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O'Malley Tells Houston's Kinder Institute He's "Open" to Another Presidential Bid in 2020
Martin O'Malley, who ran for president in 2016, and Realty News Report Editor Ralph Bivins at the recent Sustainability Symposium in Orlando. O'Malley was in Houston Wednesday to discuss the Metro Lab Network with the Kinder Institute.
HOUSTON – (By Michelle Leigh Smith) – Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, mentioned as a possible candidate for president in 2020, was in Houston Wednesday offering Houstonians a close-up look at data-enhanced governing with a network of cities and universities.
O'Malley spoke Wednesday night at the Kinder Institute Urban Research Forum in the Brown Auditorium of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
O'Malley, 54, a Democrat who was in the field challenging Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders for his party's nomination last year, has been named as a possible candidate in 2020.
When he touched on the topic of announcing another presidential run during his comments in Houston, O'Malley said: "Not just yet, but I'm keeping an open mind and open heart."
These days, O'Malley, a self-described recovering lawyer, is teaching a law school class on Leadership and Data-Driven Government at Boston College and working with the Kinder Institute on a cross-disciplinary multi-level platform called Metro Lab Network. O'Malley made his mark cutting crime and improving public safety in Baltimore using geographic information systems (GIS) data and other urban data platforms.
"Anything I've learned about government, I've learned when I was mayor of Baltimore," he said. That tenure lasted from 1999 to 2007. He then served as the 61st governor of Maryland between 2007-2015 before his 2016 presidential run.
One of his first actions as governor was to implement the same CitiStat system he used to manage Baltimore. CitiStat received the "Innovations in Government" award by Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
"Cities can act as tremendous test beds," he said and described successes not only in Baltimore but also in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and now Houston. Rice University and the city of Houston have joined forces with 20 other cities and 25 other universities from across the country to create MetroLab Network, a network of universities and city governments charged with collaborating on solutions to the challenges confronting urban infrastructure, city services and civic engagement.
O'Malley advocates using GIS data to determine where best to dedicate resources for public safety, water conservation and "what bridges are needed and what bridges need to be built in order to give our kids a brighter future."
Martin O'Malley speaks at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts Wednesday night.
"I've been asked to go deep with this crowd, so I have 492 slides that I've narrowed to 60," O'Malley told the Kinder forum.
He opened his remarks about how human history is shaped with a beloved quote from Robert F. Kennedy: "Each time a man stands up for others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope."
"We can calculate how many tiny ripples it takes to add up to waves of change," said O'Malley.
As the Democratic Party navigates toward the future, a choice will be made soon for a new party leadership. O'Malley said he has endorsed Pete Buttigieg, the 35-year-old mayor of South Bend, Ind., for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. Buttigieg is a Harvard University-educated U.S. Navy Reserve officer and a Rhodes Scholar. Buttigieg was elected mayor in 2012 at age 30, one of the youngest mayors in the nation.
Feb. 16, 2017 Realty News Report Copyright 2017
Gov. Martin O'Malley	2017-02-16
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TREASON: Emory University a training ground for Chinese military scientists linked to Fauci-funded biowarfare research
An exclusive report from The Gateway Pundit (TGP) exposes Emory University in Atlanta as a training ground for communist Chinese military scientists who are busy developing bioweapons with funding from Tony Fauci.
Chinglai Yang, a faculty member in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), which is under the direct control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) via the Chinese Academy of Science.
USTC's mission is to improve China's economy and defense infrastructure, it is important to note. This agenda obviously conflicts with American interests and poses serious risks to national security.
"In 1996, Chinglai Yang completed a doctoral degree in biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Alabama," reported TGP.
Another Emory faculty member with direct ties to the CCP is Ling Ye, a graduate of Shanxi Medical University. Ye received her medical degree and PH from the Fourth Military Medical University (now known as the Air Force Military Medical University) in Xi'an, China.
"Both have received millions of dollars in research funding from Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases," TGP further revealed. "Both have also maintained extensive links with the Chinese military."
Fauci sent American taxpayer dollars to China to develop bioweapons for use against the American people
Ye was something of an anchor for the Chinese military, which in 2007 established an agreement between the then-newly established Center for Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance, which is directly funded by Fauci, and China's Harbin Veterinary Research Institute (HVRI), a project led by Yang.
This Emory-Harbin project created a backdoor through which China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) was able to quietly access U.S. knowledge, skills, techniques and funding, which it funneled straight back into its own influenza research program.
HVRI, it turns out, is a critical component of China's biowarfare program because it is the site of China's second biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) research laboratory (the first is in Wuhan, where the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) is believed to have originated).
Personnel from the Military Veterinary Research Institute (MVRI), which is connected to HVRI, have also reportedly infiltrated the virus programs at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tex.
In 2013, HVRI was at the center of a major scandal involving illegal gain-of-function research experiments in which the H5N1 bird flu virus was deliberately mixed with a 2009 strain of H1N1 flu virus.
With funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Yang and Ye at Emory were able to train other Chinese researchers. Emory also collaborated directly with key players at MVRI.
In 2017, even more gain-of-function research was taking place at Emory, this time on the avian influenza virus. Genetic alterations were made to increase the ability of the virus to replicate, and to make it transmit from birds to guinea pigs.
All of this was done with funding from Fauci, which came from American taxpayers who were bilked by this treasonous scumbag into paying for biowarfare weapons programs that appear to now be getting used against the American people.
"In April 2021, Anthony Fauci awarded Emory University an additional $1 million for influenza research," the TGP report further explains.
"So why is this allowed to continue and why hasn't this lab been shut down?" asked one TGP commenter.
"Why is there even a single Chinese citizen allowed within our borders after the CCP attacked us with the bioweapon known as Covid-19?" asked another.
"Just another day in post-constitutional Amerika," remarked yet another.
The latest news about Fauci and communist China can be found at Treason.news.
Tagged Under: biological weapons, biowar, biowarfare, bioweapons, CCP, China, communist China, coronavirus, COVID, deep state, Emory University, Fauci, military scientists, training ground, traitors, treason, vaccines
The medical "research" RACKET: $350 million in royalties was secretly paid to NIH scientists, including Fauci
Clueless, pharma-infested FDA now says independent media is "leading cause of death in US"… oblivious to FDA-approved opioid deaths, Vioxx deaths and chemo deaths
Absurd new pro-vaccine "study" is nothing more than HATE SPEECH against the unvaccinated
Suddenly Bill Gates confirms what we've been saying all along: Covid is "kind of like the flu" with a "low fatality rate"
Without evidence, FDA claims "misinformation" is LEADING cause of death in the USA, but won't acknowledge deaths caused by vaccines or pharmaceuticals
MINDBLOWING: Pfizer ADMITS in own documents it likely can't demonstrate sufficient efficacy or safety of its COVID-19 vaccines to get permanent use approval
China censoring videos of people being dragged out of their homes and into quarantine camps
Prudential Financial, America's largest insurer, officially ends covid jab requirement… what do they know that they aren't saying?
Vaccine-pimping "science" media outlets GOT PUNKED by bikini wearing "doctor" who turned out to be nothing more than a pharma shill (opinion)
Israeli data shows 25% spike in emergency heart problems among "fully vaccinated" young adults
UNKNOWN hepatitis strain found in 169 vaccinated children from 11 countries
More evidence emerges indicating that COVID-19 was "manufactured" in a Chinese lab, then Moderna patented it
ABC, NBC ignore leftist abortion activists doxxing SCOTUS home addresses
Meet the BRANCH COVIDIANS: An apocalyptic medical-extremist group of tyrants whose avid followers participate in genocide by vaccination
Smithsonian Institute plans to honor, celebrate a man partly responsible for COVID-19: Dr. Anthony Fauci
IT NEVER ENDS: FDA wants to make COVID vaccination an annual ritual like flu shots
Government audit: CDC, FDA, NIH caved to political interference, manipulated data, suppressed findings, altered guidance
Macron launches COVID jab digital ID program in France immediately after being reelected
SAY WHAT? Western perversion: British midwives now being taught how to deliver babies through "male genitalia"
Medical industry secret police rolled out network of SNITCHES to ensnare doctors who didn't worship Fauci

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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United StatesNew MexicoAztec7 Road 24730, Unit # Las Animas Riverside
7 Road 24730, Unit # Las Animas Riverside
7 Road 24730, Unit # Las Animas Riverside Aztec, New Mexico 87410 United States
Hidden amongst the cottonwoods, +/- 27 miles south of Durango Colorado, lies the secluded and serene +/- 17.5 acres of the Animas River Paradise. The centerpiece of this private end of the road oasis is the + - 4000 sq ft, 3b/3b, Santa Fe style...
Listing Courtesy of Hayden Outdoors LLC
About 7 Road 24730, Unit # Las Animas Riverside
Hidden amongst the cottonwoods, +/- 27 miles south of Durango Colorado, lies the secluded and serene +/- 17.5 acres of the Animas River Paradise. The centerpiece of this private end of the road oasis is the + - 4000 sq ft, 3b/3b, Santa Fe style home that can truly be described as exquisite. Located just south of the Colorado line, 21 miles outside of Farmington, this prestigious ranch provides excellent access to world class recreation, several national forests and lakes, and is a mere 40 minutes to Quality Waters of the San Juan River, which is said to be home to some of the best trophy trout fishing in the country today. And amazingly, its only minutes to Durango for dining, shopping, and snow-skiing as well as major hospitals and two regional airports in Durango Co and Farmington. This property is without question a hidden wonder! Home The custom designed Santa Fe Style home was crafted and built for this exact property location, with the intention of balancing the hundreds of ft of river frontage, ponds, manicured pastures, and the gorgeous stand of cotton woods. With its spacious and tastefully designed open floor plan, this magnificent residence includes a polished and well-crafted office which has inside and outside access for the 42% of Americans now working from home. The large island gourmet kitchen, containing a massive walk-in pantry, definitely compliments the large great room with its welcoming fireplace. It's almost as if the home has three master bedrooms due to the way each one a has its own wing designed for privacy. Two huge walk-in closets compliment the master suite. A huge 3.5 bay garage attached by a breezeway could house even the largest 3500 long-bed dually! And without a doubt, one of the homes most impressive features is the incredible front and rear verandas, which include an outdoor kitchen to entertain while enjoying the southwests phenomenal climate with family and friends. Outbuildings The property holds a + -30 x 60 shop/barn equipment shed 60% shop/40 % livestock /equestrian, and concrete equipment wash-down pad. Four-wheel drive Kubota and implements are negotiable. Senior water rights keep 3/4 pastures irrigated. This is perfect for the property as it historically carries several horses. A small cattle herd, llamas, or alpacas could easily be accommodated. Located in Unit 2a, the property is a wildlife & fishing Mecca. The Pond can be easily stocked, with the Animas River offering world class flyfishing for large German browns & rainbows. There also remains a couple corners of the property that are kept as native woodlots for privacy and wildlife sanctuary, carrying a resident mule deer herd and large flock Merriams turkeys. An early visit to your riverside blind will net a limit of Canadian Honkers and mallards. Picnic area, fire-pit and horseshoes will fill your afternoons along the riverside. With builders quoting $350-400 per ft, and 2-4 years out, its almost impossible to find riverfront properties - let alone a turn key, secluded from the world, yet minutes to everything property such as the prestigious Animas Riverfront Paradise.
Listing Courtesy of Hayden Outdoors LLC, CREN MLS
River, Waterfront


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Trailer For New Mario Game, "Super Mario: Odyssey" Looks Insane
Mario travels to the real world and watches Bowser get married in a white tux in the new Mario game for the Nintendo: Switch.
Source: www.youtube.com / Via: www.youtube.com
The trailer for the new Super Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, presented during a press conferences for the Nintendo Switch is absolutely bananas. We start out on a hustling and bustling New York City street that is clearly meant to take place in the real world. "Why in the real world, there is no Super Mario", you cry! But wait Wait! Here he comes! Leaping out of the manhole!
I myself have wondered, how can they top outer space, and I suppose going through various realities is the next obvious step! Go Mario, go!
Also, it's not New York City, but New Donk City. Is this a city where Donkey Kong rules over humans!? Guys, this game is freaking wild. I can't wait.
Source: i.imgur.com / Via: www.youtube.com
Like, why does it have a Bowser in a white tux? Is Bowser getting married to Peach and must showcase his virginal purity? That's what it seems like! Please let this very much be the case.
Also, what's with the Blade Runner cinematography? This thing looks amazing!
There is so much happening in this trailer, the ship that Mario uses to go through to different realities, the unbelievable array of villains and human beings that Mario interacts with (is Mario mutant? Cartoon man? Or is it the generic "real world" humans of New Donk City whom are weird?)
Also Mario's hat is alive in this one, I guess!
So I can't wait, but remember! It is a visit to the real world that brought down a man… who is like brother to Mario. I'm talking about Sonic the Hedgehog. Things got weird when Sonic entered our world and the games got sort of spotty. Remember Mario. If things get too hard… you must… escape from the city!
I love this trailer. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.


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Marc Jacobs Apologizes for Starting Show an Hour Late
Claire Valentine
Marc Jacobs posted a lengthy apology on Instagram for the lateness of his New York Fashion Week show, which started over a hour late. Posting an image of his face on the White Rabbit from "Alice in Wonderland" (of "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date" fame), Jacobs wrote: "I sincerely apologize to anyone and everyone who was inconvenienced by my lateness at our Spring/Summer 2019 fashion show. For anyone interested, below is not a list of excuses but rather a list of facts. I fully understand people have plans, lives, commitments, flights, families to return to, etc and that I fully RESPECT."
He then listed the circumstances leading to the tardiness of the show without specifically naming what went wrong. The designer, whose shows are typically punctual after irritating editors with lateness in early years, wrote: "After years of being beyond punctual and once again, with every intention of remaining so, the fact is, more is always expected from us with fewer and fewer resources. That is not unique to me personally or us as a company. I have learned that I need to adjust to our realities."
Related | Marc Jacobs Champions Cotton Candy Glamour
The 6pm show started nearly an hour and a half late on Wednesday, causing some editors to leave before it even began to get to other events, namely: Rihanna's Savage x Fenty lingerie show in Brooklyn. There were rumors that Jacobs started the show late to step on Rihanna's toes as the last show of the week, but it seems it was a simple case of things going wrong—as they do on rainy days in New York.
Jacobs added, "With our shows, I always strive to present 7-10 minutes of live fashion theatre that hopefully makes some kind of statement or touch the audience in some way both aesthetically and emotionally. I think we all have to be a little more sensitive and flexible to the fragile state of the live experience."
Photo via Getty


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Final Trailer for the Alien Invasion Film ARRIVAL with Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner
TrailerMovie ArrivalAmy AdamsJeremy RennerSci-Fi about 2 years ago by Joey Paur
Paramount Pictures has released the final trailer for their upcoming sci-fi alien invasion drama Arrival. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie because it seems like it's going to tell a fascinating story. This newest trailer is loaded with new footage and also expands on the story.
The film comes from director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Sicario), which is another reason I'm confident that this is going to be an awesome movie. It also has a fantastic cast that includes Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film is based on Ted Chiang's 1998 novella Story of Your Life, and this is the synopsis:
When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team – lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) – are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers – and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.
Arrival will be released in theaters on November 11th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W1m5ER3I1Y
First Photos and Details on Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner's Alien Sci-Fi Film ARRIVAL
ARRIVAL Teaser Trailer: Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner Set Out to Make First Contact
Thrilling Full-Length Trailers for the Alien Invasion Sci-Fi Film ARRIVAL
Alternate Alien Concept Designs for the Fantastic Sci-Fi Film ARRIVAL
Thrilling Trailer for Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen's WIND RIVER
Trailer for THE IMMIGRANT with Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner


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Q: Unable to connect to S3 I am trying to write a shell script to connect to a private S3 bucket to download a few files.
aws s3 cp s3://p1-bucket/2017-09-05_metric.csv $HOME --profile p1
The above command works fine when executed on the shell. However, the same command fails when executed as a part of the script with the following error:
fatal error: Could not connect to the endpoint URL: "https://p1-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/2017-09-05_metric.csv"
Can someone help me fix this

A: The issue is being caused by the initialization of a proxy connection to $https_proxy variable and is resolved by assigning a null to $https_proxy.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


(PRWEB) June 5, 2006 — We have all heard the saying "good wine gets better with age," and there is no better way to describe The Jackpot Factory. The group was founded in 1999, when it launched its first Microgaming powered online casino. Since then it has become one of the most respected online gambling operators in the world. The Jackpot Factory is synonymous with first-class service, high quality games, and some of the most innovative promotions in the online gambling industry. In 2005, all of the group's casinos, All Slots, All Jackpots, First Web and Wild Jack, as well as their Wild Jack Poker Room, received the coveted eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) seal.
"The eCOGRA seal is a very important indicator of the integrity and fair gaming principles that an online casino subscribes to, and it is no surprise that The Jackpot Factory passed the necessary tests to receive seals for its casinos and poker room," says Ryan D, editor and founder of Online Gambling Insider.
http://www.online-gambling-insider.com is an independent portal and watchdog, and certifies online casinos, sports betting sites and poker rooms. Certified operators are subject to rigorous testing procedures. Qualifying criteria includes the corporate and financial backing of the operator, quality of customer service, game fairness (including player terms and conditions), games portfolio, financial processing and licensing. The most important factor taken into account when awarding a certificate is the player experience. Online Gambling Insider staff test each casino as real players, and over a period of time, every aspect of the casino or poker room's operation is experienced first hand.
"The Jackpot Factory is the envy of many for the track record it has established," said Ryan D. "This goes a long way towards awarding our certification, and qualifying their gambling sites for our $1,000 deposit guarantee". However, regardless of the profile of a casino, each certified casino has to be tested thoroughly. "We need to protect the credibility of our certification process, so we have to work on facts," Ryan continued. "We deposit between $200 and $500 during the testing process, claim bonuses, and play a minimum of three games until the wager through requirement is met," said Ryan.
"We place a lot of emphasis on customer service, and have designed a process where we will interact with each casino over a period of time," Ryan continues. "The Jackpot Factory truly impressed us with their attention to detail and and urgency in responding to our requests".
In other news, the Jackpot Factory has just launched ClearPlay, a true innovation in casino bonuses. ClearPlay has two major benefits for players. Firstly, it offers real time reporting of the playthrough requirement, and secondly, wagers on all games now contribute to the playthrough requirement being met.
All four casinos and the poker room are now certified by Online Gambling Insider. Players are protected up to a maximum of $1,000 in deposits, should they ever have a problem. "We are confident that we won't ever have to intervene and refund a player, but it is nice for people to know that there is an independent safety net," Ryan concludes.


People come and go, talking more of Michelangelo more than they do of the state of the heavyweight division.
But maybe that's about to change. The once-upon-a-time glamour division of boxing will be getting a needed infusion in the early months of 2008 — maybe not of talent, but at least of activity.
It used to be the bigger they are, the harder they fool, but fight fans have grown accustomed to getting their action in the lighter weights. There's probably more talent in the mitts of a few 115-pound superflyweights than there is in the entire heavyweight division, and let's not get into welterweights.
But the big boys will at least be busy and it's an old axiom that fights make fights. We just might get lucky in 2008 and witness a kind of renaissance of the heavyweight division.
It could start next weekend in Berlin when two undefeated newcomers meet in an "elimination" match to become the next challenger for the IBF champion, currently Wladimir Klitschko.
Alexander Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic champion, has had only 14 pro fights, but his connections have been confident enough to put him in with Larry Donald, whom he virtually shut out, and Chris Byrd, whom he beat up and stopped. He may not be a great puncher, but at 225 or so pounds, he is about 10 bigger than the light-hitting American he faces, Eddie Chambers.
Never having seen Povetkin, it's hard for me to endorse laying 5/1 on him against the slick Chambers, who is 30-0 but with no great power (16 KO).
Chambers is quick and knows his way around the ring. In his last two starts, he has outpointed Dominick Guinn and Calvin Brock.
Having seen Chambers, I can not endorse him at the buyback rate of 3/1. He will not get the benefit of the doubt on any scorecards while fighting on Povetkin's home turf.
The Russian is promoted by Germans. Chambers will make some early trouble, but Povetkini will eventually pass this test to become the mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko.
The youngest of the Kiev brothers is acknowledged as the No. 1 heavyweight in the world right now, though he spent 2007 on somewhat of a hiatus, facing only Ray Austin and Lamon Brewster. But next month, Wlad has a much more meaningful test, against an undefeated "champion," Sultan Ibragimov, who holds WBO recognition as title-holder.
Ibragimov won that belt last year from Shannon Briggs, who put on one of the worst performances ever seen by a title-holder. Ibragimov also beat the dusty remains of Evander Holyfield and Javier Mora in 2007, but the reason he is a huge underdog (Klitschko is -600, Sultan +400) is underlined by his lucky draw in 2006 with Austin, whom Wlad knocked out in two last year.
The WBC has as many "champions" (3) as all the other alphabets.
Oleg Maskaev, its regular champion, finally gets back in the ring to face its "interim" champion, Samuel Peter, who became quite devalued when knocked down three times in his last start by Jameel McCline.
qSuddenly, it appears that the hard-hitting Maskaev, who seems capable of beating Hasim Rahman and not much else, has a chance March 8 in Cancun. Peter has been held at -450, Maskaev +300.
Waiting in the wings, maybe, is the current WBC heavyweight champion "emeritus," Vitali Klitschko, if he ever gets healthy enough to fight again.
There's another fight next month, in Nuremberg, where a couple of former title-holders, 7-foot Nikolai Valuev and Sergei Liahkovich, meet to become the mandatory challenger for the WBA champion, at last spotting Ruslan Chagaev. Valuev, who is coming off punching a 61-year-old security guard in St. Petersburg, is -290, Liahkovich plus $2.30.
Valuev denies punching the guard.
"Just imagine what would have happened to that old man if I really punched him," he said.
Probably the same that will happen if he lands against Liahkovich. No big deal.
There are no Thrillas in Manila coming up any time soon, but the activity should at least keep the heavyweights from falling off the planet.


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Habur est un poste frontière entre la Turquie et l'Irak dans le district de Silopi de la province de Şırnak. C'est le point d'arrivée de la route européenne  qui part de Lisbonne et traverse l'Espagne, le sud de l'Italie, la Grèce et la Turquie.

Ville en Turquie

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Mensusa https://www.mensusa.com/articles/look-out-for-the-white-blazer-with-black-lapel-and-matching-hats.html Look Out For The White Blazer With Black Lapel And Matching Hats A white blazer with black lapel is a stylish man's choice. The blazer is a unique accessory that goes well with all other attire especially if your blazer is a white accompanied with straw cowboy hats for men or the classiest stacy adams hats.
A blazer is a versatile accessory that all men have in quite a few numbers in their closets. This is because a blazer is never out of style and can be worn with all kinds of attire. This is true especially for a white blazer with black lapel. The beauty and sophistication of a blazer depends largely on the lapels as well as the fit. White is a neutral color and matches with both the dark and lighter shades of dress shirts or trousers. When it has a black lapel, the attractiveness of the white blazer is enhanced and the wearer looks outstanding even in a huge crowd in his white blazer with black lapel.
The cowboy hat is especially crafted hat for men that has a wide brim and a staple accessory of the cowboys of North America. The felt cowboy hats have a style and attitude of their own that makes the wearer look smarter and bolder. These hats are extremely functional and whatever attire you wear, do not forget to pick up the felt cowboy hats from MensUSA to stay protected from all kinds elements of nature. There is a huge collection of felt cowboy hats at MensUSA from well-known brands spread out just for you.
Wearing straw cowboy hats for men is a mark of style and refinement. You know that you are going to stay comfortable for hours even under the hottest sun. These hats are crafted with utmost care and can be worn throughout the year. Straw cowboy hats for men are durable and stays attractive for many years. You will get various designer straw cowboy hats for men at MensUSA to match your attire and look just the way you want to portray yourself.
To get a complete look, one must take care of every ensemble of his attire. Whether it is the suit of the shoes, each one must compliment the other. Stacy Adam's Hats add elegance and style to your total appearance. When these hats are worn with matching clothes, they help to boost your personality for which the Stacy Adam's hats are so popular worldwide. You will get a variety of designs in the Stacy Adam's Hats collection at MensUSA. Each one is created by famous designers like the Homburg, Pork Pir hats and others. The specialty of these hats lies in the wide brim with indented crown. These hats are mostly made of felt or wool and the wearer is easily spotted from a distance.
Men's Fedora hats offer a classy look to the wearer. These hats add neatness and elegance to the entire attire. Choose the perfect fitted men's Fedora hats to get noticed wherever you go and become the center of attraction easily. These hats offer ultimate comfort and style as they are crafted from crushable wool felt materials and have snap brims. The lining includes soft silk and satin and the embellishments added to the men's Fedora hats like a decorative band with feather offers a traditional look that nobody can ignore especially women.


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#MIDDLEEAST#RUSSIA 30.10.2016 - 1,580 views
Russia Prepared List of US Unfulfilled Promises 5 out of 5 based on 3 ratings. 3 user reviews.
Russia Prepared List of US Unfulfilled Promises
The Russian Foreign Ministry has prepared a 'comparative analysis' of the implementation of the agreements on Syria by the US and Russia in order to prove that the American side has frustrated almost all items of the political deals.
President Barack Obama listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in 2012 (Photo: Getty Images / AFP / Jewel Samad)
Barack Obama is not a man to be trusted – the US has frustrated almost all items of the agreement with Moscow on Syria, this conclusion follows from 15 items of a table, prepared by the Russian Foreign Ministry, a 'comparative analysis' of the implementation of the two political deals.
On Thursday evening, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued the 'Comparative Analysis of the Implementation of the Russian-American Agreements" on Syria.
As it is expected, the document will be submitted to the UN Security Council in the near future. The document, published on the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a table divided into two themes and 15 items: 9 items from the Russia-US Joint Statement on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria of 22 February 2016 and 6 items from the Russia-US Agreement of 9 September 2016.
The table lists the items of the sides' commitments and the steps, which was taken or was not taken for their implementation.
"The document clearly demonstrates the results of the Russia's work, aimed at a peaceful settlement in the Syrian Arab Republic and a fight against international terrorism," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
So, the first point of the February's agreement is "implement the cessation of hostilities (CoH) on the whole territory of Syria beginning from 12 am on 27 February 2016." The Russian side "ensured the implementation of the CoH as per schedule." The US-led coalition "ensured the implementation of the CoH within the prescribed time only by a part of the "moderate" opposition. 20 groups continued armed hostilities." The results: "2,031 violations of the CoH on the part of the "moderate" opposition had been reported between February 27 and September 1, which claimed lives of 3,532 army men and 12,800 civilians. 8,949 army men and 25,642 civilians have been injured."
The second item of the February's table is informing on the "accession to the CoH by 12 pm on February 26, 2016." Russia "handed over the list of 47 'moderate' opposition groups." The US "presented a list of 138 'moderate' opposition groups, of which 2 belong to ISIS, and 8 – to the Al-Nusra Front." The results: "failure to separate the moderate opposition from radical terrorist groups."
The third and fourth items provided exchanging information on the outlines of areas held by CoH parties, as well as areas held by units of the Islamic State (IS) and the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (previously known as the Al-Nusra Front). As the table shows, the US also failed to implement its commitments on these items.
The fifth point on resumption of strikes against the IS and the Al-Nusra Front is also interesting. The Russian side "continued making up to 150 strikes in a day on ISIS and the Al-Nusra Front. Liberated 586 towns, 12,360 sq. km of territory, eliminated about 35 thousand terrorists, including 2,700 Russian and CIS nationals." The American side "did not carry out strikes against the Al-Nusra Front. Carried out between 6 and 15 strikes a day against ISIS." The results: "compared to 2015, the number of terrorist acts perpetrated by the Al-Nusra suicide bombers increased twofold."
On July 28, the US unilaterally broke a hotline between the Hmeymim airbase and a group of its political and military experts in Amman (Jordan).
According to the document, after the Russian-American agreement of September 9, the US could not convince representatives of the 'moderate' opposition to cease fire in Syria, establish checkpoints on the Castello highway, and withdraw their troops from the area. Moreover, rebels mined exits from the city of Aleppo. Leaders of 'moderate' opposition groups in Aleppo also refused to let UN humanitarian convoys to enter the city.
The table also reveals that fighter jets of the US-led coalition still avoid to bomb positions of the Al-Nusra Front.
"Their operations against ISIS average 12-15 sorties, 8-10 airstrikes a day," the document notes.
According to the table on the September's agreement, the Russian Aerospace Forces have singlehandedly continued airstrikes against IS and Al-Nusra targets (50 sorties, 140-150 airstrikes a day on average). At the same time, the US Air Force has not attacked Al-Nusra targets, and their operations against the IS average 12-15 sorties, 8-10 airstrikes a day.
"Joint US-Russian operations against the IS and the Al-Nusra Front never launched, allowing terrorists to retain control over a large territory and carry out offensive operations against government troops," the document notes.
In this way, US did not implement its commitments to fight against the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the document reads.
Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Aleksey Chepa, believes that the comparative analysis of the Russian Foreign Ministry is convincing, and hopes that the document would affect on public opinion and on the balance of opinions in the UN.
"Everything that we do in order to open the truth about our position on Syria for the world, first of all, we do this via the UN platform, for what this organization was created," Chepa said. "I think that all sensible politicians should notice this and listen to this."
At the same time, he doubted that Moscow will have time to complete any new agreements with Washington.
"President Barack Obama is a 'lame duck'. In view of the upcoming elections, we should not trust the outgoing administration," the deputy believes.
At the same time, Director of the Center for the Study of the Middle East and the Central Asia, former deputy of the Russian State Duma, Semen Bagdasarov, has many doubts that even such a clear document will affect the moods in the UN, as its Secretary-General takes a pro-US stance on a number of items.
"For this reason, it [the comparative analysis of the Russian Foreign Ministry] will not affect seriously. We need to take other actions," Bagdasarov told the Vzglyad newspaper.
According to him, Russia should seek UN condemnation of actions of the US-led coalition around Mosul.
"There are more than 60 killed before the assault. They have not yet reached Mosul, and there already are so many killed, including in inhabited localities that have nothing common with the IS," Bagdasarov noted.
The expert believes that Russian diplomats should not justify, but should open this question and "say how many people have already died before the beginning of the assault on Mosul."
Bagdasarov also noted that countries, who are interested on this, should long ago create an international tribunal, which would be an alternative for Hague, and "bring the US and its allies to justice" for the invasion of Iraq.
Earlier, on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret that his personal agreements with his US counterpart Barack Obama have not worked. According to him, there were such forces in Washington, which have done their best to destroy the agreements, and now Moscow is ready to seek a solution to any issues with a new US president.
Putin admitted that Americans could really strike Syrian troops in Deir ez-Zor mistakenly, but, as result, the truce was thwarted, the RIA Novosti news agency reported. According to the Russian President, the US repeatedly promised Russia to cooperate in the fight against terrorism in Syria.
"They [the US] have admitted that a part of Aleppo is occupied by the IS and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organizations. Well, it can be seen on footage of the television chronicle, when we see there a banner of the IS and a banner of the Jabhat al-Nusra in certain areas of Aleppo," the TASS news agency quoted the words of the Russian President.
Putin also noted that the US has admitted the need to separate terrorists and the 'moderate' opposition.
"And they [the US side] convinced us [the Russian side] that they will do this, and then we agreed that we will start together – will define right on the battlefield, where there is a healthy part of the opposition, and we will not touch them at all, and where there are terrorists – and we, along with our US partners, will work on these terrorists," he said.
According to Putin, these promises were given many times, including by US President Barack Obama.
"Once again this issue was raised during our meeting in China, really, my American partner, President Obama, once again offered to separate them," the Russian President added. "But the fact remains – instead of separation of terrorists and a healthy part of the opposition, American partners themselves have broken the truce," Putin concluded.
Tags:russia, syria, us-led coalition, us-russia agreement on syria, us-russia cooperation in syria, US-Russia Deal on Syria, us-russian relations, usa
Military Situation In Northwestern Syria On July 13, 2019 (Map Update)
Military Situation In Syria On June 24, 2019 (Map Update)


text:
How Sam Allardyce has escaped relegation during his career
Sam Allardyce has never managed a side relegated from the Premier League
Sam Allardyce has maintained his remarkable record of never having been relegated from the top flight after Crystal Palace secured their place in the Premier League for next season.
The 62-year-old earned promotion with Bolton in 2001 and kept them up six times, and has since steered Blackburn, West Ham and Palace to safety.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of Allardyce's most impressive escapology acts.
BOLTON 2001-02
Allardyce kept faith with the players who had overcome Preston in the play-off final. Three wins from their first three games got Wanderers up and running, but a run of 12 games without a win either side of Christmas left them in trouble. Allardyce responded by bringing in French World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff, who scored in crucial victories against Charlton and Ipswich to help Bolton finish 16th.
Despite the arrival of Nigeria star Jay-Jay Okocha to add some flair - and long throw-ins - second-season syndrome kicked in at the Reebok as they lost seven of their first 11 games. However, late goals from Djorkaeff and Delroy Facey provided a 4-2 victory over Birmingham which acted as a catalyst for Bolton to win six and draw five of their last 13 games and condemned West Ham to the drop instead.
BLACKBURN 2008-09
After a brief stint with Newcastle, Allardyce returned to management with Blackburn when Paul Ince was sacked with the club 19th in the league after 17 games - the last five of which had all been lost. Allardyce kicked off his reign with a 3-0 win against Stoke and El Hadji Diouf proved to be a shrewd signing as Rovers lost only once at Ewood Park in the second half of the season.
SUNDERLAND 2015-16
After the relative mid-table comfort of his West Ham tenure, Allardyce returned to fire fighting by replacing Dick Advocaat at Sunderland, with the Black Cats having taken three points from eight games. A 3-0 win over rivals Newcastle kick-started the survival bid, and victories by the same margin over Norwich and Everton during the run-in secured their top-flight status.
CRYSTAL PALACE 2016-17
Allardyce succeeded Alan Pardew with the Eagles 17th in the Premier League - although things got worse before they got better. The former England boss had to wait seven league games for his first win, but surprise victories at Chelsea and Liverpool - either side of thumping Arsenal 3-0 at Selhurst Park - and a 4-0 hammering of Hull, who dropped out of the Premier League as a result, ensured Palace retained their place in the top tier.


text:
Q: javafx fxml menuitem onaction error So i'm creating a small program in my first try to code something and I bumped into a problem with my menubar.
I created everything with scenebuilder and when I added an onAction event I kept getting an error I can't find a solution too.
Here is my fxml code
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<?import javafx.scene.control.Menu?>
<?import javafx.scene.control.MenuBar?>
<?import javafx.scene.control.MenuItem?>
<?import javafx.scene.layout.AnchorPane?>

<fx:root id="AnchorPane" prefHeight="400.0" prefWidth="600.0" type="AnchorPane" xmlns="http://javafx.com/javafx/8.0.102" xmlns:fx="http://javafx.com/fxml/1">
   <children>
      <MenuBar fx:id="HoofdMenu" layoutY="2.0" prefHeight="25.0" prefWidth="600.0">
        <menus>
          <Menu mnemonicParsing="false" text="Maaltafels">
            <items>
              <MenuItem fx:id="maal10" mnemonicParsing="false" onAction="#maal10Selected" text="Tot maal 10" />
              <MenuItem fx:id="maal100" mnemonicParsing="false" onAction="#maal100Clicked" text="Tot maal 100" />
              <MenuItem mnemonicParsing="false" text="Tot maal 1000" />
            </items>
          </Menu>
        </menus>
      </MenuBar>
   </children>
</fx:root>

and here is my code to open the screen and do the action
package gui;

import domein.DomeinController;
import java.awt.MenuBar;
import java.awt.MenuItem;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.net.MalformedURLException;
import java.net.URL;
import java.util.logging.Level;
import java.util.logging.Logger;
import javafx.fxml.FXML;
import javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader;
import javafx.scene.Parent;
import javafx.scene.Scene;
import javafx.scene.layout.AnchorPane;
import javafx.stage.Stage;

public class StartschermController extends AnchorPane{
    private DomeinController dc;

    @FXML
    private MenuBar menuBar;
    @FXML
    private MenuItem maal10;
    @FXML
    private MenuItem maal100;
    public StartschermController(DomeinController dc) throws MalformedURLException{
        this.dc = dc;
        String stringFxml = "file:///c:/Users/jelle/Documents/NetBeansProjects/ProjectenI/WiskundeOefFX/src/gui/StartScherm.fxml";
        URL fxml = new URL(stringFxml);

        FXMLLoader loader = new FXMLLoader();
        loader.setLocation(fxml);
        loader.setRoot(this);
        loader.setController(this);
        try{
            loader.load();
        }catch(IOException ex){
            throw  new RuntimeException(ex);
        }
    }

    @FXML
    public void maal10Selected(javafx.event.ActionEvent event){
        String stringoefeningen = "file:///c:/Users/jelle/Documents/NetBeansProjects/ProjectenI/WiskundeOefFX/src/gui/oefeningen.fxml";
        try {
            URL oefeningen = new URL(stringoefeningen);
            FXMLLoader oefeningenLoader = new FXMLLoader();
            OefeningenController controller = new OefeningenController(dc);
            oefeningenLoader.setLocation(oefeningen);
            oefeningenLoader.setController(controller);
            Parent root = (Parent) oefeningenLoader.load();
            Stage stage = new Stage();
            stage.setTitle("Maaltafels");
            stage.setScene(new Scene(root));
            stage.show();
        } catch (MalformedURLException ex) {
            Logger.getLogger(StartschermController.class.getName()).log(Level.SEVERE, null, ex);
        } catch (IOException ex) {
            Logger.getLogger(StartschermController.class.getName()).log(Level.SEVERE, null, ex);
        }

       dc.setMoeilijkheidsGraad(1);
    }

and here is the error list I'm getting
java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException
    at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
    at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:62)
    at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:43)
    at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:497)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.launchApplicationWithArgs(LauncherImpl.java:389)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.launchApplication(LauncherImpl.java:328)
    at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
    at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:62)
    at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:43)
    at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:497)
    at sun.launcher.LauncherHelper$FXHelper.main(LauncherHelper.java:767)
Caused by: java.lang.RuntimeException: Exception in Application start method
    at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.launchApplication1(LauncherImpl.java:917)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.lambda$launchApplication$156(LauncherImpl.java:182)
    at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:745)
Caused by: java.lang.RuntimeException: javafx.fxml.LoadException:
/c:/Users/jelle/Documents/NetBeansProjects/ProjectenI/WiskundeOefFX/src/gui/StartScherm.fxml:14

    at gui.StartschermController.<init>(StartschermController.java:42)
    at StartUp.StartUp.start(StartUp.java:24)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.lambda$launchApplication1$163(LauncherImpl.java:863)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.PlatformImpl.lambda$runAndWait$176(PlatformImpl.java:326)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.PlatformImpl.lambda$null$174(PlatformImpl.java:295)
    at java.security.AccessController.doPrivileged(Native Method)
    at com.sun.javafx.application.PlatformImpl.lambda$runLater$175(PlatformImpl.java:294)
    at com.sun.glass.ui.InvokeLaterDispatcher$Future.run(InvokeLaterDispatcher.java:95)
    at com.sun.glass.ui.win.WinApplication._runLoop(Native Method)
    at com.sun.glass.ui.win.WinApplication.lambda$null$149(WinApplication.java:191)
    ... 1 more
Caused by: javafx.fxml.LoadException:
/c:/Users/jelle/Documents/NetBeansProjects/ProjectenI/WiskundeOefFX/src/gui/StartScherm.fxml:14

    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.constructLoadException(FXMLLoader.java:2601)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:2579)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:2441)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.load(FXMLLoader.java:2409)
    at gui.StartschermController.<init>(StartschermController.java:40)
    ... 10 more
Caused by: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Can not set java.awt.MenuItem field gui.StartschermController.maal10 to javafx.scene.control.MenuItem
    at sun.reflect.UnsafeFieldAccessorImpl.throwSetIllegalArgumentException(UnsafeFieldAccessorImpl.java:167)
    at sun.reflect.UnsafeFieldAccessorImpl.throwSetIllegalArgumentException(UnsafeFieldAccessorImpl.java:171)
    at sun.reflect.UnsafeObjectFieldAccessorImpl.set(UnsafeObjectFieldAccessorImpl.java:81)
    at java.lang.reflect.Field.set(Field.java:764)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.injectFields(FXMLLoader.java:1163)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.access$1600(FXMLLoader.java:103)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader$ValueElement.processValue(FXMLLoader.java:857)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader$ValueElement.processStartElement(FXMLLoader.java:751)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.processStartElement(FXMLLoader.java:2707)
    at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:2527)
    ... 13 more
Exception running application StartUp.StartUp
Java Result: 1

Can you guys help me out?


BEACON FALLS — St. Michael's Church is hosting its Four Seasons Country Fair on Sunday.
The fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church park, 25 Maple Ave. The fair will feature food, seasonal booths, children's activities, local crafters and live entertainment provided by Timmy Maia and his band and the Coastal Chordsmen Barbershop. The rain date is Aug. 28.


Unfortunately not many people do, in fact very much the opposite. Many people tend to have challenges when it comes to financial matters and certainly it can be one of the greatest causes of disagreements with couples.
There tends to be many grey areas usually underpinned by negative beliefs about money, and this can manifest in different ways. On top of this it is a subject that people, in general, don't like to talk about. This can then tend to result in many tensions, arguments, resentments and the like.
I help people gain a better understanding of their relationship with their finances, to uncover fears and limiting beliefs that are causing these problems.
This has a very positive knock on effect with themselves and their partner to be able to talk and discuss financial matters with clarity, openness and confidence.
Today is the first day of your life!


This webinar covers the basics needed for Cemetery Documentation. The talk runs one hour of lecture with a following half hour for questions and answers. Topics covered in this talk include an introduction to documentation surveys and forms followed by an overview of definitions general needed in cemetery documentation. Definitions covered are the monument types and materials used in cemetery architecture and memorials. The speaker then covers photography tips and finishes with a few basics for cleaning of stone monuments.
There are many great sample cemetery survey forms already developed for download. Here are a few good examples but there are many more available on the internet.
"Cemetery Conditions Assessment Form" used by NCPTT with an additional "Terms and Definitions" attachment.
"Rapid Cemetery Documentation Form" and "Rapid Cemetery Documentation Definitions". These were developed by NCPTT as a disaster response tool.
Chicora Foundation has a variety of useful Cemetery Documentation Survey Forms available for download.
Texas Historic Commission has a simple user friendly Cemetery Survey Form.


text:
Q: Content Provider for Storing files in disk as well as info in db I am building an application which would store some information into the database and store some information in disk. I was just wondering on how should I be doing this?
Do Content Providers work for Databases only or can be used to retrieve stuff from disk? I plan to use a Content provider since I might want my data to appear in Global Search etc..
So, basically I would like to retrieve information from the database as well as disk everytime. If I can use a content provider for accessing things from disk, should I know be having two content providers or just one (which accesses SQLite as well as disk)

A: In the query method of your content provider you can fetch data from the disk/net and then return them building a MatrixCursor.
Here a basic example from the android doc.

A: Sunny,
You may access data from disk, db or web in multiple ways. The reason to use or not use a ContentProvider is not due to its capability (as you build its interface to the data), but due to what needs access to that data and how you want it distributed. In essence, it is more a question of access (security level) or not. (i.e. how sensitive is your data and the tools that access them)
If you have multiple objects in multiple packages accessing the data, a ContentProvider may be the way to go. This is especially true if the multiple packages are separate applications. More importantly, ContentProviders allow generic requests for specific data. That is, an app may request a Contact by simply asking for a Contact, rather than knowing who or what is providing it.
Ultimately, the decision comes to what and how you want your data accessed. If you want it localized and you want the application to "know" exactly what it is asking for, how and from whom, a ContentProvider may or may not be your best bet as all of this can be accomplished using localized classes and custom specialized adapters to meet your needs. If you do need multiple components or programs to access your data, then it is something to consider, but the question is then about the requester and whether or not the source is important to the requester.
Your next question was that if you use a ContentProvider, should you use more than one. Again, it is your choice as to how to implement based on your needs. There are some good practices to follow, however, that may give you some guidance. Each class should really do one thing really well, and it should be specific. If your ContentProvider should provide data no matter what, then implementing both within the same Provider is possible, but can be a little tricksy. If your requester (normally an Activity) makes the distinction between disk vs db, then it should probably be multiple Providers. As much as I hate to say it, you must define what you need it to do, as all we can do is provide the choices, considerations and consequences. But hey!! That's the beautiful thing about programming! You get to choose what you need and make the solution fit those needs exactly possibly finding new ways to do things that you never could have been taught.
Hope this helps,
FuzzicalLogic


text:
A implementation of block/arena style allocators
This contains a block-style allocator, which is a more general-purpose style allocator and a stack-based allocator, which is faster but has more restricted free semantics

Similar to the allocator I wrote in Openage, but in plain C this time.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


To order Router-Cut Letters & Shapes please email us with your requirements or send us your artwork file (See our Technical Page for details of file Types). We will then send you a quotation and await your instruction/confirmation before proceeding.
Our general turn-around is 5 working days from receipt of official order and your Letters or Shapes will be sent via Courier.
We can also send you material samples on request.
Payment can be made by BACS, CHEQUE, DEBIT/CREDIT CARD or CASH with order.
Please allow 3 Days for Cheques to clear.


If you would like to get into the entire world nowadays, you need to know a minor about cell telephones. You want helpful details, whether you are acquiring a new telephone or just seeking to recognize the mobile phone you already possess. Study on to understand just that.
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When you might be making use of an LTE or 4G sign, be watchful with videos. You most likely have a regular monthly allowance of information. Video clip eats up this allowance swiftly, which can outcome in increased cellphone charges. If you routinely exceed your boundaries, start exploring different programs.
You can get in touch with details with out having to pay the costs typically related with it. The best point to do is dial one-800-411-Free. You'll get the information you're hunting for right after you listen to a quick advertisement.
Is your battery dying speedily? This might just be thanks to a weak signal. The reality is that very poor signals can lead to a battery to die sooner. Keep in mind to flip your cellphone off when you are not using it, particularly in an region with a weak signal.
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As this report has shown you, you need to have a excellent cellphone that you are ready to trust in these days. A good battery life is integral when possessing a mobile phone. Use the ideas over to get and use the greatest cellphone for your needs.
Mobile phones are the main conversation signifies for most people. In addition to making phone calls, you can send out texts, surf the Net and ship or receive texts. Hold reading through for handy ideas about how to get the most from your mobile cellphone.
Be positive that when you have a cell mobile phone that you reset it from time to time so the memory receives cleared from when you use applications. This will make your telephone perform quicker.
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Do not watch movie way too a lot if you have an LTE or 4G sign. Your mobile mobile phone program most likely comes with a information allowance for the month. Movie will use up your bandwidth allotment quickly. If you locate that you frequently exceed your limitations, it may be worthwhile to search into a different strategy.
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Your smartphone is likely often in use. But, you need to flip your telephone off once in awhile. Smartphones and computers are really equivalent. Rebooting them frequently will help preserve them running at best efficiency. There will be a noticeable variation in how your smartphone operates with normal reboots.
Is your phone's battery managing out quickly? This can be the sign of a weak sign. Weak indicators can truly drain batteries. When not utilizing the phone, will not put it someplace that the signal is low.
With any luck ,, you've got located this data valuable. Mobile phones are heading to be close to for a lengthy, long time to occur, so it is prudent to find out all you can. Use this suggestions to get far more out of your telephone.


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text:
VISITING THE SACRED SITES OF MORMONISM
By Richard Packham
Together with a report on the Ex-Mormon General Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 5-7, 2001, and a personal revelation from God!
My never-Mormon wife Janet and I recently drove from our home in Oregon across the United States as far as Wisconsin and Illinois, to attend several conventions of organizations to which we belong. I took the opportunity to visit some Mormon historical sites in the area. This is my report.
CARTHAGE JAIL
Our first stop was the old jail in Carthage, Illinois, where Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob in 1844. The Smiths were under arrest and incarcerated there. I was last there forty-six years ago. The jail is now owned and maintained by the Mormon church.
My never-Mormon wife was very patient as we toured Carthage, Nauvoo, and Independence (we were between conventions in Wisconsin and Nebraska, so we had some time to kill). We did not watch the video at the Jail visitors' center, but simply joined the walking tour of the jail itself. When we headed up the stairs to the actual room where the Prophet was martyred, my wife bailed out and went and sat in the car. I was in a group of about fifteen people, and my guess is that every single one of them was a faithful Mormon. Our guide was an old guy who couldn't remember much of the details of anything that wasn't directly connected with the Events of That Day.
As we all entered the room where the Prisoners were at the time of the attack, our guide closed the door reverently. I noticed that boxes of tissues were placed strategically around the room, so that if we were overcome with emotion in that Sacred Place, we could grab one and weep appropriately and without restraint. He paused for a moment, crossed his hands piously over his abdomen, and said quietly, "I'm sure you all feel the Spirit in this room."
I couldn't resist. I said, "Of course, what spirit one feels depends on what one believes, doesn't it?" He said, somewhat flustered, I think, "Of course," and said that we would now listen to a tape recording which re-enacted the sounds of the Prophet's last minutes on earth. One man knelt down and bowed his head as the tape played.
When the tape ended, our guide bore his testimony, assuring us of his admiration for Joseph Smith, for his divine calling, for his great contributions to mankind, and so on. After he finished, he just stood there. Nobody moved, nothing was said. There was a full two minutes of silence. I suppose there was a lot of silent praying going on among my fellow pilgrims. Even the children in the group were silent (having been well-trained, I suppose, in Sunday School). Finally I dared to break the silence and said, "May we ask questions?"
Our guide said that we could. I asked first, "Why didn't the tape recording say anything about the shots Joseph Smith fired at his attackers, using the pistol which he was carrying?"
The guide acknowledged that the Prophet did, indeed, have a pistol that had been smuggled to him, and that he did shoot it. He didn't say why no mention was made on the tape of this brave act.
I then asked, "Exactly how many widows did Joseph Smith leave behind?"
He said, "Well, we don't know, but a number of women had been sealed to him for eternity only." One woman spoke up and said, "We don't know how many!"
I said, "Todd Compton's book - you know, the Mormon historian? - lists about forty, doesn't it? You've read it, haven't you?"
My next question was going to be why there was no mention on the tape of the fact that Joseph Smith, just before he fell from the window, gave the Masonic sign of distress. But then I realized that I was standing right in front of that very window, surrounded by what was becoming an "angry mob," and there were no Masons standing below to come to my aid. Also, unlike Joe, I had no pistol. So I took the coward's way out, and scurried down the stairs.
My wife had entertained herself by watching Mormons having their photos taken in front of the life-sized statue of Joseph and Hyrum on the grounds.
NAUVOO
After visiting the Carthage Jail in the morning, we drove to Nauvoo the same day. It's a lovely drive, along the Mississippi, the waters of the great river almost lapping at the road. Driving in from the south, the first thing one sees upon entering town is the "Joseph Smith History Center," where we made our first stop. This is the center run by the Reorganized church, now officially known as "The Community of Christ." The center includes a very nice museum and the buildings and several acres of ground around the property that once belonged to Joseph Smith: the "Homestead," the "Mansion House," the "Nauvoo House," and the "Red Brick Store," as well as the Smith family burial plot where Joseph's, Emma's and Hyrum's graves are located. These properties are now all owned by the RLDS because Emma and her boys did not follow Brigham Young to Utah, and later participated in the "Reorganization," with her son Joseph III becoming the first RLDS president. Naturally, the RLDS ended up owning those family properties, rather than the "Brighamites" in Utah.
The properties are all very well maintained, and furnished with many actual items from the Smith family. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and was able to add many personal touches because of his familiarity with Joseph III's memories of his life as a child in Nauvoo. The guide often referred to the Prophet as "young Joseph's Daddy." He did not hesitate to mention some of the less "faith-promoting" stories, such as Joseph's installing a public bar in the Mansion House, the establishment of the secret "Council of Fifty," and his using the office in the Red Brick Store for the first secret endowment ceremonies. He did not, however, mention, as we climbed the staircase in the Mansion House, the story that Emma supposedly threw Eliza R. Snow down that very staircase, causing her to abort Joseph's polygamous child. (Probably because it may be just a legend.)
Not once did our RLDS guide bear his testimony. I suspect that everybody in the tour group (about 25 people) except us were "Brighamites," because when we left at the end of the tour, not a single person in the group put any money in the donations box (labeled "To Help Maintain The Property"). Every single Mormon stiffed them. I was not surprised. I know the mentality: Why would I want to support those apostates?! They shouldn't even OWN these sacred places! But my wife was astonished and angry. She insisted on going back to the visitors' center and finding our guide. First we thanked him for such an informative tour, unlike the earlier tour at Carthage, which had been mostly preaching and very little history. Then my wife suggested that the RLDS should put a fence around the whole compound and charge admission, so that the throngs of Utah mormons who will be coming in ever greater numbers once the temple is completed will HAVE to help maintain the places they want to visit. That had never occurred to them, he said (so I guess they are no more inspired of God than the Brighamites). He called over a couple of other staff people, and they decided they will suggest it to the higher-ups. So, if you should visit Nauvoo in the future, and are charged a couple of dollars to visit the Smith homes, you will have my wife to blame. (My wife was much more attracted to the RLDS than to the LDS: she heard one of the RLDS guides at their visitors center ask another: "Hasn't anybody made the coffee yet?" They also don't wear white shirts, but dress rather casually. And their local minister [bishop] is a woman!).
We visited the Nauvoo Masonic Temple, owned by the LDS. Four older sister missionaries were sitting around in period costumes, quilting. No visitors were in the building, so one sister offered to show me around. She was totally clueless about Masonry in Nauvoo, its connection with Mormonism, or the history of the building. She offered to show me the "Masonic markings" on the cornerstone, but it was just a Masonic date, and she had no idea what it was.
At the LDS Visitors' Center I went in alone. Janet said she wanted to wait in the car and have some coffee from our thermos. It is a huge, cavernous building at the foot of the hill below the temple, occupying four lots, but with not much inside of it in the way of historical artifacts. I asked the old missionary who offered to answer my questions if he could tell me where the office of the Nauvoo Expositor was, which Joseph Smith ordered destroyed (leading directly to his own death). He had no idea. But I could watch a video about early Nauvoo, if I wanted. I declined.
I asked him if the reconstruction of the temple was going to be faithful to the original plans (aside from including modern plumbing and electrical systems). He assured me that it was. I asked specifically about the endowment rooms, since in the original building, the endowment ceremonies were conducted only in the rooms on the top floor, what one would call the attic. He admitted that some "modifications" had been made so that more of the building could be used for endowment ceremonies than in the original.
I asked, "Are they going to show the movies, or will it be live?"
He said, "It will use films, yes, but,..." - and here he paused dramatically - "they will move from room to room!" "Oooh!" I thought.
We checked into our hotel, the Hotel Nauvoo, an old Mormon-built house, very nicely restored into a bed-and-breakfast by non-Mormons (it had a very well-stocked bar, no Book of Mormon in the bedside table). The hotel is in the small present-day business district, at the top of the hill, just a block from the temple.
The hotel seems to be a popular place to have dinner. It offers a very nice buffet dinner for about ten dollars, and there were a lot of people eating. Most were Mormons - you could tell by the white shirts on the men and the absence of wine, beer or coffee. Janet insisted that we order a glass of wine - "otherwise people will think we're Mormons!" The assistant manager brought the wine list, and became very friendly as he talked about the wines he had available. We asked him about a local wine, "Nauvoo Red," which we had seen mentioned. It has apparently been made in Nauvoo since the days of the Icarians, a French communal group that occupied Nauvoo after the Mormons abandoned it. He suggested that real wine drinkers would probably not like it. So we ordered something else. Our wine order had the effect Janet desired: a number of water-drinkers at other tables gave us looks as though we were drinking human blood.
After dinner, since it was a very pleasant evening, we strolled around the temple block, just a block away. Although it was already dark, workers were still busy, both on the interior and the exterior, some even working by flashlight. We learned that much of the labor is being performed free of charge by volunteers, who give up working in their own towns as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and so on, to donate their skilled labor at the temple. The exterior stonework appeared to be about 80% completed, the tower is complete, with the statue of Moroni on top. It is another sign of apostasy, I believe, that it is not a replica of the original Nauvoo Moroni, which was depicted as actually "fly[ing] in the midst of Heaven (Rev. 14:6)," horizontal, with a pole supporting him at his chest and his feet extended behind him, but the more modern one, showing the angel just standing there, tooting his horn.
It is unfortunate <smirk> that the temple is overshadowed by the City of Nauvoo water tower, just a block away. Devout Mormons wanting to photograph the temple will have to position themselves just right if they don't want their photos to show Moroni appearing to be rising toward heaven in what looks like a huge white balloon with "City of Nauvoo" written on it.
Facing the temple across the street (and somewhat obscuring the view of it from the foot of the hill) is a complex of buildings with a huge cross and signs indicating that it is the home of the Sisters of a Catholic monastic order. There were some young people sitting in front of it, enjoying the pleasant evening and watching the activity at the temple building site. We stopped a chatted for a few minutes.
We learned that the Catholics had recently sold the monastery to the LDS church, and the buildings now house "The Joseph Smith Academy," which is now part of the church education system. These young people, regular students at BYU, were spending a semester there to study church history. I mentioned that we were going to be attending the Exmormon convention in Salt Lake City in October, where we were going to hear Sandra Tanner speak, an authority on Mormon history. They were completely ignorant: "What's 'Exmormon'? Is that some kind of church?" "Who's Sandra Tanner?"
I discovered that even though they were "studying church history" they had never heard of the Tanners, Michael Quinn, the Adam-God theory, the Danites, the Council of Fifty, the various versions of the First Vision - in other words, anything in church history that is problematical. I suggested very gently to them that they should realize that they were probably getting a pasteurized version of church history, and that they should delve into original sources if they really want to learn about church history.
With the completion of the temple, Nauvoo will swarm with Mormons. The LDS church is frantically building replicas of early homes. We saw perhaps half a dozen under construction. As the RLDS folks put it, "The Utah Mormons are busy building a theme park!" There is plenty of room to do so: even though the town is fairly large in area, with streets all laid out, there are few buildings. It resembles a large, grassy park more than a town.
If one had money to invest, one would probably make money by building motels in Nauvoo with Mormon tourists in mind (e.g., lots of rooms with a double bed for the parents and bunk beds for six to eight kids).
The temple dedication is planned for four days: June 27 - 30, 2002 (I've always wondered what actual good any of the ceremonies are after the first one: didn't the very first ceremony do the job properly?). Public open house will be held daily except Sundays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (to 6 p.m. on Mondays) from May 18 through June 22. Unlike other temple open houses, although admission will be free of charge, tickets will be required. You can request them after November 1 at www.lds.org or by a toll-free telephone number that will be at that website. I'm going to request some tickets, just in case. They may become scarce, and I can maybe scalp them on eBay <eg>.
After we left Nauvoo, since we still had a lot of time to kill before we had to be in Nebraska, my long-suffering wife agreed to spend time in Independence to let me see some of the Mormon historical sites there, but only because we could then also spend some time visiting the Harry S. Truman sites.
The bed-and-breakfast where I had made reservations turned out to be right across the street from the Temple Lot and the RLDS temple and Auditorium. The LDS Visitors Center is just a block away.
Independence swarms with various "Restoration" churches, not only the LDS and RLDS, but also the Church of Christ Temple Lot, the Outreach Restoration Church of JC of LDS, the Remnant Church of JC of LDS, and probably a few others which we didn't see because they are probably housed in somebody's garage. After all, Brigham Young may have looked at the Salt Lake Valley and said "This is the Place," but Joseph Smith (who had seniority on BY) had said already in 1831 (D&C 57:1-3) that Independence was the Place, and that it would "not be removed" from there (D&C 90:37, 101:17).
I realized that the RLDS was even less the "true church" than the LDS by taking one look at their temple, built in the 1990s: if you can believe it, it is even uglier than any LDS temple I have ever seen, which I had thought would be impossible. It is bright silver in color, and looks like a shiny whirlwind turned upside-down, with a very sharp metallic point extending far into the sky, spiraling upward. It resembles a carnival ride ("Ride the Giant Twister!") more than a house of worship.
The RLDS like to point out that "ANYBODY is welcome in OUR temple!" and they offer guided tours of the whole building. We took the tour. It was very exclusive, since we were the only two tourists there. Our guide was a very pleasant lady who had moved to Independence with her husband so that he could be taken care of in the RLDS retirement home (it occurred to me that I couldn't think of any such church-run facility for Utah Mormons...).
The bulk of the building is occupied by the main chapel, whose ceiling spirals up and up and up (I was reminded of the scene in "Logan's Run" where the people rose upward and upward in their final life-crowning ritual, until they were zapped). Its main purpose seems to be a daily "Prayer Service for Peace" at 12:30. In another part of the building they were setting up for a luncheon meeting for 200 people. I thought that was an odd use for a sacred building, until I remembered that there is a movie production studio in the basement of the Salt Lake temple, and they show movies in all of the rest of the LDS temples, as well as provide cafeterias.
The Temple is also the meeting place for the RLDS Quorum of Twelve. We saw their official photograph. Their quorum includes two women and one black man. The actual church headquarters are in the huge Auditorium next door.
The walls of some of the rooms in the Temple were hung with paintings by the RLDS "official painter," depicting typical scenes in RLDS religious life. Again I was convinced that they are not the true church: I have never seen such awful religious art except in Watchtower publications.
Not a word was said about Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon, neither by our guide, nor in any of the printed matter I picked up. It is the blandest form of general Christianity. I asked about the RLDS view of the Book of Mormon. They view it as "inspirational, but not historical." I asked about the overwhelming evidence (denied for many years by the RLDS) that Joseph Smith had practiced polygamy. "Joseph made many mistakes," I was told, "and he will have to answer for them before God."
As in Nauvoo, the RLDS guide did not preach or bear her testimony, although when I asked what the RLDS office of "evangelist" was (it's equivalent to the LDS "patriarch"), she told us the inspiring story of an old RLDS sister who had died recently, and when the woman's daughter found her mother's "evangelist's blessing," given many years before, it had actually promised her that she would live long enough to "see the Temple built in Jackson County." And she DID, and we were actually standing in it!
From the RLDS Temple, we walked next door to the small and very plain wooden building which is the World Headquarters of the Church of Christ Temple Lot, "Founded in 1830." Again, we were the only visitors. This is the sect also known as "Hedrickites," i.e., followers of Granville Hedrick, who led the first Mormons to return to Jackson County after their expulsion, and who was able to buy the land which Joseph Smith had marked out and dedicated as the site of the temple to be built in the New Zion. Our guide (who I think must have been one of the Hedrickite apostles) gave us a brief history of the church and how they acquired the property, how the RLDS tried to get it from them by taking them to court ("But WE WON!" the apostle proudly cried). We saw the actual stones which Joseph Smith had set into the ground, with his marks. And they are just waiting for Christ to come back so they can deed the lot over to Him.
Reading the printed testimonies of the Josephites and the Hedrickites, they sound just as sincere and as Spirit-inspired as anything I ever heard from any Utah Mormon. The RLDS have published a little booklet of comments from their members about their reactions when asked to vote (yes, they actually vote, not just "sustain"!) on the change of name to "Community of Christ." Their testimonies are very moving, saying they "felt the Spirit," "a powerful manifestation," "a rush of affirmation," etc. So,... ??
You can get more information about the RLDS at www.CofChrist.org. The Hedrickites will send you free information if you write them at Church of Christ, PO Box 472, Independence MO 64051-0472. Ask for their newsletter "Zion's Advocate."
We went into the LDS Visitors Center. Same as their visitors centers everywhere else: swarming with missionaries with phony smiles, "free video presentations" (read: "propaganda and historical fiction") and not much else, in a huge building that must have cost several million dollars.
There is a guide to Independence called "Missouri Mormon Walking Trail," which is produced by "The Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation" and the City of Independence. MMFF claims to be "non-sectarian," but its guide clearly tells a pro-Mormon version of the Missouri conflict. You can get the guide by calling 1-800-604-3100.
We did not take the time to visit other Mormon sites in Missouri such as Far West, Liberty Jail, or Adam-ondi-Ahman. Liberty Jail is only a modern reconstruction (cut-away, at that). And my impression is that there is nothing at Far West and Diahman to see except historical markers placed there by the Mormons. You can't even locate them on general maps of the area, they have so completely disappeared; you have to get a special map from the LDS Visitors Center. (The map indicates that several sites "cannot be reached by public road" and that others are only "accessible by dirt road only - do not visit in wet weather.")
It's too bad... I would have liked to see the actual stones out of which Father Adam built his altar. I've never been able to find out what happened to them, so I guess they must still be there. Or maybe Moroni took them back, along with the Urim and Thummim?
SALT LAKE CITY AND MY MESSAGE FROM GOD
The last stop on our long journey before returning home to Oregon was Salt Lake City. We were there the weekend of General Conference. But we attended the EXmormon Conference instead, which was held the same weekend. Although the Exmormon conference was smaller, it was much more interesting. Cheaper, too: only $75, which included two meals, whereas the other Conference costs ten percent of your annual income, and not even a sandwich is included.
The exmormon conference was, in my opinion, a tremendous success. Local radio and newspaper coverage the day before brought many people to the conference who had no idea that there even existed an organized group of Mormon apostates. It was truly exciting to see their delight at having found us. News coverage of the conference itself continued through the weekend, with television crews, news photographers and reporters from as far away as Los Angeles ever present. (The Los Angeles Times carried a long report about the conference on the front page! of its December 1 issue.) My Mormon niece in Ogden complained to her Mormon dad (my brother the bishop) that "the exmormon conference got more TV coverage than General Conference!" One of the TV reporters was a young Mormon woman who stayed around after she had done her interviews to see what it was really all about, and I think we started her thinking.
Friday's highlight was the evening get-acquainted party, with entertainment by Steve Benson, Pulitzer-Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and grandson of Ezra Taft Benson, and Dan Barker, former Evangelical minister, composer of religious songs (formerly) and irreligious songs (now), talented piano-player and head of public relations for the Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, Wisconsin. Their presentation was called "Toons and Tunes," an hour and a half of witty, lively repartee, continuous music and cartoons, poking fun at Mormons, religion, politicians, and everything. Highlight for me was a song that they had composed on the spur of the moment just that afternoon, in honor of the conference: " I'm On My Way To Salt Lake City ."
Since Dan Barker had not had much experience with Mormons and Mormonism, Steven Clark wanted to take him on a quick and private tour of Salt Lake City Mormon highlights. I was fortunate to be invited to tag along. Steve Benson, of course, rode shotgun. Dan wanted to see where the "holy underwear" was made, so we drove out there for some quick snapshots. Then we headed for the church's Distribution Center. Dan toyed with the idea of buying some garments there, I think. The Center is a huge store, selling educational materials, books, temple clothing, genealogical supplies, - everything a good Mormon would want. There were about two hundred Mormon customers shopping there when we burst in. Benson was wearing a black T-shirt that said in very large letters "ATHEIST." He found a large photograph of his grandfather (Ezra Taft Benson), and Dan took a snapshot of Steve, smiling, and holding his grandfather's picture (and, of course, "ATHEIST" on his chest). We tried to get Dan a catalog, showing the various styles of holy underwear, but they are out of print, and the new catalog is not out yet.
We next visited the Gilgal Garden, which is, without doubt, one of the strangest places anywhere. The featured attraction is the Joseph Smith Sphinx, a rough-hewn sphinx, with the nicely carved stone head of Joseph Smith about ten times life-size. Words must fail to convey the weirdness of that place - one doesn't know whether to laugh or to pray.
Barker and Benson had to take more time to rehearse (although they have done their act quite a few times already, and are very good at it), so Steve and I dropped them off at the convention site and dashed over to the Salt Lake Masonic Temple, where a tour of the temple had been arranged for the exmormons. Since the Mormon endowment ceremony is derived directly from the Masonic initiation ritual, it proved to be very interesting. Quite apart from the Mormon connection, the Masonic temple is an impressive and historic building, and our hosts made us feel very welcome.
It would be impossible to convey in words how impressive and moving the conference speakers were. Each had a slightly different viewpoint, each insightful and helpful, on the conference theme "Living In The Fold, But Not Of The Fold," that is, how an apostate manages to survive when surrounded daily by Mormons and Mormonism. Of course, there are no easy solutions to that problem.
On Monday, my wife and I did tourist-type things. We like to shop at thrift stores, so we hit both Deseret Industries stores. I spent quite a bit of money at the Tanners' bookstore. We toured the Beehive House, and strolled around Temple Square and the new visitors centers. Like used car lots, they now have what car salesmen call "sweat rooms": little rooms where hot prospects are taken while the salesman (here, the missionary) tries to convince the customer to sign. "You're hesitant about the ten percent? Wait here, and I'll see if we can get you a special nine percent tithing requirement, but you'll have to commit to baptism today, or the deal's off!"
I wanted to meet Greg Dodge, whose office handles the requests for name removal. So we walked over to the 14-story Church Office Building. Janet didn't want to go up to his office, so she waited in the lobby for me. Unfortunately, Brother Dodge was out, and the receptionist (who confessed that she was very new on the job) didn't know who else she should try to get for me. She would not let me past the front desk, nor would she use the intercom to summon someone. She left her desk and went down a long hallway to the "Confidential Records" office. She asked me "Are you a bishop?" Since I was wearing jeans, no white shirt, no tie, I could tell that she really was new. So I gave up, and did not meet the folks who facilitate our departures.
When I got back down to the lobby, Janet told me that a man in a dark suit had been watching her the whole time from a distance. I told her that she had been under the watchful eyes of Church Security. Of course: she was wearing jeans, and a baseball cap (she had insisted "I'm not going to walk around Temple Square looking like a Mormon!"). And with "no apparent business" there in the COB. She was not taken in for questioning, fortunately. Which was fortunate for Church Security - they were lucky they didn't tangle with Janet!
As we left, we walked by the church employment office, so I stopped and picked up an application. There actually is an opening for a lawyer at church headquarters (I'm a retired lawyer), but Janet said not to even think about it. There is a large space on the application form to list all the church callings you have held. You also have to check whether you have a valid temple recommend, and whether you served a mission. You must list your bishop as a reference.
When we were touring the Beehive House in Salt Lake City, at the end of the tour the guide (i.e. missionary) explained that they have a nice booklet about Brigham Young that they give free to visitors, but they were "all out" at the moment. But... if I would leave my name and address, "representatives from the Church" in my area would actually deliver it to me when I got home. So I filled out a little card and gave them my name and address.
Sure enough, a couple of weeks later I had a telephone call from "Elder [Somebody]" in my town, saying that he had been informed that I would like to have missionaries visit me. I said, "Who told you that?"
"I don't know - I just have a note here from church headquarters saying that you wanted us to visit you."
I told him about the card I had filled out at the Beehive House, in order to get a book about Brigham Young, and if he could just bring me that, that was all I wanted.
"What's the name of the book you want?" he asked. "Maybe we can get it for you."
"I DON'T KNOW the name of the book! It's the book they hand out at the Beehive House."
"Well, we don't have any book like that. Would you like us to come visit you anyway?"
Of course I had figured that the whole book thing was just a ploy. But you would think that they would get their signals straight, so as not to look so hard-sell.
We drove on to Ogden and hit the Deseret Industries store there. I picked up a copy of "The Church and the Negro," written in 1967 by John L. Lund, explaining in great detail and with voluminous citations from both scripture and the prophets why the Negro cannot and should not hold the priesthood, and never will. It's a wonder it even made it to the shelf.
We spent the evening with my brother Michael (the bishop) and his wife, who live near Ogden. We went out for dinner to a nice Mexican restaurant. We had just been seated when Mike recognized a family at the next table (parents and about six kids). He jumped up and walked over to say hello. It turned out that this man is his stake president. So he took us over to the SP and introduced us. We chatted for a moment and went back to our table. I could not resist the evil impulse; I said in a loud voice, "Well, Mike, I guess you're not going to be able to have a beer with dinner now, are you?" Fortunately Mike has a sense of humor.
It was in Salt Lake City, however, that I had my great mind-opening insight. We stayed in the Wyndham Hotel, of course, since that was where our conference was held. It occurred to me that our hotel in Nauvoo had been just a block from the Nauvoo temple, and our bed-and-breakfast in Independence was across the street from the RLDS temple and the Temple Lot. And here, in Salt Lake City, the Wyndham was just a block away from the Salt Lake Temple. I had not chosen the lodgings in Nauvoo and Independence because of their proximity to those holy places - I wasn't even aware of that until we got there; it was the purest chance. And I hadn't chosen the Wyndham, either. And yet in each city I had slept, so to speak, in the shadow of the spires of the temples.
And then I remembered another astonishing coincidence. In the Hotel Nauvoo we were assigned room number 5. And in Independence, we were put in room number 5 there! Could that be pure chance? Or was something Greater Than Me at work here? I tried to ponder these things and perceive their hidden meaning.
I thought back to the other hotels and motels where we had stayed, and I realized that in four (!) motels we had been given room 120! And in still another we got room 19! (Nineteen, of course, is what you get if you take the 1 from 120, put the 1 under the 20, and then subtract.) I was stunned! But I still didn't "get it." Then I realized that our room in the Wyndham was room 1230! That, of course, is simply "120" with the 3 (for "make this a THREE-digit number") removed. What is the significance of "120"? Twelve, of course stands for the Twelve Tribes and the Twelve Apostles. Does the zero stand for President Hinckley? The 3 is the Godhead, or maybe the First Presidency? The Three Nephites? The Three Stooges? My mind was reeling.
I had to get a drink of water, and went into the bathroom. And then my mind was opened! You know how every motel or hotel room has a new roll of toilet paper, in case the one on the roller is used up. I have stayed in hundreds of motel rooms in my life, and I have never, ever, had to put in the new roll. But as I walked into that bathroom in the Hotel Wyndham, I saw that the roll was so near the end that it had to be changed, and I remembered that on this trip, in the twenty or so motels where we had stayed, in a very great number of them the toilet tissue roll was so near the end that before I left, I had had to change the roll!
THAT was the message: "Richard, it is NEAR the END, you must CHANGE your ROLL!"
I am now desperately trying to repent, having received such an unmistakable message.
Brothers and Sisters, pay attention to your hotel room numbers! And remember that God may speak to you from the toilet paper!
Comments? Questions? (Please, no preaching, testimonies, or hate mail!) To send a comment or ask a question, click here.
"Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages"
- Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury Tales
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text:
package controllers

import (
	m "app/models"
	s "app/utils/session"
	"context"
	"log"
	"net/http"
)

// LogMiddleware - logging middleware
func LogMiddleware(next http.Handler) http.Handler {
	return http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
		log.Println(r.Method, r.URL)
		next.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	})
}

// UserInContext - save user from session in every request
func UserInContext(next http.Handler) http.Handler {
	return http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
		sess := s.Instance(r)
		if s.CheckUserInSession(sess) {
			id, err := s.GetUserID(sess)
			if err != nil {
				log.Println(err)
				return
			}
			// return user pointer!
			user, err := m.GetUserByID(id)
			if err == nil {
				ctx := context.WithValue(r.Context(), "user", user)
				r = r.WithContext(ctx)
			}
		} else {
			url, err := RedirectFunc("login")
			if err != nil {
				http.Error(w, http.StatusText(http.StatusNotFound), http.StatusNotFound)
				return
			}
			http.Redirect(w, r, url, http.StatusMovedPermanently)
			return
		}
		next.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	})
}