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Home/TOURISM/Travel Sri Lanka – The best place to visit while on vacation in Sri Lanka!
Travel Sri Lanka – The best place to visit while on vacation in Sri Lanka!
Whether it's exotic beaches, old towns, rock temples, hilltop plantations or natural flora and fauna; The beautiful island of Sri Lanka offers everything that can surprise a traveller. Holidays in Sri Lanka are a complete package of fun and adventure. While enjoying an elegant vacation in the cosmopolitan capital of Colombo, you can even explore the rocky fort of Sigiriya with rejuvenating senses of tourism on one of the beautiful beaches that can be found here.
There is indeed a lot to see and feel when it comes to a tour of the country; If you are on vacation in Sri Lanka and want to know the essential destinations, discover the three places not to be missed:
Bentota beaches
Located on the south coast, resting on the tip of the Galle district, the coastal town of Bentota has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches here reflect the mixture of white sand with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, making it an ideal choice for swimming and fishing. The underwater life is simply exotic, making the beaches a magnificent place for diving. With some of the lively resorts, you can even enjoy your privacy in the quiet shelters. If wildlife and geography arouse your interest, the Bentota River Cruise will be the perfect guide.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Elephants are an integral part of the country's cultural heritage and are characterized in all regions of the country. During the holidays in Sri Lanka, you cannot miss a visit to the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela. It was originally opened in 1975 as a sanctuary with four orphan calves with elephants. Their descendants still live here, and therefore the place has become a vital breeding ground for wild elephants. The place now has around eighty-four elephants that reside as permanent natives.
This city has a beautiful architecture which has been brilliantly preserved. While visiting the site, you will come across a large number of sophisticated Buddhist relics constructed and configured, statues. Being here is like going back to old age. Archaeological excavations are a common sight here, so you can also discover discoveries that are discovered!
3. Yala National Park
The southeast province is home to this exceptionally distinguished place, the second largest park in Sri Lanka. Leopards are the most important elements that play the role of the king in Yala. You can see them lying along the gravel paths that pose for the implored cameras. The ecosystem is extremely diverse in Yala and acts as the best port for animals and birds. The first and last light suitably serve as well adjusted time for exploring the park, as this gives the area a fishing beauty. With five blocks to its name, it is one of the most favourite spots for foreigners and locals alike. Many points of view are useful for enjoying the site from different angles. The most important wildlife and bird species of Sri Lanka can be seen in Yala, whether on the shores of the lagoon or in the forest or wet marshes. You will not regret having visited this place.
City of Gems
Another famous destination in Sri Lanka is the "City of Gems", the centre of the gemstone industry. The gemstones such as garnet, zirconium, aquamarine, tourmaline, topaz, amethyst, and sapphire. Sightseeing tours of Sri Lanka's precious mines can be guided and organized by travel agencies. The various and beautiful collections of precious stones can be seen and visited at the National Museum of Ratnapura and in private museums.
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In a time of increased scrutiny of business ethics, fueled by the U.S. financial crisis, the majority of respondents to this week's RBJ Daily Report Snap Poll gave passing grades to U.S. businesses for honesty and ethical conduct.
Nine percent gave a failing grade of F, while 14 percent gave the top grade of A. One-third said U.S. businesses deserve a middle-of-the-road C.
Nearly 60 percent of readers said unethical behavior in business is more common than it was 20 years ago. Two-thirds said their companies have formal ethics programs.
Readers were divided when asked whether people have different sets of ethical standards for business and their personal lives. Fifty-three percent answered yes; 47 percent said no.
I don't think most companies deliberately let their ethics and honesty standards slip. The culture today is one of severe contention—survival of the fittest, if you will. Therefore companies are trying to operate in a much leaner atmosphere, and that means they may tend to take shortcuts. Those shortcuts lead to deterioration of ethics and honesty.
Increased public awareness is facilitated by media diligence. Businesses must operate ethically or perish.
Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation believes that one of the best ways to promote ethical conduct in business is to create and promote a community conversation. Thanks for helping us attain that goal.
My company is too small to have written programs as we are completely transparent. In these economic times, firms with less than impeccable credentials in all respects seem to have been weeded out by those practicing with honesty and high ethics.
In general, I believe the Rochester business community is on solid ethical ground. Most business owners and managers are ethical and fair with their employees and their customers. Likewise, the majority of employees want to do a good job and treat the customers well. However, it is important for ethics to remain a focal point for businesses and those who manage and work in them. A strong commitment to ethics is what got us to this point, and strengthening that commitment will keep us moving in the right direction. Congratulations to our past and present Ethics Awards winners. Thank you for being shining examples of the Rochester business community.
I find it interesting that you would need an "ethics program" to have a moral compass. Modern society is filled with greed, selfishness, a sense of entitlement and a coarseness in basic human interaction. Bank failures, Ponzi schemes, car company failures and basically our current recession can all be traced to personal ethics (or lack of) and greed. We have become extremely competitive and materialistic. I am not a religious zealot, but following the 10 Commandments and the U.S. Constitution would not be bad basic advice for us all.
Lumping all "business" and asking about ethics doesn't make any more sense than asking whether all people are nice. Most people are nice; some aren't. Many businesses, including my own, certainly make an effort to do what is right. Obviously some business leaders have different (I'd say worse) ethical standards than most of us. Painting with such a broad brush isn't useful.
The first question in this survey is far too vague. It would be difficult, unfair and over-simplifying to give a single, unexplained letter grade to an entire sector or field of business for honesty and ethics. It is absurd to try to grade "business" as a whole with a single, unexplained grade for honesty and ethics.
When you establish a close working relationship with your customer, there is less opportunity for unethical behavior. The best business relationship is a "win-win" relationship. Government does a reasonable job of consumer protection. But good rules for all consumers are: "Buyer beware" and "Trust, but verify." We need to do things to keep honest men honest.
The pursuit of profit with little oversight as to how the profit is made leads to unrestrained greed and harms society. I find it ironic that some feel justified in calling for the end of any oversight or regulation of business when we are now seeing in the financial world what happens when no one is watching. It's like saying that since the police haven't been doing a good job of enforcing the law let's get rid of the laws and the police all together.
Obviously, it depends on the business. Banking and politics have no ethics, most other business are mostly ethical.
With 48 years in the business world, I have seen a serious decline in ethics. My first employer of nearly 30 years, one of the largest consumer products companies in the world, practiced and expected the highest standards of ethics in every aspect of business: customers, finances, employees and stockholders, to the extent it was difficult to compete in some foreign markets that did not adhere to such standards. While many companies still have high standards, there has been serious decline caused by inane pressure to show dramatic annual improvement even by "cooking the books" if needed, by moral decline in the country and by flagrant lack of political/government ethics that began in the Clinton administration and is continuing.
It is a mixed bag. Too many business leaders make profit their one and only goal. For too many, ethics is an unwelcome hindrance to achieve the profit goal. The present fight against ethics rules reflects this negative attitude. The present sorry state of the economy is the result of the discarding of basic ethical concepts and good stewardship towards their companies, workers, and customers.
A scary fact of today's society is that people lookout for number one, themselves. Case and point GM, Ford were laying off thousands and their C-level execs were still pocketing millions and flying in private jets. While changes were forced it went on far too long. A business world filled of ethics seems to be a fairytale these days.
The foundation of ethics is trust. If you do not have trust, what do you have?
As unenlightened as this may sound, business ethics are suffering from the same moral failings as our society. This nation was founded on Judeo/Christian principles and acknowledging God has prospered. We have since determined that we should have freedom FROM religion over freedom of religion. The result of this is moral relativism instead of absolute truth and morality as in the 10 Commandments. What else, then, are we to expect?
These are loaded questions. For example, Xerox Corp. won an ethics award, but did it include all operations? I don't think so. I'm sure the Xerox application for ethics and the survey conducted by Ethisphere (RBJ, April 13, 2009) was worthy and thorough. But how can Xerox be ethical and true to its employees, customers, and retirees when it segments its ethical conduct? It did just that when it canceled retiree benefits. So to induce ethical behavior from a specific company (Xerox) and generalize this to all firms may be improper? I do not think so. All companies have dysfunctional behaviors, and this is also for unethical behaviors. As long as we quietly permit these behaviors, we will continue to see erosion of goodness in our society.


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package org.optaplanner.examples.tsp.solver.score;

import org.optaplanner.core.api.score.buildin.simplelong.SimpleLongScore;
import org.optaplanner.core.impl.score.director.incremental.AbstractIncrementalScoreCalculator;
import org.optaplanner.examples.tsp.domain.Domicile;
import org.optaplanner.examples.tsp.domain.Standstill;
import org.optaplanner.examples.tsp.domain.TravelingSalesmanTour;
import org.optaplanner.examples.tsp.domain.Visit;

public class TspIncrementalScoreCalculator extends AbstractIncrementalScoreCalculator<TravelingSalesmanTour> {

    private Domicile domicile;

    private long score;

    public void resetWorkingSolution(TravelingSalesmanTour tour) {
        domicile = tour.getDomicile();
        score = 0L;
        for (Visit visit : tour.getVisitList()) {
            insert(visit);
        }
    }

    public void beforeEntityAdded(Object entity) {
        // Do nothing
    }

    public void afterEntityAdded(Object entity) {
        insert((Visit) entity);
    }

    public void beforeVariableChanged(Object entity, String variableName) {
        retract((Visit) entity);
    }

    public void afterVariableChanged(Object entity, String variableName) {
        insert((Visit) entity);
    }

    public void beforeEntityRemoved(Object entity) {
        retract((Visit) entity);
    }

    public void afterEntityRemoved(Object entity) {
        // Do nothing
    }

    private void insert(Visit visit) {
        Standstill previousStandstill = visit.getPreviousStandstill();
        if (previousStandstill != null) {
            score -= visit.getDistanceFromPreviousStandstill();
            // HACK: This counts too much, but the insert/retracts balance each other out
            score += previousStandstill.getDistanceTo(domicile);
            score -= visit.getDistanceTo(domicile);
        }
    }

    private void retract(Visit visit) {
        Standstill previousStandstill = visit.getPreviousStandstill();
        if (previousStandstill != null) {
            score += visit.getDistanceFromPreviousStandstill();
            // HACK: This counts too much, but the insert/retracts balance each other out
            score -= previousStandstill.getDistanceTo(domicile);
            score += visit.getDistanceTo(domicile);
        }
    }

    public SimpleLongScore calculateScore() {
        return SimpleLongScore.valueOf(score);
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


3 Chicago Firefighters are reported to be in good condition following a mayday at a fire early Saturday morning. More on the fire in the video above and below. Wishing our brothers a speedy recovery.
NBC Chicago – Three firefighters were taken to hospitals early Saturday for injuries after a fire broke out in the Brighton Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side of Chicago.
Shortly after midnight, emergency responders were called to fire at Chris's Bakery at 3000 W. 41st St., Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt said.


The workers of The Naval Sestao, you will be locked up tonight in the yard as a protest for the dismissal of the template, for which you have already begun to run the time limits.
Wednesday came to the company the communication by the judge who accepts the ERE of extinction for 177 employees of the template, so that it starts the time period, which is usually 30 days, to negotiate the terms of the output of the workers. Today will be held the first meeting of consultations of ERE.
then the template will be enclosed the yard from 22.00 hours until 6.00 hours of Tuesday morning.
in Addition to this closure, the template has a wide array of meetings and rallies that will culminate with a large demonstration on the day 1 of December in Bilbao, in which they want to involve the largest number of organizations and parties to pressure the basque Government, and central to that is involved in the search for a solution.
at the entry, has opened a petition on the platform change.org to ask you not to close the shipyard, Tuesday morning to meet with the deputy of Economic Promotion of the Bizkaia, Imanol Pradales, and on Wednesday the committee will attend the plenary of the General Meetings in Gernika where the juntero of Elkarrekin we Can, Josean Elgezabal will present a motion which asked "to participate to the extent of its possibilities, in favor of a public rescue of The Navy for the maintenance of employment.
Precisely, Elkarrekin we Can has insisted today that the public rescue of The Navy is legal because it does not contravene the rules of the European Union if there is a plan of viability to the medium and long term.
the Parliamentarians of this group have appeared at a press conference, accompanied by a member of the european parliament of we Can Xabier Benito, to insist on your bet for the continuity of this shipyard.
Benedict has explained that the last day 8 held a meeting with officials of the Bureau of Competition of the European Union to learn first-hand about their opinion on state aid to The Navy in its liquidation phase.
this meeting Benedict drew the conclusion that the European Commission has not done for the moment, "an official statement from Brussels on the legality of the aid (public) to The Naval".
Also, from this meeting came out with the conviction that the company "has no limitation to receive aid" as a result of the bailouts public earlier, as it's been more than ten years since these.
"The entry of public capital is entirely practicable after the liquidation process. The key is the existence of a viability plan for the company in the medium and long term", has defended Benedict, who has also said that there is not a limitation of community that set the percentage of public participation to 49 per cent as advocated by the basque Government.
As an example, has referred to similar experiences in France or in Italy.
For all of this, it has shown optimistic regarding the possibility of a departure "viable" for this shipyard, "as long as there is a firm commitment of the basque government and Spain to articulate a plan of viability to the medium and long term" that is capable of arousing the interest of private investors.
On the same line, the parliamentary Elkarrekin we Can José Ramón Becerra has highlighted that what is pointed to by your colleague in the european Parliament it appears that "The Navy does not have limitations in order to receive public money".
For this reason, has asked the regional government to "stop hiding" in the European Commission and work "decisively" with the Ministry of Industry to "articulate a viable solution" because there are "multiple alternatives legal and legal" to do so.
The committee is focusing its efforts in ensuring that the solution via aid or investment comes before they fully materialize redundancies, as they give assured that once dismissed it will be very difficult for a new investor, if it arrives, come back to hire them, at least in the same conditions that they currently have.
one Hundred and fifty workers of the template have the possibility to reintegrate in the shipyards of Navantia (Ferrol and Cadiz), in virtue of the agreements subscribed in the privatization.


Seven crisp slices of our special-recipe thick Bacon with three Eggs. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.
and two Eggs. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.
Your choice of two patties or four links made to our own formula with two Eggs. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.
Served with four Buttermilk Pancakes.
Four thick slices of our custom recipe Canadian Bacon and two Eggs. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.
A thick slice of our custom smoked, Hickory Ham and two Eggs. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.
A trio of scrambled Eggs with our diced Hickory Smoked Ham. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.
Two Eggs any style with German Style Hash Browns. Served with three Buttermilk Pancakes.


YESTERDAY (December 16) Scott Morrison announced that NSW Governor David Hurley will become Australia's next Governor-General, succeeding Sir Peter Cosgrove.
The Prime Minister timed his news conference in Canberra with the governor-general designate to coincide with Bill Shorten's opening address at the ALP national conference in Adelaide.
Like Cosgrove, Hurley is a former military man. He has been NSW Governor since 2014 and served as chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2011-2014.
He will be regarded as a safe and uncontroversial choice, although some critics will say the government should have looked beyond former military ranks.
Labor frontbencher Jim Chalmers said the opposition welcomed Hurley's appointment but was disappointed that Shorten had not been consulted. The opposition leader was only informed on Sunday morning, ahead of the 10am announcement.
"Ideally, so close to an election the opposition would have been properly consulted on an appointment which is so important to Australia and goes for such a long time," Chalmers said.
Morrison said Hurley would be sworn in on June 28, to allow him to fulfil his present duties. Cosgrove's term, which ends in March, will be briefly extended.
The start of Shorten's national conference speech was disrupted when demonstrators, protesting about the Adani mine and refugee policy, mounted the stage. An anti-Adani protestor stood beside Shorten with a flag that said "Stop Adani", and other protestors unfurled a banner "ALP – Stop playing politics with peoples lives. #ClosetheCamps".
An obviously frustrated Shorten said people had the right to protest but "you have got to ask yourself when you see these protests, who is the winner? It is the Coalition".
Security guards escorted and dragged the protesters off the stage.
In his speech, Shorten said a Labor government would be the first government in Australian history with 50% of women in its parliamentary ranks. Standing in front of the conference's theme of "A Fair Go for Australia" Shorten said "inequality is eating away at our prosperity".
He announced that an ALP government would make superannuation part of the national employment standards, saying it was a workplace right and that bosses who stole superannuation from their employees should suffer the same penalties as others who violated workplace rights.
He stressed that Labor's plans were fully costed and a Labor government could "guarantee stronger budget surpluses".


Is a non-profit group consisting of paranormal investigators dedicated to helping people - both in the here and now, and in the hereafter.
What makes us different from other paranormal groups? Our founder is first and foremost a historian. The entire team has as our goal the preservation of historic buildings. We investigate to learn more of the history behind these buildings and bring that information into the public eye, with the intent that more attention will lead to greater preservation efforts.
Do you live in a haunted house? Or work in a haunted building?
Do you feel a "presence" around you but no one is there?
Are things that go bump in the night keeping you awake?
If you want to find out if spirits share your space , who they are, and learn to peacefully co-habitate with them, or if you prefer they just move on, The International Paranormal Society team can help.
Our experienced team of investigators is made up of historians, authors, artists, ministers, investigators, tech geeks, shop owners, air traffic controllers, nurses, photo analysts, and of course psychics, clairvoyants, and sensitives, whose talents combine into one objective unit with a common goal - to help those dealing with unknown entities.
If you have a question or concern about things you've encountered in your home or at your place of work, please visit our "Contact" page and fill out and submit the form. We'll have an investigator contact you.
Forward written by the GRAMMY Award Winning David Ellefson!
Watch for the Grand Opening of Ellefson Coffee Co., Jackson, MN!
....In April, the Superior Public Museums Board gave its blessing to the spiritual pursuit, jostling to see who would accompany the investigators. Board member Kelly Johnson won and spent 8½ hours with the group, wrapping up the search at 3 a.m. May 24.
The marquise has been renewed and re-lit!


text:
PR Manual
"One sheet"
Newsletter/Weekly tutorials
WEEKLY TUTORIALS
The Public Relations Podcast
Some facts about the show
High follower count (Spotify) : The show is in the top 5% of most followed shows on Spotify with 2721 followers.
Highly shared (Spotify): The show is among the 10% most shared podcasts on Spotify. 61% of people share the link directly and 19% on Whatsapp.
Listening figures (source Anchor.FM): 250-500 in the first 30 days then it continues to grow. The last episode of series 2 has been listened to 2352 times (so far). As with all podcasting, every episode gains new listeners every week.
Demographic (Spotify/Zippia):
61% female, 36% male, 3% other
Mainly in the 23-34 age bracket but the audience goes up to roughly 45 years of age
The audience are some of the most prolific networkers on social media with large networks and high communication
83% have a degree (75% Bachelors, 8% Masters)
Direct messages have been sent to the show from listeners working in PR agencies, global organisations and government, as well as people entering the industry and students
Roughly 42% work in the private sector in PR, 32% in the public sector with the most common industries being education, retail, corporate, professional services, manufacturing, tech and media
The majority of listeners are in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada and India
Ratings: Listeners rate the show 4.5/5 despite the show having no commercial production or full-time effort behind it.
What is The Public Relations Podcast
The Public Relations Podcast focuses on public relations techniques that are building an "emotional connection" between an organisation and the public today. This is about frontline PR as it happens.
Each episode contains one of the following :- a chat with a PR person about a current campaign they are working on right now, a visit to a PR event as it happens, an current observation about PR, a review of a big PR story and the techniques used, or a short discussion of PR principles.
Format of episodes
5-10 mins. At least once per week, often more frequently.
The podcast is recorded in a "voice note" style rather than a traditional podcast format.
Think of it as being like the presenter grabbed their phone in order to share a thought (or a chat with someone he bumped into that week) and wanted to share it with everyone.
Listen to a short set of clips to get an idea of the style.
Chats are 20 minutes'ish with 9-15 minutes used due to the short episode structure often over 1-2 episodes.
Repeat guests
In many ways repeat guests are better than one off guests. This is because the show is about an ongoing conversation about frontline relationship building with the public.
If you have been on already but have a new update on a PR campaign you are working on, a stunt you just did, or want to share something you saw that could help others or have been to an event where you spotted something everyone should know about, just shout. If it can be slotted in and fits the format, it will be.
Who do we talk to (priority order)?
Are you doing one of these? (in priority order)….
Are you launching (or managing) a PR event/stunt/activity today?
If you are going to be "on-site" and happy to talk about the strategy and thought process behind it, with some background noise (creates great atomosphere), we would love to have you on from the event.
Are you going to be at a PR/marketing conference?
Share with fellow PRs who you are mingling with and what you are noticing. Let's get you on from the event.
Or, for major events, invite the show to the event to cover it.
Listener chats
Are you a listener to the show and currently running an active campaign or just finished one. Come and share your learnings and observations from that campaign with fellow PRs.
Lastly, unique experience guests
People who can share a geninely unique insight such as working journalists, psychologists, or niche PR fields like Chenda Ngak (Head of PR Automattic.com) who discussed specific "tech" PR techniques from her decades of experience in the tech field.
Who is Richard Midson, the presenter of the show
Richard Midson has been involved in communications for 25 years. He was a duty editor at the UK's second-largest news organisation and the presenter of London's only all-news drivetime show for several years. He created a niche aviation YouTube channel watched 1.6 million times across the series and was a key part of the public relations team for the leader of the third largest group in the European Parliament at the time.
What equipment do I need?
If you have a webcam then you are ready to go. If you have a decent microphone as well, then even better. We're more interested in great frontline PR content than "perfect" sound.
If you've not already been in touch, reach out and let us know about the campaigns you are working on via
EMAIL: info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
Direct message: Richard on LinkedIn here
Topics covered so far
Will Smith's Oscars slap • Balenciaga's picture problems • press release writing • press relations • dealing with journalists • crisis comms • Tom Cruise's connection building techniques • Inbound PR techniques • the science behind short form video • tourism and tech PR techniques • …. and more
Guests so far
Build relationships with the public
Where to subscribe

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
How I'd Handle Stadia
When Google revealed Stadia, their game streaming platform, there was a sudden burst of excitement. This was Google in the end, and while they have a track record of projects that never succeeded, well, this was Google in the end. The general tech space started talking about the future of gaming with all its glory and woes for a while, then mostly forgot about it. But the gaming space had doubts.
A better logo may also help
Now, Stadia is released and the gaming space has not welcomed it. Not only there are physical, technical failures, the model they bring is also strange. It's like a console, but not like one. It's a subscription service, but you have to buy games. In the world of gaming, people are used to buying or preordering the titles they are most interested in at launch and waiting for steam discounts for secondary titles. Furthermore, a continuously increased amount of people opt for subscription services to freely own or access games such as the Humble Monthly, Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus or Origin Access. If one of your "advantages" is not buying a device (ie saving cost) but you force people to pay for a high-speed internet, a subscription service AND buy games… Well, there is a contradiction there, isn't it?
Another point I wanna raise is the attitude. Despite how big it is, gaming space is still a niche. You can't just go "Here is a product, buy!" and expect people to buy it. I mean some will, but to catch up, you need to have either a spirit that the gamers can join you or good communication. Players value community and bonding with products. And no, not just the youth. It's everyone.
Of course, it's too early to speak about Stadia's success. Steam faced a great deal of opposition when it started, so did free-to-play, even games that focus on multiplayer. By now, these are either accepted or found their own audiences.
That said, when you are GOOGLE and have the resources, you can do a lot and I gave it a bit of thought. Here is what I would do:
DISCLAIMER: This is semi-imagination, not an actual business plan (in case it wasn't clear enough.)
Google has a bad rep. Being a big evil corporate, failed projects, privacy and Big Data topics… Maybe android scores them some points, but there is no sympathy to the brand. They are also too detached from the consumers, something unlikely to change. But of course, you can't just go work with a liked brand for the sake of it, you need business viability.
I've two mystery picks for this team
Plus, everyone knows from movies that it takes a team to do great things. So let's take a look at the issues:
Communication/Image
Lack of panache
Stadia Partner 1: Elon Musk
Starlink seems to be able to handle high-speed internet and is soon to be spread worldwide. What is Stadia and Starlink came in packages? We don't have specifics on the Starlink's global business model, but it can work in a number of ways:
Starlink connection may be part of a "premium subscription" for Stadia. Depending on how Starlink will work, this may even provide more "mobility" to Stadia users. If you have the connection, you may not need it. But if not, it'd be alluring to upgrade to this level of subscription.
Stadia might be included in Starlink subscriptions. You get the internet, it comes with a gaming service. Considering how widespread gaming is becoming, I think there is little doubt how many internet users will be interested.
Finally, Starlink might provide an alternative way to connect to Stadia, ie even without a fully-fledged Starlink subscription, you might connect to Stadia by it. Normal internet? Through your ISP. Stadia? Through Starlink.
Who next?
This not only solves the internet issue but also brings in some communication since Musk is known to be a gamer and very active on social media. Plus, I'm sure his innovative crazy mind would bring at least some ideas that would improve the service.
So, where are we now?
High-speed internet — SOLVED!
Communication/Image — Improved!
Lack of panache — Slightly Improved!
Stadia Partner 2: Min-Liang Tan
Min-Liang is not only the CEO of Razer, the lead gaming hardware but an entrepreneur with several other projects and influential figure in tech and gaming alike.
Razer can take the much-complained hardware Stadia brings and take it to the next level in both functionality and cosmetics as an expert of both.
Some baseline functionality and design upgrade may be applied across the board, while premium Stadia membership can come with some software functionality.
Better cosmetics and hardware upgrades can be either standalone items for Razer to sell and/or added bonuses to perhaps purchasing a yearly Stadia subscription.
Even more so than Musk, Tan can definitely bring innovation on the table. Similarly, his communication with gamers will definitely help. He's much liked by the Razer community (the fact that there is a fandom-ish community around a high-end product tells a lot) and even by those outside it. He entertains players, he understands them.
Communication/Image — Greatly Improved!
Lack of panache — SOLVED!
Final step would be tweaking the model depending on what these two bring. Maybe the costs will be lowered that buying games won't matter. Maybe Stadia will be able to support a free model like any platform. Maybe buying games won't be required or Stadia will have a model similar to Playstation. In fact, if other steps bring enough change, even the current model can work!
So that's my "Fantasy Stadia". Do you agree? How would you do it?
Min Liang Tan
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Tetris: 36 Years Struggling to Perpetuate Communism
Kyros Jalife


text:
Trump says he was 'outraged' by Capitol siege, calls for 'healing' in video message
by dev 1 week ago 1 week ago
President Trump said Thursday that he was "outraged" his supporters stormed the US Capitol, calling the chaotic intrusion a "heinous" attack on the country.
"The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy," the president said in a video posted on Twitter.
"To those who engaged in these acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country," he said.
"And to those who broke the law, you will pay."
The speech comes as Democrats are considering a second impeachment of Trump, due to claims he riled up the protesters who breached the Capitol during a rally earlier in the day.
Trump also expressed an acceptance of his election loss to president-elect Joe Biden.
"A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20," he said. "My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power."
"This moment calls for healing and reconciliation."


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Firefighter Accountability
with Robert Avsec
9 most interesting firefighting products of 2015
Of the new products introduced this year, these nine have to potential to greatly improve firefighting
One of the great things about fire service trade shows is the vast array of vendors with their existing and new products on display. This year I made it to two shows in person and a few others on-line; here are nine products that impressed me for their ability to have a positive impact on fire service operations.
1. Spartan Chassis' mobile gateway
The mobile gateway provides a variety of connectivity features — even if the communications infrastructure is compromised or down — and provides the gateway architecture required to enable fleet management, prognostics/diagnostics and other capabilities. It's the type of technology that's going to let the emergency vehicle technician and fire truck talk to each other to diagnose and fix problems remotely.
The gateway boasts a maximum cellular range of up to 25 miles, providing it a better chance of finding an active cell tower, even within a disaster zone. The device can help detect and avoid overloaded cell towers and connect as needed even if the tower is farther away with minimal drop in connectivity speed.
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The Wi-Fi range enables devices to connect up to 1,500 feet away. If a firefighter is on scene and away from the truck, they can still connect with and share information as needed.
Additionally, this system can serve as the gateway architecture providing access to additional features including wireless pump control, remote troubleshooting, smart device vehicle checklists, fleet management and other prognostics and diagnostics capabilities.
2. BullEx Class A training simulator
BullEx's system includes a specially designed Class A chamber with a built-in gas ignition module that an instructor can operate from a distance. The instructor uses the gas module to ignite the wood in the chamber.
Once the fire has been extinguished, it can be lit again immediately — without having to load more wood into the burner. Although the wood remains wet after being extinguished, the gas flames and chamber design quickly dry and reignite the wood for the next live-fire training session.
To address the emission issues of traditional Class A burning, smoke and gas is drawn from the structure and burned a second time with propane gas. The after-burning process purifies the smoke before releasing it outside the training room as clean-air emissions.
Built-in water suppression systems and smart controls keep firefighters safe; when the emergency stop is pressed, the Class A fire is extinguished and the smoke is cleared automatically. The fire prop is equipped with a water-drench system and is supplied with a high-volume water line for rapid fire suppression. The ventilation automatically adjusts to 100 percent capacity to clear the smoke.
3. Code 3 message board
We all know that emergency operations on highways and roadways are becoming more dangerous and our traffic cones and road flares are proving to be inadequate. The optical design of Code 3's message board improves legibility and reduces washout due to sunlight and thereby improve the probability that the message can be clearly seen by the driver of on-coming vehicles.
The user can create custom messages using the PC-based message programmer from a laptop computer on-scene or pre-program the board with up to 99 message. The message board is readable from 328 feet, giving motorists time to see the message and react accordingly.
The board is available with red or amber LEDs, is suitable for vehicle mounting as well as portable applications and is weatherproof.
4. GearGrid station wagons
Fire apparatus continues to get taller as manufacturers struggle to meet consumer demand for more space for personnel and equipment storage. Increasingly, equipment and fire hose are being mounted or stored topside on apparatus.
The Station Wagon Lift is a tool to move equipment like SCBA cylinders, rolls of hose and fire hose cross-lay trays around the fire station. The hydraulic cylinder powered scissor-lift enables the operator to raise the platform even with the top of the apparatus for safer loading and unloading. Optional electric controls are available.
The company also makes a station wagon without the lift for moving equipment around the fire station. The unit can also be used on site to for logistical support for operations such as hazmat, technical rescue and ground search. For example, one configuration of the removable storage baskets can accommodate eight SCBA cylinders and four 50-foot rolled sections of 2½-inch hose.
The station wagon is designed to work in conjunction with pull-out storage drawers on the fire apparatus, store the storage baskets and equipment in a compartment and remove and mount on the Station Wagon's chassis once on scene.
5. Toyne Fire Apparatus slide out pump control panel
Toyne's enclosed slide out and down pump panel takes up less space and allows you to choose your pump panel location. Storing it in a compartment provides better protection from weather and roadway debris. A department can locate the pump control panel on the non-driver side of the pumper so that the operator is no longer unprotected while working on highways and by-ways.
6. Scott firefighter locator system
The Pak-Tracker locator system makes the task of locating a trapped or downed firefighter within a single or multi-story structure quicker and safer. It is available as a stand-alone system that can be deployed with or without an SCBA or integrated into Scott's Air-Pak Fifty or Air-Pak NxG2 SCBA.
The system functions on the principle of 2.4GHz radio frequency signal strength received and could become an invaluable tool for firefighter mayday situations.
7. Hale SmartCAFS
Naysayers about the use of compressed air foam systems for fire suppression often say that it's difficult to get the proper foam-to-water ratio. SmartCAFS features a pre-programmed, push-button operation that produces the proper production of foam.
The visual display gives the operator the ability to adjust the foam ratio based on foam application needs. The SmartCAFS also features advanced safety interlocks to prevent dangerous conditions such as air only or air and water from occurring.
8. Power Hawk P-16 rescue system
Small, lightweight, yet powerful rescue tool systems like the P-16 are having a big impact on the rescue side of the house within fire and emergency services. The P-16 boasts features like no hydraulics, lightweight and portable, interchangeable spreaders and cutters, the ability to operate in oxygen-deficient atmospheres, and a compact footprint that helps conserve compartment space on apparatus.
Smaller all-electric rescue tools like the P-16 can provide big rescue capabilities for quick response vehicles, ambulances, smaller Type I engines and Type III engines.
9. In Our Gear JV tool
I always have a soft spot for products that come from the inspiration and hard work of firefighters who develop a new tool to help their brother and sister firefighters do the job better. The JV Tool, manufactured and sold by In Our Gear, makes forcible entry into commercial sliding doors faster and much less destructive than traditional means.
The tool is the brainchild of John Zour, a lieutenant with Howard County (Md.) Fire-Rescue.
The firefighter slides the JV Tool's flexible neck (the J) into the gap between the door panels that either exists because of the weather stripping between the door panels or is created by the first responder using a prying tool. Then the firefighter uses the notched end (the V) of the flexible neck to operate the thumb key on the occupant side of the door resulting in little to no damage to the door and lock.
Batt. Chief Robert Avsec (Ret.) served with the Chesterfield (Va.) Fire & EMS Department for 26 years. He was an instructor for fire, EMS, and hazardous materials courses at the local, state and federal levels, which included more than 10 years with the National Fire Academy. Chief Avsec earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati and his master's degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is a 2001 graduate of the National Fire Academy's EFO Program. Contact Robert at Robert.Avsec@FireRescue1.com.
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24 Grand Prix in 2023 and Monaco's problems
The leaders of Formula 1 and the teams are discussing the calendar for the 2023 season this weekend
schedule12:24, 28 May 2022
It is expected that the colendar will consist of 24 Grands Prix, including three new tracks - in Qatar, Las Vegas and Kyalami. Negotiations with the organizers of the South African Grand Prix will be held next week.
There are 22 stages in this year's calendar, some of them will not take place next year, so that there is room for three new tracks.
The holding of the Chinese Grand Prix depends on the situation with the coronavirus.
Spa is thinking about alternating stages with some other route, just like in Portugal.
But the main difficulties are with the extension of the contract with Monaco.
The contract with the Principality expires at the end of the year. And it will not be renewed unless Monte Carlo renounces some privileges. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the head of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali informed the organizers about this at the very beginning of the negotiations.
And it's not that in Monte Carlo they pay from 10 to 15 million dollars for the race, which is significantly less than in any other race. In Monaco, the organizers independently form a television picture, they themselves determine which sponsors and how often they will be shown during the broadcast. This is the same problem for Formula 1 as the local paddock club, where the organizers sell tickets.
Another problem is TAG Heuer advertising around the perimeter of the track, which contradicts the interests of another watch company – Rolex – the general sponsor of the World Championship.
Formula 1 emphasizes that they do not require the impossible – the modernization of the track to facilitate overtaking, but some of the privileges, apparently, will have to be abandoned.


When I DON'T MAKE MY OWN BED!!
How do you teach someone to be neat & tidy when their own mom doesn't??
I use a comforter over a sheet - just pull it up over the pillows and you're done.
You don't. Hate to say it but kids model their parents behavior. That said if you don't stress about not being neat yourself then don't worry about it. As long as you are a good person your kids will be too, maybe a little messy but kind and generous...I'd rather be friends with a messy nice person any day!
I change my bedding about every 3-4 days but I don't remember the last time my bed was made...oh wait, it was when my Mother was here visiting...she made it while I was at work.
The only time I ever make the bed is when I am staging the house to be viewed when it is up for sale!!!LOL ))) I must admit because of this I am in the habit of doing it - at least occasionally anyway!!!!!! when I can be bothered!!! Today I just want to be on the computer!
We make our bed every day! It feels so good to get into a bed that's been made. Just our personal preference, that's all. Our son makes his every morning before he comes down for breakfast. He only has a sheet and a throw-over comforter, so it's not a big deal. We just think the rooms look neater and tidier if the beds are made, plus it's more comfy to us.
If you dont make your bed, why does it bother you when your child does not do it?
I make my bed daily and do expect the boys to do it also. But lately we have had a hard time getting to bed ontime so we are rushing in the morning. Teh boys get pocket money for ; making their beds, putting their clothes away and keeping their rooms tidy. However, if those things arent done or if I have to do them, they get no money.


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Begum Para By James Burke For Life Magazine – 1951
Blast From Past, Pics, Rare Pics & Video on December 10, 2015 0Comment Bollywoodirect
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Begum Para (1926–2008) was a film actress who was active mostly in the 1940s and 1950s. After 50 years, she returned to films with her last role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya (2007) as Sonam Kapoor's grandmother. She married actor Nasir Khan, the younger brother of Dilip Kumar. They had three children, including the actor Ayub Khan.
She married actor Nasir Khan, the younger brother of Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar. They had three children, including the actor Ayub Khan. Begum Para's father Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq of Jalandhar, was a judge who joined the princely state of Bikaner, now northern Rajasthan, where he became chief justice of its highest court. Her husband died in 1974. Following her husband's death, she briefly migrated to Pakistan in 1975. Two years later, she relocated to India.
Madhubala Personal & Rare Photographs
These bold and sensuous photographs of glamor queen Begum Para were taken by photographer James Burke for Life Magazine.
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Tags: Ayub Khan, Begum Para, dilip kumar, James Burke, Nasir Khan, Saawariya (2007), Sanjay Leela Bhansali, sonam kapoor
Madhubala by James Burke
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Interview, Rare Pics & Video, Videos
Talat Mahmood – An interview with Legendary singer
on September 6, 20151
Blast From Past:- Jagjit Singh
on February 11, 20151


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– Most violent place in south carolina
Most violent place in south carolina
These 5 Cities Are The Most Dangerous In South Carolina · Detroit, Michigan · St. Louis, Missouri · Memphis, Tennessee · Baltimore, Maryland · Monroe. Mount Pleasant. Based on FBI statistics, the most dangerous cities in South Carolina include Myrtle Beach, Hartsville, Darlington, Cheraw, Union, Florence, Georgetown.
– 10 Of The Most Dangerous Places In South Carolina After Dark
We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product plaec. An most violent place in south carolina of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in violenf cookie.
Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent.
To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Carolona consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website.
If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to most violent place in south carolina so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Manage Settings Continue with Viplent Cookies. As if there isn't enough to worry about with unruly Ravenels in Charleston and llace alligators siuth Hilton Head Islandthere are also super dangerous places in jn Palmetto State.
South Carolina is, after all, the sixth most dangerous states in the countryso no one should really be too surprised. And because RoadSnacks thinks it's important to provide important information to the public, we created a list of the most dangerous places in South Carolina for How'd we determine the most dangerous places in South Carolina?
We consulted the most violent place in south carolina. In total, we mostt 53 cities. We looked at the FBI's latest crime report for violent crime and property crime statistics for every place with over most violent place in south carolina, residents. Some might say it's because of drugs and alcohol, some might say the state needs to offer better jobs with competitive salaries, carokina some might say that it's just people being people; any way you look at it, the numbers don't lie.
The state's violent crime and property crime most violent place in south carolina are above the national average and climbing. Let's be real, we're not talking about driving a boat without life jackets kind of danger. Folks, the cities that made our list have robberies happening in broad daylight, car jackings, and daily shootings. There are neighborhoods in these cities that you shouldn't drive thru, ever. Giolent to know the South Carolina places where jobs are scarce, wages low, crime high-where your Southern Charm will get you absolutely nowhere?
Keep reading. Yes, there are about police officers perresidents, but they vio,ent can't be everywhere. So, cities like Myrtle Beach and Greenwood are starting to feel the effects; but the place that's getting hit the worst, is South Carolina's most dangerous place, Orangeburg. So, if you want to know the top ten most dangerous South Carolina places–where you shouldn't let your kids out carrolina dark–take a look at the list below.
And if you don't find what you're looking for there, head to the bottom. Learn more about the safest places in South Carolina. If you're mowt for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the soith dangerous states in America. On the surface, Orangeburg has a carllina going for it. It's nickname as "The Garden City" shows what locals like to think of their hometown. Meanwhile, the community also provides a most violent place in south carolina to multiple institutions of higher learning in South Carolina State University and Claflin University.
However, this city in the central part of the state has its less appealing side. That includes a high crime rate. In fact, Orangeburg soutn the number 1 highest pace of violent crime in the state. This includes farolina in a population of 12, Ah, Myrtle Beach, a favorite of East Coast vacationers. While Myrtle Beach's violent crime rate has been steadily decreasing, its property crime rates remain the most violent place in south carolina in South Carolina.
Folks in Myrtle Beach had a 1 soutg 11 chance of having their stuff stolen or damaged overmaking Broadway at the Beach one of the few places where it's not a most violent place in south carolina idea to wear a wallet chain.
Darlington saw a increase in property crime compared to last year, a big reason the city moved down 2 spots on this list. Darlington averaged more than one car theft per plave over the year, but fortunately, none were race cars from the Darlington Raceway. Good thing, or the carjacker would be mighty hard to catch up with.
Violent crime also ranked as the second highest in South Poace, which includes the 29th highest rate of rape cases statewide. Overall, residents had a 1 in 62 chance of being attacked over The core of the Pee Dee region in northeastern South Carolina, Florence comes in as the fourth least safe place to live. Florence recorded the eighth highest burglary rate statewide, averaging just over one break-in per day.
Most violent place in south carolina just hope they have enough security at the Florence County Museum to stop any would-be violennt. Violent crime is also all too prevalent in Florence, which experienced such crimes over It's also one of the few places listed here that's seen a rise in both categories of crime.
Located in "The Upstate" of South Carolina's northwest, this city of 37, isn't quite as hardcore as the Sparta of посмотреть еще, but it's soutg the fifth most dangerous place to live in South Carolina for The city does a good job of preserving nature at the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preservebut we're villent sure residents would like local leaders to preserve the safety of the human population as well.
More than one burglary a day goes down in Spartansburg on average, which gives the city the second highest burglary rate in South Carolina. And with violent crimes recorded in data yearno one will blame you for keeping your guard up in Spartansburg.
Greenwood hosts two festivals each year — Festival of Discovery and the Festival of Flowers. Those might sound like peaceful gatherings, but these festivals most violent place in south carolina to Greenwood's crazy high violent crime rate, which ranks as the sixth highest worst in South Carolina. The rate of rape most violent place in south carolina in Greenwood is the fifth highest statewide.
And you can pretty much count on at least one violent crime happening each day In Greenwood. As the third oldest city in South Carolina, you'd think Georgetown would have its act together by now. Located on the coast between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Georgetown does get a lot of visitors passing through.
We just most violent place in south carolina you most violent place in south carolina a close eye on your valuables when you're enjoying the harborwalkor you might join the people who had most violent place in south carolina stuff stolen in Georgetown isn't just plagued by high rates of crime. A whole host of other issues landed the city near the vviolent of our list of the worst places to live in South Carolinw.
Hartsville held onto its 8 position on our list of South Carolina's most dangerous places for yet another year. Plae has stayed level in Hartsville, which is bad news when you've got the ninth highest property crime rate in the state. There are about two burglaries a week in Hartsville, which is frequent enough to give the city the seventh highest burglary rate in South Carolina. We recommend padlocking your picnic basket if you're out at Pace Gardensbecause ten thefts a week go down carolona Hartsville.
And while Hartsville didn't record a single murder init still had the 13th highest rate of это what does the initials r.s.v.p stand for пост! crime in South Carolina.
Marion is located in the northeastern part of South Carolina, about an hour inland violenh the coastal resort town of Myrtle Beach. The town prides itself on carllina history, including a picturesque courthouse адрес a historical district. Even its name points to history — the moniker comes from a Revolutionary War general. So the area has a notable past. What about the present? That's where things get a little shaky.
Despite its small-time vibe, Marion suffers from a major crime problem. With high rates placee burglaries and robberies, the community ranks as the number 9 most dangerous spot in South Carolina. Columbia is the state capital of South Carolina. So, in some ways, West Columbia represents a nice spot, with plenty of interesting amenities a short trip away.
However, this comes at a cost. The crime rate in the area is exceptionally higher. Violence doesn't reach scary levels, but property crime represents a major problem.
West Columbia suffers the number 2 highest level of property crime in South Carolina. Next 10 Cities. Every year the FBI release two crime datasets, a preliminary dataset limited to читать далее most violent place in south carolina cities in the country, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.
We will update the results when data becomes источник in September In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered South Carolina cities over 5, in population. That left us with 53 cities in South Carolina.
Ib then ranked each city from soutu to 53 for the two criteria with a 1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria. Finally, we ranked every city on the "Dangerous Index" with the lowest index being the most dangerous in South Carolina — Orangeburg. Any ties went to the smaller city. You can download the data here. The violent crime rate in south carolina ranks seventh highest in the United States — The property crime rate in the Palmetto State ranks fifth highest in the United States — The latest reporting year from the FBI was No, Charleston is most violent place in south carolina a dangerous city.
Charleston ranks as the safest out of major cities overpeople in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Vioent Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Charleston might be considered safe you still need to be aware of where you are. Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Charleston ranks th highest in America — The property crime rate in the ranks rd highest in the United States — Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was and that no city in America is 'dangerous'.
Despite the uptick in murders, it's nothing like you'd see in Most violent place in south carolina or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.
So what is the most dangerous city in South Carolina?
Here are 10 of the best and safest cities to live in South Carolina. This includes assaults in a population of 12, Property crimes far outnumbered the violent crimes, though.


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New wave of UK universities adopts SafeZone solution from CriticalArc
UK universities including the University of Greenwich, the University of South Wales, the University of East Anglia, the University of Manchester and the University of Central Lancashire are adopting CriticalArc's SafeZone service for improved campus security.
With more than 25% of universities now using SafeZone across the UK, it has grown from being an innovative technology deployed by pioneering institutions to become a mainstream 'must-have' solution for the higher education sector.
SafeZone addresses key challenges for universities by enabling students and staff alike to quickly and easily reach their campus safety and security teams and by allowing first responders to respond to calls for assistance up to 50% faster.
It improves the safety, security and well-being of students and staff, both on campus and off, and raises security team preparedness for a full range of events they may face, including major incidents. SafeZone enhances student satisfaction as well as student well-being and is now helping universities to succeed globally as they work to attract and retain students with safer and more welcoming learning environments.
Through its advanced Command and Control software, SafeZone OmniGuard enhances team efficiency, with real-time situational awareness making it easier for command teams to see and co-ordinate resources to address incident 'hotspots'. Safezone also supports heat mapping to enable patrol pattern optimisation and improves workplace Health and Safety, serving as a powerful lone worker solution.
Expanding the team
Announcing the latest wave of adoptions, CriticalArc confirms that it's also expanding its team with the appointment of two new customer success managers. They will work closely with system users to spread Best Practice, provide support and help deliver maximum benefits from SafeZone.
Sean Edge takes on this important role for CriticalArc in the UK, while Karl Palma will be working with customers in Australia.
Darren Chalmers-Stevens, managing director for the EMEA and APAC regions at CriticalArc, stated: "With the number of SafeZone users now expanding rapidly, we're investing not only in developing the technology and its capabilities, but also in delivering and sustaining high-level customer support for our growing network of users."
In tandem with its success in the higher education sector, SafeZone is also being adopted increasingly in other key areas including implementations in the critical infrastructure, transport, utilities, Government and healthcare sectors, with rapidly developing markets in the US, Australia and, indeed, globally.
Tagged as Best Practice, Command and Control, Critical Infrastructure, CriticalArc, First Responders, Government, Health and Safety, Healthcare, Heat Mapping, Higher Education Sector, Learning, Pro-Activ Publications, Risk Xtra, Safety, SafeZone, security, Software, TheSecurityLion, Transport, University of Central Lancashire, University of East Anglia, University of Greenwich, University of Manchester, University of South Wales, Utilities
Facit Data Systems launches new website to showcase video analytics portfolio
Since its inauguration five years ago, Facit Data Systems has grown to become one of the market's foremost providers of video analytics and compliance software. Now, the company has launched an all-new website designed to showcase its solutions for end users.
A host of operators are maximising organisations' CCTV investments by generating business intelligence to improve sales, staffing efficiency, customer experience, safety and compliance.
Facit Data Systems' People Counter, Queue Manager and Heat Map solutions operate cost-effectively over installed CCTV cameras and are system agnostic. Identity Cloak auto redaction software launched in 2018 to help Facit Data Systems' customers comply with strict General Data Protection Regulation guidelines for video data.
The new Facit Data Systems website reflects the business' work with the UK's largest brands in retail, banking, healthcare and public space, as well as its partnerships with some of the world's most trusted specialists.
*Visit the new Facit Data Systems website
Tagged as Banking, CCTV, Compliance, Facit Data Systems, General Data Protection Regulation, Healthcare, Heat Map, Identity Cloak, People Counter, Pro-Activ Publications, Queue Manager, Retail, Risk Xtra, Software, TheSecurityLion, Video Analytics, Video Data
Kentec wins Innovation Award for Taktis fire panel
Kentec, one of the leading manufacturers of life-critical control systems, has won the Fire Innovation of the Year Award at the second national Safety and Health Excellence Awards for its next generation Taktis 16L analogue addressable fire panel.
The Fire Innovation of the Year Award celebrates products or services that demonstrate genuine innovation and differentiation to other products in the marketplace. Products must have been launched after January 2017 and boast independent fire testing to support performance claims.
Beating ten other nominated fire products and services, the Taktis 16L extends the standard Taktis fire panel to 16 detection loops to provide up to 144 zone indications. It supports more than 2,000 detection devices and can network up to 128 panels, making it ideal for the largest sites such as schools, hospitals and retail applications.
Kevin Swann, managing director at Kentec, stated: "We're thrilled that Taktis has been recognised with this prestigious award that's considered an important industry accolade. The Taktis 16L has been built with both the end user and installer in mind. As a truly open protocol panel it offers installers and their customers maximum flexibility in system design, site customisation and in the third party devices that they specify."
Swann added: "It also protects legacy installations, enabling the extension and replacement of Syncro network systems using the Taktis bridge functionality, not to mention future investment since the panel is future-proofed with a highly impressive roadmap of additional functions, features and integration possibilities."
This latest win follows on from the company's Manufacturing Innovation Award at the 2018 Made in the South East Awards.
Tagged as Education, End Users, Fire Innovation of the Year Award, Fire Safety, Fire Testing, Healthcare, Kentec, Made in the South East Awards, Manufacturing Innovation Award, Pro-Activ Publications, Retail, Risk Xtra, Safety and Health Excellence Awards, Security Installers, Syncro, Taktis 16L, TheSecurityLion
IDIS Europe's partnership strategy pays off with reported 78% sales growth
IDIS Europe has reported record sales growth for 2018, with a 78% rise attributed to successful projects with long-term partners and continued investment in technology and support services.
Contributing to this success the company, which is Korea's largest in-country video surveillance manufacturer, was the supplier for major contract wins in the retail, healthcare and education sectors.
Since opening its European headquarters in Brentford in 2013, IDIS has established a strong technical support team and wide sales networks and the company has worked hard to develop profitable partnerships with security installers, system integrators and distributors.
"Our core strategy as a company is to pursue sustainable growth alongside our partners as a one-stop supplier for video solutions," urged James Min, managing director of IDIS Europe. "This means working together to ensure customer satisfaction, delivering better value and better technology."
James Min
For security installers and system integrators, IDIS is now focusing on reducing Total Cost to Serve, giving them complete, easy-to-source video solutions that offer more profitable implementations and predictable revenue streams. Going forward this is a priority, stated Min, and it will be achieved by continuing to invest in video technology that eliminates complexity and earns the loyalty of end users.
"The most encouraging thing is that, whenever customers switch to IDIS technology, they find that it gives them higher performance and a lower total cost of ownership. They also know that we're working on new forward and backwards compatible technology to meet their future requirements."
Once on board, customers tend to upgrade, but not switch away from IDIS, which is good news for installers. "We saw that with our new 12 MP Super Fisheye camera, launched last year as a step up from of our original 5 MP model. This has proven attractive for lots of our established customers as well as new users. It's already our best-selling unit."
For the integrator, IDIS' model of simple-to-install technology from a 'one solution, one company' supplier means more realistic and attractive maintenance and service agreements. True plug-and-play performance was developed to reduce complexity for engineers installing and maintaining systems and, in turn, reduce cost and disruption for end users. The IDIS Ultimate Warranty also offers greater long-term protection for both parties.
"Anything that helps us to earn customer loyalty results in more sustainable long-term business," added Min. "We also recognise that our installation partners make a commitment to IDIS when they invest their time on engineer training and product knowledge, so it's important that we repay that commitment by supporting them to open up new opportunities."
Looking ahead, IDIS predicts that strong sales performance will continue in 2019, with more major projects in the pipeline and new technology launches making it an attractive proposition to expand existing systems as well as install new ones.
Tagged as Education, End Users, Healthcare, IDIS Europe, IDIS Ultimate Warranty, Installers, Integrators, Pro-Activ Publications, Risk Xtra, surveillance, Technology, TheSecurityLion, Total Cost of Ownership, Total Cost to Serve, Training
Leading ASSA ABLOY security brands form High Security and Safety Group
Leading security brands Chubb Locks Custodial Services (CLCS), Intelligent Locking Systems (ILS) and Pickersgill-Kaye have formed the High Security and Safety Group, a new division of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK and Ireland.
As strong heritage brands in the high-security and rail industries, CLCS, ILS and Pickersgill-Kaye each offer their own specialisms and sector expertise. By bringing these well-known brands together under one new group, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK and Ireland will provide a stronger, more comprehensive offer to different sectors.
Each brand enjoys its own areas of expertise, with CLCS a prominent supplier of high-security locks to custodial, secure healthcare, Government and secure education environments. ILS is a leading manufacturer of high-security locks for safes and vaults, providing solutions to the banking, construction, leisure and jewellery sector. Pickersgill-Kaye is a specialist in the design and manufacture of highly robust, specialist door locks for the architectural and railway industries.
Simon Teagle
The CLCS, ILS and Pickersgill-Kaye divisions will continue as distinct brands within the High Security and Safety Group, which will sit alongside ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK and Ireland's other specialist business units. These include the Door Group, the Door Hardware and Access Control Group and the Project Specification Group.
Simon Teagle, managing director of the High Security and Safety Group, said: "The creation of the new High Security and Safety Group will help signpost our specialist high-security, safety and rail brands to the market, giving security professionals one point of contact and access to a wider range of products, as well as a more tailored solution. Using the strength of the brands, the quality of the products and their experience in these areas, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK and Ireland now has a dedicated Group covering the specific needs of high-security and safety customers."
Tagged as ASSA ABLOY, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK and Ireland, Chubb Locks Custodial Services, Door Group, Door Hardware and Access Control Group, Education, Government, Healthcare, High Security and Safety Group, Intelligent Locking Systems, Pickersgill-Kaye, Pro-Activ Publications, Project Specification Group, Risk Xtra, TheSecurityLion
MOBOTIX Global Partner Conference 2017 goes 'Beyond Human Vision'
MOBOTIX has successfully completed its largest Global Partner Conference which hosted 234 participants from 46 countries to coincide with the launch of the company's new website and a strategy that focuses on 'Beyond Human Vision'.
The three-day event in Langmeil, Kaiserslautern included over 20 presentations covering market trends, sales strategy and technical sessions in areas such as cyber security and the Internet of Things (IoT). The breakout sessions on day three included regional updates and Expert Panels that connected partners with senior MOBOTIX product management executives, developers and solution specialists.
The Global Partner Conference also included project examples from invited customers, among them McDonald's (Germany), Jashanmal Group (Dubai) and Belfius Bank (Belgium) as well as details of exciting initiatives in Singapore, the United States, Australia and Greece.
For the first time, MOBOTIX welcomed an expanded partner showcase including Gold Sponsorship from Konica Minolta, Genetec, Strops and Milestone Systems plus an additional 11 Silver sponsors across diverse areas such as storage, facial recognition, portable surveillance, wireless connectivity and the IoT.
"Our Global Partner Conference marks the start of a new journey for MOBOTIX that begins with acknowledging our traditions before embracing the transition to a new path that welcomes the opportunities of tomorrow," enthused Thomas Lausten, CEO at MOBOTIX, "MOBOTIX is changing and part of that evolution is embracing a future with a new found passion and openness that includes industry standards and third party partners with the goal of delivering higher value solutions."
Lausten continued: "Our new mission statement to go 'Beyond Human Vision' is at the heart of a philosophy that recognises video surveillance is part of a wider potential with MOBOTIX as a foundational platform for innovative solutions to real world challenges in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, transportation and, indeed, many other areas."
The event coincided with the launch of a new MOBOTIX website, new company branding and the first version of a global partner locator, plus a new White Paper on the vital role MOBOTIX is playing in protecting its technologies from cyber attack.
Tagged as 'Beyond Human Vision', Belfius Bank, Cyber Attack, cyber security, Facial Recognition, Genetec, Global Partner Conference, Healthcare, Internet of Things, Jashanmal Group, Konica Minolta, Manufacturing, McDonald's, Milestone Systems, MOBOTIX, Pro-Activ Publications, Retail, Risk UK, Strops, surveillance, TheSecurityLion, Transport, Wireless Connectivity
AMG Systems to discuss integrated technologies at Global MSC's Security 2017 event
Network transmission solutions specialist AMG Systems will discuss the latest developments in environmentally robust fibre, analogue, IP/Ethernet, wireless and hybrid communication systems when the company exhibits at the Global MSC Security Conference and Exhibition 2017 in Bristol.
The two-day event is hosted by consultancy Global MSC Security, with this year's theme being that of 'Integrating Technologies'. The conference and exhibition is designed to bring together experts from across the security industry, sharing their knowledge with delegates from local authorities, hospitals, universities and both private and blue chip companies. This year's event looks into the ways that security is changing, integrating with other disciplines and adapting at a rapid pace to meet the demands of what end users now require from their security solutions.
Speakers and topics include:
*Daffydd Llywelyn (Dyfed Pewees Police and Crime Commissioner): Public Space Surveillance initiative
*Professor William Webster (director, Centre for Research into Information, Surveillance and Privacy): Body-Worn Video Research
*Tony Porter (Surveillance Camera Commissioner): National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England and Wales
*Detective Inspector Edward Heath (Avon and Somerset Police): Cyber Crime
*Bernadette Bashford-Payne (estate Control Centre manager, Canary Wharf): 'Inside a Large Control Room'
*Jim Burgess (associate director, Perform Green): 'Integrating CCTV in Bristol's Smart City'
*Mick Neville (ex-Metropolitan Police Service: SeeQuestor Review
Discussion of key security challenges
At the Global MSC Security Conference and Exhibition, AMG Systems is exhibiting on Stand 25. The company's business development director Sara Fisher said that the organisation is looking forward to meeting delegates and discussing the key security challenges that they face in their day-to-day operations.
Sara Fisher of AMG Systems
"Our specialist transmission knowledge can provide enormous benefits for integrated projects, saving on infrastructure expenditure, time for install or upgrade and reducing complexity," said Fisher. "I'm keen to talk to any delegates who'd like to learn more about the way that legacy systems can be transitioned relatively simply to IP and Ethernet, with all the advantages that brings, and to those who'd like to discuss any other aspect of security and data network provision."
AMG Systems manufactures intelligent, industrial grade, robust edge-of-network transmission solutions which have been used extensively in CCTV and security systems, as well as in sectors as diverse as the oil and gas, Critical National Infrastructure, defence and transport industries.
AMG Systems is the only UK-based IP and Ethernet transmission product manufacturer and solution provider. The company's degree of in-house control mean that its products are less vulnerable to cyber security attacks than those from other companies, which rely on third party hardware and software.
The Global MSC Security Conference and Exhibition 2017 takes place on Monday 13 and November 14 at the Bristol Hotel on Prince Street in Bristol. For more information and to book a delegate place visit www.globalmsc.net/seminars-2/
Tagged as AMG Systems, 'Integrating Technologies', Body Worn Video, Canary Wharf, CCTV, Critical National Infrastructure, Cyber Crime, Defence, Education, Ethernet, Global MSC Security Conference and Exhibition 2017, Healthcare, IP, National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England and Wales, Pro-Activ Publications, Public Space Surveillance, Risk UK, SeeQuestor, TheSecurityLion, Transport, Wireless


text:
THE ROMANCE OF TRAIN TRAVEL LIVES ON AT PUEBLA'S NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM
September 5, 2010 johnmitchell	Leave a comment
By John Mitchell
The old Puebla railway station, which is now part of the Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos or National Railway Museum in the city of Puebla, Mexico
PUEBLA — A decade has passed since passenger service ground to a halt on Mexico's railroads. However, the romance of train travel lives on at the Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles (MFNM) or National Railway Museum in the city of Puebla.
This important museum is located on the site of Puebla's old railway station that was built in 1869. The neoclassical style main building (currently closed for renovations) houses an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia as well as a research center. But the museum's main draw is its sprawling rail yard, which is crammed with rolling stock of all kinds.
Parked in neat rows are diesel, electric and steam locomotives along with passenger and freight cars, plus assorted machinery from all over Mexico. Some of the carriages have been refurbished and left open for inspection. There are sleeper and club cars, cabooses, and even a fully equipped mail carriage that was used until the 1990's. One car has been turned into a gallery that displays historical black and white photos.
Now that the government-owned railway system Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Mexico (FNM) has been privatized, the only intercity passenger trains still running are privately owned tourist lines such as the Chihuahua al Pacifio that winds through the Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua, and the Tequila Express in Jalisco. With train travel all but a thing of the past in Mexico, the tranquil National Railway Museum is an ideal spot in which to while away an hour or two indulging in some nostalgia and experiencing what remains of a bygone era.
The Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos is located at Calle 11 Norte 1005, a short taxi ride northwest of Puebla's main square. Admission is about US$1.00. Opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays) from 10 am to 6 pm.
Move the cursor over the screen of the slide show below to view captions. Click on static images to view larger photos and information about ordering prints or licensing.
National Railway Museum, Puebla, Mexico – Images by John Mitchell
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Uncovering Burma's WWII Past – Part One
Published On June 8, 2013 | By Dan | Asia, Burma, Myanmar, Recent, Southeast Asia, Travel Journal, War History
"You're not the Forgotten Army…
Nobody's ever heard of you."
Towards the end of 1943, the British/Indian Army in Burma(Myanmar now) was in pretty rough spirits. Nearly two years had passed since the Japanese had invaded Burma, and the Allies were suffering one setback after another in their attempt to regain control of the country. Repeated counter-attacks by both the British and Indian armies failed with heavy casualties. Parts of the country that the British ignored because they believed to be "impassable jungle" had been infiltrated by the Japanese, causing the British to be forced to retreat all the way back into India.
As bad as the situation was, the morale of the troops suffered the most from the constant belief that the world had forgotten about the Burma Campaign. When Lord Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander in SE Asia, came to Burma in the Winter of '43 to increase troop morale, he decided to use this belief of being forgotten as a motivator. As he spoke to groups of troops throughout his visit, he repeated this quote over and over again:
"You're not the Forgotten Army on the Forgotten Front. No, make no mistake about it. Nobody's ever heard of you."
Visiting Myanmar's WWII Sites
Tracking down WWII sites in Myanmar is not easy. There are a lot of things going against me here that make it difficult:
1. There are no reliable guides or guidebooks on where to go or how to get there.
2. With very few exceptions, there are no markers or memorials to help find historically significant locations.
3. Most of the heavy fighting was done in the far north, sometimes even into India. Most of the locations are still off limits to visitors and crossing to and from the India/Myanmar border by land is not allowed by either country.
4. Years of neglect and civil unrest have left little actual sites to see.
So that's what I'm up against. I'm going to start in Bago (formerly Pegu) and walk in the 1942 footsteps of the Japanese Army.
Bago was the last city the Japanese Army went through before it reached Yangon (Rangoon). I stopped by the Shwethar Lyaung Pagoda (pictured above) to see if the famous reclining buddha still looks the way it did when the Japanese reached it in 1942. The only other site to visit around Bago is the Taukkyan War Cemetery about an hour south of the city. It's a British cemetery containing the remains of 6,000 soldiers from the war. Sadly, we weren't able to make it there on this visit. Instead, we're heading east to Sittang, site of one of biggest military disasters in British history.
The Beginning of the End of the British Empire: The Sittang Bridge Disaster
February 22, 1942. It had been 75 days since Pearl Harbor, and the Japanese had not showed any signs of slowing down. They had successfully invaded Singapore and Malaysia, made their way through Thailand and into Southeast Burma. Still 50 days away from America's first offensive action on Japan (The D0olittle Raid), the British had found themselves in a desperate situation. Stop the Japanese from taking Burma (a British colony at the time), and protect aruegably the most important British colony, India.
After losing battles at the Burma/Thai border, the British/Indian Army found themselves quickly retreating westwards towards the Sittang River. There they had to cross a narrow rail bridge that could barely handle one-way traffic. This bridge, the Sittang Bridge was the last major obstacle between the Japanese Army and its objective of occupying Rangoon. If the British lost this bridge, not only would Japan have an easy march on Rangoon, but the British would also be cut off from China and forced to retreat into India, leaving Burma in the hands of Japan.
The British set up defenses on the east bank of the river and nearby hill to prepare for the Japanese attack. The bridge was also rigged with dynamite so that they could blow the bridge in the event that the Japanese broke through the defense lines. They could not risk the Japanese capturing the bridge in tact.
Pagoda Hill
A new, larger pagoda has been built directly over the top of the pagoda that was there in 1942.
The main stronghold on the east side of the river was on the high ground known as Pagoda Hill. Starting at about 1am on February 22nd, the hill and its surrounding area saw a complete 24-hour span of brutal hand-to-hand fighting. There are no known photographs of the battle or the aftermath. The only known visual from that day is the famous painting by military artist David Rowlands:
David Rowlands's painting of the Battle of Sittang Bridge. Painting depicts the fighting on the river's east bank as viewed from Pagoda Hill.
Visiting Pagoda Hill today is a quiet, rarely visited religious site, complete with a small active monastery. The original pagoda is still here, but you can't see it as they've built a new one directly over the top of it. One of the higher points on the hill is an old cement stupa that I presume was used as both a look-out point and guard.
Disaster Strikes
At 5am, nearly 30 hours of continuos fighting had caused complete confusion on the the west side of the river bank. The British Commander, John Smyth, was unaware that the Indian Army was still successfully holding the Japanese from taking Pagoda Hill, and assumed that the majority of the army had made a successful retreat to the west bank. At 5:30 am, in fear of the Japanese taking the bridge, Smyth made the call to blow the bridge, stranding more than 6,000 soldiers on the other side.
The Sittang Battlefield as it looks today. The pillars from the original bridge are still standing. The land along the river was the scene of immense suffering of the wounded who were unable to swim across to safety.
After five minutes of complete silence, chaos began again. The rest of the day consisted of Indian troops trying to find a way to cross the mile-wide river any way they could while a select group of heroic troops continued to fight off the Japanese. The stranded troops who knew how to swim got across, but had a difficult time finding boats because most had been destroyed before the battle. Many built make-shift rafts and other floatation devices to help get across. The 30+ hour battle had left hundreds of wounded men on the wrong side of the bridge, and the British were lucky that the Japanese chose not to completely annihilate the remaining soldiers. The Japanese were more interested in crossing the river, than slaughtering the remaining troops and began moving north to find a narrower place to ferry across.
After the bridge was blown, hundreds of wounded soldiers had to helplessly wait on the riverbank for help to come.
The battle was a decisive Japanese victory, and it marked the beginning of the Japanese occupation of Burma. The British/Indian Army in Burma was left in disarray, and had lost a considerable amount of supplies on the other side of the bridge. They retreated all the way into India, where they would remain until finally being able to re-enter Burma for a counter-offensive campaign with the Americans and Chinese. Burma would finally be secured and liberated from the Japanese in July of 1945, when ironically the British finished off the Japanese back where it all started, at the Sittang River.
Japanese occupation of Burma was the breaking point for the British Empire. Once was the war was over, the Burmese had no interest in every being ruled by the British again. Although India had never been reached by the Japanese army, the people there had lost their trust for the British, who were no longer an invincible regime. Within three years, both Burma and India would be independent. Because the Battle of Sittang Bridge was the decisive event leading to Japan's invasion of Burma, the Disaster at the Sittang is considered to be the defining moment in the decline and fall of the British Empire.
PART TWO COMING SOON: The Burma Road and The Burma Death Railway


text:
Q: Creating singleton class for mongo I am trying to write singleton  for java mongo driver. I have tried this piece of code but it is not correct. Help me to correct my logic.
public class MySingleton extends Mongo{
    private static MySingleton instance = null;
    private static Mongo mongo = null;

    protected MySingleton ()
          throws UnknownHostException,UnsupportedOperationException{

    }

    protected MySingleton (String ip, int port)
               throws UnknownHostException,UnsupportedOperationException{

        mongo = new Mongo(ip,port);
        instance = (MySingleton) mongo;
    }

    public static synchronized MySingleton getInstance(String ip, int port)
                     throws UnknownHostException{

        if (instance == null){
          instance =  new MySingleton(ip,port);
        }

         return instance;
    }
}

I am getting ClassCast exception for instance = (MySingleton) mongo;, which is obviously incorrect.
I am already aware of MongoClient. Holder.singleton(). connect() method but it does not solve my issue. So I am looking to create my own singleton class.

A: Why do you hold another mongo instance while you are already extending it.
public class MySingleton extends Mongo{
    private static MySingleton instance = null;

    protected MySingleton ()
          throws UnknownHostException,UnsupportedOperationException{

    }

    protected MySingleton (String ip, int port)
               throws UnknownHostException,UnsupportedOperationException{
        super(ip, port);
    }

    public static synchronized MySingleton getInstance(String ip, int port)
                     throws UnknownHostException{

        if (instance == null){
          instance =  new MySingleton(ip,port);
        }

         return instance;
    }
}

If you need a mongo instance, you can use following way.
 Mongo m = MySingleton.getInstance(ip,port);

I also suggest to read following singleton article so that if you may use its Example 7. A simple singleton.
public class Singleton {
   public final static Singleton INSTANCE = new Singleton();
   private Singleton() {
         // Exists only to defeat instantiation.
      }
}

A: we define implementation for MySingleton interface by MongoDB

public class  implements MySingleton
{

}

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