text:
NACV Show sells out of exhibition space
ATLANTA, Ga., August 24, 2017 — The inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) Show today announced that it has officially sold out its 365,000 square feet of net exhibition space.
Forty-two per cent of the shows floor space will be occupied by companies headquartered outside of the United States. A total of 400 exhibitors will demonstrate their latest products to the trucking industry's leaders, fleet owners and managers at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia from Monday, September 25 to Thursday, September 28.
On Monday, September 25 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the NACV Show organizers and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) will host an opening reception for all registered attendees, exhibitors and press. The reception will kick off with brief presentations from ATA President & CEO Chris Spear and the NACV Show partners.
"Selling out the inaugural NACV Show underscores just how important our new, sophisticated and business centric trade show concept is to the North American trucking industry audience," said Larry Turner, president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA and co-organizer of the NACV Show. "We are thrilled that the industry's leading companies from around the world have embraced the show from its inception."
Exhibitors from around the world that have booked exhibition space include companies from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Turkey.
A complete lineup of companies that represent the entire commercial vehicle OEM spectrum are exhibiting at the NACV Show 2017. Major truck manufacturers including Freightliner, FUSO, Hino Trucks, International, Isuzu, MACK, MHC Kenworth, Peterbilt of Atlanta, Volvo and Western Star will showcase the latest trucks. Leading trailer manufacturers including Carrier Transicold, Cross Country Manufacturing, Dorsey Trailer, East Manufacturing Corporation, Great Dane, Hyundai Translead, MAC Trailer Manufacturing, Manac Trailers, Meritor, Stoughton Trailers, Trail King, Trout River Industries Inc., Utility, Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, Wabash National Corporation and Wilson Trailer Company are exhibiting. Major tire manufacturers including CMA/Double Coin Tires, Continental Corporation, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Double Star Tires, Falken Tire Corporation, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Hankook Tire America Corporation and Michelin North America will showcase their latest products, as will manufacturers of finished lubricants including Chevron Lubricants, Tenneco, and Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants.
The most important commercial vehicle parts & components suppliers will unveil their latest technologies including Accuride Corporation, Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products – Arconic, Alliance Truck Parts, Allison Transmission, Aperia Technologies, Bee Line Company, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Bharat Forge America, BorgWarner Inc., Bosch, ConMet, Cummins Inc., Dana Incorporated, EATON, Enow, FlowBelow Aero, FUWA / AXN Heavy Duty, Graco, Hendrickson, Jake Brake, Kinedyne LLC, Magna, MAHLE Industries Inc., Meritor, Mitchell1, National Fleet Products, Noregon Systems Inc., SAF-HOLLAND, Stoneridge Inc. and WABCO.
To register to attend the North American Commercial Vehicle Show 2017, click here.
Source: Truck News, August 22, 2017


In keeping with the strong food ethics upheld at the restaurant, the River Cottage Professional Cookery School will place an extra emphasis on teaching chefs and students about current issues affecting the sector such as traceability, sourcing and seasonality.
"There has been a renaissance in British restaurant cookery in recent years," said Fearnley-Whittingstall. "Not just in terms of the style of cooking and techniques now being employed, but also - more crucially in my view - in the approach of chefs to sourcing their food, embracing good provenance, and choosing their recipes.
"Far more of them are now celebrating local ingredients and traditional dishes and running their businesses in a more sustainable way. With the River Cottage Professional Cookery School, we aim to strike while the iron is hot, helping to bring even more change and innovation in this area.
The programmes start at £150 per person with a range of offers available for group bookings. Tutors will take students on the journey from farm, field and sea through to the kitchen and onto the plate. The River cottage is expecting mass interest in the new school from industry leaders, HR directors, learning and development managers and local business owners such as publicans and restaurateurs.
The Professional Cookery Level 2 Apprenticeship - A 12-month cookery qualification aimed at those currently employed as a professional cook or chef, at commis- or chef de partie- level. Upon application each student will be assigned a dedicated tutor. Structured around monthly workshops, students will be mentored within their current workplace by their head chef with regular monthly visits from their RC tutor. This is an on-going assessment resulting in certification.
Accredited one-day workshops – These enable qualified or nonqualified cooks to master aspects of culinary expertise which they wish to improve on or learn more about. With over 12 different subject areas, ranging from bread to game cookery, students will leave with a nationally recognised City & Guild qualification. Day courses start from £180.00.
The Young Chefs' Apprenticeship Scheme – A 12-month program for 16-19 year olds which includes placing each student in employment, professional tutoring at workshops and in-business mentoring and assessment. This scheme starts in September 2013 and application are currently being accepted. This programme is free for successfully selected learners.
Explaining the reasoning behind focusing on professional chefs as well as younger people, the River Cottage's head of education Chris Griffin told BigHospitality: "There are a lot of foodservice businesses out there where the chefs have almost just fallen into their jobs without necessarily having the qualifications they need to support what they're doing on a day-to-day basis.
"These new programmes will of course cover the basics such as food preparation, cooking and finishing skills, but we also have a real focus on the sourcing of local ingredients, the importance of seasonality and the importance of the ingredients we use being sustainable.
Having set up The River Cottage in Axminster over seven years ago, Fearnley-Whitingstall believes that this and other professional cookery schools have the potential to drive the restaurant industry forward.
The Level 2 Apprenticeship and one-day workshops will begin in April 2013, and the Young Chefs' Apprenticeship Scheme will launch in September. Next year, the River Cottage will introduce the Level 3 Apprenticeship along with a new qualification in sustainability and food procurement.
For more information on the River Cottage Professional Cookery School, visit www.rivercottage.net/chefs-school.
Meanwhile, Thai restaurant the Blue Elephant situated in London's Imperial Wharf is set to open its own cookery school this spring. The launch will mark Blue Elephant's first cookery school outside Thailand, following in the footsteps of successful venues in Bangkok and Phuket.
Located on the first floor at Imperial Wharf, the standalone facility will offer students a unique and fascinating introduction to the gastronomic culture of Blue Elephant's homeland.


text:
package com.mqtt.utils;

import java.net.InetAddress;
import java.net.NetworkInterface;
import java.util.Collections;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Locale;
import java.util.UUID;

import org.apache.http.conn.util.InetAddressUtils;

import android.annotation.SuppressLint;
import android.content.Context;
import android.content.pm.PackageInfo;
import android.content.pm.PackageManager.NameNotFoundException;
import android.net.ConnectivityManager;
import android.net.wifi.WifiInfo;
import android.net.wifi.WifiManager;
import android.os.Environment;
import android.os.StatFs;
import android.provider.Settings.Secure;
import android.telephony.TelephonyManager;
import android.util.Log;

import com.mqtt.mdmapp.R;

public class Utils {

	public static int getAndroidVersion() {
		return android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT;
	}

	public static String getAppVersion(Context context) {
		try {
			PackageInfo pInfo = context.getPackageManager().getPackageInfo(
					context.getPackageName(), 0);
			return pInfo.versionName;
		} catch (NameNotFoundException e) {
			return "0";
		}

	}

	public static String generateUUID(Context context) {
		String android_id = Secure.getString(context.getContentResolver(),
				Secure.ANDROID_ID);
		Log.i("System out", "android_id : " + android_id);

		final TelephonyManager tm = (TelephonyManager) context
				.getSystemService(Context.TELEPHONY_SERVICE);

		final String tmDevice, tmSerial, androidId;
		tmDevice = "" + tm.getDeviceId();
		Log.i("System out", "tmDevice : " + tmDevice);
		tmSerial = "" + tm.getSimSerialNumber();
		Log.i("System out", "tmSerial : " + tmSerial);
		androidId = ""
				+ android.provider.Settings.Secure.getString(
						context.getContentResolver(),
						android.provider.Settings.Secure.ANDROID_ID);

		UUID deviceUuid = new UUID(androidId.hashCode(),
				((long) tmDevice.hashCode() << 32) | tmSerial.hashCode());
		String UUID = deviceUuid.toString();
		Log.i("System out", "UUID : " + UUID);
		return UUID;
	}

	public static String generateRandomUUID() {
		String uuid = UUID.randomUUID().toString();
		Log.i("System out", "uuid = " + uuid);
		return uuid;
	}

	// This is TCS specific implementation
	public static String getDeviceID(Context context) {
		String deviceId = null;

		TelephonyManager tm = (TelephonyManager) context
				.getSystemService(Context.TELEPHONY_SERVICE);

		deviceId = tm.getDeviceId();
		if (deviceId == null) {
			WifiManager wifiMan = (WifiManager) context
					.getSystemService(Context.WIFI_SERVICE);
			WifiInfo wifiInf = wifiMan.getConnectionInfo();
			deviceId = wifiInf.getMacAddress();
		}

		return deviceId;
	}

	public static String getMacId(Context context) {
		WifiManager manager = (WifiManager) context
				.getSystemService(Context.WIFI_SERVICE);
		WifiInfo wifiInfo = manager.getConnectionInfo();
		return wifiInfo.getMacAddress();
	}

	public static String getAppName(Context context) {
		return context.getString(R.string.app_name);
	}

	public static String getIMEI(Context context) {
		TelephonyManager tm = (TelephonyManager) context
				.getSystemService(Context.TELEPHONY_SERVICE);
		return tm.getDeviceId();
	}

	/**
	 * Get IP address from first non-localhost interface
	 *
	 * @param ipv4
	 *            true=return ipv4, false=return ipv6
	 * @return address or empty string
	 */
	public static String getIPAddress(boolean useIPv4) {
		try {
			List<NetworkInterface> interfaces = Collections
					.list(NetworkInterface.getNetworkInterfaces());
			for (NetworkInterface intf : interfaces) {
				List<InetAddress> addrs = Collections.list(intf
						.getInetAddresses());
				for (InetAddress addr : addrs) {
					if (!addr.isLoopbackAddress()) {
						String sAddr = addr.getHostAddress().toUpperCase(
								Locale.ENGLISH);
						boolean isIPv4 = InetAddressUtils.isIPv4Address(sAddr);
						if (useIPv4) {
							if (isIPv4)
								return sAddr;
						} else {
							if (!isIPv4) {
								int delim = sAddr.indexOf('%'); // drop ip6 port
																// suffix
								return delim < 0 ? sAddr : sAddr.substring(0,
										delim);
							}
						}
					}
				}
			}
		} catch (Exception ex) {
			Log.e("Utils", "Exception while getting the ip address");
		} // for now eat exceptions
		return "";
	}

	public static int getStatusBarHeight(Context context) {
		int result = 0;
		int resourceId = context.getResources().getIdentifier(
				"status_bar_height", "dimen", "android");
		if (resourceId > 0) {
			result = context.getResources().getDimensionPixelSize(resourceId);
		}
		return result;
	}

	public static String getManufacturer() {
		return android.os.Build.MANUFACTURER;
	}

	public static String getModel() {
		return android.os.Build.MODEL;
	}

	@SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
	@SuppressLint("NewApi")
	public static String getFreeSpaceInBytes(Context context) {
		long availableSpace = -1L;
		try {
			StatFs stat = new StatFs(Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory()
					.getPath());
			if (android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 18) {
				availableSpace = stat.getAvailableBlocksLong()
						* stat.getBlockSizeLong();
			} else {
				availableSpace = (long) stat.getAvailableBlocks()
						* (long) stat.getBlockSize();
			}
		} catch (Exception e) {
			// suppressed exception
		}
		return String.valueOf(availableSpace);
	}

	public static boolean isOnline(Context context) {
		ConnectivityManager cm = (ConnectivityManager) context
				.getSystemService(Context.CONNECTIVITY_SERVICE);
		if (cm.getActiveNetworkInfo() != null
				&& cm.getActiveNetworkInfo().isAvailable()
				&& cm.getActiveNetworkInfo().isConnected()) {
			return true;
		}
		return false;
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
New HBO Documentary Examines Cape Cod Heroin Crisis
Academy Award winner Steven Okazaki follows eight individuals as they struggle with addiction.
By Chris Sweeney·	 12/10/2015, 12:48 p.m.
HBO is homing in on Massachusetts' opioid epidemic with a new documentary examining the Cape Cod heroin crisis. The film, Heroin: Cape Cod, USA, tracks the lives of eight 20-something heroin users, several of whom were prescribed addictive pain medications and became increasingly dependent until they progressed toward injection drug use.
A teaser for the film indicates that it will be a gritty portrayal of addiction, complete with shots of people slipping needles into their neck and tying off their forearms before shooting up. At least one of the film's subjects, a 23-year-old mother, fatally overdosed.
An announcement from HBO notes:
Falmouth, Mass. is a typical community in a state that has lately seen an average of nearly four heroin deaths per day. The individuals spotlighted in HEROIN: CAPE COD, USA, all of whom live in the area, talk candidly about their heroin habit and their community, where, according to one of them, "either you work or you do drugs."
Heroin: Cape Cod, USA visits the Parents Supporting Parents Group of Cape Cod, where parents describe raising their kids in happy homes, only to see everything change when their sons and daughters started abusing pain medication. Receiving invaluable support from other parents in the same situation, they share feelings of co-dependency and discuss the financial burden of having a child cycling in and out of detox
Last year more than 1,200 people in Massachusetts fatally overdosed.
The documentary, directed by academy award winner Steven Okazaki, debuts on December 28 on HBO.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Habonim alumni who have changed the world
What do Dr Stanley Hirsch, Stanley Fischer, Stanley Bergman, Morris Kahn, and Professor Michael Hayden have in common? They are just a handful of the many Habonim Dror Southern Africa alumni who have made their mark across the globe.
by TALI FEINBERG | Dec 05, 2019
In fact, some say that the methods they use to run their companies and manage hundreds of thousands of employees are influenced by their time as Habonim madrichim (counsellors/leaders). They also say that they use the hadracha (leadership) techniques learned in the movement.
As Habonim gears up to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2020, it looks back at an extraordinary number of past members who have made a major impact on the world.
Hirsch, currently chief executive of FuturaGene, says, "My experience at Habonim taught me certain fundamental values that have served as a foundation for me in my career and in the development of my management style. The dignity of work, and of every person, no matter what their background, imbues respect and balance that allows one to progress."
Hirsch has played a crucial role in the healthcare, diagnostic, agricultural, and biotech industries. His company is a leader in genetic research and development for the global sustainable industrial-forest sector. FuturaGene obtained the first ever commercial approval for yield enhanced, genetically modified eucalyptus. Early in his career, Hirsch was involved in the development of automated systems for plant tissue culture.
Fischer, probably Habonim's most famous export, was deputy chairperson of the United States Federal Reserve, and before that, he was the governor of the Bank of Israel. "He is the embodiment of the old-school global leader," wrote Sam Fleming in the Financial Times in 2017.
"In his near-five-decade career, Fischer could lay claim to being one of the godfathers of modern economic policy. It was Fischer who helped set the direction of central banking practice as an academic in the 1970s. Then, as first deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund, he played a leading role in the response to the Asian and Russian crises of the late 1990s. He went on to steer Israel through the global meltdown of 2007-2009 as governor of the country's central bank," Fleming wrote.
To complete a trio of Stanleys, Bergman won Chief Executive of the Year in 2017. He has been chief executive and chairperson of the board for Henry Schein since 1989, the largest provider of products and services for the dental and veterinary industries. He has grown the company to exist in 33 countries and employ more than 21 000 people.
Bergman told the SA Jewish Report, "Participating in Habonim from an early age reinforced the values of tikkun olam [healing the world], and was a strong complement to my parent's values, while at the same time providing an excellent leadership-development platform. I always remind our young managers that those who are good at 'running a summer camp' make excellent future leaders in business, or, in fact, any walk of life. A great camp counsellor knows how to get the entire team engaged in the mission."
He has received numerous awards and titles, and he and his wife, Marion, actively support several organisations that foster the arts, cultural diversity, grassroots healthcare, higher education, and sustainable entrepreneurial economic development initiatives.
Kahn was the man behind Israel's mission to the moon in the form of Beresheet, the first privately-funded moon-lander that crashed into the lunar surface. Kahn, who is said to be preparing for Beresheet 2, is considered Israel's wealthiest high-tech mogul.
"Unlike others who achieved what they did thanks to an inheritance that provided seed money or a swift exit, Kahn created his capital with his own two hands," wrote Anat Georgi and Guy Grimland in Ha'aretz in 2011.
The billionaire Israeli entrepreneur joined Habonim in 1948. He wanted to go to Israel, but was encouraged to wait since he was still young. After getting married, he made aliyah with his family.
He founded Amdocs, one of Israel's largest, most established high-tech companies with 26 000 employees worldwide, and Coral World, which operates an underwater observatory in Eilat. A major donor to the Weizmann Institute of Science, Kahn helped launch the field of systems biology.
The institute quickly became a world leader in this nascent field, which fuses physics and biology to create a holistic understanding of how the structure of our biology is closely intertwined with its function. Recently, he established the Morris Kahn Institute for Human Immunology at the institute, which will fund the work of a range of studies in this field.
''I balance between business and philanthropy,'' he told Ha'aretz. "Many of my businesses have a philanthropic angle. I want to change a lot of things, not only in Israel, but all over the world."
Hayden, best known for his research into Huntington's Disease (HD), was recently named one of the 50 Canadians born in the 20th century who have changed the world, but he was born in Cape Town.
With numerous titles and awards, he has identified 10 disease-causing genes and developed gene therapy approaches – the first approved gene therapy in the Western world.
He also spearheaded the development of a youth-friendly recreation, counselling, and learning centre in partnership with the township of Masiphumelele in Cape Town. This centre aims to promote responsible sexual behaviour among at-risk youth, empower HIV/AIDS-affected youth, and build a sense of self and community-participation within the township.
Other well-known alumni of Habonim Dror Southern Africa are Maxine Fassberg, the chief executive of one of Israel's largest companies, INTEL Israel; Alan Hoffmann, former director general of the Jewish Agency; Alan Swerdlow, a top stage director and film maker in South Africa; anti-apartheid advocate, the late Jules Browde; businessman and trade union founder Johnny Copelyn; Israeli psychiatrist Jonni Benjamin; Moira Benigson, a top head-hunter in London; and Stephen Pincus, a Canadian lawyer and board member of the Jewish Agency.
And there are many more who may be joining Habonim to celebrate its 90th anniversary next year.
2 Freda sher 11 Dec
i Would like to add Zeev (Wolfie) Mankowitz and Gideon shimoni
1 Brian Fredman 17 Dec
When these bogrim belonged to Habonim they were part of a Jewish, Zionist and Socialist youth movement that cherished Jewish history, Aliyah and egalitarianism.
The bogrim that we should be proud of are those who are Israeli citizens living with their families in Israel, paying their taxes, serving in the army and fighting for a just and fair egalitarian society as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs.
The code you entered is not valid


text:
Давид Васильович Бидловський (;  22 січня 1999, Суми, Україна) — російський футболіст українського походження, півзахисник клубу «Форте» (Таганрог).

Життєпис
Вихованець академії московського «Динамо» імені Льва Яшина. Після випуску грав за дублюючі склади «Афіпса» та «Оренбурга». Весною 2019 року був орендований краснодарським «Урожаєм», за який провів один матч у першості ПФЛ. За основну команду ФК «Оренбург» в прем'єр-лізі дебютував 5 липня 2020 року в виїзному матчі проти «Рубіна», вийшовши на 65-й хвилині замість Едварда Готліба.

Наприкінці 2020 року перейшов в оренду до клубу «Акрон» (Тольятті).

З січня 2022 року — гравець клубу «Форте» (Таганрог).

Примітки

Посилання
 Візитна картка футболіста на офіційному сайті РПЛ

 Профіль гравця  на сайті soccerpunter.com
 Профіль гравця  на сайті footballdatabase.eu
 Профіль гравця на сайті worldfootball.net
 Профіль гравця  на сайті fbref.com
 Профіль гравця  на сайті sportbox.ru

Уродженці Сум
Російські футболісти
Футболісти «Урожаю» (Краснодар)
Футболісти «Оренбурга»
Футболісти «Оренбурга-2»
Футболісти «Акрона»
Футболісти «Форте»

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q&A with 2015 NCC Insulation Gold Medalist
0 April 20, 2015 Careers in Construction, On The Job
During the National Craft Championships, Mark Koch of G.E. Insulation, Sanford, Mich., was faced with many obstacles that made his chances of placing in the competition look slim. But Koch didn't let that stop him. By the end of the week, he was being called to the front of the stage to be named the 2015 Insulation Gold Medalist. In the Q&A below, see what Koch thinks about the industry, his career in construction and his experience at the National Craft Championships.
Q1: How did you get started in construction?
A1- I took a building trades class at the skill center for two years while in high school. I liked working with my hands and heard about the job from a friend.
Q2: What was the most important thing you learned while you were an apprentice?
A2- The most important thing I learned as an apprentice is to manage time well and work to accomplish everything in a timely manner while also producing your best work.
Q3: What is the most rewarding thing about being in the construction industry?
A3- The most rewarding thing about being in the construction industry is being able to work and meet all sorts of people from different places and lifestyles at the same time.
Q4: What would you tell to students who are unsure of the career path they want to take?
A4- I would tell people who are unsure to talk with people and companies who have experience in the industry and shadowing them if possible.
Q5: How did you prepare for the National Craft Championships?
A5- I prepared for the National Craft Championships by studying the things that I do on a daily basis and other tasks that we occasionally encounter in my trade.
Q6: What did it mean to you personally and to your career to be able to compete at the National Craft Championships?
A6- It meant a lot to be able to compete in the competition. Knowing that what I have learned has given me skills that put me on the same level with the best in the industry is a great feeling.
Q7: What did you enjoy most about participating in the National Craft Championships?
A7- Being able to meet and talk with other competitors from around the states and hearing what they do on a daily basis that is different from my own work.
Q8: Was there anything about the competition and the National Craft Championships experience that surprised you?
A8- The size of building needed for so many competitors and all of the hotels to accommodate them surprised me the most.
Q9: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the National Craft Championships
A9: The biggest challenge I faced with the craft competition was getting food poisoning the night before the hands on portion of the test and being sick throughout the whole day of working on the competition.
Q10: What were you thinking when you heard your name called for the gold medal?
A10: When I heard my name called for the gold medal I was proud of what I had made myself go through and not stopping when it was the much easier way to go.
Donna Puglisi works in the Public Affairs department for ABC National


This past Sunday, I sat around a dining room table in a large West Knoxville home with three Chinese women and three Chinese children. The girl to my left is studying at the University of Tennessee. Her plate was full of every type of Thanksgiving cuisine you could imagine, and she tried each one.
The two women that sat on my right are visiting scholars at UT. Their plates were full of fruit, and they meticulously peeled grapes, placing the skins on a napkin. As they talked to me, courageously using their broken English, they had the brightest smiles on their faces.
After we finished eating, we went in to the den to join the other international students there, their spouses and children, and the handful of Americans. Lee, the facilitator of the gathering explained the first Thanksgiving and then asked if anyone wanted to share something for which they were thankful. One after one, people from across the world stood up and gave thanks for their families and for Americans who have shown them hospitality.
I'm thankful for my mother who has instilled in me the beauty and wonder of volunteering.
Monday evening, I went on a walk with my best friend, up Glenwood, down Scott Avenue and back down Oklahoma. It was dark and chilly and we marveled at the homes all ready adorned in Christmas lights.
I'm thankful for Amelia, for being the most patient listener and the most gracious friend.
It took me four hours to reach Nashville from Knoxville on Wednesday because of traffic and rain. When I pulled off the interstate, I called Amanda. She stayed on the phone with me, giving me step by step directions to her house.
"Are all of my friends there waiting for me?" I asked.
"Mark is here. Everyone else must be on their way," she replied.
I arrived to see ALL of their cars parked along the street. Hmmmm, I thought to myself.
I was showered with Craisins-turned-confetti and a room full of dear friends.
In the midst of the solitude I've felt in Knoxville for quite some time, I'm thankful to have experienced a moment of sheer warmth, fuzziness, and laughter.
Last night, my sisters and I baked in our parents' kitchen. My dad came home from work, delighted to see us all there together. It was dinnertime and instead of sitting, we opened a bottle of wine and stood and grazed and baked together while Christmas music played in the background.
I'm thankful that love can grow between messed up, crazy people.
B"family", "food", "friends", "love", "thankful"


text:
The Beautiful Boot — February 21, 2007
What I think has impressed me the most over the years I've worked with computers are the times I've come to an expectation that a computer acts a "certain way"… and then along comes a programmer, hacker or tinkerer who proves that no, in fact you're wrong and it doesn't have to be that "certain way".
One of these situations was floppy disk load times. Having come from cassette tapes, where it could literally be 20-30 minutes of load time before the program was ready to go, Floppy Disks were by far both superior and blindingly fast. But people are what they are, and it never takes that long for the mind to adapt to the increased speed and then find fault with it. In the case of disks, it could be anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds to load a program via floppy, depending on what was going by.
I didn't own an Apple II at the time, but the Apple II was what the schools dealt in and that's what the kids would trade programs in. If you were lucky, your school had kids who had access to programs/copies of disks outside of the district, and then you'd have even more cool stuff. It also gave whoever had these new programs the pride of showing off their latest wares. (Softwares. Wares. Warez. I'm sure you get the etymology of this by now.)
Again, the way that programs (especially commerical programs) being traded around "worked" is that you'd put the floppy disk into the drive, then power on the machine, and then let it "boot" into the program, taking about 15 seconds to do so, chugging away, and then it'd show a graphic splash screen and there we were. This was the "certain way" that floppy disks on the Apple II would boot.
However, that changed for me when I ran into "Beautiful Boot" by the Midwest Pirates' Guild.
You never forget your first time, or more accurately you occasionally do forget your first time if it's the first time encountering a file selection menu. But I remember mine clearly. I was in a computer classroom at school, and there was a movable cart with a large (regular) television serving as a monitor at the front of the room, and someone shoved in their latest "wares' disk to show off what they had. They turned on the Apple II, and in one click of the disk drive, there it was:
The screenshot shows several things clearly and a few things not as clearly. First of all, the font was great: instead of the basic Apple II font, this was an easy-to-read style that could been seen across the room. The selections were all right there, waiting for you to type in a letter instead of the commands BRUN STOLEN.PROGRAM.I.DOWNLOADED or RUN "CRAPPY BASIC PROGRAM". And the minute you did, off they would go, chugging away quickly and your program would be up in no time.
Additionally, it had a soundtrack, albeit a simple one: plinky little dots of noise, not unlike the starfield that was scrolling in the background, which was also amazing to watch… all of this in one disk chug! How did this happen? It was basically magic.
This was a quantum leap from anything I'd seen before. I got a copy of the disk that had this menu on it, but it was years before I got my hands on the actual program to generate this menu. The documentation for Beautiful Boot is here in my archives, and you can see the excellent work done on this program's instructions to make it easy to use.
Here's screenshots from the generation program (called Beautiful Boot, of course):
So, how did Beautiful Boot boot so quickly? Well, by simply working hard at the programming, of course: being on Track 0, it highly compressed the program that would do the actual menu, and had a very reduced version of AppleDOS that could fit in that track. One click, one read, one run. And so in doing this, they proved everything could be improved about the Apple Boot process.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mini Appler (and Sinbad Sailor) of the Midwest Pirate's Guild as part of the BBS Documentary. When the opportunity came up to interview them, you can bet I was going to move heaven and earth to make such an interview happen. As it was, it only took a round-trip by car across Wisconsin to Minneapolis, Minnesota, a few extra hours on an insane trip that will always be thought of as the "Midwest Run". (I went to 8 states in 10 days, driving thousands of miles and doing well over a dozen interviews).
Here's the Mini Appler (get it? Minneapolis?) from one of the photographs I took during that interview.
What a great guy he was; photogenic, articulate, and with a good memory for the BBS days. Naturally we discussed Beautiful Boot, where he told me how he'd gotten the starfield routine from a Broderbund game of the same time (he'd lifted the assembly routines, then changed them from side-scrolling to vertical scrolling). It was great to finally, ultimately, thank him for blowing my mind a mere 20 years earlier.
This magical situation, where a well-written program does something that nobody previously thought was possible, has only happened to me a few times in my life (most recently would be the 8088 Corruption demo that Trixter did in 2004). When they happen, you have to treasure them, and they remind me how everything is possible, and cynicism gets me nothing but a slow load time.
leahpeah says:
I remember the first time we had the Apple computers put in our classroom. Our teacher was so excited. He put in the missile game where you used math and put in the trajectory and wind speed/direction or something like that. I remember feeling proud when I killed someone else because my math was not always the best and I was routinely behind a little, but it was just a game to me. A giant game with a giant screen. My mind couldn't see the potential. I've always blamed that teacher for not explaining it to me better. I think I lost quite a few years because I didn't understand the potential. But I'm wondering now if it was just the limitation of my imagination and nothing the teacher did.
Rob "Flack" O'Hara says:
Somewhat unrelated, but I remember a similar revelation moments after using a Fast Load cartridge on the C64 for the first time. The C64 had obviously superior graphics and sound compared to our Apple II, but the load times were almost unbearable. I remember owning games that took between five and ten minutes to load — from a floppy! The Fast Load cart sped things up ten fold. I remember thinking at the time, "why didn't they just build whatever's in this cart into the drive, and skip a step?"
Jason Scott says:
Not unrelated at all, Flack. I thought the Fast Load cartridge was a perfect example of that very situation. However, the way that the Fast Load cartridge worked was basically by jamming the 1541 so that it no longer did three verifications on each read and write, instead doing one, and doing a few other similar tricks. It functioned kind of like the print buffers of the old days on PCs, where the hardware was basically giving a slightly different interrupt to the OS and "fooling" it to do things to the user's benefit.
I'm sure to the engineers who'd made the 1541, this was crazy insane because they knew the potential for lost data. Same thing with going from single-sided to double-sided disks for floppies; in many cases they didn't put much of any quality into the second side, but people were fine with that! In other words, you could TAKE these advantages but no company in their right might would SELL them, because they were unreliable.
There was a copy program for the Apple II that used memory buffering tricks to be able to copy a floppy in no time; it would go through the sectors like a shimmering curtain of pixels and then be on the other side going "I'm Done!" I'm sure it totally didn't verify-check, but damn was it fast.
Deckard says:
The full source code of the Beautiful Boot is available here:
http://boutillon.free.fr/Underground/Outils/Beautiful_Boot/Beautiful_Boot.html
Skip the french text and go to the SOURCES section.
What is that font?


AHIF Conference Identifies Crucial Challenges, Some Areas Of Success For The Future Of Hellenism In The U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC — Arriving at a critical turning point, the American Hellenic Institute Foundation's (AHIF) first annual conference on The Future of Hellenism in the United States addressed a number of key themes, challenges and crises facing the Greek American community today. The conference, which took place October 18-19, 2002, at the Capital Hilton, featured more than 20 expert speakers and hosted a full audience of more than 150 attendees from all over the country.
The conference opened on Friday, October 18 with a dinner event, featuring presentation of AHI's Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award to author and publisher Christopher G. Janus by AHIF President Gene Rossides, and the keynote address delivered by famed military and Greek American sociologist, Professor Charles Moskos of Northwestern University. The dinner proceedings set the foundation for the seven targeted conference sessions and concluding remarks on Saturday.
[Descendants'] ties to the Greek language, culture and religion inevitably become more and more tenuous as time passes. How will they preserve and pass on those ineffable qualities that amount to Hellenism? If they have no immediate or recent connections with Greece, if they don't travel there frequently, if they don't speak the language, if they don't marry another Greek American, if they don't attend a Greek Orthodox Church, then what will be their resources for affirming their Hellenic roots?
Beyond what Hellenism can do for us -- to paraphrase JFK -- we, those descendants of the early generations, should be asking ourselves what we can do for Hellenism. What can we do to ensure that Hellenism and Hellenic ideals can continue to have a clear identity and prominent role in the U.S. of the future?
Greek Language Education in the U.S.
The Role of the Greek Orthodox Church in Promoting Hellenism in the U.S.
The Role of the Greek American Lobby: What Does the Future Hold?
Promoting Hellenism and Hellenic Culture in the U.S.
The Role of Greek American Professionals in the Promotion of Hellenism in the U.S.
Delivering the luncheon keynote address, titled "Defining Hellenism", was Professor of Hellenism Dr. David Weinberg. Closing remarks were presented by Dr. Constantine Papadakis, President of Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In the quest to uncover the future of Hellenism in the U.S., several major conclusions were apparent throughout the majority of the themes addressed by each of the sessions. Among the highest priorities mentioned was the need to find more effective methods with which to involve younger generations in learning about and, hence, preserving their Hellenic identity. Direct involvement of the youth in learning about their culture -- through study abroad, through cultural exchanges, through effective language learning -- were some of the ideas suggested which had met with a degree of success.
Also stressed by many of the speakers was the need for more cohesive and coordinated leadership. The importance of working together on agreed themes and policies with many voices was stated as vital to achieving progress in getting Greek American interests to resonate in the wider community in the interests of the U.S. Related to this, greater involvement by Greek Americans at-large in their communities -- in political, educational, charitable, religious, and other organizations -- was also necessary to maintain and perpetuate Hellenic identity.
One of the methods highlighted by several of the speakers in promoting Hellenic culture in the U.S. was that Greek American community leaders should stress the universality of Hellenic values, as the foundation of Western civilization and particularly American society. Hellenic values are present throughout America and, therefore, are easily understood and applied to daily life.
To achieve all of these goals, conference participants and attendees cited the need for a yearly conference regarding Hellenism to take place in Washington, D.C., complemented by smaller, more focused yet related conferences throughout the country and especially where Greek American communities exist.
I challenge this audience and the American Hellenic Institute to identity a vehicle where a strategic plan can be laid out and a platform be established for the success of Hellenism in the U.S. for years to come.
At the close of AHIF's conference, Executive Director of AHI Nick Larigakis said, "AHI stands ready to help sponsor similar conferences throughout the country with the support of local communities."
Benefactors who helped make the AHIF's conference possible include: The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA); Nicholas Bouras (Summit, NJ); Elias Gyftopoulos (Lincoln, MA); James and Nike Lagos (Springfield, OH); George Panagiotou (Camarillo, CA); James Pedas (Washington, DC); Theodore Pedas (Washington, DC); Eugene T. Rossides (Washington, DC); Savvas Savopoulos (Hyattsville, MD); Ted G. Spyropoulos (Chicago, IL); and Stephen G. Yeonas (McLean, VA).
A highlight of AHIF's conference dinner was the presentation of the AHI Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award to Christopher G. Janus by AHI founder Gene Rossides. Mr. Janus, throughout his prestigious career, has authored seven books and was a writer for several movies, including the award-winning Disney Premiere Film Goodbye, Miss 4th of July .
Christopher Janus was congratulated particularly for his leadership during World War II in Greek war relief. Serving as an economic assistant at the U.S. State Department (1943-1944) and later as the Chief of the Greek Desk in the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (UNRRA) in Cairo and Athens (1944-1945), he formulated the economic and relief needs of Greece following the German withdrawal.
We don't have to be proud just because of what the ancient Greeks did because modern Greece and modern Greeks have also committed acts of greatness. And I was there. I refer to what Greeks did during World War II [in rejecting the Italian ultimatum]. That omicron;chi;iota;, that no, was a sound that was heard around the world. And that was as great a thing as what happened at Thermopylae 2000 years ago.
Whether you're listening to me as a scholar or as a dilettante, my message is: We were brought up on myths and we must believe in myths. Maybe the whole idea of the ancient Greeks being in us is a bit of a myth, but we still have to believe it and I urge you to have your sons and daughters believe it. Because as William James the philosopher said, 'Believing helps make it so.' And what a wonderful future for the Greeks and for al of us if indeed that is true."
Following Mr. Janus' remarks, Dr. Charles Moskos delivered the conference keynote address, titled "The Changing Face of Greek Americans." Dr. Moskos is professor of sociology at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he holds the Anderson Chair in the College of Arts and Sciences. The keynote offered an overview of the historical presence of Greek Americans in the United States and highlighted the group's struggles and successes in adapting to American society while striving to maintain their Hellenic identity.
Pointing to both "good news and bad news," Dr. Moskos discussed the inherent demographic challenges that face any immigrant group and its descendents in struggling to maintain their cultural identity. After three waves of Greek immigration to the U.S. (1890-1924, post-WWII to 1965, and 1966-1980), immigration has tapered off significantly to levels of around 1,000-1,200 people per year, fertility rates are down, the immigrant population is aging, and intermarriage has become the rule rather than the exception.
The focus should be on a vibrant core of affiliated and organized Greek Americans who draw upon themselves and find themselves either or both spiritually hungry and communally hungry. And that includes people with a partial Greek ancestry as well as those with no Greek ancestry. By becoming more Greek in a secular sense, people will find themselves more in tune with the Greek Orthodox Church in a sacred sense. And by opening up to the broader community, the Church itself will bring more people into contact with Greek ethnicity. Otherwise, I think we'll end up in a situation where our children are neither Greek nor Orthodox.
Prominent guests attending the AHIF conference dinner were the Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. George Savvaides; Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cyprus, Achilleas Antoniades; Dr. Constantine Papadakis, President of Drexel University; Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA Dr. James Dimitriou; former Supreme Presidents of the Order of AHEPA Dr. Spiro Macris and Mr. John Pappas; and former Maine Congressman Peter Kyros.
The AHIF's Future of Hellenism seven conference sessions were conducted consecutively on Saturday, October 19, 2002. Following opening remarks from Mr. Marketos, Session A turned attention to the future of Greek American organizations, moderated by Nick Larigakis.
The first panelist, Dr. James Dimitriou, Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA, discussed the past, present and future realities confronting Greek American organizations. Using the Order of AHEPA as his example, he described the various challenges that the organization has confronted since its inception in 1922.
Dr. Dimitriou's strongest piece of advice was that, "As time goes on, organizations have to continue to change. In the present day, the Order of AHEPA is continuing to look at those changes," noting also the danger of organizations looking inward. Further, he cautioned that, "unless we can continue to redefine ourselves, redevote ourselves, analyze what the problems are, none of us will grow."
The session's other panelists, Nina Peropoulos (President, Pan-Macedonian Association) and James G. Saklas (Second Vice President, Pan-Cretan Association), discussed the problems facing Greek regional societies. According to both speakers, the most urgent matter for both of their organizations was generating and maintaining involvement on the part of younger members. Mr. Saklas cautioned that, "There are the typical youth programs, [such as] scholarships. Scholarships don't work." Instead, the Pan-Cretan Association focuses efforts on getting young members back to Crete. This method has proven successful as it establishes a direct and personal connection between the youth and Greece. After all, according to Mr. Saklas, "Being Cretan [or Greek] is not a matter of the blood. It's a matter of the heart and mind."
Session B, examining the role of the Greek American media, was moderated by Dean C. Lomis, Ph.D. (former Director of the International Center, University of Delaware), with panelists including Antonis Diamataris (publisher, The National Herald ) and George Chryssis (publisher, The Hellenic Voice ).
Both panelists cited the crucial function of the Greek American media in supporting the bonds of the Greek American community and allowing it to perpetuate itself in the U.S. Mr. Diamataris echoed these thoughts stating, "That is the fundamental role of the press: In a society as large and as diverse as ours the need for specialized newspapers has always been great, and is even greater today, in the age of social segmentation."
According to Mr. Chryssis, both traditional and new media forms (newspaper, radio, television and the Internet), "have kept the Greek Americans informed and connected to their community" and exert "immense influence and impact in the lives, habits and decisions of the Greek American people."
Session C highlighted the urgent crisis facing Greek language education in the U.S., especially at the K through 12 grade levels. The moderator for the session was Professor John Iatrides, Executive Director of the Modern Greek Studies Association (MGSA). The session was broken into three points of focus.
The second portion of Session C, titled "K-12 Private Greek School Programs: Are They Viable?" offered mixed results. Using the Hellenic American Academy (HAA) in Potomac, Maryland as her model, panelist Elaine Lailas, Ph.D. described the astounding success of this private independent Greek Orthodox American school. While her conclusion was that this type of school is indeed possible, one of the major challenges that ultimately forced the closing of HAA was funding at the local community level.
A more optimistic picture of the state of Greek language education at the university level in the U.S. was given by Professor Vassilios Lambropoulos (C. P. Cavafy Professor of Modern Greek at the University of Michigan), who focused on the importance of increasing Modern Greek Studies (MGS) programs at the university level. Citing national trends, he noted that while enrollments in all foreign languages have been falling, "Greek has been very steady, even increasing, across the board." To perpetuate this trend, Dr. Lambropoulos suggested that Greek Americans and philhellenes might "go to a college we know, we respect, and say 'How about another course that integrates antiquity and modernity, Europe and America?' And that's modern Greek."
The final session of the morning's activities was Session D, "The Role of the Greek Orthodox Church in Promoting Hellenism in the U.S.," moderated by James H. Lagos, Esq., President of Bushnell Investment Co., Inc. and Partner at Lagos & Lagos.
Describing the intricate and longstanding relationship between Hellenism and Orthodoxy was Rev. Dr. Demetios J. Constantelos, Charles Cooper Townsend Senior Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and Religion, and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. His conclusion was that "Hellenism and Christianity cannot be separated for linguistic, for historical, for cultural reasons. The task of the Orthodox in the United States is to maintain the continuity of Orthodox Christian belief and ethos. Respect the close relationship between faith and inheritance." In this way, the Church can also advocate for Hellenism.
Our Greek Orthodox Church in America today is in a downward spiral. Awareness of Hellenic background is in rapid decline. We're losing market share in a business sense in terms of losing people. And in that business sense, we are on our way to bankruptcy, translating into fewer and fewer Greek Orthodox Christians.
If these challenges are addressed squarely and realistically, then the Greek Orthodox Church can be a powerful voice in promoting Hellenism. But Dr. Pappas cautioned that, "if we cannot first keep our youth attached in practicing the Orthodox faith, then the chances of having them preserve their Hellenic and ethnic backgrounds is slim. [O]ur ability to convey those [Hellenic] values I think goes down enormously."
Hellenism is not a relic of the past to which we periodically pay verbal homage on occasions such as this one. It is, rather, the foundation of civilization upon which we continually build. It is a living, breathing, vital contemporary component of our lives. It permeates our thoughts, influences our ethics, shapes our art, structures our literature, strengthens our democratic institutions, reforms our education and advances our science and technology.
Immediately following the luncheon, conference attendees proceeded to the fifth of the seven conference sessions, titled "The Role of the Greek American Lobby: What Does the Future Hold?" and moderated by Maria Stamoulas, Esq. (Partner, Facer & Stamoulas, P.C.).
The first panelist, Gene Rossides, underscored some of the key challenges to Hellenism in the U.S., noting that the "flourishing of Hellenism in the twenty-first century in the U.S. depends on an active Greek American community on at least two fronts." The first front cited was the need for stronger lobbying efforts in public policy matters dealing with the four areas of power in the U.S. — the Congress, the Executive Branch, the media and the academic community.
The second front cited by Mr. Rossides which requires a greater degree of involvement was in educational policy. Emphasized was the need to strengthen and spread Greek language studies in grades K through 12, and the study of modern and classical Greece at the university level. By working collectively on both of these fronts — government and education — the Greek American community can better promote Hellenism in the U.S. He called for the establishment of 100 endowed chairs in ancient and modern Greek studies and $100 million from the Greek American community to be matched by $100 million from the universities.
Nick Karambelas, Partner at Sfikas & Karambelas, LLP, provided an instructional and informative overview regarding the problem with foreign Hellenic organizations lobbying in the U.S. Precisely because foreign agents and organizations lobbying U.S. voters is perceived negatively, efforts to promote Greek American issues are best advocated at the grassroots level. Community members must become more involved in contacting their Congressperson and Senator, and "educat[ing] at the grassroots level, not just your Representatives and Senators, but their staffs."
The most extensive session of the day, moderated by Konstandinos Alexakis (CEO, Public Sector Solutions) addressed the topic of "Promoting Hellenism and the Hellenic Culture in the U.S." as seen through various vantage points.
Achilleas Antoniades, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cyprus, provided a number of examples through which the Republic of Cyprus promotes Hellenism in the U.S. These include a recent exhibition on Cypriot antiquities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a one-day seminar at the Smithsonian Institution themed "The wonders of ancient Cyprus: Land of Aphrodite," and other similar cultural, educational and public outreach programs.
The Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. George Savvaides outlined Greece's role, emphasizing especially the importance of "close, cordial and constructive relations between the U.S. and Greece both on the bilateral and multilateral field," and a need for "better understanding between the people of Greece and Hellenes in America."
Through this work [at the Onassis Foundation] I touched upon the universal value, the universal nature of Hellenic civilization. It's so much easier for somebody who promotes Hellenic civilizations to do it when we really underline the true nature of Hellenic civilization. This nature is that it is an integral part of Western and human civilization.
Marilyn Rouvelas, through her study and promotion of Greek customs and traditions in the diaspora, echoed Ambassador Tsilas's sentiments. She stressed the universal appeal of Hellenism which has attracted and maintained the dedication of Hellenes and philhellenes throughout history. This is evidenced through the Greek customs and traditions that these communities keep alive today which are documented in her best-selling book, A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs in America (Attica Press 2002).
Offering poignant concluding remarks to the session was renowned author Harry Mark Petrakis. As he reflected on growing up Greek American, Mr. Petrakis concluded, "I do not know whether Hellenism will prevail. Great civilizations have perished. I do say I am grateful for that legacy myself, and I have sought through the years I have worked and written to instill it in my books. A small particle of that living, breathing greatness." In this way, every Greek American has the ability and opportunity to promote Hellenism in his or her own particular way.
The final session of the day focused on the role of Greek American professionals in the promotion of Hellenism in the U.S., moderated by James Marketos. Reflecting the words of Mr. Petrakis, George Veras (President and Founder, Veras Communications International) affirmed that Greek American professionals can promote the culture by carrying its values and ideals into the workplace. Of his own experience in the media world, Mr. Veras pointed out that, "I spoke up about my roots and my culture, wore it on my sleeve in the corporate television world at CBS where many others were most eager to fit into the corporate culture." By doing so, he was targeted as the ideal producer for "Yanni Live at the Acropolis," and hence many subsequent Hellenic-themed programs, including "Greek Americans" on public television, that promote Greek culture in an even more direct manner.
Concluding Remarks -- Looking Beyond: What is the Future of Hellenism in the U.S.?
If you wonder how all this can be done by the Greeks in America, you must remember what 100,000 Greeks in Athens accomplished 2,500 years ago. They invented democracy, banking, theatre, medicine, science and mathematics. Because the only way I know how to transform vision to reality is through planning, I challenge this audience and the American Hellenic Institute to identity a vehicle where a strategic plan can be laid out and a platform be established for the success of Hellenism in the U.S. for years to come.
Additional digital photographs from the AHIF's conference on The Future of Hellenism in the U.S. are available upon request.
Accessibility Statement: Compliance to W3C WCAG 1.0 Levels AA-AAA.


Newly moved to London by way of South Africa duo Stu & the Joo who have sent us a couple of great DJ mixes in the past (check here), have just sent us their latest DJ mix "Creased by the East". Just like their other mixes it is top notch and definitely gets me in a groove. Thought I'd share with our fine readers. Maybe it will help get your work week off to a great start. I have no doubt that these boys will be making a name for themselves in London in no time flat. Download this bad boy and say "I remember them way back when".
What a killer mix. nice one!


text:
Todd Alcott
What Does the Protagonist Want?
Who is Todd Alcott?
Batman: The Dark Knight Rises part 5
The next step on Bruce Wayne's road to recovery is stopping in to see Lucius Fox, the inventor to whom Bruce entrusted the running of his company back in Begins. Lucius finally brings Bruce's monetary woes into focus — he spent his entire research-and-development budget on this mysterious "save-the-world" project, then cancelled it, leaving Wayne Enterprises ripe for takeover by industrial predator Daggett. (If Harvey Dent was Daytime Batman, John Daggett is Overground Bane, taking over Bruce's legitimate business while Bane prepares to go after his darker identity.) Note that the screenplay still doesn't tell us what the project is, exactly. Because what the project is is the maguffin of the piece, and if we know what it is too soon, it tips the narrative's hand in undesired ways. Suffice to say that the comely Miranda Tate was instrumental in developing said project, and that Lucius strongly supports Bruce settling down with her. And, when Lucius is played by no less a personage than Morgan Freeman, the viewer takes it on faith that if Lucius wants you to settle down with a particular woman, you should probably do that.
And, even though Bruce insists that Batman is retired, Lucius lures him into his personal Batcave to show off his new gadgets. It seems odd to force a scene of gadget-display onto a superhero who doesn't have a stated mission, but it's all part of the seduction: Selina draws out Bruce's interest as a criminal, Miranda draws it out as a force of change, Alfred draws it out as a trusted friend, Gordon draws it out as wounded ally, Blake draws it out as a secret admirer, now Lucius draws it out with the promise of toys. But the scene also performs a narrative service — the location, which was always just "somewhere in the basement" before, in Rises becomes a linch-pin of the plot. If we don't feature it now, by the time it becomes important it will seem like its inclusion comes out of the blue.
(The toy on dispay is The Bat, a helicopter-type thingy, and mention is made of the autopilot program. This is all exposition, but it's couched in thematic terms: Lucius has consolidated all of Wayne Enterprises weaponry under one roof, or in one cave, in order to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. This will prove to be foreshadowing.)
Bruce puts on a knee brace that allows him to kick holes in brick walls and, for the second time, listens to Alfred deliver some information on Bane. Bane, we learn, was born in a prison (shades of Dickens) and rose from a pit (shades of Revelations) and was a protege of Ra's Al Ghul (shades of Bruce) but was excommunicated from the League of Shadows because he was too extreme. Almost everything Alfred says here turns out to be disastrously wrong. Dramatically, what's happening in the scene is that, as Bruce is listening, we see that the collective coaxing of everyone Bruce knows has lured him into Bat-mode again, even as he protests every step of the way that he's not, he's really not. It's also worth noting that Alfred, here in his role as teacher-helpmate-father-figure, has no analogue in the rest of Bruce's world. That is, none of the costumed freaks Bruce deals with have their Alfreds, and most all the other characters are versions or reflections of Bruce himself. Alfred stands alone in the Batman universe, I think, to show that Bruce's advantage over his enemies is that he's willing to take advice from an older, subservient man — it's impossible to imagine, say, the Joker pausing to consider the counsel of his oldest, most trusted henchman. Alfred, in that way, is Bruce's superpower.
What does Alfred want? Great question. In Begins, Alfred dreaded Bruce becoming Batman, but in Knight he chastised Bruce for wanting to give up. Now, in Rises, the moment Bruce steps to don the cowl again, Alfred begs him to reconsider. Bruce, he argues, can be his own Daytime Batman, affecting change legitimately, he can't risk going up against a madman like Bane mano-a-mano. His worry, it seems, is less that Bruce might die, but that he's moved from "recluse" to "martyr." The servant who was begging Bruce to get back into the world is now worried that he's going about it the wrong way, for the wrong reasons.
Tags: Batman, comics, DC, superheroes ·
7 Responses to "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises part 5"
Thorsby says:
It was predictable that Miranda was gonna turn out to be a villain for a couple of reasons. First, before the reveal, she was a very uninteresting character. So what's the point of having her in the movie? She has to be a bad guy.
Second, Batman already has a love interest in Cat Woman. A much more interesting love interest. So why bother having this redundant love interest? Again, she has to be a bad guy.
It still works if you think of Miranda as the Bruce Wayne love interest, and Catwoman as the Batman love interest. Finding one to be more interesting than the other helps explain why he puts the cowl on again.
petrichor says:
For fans of the comics, we knew right away, not because she was uninteresting (I certainly never thought so) or bland, but because we have familiarity with Talia. Talia runs LexCorp of the Superman/DC universe. So we have Miranda, a business woman. Secondly, Talia is the mother of Bruce's only biological child; she seduces him into getting her pregnant because she wants an heir to the League of Shadows empire, as it were. She has only a passing interest in her 'beloved' as she calls Bruce, and he is truly taken in by her in the comics, having no idea that she is using him. So the moment that they sleep together in the movie, I was positive of my inclinations that she would turn out to be Talia. While there is no 'child' plot, no Damian to speak of, she is still using him, the baby being the fusion reactor, which she wants access to more than anything else. Lastly she (like I mentioned in an earlier post about Blake) serves to appease the rules of trilogy by bringing everything full circle. She is the Ra's of Rises, the connection back to Begins.
Pip Harper says:
This is just a tiny screenwriting gracenote, but I thought it was very clever the way they disguised the auto-pilot clue – normally it's such a small bit of info it'd just be slipped into the conversation, but of course these days most cinema goers are savvy enough that any small bit of info gets noticed and we would have immediately thought "ah, why is that tiny bit of info being included? It's almost certain to come up later blah blah blah". But by making it seem like the purpose of the auto-pilot mention is just Lucius trying to get Bruce interested in doing something such as fixing it, to ease him back into being batman, because we think we know what that dialogue's purpose was, we don't imagine that it could have two purposes, and so we are fooled (or at least I was).
Well exactly. If exposition is imperative, root it in character. When you root it in character it fills a dramatic purpose. If those things are impossible, make it a joke.
Marie Brennan says:
When Batman started dragging the bomb off at the end, I thought, auto-pilot! But you're right that when it's introduced, it's very well-disguised as something other than a gun on the mantel.
Exposition is hard.
Todd Alcott is a screenwriter living in Los Angeles with his wife and his kids and his cats and his dogs. He has worked on many feature films and has sometimes been credited for thus. You may have seen one.
action movies animation art Avengers Batman blogging Coen Bros comics current events DC Disney Eastwood eulogies favorite screenplays foreign films futuristic dystopia movies heist movies humor in theaters itunes James Bond Justice League kids these days Kubrick mantises! Marvel McCartney misc monsters! movie night with Urbaniak movies music plays Sam screenwriting 101 Spielberg Star Wars superheroes Tarantino television true hollywood stories Venture Bros writing X-Men zombie movies
apocalyptic movies
Blood Relative
Coen Bros
favorite screenplays
my own movies
screenwriting 101
synopses of movies i haven't seen yet
the Urbaniak oeuvre
true hollywood stories
Urbaniak
Venture Bros
Archive Select Month July 2019 May 2019 March 2019 September 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 December 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 September 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006
Some thoughts on The Lion King July 25, 2019
Piece in The Guardian May 4, 2019
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs March 5, 2019
Design Observer podcast September 14, 2018
Kubrick book January 2, 2018
Star Wars Minute December 24, 2017
Kubrick: Barry Lyndon part 9 December 22, 2017
Kubrick: Barry Lyndon part 8 December 9, 2017
My graphics business November 28, 2017
Kubrick: Barry Lyndon part 6 November 21, 2017
Kubrick: Barry Lyndon part 3 November 9, 2017
Spielberg November 1, 2017
Train to Busan October 31, 2017
Settling the Score podcast October 30, 2017
Coen Bros: Five Films October 26, 2017
Footer #1 Widget
This is an example of a text widget that you can place to describe a particular product or service. Use it as a way to get your visitors interested, so they can click through and read more about it.
© 2020 Todd Alcott All rights reserved. Website Design. Search Engine Optimization. Log in


Is It a Stylish Notebook? Or a Modern Storage Device?It's both! It's a great portable hard drive for easy data transfer and safe storage in a stylish, classic notebook design. And because design not only about good looks but also function, the bookmark is a sliding cover to protect the interface when the drive is not in use.Judge It by Its Sliding CoverWhen the drive is not in use, just cover the port with the bookmark. Now it's perfectly protected against any splashing mishaps with an IPX4 standard rating. (Just imagine knocking over that glass of red wine while vividly discussing your favorite book).Special Surface Design for Even More ProtectionHaving cheese or chips with that wine? Well, the D30's rhombus pattern not only gives a it a good grip and feel to it, but also helps to avoid fingerprints and scratches. Oh, and it looks really good as well.How Much Space is Left on Your Bookshelf...Uh...In Your Bag? Or How Much Storage Do You Need?The D30 comes in two sizes: In ultra-slim D3S with up to 2TB or in D3L with up to 5TB storage capacity. So you decide how much you need and want to carry - classically chic and stylish, well, that's both of them.


text:
Practice HORA Classes
Educational HORA Approach
HORA Products
Meditative Chair HORA
About Chair
HORA Raisers
HORA Chair
Why Buy HORA Chair
Open class mostly held on Saturdays' at 9 a.m.
If you cannot make it,
tell us when is the best time for us to meet for Open / Intro class
3520 Lake Ave, #101, Wilmette 704.737.5353 c
Tell us when you can meet
Innovative fitness method HORA® TRANCE FITNESS was successfully tried out at the 10th regional youth educational forum "Ladoga-2018" — a method that prevents any exhaustion and development of addiction, including substances.
December 15, 2018 New Film Release: Gravitaneer, Part 3: " Smallest force In search of self, in search of the soul"
Wilmette, IL, January 12, 2018, New training program HORA Trance Fitness designed to enhance teens and young adults revitalization, strengthening and growth is now available online
Chicago Tribune: Wilmette Entrepreneurs Open New Practice HORA® Training Center in Wilmette, IL: Training Radically Improves Physical and Intellectual Strength, Endurance, and Well-Being
Wilmette residents Svetlana Baklanova and Yevgeny Frolov will have the Grand Opening of their new Practice HORA® Training Center on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The studio is located at 3520 Lake St. Suite 101 in Wilmette, IL 60091. The Grand Opening will feature demonstrations by current students and the opportunity to learn how Practice HORA® can teach one to use inner attention to improve physical/emotional health and inner resource management and how it provides a different path for self-development.
Ms. Baklanova and Mr. Frolov have studied, practiced, and led HORA® training for over a decade. During this time, the married couple has seen dramatic results personally and in others. "We are leading you to train your inner attention throughout your body in such a way that you see and process things more effectively," says Mr. Frolov.
Ms. Baklanova says, "Once your inner attention gets connected with your body and your own individual rhythm of breathing is awakened, you can perform better in sports, at work, at home, everywhere." She adds, "You will feel better after doing the exercises, but our goal is for you to feel and perform better during your work and home activities in everyday life."
"I can confidently say that today I am a better teacher because of Practice HORA®," says Eleanor Nayvelt, a Middle School Teacher in Chicago, IL. "My creativity has been unleashed. Most importantly, I am able to pass along to my students the value of concentration."
"It helps me in school," says Evan, a 14 year-old boy who has been practicing HORA® with Svetlana and Yevgeny for several years. "I used to be lazy and not able to do homework well, but now it just gets done…. If someone hurts my feelings, I know how to keep it from overwhelming me."
"This is the most alive I have ever felt," states Anzhelika Shatrov, a local businesswoman. "I've tried many different physical practices and HORA® is the first one that has made a real difference…. Professionally, I'm in a high-stress, fast-paced environment. I don't feel the stress internally anymore.…I feel unstoppable, like a teenager."
"I haven't been sick since I started practicing HORA® 5 years ago," says another student, Luda Boyce.
Svetlana and Yevgeny are leaders that are dedicated to high-quality results for HORA® students, helping them feel benefits quickly and easily. "Each student has his or her own life path and our training method develops different types of inner connections with the mind, body, and nervous system to achieve these goals," says Yevgeny.
Practice HORA® is a science-based training program designed to develop physical and intellectual inner strength, endurance, and the ability to be calm during activity. Classes and personal training are available for Adults and Teens. The new Wilmette studio will officially open Wednesday, October 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
For more information about Practice HORA®, please contact Svetlana Baklanova at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 704-737-5353.
For information about class and training hours, please visit:
http://web.horausa.com/en/try-a-class/sign-up-for-open-class.
The Practice HORA® Training Studio is located at 3520 Lake St. Suite 101 in Wilmette, IL 60091.
This item was posted by a community contributor. To read more about community contributors, click here.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/wilmette/community/chi-ugc-article-wilmette-entrepreneurs-open-new-practice-hora-2016-10-25-story.html
Media Articles About Practice HORA
VoyageChicago: Meet Svetlana Baklanova of Practice HORA USA in Wilmette
RWeek: HORA is a training to develop endurance and ability to overcome
The Daily Northwestern Newspaper: HORA-TRACK
The North Shore Weekend, Chicago: Practice HORA exercises
The Telluride Daily Planet: Practice HORA in Telluride
Today's Charlotte Woman Magazine: Unleashing Practice HORA


can you hear the sound now of my home island's soul?
you don't have to jump the next ship to bring it home! no!
hey young man what you got in your hand?
you could lose it beating the bushes and then where would we stand?
who you really hurting oh?
if i put a fire to its back, how long before lust so bold is trumped by the pain?
how long must I train the sun through this glass upon the leaves for there to spring a flame?
how far behind did I fall last night when I melted into the crowd?


text:
Q: Password is sent to a console in open text when use pexpect I'm writing a simple script to with pexpect module to implement some commands on network devices.
I use getpass module as well to save the password to a variable, but when I run a script I can see a password in my console.
import csv
import getpass
import pexpect
pswd = getpass.getpass('Please enter your TACACS Password:')
list1 = open('./list.csv', 'rU')
csvfile = csv.reader(list1)
num = 1

for row in csvfile:
    child = pexpect.spawn('ssh ' + str(row[0]))
    child.logfile = log_configen
    print 'Trying to reach ' + str(row[0])
    child.expect('password:')
    child.sendline(pswd)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


I am so thrilled that you have considered me as the beauty go-to for your big day! Having served hundreds of clients in both the Mid Atlantic region and now Central Florida, I am confident in my ability to deliver your ideal look no matter what your style is! I am committed to delivering exceptional service, which is reflected in my five star reviews as well as my Wedding Wire Couple's Choice Awards for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
After spending eight years working for MAC Cosmetics, I decided to leave my role as an operations manager to focus on my core passion. Being an artist at heart, I am dedicated to furthering my creative skills and education. Some of my makeup certifications include tattoo camouflage, false lash application, makeup lesson, theatrical/fantasy/drag, and beauty makeup. My work has been published in Family Circle Magazine, Aisle Society, Vogue Italia online, Ellements Magazine, and See.7 Magazine. You can also see my work featured on author and creator of The Simplified Planner Emily Ley's Instagram feed and in the upcoming horror film "Buckets of Blood!"
I am constantly striving to stretch the boundaries of my creativity while providing my clients a high quality professional service. I believe that delivering diverse hair and makeup styles in a professional, free flowing manner is truly an art form and I have dedicated my time to perfecting my art. I am confident that you will be more than pleased with not only your look, but the experience I offer. I will make you look and feel beautiful, and we will have fun doing it!


text:
Prison officer released after Maghaberry trafficking probe
HMP Maghaberry
Five people – including a serving prison officer – arrested as part of a probe into alleged trafficking of prohibited items into Maghaberry Prison have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The 50-year-old prison officer was arrested yesterday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
A PSNI spokesperson yesterday said: "Detectives from PSNI's Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, working in conjunction with the NI Prison Service, have arrested five people and seized a quantity of cash and drugs as part of an investigation into trafficking of prohibited items into Maghaberry Prison.
"A 50-year-old prison officer was arrested at Maghaberry Prison on suspicion of conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison, misconduct in public office, possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of Class A Drugs following a joint operation with the Prison Service. He has been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
"Four further arrests were also made today and three properties were searched in Newtownabbey , Belfast and Kinallen as part of the ongoing investigation.
"A man aged 28 and a woman aged 26 were arrested in Newtownabbey on suspicion of conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison. The 28 year old male was also arrested for possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of fireworks. A 55 year old woman was arrested at an address in Belfast on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison. A 50 year old woman was arrested in Kinallen on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug and possession of criminal property. They have all been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning."
PSNI's Head of Reactive and Organised Crime Chief Superintendent Tim Mairs said: "Detectives seized £10,000 cash, a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B contolled drugs and a number of mobile phones. This operation is a good example of how collaborative working can disrupt crime and also demonstrates our commitment to Keeping People Safe by removing harmful drugs from society.
Head of the Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, said: "I welcome the result of today's joint operation with the PSNI and would take this opportunity to reiterate the zero tolerance drugs policy which operates within Northern Ireland's prisons."
Police launch appeal after graffiti sprayed in Mallusk


There is a great article on Jeff Samardzija on MLB.com that explores his career and his path from Notre Dame football start to San Francisco Giants hurler. In it Samardzija is interviewed and talks about why he played two sports in college and the leverage that gave him when he signed his first contract with a Big League club (the Cubs). The article is full of great insights and factoids about the Giants starter.
Jeff Samardzija is a tremendous athlete: fast, flexible, strong and very good at baseball. Aside from his fantastic stuff on the mound, his batting practice sessions are pretty exciting, perhaps second only to MadBum's on the must-watch a pitcher hit scale.
Did you know that Smarge was also a basketball star?
Let's hope that "young arm" pitches like a Cy Young candidate and wins the last game of the baseball season.


text:
Career Development for Professionals
(Study Period 4 & 5)
This course will assist students to refine career direction, recognise opportunities to enhance employability, make informed career decisions, develop pre-professional identity and utilise contemporary career planning, development and management strategies.
This course introduces students to the concept, and significance, of professional identity and career planning, development and management. It equips students with knowledge and tools to enhance career decision-making capacity through exploration of self, learning about the world of work, and awareness of career-focused opportunities and activities.
Topics include: career development planning theory and strategies; labour market information; self-assessment and reflection to inform career decision-making; understanding occupational skills requirements; building professional identity verbally, in writing and online; communicating value to employers; recruitment and selection; career planning.
Rook, S 2019, The Graduate Career Guidebook, 2nd edition, Red Globe Press
Online Activities 1 hour x 10 weeks
Report 1600 words or equivalent 35% N/A
Portfolio 2000 words or equivalent 45% N/A
Continuous assessment N/A 20% N/A
Ms Michelle Harvey arrow-small-right
Miss Tahirih Ernesta arrow-small-right
DBIB
Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade)
DBCF
Bachelor of Business (Finance)
DBRF
Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)
DBLS
Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies)
DBCD
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Event Management)


text:
Percussion Planet
DCP Features
Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps Announces 2017 Show - XSCAPE
Skyliners
Corps Announcement
By NY Skyliners PR,
November 16, 2016 in Percussion Planet
NY Skyliners PR 130
NY Skyliners PR
The Skyliners' 2017 show is called XSCAPE! The design team includes Thomas Sparling, Program Coordinator and Visual Designer; John Meehan, Brass Arranger; Ted Mascari, Percussion Arranger; Ryan Reed, Front Ensemble Arranger; James Branche and Krysta Ganey, Color Guard Designers; and Matthew Stevens, Visual Show Consultant.
The XSCAPE show is contemporary, sophisticated, and cutting edge. It incorporates a variety of musical styles, and visual and color guard packages to engage and entertain the audience and membership.
The Introduction of "All The Rowboats" is from Regina Spektor's sixth album. The song finds her singing about someone who wants to liberate works of art from the museum where they are kept. For The Skyliners, this will start with pit, percussion, and soloists or small group(s) and then build to an impact with full corps.
The Opener is "Escape to Paradise" from the movie Chicken Run by John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams. Although written for an animated film, the score is "perfectly suited to the action on screen: classic instrumentation and serious themes, but with the occasional nod and wink." Look for lots of sectional features, some percussion windows, moderate tempo, and lots of action!
The Skyliners' Percussion Feature is "Xscape" by Michael Jackson. It was written and recorded in 1999 for Jackson's tenth studio album, Invincible" album, but failed to make the album. The song was completed in 2001 and leaked on the internet the following year. It is also the name of the second posthumous album of previously unreleased tracks by Jackson that includes "Xscape".
The Ballad is "Lost Boy", the 2015 debut single by Canadian singer Ruth B. "Lost Boy" is a pop tune that has already hit Platinum status, and was part of Ruth B's EP (Extended Play recording), "The Intro" released on November 27, 2015. A music video for the song was released in May 2016. Look for lush brass and solos, and front ensemble in this fresh single.
The Closer is "Kingfishers Catch Fire Movement 2" by John Mackey. This wind ensemble piece premiered on March 17, 2007 in Kurashiki, Japan. It was conducted by Ichirō Saitō, a Japanese film composer. A "kingfisher" is a bird with beautiful, brilliantly colored feathers that look in sunlight as if they are on fire. Kingfishers are rarely seen, but when they are seen, they are undeniably beautiful. The second movement, "Kingfishers Catch Fire," imagines the bird flying out into the sunlight. Starting with the pit, the audience will appreciate the brass features on a 1/16th note ostinato, then a huge build to the ending.
The Skyliners are thrilled to be working with these exceptional Creative Designers to continue our growth to the next level in DCA for 2017.
Come to The Skyliners' Open House to find out more:
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016 ~ 10:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Check-In: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Wyoming Valley West High School
150 Wadham Street, Plymouth, PA 18651
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/Wyoming-West-HS-Directions-Sky
Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners' 2017 Face Book Information Page.
For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join and follow the directions to create a CorpsData profile.


text:
9 Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far), Ranked
Music in the house? What have you been listening to in the lockdown? We all have a different taste in music. Some are suckers for music, some like to focus on the lyrics; some sleep over slow music while some of us go gaga over jazz numbers. Music videos add a lot to their popularity and to the way they make a mark in people's minds. Great music videos capture the audience and keep the memory of the song sharp for a long time.
Here is a list of The 9 Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far), Ranked on the basis of their popularity.
1. "Do It" by Chloe x Halle
We all know that music must have a storyline, without which it is incomplete. "Do It" by Chloe is simply mesmerizing and thus tops the 9 Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far), Ranked, The song keeps the viewers gazing at the screens and makes them groove to its amazing music. The video radiates star power. The song is fueled by sisters' chemistry with crystalline outfits and outstanding choreography.
Chloe and Halle Bailey do not need whistles and bells because the beats are enough! Make yourself groove on this music!
2. "Yo Perreo Sola" by Bad Bunny
We all know Bad Bunny serves colorful, funny, and insightful visuals, and "Yo Perreo Sola" is totally like that, thus is second in the top 9 Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far), Ranked. The music is at its best and has rock music. The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has raised his own bar by dressing in drag and wearing red latex that seems cool and confident.
The bold visuals double down on the content of the song that disapproves of sexual harassment with the declaration "I twerk alone". With the song written from a woman's perspective, Bad Bunny sometimes feels like a woman.
In today's world where the culture of LGBTQ rights is so outspoken, Bad Bunny excels at creating Trojan Horse art which brings in light, injustice, and pays homage to Alexa Negron Luciano who is a transgender woman who was actually murdered first and was rumored as misgendering by media. With all this "Yo Perrie Sola" is a pleasure and necessity hearing.
Interesting read : The Sleepover Review: Netflix's Lighthearted Action-Drama is 'Not' for Cinema Snobs
3. "You Should Be Sad" by Halsey
"You Should Be Sad" by Hasley is an album full of bold lyrics and courage, honesty, and chaos. With bold lyrics like "I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you/ Cause, you can't love nothing unless there's something in it for you" is largely inspired by popular breakup pop music's history of the country. Halsey, with all his strength and boldness, delivered that.
The music has feels and pays salute to some of the favorite idols of Hasley like- Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, and Lady Gaga.
Every detail in the album is so fearless like from dark, teary stains painted onto Hasley's face to cheetah clad reference is given to Shania Twain's "That Don't Impress Me Much" and is definitely one of the best of all the Best Music Videos of 2020.
4. "The Man" by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has made this debut video that transforms her into an oversimplified image of power and dominance. The song is much needed to smash and expose patriarchy and the title, "The Man" is with a male actor playing the role by using makeup to literally become "the man" was the masterstroke to simplify and signify what it means. Taylor Swift is so unrecognizable that the viewers have to see twice to get the shock!
5. "Physical" by Dua Lipa
The entertaining video "Physical" by Dua Lipa starts with Lipa plunging her hand into a man's chest pulling out his beating heart. Isn't it interesting? The flute from the intro draws attention to 80's style. "Let's get physical!" works as the main lyrics in the modern pop song and it surprisingly worked well for the incredibly entertaining video.
6. "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles
What would've been more to watch Harry Styles frolic on a beach in a crochet top with bright blue sunglasses, having a slice of watermelon? This alone makes this song on the list of Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far).
In the middle of quarantine, "Watermelon Sugar " came perfectly for viewers with all the joy and happiness expected. With its delightful cast, "Watermelon Sugar" has gained an appreciation for Harry Styles like "consent king" and a very soul-stirring dedication to "touching". With summers going on, the song was perfect to be released.
Interesting read : 19 Best Movies Coming out this Fall 2020
7. "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion
"WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion is as close as the new movie "Avengers" is. This is the review written by Stereogum's Tom Breihan. He says that the video has been perfectly released in the summer of this pandemic going on. making it one of the most popular out of all the Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far).
The music video filthily celebrates the glory of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. "WAP" has done complete justice to both their talent and curves and is itself is very iconic. The music has Normani dance break and amusement of angry, horny conservative pundits exposing their lack of interest in female pressure.
8. "Rain on Me" by Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande
"Rain on Me" delightfully brings Ariana Grande into her strange and highly choreographed world by Lady Gaga. The music video is all that you expected from a pop duo's powerhouse. Lady Gaga has always been known for her bizarre and cinematic videos and "Rain on Me" of course is one of those. The video elaborates set designs and glamorous costumes.
The two artists are seen as having fun and do not pretend themselves as outsiders. Both of them have different styles and it is a treat to watch Grande, whose brand is carefully maintained and executes Lady Gaga with butterfly and white eyeliner.
The song is a pleasure to watch with Gaga and Grande literally dancing in rain especially given
The song celebrates resilience and joy in the face of calamity, so watching Gaga and Grande hold hands and literally dance in the rain especially when both women have endured and publicly worked through, the video gives many of us cravings of kinship.
Interesting read : 21 Things For People Who Find It Hard To Deal With Stress
9. "Brown Skin Girl" by Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, and WizKid
"Brown Skin Girl" is Beyonce's new work of visual album that she has released on YouTube and is one of the two performances in "Black is King" that has a valid ranking by the viewers and critics.
The video stars Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce's eldest child, who is actually a featured artist in the song. She has done a commendable act in the video as soon as the camera is rolled on her and has got the spotlight. The kid is also filmed alongside Beyonce's mother, grandmother, and young sister Rumi showing the feminine strength of the family and emphasizing generational ties.
With so many details in the video, appearances from Lupita Nyong'o and Naomi Campbell, through Kelly Rowland's are the best moments.
Hope you enjoy these 9 Best Music Videos of 2020 (so far), Ranked as our team did. Add some of your favorites to the list by commenting in the section below.
best music videos of 2020
All of Steve Carell's Movies, Ranked
20 Iconic Photos of the '90s you need to See
Best OfNetflix
10 Fantasy Shows to Escape Into Right Now
There are times when you need to go out from the real world to have a better time and get refreshed. Day-to-day activities are boring and for a proper refreshment what can be better than the fantasy shows on TV that...


text:
Q: How to handle java.util.NoSuchElementException: reduce over empty stream akka stream? I have a filter to filter out incorrect items in a stream. In some edge cases this could result in all items being filtered out. When this happens the stream fails with error -
java.util.NoSuchElementException: reduce over empty stream on running reduce.
How to handle this case to return a meaningful response?
I have tried supervision like -
val decider: Supervision.Decider = {
    case _                      => Supervision.Stop
    case e : NoSuchElementException => Supervision.stop
  }

RunnableGraph.
toMat(Sink.reduce[Int](_ + _)
.withAttributes(ActorAttributes.supervisionStrategy(decider)))(Keep.both)
.run()

I also tried recover, but nothing seems to work.
I need to handle this case to return a meaningful response.
Any help will be appreciated.

A: It may be worth considering using Sink.fold instead of Sink.reduce:
val possiblyEmpty = Source(Seq(1, 3, 5)).filter(_ % 2 == 0)
val eventualInt = possiblyEmpty.toMat(Sink.fold[Int](0)(_ + _))(Keep.right).run()

If there's no reasonable zero/identity element, you can have something a little more generalized along these lines:
def reducePossiblyEmpty[T](source: Source[T])(f: (T, T) => T): RunnableGraph[Future[Option[T]]] = {
  val lifted = { (x: Option[T], y: Option[T]) =>
    x.flatMap(a => y.map(f))
  }
  source.map(x => Some(x))
    .concat(Source.single(None))
    .statefulMapConcat[Option[T]] { () =>
      var emptyStream = true
      { x =>
        x match {
          case Some(x) =>
            // element from the given stream
            emptyStream = false
            List(x)

          case None =>
            // given stream completed
            if (emptyStream) {
              List(x)
            } else {
              Nil  // don't emit anything
            }
        }
      }
    }
    .toMat(Sink.reduce[Option[T]](lifted))(Keep.right)
}

The returned graph will complete with None if there were no elements, or a Some of the result of the reduction.
EDIT: you can also just use orElse on the Source/Flow, in lieu of .concat.statefulMapConcat in the above:
def reducePossiblyEmpty[T](source: Source[T])(f: (T, T) => T): RunnableGraph[Future[Option[T]]] = {
  val lifted = { (x: Option[T], y: Option[T]) =>
    x.flatMap(a => y.map(f))
  }

  source.map(x => Some(x))
    .orElse(Source.single(None))
    .toMat(Sink.reduce[Option[T]](lifted))(Keep.right)
}

A: Just because you're using Sink.reduce[Int], you could add a Source that guarantees to have a single element 0 and thus Sink.reduce[Int] will work and produce 0 as a result.
Here's an example
val zero          = Source.single(0)
val possiblyEmpty = Source(List[Int](1, 3, 5)).filter(_ % 2 == 0)
val eventualInt   = zero.merge(possiblyEmpty).toMat(Sink.reduce[Int](_ + _))(Keep.right).run()


Establishing your brand is essential to success in the global marketplace. I offer visual communication services – strategies and tools to help you build your business identity. We'll build your brand with strategic content that speaks in your voice and design that compels visitors to remember you and keep coming back. I'll support you in streamlining to bring your marketing collateral into cohesive harmony.
Let's start with your content. Lots of writers out there write well. About all kinds of topics. So why choose me?
Choose me because I'm offering you peace of mind. The peace that comes with knowing your project is in good, conscientious hands. I'll help make your business look good – so that your customers and prospects will know, like, and trust you. When that happens, they keep coming back. And when they keep coming back, they buy.
I'm a visual communicator. I always write with design in mind. I ask – how are these words going to look on your page? How well will these words paint the right visual picture? Contribute to your message being understood?
Focusing on visual communication services will bring you the most ROI. And that's exactly what you're doing – making an investment in the success of your business and your brand. Just let me know what you need and I'm there.
You and/or your designated point of contact will be kept informed of progress throughout the life of your project. I welcome projects from all, especially thought leader artists/artisans, entrepreneurs, businesses, churches, schools, and non-profits.