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I was also at the SXSW panel and plan to blog about it and other things on Teleread in a few days. Actually, it was a lot duller than people described it as. On the other hand, the comic book panel was intriguing, and so were several others.
By the way, thanks a lot for your recent analysis of Epub + DE. Great examples. I learned a lot! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The priesthood of God is a sacred trust given to bless men, women, and children so they can return as families to live eternally together in God’s presence, said the Relief Society general president.
Speaking to thousands of people—mostly women—gathered on BYU’s Provo campus for 2013 Women’s Conference on May 3, Sister Linda K. Burton called righteousness the qualifier to invite priesthood power into their lives.
The annual conference—which attracts Latter-day Saint women from across the United States and from numerous foreign countries—is cosponsored by Brigham Young University and the Relief Society.
Sister Burton and her counselors in the Relief Society general presidency, Sister Carole M. Stephens and Sister Linda S. Reeves, said they came to the conference with a clear purpose—“to express our support for living prophets, proclaim our faith and covenants, express our love for [the women of the Church], and demonstrate our devotion to our Heavenly Father to accept and embrace the requirements of the gospel, particularly today in regard to the doctrine of the priesthood.”
Sister Burton said Latter-day Saint women are privileged to live in this season of the history of the Church when questions are asked about the priesthood. “There is great interest and desire to know and understand more about the authority, power, and blessings associated with the priesthood of God,” she said. “We hope to instill within each of us a greater desire to better understand the priesthood.”
Sister Burton said since the beginning of time the Lord has accomplished His work through the power of His priesthood.
“By it the heavens and earth were created. By it the effects of the Fall were overcome through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because the authority of the priesthood is entrusted to man to bless Heavenly Father’s children, He wants us to invite the power of the priesthood into our homes to bless and strengthen our families and our individual lives.”
Latter-day Saint women cannot stand up and teach something they do not understand, she said.
Audience members listen to a presenter during the BYU Women’s Conference May 3–4 in Provo, Utah. Photo by Jonathan Hardy, BYU Photo.
She called the priesthood the eternal power and authority of God by which He blesses, redeems, and exalts His children. The priesthood cannot be used for selfish means, she added. “Jesus Christ is the perfect example of how the priesthood is to be used to bless, lift, comfort, and strengthen others.”
Sister Burton asked the women how they can better know the doctrine of the priesthood for themselves.
First, seek to be worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost. “Because the doctrine of the priesthood is best understood by revelation, it is essential to have the help of the Holy Ghost to reveal and distill the doctrine upon our souls,” she said.
Second, attend the holy temple. “We know that the temple is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth and is the ideal setting to learn about the priesthood by the spirit of revelation,” she said. “In the temple we are all taught together, make covenants with our Heavenly Father, and receive sacred priesthood ordinances together.”
Third, study the scriptures. “Searching, pondering, and studying the scriptures are invitations for the Holy Ghost to reveal to us important truths about the priesthood.”
“Look for the principles in these verses that govern the righteous exercise of priesthood power,” she said. “Look for warnings and promises from the Lord and apply them to yourself. In order to qualify for the blessings of priesthood power, we would do well to ponder these verses and ask ourselves questions such as, ‘Is my heart set upon the things of this world? Do I aspire to the honors of men or women? Do I try to cover my sins? Am I prideful? Do I exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon my children, my husband, or others? Am I earnestly striving to practice righteous principles such as persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, unfeigned love (meaning genuine, sincere, or heartfelt love), kindness? Does virtue garnish my thoughts unceasingly? Do I long for the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion?’”
Sister Burton called “influence” a complementary gift to priesthood power. “Speaking to the women in the Church, President Howard W. Hunter urged, ‘We entreat you to minister with your powerful influence for good in strengthening our families, our Church, and our communities.’”
Sister Stephens spoke about helping her daughter move to Havre, Montana. They arrived Saturday evening and their daughter contacted her new bishop Sunday morning. A short time later, a young man—driven by his mother—arrived at the home to collect fast offerings.
When Sister Stephens later reflected on this experience, she realized that the Lord had blessed her daughter’s family three ways that day: “First, we were blessed through the deacon, an Aaronic Priesthood holder; we were blessed through the bishop, who held the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys to preside over the ward; and through a mother supporting her son in accomplishing his work, the Lord’s work.”
Women and men who righteously make and keep sacred priesthood covenants and ordinances will inherit “all that [the] Father hath,” said Sister Reeves, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 84:38. “This is promised to every faithful man and woman, single or married, for we know that every faithful man or woman, single or married, will not be denied any of our Father’s greatest blessings. God, our Heavenly Father, and our Savior, Jesus Christ, have given us all that is needed to receive the highest degree of the celestial kingdom and dwell with Them and our loved ones in power and glory forever and ever.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The International Polar Ocean Day
Norwegian polar research has been evaluated and we are challenged to raise our ambitions. The new icebreaker research vessel “Kronprins Haakon” will contribute to strengthen Norway’s position as a leading nation on polar research, and also stimulate international cooperation. Several speakers will look further into the new opportunities for science, politics and international cooperation at the International Polar Ocean Day on January 31st.
The meeting is free and open to the public. For registration and more information, click here. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP
Abstract:
A touch pad with an antenna includes a substrate on an upper side of
which an operation surface having a predetermined operation region is
set, an electrode group for detecting capacitance configured to be
arranged in a region of the substrate corresponding to the operation
region, and an antenna for wireless communication configured to be
arranged in a region located on a lower side of the substrate, the region
overlapping with an electrode forming region in which the electrode group
for detecting capacitance is formed, as viewed from above. The electrode
group for detecting capacitance includes a first electrode group extended
in a predetermined first direction and a second electrode group extended
in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the
antenna is extended in a direction intersecting with the first direction
and the second direction.
Claims:
1. A touch pad with an antenna comprising: a substrate on an upper side
of having set thereon an operation surface having a predetermined
operation region; an electrode group that detects capacitance arranged in
a region of the substrate corresponding to the operation region; and an
antenna for wireless communication arranged in a region located on a
lower side of the substrate, the region overlapping with an electrode
group forming region in which the electrode group for detecting
capacitance is disposed, as viewed from above, wherein the electrode
group for detecting capacitance includes a first electrode group extended
in a predetermined first direction and a second electrode group extended
in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein
the antenna is extended in a direction intersecting with the first
direction and the second direction.
2. The touch pad with an antenna according to claim 1, wherein the
antenna comprises a coiled antenna wound along an outer circumference of
a circle.
3. The touch pad with an antenna according to claim 1, wherein the
operation region is a rectangular-shaped region having a long side
extending in the first direction and a short side extending in the second
direction, and the antenna comprises a coiled antenna wound along an
outer circumference of an ellipse having a long axis extending in the
first direction and a short axis extending in the second direction.
4. The touch pad with an antenna according to claim 1, wherein a ground
electrode made of a conductive material is arranged at a position,
located on a lower side of the electrode group for detecting capacitance
and located on an upper side of the antenna, so as to overlap with a
whole region of the electrode forming region as viewed from above, and a
plurality of slits are formed in the ground electrode so as to radially
extend from the vicinity of a central portion of the ground electrode.
5. The touch pad with an antenna according to claim 4, wherein the slits
are arranged at regular intervals with respect to a rotation direction
centered at the central portion of the ground electrode.
6. The touch pad with an antenna according to claim 4, wherein the slits
are formed so as to divide an outer periphery portion of the ground
electrode.
7. The touch pad with an antenna according to claim 4, wherein the ground
electrode includes a linking portion configured to link a plurality of
ground electrode patterns divided by the slits, in the central portion of
the ground electrode.
Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.
2014-001163 filed on Jan. 7, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a touch pad with an antenna, and
in particular, relates to a touch pad with an antenna, used for wireless
communication.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Touch pads in each of which the position of an operation body in
contact with or close to an operation surface is detectable have become
very popular, and have been used for moving cursors of screens of
electronic devices such as notebook computers. The touch pads are each
attached to an opening portion formed in a predetermined location (a palm
rest or the like) of a chassis covering the main body of an electronic
device such as a notebook computer.
[0006] The opening portion to which the touch pad is attached is used for
radiating, to the outside of the electronic device, a wireless signal
(electromagnetic wave signal) generated by a communication circuit on an
electronic device side. In addition, in recent years, touch pads with
antennas, in each of which an antenna for wireless communication
connected to such a communication circuit is integrated with a touch pad,
have been put into practical use.
[0007] As a touch pad with an antenna of the related art, a touch pad
module (touch pad with an antenna) according to Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No.
2002-539517 has been proposed. FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams
illustrating the configuration of a touch pad module 200 according to
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT
Application) No. 2002-539517. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram
schematically illustrating the side cross-section of the touch pad module
200. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the
lower surface of a printed circuit board 220 used in the touch pad module
200.
[0008] The touch pad module 200 is a capacitive (electrostatic capacitance
type) touch pad. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the touch pad
module 200 includes the printed circuit board 220 having a nearly
rectangular-shaped plate surface, and a touch sensor array 222 including
a plurality of layers formed in the upper portion of the printed circuit
board 220.
[0009] In a portion situated nearer to the center of a lower surface 224
serving as one plate surface of the printed circuit board 220, a chip
226, a chip 228, a configuration element 230, a configuration element
232, a configuration element 234, and so forth are mounted, and configure
a circuit unit having a predetermined function. The circuit unit is
connected to the touch sensor array 222 through wiring lines not
illustrated. In addition, in the outer periphery portion of the lower
surface 224 of the printed circuit board 220, an antenna 236 for wireless
communication is formed. The antenna 236 is extended along the outer
circumference of the lower surface 224 of the printed circuit board 220.
[0010] Note that while the detailed structure of the touch sensor array
222 is not disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2002-539517, usually the
touch sensor array of the capacitive touch pad includes a first electrode
group extended in the long-side direction of a board having a nearly
rectangular-shaped plate surface, and a second electrode group extended
in the short-side direction thereof. In addition, based on a change in
electrostatic capacitance detected using the first electrode group and
the second electrode group, the position of an operation body in contact
with or close to the operation surface of the touch pad is detected.
[0011] In the touch pad module 200 according to Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2002-539517,
the antenna 236 is extended along the outer circumference of the nearly
rectangular-shaped plate surface of the printed circuit board 220. In
addition, as described above, usually the touch sensor array of the
capacitive touch pad includes the first electrode group extended in the
long-side direction of the board having the nearly rectangular-shaped
plate surface, and the second electrode group extended in the short-side
direction thereof. Therefore, a large portion of the antenna 236 in the
extension direction thereof is headed in a direction parallel to the
extension direction of the first electrode group or the second electrode
group.
[0012] In a point at which the extension direction of the antenna 236 is
parallel to the extension direction of the first electrode group or the
second electrode group, magnetic field coupling caused by mutual
induction is easily produced between the antenna 236 and the first
electrode group or the second electrode group. In addition, by magnetic
field coupling between the antenna 236 and the first electrode group or
the second electrode group, a magnetic field generated by the antenna 236
is easily transmitted, as a noise, to the first electrode group or the
second electrode group. As a result, in such a structure as the touch pad
module 200 according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2002-539517, there has
been a possibility that, under the influence of the noise due to the
antenna 236, detection accuracy at the time of detecting the position of
an operation body in contact with or close to an operation surface is
reduced.
[0013] The present invention is made in view of such a situation of the
related art, and provides a touch pad with an antenna, capable of
reducing the influence of a noise due to the antenna.
SUMMARY
[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a touch pad
with an antenna includes a substrate on an upper side of having set
thereon an operation surface having a predetermined operation region, an
electrode group that detects capacitance arranged in a region of the
substrate corresponding to the operation region, and an antenna for
wireless communication arranged in a region located on a lower side of
the substrate, the region overlapping with an electrode group forming
region in which the electrode group for detecting capacitance is
disposed, as viewed from above, wherein the electrode group for detecting
capacitance includes a first electrode group extended in a predetermined
first direction and a second electrode group extended in a second
direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the antenna is
extended in a direction intersecting with the first direction and the
second direction.
[0015] In the touch pad with an antenna having this configuration, the
first electrode group is extended in the first direction, and the antenna
is extended in the direction intersecting with (a direction not parallel
to) the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress magnetic
field coupling due to mutual induction between the antenna and the first
electrode group. In addition, it is possible to inhibit a magnetic field
generated by the antenna from being transmitted, as a noise, to the first
electrode group. In addition, the second electrode group is extended in
the second direction, and the antenna is extended in the direction
intersecting with (a direction not parallel to) the second direction.
Therefore, it is possible to suppress magnetic field coupling due to
mutual induction between the antenna and the second electrode group. In
addition, it is possible to inhibit the magnetic field generated by the
antenna from being transmitted, as a noise, to the second electrode
group. As a result, the touch pad with an antenna having this
configuration is able to reduce the influence of a noise due to the
antenna.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a
configuration of a touch pad according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage example of
the touch pad illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the touch pad illustrated
in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0019] FIGS. 4A and 4B are first explanatory diagrams illustrating
electrode geometries of a substrate illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0020] FIGS. 5A and 5B are second explanatory diagrams illustrating
electrode geometries of the substrate illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a function of
an antenna illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a function of a
ground electrode illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0023] FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a
configuration of a touch pad according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 9A and 9B are first explanatory diagrams illustrating
electrode geometries of a substrate illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;
[0025] FIGS. 10A and 10B are second explanatory diagrams illustrating
electrode geometries of the substrate illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B; and
[0026] FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a
configuration of a touch pad module according to Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No.
2002-539517.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0027] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to drawings. Note that it is assumed that, in
each drawing, an X1 direction is a left direction, an X2 direction is a
right direction, a Y1 direction is an anterior direction, a Y2 direction
is a posterior direction, a Z1 direction is an upper direction, and a Z2
direction is a lower direction and an explanation will be made.
[0028] First, the configuration of a touch pad 1 (a touch pad with an
antenna) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will
be described using FIG. 1A to FIG. 5B. FIGS. 1A and 1B are explanatory
diagrams illustrating the configuration of the touch pad 1 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory
diagram illustrating a usage example of the touch pad 1 illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3 is the exploded perspective view of the touch pad
1 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIGS. 4A and 4B are first explanatory
diagrams illustrating the electrode geometries of a substrate 20
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram
illustrating the electrode geometry of a first electrode group 25, and
FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the electrode geometry of
a second electrode group 26. FIGS. 5A and 5B are second explanatory
diagrams illustrating the electrode geometries of the substrate 20
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram
illustrating the electrode geometry of a ground electrode 27, and FIG. 5B
is an explanatory diagram illustrating the electrode geometry of an
antenna 28.
[0029] The touch pad 1 is a touch pad of a type called an electrostatic
capacitance type. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the touch pad 1
includes an operation plate 10 with an operation surface 11 on the upper
side thereof, and the substrate 20 arranged on the lower side of the
operation plate 10. In addition, the touch pad 1 is able to detect the
position of an operation body such as a fingertip in contact with or
close to the operation surface 11. As illustrated in FIG. 2, such a touch
pad 1 is attached to a predetermined location (a palm rest or the like)
of a chassis 51 of an electronic device 50 such as a notebook computer so
that the operation surface 11 is exposed, and the touch pad 1 is used for
moving a cursor of a screen, or the like.
[0030] The operation plate 10 is a plate-like member made of a synthetic
resin, and includes nearly rectangular-shaped plate surfaces on the top
and bottom thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the top surface of the
operation plate 10 is the operation surface 11, and a predetermined
region of the operation surface 11 is an operation region 11a. In the
present embodiment, the operation region 1 1a is a square-shaped region
having sides extending in a first direction on the operation surface 11
and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the first direction is a horizontal direction, and
the second direction is a front-back direction.
[0031] The substrate 20 is a multilayer substrate made of a synthetic
resin, and includes nearly rectangular-shaped plate surfaces on the top
and bottom thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the substrate 20 includes
four electrode forming layers of a first electrode forming layer 21, a
second electrode forming layer 22, a ground electrode forming layer 23,
and an antenna forming layer 24. Predetermined electrodes made of a
conductive material such as copper are formed in the first electrode
forming layer 21, the second electrode forming layer 22, the ground
electrode forming layer 23, and the antenna forming layer 24.
[0032] The first electrode forming layer 21, the second electrode forming
layer 22, the ground electrode forming layer 23, and the antenna forming
layer 24 are stacked with sandwiching therebetween insulation layers not
illustrated, in the order of the first electrode forming layer 21, the
second electrode forming layer 22, the ground electrode forming layer 23,
and the antenna forming layer 24 starting from the top. In addition, the
first electrode forming layer 21 is the top surface of the substrate 20,
and the antenna forming layer 24 is the bottom surface of the substrate
20. The upper side of the first electrode forming layer 21 and the lower
side of the antenna forming layer 24 are covered by insulating coatings
not illustrated.
[0033] In the first electrode forming layer 21 of the substrate 20, the
first electrode group 25 serving as a first electrode group for detecting
capacitance is formed. The first electrode group 25 is formed in the
inside of a first electrode forming region 21a serving as a square-shaped
region overlapping with the operation region 11a as viewed from above.
The first electrode group 25 includes a plurality of first electrodes
25a. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each of the first electrodes 25a
is a nearly rectangular-shaped electrode extended in the first direction.
The first electrodes 25a may be arranged so as to be placed at regular
intervals in the second direction. Note that, in the present embodiment,
the first electrodes 25a of the first electrode group 25 are used as
drive electrodes, and an electric signal for driving is applied to each
of the first electrodes 25a.
[0034] In the second electrode forming layer 22 of the substrate 20, the
second electrode group 26 serving as a second electrode group for
detecting capacitance is formed. The second electrode group 26 is formed
in the inside of a second electrode forming region 22a serving as a
square-shaped region overlapping with the operation region 11a as viewed
from above. The second electrode group 26 includes a plurality of second
electrodes 26a. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each of the second
electrodes 26a is a nearly rectangular-shaped electrode extended in the
second direction. The second electrodes 26a may be arranged so as to be
placed at regular intervals in the first direction. Note that, in the
present embodiment, the second electrodes 26a of the second electrode
group 26 are used as detection electrodes.
[0035] The first electrodes 25a of the first electrode group 25 and the
second electrodes 26a of the second electrode group 26 are arranged so as
to intersect with each other as viewed from above. In addition, one of
the first electrodes 25a and a corresponding one of the second electrodes
26a form electrostatic capacitance in the vicinity of a position at which
one of the first electrodes 25a and the corresponding one of the second
electrodes 26a intersect with each other. In addition, by the
electrostatic capacitance between one of the first electrodes 25a and the
corresponding one of the second electrodes 26a, the electric signal for
driving applied to one of the first electrodes 25a is transmitted from
one of the first electrodes 25a to the corresponding one of the
corresponding second electrodes 26a. In the touch pad 1, based on a
change in the electric signal transmitted from one of the first
electrodes 25a to the corresponding one of the corresponding second
electrodes 26a in this way, it is possible to detect a change in the
electrostatic capacitance between one of the first electrodes 25a and the
corresponding one of the second electrodes 26a.
[0036] The ground electrode 27 is formed in the ground electrode forming
layer 23 of the substrate 20. The ground electrode 27 may be formed in
the inside of a ground electrode forming region 23a serving as a
square-shaped region overlapping with the whole regions of the first
electrode forming region 21a and the second electrode forming region 22a
as viewed from above.
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the ground electrode 27 may be
formed by adding a plurality of slits 27a to a square-shaped electrode
covering the whole region of the ground electrode forming region 23a. The
slits 27a may be arranged at regular intervals in a rotation direction
centered at the central portion of the ground electrode 27. In addition,
the slits 27a may each radially extend from the vicinity of the central
portion of the ground electrode 27 to the outer periphery portion
thereof. The outer periphery portion of the ground electrode 27 may be
divided into a plurality of ground electrode patterns 27b by the slits
27a. The central portion of the ground electrode 27 may be a linking
portion 27c linking the ground electrode patterns 27b divided by the
slits 27a.
[0038] In the antenna forming layer 24 of the substrate 20, an electrode
pattern to serve as the antenna 28 for wireless communication is formed.
Hereinafter, the electrode pattern to serve as the antenna 28 for
wireless communication is abbreviated as the antenna 28. The antenna 28
is formed in the inside of an antenna forming region 24a serving as a
square-shaped region overlapping with the first electrode forming region
21a and the second electrode forming region 22a as viewed from above.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the antenna 28 may be a coiled
(spiral-coil-shaped) antenna wound along the outer circumference of a
circle sharing the center thereof with the antenna forming region 24a.
Two end portions of the antenna 28 are terminal portions 28a connected to
a circuit.
[0040] A region on the left side of the antenna forming region 24a and a
region on the right side thereof in the antenna forming layer 24 are
circuit forming regions 24b in which predetermined circuits are formed.
In the circuit forming regions 24b, various kinds of electronic
components not illustrated are mounted and a detection circuit 30 for
detecting the position of the operation body in contact with or close to
the operation surface 11, a communication circuit 40 for wireless
communication, and so forth are formed.
[0041] The detection circuit 30 is connected to the first electrode group
25 and the second electrode group 26, described above, through electrodes
for wiring lines, not illustrated. The detection circuit 30 applies an
electric signal for driving to each of the first electrodes 25a of the
first electrode group 25, detects an electric signal transmitted to a
corresponding one of the second electrodes 26a of the second electrode
groups 26, and detects, based on a change in an electric signal
transmitted from one of the first electrodes 25a to a corresponding one
of the second electrodes 26a, a change in electrostatic capacitance
between one of the first electrodes 25a and the corresponding one of the
second electrodes 26a. In addition, based on a change in the
electrostatic capacitance detected using the first electrode group 25 and
the second electrode group 26, the detection circuit 30 detects the
position of the operation body in contact with or close to the operation
surface 11 of the touch pad 1. Note that since the circuit configuration
and so forth of such a detection circuit 30 are publicly known, the
detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0042] The communication circuit 40 is a communication circuit compatible
with the standard of short distance wireless communication. The
communication circuit 40 is connected to the terminal portions 28a of the
antenna 28 through electrodes for wiring lines not illustrated. In
addition, the communication circuit 40 applies an electric signal for
wireless communication to the terminal portions 28a of the antenna 28.
Note that since the circuit configuration of such a communication circuit
40 is publicly known, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0043] The substrate 20 has such a configuration as described above. In
addition, the operation plate 10 is stuck on the upper side of such a
substrate 20 using an adhesive or the like. As a result, the operation
surface 11 having the predetermined operation region 11a is set on the
upper side of the substrate 20.
[0044] Next, the function of the antenna 28 will be described using FIGS.
6A and 6B. FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the
function of the antenna 28 illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6A is an
explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the radiation direction Ra
of a magnetic flux generated by the antenna 28 in a case of viewing the
antenna 28 from above along with the first electrode group 25. FIG. 6B is
an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the radiation direction
Ra of the magnetic flux generated by the antenna 28 in a case of viewing
the antenna 28 from above along with the second electrode group 26.
[0045] When the electric signal for wireless communication is applied to
the terminal portions 28a of the antenna 28, a current corresponding to
the applied electric signal flows through the antenna 28, and a magnetic
flux is generated in a direction perpendicular to the current flowing
through the antenna 28. In addition, in response to the magnetic flux
generated by the antenna 28, a magnetic field is formed around the
antenna 28. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the magnetic flux generated by the
antenna 28 is radiated in a direction from the center of the antenna
forming region 24a toward the outer side portion thereof. In addition, a
magnetic field distribution approximately rotationally symmetrical to the
center of the antenna forming region 24a is formed. Using the magnetic
field formed in this way, the antenna 28 performs transmission and
reception of signals to and from an external communication device not
illustrated.
[0046] Note that, as will be appreciated from the above-mentioned
configuration of the touch pad 1, the first electrode group 25 is
arranged on the upper side of the antenna 28. The first electrodes 25a of
the first electrode group 25 are extended in the first direction, as
illustrated in FIG. 6A. In a case where the antenna 28 is extended in,
for example, the first direction (a direction parallel to the extension
direction of the first electrodes 25a) with respect to such first
electrodes 25a, magnetic field coupling due to mutual induction is easily
produced between the antenna 28 and a corresponding one of the first
electrodes 25a at a point at which the extension direction of the antenna
28 and the extension direction of the corresponding one of the first
electrodes 25a are parallel to each other. The strength of the magnetic
field coupling between the antenna 28 and the corresponding one of the
first electrodes 25a increases with an increase in the length of the
point at which the extension direction of the antenna 28 and the
extension direction of the corresponding one of the first electrodes 25a
are parallel to each other.
[0047] In addition, by the magnetic field coupling between the antenna 28
and the corresponding one of the first electrodes 25a, a magnetic field
generated by the antenna 28 is caused to be easily transmitted to the
corresponding one of the first electrodes 25a, as a noise. As a result,
there is a possibility that, under the influence of the noise due to the
antenna 28, detection accuracy at the time of detecting the position of
the operation body in contact with or close to the operation surface is
reduced.
[0048] However, the antenna 28 may be a coiled antenna wound along the
outer circumference of a circle sharing the center thereof with the
antenna forming region 24a, and there is hardly a point at which the
extension direction of the antenna 28 and the extension direction of a
corresponding one of the first electrodes 25a are parallel to each other.
Therefore, it is possible to suppress magnetic field coupling due to
mutual induction between the antenna 28 and the first electrodes 25a. In
addition, it is possible to inhibit the magnetic field generated by the
antenna 28 from being transmitted to the first electrodes 25a, as a
noise.
[0049] In addition, as will be appreciated from the above-mentioned
configuration of the touch pad 1, the second electrode group 26 is
arranged on the upper side of the antenna 28. The second electrodes 26a
of the second electrode group 26 are extended in the second direction, as
illustrated in FIG. 6B. In a case where the antenna 28 is extended in,
for example, the second direction (a direction parallel to the extension
direction of the second electrodes 26a) with respect to such second
electrodes 26a, magnetic field coupling due to mutual induction is easily
produced between the antenna 28 and a corresponding one of the second
electrodes 26a at a point at which the extension direction of the antenna
28 and the extension direction of the corresponding one of the second
electrodes 26a are parallel to each other. In addition, by the magnetic
field coupling between the antenna 28 and the corresponding one of the
second electrodes 26a, a magnetic field generated by the antenna 28 is
caused to be easily transmitted to the corresponding one of the second
electrodes 26a, as a noise.
[0050] However, the antenna 28 may be a coiled antenna wound along the
outer circumference of a circle sharing the center thereof with the
antenna forming region 24a, and there is hardly a point at which the
extension direction of the antenna 28 and the extension direction of a
corresponding one of the second electrodes 26a are parallel to each
other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress magnetic field coupling due
to mutual induction between the antenna 28 and the second electrodes 26a.
In addition, it is possible to inhibit the magnetic field generated by
the antenna 28 from being transmitted to the second electrodes 26a, as a
noise.
[0051] Note that the antenna 28 may be a coiled antenna wound along the
outer circumference of a circle. Therefore, strictly speaking, in the
vicinity of the anterior end portion of the antenna 28 and in the
vicinity of the posterior end portion thereof, there are points at which
the extension direction of the antenna 28 and the extension direction of
the first electrodes 25a are parallel to each other. However, since such
points each have no sufficient length, it is possible to regard the
antenna 28 as a coil extended in a direction intersecting with the
extension direction of the first electrodes 25a.
[0052] In addition, in the same way, in the vicinity of the left end
portion of the antenna 28 and in the vicinity of the right end portion
thereof, there are points at which the extension direction of the antenna
28 and the extension direction of the second electrodes 26a are parallel
to each other. However, since such points each have no sufficient length,
it is possible to regard the antenna 28 as a coil extended in a direction
intersecting with the extension direction of the second electrodes 26a.
[0053] Next, using FIG. 7, the function of the ground electrode 27 will be
described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the function of
the ground electrode 27 illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an explanatory
diagram schematically illustrating the radiation direction Ra of the
magnetic flux generated by the antenna 28 in a case of viewing the
antenna 28 from above along with the ground electrode 27.
[0054] As will be appreciated from the above-mentioned configuration of
the touch pad 1, the ground electrode 27 may be arranged at a position,
located on the lower side of the first electrode group 25 and the second
electrode group 26 and located on the upper side of the antenna 28. In
addition, the ground electrode 27 inhibits an electromagnetic wave noise
generated by the main body of the electronic device 50 from being
radiated to the outside of the electronic device 50, and inhibits the
magnetic field generated by the antenna 28 from being transmitted, as a
noise, to the first electrode group 25 and the second electrode group 26.
[0055] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the slits 27a may be formed
in the ground electrode 27. In addition, a signal for wireless
communication is radiated from the antenna 28 to the outside of the
electronic device 50 through the slits 27a. Furthermore, the slits 27a
may be arranged at regular intervals in the rotation direction centered
at the center of the ground electrode 27. In addition, the bias of the
signal with respect to the rotation direction centered at the center of
the ground electrode 27 is reduced, the signal being radiated from the
antenna 28 to the outside of the electronic device 50 through the slits
27a.
[0056] In addition, the slits 27a have a function for suppressing an eddy
current flowing through the ground electrode 27. In general, in a case
where the ground electrode 27 is arranged on the upper side of such a
coiled antenna as the antenna 28, an eddy current flows through the
ground electrode 27 in the extension direction of the antenna 28 in
response to the magnetic field generated by the antenna 28. In addition,
in connection with the eddy current flowing through the ground electrode
27, the loss of electric power is generated. In contrast, as illustrated
in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the slits 27a may be formed so as
to radially extend from the vicinity of the central portion of the ground
electrode 27, and such slits 27a suppress the eddy current flowing
through the ground electrode 27 in response to the magnetic field
generated by the antenna 28.
[0057] Note that the slits 27a may divide the outer periphery portion of
the ground electrode 27 into the ground electrode patterns 27b. Usually,
the antenna 28 is formed in the vicinity of the outer periphery portion
of the antenna forming region 24a. Therefore, the strength of the
magnetic field generated by the antenna 28 increases in the vicinity of
the outer periphery portion of the antenna forming region 24a, compared
with the vicinity of the central portion of the antenna forming region
24a. In response to that, the magnitude of an eddy current flowing
through the vicinity of the outer periphery portion of the ground
electrode 27 becomes larger than that of an eddy current flowing through
the vicinity of the central portion thereof. In addition, compared with
the path of the eddy current flowing through the vicinity of the central
portion of the ground electrode 27, the path of the eddy current flowing
through the vicinity of the outer periphery portion of the ground
electrode 27 is long. Therefore, compared with a loss due to the eddy
current flowing through the vicinity of the central portion of the ground
electrode 27, a loss due to the eddy current flowing through the vicinity
of the outer periphery portion thereof becomes large. Therefore, in a
case of forming the slits 27a, a case of forming the slits 27a so as to
divide the outer periphery portion of the ground electrode 27 obtains a
great advantageous effect compared with a case of forming the slits 27a
so as to divide the central portion of the ground electrode 27.
[0058] Next, advantageous effects of the present embodiment will be
described. In the touch pad 1 of the present embodiment, the first
electrodes 25a of the first electrode group 25 are extended in the first
direction (horizontal direction), and the antenna 28 is extended in a
direction intersecting with (a direction not parallel to) the first
direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress magnetic field coupling
due to mutual induction between the antenna 28 and the first electrodes
25a of the first electrode group 25. In addition, it is possible to
inhibit the magnetic field generated by the antenna 28 from being
transmitted, as a noise, to the first electrodes 25a of the first
electrode group 25. In addition, the second electrodes 26a of the second
electrode group 26 are extended in the second direction (front-back
direction), and the antenna 28 is extended in a direction intersecting
with (a direction not parallel to) the second direction. Therefore, it is
possible to suppress magnetic field coupling due to mutual induction
between the antenna 28 and the second electrodes 26a of the second
electrode group 26. In addition, it is possible to inhibit the magnetic
field generated by the antenna 28 from being transmitted, as a noise, to
the second electrodes 26a of the second electrode group 26. As a result,
the touch pad 1 of this configuration is able to reduce the influence of
a noise due to the antenna 28.
[0059] In addition, in the touch pad 1 of the present embodiment, the
antenna 28 may be a coiled antenna wound along the outer circumference of
a circle. Therefore, the antenna 28 is able to form a magnetic field
approximately rotationally symmetrical to the center of the circle. As a
result, it is possible to reduce the bias of a communication sensitivity
with respect to a communication direction. In particular, the shape of
such an antenna 28 is effective for a touch pad having a square-shaped
operation region.
[0060] In addition, in the touch pad 1 of the present embodiment, using
the ground electrode 27 arranged at a position, located on the lower side
of the first electrode group 25 and the second electrode group 26 and
located on the upper side of the antenna 28, it is possible to inhibit
the electromagnetic wave noise generated by the main body of the
electronic device 50 from being radiated to the outside of the electronic
device 50, and it is possible to further inhibit the magnetic field
generated by the antenna 28 from being transmitted, as a noise, to the
first electrode group 25 and the second electrode group 26. Furthermore,
since the slits 27a may be formed in the ground electrode 27, it is
possible to radiate the signal for wireless communication from the
antenna 28 to the outside of the electronic device 50 through the slits
27a. In addition, since the slits 27a may radially extend from the
vicinity of the central portion of the ground electrode 27, it is
possible to suppress the eddy current flowing through the ground
electrode 27 in response to the magnetic field generated by the antenna
28. In addition, it is possible to reduce a loss associated with the eddy
current.
[0061] In addition, in the touch pad 1 of the present embodiment, the
slits 27a may be arranged at regular intervals in the rotation direction
centered at the center of the ground electrode 27. Therefore, it is
possible to reduce the bias of a signal with respect to the rotation
direction centered at the center of the ground electrode 27, the signal
being radiated from the antenna 28 to the outside of the electronic
device 50 through the slits 27a.
[0062] In addition, in the touch pad 1 of the present embodiment, the
slits 27a may be formed so as to divide the outer periphery portion of
the ground electrode 27. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the eddy
current from flowing through the vicinity of the outer periphery portion
of the ground electrode 27. As a result, it is possible to further
suppress the eddy current flowing through the ground electrode 27 in
response to the magnetic field generated by the antenna 28. In addition,
it is possible to further reduce a loss associated with the eddy current.
[0063] In addition, while, in the touch pad 1 of the present embodiment,
the outer periphery portion of the ground electrode 27 may be divided by
the slits 27a into the ground electrode patterns 27b, it is possible to
electrically connect the ground electrode patterns 27b using the linking
portion 27c. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of ground
wiring lines connected to the ground electrode 27, compared with a case
where the ground electrode patterns 27b are not linked to the linking
portion 27c. As a result, it is possible to simplify the structure of the
touch pad 1.
Second Embodiment
[0064] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to drawings. Note that, in the present
embodiment, in a case of the same configuration as that of the
above-mentioned first embodiment, a same symbol is assigned thereto and
the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0065] First, the configuration of a touch pad 101 (a touch pad with an
antenna) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will
be described using FIG. 8A to FIG. 10B. FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory
diagrams illustrating the configuration of the touch pad 101 according to
the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B are first
explanatory diagrams illustrating the electrode geometries of a substrate
120 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram
illustrating the electrode geometry of the first electrode group 25, and
FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the electrode geometry of
the second electrode group 26. FIGS. 10A and 10B are second explanatory
diagrams illustrating the electrode geometries of the substrate 120
illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram
illustrating the electrode geometry of the ground electrode 27, and FIG.
10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the electrode geometry of an
antenna 128.
[0066] In the same way as the touch pad 1 of the first embodiment, the
touch pad 101 is a touch pad of a type called an electrostatic
capacitance type. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the touch pad 101
includes an operation plate 110, and the substrate 120 arranged on the
lower side of the operation plate 110. In addition, the top surface of
the operation plate 110 is the operation surface 11, and a predetermined
region of the operation surface 11 is the operation region 11a. In this
regard, however, in the present embodiment, the operation region 11a may
be a rectangular-shaped region having long sides extending in the first
direction on the operation surface 11 and short sides extending in the
second direction perpendicular to the first direction. While not
illustrated, the substrate 120 includes four electrode forming layers of
the first electrode forming layer 21, the second electrode forming layer
22, the ground electrode forming layer 23, and the antenna forming layer
24, in the same way as the substrate 20 of the first embodiment.
[0067] In the first electrode forming layer 21 of the substrate 120, the
first electrode group 25 is formed in the same way as the first
embodiment. In this regard, however, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B,
the first electrode forming region 21a of the first electrode forming
layer 21 is a rectangular-shaped region overlapping with the operation
region 11a as viewed from above. In the second electrode forming layer 22
of the substrate 120, the second electrode group 26 is formed in the same
way as the first embodiment. In this regard, however, as illustrated in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second electrode forming region 22a of the second
electrode forming layer 22 is a rectangular-shaped region overlapping
with the operation region 11a as viewed from above.
[0068] In the ground electrode forming layer 23 of the substrate 120, the
ground electrode 27 is formed in the same way as the first embodiment. In
this regard, however, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the ground
electrode forming region 23a of the ground electrode forming layer 23 is
a rectangular-shaped region overlapping the whole regions of the first
electrode forming region 21a and the second electrode forming region 22a
as viewed from above. In addition, the ground electrode 27 may be formed
by adding the slits 27a to a nearly rectangular-shaped electrode covering
the whole region of the ground electrode forming region 23a.
[0069] In the antenna forming layer 24 of the substrate 120, not the
antenna 28 but the antenna 128 is formed as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and
10B. In addition, the antenna forming region 24a of the antenna forming
layer 24 is a rectangular-shaped region overlapping with the first
electrode forming region 21a and the second electrode forming region 22a
as viewed from above. The antenna 128 may be a coiled
(spiral-coil-shaped) antenna wound along the outer circumference of an
ellipse having a long axis extending in the first direction and a short
axis extending in the second direction. The outside dimension of the
antenna 128 is set so that distances from the outer periphery portion of
the operation region 11a to the antenna 128 in a long-side direction and
a short-side direction become approximately equal to each other. Two end
portions of the antenna 128 are terminal portions 128a connected to a
circuit.
[0070] Next, advantageous effects of the present embodiment will be
described. In the touch pad 101 of the present embodiment, the first
electrodes 25a of the first electrode group 25 are extended in the first
direction (horizontal direction), and the antenna 128 is extended in a
direction intersecting with (a direction not parallel to) the first
direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress magnetic field coupling
due to mutual induction between the antenna 128 and the first electrodes
25a of the first electrode group 25. In addition, it is possible to
inhibit a magnetic field generated by the antenna 128 from being
transmitted, as a noise, to the first electrodes 25a of the first
electrode group 25. In addition, the second electrodes 26a of the second
electrode group. 26 are extended in the second direction (front-back
direction), and the antenna 128 is extended in a direction intersecting
with (a direction not parallel to) the second direction. Therefore, it is
possible to suppress magnetic field coupling due to mutual induction
between the antenna 128 and the second electrodes 26a of the second
electrode group 26. In addition, it is possible to inhibit the magnetic
field generated by the antenna 128 from being transmitted, as a noise, to
the second electrodes 26a of the second electrode group 26. As a result,
the touch pad 101 of this configuration is able to reduce the influence
of a noise due to the antenna 128.
[0071] In addition, depending on the application or standard of the
electronic device 50, there is a case where a touch pad having not a
square-shaped operation region but a rectangular-shaped operation region
in such a manner as the touch pad 101 is used. In a case where, with
respect to such a touch pad, the antenna 128 is, for example, a coiled
antenna wound along the outer circumference of a circle, distances from
the outer periphery portion of the operation region 11a to the antenna
128 in the long-side direction and the short-side direction are different
from each other. As a result, there is a possibility that the bias of the
communication sensitivity with respect to the communication direction is
produced even if distances from the outer periphery portion of the
operation region 11a are equal to each other.
[0072] However, in the touch pad 101 of the present embodiment, the
operation region 11a may be the rectangular-shaped region having the long
sides extending in the first direction (horizontal direction) and the
short sides extending in the second direction (front-back direction), and
the antenna 128 may be the coiled antenna wound along the outer
circumference of the ellipse having the long axis extending in the first
direction and the short axis extending in the second direction.
Therefore, compared with a case where the antenna 128 is the coiled
antenna wound along the outer circumference of a circle, it is possible
to reduce the bias of a distance from the outer periphery portion of the
operation region 11a to the antenna 128. As a result, even in a case of a
touch pad having the rectangular-shaped operation region 11a in such a
manner as the touch pad 101, it is possible to reduce the bias of the
communication sensitivity with respect to the communication direction.
[0073] While embodiments of the present invention are described as above,
the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments,
and may be arbitrarily modified without departing from the scope of
purposes of the present invention.
[0074] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, an
electronic device to which the touch pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) is to
be attached may be a device other than the notebook computer. The touch
pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) may be used as an input device such as, for
example, a game machine or an in-vehicle navigation device.
[0075] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the touch
pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) may include a member other than the
above-mentioned members. The touch pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) may
include, for example, a supporting member for swingably attaching itself
to an electronic device. In addition, a push switch or the like for
detecting the swinging operation of the touch pad 1 (or the touch pad
101) may be attached to the bottom surface of the substrate 20 (or the
substrate 120). In addition, the touch pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) may
include an attaching structure for attaching itself to the chassis of the
electronic device 50.
[0076] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the
operation region 11a may have a shape other than the above-mentioned
shapes. A corner portion of the square shape (or the rectangular shape)
of the operation region 11a may have, for example, a circular arc shape.
In addition, if it is possible to detect the position of the operation
body in contact with or close to the operation surface 11 with
predetermined accuracy, the operation region 11a may be a circular-shaped
or elliptical-shaped region.
[0077] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the
substrate 20 (or the substrate 120) is allowed not to include the circuit
forming region 24b, and the touch pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) is allowed
not to include the detection circuit 30 or the communication circuit 40.
In addition, the first electrode group 25 and the second electrode group
26 may be connected to, for example, a detection circuit and a
communication circuit, formed on the main body side of the electronic
device 50, through wiring lines or the like.
[0078] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first
electrodes 25a of the first electrode group 25 and the second electrodes
26a of the second electrode group 26 may each have a shape other than a
rectangular shape. The first electrodes 25a may be electrodes in which,
for example, a plurality of rhomboid-shaped electrodes linked to each
other are arranged so as to be placed alongside each other in the first
direction. In addition, the second electrodes 26a may be electrodes in
which a plurality of rhomboid-shaped electrodes linked to each other are
arranged so as to be placed alongside each other in the second direction.
[0079] In addition, while, in the embodiments of the present invention,
the first electrodes 25a of the first electrode group 25 are used as
drive electrodes and the second electrodes 26a of the second electrode
group 26 are used as detection electrodes, the second electrodes 26a may
be used as drive electrodes and the first electrodes 25a may be used as
detection electrodes. In addition, a state in which the first electrodes
25a are used as drive electrodes and the second electrodes 26a are used
as detection electrodes and a state in which the second electrodes 26a
are used as drive electrodes and the first electrodes 25a are used as
detection electrodes may be alternately switched depending on the timing
of detection. In addition, the touch pad 1 (or the touch pad 101) may
include an electrode to serve as a detection electrode other than the
first electrodes 25a and the second electrodes 26a, and may use the first
electrodes 25a and the second electrodes 26a as drive electrodes.
[0080] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna
28 (or the antenna 128) may have a shape other than the above-mentioned
shapes. If being able to realize a predetermined communication function,
the antenna 28 (or the antenna 128) may be, for example, a linear antenna
extended in a direction intersecting with the first direction and the
second direction. In addition, the antenna 28 (or the antenna 128) may be
a coiled (spiral-coil-shaped) antenna wound along the external form of a
rhomboid having sides extending in a direction intersecting with the
first direction and the second direction.
[0081] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna
28 (or the antenna 128) may be arranged on the lower side of the
substrate 20 (or the substrate 120) after being formed in a sheet-like
member different from the substrate 20 (or the substrate 120). In
addition, a magnetic sheet for suppressing the influence of a magnetic
field on the main body of the electronic device 50, a supporting plate
for supporting the touch pad 1 from below, or the like may be arranged on
the lower side of the antenna 28 (or the antenna 128). | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Decription: The industry’s longest-running publication for baseball analysts and fantasy leaguers, the 2014Baseball Forecaster, published annually since 1986, is the first book to approach prognostication by breaking performance down into its component parts. Rather than predicting batting average, for instance, this resource looks at the elements of skill that make up any given batter’s ability to distinguish between balls and strikes, his propensity to make contact with the ball, and what happens when he makes contact—reverse engineering those skills back into batting average. The result is an unparalleled forecast of baseball abilities and trends for the upcoming season and beyond.
About author: Ron Shandler was the first baseball analyst to develop sabermetric applications for fantasy league play. His website, www.BaseballHQ.com, won the Best Fantasy Baseball Online Content Award from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association in 2000, 2003, and 2004. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association in 2005. He lives in Roanoke, Virginia. Ray Murphy is th | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Microsoft has "persuaded" several non-profit organizations to bombard the Indian IT Secretary and the Additional Director General of the Bureau of Indian Standards with letters supporting its OOXML proposal. A copy of the form letter they have been circulating to NGOs is given below.
Linux Dehli is publishing a leak on Microsoft India using NGOs to fake support for OOXML:
Letter from an NGO thanking Microsoft (name changed to protect their identity)
I'd like to thank you personally, and on behalf of XYZ, for Microsoft's invaluable contribution to the cause of XYZ in India. The grant will go a long way in enabling XYZ to enhance our productivity, efficiency and impact. Apart, of course, from permitting us to deploy the money saved to programmes. I do hope you can find the time soon to visit a XYZ-supported project to see your contribution in action.
Mail from Microsoft India's Corporate Social Responsibility group to the NGO
As per our discussion please find attached the draft letters - please cut/edit/ delete and change it any which way you find useful. Also attached is the list of NGOs who have sent the letters. And attached is also a document that details wht (sic) this debate is all about. Look forward to hear from you in this regard. In case you decide to send the letters, can you please send me a scan of the singed (sic) letters that you send out. Thanks this will help me track the process.
Thanks
Form letters on OOXML sent by Microsoft to NGOs
Please paraphrase "We support OXML as a standard that encourages multiplicity of choice and interoperability giving us the ultimate consumer the choice. * recognizes that multiple standards are good for the economy and also for technical innovation and progress in the country, especially for smaller organizations like us, who require choice and innovation"
Please write about your work
Please paraphrase "*** also supports OXML as this does not have any financial implications thus releasing our resources for welfare and development of society."
Please paraphrase "We support OXML as a standard that encourages multiplicity of choice and interoperability giving us the ultimate consumer the choice. * recognizes that multiple standards are good for the economy and also for technical innovation and progress in the country, especially for smaller organizations like us, who require choice and innovation"
Please write about your work
Please paraphrase "*** also supports OXML as this does not have any financial implications thus releasing our resources for welfare and development of society."
Thanking You
Yours Faithfully
Name Designation
The author of the leak needs help to get answer to those questions, India has some law on Right to Information Act to request documents sent to the National Standards Body:
So some, if not all of these NGOs are beneficiaries of cash inputs from MS' Corporate Social Railroading^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H Responsibility arm. I'd really be interested in answers to these questions, anyone up to asking them?
How many letters supporting OOXML has the Government of India received from NGOs in the recent past?
How many of these NGOs have received cash inputs (directly or indirectly) from MS?
How many of these NGOs can sit across a table and discuss OOXML?
How many of these NGOs can enumerate the benefits of OOXML over, say, ODF for their own organisations?
Poor Microsoft, their format is so bad that they need to use dirty tactics to get it through. Remember the spam letters to ANSI with "Even though this is a form letter from Microsoft I thought I would add this personal touch". | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
This blog sets out the multiple counting bug, of which two variants existed. The goal of this blog post is to provide a detailed explanation of aforementioned bug, how it was used to exploit services, merchants, and exchanges, and how it was handled by the Monero (dev) community.
The multiple counting bug, of which two variants existed, was introduced in conjunction with the subaddress feature, which required a different (code) structure of the transaction public key. The first variant of the bug is basically that the code didn't impose a check to guard against duplicate public keys. Therefore, an attacker could create a transaction in which the transaction public key was included multiple times, thereby duplicating the particular transaction public key. As a result, the receiving wallet would report that it had received `x` times (where `x` is an integer that represents the number of identical transaction public keys) the amount it had actually received. All commands that report incoming transactions (e.g. `show_transfers` (CLI), `get_transfers` (RPC)) were affected. The balance, however, was not affected, i.e., the wallet would still report the balance properly. Alas, most exchanges utilize the `get_transfers` or `get_payments` wallet RPC command, which would, in case of duplicate transaction public keys, return an erroneous amount.
Unfortunately, this variant of the bug was fairly trivial to exploit, i.e., an attacker simply had to append `add_tx_pub_key_to_extra(tx, txkey_pub);` in `src/cryptonote_core/cryptonote_tx_utils.cpp` and their transaction public key would, after recompiling the code, be duplicated. Practically speaking this works as follows. The attacker starts with appending `src/cryptonote_core/cryptonote_tx_utils.cpp`, say, thrice^1, thereby creating four identical public transactions keys for their transactions. Subsequently, they send a transaction of, say, 1 XMR to an exchange they seek to exploit. The exchange will, most likely, credit the attacker with 4 XMR. The hacker, thereafter, withdraws this 4 XMR, thereby basically robbing the exchange of 3 XMR. If the exchange does not regularly check the balance against the sum of incoming and outgoing transfers or checks the hotwallet for any abnormalities, the hacker can basically repeat aforementioned process until the Monero hot wallet is emptied or, worst case scenario, all Monero funds are depleted.
The second variant of the bug, [of which a detailed report can be found on HackerOne](https://hackerone.com/reports/379049), entails the code not imposing a check against dummy transaction public keys. Therefore, a hacker could utilize the alternative transaction public keys feature to trick the wallet into scanning the outputs in a transaction twice. As a result, the receiving wallet would report that it had received two times the amount it had actually received. Similar to the first variant of the bug, the balance was not affected.
The first variant was first reported in [this issue](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/issues/3983) on Github and was promptly fixed by moneromooo in [this pull request](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/pull/3985). Unfortunately, however, the severity of the bug was underestimated until (i) an exchange got exploited via a fork of Monero and (ii) a security researcher (jagerman) on HackerOne provided an [elaborate report](https://hackerone.com/reports/377592) on how to utilize this bug to steal funds from exchanges. The second variant was reported by [phiren on HackerOne](https://hackerone.com/reports/379049) and quickly fixed in [this pull request](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/pull/4118). Both patches got merged by fluffypony and were included in the v0.12.3.0 release.
After v0.12.3.0 was tagged, I (and others) privately notified as many exchanges, services, and merchants as possible. Obviously, this is not the preferred method, as it (i) invariably excludes organizations that I (and others) personally do not have contact with, but are an essential part of the Monero ecosystem and (ii) may invoke a view of preferential treatment. In addition, the bug should have been reported on the public mailing list, but, alas, wasn't. An oversight which should be learnt from. Furthermore, we, as the Monero community, should seek improvements that would streamline this vulnerability report process (i.e. reporting a critical vulnerability to exchanges, services, and merchants). A "private" mailing list to which only services, merchants, and exchange are able to subscribe may be in line with this notion. Some kind of verification of subscribers would be required though, which could be a tedious process. Although, it would probably be more secure than a public mailing list to which a clever attacker would undoubtedly subscribe.
In sum, a critical bug in the wallet software, of which the severity was initially significantly underestimated, allowed an attacker to steal funds from organizations present in the Monero ecosystem. Fortunately, the bug was confined to the accounting functionality of the wallet software, and thus the protocol and coin supply were not affected. It's imperative, however, that we learn from this event and seek improvements that would significantly mitigate the impact in case a similar bug is discovered in the future. Furthermore, this event is an effective reminder that cryptocurrency and the corresponding software are still in its infancy and thus quite prone to (critical) bugs. As such, it would be prudent for organizations to include as many sanity checks as possible (e.g. a check to verify the sum of transfers against the balance). In addition, the Monero dev community is investigating the feasibility of adding such a check to the RPC wallet.
**Notes:**
1. As an example, a transaction with 50 identical transaction public keys (`01ede13f013833f8aef14a9397b83fd5171833ab55bc480104dd6ba86ca8f13558`) can be found [here](https://xmrchain.net/tx/705501446556cb9dfed7997c6f3e31e76c43bdf459ae8c5485b8d1600bb7e142). | {
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Pierre R.
Michaud, MD
is a plastic surgeon who has been in practice in Rhode Island for over 10 years. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, he is well-respected by his peers, patients and staff. | {
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NSERC Celebrates Canada's Young Entrepreneurial Researchers for Excellence in Innovation
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 15, 2012) - Some of Canada's leading young researchers were honoured today for applying their leading-edge research to real-world situations. Their work includes the development of a new self-propelled sea vessel to serve offshore wind turbines, creating a new platform technology to produce bacterial vaccinations, and enhancing the capabilities of Atomic Force Microscopes. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), noted these achievements today, in announcing the recipients of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), 2012 Innovation Challenge Awards.
"Our government is pleased to celebrate the achievements of Canada's young entrepreneurial researchers during Small Business Week and National Science and Technology Week," said Minister of State Goodyear. "I would like to congratulate these exceptional students for having the creativity and courage to pursue their ideas. Their work is an example of innovation at its best."
"These awards encourage graduate students to explore the real-world implications of their research. I am very impressed with the high calibre of the nominations we received from universities across Canada," said Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. "These young researchers understand that the ability to translate new knowledge into innovative products and services is a crucial factor in pushing Canada to new levels of innovation."
Offshore wind turbines present one of the greatest opportunities to achieve a clean energy future, but the ocean's rough waters and the logistical hurdles of transporting crews and equipment to offshore turbines present significant challenges. Peter Gifford and his colleagues have developed the solution. The TranSPAR Craft is a self-propelled marine vessel created to serve offshore wind turbines. For this work, Dr. Gifford, who completed a graduate degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland, received the first prize, worth $10,000.
Canadians will soon be protected against common bacteria like Salmonella enterica-one of the most common food-borne illnesses in the world, thanks to a breakthrough led by Barry Neil Duplantis. While working on his PhD at the University of Victoria, Dr. Duplantis developed a new platform technology that allows researchers to create weakened strains of bacteria to be injected into animals carrying the disease, protecting humans from this, and potentially other, common bacterial infections. This research, expected to help alleviate the health care system of millions of infections each year, has earned Dr. Duplantis, the first runner-up prize, worth $5,000.
Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) enable researchers around the world to see the smallest phenomena imaginable as they unfold at the nanoscale, but they have difficulty measuring forces that are parallel to the microscope's slide. Aleksander Labuda devised a solution to this technical issue while completing his graduate degree at McGill University, by redesigning an AFM so that it operates perpendicular to the microscope's slide. For giving researchers the tools they need to see nanoscale landscapes with unprecedented clarity and precision, Dr. Labuda received $5,000 as second runner-up.
The Innovation Challenge Awards were launched in 2004 by NSERC and the Canadian Science and Technology Growth Fund. The program is currently funded by NSERC and made possible through the support of AB Sciex, Hydro Québec, HiretheWorld.com, 3M, Cameco and RIM.
About NSERC
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000 post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging about 2,000 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.
The Innovation Challenge Awards honour graduate students in the natural sciences or engineering who have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and have identified ways their research thesis results can be developed into products and processes that will benefit Canadians.
There are three awards: one $10,000 grand prize and two $5,000 runner-up prizes. Honourable mention prizes may also be awarded, if applications are deemed meritorious.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) provides the major funding for the Innovation Challenge Awards. Other financial contributors include AB Sciex, Hydro Québec, HiretheWorld.com, 3M, Cameco and RIM.
Overview of the Winners
FIRST PRIZE
Peter Gifford
Nominating School: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Currently at: Memorial University of Newfoundland and ExtremeOcean Innovation Inc.
Peter Gifford and his colleagues have developed the TranSPAR Craft-a self-propelled sea vessel created to serve offshore wind turbines. This vehicle will provide a solution to the significant challenges presented by the ocean's rough waters and the logistical hurdles of transporting crews and equipment to offshore turbines.
RUNNERS UP
Barry Neil Duplantis
Nominating School: University of Victoria
Currently at: University of Victoria
Title: Vaccines comprising heat-sensitive transgenes
Barry Duplantis developed a new platform technology that allows researchers to create weakened strains of bacteria to be injected into humans without fear of spreading as an uncontrollable infection. Thanks to this breakthrough, Canadians will soon be able to be vaccinated against common bacteria like Salmonella enterica-one of the most common food-borne illnesses in the world. This research is expected to help alleviate the health care system of millions of infections each year.
Aleksander Labuda
Nominating School: McGill University
Currently at: Asylum Research, Santa Barbara, California
Title: Measuring molecular forces on an optical microscope
Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) enable researchers around the world to see the smallest phenomena imaginable as they unfold at the nanoscale, but they have difficulty measuring forces that are parallel to the microscope's slide. Aleksander Labuda devised a solution to this technical issue by redesigning an AFM so that it operates perpendicular to the microscope's slide. This will give researchers the tools they need to see nanoscale landscapes with unprecedented clarity and precision.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Scott Fitzpatrick
Nominating School: McMaster University
Currently at: McMaster University
Title: Minimally invasive posterior segment therapeutics
Scott Fitzpatrick developed a minimally invasive drug delivery method for numerous conditions that affect the back of the eye and threaten vision. This treatment has the potential to increase drug efficacy, decrease unwanted side effects, improve patient compliance and allow for ease of use.
Laing Han has designed a completely original wireless system for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) that combines both radar-sensing and wireless communication functions, and allows them to operate simultaneously without interference. This technology will play a role in ensuring road safety and managing road traffic.
Dylan Logan
Nominating School: McMasterUniversity
Currently at: Universityof Toronto
Title: Deep-level enhanced silicon photonics
Dylan Logan's groundbreaking work to extend photonic functionality of silicon has developed a device responsible for the encoding and decoding of optical signals for short-haul transmission in high-traffic networks, such as within data centers. On the basis of this work, he incorporated a company-kT3 Photonics Inc.-in August 2011.
Maryam Sandeghi has developed unique solutions for the prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer by taking advantage of low-cost social media and mobile technologies such as smart phones. She developed and launched "UV Canada"-a free public health education app for sun protection, and programs that can analyze dermoscopy images using intelligent computer technologies for skin cancer detection and screening.
Kanwarpal Singh
Nominating School: Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Currently at: Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Title: Measurement of the pulsatile ocular dynamics of the human eye for glaucoma diagnosis
Kanwarpal Singh has developed a device called the Dynamic Laminometer (DL)-a non-invasive diagnostic instrument for the rapid screening and early diagnosis of glaucoma. Currently the only instrument that can perform such advanced diagnostics, the equipment could contribute to the detection of glaucoma at an earlier stage, increasing the potential for limiting irreversible eye damage and preserving vision.
Andrew Tait
Nominating School: University of British Columbia
Currently at: Tait Laboratories Inc.
Title: Insights into viral mechanisms of MS and the use of a botanical extract from traditional Chinese medicine to reverse demyelination
Andrew Tait's research has led to a better understanding of the role of the protein U24 in myelin degradation-a key factor in neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis. As a result of this research, he has established a company-Tait Laboratories Inc.-to develop and market a mandarin-orange peel-based extract found in traditional Chinese medicine that may potentially help many people suffering from neurodegenerative disease associated with aging and multiple sclerosis.
Contact Information
Martin LerouxMedia and Public Affairs OfficerNatural Sciences and Engineering ResearchCouncil of [email protected]
Media RelationsIndustry Canada613-943-2502
Michele-Jamali PaquetteDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Honourable Gary GoodyearMinister of State (Science and Technology)613-947-2956 | {
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Palestine: The Amazing Power of People
This past month hundreds of international observers responded to Palestinian calls for an international observer/protection force to protest the ongoing Israeli occupation and serve as witnesses to Israel’s military practices against the Palestinian people. Representatives of NGOs, churches, human rights groups, and concerned individuals from England, France, Italy, and the United States joined members of Palestinian civil society to launch a non-violent campaign to protect the Palestinian people.
The internationals, including several European Union parliamentarians, were repeatedly subjected to tear gas, physical assault, and arrest by Israeli forces at various checkpoints and during peaceful protest marches. Their mission, though virtually unreported in the U.S., brought hope to Palestinians and encouraged the still vibrant civil society to continue its struggle against the military aggression of occupation and its struggle to achieve internal political reforms vital for an independent and democratic Palestine.
The Role of the International Observer Force:
The number of foreigners on the streets of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem in the last few weeks was not, unfortunately, due to seasonal festivities in the Holy Land, nor has Palestine become a new holiday destination for Europeans and Americans. Rather, hundreds of people of various nationalitieséincluding Italians, French, Belgians, Americans, Dutch, and Britishéwere responding to the call of Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for international observers.
For fifteen months now we have been waiting for an international observer/protection force to be sent to the Occupied Territories to provide some kind of security for Palestinians. Every time one of the 32 people prevented from receiving medical treatment died, we called for international observers to be located at checkpoints in an effort to prevent the same thing from happening again. As the Israeli army mercilessly shelled civilian neighborhoods, opened fire without provocation on children at demonstrations, confiscated land, destroyed tens of thousands of olive trees, and invaded areas under the Palestinian Authority (PA), we have called for an international protection force to be sent here. Unfortunately, to no avail.
The United Nations’ (UN) call for observers to be sent here was vetoed three times by countries aware that Israel was not in favor of the resolution. In the meantime 934 Palestinians have died, 26,000 people have been injured, and still the international community has dragged its feet. Members of Palestine’s vibrant civil society took the initiative and, in coordination with foreign NGOs, churches and related institutions, aid agencies, solidarity groups, human rights activists, and concerned individuals decided to launch their own campaign for the protection of the Palestinian people.
The objectives were simple, non-violent, and peaceful: to protect the Palestinian people through the presence of international civilians as a means of deterring Israeli army and settler aggression; to concretely express solidarity with the Palestinian people and with those who struggle in Israel for a just and sustainable peace; to report on the experience and to raise awareness in their respective countries about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; and to send a political signal to the international community and to the Israeli government demanding the deployment of a genuine international protection force, the implementation of the UN resolutions, and an end to the occupation.
The itinerary of the Grassroots International Protection for the Palestinian People (GIPP) activists, all of whom made the visit at their own expense, has been full: planting olive trees, attending lectures, visiting with grassroots organizations, and demonstrating. They were prevented from entering Gaza, and some were victims of Israeli military aggression, as a result of which one woman was hospitalized overnight. An entirely peaceful demonstration in Ramallah in which thousands of Palestinians and around 400 GIPP delegates demonstrated was met with typical Israeli violence when troops opened fire on the march with tear gas, sound bombs, and rubber-coated steel bullets. And now, after tearing down the Israeli checkpoint separating Ramallah from Birzeit, the Israeli army has, in its typical petty, malicious, and vengeful manner, erected a new checkpoint closer to Ramallah, meaning Palestinians have to walk an extra kilometer uphill.
The occupation is still here, the foreign delegates will leave in a few days, and the lives of Palestinians will no doubt continue to be difficult and quite miserable.
Results and Strategies:
So what has the visit demonstrated? It has given Palestinians a huge morale boost by proving to them that there are people out thereédespite the demonization of Palestinians in the international mediaéwho care about their cause, are aware of the inherent justice of their struggle, and are concerned with what is happening to them. It has also destroyed Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s efforts to isolate the Palestinians, to cast them in the “terrorist” mold, and to dehumanize them, enabling him to continue his war against the Palestinian civilian population. Moreover, their courage has been immeasurable in standing face to face with a ruthless army with no understanding of peaceful marches. They have shown the world that justice will prevail through the power and sheer will of the people.
Furthermore, not only did these people come, witness, and learn, they will now return to their homes, families, churches, political parties, social clubs, and workplaces to tell others what they saw and experienced while they were here, slowly breaking down the wall of silence shrouding the Palestinian cause. The delegates illustrated to the Palestinians the power of peaceful, non-violent resistance to the continuing military occupation, and have perhaps empowered them to use these very methods to abort Israeli efforts to subjugate and dehumanize them. Equally remarkable is the dynamism shown by Palestinian civil society, illustrating that there is an alternative voice.
Reforming the Palestinian Authority: Last week 31 Palestinian intellectuals, human rights and democracy activistséall leading members of Palestinian civil societyépublished a petition demanding reform of PA. “The Palestinian public demands immediate internal reform which cannot be postponed or delayed, that will strengthen our struggle in the exceptional circumstances the Palestinians are living under. The reforms should be immediate,” the statement read.
The petition also called on the PA “to improve and fix official political institutions which have been weakened and paralyzed and to also ensure an independent justice system.” It went on to call for new elections to the parliament, a move that needs to be encouraged and is long overdue since elections have been postponed indefinitely since 1999. Others have criticized the lack of respect for the law and the lack of separation of power between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, in addition to criticism of the concentration of power in the hands of a few, and executive branch’s lack of accountability.
This is the same civil society that has mobilized and united to bring the heroic GIPP delegates here and this mobilization and outspokenness shows that there is a strong democratic political alternative in Palestine. This group of people believes that a democratic alternative is the only way to prevent a dangerous polarization between fundamentalism and autocracy that the future Palestinian political society appears to be facing. It also confirms that Palestinians struggle not only for a state, but also for a free and democratic state. The overall significance of the presence of the GIPP delegates, as well as the recent petition, is of power and steadfastness. It is only through sustained steadfastness and survival in the face of the military aggression of occupation, and in calling for internal political reforms, that Palestinians can struggle to achieve freedom, justice, and democracy.
Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi is President of the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees.
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Sunday, 9th September, 1866
I feel so thankful that we were able to go to Church today in the old buggy. Pigeo and I went, and Addison rode a mule. We returned home to dinner. I had given Patsy permission to go away and was in the dining room after preparing dinner and had just finished when Bill called to me and said a carriage with grey horses was coming. I concluded directly it was Bake and was not mistaken. We were overjoyed to see them. George is looking badly, has suffered much from sickness, but I am in hopes to see him improve rapidly for I mean to be very careful with him. He is so good and makes Bake so perfectly happy. I love him as dearly as one of my own children almost. I soon had something for them to eat, and gave the two servants dinner. Washington left today for Richmond on a visit, took his rations with him. | {
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Description
You were successful police officer Alan Chance, until you were killed during a raid on drug dealers, who managed to take a hostage in the process. People have assumed that you died as a result of your own mistakes.
Now you have returned as a ghost, with psychic powers in place of your physical ones. Starting out at your own funeral, you must follow conversations to find clues. One early task is to find items which boost your physical abilities. You have help from other deceased beings, starting with pub owner Joe Danby.
Scapeghost was Level 9's final adventure game, and it is in the same format as the existing ones, which makes for a text parser with additional graphics. Puzzles require instructions to be given to other characters. The game is split into 3 days, each of which can be played independently of each other - November Graveyard, Haunted House and Poltergeist. | {
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Legion Sessions Mixed Reality Experience
Fans of the FX hit show Legion had the opportunity to tap into the mind of Marvel comic character David Haller at the FXhibition during San Diego Comic Con 2017.
Using Microsoft Hololens, audiences were emerged into a world of mixed reality to discover a memory during questioning. Much like the show, one finds themselves becoming confused and disoriented – not knowing whether or not the memory holds authenticity to the character. With help from girlfriend Syd, the truth is revealed – and the adventure begins.
The Sessions experience drops the audience into the narrative of David, creating an unforgettable immersive experience for lovers of the show plot lines. Mixing reality by using interactive objects and animation with live actors and physical environments, MPC worked closely with Here Be Dragons and Director Justin Denton to bring this new category of sensory experience to life.
The experience included interactive Hololens components driven by a tablet based state machine that ran the complete choreography of the installation, such as lights & audio. The team at MPC included designers and developers, working on every aspect of the experience hand in hand with Justin Denton.
"This has been one of the most creatively and technically challenging projects we’ve built” said Tim Dillon, MPC’s Head of VR & Immersive Content. "Working with Justin (Denton) and Here Be Dragons has been a powerful partnership to bring this unique experience to life for FX’s Legion. Our developers pushed to the very edges of what can be achieved in this new medium." | {
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Overview The average travel time between Paris and Brig is 6h27 minutes. The quickest route is 5h43 minutes. The first train leaving Paris is at 07:23, the last at 17:41. There is an average of 7 trains a day between Paris and Brig, leaving approximately every 1h11 minutes. | {
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Is there any proof of George Bush Jr.’s connection to royalty besides tenuous links to the house of Windsor?
Well, in terms of reaction to the Gujarat earthquake, we glimpse an attitude not unlike Empress Marie Antoinette, whose lack of sympathy for the suffering of the poor continues to be mentioned with disgust two centuries after her execution. (“Let them eat cake if they don’t have bread.”)
As known, an earthquake devastated Gujarat on Jan. 26, 2001. Thousands were killed and millions of dollars worth of property was destroyed. Television cameras captured the destruction and the suffering of the survivors vividly. Indeed, the pictures have helped create a groundswell of sympathy for the victims. While the groundswell of sympathy may have translated into aid and other contributions at the personal level, it failed to mobilize significant reaction from the U.S. Federal Government.
It is important to briefly dwell on the nature of American aid before discussing its implications.
Besides condolence messages from Bill Clinton and George Bush Jr., the U.S. responded by offering $5 million dollars on Jan. 28 through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). While some of other G8 countries sent in crews to help with rescue work, the U.S. was conspicuous by its absence. Indeed, Senator Brownback (R-KS) regretted the U.S. lack of direct involvement in providing relief in his remarks at Washington’s Brookings Institute on Feb. 13.
A discussion about the magnitude of the devastation on the floor of the House of Representatives resulted in the increase of aid to a paltry $10 million with Representative Ron Paul (R-Texas) actually voting against the resolution. Only in early March, did U.S. government agencies belatedly pledge a total of $25 million to earthquake relief operations in India.
The lack of reaction from the White House is distressing given the magnitude of the calamity and the urgent need for aid. Indeed, the implications of such inaction call into question the very nature of future U.S. policy towards developing countries.
“Compassionate Conservatism” has been one of the new buzzwords in the Bush administration. While the term has been bandied frequently, its nature and implications remain something of a mystery.
If intent is to be measured through action, the lack of action in Gujarat begs the question: How much compassion can we expect in compassionate conservatism? Prima facie, the implications of conservatism in “compassionate conservatism” are more social than fiscal; one would expect the adjectival “compassionate” to apply fiscally.
Lack of support for abortion rights (e.g. funding cuts to agencies promoting abortion rights) and appointment of arch conservatives like John Ashcroft as attorney general leave no doubt about the new administration’s socially conservative intentions. The international ramifications of such ultra-conservative social policy cannot be ignored: breaking the backbone of population control in developing countries will be the proverbial straw to break many backs.
In a fiscal context, it is expected that conservatism be tempered with compassion. While slashing taxes is a much-chanted mantra, would it be at the cost of much needed international aid? The U.S., which never lets others forget about it being the world’s sole superpower, has a greater duty towards international aid and development than what has been demonstrated. Indeed, reinforcing international security and playing the samaritan are two faces of the same coin.
Unfortunately, the conservative practice of vigilance towards taxpayer money with an eagle’s eye seems to overshadow the compassion aspect in the context of international assistance. Indeed, the paltry amount sanctioned towards earthquake relief raises the prospect of the new government showing no more compassion than an eagle pecking any intruder. In view of the repeated requests for more aid, the lack of adequate response is unreasonable to the extent of being mean-spirited.
Combined with the inadequate or non-existent knowledge of Dubya and company about international affairs, the possibility of conservatism elbowing compassion into the cold becomes a real and truly frightening prospect.
Dubya’s “expertise” in international reflected was obvious in the second of the recent presidential debates. His replies to questions about the conflict in the Balkans evoked as much mirth as Dan Quayle’ regretting his inability to speak Latin in Latin America. Mispronouncing the Canadian prime minister’s name and an insistence on Mexico being U.S.’ largest trading partner by his colleagues cast a grave shadow on Dubya et al’s understanding of happenings outside the U.S.
Since promoting international assistance relies on a shrewd understanding of international affairs, the chances of the present U.S. government playing the proverbial samaritan in tandem with its self-professed role of international protector are bleak.
The observed absence of compassion in compassionate conservatism results from ultraconservative social policy, a conservative fiscal policy (read “miserly”) and blissful ignorance of international happenings.
Marie Antoinette’s words of infamy, “Let them eat cake if they don’t have bread,” may well capture the White House’s attitude towards developing countries in the future.
Dismissed as third-rate nations, developing countries may count on no more than a few third-rate crumbs from the superpower, even when faced with a natural calamity. Given the dependency of some developing nations on the richer nations, the innocuous expression “compassionate conservatism” may well prove to be a euphemism for “pulverizing parsimony.”
S. Gopikrishna writes on issues of pertinence to Indian-Americans and other immigrants.
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How Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin” Helped Save One Man’s Life
The next time you hear Steve Perry start crooning about that midnight train goin' anywhere and you feel like lunging for the radio dial because you've already heard Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' more times than you can count, turn it up instead. You just might save a life.
OK, so that's pretty unlikely. But it could happen -- just ask the partygoers who unwittingly inspired a California man to swim to safety after a series of nautical misfortunes left him stranded in the ocean with a shattered leg and a broken hip.
ABC News Radio reports on the bizarre, painful and ultimately somewhat inspirational ordeal suffered by Brad Warren, who was fishing off the coast of Hawaii when a wave hit the boat, capsizing it and leaving him injured. "I tilted my head back to get another last breath of air and a swell pushed the boat, and I took a big gulp of water and started going down," the 54-year-old Warren said from his hospital bed. "It was scary."
Warren and his companions were ultimately in the water for more than four hours, but when his friend's 10-year-old son heard Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' being blared from a party on the shore in the distance, he knew it was all going to be OK. Between that song and a shooting star in the night sky, he recalled, "I thought that was the Lord saying, 'You will be fine.'"
The group eventually made it to shore, where some of the same partygoers whose choice of music helped push Warren on ended up coming to their aid. "We were so relieved," he recalled. "My wife, my daughters, I wanted to make sure I made it to see them." | {
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Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.
Thinking of your total tennis experience, how many years have you been playing? | {
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BWW Reviews: Otterbein's DAMES AT SEA a Loving Tribute to a Bygone Era
DAMES AT SEA is listed as a parody of the Busby Berkley musicals of the 1930s but the Otterbein University's production of the George Haimsohn and Robin Miller musical comes across as a loving tribute than a skewering of the glitzy, style-over substance musicals.
The summer season closing show opened to a sold-out audience on July 17 at Otterbein's Fritsche Theatre (30 S. Grove Street in Westerville). If one can get past the often hokey script, the two-hour performance is a delightful diversion to a summer night.
The show revolves around the tired cliché of Ruby (played by Haley Jones), a fresh off the bus actress who comes to Broadway from Centerville, Ore. and tap dances her way to becoming a big star on Broadway. Her first stop is the set of DAMES AT SEA, a musical being directed by Hennesey (the always entertaining Jordan Donica). She immediately runs afoul of diva Mona Kent (Erin Ulman) but her plucky spirit wins over Hennesey and fellow chorus member Joan (Courtney Dahl).
Ruby is swept off her feet by Dick (Sam Parker), a sailor from her hometown in Oregon and an aspiring song writer. When Hennessey's theatre is demolished, Dick suggests a natural change of venue: the battleship he is stationed on. On the eve of the show, Kent becomes seasick and Ruby, of course, is thrust into the spotlight.
DAMES AT SEA features the school's most tap dances numbers since it on 42nd STREET in 2006. Ulman, Jones and Dahl guide the cast through Molly Sullivan's spirited choreography.
Each one of the cast brings something unique to the show. Jones brings a sense of Judy Garlandish sense of vulnerability and passion, especially to the song "Raining In My Heart" after her character feels she has been cheated on by her fiancée. Parker adds a strong voice to the show, alternating between being star struck by Kent and overwhelmingly in love with Ruby.
Ulman is terrific as an outlandish diva that treats the whole cast as her assistants. Particularly amusing is her straining to keep an onstage smile as things are collapsing around her. Donica showcases his range, playing an aging, slumping director in the first act and an authoritative Captain Courageous in the second. Dahl continues to deliver as quirky sidekicks as Joan, rolling her eyes after every over-the-top demand of Kent. Ian Taylor serves as a strong complement to Dahl as Lucky, Joan's on-again, off-again boyfriend.
Although it's not quite a parody, DAMES AT SEA is a great throwback to the golden age of dance spectacular musicals and the Otterbein cast brings its normal perfection to the show.
DAMES AT SEA will be performed 8 p.m. July 18-20 and 23-26 and 2 p.m. on July 20 and 25 at the Fritsche Theatre at 30 S. Grove Street in Westerville. Tickets are $25 each and can be reserved by calling the Otterbein University box office at (614) 823-1109 or purchased online at www.otterbein.edu/drama.
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About Author
In 25 years of working with newspapers and magazines, Paul Batterson has had the pleasure of interviewing wide variety of people, from Phil Campbell of Motorhead to David Hasselhoff to the San Diego chicken. He was born in Columbus, graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia and spent three years in Frankfurt, Germany before returning to Columbus. He lives here with his wife, Nancy, and children Alicia and Grant. | {
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If the AC System in Your New City, NY Home Isn’t Working Well, You May Need Repair
Maybe you haven’t been feeling all too comfortable in your New City, NY home when you turn on the air conditioning. It could be making noises that are somewhat alarming. Or maybe, it’s simply not keeping you as cool as it did in the past. Maybe it’s plugging along, but you can’t help but notice that your utility bills have crept higher and higher. If you’re experiencing any of the above scenarios, then it’s quite possible that air conditioning repair might be just what you need.
Aside from your system outright not working at all, the best way you can tell if your AC system is on the fritz is by your comfort level. If your New City, NY home is simply not as comfortable as you’d like it to be, or as it was in the past, then you probably are in need of some air conditioning service. Especially if your AC system is 10 years or older, and you haven’t opted for annual maintenance, you could be in need of air conditioning repair. Fortunately, not every problem equals needing a brand new air conditioning system. The professionals at Clarkstown Heating & Air Conditioning can help you make that determination.
If you’re simply not as comfortable in your New City, NY home as you were last year, the fix could be far simpler than you might think. There’s a good chance the issue has to do with airflow, and one of our technicians can easily change your filter. That should render almost immediate results, but if not, the problem may still be easy enough to remedy. Our technicians will make sure you have enough clearance on your outdoor unit, and that there’s nothing in your cold air returns and registers that’s keeping the cool air from flowing properly throughout your home.
Maybe you’re faced with higher than normal utility bills. This typically means that your system isn’t operating as efficiently as it should be, and probably the coil in your outdoor unit has accumulated excess dirt and debris. The best way you can keep this from happening is by getting annual preventive maintenance. Getting AC maintenance for your New City, NY home is the single-most effective way to keep your system running effectively and efficiently, without the need for costly air conditioning repairs.
Is your air conditioning system noisy when you start it up, and throughout its operation? This can mean you need a relatively simply AC repair… or a more costly one. Sometimes, noise at startup and while the system is running as minor as a loose screw, but other times, it can mean your blower motor or fan blade need replacing. The best way to find out either is by calling the pros at Clarkstown Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect your system. We can make the air conditioner repairs you need, from a simple screw tightening, to a motor or fan blade replacement.
Other possible problems with the system in your New City, NY home can include blockages within your system, lack of refrigerant, thermostat issues, or compressor concerns. If you have a problem with the compressor, and your system is more than 10 years old, it’s likely that an AC repair will be nearly as costly as purchasing a new unit. A good rule of thumb is that if the repair costs will be more than half of what a new unit installation would cost, you might want to strongly consider replacing.
Clarkstown Heating & Air Conditioning strives to meet your needs expertly, quickly and to your full satisfaction. Don’t let the heat and humidity of another long, hot New City, NY summer get to you – turn to the pros at Clarkstown for your AC repair needs, as well as all of our other air conditioning products and services. When you need an air conditioning contractor for the AC installation, repair and maintenance requirements of your home, simply give Clarkstown a call at (845) 620-1000, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Clarkstown Promise
We the people of Clarkstown Heating and Air promise to get your heating and air conditioning running perfectly - and keep it running. We will always tell you everything up front. There will be no surprises. When you work with Clarkstown, you can always expect honesty and integrity.learn more
Financing
We offer financing options with approved credit, and accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and Discover.learn more
10-Year Warranty
We proudly install Carrier® heating and air conditioning products which feature an incredible warranty. learn more
COVID-19 Notice and Information
Each day brings new challenges for all of our customers, employees, and the community. As an essential service business that our customers and others in need rely on, we remain open to handle your repair needs, installations, estimates, and other necessary services.
Our office, phones and website & email remain open & functioning if you need us. Our field employees are wearing masks and gloves and we will operate as safely as possible for our employees and customers.
We appreciate all of our customers’ and neighbors’ support and patience through these trying times and no matter how hard the coming days are, we will come out on the other side of this and find our way back to normalcy. Our commitment to you and the community has never been stronger. | {
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Multiple Modes of Group vs Group Space PvP - Looks like there's several objective maps, and modes of play. (which you can solo/group queue for)
Tiered advancement to unlock different Space combat upgrade items to use in your new fighter/bomber ship's loadout. Notes: This is not with your class ship, and once you've unlocked all the upgrades it appears everyone will be on the same gear-level, and it will be a more skill/build-based PvP system.
Ship-only talent trees/abilities - Boy there's a ton of them, check them out in the post linked above.
Ship/Fleet XP - It looks like the SSSP will bring it's own advancement system. The Fleet XP is very interesting and I'll be watching it closely to see what exactly it is.
Eight New Space Companions (4 per Faction) - Looks like these will be crew on your new Space fighters. They seem to have individual traits and skills. Though each one of your Class's current companions will be able to assist you.
With this amount of content it's likely to be some mini-expansion like the last one, will be interesting to see how it will all work. | {
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Publication
Publication
Despite the rising interest in mountain permafrost due to climatic changes and a noticed increase of registered rockfall events in the European Alps and other mountain ranges, little is known about transient thermal conditions in the detachment areas of rockfalls. Temperature conditions prior to the rockfall events of 144 past events in the European Alps were modelled with a physically based ground temperature model. To minimise the impact that uncertainty has on interpretations, only relative values were used, that is, percentiles obtained from cumulative distribution functions of the modelled ground surface temperatures from the beginning of the meteorological measurement series up to the event dates. Our results suggest that small and mid-sized rockfalls (volumes up to 100 000 m3) from high elevation occurred mainly during short-term periods of unusually high temperatures. This was neither found to be a result of the seasonal distribution (most analysed events in higher elevations occurred from July to September) nor of the longer-term temporal distribution (most analysed events occurred after 2000) only. Plausible explanations are either a destabilisation related to advective thaw or failure due to stress redistribution caused by large temperature variations. Large deep-seated rock slope failures (≥100 000 m3) in high elevation occurred all year round. | {
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LAIA FOUNDATION
The Story
Laia Foundation is an Indian Charitable Trust dedicated to building a better future for the people in the villages around Vedanthanal. For eight years, more than 1,000 students, along with hundreds of women and children, have benefited from the services of Laia Foundation.
In 2002, an investment banker of Barcelona Spain, came to India as a tourist. He did not visit South India at that time. But he liked India so much that, in 2004, he volunteered to serve in India through Service Civil International an international organization based in Europe. He was assigned to a project in Vedanthangal.
Most people volunteer for three months but he opted for one year. Also in the same year was another volunteer, Miss. Laia Mendoza of Barcelona. She volunteered for three months, and was also assigned to Vedanthangal. During the time when they were both there, the Tsunami of 2004 hit the area, killing 8,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.
Within 10 days after the Tsunami hit, they raised funds sufficient to build hundred houses, and to supply ten fishing boats so that the fishing families could return to work. Encouraged by the success of this initiative, they decided to start a project in Vedanthangal, where they worked as volunteers for months.
Most of the inhabitants of this area belong to the most deprived communities of the country. They live below the poverty line, earning their livelihood as farm laborers. These people, though poor, wanted their children to be educated like the other children. The people were not satisfied with the quality of education provided in the rural schools. A request came from parents of students for facilitating after school support centers, in which their children could find the appropriate environment to learn what they missed in their schools.
Sadly, Laia Mendoza was killed in 2005 in a traffic accident in Spain, where she was raising money for the initiative. A foundation in her memory was established to channel the support of Laia’s family and friends who identified themselves with the initiative.
A day in the life of a child in the Laia Foundation.
Previous
Next
The Foundation
In 2006, the late Mr. Thangavelu, a volunteer from Service Civil International, introduced Mr. Chandrasekaran, secretary for the Tamil Nadu Foundation Chennai Center to Laia Foundation. TNF started supporting Laia Foundation, channeling funds from overseas to the projects in Vedanthangal.
Over these years, the project gradually expanded and got consolidated. LaiaFoundation runs 16 after-school support centers, benefiting over 400 students and employing 21 part time teachers. This educational program is a, multi-year, intensive effort to improve the learning levels of children in the poorest and most marginalized villages in Tamil Nadu.
In each village, 2 local tutors are hired and trained to provide two hours of after-school evening support classes for the children. Each child’s skill level is tracked, using a ‘skill chart’ and children who lag behind are given special attention. Specially designed games and activities help children to focus more and learn better.
Laia Foundation also runs a kindergarten with 50 students. The educationalmethodology encourages student participation and learning through games. The school was founded in 1995 by the organization, Service Civil International. The parents of the students appreciate the quality of education offered at the centers and participate in the project by contributing a fifth of the project’s budget.
Concerned by the high levels of child malnutrition in India, Laia Foundation also works to address this issue in the target area. In addition, the project also aims to minimize problems during pregnancy, promote early breastfeeding, promote birth spacing, health education for adolescent girls, etc.
One of Laia Foundation’s project works towards empowering marginalized women through the creation of Microcredit Fund that benefits more than 300 women and their families. Laia Foundation supports these women so that they can achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence, leading to the strengthening of their role in social sectors.
Since 2006, the Foundation has supported several Government schools in the area of its operation. One of the main concerns was to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and improve the quality of education. With this purpose, the Foundation donated funds to Parent Teacher Associations to enable them to recruit additional teaching staff. The following schools have been benefited:
Vedanthangal Higher Secondary School
Melavalam Pettai Higher Secondary School
Chithiraikoodam Middle School
Vinayaganallur Primary School
Chithathur Primary School
Thandarai Pettai Adidravidar Welfare Department Primary School
Also, the Foundation has given support to schools and Government Daycare Centers (anganwadis) through the following support actions:
Construction of a school compound wall (under “Namakku Namey Thittam” a plan of self-supporting effort)
Provided 100,000 Rupees to Vedanthangal High School to be upgraded as a Higher Secondary School.
Construction of toilets for two schools and three daycare centers.
Donation of study desks to Vedanthangal Higher Secondary School and four Primary Schools | {
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On Kensington Gardens & Anish Kapoor, footballer
When Patty and I were in London 10 days ago, we were staying in a hotel in Lancaster Gate, overlooking the northern side of Kensington Gardens. We took a stroll through the gardens in the hour before it got dark, enjoying the autumn leaves strewn over the pathways, and the feel of the warm moist English November air on our faces. As we walked down to the Serpentine, the river that snakes through the gardens (really a big park adjacent to Hyde Park), we saw this on the opposite bank:
It was a huge stainless steel disc, easily at least twelve feet high, looking boldly out of place in such a leafy setting. I wasn't sure what it was, but I guessed that it must be a sculpture of some sort, and I had the feeling that I'd seen it before. Sure enough, when I got back to the USA, I looked it up and found out that it was Anish Kapoor's 'Sky Mirror', which I had seen several times on Rockefeller Plaza in New York City:
I think it worked better in New York. On the evening that I saw it in London, the sky was so flat and grey that the mirror didn't really reflect anything. As a piece of public art, I think it's so minimal as to be almost a provocation. At least the 'bean' in Chicago impresses with its size, and has an attractively playful element to it.
Here's an anecdote about Kapoor: back in the early 1990s, a friend of mine who lived in West London used to play in the same Saturday pub football (soccer) league as Anish Kapoor. My friend told me that there was this short, stocky guy who could run pretty fast, and who used to go in for tackles that were considered just a little too enthusiastic for a Saturday pick-up game. In fact, his tackling was so aggressive that on one occasion it nearly led to a fight. If you ever hear Kapoor talking about the spiritual and meditative nature of his work, you'll see the irony.
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I first read Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel "The Sun Also Rises" when I was a teenager, and immediately fell in love with it. For the last couple of years, I have had the incredible privilege of teaching a class based around Hemingway in Paris -- while living and teaching in Paris itself, close to the Boulevard du Montparnasse, where most of the action of the novel's first half takes place.
Of the many things that one notices about the book, the colossal amount of drinking is something that stands out. These people didn't just drink like fish: they drank like whales, as if the ocean they swam in was alcohol and they had set themselves the task of drinking the seas of the world dry of it. During my read-through of the book before class started last year, I tried to underline every mention of drink in the book. And now, purely in the interests of science, I am listing the entire menu of booze mentioned directly by name. Some preliminary observations:Most of this is…
Linoleum as a material for printmaking has been used for nearly a hundred years now. Normally, you cut an image out using special gouges similar to woodcut tools, cutting away the lino around the image you want to print. This is called relief printmaking, because if you look at the block from the side, the material that remains stands up in relief from the backing material. You then roll ink with a brayer over the surface of the block, place paper over it, and either print by hand or run it through a press. You can do complex things this way (for example, reduction linocuts), but the beauty of the process is that it is quick, simple, and direct.
A few years ago, I saw some prints that were classified as coming from etched linoleum blocks, and I loved the textures I saw in them. In the last few months, I've been trying to use this technique in my own studio, learning about it as one does these days from websites and YouTube videos. I've also had email exchanges with several pr…
Artist Mary Ellen Croteau is showing these columns made from recycled plastic cartons and lids in the window of the Columbia College bookstore on Michigan Avenue. They are a playful homage to Brancusi's "Endless Columns", with a serious environmental message for our times:
Mary Ellen also runs a wonderful experimental art gallery in a window space in west Chicago, called Art on Armitage. I will be exhibiting a mixed media piece there during August 2012. | {
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight Robert Guerrero on May 4, and he's changing television networks to do it.
The biggest star in boxing dropped a surprise Tuesday while announcing his long-rumored next bout: After several years on HBO, Mayweather is moving to Showtime with a lucrative multi-fight deal.
Mayweather's move is a coup for Showtime, the CBS-owned network that has always trailed behind HBO in boxing prominence. Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs) is the sport's biggest moneymaker, and his new revenue-sharing deal with Showtime could include up to six fights over 30 months.
"They were extremely aggressive from the start, and they made it clear they want Floyd Mayweather to be the face of Showtime," Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe told The Associated Press. "It's the ultimate compliment to a fighter like Floyd. They were aggressive, and the deal that they put on the table was essentially a deal that you can't refuse."
Mayweather's first bout is against Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KOs), the WBC's interim welterweight champion. The fight likely will be at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
Mayweather turns 36 on Sunday, but the unbeaten WBC 147-pound champion has shown no signs of age in the ring. He hasn't fought since beating Miguel Cotto last May 5, and he spent two months in jail last summer after his conviction in a misdemeanor domestic battery case.
"He has a renewed motivation to stay active and to take on everybody out there," Ellerbe said. "When Floyd is more active, he's going to be beyond untouchable. He's proved he can stay sharp with those layoffs in the past, but he's going to be more active now."
Guerrero beat out several contenders to get the biggest payday of his career and a long-awaited shot at his sport's biggest name. Guerrero, from Gilroy, Calif., is a onetime featherweight champion who hasn't lost since 2005, beating welterweight Andre Berto in a thrilling fight last November.
"On May 4th I'm going to shock the world," Guerrero tweeted.
Ellerbe said Mayweather chose Guerrero as his next opponent because of his toughness and crowd-pleasing style.
"He definitely earned the right to fight Floyd," Ellerbe said. "He won the Mayweather sweepstakes, so now he gets to see what the grand prize is, and when he opens up that grand prize, it's going to be a can of (tail) whooping."
Mayweather has been on HBO for essentially his entire professional career, which began after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. HBO has been the home for nearly all of boxing's biggest stars and biggest fights over the past three decades.
The pay-cable network has an extensive array of boxing-related programming along with hundreds of fights on its regular network and pay-per-view arm. Mayweather starred in HBO's popular "24/7" reality series before each of his last six bouts, further growing his celebrity with the four-episode showcases of his Vegas lifestyle and irrepressible personality.
"We made an aggressive and responsible pay-per-view offer," HBO said in a statement from spokesman Kevin Flaherty. "Now we move on. We are focused on the best boxing franchise in the television business. We are proud of the roster of superstar fighters and emerging stars who are scheduled to appear on the multiple HBO television platforms this year."
Manny Pacquiao was Mayweather's only rival for boxing supremacy in recent years before the Filipino congressman's back-to-back losses last year. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum moved Pacquiao off HBO for one fight in 2011, beating Sugar Shane Mosley on Showtime, but returned to HBO for Pacquiao's next bout.
Mayweather usually partners with Golden Boy Promotions to organize his fights, but the boxer essentially serves as his own promoter and cuts his own financial deals with help from adviser Al Haymon.
"All the fighters and promoters out there should be applauding Floyd," Ellerbe said. "He's elevating the sport and bringing more eyeballs to it. More importantly, he's changing the pay structure in the sport. He's setting that bar higher for everybody."
Mayweather is making another big change for his next fight: He has hired his father, Floyd Sr., as his trainer. The younger Mayweather was estranged from his father for long stretches of the past several years while he trained under his uncle, Roger.
Golden Boy is working on a deal to put Mexican star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on the undercard of Mayweather's bout with Guerrero, possibly against Austin Trout. Alvarez, the WBC 154-pound champion, could be Mayweather's next opponent in September.
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If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the X in the upper right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ. | {
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Diamondback Cardigan
$2.99
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Worked from the center of the log cabin diamond outwards in one seamlesspiece, this unique sweater is sure to hold your knitting interest! Thrown on
over your shoulders to ward off a chilly breeze, or layered over something
more substantial, youll be warm in style all year long. | {
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Save Article
Who's Having Nightmares Over Dream League Claim?
March 13, 2013 7:16 p.m. ET
According to a report published in the Times of London on Wednesday, Qatar is preparing to permanently alter the global soccer landscape with a lavish tournament for the world's most prestigious clubs. But within hours of its publication, questions emerged over its authenticity. The Times insisted the story was true, while a French website said that it had published the same news a day earlier as a hoax.
The Times report said that a soccer tournament called the Dream Football League, backed by the Qatari royal family, was... | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
README.md
Dryer Sensor
This is a simple ESP8266-based sensor to detect when a clothes dryer has
stopped and send a message to an MQTT server. The MQTT server can then
send a notification as appropriate (e.g. SMS, email, etc.)
(Note that the MQTT server is not part of this project but is separate.
This project does not directly notify anyone, merely inform the MQTT server
when the dryer changes state and what the new state is, or when the
keypad is used to change the person and method to notify.)
The sensor is built from the following:
Wemos D1 Mini ESP8266
HD44780 2-line LCD character display
MPU6050 accelerometer
4x4 matrix keypad, exposed via I2C
Some sketches for cases are available in the cases directory in
OpenSCAD format. The 3D cases can be used for
3D printing, while the 2D cases can be laser cut from thin pieces of wood
or similar. (You may need to modify the cases a bit depending on the sizes
of the components used.)
Notifications are provided by a daemon (under "notifier") that listens for
MQTT messages and sends the relevant information to an external notification
system. Currently Twilio and
Amazon SNS are supported but this could easily
be extended to others. | {
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For a moment, the image of Richard Alley was dark. The chart projected beside him, clearly visible, showed the ice-core record from Lake Vostok, in central East Antarctica, a powerful signature of Earth's climate over the last 400,000 years. Then the overhead lights came on, and Alley, Evan Pugh professor of geosciences at Penn State, appeared in full color on the video screen. Now, however, the chart of data was bleached white.
In the not-far future, supersonic passenger planes will criss-cross the world's oceans with unnerving frequency. Hundreds of flights a day, according to predictions, will shuttle business travelers from, say, Los Angeles to Tokyo and back before bedtime.
Will the sonic booms that accompany those flights pose problems for marine mammals? | {
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~ MA, CCC, RP, E-RYT
Monthly Archives: July 2014
There is an on-going dialogue within the yoga, Buddhist, and mindfulness communities, promoting yoga and mindfulness practices as a means of achieving greater emotional balance. By emotional balance, we are essentially referring to the development of emotional regulation skills: an ability to create a state of peace in the mind as various emotional states arise and pass within the body – moment-by-moment-by-moment. There is indeed constant change occurring. And when we can observe the emotions as exactly what they are – impermanent – without attaching any story to the experience, the emotions do subside, change, evolve. Overtime, default patterns of the way in which we react to our emotions start to shift.
There is no linear process, however, in learning how to apply mindfulness to our own ability of creating emotional balance. In order to observe the moment-to-moment changes, one does have to be in state of being where the internal dialogue of the mind is quiet enough to observe the physiological existence of our emotions. Emotions exist on a physiological basis. There are thoughts associated with and that may trigger certain emotional states, but what we label as anger, sadness, joy, are nothing more than sensations in the body. Little subatomic particles and biochemical reactions occurring within the body and affecting the nervous system’s ability to respond to reality as it is happening. With a peaceful, quiet and observing mind, emotional sensations don’t last for more than 5 minutes. When the mind craves or has an aversion to the sensations, however, and attaches a whole story to the emotion, the sensations persist, grow, and become more engrained in the physiology of the body. One gets stuck in the belief that the emotion is permanent.
I can only teach and provide counselling for people from what I know in my own life experiences. And what I know from my own experience is that mindfulness is a skill that is developed through practice. What I am sharing is that it takes a certain level of emotional balance to engage in the practice and the practice does in fact assist us in learning to balance the ebbs and flows of our emotions.
So, what comes first: Mindfulness skills or emotional balance? Not one nor the other. If one wishes to apply the skills of mindfulness and yoga in their lives off the mat or the meditation cushion, the practice must occur when the mind is calm. With a daily practice and in times when the mind is balanced, we slowly develop that skill of observation and the skill then becomes something we can learn to carry into those moments when we feel out of balance. I have witnessed in my self and others an expectation that if mindfulness is understood intellectually, you can call on your knowledge when the emotions are running the show. When, in fact, our intellect serves us nothing.
Practice quieting the internal dialogue and paying attention to what is happening in a moment-to-moment experience of your being in times when the experience of your being is at peace. Practice regularly, through each of your daily activities. As your experiential understanding of the sensations associated with each emotion deepens, your ability to regulate your reactions to those experiences will become easier and easier over time.
If it usually takes you 3 days to work through a state of anger, the practice may help you reduce that to 2 days, then 1 day, then 4 hours, than 2 hours. Eventually, as you learn to understand that the emotional experience is in fact always impermanent in its very nature, the practice may just take you to a place where the suffering of the mind disappears.
My love for the practice comes from a deep place of care for the happiness and harmony of all.
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Every moment of every day presents us with opportunities to practice being present, speaking truth, listening, letting go, grounding, observing, paying attention to what is and what isn’t happening inside and all around us.
I am interested in all the beautiful complexities that make a person whole. I can only offer what I know. The rest I still have to learn. | {
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Getting Creative With Advice
Importance Of A Home Security Systems
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Installing a home security system will ensure that you reduce the risk of breaking as the security systems usually have a way to deter burglars from a property. Once people notice that you have different home security features in a property they will avoid trying to break in as they know that they can be easily seen.
It is easier for you to secure yourself and your loved ones as well as your property when a home security system from this company installed. One of the main reasons why people install home security systems is to deter criminals.If you are not at home and someone tries to break into your house the alarm will be triggered making it easy for people to be alarmed that there is something that is going on in your property. Once the alarm is raised the security team is notified, and they are dispatched immediately to come and check on your property.
Installing a home security system in a property house or their insurance premiums for your home insurance. The risk of breaking or security incidences in a property that has a home security system is significantly below according to insurance companies. It is essential that you understand how the insurance company usually provides lower premium rates for clients with a home security system and you can check out here!
If you have a home security system installed the system usually sends alerts to authorities automatically whenever there is a security breach.If there’s any risk of fire outbreak or gas leak in your property the authorities identified to come and remedy the situation as soon as possible that is another important feature of a home security system.There are times when the gas leaks and you may not be aware the alarm will go off once it is required to notify authorities who will provide you with the relevant help from this company.
The home security systems usually monitor your property 24 hours a day 7 days a week making it easier for you to remain to stay even when you are not in the house. You can also monitor your property remotely when you have a home security system as these systems are usually connected to the mobile phones where you can access these systems anywhere at anytime you can get more on home security here. | {
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} |
Follow-up: Free the White House Press Corps!
The White House Correspondents Association followed up with the White House on my experience the other day, and I now have something of an official explanation of why I was repeatedly denied access to the citizens in the audience at President Obama’s health care speech near Philadelphia. The interference, I am told, was “unintentional and [and the White House] regretted what happened.” (Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton also apologized to me directly, which I appreciated.)
First off, it’s worth noting that what happened struck some reporters who regularly cover the White House as unusual, as evidenced by this exchange in yesterday’s briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs:
Q Robert, at the event in Philadelphia yesterday, reporters were prevented from talking to the people. I mean, they set up barriers six feet wide to keep us from the people. Security guards kept —
MR. GIBBS: That was for the benefit of the people. (Laughter.)
Q Pardon me?
MR. GIBBS: I was not on the trip. I don’t know what —
Q We were prevented even after the event, after the President had left, security guards kept reporters from talking to anyone in the room. What does the White House think of that, and will you work to stop that from happening at future events?
MR. GIBBS: I will try to find out more information about the series of events that you’re talking about.
Q Well, wait a minute, you would know that — I mean, that should be standard policy. It’s not standard —
MR. GIBBS: Chuck, I don’t —
Q You don’t want — but I assume you don’t want security preventing — because that’s a pretty serious issue.
MR. GIBBS: Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. Let me just find out — I don’t know whether that has to do with transportation — I don’t know what that has to do with. I’m certainly, as I just told, willing to look into — willing to look into what surrounded that and what that is —
Q If the reports are true, though, you don’t want —
MR. GIBBS: Well, if the reports are true —
Q — something that’s unacceptable?
MR. GIBBS: Well, Chuck, let me — I know you’ve got a show at 9:00 a.m., and you might want to do a segment on this, but let me just get an answer before we get into a series of —
Q But it is contrary to White House policy, right?
MR. GIBBS: Absolutely, yes.
Here’s the explanation:
Secret Service rules require a barrier between the press and the audience. (Note from KT: This has always been the case, and I imagine the Secret Service has been especially diligent after this incident.) Although both the audience and the reporters have been “swept” by security, the concern is that it can be difficult for them to keep track of who is wandering back and forth. (Note from KT: However, the press is clearly identified by credentials–color-coded ones, which change every day. In this instance, I had a large green tag around my neck that said “White House Press Pool,” my name, my news organization and the date. So it would not have been difficult to identify me as a reporter. In the past, I generally have not had difficulty going in and out of the barrier.)
Even if movement across the barrier is restricted, that is not usually a problem. Reporters can usually reach across the barrier and beckon audience members to come talk to them. But the Pennsylvania event took place in a relatively small room with an unusual configuration. There was an Americans with Disabilities Act wheelchair lane positioned between the audience and the press, so it was not possible to talk to people across the barrier.
As for why I was told that I couldn’t interview people after the event, when the President had departed: Another Secret Service rule requires that even after the President has left the room, reporters are not allowed to cross the barriers as long as he is in the building. In this instance, the President went to another room in the building to meet with people and take photos for about 15 minutes after the event.
I am told that, in the future, the White House advance team will attempt to avoid this kind of problem. Which is really all that matters. This was an issue of my being able to do my job as a journalist. It’s speaks to the difference between between being a reporter and being a stenographer. | {
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Matchy Matchy .io
Play still another adorable and tough Match-3 puzzle game using yummy sweets, yet this time around against others. Inside this enjoyable multi player online matchy-matchy IO game it is possible to challenge others to select a round . Your purpose is to fit 3 or even more candy of the same kind on a horizontal or vertical line, to pop up them and bring in things. Attempt to earn 3 celebrities to gain the game. You might even play unlockable degrees contrary to the CPU to increase your abilities. Love MatchyMatchyIO! | {
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Lights up on our protagonist, sitting in the theater’s audience, waiting for the show to start. Behind him, two girls sit, chattering about the show they are about to see.
GIRL 1: Okay, so Professor so-and-so said we have to... | {
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More bones found at construction site
Investigators were searching a construction site in the Rice Military area Thursday after human bones were found there on Wednesday.
Houston police said a construction crew excavating a work site in the 100 block of Detering Street near Memorial Drive about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday.
Workers called police when they found the bones underneath a concrete slab foundation where an apartment building was built in 1981.
An anthropologist confirmed that the bones were human.
On Wednesday, detectives estimated that the bones may have been buried for at least 30 years.
"Because of the placement of the bones, we're pretty sure the body was placed there," Sgt. Richard Rodriguez said.
Officials said they have recovered a rib, a right calf bone, a left calf bone, an upper arm bone, a collar bone and skull fragments. Detectives have not said if they believe the bones are that of a man or woman.
The remains were likely be swabbed for DNA and put into a national database to see if there's a match.
Investigators said they have received a few calls from people whose loved ones disappeared in the 1980s. They are looking into those cases.
Anyone with information is asked to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. | {
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Welcome!
Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills
"Serving the children of the world"
We meet every week at 11:30 at
The Country Club of North Carolina, 1600 Morganton Road, Pinehurst, NC.
map at bottom of page
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Please join us at the Country Club of North Carolina every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for a buffet lunch, followed by our speaker presentation.
Upcoming Speakers
2018
2/7/18
Dauphine Sisk
Timbernook
2/14/18
OPEN
2/21/18
Melinda Ransdell
Special Olympics
2/28/18
Helena Wallin-Miller
Moore County Schools Chairwoman
3/7/18
John Dempsey/Bob Grimesey
Upcoming Bond Referendum
3/14/18
Dr. Karen Sullivan
Brain Health
3/21/18
No Speaker/Builder's Cup
3/28/18
No Speaker/Picquet Music Festival
4/4/18
No Meeting/Easter Observance
4/11/18
No Speaker/Annual Meeting
4/18/18
Upcoming Events
Builder's Cup Award February 28, 2018
Flapjack fundraiser at Kick Back Jacks March 17, 2018
Picquet Music Festival at Penick Village March 28, 2018
Military Child Celebration April 21, 2018
Junior Builder's Cup May 23, 2018
Blueberry distribution dates June 1 and 2, 2018
In 1922, a group of Men of the Sandhills organized the Kiwanis Club of Aberdeen. In 1937, the name was changed to the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills. Over the past 90 years, the Club has grown to include over 100 members “vigorously dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth locally and globally.”
The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills is dedicated to serving the local community through various service and fundraising projects. Our club has been in service to our community for more than 93 years. We are part of Kiwanis International, an organization serving children for over 100 years.
We'd love for you to come join us at one of our meetings or a service project. Please go to our Contact page and drop us a line! Someone will get back with you. | {
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The Modern Guide to Fine China
Does anyone even use fine china anymore? We all seem to stick to our casual ceramic dinnerware these days. But, a case can be made for a finer set of china, and we're here to make it. Made of bone china or porcelain, elegant tableware is the center of any table setting, adds high style to your home, and is an investment you can pass down to future generations. Also, fine china's high-quality materials make them sturdy enough to use every day -- and they can even be put in the dishwasher. Here are a few guidelines to registering, inheriting, or buying china:
Although a basic white china is a safe bet, there is such a plethora of patterns to choose from you are sure to find one that suits your personality. The four main categories are floral, geometric, banded, and oriental. Modern designers have reinterpreted classic patterns in new ways, such as Calamityware's oriental pattern with its surprise robot attack, Kelly Wearstler's abstract floral, and Jeff Koons's totally wacky figurative prints for a Bernardaud.
When it comes to quantity, experts recommend buying eight to twelve place settings. But, the only expert we really trust is Nora Ephron, who wrote the line in Sleepless in Seattle; "eight is too few, twelve is too many." If it works for Meg Ryan, it works for us. A true formal setting will include five pieces: a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, teacup, and saucer.
To complete your collection of china, add serving pieces like serving platters, a gravy boat, a cream and sugar set, a teapot, soup bowls, and/or chargers (large plates used in lieu of placemats). These items will give your table a complete look. Also, just like with your china, you can mix and match your patterns if you prefer a less uniform aesthetic. | {
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Curtain Cleaning Tufnell Park, N7,N19 Islington Area, London
Curtain Steam-Cleaning Services Tufnell Park
Interior textiles provide cordiality, ease and class to the interior. They protect rooms and furniture from contact with direct sunlight and heat, keep the place cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Yet the sun rays and the high temperature take their toll on the fabrics - some areas may lose color, darken, the fabric could shrink or stretch. Frequent examinations could help problem spotting early, however, the likelihoods are not much can be done to fix many of them. We, Prolux Carpet Cleaning professional cleaners work in Tufnell Park and we are fully equipped to take care of your window treatments.
To retain curtains and drapes in good shape we need to take care about them. Textiles absorb dust, dirt, stains, and bad odors. We are pleased to offer professional cleaning services for your curtains at affordable rates in Tufnell Park. Rest assured that your gorgeous window treatments are given the maximum attention and care.
We are committed to delivering the best curtain and drape care in Tufnell Park. We will not cut corners to work on each spot, however certain dye discolorations represent damages beyond the scope of the cleaning to restore. For sure, your curtains are going to look better and fresher after our involvement.
We clean your curtains with steam in your house quick and efficiently without detaching them from the cornices. This makes it fast and simple for you, with the slightest disturbance of your house in Tufnell Park routine. We work with mild yet highly effective cleaning products and fabric conditioners. The process is done through following four consecutive operations:
Our cleaners are going to inspect your curtains for stains or visible damages on the material that are likely to affect the curtains cleaning process like sun burn or spot discoloration. From the information gathered they are going to talk with you the expected results from the steam-cleaning.
Your curtains are cleaned with a vacuum carefully to take out dirt particles. This is done to prepare for the actual steam cleaning, because detergents work better in a dust free environment.
Some persistent and tough spots may need extra treatment with a soft cloth.
Heavily stained parts often are section cleaned to eliminate just the spot.
Steam cleaning is the concluding step in the drape cleaning. It is done using a very effective cleaning agents that not just remove all left over muck safely, but also softens the fabric and add fresh scent bouquets.
Our team will not leave the job until a full inspection of the cleaned curtain is done. We will make sure the work is done to your full satisfaction.
Trust Prolux Carpet professional expertise for superior results! We are available to answer all questions you may have. Please tell us your concerns - this information will enable us to better serve your needs and preferences.
Do not postpone - schedule a curtain cleaning Tufnell Park with our company today. Send us an inquiry either via our Internet site or give us a call and one of our experts is going to call you back shortly. Our business hours are flexible and we will work around your schedule. We accept rush orders as well. | {
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"Reason for optimism" in N. Korea talks: Mattis
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis offered an upbeat assessment of prospects for U.S. negotiations with North Korea on Wednesday, suggesting grounds for optimism after Pyongyang's release of three American detainees. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). | {
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East Washington police chief admits guilt
East Washington police Chief Donald Solomon faces a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and a $750,000 fine after pleading guilty Friday to three counts of extortion.
Solomon, 56, who is said to have characterized himself as “the best cop money can buy,” admitted to having accepted money from an FBI agent posing as a drug dealer and selling the agent law enforcement-restricted Tasers in 2011 before U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
Solomon pleaded guilty although no plea offer had been made to him by prosecutors. Instead, it will be up to the judge to determine Solomon’s penalties pending a pre-sentence investigation.
He will learn his fate during a sentencing hearing set for 3:30 p.m. May 3.
In the meantime, Solomon will be allowed to remain free on bond. However, he will not be required to be on electronic home monitoring. Instead, the court ordered that he not be allowed to leave his home from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
According to the federal indictment, Solomon met with undercover agents while in uniform and on duty, agreeing to provide distraction for the staged multi-kilogram cocaine sales that took place in East Washington and South Strabane Township.
He also made threats toward a local politician and woman.
Timothy D. Johnson of East Washington recently pleaded guilty in federal court to gun charges. He also admitted to firing shots at the woman’s car and hitting the North Franklin Township home where she had been staying. He told the FBI that Solomon instigated the shooting.
According to the FBI, Johnson was part of a group of people from the Washington area who would rob drug houses. Solomon allegedly would provide the group with police information and identify the locations of the drug houses.
On Thursday, Frank G. Archambault, of West Alexander, appeared in federal court on charges of having beenconvicted of a felony in 1969
Archambault had bought and traded guns with Johnson. Both men are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney David Hickton said he was pleased that Solomon agreed to enter a guilty plea in a case that was “stark and brazen.”
“It was a complete and unequivocal” admission of guilt, Hickton said following the hearing.
Solomon was hired as chief in October 2010 after serving as a part-time officer for 20 years.
Soon after his arrest, borough council took action to fire him from the position without pay. However, new borough solicitor Dennis Makel has recommended the hiring of a new police chief be postponed pending disposition of Solomon’s criminal case.
“I was shocked by what I heard today,” said Makel, who attended the hearing with Councilman Jeff Bull.
Makel said council will now proceed to make Solomon’s firing official and that a new police chief should be named in the near future.
Linda Metz has been with the Observer-Reporter since 2000, covering Washington County courts and politics, as well as the city of Washington. She previously was employed by the Tribune Review. She is a graduate of Point Park College, now a university, in Pittsburgh. | {
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Change Sportsbook
UFC's two title fights should be wagered off of price not fighter
UFC International Fight Week is finally here, which signals one of the most stacked PPV cards of the entire year on July 7.
UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic defends his title against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier in the main event of UFC 226. But that isn’t the only title fight as UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway looks for a second defense of the crown vs. No. 1 ranked Brian Ortega.
Miocic opened as -180 to -190 favorite and was bet as high -280 to -300 some places. Word around Vegas is the best UFC bettors on are Miocic to retain his title.
Breakdown
This is what boxing people in the 80s and 90s called a Superfight. The matchup you thought you’d never see. A champion moving up from 205 pounds to the Heavyweight division to face the 240 pound champ, it’s a special attraction and one worthy of the summer showcase fight at T-Mobile Arena.
Cormier has fought at this weight class before, amassing a record of 13-0 with two wins coming in the UFC. However DC’s never fought this level of a heavyweight.
Stipe Miocic might be the most underrated fighter in the UFC. Most experts out there believed fast rising star Ngannou would be too much power and speed for Miocic to deal with in Miocic’s last fight, but the champ tired out “The Predator” en route to a convincing unanimous decision.
Cormier will want no part of striking with Miocic; his goal will be to use his UFC Hall of Fame-level wrestling skills to take Stipe to the mat and grind him out. In other words, wear the champ down so if the fight does go back to the feet, Miocic will have lost so much energy it will take the snap out of his punches.
For Miocic it’s about stuffing takedowns, pursuing Cormier and controlling the octagon space. As much as I respect Cormier’s wrestling, the market seemingly corrected the betting line. Miocic should win this fight, likely with a big punch starting the chaos, leading Stipe to the stoppage win. With that said, -250 is no bargain and isn’t worth the risk as Cormier can win this fight. If you can find DC over +250 take a shot, or if you can find Stipe for -200 or less go that route. Public money should start to show on DC, so it’s more likely to see an improving Miocic price. Don’t wait too long though, as someone will likely scoop it up fast. Bet this fight on price only or pass and enjoy as a fan.
Best Lines
HOLLOWAY -140 (WG)
ORTEGA +125 (Multiple books)
TOTAL: 3.5 OVER -115 (CGT) UNDER EVEN (WG, WH)
The market reacted huge to the opening Ortega price at +160 to +170.
Breakdown
While I thought the opening line was too high, I cannot help but wonder: Are we forgetting how good Max “Blessed” Holloway is? Holloway has been relentless since losing a decision to Conor McGregor; 12 straight wins.
Going inside the numbers, Ortega might be tailor made for Holloway. Max lands around six strikes per minute, Ortega takes around five strikes per minute. Ortega isn’t great at taking people down or staying off the mat but he has been great at finishing six UFC fights by submission or KO/TKO.
Holloway will want to do what he always does, relentless pressure lots of combinations and changing levels and angles to keep Ortega off balance.
Ortega will look to capitalize off a Holloway mistake, counter a lunging strike to drive Holloway to the cage where he will look to lock in one of his classic jiu-jitsu submissions. The closer Ortega gets to Holloway the more likely Holloway loses his crown. If Holloway sticks and moves, avoids Ortega’s heavy counter shots, the champ retains.
Again, the betting line should determine where to get your money down. If Holloway drops to -125 or less, he’s the play. If not, stay with Ortega.
Favorite play of the weekend: Bet OVER ROUNDS in Ngannou/Lewis.
Correction: Last week, I wrote that Mikey Garcia was fighting Shawn Porter. Not true. It is Danny Garcia. But, Mikey is the correct fighter referred to in my Top 8 Boxers. He fights Robert Easter Jr. July 28. The winner of Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter (Aug. 25) will likely fight Errol Spence. | {
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New Breakthrough Study from the Human Microbiology Institute – Bacteriophages May Cause Neurodegenerative Diseases in Humans
New Breakthrough Study from the Human Microbiology Institute – Bacteriophages May Cause Neurodegenerative Diseases in Humans
VALENCIA, SPAIN – 12 Jul, 2017 – Viruses called bacteriophages affect bacteria that populate mammal gut environment and may cause human diseases, according to HumanMicrobiology Institute (HMI). The revolutionary findings were revealed today during an oral presentation at the largest European microbiologist gathering, FEMS-2017 in Spain.
The study that describes bacteriophages as a New Group of Human Viral Diseases was presented by Dr. George Tetz, head of research and development at HMI. “They are focusing on a very important subject, showing the consequences of bacteriophages effect on human gut microbiome. They have shown for the first time that the impact of bacteriophages may result in increased gut permeability, which is associated with diabetes, Alzheimer’s, autism, heart conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and others. This could pave the road to further breakthrough research and new discoveries related to the origin of many diseases,” said Adriana Heguy, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology, NYU Langone Medical Center, and Director, Genome Technology Center.
HMI’s high-profile study looked into effects of exposure to bacteriophages on gut microbiome and intestinal permeability in rats. The study for the first time shows that bacterial viruses, which exist both in the environment and in the human gut, and were previously considered to be safe for humans, can lead to a pathological condition known as the “Leaky Gut Syndrome”. In turn, leaky gut results in an altered immune response and triggers a variety of currently incurable human pathologies including those associated with neuroinflammation. The HMI’s results showed increased gut permeability accompanied with reductions in Lactobacillus spp. and Faecalibacterium spp., the useful bacteria for mammals, as well as in other bacteria groups. For the first time a research study showed how bacteriophages could produce conditions that may cause above-mentioned diseases.
This study, conducted by Drs. Victor and George Tetz, was recently presented in an oral session at the world’s largest microbiologist conference, ASM’s Microbe 2017, June 1–5 in New Orleans.
The profound research work, which has been conducted by HMI together with NYU specialists throughout the year, has been accepted for publication by Nature magazine’s Scientific Reports under the “Bacteriophages as possible new mammalian pathogens” title. Previously, George and Victor Tetz published their findings in Gut Pathogens.
“As far as we know, this is the first study to indicate that bacteriophages can cause human diseases. Infection from bacteriophages that are known solely to target bacteria may be harmful to mammals and humans, opening new ways to prevent and cure the neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and other diseases with so-called autoimmune component,” said Dr. George Tetz.
HMI researchers have also said that one of the mechanisms of spreading many diseases may be the fact that bacteriophages can be found almost anywhere, from the ocean to everyday meals. According to their findings, infection of human microbiota by bacteriophages can be considered a new class of viral diseases in mammals.
About HMI:
The Victor and George Tetz Human Microbiology Institute (www.hmi-us.com) is an independent, non-profit research organization that has formed collaborations with a variety of universities, research organizations, hospitals, biotech companies, and other life science organizations to perform breakthrough research to identify novel drug targets and develop innovative technologies, with the ultimate goal of translating these discoveries into human health care.
For more information about George and Victor Tetz and HMI, please contact Dan Wilson at +1 646-214-8010 [email protected] | {
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In the last two weeks, Dee Milliner has had three interceptions and as Sunday showed, the rookie from Alabama is becoming more sure of his play at the NFL level, writes the Star-Ledger’sDom Cosentino:
The Dolphins targeted Wallace, one of the league’s fastest receivers, 12 times during the Jets’ 20-7 win Sunday. He caught just five passes for 25 yards. One was a touchdown when Milliner was locked in single coverage on him as the Jets blitzed. But twice, Milliner broke up passes intended for Wallace in the end zone that would have gone for touchdowns. And twice, Milliner came away with interceptions.
All this a week after Milliner had held his own against the Browns’ Josh Gordon, one the NFL’s best receivers.
Brian Bassett, TheJetsBlog.com
Cosentino’s article points out that Ed Reed has been a huge influence for Milliner and his guidance. Reed’s help on the back-end for Milliner has allowed the rookie to play with more confidence and aggressiveness. While it has taken time to adjust, the way the Jets have deployed their safeties over the second half of the season has changed and seems to suit Milliner’s style of play as a rookie.
With an injured Cromartie and Ed Reed to help deep, the Jets have increasingly put Milliner in the spot to take on the toughest opposing receiver with Reed playing over the top. Last week against the Browns and this week against the Dolphins has proven that as teams prepare for the Jets in 2014, picking on Dee Milliner won’t be as effective a strategy as it was early on in Milliner’s rookie season.
Like this:
I just realized last night, even with all the ups and downs of the year, there were only 3 games that didn't go our way that we needed to go to the playoffs. The Ravens-Lions, a few weeks ago, Chiefs-Chargers, and Steelers-Browns yesterday. And one of those games ended in overtime, and the other ended in a 61 yard field goal. The Steelers winning yesterday was the only game that we needed, didn't get, and wasn't close. Maybe I'm forgetting something else, but I consider that pretty close to the playoffs.
While Milliner had a considerably better game than he ever experienced as a pro, on one play Wallace beat him so badly, Millin er was pumping his arms at his side so fiercely, it would have been impossible to employ any defending techniques using his arms .
I wouldn't get crazy about Geno, Milliner, or Winters -- yet. We weren't playing great teams, the last few weeks. Like every Jet fan, I am hoping all of them blossom into stars. I think Idzik gave up on the season, to get these players some experience. I hope it pays off.
BuT hes a bust! I saw him playing bad in his first games as a pro so that means hes always gonna be bad! same thing happened with da brick he sucked his rookie year and he still sucks now. Players dont get better with experience thats silly, any pick in the draft should be a instant stud or bust. Remember what happened to wilson sucked as a rookie and still sucks now. dont tell me stats that prove me otherwise. i know the truth!
Off-season work on conditioning and technique is critical for the rookies to make progress for next season. All of them need to get stronger and work the kinks out on their technical skills. Obviously, Geno, Milliner and Winters need the most work, but Richardson with a full and dedicated off season could surpass Mo as the best DL on the Jets. And, let's not forget Coples, who now that he has a year of OLB/DE under his belt could come back even better next season (ditto for Snacks). What's now exciting about this team is that if all of these guys improve, and the injured guys come back to full strength, the base of this team is like the Jets circa 1980...a great mix of young and not too old talent...the Jets just have to mix in better offensive skill players.
Isn't it funny how many fans bitched and moaned about Ed Reed coming to the Jets and being too old and too slow.....and also cried about Reed impeding the development of Antonio Allen (untrue)......How many of us lost sight of the fact that Ed Reed mentoring Dee Millner and the other young Jets defenders is worth 10 times what the Jets are paying him?!?!....
While things looked bleak a month ago......the season ends with Millner, Winters, Geno, and Richardson all improving, Heck Sheldon Richardson has 2 TD's as a FB.
He has been steadily improving this season and I get a kick out of these guys that call him a bust or calling any rookie a bust for that matter but the CB position is one of the hardest in the NFL let alone for a rookie to step in and play man coverage on some of these athletic freaks playing WR.
I'm just thankful that Rex reduced Reed's reps, gave Allen more playing time so that he could continue his development, and figured out how to use Reed to help Milliner by having his back. It took Rex a while to figure out how best to use Reed but he finally did and it paid off in spades. I hope Reed can be resigned on the cheap and he's here next season.
@Lloyd Jay Reife On the other hand, Milliner is still a rookie, even with all the improvement he made during the season, he still hasn't had a full training camp or anything, and Wallace is really good at running towards the end zone faster than the guy that he's covering. There's only a few CBs in the league that he can't beat at least once a game.
@Ryan Flanagan It is, but there's some obvious reasons for it. The expectations going in, the two weeks of knowing we're out of the playoffs but winning anyway, Keeping one of the best HCs the team has ever had, and the cap and draft situation that we're in that makes it easy to think that the team can really improve from a talent standpoint. This year was about building a foundation, and now we've got a strong one that can allow us to be good for years if things go well. The future has looked brighter than it's been in a while.
I didn't mean it sarcastically. I'm one that is hopeful for the future and felt Rex absolutely should be here. He is the biggest face of this franchise since Joe Namath and is fast becoming what Jet football embodies. I think he's a great coach and I'm glad he'll be back. Spend that money wise, draft smart and this team should be a force for years to come. This off season is so huge.
@boomer@juunit@bradysucks i agree he got better..... i'm hoping he has an Austin Howard-like improvement next year. think about that, everybody was screaming about Howard last year and he had a quietly very solid year this season | {
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GETTING COVERED IF YOU ARE UNDER 30
If you are under 30, you can get health coverage a few different ways, some designed specifically for you With a range of plan types and costs to choose from, it is not hard to find insurance that works for your life and your budget.
GETTING OR STAYING ON A PARENTS HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
If are under 26 years old (25 or younger), you may be able to obtain coverage on your parent(s) health plan.
BUYING YOUR OWN INSURANCE PLAN
You may be able to buy your own plan through your local health insurance agency.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for savings based on your income. If you are just starting your career and you are not making much money, you could get a very affordable plan – $75 or less per month, with good benefits.
You can choose a: “Catastrophic” health plan – an affordable way to protect yourself from worse-case scenarios.
Applying can be easy and fast. If you are single or you have a pretty straight- forward family situation; applying and finding out what savings you qualify for will not take much time at all.
One catch: If someone other than yourself claims you as a tax dependent, you can buy a plan through the Marketplace but will not qualify for savings based on your income.
STUDENT PLANS
If you are in school, you may be able to enroll in a student health insurance plan – and meet the requirement for having coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
MEDICAID AND CHIP
If your income is low or you have certain life circumstances, you may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid.
If your state has expanded Medicaid coverage, you can qualify based on your income alone – in most states that have expanded, that is roughly $16,500 for a single person and about $22,000 for a married couple with no children,
In all states, you can qualify based on factors including income, some family situations like pregnancy/having young children, and disability.
If you have children, they might qualify for coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – even if you do not qualify for Medicaid..
GET COVERED – OR PAY A FEE
Under the Affordable Care Act, you must have a plan that qualifies as minimum essential coverage or pay a fee on your next federal tax return.
The penalty in 2016 is 2.5% of household income or $695 per adult ($342,50 per child). The total fine amount will be calculated using the method that produces the higher dollar figure. | {
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OPINION: The Greenist Manifesto: Democrats’ Socialist Green New Deal
12:31 PM 01/11/2019 | Opinion
Kenneth Stein | Policy Director, Institute for Energy Research
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One by one, we have seen the 2020 candidates for the Democratic nomination — both presumed and declared — voice support for a “Green New Deal.” The mere fact that this idea is being taken seriously should be of concern to every freedom loving American.
The Green New Deal is truly a Greenist Manifesto: a call for reviving old socialist ideas, but this time, with green characteristics.
The list of “green” proposals is as comprehensive as it is fanciful: reaching 100-percent renewable power, building a nation-wide smart grid, upgrading every building for energy efficiency, eliminating greenhouse gases from industry and transportation, and funding massive investment in a “drawdown” of greenhouse gases, among others. All within a mere 10 years.
A low-end attempt to estimate the cost of these proposals adds up to many trillions of dollars per year. But even before considering the astronomical cost, there is a more practical barrier: the bounds of technology and even physics. Simply put, these goals are not possible.
A recent estimate calculated that to simply generate enough electricity to meet current U.S. power demand, it would require covering 12 percent of the land area of the continental United States with wind turbines. That is more than twice the size of California of just wind installations.
Wind and solar are also intermittent. Currently, natural gas or coal are used as a backup when renewables are down, but in this new green world, some alternative will need to be found, perhaps batteries. Vast acres of hugely expensive batteries, the technology for which has never been proved able to power the entire grid on their own.
All this in just 10 years.
Not to mention that without coal, how does industry produce the steel in all those wind turbines and solar panels? Perhaps there is some sort of future technology that would allow all the mining of minerals and cement production that will be needed to build the vast fields of wind and solar, and the batteries to be done free of greenhouse gas emissions, but that technology certainly doesn’t exist today. The same would need to be done for all the other products made from fossil fuels: plastics, clothing, pavement, etc.
And in just 10 years.
Then there is the goal of eliminating emissions from transportation. One should shudder at the vast cost of replacing hundreds of millions of vehicles with more expensive electric alternatives, but what about freight trucks, ships, trains, airplanes? Are we going to electrify 140,000 miles of railroad? Put nuclear reactors in every ship (or maybe just revert to sail power)? There is not even theoretical technology available for replacing jet-fueled airplanes.
Even on longer time scales than 10 years and with unlimited money, achieving any one of these goals would require huge technological advances. It is a simple fact that, even if it was a good idea, we do not have the technological knowledge today to achieve any of these goals in just 10 years, irrespective of cost.
Yet this Green New Deal is still treated as a real policy proposal, not a fanciful alternative universe from a sci-fi novel.
The second half of the “Green New Deal” looks much more familiar: a job guarantee for everyone, a living wage guarantee, a free hand for labor unions, government mitigation of income inequalities, a universal basic income, universal health care and any other programs the drafters might desire.
Other than the novel, yet baffling, provision for a “just transition” for all workers most affected by climate change, these are all provisions that are fairly standard fare for your average advocate of far-left socialism.
For those not on the left, this manifesto should be a warning. Ultimately this “Green New Deal” is not about saving the environment.
The greenwashing is about creating a sense of urgency and moral panic, the better to entrench government ever deeper into the lives of American citizens. Americans resisted socialism in the Cold War; now it’s time to resist socialism in the Green War. | {
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WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) — A genetically engineered fungus, designed to produce toxins from spiders and scorpions, could effectively kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes, according to a new study released Tuesday.
The fungus does not pose a risk to humans and early test results showed it’s also safe for honey bees and other insects, according to the study from the University of Maryland (UMD) and colleagues from Burkina Faso, China and Australia.
The fungus involved in the study is known as Metarhizium pingshaensei, a natural killer of mosquitoes that was originally isolated from a mosquito.
Previous evidence suggests that the fungus is specific to disease-carrying mosquito species, including Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti.
When spores of the fungus come into contact with a mosquito’s body, the spores germinate and penetrate the insect’s exoskeleton, eventually killing the insect host from the inside out.
However, the fungus requires fairly high doses of spores and a large amount of time to have lethal effects.
To boost its deadly power, researchers engineered the fungus with several genes that express neurotoxins from spider and scorpion venom — both alone and in combination with other toxins.
Each engineered strain killed mosquitoes more quickly and efficiently than the unaltered fungus, but the most effective strain used a combination of two toxins, one derived from the North African desert scorpion Androctonus australis and another derived from the Australian Blue Mountains funnel-web spider Hadronyche versuta.
“Our most potent fungal strains, engineered to express multiple toxins, are able to kill mosquitoes with a single spore,” Brian Lovett, a graduate student in the UMD Department of Entomology and a co-author of the paper, said in a statement.
“We also report that our transgenic fungi stop mosquitoes from blood feeding. Together, this means that our fungal strains are capable of preventing transmission of disease by more than 90 percent of mosquitoes after just five days.”
The researchers inserted a genetic “switch” in the fungus that ensures the toxin genes can only be activated in the blood of insects. As a result, the fungus will not release the toxin into the environment.
To further ensure the safety of non-target insect species, they also tested the engineered fungal strains on honey bees and found no bees had died as a result of the toxin-boosted fungus in their tests in Burkina Faso.
Next, the researchers planned to expand their on-the-ground testing regimen in Burkina Faso and hoped to deploy the spores in the field, on wild mosquito populations, eventually. | {
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Posts tagged “Mike Singleton”
Now is the Midwinter of my content, though not until after an inglorious summer. In the very near future of 'early 2014', a Kickstarter campaign for a remake of Mike Singleton's wonderful first-person open world RPG will begin, with an intended release date of 'early 2015' for the final product. Development duties will be handled by Chilli Hugger Software, the studio that created the Lords…
'Twas terrible news when The Lords of Midnight, Doomdark’s Revenge and Midwinter designer Mike Singleton passed away suddenly last year. Chris Wild, Singleton's friend and co-developer on his project at the time of his death, a faithful, multi-platform remake of The Lords of Midnight, eventually took the decision to continue with the game, which was well-received upon its iOS and Android release. A PC version…
The news of Mike Singleton's death earlier this year was extremely sad. Midwinter and its sequel are very high up on the list of games that made me, capturing so much that I admire about what is possible in games. When I first encountered them I was too young to realise how special they were - two decades later, their scope and ambition is more…
Very sad news. British programmer and game designer Mike Singleton has died, aged 61. Singleton will perhaps be best remembered for a series of remarkably ambitious ZX Spectrum titles including The Lords of Midnight, Doomdark's Revenge, and War In Middle-Earth. Personally I was enormously influenced by his Midwinter games for 16-bit home computers - pioneering works of procedural generation and designs of immense scope that… | {
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It’s development versus corruption in Rajasthan
Jaipur, Nov 23 (IANS) Anti-incumbency, the Gujjar issue, corruption and development are set to hog the campaign in the Dec 4 Rajasthan assembly elections.The state assembly has 200 seats, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now having 121 legislators and Congress 53.
It has always been a two-party contest in the state, but Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is pulling out all stops to make a dent in the votes of both the major parties. The BSP is fighting for all 200 seats and may prove a spoiler.
The BJP is wooing the voters by showcasing the development works by the Vasundhara Raje government since she assumed power Dec 8, 2003.
“We are campaigning on two counts, our government’s achievements and failure of the central government to check the price rise and terrorism,” said state BJP vice president Arun Chaturvedi.
“We are going to tell voters about the work our government has done. We have set a record of sorts in employment generation, the state’s economy has drastically improved and social infrastructure, including education, has been strengthened,” he said.
State party president Om Prakash Mathur said: “There is no anti-incumbency. We are heading for a landslide victory.”
The opposition Congress is bracing up to corner the BJP on “corruption and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state”.
“There has been no development. What are they (BJP) talking about? The voters this time are not going to be fooled”, said K.C. Chaudhary, a senior Congress leader of Rajasthan.
Former state Congress president B.D. Kalla said the law and order situation has completely slipped out of hands in the state. He said all section of society were feeling insecure ever since the BJP came to power.
“Under this government, the dalits, minorities and women are more scared,” Kalla said. “The mafia is into land grabbing, illicit liquor and even tourism; they all move about freely are freely”.
“Development has indeed taken place, but there has been development only of the land mafia,” Kalla asserted. The government is working against the interests of labourers, farmers and common people, the Congress leaders say.
The Gujjar problem will be a major election issue. The two agitations in 2007 and 2008 by Gujjars for reservation under tribal status that left 68 people dead have hurt the sentiments of the community, primarily into cattle rearing in the desert state.
Gujjars, who constitute 5 to 6 percent in Rajasthan’s population of over 56 million, are at present classified among other backward classes (OBC) in the state and their voting preference this time is not clear.
The community had voted the BJP in 2003 with the hope that the party would give it reservation as Scheduled Tribes.
Now, not all Gujjars are happy with the BJP government’s decision to offer them five per cent reservation under special category. The community seems divided.
A faction in the community led by Col. (retd) K.S. Bainsla, the self-styled Gujjar leader and convener of Gujjar Arakshan Sangarsh Samiti, has appealed to the community members to vote for the BJP. The other faction owing allegiance to the Akhil Bhartiya Gujjar Sangarsh Samiti has given a call to oust the BJP from power.
Similarly Jats, another dominating community in Rajasthan, are also undecided on which party to support.
The community plays a dominant role in at least 50 of the 200 constituencies in the state and has traditionally been voting for the Congress. But in the 2003 elections they went with the BJP, angry over the Congress not projecting a chief minister from the Jat community. | {
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5 Artists Who Don't Give A Bleep What You Think Of Them
Need a little confidence boost? The lyrics by these five superstars should make you feel untouchable.
When it comes to pop stars, lots of them like to play by the rules: sit up, act straight, be polite, and give the people what they want. But in a time where it's never been more cool to be yourself as popular culture begins to embrace the "weird", today's biggest names in pop are doing what THEY want -- and not giving a care what you think about them. So there!
So, which trendsetters in pop are serving us a big case of "I don't care" in their lyrics? Here's the top five that stick out the most to us, simply because they march to the beat of their own drum & aren't afraid to say so:
5. Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees
When Neon Trees' Tyler Glenn came out as gay recently, it was a true sign of bravery. The singer started dressing in brighter colors, dyed his hair bleach blond, and got personal in the lyrics off the group's latest record Pop Psychology. He may love you, but he hates your friends -- which takes another form of bravery to admit! He just doesn't give a bleep.
To many, Pitbull may come off as a bit of a clown. His goofy womanizing persona and lyrics to match may make a hater or two snicker at hearing his music, but the International Playboy is definitely aware of how he comes off to the public. And he simply doesn't care! He's making money, seeing the world, and besides recording his own hits, lending his lines to other famous artists in the process. Go Dale!
Best bleepin' lyric line:Just cause you ain't me, don't hate me / As a matter fact you should thank me / Even if you don't, you're welcome, Yankees... — "Don't Stop The Party"
3. Iggy Azalea
Rapper-turned-pop-star Iggy Azalea is ON FIRE this year, thanks to the release of her debut LP The New Classic and its bleep-you hits. Coming to the USA from Australia as a teenager to pursue her music dreams, she likes to rap about staying true to her roots, and forgetting the critics who try and shut her down. She's so fancy -- she already knows.
Best bleepin' lyric line:So get my money on time, if they not money, decline / I just can't worry 'bout no haters, gotta stay on my grind... — "Fancy" ft. Charli XCX
2. Miley Cyrus
Remember the days of Hannah Montana? Miley Cyrus has put that persona to rest with her recent Bangerz release, and its lead single, "We Can't Stop", is basically the definition of ignoring the haters. She just can't stop, won't stop, and doesn't bat an eye at her criticizers. It's her party, she can do what she wants!
As the self-proclaimed Unapologetic queen, Rihanna started out back in 2006 as a squeaky-clean, fresh-faced Barbadian singer who abode by the rules. As she grew up in the public eye, and her discography started to expand, we're now faced with the modern-day RiRi, who, quite frankly, doesn't give two flying bleeps about what people think of her. Still got her money!
Best bleepin' lyric line:Who cares how you haters feel / And I still got my money / Call J up and close a deal / I still got my money... — "Pour It Up"
Which pop star has the best I-don't-give-a-bleep lyrics? Let us know what you think in the comments. | {
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Scope and Content
Attached are a doctor's note, a letter from Dorothy Miller reporting her illness and a letter from Eric Wollheim to Serge Grigoriev saying that she will be unable to fulfil her contract dated Sept-Oct 1920 | {
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One of the most important factors which distinguish the Halo World from other Games is the superb fleet of supported vehicles, and it is famous for integrating these powerful fun-to-drive vehicles with the on-foot action. Although since the original release some other PC shooters have also integrated vehicles more or less successfully, still nothing compares to the potential variation which Halo offers.
UNSC VehiclesUNSC vehicles do not take suffer damage and because humans do not possess hover technology, all their ground vehicles are wheeled or tracked.
Warthog
The M12 Force Application Vehicle, is a United Nations Space Command ground vehicle, with Warthog, (or simply the Hog) being the colloquial name for the M12 vehicle. Resembling a dune-buggy with machine gun mount on a roll bar, being the standard vehicle of the UEG armed forces, it is fast and manoeuvrable, but prone to roll-overs during hard cornering.
The M12 FAV Warthog is the UNSC's primary ground vehicle, used for its scouting and reconnaissance capacity, or as an integral part of a mechanized infantry unit; the M12 has been a part of the UNSC's armoured vehicle fleet for fifty years, and is the most recognizable vehicle in their arsenal. It is a highly mobile, all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering, ICE-powered vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. Massive disc brakes and its automatic braking systems allow the vehicle to come to a near immediate, but controlled stop should the driver be ejected, or choose to leave the vehicle. The Warthog's tires have moved away from previous inert-gas pocket inflation with equally burst-proof single unit nanotube skeletons. They provide the buoyancy and ride of gas-pocket tires, but are almost indestructible. The relatively massive tires are a joint project between Michelin-Vance and AMG.
The M12's design places it into the Jeep family of vehicles; it has no doors and has a total seating of two or three. The M12's description as a reconnaissance vehicle is, at best, an understatement; the M12 has both offensive and defensive capabilities. The M12 can be configured to become a troop carrier, armament carrier, ambulance, reconnaissance vehicle, or communications vehicle. All M12-based vehicles are designed to travel both on and off-road, in all weather conditions.
The Warthog can carry anywhere from 2-5 passengers along with a driver depending on the model. The gunnery position can hold a .50cal (12.7mm) Mini gun designed for anti-air and infantry suppression, a 25mm Gauss gun of moderate anti-armour capabilities, a 30mm anti-armour gun, a 50mm slug thrower anti-infantry gun, a 3 barrelled rocket launcher, and a MRLS system. The most common versions of the Warthog use either the 30mm anti-armour gun or the .50cal Mini gun. The Warthog passenger seat rides shotgun, being able to use whatever weapons they currently have on them to attack enemies. This is somewhat ineffective, as it is often difficult to aim in a moving Warthog, though experienced drivers can line up shots for the passenger and gunner. The driver has no armaments other than the bumper of the Warthog, which can be very effective as it kills any enemy on foot instantly. Experienced players however, can dodge a Warthog attack effectively.
The M12 and all of its variants are issued with a variety of features, including four-wheel drive, independent suspension on all wheels, emergency brakes, radar, flood lights, and a winch. It is powered by a forward-housed low-profile hydrogen I/C plant. The hydrogen fuel is burned at very high temperature with a synthetic carbon/silicon catalyst to achieve even better fuel consumption. It weighs about 3.5 tons.
AdvantagesThe M12 is the workhorse of light infantry ground vehicles, is adaptable to almost any situation, and is arguably the most customizable vehicle in the military fleet, similar to the older Jeeps used in the 20th century. It is able to reach top speeds of 125km/h (78 MPH) and, more importantly, swings around rapidly to allow the gunner a better angle on a prospective target. The mounted M41 chain gun can cut down heavily armoured infantry within seconds, this also applies to shielded infantry as well. With enough controlled fire from the 12.7X99mm armour-piercing rounds, the M41 can easily rip through the armour of a Covenant Ghost and destroy it. The Warthog's titanium armour, though light, is tough enough to take at least one fragmentation grenade and keep rolling and can withstand small amounts of energy weapon fire. It also makes for an impervious scout and transportation vehicle, able to make a smooth getaway or rapid infiltration if needed.
DisadvantagesDue in part to its speed, the M12 is prone to roll over. It is vital that the driver can get in and out of dangerous situations without flipping the hard-to-right vehicle. The open nature of the Warthog always puts its driver and passengers at risk as a good marksman can easily take down the driver or passengers of the M12. A well thrown frag grenade can flip a Warthog, which will knock the driver and passenger out of the vehicle. Although the armour of the M12 is tough, a couple of direct hits from grenades or a well placed rocket will destroy it immediately. Covenant energy weapons are the biggest threat to the Warthog; a short burst from a Banshee's light plasma cannons is deadly, able to melt and punch through the armour with ease. The Warthog is also vulnerable to the Banshee's Fuel Rod Gun which can reduce the vehicle to twisted charred metal with one strike. Infantry plasma weapons can inflict moderate damage, and, like all vehicles, is rendered temporarily or permanently inoperable by a hit from an overcharged Plasma Pistol. The M41 LAAG is prone to overheating, which requires the person operating the weapon to use it in short bursts. Failing to operate the weapon carefully will leave the operator vulnerable as they wait for the machine gun to cool down. It should also be noted that the M41 LAAG has a blind spot, a space of approximately 6 feet behind and to the sides of the vehicle where the gunner cannot shoot because the M41 LAAG cannot aim that low. this is more of a boarding technique than a tactic, because it is very difficult to stay in that spot even if the vehicle is stationary.
Tips
Do not slow down when driving the Warthog. A slow Warthog can become an easy prey to hijacking and can be quickly destroyed with explosives.
Always remind the gunner to focus on the enemy vehicle's gunner instead of the driver. This will eliminate any counter-offensive and make it easier to eliminate the enemy vehicle.
The M12 is very versatile vehicle; it can evade explosives rounds fired by the enemy if the driver is experienced with the vehicle (using the hand-brake) and the terrain (avoiding locked-on missiles with a scenery object). For example, an experienced driver could avoid a grenade explosion by skidding around the grenade instead of going straight over it.
The Warthog is not the best vehicle to engage head on with a tank. Should the players find it necessary to remove the threat, it is advised to utilise an anti-armour Warthog instead of the anti-infantry Warthog. Additionally, flanking the tank as to diverting its attention would provide a window of opportunity for the anti-armour Warthog to destroy the tank.
Unless absolutely necessary, do not use the turret without a driver. A gunner in a stationary Warthog is easily exposed to attacks than those in a moving Warthog; one such instance is that a gunner can be quickly eliminated by a sniper fire. It is reasonable in a Gauss turret due to its lethal power, but change positions often or the player could be easily overwhelmed.
It is very tempting to splatter enemies with the Warthog. However, do not attempt to do so as the Warthog would be more likely be susceptible to a Plasma Grenade stick. In some cases, the Warthog could fall prey to a heavily-armed opponent.
Warthog can be used as effective entrance jammers. Additionally, it is often recommended for the driver to drive the Warthog in an irregular behaviour when circling around an enemy base.
In most maps, for example "Blood Gulch", the map has some road like trenches in it, driving on these is highly recommended as this makes flipping less likely and the sides give the player some cover from enemy attack.
Scorpion
The Scorpion Tank is a heavily armed human vehicle so named for its shape, with its main gun resembling a scorpion's stinger. The tank can hold a total of 6 people: a driver, a gunner, and 4 passengers on the track pods. The driver only drives the tank. The tank commander is also the gunner and controls both the 105mm main gun and the .50cal coaxially-mounted machine gun. The 105mm cannon can fire both HEAT and Sabot type ammunition depending on the target. Given that the tank uses an auto-loader and has a small turret the reload time is ~4 seconds per shot. This gun will destroy any Covenant unit in one shot, with the exception of the Covenant Wraith tank, which requires two shots. The .50cal machine gun is quite powerful and capable of tearing through most ground forces quickly. Because it is coaxially mounted it is also highly accurate (The game incorrectly portrays the gun as inaccurate, this is a major disadvantage, but with its infinite ammo and zero cool down time, the gun can just be fired at all times to pin down enemy units in between bursts from the main cannon.) Passengers of the Scorpion tank can fire whatever weapons they are carrying in the same fashion as the Warthog, but are much more exposed to danger than Warthog passengers.
The Scorpion weighs 66 tons and moves fairly rapidly; its top speed is between 30-40 mph. It has several layers of armour that cover it; however, it has a "dead zone" immediately adjacent to itself, where it cannot fire without injuring its occupants.
Covenant VehiclesLand based Covenant vehicles, unlike humans', are capable of hovering and are less prone to uneven terrain, and all appear to run on the 'Boosted Gravity Propulsion Drive'. All Covenant vehicles have signature purple sheens.
Ghost
Ghosts are lightweight one passenger reconnaissance and rapid attack vehicles. It is the only vehicle with the same movement options as those of the normal player: side strafing. The Ghost is equipped with twin plasma cannons that are similar to the Covenant plasma rifle, though with increased damage, faster rate of fire, unlimited ammo, and no cool-down time. This, combined with the Ghost's ability to move quickly and over many obstacles, make it the most manoeuvrable vehicle in the game, although the Ghost can be easily destroyed by any explosive fire, grenades, or a few shotgun blasts.
AdvantagesThe fact that the Type-32 RAV can be deployed quickly and in greater numbers on the field than the Wraith makes them advantageous as the first attack crafts to be deployed on the field during an operation. Their flexible role allows the Type-32 RAV great tactical flexibility for Covenant ground force commanders as fast, hard-hitting vehicles that can destroy enemy infantry formations, serve as reconnaissance and scout crafts on human battlefields. The Class-2 Energy Weapon System against lightly armoured infantry is extremely lethal, only requiring one direct hit in order to kill a target. Heavily armoured infantry can only sustain a few direct hits before serious injuries are inflicted. The plasma cannons are also extremely effective at destroying vehicles as the heat of the plasma and kinetic force is able to melt through most light and medium class arm or with ease. The Type-32s boosted gravity propulsion drive allows the ghost to increase its top speed, allowing for periods of greater velocity. This allows Ghost pilots to enter and leave combat zones rapidly, kill enemies by running them down, and evade more durable foes.
DisadvantagesThe Type-32s primary weakness is its light armour and exposed cockpit, most anti-armour weapons can easily punch through the armour of the Ghost and destroy it. If the plasma containment vessel of the Ghost is damaged, or breached, a chain reaction can start which will result in the destruction of the vehicle, anything within a certain radius of the Ghost as the vehicle is destroyed by the resulting explosion and the subsequent release of the over five-thousand degree Plasma will be incinerated instantly. Anything just outside of the blast radius can also sustain injures by debris ejected from the explosion. The boost propulsion system of the Ghost greatly increases its speed, but because this function diverts energy from weapon and steering systems, the Ghost is much less manoeuvrable and cannot fire while boosting. The Class 2 weapon system only has a 150┬░ vertical firing range, meaning that the Ghost has a harder time engaging targets at an elevated angle. The Ghost is also very ineffective in close quarters, due to its blind spot, which makes it vulnerable to return fire. Despite its apparent simplicity and grace, the Ghost requires a skilled driver to handle it properly and uneven or broken terrain makes the ghost extremely difficult to pilot.
Tips
Ghosts work well in pairs, by working together two Ghosts can split an opponent's fire, allowing at least one to survive and overrun your attacker. In team games, Ghost convoys working with Wraiths are extremely effective, balancing the Wraith's slow movement and rate of fire.
The Ghost is at its best on smooth terrain and when there is little room for foot opponents to evade, splattering is easy. It is best to try and flee from tougher opponents with heavier weapons.
The Ghost's speed and size also makes it's an ideal recon or distraction vehicle. A skilled ghost pilot can be able to survey the outside of a base (Or map dependent, inside) in order to figure out a better method for attack. It also serves well as a flag escort or even to antagonize during an attempt at the flag.
If you are attempting to splatter someone with a Ghost, do not boost until you are about two Scorpion's length away from them. Any farther and they will have time to either jump, or worse, stick you with a grenade or hijack you.
The best way to take a Ghost from a foe is to trick it. Dodge a Ghost and it may boost into the wall, while it backs out it can be easily boarded from behind.
On enclosed areas like the basement floor on Isolation, it is easy to splatter unexpected opponents, since there is little room to avoid the wide vehicle.
When driving a Ghost and entering a Man Cannon, just as the nose of the Ghost touches the Cannon, activate the boost. The ensuing acceleration will propel the Ghost and player across the entire map, though the Ghost often explodes upon impact.
BansheeBanshees are one passenger airborne ground assault vehicles with high manoeuvrability and fair speed. Named for the characteristic wail of its engines, it is similar to the Ghost, except that its flying lends it more of an attack role as it can evade most fire with its speed and flying abilities. In addition to its twin plasma cannons, the Banshee also sports the Hunter's fuel rod cannon, (which has infinite ammunition) but a four second cool-down time, similar to the Scorpion's main cannon. Fuel rod cannons projectiles travel in a parabolic arc, and as such aim adjustments must be made. It can be argued that the Banshee is unbalanced due to its ability to fly, and its powerful weapons, making defeat only possible by skilled players, or anyone with a Scorpion, LAAG, or another Banshee. The Banshee is often the vehicle of choice for NOOBS.
Banshee
The Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft, more commonly known as the Banshee, is the Covenant's standard ground assault aircraft.
The Banshee is a versatile personal aerial assault craft in the Covenant's vehicular arsenal. In most designs, the cowling of the craft are purple in colour and act as an outer 'shell'. It is equipped with two wings which terminate in a propulsion jet and an anti-gravity pod, leaving behind a signature vaporous exhaust trail while flying. The craft is capable of achieving velocity over 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) and reaching an altitude of 100 - 300 meters. In addition to its versatile design, the Banshee is capable of performing complex manoeuvres, such as aileron rolls and flips.
The Banshee sports two weapon pods attached underneath the fuselage; each pod contains a Class-2 plasma cannon capable of firing in 100-250 kilowatts range and a Class-2 projectile launcher. The plasma cannons, though classified as "light", are deadly to the common infantry; one bolt will instantly kill a lightly armoured target. Heavily armoured targets like the MJOLNIR-equipped SPARTANs can only withstand a few bolts before being killed. A direct hit from the Banshee's fuel rod cannon could instantly blow any infantry target into bits of charred flesh.
AdvantagesThe Banshee is one of the most versatile and agile crafts in the Covenant arsenals. In the control of an experienced pilot, they can be extraordinarily difficult to take out, making it an easy way to penetrate enemy lines and disable some of their infantry.
Its twin, rapid fire plasma cannons are exceptionally efficient at taking out individual infantry, and a single fuel rod cannon can make easy work of an entire group of enemy infantry. The boosting capability of the vehicle allows for quick entry and exit from combat situations, or to catch up to a particular target. Boosting and evasive abilities allows a pilot to outpace a homing projectile, or slip away from opposing vehicles and small arms fire. The boosting capability may also be used to ram your opponent to get an easy kill. Utilizing aileron rolls and flips, the Banshee is able to avoid slow moving projectiles at short or long range, while also facilitating quick turns around obstacles or close threats. As a support aircraft, the Banshee is able to pin down enemy forces until ground forces can move in, or destroy light structures that may be obstructing ground forces from advancing.
DisadvantagesThe Banshee is lightly armoured and, thus, vulnerable to high velocity rounds, explosives, anti-vehicle weaponry, and even moderate small arms fire from human projectile weaponry. The Banshee's low flight ceiling makes it very vulnerable to weapons like the M41 LAAG, which can easily punch through the armour of the Banshee, and injure or kill the pilot. The Banshee is also prone to EMP devices which can disable the craft either temporarily or permanently.
Manoeuvring the Banshee takes a considerable amount of skill to do; an unskilled pilot may crash the banshee into the ground or another oncoming object by accident.
Tips
Alert your team mates as soon as you spot the enemy Banshee in the air.
Splattering with a Banshee is very tempting; however, you can easily be stuck with a grenade, especially in tight quarters or, even worse, be skyjacked.
Know when you are taking enough damage; if you suffer too much damage, the Banshee can be disabled and the enemy can use it in their favour.
The Banshee can be a big threat if not taken out quickly. To lessen the chance of being blown up, engage the enemy in a hit and run style.
The biggest bane of the Banshee is the Spartan Laser. Before charging with a Banshee, ensure that your team is in control of the Spartan Laser.
If you boost into a wall while damaged, the Banshee will explode and eject you with downed shields. This is a useful escape if being skyjacked.
Trickery can be a weapon that can get you a free Banshee. If you run into a tight corner and distract an enemy Banshee, the pilot may become overconfident and try to splatter you. Funnel it in to a tight area to trap it and possibly skyjack it.
Even if the Banshee is destroyed, it still can be deadly. The canopy and the hull can become debris of doom, crushing anyone who is underneath. Be sure the parts are on the ground before you advance.
A tactic against tanks using the Banshee is to try to come as close as you can to the tank undetected, and then boost. When right above the target, eject and then you can board the tank.
_________________Harbinge®: A Wise Oracle. Bringer of Wisdom and Doom.
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All Night Long
The cross of Hollywood Nights X Black Tie Affair brought forth this aptly named dark purple-black self. The intensity of this purple-black color and the vibrancy of its undulating ruffles provide All Night Long with an energizing garden presence. A slight sweet fragrance subtly enhances its appeal. | {
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Best Western carbon monoxide case postponed
The criminal case against the former manager of the Best Western where three guests died of carbon monoxide poisoning was postponed again Tuesday to give prosecutors and defense attorneys time to discuss the charges.
It was unclear whether they will talk about routine procedure or whether there may be negotiations afoot. The case against Damon Mallatere has been considered problematic ever since he was indicted in January 2014.
Mallatere, 51, was charged with manslaughter in the 2013 deaths of Daryl and Shirley Jenkins and of Jeffrey Williams, and with assault in the poisoning of Jeannie Williams. The Jenkinses died at the hotel in April 2013.
Two months later, in the same room, 11-year-old Jeffrey died and his mother suffered severe injuries.
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The government would have to prove that Mallatere’s actions overseeing hotel maintenance workers rose to the level of what is known as culpable negligence – in other words, that he acted recklessly, putting another person at risk.
But in testimony before a state regulatory board last year, Mallatere was the only person mentioned who took specific actions that might have prevented the second set of poisonings.
Mallatere was supposed to be arraigned Tuesday and enter a plea. He drove 13 hours from his home in Florida to do it. However, prosecutor Matt Rupp asked the court to reschedule the case for July 6. He said, “The state and defense are still in the process of discussing this case.”
If and when he is arraigned, Mallatere said he would plead not guilty.
After the Jenkinses died in Room 225 at the Best Western, he asked the maintenance supervisor to have someone check for natural gas leaks in two places: the fireplace in the room where they stayed and the swimming pool water heater on the floor below. A contractor said everything was working.
“We had no visit from any authorities after the Jenkinses’ deaths,” Mallatere said.
“Not from the fire department. Not from the health department. Not the building department. And, to my knowledge, the police never came back to the scene. Based on their lack of concern and the inspections done for me by DJ’s Heating and Air, I did not believe there was any issue in that room.”
Mallatere said he was told by a police detective that authorities suspected heart attacks.
After Jeffrey Williams died and his mother suffered serious injuries, investigators discovered deadly levels of carbon monoxide spewing from the swimming pool water heater on the floor below. The gas seeped through holes in a corroded exhaust pipe and up into Room 225 through the fireplace, and possibly also through the heating and air conditioning unit.
An Observer investigation uncovered a series of errors and decisions that led to the tragedies – from the actions of maintenance workers to the inaction of the local medical examiner.
Everybody involved should feel some responsibility, Mallatere said Tuesday. But he added that he didn’t believe anybody was guilty of criminal action.
Mallatere is also a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed in February by the Jenkins family. Other defendants include Best Western International as well as a gas company and the local heating technician who worked on the swimming pool heating system. The Williams family is expected to file its own lawsuit soon. | {
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The Supreme Court just issued its 5-4 decision in Harris v. Quinn. The Court upholds Abood, a First Amendment decision which upheld agency fee statutory requirements. However, the court refuses to extend that precedent to the quasi-employees in Harris. Law review commentary would be most welcome.
In case you have not seen it, a lower court in California struck down, on constitutional grounds, several provisions involving teacher tenure. Vergara v. California (Calif Superior Court, June 10, 2014). Frankly, I have never seen such a poorly written decision. The decision appears to be drafted by a law student. It is written in conclusionary form and does not contain very much analysis which supports its conclusion.
Though this appears to be a political, rather than legal decision, it has caused much public debate.
For those of you whom do not know, there is an extremely important public sector labor law case due out any day from the Supreme Court. It is Harris v. Quinn and it concerns the issue of whether employees could be compelled to pay union dues even though they choose not to join the union. An interesting LA Times article which summarizes the issues is available here.
Palladino v. CNY Centro, ___N.Y.3d___(April 8, 2014), is a major decision. In a 5-2 decision the New York Court of Appeals affirms the dismissal of a duty of fair representation case brought against a labor union that refused to take a discharge case to arbitration. Why, because each and every member of the union did not ratify the decision.
In so holding, the Court re-affirmed Martin v. Curran, 303 N.Y. 276 (1951) and quoted my article, Union Immunity from Suit in New York, 2 NYU J. L. & Bus. 641, 649 (2006). The Court correctly reasoned that NY still follows the common law which does not consider unincorporated associations to be juristic entities. Liability remains with the individual union members.
The Court noted the critisim that the Martin rule has received and the fact that it is virtually impossible for any labor union in New York to have common law liability.
The Court, however, noted that Plaintiff could have filed a DFR improper practice under the Taylor Law.
A United States District Court recently held ruled that legislation seeking toprohibit Graduate Student Research Assistants from forming labororganizations was invalid because it was adopted in violation of theMichigan Constitution . The decision will open the door for GSRA in theState of Michigan to decide if they wish to be represented by a union.
A union official submitted a Freedom of Information Law [FOIL] request to the New York Thruway Authority in an effort to “ensure that nonunion contractors comply with the prevailing wage law” (see Labor Law §220). Among other things, the official asked the Thruway to provide certified payroll records of a private nonunion contractor relating to work it performed on a public works project and the names and home address of the employees performing the work employed by the nonunion contractor.
The Thruway granted the official's request in part, providing employee titles and corresponding wage rates that were paid, redacting the employees' names, home addresses and Social Security numbers. The Thruway contended that providing the names and related information of the employees would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy within the meaning of FOIL.
After an unsuccessful administrative appeal, the official filed an Article 78 petition in Supreme Court seeking a court order directing the Thruway to provide him with the private employer’s employees' names and home addresses. Supreme Court dismissed the petition and official appealed that court’s ruling.
The Appellate Division, pointing out that the personal privacy exemption set out in Public Officers Law §87 [2] [b]) provides “a nonexhaustive list of categories of information that falls within the exemption.”
Where, however, none of the categories of exemption specifically cover the information demanded, the court said that the issue of whether there is an "unwarranted invasion" of privacy is decided "by balancing the privacy interests at stake against the public interest in disclosure of the information."
As to the balancing analysis, the Appellate Division said that “An unwarranted invasion of personal privacy has been characterized as that which ‘would be offensive and objectionable to a reasonable [person] of ordinary sensibilities.' Here the official wishes to obtain the names and home addresses so that it can contact employees of the nonunion contractor to find out if they were paid as reported by their employer.”
In the words of the Appellate Division, “The scenario of nonunion employees of a nongovernment employer being contacted at their homes by someone from a union who knows their names, their home addresses, the amount of money they reportedly earn, and who wants to talk about that income would be, to most reasonable people, offensive and objectionable.” This, the court characterized as “a significant privacy interest.” Citing United States Dept. of Defense v Federal Labor Relations Auth., 510 US 487.
Rejecting the union official’s argument that the release of this information to his union is in the public interest since the union is attempting to ensure that the contractor paid appropriate wages and that the union is gathering necessary data should an underpaid employee desire its representation under Labor Law § 220-g, the Appellate Division said that the redacted payroll records that the Thruway provided – indicating employee titles and corresponding wage rates — provide “sufficient information (absent fraudulent record creation by a contractor) to confirm whether the contractor complied with wage requirements.”
Further, explained the court, in the event fraudulent or any other noncompliant conduct is suspected, an investigation may be initiated upon request to the appropriate government official as Labor Law §220 (7) provides that a governmental fiscal officer "shall on a verified complaint in writing of any person interested or of [a union] [or] may on his [or her] own initiative cause a compliance investigation to be made to determine whether the contractor . . . has paid the prevailing rate of wages."
The Appellate Division’s conclusion” “Notwithstanding the FOIL presumption of access to information gathered by the government and the important policy of ensuring payment of prevailing wages, the significant personal privacy interests implicated here prevail, particularly since the information already provided to petitioner should be sufficient to ensure compliance; in any event, other avenues are available to ensure compliance without invading the privacy of the employees of the nonunion contractor by disclosing their names and home addresses.”
The point of that article is that attorneys are employees like anyone else. The rules are not any different simply because lawyers are involved.
There is a battle going on in Ohio whether Assistant Directors of Law for the Civil Division in the City of Cleveland are eligible for unionization. The issue boils down to whether or not these attorneys are public employees as that term is defined in the Ohio statute.
The City won round one in that the Ohio State Employment Relations Board held that the attorneys were not public employees because they act in a fiduciary capacity to public officals. A copy of the decision can be found by clicking Download SERB's Order Dismissing Req. Recognition The decision is a bit disappointing in that the Board merely rubber stamped the ALJ decision. One would think that on an issue so important that the Board would have at least offerred an opinion. Although I do not practice in Ohio, I would imagine that this is significant in that a court may not pay as much deference to a decision of an ALJ.
An appeal has, in fact, been filed in court. I would be interested in knowing if any readers are in attorney labor unions. If you are, leave a comment on this blog with a name of the union. You do not need to leave your name if you do not want too.
According to a February 2012 report by the National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA), “on the average, pension costs for state and municipal governments are just shy of 3% of total spending.”
The NASRA report noted that “State and local government pension benefits are paid not from general operating revenues, but from trust funds to which public retirees and their employers contributed while they were working. …On average, public pension programs remain a small part of state and local government spending.”
NASRA’s calculations were based on the most-recent data then available from the U.S. Census Bureau. (Read more)
State Employee Bargaining Coalitation v. Roland, ___F.3d___( 2d Cir. May 31, 2013), is an important case. I am surprised that this case has not gotten alot of national press. The 2d Circuit holds that targeting Union employees for layoff violates the First Amendment. The court applies strict scrutiny and reasoned as follows:
We ourselves have stated thatit cannot “be questioned that the First Amendment’s protection of speech andassociational rights extends to labor union activities.” Conn. State Fed’n of Teachers v.Bd. of Educ. Members, 538 F.2d 471, 478 (2d Cir. 1976); see also Int’l Longshoremen’sAss’n v. Waterfront Comm’n of N.Y. Harbor, 642 F.2d 666, 670 (2d Cir. 1981) (“TheFirst Amendment’s protection of the right of association extends to labor unionactivities.”).However, we have never articulated a standard for determining whether, and underwhat circumstances, a public entity’s employment decisions violate this right to associatein unions. With respect to a public employee’s right to associate with political parties, theSupreme Court stated in Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois that government employersmay not “condition[] hiring decisions on political belief and association . . . unless thegovernment has a vital interest in doing so.” 497 U.S. 62, 78 (1990); see also Branti v.Finkel, 445 U.S. 507, 520 (1980) (holding that termination of public defenders becausethey were not affiliated with Democratic Party violated First Amendment); Elrod v.Burns, 427 U.S. 347, 372-73 (1976) (holding that public employees who alleged theywere discharged because they were not members of sheriff’s political party stated a FirstAmendment claim); Keyishian v. Bd. of Regents, 385 U.S. 589, 609-10 (1967)(invalidating state university system’s prohibition on membership in Communist Party).The Supreme Court was concerned that the government would “wield[] its power tointerfere with its employees’ freedom to believe and associate,” Rutan, 497 U.S. at 76,and noted that “conditioning public employment on the provision of support for thefavored political party ‘unquestionably inhibits protected belief and association,’” id. at69, quoting Elrod, 427 U.S. at 359. It therefore held that hiring based on political partyaffiliation was subject to strict scrutiny and must be “narrowly tailored to further vitalgovernment interests.” Rutan, 497 U.S. at 74; see also Branti, 445 U.S. at 515-16(requiring “an overriding interest of vital importance” to fire a public employee solely forhis private beliefs (citation and internal quotation marks omitted)).Conditioning public employment on union membership, no less than on politicalassociation, inhibits protected association and interferes with government employees’freedom to associate. It is therefore subject to the same strict scrutiny, and may be doneonly “in the most compelling circumstances.” Rutan, 497 U.S. at 76.
BCB had rejected the Association’s improper practice charge challenging the New York City Fire Department’s decision to change the job requirements for the position of fire company chauffeur without first negotiating the proposed change with the Association.
Sustaining the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Appellate Division said that BCB's determination was neither arbitrary and capricious, contrary to law, nor an abuse of discretion, explaining that the “ … Fire Department's decision to alter the job requirements for the position … was within the sound exercise of its managerial discretion.”
The Collective Bargaining Agreement [CBA] between Ontario County and the Ontario County Sheriff's Unit 7850-01 provided that disputes over the meaning or application of the CBA were initially required to be submitted through the contract's grievance process. In the event the employee was "not satisfied" with the result obtained through that process, the Unit could submit the matter to arbitration .
The Ontario County Sheriff's Unit 7850-01 [Unit] filed grievances on behalf of two correction officers whose request for a shift exchange was denied. Contending that the denial "[v]iolated or [i]nvolved" the clause in the CBA that addressed "time exchanged between employees," the Unit informed County of its intent to seek arbitration.
The County thereupon filed a petition in Supreme Court pursuant to CPLR Article 75 to stay arbitration and the Unit "cross-moved" to compel arbitration.
The Appellate Division affirmed the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting that “A grievance may be submitted to arbitration only where the parties agree to arbitrate that kind of dispute, and where it is lawful for them to do so." In this instance,” said the court, “the parties do not challenge the lawfulness of arbitrating the instant dispute and, instead, [the County contends] that there is no valid agreement to arbitrate the grievances at issue inasmuch as the CBA did not contemplate shift exchanges."
The Appellate Division rejected the County’s argument, explaining that in determining whether the parties agreed to arbitrate the dispute at issue a court’s review “is limited to the language of the grievance and the demand for arbitration, as well as to the reasonable inferences that may be drawn therefrom"
In this instance, said the court, there is “a broad arbitration clause and a reasonable relationship between the subject matter of the dispute and the general subject matter of the parties.” Accordingly, the court decided that the was arbitrable and it was left to the arbitrator to make “a more exacting interpretation of the precise scope of the substantive provisions of the [CBA], and whether the subject matter of the dispute fits within them.”
In this appeal of a CPLR Article 78 decision by Supreme Court that sustained the New York City Department of Correction’s [DOC] finding that the individual [Appellant] was guilty of certain charges, the Appellant conceded that the Hearing Officer’s determination was supported by substantial evidence.
Rather, Appellant contended, the record before the Supreme Court was defective because it was incomplete in that it lacked a record of the disciplinary hearing, DOC’s answer, and a written statement by a Correction Officer that the Hearing Officer was required to show Appellant as required by “DOC Directive 6500R-B(III)(C)(25) and (26).”
The Appellate Division agreed, explaining that “it cannot be determined on this record whether the Hearing Officer's failure to show [Appellant] the written statement by [the Correction Officer] prejudiced Appellant's defense.
Accordingly, said the court, it was remanding the matter to Supreme Court and directed DOC “to submit an answer pursuant to CPLR 7804(d) and any appropriate submissions pursuant to CPLR 7804(e), including a record of the hearing and a written witness statement [by the Correction Officer].”
The ruling further provides that after DOC made such submissions to Supreme Court, Supreme Court is to determine if the failure to provide Appellant with these writings “was harmless error.”
A court in Arizona reportedly held that police could not use release time for union representationalwork. A newspapter article describing this case is available here. The plaintiff's theory appears to be that paying public employees for union business is a gift of public funds.
I do not buy this for a minute and it is just another example of anti-union animus that some people feel. I see this as no different than wages. A union also presents order in the workforce and that provides a benefit to the public. Preventing arbitrary employer action is also in the publics interest as most labor law statutes were enacted to reduce industrial strife. Public policy supports the right to organize and bargain collectively.
City of New Rochelle v New York State Pub. Empl. Relations Bd., 2012 NY Slip Op 08860, Appellate Division, Third Department
The City of New Rochelle and the Police Association of New Rochelle [PBA] entered into a stipulation of settlement to resolve the improper practice charge that the PBA had filed with PERB concerning “special duty details.” The stipulation set out the terms and conditions resolving the improper practice charge and included a provision that such "[a]greement and its subject matter [would] not be subject to the grievance and/or arbitration procedures contained in [the] collective bargaining agreement between [the City] and the [PBA], it would] be enforceable in a court of competent jurisdiction."
When the City entered into a written agreement with the New Rochelle Superior Officers' Association [SOA] allowing sergeants and lieutenants to work special duty details, the PBA, claiming that special duty details had previously been performed exclusively by its members, filed another improper practice charge with PERB.
The City, contending that the improper practice charge had its genesis in a contractual dispute earlier resolved with the stipulation between the City and the PBA, argued that PERB lacked subject matter jurisdiction.
A PERB Administrative Law Judge found that PERB did have jurisdiction over the underlying charge and, further, that the City had engaged in an improper practice when it unilaterally transferred exclusive bargaining unit work to nonunit employees. PERB affirmed the ALJ's decision and the City file initiated a CPLR Article 78 action challenging PERB’s determination.
The Appellate Division, noting that the City, as a public employer, is required to negotiate in good faith with the PBA regarding the terms and conditions of its members' employment said that Civil Service Law §205(5)(d) “makes clear that PERB ‘shall not have authority to enforce an agreement between an employer and an employee organization and shall not exercise jurisdiction over an alleged violation of such an agreement that would not otherwise constitute an improper employer or employee organization practice,’ and an ‘agreement,’ for purposes of the statute, includes collective bargaining agreements.”
Further, said the court, “PERB "has consistently interpreted [Civil Service Law §205 (5)(d)] to deprive it of jurisdiction over failure-to-negotiate improper practice charges when the underlying disputes are essentially contractual, in favor of resolving the dispute through the parties' grievance-arbitration machinery, or resort to the courts."
PERB, however, had rejected the City’s jurisdictional defense based on its earlier stipulation of settlement with the PBA, holding that while the stipulation addressed the issue of eligibility for special duty details did not expressly speak to the issue of the exclusivity of such assignments being vested in PBA unit members.
The Appellate Division disagreed, holding that PERB's own prior decisions make it clear that "[a] jurisdictional issue can be raised . . . even if the agreement [at issue] does not address specifically the particular allegations of the improper practice charge if the agreement is a source of right to the charging party with respect to the subject matter of the charge."
Accordingly, said the court, it was satisfied that the stipulation of settlement provides "a reasonably arguable source of right with respect to the subject matter of the [underlying improper practice] charge" -- even in the absence of an express reference to the issue of exclusivity and thus "PERB erred in summarily dismissing the City's jurisdictional defense and reaching the merits of the dispute."
The Appellate Division annulled PERB’s determination and remitted the matter to it for its consideration of whether the improper practice charged should be summarily dismissed at this juncture or, alternatively, conditionally dismissed pending judicial resolution of the underlying contractual dispute.
Wisconsin Educational Council v. Walker, ____F.3d___(7th Cir. Jan. 18, 2013), is an important case that you are going to hear more about. In a 74 page decision, the 7th Circuit upholds the constitutionality of Wisconsin Act 10, the so-called Budget Repair Bill,
Download WEAC v Walker -- 7th Circuit Decision
The major challenge was on equal protection grounds. Specifically, the statute creates two classifications of public employees; public safety employees and general employees whom the restrictive labor relations provisions apply to. The prohibition of payroll deductions was also challenged on First Amendment grounds. The court rejected each of these arguments.
The court applied the rational basis standard of review and concluded that the statute did not create view point discrimination. The court reasoned that differring treatment could be justified on the greater consequences of public safety worker strikes.
The court did acknowledge the unions' agrument that it was only those same public safety unions who supported Governor Walker for election. So much for view point discrimination.
When North Country Community College hired Shane Chatelle as its Facilities and Special Projects Manager in 2004, the College’s President provided Chatelle with a letter setting forth his salary and enclosing a copy of the resolution of its Board of Trustees approving the appointment together with a written statement of the Board's "management confidential"* staff policy “purporting to provide,” that among other benefits, that Chatelle would be compensated for up to 180 days of accumulated sick leave upon his severance from employment.
In 2011, Chatelle resigned from his position and requested compensation for his accumulated sick leave. The College, claiming that, despite the statement provided to him upon his appointment, its actual policy authorized compensation for accrued sick leave only upon retirement.
Chatelle sued, contending breach of contract, among other things. Supreme Court granted Chatelle’s motion in part, awarding him $44,114.96 in damages for breach of contract but dismissed his remaining claims. Chatelle and the College “cross appealed” the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The Appellate Division said that the written statement provided to Chatelle upon his employment indicated that he was entitled to "the benefits afforded by the existing [m]aster [a]greements except where modified or defined by the following [benefits]."
With regard to the sick leave benefit, the statement provided that Chatelle was entitled to 30 sick days per year, cumulative to 180 days and "[a]t [the] time of severance sick leave will be compensated."
Although the College, relying on extrinsic evidence, argued that the statement given to Chatelle was in error and that the Board had intended to adopt a policy that only compensated for sick leave at retirement, the Appellate Division said that had “no reason to consider this [extrinsic] evidence because the statement's language is clear and unambiguous.”
Accordingly, said the court, the College is bound by the terms of the writing provided to Chatelle as part of his employment contract “and may not rely on its unilateral mistake to void the agreement,” explaining that the text of the statement is clear and Chatelle does not rely on past practice nor claim “estoppel to enforce his contractual right.”
The Appellate Division, however, modified Supreme Court’s judgment granting Chatelle $44,114.96 as payment for his unliquidated sick leave accruals by reducing the award to $4,770, “representing [Chatelle 's] 159 accrued sick days at $30 per day."
* Presumably Chatelle was designated "managerial" or "confidential" within the meaning of §201.7 of the Civil Service Law [The Taylor Law] upon his appointment.
Town of New Windsor Town Justice Donald J. Suttlehan sued the Town, contending that it was in breach of contracts when it (1) eliminated his alleged entitlement, upon his retirement, to fully paid lifetime health care benefits for himself and his spouse [Decision 1] and (2) failing to pay him for his unused sick-leave credits upon his retirement [Decision 2].
On January 7, 2009, the Town adopted resolutions prospectively awarding Justice Suttlehan [a] “fully paid lifetime medical benefits for himself and his spouse” upon his retirement and [b] granted certain post-retirement health-care benefits to elected officials with eight years or more of service. On May 6, 2009 the Town adopted a resolution revoking its January 7, 2009 action with respect to providing “lifetime health care benefits” and Town modified its earlier “unused sick-leave” resolution in accordance with a new schedule.
Justice Suttlehan retired in July 2009. He then filed petitions in Supreme Court challenging the Town’s actions that he alleged truncated certain benefits to which he claimed he was entitled upon his retirement..
With respect to his claim to “lifetime medical benefits,” Justice Suttlehan alleged “breach of contract and promissory estoppel….” He argued that, among other things, that the Town’s January 7, 2009 resolution imposed a contractual obligation upon the Town to provide him with lifetime medical benefits or, in the alternative, that, by adopting the resolution, the Town became obligated to provide him with those benefits under the theory of promissory estoppel.
The Appellate Division sustained the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Justice Suttlehan’s petition, holding that the Town had met its “prima facie burden of establishing that [it was] not obligated to provide lifetime medical benefits to the plaintiff and his spouse, and the plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact in opposition.”
The Appellate Division said the resolution dated May 6, 2009, which revised Justice Suttlehan’s health-care benefits only with respect to coverage for claims made, or to be made, subsequent to his separation from Town employment, was not discriminatory as it was applicable to various elected officials -- the Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, Receiver of Taxes, Town Justices, and members of the Town Board -- as well as to the Town’s judiciary.
Rejecting Justice Suttlehan’s argument that the resolution violated his rights pursuant to the separation of powers doctrine or the compensation clause of the New York Constitution, the Appellate Division noted that the resolution addressed the prospective reduction of a municipal official's health benefits only after his or her retirement, not the reduction in the salary or benefits of a justice during his or her term in office.
In any event, said the Appellate Division, "[a] municipal resolution is, in general, a unilateral action that is temporary in nature and, thus, it does not create any vested contractual rights," citing Aeneas McDonald Police Benevolent Assn. v City of Geneva, 92 NY2d 326.
As to Justice Suttlehan’s cause of action to recover damages for breach of contract with respect to the liquidation of his unused sick-leave credits, Supreme Court held that he was entitled to payment for 397 unused sick days, The Town appealed the court’s decision.
The Appellate Division vacated the Supreme Court’s ruling, holding that "In general, a public employee whose employment has terminated may not recover the monetary value of unused . . . sick time in the absence of statutory or contractual authority."
The Town, said the court, had met its prima facie burden of showing its entitlement to judgment as a matter of law by demonstrating that there was no statutory or contractual authority for the relief sought by Justice Suttlehan and Supreme Court should have dismissed the Justice’s cause of action to recover damages for breach of contract with regard payment for his unused sick-leave credits.
The New York State Public Employment Relations Board’s [PERB] “deferral policy” in cases alleging "improper practices" was challenged by Westchester County. The County contended that the policy constituted “an abandonment of the exclusive, nondelegable jurisdiction over improper practice charges granted to PERB by Civil Service Law §205(5)(d).”
Essentially, PERB’s policy utilized an agreed-upon binding arbitration procedure set out in a collective bargaining agreement between the parties to resolve a “claimed improper practice” before it would consider the allegation.
The union had filed an improper practice charge with PERB alleging that the County had refused to negotiate an issue concerning the "maintenance of standards" clause in the governing collective bargaining agreement in violation of Civil Service Law §209-a(1)(d).
When PERB applied its deferral policy and conditionally dismissed the charge pending the outcome of binding arbitration conducted pursuant to the negotiated grievance procedure over Westchester's objections, Westchester filed a petition in Supreme Court appealing its ruling.
Supreme Court dismissed the County’s petition, agreeing with PERB that the charge raised an issue covered by the CBA and thus provided a reasonable basis for PERB to apply its policy of deferring the matter to binding arbitration. The Appellate Division agreed, noting that PERB had earlier ruled on this issue, which decision was affirmed in Matter of Westchester County Police Officer's Benevolent Assn. v Public Empl. Relations Bd., 301 AD2d 850. This, said the Appellate Division, gave the union “a reasonably arguable right to submit the conduct alleged in the improper practice charge to binding arbitration.”
The Appellate Division, in sustaining the lower court’s ruling and dismissed the County’s appeal, explained:
1. The application of the policy resulted in a conditional dismissal, meaning that the improper practice charge remains subject to being reopened before PERB after the conclusion of the arbitration process; and
2. The courts have generally deferred to PERB's interpretation of its jurisdiction under Civil Service Law §205(5)(d), citing Matter of Roma v Ruffo, 92 NY2d 489.
May an employer prohibit an individual it has dismissed from entering its property? The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the employer may prohibit such an individual from entering its non-public areas.
A Transportation Workers Union representative had been dismissed from his position with the New York City Transit Authority [NYCTA]. NYCTA then banned the representative from the non-public areas of its property. The representative sued, contending that this action by NYCTA violated his First Amendment rights.
The Circuit Court affirmed a federal district court's dismissal of the Union representative’s petition. The lower court had determined that he "failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits" because:
1. He did not demonstrate that he was excluded from non-public areas because the Transit Authority's motivation was to impair the exercise of his First Amendment freedoms or;
The representative also attempted to obtain a stay of arbitration, claiming that NYCTA and Local 100 went forward with his arbitration "without allowing him to participate in selecting a neutral arbitrator to chair the arbitration panel." The Circuit Court of Appeals rejected this representation as moot "because the arbitration [had] proceeded to conclusion."
Newspapers and others have published articles about a United States Circuit Court decision that concluded that the federal Merit Systems Protective Board cannot consider appeals from federal workers demoted or terminated from their position based on their lack of “security clearance.”
The Circuit Court held that ”the Board cannot review the merits of Executive Branch agencies’ national security determinations concerning eligibility of an employee to occupy a sensitive position that implicates national security.”
In response to a number of inquiries seeking a copy of the decision, the case is Berry [as Director, Office of Personnel Management] v Conyers and Northover and the Merit Systems Protective Board, # 2011-3207, Petition for Review of the Merit Systems Protection Board in Consolidated Case Nos. CH0752090925-R-1 and AT0752100184-R-1, US Circuit Court of Appeal, Federal Circuit. | {
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Landry's Seafood, New Orleans French Quarter
The Cabildo. This is where Spanish rulers met during their occupation of Louisiana in the Today, it is a museum dedicated to Louisiana state historical events. French Quarter, NOLA How many fun hours have I spent here? | {
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Three Generations of Public Art in Radnor Schools
Date: February 25, 2015
In 1915, the Radnor School District hired a muralist and sculptor named John Ray Sinnock to create four works of art for the then-new Rosemont Elementary School. Thirty years later, as chief sculptor of the U.S. Mint, Sinnock would sculpt both sides of the dime, still used to this day. To celebrate the centenary of Sinnock’s Rosemont School artwork, the Radnor Historical Society sponsored this presentation about three art projects that have enriched Radnor schools over the past one hundred years. Beginning with the work of Sinnock, continuing with the memorable auditorium murals of the former Radnor Middle School, and concluding with the murals in the new Radnor Middle School Information Center/Library, the history and development of each is explained and shown in pictures. Greg Prichard spoke about the historic murals, and Ernel Martinez described the process of creating the latest murals. | {
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(BIG FREEZE)Catch the beat for the Ace Duece TreyBig Freeze is in effect for 94 and I'mma sprayTec-9 hollow point tips on your Slob-ass killin snoopsIn the street with me and he won'tLast a second, come to checkin' all you slobs with the quicknessDumpin' with the Tec you close you're eyes and try you wish thisThis was a dream and maybe one day you'll wake upBut you ran upon the wrong Franklin Crip and got buckedRight back in your muthafuckin' placeBig Freeze got the nine in your muthafuckin' faceAnd just to let you know I ain't no muthafuckin' hoHot feeling full of lead and leave your body on the floorIt's BK Crippin' all the time when I ride NationwideEast Side Franklin Crippin', so you Slobs better hideAnd if you don't when I see you I'ma kill youYou can bet your bottom dollar fool I'll peel you
(BATMAN)This ain't no poser but I be bang Crabs to piecesWonderful one to his head and deceased himPoint blank range it was strange the way it happenedEast Side Swans pulled up and started cappin'Crabs been runnin' and duckin' and try to get the fuck away, but it's too lateCause I popped hI'm with the H.K. popMiggety gun between the Crabs with me strap with me NineBuck buck buck buck buck E-Ricket always dieMe kick the rasta shit hI'm make me mad I get with himMe comin' from South Central? me say trickBickin it kickin it and stoppin it, pissin' and jackin' a punkin' the Crab dudeMe love to smokin' chronic, drink O.E. and act a foolSome Crab in me hood losin' life for? chipMe happy to Glock and got and show 'em for no pityBlood, me gangsta from me hood, me killin' never like a slutOr me can do the? because them snitch like a?
(SIX PACC)I got the feelin' there's anotha Slob killin' in my hoodNiggaz gettin' suited and booted up to no goodShootin' up everything and Tec-9 bail ringin'Showin' the punk-ass snoops how we gangbangin'Psycho assassin I laugh when I stick 'emThen I bury hI'm alive cause the fool wasn't Crippin'I got a double barrel sawed-off, point it at the hostageHad your mama ransom and still shock the bitchYou better ask somebody about Six PaccOriginal Gangsta well known to peel a cap3 o' clock in the morning the 'F' Gang creepin'To see if we can catch another Slob slippinC-rag hangin' off the Gauge as I blast fool until you know this is CripAnd you don't have to askEvil side never die, fool it's no misteryCrabs runnin' the ocean I'm from the C
(GREEN EYES)Now as I tight'n up my flags, my bhakis sag lowBanged up for Inglewood, yeah 104'bout to pull a jack in my bucket, nigga PumpkinSaw the first rip, who slipped, put some' in his chestSet trippin' I'mma bust on his ass quick210 pounds lettin' of 50 roundsGunnin 'em down for the homies that's B.I.PIt's called payback I stay strapped, I packs a Mac-1Brazy like Rambo I'm lettin' of ammo with my 9, 16 shotFuck all these Crabs lies in the studioTryin' to act like they hardBut you done pushed me to my limit like a muthafuckin credit card? fired up the motherfuckin' strapGreen eyes got something off his chest ready to be expressedFuck all ya'll Crabs, ya'll niggaz ain't shitAnd you will never catch Green Eyez mackin' to a Crab bitch
(G-BONE)Slob-ass niggaz C's up what that Crip likeNiggaz don't understand that I'm a C, a Crip 4 lifeSlob-ass fools in my city nigga fear me更多更詳盡歌詞 在 ※ Mojim.com 魔鏡歌詞網 It's the A to the D.C. rip fuck the BAtlantic Drive Crippin' is where I'm fromIf you can tell? that Slob niggas know that they can't spellNigga this is Slob killa, I spell it outFor you S.L.O.B.K. I double L.A. Crip niggaSouth Side Atlantic Drive makin' Slob panicDippin' in a GWith that muthafuckin' automatic strap out the window, pop pop now it's onA bitch made Slob nigga caught two in their domeOn the Crens with they burgundy pants caught slippin'While I'm dippin' to the other side set trippin'Crippin' to the fullest, fuck Slob nigga this is CripI kill a Slob nigga and I smoke a Slob bitch
(?)Now bick back and relax as I kick the facts about youMuthafuckin' scary-ass Crabs that just be Bangin On WaxTrue facts and not fictionAnd if you wanna buy? gimme your money nigga steady dippin'You motherfuckin' right that's how the gangsta go and do itSin Joke come to? you to stretch you, but that Ricket blew itMark-ass Crabs droppin shit like a SegaI called up G-Pops and told hI'm my nigga need the Desert EagleBlood I think some shit finna jumpSo tell Dogg to bring the nine millimeter and the pistol grip pumpYeah, that should handle thisA Bounty Hunter from Watts, so I'm forcin' niggas scandelousAnd I'm down for whateverI got the extra long clip hangin' out my motherfuckin' 'RettaGettin' ready for a C.KHere comes some? from that Ricket nigga with no further delay
(TROLL LOC)Load up the guns cause now you fuckin' with a killa trigga copBust some shots at you Slob-ass niggas talkin' shitYou's a bitch and I'll put that on my mommaIf I catch you in these streets - I'ma leave your ass in traumaThis shock well and don't bail on T.R.O. double LCause dead rag gettin' toe tagged from hot shellsRide throught my hood in that motherfuckin' redI put my gun to your head and leave you dead enough said
(AWOL)Now as I hear this on line if you really gon' blastI got a flea on my dick, for puttin' in it their dogs ass'Damn Blood that Ricket nigga was wild'I call myself a dog say fuck hI'm doggystyle uh uhSmooth sellin' on a gay-ass snoopThe main bitch at my house straight smokin' a loopK.P. to the motherfuckin' HFuck all Slob this the muthafuckin' K
(DOGG & LI'L HAWK)Gimme the strap goddamn so I can bust on this CrabThat bitch AWOLTryin' to bang with a? shank?Well, we'll rush you niggas on the count of 4And all that Crab shit what is you bangin' forFuck talkin' with you niggas, fuck? with you niggasFuck rappin' with you niggas I don't believe you niggasIt don't stop, I slip in my clip and set tripIt's the Dogg and Hawksta, Weirdos and MafiasMafia/Weirdos it really don't matterI grab my nine and make it rat-a-tat-tatterNow we be rollin' in my muthafuckin' G- rideIt's me Lil' Hawk and the Dogg showin' these Crabs what that 'B' likeWeirdo gangsta's and the 10 and tha 4Fuck all Crabs in the studio | {
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Group asks Rick Scott to return $500K contribution
A liberal veterans group called on Gov. Rick Scott to return a $500,000 campaign check from St. Petersburg mogul (and Vietnam veteran) Bill Edwards, saying Scott should not take the money following news of Edwards' company being hit with a record fine for violating the “Do Not Call” telemarketing rule.
“Surely Governor Scott will not willingly retain political contributions -- totaling a half-million dollars -- derived from funds that may have been the fruit of misrepresentations to veterans,” VoteVets.orgFlorida chairman Pablo Pantoja said in a statement. “He should return these tainted contributions immediately. Quite simply our veterans deserve better.”
Update: Pantoja, a 33-year-old veteran of the Iraq War, made headlines last year when he left his post as Hispanic outreach director for the Republican National Committee. He became a Democrat because he grew uncomfortable with the GOP's embrace of tea party positions, and he did not see the party as inclusive, he said.
A representative from Scott’s political committee could not immediately be reached.
It was the second time news of the FTC penalty came up Wednesday. Pinellas County School Board member Linda Lerner brought it up at a mayoral forum hosted by Suncoast Tiger Bay in St. Petersburg.
In June, the Federal Trade Commission announced a civil penalty of $7.5 million against Mortgage Investors after the agency said the company called more than 5.4 million phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry about home loan refinancing services to current and former members of the military.
The 75-year-old company has grown into one of the country’s largest refinancers of home loans for veterans, the Times reported in June. More from the Times report:
As part of the pitch, the FTC said, the telemarketers allegedly led service members to believe they could receive low-interest, fixed-rate mortgages at no cost, "often quoting rates that they implied would last the duration of their loan."
In reality, regulators said, the company was only offering adjustable rate mortgages which left consumers liable for higher payments with rising interest rates. It also required consumers to pay closing costs.
Further, the FTC said, Mortgage Investors allegedly misled consumers about a corporate affiliation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Edwards is a big Republican donor and a big player in St. Petersburg. He bought the city’s BayWalk complex and was awarded a city contract to manage the Mahaffey Theater.
Lerner earned Tiger Bay’s Fang and Claw award for asking St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and Democratic challenger Rick Kriseman if they would have still awarded the Mahaffey contract to Edwards had they known about the FTC allegations.
“And secondly, Bill Edwards has been an incredible philanthropist,” he said, ticking off his investment in the arts and downtown St. Pete.
VoteVets.org bills itself as a nonpartisan group but its PAC donates to Democratic candidates and against Republicans. In its press release, the group highlighted a 2011 Times profile of Edwards, a Vietnam veteran, in which he said he wrote his company’s telemarketing pitches himself in a script called “the book.”
Being a veteran is key to the success of his business, he said, and he mentions it in much of the advertising. He calls the script he personally wrote for telemarketers "the book." They are not to veer from it. It's based on sales principles he has culled from 20 years along with "understanding, firsthand, veterans, how they think, speak, analyze and relate to people."
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For Florida political news today, the Buzz is your can't-miss-it source. Tampa Bay Times writers offer the latest in Florida politics, the Florida Legislature and the Rick Scott administration. Keep in mind: This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the Tampa Bay Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers. | {
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Read More
Theatre specialist trainer Paul Harris started off by bringing his own iPod and lap-top computer to work so the patients could listen to music or play a game as they were put to sleep in the room next door to the theatre.
Bubble wrap also proved to be an early success.
SPA now has its own iPad, thanks to a donation, and Paul has scoured the internet, second-hand shops and even car boot sales for other gems.
Everything is decontaminated and safety checked before it is used.
Award-winning approach
The initiative saw Paul and the SPA team scoop the Citizens at the Centre of Service Re-Design and Delivery Award at the NHS Awards in Cardiff.
Paul said: “We are so proud to win this award and would like to encourage others to work with complex patients to create personalised plans wherever possible. Our aim is always to turn a potentially frightening and unpleasant treatment process into something that can be safe, enjoyable and memorable – for all the right reasons.”
The team establishes what the patients' needs will be well before the operation takes place through a questionnaire and a pre-surgery meeting in the hospital with the patients and their parents/carers.
Paul Harris and the Princess of Wales Hospital team with their NHS Wales Award for the Soothing Patient Anxiety initiative (Image: Fotowales)
SPA was also previously a double winner of the ABMU chairman's awards and Paul gave a presentation on the project during the 1,000 Lives conference in Cardiff in June 2015.
Princess of Wales Hospital director Jamie Marchant said he was delighted the NHS Wales Awards judging panel had recognised the team: “The title of the category is typified by the approach the team takes to provide a patient-centred service and enhance the patient experience.
“Their hospital colleagues and I are very proud. The team will be delighted to have been recognised - although I know they have been already rewarded by the praise and gratitude of patients and family members who have accessed this new service.” | {
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Potential Pitfalls of Profit, Prosperity, and Poverty
In the course of our class, 9 weeks worth, we have explored the basis for a biblical view of economics. We began by positioning economics as something worthy of study and as pervasive as it relates to all that we do and endeavor to do in the home, workplace, wherever. Building on that, our class focused on the specific components that make up an economy, of which there are millions of little and big economies around. We’ve explored private property, transactions of our time, talent, and treasure, money, debt, poverty and welfare, and the command forbidding us to steal. Approaching this class, I’ve done so from a position of freedom. What I mean by that is that I believe the heart of what we have discussed is that we are bound and compelled to live in obedience to the Word, and beyond that we are free to pursue, create, work, risk, fail, pass on wealth, give wealth, give time, give energy, and succeed.
In all of this study and discussion there’s an underlying assumption that still it’s better to be rich than otherwise. That all this freedom, ideally leads to riches and wealth, which we then translate into comfort, security, peace, your best life now. Freedom is great, riches and wealth can be a blessing, but just as often, if not more so, they are a curse. When we look at the scriptures, we see no shortage of warnings against the rich and plenty of encouragements for the poor. If we look out at our Christian Culture today, and throughout history, we’ll find groups of Christians that wholeheartedly believe the wealth they possess is a gift and blessing from God, a sign even that God is on their side and favors them “Prosperity Gospel”. In the same turn you’ll find groups of Christians that, far from the prior, believe that their poverty is their calling and in a sense a blessing to live like Jesus did, without a house or whatever. Both positions are fraught with potential problems, but if you find yourself in the middle, you aren’t safe either. Regardless of your wealth and view of it, the point is that the focus is too often on the material, on the created and not the Creator. We are idolaters, and make idols out of wealth, comfort, security, houses cars, lack, need, humble houses, humble cars.
Understanding that we are by nature, sinful, there is not a safe place to reside economically. Whether we are rich or poor, we are at risk. Whether we have plenty or are in want, we create idols and ignore God. Whether we are in a nice neighborhood or in a slum, our old nature tempts us to turn from God and trust in anything but Him. It seems prudent then to spend a class thinking about the pitfalls of both prosperity and poverty. So as not post a terribly long blog, I’ll break this one up. Expect to see the pitfalls of the “Pursuit of Riches,” “Possession of Riches,” and “Absence of Riches.” Thanks for reading, | {
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Martin Sorrell has resigned amid an investigation into alleged misconduct as the chief executive of WPP, the world’s largest advertising group, the company said on Saturday, abruptly ending his decades-long run leading the agency he helped found.
In a statement, the London-based advertising behemoth said the change would take effect immediately. Roberto Quarta, the chairman of WPP, was named executive chairman until the company could appoint a new chief executive. The company said Mr. Sorrell would be “available to assist with the transition.”
The company’s statement also said Mr. Sorrell, 73, would be “treated as having retired” and that his share awards would vest.
“The previously announced investigation into an allegation of misconduct against Sir Martin has concluded,” the statement said. “The allegation did not involve amounts that are material.”
The statement did not provide any additional details about the investigation, its findings or what role, if any, it played in Mr. Sorrell’s resignation.
On April 3, the board of WPP said it had appointed an independent counsel to investigate an allegation of what it called “personal misconduct” against Mr. Sorrell.
Richard Oldworth, a spokesman for WPP, said on Saturday that he could not comment beyond the company statement.
But in a separate statement to employees on Saturday, Mr. Sorrell made note of a “current disruption” that he argued “is simply putting too much unnecessary pressure on the business.”
“That is why I have decided that in your interest, in the interest of our clients, in the interest of all share owners, both big and small, and in the interest of all our other stakeholders, it is best for me to step aside,” he said. “We have weathered difficult storms in the past. And our highly talented people have always won through, always.”
David Rigg, a spokesman for Mr. Sorrell, said on Saturday that he had “nothing further to add.”
Mr. Sorrell, a frenetic, loquacious man, looms as a giant of the advertising world. He is a fixture on the London and European social circuit among movers and shakers, hobnobbing as a regular at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and jetting to business events around the globe. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2000 with a tap of her sword on his shoulders, the highest honor among a raft of awards he has received for his business acumen throughout the years.
A first-generation Jewish immigrant in Britain whose parents came from Kiev, Ukraine, Mr. Sorrell got his big break in advertising when he joined Saatchi & Saatchi in 1975. He quickly worked his way up and became so entwined with the agency’s founding siblings that he became known in the industry as “the third brother.”
In 1985, he struck out on his own with an improbable business gamble: He bought part of a British shopping basket manufacturer, Wire and Plastic Products, and proceeded to transform it into a global advertising behemoth, acquiring 18 advertising-related companies in just three years.
In 1989, he surprised the advertising world with a hostile $825 million takeover of Ogilvy & Mather, then one of the most influential ad agencies, and continued to snap up global competitors, including Young & Rubicam, a global marketing and communications company.
Mr. Sorrell shaped WPP with an iron grip, and fashioned it in his own image. (He is renowned for holding conversations while texting with clients and friends.) Today, WPP is a global advertising behemoth with 130,000 employees in 112 countries, and a market valuation of around 22 billion pounds, or about $31 billion.
Yet as he fashioned himself as a superstar executive, Mr. Sorrell also came under sharp scrutiny — especially for his increasingly lavish pay packages, which came to symbolize boardroom excess in Britain.
Since 2012, WPP has paid Mr. Sorrell £210 million, making him the highest paid chief executive of any company listed on the FTSE. Despite gains for WPP’s investors, a backlash emerged two years ago, when he pocketed a £70 million payout.
Since then, shareholders have balked at backing similarly large pay packages, and turned up criticism over WPP’s governance and the leader-centric corporate culture Mr. Sorrell appeared to have created.
His pay was capped at £19 million, and last year, he agreed to a £13 million limit on his annual salary starting in 2021.
Sapna Maheshwari contributed reporting.
A version of this article appears in print on , on Page A18 of the New York edition with the headline: Chief of Advertising Agency WPP Abruptly Resigns After Misconduct Allegation. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe | {
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October 13, 2013
Study: Anti-bullying Programs Increase Bullying
Well, bully for anti-bullying programs. After spending countless
millions instituting them nationwide, a university study has concluded
that it isn’t just that they don’t work.
They actually increase bullying.
The head researcher of the study, University of Texas at Arlington
criminologist Seokjin Jeong, did not start out as a critic of
anti-bullying programs, mind you; on the contrary, he expected to find
that they’d mitigated the nation’s bullying problem. Much to his dismay,
however, he learned that students in schools boasting anti-bullying
programs were more likely to be bullied than those attending schools
without such programs. CBSLocal.com reports on his explanations for the
findings, writing:
Comments
Well, bully for anti-bullying programs. After spending countless
millions instituting them nationwide, a university study has concluded
that it isn’t just that they don’t work.
They actually increase bullying.
The head researcher of the study, University of Texas at Arlington
criminologist Seokjin Jeong, did not start out as a critic of
anti-bullying programs, mind you; on the contrary, he expected to find
that they’d mitigated the nation’s bullying problem. Much to his dismay,
however, he learned that students in schools boasting anti-bullying
programs were more likely to be bullied than those attending schools
without such programs. CBSLocal.com reports on his explanations for the
findings, writing: | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Posts tagged “Powai”
Last Saturday me and Vinay were planning to go join my friends and Chandu Mhatre for a Photography Session at Versova. We were late. We got up at 6:15am whereas we were supposed to start from IIT around 5:30. As we were about to leave, I got a call from my friends who were already with Chandu to ditch the plan! 😛
As we had already taken a morning bath (really!) — we were determined to go out! And hence we decided to click in IIT that day:
I visited the Heritage Park and the Glenn Society Park today. It is an interesting place and I got to see a diverse age group of people having fun: children playing, teenagers chatting and lot of the elderly jogging! They have done some landscaping and also (read hence) sprout a small pond there! 🙂 | {
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Prot warriors doing a ton of damage. Prot paladins doing a ton of damage. (hello triple prot paladin team on page 1 of bg9 3v3).
Optimal rogue play was to come out of stealth and spam FOK.
PvE gear was optimal for almost every class. I said it earlier in this thread and I'll say it again. It's so fkn nice to not have to worry about pve gear this season. It's not even remotely close to S5, anyone who thinks otherwise is either blinded by nostalgia, fucking retarded, or didn't play s5.
It's slower than both cata and wotlk. Class balance for season #1 in an expansion is far better than any other expansion. The "do no damage but blow cds every two mins and kill" is the superior to bc's "do no damage wait till I get 3 mace stuns, or viper sting the shit out of his mana, or tab dot's till healer is oom after 40 mins, or get kill in the opener or reset". In retrospect, BC had a class balance that was wotlk level; but then again arenas were just implemented and it was something new and exciting. What people recall or refer to as "chess" (either because they don't remember or they haven't tasted it) was just linear gameplay with the same routine repeated every game. Of course it was superior to both wotlk and cata because it was new and fun.
Don't get me wrong, BC was my favorite expansion - I have the best and happiest memories from my time playing in BC. BUT, right now you have a Blizzard that makes swift changes, not a Kalgan that waited for an expansion to remove things like mace stun. Still, far from perfect but far superior to all the previous expansions combined. This is the first season 1 ever that more than 3 classes are truly viable. The power-resilience model is well thought and solidly implemented. One shotting exists, yes, but most of it is rectified next patch. Leveling is epic, PvE is flawless, the new areas as amazing, armor and weapons look good after quite some time; those are the hallmarks that so far only BC had. I can therefore safely deduct that this expansion will be far more enjoyable than the previous two, and, perhaps better than BC if they keep up with this pace.
justchecking, on 10 November 2014 - 11:58 PM, said:
Going to blizzcon looking for a fight is like going to the official wow arena forums for pvp advice :)
Renaissance_Man, on 31 July 2013 - 04:31 AM, said:
If I had a gun with two bullets and I was in a room with Hitler, bin Laden, and you, I would shoot you twice.
Disarmable bladestorm wasn't really something that people were ever demanding in the first place. Blizzard just kind of threw it in as a means to stop the high damage, but many warriors were actually quite upset with the change as their primary burst was completely worthless vs many teams. Unrelenting assault was stupid, but you have to realize that Wotlk was balanced around everything being extremely strong. Warriors were very good just like every other class. I don't really remember what the deal was with dispellable DP or divine plea. I'll give you prot/holy paladins, but they were only really a reigning 2's spec, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Death knights have always been EXTREMELY annoying, and that's not wotlk exclusive. If you mean first half of s6 and s5, then yeah that's sort of a testament to the difficulty of adding an entirely new class into a pvp environment. I believe I'm right in saying that monks are also unbalanced right now in the sense that they are lackluster. It takes time to effectively recognize the changes required for an entirely new class. About half way through wotlk, dks were reasonably balanced and good just like other classes. I'm too lazy to tackle everything else, but most of the rest of the stuff is s8 exlusive, which was full of dumb shit. Sure, destro lock damage and the fact that they completely countered casters was amazingly cheap. Elemental shamans were very good as well with select teams, but it's not like those were the only 2 viable things or as if it was even close to that situation. S8 had A LOT of viable comps and while the ladder had many druids and locks and shamans, it also had other classes that dominated as well. Vilerozes' MLD made LSD look like it was a mediocre comp ._. Every single class and even most specs in s8 had tons of BS about them, which aided in somewhat balancing the game. The best part about that part of the game was the fact that cataclysm homogenization had not yet occurred as well. You still had hybrids being hybrids and unique healers with unique niches. Discipline sucked at everything but was still in blizzcon grandfinals at the end of the day with amazing/unique healer burst. S8 was the peak for wow pvp until the end and regardless of how much some people hated it, it was generally revered for allowing success with almost any spec. Shadowmourne was legitimately stupid though. Blizzard's slow reactions toward fixing stuff in s8 was actually a blessing in disguise as we saw players strategically adapting instead of just QQing for months until a new patch hit. S8 began with infinite complaints about how ridiculous shadowpriests were. As s8 continued, people adapted and learned how to get around many shadowpriest tools. Everyone was playing mut for a while and was tired of getting globalled. Many of the smarter rogues transitioned to sublety to compensate for the metagame change. The lack of changes actually served as a setting for players to improve and adapt.
I kind of lost whatever point I was trying to make with this post but chea
Edited by ROKMODE, 27 November 2012 - 04:03 AM.
Expect bias in posts because
Wotlk is the best thing since sliced bread
Disarmable bladestorm wasn't really something that people were ever demanding in the first place. Blizzard just kind of threw it in as a means to stop the high damage, but many warriors were actually quite upset with the change as their primary burst was completely worthless vs many teams. Unrelenting assault was stupid, but you have to realize that Wotlk was balanced around everything being extremely strong. Warriors were very good just like every other class. I don't really remember what the deal was with dispellable DP or divine plea. I'll give you prot/holy paladins, but they were only really a reigning 2's spec, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Death knights have always been EXTREMELY annoying, and that's not wotlk exclusive. If you mean first half of s6 and s5, then yeah that's sort of a testament to the difficulty of adding an entirely new class into a pvp environment. I believe I'm right in saying that monks are also unbalanced right now in the sense that they are lackluster. It takes time to effectively recognize the changes required for an entirely new class. About half way through wotlk, dks were reasonably balanced and good just like other classes. I'm too lazy to tackle everything else, but most of the rest of the stuff is s8 exlusive, which was full of dumb shit. Sure, destro lock damage and the fact that they completely countered casters was amazingly cheap. Elemental shamans were very good as well with select teams, but it's not like those were the only 2 viable things or as if it was even close to that situation. S8 had A LOT of viable comps and while the ladder had many druids and locks and shamans, it also had other classes that dominated as well. Vilerozes' MLD made LSD look like it was a mediocre comp ._. Every single class and even most specs in s8 had tons of BS about them, which aided in somewhat balancing the game. The best part about that part of the game was the fact that cataclysm homogenization had not yet occurred as well. You still had hybrids being hybrids and unique healers with unique niches. Discipline sucked at everything but was still in blizzcon grandfinals at the end of the day with amazing/unique healer burst. S8 was the peak for wow pvp until the end and regardless of how much some people hated it, it was generally revered for allowing success with almost any spec. Shadowmourne was legitimately stupid though. Blizzard's slow reactions toward fixing stuff in s8 was actually a blessing in disguise as we saw players strategically adapting instead of just QQing for months until a new patch hit. S8 began with infinite complaints about how ridiculous shadowpriests were. As s8 continued, people adapted and learned how to get around many shadowpriest tools. Everyone was playing mut for a while and was tired of getting globalled. Many of the smarter rogues transitioned to sublety to compensate for the metagame change. The lack of changes actually served as a setting for players to improve and adapt.
I kind of lost whatever point I was trying to make with this post but chea
Wow a smart guy with no bias
justchecking, on 10 November 2014 - 11:58 PM, said:
Going to blizzcon looking for a fight is like going to the official wow arena forums for pvp advice :)
Renaissance_Man, on 31 July 2013 - 04:31 AM, said:
If I had a gun with two bullets and I was in a room with Hitler, bin Laden, and you, I would shoot you twice.
Disarmable bladestorm wasn't really something that people were ever demanding in the first place. Blizzard just kind of threw it in as a means to stop the high damage, but many warriors were actually quite upset with the change as their primary burst was completely worthless vs many teams. Unrelenting assault was stupid, but you have to realize that Wotlk was balanced around everything being extremely strong. Warriors were very good just like every other class. I don't really remember what the deal was with dispellable DP or divine plea. I'll give you prot/holy paladins, but they were only really a reigning 2's spec, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Death knights have always been EXTREMELY annoying, and that's not wotlk exclusive. If you mean first half of s6 and s5, then yeah that's sort of a testament to the difficulty of adding an entirely new class into a pvp environment. I believe I'm right in saying that monks are also unbalanced right now in the sense that they are lackluster. It takes time to effectively recognize the changes required for an entirely new class. About half way through wotlk, dks were reasonably balanced and good just like other classes. I'm too lazy to tackle everything else, but most of the rest of the stuff is s8 exlusive, which was full of dumb shit. Sure, destro lock damage and the fact that they completely countered casters was amazingly cheap. Elemental shamans were very good as well with select teams, but it's not like those were the only 2 viable things or as if it was even close to that situation. S8 had A LOT of viable comps and while the ladder had many druids and locks and shamans, it also had other classes that dominated as well. Vilerozes' MLD made LSD look like it was a mediocre comp ._. Every single class and even most specs in s8 had tons of BS about them, which aided in somewhat balancing the game. The best part about that part of the game was the fact that cataclysm homogenization had not yet occurred as well. You still had hybrids being hybrids and unique healers with unique niches. Discipline sucked at everything but was still in blizzcon grandfinals at the end of the day with amazing/unique healer burst. S8 was the peak for wow pvp until the end and regardless of how much some people hated it, it was generally revered for allowing success with almost any spec. Shadowmourne was legitimately stupid though. Blizzard's slow reactions toward fixing stuff in s8 was actually a blessing in disguise as we saw players strategically adapting instead of just QQing for months until a new patch hit. S8 began with infinite complaints about how ridiculous shadowpriests were. As s8 continued, people adapted and learned how to get around many shadowpriest tools. Everyone was playing mut for a while and was tired of getting globalled. Many of the smarter rogues transitioned to sublety to compensate for the metagame change. The lack of changes actually served as a setting for players to improve and adapt.
I kind of lost whatever point I was trying to make with this post but chea
Nice post, 99% of the people i see posting here should learn that, even if the game doesnt seem perfectly balanced to you try to overcome it and see what you can do, then you will realise that the game is more balanced that you think but that you just weren't good enough yet.
Im not saying that the state of the balance of the game is good now or was in s5, just that it is always possible to overcome with good, solid and strong play because all of the people you actually face and loose to aren't good enough to make it impossible(even top players/teams).
And even if its not possible its always better to think like that (by experience it is ALWAYS possible).
It's slower than both cata and wotlk. Class balance for season #1 in an expansion is far better than any other expansion. The "do no damage but blow cds every two mins and kill" is the superior to bc's "do no damage wait till I get 3 mace stuns, or viper sting the shit out of his mana, or tab dot's till healer is oom after 40 mins, or get kill in the opener or reset". In retrospect, BC had a class balance that was wotlk level; but then again arenas were just implemented and it was something new and exciting. What people recall or refer to as "chess" (either because they don't remember or they haven't tasted it) was just linear gameplay with the same routine repeated every game. Of course it was superior to both wotlk and cata because it was new and fun.
Don't get me wrong, BC was my favorite expansion - I have the best and happiest memories from my time playing in BC. BUT, right now you have a Blizzard that makes swift changes, not a Kalgan that waited for an expansion to remove things like mace stun. Still, far from perfect but far superior to all the previous expansions combined. This is the first season 1 ever that more than 3 classes are truly viable. The power-resilience model is well thought and solidly implemented. One shotting exists, yes, but most of it is rectified next patch. Leveling is epic, PvE is flawless, the new areas as amazing, armor and weapons look good after quite some time; those are the hallmarks that so far only BC had. I can therefore safely deduct that this expansion will be far more enjoyable than the previous two, and, perhaps better than BC if they keep up with this pace.
that's an interesting way to look at it. i don't entirely agree. the main aspect of TBC pvp that enjoyed was the fact that health bars didn't ping pong back and forth constantly during a game. you could pressure one target, then quickly swap back and forth to create pressure that way, which nowadays won't work simply because people get topped off too easily or they just self heal themselves up while not being the main target. it took just as much effort and consistent play to kill someone as it did to top someone off. of course, this meant for a slower game overall, but i dont think that was necessarily a bad thing. the bad part was that games tended to go on forever in certain comp matchups and the drain game became rampant, which admittedly was bad for the game. and i agree, the worst part of TBC was the massive RNG problems.
i guess in comparison to TBC, their slow reaction to obvious problems is "swift." i guess i just feel that with all their resources and given the fact that this is season 12, they'd be much more timely than before.
i completely disagree with leveling, but that's probably just because i've been playing this game for so long. to me, it was not epic. it is mundane and repetitive. I can't count how many times i was given a set of 3 quests which required me to 1) kill 10 things 2) gather 8 things 3) talk to 3 people. it was like that in every zone over and over again. again, most likely just my personal bias, not that leveling in this game has ever felt very epic.
Nice post, 99% of the people i see posting here should learn that, even if the game doesnt seem perfectly balanced to you try to overcome it and see what you can do, then you will realise that the game is more balanced that you think but that you just weren't good enough yet.
Im not saying that the state of the balance of the game is good now or was in s5, just that it is always possible to overcome with good, solid and strong play because all of the people you actually face and loose to aren't good enough to make it impossible(even top players/teams).
And even if its not possible its always better to think like that (by experience it is ALWAYS possible).
that's an interesting way to look at it. i don't entirely agree. the main aspect of TBC pvp that enjoyed was the fact that health bars didn't ping pong back and forth constantly during a game. you could pressure one target, then quickly swap back and forth to create pressure that way, which nowadays won't work simply because people get topped off too easily or they just self heal themselves up while not being the main target. it took just as much effort and consistent play to kill someone as it did to top someone off. of course, this meant for a slower game overall, but i dont think that was necessarily a bad thing. the bad part was that games tended to go on forever in certain comp matchups and the drain game became rampant, which admittedly was bad for the game. and i agree, the worst part of TBC was the massive RNG problems.
i guess in comparison to TBC, their slow reaction to obvious problems is "swift." i guess i just feel that with all their resources and given the fact that this is season 12, they'd be much more timely than before.
i completely disagree with leveling, but that's probably just because i've been playing this game for so long. to me, it was not epic. it is mundane and repetitive. I can't count how many times i was given a set of 3 quests which required me to 1) kill 10 things 2) gather 8 things 3) talk to 3 people. it was like that in every zone over and over again. again, most likely just my personal bias, not that leveling in this game has ever felt very epic.
can't speak on pve as i havent tried it and dont intend to
Just to give you a glimpse of how much I hated wotlk and cata and their leveling I stayed in Outland up to lvl 74 avoiding Northrend altogether. But when I reached Pandaria it was a totally different story - indeed the quest routine is the same (kill x, gather y etc) BUT with the major difference of the ambience and the storyline.
I have also been playing too long, and exactly because of that I have witnessed all the stages of the game and its evolution. It is my experience that makes me full-heartedly believe that this will be a great expansion. I lucidly remember the good times I had in BC but I now realize that I had a good time not because the game was balanced (it was far from balanced), but because I worked to get good looking gear and there were plenty of people to spam arena games 24/7, and therefore my thirst to play was always sated. I also remember that at that time I was 18 and not 24 which meant that I was more easily impressed and excited. I may lack the excitement I had at that stage of the game, but I now have the experience and "wisdom" to gauge the game's performance then and now, which leads me to believe that this expansion has the necessary ingredients to succeed where its predecessors failed.
PS: Just to remind you from a warrior perspective pressure in BC when you had 2 dps skills (whirlwind and ms) meant that you got two crits for 2-2.5k and 3-3.5k (full brutal gear and all bold crimson spinel gems) @15-16k hp pools. You had to wait for deathwish to do kill anything practically (or 25% enrage l0l)
justchecking, on 10 November 2014 - 11:58 PM, said:
Going to blizzcon looking for a fight is like going to the official wow arena forums for pvp advice :)
Renaissance_Man, on 31 July 2013 - 04:31 AM, said:
If I had a gun with two bullets and I was in a room with Hitler, bin Laden, and you, I would shoot you twice.
I just feel that the game is getting boring just cos every new exp blizz gives everyone a lot of new skills... So it makes hard to predict and understand what is going on.
As a druid for example i have like 6 kinds of survival cds. So its hard to predict when it's possible to kill me.
Not cos i'm good, just cos i have a lot of skills to protect myself.
Since everyone have a lot of skill, the gap between good players and average ones is getting smaller. And that is the wrong way to go.
Nice post, 99% of the people i see posting here should learn that, even if the game doesnt seem perfectly balanced to you try to overcome it and see what you can do, then you will realise that the game is more balanced that you think but that you just weren't good enough yet.
Im not saying that the state of the balance of the game is good now or was in s5, just that it is always possible to overcome with good, solid and strong play because all of the people you actually face and loose to aren't good enough to make it impossible(even top players/teams).
And even if its not possible its always better to think like that (by experience it is ALWAYS possible).
Very true. It's like when you get counter picked in League of legends, you shouldn't just give up. You can win by out playing them even if you are at a big disadvantage. I think if more people tried to overcome comps etc, instead of QQing on forums for buffs/nerfs then it would be a lot better for everyone.
@Braindance: the fact that this expansion is "closest to TBC" is actually a horrible thing. Imagine if we all got to play TBC now with how good people are at this game - it would be a disaster much worse than the one we are experiencing now.
Besides it seems you ignore a lot of the context. There was much less instant burst healing in TBC. There were much less abilities that hit for 70% of someones HP. There were much less instant crowd control, and also much less short stuns and lockouts and whatnot. There was barely any hybrid off healing. There were blue mana bars that weren't always blue.
For me personally, what I dislike about this game is pressure being almost irrelevant. I played affliction and unholy because I like trying to outpressure teams and create opportunities to land kills, they took that away.
I do agree though that outside of PvP, the game is great. This is the best PvE tier since Ulduar for sure, zones are awesome, itemization and gear progress is good, and there's shit to do when you're not raiding/pvping. Even dailies are alright once you get past the point where you have to do serpents, klaxxi and golden lotus on the same day (all the other factions are like 3-5 quests).
@Braindance: the fact that this expansion is "closest to TBC" is actually a horrible thing. Imagine if we all got to play TBC now with how good people are at this game - it would be a disaster much worse than the one we are experiencing now.
Besides it seems you ignore a lot of the context. There was much less instant burst healing in TBC. There were much less abilities that hit for 70% of someones HP. There were much less instant crowd control, and also much less short stuns and lockouts and whatnot. There was barely any hybrid off healing. There were blue mana bars that weren't always blue.
For me personally, what I dislike about this game is pressure being almost irrelevant. I played affliction and unholy because I like trying to outpressure teams and create opportunities to land kills, they took that away.
I do agree though that outside of PvP, the game is great. This is the best PvE tier since Ulduar for sure, zones are awesome, itemization and gear progress is good, and there's shit to do when you're not raiding/pvping. Even dailies are alright once you get past the point where you have to do serpents, klaxxi and golden lotus on the same day (all the other factions are like 3-5 quests).
I ignored no context - my main purpose was to provide a comparative assessment between wotlk, cata and mop. Even with its flaws mop is superior.
justchecking, on 10 November 2014 - 11:58 PM, said:
Going to blizzcon looking for a fight is like going to the official wow arena forums for pvp advice :)
Renaissance_Man, on 31 July 2013 - 04:31 AM, said:
If I had a gun with two bullets and I was in a room with Hitler, bin Laden, and you, I would shoot you twice.
I just feel that the game is getting boring just cos every new exp blizz gives everyone a lot of new skills... So it makes hard to predict and understand what is going on.As a druid for example i have like 6 kinds of survival cds. So its hard to predict when it's possible to kill me.
Not cos i'm good, just cos i have a lot of skills to protect myself.
Since everyone have a lot of skill, the gap between good players and average ones is getting smaller. And that is the wrong way to go.
Absolutely agree with that comment. There are too many strong Cds, on short cooldowns, that make it difficult to differentiate between good and bad play. Blizzard over-valued how much "skill" people took from using Cds, when the Cds are easy to execute or on short cooldown.
I'll give an example:
Anyone remember that tourney where the hunt/dk/hpal won? Everyone was fired about about the hpal's play, how he hung on to his bubble till last minute on Dalaran sewers and they beat a counter-comp by outplaying & positioning.
Rdruids now => Someone Looks at me, displacer beast. Next time they look at me or swap, barkskin. Even if I used these 2 abilities stupidly and they baited me to blow them for no reason, if they NOW switch on me I still have ironbark + symbiosis bullshit (iceblock) and don't worry displacer beast is coming right up.
It's slower than both cata and wotlk. Class balance for season #1 in an expansion is far better than any other expansion. The "do no damage but blow cds every two mins and kill" is the superior to bc's "do no damage wait till I get 3 mace stuns, or viper sting the shit out of his mana, or tab dot's till healer is oom after 40 mins, or get kill in the opener or reset". In retrospect, BC had a class balance that was wotlk level; but then again arenas were just implemented and it was something new and exciting. What people recall or refer to as "chess" (either because they don't remember or they haven't tasted it) was just linear gameplay with the same routine repeated every game. Of course it was superior to both wotlk and cata because it was new and fun.
There was a lot less class homogenization in TBC compared to wotlk and Cata. Blue bars existed. I remember enjoying playing war/lock/druid vs RMP b/c the strategy was simple, the war/lock/druid need to survive the CDs and mana bars from the RMP. It came down to execution because both comp knew what they had to do to win.
I feel like the number one problem with this game right now is that it is 100% comp based. Right now if you have equal players playing MLS vs an RMP. There is no hope for RMP. (I'm just using this as an example)
WoW has never felt so imbalanced as it does right now to the point where as soon as you get in the arena and see the other comp. You're thinking, god if i dont have a highlight reel game right now we have no chance to win because of how broken their comp is.
In wotlk and the early seasons of cata, most comps could compete with most comps if they were played extremely well.
It just feels like there's almost no way to outplay the imbalance of the game because of how imbalanced it is. Even In S5 with DKs and Pallies being god mode 2v2, there were still plenty of mage rogue or priest rogue team or warrior pally or w/e that could still manage to compete, and compete for rank 1 not just glad.
One of the BIGGEST problems in this game is the amount of "get out of jail free" abilities that certain classes have.
Disclaimer: I am not saying that classes dont need this, I am saying that all these things allow players to play worse and still win because they are able to not care about positioning as much / saving cds / preemptively guessing a swap.
Examples:
Dks: IBF while stunned and that random trinket thing that I dont even know what it is.
Hunters: two deterrence (you used to have to spec survival to get prep, so you didnt do as much dmg)
Mages: Jesus christ where to begin, Alter time, absolutely retarded, never needed in the game. Ice barrier on a 24 second cd absorbs 100k dmg, DF not on the global so you cant even dispel a nova, PRESENCE OF MIND? ROFL?(on crack when they thought all mages needed this). Cold snap heals you now. can be used while stunned silenced locked out, in your own iceblock. The amount of dmg mages do with only having to cast one spell. You can 100-0 anyone(other than godmode shaman) with dps trinket icy veins, frostbomb, DF, frostorb, lance lance lance, FFB.
Priests: Although disc is garbage compared to other healers atm due to survive and not being able to spam shaman god cds, they have psyfiend which is like a free fear w/o losing good positioning which is op as fuck. Shadow has disperse which you can use while locked out, completely lowers skill cap of class.
Shamans: Not even worth going into detail, this class as a whole has been unstoppable since season 9 and hopefully the totem change fucks them in the asshole. The sad part is, Shamans used to have the highest skill cap of any healer in BC and Wotlk.
Warlock: Blood fear is pretty dumb, oh also the fact that warlocks dont even cast anymore in arena. Hellfire radius and Rain of fire spam. Just overall skillcap being lowered so much that even the lowliest of retards can play this class competently. The Portal that everyone can jump through....cuz they needed that. Fear NEVER breaks on dmg. Thanks snutz.
Rogues: This expack kind of took everything away from rogues, but cata was fucking awful Rogues were so fucking easy to play, never died, cds out the ass to live and kite, and you could get away with having terrible positioning cuz of recoup. The vanish change obviously lowered the skillcap of rogues, but now since every class has like 7 abilties to break stealth in cata/mop it would have been near impossible to get a clean vanish like wotlk/bc.
Warriors: Rofl a retarded monkey could play this class to rank 1 pre 5.1. spell reflect requires no rage, no shield...Pummel and heroic throw silence...rofl...2 charges or a 3 second charge that doesnt dr with shockwave(=more stun duration that a rogue and can be done every 20 seconds) 1 minute aoe fear that rarely breaks on dmg (used to break if you coughed on the feared target, which is how it should be, its a CC, not a stun.) Second wind...troll. Obviously the amount of dmg is sickening. Intervene out of roots...no.
Pally: the amount of healing this class can do in 1 global w/o casting is downright retarded. Not too mention the amount of cc they can now put it, and it can rarely be avoided.
There was a lot less class homogenization in TBC compared to wotlk and Cata. Blue bars existed. I remember enjoying playing war/lock/druid vs RMP b/c the strategy was simple, the war/lock/druid need to survive the CDs and mana bars from the RMP. It came down to execution because both comp knew what they had to do to win.
Just to give you a glimpse of how much I hated wotlk and cata and their leveling I stayed in Outland up to lvl 74 avoiding Northrend altogether. But when I reached Pandaria it was a totally different story - indeed the quest routine is the same (kill x, gather y etc) BUT with the major difference of the ambience and the storyline.
I have also been playing too long, and exactly because of that I have witnessed all the stages of the game and its evolution. It is my experience that makes me full-heartedly believe that this will be a great expansion. I lucidly remember the good times I had in BC but I now realize that I had a good time not because the game was balanced (it was far from balanced), but because I worked to get good looking gear and there were plenty of people to spam arena games 24/7, and therefore my thirst to play was always sated. I also remember that at that time I was 18 and not 24 which meant that I was more easily impressed and excited. I may lack the excitement I had at that stage of the game, but I now have the experience and "wisdom" to gauge the game's performance then and now, which leads me to believe that this expansion has the necessary ingredients to succeed where its predecessors failed.
PS: Just to remind you from a warrior perspective pressure in BC when you had 2 dps skills (whirlwind and ms) meant that you got two crits for 2-2.5k and 3-3.5k (full brutal gear and all bold crimson spinel gems) @15-16k hp pools. You had to wait for deathwish to do kill anything practically (or 25% enrage l0l)
just gonna agree to disagree on the whole "feel" of this expansion vs the others. it's just a really subjective thing anyway.
in my opinion, if they were to bring more of a focus to the 2v2 bracket back into the game it would be much more fun on a consistent basis. much like skirmishes, the 2's bracket being fun allowed people to just log on and have fun almost all the time. now the focus has shifted to 3's, which can at times be difficult to have people all on at the same time for. gradually, even the focus on 3's is being shifted to RBGs at least from blizzard's perspective. "2's isnt balanced." of course it is not, and neither is 3's. it's just that the more people that are in the arena the less noticeable classes balance issues are and the easier they are to overcome.
IIRC health pools were around 10-12k. tho warriors could often reach higher. i played a rogue and warrior in TBC(warrior in s3/4). you didn't need deathwish to kill people, unless you wanted to kill them right out of the gates when both teams had full cds. at that time, however, the game was more about the opposing healer's mana OR reflecting a cyclone/shatter/poly etc. it wasn't the best system, having extremely long drink-fest games, but in my opinion it was much better than "pump dmg with cds or you cant kill anything" mentality that it is right now. | {
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Ummm..... lo fucking l. I'm pretty sure Zac Efron and his abs can rest at ease. Rob's abs are airbrushed on, you can tell from how pudgy his sides and back are in the other shots. God love him with his pasty flabby British body, but Rob is no competition on muscle tone with Zac. And I don't think he really cares to be.
Ok seriously my computer is going into overload due to all of these pictures! Oh wait.. maybe I am going into overload... in the words of Depeche Mode... 'I just can't get enough'!! I wonder what the qualifications are to be the person holding onto Rob in the background in some of the previous shots. Because I would like to apply. I won't ask for much money.. in fact would probably get fired the first 5 mins due to inappropriate groping.
the abs are airbrused, for sure. But besides the point is beautiful to look at and is much better looking than Zac. He does look a little old for 17 though, they better spit those other movies back to back. He will be 25 in the last one.
Those abs are definately air brushed, at least to some extent. But the chest, arms, belly...definately not air brushed! Imo they didn't need to air brush the abs, he'd even look better without it I think, but I guess Edward needs to have a six pack.
That's him he has been working out. They took pictures from every angle. Some people are such A@@@@. They all have been working really hard and this is the thanks he gets. Chris said they were working out every morning. You can tell it's all him, if they would have air brush you couldn't see from every angle including the back,plus I'm sure they would have made them deeper. Rob you look wonderful and I can't wait for the movie.
Oh, some silly people were saying the wolf packs abs were sprayed on. Do you think that too. Look again it is all him, maybe he'll take his shirt off Sunday. I saw about 60 pictures from every angle and it is him.
I just received twitter notes from extra's who are in Italy and they said Rob's six pack is real! I also saw 204 pictures of this scene. Are we going to have him take his shirt off at the MTV awards, is someone going to ask him Reporters are you listening, Access Hollywood. | {
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There have been 39 warnings from 8 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union warning that anti-anxiety drugs cause harmful side effects. These include the following (note that some warnings cite more than one side effect, so the list below may not be equal to the total number of warnings):
1 warning on anti-anxiety drugs causing death or increased risk of death
1 warning on anti-anxiety drugs causing hostility or aggression
1 warning on anti-anxiety drugs causing liver problems
1 warning on anti-anxiety drugs causing newborn complications
1 warning on anti-anxiety drugs causing risk of falls
1 warning on anti-anxiety drugs causing risk of fractures
Anti-anxiety Drug Studies:
There are 79 studies from 19 countries (Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States) showing that anti-anxiety drugs cause harmful side effects. These include the following (note that some studies cite more than one side effect, so the list below may not be equal to the total number of studies):
13 studies on anti-anxiety drugs causing death or increased risk of death
Anti-anxiety Drug Side Effects Reported to the FDA: There have been 35,110 Adverse Drug Reactions in connection with anti-anxiety drugs that have been reported to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (MedWatch), between 2004 and 2012.
The FDA estimates that less than 1% of all serious events are ever reported to it, so the actual number of side effects occurring are most certainly higher. | {
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Fresh Eyes
For a limited time, every Fresh Eyes service will include a free social media setup package for your business. *
Does your business have problems that the employees and managers haven’t even noticed? Problems that even you as the owner may no longer notice? You might be surprised.
If you drop a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will of course frantically try to clamber out. But if you place it gently in a pot of tepid water and turn the heat on low, it will float there quite placidly. As the water gradually heats up, the frog will sink into a tranquil stupor, exactly like one of us in a hot bath, and before long, with a smile on its face, it will unresistingly allow itself to be boiled to death. – Daniel Quinn‘s The Story of B
As a manager, I often noticed that I was significantly better at spotting even minor problems in my colleagues locations than my own and better still walking into a location for the first time. As your managers walk through their business focused on putting out that day’s fires, problems build unnoticed in their peripheral vision. Each incremental change is too little to notice with everything else happening. As the little changes build to medium or larger problems, their brains accustom themselves gradually.
Even minor problems jump out at customers and potential customers who may simply leave and never return without saying a word. Let those problems gradually accumulate, as so easily happens, and you may find yourself driving your customer base to your competitors.
Building and equipment problems can cost you more than just sales. The best employees often have a wide choice of places to work. Potential employees may interview with competitors and the competitors may even solicit your best employees. Employees want to work in an environment they can be proud of when dealing with customers, where they can work efficiently and where they feel safe.
My Fresh Eyes service will give you a written and photographic view from the customers perspective to use for correcting problems, training and development. It is not intended to be a “gotcha” program to punish managers and employees. It is intended to give you and them the help you need to correct problems to which you’ve gradually become accustomed, but which might be costing you business.
The basic service involves a two hour on site inspection of the customer facing areas of your business. This will include a written evaluation of problem points, along with high resolution photos of each visible problem. Additionally, while present, I will observe staff behavior and make written suggestions for improving service.
I can extend this service to production and storage areas, beyond customer view. Since these areas are probably seen by vendors, potential employees and other people, this can be valuable as well. A poorly organized, cleaned or maintained production area may also turn off the best potential employees and current employees.
If you are interested in a quote or for more information contact me:
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Free social media package includes setup of a WordPress.com account, Twitter account, Facebook Page and one LinkedIn account for an owner or manager. The package will be set to automatically broadcast posts to the WordPress account across all four platforms. I will provide instructions in how to make basic posts. I will integrate your existing logos and graphics into the Twitter profile page, Facebook Page and WordPress account.
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About Customer Service Advisors, LLC
About Customer Experience Advisors, LLC
Customer Experience Advisors, LLC, are fanatical about helping local small business maximize return on investment by leveraging their advantages while learning everything they can from the examples of large corporations.
Past clients have included Fortune 500 companies, major regional and money center banks, luxury auto manufacturers and major oil companies. | {
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Biobutanol - The Other White Meat
David Ramey is no chicken. Once he decided butanol could benefit from a decent advertising campaign, he flew the coop (A.K.A. Blacklick, Ohio) in the summer of 2005 and drove his unmodified 1992 Buick across America fueled by 100% butanol. Like pork is to chicken, butanol is to ethanol. Its virtues are overshadowed by the rising star of the E85 ethanol juggernaut. So in good conscience, we can refer to butanol as "the other white meat". Calls hawking the myriad benefits of butanol have heretofore been drowned out by the thunder of the corn lobby and the politically expedient clamor for ethanol production as an "alternative fuel" to increase our country's energy independence. But the times they may be a'changin' and Ramey's trip might just be the Paul Revere wake-up ride for a new alternative fuel invasion.
"This demonstration-test-drive was the culmination of my work to demonstrate to my colleagues that butanol definitely works as a superior alternative fuel to ethanol," Ramey told AutoblogGreen. But we need to face facts: Butanol is the toe-headed stepchild of the alternative fuel family. But spend more than one minute with Ramey and he'll have you wondering why we aren't jumping on the butanol bandwagon with all guns blazing
After six years of work on a grant from the Deptartment of Energy, he developed an economical method of making butanol by a fermentation process using corn, biomass or cheese whey. Can you say "Little Miss Muffett"? The conventional fermentation process for making biobutanol yields a number of products as well as butanol: acetic, lactic and propionic acids, acetone, isopropanol and ethanol production. Ramey's fermentation only produces hydrogen, butyric acid, butanol and carbon dioxide, and nearly doubles the butanol yield from a bushel of corn from 1.3 to 2.5 gallons per bushel - equivalent to corn ethanol's fermentative yield, but with higher heat content and hydrogen as a co-product. According to Ramey, his butanol production process yields about 42 percent more energy from a given amount of feedstock than existing ethanol production methods. Sounds promising, no? True geeks may enjoy perusing Dave's co-authored paper entitled "Effects of Butyrate Uptake and Long-term Stability of a Fibrous Bed Bioreactor on Continuous ABE Fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum" by Wei-Cho Huang, David E. Ramey, Shang-Tian Yang.
So what's the deal with butanol and why is it playing second fiddle to its ethanol cousin? Butanol serves up a big buffet of benefits. Let's step up to the table and see what's on the menu.
Butanol 101
What is butanol anyhow? Butanol is also called butyl alcohol (and is named biobutanol when produced biologically), is an alcohol with a 4-carbon structure and the molecular formula of C4 H10 O. It can be produced from petroleum or from biomass. Of course, it's the biomass variety that's of keen interest to AutoblogGreen readers and to this author as well. Butanol is primarily used as a solvent, as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, and as a fuel. It has double the carbon amount of ethanol, which equates to a 25 percent increase in harvestable energy (BTUs). Loosely translated, this means you get energy in the form of butanol plus energy in the form of hydrogen from the fermentation involved in producing biobutanol. The fermentation can use corn, corn byproducts, grass, leaves, agricultural waste and other biomass.
Butanol can be blended with traditional unleaded gasoline just like ethanol, but it goes one step better than its ethanol cousin insofar as it can be combined with gasoline in larger concentrations than those of ethanol-gasoline blends. Butanol can also be blended with ethanol itself to reduce ethanol's evaporation rate. In addition, E85 (15 percent unleaded gasoline and 85 percent ethanol by volume) requires upgrades to the fuel system due to the corrosive nature of ethanol. Butanol can be used undiluted as a vehicle fuel without changing the components of the gasoline vehicle. (Note: some modifications such as increasing the amount of fuel injected will optimize engine performance when running on butanol, but modifications are not required to run successfully on butanol - Ramey's Buick was not modified for the cross-country trip.) What about diesels? Sorry diesel fans. Butanol's a non-starter as a diesel fuel.
Butanol yields an impressive 104,800 BTU/gallon far surpassing the meager 84,250 BTU/gallon of ethanol. Gasoline contains about 121,000 BTUs/gallon. This means the butanol in your Otto cycle internal combustion engine will yield fuel consumption close to that of gasoline. E85 increases fuel consumption by about 10 percent or more. The net energy released per air fuel ratio is higher for butanol than that of gasoline.
Butanol burns as clean or cleaner than E85. During Mr. Ramey's 2005 cross-country trip, butanol surpassed all the minimum emission standards in 10 states at the emission testing stations where he stopped. Test results in the 10 states duplicated the results at the Ohio EPA, Springfield test facility. With over 60,000 miles on his Buick, butanol reduced hydrocarbons emissions by 95 percent, carbon Monoxide to 0.0 percent, and nitrogen oxides by 37 percent.
Butanol is less corrosive and evaporates slower than ethanol. It has a Reid Value of 0.33 psi, which is a measure of a fluid's rate of evaporation. Gasoline's is 4.5 psi and ethanol's 2.0 psi. Unlike ethanol and hydrogen, it can take advantage of existing fuel distribution infrastructure. It does not have to be stored in high pressure vessels like natural gas, and can be (but does not have to be) blended (10 to 100 percent) with any fossil fuel. Butanol can also be transported through existing pipelines for distribution since it is less corrosive than ethanol and is less susceptible to separation in the presence of water. Butanol can help solve the hydrogen distribution infrastructure problems faced with fuel cell development. The employment of fuel-cell technology is held up by the safety issues associated with hydrogen distribution, but butanol can be very easily reformed for its hydrogen content and can be distributed through existing gas stations in the purity required for either fuel cells or vehicles.
History of Butanol
Production of industrial butanol and acetone via fermentation, using a bacterium called Clostridia acetobutylicum, started in 1916, during World War I. Chime Wizemann, a student of Louis Pasture, isolated the microbe that made acetone. England approached the young microbiologist and asked for the rights to make acetone for cordite. Up until the 1920s acetone was the product sought, but for every pound of acetone fermented, two pounds of butanol were formed. A growing automotive paint industry turned the market around and by 1927 butanol was the sought after primary product and acetone was bumped to byproduct status.
The production of butanol by fermentation declined from the 1940s through the 1950s because the price of petrochemicals dropped below that of starch and sugar substrates such as corn and molasses. The labor intensive of batch fermentation system's overhead combined with the low yields contributed to butanol falling out of favor. Fermentation-derived acetone and butanol production all but ceased in the late 1950s.
In the 1970s the primary focus for alternative fuels was on ethanol. People were familiar with its production and did not realize that removing water (a very energy-consuming step) was necessary in order to blend it with fossil fuels. Not much consideration was given to the difficulty of distribution; ethanol cannot be transferred through the existing pipeline infrastructure. The market preference for ethanol, a lower-grade, corrosive, hard-to-purify, dangerously explosive, and very evaporative alcohol is the result. Ethanol is still subsidized by the government, and without subsidies it is more expensive than gasoline. Over the past 30 years, despite subsidies, the very energy-intensive ethanol production has not solved our fuel, power or clean-air requirements.
Biobutanol Bumps in the Road
OK, biobutanol sounds good. It could be used in gasoline-electric hybrids for an environmental one-two punch. It won't do a thing for diesels. Currently no production vehicle is known to be approved by the manufacturer for use with 100 percent butanol. So we'll have to get the lawyers on board. The current party line reads something like this: "The use of butanol in a vehicle which is not approved for this is not recommended as it may cause damage to the vehicle."
If you want to split hairs, using biobutanol as a substitute for gasoline requires fuel-flow increases to match the combustion characteristics of gasoline. Another minor annoyance is that biobutanol may cause erroneous gas gauge readings in vehicles with capacitance fuel level gauging. The viscosity of biobutanol is much higher than for gasoline or ethanol, which could have negative effects on the fuel system. Biobutanol's viscosity is 3.64 centistrokes vs. 0.4-0.8 centistrokes for gasoline. Water is 1.0 centistrokes in comparison.
Cost is the real speed bump. Current prices for traditionally produced butanol (from petroleum) are about $3.50/gallon and up. Similar to its cousin, ethanol, biobutanol is a killer product in search of a killer price. Breakthrough production processes like David Ramey's may be just what the fiscal doctor ordered.
The Future
The tide may indeed be turning in biobutanol's favor. Two industrial heavyweights, Dupont and British Petroleum announced in June of 2006 they had joined forces to produce biobutanol from sugar beets. The first phase of the DuPont-BP venture consists of using existing technology to convert sugar beets into 30,000 tons, or 9 million gallons, of biobutanol annually at British Sugar's facility in Wissington, England, east of Cambridge. Check out the details here.
"We believe the time is right for this science and we can help grow the market for biofuel," said DuPont chairman and chief executive officer Charles Holliday. "By getting it out in the pump, letting consumers buy it ... I think that will help government get behind it," Holliday said.
The second phase of the venture involves developing a genetically-modified microbe, or "ultimate bug," as the catalyst for new technology to significantly improve the conversion ratio in processing feedstocks into biobutanol, boosting fuel yield and concentration. DuPont said it hopes to have the "generation 2" biocatalyst ready by 2010, but that there currently are no plans for a production facility in the U.S.
"We believe the opportune time to introduce this into the U.S. would be when the Gen 2 organism is available," DuPont chief innovation officer Thomas Connelly.
"Transportation is an important area to address since it accounts for around 20 percent of global emissions, and in the short- to medium-term, increased blending of bio-components represents one of the few real options for progress in this area on a global scale," said BP chief executive officer Lord Browne.
Praise that Lord and pass the biobutanol. Bring it on I say. The Dupont/BP timetable calls for biobutanol to be marketed in the UK sometime in 2007. For advocates like David Ramey, commercial scale biobutanol can't come to the U.S. soon enough.
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Anonymous
Anonymous
7 Years Ago
the article is really a nice treat for us as we are working on gasoline and its blend with butanol and propanol.we are also going to check for the emoission values for this fuel.
it would be nice if you can share your emission and performance result with us,so that we can have a control results to compare to.
Anonymous
Anonymous
8 Years Ago
Biobutanol is a very attractive alternative that has not had the advocacy the ethanol has received, in part, at least, because commerical alcohol makers have been concentrated on ethanol, and succeeded in bringing "big agriculture" into the lobbying efforts, along with the political clout of American farm lobby.
If you found this article interesting (as I did) you might also be interested in another article (and my comment on it) at
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/06/22/dupont-bp-ready-advanced-biofuels-like-biobutanol/ (sorry, I mistyped Richard Branson's name in my comment).
For that matter, you might also want to check in on my online columns at
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewByAuthor.asp?authorID=1059 from time to time. I don't stick strickly to "green energy" although that is a main concern and focus, but I do include biomass, biodiesel, cellulosic conversion and similar discussions as a principle theme most of the time.
Branson's "faith" in biobutanol and his commitment to "green" up his transportation businesses (which include airlines, and rail) suggests that there is a strong future for this alternative fuel.
Good luck, Sir Richard !
Anonymous
Anonymous
8 Years Ago
With butyric acid as a fermentation byproduct, I would not want to be a downwind neighbor. Butyric acid is what causes the foul odor of rancid butter (never smelled this, well phew!); bases on BTU content alone, expect a 13% reduction in mpg compared to gasoline; and your RVP numbers are wrong for gasoline--about 7-10psi during summer and 11+ psi in winter. While EtOH has low RVP by itself, when added to gasoline, the total RVP goes up 1-2 psi, which is a problem making summer gasohol and meeting EPA's RVP requirements; this problem causes refiners to remove about 3% of their petroleum hydrocarbons from their summer gasoline blendstock to make gasohol
Anonymous
8 Years Ago
This article is inncorrect in it's statement that Butanol is no good for diesel use. If fact it is better for use in diesels, and blends can accommodate a higher % of butanol than other biofuel additives. | {
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UNRIC Library Newsletter - April 2013
New Websites within the UN System
UN in General
Building a Better Future for All: Selected Speeches of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon 2007-2012http://issuu.com/unpublications/docs/9789210559959_issuuThe United Nations works across the world for peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law. This collection of speeches by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shows the breadth of those efforts – advances and struggles alike – at a time of profound transition for the human family. Since taking office in 2007, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has sought to mobilize the international community behind global solutions to urgent challenges ranging from climate change and poverty to armed conflict and the spread of deadly weapons. The goal: dignity, freedom and opportunity for all.
The Global Conversation Beginshttp://www.worldwewant2015.org/the-global-conversation-beginshttp://www.worldwewant2015.org/file/329346/download/357813The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) launched its new report, ‘The Global Conversation Begins’. The report provides a snap shot of the emerging narrative from over 80 national and 11 thematic consultations on the post-2015 development agenda. Preliminary findings from the global conversation will be presented to the Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda at their next meeting in Bali, Indonesia from 25-27 March.
Pressing for Freedom: 20 Years of World Press Freedom Day (UNESCO)http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002205/220525E.pdfOn 3 May 2013 UNESCO celebrates the twentieth year of World Press Freedom Day. The Publication provides an overview of the trajectory of the Day beginning with its foundational years, leading to the period of consolidation where international civil society of press freedom had begun to coalesce, and finally it takes a look into the big issues and challenges that are likely to face press freedom in the future.
'UN Peacemaker’ - re-launch of the online mediation support toolhttp://peacemaker.un.orgUN Peacemaker – developed by the UN Department of Political Affairs - offers key tools and resources to support mediators and their teams in managing peace processes and negotiating peace agreements, including:• A comprehensive database of more than 750 peace agreements. • Guidance documents on mediation, such as the ‘UN Guidance for Effective Mediation’. • Information on UN mediation support activities and services. • A library of selected resources on mediation issues. • Upcoming video-interviews with mediation experts. You can also register to receive 'UN Peacemaker' updates and reports with the mediation support activities of the Department of Political Affairs' Mediation Support Unit.
Economic & Social Development
2013 Human Development Report: The Rise of the South: Human Progress in a Diverse World (UNDP)Report & Summary in English, French & Spanish:http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/hdr/human-development-report-2013/The 2013 Human Development Report examines the profound shift in global dynamics driven by the fast-rising new powers of the developing world and its long-term implications for human development. The Report identifies more than 40 countries in the developing world that have done better than had been expected in human development terms in recent decades, with their progress accelerating markedly over the past ten years. The Report analyzes the causes and consequences of these countries' achievements and the challenges that they face today and in the coming decades.
The Least Developed Countries Report 2012: Harnessing Remittances and Diaspora Knowledge to Build Productive Capacities (UNCTAD)English, French & Spanish:http://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspx?publicationid=249 (select “Downloads”)The report addresses the issues of remittance flows to LDCs and the potential role of diasporas in LDCs’ development. It argues that with the right policies and international support, LDCs could enhance the benefits from remittances and the knowledge and know-how accumulated in their diasporas. Using evidence and policy lessons from other countries, the report shows how LDCs could better harness remittances and diaspora knowledge to build their productive capacities.
Population Division – redesigned websitehttp://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/The redesigned website of the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division was launched on 20 March 2013. It includes news, events and exciting features, through which both existing users and new visitors can gain a greater understanding of the Division’s activities and achievements.
Human Rights
Commission on the Status of Women, Fifty-seventh session, 4 – 15 March 2013 “The elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls : draft agreed conclusions” (E/CN.6/2013/L.5)English, French & Spanish:http://undocs.org/E/CN.6/2013/L.5The outcome of the Commission’s consideration of the priority theme takes the form of agreed conclusions, negotiated by all States.
Humanitarian Affairs
Humanitarian Kiosk (OCHA)http://kiosk.humanitarianresponse.info/Get the latest information on humanitarian crises around the world, including maps, infographics and reports, available to download via the new United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Humanitarian Kiosk iOS app.
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Social Media
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities. | {
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Difference Between Tawatur And Khabr-e Wahid
Question
One of my friends claims that the distinction between mutawatir and ahad (individual-to-individual, isolated) hadith and historical reports was introduced by a certain "Bish bin Ghiyath". He was one of the experts of kalaam (scholastic theology). He was even considered as kafir. In other words, the source of the mutawaatir vs. ahaad distinction was people of bid'ah (innovation). It has been claimed that Imam Thahabi held this in Siyar A'lam Al-Nubala'. Please comment.
Answer
By Tariq Mahmood Hashmi
This view attacks a fact on the basis that it was first discovered and introduced by an innovator. Even if we take this claim to be true that the distinction was first highlighted was by a certain innovator we have to see the claim in its own right. Those who consider that tawatur is established and absolutely authentic source of historical transfer of knowledge do not base their view on that this or that innovator introduced the idea. Rather they find it absolutely and conclusively convincing. It is a fact that every rational mind understands and acknowledges.
This distinction is clear to and is acknowledged by all the people in the world working in the field of history. In Islam also all the scholars profess and acknowledge this fact.
Take any fiqh work, read any authentic treatise on usool-e ḥadīth (science of hadith criticism), consult any mutakallim and historian you would find this principle ubiquitous. From Al-Radd Alaa Siyar al-Awzai by Imam Muhammad to al-Risalah of Imam Shafi'i all would cling to this. You will also find that the distinction is not based on any religious argument but on established rational facts.
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Category Archives: ridiculous
A while back I was blogging once a month about things I find ridiculous. And let me tell you, I find LOTS of things ridiculous. So I had to give the posts different titles. After all, I couldn’t exactly title them all, Don’t Be Ridiculous. Well, I guess I could. But I didn’t. (Click on the title to read that posting.)
Now don’t get me wrong. You may think I’m shamelessly promoting those past postings, urging you through not-so-subliminal suggestions to click away, thereby increasing my readership. How dare you think that! Would I do that to you? Well friends, as a matter of fact, yes.
And here I thought one of the perks of getting older is that wisdom piles on you like a football player under a group tackle. Seems you simply know stuff; it comes with the territory. But apparently that’s not how it works because I’m 62 and still often baffled.
For instance, I don’t get it when someone says, “I know that road like the back of my hand.“ Obviously that person is referring to a familiarity with the road. But I ask you, how well do you really know the back of your hand? I, for one, couldn’t pick mine out of a lineup.
Just looks like an old hand to me
Why are razor blades pricey? They’re like buying gold. What’s the justification? Is stainless steel in short supply? I imagine people frequently steal them. Here’s a thought: lower the price to let’s say, the cost of silver, and they might not get nabbed as often.
I want to scream. I’m talking the kind of scream where I throw myself on the ground like a 5-year-old having a tantrum, legs kicking wildly, arms flailing, red faced and near tears. THAT kind of scream.
So what could cause me, a normally even-tempered, happy-go-lucky gal to feel this way? Two words…a dishwasher. God help me (and everyone around me) if another of my appliances bites the dust. I’m at the point with this Bosch dishwasher that I’d throw it through a window if I could lift it. Which I can’t. So I won’t. Continue reading →
Now, that may not seem like a big deal to you and to be honest, it didn’t to me either. But this week I discovered I couldn’t have been more wrong. Little did I know what was in store simply renewing my passport book. And how silly of me to think it would be easy.
I’m planning to visit Greece in May when my nonprofit goes to Mykonos to help sterilize the multitudes of unaltered cats and dogs on the island. So when I noticed my passport had expired, I thought I’d just print out the proper forms and mail them to the Passport Processing Center. Sounds easy, right?
I haven’t written a ridiculous post in over a month so I think I’m due, don’t you? Now don’t get me wrong; I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that many of my blog posts are ridiculous. What I mean is, I sometimes list the little things in life that I find annoying or absurd. And I always have plenty of material, let me tell ya.
Anyway, let’s get right to it, shall we? I’m literally writing this at the 11th hour this weekend and if I plan to get any shut-eye tonight, I better wrap up this ridiculousness.
That’s Ridiculous #1
This morning I forgot the name of my dog, Callie. For about 10 seconds there, I was drawing a complete blank. I stared into her eyes and…nothing. Absolutely nothing. | {
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} |
Don’t Divorce Before You&hellip
— December 31, 2012
Self-Evaluate
You cannot realistically start criticising someone else for the breakdown of the relationship before you have looked at yourself. There is no need to be too self-deprecating but really think about whether you are to blame for some things that you may have laid blame on your partner for. Also really think to yourself if you have been the best husband or wife that you can be and whether you can make changes to address this.
Stop Fantasising
It’s time to let go of any idea that you might be clinging on to that you are going to leave your current partner and walk straight into the arms of the man or woman of your dreams. It just doesn’t happen like that. Instead, try and find those attributes you desire in your current partner. The chances are that they are there but you are seeing them in a different way because you have been together for so long. Also think about how you would feel if your partner was to find someone else; if you can’t imagine yourself being ok with that then there are obviously still feeling there. | {
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Imagine Jewelry is an innovative Wisconsin enterprise that brings together designers and craftspeople to produce one-of-a-kind wearable works of art, helping local artisans support economically sustainable lives. | {
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In the tradition of African Griots, Sundiata presents a moving dramatic tale of Mkeke, a little girl who loves to sing. She is kidnapped by an evil Gimli who traps her in his drum. He travels from village to village getting food and treasures from the people who want to hear his magical singing drum.
When her father finds out that his daughter has been captured by the evil Gimli, he faces him in a desperate battle to rescue her. The story is a rendition of an old African tale that has been presented in many versions. | {
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} |
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Land a great job in 2017 with this powerful combination
It’s 2017. Time to stop complaining about your current job (or your lack of one) and put your skills to work in finding a great new career opportunity. If you’re early on in your career, then you likely know about all of the incredible resources out there including LinkedIn job search, online job search portals like Indeed and great technology like video resume builders.
But while all of these resources and technologies are amazing, it’s critical to bring these together with some of those other skills that we so often ignore or forget about because the fun tools seem so cool and will really help us stand out…right?
Wrong. Although we are part of the millennial generation with so many resources to market ourselves, the tried and true approaches are really where we can differentiate ourselves and trump the stereotype of the “lazy Millennial.” We need to network with others, shake hands and introduce ourselves; we need to have face-to-face interactions to really put ourselves out there and showcase what we can bring to the table.
The true value of showcasing your interpersonal skills. The reality is that companies need employees who are not only tech savvy but they need to know that we can work with and across departments to “sell” our ideas and gain consensus when needed. While somewhat dependent upon individual roles, most valuable employees have the ability to work hard as individuals but also as part of a team, often navigating challenging situations. If you don’t exhibit these skills as part of the interview process, then how will potential employers know what you’re capable of?
Pay attention to the little things. We all know that there are little things that we can do that require minor effort but which speak volumes about who we are. These are actions such as:
Being a few minutes early for your meetings.
Presenting a good attitude.
Listening attentively while others are speaking.
Yes, they seem so basic but I’m always amazed at how people forget to pay attention, don’t take advantage of face time and fail to pay attention to what’s going on in the moment. Don’t worry…those texts, emails, and Instagram posts will be there once you’re done.
Skipping steps is not the answer. Our world moves so quickly these days and we have everything at our fingertips; Uber rides, banking apps, texting…the list is endless. And because of this speed and our enthusiasm for making a difference in our careers and for our employers, we sometimes forget that not everything can be “fast-tracked.” Realistically, there is no substitute for experience and we have to put in the work to ensure we make an impact. But the great news is that we can differentiate ourselves by pairing this experience with great tools and our creativity. We simply cannot skip a bunch of steps; the old school approach isn’t always old school; it’s just about taking the time to work hard and learn how to be the best professionals we can be. Prove yourself and take advantage of the tools at your disposal and you will have a powerful impact on your world.
Work in the direction of the job that you want. When searching for your new job, remember that it’s not just the position you’re evaluating but also the kind of company you’re looking to be a part of. Company culture is critical. Realistically, you’re going to learn what you need to do to perform your job and make an impact for the business but the real difference is the workplace environment. For many of us, particularly within the millennial generation, we want to work with people of a similar mindset. For me, for example, my focus at Eliassen Group is solely on becoming a better recruiter because my colleagues and company leaders inspire me to learn and become better at “my craft” every day. And a large part of this is based upon my ability to interact with my team and the candidates and clients that I support.
Practice, practice, practice. This goes along with the “no skipping steps” advice. If you’re not a chatty, outgoing person and are concerned that your interpersonal skills could use some improvement, then get out there and network. Attend events, meetups, cocktail parties, conferences, etc. There are so many opportunities to get out there and practice face-to-face. Set a goal this year to attend one event per month and then get out there…and not with your best friend. Sometimes we have to endure a little bit of discomfort to attain our goals so make a plan and stick to it.
When we combine these interpersonal skills with powerful technology tools, the sky’s the limit!
Are you seeking a new opportunity but you need some help figuring out a plan? We are happy to help! Reach out to us at [email protected] or by phone at: 800.354.2773.
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"I sincerely appreciate Eliassen's continued support, never-give-up attitude, high professional ethics, perseverance, follow up and care." | {
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App Introduction Screen Design
In This Post We Are Going To Learn How To Design Intro Slider To Your App . Welcome / Intro Screens In Your App Is A Great Way Of Showcasing The Major Features Of The App. Intro Slider UI Designs Inspiration With 5 Screen. | {
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New Hanover’s Denton runs his way to Mideastern Conference Player of the Year
After placing second in the state in the boys 800 meter run this spring at the 4A state championships in Greensboro, senior standout Jackson Denton was selected as Mideastern Conference Player of the Year following a vote by the league’s seven coaches.
New Hanover sent three hurdlers to this year’s state meet. Photo courtesy John Crouch.
Denton, who’s headed to University of North Carolina next fall to continue his athletic career, also teamed up with Henry Kunz, Will Parker and Shaffer Lisle for a sixth-place finish at the state meet and garnered first-team all-conference accolades in the 4X800 relay event.
Other notable first-team honors included Ben Schmidt in the 3,200 meter run. Schmidt is headed to Queens University in Charlotte to run and recently received a $1,000 scholarship as a result of his success thanks to the Wilmington Road Runners Club. Schmidt placed 10th in the 3,200 at state’s and also competed in the 4X800 relay.
Tyreek Carr, a two-event athlete in the 110 and 300 hurdles for New Hanover, qualified for the state meet, along with Mykol Branch (Laney), Russell Corbett (Ashley) and Tyree Gathright (Ashley).
Branch placed sixth in the high jump. Corbett took third in the shot put and Gathright, who set the school record in the high jump, finished eighth.
New Hanover and Ashley had athletes take first-team honors in 12 events, followed by two for Laney, Allen Frye of South Brunswick in the 200 meter and West Brunswick’s Xavier Gause in long jump. | {
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jswdk problem
I downloaded jswdk but unable to start it using startserver.bat The error displayed is Out of environment space using classpath: I have one more thing to ask. How to run jsp files using jswdk. I am new to jsp.Please help. Thanks in advance. Shanthala
This usually occurs because you have just clicked on the ".bat" file, and Windows has not allocated it enough memory. Set more memory using the DOS Prompt properties for that batch file and you should be all right. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
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The Monoliths Next Door
Sachem's Head, Conn. - IT began with a one-liner, a throwaway, a joke: how would you get Stonehenge past a zoning board?
Jonathan Rothberg, a scientist who has developed, among other things, an efficient way to sequence the human genome using fireflies and a microchip, posed that question after his plans for a zinc-clad observatory designed by Cesar Pelli were swatted down following a local zoning hearing for, among other reasons, not looking sufficiently colonial.
One September morning Dr. Rothberg, 42, was standing inside the most striking result of that painful hearing: his own personal Stonehenge, made of massive Norwegian granite slabs planted on 11 acres overlooking Long Island Sound. The stones, all 700 tons of them, glinted in the sun, their blue-black faces polished as smooth as glass and embellished with nooks and crannies by their sculptor, Darrell Petit, so that each was as distinct as a fingerprint.
"It might be that you couldn't build Stonehenge because you can't get the stones," Dr. Rothberg said, recalling the months after his dreams for the observatory went pffft. "It might be that the technologies are lost. Or it might be that you'd get lost in legal hassles. Anyway, I wanted to know."
In 2001 Dr. Rothberg bought the land, the site of a former quarry, to build a home for himself; his wife, Bonnie Rothberg, a physician and Ph.D. candidate in epidemiology at Yale; and their three children, Jordana, Noah and Elana, now 9, 6 and 4. It was a scrubby basin with a rocky knoll at its south end and a little turfed sliver at the north end with a low-slung pink cement house. They began batting ideas around for a new house with Mr. Pelli, who is based nearby in New Haven. "Everything they drew was 20,000 square feet," said Bonnie Rothberg, 36, explaining that she is not the mansion type. "We had a huge impasse."
By the summer of 2003 the family was living in the little pink house, mired in the design phase of the new house, when Mars fever hit: the Internet lit up with bulletins that August about the planet's closest approach to Earth in 60,000 years. Jonathan Rothberg bought an 11-inch telescope and stuck it on the lawn.
"And then one day it rained," his wife said, "and we hauled it inside, where it's still sitting because it was so hard to move, and Jonathan thought, 'Wouldn't it be neat to build an observatory?"'
The Rothbergs gave Mr. Pelli a new assignment. His observatory, a zinc and wood cylinder with windows in the shape of the Gemini zodiac symbol, Jordana's birth sign, would rise to 35 feet, the local limit for structures.
Sachem's Head, a municipal entity of Guilford, Conn., has its own board, the Sachem's Head Association, representing roughly 115 homeowners, and its own zoning commission. The zoning rules say nothing about observatories, so the commission held a hearing on the design. As the room began to fill, Dr. Rothberg said, "I'm going, 'This is not good."'
Dr. Rothberg, who has already taken one company, CuraGen, public, went into sales mode. He painted a vivid picture of the scientific and educational opportunities to be gleaned from having one of the most powerful telescopes in New England right here in Sachem's Head.
Big mistake.
The second-most-vociferous objection to his telescope, after the one about the building's lack of colonialness, was about the possibility of a lot of "yellow school buses up here," he said.
"They didn't rule at the hearing," Dr. Rothberg said. "They came and toured the site. And then I got a little note one day. But I'm not bitter: you have to move on."
Today a 35-foot flagpole stands on the site of the planned observatory, as well as an octagonal gazebo. The knoll is strung with grapevines -- cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and gewürztraminer. Dr. Rothberg left off peering into the heavens to peer into the genome and created another company, 454 Life Sciences, to produce his genome sequencer.
But he kept stewing and wondering. He bought a box of wooden children's blocks and built his vision -- a Stonehenge-like circle -- on the floor of his office. Jordana named it the Circle of Life. And then he called in the experts.
"My assignment was to arrange these stones to predict things to come," said Dr. Anthony Aveni, a professor of anthropology and astronomy at Colgate University, who laid out a plan that would chart sunrise and sunset on the first day of the seasons and other celestial events, along with the Rothberg children's birthdays.
"I think Jonathan did what old Cheops did," he said. "Why do you build a pyramid or the Taj Mahal, or Las Vegas for that matter? You do it because you want to make an imprint."
(The Circle of Life has a few rivals in this country, including an undistinguished concrete Stonehenge built in 1930 in Maryhill, Wash., and the deliciously giddy Carhenge, erected in 1987 in Alliance, Neb., from 38 cars planted mostly nose down in the dirt.)
Seven hundred tons of Blue Pearl Norwegian granite -- the amount needed to approximate the outermost slabs of Stonehenge, each about 6 by 13 feet -- makes an imprint. Its smoky blue-black crystals are coveted by the Chinese, who believe it has healing properties. The Stony Creek Quarry, whose meaty pink and black granite is the flesh of many Manhattan buildings, is just 20 minutes away in Branford, Conn., but it isn't big enough for a harvest of 700 tons, said Mr. Petit, 45, once a quarryman himself, who makes monumental pieces out of rough-hewn granite.
Mr. Petit may haunt a quarry for months or even years, noting enticing shapes and textures as they emerge during blasting. He and a crew of three spent three months in early 2004 in a Lundhs Labrador quarry near Larvik, Norway.
After the blocks were extracted Mr. Petit and his crew worked them over, grinding and polishing the surfaces. They were shipped to Connecticut that summer wrapped in indoor-outdoor carpet. Asked to give a price tag for his project, Dr. Rothberg demurred. "Art is priceless," he said.
He hopes it will be eternal, too. Dr. Rothberg gave his design and construction team an additional brief: he wanted the stones around for 10,000 years. "Ten thousand years is on the same order of magnitude as recorded history," he said.
It's likely that in 100 years the site will be under water, according to Pat Arnett, a senior engineer in New York at the consulting engineering firm of Robert Silman Associates. "But Jonathan was O.K. with that," said Mr. Arnett, whose firm designed a concrete mix for the foundations similar to those used by the ancient Romans.
Mr. Arnett used computer modeling to simulate natural stresses like enormous hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as ones on a more human scale. "It hadn't occurred to me, but Jonathan asked about vandals," he explained. "So I tested a dump truck running into the stones at 40 miles an hour. If someone is really intent on destroying the circle, it wouldn't be easy."
That July, when the stones were being raised, there were grumbles from some neighbors. In November an article in The New Haven Register said that the site was guarded by bees. (The Rothbergs' property, which includes the vineyard and an orchard, has a beehive too). The article also included a dismissive comment from Dolores Hayden, a Yale professor of architecture and American studies: "I don't think it fits into our New England sense of place."
"The issue is whether or not it's considered a structure," Ms. Hayden was also quoted as saying. "They did it without any kind of permit." Indeed, Dr. Rothberg sought no zoning approval or building permit because, he said, "my position is, if I put up a piece of art, I don't need permission."
The Sachem's Head Association has a new board president, Carl Swope, who is intent on bridging the gap between Dr. Rothberg and the neighbors.
"From the association's point of view, whether you perceive it as a structure, a monument or a piece of art is immaterial," Mr. Swope said. "Because it's substantial and because it's permanent, from the association's point of view, it's a structure and it needs to be permitted."
Mr. Swope is a conciliatory man, Dr. Rothberg said. He has persuaded Dr. Rothberg to sign a document, still being prepared, stating that his monument is a structure, and to receive a building permit after the fact.
"The Circle of Life inflamed some people living in the association because it came into existence without their explicit written permission," Dr. Rothberg said. "I like to say the polished surfaces act as a mirror to the souls. So some people that are not happy get ugly reflections."
Mr. Petit and Naomi Darling, a student in Yale's architecture school, were married amid the stones in August, their vows echoing among the slabs like a kettledrum in Carnegie Hall. A guest bought a divining rod, which vibrated like crazy during the service, he said.
Bonnie Rothberg is still waiting for a new house. While she had hoped for a soccer field instead of a monument, she did concede that the stones are nice to lean against on hot days. | {
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Twenty percent of cases involved losses of more than $1 million and almost half (48%) of the loses were never recovered.
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Macdonald is accused of wilfully engaging in misconduct in public office by inviting Doyle's Creek Mining Pty Ltd to apply for a coal exploration licence in the Hunter Valley and granting the licence without a competitive tender in 2008.
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Explore - Finland
There are few countries like Finland. Certainly not many places in the world can lay claim to thousands of miles of lakes and awe-inspiring natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun and Aurora Borealis. Finland has this and so much more. | {
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Boards
This is quite a big one, kind of serious – or as serious as you want to make it. In terms of a challenge I think it makes a nice one. Inspired by the ‘Imitating the past vs taking inspiration to create something new’ thread, your mission is as follows:
Record a track following the wisdom of Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty’s ‘The Manual (How to Have a Number One the Easy Way)’
The full thing is here in case, for some inexplicable reason, you don’t already own a copy:
We won't need to follow the full thing - mainly because the entire business/marketing side is totally out-dated, but also because actually getting to Number One is not the relevant part of the Challenge. You should read it all for fun, but the real focus of the challenge is on the creative side, utilising the themes in contemporaneous pop culture to create a new addictive, all-consuming track of internet-straddling proportions.
This is all still true, format notwithstanding:
"Firstly, it has to have a dance groove that will run all the way through the record and that the current 7? buying generation will find irresistible. Secondly, it must be no longer than three minutes and thirty seconds (just under 3’20 is preferable). If they are any longer Radio One daytime DJs will start fading early or talking over the end, when the chorus is finally being hammered home – the most important part of any record. Thirdly, it must consist of an intro, a verse, a chorus, second verse, a second chorus, a breakdown section, back into a double length chorus and outro. Fourthly, lyrics. You will need some, but not many."
And pretty much everything creative related from the CAUSALITY PLUS A PINCH OF MYSTICISM section onwards.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be overtly dance-oriented since we are once again living in an era of guitar popularity; Biffy Clyro and Foals at the top of the charts. Jamie Reynolds notoriously stated that the Klaxons were created by following the rules to The Manual. That’s not entirely true but much of the ethos informed them significantly.
We’ll have a 6 week deadline, so people should aim to have their tracks ready by mid-June, ready for the Summer. These tracks will be the soundtrack to bbq’s on the beach, festival crowds, tv trails and 6th form balls. This will be your prize, but we may even use a simple Like/<3 system to crown someone Number One of the Challenge and an appropriate award may ensue.
is it three and a half or four and a half 'Yes's'? Either way, that's more than I was expecting.
I'm really interested to see how people interpret what is popular. Pretty sure I will have something in mind and it will turn out sounding like me rather than something you'd hear in the Hit Parade. But that will be the fun of it.
but that's mainly to get the 'sound' of a number one hit single - both for the synth instruments and the final radio friendly mix. I don't. The former is a bit outdated, because it;s much easier to get hold of software that can create the musical sounds needed for a song. The latter we don't really need to worry about, unless you want to take this REALLY seriously. | {
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Swimming to Tokyo
The rules for swimming are simple: Rule #1: There is no lifeguard on duty. Since her mom died three years ago, nineteen-year-old Zosia Easton's been treading water. Living at home. Community college. Same old Saturday nights. So when her father breaks the news he's taken a job transfer-and by the way, it means renting out the house that's been her refuge-a summer in Tokyo feels like it just might be a chance to start swimming again. Rule #2: Beware of unexpected currents. Finn O'Leary has spent God knows how many years trying to drown out his past. Juvenile detention. Bad decisions. Worse choices. He's managed to turn it around - MIT, Dean's List, a sexier-than-thou body with a smile to match - at least on the surface. When his mom asks him to spend the summer with her, Tokyo seems as good a place as any to float through the summer.Rule #3: Swim at your own risk. | {
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The Regional Art Gallery
It is the oldest regional art gallery in New South Wales and holds an important cultural position and role in the broader western New South Wales region.
The Emporium was associated with two well-known Broken Hill families, the Sullys (1885-1925) and the Sweetapples (1924-1985), and had its own livery stable and blacksmiths in the yard at the rear of the buildings. In 1998 the Broken Hill City Council purchased the building to provide a permanent home for Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the city’s art collection.
It is the oldest regional art gallery in New South Wales and holds an important cultural position and role in the broader western New South Wales region.
The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery provides an annual program of locally curated exhibitions along with touring exhibitions from major cultural institutions. A selection of works from the collection is on permanent display in the upstairs gallery whilst the touring exhibitions fill the lower floor.
On display is an extensive collection of Australian colonial works including James Coutts Michie and James Ashton along with several important Victorian painters such as Arthur Hacker RA. The gallery also has a nationally recognised collection of early 20th century Australian paintings including works by Margaret Preston and Arthur Streeton through to contemporary works by Rick Amor, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Lloyd Rees, Barbara Hanrahan, Mandy Martin, Clifton Pugh, Lloyd Rees, Tim Storrier, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Emily Kane Kngwarreye, David Malangi and many other fine Australian artists including Pro Hart.
Enjoy strolling the gallery and immersing yourself in this historic building and cultural art works. | {
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News Room
Mainely Character Scholarship Sponsored by Northeast Bank Awarded to Windham High School Student
in
Windham and Portland, Maine
July 20th, 2010
Samiratu Abdul Karim was recently awarded the 2010 Arnold Bushner-Mainely Character Scholarship, sponsored by Northeast Bank and presented at the recent awards assembly at Windham High School.
Samara was selected from more than 250 applicants from across the state to receive this highly competitive scholarship. She participated in a rigorous process that included an application, essay and personal interview. Award recipients are selected based on their leadership, community involvement and most importantly, character.
“Character is about staying strong and overcoming obstacles in order to maintain a high standard of integrity, responsibility for your life and care for the lives of others. Samara has demonstrated her high level of character and we are proud to be a part of making this scholarship possible for her through Mainely Character,” says Scott Blake, a Mortgage Loan Officer at Northeast Bank who presented the award to Miss Karim.
A little more than three years ago, Samara was living with her grandmother in Ghana with 20 some other relatives and friends in a small home. Her grandmother was a guiding force in her life, stressing the importance of an education. After coming to the US, Samara started school as a freshman at Windham High School. Faced with all of the challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning English at the same time, Samara overcame every obstacle and became a top student through hard work, determination, and strength of character.
In the community, Samara became involved in fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis events and began volunteering at Mercy Hospital. Her bright and electric personality has made her a favorite among patients. Samara’s goal is to study Medicine and become a doctor. She will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall.
Mainely Character was established in 2000 to provide scholarships to Maine high school seniors who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the principles of courage, integrity, responsibility and concern for others. In 2009, the organization awarded $7,500 in scholarships, including this $2,500 scholarship named in memory of Mainely Character’s founder Arnie Bushner, who believed that a student's character should count equally with academics and athletics.
Mary Lynn Engel, vice president of Mainely Character explained, "We are grateful to our donors and sponsors. They allow us to recognize and showcase Maine students like Samara.”
Mainely Character is accepting new sponsors and donors to continue providing Maine scholarships to Maine students. For more information visit www.mainelycharacter.org.
About Northeast Bank
Northeast Bank, a leader in delivering one-stop shopping for financial services, is headquartered in Lewiston, Maine and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northeast Bancorp (NASDAQ: NBN). The Company has approximately $612 million in assets as of April 30, 2010 and operates 23 retail outlets, including 10 bank branches, 12 insurance offices and 3 financial centers serving the financial needs of western, central, mid-coastal and southern Maine, as well as seacoast New Hampshire. Information regarding Northeast Bank can be found on its website at www.northeastbank.com or by contacting 1-800-284-5989.
Find NEB on Facebook Join the NEB group on LinkedIn Follow NEB on Twitter: @northeast_bank Check out the NEB YouTube Channel | {
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9. Important Theme Functions
In addition to all of WordPress’s theme functions (aka “Template Tags”), NOUVEAU provides some unique options and alternatives that help with theme development.
As mentioned earlier in this guide, all the classes and methods in the \NV\Utilities\ folder are available for developer use.
Namespace
All of NOUVEAU‘s theme/template functions are located in the class NV\Theme\Utilities\Theme. For ease of access, it’s recommended to include a use statement at the top of your template files (the following examples will assume you’ve done so).
The following are some of the most important functions…
Loading the Header & Footer
By default, WordPress wants header.php and footer.php to be in the theme root. Since these are technically template parts (albeit, specialized template parts), it is a little bit tacky to keep these files lumped in with the single-page templates.
To clean things up, NOUVEAU moves the header and footer files to a separate directory: parts/layout. Unfortunately, this means that WordPress’s get_header() and get_footer() functions no longer work. Instead, you need to use specialized (and more flexible), versions of these functions included with NOUVEAU.
<br />
<?php Theme::get_header(); ?><br />
<br />
<?php Theme::get_footer(); ?><br />
Output File Markers as HTML Comments
In WordPress, it is best practice to keep your template files as streamlined and reusable as possible. If you have been developing on WordPress for any amount of time, you may have run into a scenario where a piece of content does not look how you expect, and you’re not sure which template or template part is being used.
This handy function can be used to help you figure out which template file is being used to render a particular piece of content (but only if WP_DEBUG is enabled). It will simply output an HTML comment containing the file path (relative to the theme root).
<br />
<?php Theme::output_file_marker(__FILE__); ?><br />
Simplifying the Loop
NOUVEAU allows you to execute the loop with a single function call and a template part. None of the usual sloppy, inline, procedural stuff that quickly results in unreadable spaghetti code. It’s as simple as this…
Keep in mind that if you need to directly access your post data from your template part (besides the usual theme functions), you will need use the variable defined by the $var_name argument. For our movie loop above, it might look like this: $movie->post->post_title
This page was last updated on September 15, 2016 – it is currently considered COMPLETE. | {
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CKRN ROUYN-NORANDA STATION TO CEASE OPERATIONS
March 2, 2018 - RNC Média announced yesterday its decision to cease operating the affiliate station CKRN Rouyn-Noranda (ICI RADIO-CANADA TÉLÉ) on Sunday, March 25, 2018.
This decision means that Media Solutions will stop offering selective bookings in this market effective Monday, March 26.
As of this date, viewers in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue area will continue to receive Radio-Canada network programming via cable and satellite, as well as on digital platforms.
Radio-Canada reiterates its commitment to providing local coverage through its radio services, as well as the outstanding team of multiplatform journalists and programmers based in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The public broadcaster has accelerated its digital transformation in the region and continues to maintain a strong online presence. | {
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When renting your first place, good credit can open doors
This file photo shows a “For Rent” sign outside an apartment building in Sacramento In cities where the rental market is extremely competitive, having good credit is just table stakes. But in areas where landlords have trouble finding tenants, a good score can give you bargaining power.
Rich Pedroncelli — The Associated Press file
When first-time renter Angelica Fattu-Logan, 20, started applying for apartments, she braced for rejection. But those rejections never came — in part because she had good credit.
“I applied to about three or four different apartments, and they all accepted me right away,” says Fattu-Logan, a drugstore manager and college student from Peoria, Arizona, who recently moved into an apartment with her fiancee. “It was a pretty quick process, like two days. It was just a matter of picking which one I liked better.” She maintains her credit by paying for groceries with her credit card and paying off the balance right away.
For young folks fearing rejection from landlords, Fattu-Logan’s positive experience is heartening. It also illustrates an important point: Good credit can be especially helpful for first-time renters.
BETTER CHANCES OF APPROVAL
When you’re new to renting, good credit can make up for other shortcomings in an application.
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“If (applicants) have a good credit score, even if they haven’t rented before, that means that they’ve handled their finances well and that they’re responsible,” says Laura Agadoni, a landlord and real estate writer based in Marietta, Georgia. That could be enough to make up for a lack of a rental history, otherwise a major factor in rental decisions, she says.
“My bottom line is, I just want to get my rent on time,” she says.
Requirements can vary, but Agadoni says many landlords look for credit scores of 640 or higher for renters. They also consider factors such as income, debt and employment.
In some cases, those with good credit scores might not need to find a co-signer, a person — often a parent — who’s equally responsible for making payments. But Agadoni notes that she might still require a first-time renter with good credit to get a co-signer if they’ve worked at their job for less than a year and have limited savings, for example.
“Every situation is different,” she says.
SAVINGS ON RENT AND DEPOSITS
If you’re approved with good credit and meet all the landlord’s requirements, you’ll generally just have to pay the security deposit and rent described in the rental listing. But if you’re approved with bad credit, you may have to pay a premium — not just on rent, but potentially for utilities, too.
“We’ve definitely seen consumers with more challenged credit having to put higher deposits down in order to rent a property,” says Jim Triggs, senior vice president of counseling at Money Management International , a nonprofit credit counseling agency. The firm offers counseling to renters, among other services. He adds that landlords sometimes also charge higher rents to these applicants.
Many utility companies — such as electricity and gas providers — also charge upfront deposits to those with poor credit.
“Normally, the better your credit, the better arrangements you’ll have with any of those utility companies, up to and including zero deposits,” Triggs says.
MORE BARGAINING POWER
In cities where the rental market is extremely competitive — say, San Francisco or New York — having good credit is just table stakes. But in areas where landlords have trouble finding tenants, a good score can give you bargaining power.
That’s because good credit is a crystal ball that tells landlords you’re reliable. “How you pay your bills is predictive of how you’re going to pay your bills in the future,” says credit expert John Ulzheimer . “That includes rent.”
If a landlord is eager to find a renter and you have good credit, “the apartment (landlord) is absolutely going to want you to move in, and move in lickety-split, because they’re going to want to start getting paid,” Ulzheimer says. “And you can lean on them a little bit.”
For example, he says, you may be able to negotiate a good parking spot or extra garage remote controls, even as a first-time renter.
BEFORE RENTING, CHECK YOUR CREDIT
Before you go apartment-hunting, check your credit reports and credit scores to see where you stand.
Doing so is free and doesn’t hurt your scores. If you have good credit, you can walk into property viewings with confidence, knowing you’re set up for success. If you have bad or no credit, you can focus on making improvements. Be upfront with landlords about what steps you’re taking to work on your credit and, in the meantime, budget for a larger security deposit. It may take longer to find a space that’s right for you, but with persistence — and maybe some help from a co-signer — you’ll get there.
This article originally appeared on the personal finance website NerdWallet. Claire Tsosie is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @ideclaire7. | {
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Foxman gets it wrong
November 14, 2012
Michael Foxman's Guest Commentary ("Response to Peter Bauer," Nov. 5) included more misinformation and distortion. Mr. Foxman makes a number of erroneous statements, sprinkled with personal attacks. Unfortunately, these days Protect could spend nearly all its time responding to deliberate attempts to misinform the public about its role in trying to hold a public agency accountable for violating its laws and procedures, so I will only respond here on the most substantive issues.
Let's first look at Mr. Foxman's contention about his team's involvement in ex parte communications. He wrote: "Ex parte communications? Does anyone really believe the (state Adirondack Park Agency) staff, our experienced attorneys, the state attorney general's office or anyone on the second floor would be so stupid as to break the rules, let alone file false sworn denials after the question was raised? It is easy for lobbyists to write lies and spin facts in newspapers; everyone expects it. But perjury is a felony."
Through a Freedom of Information Law request to the APA, Protect obtained the following memo from Mr. Foxman's lawyer that updated the Foxman team (and APA General Counsel John Banta, who was copied via email) on the negotiations for an approval from the APA:
"Memo Via E-mail
To: Mike Foxman, Tom Lawson, Bob Sweeney, Jeff Anthony, Kevin Franke
From: Thomas A. Ulasewicz
Article Links
"Van Cott called me this morning. The Final Order and draft Permits are posted on the Agency's website. The language in these documents are what the Agency members got Wednesday evening and do not reflect a number of changes, he, I and Banta agreed to. He specifically mentioned paragraph# 30 in the 8 Large Eastern GCL Permit where deed restrictions are to be in place 'prior to conveyance' instead of our agreement that it would be 'prior to undertaking'. Also, this same paragraph says this provision 'will only be enforced by the Agency and the Town of Tupper Lake'- he could not explain to me why executive staff put in the Town. I told him this is unacceptable and the Town has more than enough 'control' through the plat process (and IDA funding).
"VanCott called me back at 11AM to tell me that a second posting of Permits will go on the website today (he thought before 2PM when a phone conference is to take place between Agency members and Martino). All of the changes he, I and Banta had agreed to along with putting paragraph # 30 back to its original language will be reflected in this new posting. He asked that we review those permits intended to be implemented early on and get back to him today with concerns. He offered to meet with me on Sunday if we had our comments together on the whole package so that he could bring them to the attention of Banta and Chairwoman Ulrich first thing Monday morning. I told him I would see what I could coordinate. I have his cell phone number and we arranged to talk again this afternoon (probably after the conference call)."
This memo appears to show a level of access to the APA that violates its ex parte contact rules, under which all correspondence between the parties and the APA decision-makers should be shared among all parties to the hearing. These rules apply until the APA makes a final decision. None of the applicant's negotiations, which were apparently extensive, were ever shared with the other parties. Protect only found out about them through a FOIL request. Why didn't Mr. Foxman insist that his attorneys follow the rules and share their communications with the other parties?
To Protect, the level of access and negotiations that Mr. Foxman's team had during the lead-up to the APA's final decision appears to violate the ex parte contact rules where state laws clearly prohibit both direct and "indirect" communications. It's clear from the memo above that the Foxman team had a direct line of communication to senior officials and the APA chair. To Protect, this, too, appears to violate these rules.
Other materials obtained from FOIL requests appear to show that there was wide involvement by other state officials, too.
In addition to the privileged access granted to Mr. Foxman's team during APA's deliberations about the final permit, detailed in the memo above and not given to any of the other parties to the hearing, Protect believes that the APA violated its laws in other areas, too.
Protect believes that the APA selectively administered the APA Act by picking and choosing parts of the act it believed were relevant while disregarding other parts as mere guidance or recommendations, that the APA illegally supplemented the hearing record with new materials at the 11th hour in order to try to substantiate its decision, and that the APA failed to make its required findings about numerous impacts. Protect's lawsuit enumerates the many ways that the APA failed to follow the law on its way to approving Mr. Foxman's project. (All of our legal papers are posted on the Protect website, www.protectadks.org.)
Protect maintains that the only way Mr. Foxman's deeply flawed project got a 10-1 vote from the APA was by numerous violations of APA laws and procedures. Mr. Foxman is apparently satisfied to win approval by these means, but Protect cannot abide it when a public agency seemingly deliberately subverts state laws and procedures it's required to uphold.
Protect's lawsuit against the APA over its decision to approve Mr. Foxman's Adirondack Club and Resort project is about serious and important issues.
---
Peter Bauer is executive director of Protect the Adirondacks and lives in Lake George. | {
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Conversant Debuts Personalized Video, Enhanced By Epsilon Data
After hinting it would bring more video inventory to market, Conversant acted on that promise Tuesday with the launch of a Personalized Video suite.
With Personalized Video, the company aims to link desktop and mobile video messages with both online behavioral attributes and offline sales data.
Because of its roots with display retargeter Dotomi, a big Criteo competitor, and its stable of retailer relationships, Conversant processes close to 2 billion transactions per month and can onboard and anonymize first-party, SKU-level data, said Raju Malhotra, SVP of products at Conversant.
In addition it can tap into a pool of 150 million anonymous consumer profiles, each representing 19 cookies, three or more devices and three email addresses on average, which Malhotra claimed helps marketers persistently identify their customers across devices.
“We’re now taking advantage of Epsilon data sets from various verticals, which helps us build one view of the consumer,” Malhotra said. He noted the expansion of Conversant’s data assets by overlaying Epsilon data is conducted anonymously and within a tight privacy framework.
Although Conversant does not categorize the Personalized Video suite as a video demand-side platform, its platform, tailored for mobile and display, previously lacked complete video execution capabilities.
Last winter, Conversant added to its tech stack (which includes an ad server, DSP and tag manager, among other tech) by acquiring SET Media, a small video ad platform that served as one of the building blocks for Personalized Video. Malhotra said SET Media’s technology used machine learning to crawl a video file and identify what objects, celebrities or brand logos appeared in videos and what was resonating with a viewer.
“That information helps us place the most relevant video ads next to the most relevant contextual content,” he said. “We’ve evolved our personalization technology where we can do millions of [creative] expressions per day, overlaying different text, images and calls to action based on insights from our large scale of consumer profiles.”
Conversant’s platform has supply-side integrations to 25 of the large RTB exchanges with 2,700 demand-side clients, including brand-direct, agency trading desks and other DSPs.
Last winter, it rolled out a private exchange called Conversant Private Exchange with hooks into 6,000 publishers like the Los Angeles Times and Washington Times.
“This gave us exclusive, direct publisher relationships for mobile, display and video,” Malhotra said. “With our scale on the demand side, we can monetize their inventory in a very effective way.”
Personalized Video is generally available today and a large automaker and two specialty retailers are beta testing the platform, the company said. | {
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FETCO
Commercial coffee equipment provides restaurants, hotels, and hospitals with the ability to produce large quantities of coffee on any given day. FETCO® is one of the foremost brewing equipment manufacturers in the world. Theircommercial coffee brewers,coffee grinders, tea brewers and air pots are among the most innovative, accurate and efficient in the industry. Design features such as portion-controlled grinders, variable batch size buttons, volume indicators, and stainless steel linings simplify equipment maintenance and save operators time and money. Looking for the perfect cup of java, or the perfect cup of tea, every time? No need to look any further than FETCO®. | {
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} |
From China Digital Space
Official parlance for world leaders who have visited China and shown their support for the country. The “friends” most discussed by netizens include the late Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, former Iraqi president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. In the early days of the People’s Republic of China, the honorary description was first bestowed on Canadian James G. Endicott in 1956 for his support of the revolution. Early on, “old friends of the Chinese people” were ideological supporters, but as China’s foreign policy has become more pragmatic and market-driven, the phrase has been used to describe trade partners and leaders of international organizations.
The description of late Cambodian ex-king Norodom Sihanouk as an old friend of the Chinese people in state-run media provoked netizen ire, as many felt he did not deserve official condolences. This concern was raised when the government lowered flags to half-mast for him while failing to make a similar demonstration of sympathy for the many Chinese who had died in natural disasters and accidents during that time period. | {
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Renewable energyRenewable energy is a source of energy that can never be exhausted.
We can obtain renewable energy from the sun (solar energy), from the water (hydropower), from the wind (windmills), from hot dry rocks, magma, hot water springs (geothermal) and even from firewood, animal manure, crop residues and waste (Biomass).
As Los Angeles creaks through its driest year on record and nervously awaits its next explosive wildfire, many wonder if global warming is already taking a toll. Nobody really knows; California has always had intermittent droughts, after all. But climate models predicted this situation. Changes in ocean temperatures and currents driven by things such as the melting of the Greenland ice shelf -- which is happening a lot faster than scientists expected -- will probably produce an even more desert-like climate in L.A. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
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