pe baza căruia este ales traseul datează din 2008 și că ulterior acestei date au apărut mai multe situri Natura 2000 în regiune nu poate decât să dea dureri de cap. O situație similară a avut loc pe lotul 2 din Lugoj Deva. Constructorul a început lucrările și a întocmit o ofertă pe baza unor studii de fezabilitate făcute de firma DIWI în perioada 2005-2006.
Un an mai târziu România a intrat în UE și a trebuit să respecte Directiva Habitate a UE. A apărut necesară construirea unor ecoducte pentru traversarea autostrăzii de către carnivore, a altor lucrări de protecție a faunei, iar costurile au explodat. Cum majorările de prețuri nu pot fi mai mari de 10%-20%, proiectul s-a blocat și a trebuit reziliat parțial. Au trebuit scoase din contract secțiunile pe care au apărut lucrările de protecție a faunei urmând ca acesta să fie relicitate ulterior. Pași care amână proiectul cu luni de zile dacă nu cu ani.
Licitarea pripită a autostrăzii Sibiu Pitești nu semnifică faptul că românii vor beneficia mai repede de aceasta. Graba riscă să fie cauza unor porbleme serioase de costuri și de blocaje peste câțiva ani de zile. | {
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You can support TokuNet for as little as $1 a month and every single pledge goes towards new content to keep us running. Please pledge today! Become a Patron!
On 9/13 Japan standard time, a copyright registry for “Uchuu Sentai Kyuuranger” was registered.
This registry was completed using the Japanese copyright registration identifier traditionally used by Toei Productions, and its registry in early September is consistent with previous Super Sentai registry dates.
Actual series details are unavailable at this time, but as fans of Kamen Rider Fourze certainly will recall, “uchuu” is Japanese for “space”, suggesting an interstellar theme. Considering the recent announcement of Space Squad, which will feature Dekaranger and the Space Sheriffs, this presents a great deal of crossover potential.
Fans on Twitter have begun referring to the show as “Qranger”, though whether or not this will be the actual stylization of the title is unknown.
Source: Intellectual Library’s Trademark Bot | {
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Cluster__ Profile Joined September 2013 United States 327 Posts #1
Just checked twitter and saw that Petraeus is stepping back from full time sc2. Apparently he is going to AUT University. He will be participating in WCS but in his own words "I'll continue to play part-time and compete in WCS of course, but I won't be returning in a full-time capacity."
Sad, as hes an incredible player and definitely one of my top favorite foreigners.
Sad, as hes an incredible player and definitely one of my top favorite foreigners.
Liquid`Snute, AcerScarlett, ROOTCatZ, MC, Maru, Soulkey, Losira
mYiKane Profile Blog Joined March 2011 Canada 1772 Posts #2 First I join ROOT, then petraeus joins ROOT. Then I join mYi and then petraeus joins mYi. Then I stop full-time gaming and then petraeus stops full-time gaming. FOR GODS SAKE MACK STOP COPYING ME
OtherWorld Profile Blog Joined October 2013 France 17332 Posts #3 So he's basically pulling a Kane? Used Sigs - New Sigs - Cheap Sigs - Buy the Best Cheap Sig near You at www.cheapsigforsale.com
SetGuitarsToKill Profile Blog Joined December 2013 Canada 28391 Posts #4 Pretty sure this was well known already.
Community News "As long as you have a warp prism you can't be bad at harassment" - Maru | @SetGuitars2Kill
Shellshock Profile Blog Joined March 2011 United States 95647 Posts #5 On July 29 2015 06:06 SetGuitarsToKill wrote:
Pretty sure this was well known already.
I didnt know about it I didnt know about it Moderator http://i.imgur.com/U4xwqmD.png
mau5mat Profile Blog Joined September 2012 Northern Ireland 461 Posts #6 On July 29 2015 06:02 OtherWorld wrote:
So he's basically pulling a Kane?
Kane has a much stronger Twitter game though Kane has a much stronger Twitter game though
Obamarauder Profile Joined June 2015 285 Posts #7 So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
TelecoM Profile Blog Joined January 2010 United States 10256 Posts #8 GL in your future Patraeus ~ AKA: TelecoM[WHITE] Protoss fighting
OtherWorld Profile Blog Joined October 2013 France 17332 Posts #9 On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. Used Sigs - New Sigs - Cheap Sigs - Buy the Best Cheap Sig near You at www.cheapsigforsale.com
mYiKane Profile Blog Joined March 2011 Canada 1772 Posts Last Edited: 2015-07-28 21:21:53 #10 On July 29 2015 06:19 OtherWorld wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying.
Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...
Just different priorities I guess. Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...Just different priorities I guess.
partydude89 Profile Blog Joined August 2012 1835 Posts #11 On July 29 2015 06:21 mYiKane wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 29 2015 06:19 OtherWorld wrote:
On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying.
Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...
Just different priorities I guess. Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...Just different priorities I guess.
The question i have is, If Kane does something and then doesn't tweet about it, did it really happen? The question i have is, If Kane does something and then doesn't tweet about it, did it really happen? #1 Official Hack Fan|#2 Bomber behind Wintex.|Curious|Life|Flash|TY|Cure|Maru|sOs|Jin Air Green Wings fighting!|SBENU Fighting!|
mYiKane Profile Blog Joined March 2011 Canada 1772 Posts #12 On July 29 2015 06:27 partydude89 wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 29 2015 06:21 mYiKane wrote:
On July 29 2015 06:19 OtherWorld wrote:
On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying.
Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...
Just different priorities I guess. Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...Just different priorities I guess.
The question i have is, If Kane does something and then doesn't tweet about it, did it really happen? The question i have is, If Kane does something and then doesn't tweet about it, did it really happen?
Oh believe me, there's TONS that happens that I can't tweet about. If you look at my tweets they're mostly concerning Starcraft Oh believe me, there's TONS that happens that I can't tweet about. If you look at my tweets they're mostly concerning Starcraft
geokilla Profile Joined May 2011 Canada 7548 Posts #13 On July 29 2015 06:21 mYiKane wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 29 2015 06:19 OtherWorld wrote:
On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying.
Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...
Just different priorities I guess. Yeah I can't imagine Polt getting wasted every weekend and slummin' it with some babes. Though I could be wrong...Just different priorities I guess.
I didn't get wasted at all or bang girls. I'm nowhere near as good as Polt in anything.. I didn't get wasted at all or bang girls. I'm nowhere near as good as Polt in anything..
HelloSon Profile Joined April 2010 United States 456 Posts #14 does this mean he'll start streaming again? yo
SuperHofmann Profile Joined September 2013 Italy 1741 Posts #15 Did he leave mYi? Vasacast always in my <3
sc2chronic Profile Joined May 2012 United States 777 Posts #16 good life decision. terrible, terrible, damage
swag_bro Profile Blog Joined July 2014 Japan 782 Posts #17 On July 29 2015 06:19 OtherWorld wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying.
How did Stephano manage to win tournaments without practicing a single minute? Everyone is different and some players are good and some players completely suck. Stephano was one of those players who never had to practiced and still raped the shit out of scrubs. How did Stephano manage to win tournaments without practicing a single minute? Everyone is different and some players are good and some players completely suck. Stephano was one of those players who never had to practiced and still raped the shit out of scrubs. They hate us 'cause they ain't us.
Madkao Profile Joined August 2011 United States 2 Posts #18 Smart. good luck!
chipmonklord17 Profile Joined February 2011 United States 8541 Posts #19 Good for him, and with his move back to SEA he should be able to keep a WCS seed as long as he wants it.
Ej_ Profile Blog Joined January 2013 47288 Posts #20 On July 29 2015 06:47 swag_bro wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 29 2015 06:19 OtherWorld wrote:
On July 29 2015 06:16 Obamarauder wrote:
So how did Polt manage it? Going to uni, learning english and still highly competitive in foreign scene? i know hes korean blah blah blah but yea
I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying. I think the answer involves very little sleep and partying.
How did Stephano manage to win tournaments without practicing a single minute? Everyone is different and some players are good and some players completely suck. Stephano was one of those players who never had to practiced and still raped the shit out of scrubs. How did Stephano manage to win tournaments without practicing a single minute? Everyone is different and some players are good and some players completely suck. Stephano was one of those players who never had to practiced and still raped the shit out of scrubs.
Stephano played a lot, when he "retired" and started playing part time, he couldn't win shit. "Stephano doesn't practice" is a myth.
Kind of surprised Pet is going to university, I thought he had dropped out of high school Stephano played a lot, when he "retired" and started playing part time, he couldn't win shit. "Stephano doesn't practice" is a myth.Kind of surprised Pet is going to university, I thought he had dropped out of high school "Technically the dictionary has zero authority on the meaning or words" - Rodya
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Wuben TO40R review (Cree XPL2, 1×18650)*
Disclaimer: The product was provided by the manufacturer for this evaluation free of charge. No other compensation (monetary or material), discount or rebate was given and my opinion was not influenced by the manufacturer. This review is my impartial, personal and honest opinion.
With the TO40R Wuben are announcing another model from their TO-series that comes with a Cree XPL2 emitter and a single, rechargeable 18650 battery. The flashlight has an integrated battery charger and can be charged with a standard USB cable. The product came in full OEM retail packaging (therefore it appears to be a production flashlight) and is equipped with 2 electronic side switches (no mechanical clicky switch at the tail), and a pocket clip.
According to Wuben this product is not available on Amazon yet, a retail sale date is to be announced.
I would like to express my gratitude to Jelina from Wuben flashlight who helped me with logistics. This is the first time I have been working with Wuben and I hope it will not be the last time!
Wuben product details and specifications:
(as stated by the OEM on the product website and/or the manual)
Emitter
Cree XP-L2
Max Output
1200 Lumens
Max Beam Distance
220 m
Max Runtime
125 hrs
Battery
18650
Working Voltage
3.7 v
Modes
5
Special Modes
2
Length
130.2 mm
Bezel Diameter
25.4 mm
Tube Diameter
25.4 mm
Weight
93 g
Waterproof
IPX8
- Utilizes CREE XPL2 LED with 100,000 hours lifespan
- Powered by 1*18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Max output up to 1200 Lumens
- Max beam distance up to 220 meters
- Max runtime up to 125 hours
- Micro-USB charging
- Dual Side e-switch lockout function
- One click access to Turbo and Strobe
- Remaining battery power display
- Aluminum alloy vacuum plating smooth reflective cup
- Thermoelectric separation copper substrate for better heat dissipation
- Advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness
- Reverse polarity protection
- High-strength aerospace aluminum body
- Mil-Spec hard-anodized for extreme durability Impact resistance 1.5 meters
- Waterproof level IPX8 (2 meters)
- Mode memory: yes (except turbo, strobe)
- Low voltage protection: side switch indicator when battery voltage low
- Electronic & physical lockout
Measurements and real life use (3 days of use)
Current measurements:
- Max measured current: DMM measured 2.57A with the included 2600mAh cell
- Measured with included protected Wuben cell 2600 mAh (charged up to 4.18V in this light)
Moon: 0.01 A
Low: 0.06 A
Medium: 0.33 A
High: 1.27 A
Turbo: 2.57 A
Other measurements to follow:
(Max current: DMM measured with a Samsung 25R)
(Max current: DMM measured with a Samsung 30Q)
Measured physical dimensions of flashlight:
- Length: 131.1 mm
- Bezel diameter: 25.4 mm
- Bezel opening (OTF) 19.4 mm
- Head diameter: 28.8 mm (widest point)
- Body diameter: 30.0 mm (widest point at clip)
- Body diameter: 25.0 mm (without clip)
- Clip groove diameter: 23.0 mm
- Clip groove width: 4.9 mm
- Clip width: 6.4 mm
- Clip length: 49.6 mm
- Switch length: 18.8 mm
- Switch width: 9.8 mm
- MCPCB shelf: not accessible atm
- Driver: not accessible atm
- Maximum cell length: 70-74 mm
(protected cells DO fit, longest cell I have is about 72, there is some space left)
- Lanyard hole width: 7.0 mm
- Lanyard hole height: 2.0 mm
(there are two holes in the tail cap, one per side)
- Length of battery included (protected, button top): 70.0 mm
- Diameter of battery included (protected): 18.70 mm
- Battery tube ID: 18.60mm
- Battery tube OD: 22.30 mm
measured at square threads at the end, widest point
- End of battery tube to driver: 71.5 mm
- Tube thickness: 1.6 mm
(measured at the squared threads, end of tube)
- Tail cap finger groove height: 21.7 mm
Tail cap height: 26.0 mm
- Tail cap OD: 25.4 mm
Host / Build:
- Weight: 18650: 95 g without cell, ~142 g with included cell
- Switch type: Momentary / two electronic side switches (grey color)
- Mode switch protrudes slightly more than I/O switch
- Body material: Hard anodized aluminum: black
- Lens: Glass, medium AR coating (no visible tint shift to me)
- Anti-roll and tail-standing capable
- Waterproof to IPX8 (not yet tested)
– Electrical:
- Operating voltage: 2.8V to 8.xV (wasn’t able to confirm this yet)
- Battery: One 18650 or two CR cells
- Low-voltage protection: Yes
- Thermal protection: Yes
- Power can be locked out by loosening the tailcap, or by entering electronic lockout
- Reverse polarity protection is included in this flashlight, but it might not protect the cell (not tested)
Standby drain
There is insignificant parasitic drain on the circuit when the flashlight is switched off and not physically locked out. It appears that this drain will not change when the electronic lockout is enabled.
Normal standby: 22 µA
Electronic lockout: 22 µA
Packaging
The TO40R comes in a high quality product packaging which looks more luxurious than a regular flashlight packaging. While unboxing you can tell that some nifty marketing manager put some serious effort into designing this box. The black box has key product facts printed on the outside and invites the owner to open the box. After sliding the top part off, the inside of the product box looks organized and conveys a certain haptic feel only higher quality prosumer products used to have. In fact, opening this box brings back memories when I opened my first Apple Macbook Pro packaging years ago.
The product was safely cradled in enough packaging material that no harm was done while embarking on the long journey from Asia. (Please note that the Wuben flashlight comes with a battery inside this flashlight host. In order to avoid accidents, activation or discharching there is a small plastic disc on the negative battery side which has to be removed before using the product. This is a nice safety feature.).
Bundled in the retail box with the evaluation flashlight:
1× 18650 2600mAh battery (protected cell) (3.8V at delivery)
1x USB charging cable (higher quality than usual cables)
1x Lanyard (not tested)
1x spare O-ring (not tested)
1x User manual
1x Warranty card
1x Product certificate
Physical appearance & functionality
- High quality craftsmanship with full black finish (no silver/polished parts)
(there are absolutely zero issues with anodization or machining)
- Decent light output for a single cell/single emitter setup
- Hot spot is focused and without issues and good ratio of throw & spill
- Very comfortable knurling and attractive overall design
- Good, sturdy pocket clip (can be worn/mounted lens up or down)
- One of the best USB port covers I have seen; when closing it pushes the air out and seals the port confidently. When opening the flap you can actually hear how air gets sucked back in.
- Near silent operation of the flashlight is possible (almost no clicking sound when using the e-switches, the switch boots are silicone)
- The reflector is smooth, the lens is AR coated (medium)
- In addition to electronic lockout you can physically lock out the light by opening the tail cap approximately 1/4 turn
- The tail cap does have finger grooves (not flat) but the flashlight can tailstand
- Neither the bezel nor the head can be easily unscrewed (need to find out whether really tight or glued)
User interface
The light is operated with two electronic side switches. There is an indicator LED under the switch to indicate battery charging status, it does not operate as a breather LED to find the flashlight in a dark environment.
Some people might prefer the opportunity to use a single e-switch instead of two (for ease of use), but I like the proposed 2 switch solution. As long as you can find the switches on the side, there don’t seem to be any other issues when using the flashlight. The switches are relatively flat and do not protrude in excess (the W switch protrudes a tiny bit more than the I/O switch). Since there is no indicator or “breather” LED when the light is switched off, it would be difficult to find the switches when wearing gloves in a dark environment; other than that specific scenario I don’t foresee problems in finding or using the switches.
U/I from off:
Click I/O switch to turn on the light on the last mode used (“moon”, low, mid, high, turbo)
Long press “W” switch for direct access to strobe
Electronic lockout feature: press and hold both side switches simultaneously for approximately 3 seconds and the light confirms with a brief light flash that the electronic lockout is enabled. The light remembers this lockout unless you physically lockout the device (if circuit breaks, the electronic lockout is “forgotten”). Therefore it is not possible (or required?) to lock out the flashlight both physically and electronically.
U/I while on:
Push on/off electronic switch to turn off the light OR
Push “W” switch to change to the next mode (if switched off, flashlight remembers last used mode).
While there are a multitude of opportunities with a dual electronic switch, I believe the proposed U/I is a practical switch implementation. With two electronic switches you no longer need double or triple clicks for special modes. I also like the fact that you can get to both strobe and turbo from either the ON or OFF state. There is no direct access to moon but – given the relatively high level of light output in moon – this might be a moot point. If you are in a dark environment and you forgot to memorize the last mode you have used (like we all do), you can either switch the light on and be surprised, or go straight into turbo or strobe mode. Personally, I would have preferred one direct access path to moon (instead of strobe) and one direct path to turbo but this might be my preference.
Accidental activation of the flashlight could happen when carrying, but you can lock out the flashlight or open the tailcap to make sure this can not happen.
Other actions:
- Loosen tailcap: Turn off completely, and lock out power.
- Click I/O switch and W switch for 3 seconds: enable electronic lockout (confirmed with 1 second main LED emitter flashes on “moon” mode)
- Click I/O switch and W switch for 3 seconds while electronically locked out: disable electronic lockout (confirmed with main LED emitter goes into and stays in “moon” mode until switches released)
While switched on, a long press on the W switch enables permanent strobe. Another short click on the W switch disables strobe and the light goes back into the last mode it was in. So far so good.
When the light is on, a long press on the I/O switch brings you straight to permanent turbo. Another short press DOES NOT bring you back to the last mode the light was in; the flashlight simply switches off. If you want to go back to the last mode used you have to click the other switch (W) and not the I/O button. I do not believe this is a problem at all as long as you know how to use the light.
One aspect that is definitely missing is having the battery indicator or the main led flash if you are trying to turn the light on when it has been locked out electronically. For new users or a regular person it could otherwise be confusing as to why the light doesn’t switch on.
Beamshot comparison
The smooth reflector of this flashlight combined with the XPL2 results in a visible yellow corona around the tight hotspot. I believe this is normal with this emitter and is not in any way a “fault” with this light. The spill is very good and makes this flashlight a great all-round talent.
I will take beamshots comparing the TO40R to other similarly sized XPL2 lights and upload them in the follow-up post in this thread.
Individual beamshots
TBD
(coming up)
Charging feature
This flashlight can charge the battery with an integrated charger. There is a micro USB port in the head, opposite to the I/O and mode switch. Remove the protective flap and insert the micro USB cable. Charging is indicated with three different states with a LED under the I/O switch:
red (flashing) empty/near empty (below 30%)
blue (flashing): charging (30%-99%)
blue (constantly lit): fully charged
(Please also see the picture below)
The integrated chargers pulls 0.96A from an Apple iPad 3 charger (12W charger) with a high quality USB cable. You can use the flashlight if the charger is connected, if you do switch on the flashlight while charging the amp draw increases to approximately 1.03A for the higher modes. On “moon” mode while charging the measurement showed approximately 0.98A. Moon mode is flickering when a cheap USB cable is used while charging. To avoid this please use the included cable or another, high quality USB cable.
The termination voltage is at 3.18V 4.18V, this is excellent.
(These measurements were taken from a very cheap, eBay sourced, USB ammeter/voltmeter and a HarborFreight free DMM – yes, a new DMM is on my shopping list!)
Temperature
Like most newer flashlight there is a thermal regulation to protect the electronics, emitter and the user.
Long term temperature measurements with IR thermometer:
All measurements were taken at room temperature (24°C) and at the hottest point of the flashlight head after approximately 5 minutes. I did not touch or handle the light while I was measuring and there was no airflow or air conditioning. These values are only approximate and not scientific.
Moon: remains at room temperature
Low: remains at room temperature
Medium: 26° C
High: 33.9° C
Turbo measurements:
1 minute Turbo: 43.3° C
2 minutes Turbo: 45.9° C
3 minutes Turbo: 46.8° C
The device remains stable around this mark, so the thermal step-down appears to be around the 45°C-46°C mark. This is a very good value to aim for because the flashlight feels warm to the touch but not hot or dangerous. Apparently this step-down feature will also stop the process of heating up the flashlight any further. A long-term test (“putting the light into turbo for hours”) has not been carried out yet.
The integrated flashlight head design and thermal step-down leads to significantly lower temperatures of the flashlight body and tail compared to the head.
Mod factor:
This part shall describe the ability for seasoned flashlight enthusiasts to open and modify the product. In the first instance, neither the front bezel (part of the overall head) nor the entire head could be separated from the flashlight. Yes, you read that right – I wasn’t able to remove the entire head from the battery tube. Without tools only the tail cap can be unscrewed and detaches. I do not know whether I need different tools or the flashlight is actually glued together. Either way I will follow up on this.
Even though this light comes with an integrated charger and USB port, this manufacturing process might boost confidence for the IPX8 rating.
Conclusion
The Wuben TO40R is a great everyday flashlight with exceptional build quality and craftsmanship. The light has a sturdy clip, a great U/I and will be a trusted partner for almost any outdoor, professional or leisure activity. Since this is the first Wuben flashlight I ever laid my hands on, I must say I am impressed with the packaging, accessories, overall quality and ease of use. They flashlight is an excellent performer with great feeling of quality.
The TO40R also goes into the right direction with their latest electronic switch UI. There are no weird double or triple clicking exercises required for any features and the driver has features I didn’t expect and I like the two switch U/I. Since there are no glaring technical issues, this product is ready to go to market.
What I liked about this flashlight:
+ High output for a single emitter light
+ Good implementation of a 2 e-switch U/I
+ Excellent high quality craftsmanship and finish of the entire product
+ Nice, sturdy clip; flashlight can be worn lens up or down
+ Knurling very mild, evokes high-end quality feel and looks
+ All black, tactical look and near silent operation possible (almost no clicky sounds, no reflective surface parts with the logical exception of lens, emitter, reflector)
+ Accepts larger 18650s or 2x CR cells (included cell is protected, button-top 18650)
+ No visible flicker
+ Excellent square-cut threads at battery tube end at the tail
+ Momentary, direct access to both Turbo and Strobe with long press on I/O or W switch from off
+ Square threads on the body tube
+ Good tint, not colored by a bad AR lens coating
+ The size and shape feels good, very ergonomic and perfect fit for my hand
+ Anodization is of great quality, seems durable and high quality
+ Spring in the tail cap seems strong and of good quality
+ The head design is good at spreading the heat, I do not anticipate dangerous situations
+ High quality product box with sleek design
Neutral aspects:
- The bezel and head could not be disassembled and appear glued (no easy modding)
- The driver is not accessible at the moment due to glued assembly of head/bezel (no easy modding)
- It would be great if memory mode could be user specified (on/off)
- Skinny, unprotected 18650 batteries rattle a tiny bit
- Electronic lockout is disabled when physical lockout occurs (this is expected, though, and not a problem)
- 142 g weight with the included cell: Not a problem for me, but not the lightest flashlight in this class
- LED under I/O switch does not work as a “breather” LED which could be handy if flashlight is displaced in a dark environment. This is not a “must-have” but a nice feature.
- Yellow corona around the hotspot (this is because of the emitter, not the flashlight); this doesn’t bother me
- No indication of electronic lockout when trying to turn on the light while locked out
Aspects I did not like:
- “Moon” mode is unfortunately too high and no momentary/direct access to moon
(unfortunately I was not able to find a feature where you can disable memory mode either, so there is no easy way of knowing how much light will come out when switching it on)
- Side switches difficult to use in very specific scenarios, mainly in dark environments with gloves on. Otherwise they do not present a problem. (Trick: Orientate the clip between your fingers exactly where the switches align with your thumb and this is solved!)
Further notes about this review:
- Beamshots will follow when I get home at night.
- My light box is illuminated with 6000K LED light strips, please take this into account when looking at the pictures which have not been altered (except resizing)
- I apologize that my light box is not up to standards at the moment, I am working on a new variant and I might replace the pictures.
- Please post any questions you may have, I am more than happy to go into details or answer any inquiry if I can.
- There will be additional pictures in the second post going forward
– Please feel to submit constructive criticism about the way I have written this review
Appendix:
http://www.wubenlight.com/product/1031
!{width:45%} http://www.wubenlight.com/Upload/pictures/20180305/2018030517023434.jpg!
Wuben posted on Facebook about this light:
https://www.facebook.com/wuben.torch.7/posts/215140219225399 | {
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We've had the first televised real autopsy and the first on-screen assisted suicide. The latest wheeze to challenge the British public’s attitudes to dying comes from Channel 4, which is appealing to the terminally ill to find someone to donate their body to be mummified for a reality television show – then displayed in a museum for two years.
Among all the sobering possibilities of how to spend your last days is now a new one, offered by a film production company on behalf of Channel 4. It is advertising in spirit magazines for volunteers in search of celluloid immortality. The ad reads: “We are currently keen to talk to someone who, faced with the knowledge of their own terminal illness and all that it entails, would nonetheless consider undergoing the process of ancient Egyptian embalming.”
The proposal from production company Fulcrum TV has received development funds from Channel 4, who hope to go ahead with the project.
Documentary-makers are working with a scientist in the North of England who claims to have unlocked the secrets of the mummification process, which was popular during the reign of the ancient Egyptian dynasty of 3300 BC. It rendered the body embalmed or “mummified” in the belief that it was a necessary requirement for the afterlife. The Egyptians were able to preserve bodies for longer than any other civilisation.
Fulcrum’s TV’s executive producer, Richard Belfield, did not return calls asking for comment, but spoke at length to an undercover reporter posing as a possible volunteer.
“We would like to film with you over the next few months to understand who you are and what sort of person you are so the viewers get to know you and have a proper emotional response to you,” he said.
“It may sound rather macabre but we have mummified a large number of pigs to check that the process worked and it does. We have lined up scientists to support the project and found a place approved by the Human Tissue Authority where the mummification would take place.
“Afterwards one thought was – though this is not obligatory – to put the body in an exhibition in a proper museum so people can properly understand the mummification process. That is something we would be flexible about. But we would like to keep the body for two or three years to see that the mummification process worked. Then the normal funeral arrangements could be made.”
Mr Belfield said that no payment would be made, not even to help relatives after the volunteer’s death: “No not as such. Of course we would cover all costs. But the advice from our compliance lawyers is that it would be wrong to offer payment.”
He added: “The Egyptians were extremely clever organic chemists. Some of the materials they used came from as far afield as Burma and the Far East. One resin they used we know only existed in Burma. One thing we want to explore is how they developed their knowledge of chemistry.
“If you would like to think about it over the weekend you can call me at any time. Let me give you my numbers...”
Channel 4 confirmed it had contributed a nominal amount of funds to Fulcrum to help with development. This sum typically pays for a producer to look into the research and assess the programme’s viability.
Yesterday, a Channel 4 spokesman said the channel was supportive of the project: “We’re fascinated by the research that is taking place. If the scientists are able to find a willing donor we’d be interested in following the process. And if you were to question why we were interested we’d say ‘If the scientists have solved one of the ancient world’s most enduring mysteries [the process of mummification] it would give us a unique insight into science and Egyptian history and may well prove to have other significant benefits for medical science’.”
The concept has drawn some criticism, but it is not the first to do so. An ITV documentary, called Malcolm and Barbara: Love’s Farewell, which showed what some classed as the first televised death in Britain. It involved an Alzheimer’s sufferer, Malcolm Pointon, in 2007, and led to huge controversy. The documentary chronicled Malcolm's last moments as he slipped into a coma – he died three days later.
The German anatomist Dr Gunther von Hagens has also drawn criticism for his “plastination” of dead bodies, which he displays in exhibitions around the world.
In 2002 von Hagens performed the first public autopsy in Britain in 170 years, to a sell-out audience of 500 people in a London theatre. Prior to the event, von Hagens received a letter from the British government official responsible for regulating the educational use of cadavers, warning him his performance would be a criminal act.
The show was attended by officers from the Metropolitan Police but they did not intervene and the dissection was performed in full. The autopsy was shown in November 2002 on Channel 4, resulting in over 130 complaints. Others – including some from the medical profession – have supported his work and said projects such as these are vital in demystifying death and the human body.
Mummification: How pharaohs lived on
It took the ancient Egyptians 70 days to mummify a body. They first washed the corpse in a purification ritual before removing the internal organs – lungs, stomach, liver and intestines – through a slit cut into the left of the abdomen and chest.
The heart was left in situ because it was considered to be the centre of thought and emotion. The brain was not believed to be important and was removed by a hooked tool – inserted through the nose to minimise damage to the skull – and discarded.
It was important to dry the body fast. Each organ was packed in natron, a mixture of salt and baking soda, wrapped in linen and placed inside canopic jars guarded by one of four deities. The body was also covered in natron and placed on an inclined embalming table so that any fluids would drain away.
After 40 days, the natron was removed and the shrunken, dried corpse rubbed with unguents to aid preservation. The head and body cavity was stuffed with packing and bandaged with strips of linen glued with resin. Embalmers used 20 layers of bandages and after the final layer would give one last coating of resin. | {
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Problem:
You’re headed to a potluck, you’re super lazy (no judgement), not a skilled chef, or you just don’t really wanna put a huge amount of time into cooking. BUT you MUST wow the crowd with amazing, delicious, awesome, veganess (because one must always woo with delicious, awesome, veganess).
Solution:
Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad. 15 minutes to make, just add beans, some chopped veg, and whip up a super easy mind-blowingly scrumptious dressing. Toss well. Serve. Prepare to get asked for the recipe at least 19 times. Proudly declare the recipe can be found on It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken, the fuss-free vegan blog. BOOM! Mic drop. Party complete. Success. Celebrate. Dance. Devour.
True story. Probably. I mean, I can see it happening because this Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad is the perfect potluck party pleaser recipe. Gorgeously creamy, warm smoky chipotle spice, fresh zesty lime, hearty beans, pops of sweet corn and cherry tomatoes, it’s just a fiesta in your mouth.
Gorgeously creamy, warm smoky chipotle spice, fresh zesty lime, hearty beans, pops of sweet corn and cherry tomatoes, it’s just a fiesta in your mouth.
Super easy to whip up in a rush, but this can also be made ahead of time and gets even more flavourful as it sits. Just give it a toss again before serving, and you’re good to go.
To make Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad: Drain and rinse your cans of beans. I toss them all together in a strainer along with the frozen corn which will muti-task the rinsing and thawing.
Add the beans and corn to a very large bowl along with all of the remaining veg.
Whip up a batch of Chipotle Lime Dressing. I made a double batch and found 1 batch of dressing will lightly dress the salad, where as 1 1/2 will have more punch. (I preferred the more punch version).
If not serving right away, cover the bean salad and pop it in the fridge for 1 – 2 days. Then just toss well before serving.
4.72 from 14 votes Print Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins This flavor-packed vegan dish takes just 15 minutes to make and can be made ahead of time. Perfect for potlucks and parties! Course: Salad, Side Dish Cuisine: American, Canadian Servings : 10 Calories : 243 kcal Author : Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken Ingredients 1 19oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 19oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 19oz can white kidney or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 big handful cilantro (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 red onion (about 1/2 cup), chopped
1 - 1 1/2 batch of chipotle lime dressing US Customary - Metric Instructions Add everything to a very large bowl, adding the chipotle lime dressing to taste. 1 batch of dressing will lightly dress the salad, where as 1 1/2 will have more punch. Toss well to combine. If making ahead of time, cover and store in the fridge for 1 - 2 days, and toss well before serving as the dressing will settle to the bottom. Nutrition Calories: 243 kcal Did you make this recipe? Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and hashtag #itdoesnttastelikechicken.
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
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Question
I recently got into a new relationship and we’re planning on having sex soon (I’m a gay male by the way). The problem is that I’m not that experienced, both with partners and toys (and condoms for that matter). I’d like some help where lube and condoms are concerned. Do you have any lubes that you’d personally recommend, preferably silicone for anal play?
Also, would you have any flavored lubes that you’d recommend? We’ve tried a bunch of cheap samples we bought at a local novelty store and they were all pretty gross. Most of them were really thick, sickly sweet, and kinda burned our mouths. We obviously don’t need them to have a good time, but sometimes it’s fun to try new things. Any suggestions would be great.
Finally, I’m not that sexually experienced and quite nervous. Do you have any tips for a first timer?
Answer
Whether it’s anal, vaginal, or otherwise, first times can be overwhelming and scary. Trust me I know, I’ve been there. At some point we all have. With that in mind, the discomfort you may encounter during first time anal sex could be minimum or very intense depending on how relaxed you are. It’s for this reason that I created a post on anal sex tips for beginners, all designed to help make things a bit more comfortable and fun. I suggest reading the full post just so you’re not missing anything. In the meantime, I’ve copied the most valuable info below.
Sh*t Happens… Sometimes.
Before I get into the how-to’s of comfortable butt play, I think it’s worth mentioning the one thing most people are afraid of… having their partner remove whatever they’ve inserted and it being covered in shit. Yes, I really did write that and I really am going there.
The truth of the matter is sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. It can be as little as a tiny speck or a lot (though that’s usually not the case), or sometimes there’s nothing at all. Diet have have an affect, as can how recently your last bowel movement was. If it’s something you’re really worried about make sure to go beforehand, don’t eat foods that you know make you feel gassy or have to go (avoid fatty, fried, and spicy food as well as caffeine), and try using a quality douche to clean yourself out.
At the end of the day any time you engage in butt play there’s a chance shit will happen. It’s normal, natural, and should be expected. Sure, it can be embarrassing but if you’re having sex with a great lover that’s mature, understanding and informed, it doesn’t have to be.
Now that that’s said and done let’s get on to questions at hand…
Before engaging in full anal penetration it’s a good idea to take some time to warm up; relaxing breathing exercises, meditating, and getting comfortable with your partner will prove helpful in the long run. Remember, the more relaxed you are the more relaxed your muscles will be. This will go a long way when it comes to inserting a toy, finger, or penis comfortably.
After you’ve added some lube, add a finger and just a finger; trying to insert a penis right off the bat can be a shock to the system. Likewise, going too fast too soon can cause you to tense up, leading to a painful experience rather then a enjoyable one. By using a finger you prep the body, stretch the muscles, and allow yourself time to get used to the feeling.
Once the finger is inserted, have your partner leave it there until you’re totally comfortable and relaxed. Tell them not to thrust or move it around… just insert it and leave it.
When you’re ready have them slowly remove the finger. Doing it quickly can cause you to tense up, so make sure to go slow. From there I suggest adding more lube and a toy. You’ll want one that’s on the smaller side, flexible, made of 100% silicone, and has a flared base like the Small Tantus Silk (pictured right). This will give you the opportunity to work up to something larger with minimal discomfort.
Whether you decide to continue with a finger, toy, or penis, have them thrust gently in the beginning. Take your time, relax into it, and try to enjoy the moment.
I know we see the people of porn taking it like champs, but they’re trained professionals. It’s what they do for a living. You’re not expected to take a pounding the first time around. It’ll likely take a few tries, or maybe you won’t ever feel comfortable doing that. Either way, it’s totally okay and normal.
If you’re partner is having a hard time inserting, try doing it doggy style. This may make it easier as you’re the one determining how far it gets inserted and at what speed. Simply have your partner on their knees staying as still as they can. Then slowly back up onto it. Once they’re inside you can find a pace and depth that’s comfortable for you.
Finally, be gentle with yourself and know that if at any time you want to stop there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s your body, you get to call the shots. | {
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NEW DELHI: Minutes after demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes was announced last week, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was up in arms, criticising the move. Her contention: the common man and the poor have been inconvenienced.That apart, her detractors say the other concern within the Trinamool Congress is a deep-rooted fear of party funds drying up. It’s largely an open secret that regional political parties like TMC depend on small-time traders and other local sources for bulk of their funding largely due absence of large-scale corporate donations.Mumbai-based Progressive Electoral Trust gave about Rs 1.5 crore to the TMC during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. That was the only corporate contribution to her party, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms.While the TMC’s funding has been a bit of an unanswered riddle, Banerjee claims she raises money for the party through her artistic ventures – the sale of paintings and books.“Someone must be buying her paintings. The question is who and how, is there any transparency?” asked Mohammed Salim, a veteran MP of the CPM.“This ruling party of Bengal deals with raw cash...That is why, when all national parties are trying to take this issue to Parliament for a proper and serious debate, she is trying to pre-empt it.”Salim has alleged that the TMC has found a “smarter” way to handle its “unauthorised” funds by depositing them in some banks. “Raiganj District Cooperative bank has received a deposit of Rs 47 crore in four days from November 9 to November 13. How does a poor place like Raiganj get so much of hard cash to deposit in banks in four days?” asked Salim, the MP from Raiganj.“I have demanded an inquiry into this financial discrepancy and have been assured by people in Delhi that it will be looked into.”Political observers, however, say the West Bengal CM may stand to gain politically, despite the criticism on her stand against the crackdown on black money.“The main reason behind Mamata’s hue and cry is her attempt to enter the national space against Modi. From that point of view, it has been a good political move,” said Professor Biswanath Chakrabarty, a political analyst.“However, Trinamool Congress in popular perception is linked with chit fund scams, black money and syndicate raj. While her populism will gain the confidence of a section of marginalised class, she might lose the trust of educated urban voters.”West Bengal has become a place where instances of political control over cash rich syndicates and stories of extortion from businesses – mostly small ones – are increasingly coming to the fore.Rajarhat, on the north-eastern fringes of Kolkata, is a case study. It accounts for over 60% of West Bengal’s real estate sales. This was the region that gave birth to the concept of syndicates and even gave them sanction in the garb of providing jobs. As a result, building material orders had to be ‘mandatorily’ placed with the registered syndicates at prices higher than market rates.Rajarhat has at least 200 such syndicates, also known as ‘land loser’s cooperatives’. While the street perception is that these syndicates switched their allegiance after the ascent of the TMC in the State, the fact is that Banerjee had to intervene amid complaints of rampant ‘extortion demands’.“Rajarhat people are telling the country how to run syndicates. If you want to stay in Trinamool Congress, you have to abstain from such extortion rackets and syndicates,” Banerjee told a workers’ meeting.The Income Tax Department has already zeroed in on some syndicates said to be dealing with unauthorised cash. Jan Dhan accounts, meant to financially empower the weaker sections, are being used by political parties to stash cash, a senior official of the IT department claimed.At another level, TMC is bracing for another political fight in case the party comes under the scanner of any economic investigations. With Banerjee having raised the pitch already, TMC leader say any such move against the party would be construed an act of political revenge by the Centre.While condemning demonetisation, she had made the point that her party had received three IT notices earlier.According to Jay Prakash Majumdar, vice president of the BJP’s Bengal unit, Banerjee is under pressure for two reasons. He said the returns filed by the TMC with the Election Commission in 2012-13 showed the party received donations of Rs 2 crore from two companies that never existed.“Her vote bank consists of people involved in fake currency note rackets, cattle smuggling and bomb making. So, they are creating pressure on her to get the Centre’s decision reversed,” he said.Central intelligence agencies, meanwhile, have filed reports with the Home Ministry that Banerjee’s attack against Modi was aimed at leveraging the frustration of people who were inconvenienced. These agencies are also trying to locate the roots of TMC’s funding.Of late, the enforcement agencies have also become cautious. After two TMC MPs were summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Saradha chit-fund case, Banerjee made a huge issue, calling it ‘political vendetta’.TMC leaders are tight-lipped about the party’s funding and the impact of demonetisation on the party. “Banerjee has always reacted sentimentally when she sees common people in trouble. This is the only reason behind her outrage,” said Subrata Mukherjee, a senior minister.According to a party member in the ranks, unlike frontline political parties, the TMC does not have central coffers and its funds are kept with various leaders.“We have accounts in districts and panchayat areas where we keep our party funds. Now we are waiting for directions from our leader or our general secretary. They will take the final call about cash deposits,” the party member said. | {
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By Abby Cloud | Photo: Mark Starlite
(Photo: Laurel Lathrop)
This local is a bookseller at independent bookstore Midtown Reader, a PhD candidate in the Creative Writing program at Florida State University, and is currently preparing for her first appearance on “Jeopardy!” this coming fall. Who is it?
You guessed it—Tallahassee’s very own Laurel Lathrop! This fall, she will be featured on the timeless American game show “Jeopardy!” to test her trivia knowledge.
Lathrop recently announced her achievement through the Midtown Reader Facebook page in a video, and she couldn’t be more excited for this unique opportunity. As previously stated, Lathrop is extensively a part of the Creative Writing program at FSU. “I teach at FSU—composition, literature, and creative writing—and work as the assistant to the Creative Writing Program director,” she says. “Other than trivia, my hobbies include reading, singing in the Tallahassee Community Chorus, and watching movies,” she shares.
For Lathrop, her passion for trivia developed naturally. “I’ve always been good at trivia,” Lathrop remarks. “My brain just naturally gathers up random little bits of information.” On a whim, Lathrop decided to complete the “Jeopardy!” online assessments to see if she could qualify as a contestant. “There are open online auditions twice a year that consist of 50-question tests you take at the same time as hundreds of thousands of other people,” Lathrop describes. She thought of this as a fun way to test herself against other people.
After her online tests, Lathrop received an email saying that she qualified to audition in person. She traveled to Savannah, Georgia where they held a written test and a sample round of the game show. “After that, the “Jeopardy!” team said they would be in touch with a small percentage of us sometime in the next 18 months,” explains Lathrop. “I tried to have zero expectations that I’d actually be called—thousands of people audition in person and only a few hundred make it on the show.”
Fortunately for Lathrop, she was one of the few hundred to get this opportunity. “It was exciting to hear that I had made it. It’s an incredible opportunity, but I’m also very nervous!” she adds. Lathrop is looking forward to her family joining her for the live-taping in California come early August. “Of course I’m looking forward to testing my knowledge against the other “Jeopardy!” contestants and meeting Alex Trebek, as well.”
The episode featuring Lathrop is set to air in late September or early October, so be sure to tune in and support this resident of the Capital City! | {
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Welcome to Cheat Sheet, our breakdown-style reviews of festival films, VR previews, and other special-event releases. This review comes from the 2019 SXSW Interactive Festival.
There’s a striking tradition of kid-disappearance movies where a traumatized parent tries to convince authorities that something has happened to their child, but evidence suggests that there was never a child in the first place. A subset of the “Who’s crazy here?” mystery, which plays with the audience’s sense of reality and understanding of a situation, movies like Bunny Lake is Missing, Flightplan, and The Forgotten rely on the audience to empathize with a protagonist who may be creating a mystery and a crisis where there isn’t one.
The narratively complicated mystery I See You plays with expectations and reality in the same way, but it’s startlingly frank about its child disappearance. In the opening scene, a boy biking through the woods is ripped violently into the air by an unseen hand, disappearing offscreen. It’s a memorable opening gambit and seemingly a declaration of a specific tone and intent for the film. But like so many elements in I See You, it establishes expectations that don’t immediately play out in the expected, familiar ways. Writer Devon Graye and director Adam Randall (of Netflix’s iBoy) use that eerie image of the flying 10-year-old to hook their audience, but the rest of the film is a much more complicated process of playing out their line, then reeling the audience back in. In this film, nothing is exactly what it seems — except when it is, and the audience just doesn’t have the tools to interpret it yet.
What’s the genre?
Horror movie, thriller, domestic drama, murder mystery, police procedural… I See You teases its way into a number of different genres, and part of the way writer Devon Graye and director Adam Randall keep audiences guessing is by keeping them guessing on the exact nature of what they’re watching.
What’s it about?
When 10-year-old Justin Whitter disappears into the woods, detective Greg Harper (Jon Tenney) and his partner Spitzky (Gregory Alan Williams) are assigned to investigate. A clue left behind links the boy’s kidnapping to a notorious child murderer Spitzky sent to jail 15 years ago, raising the question of whether he convicted the wrong man or if there’s a copycat killer haunting his town. Meanwhile, his wife Jackie (Helen Hunt) is trying to mend fences with him after having an affair, but their teenage son Connor (Judah Lewis) is acting out against her in increasingly vicious ways.
By the time strange things start happening in their home — mundane objects appearing or disappearing, household electronics spontaneously turning on, a smashed window and a window repairman who saw something unexplained — the audience already has an entire laundry list of possible explanations and suspects, enough to create any number of plausible “The filmmakers want us to think X, but it’s probably actually Y” theories. The actual truth is startling, but more importantly, it’s intriguing — the kind of reveal that opens up possibilities, instead of shutting them down.
What’s it really about?
It’s hard to get deeply into what I See You is getting at without giving too much away, but it’s safe to say that, in part, it’s about how startlingly vulnerable people can be, whether they’re facing malicious intentions they may not even be aware of, the unknown in general, or just their need for other people. Hunt, in particular, delivers a painfully raw performance, as she begs her husband for forgiveness that he meets with cold accusations or tries to keep up a brave appearance in the face of her son’s fury. But Tenney also seems vulnerable as he tries to navigate his wife’s betrayal and his suspicions about her, and Lewis gives a strong portrayal of a boy covering up his grief with aggression. There’s a lot of open need in this movie and not much of it being met.
But the film is also arguably about how easy it is for people to only see their expectations instead of the truth, and to overlook important details while they’re living out their own internal dramas. And it could just as easily be described as exploring the ways past trauma does or doesn’t explain or excuse people’s behavior.
Is it good?
I See You isn’t for everyone. The kind of people who walk into a movie expecting a given experience and get furious when, say, Cloverfield or No Country for Old Men or It Comes at Night don’t play out as they imagined, aren’t going to enjoy this movie. Neither are people who love formulaic dramas and can tolerate trailers that confirm every single story beat in a film. Even certain kinds or horror fans, who expect gobs of gore or numbing terror, may come out of it complaining. I See You is tense but only occasionally terrifying. No one’s going to be spreading Hereditary-style advance word about how it’s the scariest thing ever.
But for people who specifically prize meticulous story-craft and the ability to dodge broad genre clichés, I See You is a rare gift. It’s a tension experience that gives way to a long series of narrative surprises and payoffs, some of which viewers may not even realize they were primed to want until they arrive at the moment. This is a project for fans of Memento or Timecrimes, the kind of intricate puzzle-movies where all the pieces fit together with well-tooled precision.
None of that would matter if the dramatic segment were poorly executed. Instead, I See You dodges clichés equally adroitly in terms of directorial style. The score, by first-time film composer William Arcane, is unconventional and startling. (During one post-screening Q&A at SXSW, the filmmakers discussed how Arcane used unconventional instruments to produce the score, including wire clothes hangers. “I think at one point he said he’d got a bone clarinet, and he’d smashed holes in it, and he was making music out of things like that,” music supervisor Will Quiney said.) The cinematography is subdued but crisp, with an emphasis on artfully lit faces, producing an effect that looks more like a family drama than a supernatural horror movie. And the cast helps keep the tone subdued, yet intense.
But above all, I See You relies on its script, which builds up expectations in order to upend them, then uses its new paradigm to create a new set of anticipations. Every time the audience thinks it understands the games being played and tries to get ahead of the film, the story pulls out a new development, all the way up to the film’s final moments. It’s the kind of mystery that feels impossible to predict, even though all the clues are laid out in plain sight.
What should it be rated?
It could pass for PG. I See You is surprisingly short on graphic violence and completely devoid of nudity or sexual situations. There are some adult themes, but apart from the profanity, there’s startlingly little in this movie that couldn’t have played on-screen in the 1940s or ‘50s, when this particular brand of carefully crafted audience-tease was more common. With relatively few changes, this could have played as a double feature with Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes, another intricate “What’s the truth here?” mystery that rewards viewers for paying close attention.
How can I actually watch it?
I See You is currently seeking American distribution, so there’s no release date yet, but it seems inevitable that it’ll make it to theaters at some point. Just don’t mistake it for the other 2019 release called I See You (about a vlogger who accidentally captures crimes on camera), or 2016’s I See You (a Bollywood romance about a man in love with an apparent ghost), or 2016’s I See You.com (about a teenager who gets rich by filming his family’s bad behavior and streaming it online). In fact, don’t be hugely surprised if this eventually gets released with a more distinctive title. | {
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IRVING, Texas -- The 45th overall pick was the price for the Cowboys to move up eight spots for the player they considered by far the biggest defensive difference-maker in the draft.
It was, according to Jerry Jones, the most consensus decision made during a draft in his 24-year tenure running the show at Valley Ranch.
“No one takes picks around here for granted and it’s painful to lose the second-round pick,” said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, the man who negotiated the deal with the St. Louis Rams. “But to move from 14 in the draft and get one of the premier players in the draft, obviously you’ve got to give up something significant. And by a lot of charts, it will probably show that we should’ve given up more.”
There are impact players drafted in the second round every year, but that mid-40s pick is a bargain price to pay if Claiborne is even close to as good as the Cowboys scouts believe.
To put it in perspective, here are the last 10 No. 45 overall picks, a collection of players with a combined three Pro Bowl appearances: Rahim Moore, Zane Beadles, Clint Sintim, Jordon Dizon, Dwayne Jarrett, LenDale White, Lofa Tatupu, Jake Grove, Bethel Johnson and Tank Williams.
And the Cowboys’ last 10 second-round picks: Bruce Carter, Sean Lee, Martellus Bennett, Anthony Fasano, Kevin Burnett, Julius Jones, Justin Rogers, Al Johnson, Andre Gurode and Antonio Bryant. | {
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President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that Saturday’s deadly shootings in Texas haven’t changed how he plans on addressing gun violence.
“People want to do something, so we’re going to see,” Trump said. “This really hasn’t changed anything.”
“We’re doing a package and we’ll see how it comes about,” he continued. “It’s coming about right now, and a lot of people are talking about it. And that’s irrespective of what happened yesterday in Texas.”
On the subject of background checks as preventative measure against mass shootings, Trump claimed that “for the most part,” strong background checks “would not have stopped any of it.”
Police said least 7 people were killed and 21 injured during a shooting rampage in the cities of Midland and Odessa, Texas on Saturday. Law enforcement has not determined a motive for the suspected gunman, who was killed by the police.
Watch Trump speak below: | {
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BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China responded angrily and said it had protested to Washington after a U.S. Senate committee approved a bill calling for the resumption of port visits to Taiwan by the U.S. Navy for the first time since the United States adopted a one-China policy in 1979.
The call for the port visits was contained in a version of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Bill approved by the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. The bill would have to pass the full Senate and House and be approved by President Donald Trump to become law.
Asked about the provision, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Thursday called it meddling in Beijing’s internal affairs and added: “China cannot accept it.”
The legislation calls for the reestablishment of regular port visits by the U.S. Navy to the Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung, or any other suitable port, and would allow the U.S. Pacific Command to receive Taiwanese visits.
The bill also directs the Pentagon to help Taiwan develop an indigenous undersea warfare program and recommends strengthened strategic cooperation with Taipei.
“We express grave concern and firm opposition to the relative bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee,” Lu Kang said. “We have also lodged solemn representations about the Taiwan related content of the bill with the relevant department of the U.S. government.”
The spokesman said the bill was in violation of the principles of U.S.-China relations and called on Washington to halt military drills with and arms sales to Taiwan “to avoid further impairing broadly cooperative China-U.S. relations.”The progress of the bill coincides with, according to U.S. officials, Trump becoming increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and trade.
According to the officials, Trump - who alarmed Beijing after assuming office by breaking with decades of precedent and talking to Taiwan’s president - is now considering trade actions against Beijing, despite having heaped praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping after an April summit.
The U.S. Navy has not made port calls to Taiwan since 1979, when Washington adopted the so-called one-China policy, recognizing Beijing rather than Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province.
U.S. officials said in March the administration was crafting a big arms sale to Taiwan, but such talk died down as Trump sought to persuade China to do more to rein in North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, an increasing threat to the United States. | {
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Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said people who get bills for water charges in the coming days should still pay.
Mr Martin said it was his party’s position that householders must still pay the charges despite the levies being suspended within six weeks.
He said: “People should uphold the law.”
Mr Martin said it was a reasonable request to ask people to respect the law of the land.
Asked about whether the 900,000 householders who have paid their charges should be refunded Mr Martin said a decision on priorities would have to be made at a later point.
Mr Martin said his parliamentary party fully endorsed the programme put forward by the negotiating team.
He also rejected a proposal by Dublin City Councillor Daithí De Roiste to put the agreement to an emergency ardfheis.
Mr Martin said there was no provision to hold one when the party was not entering government.
Asked if he was content the party was putting Enda Kenny back into government, Mr Martin said: “We are not happy with the idea of Enda Kenny or Fine Gael back in government. That said we have an obligation to the Irish people.
“It is our sense they do not want an election right now.”
Mr Martin also criticised Sinn Féin for sitting on their hands during these discussions.
He claimed the party would have had a far better chance of implementing its policies under a Fianna Fáil-led minority government.
Mr Martin added: “As someone said at the parliamentary party he [Gerry Adams] preferred to watch cowboy films rather than getting involved in government talks.” | {
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The pear shape diamond was created by Lodewyk van Berquem in the 1400s; it was due to this cut that diamonds started being used in jewelry. The pear shape cut diamond resembles a tear drop, explaining why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘teardrop cut’. The pear is a mix between a round brilliant and a marquise cut; with one round end and a point at the opposite side.
The Beautiful Contradiction of Pear Cut Diamonds
Pear diamonds are another antique fancy cut, utilized for centuries. Their shape makes them look as pretty on a ring or bracelet as swaying from an earring or pendant. Courtesy of advances in promoting brilliance, modern pear cuts shine more strongly than older ones. As their name indicates, pears are narrow at one end and rounded on the other. Its body is made of a point, shoulders and wings. Pear diamonds are cut into a brilliant style, promoting play of light.
A well-made pear cut diamond needs to be symmetrical, with its long sides matching each other in curves a straight lines. The shoulders and wings should be gently rounded, and the stone should have a ratio between 1.50-1.75:1. In terms of shine, a pear cut diamond should have as small of a bow tie shaped shadow as possible.
After finding the pear cut diamond of your dreams, there’s the question of how it should be mounted. Make sure that the tip is covered to prevent chipping, with a V shaped prong if possible. Recommended ways to wear a pear diamond is with the point facing your fingertip if it’s mounted on a ring, or as the ring’s shoulders. Suspending the jewel from its tip end is a popular way to have it hang from earrings, pendants and necklaces.
One notable pear diamond used as a pendant is the Taylor-Burton diamond. Named after its most famous owners, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, this 68 carat pear shaped jewel hung from the bottom of a diamond necklace as it accompanied Elizabeth Taylor to the 1970 Academy Awards. It originally was a 69.42 carat pear diamond mounted on a ring, but Elizabeth Taylor had trouble wearing the stone on her hand and commissioned a diamond necklace to be worthy of the pear. She also had it re-cut to shine all the more.
Another famous pear cut diamond derived from the Cullinan diamond. At 3,106.75 carats, it was the largest gem quality diamond ever mined. Many jewels have been cut from it, including the Cullinan III, one of the British Crown Jewels, a 94.4 carat pear cut diamond. It has spent time on the crown used for Queen Mary’s coronation, as well as a necklace also worn by Queen Mary. Most often, it hangs from a brooch topped by the Cullinan IV. In this form, the diamonds have the collective nickname of “Granny’s Chips.”
There is much to admire about pear cut diamonds. Their shape makes them versatile mounts, as suitable for a necklace as they are from brooches or rings. They’re pretty when of a modest size and when they’re enormous. Pear cut diamonds also have a well-deserved long history of beauty.
Pear Diamonds
Pear cut diamonds are rounded at one end and pointed at the other, inspiring their name. They’re categorized as a modified brilliant, as they’re designed to reflect light as beautifully as possible. Though pear cut diamonds date to the 1400s, their brightness wasn’t developed until the 18th century. Their shape is said to use the best qualities of both round and marquise diamonds.
The best pear cut diamonds focus on symmetry, with the left and right sides no larger or curvier than the other. Its length to width ratio should be between 1.5:1 and 1.75:1. The shoulders of the diamond, the edges near the rounded end, should be gently curved while the round end is best as a semicircle. A pear cut diamond’s wings, the edges near the point, should also be subtly rounded. A bowtie shaped shadow may appear within the jewel.
Pear cut diamonds have been popular for centuries as hanging elements for pieces such earrings, pendants and necklaces, usually suspended from the point. They are also used to flank other jewels, sitting on either side of a central stone on a ring or brooch. For those who want an unusual look, pear cut diamonds serve the role of central or solitaire jewels quite well. If wearing a pear cut diamond on a solitaire ring, it’s recommended to wear it with the point aimed towards the fingertip for a slimming effect. Pear cut diamonds are versatile enough to be worn however its owner desires. | {
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OTTAWA – Respecting treaties with Indigenous Peoples, paying taxes and filling out the census are listed as mandatory obligations of Canadian citizenship in a draft version of a new study guide for the citizenship exam.
The working copy obtained by The Canadian Press suggests the federal government has completely overhauled the book used by prospective Canadians to prepare for the test.
The current “Discover Canada” guide dates back to 2011 when the previous Conservative government did its own overhaul designed to provide more information on Canadian values and history.
Some of the Conservatives’ insertions attracted controversy, including increased detail about the War of 1812 and a warning that certain “barbaric cultural practices,” such as honour killings and female genital mutilation, are crimes in Canada.
READ MORE: Canada 150: Could you pass the Canadian citizenship test?
1:25 Would you pass the Canadian citizenship test? Would you pass the Canadian citizenship test?
Getting rid of both those elements was what former Liberal Immigration Minister John McCallum had in mind when he said early in 2016 that the book was up for a rewrite. But although work has been underway for over a year, there’s no date set for publication of a final version.
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In the draft version, the reference to barbaric cultural practices is gone, as is the inclusion of getting a job as one of the responsibilities of citizenship.
Instead, the proposed new guide breaks down the responsibilities of citizenship into two categories: voluntary and mandatory.
Voluntary responsibilities are listed as respecting the human rights of others, understanding official bilingualism and participating in the political process.
Obeying the law, serving on a jury, paying taxes, filling out the census and respecting treaties with Indigenous Peoples are mandatory.
“Today, Canadians, for example, can own their own homes and buy land thanks to treaties that the government negotiated,” the draft version says. “Every Canadian has responsibilities under those treaties as well. They are agreements of honour.” Tweet This
The draft guide delves extensively into the history and present-day lives of Indigenous Peoples, including multiple references to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report on residential schools and a lengthy section on what happened at those schools. The current guide contains a single paragraph.
The draft also devotes substantive sections to sad chapters of Canadian history when the Chinese, South Asians, Jews and disabled Canadians were discriminated against, references that were absent or exceptionally limited previously.
WATCH: New ‘Australian values’ test planned for citizenship
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2:08 New ‘Australian values’ test planned for citizenship New ‘Australian values’ test planned for citizenship
The new version also documents the evolution of the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups, as well as other sexual minorities. Bureaucrats had sought to include similar themes in the 2011 book but were overruled by then-immigration minister Jason Kenney, with their efforts reduced to a single line on gay marriage.
There’s also an entirely new section called “Quality of Life in Canada” that delves into the education system – including a pitch for people to save money for their children’s schooling – the history of medicare, descriptions of family life, leisure time, effects of the environment on Canadian arts and culture and even a paragraph seeking to explain Canadian humour.
READ MORE: Canadian regains citizenship stripped by dated law
Canadians like to make fun of themselves, the book notes.
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“Humour and satire about the experience of Indigenous, racialized, refugee and immigration peoples and their experiences is growing in popularity,” the section says.
The rewrite is part of a much broader renewal of citizenship laws and process that is underway. In June, legislation passed that changed the age for those who need to pass the knowledge test for citizenship, among other things.
WATCH: AG raises red flags about citizenship vetting process
2:18 AG raises red flags about citizenship vetting process AG raises red flags about citizenship vetting process
Briefing notes obtained separately from the draft copy show nearly every government department is being consulted for input into the guide. But the team inside the Immigration Department didn’t just look there.
They were also taking cues from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, sharing copies of his remarks for themes to incorporate.
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READ MORE: Toronto-born son of Russian spies wins court battle to regain Canadian citizenship
One of Trudeau’s often repeated mantras – “Canada has learned how to be strong not in spite of our differences, but because of them” – appears to be paraphrased directly in the opening section of the book: Canadians have learned how to be strong because of our differences.”
The briefing notes say the guide is to be released to mark Canada’s 150th birthday but elsewhere note that production time is at least four months once a final version has been approved.
A spokesperson for the Immigration Department stressed the importance of the consultations that have gone into the new guide.
“While this may take more time, this broader approach will result in a final product that better reflects Canada’s diversity and Indigenous history, as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” Lindsay Wemp said in an email. | {
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Aceasta prezentare, pe tema relatarilor anti-occidentale in media online din Romania in 2017, cu accent pe aspectele legate de securitate si militare, a fost facuta la cea de-a doua Conferinta de Securitate de la Bucuresti , care a avut loc in perioada 28-30 septembrie.Potrivit sursei citate, sunt patru elemente de luat in considerare. Noile generatii, tinerii, sunt mult mai interesati de Rusia decat de Statele Unite, iar Occidentul nu mai reprezinta o singura voce, ci sunt mai multe influente asupra romanilor: SUA si UE sunt percepute diferit. Retelele de socializare si noile mijloace media au dus la un impact mai scazut al mass-media clasice asupra tinerilor, iar in Romania in ultimii ani a scazut transmiterea de mesaje pozitive despre Occident si SUA.Noile generatii sunt cele mai vulnerabile la propaganda anti-occidentala, se arata in prezentarea mentionata. Din sondajele de opinie rezulta ca profilul pro-rusilor (18%) este de tineri, in principal barbati, care folosesc Facebook des si sunt predispusi in mai mare masura la participare civica si considera mai mult ca pot influenta deciziile politice.predominanta fiind in randul populatiei perceptia ca NATO este mai puternica decat Rusia.Pe de alta parte, in 2017 a crescut numarul relatarilor in mass-media despre activitatile militare din Romania, iar increderea in armata s-a mentinut mare, in mod constant, dupa 1990.Centrul pentru promovarea Participarii si Democratiei propune: aprofundarea si continuarea cercetarii pe aceasta tema, constientizarea pericolului reprezentat de propaganda, educarea tinerilor in concordanta cu valorile occidentale, cresterea participarii civice, amplificarea promovarii pozitive a actiunilor comune, cum este, de exemplu, contributia Armatei romane, si a altor institutii, in cadrul NATO. | {
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If a black guy is walking past me after I park my car, I won't remote lock it. - I'm afraid he'll think I'm locking it because he's black.
Check out all our blank memes | {
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Igor Volsky at the Wonk Room reports on a press release from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, who want to remind us about all of the benefits that the Republicans will be denying the service members of the US armed forces, because it's more important to the Repubs that homosexuals and lesbians be denied the opportunity to serve their country than to pass a responsible defense budget.
The bill as a whole contains numerous other military priorities that the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman are all hoping Congress will pass before the end of the year. They include: -Expanding the number of DoD mental health providers. There is a chronic shortage of mental health providers in the military. With rates of mental health injuries and suicide rising higher every month, the DoD is in desperate need of providers to help service members identify and combat invisible wounds. (Senate §703) -Eradicating Military Sexual Trauma. NDAA contains 29 recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military, including modernizing the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the creation of a sexual assault reporting hot line. (House §1601-1664) -DoD/VA record sharing. NDAA would change HIPAA to allow records to migrate between the DoD and the VA. (Senate §715, House §532) -Military pay raise and bonuses. NDAA provides a 1.9% pay increase for all service members and the extension of a host of recruitment and retention bonuses set to expire. (House §601) -Improving military health. Authorizes $30.9 billion for the Defense Health Program and TRICARE coverage for eligible dependents up to age 26. [Added by me] What’s happening here is that the very same Republicans who were blasting Democrats for voting against military funding to protest the Iraq war are now using their objection to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell — which the majority of the military actually supports — to obstruct and delay the above benefits and pay increases. In fact, they’re even prioritizing extending tax cuts for the richest Americans to the provisions in the defense bill. And, they’re somehow getting away with it all.
Now I know it doesn't surprise any C&L viewer that Republicans would cynically ignore what's best for our national defense in order to impose their own socially conservative views on the majority of Americans. But it's important to let the greater public know that the Republicans really don't care about national security as much as they say they do. And yes, this defense budget is bloated and needs to be trimmed, ideally by pulling our troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2011, but highjacking the appropriations process is only going to make it harder to do that. But then again, the Repubs will be happy if our troops continue to die in the Middle East for the next five, ten, twenty years, just as long as there are no iccky gays in the military. | {
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A decorative set of two knives that come in a leather sheath and can be worn on your belt. You may appear a little crazy, but super tough!
Less | {
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With the new third generation Z240 and upcoming Mac Graphics integration, HP is helping build a case for PCs in high end graphics workflows.
Considering the limited expandability of the current Mac Pro and the long years of slow updating on the old Mac Pro, it's surprising that Apple still has such a strong hold on the pro market. But, despite the frequent protestations of "man, if apple doesn't do something soon I'm going to PC," we still see a large number of post-houses running Mac, especially those with a client-facing component. HP is working hard to move into that segment. Their new third generation Z240 with Remote Graphics Software for Mac should be considered by anyone setting up a post suite, whether it's a single tower home studio or a fleet upgrade.
Credit: HP
The RGS, which is reportedly shipping within the month, promises to make the transition easier for Mac-based professionals who want to harness the hardware power of a PC. The system is a custom-built screensharing platform that is specifically designed for the bandwidth needs of video and graphics work, using proprietary software to transmit only the essential video (similar to a long-GOP codec) to partner machines. If you've ever tried to do graphics or video work while "remoting in" with something like GoToMeeting or Apple Remote Desktop, you know it's way too laggy to effectively work for any creative task requiring flow. RGS is designed to allow multiple users on Mac, PC, or Linux systems to remote in to the Z station and take advantage of its power in a realtime fashion.
Pricing for the Z240 starts at $879 (as opposed to the $3K range for a Mac Pro), which is a great base price point for such a potential powerhouse, especially one with PCIe slots to enable you to upgrade the graphics card. The platform is highly configurable, but here's a sense of the range of specs available:
M.2 Storage for SSD connection
64gb DDR4 max ram
4.2GHz max processor clock speed
Z Turbo PCIe SSD
Native RGS integration
Tool-free chassis for simple configuration in the field
Limited 3 year warranty
What do you think? Do these specs tempt you to make the switch? | {
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NICK JACKSON COMMENTS ON YOUNG BUCKS' FUTURE
With the success of "All In", there's been a lot of speculation (deservedly) about what the event will mean for the long-term future of The Younh Bucks, Cody Rhodes and others who were intimately involved in its success, as one would think that WWE and other groups would want to mitigate a repeat of the 30 minute sellout by poaching the talents involved and bringing them under their umbrella.
Today, a fan specifically asked Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks about that on Twitter, with Jackson's response revealing that he and his brother Nick are only under contract to Ring of Honor for six more months:
Not possible right now we have 6 months left on our current contracts. Never say never but we’re very happy with what we’re doing. https://t.co/kRpsGZ0DvT — The Young Bucks (@NickJacksonYB) May 23, 2018
That would mean their current deals expire in November 2018.
As I wrote the day of the "All In" sellout, it would really be in Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling's best interests to sign the Bucks and the others responsible for the success of the 9/1 event to long, long term contracts.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! | {
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Scientists discovered a massive radio wave, and they can't find a good explanation for it. Unless ...
A couple of scientists from the well-respected Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics recently wrote an astrophysics paper that is so awesome, it will make you want to read an astrophysics paper. The scientists have been puzzling over some weirdly strong radio wave bursts in space, and they've come up with an explanation: aliens.
“An artificial origin is worth contemplating and checking,” said Avi Loeb, an Israeli-American professor who worked on the study.
It all started when an astrophysicist was combing through the archives in Australia's Parkes Observatory, and he noticed a mysterious spurt of radio activity. It was short but intense. Really intense. Like, 500 million times the power of the sun intense.
Space is full of weird light, so that's no big deal, right? Wrong, apparently. Scientists have been trying to figure out what the burst could be for 10 years, and they still don't know. Some think it's a massive, particularly weird star that collapsed into its core. Or maybe it's a solar flare that somehow managed to travel across the known universe. Or ...
Yep. Aliens. At least, that's what the Harvard-Smithsonian scientists are proposing. You can start freaking out now.
Here's the theory: There's a faraway alien civilization that uses artificial beams to power spaceships with light sails. They harness energy from a star and cool their beam machine with planet-sized buckets of water.
Cool, right? We're not talking about boring, single-celled aliens here. We're talking about an advanced civilization, way more advanced than, you know, us. Our sail-related ships are limited to the kind that stay in water.
“Deciding what’s likely ahead of time limits the possibilities,” said Loeb, an alumnus of Hebrew University in Jerusalem. “It’s worth putting ideas out there and letting the data be the judge.”
It's still a theory, but we at From the Grapevine are definitely rooting for it. Discovering alien life would mean a total change in how we view reality. Plus, we could do so much cool stuff with aliens. Like discover new things about the universe and have alien romances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmiZb3ndMCk
| {
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In this episode we’re trying something new. Everyone has requested more episodes of the podcast. In short, everyone wants a weekly show. So this week, we’re introducing what we call a mini-episode … or as we like to call them a “Fragment”. Fragment episodes will be shorter in length but still packed with goodness. They will range from ~7-25 minutes in length and will showcase either Kaushik, myself (Donn) or both of us.
In the first “Fragment” installment we’re going to talk about Continuous Integration (CI) and Collective Code Ownership (CCO). Donn talks about what CI is, why its important and how it benefits you and your team. He then dives right into CCO and how it can be facilitated through testing.
We hope you enjoy these new mini-episodes … aptly named … Fragments. :)
Download
Show Notes
Continuous Integration solutions:
Continuous Delivery:
Contact
Donn Felker
Kaushik Gopal | {
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* All ticket prices are in CAD. Your ticket is required at the door.
Speaker list and details <-
The 2019 Rebuild Conference is an event with presenters on both sides of one of the most important issues of our time - technology and its effects on society.
You’ll hear from thought leaders, technologists, investors, journalist, authors and academia on a variety of topics centered around the internet, the problems it creates, and new advances in blockchain infrastructure aimed at solving them.
Among many other themes, we will discuss social media, financial systems, journalism, data ownership, privacy, design and data ethics as well as how these forces are evolving in part thanks to distributed systems, programmatic trust and crypto currency.
Main Hall
The mainstage will host talks and panels for two days from leading thinkers and technologists. This is a perfect place to learn from industry veterans, social critics and contrarians on the biggest issues facing humanity in the 21st century. These talks are interwoven with technologists currently building web3 plumbing aimed at solving these global issues.
Hacker Room
A second stage and workshop is focused on deeper dives into the technology. This is a great room for developers and curious builders looking to get into the weeds. | {
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One of the Arizona Cardinals’ worst defensive performances of the season was highlighted by a career performance from Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers.
Rivers set an NFL record for consecutive completions to start a game (23) and tied the record for consecutive completions (25) on Sunday, helping the Chargers rack up 42 points in a row.
And now he’s got the record… 🗣 THAT’S OUR QUARTERBACK https://t.co/lNhAJUTJ7Q — Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) November 25, 2018
It was a stunning reversal of fortune for the Cardinals, who outscored the Chargers 10-0 in the opening quarter.
The Chargers scored 28 points in the second quarter to take a 28-10 halftime lead, then added 14 more points in the third quarter.
Cardinals’ defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche had a career-high 2 1/2 sacks in the first half despite Rivers’ record performance.
Rivers was replaced by backup quarterback Geno Smith early in the fourth quarter with the Chargers nursing a 32-point lead.
Follow @DannyShapiro13 | {
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A bull injured forty people on Wednesday in Spain when it jumped into the stands to attack the crowd at a bullring in the northern town of Tafalla.
Raw video of the event posted online on Thursday showed the bull leaping over barriers and landing in the packed stands of the arena.
The bull was killed after it was subdued with the help of a former bullfighter in the crowd. Most of the injuries were cuts and bruises, but one man was gored in the back, another suffered crushed vertebrae and a 10-year-old boy remained in intensive care on Thursday at a hospital in the regional capital of Pamplona, the Spanish newspaper El País reported. The boy was injured when the 1,000-pound bull fell on him as it rampaged through the stands.
The Associated Press explained that the bull’s escape occurred Wednesday at the Tafalla arena in the northern region of Navarra, “during an event attended by about 3,500 spectators, in which mostly young people try to get a bull to charge at them so they can dodge it.”
A reader of The Lede writes from Barcelona to explain:
This was not a typical bullfight. In these types of corridas they do not kill the bull, nor do they harm it. The show consists of getting as close as possible to the bull, without getting hurt, somewhat similar to what is called “courses Landaises, ou Camarguaises” in France. This is called recortadores in Spain. The animals are not harmed in any way.
These spectacles sometimes feature acrobatic dodges of charging bulls, like the one seen in this short clip shot in Tafalla in 2006:
The bull’s leap into the stands on Wednesday in Tafalla, on its third attempt to do so, can be seen clearly in video from a Spanish broadcaster, embedded at the top of this post. El País also posted a series of large, dramatic photographs of the event, which convey the sense of the panic among the spectators.
Amateur video of Wednesday’s events, shot from the stands, shows the crowd apparently taunting the bull immediately before the incident:
Reflecting on the relatively small number of serious injuries, Tafalla’s mayor, Cristina Sota, told Diario de Navarra, a regional newspaper, “What could have been a tragedy ended up as a big fright.”
The event took place in a Spanish region best known for the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, where a man was killed by a bull last year. | {
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I wanted to post something on /r/memes But then i saw a post about tesla, and i didn't want to "steal his thunder'
256 shares | {
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A security researcher found Coinhive code hidden on a Los Angeles Times’ webpage that was secretly using visitors’ devices to mine cryptocurrency.
Researchers said they found cryptojacking code hidden on the Los Angeles Times’ interactive Homicide Report webpage that was quietly harnessing visitors’ CPUs to mine Monero cryptocurrency.
The cryptojacking incident was found by Troy Mursch, a security researcher at Bad Packets Report, on Wednesday. He said the cryptominer has since been killed off. The cryptominer in question was made by Coinhive, a company that offers a Monero JavaScript miner to websites as a nontraditional way to monetize website content.
Coinhive’s JavaScript miner software is often used by hackers, who secretly embed the code into websites and then mine Monero currency by tapping the CPU processing power of site visitors’ phones, tablets and computers.
Mursch told Threatpost that in the case of the LA Times the miner was throttled so that it had a reduced impact on visitors’ CPUs and would be harder to detect. Typically, cryptojacking attacks are not throttled and use 100 percent of the target’s CPU. As a result victims can sometimes experience overheating of their phone or computer as their device gets bogged down by an over-taxed processor.
“Depending on the throttle amount, the impact [on visitors’ CPUs] can vary greatly,” Mursch told Threatpost. “In the case with the LA Times website, it was throttled so low the average user probably wouldn’t notice it running in the background.”
That method appeared to have worked and kept the code secret for awhile. Mursch estimates the cyptojacking JavaScript code was hidden on the website since at least Feb. 9.
Mursch said he found the code after investigating an LA Times’ Amazon AWS S3 storage bucket that was misconfigured and giving anyone – including criminal cyptocurrency miners – the ability to write code to the server and the Homicide Report website.
The LA Times did not respond to a request for comment.
#Coinhive found on @latimes "The Homicide Report" Luckily this case of #cryptojacking is throttled and won't murder your CPU. Using @urlscanio we find Coinhive hiding in:
http://latimes-graphics-media.s3.amazonaws[.]com/js/leaflet.fullscreen-master/Control.FullScreen.js pic.twitter.com/VOv5ibUtwJ — Bad Packets Report (@bad_packets) February 21, 2018
Mursch said he notified the LA Times via email about the cryptojacking malware and advised it to remove the code as soon as possible.
According to the security researcher, the Coinhive cryptomining software found on the LA Times’ websites has surreptitiously been used many times before both on UK and US government sites as well as other news publication sites. Earlier this week, vehicle maker Tesla reportedly fell victim to a cryptocurrency mining attack when misconfigured Amazon S3 buckets allowed criminals to plant cryptoming malware on the company’s cloud environment, according to researchers at RedLock.
“No one knows who this individual is, however Coinhive has claimed they terminated them,” said Mursch.
In order to prevent these types of incidents, Mursch recommended that companies properly secure their cloud services and set up some sort of monitoring for all their services.
“In the case of the LA Times and many others, the easiest prevention method is to ensure your cloud services, such as AWS, are properly secured,” he said. “In the LA Times case, it appears anyone could write to their AWS bucket which in turn led to the cryptojacking code being placed by miscreants.” | {
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Is Ann Coulter an anti-Semite? What’s interesting to me about Coulter’s notorious tweet (“How many f---ing Jews do these people think there are in the United States?”) isn’t what it does or doesn’t reveal about her, but the light that it sheds on the deep archetypes of American conservatism.
Watching the two Republican debates, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d come, in Kurt Vonnegut’s phrase, “unstuck in time.” Ted Cruz looks to me like a silent movie villain from the 1920s, and he talks like a wax cylinder recording of a Texas governor from the 1920s. Jeb Bush is, well, another Bush. Mike Huckabee is a beefier, more homespun Pat Robertson. And for all that he is a product of New York real estate and reality TV, Donald Trump is the living embodiment of the rural Populism that arose in the late 19th century.
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The Koch brothers might not understand why the Republican base is so willing to overlook Trump’s heresies on progressive taxation and unions (Scott Walker is even more flummoxed); the media may be scratching its collective head at his appeal to Evangelicals, but Populism wasn’t about protecting the Haves or promoting the Holy. It was driven by the certainty that you were being robbed of your money and your status in the socioeconomic hierarchy, and that your enemies were establishment politicians, the elite money powers, and the swarthy immigrants that they used as their tools. Populism is all about fear and hatred, and starting around the 1890s, when the myth of Jewish money power and the tide of Eastern European Jewish immigration were both at their peak, the fear and hatred of Jews in particular.
The so-called Jewish plot to undermine the economic and moral foundations of Christendom and rule it from Jerusalem was laid out in detail in the infamous "Protocols of the Elders of Zion," a libelous forgery that was first published in Russian in 1903 and widely translated and circulated in the 1920s, when, not coincidentally, the Nativist Ku Klux Klan was enjoying a huge revival in this country and one of America’s richest and most powerful businessmen, Henry Ford, was weighing a run for the presidency. Ford also published a newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, that was almost entirely dedicated to the “Jewish problem.”
I don’t know what’s in Ann Coulter’s heart and I haven’t heard any anti-Jewish dog whistles from Donald Trump himself, just his supporters, but when I picture her live-tweeting the debate, I can see how it might have annoyed her, just as it would have any right-winger in the heyday of Populism, that “Cruz, Huckabee, Rubio all mentioned ISRAEL in their response to: ‘What will AMERICA look like after you are president?’” as she dyspeptically put it, or that so many of the candidates as much as swore their fealty to the king of the Jews, bragging that they wouldn’t make a move in foreign policy without Bibi’s permission.
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In Ann Coulter’s parents’ day, the Jews wouldn’t have gotten through the door of the Republican club. Now, as her vintage 1920s avatar might see it, the Jews own a big part of the GOP’s agenda, virtually all of the left’s, and almost everything else in between. No wonder that all that “sucking up to Israel” got her goat. (She says I’m wrong about this by the way—in this video, she insists that it isn’t the Jews she’s mad at, it’s the Republicans.)
Elizabeth Dilling, an anti-Communist crusader of the 1930s whose book "The Roosevelt Red Record and its Background" has often been compared to Ann Coulter’s "Treason," also wrote a book-length indictment of “Talmudism,” "The Plot Against Christianity." If we could bring her back today and ask her to explain how it is that Jews are so prominent on both the left and the right, she would tell us that their leaders were executing a great strategic pincer move, exactly as the Elders of Zion planned it (cf. Protocol IX, #4: “We have in our service persons of all opinions, of all doctrines, restorating monarchists, demagogues, socialists, Communists, and Utopian dreamers of every kind. We have harnessed them all to the task: Each one of them on his own account is boring away at the last remnants of authority, is striving to overthrow all established form of order”). Open your eyes and look, Dilling would say: Even as the left-wing Jewish New York Times piles on against the Republicans, Jewish billionaires like the gambling magnate Sheldon Adelson have their candidates in their pockets. It’s Christendom’s worst nightmare and the Republicans aren’t allowed to say boo about it, or even make jokes. In fact they have to pretend that they like it.
Racism runs deep in the Republican Party, as we have all learned, seven years into the presidency of Barack Obama. But the kinds of hatreds that animated Elizabeth Dilling, if not Ann Coulter, run much deeper than nasty tweets or even racial gerrymandering and voter suppression. Totalizing and metaphysical, they reflect and shape a whole worldview. If traditional racism is deeply rooted in America’s economy, geography and culture, it is more tangible and easier to measure and parse than the fixations that characterize the “Paranoid Style in American Politics,” in Richard Hofstadter’s famous coinage. Like the proverbial iceberg, a lot of those primal, capital ‘h’ Hates are hidden from view; they are buried in the collective id. And Hate has come to a crossroads.
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Historically, the American Paranoid’s reigning obsessions were:
1) Papism. Back in the 1600s, American colonists worried about Jesuit subversion. From the 1830s to the Civil War, the Know Nothing movement attacked Roman Catholic Irish and German immigration. A second great wave of anti-Catholic feeling arose during the Populist era, between the 1890s and into the 1920s (the KKK was as anti-Papist as it was anti-black and anti-Jew). For all the noise that the Catholic League’s Bill Donohue makes today, anti-Papism has virtually disappeared from all but the outermost fringes of the American political landscape since JFK was elected.
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2) Atheistic intellectualism. There were McCarthy-esque witch hunts against Masonry and Illuminism in the 1790s and again in the late 1820s and ‘30s. To its historical enemies, Masonry occupied much the same space that secular humanism does today; its chief sin was that it elevated reason and science above revealed religion.
3) Calibanic Demonicism. This is my own coinage; I use it as a shorthand for what our forebears saw as the unbridled sexuality and unregenerate sinfulness of natural man, as embodied in blacks and indigenous Americans—attributes that would also be ascribed to Suffragists and to birth control advocates, both then and now (Google “Sandra Fluke” and “Rush Limbaugh” to see) and to LGBT people today. A simpler shorthand might be “sex.” Racism, of course, is about a lot more than sex, but as I said above, for most of our history it was openly and unapologetically acknowledged.
4) The Anti-Christ. This last includes Jewish bankers, Jewish arms dealers, and Jewish pornographers, which is to say Hollywood producers and popular culture purveyors, as well as the “left wing media.” International Communism falls under this rubric too—not the nation states that were pointing missiles at us during the Cold War, of course, but the specter of domestic subversion that drove the Red Scares of the teens and McCarthyism. In the classic American Paranoid understanding, Communism was fundamentally Anti-Christian and shared the same goals as the Rothschilds and their heirs.
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The corporate interests and other deep pockets that have historically exerted the most power in this country, and that are the most deeply invested in the Republican Party today, have never been monolithic in their aims or beliefs; most of them were and are too cosmopolitan to give these hateful hobby horses full credence and too cautious to fully align themselves with the groups that do. But they haven’t necessarily disbelieved them either, and they’ve never stopped using them to manipulate debt-burdened dirt farmers, struggling artisans, and exploited (or nowadays discarded) factory workers to vote against their economic interests. Democrats have used some of them too, though much less so in recent decades than in the past. If Democrats were the architects and chief defenders of the Jim Crow South, that has changed, just as Republicans are no longer the most active supporters of Planned Parenthood.
The deep substructure of Hate remains pretty much as it was, but its superstructure has changed beyond recognition. Hitler made anti-Semitism disreputable, as, after much struggle, the civil rights movement did the most overt forms of racism (structural racism, of course, is a different story). Catholicism is firmly in the mainstream, but Nativism is resurgent, as Donald Trump’s continuing success daily proves. With Catholicism, anti-Semitism, and overt white supremacism off the table, Islam and Sharia have taken their place, alongside sex and anti-scientism (which never went away). Radical Islam also stands in for international Communism.
Of course it wasn’t just Hitler. Starting in the 1960s, a handful of neoconservative Zionist Jews made a tactical decision to throw in their lot with the GOP; later, they forged an even stranger alliance with apocalyptic fundamentalist Christians, whose end time prophecies require the restoration of the Jewish state. In the wake of Roe v. Wade and Stonewall, religious Catholics and Evangelicals formed alliances that would have also been unthinkable a generation before. The party of Lincoln has become the home of many neo-secessionists, who left the Democrats en masse after LBJ’s great betrayal in the 1960s, and to numerous Libertarians, who believe that all government is tyranny.
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All of these people–many of whom wouldn’t have 10 words to say to each other if they had to sit next to each other on a long airplane flight–have crowded into the Republican big tent, along with the usual suspects who think that their taxes are too high and their businesses overregulated. It’s no wonder that some of them feel the need to step outside for a breath of fresh air from time to time, or to let off a little steam.
Seen in this light, it makes perfect sense that Carly Fiorina would have singled out Iran and Planned Parenthood as America’s two greatest existential threats, or that the legendary brain surgeon Ben Carson would attest to his disbelief in evolution (and that all of the candidates would dismiss the science behind climate change). It also makes sense that the three leading Republican hopefuls would have never held elective office, or that Scott Walker’s boosters saw his lack of a college degree as an asset.
As for Trump, one thinker who wouldn’t be surprised by his success is the economist F.A. Hayek, one of the GOP’s patron saints. When a minority is looking to hijack a democracy, he wrote in "The Road to Serfdom," it needs to attract a hard core of true believers. They will look to bring in comparatively less-educated people, he wrote, because “the higher the education and intelligence of individuals become, the more their views and tastes are differentiated and the less likely they are to agree on a particular hierarchy of values.” The program they will be offered, he adds, must be negative: “the hatred of an enemy…the envy of those better off….the contrast between the ‘we’ and the ‘they,’ the common fight against those outside the group, seems to be an essential ingredient in any creed which will solidly knit together a group for common action.”
And Ann Coulter? She’s just feeling a little cranky is all. “Republicans all agree 100 percent that we are pro-Israel, pro-Life, pro-gun,” she protested. “So why do we spend so much time on these issues?” | {
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As it became clear Saturday evening that Sen. Bernie Sanders would run away with the Nevada caucus and secure his position as the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary, MSNBC anchors and contributors lashed out at the senator and his supporters in bizarre and sometimes hysterical fashion, descending into what one observer could only describe as a "full-blown freakout."
Earlier in the Democratic primary process, the Comcast-owned network was notorious for ignoring the senator from Vermont, and covering him negatively when it covered him at all.
But Saturday marked a clear escalation in hostility from MSNBC's on-air personalities as Sanders' diverse coalition of supporters propelled him to a landslide victory in Nevada, the third consecutive state in which the senator has won the popular vote.
Nicole Wallace, former communications director for the George W. Bush White House, described Sanders' multi-racial, multi-generational coalition as a "squeaky, angry minority" and accused the senator of deploying "dark arts" as she introduced Democratic political consultant James Carville, who proceeded to declare Sanders' win in Nevada a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At one point in his appearance, Carville waved at the camera and said, "Hi, Vlad," suggesting Putin was likely watching MSNBC's coverage of the caucus results.
“A squeaky, angry minority.” MSNBC is gonna be must-watch TV the next few weeks. Carville follows by calling Putin the real winner today. pic.twitter.com/9FRds8YWD3 — Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) February 22, 2020
Wallace later lamented that she has "no idea what voters think about anything anymore" after her colleague, Steve Kornacki, explained that Sanders performed well in precincts with a large number of Culinary Union workers, despite the union leadership's antagonism toward the senator.
"Those are the voters that have seen the sheets that Culinary handed them about #MedicareForAll and decided to vote anyway for @BernieSanders" #NevadaCaucus (Nicolle Wallace: "I have no idea what voters think about anything anymore") pic.twitter.com/BIzPzrG9Yh — Ԍεοϝϝ (@SpittingBack) February 22, 2020
NPR's Maria Hinojosa, a frequent MSNBC contributor, demanded to know what Sanders has done to "actually deliver for Latino and Latina voters" after the senator dominated the Democratic field among those voters in Nevada.
"MSNBC sure has a lot of commentators who hate Sanders," tweeted Brian Fallon, the executive director of Demand Justice who served as national press secretary for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
"As somebody who has been around for a while...I want receipts. What has he done in all his time to actually deliver for Latino/a voters?" Strange thing to say on the night @BernieSanders won the Latino/a vote in Nevada by nearly 40 points. pic.twitter.com/93kmnPd31j — Justice Democrats (@justicedems) February 23, 2020
The most unhinged lines of Saturday night came from "Hardball" host Chris Matthews, who compared Sanders' Nevada win to the Nazi invasion of France.
"I was reading last night about the fall of France in the summer of 1940," said Matthews. "And the general, Reynaud, calls up Churchill and says, 'It's over.' And Churchill says, 'How can that be? You've got the greatest army in Europe. How can it be over?' He said, 'It's over.'"
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"So I had that suppressed feeling," Matthews continued. "I can't be as wild as Carville but he is damn smart, and I think he's damn right on this one."
Earlier Saturday, as Common Dreams reported, Matthews suggested that four more years of President Donald Trump might be better for the Democratic Party than a Sanders presidency.
Matthews' remarks comparing the Sanders campaign to Nazis—not the first time an MSNBC host has made such a comparison—sparked immediate backlash and demands for his resignation.
Mike Casca, communications director for the Sanders campaign, tweeted that he "never thought part of my job would be pleading with a national news network to stop likening the campaign of a Jewish presidential candidate whose family was wiped out by the Nazis to the Third Reich."
"But here we are," Casca wrote.
Chris Matthews just compared Bernie's victory in Nevada to the Nazis taking control of France. Incredibly offensive thing to say about someone from a family of holocaust survivors. pic.twitter.com/t29L4K4iHm — Justice Democrats (@justicedems) February 22, 2020
"For those of you unfortunate enough to have turned on MSNBC," wrote Hill TV's Krystal Ball, "you have witnessed a full-blown freakout. Nazi comparisons, commentators near tears, and even a stunning admission that maybe they don't understand the country anymore."
MSNBC's network-wide meltdown was so apparent that commentators on rival networks took notice—and talked about it on live television.
"There's another station, another channel," said CNN contributor Van Jones, "where people are freaking out, melting down, all across the country, at least all over the airwaves."
"He's not wrong," Jones said of Sanders. "The establishment is upset."
"There is a power that comes from being witnessed and being recognized in your pain and suffering." "[Bernie] is not wrong. The establishment is upset! There is another station where people are freaking out and melting down...all over the airwaves." -@vanjones68 with the shade pic.twitter.com/p6Kt1KpQgZ — Justice Democrats (@justicedems) February 23, 2020
Alexandra Rojas, executive director of Justice Democrats, attempted to explain the corporate media's open hostility toward Sanders and his supporters in an appearance on CNN Saturday evening.
"I'm a relatively new person here at CNN," said Rojas, who contributes to the network as a political commentator. "There are not a ton of people that are my age, or that look like me. Most of the people that sit in a lot of the most powerful rooms in the country pushing forward our news are... not the same level of class."
"Even though it might not be, you know, literally some person pulling the strings," Rojas said, "there is a worldview that is vastly different from the everyday voter." | {
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If Trump Doubles Down on the Saudi War in Yemen, Millions Could Starve
Countless Yemeni lives hang in the balance as President Donald Trump gears up to greatly deepen U.S. security cooperation with Saudi Arabia. On his visit to the kingdom on Saturday, the first stop on his first international trip, he will no doubt hear a lot from his Gulf counterparts about the Yemen conflict, and the threats posed by Iranian and al Qaeda influence there. But he is likely to hear far less about a different but equally serious threat to the country: famine. Reckless Saudi military policy has pushed Yemen to the brink of humanitarian collapse, and the kingdom is asking for more U.S. military support. If the U.S. doubles down on the Saudi approach, it will likely consign several million people to starvation.
The Saudi-led coalition at war in Yemen began intensive bombings just over two years ago, after a hostile alliance of Houthi militants and allies of Yemen’s former dictator, Ali Abdullah Saleh, managed to overthrow and expel the internationally recognized elected government. Saudi Arabia sees the Houthis as a direct security threat — the group regularly attacks the kingdom’s southern border — but also sees them, critically, as a proxy for Iran. Given burgeoning antipathy between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Riyadh is pursuing the forcible restoration of the elected Yemeni government as an important bulwark against Iranian influence on the Arabian Peninsula. This will no doubt resonate with Trump’s desire to reinforce a regional balance of power against Iran.
However, it is not going well for the Saudis. Two years in, their coalition and the opposition alliance have largely fought each other to a stalemate. Intense Saudi airstrikes are pounding the country into dust, but to little strategic effect. Multiple rounds of U.N.-brokered negotiations have collapsed, as neither side has proved ready to acknowledge that it cannot achieve its goals on the battlefield. U.S. diplomatic engagement has focused, rightly, on fostering conditions for a political resolution, rather than fueling further escalation of an unwinnable war. Shifting U.S. policy toward military escalation — as the Trump administration is reportedly considering — would have dire humanitarian consequences.
As the conflict drags on with no end in sight, the only clear winners have been hunger and death. Yemen was one of the most food-insecure and water-scarce countries in the world well before this latest conflict. Adding a brutal war to the mix is pushing the country into catastrophe. Both sides bear responsibility here. The behavior of the Saudi coalition gets a lot more press: It has bombed humanitarian warehouses, medical clinics, schools, bridges along key humanitarian aid routes, commercial food and water facilities, water infrastructure, and several of the ports used for humanitarian imports. And despite U.S. pressure, the Saudis have shown little concern for the civilian impact of their operations, even to the point of famously bombing a widely attended funeral in Sanaa, killing more than 100 people. But the Houthis deserve their share of blame as well, for frequently obstructing humanitarian agencies’ activities, operating poorly controlled militia roadblocks to harass and delay humanitarian movements, and maintaining a brutal, inhumane siege on the city of Taiz.
The results for Yemen’s people are all too predictable. Amidst a crowded field of global crises, Yemen takes the prize for the largest food security crisis in the world, with 14 million people food insecure (roughly half the population) and as many as two million in pre-famine conditions. Recent U.N. surveys have found that half the country’s population is borrowing money to cover basic food needs — an untenable situation when food prices are rising and economic livelihoods are collapsing. Malnutrition has reached critical levels and has spiked by a third in just the past year. The World Health Organization has warned that the war has left Yemen’s health system close to collapse, with only 45 percent of facilities fully functional and drug availability declining by 70 percent. And degraded water systems have left humanitarians struggling to contain a resurgent cholera outbreak that is spreading beyond control.
This is a classic pre-famine pattern. Widespread inability to afford sufficient food erodes a population’s health and increases vulnerability to disease. Malnutrition programs and degraded health services prove unable to keep up. And disease outbreaks begin killing off a weakened population, starting with the elderly and very young. The kindling for a major famine in Yemen is squarely in place, awaiting only a spark.
Trump’s visit to Riyadh may provide the spark. With the conflict at a stalemate and neither side in a mood to bargain, the Saudi coalition is seeking a wildcard to change the military equation. It wants to retake the Houthi-held port city of Hudaydah, and it want U.S. support. The Houthis reportedly derive important revenues from the operation of the port, and the Saudis also fear it serves as a hub for illicit Iranian military shipments. They argue retaking it could be a double game-changer — both starving the Houthis of revenue and impeding Iranian support.
The president and his team should not take the bait. Further military and economic pressure would be unlikely to alter the basic political equation for the Houthis, even if the United States were to substantially ramp up military support. But it would inevitably extract a brutal toll on the civilian population.
The Saudis have tried in numerous ways since 2015 to ramp up pressure on the Houthis and bring them to a more conciliatory bargaining position. None have delivered. Each time they have sought U.S. support, and each time the United States has wisely urged restraint rather than escalation. The coalition attacked and retook Aden in 2015, making arguments that closely echo the current rationale for attacking Hudaydah. The city’s capture made little strategic difference in the conflict. But it did destabilize security in Aden and place a military frontline between the city’s port and the rest of the country, effectively blocking the flow of commercial and humanitarian goods. Other coalition actions — the offensive in Marib in 2015, the persistent interference with basic commercial imports (which moderated after President Barack Obama personally urged the Saudi king to lift it), the disastrous move of the Yemeni central bank from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to coalition-held Aden — have been justified on similar grounds. So far there is little evidence that these moves have changed the Houthi’s fundamental military or economic calculus — but they have done substantial damage to the humanitarian and economic situation.
An offensive on Hudaydah would fit this pattern, but with dramatically higher costs. U.S. support for the operation would not likely change the overall military balance, but would almost certainly tip the country squarely into famine — a famine that would then have U.S. fingerprints on it. Yemen is reliant on imports for 90 percent of its staple foods, and nearly three-quarters of those imports flow through Hudaydah. This lifeline is the only thing currently holding Yemen back from a full-fledged famine. An offensive on the town would fully sever these supplies in the immediate term and create, as in Aden, an impassable front line between the port and the country’s vulnerable population. A catastrophic famine would soon follow.
This conflict will be resolved not on the battlefield but at the negotiating table — and U.S. policy should aim to amplify pressure on the parties to cut a deal (rather than making huge weapons sales to one side). The United States has until now served as an important, albeit imperfect, restraint on coalition military actions that could tip the country into famine. Abandoning this policy would consign millions of Yemenis to likely starvation, all to support a Saudi military push that will not bring the country appreciably closer to peace. Trump and his advisors should tell the Saudis that they do not want a famine on their conscience — and neither should Riyadh.
Photo credit: A malnourished child in Hudaydah, Yemen receives treatment on May 2, 2017. Stringer/AFP/Getty Images | {
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Liverpool are planning for the new season with Dejan Lovren on board.
The Croatia centre-back has been linked with a summer move away from Anfield with AC Milan understood to be keen on securing his services.
However, Jurgen Klopp isn't looking to sell Lovren and expects him to stay put for the 2019/20 campaign.
Despite all the speculation, the former Southampton defender hasn't indicated that he wants to leave and Liverpool have received no approaches for him.
He is scheduled to report back to Melwood for pre-season training later this month ahead of the pre-season tour of America.
Lovren, who turns 30 on Friday, endured a difficult 2018/19 season on a personal level as he started just 15 matches in all competitions.
He was hampered by a number of fitness issues and was an unused substitute in the Champions League final triumph over Tottenham in Madrid.
Joe Gomez formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Virgil van Dijk in the first half of the season with Joel Matip impressing alongside the Dutchman later in the campaign.
Klopp has added to his defensive options this summer with the £1.3million signing of Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle.
The Dutch youngster is regarded as one for the future with Klopp keen to have four senior centre-backs in Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez and Lovren competing for a starting spot this term.
Lovren has clocked up 170 appearances for the Reds since his arrival from Saints for £20million in 2014. | {
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As the Giants approach the end of another unsatisfying odd-year season, the faithful justifiably have begun looking toward 2016 with a mix of sentimentality and practicality.
The practical folks look at the gobs of salary coming off the books this winter and have firm ideas on how management should spend it to get the team back to even-year glory.
The sentimental look at the names behind those numbers, knowing some of their favorite players will not return.
The Giants’ final 2015 payroll will reach about $180 million. Of that, nearly $50 million comes straight off the books with the expiring contracts of Tim Lincecum, Tim Hudson, Marco Scutaro, Jeremy Affeldt, Ryan Vogelsong, Mike Leake and Alejandro De Aza.
Another $19 million in potential obligations could disappear with three players who have team options for 2016: Marlon Byrd, Santiago Casilla and Nori Aoki, although the Giants surely will exercise Casilla’s at $5.5 million. Byrd seems less likely now to reach the 550 plate appearances for his $8 million option to vest.
Some of the savings will go toward raises due other players, including $3.5 million for Buster Posey and $3 million for Madison Bumgarner (the best bargain in baseball), and arbitration-eligible players such as Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford.
For now, 13 games remain in 2015, including seven at AT&T Park and three in Oakland. This should be a time for the sentimental to prepare goodbyes to some of their favorite Giants.
Here’s a look at the seven Giants who have expiring contracts and the three with 2016 team options, (with their 2015 Giants salary obligations in parentheses):
FREE AGENTS
RHP Tim Lincecum ($18 million): His value as a pitcher, icon and franchise-changer need not be repeated ad infinitum. Fans had no trouble looking beyond his performance decline and were heartbroken that his Giants career potentially ended with a hip operation. But there’s a lot of talk about Lincecum returning next spring at least on a minor-league deal. So “goodbye” might just be “au revoir.”
RHP Tim Hudson ($12 million): He and his new fans on the west side of San Francisco Bay were blessed to have one another over the final two seasons of his career. He got the World Series ring that eluded him and the fans and team got a class individual and mentor to younger pitchers.
2B Marco Scutaro ($6 million): A championship hero who deserved every penny of the three-year, $20 million deal he got after the 2012 World Series. Only a coldhearted person could call that deal a “bust” after he sacrificed his body to help win that trophy, then somehow delivered 547 plate appearances in 2013 despite a badly damaged back and finger.
LHP Jeremy Affeldt ($5 million): Affeldt hopes fans will remember him not for his wacky injuries, but his longevity, 22 consecutive postseason appearances without allowing a run, his crucial performances in Game 6 of the 2010 National League Championship Series and Game 7 of the 2014 World Series, plus his advocacy against human trafficking and on behalf of Bryan Stow.
RHP Ryan Vogelsong ($4 million) : What else can you say about a guy who kept returning to the Giants when he was not their priority and provided important innings when other pitchers went down? Do not count him out for 2016.
RHP Mike Leake ($3.5 million): His story did not turn out the way he or the team had hoped. A 4.69 ERA since his acquisition and arm tightness raise questions about the Giants’ willingness to pay top dollar in free agency for a pitcher they always coveted.
OF Alejandro De Aza ($350,000): The trade seemed like a good idea at the time, but he hardly plays and it’s hard to know how the Giants view his future with the team.
TEAM OPTIONS
RHP Santiago Casilla ($5 million): His $5.5 million option for 2016 seems like a no-brainer pickup for the Giants, no matter his role next year. He is that good a reliever.
OF Nori Aoki ($4.75 million): Injuries and concussions did not allow the Giants to get a full measure of a player who performed well atop the lineup during Angel Pagan’s absence. His option for next year is $5.5 million.
OF Marlon Byrd ($500,000): Even at 38, Byrd has given the Giants that potentially dangerous right-handed bat off the bench that they always struggle to find. His return is not a stretch, but at $8 million? A big question for the front office to answer.
Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: [email protected]. Twitter: @hankschulman | {
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Malta is set to criminalise the wilful spreading of the COVID-19 coronavirus with jail time of up to nine years, Lovin Malta is informed.
Sources close to the Justice Ministry said that Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis will soon publish a legal notice which will amend 244A(2) of the Criminal Code, which regulates the criminal transmission of diseases, to add COVID-19 to the list of transmissible diseases.
As per the law, people who know they have been infected with COVID-19 and who knowingly transmit the disease to non-infected people will be liable to imprisonment for a term between four to nine years. | {
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The law enforcement official, Tim K. Lynn, a senior executive in charge of Interior’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security, acted inappropriately toward six women, touching, hugging, text-messaging and flirting with them at the office and discussing “inappropriate” subjects, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall’s office reported last week. The women either work for Lynn directly or have worked with him and were not named in the report, which is standard procedure.
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Lynn, a former law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service and Secret Service, was recently promoted to senior executive in his current job leading the Interior law enforcement office, which acts as a liaison to the agency’s other enforcement agencies.
An agency spokeswoman said the department is reviewing Lynn’s case in order to decide what action should be taken. A top Republican lawmaker says that a decision should already have been made.
“This person should be fired and should have been some time ago,” Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Affairs, said of Lynn. “This is a new administration. If you want to send the right message, show zero tolerance and fire these people. It’s inexcusable.”
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When confronted by investigators, Lynn denied the allegations, telling them that “touching people was in his nature and he had not intended to make [the woman] uncomfortable,” according to the report. He acknowledged that he had occasionally touched the woman and talked with her about personal subjects.
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Investigators provided graphic detail about one of them, a direct report who told a high-level supervisor about Lynn’s allegedly unwanted behavior.
She described Lynn as a “touchy-feely type [of] guy” who would brush against her arm, squeeze her shoulders, administer “reflex checks” to her knees and occasionally wink at her during meetings, investigators found. At first she did not tell anyone about these actions since she was new in the office “and wanted to see if they were just part of Lynn’s personality or something more,” the report said.
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Then last summer, the woman started to document the encounters because they made her more uncomfortable. Lynn came into her office once when she was alone, put his head on her shoulder and rubbed her hair, she said. Then he joked that she was “looking at porn.” She said she was not.
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Another time, the woman said Lynn told her, “I’m going to tell you something very, very private,” then showed her a Facebook photograph of a woman he said was his dental hygienist and told her that his hygienist wanted him to be her “sugar daddy.”
She told investigators Lynn asked her if she had ever dated anyone she worked with. He once saw her in the office icing her leg after a bike ride, asked her if she was hurt, and then said: “Do you want me to be like your daddy and kiss your boo-boos all better for you?” When she declined, he continued, investigators said. “What’s the matter? Did your daddy never kiss your boo-boos for you?” he said. When she told him his comments were “weird and uncomfortable,” he replied: “I’m so sad that your daddy never kissed your boo-boos for you.”
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Lynn once offered to have the woman stay at his house if she needed time away from her roommates.
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The five other women who said Lynn harassed them came forward in interviews with investigators. Lynn admitted to some of his alleged actions toward them, but said he had not meant to make the women uncomfortable.
“He said that he probably did touch the employees, but not in a sexual way,” the report said. “Lynn told us that if he had tried to hug someone and they indicated that they did not want a hug, he would have respected that.”
Lynn did not return an email seeking comment. The Interior public affairs office did not respond to several requests to reach out to him for comment.
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Zinke spokeswoman Heather Swift, in a statement, said, “We are reviewing the matter outlined in the IG’s report to determine appropriate further action. The Department takes allegations of inappropriate behavior and retaliation very seriously and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee is treated with respect.”
Investigators presented their findings to the Obama administration in late fall, a person with knowledge of the case said. After the woman reported Lynn’s behavior to a high-level supervisor, Deputy Assistant Secretary Harry Humbert, Humbert immediately counseled Lynn, telling him his behavior was unprofessional. The woman told investigators that after the counseling, the harassment stopped — but that Lynn openly criticized her in a meeting in what she says was retaliation.
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Lawmakers in both parties have pressed for stronger action against such misconduct by federal employees. The Lynn case follows several high-profile sexual harassment cases at the National Park Service that have prompted congressional hearings and an agency-wide survey of Interior employees. The survey, prepared by the outgoing Obama administration to gauge how widespread harassment is, is ongoing, and the results will not be made public until the summer, officials said.
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Few employees have been punished at Yosemite National Park or Canaveral National Seashore, where the inspector general’s office found a culture of sexual harassment in reports last year. An investigation of similar allegations at Yellowstone National Park is scheduled for release soon. The employees involved at Yosemite and Canaveral were allowed to retire or reassigned.
Interior has been dogged by other recent ethics issues that include a book deal by the former Park Service chief that was not reviewed by the agency’s ethics office; an apparent violation of federal law by a top Fish and Wildlife Service official who worked a side job as treasurer of a state wildlife regulators group that works closely with the agency; and the hiring of a relative and girlfriend by the director of the Bureau of Indian Education.
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Republicans in particular have argued that these lapses require a faster path to holding employees accountable. President Trump, on the campaign trail, decried misconduct in the federal bureaucracy and pledged to take harsh action against misbehaving employees.
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Chaffetz said he spoke with Zinke in recent weeks as the Senate was considering his nomination “about what the Oversight committee felt was an area of great concern at Interior.”
Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a watchdog group that has called on the Park Service to dismiss several employees accused of misconduct, said the Lynn case could require action from Zinke himself since his leadership team is not yet in place.
“At the moment, there are very few people between the secretary and Tim Lynn,” Ruch said. “This case is arguably more in Ryan Zinke’s hands than it would be six months from now.”
Ruch noted that previous Interior secretaries, including Sally Jewell under Obama and Dirk Kempthorne under George W. Bush, made similar pledges to punish employees who violated ethics rules. | {
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Wyatt likes to joke about his love for "tape-hiss black metal." He uses the term in jest, but I like it. Black metal bands who release their material exclusively on tape do tend to share a broad set of aesthetic principles: relative simplicity, budget-sounding recordings, lots of treble, and so forth. Tape-hiss black metal isn't a real genre, but it's an entertaining term of convenience.
Southern California's Lake of Blood have released their new album, Omnipotens Tyrannus, exclusively to tape. (You can order it here. But though Lake of Blood play black metal, they are emphatically not a tape-hiss black metal band. Omnipotens Tyrannus instead offers an unabashedly modern take on the genre: clear tones, tight performances, and long, expansive songs. In fact, its most visible flaw is its length. Omnipotens Tyrannus clocks in at 79 minutes, which I wasn't sure could even fit on a single cassette. ('90s child here.)
Lake of Blood could've done worse than to give us too much of a good thing. Omnipotens Tyrannus punishes, but it also shifts gears frequently. Melody and dissonance receive equal billing in its compositions, and drummer Xsithis drives them both forward with the same relentless precision. Acoustic guitars and spacey ambience vignette some of the songs; Scott Miller of Sutekh Hexen helped Lake of Blood with this connective tissue. But for the most part, the band focuses on dealing out blastbeat after wailing blastbeat. Leviathan architect Wrest contributes both vocals and guitars to two of Omnipotens Tyrannus's two songs, including "In Wells of Shadow", which is streaming above. But without his signature veil of vocal effects, he's hard to pick out; he becomes another anguished voice howling in the void.
2013 has produced several noteworthy albums in this vein. Aosoth's excellent newest album has received the most attention, but some other remarkable examples still hover under the radar. Patrons of the Rotting Gate and A God Or An Other come to mind. Lake of Blood fits in nicely with this imposing company, though each band has its own strengths. The music-writer instinct in these situations is to come up with a pithy descriptor for all four of them, a la "tape-hiss black metal." Perhaps we'd be better off calling them "really good" and leaving it at that.
Omnipotens Tyrannus is out on cassette now via Cult of Melancholia. One hopes that it will eventually see a digital release via Lake of Blood's Bandcamp for the tape-allergic among us.
— Doug Moore
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Portuguese giants Benfica are reportedly mulling over a move for unwanted Liverpool loanee Javier Manquillo.
A report on Tuesday from The Mirror’s David Maddock claims Brendan Rodgers is “desperate” to offload the Spanish full back as he oversees a vast clear out, thus ending Manquillo’s two-year loan spell a season early – something that has previously been said could cost the Reds a fee.
The Portuguese champions are reported by A Bola to be in a battle to keep current right back Maxi Pereira who has turned down the offer of a new contract, and have begun sounding out replacements for the outgoing 31-year-old, including Atletico Madrid owned Manquillo.
In Tuesday’s edition of the publication which discussed potential replacements for Pereira, Manquillo was pictured alongside two further possible options to come in, namely Mario Fernandes of CSKA Moscow and Mayke of Cruziero.
It is written that all three players are “candidates to occupy the place that may be left vacant in Rui Vittoria’s squad” should Uruguay international Pereira – who has previously been linked with a transfer to Anfield himself – opt to move elsewhere.
With parent club Atletico appearing to be unsure whether to bring him back to Vicente Calderon with initial plans to give the 21-year-old first team football experience, a move to Portugal could be of genuine interest.
Manquillo featured 19 times in all competitions for the Reds in his debut season on Merseyside and while he performed adequately with his defensive solidity notable, it appears he did little to convince Rodgers he is the right long-term solution for Liverpool’s vacant right back spot.
The Reds boss has already moved to secure the services of Southampton and England right back Nathanial Clyne, and with Jon Flanagan and Andre Wisdom already on the books at Anfield, it’s certainly hard to see a space for Manquillo in Rodgers’ squad.
With Manquillo’s days at Anfield appearing to be numbered, a move to Benfica where he could play Champions League football next season, could prove tempting for both parent club and the defender.
Elsewhere in the rumour mill today: Liverpool “offer new contract and first team chance to Tiago Ilori” | {
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Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood Image Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Starting on January 31, Landmark Theatres will present the “Landmark Theatres Best Picture Spotlight,” bringing all of the 2020 Academy Award “Best Picture” nominees back to the big screen.
This special showcase will be offered in 10 theatres across the country, including The Landmark (Los Angeles), Kendall Square Cinema (Boston), Renaissance Place Cinema (Chicago), Bethesda Row Cinema (Washington, DC), The Magnolia (Dallas), Greenwood Village (Denver), Spectrum 8 Theatres (Albany, NY), Lagoon Cinema (Minneapolis), Glendale 12 (Indianapolis) and The Landmark at Merrick Park (Miami). Participating theatres will be showing several Oscar-nominated films per day, for 10 consecutive days, on a dedicated screen. The final films will be shown on the day of the Oscars, Sunday, February 9.
“We’re thrilled to uniquely offer audiences the chance to experience the entire showcase of this year’s ‘Best Picture’ nominees on the big screen before the 2020 Oscar show,” said Landmark president Paul Serwitz.
The 2020 “Best Picture Spotlight Series” schedule comprises 1917, Ford v Ferrari, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, Joker, Little Women, Marriage Story, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, and Parasite.
Visit www.landmarktheatres.com for a full schedule. | {
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盗作疑惑が指摘された東京芸大大学院生の勝海麻衣さんについて、銭湯絵師見習いとなった経緯にも、ネット上で異論が出ている。勝海さんより前に、銭湯絵師に「弟子入り」していたと主張する人物が、ツイッターで発言したのだ。
これに対し、勝海さんの師匠側は、「ないことをいっぱい書かれている」と反論しており、主張が食い違っている。
銭湯アイドルの漫画家が「弟子を追い出された」と主張
勝海さんについては、イベントで書いた虎の絵が、イラストレーターが描いた絵と酷似していると話題になり、J-CASTニュースでも3月29日に「『銭湯絵師』見習い女性に盗作疑惑 イラストレーター激怒で謝罪」と報じた。この問題では、勝海さんは、ツイッターで謝罪したが、絵を描き写したかどうかについての言及はなく、2019年4月2日夕現在も、沈黙したままだ。
その後、犬を描いた別の絵でも、オーストラリアの写真家Kirsten Bowersさんの作品と酷似していると指摘された。勝海さんがインスタグラムに3月10日に投稿した絵で、これが狩猟犬のワイマラナーを撮った写真を模写したのではないかと疑いがかけられている。写真家は4月2日夕現在、ツイッターなどでこの件に何も触れていない模様だ。
さらに、生き物情報サイトに載ったニホンザルの写真をスマホで見て銭湯で絵を描く写真がツイッターに投稿された。また、自らの個展で展示された人物群像も著名人の写真を見て描いたのではないかといった指摘がネット上で出ており、騒動は収まっていない。
そして、今度は、勝海さんが銭湯絵師の丸山清人さんに弟子入りした経緯についても、ツイッター上で批判が寄せられた。
銭湯アイドルで漫画家の湯島ちょこさんは4月1日、自分が先に丸山さんに弟子入りしたのに、勝海さん側から追い出されたとツイッターで主張した。
それによると、丸山さんは、日本銭湯文化協会理事の町田忍さんから勝海さんを紹介されたが、町田さんは、医者をしている勝海さんの父親に世話になっていて、父親から頼まれたのだという。 | {
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Amazon likely to launch color e-book readers in 2H12, say sources
Siu Han, Taipei; Steve Shen, DIGITIMES
Amazon is likely to launch color e-book readers in the second half of 2012, with makers in the supply chain to begin shipping related parts and components in May, according to industry sources. | {
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She released an inflatable pool float in the shape of her peachy rear, just in time for summer.
But Kim Kardashian, 36, proved there's nothing like the real thing on Sunday, as she proudly paraded her bulbous behind in a skimpy bikini during a holiday in Mexico with sister Kourtney, 38, and assistant Stephanie Sheppard.
After complaining that her friends were 'fat-shaming' her over unairbrushed pictures of her hourglass figure, Kanye West's wife Kim did what any body-confident beach babe would do and slipped on a thong, sticking a metaphorical middle figure up to the haters.
Scroll down for video
Kimoj-eez! Kim Kardashian exposed her sizable behind in a thong bikini on Sunday, as she took off for a vacation in Mexico with sister Kourtney Kardashian and friends this week
Cheeky: From all angles, slim Kim was a perfect hourglass with her tiny waist somewhat disproportionate to her behind
Selfie queen Kim, who collated a best-selling book of her favourite shots of herself, is partial to a belfie post on Instagram but the new bikini pictures of her expose an un-retouched side of the stunning Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, which has won her high praise among fans.
Her distinctive rear recently featured in Kim's latest drop of Kimoji - personalised 'Kim' emojis - merchandise, being sold as a simple image of her bottom and hips on an inflatable pool float.
In the new holiday pictures, a smiling Kim was seen soaking up the sun in nothing but skimpy L*Space bottoms and a ripped crop top that knotted at her remarkably small waist.
Her recent weight loss - for which she controversially thanked a sickly 'flu' bug - struck a stark contrast between her toned middle and her shapely hips and bottom.
But slim Kim, now a mother of two, seemed quite delighted with the outcome and walked around looking carefree with bare feet and wet hair on her sunny vacation.
Cool at the pool: Kim's recent weight loss created a stark contrast between her narrow middle and her shapely thighs
‹ Slide me › Cheeky: The pictures finally expose an unairbrushed side to Kim's famous bottom (left, in October 2013 and right, on Sunday), and fans have been praising how enviable she looks
Here come the girls: Kim (left) is currently holidaying with older sister Kourtney Kardashian (right) and Stephanie Shepard (centre)
Bikini babes: It was a girls only weekend that also saw attendance from Larsa Pippen, Brittny Gastineau, Malika Haqq and Hrush Achemyan.
Mood: Kim was in especially high spirits, despite taking to Twitter to complain about her friends 'fat shaming' her
Rear of the year: The brunette has one of the most enviable bodies in showbusiness
Break the internet: Kim's perfect bum almost broke the internet in 2014, with her bare bottom Paper magazine cover
Even so, confident Kourtney ran rings around the girl group, showing that her own perky assets completely defied gravity as she performed cartwheels on the lawn.
Mother-of-three Kourt recently turned 38, but you wouldn't know it, thanks to her playful nature that showed she was still young at heart.
Kourtney similarly favoured thong bikini bottoms worn with a sporty cropped bikini top that needed no support for her age-defying bust.
Kim found the antics especially amusing, taking to Twitter to point out that 'naked cartwheels' were just one of the hilarious larks on the girls' Mexican getaway, which also featured Kourtney throwing up in her own bed.
The girls' weekend has welcomed all of the familiar faces into the fold, including Larsa Pippen, Brittny Gastineau, Malika Haqq and Hrush Achemyan - all playfully dubbed 'The Calabasas mom crew,' by Kim.
Kim provided a 'play-by-play' for fans, tweeting about the getaway as she, Kourtney and their friends spent some well-deserved time away from their children.
In shape: Having recently celebrated her 38th birthday, mum-of-three Kourtney looked to be in incredible shape
Stunning: Kourtney adjusted her swimsuit, prepping herself for some impromptu gymnastics
Cheeky: Kourtney was proving she's still young at heart as she performed cartwheels on the lawn
Joker: Young at heart Kourtney let it all hang out as she mimicked her kids with some frivolous gymnastics
Young at heart: Kourtney ran rings around the group, showing that her perky assets completely defied gravity
Cheeky: Kim recently monetised her distinctive behind, by making a pool float out of her hilarious bum Kimoji
Kim is mother to North, three, and one-year-old Saint West by husband Kanye, while Kourtney has Mason, seven, Penelope, four, and two-year-old Reign with estranged partner Scott Disick.
Body-conscious Kim recently celebrated escalating her post-baby weight loss when she contracted the flu, tweeting about the weight loss in an arguably 'irresponsible' fashion, after making a full recovery.
'The flu can be an amazing diet. So happy it came in time for the Met [Gala] lol #6lbsdown,' she wrote, praising her preparation for the Costume Institute Gala, due to be held this May in New York City.
Her friends have even been helping her to stave off the weight during the wild weekend, with Kim complaining that her milkshake was 'spiked' by her hair stylist Jen Atkin to stop her from consuming the calories.
Selfie-obsessed: Kim is known for sharing belfie posts of her bodacious behind (left, in October 2013) but the new holiday shots (right, on Sunday) have earned Kim high praise for showing off her real side
Joking around: Kim has been keeping fans up to date with the wild weekend, including accusations that Kourtney had been sick in her bed
Hose down: Kourtney cooled down with a refreshing outdoor shower by the pool
Busy mum: Kourtney has Mason, seven, Penelope, four, and two-year-old Reign with estranged partner Scott Disick
Natural beauty: Kourtney seemed to be wearing a very minimal coverage of make-up, including waterproof mascara
Yummy mummy: Kourtney and her mum friends have certainly been letting her hair down
Ouch: On Monday night, the 36-year-old star took to Twitter to post about gal pal Jen Atkin 'fat shaming' her, as she gave a play-by-play of the events of their girls' weekend
Flipping amazing: Perhaps Kim gave the reasoning for Kourtney's vomiting
Party hard: The middle Kardashian sister documented the 39-year-old antics
As for me? Kim claimed to be acting as good as gold, even cheekily referencing the hysteria over her unairbrushed photos by saying she looked 'flawless'
'@Jenatkinhair spiked my Oreo shake to try to get me to not eat it because she's fat shaming me,' Kim wrote, joking with her long-term friend in view of her 51.2M followers.
Afterwards, she hinted at the bikini pictures that have taken the web by storm this week - threatening once again to 'break the internet' as she so famously did in 2014 with her bare bottom displayed on the cover of Paper magazine.
Concluding her live tweets about the raucous holiday, Kim slyly tweeted: 'Oh and as for me you ask? ...I'm just sitting here on the beach with my flawless body.'
Twinning: Kourtney and her friend Steph were enjoying twinning vibes in matching black bikinis
Vibes: Kim has dubbed the girl group of Kourtney's friends 'The Calabasas mom crew'
In shape: Their thong bikinis will no doubt be the coveted style of the season, following their endorsement
Body conscious: The trio have been keeping a check on each other's diets to make sure they don't overindulge, Kim says
Chatting away: Kim shares a strong bond with Kourtney's closest girlfriends, it seems
Kim tossed her bobbed hair back as she put on her sunglasses during their chat
Relaxing: The trio enjoyed some time relaxing on an outdoor bed in the sun
The perfect spot: It looked like a secluded spot, away from fellow holidaymakers | {
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The way in which others view your business is almost as important as anything else.… | {
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Denton County officials issued a mandatory, county-wide stay-at-home order Tuesday, asking people to stay home in an attempt to stall the spread of COVID-19.
Denton County Judge Andy Eads said the order would go into effect at 11:59 p.m., March 25 and impacts all 40 cities in the county.
Under the order (which can be read at the bottom of this page), Essential Businesses are allowed to remain open and those working at those businesses are permitted to travel to work in those businesses, but all other businesses are ordered to close. Restaurants offering to go, drive-through or takeout service are permitted to stay open.
People are permitted to leave their residences to perform any Essential Activities, which are tasks related to health and safety or to obtain food and supplies.
All elective medical, surgical and dental procedures are prohibited in the county so that resources can be redirected to COVID-19 response.
County leaders said they hoped people comply with the declaration and treat the order as a "life and death matter" but that they were prepared to issue citations for people found to be in repeated violation of the order. Jody Gonzalez, director of Denton County Emergency Services said those found to be in violation could face a $1,000 fine or 180 days in jail.
Through Monday, Denton County has confirmed 36 cases of coronavirus and has reported zero deaths.
*Map locations are approximate, central locations for the city and are not meant to indicate where actual infected people live.
**County totals below include all 32 North Texas counties, not just Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant.
Earlier in the week, Denton County health officials announced restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus. The restrictions, which went into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday, included limiting all gatherings to 10 people or fewer, closed bars, commercial amusement establishments, theaters, gyms and other businesses that do not sell essential household items.
“Today, we are taking further stringent steps to reduce the risk of infection across Denton County as part of a regional approach to reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Eads said on Sunday. “However, we cannot ask our businesses to bear the brunt of these actions and not do our own part. It is incumbent upon all of us to stay at home, if possible, and take common sense steps to limit our interactions with others outside of our respective homes."
“We acknowledge this is a dilemma, and that everything done prior to a pandemic will appear like an overreaction and alarmist," Eads said. "Everything done after will seem inadequate."
The order came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott opted not to order a statewide "shelter in place" mandate, instead leaving it up to counties to decide how to fight the new coronavirus.
How to Avoid COVID-19 Infection:
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
*Information shared from the Office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
If you have trouble reading the document above, click here to load it in a new window. | {
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It was supposed to be a very straight-forward affair: The US men's national team would come out in a variation of The System™, grab 60% of possession and spend most of their time probing around the attacking third against a deep-lying, uncomplicated, banks-of-four-playing Jamaica side.
Turns out a bit of a tactical chess match broke out. That was partially – or maybe largely – due to a 90-minute weather delay 15 minutes in, which allowed Jamaican head coach Theodore Whitmore to reconfigure his side and adjust to what had the made the US dominant right out of the gates. Regardless, the tactical back-and-forth combined with the weather delay and everything else on the night to make for a pretty fascinating Gold Cup semifinal.
And in the end, the US got a deserved 3-1 win.
Some thoughts:
• Jozy Altidore's hold-up play was the biggest game-over-game difference from the quarters to the semis for the US. For that first 15 minutes they almost exclusively played through him, which pretty well validated the ideas I'd put forth in my newsletter after the Curacao game:
So in my last newsletter I wrote about how the #USMNT system designed by Berhalter – one in which so much of the play goes through the #9 – was obviously meant for Jozy and not Gyasi, and would work better w/ Jozy out there.
First 7 minutes is showing the hell out of that. pic.twitter.com/sZGIBw48rG — Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) July 4, 2019
Yeah... I understand that everybody was flogging the idea that Gyasi Zardes was actually the first-choice No. 9, but that was just never, ever the case. This team is playing a style that was built to feature a center forward who could both link play and create chances, and that's what Jozy did. The game-over-game difference was unmissable, and that was the biggest reason the US could (maybe should?) have been up 3-0 by the time the lightning struck.
• Zardes has all sorts of culpability on the Jamaica goal as he gave the ball away so, so cheaply in central midfield while attempting a pretty simple turn.
His struggles in situations like that cause problems for the entire US team. They're unable to push forward, so everything becomes isolated. And quite obviously: turnovers in bad spots can be killer.
The US badly need another center forward – one who's more secure on the ball – to step up soon. Gyasi can't do the job.
• The big tactical switch from Gregg Berhalter was to move the US closer to something of a true double-pivot, with Weston McKennie staying much deeper, almost next to Michael Bradley for good portions of the match. That allowed the US to have multiple avenues of distribution, and also allowed right back Reggie Cannon – who was excellent – to pretty constantly bomb up and down the right flank.
The thing is, though, that even with both Bradley and McKennie deep, both players were able to get forward with regularity. Altidore's ball security in his hold-up play was a big part of why:
Nice combination play by Altidore and Bradley.
Jozy's great link-up play has made a significant difference tonight. And that was a terrific entry pass by Bradley to McKennie.#USMNT #USAvJAM #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/GCaV59SyZD — Joga Bonito (@Jasoninho10) July 4, 2019
• The big tactical change after the weather delay was Jamaica deciding to straight-up man-mark Bradley and do something close to that to McKennie, while trying to force the US center backs to do the bulk of the distribution. In very meaningful ways it worked, as it broke the US rhythm and created a path back into the game for the Reggae Boyz.
Until the US finally figured out they could release Cannon over the top. And then Jamaica had to adjust again.
It really was a lot of fun.
• McKennie played a much cleaner, more involved game in central midfield than he often does. On the USMNT version of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, "Wes becomes a true, Champions League-caliber No. 8" is below "Josh Sargent becomes an excellent No. 9" and "someone shows they can play left back," but is probably above almost everything else.
This performance suggested that it's not a lack of ability for McKennie, but a lack of reps. I hope, with almost every fiber of my being, that he gets a whole season at that spot for Schalke.
• Christian Pulisic had two goals, and was the best player on the field (other than maybe Aaron Long)... and he spent even more time on the wing than he usually does:
I motion that we call an inside-out run from a central player the "Pulisic run" from now on. Cc: @HenryBushnell pic.twitter.com/X8xQrR6SNU — Joseph Lowery (@joeInCleats) July 4, 2019
I don't think that's a coincidence. The issue, then, is maintaining midfield balance if he's the nominal "10," as those kinds of runs often leave the midfield naked.
Sometimes the US compensated by having Paul Arriola dive inside, and sometimes it was from Altidore dropping back, and other times (as in the clip above), Bradley or McKennie would fill the gap.
It worked pretty well. At the same time, it remains a work in progress.
• So too does the USMNT as a whole, but here's the thing: They've made it to the final, they've got Mexico next, and they've generally improved upon many of the things that were a legitimate worry ahead of this 2019 Gold Cup.
It's a good set of circumstances to be in. And it leaves them 90 minutes from a trophy. Nobody can be too frustrated with that. | {
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What if all bald and bearded people Really just have haircuts that are upside-down?
173 shares | {
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July 17 was World Emoji Day, and brands like Postmates took the opportunity to experiment with novel marketing initiatives. Users can now search for food options like pizza or burritos on the Postmates app using ? or ?. It hasn’t exactly taken off, but emoji search has been supported in Bing and Yelp since 2014, and Google has allowed it since 2016.
One might assume that searching Google or Bing using emojis would lead to the same results as using the text equivalent (e.g., searching ? would deliver the same results as “donut”), but that isn’t the case. For the most part, emoji-based queries in the search engines yield results that pertain to the emoji itself, but there are interesting opportunities for marketers, particularly with regards to videos in the search results.
Emojis in video titles
For emoji-based queries, the website results are typically from emoji resource sites, whereas the video carousel tends to include videos with the emoji itself or the word that matches the emoji in their titles. Those with the queried emojis in the titles often appear ahead of videos without them. Adding an emoji to your video’s title may increase its visibility in the video carousel. For example, notice the Hannah Montana video in the first carousel spot in the screenshot below has the ship emoji in the title.
Clicking through on the video, we find that the ship emoji is used only once in the title and not at all in the description.
Other opportunities for organic visibility in emoji-based queries
Since emoji search results aren’t the same as their text search equivalent, the advantage here is organic visibility when users do search with emojis. (If you want to see gauge how popular emoji search on Google is, you can paste emojis into Google Trends.) Below, three of the six top organic listings contain the pizza emoji and one of them contains a pizza emoji within its meta description.
In some cases, emojis within social accounts or content also appear prominently, as is the case with Wingstop’s Twitter account.
When to add emojis and when to omit them
Users can search using emojis on both Google and Bing. I ncluding them in your titles, meta description or within your content may increase your organic visibility when emojis are used in search queries. At this point, the optimization opportunity appears to be largest in video search.
In order to prevent abuse, Google only displays emojis in its search result snippets for relevant queries and will show the result without the emoji when it deems it irrelevant. (That put an end to experiments by brands such as Expedia which added emojis to its title tags in 2015 to catch users’ attention and increase click-through rates.) In a Google Webmaster Central office-hours hangout, John Mueller stated, “it is not the case that we would demote a web site or flag it as web spam if it had emojis or other symbols in the description.”
However, emojis are not allowed in Google’s text or Shopping ads or as part of your store name in Google Merchant Center. The Google My Business guidelines do not specifically address emojis or emoticons within names, but it does advise that special characters should not be included unless they are part of your business’ real-world representation.
Despite allowing users to search via emojis, Yelp does not allow business owners to include them within their listings.
It’s all about visibility
When users search with emojis, adding them to your video titles may result in more organic visibility, even when your video is about what the emoji represents and not the emoji itself. Adding them to your website content or social accounts may also increase visibility when emojis are used in search queries, but the results are also likely to contain many emoji-related listings.
Additionally, as more companies like Yelp and Postmates offer the ability to conduct in-app searches using emojis, user behavior may begin to shift and first-movers could be at an advantage. Should that shift occur, tactically implementing emojis can position your brand for more visibility and, if it doesn’t, at least you won’t get penalized by Google. | {
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Foto: Hina
HDZ i SDP ostvarili su najbolje rezultate u zadnjih godinu dana, pokazuje to istraživanje Crobarometra Dnevnika Nove TV koje je u prvih 15 dana ožujka na uzorku od 976 građana proveo Ipsos Puls.
HDZ je tako prva, a SDP druga stranka. SDP je u ožujku smanjio razliku, s rastom većim od HDZ-ovog.
Stranka Tomislava Karamarka tako ima potporu od 30, a SDP od 23 posto.
S obzirom na statističku pogrešku, HDZ ima raspon potpore od 26,6 do 33,4 posto, a SDP se, s obzirom na statistički pogrešku, kreće između 19,9 i 26,1 posto.
Živi zid u padu, ORaH stao na 9,2 posto
Nakon što je Živi zid u veljači skočio na 14,6 posto, u ožujku je zabilježio pad te potonuo na 11,6 posto.
ORaH je nakon mjeseci gubljenja popularnosti u ožujku zaustavio pad te zabilježio 9,2 posto potpore.
Bandićeva lista na 2,4 posto, HDSSB na 2,3 posto
Bandićeva lista ostvarila je potporu od 2,4 posto, a iznad dva posto našao se i HDSSB s 2,3 i BUZ na 2,2 posto. Sve ostale stranke nalaze se ispod praga od dva posto. HSS i HSU imaju 1,5, HNS 1,4, a Laburisti, kao i reformisti, 1,2 posto.
Ostale stranke ukupno imaju 5,5 posto potpore birača, a neodlučnih je 7 posto građana.
Desna koalicija na 31,3 posto
HDZ-ova koalicija od sedam stranaka ima 31,3 posto potpore birača, a vladajuća koalicija, na čelu sa SDP-om, zabilježila je 25,6 posto potpore. S obzirom na statističku podršku, raspon podrške HDZ-ovoj koaliciji kreće se od 27,9 do 34,7 posto, a raspon potpore SDP-ovoj koaliciji varira od 22,4 do 28,8 posto.
Živi zid bi pak ostvario 12,1 a ORaH 9,4 posto potpore. S obzirom na to da je Hrvatska podijeljena u 10 izbornih jedinica, svog zastupnika mogla bi dobiti i Bandićeva lista, s potporom od 3 posto, Laburisti s 2,2, kao i HDSSB s jednakim postotkom od 2,2 posto. Tu su još i Reformisti na 1,3 posto, a ostale stranke dobivaju 3,9 posto. Neodlučno je 9 posto birača.
Hrvati nezadovoljni Vladom i pesimistični
Čak 74 posto građana smatra da zemlja ide u lošem, a tek njih 18 posto drži da ide u dobrom smjeru. Osam posto građana ne zna te se nije opredijelilo.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Vladinim mjerama nije zadovoljno 73 posto birača, a zadovoljstvo mjerama potvrdilo je 22 posto građana. Pet posto ispitanika nije se htjelo opredijeliti.
Rekordne ocjene Predsjednici, Vladi i Saboru
Tri državne institucije dobile su najbolje ocjene u zadnjih godinu dana.
Predsjednica je u ožujku dobila ocjenu 3,23, što je najbolja ocjena te institucije u zadnjih 12 mjeseci. Slična situacija je i s Vladom, koja je dobila dvojku i ima ocjenu 2,13.
Hrvatski Sabor je također prošao najbolje u zadnjih 12 mjeseci, i to s ocjenom od 2,04. | {
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Testsystem und Methodik
Für den Test des NH-U12A wird die AM4-Plattform für Kühlertests genutzt. Dabei kommt ein AMD Ryzen 7 1700X (Test) zum Einsatz, der im geräumigen Thermaltake Suppressor F51 untergebracht wird. Messungen werden sowohl mit Basistakt als auch bei übertaktetem Prozessor durchgeführt. Alle Details zu dem Testsystem und der Methodik hält der Artikel „So testet ComputerBase CPU-Kühler“ bereit.
Messergebnisse
Um verschiedene CPU-Kühler sinnvoll miteinander vergleichen zu können, werden die Konkurrenten nicht bei gleicher Drehzahl, sondern in Relation zum Schalldruckpegel dargestellt. Diese Variante berücksichtigt eine unterschiedliche Anzahl an Lüftern ebenso wie verschiedene Lüfterformate. Im Diagramm wird die Temperaturdifferenz zwischen CPU- und Raumtemperatur auf der Y-Achse gezeigt, während auf der X-Achse der zugehörige Schalldruckpegel des jeweiligen Kühlers aufgetragen wird.
Ein Kühler ist umso leistungsstärker, je weiter unten sich seine Kurve im Diagramm befindet, und umso leiser, je weiter links die Kurve verläuft. Temperaturdifferenzen werden in Kelvin angegeben. Zum Übertragen auf den heimischen PC kann der entsprechende Wert einfach auf die Raumtemperatur in °C addiert werden, um die Prozessortemperatur in °C zu erhalten. Die Farbkodierung im Diagramm zeigt die Kühlerklasse: Kompaktwasserkühlungen sind in Blau, Doppelturm-Luftkühler in Schwarz, größere Tower-Kühler in Orange, mittlere Tower-Kühler in Grün und Topblow-Kühler in Grau dargestellt. Das neue Testmuster ist in Rot abgebildet. Per Klick auf eine Linie im Diagramm wird der entsprechende Legenden-Eintrag hervorgehoben und via Klick auf einen solchen die zugehörige Linie ein- oder ausgeblendet.
« Voriges Differenz CPU- zu Raumtemperatur über Schalldruckpegel (Standardtakt) Differenz CPU- zu Raumtemperatur über Schalldruckpegel (OC) Nächstes »
Noctua verspricht, dass der NH-U12A mit Tower-Kühlern konkurrieren kann, die mit 140-mm-Lüftern ausgestattet sind. Der Kühler liefert, was sein Hersteller ankündigt: Im Standardtakt des Ryzen 7 1700X ist noch kein Unterschied zur besagten Größenkategorie bemerkbar, doch sobald die CPU übertaktet wird, kann sich der NH-U12A von dieser Konkurrenz abheben. Er sortiert sich zwischen großen Singletower-Kühlern und der Leistungsspitze in Form des NH-D15 sowie Kompaktwasserkühlungen mit 240-mm-Radiator oder größer ein. Ein bemerkenswert gutes Ergebnis für einen Kühler dieser Größe.
Seltsamen Ergebnissen auf der Spur
Überraschend gering ist der Einfluss des zweiten Lüfters auf dem NH-U12A. Tatsächlich ist es im Testsystem unerheblich, ob der Kühler nur mit einem oder mit beiden Ventilatoren betrieben wird. Lediglich im sehr niedrigen Drehzahlbereich (und bei übertakteter CPU) kann sich die Variante mit zwei Lüftern leicht absetzen.
Erst wenn die 140-mm-Gehäuselüfter mit 1.200 U/min anstelle von 800 U/min laufen und zusätzlich die Seitenwand des Gehäuses geöffnet wird, reicht der Luftzug durch das Testsystem aus, um dem NH-U12A mit zwei Lüftern auch bei höheren Drehzahlen einen Vorteil gegenüber der Einzellüfter-Variante zu geben. Da dieses Szenario im Alltag unpraktisch sowie unangenehm laut ist und der Leistungsschub durch zwei Lüfter auf dem Kühler im geschlossenen Gehäuse vernachlässigbar ist, spricht nichts gegen die Verwendung des zweiten Lüfters als Gehäuselüfter. So passt der NH-U12A außerdem problemlos auf Prozessoren mit Quad-Channel-Arbeitsspeicher, ohne die RAM-Module im Heck zu überdecken.
Fazit
Noctua hat mit dem NH-U12A zweifelsohne ein beeindruckendes Stück Ingenieursarbeit abgeliefert. Trotz der verhältnismäßig kompakten Ausmaße lässt der Kühler gleich große und größere Konkurrenz in Sachen Kühlleistung hinter sich. Kombiniert mit zwei tadellosen Serienlüftern ergibt sich so ein Paket, das gemessen an seiner Größe hervorragende Kühlleistung mit leisen Lüftern verbindet – zusammen mit der langen sechsjährigen Garantie und dem Versprechen, auch künftige CPU-Sockel zu unterstützen.
Noctua NH-U12A im Testsystem
Selbstverständlich hat dieses Paket seinen Preis – und den nicht zu knapp: Stolze 100 Euro ruft Noctua für den NH-U12A auf. Fast doppelt so viel wie der schon nicht günstige NH-U12S (Test) und immer noch über 10 Euro teurer als ein NH-D15 (Test). Letzterer ist nach wie vor der stärkere Kühler, benötigt dafür aber wesentlich mehr Platz. Wer nicht so tief in die Tasche greifen möchte, erhält außerdem beispielsweise mit dem Scythe Mugen 5 (Test) eine günstigere und nur geringfügig schwächere Alternative in der gleichen Größenkategorie wie der des NH-U12A, wenn auch mit keinem so leisen Serienlüfter.
Dadurch wird der NH-U12A zum Nischenprodukt: Wer höchste Kühlleistung benötigt, findet nach wie vor bessere (und gleichzeitig günstigere) Luftkühler oder kann zu einer AiO-Wasserkühlung greifen. Als kompakte Luftkühler gibt es ebenfalls viele Alternativen, dann jedoch mit etwas weniger Kühlleistung. Dieses „etwas weniger“ reicht allerdings problemlos für gängige Prozessoren aus und ermöglicht sogar einen leichten Spielraum zum Übertakten. Der NH-U12A ist die neue Referenz für 120-mm-Tower-Kühler, aber durch sein Preisschild kein Produkt für die breite Masse.
Noctua NH-U12A Produktgruppe Prozessorkühler, 21.05.2019 Kühlleistung + +
Qualität Kühlkörper + +
Qualität Lüfter + +
Montage + +
Ausstattung + Neue Leistungsreferenz seiner Klasse
Hervorragende Serienlüfter
Lange Garantie & Support Sehr teuer
ComputerBase hat den Noctua NH-U12A vom Hersteller zum Testen erhalten. Eine Einflussnahme des Herstellers auf den Testbericht fand nicht statt, eine Verpflichtung zur Veröffentlichung bestand nicht. Es gab kein NDA.
Dieser Artikel war interessant, hilfreich oder beides? Die Redaktion freut sich über jede Unterstützung in Form deaktivierter Werbeblocker oder eines Abonnements von ComputerBase Pro. Mehr zum Thema Anzeigen auf ComputerBase. | {
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Goaltending hasn’t been a highly talked about position at the NHL Draft this year. With all the focus on McDavid vs Eichel, Lawson Crouse’s actual worth and the annual size debate, very few people have seemed to pay attention to the goalies that could have their names called at the draft this June.
For this year, that makes sense. There isn’t a consensus number one goaltending choice this year, but many people think it will be either Ilya Samsonov, Daniel Vladar or Mackenzie Blackwood getting selected as the first goaltender this year.
We tend to hear many Canadian goaltenders selected early on in the draft, but what about their European counterparts? Luckily for Veini Vehviläinen, it’s a strong crop this year for goalies playing outside of North America, and the Finnish stud is one of the best in that department.
Vehviläinen, 18, is a little known prospect from Jyväskylä, FIN. Finland, of course, is known for it’s incredible ability to produce quality goaltenders all the time, from current NHL stars Pekka Rinne and Tuukka Rask to future top netminders Juuse Saros and Eetu Laurikainen. So seeing Vehviläinen shine at a young age is definitely not surprising by any means.
Vehviläinen has been in the JYP system for many years now, bouncing through the various junior and pro levels since 2012-2013. His first real break came with the JYP U18 squad that year, playing in 25 games to go along with five other contests with the U16 and U20 teams. That year, the puckstopper finished with a 3.01 GAA, but did put up a .918 SP to prove that, despite playing for a weak defensive team, Vehviläinen could get the job done.
A year after, Vehviläinen spent most of the season with the JYP U20 team in the Jr. A SM-liiga, projecting as a top young prospect for the men’s team in the future. His play that year, which saw him put up a .919 SP after 29 games, surely earned him a role with the men’s team, grabbing the starting role for JYP-Akatemia this past season. Sometimes considered to be an inconsistent puckstopper, Vehviläinen outplayed Dennis Saikkonen as the much stronger goaltender on the squad during a season that also saw our Finnish hero spend time with the JYP U20 team.
Vehviläinen was still relatively unknown to many people all year long, but that all changed this Spring. Vehviläinen was named to the Finnish U18 World Junior team, and with USA, Russia, Czech Republic and Canada all bringing fairly strong rosters, it was going to be tough for the Finns to find themselves in the finals. As the cards were dealt, Finland indeed found themselves playing for a gold medal, large in part due to the play of Vehviläinen.
One of the better goaltenders in the entire tournament, Vehviläinen made sure to save the best performance for last. Easily the best performer in the game, Vehviläinen made 60 saves in the final game against the Americans (including this magnificent grab near the end of the contest), a game which was as one-sided in the puck control department as it can get. Unfortunately, Finland would end up dropping a 2-1 decision in overtime, but regardless, it was easily one of the best goaltending performances by any draft prospect this season.
When watching Vehviläinen play, the first thing that really stands out is his athleticism. His ability to make fantastic, stretch pad saves at the last second definitely doesn’t go unnoticed. His size (6’1, 185 lbs) is solid for a goaltender, and it helps that his pad work is definitely up to par. His glove hand looks very loose, allowing him to make big, flashy saves when needed. Vehviläinen never likes to give up on a play when on the ice, sending a body part up in the air to make a last ditch effort to keep the puck out. Despite his ability to throw himself everywhere, he does have a very sound butterfly and doesn’t allow too many dangerous rebounds. He’s calm, quick, and full of raw skill.
So where does a guy like Vehviläinen end up? His talent will surely not get ignored, but with goalies, who really knows where they’ll land? He’s got the skill to go in the third or fourth round, but a late pick is more likely. He has been known to be inconsistent in the past, so that could always play an issue. Will he get a tryout deal? No matter what, Vehviläinen won’t go completely unnoticed in the draft this year, and if he does indeed play pro full-time next year, expect a team to take a waiver on him. Vehviläinen will probably find his way on to the Finnish World Junior team this year, and with the tournament happening to take place in Finland, there’s extra pressure to win it all. Will the tournament be his real coming out party? Stay tuned.
Steven is a junior hockey reporter for the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, and also focuses on international hockey for his website, TheHockeyHouse.net. You can follow Steven on twitter @StevenEllisNHL.
Photo from Mika Kylmäniemi – [email protected]. | {
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Democrat leading impeachment inquiry says witness no-shows "not going to delay our work" After more White House officials refused subpoenas to testify in the impeachment inquiry, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said these obstacles are "not going to delay our work." He accused Republicans of shifting their reasons for opposing the impeachment inquiry against President Trump. On the same day, the impeachment committees released the first transcripts from the closed-door impeachment hearings. | {
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Illustration by David Simonds
“THEY never come back” may be an ironclad law of boxing, but AOL and Yahoo! are trying to prove that it does not apply to lumbering online giants. On December 9th Time Warner span off AOL, undoing a famously ill-conceived merger. A couple of days earlier Yahoo! and Microsoft finalised an agreement to merge their web-search and much of their advertising businesses, freeing Yahoo! to hone a new strategy. Peculiarly, both firms' comeback plans hinge on giving away content to attract traffic and thus advertising—an online strategy that has disappointed many media companies.
AOL and Yahoo! came of age a decade ago in different corners of the internet: one as the biggest provider of dial-up access, the other as the leading web directory. Both soon turned into “portals” providing both content and communications tools, such as web-mail and instant messaging. More recently, both have drifted while the internet evolved around them. A series of weak bosses failed to do away with fiefs, professionalise management and keep the brands fresh, even as competition—from broadband in the case of AOL, and from rivals such as Google and Facebook for Yahoo!—ate into revenues.
Now both firms are trying to get back on their feet under new, gung-ho bosses. But revenues and profits continue to fall, and not just because of the recession. Yahoo! is losing market share in online searches, and advertising with it. Revenues in the first nine months of the year fell by 13% to $4.7 billion and profits by 38% to $445m. In the same period AOL's advertising sales dropped 19% to $1.28 billion and its profits by 43% to $247m, mainly because its internet-access business continues to shrink. Advertising now generates more revenue than subscriptions, although that too has suffered (see chart).
These numbers will probably improve once the economy picks up. But both firms are also touting new strategies. Tim Armstrong, AOL's boss, wants the firm to become “the largest producer of quality online content and the largest seller of online display advertising”. At least when it comes to the first part, AOL is making headway. It has already become a digital media giant, running 80 websites covering everything from fashion (stylelist.com) and country music (theboot.com) to local news (patch.com). It has about 3,500 journalists on its payroll, 500 of whom work full-time.
As for the second part of Mr Armstrong's formula, AOL has just launched a website called seed.com and a new content-management system that will, he says, “fundamentally change how people create content” by predicting what kind of stories and photos will appeal most to readers. If the system detects that consumers are already visiting websites and conducting searches related to Halloween in August, for instance, it will encourage editors to publish articles on the subject.
Carol Bartz, Yahoo!'s boss, has similar plans. She wants both to expand its audience, especially in emerging markets where internet use is still growing rapidly, and to package that audience in ways useful to advertisers. Yahoo!'s reach is already enormous: in October, its sites had 158m unique visitors in America, compared with 98m for AOL, according to comScore, a market-research firm. Yahoo! Mail boasts 106m monthly users worldwide, AOL's e-mail service only 36m. Better yet, Yahoo! runs the web's most popular finance, sports and news websites. They are also cheap to run, since they are aggregators for the most part, republishing other websites' content rather than producing their own.
Mr Armstrong, however, argues that advertisers are becoming more discerning about where they place their ads, and will pay a premium to appear on trusted websites next to reputable content. This, he believes, will favour AOL, with its bouquet of niche websites and home-made content.
Online display advertising, meaning the banners and boxes that appear on many websites, has held up well in the recession, remaining at $3.8 billion in the first half of the year in America, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau. But the money is spread across an ever-growing inventory of web pages. Old-media firms have lost faith in the notion that online advertising will ever be lucrative enough to cover their costs and now clearly believe that the future lies in subscriptions. AOL will need very loyal readers and clever algorithms to succeed. | {
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An electronic advertisement for a McDonalds food is seen at a bus stop on Oxford Street in London, Britain, May 11, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville
(Reuters) - McDonald's Corp MCD.N is planning a new round of layoffs to flatten out its management structure further, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing a company email sent to all its U.S. employees, suppliers and franchisees.
Shares of the burger chain rose 3.6 percent in early trading.
McDonald’s USA President Chris Kempczinski said some employees will ultimately exit the company but did not mention the scope of the headcount reduction, according to the memo cited by the newspaper.
“We are putting into place a new U.S. field structure that will better support our franchisees and will ensure McDonald’s continues on a path to being more dynamic, nimble and competitive,” McDonald’s spokeswoman Terri Hickey told Reuters.
Kempczinski said in a video message the company would reduce the number of layers between field consultants and Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook to six from eight, according to the Journal. | {
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What Jeff Sessions Has Said About Race and Civil Rights Beyond controversial remarks from the 1980s, what has Sessions said on race?
-- The man who Donald Trump has tapped as his nominee for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., is being criticized anew for decades-old allegations that he made racist remarks as a federal prosecutor in his home state.
Even then, Sessions insisted he harbored no racial bias and disputed the allegations made against him during hearings on his nomination to be a federal judge. Others alleged -- under oath -- that he once called a white civil rights lawyer a “disgrace to his race” and dubbed the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People "un-American."
But what has Sessions said on other matters involving race? And what does his record otherwise reveal about how he may lead what he’s called the nation’s “greatest department”?
His remarks and actions have run the gamut, from prosecuting the Ku Klux Klan and promoting legislation that honors civil rights leader Rosa Parks, to opposing gay marriage and the inclusion of sexual orientation as a federal hate crime.
Here are some of Sessions' remarks on topics such as bias in policing, gay rights, investigative priorities and affirmative action.
BIAS IN POLICING: COMMUNITIES VS. LAW ENFORCEMENT
During an August 2001 hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which was looking at legislation to penalize police departments that continue to make traffic and other stops based on race, Sessions acknowledged bias in policing.
“I think it is likely that within every department there are some officers who subtly, if not otherwise, are biased in the way they go about enforcing the law. I think that is just life. We know that to be true,” Sessions said. “It is not legitimate that an American citizen feels that they are more likely to be arrested or held to account or stopped and searched than someone else simply because of the color of their skin. ... Most people are not going to file a lawsuit if they have been mistreated. They are just going to nurse a grudge and feel like their country hasn't treated them fairly. So that is why we need to deal with it and keep talking about it and see if we can come up with a policy that will work.”
Sessions also welcomed the “heightened attention” on racial profiling, saying more discussions had already “improved some of the things that have happened.”
But the senator expressed concern that police “might be in a Catch-22” -– navigating the prospect of disproportionate policing and “legitimate” concerns of a minority community “afraid for their lives and their children's lives.” If police are “more aggressive in a neighborhood where the high crime rate is, which may be a minority neighborhood, [they] might be criticized statistically in some way under this,” Sessions said. “It could cause an officer to be intimidated from doing the very things necessary to protect the African-American community if we misread the data, if we over-read the data.”
Fourteen years later, during another Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Sessions said he believes “community-based policing is a great thing,” but, “it is clear that police officers all over America are concerned” about legal actions taken by the Justice Department against police officers and police departments.
“I do think it’s a real problem when we have Black Lives Matter making statements that are really radical, that are absolutely false,” Sessions said during the November 2015 hearing. He expressed concern that, in his view, officials within the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division had yet to criticize statements made by Black Lives Matter such as "Pigs in a Blanket, Fry ‘Em Like Bacon."
During the hearing, Sessions said an “experienced law enforcement officer” in Alabama told him “the kinds of problems we’re seeing and the legal actions that have been taken and the marches in protest about police do have the tendency to cause [police]...to stay under the shade tree, and not walk the streets.”
GAY, LESBIAN AND TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ISSUES
In June 2015, when the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, Sessions issued a statement saying the nation’s highest court had “redefined a sacred and ancient institution.”
“It is not an act of courage but supreme arrogance to pretend that the wisdom of five judges is greater than all the men and women who have voted upon this issue in the 50 states, and the men and women whose convictions have defined the course of western civilization,” the statement continued. Sessions said the Supreme Court’s decision was “part of a continuing effort to secularize” the country “by force and intimidation.” He concluded: “[W]hether these progressive victories are transient, or permanent, depends on us.”
In January 2015, Sessions said the Obama administration’s decision to abandon the Defense of Marriage Act “still galls me.” “It was shameful and disgraceful and an abandonment of the rule of law,” he said.
When the U.S. government in late 2010 was considering a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Sessions said he was “inclined” to believe the policy “has been pretty effective, and I'm dubious about the change, although I fully recognize that good people could disagree on that subject.” He also said the public discussion on the matter was “probably” having “some disruptive effect on the military.” “It's probably not been good for morale,” and problems “have arisen from it,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee in December of that year.
For years, Sessions opposed the Matthew Shepard Act -- which would expand the definition of “hate crimes” to include attacks on people based on their sexual orientation, gender or disability. During a June 2009 hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sessions said the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which boosted protections of African-Americans, “was based on a demonstrated need” – unlike those covered by the new legislation. “When we now carve out a different class of people that may also deserve that kind of protection, we need … to explain why these cases are such that they are not being adequately prosecuted by state courts, why they're not being adequately prosecuted throughout the system, and why we need to have the federal government take over prosecutions that they have not taken over before,” Sessions said. “People are concerned with how we are picking and choosing the people who receive the extra protection.”
More than a decade earlier, in 1997, when Senate Democrats were planning to introduce legislation making it a federal civil rights crime to target someone based on their sexual orientation, gender or disabilities, a spokesman for Sessions said the Alabama lawmaker "would be reluctant to expand the definition of hate crimes but will wait to see the actual legislation before making a final decision," according to the Times-Picayune at the time.
VOTING RIGHTS AND VOTER ID
“I do believe we have voter fraud in America,” Sessions told former Attorney General Eric Holder during a June 2012 hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “And if you do not have voter ID, I would observe that somebody can walk in to a voting place where they know there is a registered person on the rolls who was not a citizen, not alive or in another state and just say they are John Jones and vote for that person.”
He said states have “every right, and in fact, a duty, to try to maintain clear rolls that have integrity to them.”
PROSECUTING AND INVESTIGATING OTHER CIVIL RIGHTS CASES
It’s unclear exactly what types of cases Sessions would seek to prioritize in his civil rights division. But the cases he has chosen to support may offer some insight.
While U.S. Attorney in Alabama, Sessions prosecuted members of the Ku Klux Klan who killed Michael Donald, a young black man, and hung his body from a tree in 1981. One of them was sentenced to death, and when another was sentenced to life in prison, Sessions issued a statement saying, “Although Donald's family can never be made whole, it may perceive some sense of justice by the most severe sentence permissible here.”
Then during his confirmation hearing for a federal judgeship in 1986, a lawyer who had worked with Sessions alleged that he said the Ku Klux Klan was, “OK until I found out they smoked pot.” Sessions apologized and said the remark was a joke. “The comment ridiculed the Klan,” Sessions insisted "I detest the Klan.” Nevertheless, amid several allegations of racially-charged comments, Sessions was blocked by the Senate from becoming a judge.
Then in 1999, Sessions sought federal involvement in what he viewed as civil rights violations against religious voters. He and other Senate Republicans urged then-Attorney General Janet Reno to launch a federal probe of Americans United, the outspoken group advocating for separation of church and state, which sent information to churches about the implications of getting involved in the political process. Reno refused to launch an investigation.
Sessions wasn’t as aggressive a year later, when more than 30 women were targeted in Central Park after the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. At least one New York City official described the incident as a hate crime, but Sessions said federal authorities should not get involved in the matter, believing the attackers should not be charged with civil rights violations. “That's the kind of crime that's just essentially a state offense. It's the kind of street crime that ought to be done in state court,” Sessions said in a TV appearance days after the attack. Eventually, several of the attackers were charged in state court, and many police officers were disciplined for failing to properly respond to the attacks.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In 1997, Sessions told the Senate Judiciary Committee affirmative action was a “very, very difficult subject."
"We certainly want to reach out and make sure that every minority individual has full chances and rights in America. But when we make that a part of a legal requirement of this nation, that the benefits and privileges of belonging to each American should be dispensed because of what group you belong to, and according to certain complex formulas of race and gender and those kind of things, we get into very troubling issues," he said. "I think it has, in fact, been a cause of irritation and perhaps has delayed the kind of movement to racial harmony we ought to be going forward [with] today. I think it makes people unhappy if they lost a contract or a right to go to a school or a privilege to attend a university simply because of their race.”
IMMIGRATION
In 2013, Sessions stood by his push for legislation that would make all government services only in English. "I think that is good policy," Session told ABC News in 2013. "We want Americans who come here lawfully to be able to operate in the English language. ... I do believe English should be the common language and it helps immigrants to effectively advance if they do master English and I think that's perfectly reasonable."
Sessions has said that comprehensive immigration reform “is not the civil rights movement.” In January 2015, he said it is “a huge erosion of constitutional powers of the United States Congress when the president of the United States, in contradiction to law, gives lawful status to people who are here unlawfully under the law and not only that, creates a Social Security number for them, a photo ID and an authorization to work and a right to participate in Social Security and Medicare. This is a stunning event.”
RACE
Sessions has sponsored legislation on several occasions to recognize and honor the contributions made to America by Rosa Parks, whom he said “sparked the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on a bus.” In 1999, he co-sponsored a Senate bill to award Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation's top civilian awards.
“Ms. Parks has come to be a living embodiment of this principle,” he said. “True equality, the total elimination of discrimination, and a real sense of ease and acceptance among the races has not yet been achieved. But it is fair to say that in the history of this effort, the most dramatic and productive chapter was ignited by the lady we seek to honor.”
Six days before Brian Kinder, a poor, African-American man, was to go on trial in Missouri for a 1990 murder and rape, the judge presiding over the case issued a statement saying “the Democrat party places far too much emphasis on representing minorities such as homosexuals, people who don't want to work, and people with a skin that's any color but white. Their reverse-discriminatory quotas and affirmative action, in the work place as well as in schools and colleges, are repugnant to me.” Kinder unsuccessfully tried to remove the judge and was convicted. In 2001, during a Senate hearing, Sessions called the judge’s remarks “insensitive at worst” (he initially said "insensitive at best" but indicated that wasn't what he meant). He supported the judge in continuing to preside over the case, saying, “I would believe that if the judge conducted a fair trial, there was not one hint that he did anything to bias that case, the [decision] should not be reversed.”
In the late 1990s, federally-funded research found that minority youths were being arrested and confined at disproportionate rates, and some state-focused studies found that young minorities received stiffer sentences than their white counterparts for the same offenses, according to the Associated Press at the time. But Sessions co-authored a bill that “would scrap the federal mandate requiring states look into ways of reducing disproportionate minority confinement,” the Associated Press reported in 1999.
OTHER FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION
During an April 2010 hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sessions weighed in on housing discrimination.
“I'm a strong believer that many people are discriminated against and unfairly handled with regard to big items like homes and end up paying a lot more interest, and they may not have realized, as you said, just how significant that is; how every month they may be paying another $50, $60, $100 that they don't have really and could be avoided," he said. "... And I spent a lot of time having meetings over in my state and with the housing people to make sure that our African-American community particularly took advantage of the housing opportunities the federal government had provided.”
During a May 2014 hearing before the Senate Budget Committee, Sessions commented on challenges facing women. “There's no question that … despite some progress, women do still face challenges, unique challenges, and discrimination," he said. "They must have, in America, a fair and equal workplace for all our citizens.” He noted that the “workforce participation rate for women is now at its lowest level in 23 years,” and that “real wages for women have been stagnant since 2009.”
And he called working moms “heroes in the American economy.” | {
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O ex-ministro das Finanças da Grécia, Yanis Varoufakis, usou o seu blogue para desmentir que cobra 60 mil dólares (cerca de 54,4 mil euros) para discursar num país fora da Europa e cinco mil dólares (cerca de 4.500 euros) por uma comunicação num país europeu. E divulgou 25 eventos onde participou, com os respetivos valores que recebeu.
Numa mensagem intitulada “Transparência em todo o lado! Os meus honorários e o mais recente movimento difamatório da Troika”, Varoufakis descreve o jornal grego Proto Thema como difamatório. Foi esta publicação que divulgou, na segunda-feira, a tabela de preços de conferências da agência London Speaker Bureau, que representa o ex-ministro.
Para além dos valores considerados “escandalosos”, a imprensa grega também referiu que Varoufakis exige viajar em classe executiva e pede alojamento e refeições incluídas.
Dear Telegraph. Time for a retraction. Your report (https://t.co/jYoOgusRji) was misleading. Here is why: https://t.co/pHE9dkhkC8 — Yanis Varoufakis (@yanisvaroufakis) October 28, 2015
“Desde a minha demissão do Ministério das Finanças, em protesto com a capitulação do Governo perante a Troika, tenho gasto o meu tempo e a minha energia a transferir o espírito da Primavera de Atenas para o coração da Europa”, escreveu. Isto traduz-se em “intermináveis viagens e mais de 20 presenças em diferentes cidades europeias num espaço de dois meses”.
Entre essas cidades inclui-se Coimbra, por onde Varoufakis passou a 17 de outubro para dar a conferência “Democratizar a Zona Euro”, na Universidade. Esta é uma das 25 conferências que o ex-ministro do governo Syriza lista no final da mensagem, e onde escreve para cada uma delas se recebeu, quanto recebeu e se teve as despesas de viagem pagas.
No caso de Coimbra, o ex-ministro grego não recebeu nada, tendo-lhe sido pagas as despesas de viagem. O mesmo já tinha sido confirmado à TVI pelo Centro de Estudos Sociais da mesma universidade. De acordo com o artigo do Proto Thema, por uma aula numa universidade Varoufakis cobra 1.500 dólares (cerca de 1.400 euros à taxa de câmbio atual).
Contactada pelo britânico Telegraph, a agência London Speaker Bureau não prestou declarações sobre os valores em causa e referiu apenas que “os conferencistas adaptam os valores pedidos à natureza do evento, à sua duração e à viagem necessária”, disse um porta-voz da empresa.
Varoufakis divide as 25 aparições listadas em “Lista A – Discursos Políticos” e “Lista B – Discursos Comerciais / Presenças“. É na primeira que se concentra o grosso das conferências, 23. Em apenas três o ex-ministro assume ter cobrado, “porque os organizadores insistiram”: 1.000 euros para um discurso Rússia, 500 euros numa comunicação pública na Alemanha e 1.700 euros numa palestra em Espanha. Em todas as viagens em que foram pagas despesas de deslocação, Varoufakis diz ter viajado em classe económica.
Na lista B estão apenas duas conferências, com valores bem diferentes dos da primeira listagem. A 27 de setembro, cobrou 24 mil euros (depois de impostos) para participar num programa do canal italiano RAI 3. Recebeu ainda despesas de viagem, com direito a voar em primeira classe. A 21 de outubro recebeu 28.800 euros (depois de impostos) para fazer uma apresentação em Singapura. Viajou em classe executiva. | {
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As I sat in my office at the Jackson Free Press on Tuesday – Mississippi's primary day – I looked out into the newsroom, where the vast majority of our staff members and nine summer interns are under 30 (and most are Mississippi natives). Some attend or have attended historically black colleges and universities, others Mississippi State and Ole Miss; the youngest ones go to either a private, majority-white academy or a public, majority-black Jackson high school.
To a person, they are driven, passionate, talented and willing to work hard to bring progress to Mississippi and its citizens. But I don't think a single one of them gave a damn about what happened in that much-discussed US Senate primary, in which Senator Thad Cochran and the Tea Party upstart Chris McDaniel appeared headed to a run-off.
I really didn't give a damn, either.
The problem with this year's primary is the same one that progressive Mississippians – and a modern wave of progressive Southerners – face nearly every time we go to vote, especially in congressional and statewide elections: there is no one we want to vote for, no one who excites us, and certainly not a single candidate who inspires us.
In fact, most every candidate on the ballot is either an establishment conservative (a Republican like Cochran), a far-right conservative (a Republican like McDaniel) or a politician who plays a conservative on TV and, all too often, in office (a Democrat).
We're told to, wink-wink, vote Democratic today because a Democrat like the pro-NRA, anti-abortion Travis Childers (on the off-chance that he wins after his primary victory Tuesday) will help hold the Senate majority – and maybe-just-maybe he will act more progressive once he's a senator and doesn't have to run all the time.
Or, we're urged to vote for Cochran because at least he's not as bat-shit crazy as McDaniel (which is true).
I, for one, am tired of holding my nose to vote for a pretend-Republican who may or may not serve my interests and work to preserve my rights – especially when the poseurs keep losing to actual Republicans anyway ... and maybe now the Tea Party. But Democratic reticence to even acknowledge the existence of an increasingly progressive electorate with even a moderate candidate is an insult to progress-minded Mississippians.
It's those Mississippi Democrats who frustrate me the most – not to mention the national Democrats who treat our state like flyover country, with nary a thought about putting any real money or faith into progressive candidates here.
So we get Democratic gubernatorial candidates who try to out-pray and out-gay-bash Republicans on the campaign trial – and lose. We get state lawmakers who play procedural games to try and trick Republicans into voting down abortion bills (but who mostly won't say out loud anything about the rights of women to manage their own health decisions). And our only current statewide elected Democrat, Attorney General Jim Hood, runs so "tough on crime" that he will never dare to question the death penalty – even in cases such as that of Michelle Byrom, in which judicial and prosecutorial actions eventually got her conviction overturned by the majority-GOP Mississippi supreme court.
Democrats: the deep south deserves better candidates than you're willing to give us. And, even more vitally, all the young (and some older) people who have started to stay here in Mississippi – to fight for choice, to defeat the "personhood" amendment (yeah, we did that), to speak out against racism, to put stickers on their businesses supporting LGBT friends and family members, and to face boycotts as a result – all of them deserve candidates who aren't dumb, dumber, or just pretending to be.
And younger Mississippians are different – just as they are across America. Back in 2004, exit polls showed that under-30 voters in Mississippi led the South (including over Florida and Georgia) in terms of the percentage who voted for John Kerry over George W Bush (and that was Kerry). Obviously, the trends have continued, as has the movement for young people to stay here rather than flee.
But Southern politics are stuck in an age-old cycle. Our politicos seem to still believe that the only people who vote in our state are white wingnuts and religious zealots who spread hate rather than love of their neighbors. So everyone – from Cochran to McDaniel to the "Democrat" Childers – panders to those voters. It's the same people fighting for the same pool of voters, with at least one foot stuck firmly in a dark past.
Meantime, Democrats keep losing here, and Mississippians stay poor with fewer health-care options – and those we do elect, such as Gov Phil Bryant, continue to make us look like a bunch of greedy bigots.
But here's the thing: we're not. I have a front-row seat to what is really happening in Mississippi, and we've helped nurture smart, loving progress through this newspaper for more than a decade. From my desk, I look down on City Hall, where – while people chose between Kang and Kodos at the ballot box – the Jackson City Council passed the state's eighth municipal equality resolution, which pointedly including the rights of LGBT citizens.
Oh, and don't just write off "evangelicals" either – many of our progressives are people driven by their faith to pursue progress in the ways that matter to our state. Recently, we published a special issue on gay activism in the state in which many businesses bought ads to tell LGBT customers "We Don't Discriminate: If You're Buying, We're Selling" – just as they do with stickers in their windows. The man who started the now-national campaign is a local conservative Christian, Mitchell Moore, whose faith does not allow him to hate on gay and lesbian people.
It's time for Mississippi and the South as a whole to stop playing small and instead demand political candidates that don't limit our potential, don't assume that we're all bigots or homophobes, and who allow us to show the world what is really happening here.
It's also time for politicians to stop treating us as if we haven't changed. Many of us have.
Now, they need to. | {
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Обновление: добавлен комментарий отца Ивана Непомнящих
Раненный на антикоррупционном митинге в Москве 26 марта полицейский оказался свидетелем по делу активиста «болотного дела» Ивана Непомнящих, которого осудили после беспорядков 6 мая 2012 года за «применение силы» к сотрудникам правоохранительных органов. Это выяснил корреспондент The Village Кирилл Руков.
Ранее в СМИ появилось интервью полицейского, который получил тяжелую травму на митинге 26 марта. Он рассказал, что с коллегами обратил внимание на группу активистов, которые выкрикивали лозунги, прогуливаясь по улице Малая Дмитровка. «По радиосвязи мы получили приказ задерживать самых активных, но когда приступили к его выполнению, я получил удар сбоку или со спины. Потерял сознание, больше ничего не помню — пришел в себя, когда коллеги подводили меня к автобусу», — рассказал пострадавший. Сообщается, что его зовут Евгений Гаврилов и есть видеозапись его интервью.
При этом ранее командир отделения 2-го полицейского оперполка по имени Евгений Гаврилов упоминался как свидетель по делу «болотника» Ивана Непомнящих. «Евгений Гаврилов, командир отделения 2-го полицейского оперполка, и Виктор Колмаков, старший сержант того же полка, изрядно пострадали на Болотной площади 6 мая 2012 года. Обоих целых семь секунд одной левой избивал 21-летний Иван Непомнящих, ставший теперь очередным обвиняемым по Болотному делу», — говорится в тексте «Грани.ру» (доступ к ресурсу закрыт — Прим. ред, копия есть здесь). | {
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Two firefighters were injured early Thursday and dozens of residents were evacuated after a massive fire swept through a Monterey Park strip mall, officials said.
The blaze erupted just after 1:30 a.m. at the strip mall in the 300 block of East Garvey Avenue and triggered evacuations in a nearby apartment building, said Monterey Park police Lt. Gus Jimenez.
Forty residents were forced to leave their homes as heavy smoke filled the neighborhood, he said.
Firefighters battled large columns of flames and the roof collapsed as the fire raged for more than three hours. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries according to KNBC-TV.
Multiple businesses were destroyed or damaged by the stubborn fire.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
[email protected]
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
ALSO
O.C. fire captain kills himself in jump onto 5 Freeway in Mission Viejo
California’s drought divergence: Wetter in the north, still bone dry in the south
Heavy rains to arrive Thursday; mud flows are a concern for Southern California foothills | {
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Preserve funding for GME!
Protect your access to high-quality health care. Ask your representatives to maintain adequate funding for graduate medical education today.
Patients Medical Professionals | {
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“It’s a rough life, but Beijing has been good to us,” said Mr. He, 43, who said he had abandoned the economic stagnation of rural Sichuan Province nearly a decade ago. “If you work hard here you can do well.”
When the work dried up last month, they rented an apartment and tried to stick it out. The jobs never came, and the rent was steep, so on Thursday the couple packed their cutting board, the electric cooking burner and a vase of plastic flowers and joined the throngs at the station. Their destination: Jiangxi Province, 24 hours away, where a relative said there was ample opportunity. Mr. He and Ms. Pang said they might come back next year, depending on whether Beijing’s construction revives after the Olympic Games.
“We can only hope,” Mr. He said.
Some people said they were leaving out of fear. Li Ping, a 33-year-old seamstress from Sichuan, said co-workers at her suitcase factory insisted that anyone who remained in Beijing without a residency permit would face a steep fine. She said she had scrambled to apply for the coveted document but was too late.
Image Pang Chunlian and her husband, He Yanjun, center, were leaving Beijing after work dried up. Credit... Du Bin for The New York Times
“I should have paid attention sooner,” she said.
Her boss, unsympathetic, docked her a month’s pay, or about $140. He told her that by skipping town, she was violating her contract, even if she had never signed one.
“I should be happy for the Olympics, but I’m angry,” she said. “These bosses can be so evil. I don’t think I will be coming back.”
A few rows away, Wang Yongsheng and his wife, Ma Ernu, sat in the waiting room’s orange plastic chairs looking dazed. Two weeks earlier, the couple had come to the capital from their home in Inner Mongolia in the hopes of finding treatment for Ms. Ma’s worsening kidney disease. The couple, retired farmers, said they could not find decent medical care back home. | {
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It’s a first. Columbus, Ohio, will skip celebrations for its namesake.
The move represents a major change for the 14th largest city in America, which up through last year has traditionally shut down operations on Columbus Day.
The city issued a terse news release last week stating Columbus will be open for business Monday, deciding instead to observe Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 12.
Native Americans and allied groups have long used Columbus Day to elevate issues of concern to them. That includes a peaceful protest of prayers, speeches and traditional singing in 2016 at Columbus City Hall — underneath the statue of the explorer that sits out front — to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline and to urge Ohio to support more renewable energy.
Robin Davis, a spokeswoman for Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, said that was not part of the city’s decision.
“We wanted to be able to honor our veterans. We thought that was something that was important,” Davis said.
Which is, of course, complete nonsense. Of course that had a lot to do with it.
Many cities have stopped observing the holiday in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day as a way of recognizing victims of colonialism.
The first Columbus Day celebration recorded in the United States was in New York on October 12th, 1792, held to honor Italian-American heritage. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937 proclaimed October 12th to be Columbus Day, a national holiday. In 1971, the holiday date was changed to the second Monday in October.
For various reasons, many places have changed the name of the holiday. Berkeley, California, replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992 to honor the original inhabitants of the islands where Columbus landed.
In 1989, South Dakota started calling the holiday Native American Day. Alabama celebrates a combination of Columbus Day and American Indian Heritage Day, and Hawaii calls it Discovery Day.
The fact that the city of Columbus is ditching Columbus tells you what you need to know about the likely future of this federal holiday. | {
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Not sure if driver behind me is singing Or swearing profusely at me
14,019 shares | {
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Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.
Noor Setout is as old as the Syrian civil war. Like millions of other children that have been driven from their homes by the conflict, she has seen and lost too much.
But she has found a way to escape her difficult day-to-day existence.
“The thing I like most is sports,” Noor told NBC News. And her favorite is karate.
Images of the six-year-old training amid rubble in a Syrian village have been seen around the world.
This renown stands in contrast to what her family has experienced. In December, Noor and her parents left their home in eastern Aleppo as part of a cease-fire that allowed civilians and rebels fighting to unseat President Bashar al-Assad to leave the opposition-held area.
Now their new home is being bombed by pro-government forces, according to the girl's father.
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Wassim Setout says he's is in constant fear for their lives.
"I worry I'll lose my daughter or my wife — it isn't safe here," said Setout, a 53-year-old black belt in karate. "I wait to finish my work and run to see them both."
Having once owned their own home in Aleppo, the family now lives in one rented bedroom.
“It is not easy for me to keep life going on,” the gym teacher said. "I swear, I fear death every day."
Noor Setout practices karate with her father. Yehya Alrejjo / Anadolu via Getty Images
Setout said his daughter's martial arts lessons help them both get through these tough times.
“My dream is for Noor to become a champion,” he added.
Setout trains Noor every day, which gives them a way to escape their surroundings.
“It really affected us — the blood, the destruction, the bombings,” he said. “I hope Noor will be a shining candle among all of this devastation.”
Related: 'An Alien in a Strange Country' Finally Finds a Home
Despite the obstacles outside of his family’s control, Noor is bright-eyed and cheerful.
“I would love to be the world champion,” she declares.
Her father wants Noor, which means “light” in Arabic, to bring hope to other people.
“There are a lot of children like Noor — there are a lot of stars,” he said.
Rima Abdelkader reported from New York. Lawahez Jabari reported from Tel Aviv. | {
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Any lesser man would give in. After the kidnapping, the death threats, the forced separation from a wife and ten children, most men would just shave it off.
But Malik Amir Mohammad Khan Afridi is not "most men".
With a moustache that would make Goliath's father jealous, Afridi has faced down some of the scariest people on the planet.
"People give me a lot of respect. It's my identity," he told the AFP news agency. "I feel happy. When it's ordinary, no one gives me any attention. I got used to all the attention and I like it a lot," said the 48-year-old grandfather.
But the Pakistani businessman's wonder whiskers have provoked the wrath of armed groups in the beautiful northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on the Afghan border.
Lashkar-e-Islam, an ally of the Taliban, declared his carefully groomed 30in (76cm) massive moustachios to be "un-Islamic". The armed group first demanded protection money of around $500 a month. In a region not known for its citizens' private wealth, Afridi refused to pay up - and was kidnapped and held hostage by the group for a month.
The falcon could perch on his moustache. - Arabic proverb used to describe the magnitude of a man's status or pride
They released him from his cave prison only when he took up the razor. "I was scared they would kill me, so that's why I sacrificed my moustache," he said.
He fled to the restive provincial capital, Peshawar, a city plagued by frequent attacks by anti-state Taliban fighters, who target both the Pakistani authorities and supplies bound for Afghanistan.
Last year, Afridi, unafraid, grew it back - spending up to 30 minutes a day waxing, combing and fortifying his facial furniture - and the death threats began again. To keep his wife and ten children safe, he left his hometown and family behind, and once again took to the road. He now sees them only rarely.
The cocktail of oils, soaps and ointments he uses to keep his follicles fabulous cost around $150 a month - but Afridi receives help from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa administration, which pays him a "moustache bursary" of $50 a month as a symbolic gesture of the state's appreciation for the bravery and virility supposedly associated with the manly growth.
Of moustaches and Muslims
But are the locks upon his lip truly "un-Islamic"?
Several religions have teachings to do with hair. The Rastafari and some Hindu holy leaders are known for their dreadlocks.
In Christian history, the Roman church prohibited beards for both laity and clergy, and required the tonsure - the shaving of the scalp - for clergy. The Irish tonsure stipulated shaving the front of the scalp. As for the Greeks, they required clergy to grow beards, said Richard Bulliet, professor of history at Columbia University.
"Believe it or not, there were ferocious fights over these issues," he told Al Jazeera.
There is a hadith often cited in such matters. In Islam, these are sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, which are analysed and interpreted by scholars to become sunna, or general rules for Muslims.
The controversy over such a trivial matter speaks volumes of the steep decline in Islamic values of peace, compassion and tolerance in Pakistan. - Ishtiaq Ahmad, University of Oxford
"Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard," says the famed hadith found in a collection by Muslim scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari.
Muslim men who grow out their beard and shave their lips are emulating the Prophet Muhammad's actions, say the religiously inspired fans of the style.
And while many particularly defined groups, such as some Salafists and Wahhabists, adhere to the teaching, the existence of clean-shaven Muslim men - and those bald-chin moustache-wearers such as Afridi - prove that such teachings, like the wearing of the hijab, are not accepted universally.
Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was said to have shaved his highly recognisable beard in order to go into hiding in Pakistan (coincidentally, Abbottabad, Bin Laden's hiding spot, is just 140 kilometres from Afridi's hometown). And former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is known for his clean-cut look.
"As for Mr Rafsanjani, he is known in Iran as 'the shark' because of his natural lack of facial hair," said Bulliet.
'Social intimidation'
So how can groups such as Lashkar-e-Islam make such pronouncements and hound someone such as Afridi - for all intents and purposes a simple and honest Muslim man - to such lengths in the name of their specific interpretation of centuries-old sayings?
"The controversy over such a trivial matter speaks volumes of the steep decline in Islamic values of peace, compassion and tolerance in Pakistan," said Ishtiaq Ahmad, Quaid-i-Azam Fellow at St Antony's College, University of Oxford. "[Pakistan is] a country born in the name of religion, yet religion has now become its principal headache. For it is in the name of Islam that Muslim-on-Muslim violence occurs on a daily basis.
"Unless the Pakistani state reshapes itself conceptually and structurally, the exclusivist, regressive form of religiousity, inspired by violent Wahhabist-Deobandi creed, will continue to grow. This will further narrow down space for any sort of cultural expression," he told Al Jazeera.
Bulliet agreed. "The point of the people harassing Mr Afridi is social intimidation," he said. "Militants want people to appear in public in conformity with their interpretation of sunna, not so much as a matter of absolute belief... as to demonstrate their sway over Muslim populations. Their willingness to act with violence to enhance a general fear of them is well known, so usually a threat will suffice."
'I can never cut my moustache again'
The question of Islamic instruction on Muslim moustache maintenance and bearded benevolence is nothing new, yet a definitive answer remains elusive.
I'd even sacrifice food, but not the moustache. It's my life. It's not part of my life. It is my life. - Malik Afridi "That's what God gave us - hair on the face - so that's part of being a man, I guess," one bearded Muslim told the (sadly defunct) website Phillybeard.com.
Yet his Philadelphia barber disagreed. "I don't really like to be identified by my beard - as in: 'Oh, you got a beard, you're Muslim.' Only ignorant people do that," he told the same site. "My stature, my character, the way I carry myself, will clearly state to you what my religion is."
Back in Pakistan, Afridi's family just wants him to come home. But they may be waiting a while. "Sometimes my family tell me: 'Cut it, it would be better if you lived with us.' I can leave my family, I can leave Pakistan, but I can never cut my moustache again," he said.
With few other vices, this appears to be the path Afridi has chosen. "I don't like smoking. I'm not fond of snuff, or drinking. This is the only choice in my life," he said.
"I'd even sacrifice food, but not the moustache. It's my life. It's not part of my life. It is my life."
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I have a horrible reputation with sparklers xD
every time around the 4th of July, I ALWAYS seem to burn myself with one xD | {
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NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India shot down one of its own satellites in low-Earth orbit with a ground-to-space missile on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, hailing his country’s first test of such weaponry as a breakthrough establishing it as a military space power.
India would be the fourth country to have used such an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China, according to Modi, who heads into general elections next month.
“Our scientists shot down a live satellite 300 kilometers away in space, in low-Earth orbit,” Modi said in a television broadcast.
“India has made an unprecedented achievement today,” he added, speaking in Hindi. “India registered its name as a space power.”
Anti-satellite weapons permit attacks on enemy satellites, blinding them or disrupting communications, as well as providing a technology base for intercepting ballistic missiles.
Such capabilities have raised fears of the weaponization of space and setting off a race between rivals.
(Graphic: MISSION SHAKTI - India shoots down satellite - tmsnrt.rs/2HHGp61)
Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned that the use of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons like the one India tested on Wednesday risk making a “mess” in space due to the debris fields the can leave behind.
The U.S. military’s Strategic Command was tracking more than 250 pieces of debris from India’s missile test and would issue “close-approach notifications as required until the debris enters the Earth’s atmosphere,” Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said.
The New Delhi government and Washington, which have generally close relations, have been in talks regarding the event, and India publicly issued an aircraft safety advisory before the launch, Eastburn added.
Lieutenant General David Thompson, vice commander of U.S. Air Force Space Command, said the International Space Station was not at risk at this point.
China’s foreign ministry said it hoped all countries “can earnestly protect lasting peace and tranquillity in space.” Russia declined to make any immediate comment.
India’s neighbor and arch-rival, Pakistan, said space is the “common heritage of mankind, and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarization of this arena.”
Tensions flared last month between the nuclear-armed foes after a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir.
India has had a space program for years, providing Earth-imaging satellites and launch capabilities as a cheaper alternative to Western space services. It sent a low-cost probe to Mars in 2014 and plans its first manned space mission by 2022. India also launched a lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, in 2008 that included an orbiter and an impact probe.
The latest test, conducted from an island off India’s east coast, was aimed at protecting the country’s assets in space against foreign attacks, the government said.
A ballistic missile defense interceptor produced by the government’s Defence Research and Development Organisation was used to shoot down the satellite, the foreign ministry said.
“The capability achieved ... provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long-range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles,” it said in a statement.
The three-minute test in the low-Earth orbit ensured there was no debris in space and the remnants would “decay and fall back on to the Earth within weeks,” the ministry added.
But Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey said the risk of fragments hitting other objects in space remained.
“One of the big risks of a hit-to-kill ASAT (anti-satellite weapon) is that it shatters the target, leaving a cloud of lethal debris that threatens other satellites. In an extreme scenario, there is even a risk of ‘collisional cascading’ in which one breakup triggers others in a chain reaction.”
Slideshow ( 8 images )
“While tests can be arranged to minimize this risk, any operational use of such a system in war poses a real threat to all satellites in orbit at similar altitude.”
China destroyed a satellite in 2007, creating the largest orbital debris cloud in history, with more than 3,000 objects, according to the Secure World Foundation.
China’s test spurred India to develop its anti-satellite capability, said Ajay Lele, a senior fellow of the government-funded Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.
Indian defense scientists had sought political approval for live tests but successive governments had baulked, fearing international condemnation, an Indian defense official said.
Brahma Chellaney, a security expert at New Delhi’s Centre of Policy Research, said the United States, Russia and China were pursuing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
Slideshow ( 8 images )
“Space is being turned into a battlefront, making counter-space capabilities critical. In this light, India’s successful ‘kill’ with an ASAT weapon is significant.”
UNITED STATES A PIONEER
The United States ran the first anti-satellite test in 1959, when satellites were rare and new.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the Soviet Union tested a weapon that would be launched into orbit, approach enemy satellites and destroy them with an explosive charge, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
In 1985 the United States tested the ASM-135, launched from an F-15 fighter, destroying a U.S. satellite called Solwind P78-1.
There were no tests for more than 20 years, until China entered the anti-satellite arena in 2007.
The following year, the United States used a ship-launched SM-3 missile to destroy a defunct spy satellite in Operation Burnt Frost.
Modi’s Hindu nationalist-led government has taken a strong position on national security, launching air strikes last month on a suspected militant camp in Pakistan that spurred retaliatory raids.
Although he faces criticism for failing to deliver on high economic growth and create jobs, a hawkish position on security should help Modi at the ballot box, pollsters say.
The leader of the main opposition Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, congratulated defense scientists but took a dig at Modi for the announcement on a day that commemorates theatricals.
“I would also like to wish the prime minister a very happy World Theatre Day,” Gandhi said. School children held flags in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad celebrating the test.
A concern for India is that China could help its old ally Pakistan neutralize any advantage.
“Pakistan and China have a very deep strategic kind of partnership. So some kind of sharing of capabilities can’t be ignored,” Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies, another Delhi think-tank, said. | {
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Keanu Reeves is a talented actor and has starred in the movies Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Speed and The Matrix and its sequels.
His full name is Keanu Charles Reeves and he was born on 2 September 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon.
His first name means "cool breeze over the mountains" in Hawaiian.
Reeves is the son of English-born Patricia Taylor, a showgirl, and American-born Samuel Nowlin Reeves, a geologist. Keanu's father was born in Hawaii, of British, Portuguese, Native Hawaiian, and Chinese ancestry.
Unfortunately their marriage did not last and his mother and younger sister, Kim Reeves, to Australia where his mom worked as a costume designer. The family then moved to New York City, then Toronto. The family moved around a lot and he lived with various stepfathers.
Reeves's father earned his GED while imprisoned in Hawaii for selling heroin at Hilo International Airport.
While living in Toronto, Reeves attended four high schools in a span of five years and even got expelled once. On the expulsion, Reeves said: "I was just a little too rambunctious and shot my mouth off once too often. I was not generally the most well-oiled machine in the school. I was just getting in their way, I guess."
Watch Top 5 Keanu Reeves Movies of All Time
1) Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
2) Point Break (1991)
3) Speed (1994)
4) The Matrix (1999)
5) John Wick (2014)
In high school, Reeves was never into academics but took a keen interest in ice hockey (as team goalie, he earned the nickname "The Wall") and drama. He eventually dropped out of school to pursue an acting career.
As a child, living in New Jersey, Reeves once had a terrifying encounter with a ghostly suit. In an interview with British tabloid The Sun, Reeves recalled: "I remember just staring at this suit which had no body or legs in it as it came into the room before disappearing. It was a double-breasted suit in white and I looked at my nanny, who was just as shocked as me. I just couldn't get back to sleep afterwards."
As a teenager in Toronto, he worked as a manager at a pasta restaurant.
He starred in a couple of commercials and made-for-TV movies. One of his most famous ones was a commercial for Coca-Cola.
Reeves was also a correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation youth program "Going Great".
His first serious role was in a supporting role in the Rob Lowe hockey flick Youngblood (1986), which was filmed in Canada.
Keanu Reeves then made the big move to Hollywood by driving all the way there in his 1969 Volvo. He lived with his ex-stepfather, Paul Aaron, who was a stage and television director.
There he continued to get some small roles here and there until he landed his first popular role as cool guy "Ted Logan" in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989). The wacky time-travel movie became something of a cultural phenomenon, and audiences would forever confuse Reeves's real-life persona with that of his doofy on-screen counterpart.
He is 6' 1" (1.85 m) tall.
In 1991, Reeves began playing bass guitar for the grunge band Dogstar. The band is no longer together, however, music has remained a huge part of his life.
In 1995 Dogstar opened for Bon Jovi in Australia and in 1999 the band even played at the famed Glastonbury music festival.
Reeves also performed in the band Becky for a year in the early 2000s.
In 1994, Reeves' career reached a new high as a result of his starring role in the action film Speed opposite Sandra Bullock. His casting in the film was controversial since, except for Point Break, he was primarily known for comedies and indie dramas.
Despite his success in Speed, he often preferred his eclectic roles and turned down a huge paycheck for "Speed 2: Cruise Control" in favor of touring with his band and starring in a production of "Hamlet."
When making "The Devil's Advocate," Reeves agreed to take a big pay cut of a few million dollars (a few million dollars) so the producers could also afford to bring on Al Pacino.
He did the same thing on "The Replacements," allowing producers to bring on board Gene Hackman by demanding less cash up front for himself. He actually took a 90 percent paycut.
While some actors may jump at the chance at getting to star in a movie opposite Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves actually turned down that opportunity. Keanu was initially offered the role that eventually went to Val Kilmer in the movie 'Heat', instead opting to play Hamlet at a 789 seat theatre in Manitoba.
Tragedy struck Keanu Reeves in December 1999, Reeves's girlfriend, Jennifer Syme, gave birth to a stillborn daughter. Ava Archer Syme-Reeves was born prematurely, following an eight-month pregnancy. Eighteen months later, Syme died in an automobile accident. She was the sole passenger of the vehicle at the time of the accident.
His most famous role to date happened in 1999 - "The Matrix". The 1999 science fiction-action film was an international success that gave birth to two sequels and established Reeves as an A-list actor and action star.
Reeves was paid $10 million upfront to film the first "Matrix" and ended up earning $35 million total after the film became a huge hit.
When negotiating his profit-sharing deal for the two follow-up films, Reeves opted to hand over some of his points to the franchise's special effects and costume design teams. The total amount Reeves could have earned but chose to disburse to the crew instead comes, by some accounts, to over $75 million. He donated over $75 million to people he worked with because he thought they deserved it.
On top of that, Keanu gave each member of The Matrix's 12-strong stuntman team a Harley Davidson motorbike as a gift. Just because he's a good guy.
He reportedly gave $80 million of his $114 million earnings for his work on "The Matrix" sequels to the special effects and makeup staff.
Many actors have to smoke cigarettes on the big screen for a role, and Keanu admitted that it wasn't until he was 30 that he actually developed the bad habit in real life, thanks to his starring role in Feeling Minnesota. Asked about it during an interview with Details Magazine, he said; "I got hooked making a film.Feeling Minnesota. I didn't start smoking until I was 30. Now I'm just in prison."
Reeves is a motorcycle enthusiast and has recently started manufacturing his own bikes, Arch Motorcycle Company.
While on a "demon ride" (that means riding at night with no headlights) in Topanga Canyon, Reeves smashed into the side of a mountain. He was hospitalized for a week with broken ribs and a ruptured spleen. And if that doesn't sound painful enough for you, allegedly, one of the paramedics also dropped the stretcher as they were loading it into the ambulance.
Reeves founded a production company, Company Films, with Stephen Hamel. The company produced Henry's Crime in 2010.
Believe it or not, Keanu Reeves loves ballroom dancing.
In an interview with Details Magazine, it was revealed that Keanu has read all of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past. The work is 1,500,000 words long and about 7 volumes. It's most famously known to be about 3,000 pages long. He's been described as "one of the most voracious readers" by Scott Derrickson, director of The Day the Earth Stood Still.
4Chan, a web community, to give money for cancer research. After the Sad Keanu meme rose to fame in 2010, people had a weird conception that Keanu, for some reason, was sad, and not as full of life as he used to be. A Facebook group was created for the event and the following was decided by the admins/community: On June 15th, we plan on sending letters, emails, gifts, and any other niceties and kind words to a real bro, Keanu Reeves... In case you don't know, Keanu's sister Kim was diagnosed with leukemia many years ago. If you want to make a more significant gift, consider donating to a cancer research charity in the name of Cheer Up Keanu Day. I'm sure a letter or email informing Keanu of this action would really make his day.
There's a bizarre conspiracy that Keanu is immortal. Yes, seriously. Fans have pointed out how closely the star resembles Paul Mounet, a French actor born in 1847, and how remarkably youthful the actor looks for 50.
Keanu's set up a private cancer foundation to help a number of children's hospitals. When his sister, Kim, was diagnosed with leukaemia, he became her main caregiver and has spent $5 million on her treatment. On top of that he supports PETA, the SickKids Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer.
Keanu Reeves marked his 46th with a solitary cupcake outside a warehouse and if fans stopped by to take photos, he gladly obliged.
Keanu Reeves was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January of 2005.
While he might not be much of a TV watcher, there is one event that Keanu confesses to being glued to his television for, and that's the Olympics.
Of the once every 4 years sporting event, Keanu said; 'You know, I don't have a favorite TV show, but I do know that I love watching The Olympics. Whenever the Olympics are on, I just love watching them, the moments that you get these incredible athletes dedicating so much of their lives to the moments that happen in the Olympics, and it is great to be able to witness that.'
In 2011, he wrote the text for the grown-up picture "Ode to Happiness."
Reeves is neither Buddhist nor atheist, despite frequent listings to the contrary. He has previously claimed to be non-religious, while also citing an intense interest in Buddhism. In September 2013, when asked if he was a spiritual person, he replied with: "I don't know? I don't know the spiritual Richter-scale measurement! That's a weird answer, isn't it? I don't know. Do I believe in God, faith, inner faith, the self, passion, and things? Yes, of course! I'm very spiritual ... Supremely spiritual ... Bountifully spiritual ... Supremely bountiful. [Laughs.]"
Keanu Reeves has been the target of stalker invasions. On September 12, 2014, Reeves awoke when he heard someone in his home. He found a female stalker in his library. She said that she was there to meet him. While he calmly talked to her, he called 911 and alerted the police. They arrived, arrested her and took her in for psychological evaluation.
Unfortunately, it happened again. On September 15, 2014, a second female stalker made her way into his home through a gate that was left unlocked by a cleaning company. This time, the intruder undressed and took a shower in Reeves's bathroom and then proceeded to swim naked in his swimming pool. The cleaning crew became suspicious and alerted Reeves who was not at home. He then notified the police who arrived to arrest the stalker.
Keanu Reeve's net worth is $350 million.
During his initial rise to stardom, Reeves preferred to live in rental houses and hotels. He was a long-term resident of the Chateau Marmont. Around 2003, he bought his first house in the Hollywood Hills. He has since purchased an apartment in Manhattan on Central Park West. | {
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More details have surfaced surrounding the death of fitness model George Plitt, who was struck and killed by a train in Southern California on Saturday afternoon.
Friends of a fitness model and actor who was hit by a train and killed while making a video said that he was a bold and fearless person who just made a rare mistake.
"It was just a freaky moment where something got out of control," said Warren Coulter, who had been friends for 15 years with 37-year-old George Gregory Plitt Jr., who went by "Greg."
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Plitt, among the more recognizable faces and physiques in the fitness industry, was shooting a video for his website with two crew members when the Metrolink commuter train hit him Saturday afternoon in Burbank, authorities and friends said.
Coulter told The Associated Press that Plitt was a West Point graduate and Army Ranger who had jumped out of planes more than 1,000 times in his life and had a taste for the extreme, but also treated everyone and everything with respect and care as befitted his military past.
"Everything Greg did, he did extremely well," Coulter said. "This isn't anyone who ever took a nap."
Coulter said he spoke to members of the film crew and says Plitt misjudged the situation and tripped and fell before he was hit by the train. TMZ cites sources who say he just couldn't get up in time.
"No question of it, it was just a mistake," Coulter said.
Investigators have ruled out a suicide, and were trying to determine who directed the men to film without a permit in a restricted area of the tracks Saturday afternoon. They have interviewed witnesses who saw Plitt standing on the track even as the train's horn was blaring, Burbank police Sgt. Scott Meadows said.
A photo has surfaced showing what appears to be George Plitt on the railroad tracks shortly before he was hit. KTLA in Los Angeles obtained the picture, which shows a shirtless man by the railroad tracks.
Metrolink spokesman Scott Johnson said Monday that the Los Angeles-region commuter train system tries to warn people when it sees they have posted images or videos of themselves on its tracks, but he didn't know whether Plitt had been contacted in the past.
Walking on tracks is trespassing, Johnson said.
"The tracks are for one thing -- trains," he said.
It appears Plitt may have believed the train was on a nearby, parallel track, Meadows said.
"It's like a blind turn," he said. "When the train came, you might not be able to tell which set the train is on."
Plitt's girlfriend, Christina Stejskal, cried when she told the Los Angeles Times that as always he was "just trying to get the best shot" when he was hit.
"He wanted to push things to the limit," Stejskal said. "He's just like Superman."
The actor and West Point graduate has appeared on more than 200 magazine covers, Bravo's reality television show "Work Out" and "Friends to Lovers" and NBC's daytime soap opera "Days of Our Lives," according to a website in Plitt's name.
A motivational video on the website shows Plitt working out on the tracks as a Metrolink train passes by.
Bravo host Andy Cohen took to Twitter over the weekend to remember Plitt: | {
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The byelection results of Gorakhpur and Phulpur may not be the only bad news for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.
Data shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) show the state to be failing on crucial benchmarks for the safety of citizens.
As per statistics available, the state has reported the highest number of communal incidents for three years. While 155 incidents took place in 2015, the number was 162 the following year. Things got worse in 2017 when 195 incidents were recorded.
Last year -- 2017 -- was when Yogi Adityanath took over as the Chief Minister in March after a thumping BJP victory.
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in the 10-month period, after Adityanath took over power, Uttar Pradesh topped the list of states of fake encounters and custodial deaths.
"As far as death in judicial custody is concerned, UP again ranks top of the NHRC list. The state recorded an astounding 365 judicial deaths out of a total 1,530 deaths recorded in the country," NHRC said.
Since the Yogi Adityanath-led government came to power 10 months ago, there have been more than 1,100 police encounters in the state.
The UP Chief Minister had said that the police would have full freedom to deal with rising crime rates in the state and asked criminals to either surrender or leave the state.
The police promptly launched 'Operation Clean' but with it came allegations of extra-judicial killings.
HIGHEST NUMBER OF CUSTODIAL DEATHS
According to MHA data, UP's Bareilly recorded the highest number of custodial death at 25, followed by Agra (21) and Allahabad (19).
While PM's constituency Varanasi recorded nine judicial deaths, Chief Minister's constituency Gorakhpur recorded two deaths. Communally sensitive Kasganj reported five deaths in judicial custody.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav deriding UP CM Adiityanath on the encounter spree on the day of UP bypoll results, said,"He (Yogi) instructed the police to kill criminals or even to chop them into pieces if needed."
UP is followed by West Bengal with 127 deaths, Punjab and Maharashtra tied for the 3rd place with 118 deaths in judicial custody.
RISE IN ENCOUNTERS
Other states that follow are Madhya Pradesh with 107 and Bihar with 102. Jammu and Kashmir which witnesses the highest number of encounters notched four custodial deaths.
The number of cases registered by NHRC is on basis of complaints received based on intimations about deaths in judicial and police custody.
Maharashtra tops when it comes to deaths in police custody with 19 deaths, followed by Gujarat with 14. The other states are Assam and Tamil Nadu both recording 11 each. Punjab is at No. 5 with 10 and UP at the sixth position with 9 deaths reported.
FAKE ENCOUNTERS
Out of the 19 fake encounters recorded during this 10-month period UP again leads with six deaths. Incidentally, in Jammu and Kashmir, there was only one fake encounter registered.
Naxal-affected Jharkhand recorded only one such case. Rajasthan recorded three and Punjab two cases of fake encounters.
In criminal cases too UP topped. Of the over 30,000 murders registered in the country in 2016, UP had 4,889 cases.
In 2015 and 2014 UP lived up to its gory facts: 4,732 and 5,150 cases of murder registered. Again the highest in the country.
ALSO WATCH | UP police continues crackdown to wipe out crime from state, criminals ask for forgiveness | {
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doctor: i just became a doctor! lemme fix your organs! man: ooh thank you! man (getting on table): i've really been needing to get this operation! thanks for helping me doctor stranger! doctor: no problem! let's get inside that body man: so what made you want to practice medicine? doctor: medicine? ha, nope! i have a PhD in computer science doctor: let's refactor and recompile that body of yours! | {
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The emergence of Al-Shabab in Somalia is not an accident. It stems from many decades of mismanagement, dictatorship, regional and international abuse. Superficially, one expects Somalia to be a unified entity because all Somalis speak a common language and are not plagued by ethnic differences as in many parts of the post-colonial world. Yet Somalia was always beset by deep clan cleavages even as Somali elites fantasised about the notion of a ‘Greater Somalia’ and made it their mission to unite all Somali-speaking peoples. This included Somalis in neighbouring states: the Ogaden region in Ethiopia, the Issas in Djibouti and the Somalis who inhabit the area known as the Northern Frontier District of Kenya. The Horn of Africa was of course faced with the same arbitrariness of borders inherited from colonial rule, where there were cultural links with people across borders.
Notion of 'Greater Somalia' marked in yellow on map
But the project of an ethnically homogenous state by embracing neighbouring Somali minorities was a non-starter and contrary to the African charter of respecting colonial boundaries. Hence, Somali irredentism pitted it against Kenya and Ethiopia, worsening in particular its historic enmity with Ethiopia. The tension between the two countries provided one of the openings for the Soviet Union and the United States to use these nations as proxies in the geopolitical games of the Cold War. The Horn of Africa of which Somalia is a part became much like Afghanistan, Vietnam and other hot spots of that era.
Ethiopia and Somalia waged two major wars, including one that involved Cuban troops in 1977–78. A combined force of Ethiopians, 15,000 Cubans, 1,500 Soviet advisors and weaponry broke the back of the Somali army. This defeat was the beginning of the end of a functioning Somali state. It was followed by a protracted civil war in the 1980s, culminating in the disintegration of the country. Clumsy US and UN involvement in the 1990s made an already bad situation worse. Clan-based warlordism replaced the centralised dictatorship of Mohammed Said Barre, who ruled Somalia from 1969 to 1991. After the fall of Barre, Somaliland and Puntland became two separate, relatively stable but unrecognised entities. In fact, in late June 2010, Somaliland held the only election in the region which met international standards. Opposition candidate Ahmed M. Maha Silanyo won the election, defeating incumbent President Dahir Riyale Kahin. In contrast, anarchy had reigned in southern Somalia and the Mogadishu area for at least the last two decades.
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For the most part, the US disengaged after the death of 18 of its marines and the downing of two Black Hawk helicopters in 1993. The gruesome scene in October 1993 – with pictures of a dead American soldier being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu and dubbed the ‘CNN effect’ – is a fixture in the memory of many Americans. It influenced the Clinton administration’s decision to withdraw US troops from the country. Somalia became of renewed interest only after 9/11 out of concern that it would be a breeding ground for global jihad and a hide out for Al-Qaida elements.
There were 14 unsuccessful top-down attempts for a centralised government in Somalia between 1991 and 2010. The current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) led by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is the latest mutation of these trials. Most Somalis view Sharif Ahmed as an Ethiopian puppet, but Hillary Clinton had called him the ‘best hope’ for his country. He barely controls two blocks in Mogadishu and only because of the protection of approximately 3,000 Ugandan and 2,000 Burundian troops representing the ill-conceived AU Mission In Somalia (AMISOM). The Ugandan, Burundian and Ethiopian intervention is deeply resented by Somalis of various political persuasions. The justification for their presence is ostensibly to keep peace, but there is no peace to keep in Somalia. Uganda and Ethiopia really need peace within their own borders before pretending to bring peace to other lands. Among several insurgencies within Ethiopia is the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), which is waging a perennial struggle for self-determination for the four million or so ethnic Somalis. It has claimed thousands of lives and is being called ‘the other Darfur’ by some observers. Since the 1980s, Uganda’s northern region has also been ravaged by a murderous group known as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
The primary reason for Ethiopian intervention is its vested interest in a weak and disintegrated Somalia. It also benefits from American financial, military and political support by positioning itself as an ally in the ‘war on terror’. Ethiopia receives the largest amount of American aid of any country in sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, Uganda and Burundi are intervening to garner support from the United States when they don’t even share a common border with Somalia.
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In return, the US keeps mum when these leaders rig elections or change constitutional clauses to enable them to extend presidential terms. It is a Machiavellian game all around.
If one were genuine about peace, Ethiopia would be among the last countries in the world to be encouraged to send troops to Somalia. Yet in 2006, it intervened in Somalia with American support and pre-empted the ascendancy of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), who were relatively moderate Muslims and had managed to establish a modicum of order for the very first time in 15 years. From the ranks of UIC, the Al-Shabab extremists triumphed as a hegemonic force. Ethiopia officially withdrew in 2009, but only after experiencing a quagmire which plunged Somalia into deeper chaos, displacing 300,000 Somalis and causing disarray for a grassroots movement that had seemed promising before it was nipped by Ethiopian intervention. And this official withdrawal notwithstanding, Ethiopian troops still make periodic incursions into Somalia at will.
Given the predatory nature of the governments of Burundi, Ethiopia and Uganda – which are essentially military dictatorships or de facto one-party control – little faith can be placed in them for enhancing regional stability in the Horn region. Current Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki is also believed to have stolen the presidential election from Raila Odinga (who happens to hail from the same ethnic group as Barack Obama's father), who is now prime minister in a shaky power-sharing government. Yet the country is an ally in security matters in the region and therefore immune from any serious US scrutiny.
In 2006, the Bush administration provided intelligence to Ethiopia in support of the invasion. It also used military facilities in Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya to launch air raids and missile strikes against Al-Qaida suspects at several sites in Somalia in 2007 and 2008. The air attacks killed several dozen Somali civilians and injured hundreds more, and they made US backing for the invasion highly visible. These periodic airstrikes are continuing under the Obama administration. The killing of Somali civilians only serves to drive Somalis into desperation and extremism. AMISOM is not any better. There are credible reports that it is responsible for civilian deaths and other excesses.
In the aftermath of the Kampala bombings, Obama said that Al-Qaida is racist and doesn’t care about African lives. No sane person would dispute that. However, the real question is whether Obama cares about African lives. If he truly does, why would he meddle and prop up dictators like Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, dictators who wilfully sacrifice their soldiers and the lives of innocents for some foreign exchange dollars? Not surprisingly, both Zenawi and Museveni are already positioning themselves to argue for expanded intervention and to milk the Kampala tragedy, with Obama playing right into it. Ironically, Al-Shabab will also welcome the escalation and regionalisation of the conflict in the hope of bolstering its waning domestic support base as ordinary Somalis become weary of the heavy-handed repression by the movement.
Relying on Ethiopia, Uganda and Burundi for keeping peace in Somalia is like sending Indian soldiers to occupy and pacify the Pakistani tribal areas. It is an oxymoron. It undermines the moderates and helps the extremists. The willingness of the United States to endorse interventions is rarely matched by a commitment to a comprehensive effort of securing peace. With the quagmire in Afghanistan and Iraq, there is hardly any political will in the US to effectively deal with the complexities of the issues in Somalia. Somalia does not need intervention and further militarisation by self-serving neighbours. A possible starting point for rebuilding Somalia could be to use the money that is being wasted on AMISOM to assist the Somali people and the nascent democratic experiment in Somaliland in light of the severe democratic drought in the region.
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In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Natalie Portman once said: "I would never have been an actress if I weren't an only child, because my parents would never have let me be the star of the family at the expense of another child." It turns out that when it comes to the advantages of life without brothers and sisters, she was on to something.
One of the widest-ranging research projects on family life conducted in Britain has revealed that the fewer siblings children have, the happier they are – and that only children are the most contented.
The findings, shared exclusively with the Observer, suggest that "sibling bullying" could be part of the problem, with 31% of children saying they are hit, kicked or pushed by a brother or sister "quite a lot" or "a lot". Others complain of belongings being stolen by siblings and being called hurtful names.
The figures are the first to emerge from Understanding Society, a study tracking the lives of 100,000 people in 40,000 British households. They will be revealed on Friday in Britain in 2011, the State of the Nation, a magazine published by the Economic and Social Research Council.
On children and happiness, it finds that:
• Seven out of 10 British teenagers are "very satisfied" with their lives.
• Children from ethnic minorities are on average happier than their white British counterparts.
• Happiness declines the more siblings there are in a household.
The findings are based on in-depth questionnaires completed by 2,500 young people, which have been analysed by Gundi Knies from the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex where the Understanding Society study is based. She suggested that factors such as competition for the parents' attention or the fact that toys, sweets or space need to be shared could be to blame. Knies also pointed to other data within the study on sibling bullying: 29.5% of teenagers complain of being called "nasty names" by brothers or sisters "quite a lot" or "a lot", while 17.6% say they have their belongings taken away from them.
Professor Dieter Wolke of the University of Warwick, who carried out the work on tensions between brothers and sisters, said: "More than half of all siblings (54%) were involved in bullying in one form or the other." Although there is also evidence that points to siblings providing support for each other, he warned that children who faced bullying both at home and in the playground were particularly vulnerable to behaviour problems and unhappiness.
Wolke did not study the impact of such tensions on parents, but added: "From anecdotal reports, quarrelling siblings increase stress for parents and some just give up intervening or intervene inconsistently, leaving the field wide open for the bully sibling."
Siobhan Freegard, the co-founder of the website Netmums who has three children, said that many mothers felt like "referees" after their children reached a certain age and started quarrelling with their brothers and sisters.
She questioned whether the findings on happiness were linked to the fact that children were desperate for parental attention. "With three children, it is three lots of dinner, three lots of washing, three lots of driving to after-school activities, so you do get less time for each. I like to think they are getting benefits in other ways," said Freegard.
She said the findings would come as a relief to the parents of only children who often felt guilty about the lack of brothers and sisters.
Freegard discussed the issue recently with her friend, Tanya Honey, who has one child, a daughter. Honey admitted that her daughter, Gemma, seven, recently wrote "a baby" on her shopping list. "But friends always point out that she is a really happy child. When we go on holiday she is brilliant at making friends and if there was a brother or sister perhaps she wouldn't be, because she would rely on them," added Honey.
While the findings seem surprising, experts say there are clear reasons why more siblings could reduce happiness. Dr Ruth Coppard, a child psychologist, said: "In an average home the more children, the less privacy for each child. Some love sharing a bedroom with a sibling but they would rather choose to do it than have to do it. There is competition for parental time."
Coppard said she made a conscious decision to have just two children because more would become unaffordable. "After that I would need a bigger car, more bedrooms, holidays would be difficult," she said. But she argued that there were also issues for only children, who were the "sole recipients of parental expectations".
Parentline Plus, a charity that offers support to parents, regularly receives calls about sibling rivalry. "Families do report concerns regarding high levels of conflict among siblings and the stress that this can cause, but the important thing is to try to help and support families find more effective ways of dealing with this problem," said Alison Phillips, director of policy and communications.
She has issued a series of tips to parents including: don't be too quick to blame, even if one child looks innocent; ensure children have a special place for their belongings; insist they ask if they want to use something owned by a sibling, and show firmly that you do not approve of bullying behaviour. | {
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Royal Circle, Tyrathurus, Shitakasi Holy Empire
Empress Viola of the Shitakasi Holy Empire (SHE) has gained the trait of immortality, granting herself the title of 'God-Empress' in the process.
In an announcement to her imperial court this morning, Viola confirmed she had been marked as "Chosen" by the Shroud, stating:
"Today marks a new dawn for the Shitakasi, for the Shroud has smiled upon me. It has imbued me with great power. Not only do I have +1 influence, but I transcend the limits of mortality. I will rule our people, and ultimately the galaxy, for eternity."
The fungoid Shitakasi, and by extension the Royal Shitakasi Family are deeply spiritual, and famed for their latent psionic abilities.
Viola is reported to be exceptionally psionically connected and was rumoured to be spending increasing amounts of time within the Shroud. It is unclear what force, if any, she has been consorting with.
The Galactic UN has warned Viola against "wanton title creation", reminding her it was just likely to anger her vassals and promote regional instability. It also added she had no objective scientific evidence to prove she was immortal.
While the news of Viola's "ascension" have been met with jubilant scenes across the Shitakasi home systems, sources close to the Royal Family highlight tensions are rising.
Crown Princess Jasmine, Viola's eldest daughter and next in line of succession, is reportedly "distraught" over news her mother is now immortal, and considering abdicating for a career as a paralegal.
As one anonymous palace source told our newsteam;
"It's just awful for her. Jasmine has the ambitious trait, so naturally her and her mother are rivals, but she expected soon enough she would be able to leave her own mark on the Holy Empire - seemingly not anymore. It's a bit of an existential crisis for her."
Viola's sister, Princess Lilleth, has reportedly formed a faction to change Shitakasi succession to a form of elective monarchy, in a move that many see as trying to limit Viola's increased authority.
> More accurate reporting from Ashley Easterbrook could not be possible
> This article was inspired by a post by Twitter user @diogo__anchieta | {
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Duration: 8:00 Views: 432 Submitted: 7 months ago Submitted by:
Description: There is nothing worse than to run out of gas, luckily for him a stranger was passing by. he asked for a lift to a nearest gas station, but for what price? | {
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ThunderHawk is Open for Play!
The state's modified order permits golf and some additional recreation areas to reopen with operational restrictions, and additional safety and social distancing guidelines in place. View full list of guidelines here.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has specific restrictions and guidelines for play that will be strictly followed at each of our golf courses.
It is crucial that golfers adhere to these guidelines and continue to follow social distancing rules and other safety precautions at all times while at the courses. If a specific course is not maintainable due to golfers not being compliant with Forest Preserve rules and the state’s restrictions, the course will be closed.
VIEW FULL LIST OF GUIDELINES | {
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Why the fuck are you acting like a child after saying you have kids my age
202 shares | {
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Seguo da un po’ di tempo un ottimo gruppo Facebook dedicato alle startup italiane. Due giorni fa si parlava dell’apertura da parte di Amazon di una libreria a Seattle. Trovandomi questa settimana a Seattle per lavoro (sono un mentor a una conferenza di scienziati dei dati organizzata da IBM, l’azienda per cui lavoro) ho penso di far visita al negozio di Amazon.
Avendo promesso di fornire la mia opinione a riguardo nel gruppo, ho pensato di pubblicarla su Stacktrace. Ho scelto questo outlet non perché volessi fare un bocca a bocca al sito (al massimo si tratterebbe di una riesumazione della salma), ma perché Facebook non permette la pubblicazione di testo e foto in maniera organica (a meno di pubblicare una nota, che non credo sia disponibile nei gruppi).
Amazon Books è un negozio collocato nello University Village, un centro commerciale di alto livello. All’entrata del negozio c’è un cartello che risponde alla domanda che molti si porranno circa il costo dei libri. Sì, i prezzi sono gli stessi del sito Amazon.com. Quindi comprare di persona ha un potenziale vantaggio per chi vive in zona, ammesso che abbiano il libro che stai cercando. E su questo punto il negozio ha un grosso svantaggio rispetto al sito (ovviamente) ma anche rispetto ad altre librerie fisiche come Barnes & Noble.
La selezione di libri è infatti molto limitata, anche considerando le dimensioni modiche del locale. Gli scaffali sono quasi del tutto riservati a best seller in categorie piuttosto popolari. I libri tecnici sono praticamente esclusi come ammesso dalla commessa con cui ho parlato per vedere se per caso avessero il mio di libro (in mia difesa, ho iniziato la conversazione con it’s a long shot).
I libri presenti sono best seller, nuove uscite, e libri le cui recensioni sul sito hanno ricevuto almeno quattro stelle. Ci sono infatti scaffali per libri che hanno almeno 4.8 stelle su Amazon.com, 4 stelle, libri del mese, selezioni dello staff, i migliori libri recensiti su tematiche attuali, e così via.
Carino il fatto che certi scaffali contengono libri simili a un particolare best seller o autore.
I libri non hanno prezzi. Il pubblico deve invece scaricare l’Amazon app e fare lo scan con questa del codice a barre disponibile sul retro del libro oppure direttamente dallo scaffale.
Per chi ha la batteria scarica o non vuole scomodare lo smartphone in tasca, ci sono una manciata di scanner sparsi nel negozio per fare la scansione dei libri e scoprirne il prezzo.
Sulle etichette affisse agli scaffali c’è spesso una citazione da una recensione Amazon.com oppure qualche dato statistico interessante riguardante il libro (ad esempio, il 91% dei recensori hanno dato 5 stelle a questo libro).
Ho chiesto se fosse possibile ricercare se un libro è disponibile in loco, ma mi è stato detto che l’unico modo per farlo è chiedere direttamente a loro. Sicuramente una soluzione piuttosto low-tech da parte del gigante delle vendite in rete. Se avranno mai una catena di negozi, sono certo che sarà possibile controllare l’inventario tramite la loro app.
Come si intuisce dal nome il negozio è principalmente una libreria dedicata alla vendita di libri. La sezione centrale però contiene diversi gadget (per lo più creati da Amazon stessa, come l’Echo, Fire TV, e i vari tablet). In questo il negozio ricorda un po’ l’Apple Store a cui si saranno senza dubbio ispirati. C’è anche una sezioncina per la linea Amazon Basics, per chi volesse acquistare un cavo HDMI, o simili accessori, a basso costo.
C’è una selezione abbastanza decente di riviste, ma nulla di impressionante (comunque inferiore a quelle di grosse librerie americane o canadesi). In fondo al negozio c’è una sezione per i bambini, con sedie e tavolini per i più piccoli.
Gli adulti hanno invece una fila di panchine in prossimità della vetrina principale. Un paio di Kindle fire sono messi nella zona a disposizione dei clienti che volessero provarli o giocarci.
I commessi mi sono sembrati cortesi e l’ambiente abbastanza invitante. Tutto sommato è stata un’esperienza positiva e sono uscito dal negozio comprando un libro (la biografia di Elon Musk). Nel mio hanno infilato un segnalibro arancione col marchio del negozio.
Quando paghi puoi inserire l’email che usi per l’account di Amazon.com e l’ordine viene aggiunto al tuo storico, oltre che inviarti la ricevuta per email.
Volendo tirare le somme, vedo in Amazon Books un paio di vantaggi strategici. Fornisce ad Amazon.com, quello che l’Apple Store fisico fornice ad Apple.com: uno showroom che permette ai clienti di provare prodotti Amazon come Echo, Kindle Fire, Fire TV e ciò che rilasceranno in futuro.
Il secondo vantaggio è che in fondo fornisce a un largo pubblico un servizio di pre-selezione di libri. L’utente medio può entrare nel negozio, prendere un libro a caso dallo scaffale di suo interesse, e sarà quasi sicuramente soddisfatto. Sono tutti libri qualificati dagli utenti Amazon.com. (So che ci sono fake review ma a occhio credo che Amazon abbia filtrato manualmente quali libri, tra quelli che rispettano i criteri, finiscono nella libreria.)
L’incarnazione corrente della libreria fisica di Amazon non è però quel mostro che giustificherebbe l’accusa di aver distrutto le librerie fisiche con un negozio online, per poi riaprire librerie fisiche, avendo di fatto eliminato la competizione. Questo Amazon Books è un po’ Apple Store, un po’ Starbucks in termini di atmosfera. In qualche modo eleva il brand di Amazon nell’immaginario collettivo a un livello di lusso maggiore di quello percepito finora. Ha il charm di una boutique più che l’utilità di una warehouse. E così, lascia ampio spazio alla competizione offline.
L’Amazon offline che avrebbe sterminato ulteriormente non solo librerie, ma anche altri tipi di negozi, sarebbe stato un Amazon stile Costco warehouse. Amazon Books è l’esatto opposto. Si tratta secondo me di una scommessa interessante che potrà comunque portare frutti.
In ogni caso è interessate notare come dopo vent’anni we’ve come full circle. 🙂 | {
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President Trump on Thursday questioned why visa protections should be extended to immigrants pouring in from “shithole countries.”
The president reportedly made the remarks during an Oval Office meeting on the immigration bill Thursday, where lawmakers proposed ending the diversity visa lottery program in favor of protections for immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti and African nations.
“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” the president reportedly stated according to The Washington Post.
The Post’s anonymous sources, who did not attend the meeting, report Trump added he’d prefer “more people from countries like Norway, whose prime minister he met Wednesday.”
Members at the meeting were “alarmed and mystified” by Trump’s comments, according to The New York Times, and “taken aback,” the Post reports.
Meanwhile Trump supporters were unfazed by the remarks.
Obama's State Department told Americans Haiti was unsafe to travel to due to rampant "violent crime, including murder and kidnapping." How racist of them! We all know Haiti is NOT a shithole. pic.twitter.com/NYb3nxGPJz — Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) January 11, 2018
Okay, yes — Trump shouldn't call them "shithole countries." A little respect is in order. They are shithole nations. — Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 11, 2018
I use the phrase “shithole countries” pretty much every time I talk about immigration irl. Greatest prez. — Cassandra Fairbanks (@CassandraRules) January 11, 2018
Political correctness aside, Haiti and African nations are shithole countries. You just don't say it. Because political correctness. — Jayquan (@JOGIBEAR92) January 11, 2018
BREAKING: Trump says stuff about foreign countries that U.S. journalists have said about Middle America for decades.#shithole #hypocrites — Raheem 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@RaheemKassam) January 11, 2018
I don’t want people from shithole countries in my country either! Look at what migrants from shitholes have done to Paris! 7 more yrs pic.twitter.com/5JTipVpshb — Rosa Covfefe (@covfefeRosa) January 12, 2018
The Washington Post claims that Trump called African and Latin nations "shithole countries." This is a map of the criminality index from those 2 regions of the world, which are statistically the most violent and dangerous because of how amazing and awesome they are! pic.twitter.com/Dtpy9ykX8p — Ryan Saavedra 🇺🇸 (@RealSaavedra) January 11, 2018
An estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandans were massacred by being hacked to death with machetes and you're telling me that country is NOT a shithole? Or in Tanzania where albinos are raped because many Africans believe that cures AIDS? Please. #Shithole — Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 12, 2018
I can’t wait to hear the Left’s arguments for why we shouldn’t have immigrants from Norway — Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 12, 2018
While not addressing the comments directly, a Trump administration spokesman told The Post the president wants an immigration deal that will benefit the American people, not people from foreign countries.
“The President will only accept an immigration deal that adequately addresses the visa lottery system and chain migration – two programs that hurt our economy and allow terrorists into our country,” said a statement from Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary Raj Shah.
CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins claimed White House staffers told her the administration isn’t worried about the remarks.
Staffers inside the White House aren't that worried about Trump's "shithole" remark — with some predicting it will actually resonate with his base, not alienate it, much like his attacks on NFL players who kneel during the national anthem did. — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 11, 2018
In Trump’s defense, Haiti being classified a “shithole country” is no surprise given the Clinton Foundation’s scheme to defraud the American public and the Haitian people since the 2010 earthquake and beyond.
One America News Network commentator Liz Wheeler noted as much when she owned Chelsea Clinton after the former First Daughter used the “shit hole” remarks to attack Trump.
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Sarah Tew/CNET
The Amazon Echo has a New Year's resolution: Slim down and lose the power cord.
The online retailer plans to release a smaller, portable and cheaper version of the Echo, a digital voice assistant crammed into a cylinder speaker, in the coming weeks, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing anonymous sources.
The current Echo can be voice-activated to play music, turn on Internet-connected lights, answer questions or even tell jokes, though it needs to be plugged in to work. The new device -- code-named "Fox" -- can charge on a docking station and fit comfortably in the palm of someone's hand. Also, it will sell at a lower price than the Echo's $180 price tag. However, to preserve battery life, the new device won't be voice activated, and instead respond to voice commands only when a user pushes a button, the report said.
An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment on the story.
Amazon developed the new speaker at its secretive hardware lab in Silicon Valley, called Lab126, which created many of Amazon's other devices, including its Kindle e-reader and Fire tablet and phone, the Journal said.
The Echo, which debuted in late 2014, became a surprise hit with customers, despite its odd shape and few, if any, similar products on the market. The device brought the e-commerce giant into the competitive market of voice assistants. Apple's Siri, Microsoft's Cortana and Google's Google Now speech-recognition software all work in smartphones to allow users to make calls or bring up driving directions. The major difference is that Amazon's Alexa software, which powers the Echo, isn't used in a phone and instead is in a plug-in speaker.
That allows the Echo to act as a dedicated hub for the connected home, able to turn on a lamp using a Belkin WeMo light switch, play Pandora or iHeartRadio music, or reorder kitchen supplies on Amazon.com by simply asking the device. The device can remain on at all times, with users able to activate Alexa by saying her name and then asking her to complete a task.
While Amazon hasn't detailed sales of the Echo, it is currently the fifth-best selling electronic product on Amazon.com. The device has over 30,000 reviews on the site, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
At last week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, several tech companies showed off their devices' new compatibility with the Echo, displaying how the speaker is continually adding new features. Still, the Echo is just one of many smart-home devices from Samsung, Alphabet's Nest and others working to add more technology into people's lighting, appliances and other household objects. | {
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「初日だけれど車内はガラガラ」「開業直後とは思えないほどすいてる」――。開業したばかりの北陸新幹線だが、空席が目立つ車内写真が相次いでツイッターに投稿された。
一方、管轄するJR東・西は両社とも乗客数が大幅に伸びたとデータを発表し、「好評だった」と振り返る。いったいどうしてだろうか。
「今3人席を1人で座ってる笑」
東京から金沢を直通する北陸新幹線は、長野新幹線を金沢まで延伸する形で2015年3月14日、開業した。上越妙高を境界に、高崎までをJR東が、金沢までをJR西が管轄する。開業前後は新聞やテレビなどが大きく取り上げ、北陸3県のにぎわいを伝えていた。
しかしツイッターを見ると、空席ばかりの車内写真を多くの人が投稿している。
「意外にガラガラ、空いてます」
「今3人席を1人で座ってる笑」
と、メディアの盛り上がりとは裏腹な実態が浮き彫りになった。ちょうど講演会で北陸を訪れた前宮崎県知事の東国原英夫さんも、
「僕が見る限りガラガラ。ちょっとびっくり！ 多くの人々はどうやら見物客らしい」
と報告。乗車したグリーン車には秘書とほか1人がいただけだったという。あまりの空席は話題を集め、ツイッターで「北陸新幹線」を検索すると、「ガラガラ」「空席」が予測ワードに出てきてしまうほどだ。
一方、JR東・西が18日、それぞれ発表した開業3日間の速報データでは、景気のいい数字が並ぶ。JR東の高崎～軽井沢間は前年比185％の約4万7900人（1日平均）、JR西の上越妙高～糸魚川間は在来線特急「はくたか・北越」との比較で前年比306％の約8万4000人（3日間合計）が利用したという。
JR西の真鍋精志社長は18日の会見で、
「前年と比べると同区間で3倍以上の利用があり、3日間の合計では8万4000人に利用いただいた。大変好調なスタートが切れたのではないかと思っています」
と胸を張った。 | {
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The United States imposed sanctions on Friday against Russian businessmen, companies and officials, striking at associates of President Vladimir Putin in one of Washington’s most aggressive moves to punish Moscow for what it called a range of “malign activity,” including alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
The action, taken under pressure from the U.S. Congress, freezes the U.S. assets of “oligarchs” such as aluminum tycoon Oleg Deripaska and lawmaker Suleiman Kerimov, whose family controls Russia’s largest gold producer, Polyus.
The Treasury Department sanctions on seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control, plus 17 senior Russian government officials, are likely to complicate U.S. President Donald Trump’s hopes for good relations with Putin.
“The Russian government operates for the disproportionate benefit of oligarchs and government elites,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement.
Read more
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