Created in the same factory where both the Porsche Cayman and the Porsche Boxster are built, the ultra luxurious Garia Soleil de Minuit golf cart makes its public debut!
Glamorously posing alongside of some of the most technologically advanced "supercars" at the 2010 Top Marques Monaco exhibition (considered by some to be the greatest show on Earth), the Garia was inspired by Formula One race cars with a haute-couture feel to create a unique golf car "guaranteed to give an exceptional driving experience. "
Should there be more fanfare for the Garia Soleil de Minuit as golf cart aficionados discuss the most expensive golf car ever made by a manufacturer? For $52,000 are you getting your money's worth?
Not only is she rounded and sleekly designed but the Garia Soleil de Minuit also features "a carbon roof, one-of custom paint tailored to enhance all of her design features, two-colored hand-stitched luxury seats, an alcantara roof lining and numerous hand-made details to create a truly unique luxury golf car."
Coolers in the standard, cookie-cutter golf carts just don't cut it in the Garia and an upgrade to a built-in refrigerator is available.
With exclusive personalization, your Garia can also be painted to resemble any automobile in the garage.
"Under the hood" for that price: double wishbone front suspension, drivetrain built by an Italian company that produces Ducati gearboxes and aluminum profiles in the frame.
So the "super" golf cart is born. Now it's only a matter of time before Jay Leno has one in his garage. As for me, I'm happy when my golf cart comes with a GPS!
A few photos from our Puerto Rico golf vacation!
On board the exquisite Dinamar Yacht after a great lunch at the Yacht Club at Palmas Del Mar.
There were so many great picture opportunities for Bahia Golf and Beach Resort (an ecological wonder) that I have selected a few here and will post the remainder on Flickr. A St. Regis Hotel is currently being built on the property (opening October 2010) and will only stand two stories high with great views and a southern feel!
The Gran Melia is a five-star luxury all-suite Resort located in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Views abound and for those vacationers who rarely see palm trees, you will never want to leave!
The pool at Gran Melia PR is one of the largest on the isla de encanta and the Wet Bar serves up an excellent mojito!
So many beautiful aspects to the Gran Melia Puerto Rico, from the Gardens to the Beach. Here are a few more pictures of this luxury resort!
The Gran Melia transforms at night and takes on a very romantic feel. I was told that there is a person who has the specific task each night of lamp lighter for all of the candles within the Resort that cast a magnificent glow!
A Grand View at Sunset from the Beach at Gran Melia in Puerto Rico.
Delicious food (yes, I do have picture of some of the meals, just ask), sunsets like this and a warm welcome from the staff of the Gran Melia (and El Coqui) make you feel like Puerto Rico is truly the isla de encanta!
What makes the 18th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational a Kodak moment?
For the second consecutive year, Kodak selected the 18th hole of the Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge as a participant in the $1 million Kodak Challenge competition.
What makes this final hole worthy of a Kodak moment?
According to Kodak, "the Kodak Challenge was created to celebrate the beautiful holes and memorable moments in golf."
Steve Powell, Director of Development for the Kodak Challenge added, " Number Eighteen at the Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge is one of the most historic and exciting holes in golf and is the perfect example of what the Kodak Challenge is all about for players and fans."
The par-4, 485-yard finishing hole looks simple on paper. It's straight away to a wide fairway, but that's where simple ends. The large, kidney shaped green is fronted by rocks and water, requiring a longer carry to the right half. The bunkers left of the green await errant shorts of the hydrophobic.
Tee shots on this great finishing hole must find the fairway to give you a chance to get home in two. From the tee, favor the fairway's left side. Then take enough club to carry the lake. Shots hit over or left of this green will find a bunker or heavy grass. Take deep breath and fire away.
Despite Tiger Woods' absence from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it was reported that ticket sales remained unaffected. Although the media questioned whether or not Woods would defend his title (which briefly raised sales for the event) the Masters will benefit from his return.
Look for Woods' image, removed from the top banner of the official Arnold Palmer Invitational web site after the scandal erupted, to be back on the site as the 2009 champion.
This event has now become glory's last stand for Phil Mickelson who has one chance remaining to make his mark this season before having to compete with a hungry Tiger Woods.
Should golfers searching for a new putter try the Cleveland Classic BRZ?
Walking through to the rear of the local Golfsmith store, the putting green is surrounded by about a hundred different putters. Every big name and style of putter encircle the perimeter from Cleveland, Odyssey, Ping including belly putters, flat blades as well as two and three ball putters.
How many golfers that come upon this area in their local golf shop will walk away with just the right putter?
Some may simply walk over to a putter because of its look, pick it up, feel the weight and then take it into the putting 'green' to see how the ball bounces off of the clubface.
If a few golf balls find their intended target then 'voilà' the putter goes home with golfer to try out on the golf course. If the 'flat blade' works for a golfer out on the course then it gets rave reviews and pitched to friends, family, any one who will listen. If, however, your game suffers and your putts per round increase, that new putter either gets returned, exchanged or relegated to golf bag storage.
The above trial and error is one of the mainstays in which the amateur golfer can tell which putter works as putting is definitely based on feel.
I just received another email from a golf club manufacturer, Cleveland Golf , this time urging me to try the latest Classic 1 BRZ putter, "inspired by the classics, crafted for performance".
The new Cleveland Classic BRZ 1 putters are designed with a copper infused face insert for a soft yet responsive feel at impact and comes with its very own oil cloth to help prevent oxidation. According to PutterZone.com, "oil cloths are typically associated with high-end carbon steel putters bearing "oil can" and black oxide finishes.
Putterzone.com continued with the fact that the "finishes are much more sensitive to the elements—such as water and fertilizer—than stainless steel or plated finishes. Rubbing them down with oil adds a protective barrier to rust and corrosion."
Great, more work trying to keep my golf clubs in optimum condition.
The soft feel at impact as well as heel-toe weighting, however, may provide interest to golfers who will benefit from added forgiveness.
As it is said, 'it's the arrow, not the Indian' so the question for me is whether or not the reward of placing a new putter in my bag to possibly see an improvement in my putting outweighs the risk? Also, shelling out approximately $100 for yet another putter when my Odyssey two-ball putter does the job doesn't necessarily seem worth the investment.
On the flip side, the Cleveland Classic line of putters have earned best buy honors from PutterZone.com for the past two years and are really great looking! However, with all of the many choices in putters, don't be too quick to grab a putter from your local golf store with the hopes of improving your stroke and lowering your score.
Take your time to research the different putters on the market, find a golf store where you can feel the putter in your hands, take more than a few putts and be sure to ask about a return or exchange policy.
With golf club manufacturers eager for your business, be aware that sales is their primary concern. It is up to you to understand the market as well as your stroke.
Which PGA Tour event is being played this week?
Maybe this is just a rhetorical question as anyone keeping track of the PGA Tour can easily find the information but, with the internet and other assorted golf venues clogging up the airwaves with the return of Tiger Woods at the Masters Tournament, I had to go to the very bottom of the Golf Channel website in order to find out that the Transitions Championship is being telecast live today. I guess the Golf Channel must feel that "buzz" sells better than golf.
Even the mesmerizing John Daly, with his own Golf Channel presence and past indiscretions, cannot hold the attention of the public like the current fiasco which surrounds Woods.
I wonder if Daly is happy that the press is leaving him be for the present or dismayed about his loss of coverage to Tiger?
From "The Biggest Story Ever" which claims that Tiger Woods is indeed not as "big" as the Masters itself (but his story is) to "Things We Won't See or Hear at the Masters" which is basically a litany of Tiger briefings aimed at quelling the Q & A's before they start flying, golf writers are having a field day wondering what to talk about next in order to get as much press out of "The Return" as possible.
Frankly, I'm just interested in hunkering down to my yearly ritual and watching the Masters at Augusta. Knowing in advance that this particular major is known for its southern graciousness and hospitality, I don't think it will be because of the Masters that the tournament turns into a media circus.
As Richard Roeper stated, "With Tiger's return, the 2010 Masters will probably be the highest-rated golf tournament ever -- but that still won't make it the second-biggest event in 10 to 15 years." That is, as Roeper mentioned, unless Woods has the wherewithal to levitate above the golf course and start speaking in tongues."
Let's give each tournament the respect it's due, follow golf for the sake of the sport and leave personal sentiment and proclivities behind closed doors, where they belong!
Check out the Transitions Championship this week on the Golf Channel.
Is Trump International Puerto Rico challenging enough for the PGA Tour?
Golf fans are creatures of habit and are therefore are used to watching a regulation four rounds of tournament golf on the usual Thursday through Sunday without interruption. When that schedule goes awry, viewers tend to scatter and abandon their proclivities for other more regularly scheduled programming.
So went the tale of the 2010 Puerto Rico Open. Weather delays forced fans who normally would have been swept up by the drama of "must see" golf television to comfortably burrow into their strato-loungers and follow the WGC-CA Championships where Ernie Els did not disappoint.
As golf writers desperately searched for inspiring stories by following veteran John Daly (T24), one overlooked yet newsworthy rookie, Derek Lamely, was surging up the leaderboard.
Although Lamely won on the Nationwide Tour in 2009, his name is not yet synonymous with the big draws because it takes time and many attempts to get noticed and some positive press. Although he m/c'd his last three out of four events Derek has made four out of eight cuts on the PGA Tour this season.
Even more impressive, looking at Tour stats, Derek not only turned in the second lowest final 36 holes on the PGA Tour this year with a 15-under 129 but fired a course record 9-under 63 in the third round. His 19-under 269 total is a tournament record. Last year Derek finished tied for thirteenth after entering the event as a Monday qualifier.
Derek Lamely made Trump International golf course look easy!
Congratulations to Derek Lamely on his breakthrough win! With his full exemption on the PGA Tour through the 2012 season, does he now have enough confidence to take on Tiger Woods?
As Derek Lamely admitted after his win, "I'm still a rookie out here, even though I just won."
In spite of rainy conditions at the 2010 Puerto Rico Open an estimated 30,000 people attended the event at Trump International Golf Club. Barry and I spent much of our time tweeting and taking pictures from the Banco Popular and Puerto Rico Tourism skyboxes, as well as from areas around the 14th and 18th holes.
More images of the 2010 Puerto Rico Open at Trump International Golf Club can be seen on our Flickr page.
Golf for Beginners would like to thank Puerto Rico Tourism as well as Banco Popular for their hospitality during this exciting PGA Tour event week.
At a cocktail reception held Friday evening in the lobby of Puerto Rico's luxurious Gran Melia Resort, we engaged in conversation with General Manager Hendrick Santos. Barry casually mentioned that the hotel staff always has a smile and maintains a pleasant attitude whenever we have been in their presence. Being reasonably well-travelled within the US and the Caribbean, we noticed this friendly warmth at Gran Melia more so than at other resorts in which we have stayed and believed it important enough to make mention of it.
As you can see from the pictures, we were excited to be asked to say a few words about this to the housekeeping staff, to let them know that guests really do see and take mental note of the attitude of the resort in which they stay. There are many beautiful retreats in the world but it is uncommon to find such hospitality as we found here at the Gran Melia in Puerto Rico.
Robert Berkowitz, Director of Group Sales, was among the gathering this morning. We asked if there were plans to upgrade the natural beach surrounding the property to a soft, silky sand. He told us that the Puerto Rican government has finally given permission and approvals to extend and improve the beach area depth to twenty feet and complement the very large pool areas of the hotel. This project should be completed by April 2011.
GranMelia is now a "preferred" hotel with a newly earned five-star designation. Well deserved.
After a delicious breakfast consisting of bagels and smoked salmon at the Cafe Soleil, we shuttled over to Trump International Golf Course to catch up with the golfers at the end of round two and view the cut line.
Banco Popular invited media for lunch and to watch PGA Tour golfers putt out on eighteen. Although Puerto Rican hopeful, amateur Erick Morales missed the cut, he drew the loudest cheers. Rafael Campos, another up-and coming PR golfer, was also among the crowd.
We're now heading out to the pool, in order to catch the last rays of Puerto Rican sunshine before we fly back to New York. At the Delta desk, we're going to use a tip we received from an airline employee and ask for a seat upgrade so our bags can fly for free! Costs about the same but at least we'll be comfortable!
By looking at the course and grounds of Trump International Golf Course in Puerto Rico, you would never think that there more than a sprinkle has fallen in the past week.
Mark Stevens at PGA Tour HQ relayed that a total of 6.6 inches of rain fell on Thursday. Five inches of rain fell on the course between Friday, March 5th and Sunday, March 7th. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week an additional four-tenths of an inch fell. That's a lot of rain and I hear that New York will be suffering while we're here taking in the great weather.
In stark contrast to Nueva York, the sun is shining brightly today in Puerto Rico, the Shining Star of the Caribbean, and the "tan" index is great. With only two days left to our stay, I wonder when we will return but a good golfer knows to always remain "in the present". With that in mind I will look only as far forward as to the fiesta in the hospitality center tonight, the theme being "El Yunque".
Aside from another morning swim at the incredibly large and glamorous Gran Melia Resort pool complex we had a great almuerzo (lunch) at the Wet Bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While eating at the grill we were surrounded by a variety of players who had just finished their first round and many were commenting that they have never stayed at such a large, beautiful resort as the Gran Melia.
Barry and I also viewed great golf action today along the 14th and 18th holes.
By positioning ourselves at the 18th, we were able to easily move to the 14th tee so we saw great drives, approach shots and putts by Tom Kite and Gustafsson. Barry helped untangle Gustafsson's caddie from his caddie bag and I watched as Gustafson carefully entered his score after his round. This was all as close as if you were a part of the foursome!
Tom Kite hit his drive on eighteen near a palm tree just a few feet from me and, after his great approach to the green (Kite thought it wasn't so great), a fan shouted out, "don't look so upset Tom; you designed it!"
All in all, the golfers are happy to finally play golf. Rumblings of a Monday finish may lessen the number of fans at the course but the Golf Channel will cover the Puerto Rico Open through to its finale so stay tuned!
Today was supposed to be an early start to Day One at the Puerto Rico Open but Mother Nature did not comply. Early rains and a very wet Trump International golf course delayed the resumption of Round One despite all efforts to make the course playable, including a helicopter to blow dry the fairways.
Instead I took an early morning swim in one of the largest pools I have ever seen at the Gran Melia. After un desayuno muy delicioso (it's amazing how you can learn Spanish so quickly here) at the Soleil Cafe, we wandered through the royal gardens, again waiting for word that play would continue but...no luck.
The waiting game is more frustrating for the golfers than for the press or even for the fans. While stretching our legs we came across John Daly who was heading over to Trump International Golf Course. Jonathan Margolies was standing at the front desk with us but not to practice as he unfortunately missed the cut this week.
On the tram over to Trump GC, Chris DiMarco mentioned that he was "bored" and when Barry asked does this happen often DeMarco replied, "this year there have been a lot of weather delays. It's just something you have to get used to."
Vance Veazey's caddie, John, was offering me tips on the mental game of golf. I was curious as to how heavy Vance's bag is and John said, "give it a try", so I did and found out that almost sixty pounds of dead weight is too much to carry for eighteen holes. I give John, and all caddies, a lot of credit!
Crossing our fingers, the golfers should get out by 4:35 pm. Even so, with only about two hours of sunlight left for the day, I don't think that anyone will complete Round One of the Puerto Rico Open today without the help of a flashlight!
Puerto Rico Open: day one dampened but the fun goes on!
Round one of the Puerto Rico Open turned out to be an early wash with "unplayable conditions". Although Skip Kendall eagled the first hole at Trump International Golf Course, there is sure to be plenty of action in the coming days. Play resumes tomorrow (Friday morning) at 7:15 am with only a 30 percent chance of rain.
The golfers will be playing "Preferred lies" which is mentioned in the appendix of the official rules of golf. Briefly stated, a player whose ball is in the fairway would be allowed to improve the lie due to weather conditions.
Puerto Rico is a place where you can still have a great time in spite of the weather; a true test of a great vacation destination!
For example, shopping for clothes at Trump's Proshop while waiting for the rain to let up?
Barry and I also had the opportunity to learn more about the island "experience" as well as new and exciting plans for Puerto Rico while speaking with Jaime A. Lopez Diaz, the Executive Director (Minister) of Tourism for Puerto Rico.
One important attraction for main-landers is that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States which means no passports are required. The very tropical, caribbean feel is evident from the palm trees which sway and crackle in the breeze to the music which defines the island.
Although we played golf at Bahia Beach yesterday (where the Puerto Rico Open qualifiers were held), there are eight courses in this region with a total of twenty-three in Puerto Rico; seventeen which are championship standard.
Upscale hotels and villas are springing up all around the Gran Melia from the Wyndham (set to open in 2011) to the St. Regis, which is located on the Bahia property. The understated elegance all around us makes this area a great value for the dollar.
Sure, we'll be following the golfers at the beautiful Trump International Golf Course but I also hope that we can get in a bit of sightseeing. I understand that El Yunque is one of among twenty-eight nominees as a new "7th Natural Wonder of the World" and that there is life that exists in El Yunque that can be found no where else in the world!
Puerto Rico is abuzz this week for the Puerto Rico Open. Trump International Golf Club, right next door to the Gran Melia, is hosting the PGA Tour event. I hear that Donald Trump is staying somewhere on the premises, probably in one of the luxurious beachside villas.
We haven't seen Trump in person yet because, as he was losing to John Daly, we were playing a round of golf at the extraordinary Palmas del Mar.
Barry and I have our own suite at the Gran Melia checking out not only the tournament but also taking in the sites and playing golf on some of the wonderful courses nearby.
Today, we were invited to Bahia Beach and Golf Club. It is one of the most magnificent, tropical/ocean golf courses you would ever wish to play. Each hole has unsurpassed views everywhere you look. The course is challenging and can also be user-friendly, depending upon your choice of tee-box.
We will be updating you throughout the week from the Puerto Rico Open with interesting facts and pictures as we see it, both on Golf for Beginners and through Twitter. We hope you enjoy our coverage.
Why the Puerto Rico Open is "Must See TV"
Both the Puerto Rico Open and the WGC-CA Championships are being played this week but Doral doesn't quite hold the same "mystique" as in previous years.
With Tiger Woods opting out of another event on the PGA Tour schedule, fans need excitement and the Puerto Rico Open is an event ready to comply!
1. This is the only stop on the PGA Tour that lands in Puerto Rico. In 2009, forty-two year-old Michael Bradley landed an 11-foot birdie putt to seal the deal at the 18th hole on Trump International Golf Club. He will be in the field to defend his win.
2. John Daly received a sponsor's exemption. Expect the Lion's clothes to match his colorful spirit. As he said on Twitter, "Changing out grips and Gettin Ready for a great Week at the Puerto Rico Open."
3. Check out some of Latin America's finest players: Rafael Campos, Max Alverio and Erick Morales. The PGA Tour is not all about Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker, now is it?
4. Champions Tour golfers Tom Pernice Jr. and Fred Funk will be in the field. Let's watch Funk's return after knee surgery I don't think Vijay Singh ever really recovered, do you?
Tom Kite, the course designer of Trump International GC, among other great golfers, will also be in the field.
5. Trump International Golf Club, at 7,526 yards, is one of the longest on the PGA Tour. Scores have been so close in the previous two years of the event which leads to dramatic thrills on the 18th green. Views of El Yunque Rain Forest and the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking!
Puerto Rico is a 3,350 square mile Commonwealth of the USA. Watching this stop on the PGA Tour may just give you the desire to visit the Shining Star of the Caribbean!
The Golf Channel will cover the event from Thursday through Sunday. Check your local listings.
Golf for Beginners will also be on hand in Puerto Rico! Follow along with Golf4Beginners and PuertoRicoOpen on Twitter!
If you enjoy bringing your golf clubs along on vacation, you definitely require a travel cover to make sure that no damage befalls your investment.
Also, if your clubs get damaged in transit, you might have to rent a set and that could put a bit of a hamper on an otherwise wonderful time. I remember once returning from vacation only to find that my travel cover failed to provide protection for my driver whose head was snapped at the shaft!
The Bag Boy Company, arguably the number one name in golf cart and golf bag innovation, just unveiled the T-700 golf travel cover for traveling golfers seeking a cost effective alternative for transporting their clubs.
Designed with an impact resistant top and high density foam padding to ensure maximum protection, this stylish new model further strengthens the Company's innovative travel cover line.
Featuring an ergonomic neoprene handle for easy maneuverability, the T-700 comfortably fits a 48" driver and up to a 10" cart bag and is equipped with internal compression straps that stabilize the bag to ensure clubs are packed safely inside while being transported. A lockable, full wrap-around main zipper offers easy access for packing and unpacking while an over-sized dual zippered shoe/garment pocket leaves ample space to store shoes and/or additional personal items.
"Our intention for all of our travel cover designs is to make the club transport process as seamless as possible, offering products that are easy to maneuver and access but more importantly can absorb the rigors of travel without damaging golf clubs," said Craig Ramsbottom, President, The Bag Boy Company.
Constructed with weather and tear resistant 600D polyester, the T-700 features deluxe skid bars on the back with a durable skid resistant PVC base and an integrated ID tag holder. For easy maneuverability the T-700 is equipped with smooth rolling in-line skate wheels perfect for climbing up steps and high curbs, and a lift assistant handle for easy loading into a vehicle.
The T-700 is offered in Black/Royal/Silver, Black/Charcoal/Silver and Black/Red/Silver. The travel cover will be available in green grass and retail locations in April 2010, and has a suggested retail price of $79.95. It's a small investment which yields peace-of-mind!
Founded in 1946, Bag Boy has become one of the most respected brands in golf by building a reputation for unmatched quality, unbelievable durability and unsurpassed innovation and design. Bag Boy designs, manufactures and distributes a full line of innovative golf bags, push carts, travel covers and accessories designed for a golfer's on-course convenience and comfort.
For more information about Bag Boy and Bag Boy products, visit http://www.bagboy.com.


What makes a team work?
For almost 30 years, we've always had this constant: we love what we do and we love working with a diversed set of team members! The passion we have for our work enables us to take ownership of our clients' projects. And we constantly strive to deliver the highest-quality products and the most friendly experience possible, to our clients and team members. After all, it's all about relationship.
Our mission is to help businesses market and sell their products/services through the use of printed materials, and to be our customer's reliable & complete source for their printing needs.
Our goal is to exceed clients' expectations by providing the highest-quality product possible in a timely manner. We create long-lasting, prosperous relationships with our client partners in order to help them reach their goals and objectives.
We're proud of the strong roots we've built in our community. We pride ourselves on being a complete source for all of your business communications needs and have always been on the leading edge of technology.
Since 1981 we have been serving the greater San Gabriel Valley area businesses with their printing, high speed copying, and bindery/finishing needs. In the mid 90's resources were added to serve customers with design, electronic prepress, and digital printing requirements. We take great pride in what we do, serving our customers with professional and personalized service.
Mac's Printing current operations offer a staff of knowledgeable, detail-oriented professionals committed to serving your design, printing, copying and finishing needs. We deliver custom products designed and produced to meet each customer's unique needs and budget requirements.
Mac's Printing was established in October 1981 by Frank and Marlina Hanafi to serve the quick printing needs of businesses in the San Gabriel valley area. The first printing facility was located in Monterey Park, and consist strictly of offset printing. Frank's commitment in delivering quality product to the customers, coupled with integrity and personalized service led the company to much growth.
Aligned with the mission of the company - "to help businesses market and sell their products/services through the use of printed materials, and to be our customer's reliable & complete source for their printing needs", Mac's Printing relocated to El Monte Flair Business Center in 1985. Joined with Frank's son, Danny, the company recognized the change in its customer base and customer needs. High speed copying capabilities and bindery/finishing services were added in the mid 80's to accommodate customers' needs. Focusing on customer service and integrity, Mac's Printing continues to succeed even during the recession in the early 90's.
In 1995, Frank's daughter, Hilly joined the business and is now managing the operation of the company. Again, recognizing the changes in technology and customer needs, Mac's Printing continues to look out for ways in serving our customers better and more efficiently. Graphics Design, Digital Printing and Digital Pre-press capabilities were added to incorporate changes for more efficient production and to expand the range of services offered to our customers. Looking out for our customers have always guided the development of our operation and cause us to succeed.
Our staff of experienced, knowledgeable, detail-oriented professionals are committed to serve and assist customers with their varying needs. Participating in educational activities and industry training is part of our continuing education efforts to keep our technical, administration and marketing skills sharp. Mac's Printing is an active member of CABP, California Association of Business Printers/PIASC, and also an authorized Adobe Solutions Network Provider.
We understand that an investment in technology can actually save money by improving efficiencies.


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RIP Torchlight Frontiers
I was already having a bad Monday when the extremely disappointing announcement came that Torchlight Frontiers was becoming Torchlight III and gutting its MMO systems. You know I'm a big MMO fan, so any time an MMO goes offline or fails to launch, I'm sad, even if it's not one I was personally invested in. But it makes me even more grumpy when it was one that I was actually excited about.
I think that Diablo-like gameplay can be a lot of fun, but I've always found the atmosphere that Diablo and most of its various clones portray to be so oppressively depressing that it sucks all of the fun out of the game for me. This is why Torchlight II is one of my most played games on Steam; it's Diablo, but colorful and not too serious. Better yet, the Steam game I have the most playtime in is still Marvel Heroes (and I used the standalone client for years before switching to the Steam client). When I discovered Marvel Heroes, I wasn't even a Marvel fan. I played it because I was obsessed with Torchlight II and was wishing there was an MMO version. Since that game shut down, there really hasn't been anything to fill the void (the closest thing is Path of Exile, but that's back to the aforementioned oppressively depressing atmosphere), and I thought Torchlight Frontiers was going to be just that. But instead, we're getting Torchlight III.
Perhaps more frustrating than the fact that we're not getting the Torchlight MMO I've always wanted is the fact that they're also stripping away all of the things that made this entry unique. So many quality ARPGs have come out since Torchlight — games like Grim Dawn, Path of Exile, Victor Vran, Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, and, of course, soon to be two actual Diablo games — that the world doesn't really need another straight-up Diablo clone.
Part of me cynically wonders if publisher Perfect World Entertainment, who recently reworked Magic: Legends from an MMORPG into an online ARPG, thought the two games were too similar and forced Torchlight change course to more of a traditional ARPG formula. Maybe they viewed the low player numbers in their weird, year-plus-long, permanent open alpha as a sign that nobody wanted to play it. Why would anyone want to play an MMO that's half broken and guaranteed to get wiped periodically? Most of all, though, I think they just caved to the MMO haters, who irrationally campaign against anything that involves online persistence.
But the reason doesn't matter anymore. Regardless, we aren't getting a Torchlight MMO anymore. Yes, at least it has some social features, like the ability to interact with and group up with others in town if you want to play in online mode. Some would say that this makes it as much an MMO as the original Guild Wars (that's a whole different debate). But zones will be devoid of any players not in your party, and story and character progression sounds linear and bland. There's still going to be crafting and housing, which is cool, but no word that I've seen about auction house and player trading, which is a major make-or-break point for MMO-ness in my mind. It's better than a complete scrapping of the entire project, but it's losing all of the unique, innovative things that made me excited.
Will I still buy Torchlight III? Probably, once it's on sale for $10 or so. After all, I had a lot of fun in the first two games, and I have no real reason to believe this one will be drastically worse. But I also have no reason to believe it will be better. It will, at best, be the same game with different classes.
And it certainly won't be the massively multiplayer Torchlight game I've been wishing for for years.
Torchlight Frontiers
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Do you have sensitive skin? I always have struggled with having extremely sensitive skin. My skin is proned to eczema and certain cleansers and moisturizers make my face burn. So it's hard for me to find good skincare products that don't irritate my skin. While living in Sun Valley I was lucky enough to cross paths with some people who were develeoping an allergen-free skincare line created for people with sensitive skin. 5 years later, the line is now out! I couldn't wait to get my hands on their product and try it for myself. I met up with one of the owners of Amanda Blakely (AB) skincare two weeks ago and she was so kind to give me a little goodie bag with all their products.
AB skincare is all about being simple. Developed by dermatologist Dr. Patricia Norris she created four products a cleanser, moistuirzer, mineral powder, and a lip balm that are great for everyday use. It's allergen and fragrance free and their ingredients are very limited. Their mineral power is packed full of SPF to keep your skin sun damage free (and we all know how crazy I am about sunblock). And their cleanser is perfectly pH balanced to keep your skin at the right pH to avoid dryness. I won't go over all the details you, but you can check out their website by clicking HERE and read more about each product. I love all their products but I wanted to talk to you more about two specific products I am OVER the moon about.
Now let me talk to you about my new everyday staple. I was a little apprehensive about a spray moisturizer it just seemed weird since I've always used a cream. I was also apprehensive about it ONLY HAVING 4 INGREDIENTS and not having SPF. I didn't know if I would like it. Would it moistuize my skin enough and what was this spray thing all about.
I started out only using it at night before bed. After a week I was hooked and my skin was amazing. So I decided to try and incorporate it into my daytime skin routine. I love that the mineral powder and my BB cream have SPF but I'm such a sunblock freak that I can't imagine not having base layer with sunblock. So I used a light amount of my usual sunblock moisturizer and then sprayed the Amanda Blakely moisturizer over the top of my sunblock. It felt like a little spritz of rosewater. It honestly leaves your skin feeling so amazing. I have even put it on over my makeup during the day when I felt my face was a little dry and my face needed a little refreshing. I'm crazy about this product... mostly because of the ease..... why aren't ALL moisturizers in a spray form like this?
The second product I am so excited about is the AB Lip Protectant. It is the perfect base layer to your lips day and night. I have been using this about 3 times a day and I am a believer. It goes on so smooth as a base layer and then I apply my lipstick over the top if I'm going out and need some more color on my lips.
Shop this lip protectant HERE!!!!
I am super excited for the future of this company. I think they have big things ahead of them. The best part is that their costs are really affordable for such a great product. It's $20 for the moisturizer, $8 for the lip protectant, $35 for the mineral powder, and $25 for the cleanser. I'm jazzed about finding a line of skincare products that work for my sensitive skin. If you struggle with your skin like myself I highly suggest trying this line out!
Good luck, Patti. Michelle keeps me posted about your product line.
Sounds interesting and even I like to be natural and using organic products to have my skin glowing and look youthful.
www.imageskincare.com has made my skin really rejuvenate and help fighting me signs of aging.


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Joseph Burnett – Writer, Musician, Artist in waiting
A repository for my writings and other creative outbursts
About Joseph Burnett
FRAYED
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A Liminal Feature – The 40-year sturm und drang: Tago Mago and the endless appeal of Krautrock
Posted on January 1, 2013 by josephpb97
The recent fortieth anniversary reissue of Cologne giants Can's seminal Tago Mago album is timely in so many ways. Then again, it probably would be at any time in the last 20 years, or in the coming 50. Because, for a nebulous and almost intangible scene/genre that existed 35 to 40 years ago, the appeal and influence of what became known as krautrock remains singularly undiminished. It's almost unique.
And yet it is so nebulous. Comparing Can to Amon Duul II or Yatha Sidhra, or Cluster to Faust is almost pointless, such is the diversity on show, not to mention the fact that some were based in isolated Berlin, others in scenic Bavaria and yet more still in the war-ravaged Ruhr valley. And yet, all the bands that came to be known as "krautrock" (or "kosmische") remain inescapably relevant, and somehow interconnected. The fact is that none of them could realistically been born anywhere else than post-World War II Germany. Like the similar -and more under-appreciated- scene that blossomed in the same 1968-1975 period in Japan, the unique socio-political and cultural context in Germany at the time was an unlikely, yet retrospectively obvious, climate for the remarkable musical exploration that ensued.
Consider the facts. In the mid- to late-sixties, a generation of German youth born during or just after the War was coming of age and having to deal with the trauma of what their forbears had done in their name, and this understandably led to a radicalisation of German youth politics towards the left, with a willful and overt desire to eradicate fascism from the nation's psyche (at its most destructive, this led to criminal atrocities such as those committed by the Baader-Meinhof gang, but that's another, more political, story). At the same time, a new, commercial, imperialism was being foisted upon young music-lovers, as British and American mega-bands started to dominate the airwaves and fashion. Indeed, it has often been noted that, whilst krautrock bands toiled in the relative shadows, much of German pop and rock culture was dominated by the likes of Santana, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd who, by the time the German scene hit its heyday (around 1971 or 1972), had long ago left behind their alternative roots to become money-spinning behemoths filling umpteen stadia. Like their Anglo-American counterparts, most German music-lovers would lap up such commercial fare, and yet somehow their own, more complex, bands managed to survive, gain their own fervent support, and prosper.
As such, the krautrock ethos was born out of a desire, even a need, to break from the disastrous recent past, but also to not comply with the capitalist present. Of course, you need only to listen to Amon Duul II or Gaila to acknowledge that the influence of British and American bands, especially the acid rock Californian ones, was key. Part of throwing off the shackles of a conservative/fascist past involved the wholesale embracing of mind-altering drugs, and acid looms heavy over a lot of the German musical output of the time. However, it is important to note that what the Germans honed in on was not the happy-clappy commercialisation of psych rock that would dominate the post-Woodstock years, but rather the intense, improvisatory, and slightly ambiguous lengths of Jefferson Airplane's "Bear Melt", Neil Young and Crazy Horse's Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, The Grateful Dead's "Darkstar" and the snarling not-quite-psychedelia of The Velvet Underground (the proof was definitely in the pudding when Ash Ra Tempel recorded an album with none other than Timothy Leary!). If you're going to trip out, make sure it means something. And make it challenging. It's a key fact that, until Kraftwerk's mid-seventies success, there was definitely very little commercially palatable about most krautrock.
In this respect, another influence that cannot be avoided is Karlheinz Stockhausen. The great avant-garde composer was a key figure, along with the likes of John Cage and Morton Feldman, in the radical exploration of the possibilities of non-traditional music. And whilst in America or Britain the sheer volume of pop-rock music meant that such experimentation remained in the confines of "high" art, in Germany having one of their own gain such recognition and push back so many boundaries had a crucial impact on the minds of young, erudite Germans (let's not forget the importance of the explosion of art and music courses on university campuses around the world in the liberal, post-War years, when anything seemed to be worthy of consideration). Stockhausen's music was in no way connected to the ignominies and overbearing tradition of the 3rd Reich, it transcended nationalism to approach a theory of global musical language. For left-leaning German musicians looking to shake off the weight of previous generations, and find their own, egalitarian, voice, a work like Hymnen, which brought together, and expanded on, cultures, borders and commercial considerations, must have resounded like a beacon and opened up a myriad possibilities in terms of what could be done in music. The question was how to marry that experimentation to the seductive, ramshackle qualities of rock music. In a similar fashion, after so many years of Nazi-imposed navel-gazing, German youths became voracious in their quest to explore jazz or the blues, genres whose time signatures and modal structures went far beyond the relative simplicity of Anglo-American rock and pop.
So Germany was looking for a new identity, both spiritually and culturally, and voraciously hungry to grasp at the myriad possibilities. For the powers at the top of the state, this meant embracing a social order straight out of the Republican American handbook (again, the tensions between radical leftist organisations like the RAF and the German government, mirrored in Japan and Italy, are worth considering, for they are almost unique to those post-fascist states, especially in their violence). For younger Germans, it also meant looking back well beyond the 20th century into Germany's folk past. As a confluence of cultures and mythologies, Germany has a potent history, and the allure of its folk and traditional songs played an important part in the emergence of a musical (and indeed pan-artistic) culture that, apart from Japan, remained unique in the world at that time. And again, I cannot emphasise the egalitarian aspect enough: if the Beatles won most plaudits for embracing Indian music, you have to look to the German bands for a demonstration of how to do it properly. Perhaps shamed by their parents' racist past, many German bands would unequivocally turn to Africa, the Middle East and Asia in search of inspiration. Or they would dream of a future where notions of nationality would no longer apply.
Finally, and this is rare for me, I have to acknowledge the role played by the major record companies, although their contribution was unintentional. Taken by surprise by the weird, yet hugely popular, music emanating from Britain and America, the German labels scrabbled around to find local equivalents in the hope of locating a "German Hendrix" or a "German Beatles", without any idea of what they were putting out. This led to such oddities as Cluster's self-titled debut coming out on Philips records. If you throw in the sure touch of maverick label-owners like Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser, who, as boss of Ohr and then Kosmische Musik, oversaw incredible musical explorations such as those of Ash Ra Tempel, early Tangerine Dream, Sergius Golowin and Walter Wegmuller, and you have a very potent cocktail of creativity indeed!
And so, out of the rubble of a humiliated and shamed nation, German music somehow found a unique voice, one that was so varied that, whilst you can always find connecting factors between the various acts that made up the krautrock scene (it should probably be noted that the term is English, coined by clued-up, if slightly jingoistic, DJs over here like John Peel, who embraced the "genre", even as most Brits ignored it), each and every band could be the subject of a book. If rock music provided the "oomph", the refusal of most of the seminal German bands of the time to limit themselves simply to aping the Led Zeps, Sabbaths and Stones of this world, and instead turn to the avant-garde, jazz, world cultures and their singular folk past, allowed them to elevate rock to heights it has rarely scaled since.
And my goodness, the influence of the krautrock bands has never waned! I saw Cluster at All Tomorrow's Parties in Minehead a year ago. Their melodic purity and the sheer bloody-minded commitment to exploring the vast horizon of musical possibilities has not changed even as their music has. Their pieces were long, ponderous, ever-shifting and abstract – and hundreds of British hipsters, none of whom was born when Zuckerzeit came out, lapped it up! In the seventies, John Peel was almost a lone voice in Britain, singing the virtues of Faust and Can to all who would listen. By the end of the decade, John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, was also citing the krautrock bands as a major influence, and indeed the music of Neu! -the edgy, proto-punk, drum-driven duo of Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother- in particular is indeed slapped all over Public Image Ltd, and many other post-punk bands, from Wire to This Heat, DNA to Tuxedomoon. And it endures! If Ash Ra Tempel lifted a lot from Hendrix, The Stooges, The Velvet Underground and the New York minimalism of Tony Conrad and LaMonte Young, their maximalist approach later funneled into the likes of Acid Mothers Temple (the name alone!) and SUNN O))). Equally, you could rather convincingly argue that there would be no Throbbing Gristle or Einsturzende Neubauten without Faust, and that ambient music as pioneered by Brian Eno owes an incalculable debt to Tangerine Dream, Manuel Gottsching (recently cover boy for The Wire, celebrating his seminal E2-E4 album) and Cluster. Meanwhile, as "world" music deservedly becomes commonplace, and populates all forms of popular music, from rock to pop to punk, consider the likes of Yatha Sidhra and Popol Vuh, who were distilling instruments and philosophies from around the world into their cosmic rock way back in the seventies.
And what of Tago Mago, and its much-celebrated reissue? Well, in an era that gave us so many albums I consider beyond essential (Amon Duul II's Yeti; the first two masterpieces by Ash Ra Tempel; Neu!'s original trio of motorik genius, and their offshoots like La Dusseldorf and Harmonia's Deluxe; Faust's entire output between their debut and Faust IV; the incredible debuts by Cluster, Guru Guru and Yatha Sidhra; Tangerine Dream's Electronic Meditation and Zeit; Klaus Schulze's overwhelming Irrlicht and Cyborg; the obscure masterpieces by Eruption, Sand, German Oak and Sergius Golowin; Popol Vuh's In den Garten Pharaos; and Kraftwerk's peculiar early output, to name just a few), Tago Mago stands remarkably tall.
Can weren't really a rock band, though they rocked. Holger Czukay, the band's bassist and main spokesman had studied under the aforementioned Karlheinz Stockhausen. Meanwhile, keyboardist Irmin Schmidt had spent time in New York, first studying at the feet of noted minimal experimentalists such as Terry Riley, Steve Reich and LaMonte Young, before becoming enamoured by the strange mutant rock of The Velvet Underground. And drummer Jaki Liebezeit, surely the greatest skin-pounder that ever lived, was a veteran of Germany's free jazz scene. By the time they founded Can in the late sixties, all three were experienced in music that went way beyond rock, but they were also drawn to that frenetic, crowd-pleasing genre. Adding teenage guitarist Michael Karoli, a student of Czukay's, to their already prodigious line-up, Can emerged as one of the most singularly talented "rock" bands that has ever existed. Their open-mindedness allowed them to transcend their rigid jazz/experimental backgrounds, and again you have to wonder if they could have emerged from any other country than 1960s Germany, where there was equal space, at least in the minds of these cool cats, for both rock and something that went well beyond it.
However, if Can had the necessary musical and intellectual qualities to become a great band, they lacked one ingredient: a truly great singer. It would take a while (their first was American Vietnam veteran Malcolm Mooney, who delivered some amazing stuff on the band's debut Monster Movie but left after suffering a nervous breakdown on stage), but in 1969, the band struck gold when they chanced upon a Japanese former Hair cast-member called Damo Suzuki. If the music on Tago Mago is incredible, the presence of Suzuki on vocals elevates it to the realms of the gods.
There's so much to say about Tago Mago, you could fill 700 pages. Jaki Liebezeit's drumming is so forceful, yet measured like a metronome. It's a relentless driving force, never abating, yet imbued with a typically jazz funkiness that makes each track surge forwards with almost sexual prowess. Holger Czukay once quipped that drum machines were invented to replace guys like Jaki Liebezeit, yet on listening to Tago Mago, you can only feel grateful that this guy is still going, and that his unbelievable melange of funk, jazz, minimalism and rock is with us to inspire future drummers to embrace such a forceful style.
"Funk" is almost an unusual word to use when talking about Can, when you consider the very cerebral backgrounds of most of the band's members. And yet, if you listen to "Oh Yeah" or "Halleluwah", these tracks are imbued with a slinky, seductive and rhythmic drive that is pure funk, before the genre had even properly established itself. Karoli's guitar, which could be such a pyrotechnic weapon, such was the Bavarian's skill, is instead used for almost impressionistic flourishes, a sort of explosion of colour that zig-zags across each track, equal parts brittle, noisy and melodic. Meanwhile, Czukay and Schmidt provide a mixture of solidity and invention that takes each track beyond its "rock" confines and into new, unexpectedly psychedelic realms. And then there's Damo Suzuki. His lyrics, which meld German, Japanese and English, may not make a lot of sense, but the way he snaked his sultry, moody and expressive voice around the band's insistent groove remains unique. Suzuki was not Can's anchor or focal point, in the manner of a Jagger or a Morrison; instead, he deployed his urgent vocals like a weird preacher, letting them slide and dart around the rock-solid rhythms of Liebezeit, Czukay and Schmidt, before bursting forwards to take centre stage. And then jumping back to let the musicians (re-)build their singular groove.
The album's original artwork, nicely restored for the reissue, features a great photo of Suzuki and Liebezeit on stage. Damo appears lost in a mad trance, shaking his long, long hair, whilst his ever-reliable drummer keeps things solid and powerful, ready to catch him when he returns from his vocal flights. This is acid rock with a brain, and ultimately it will take you far beyond anything dreamt by California's psych crowds. Like a beautiful cobra, Tago Mago sways and dips; it's almost hard to get a handle on it. Instead, you drift, serenaded uncomfortably by Damo Suzuki, as the four Germans build up something that is equal parts psych-rock, jazz, funk and minimalism. I have yet to hear any rock band properly accommodate so many varied and exploratory styles in the way Can did on Tago Mago.
I suppose I should mention that the remastered sound on this reissue sounds great, and that the three live bonus tracks are interesting, albeit unessential, additions to the repertoire of anyone that loves Can (and we're a growing bunch!). But, to be honest Tago Mago would sound revelatory and unique no matter how it was mastered. It's one of rock's true masterpieces, a work that transcends genre and cultures. Perhaps only Germany in the sixties and seventies could have spawned Tago Mago, but its power and beauty goes way beyond any such considerations. I could -and have!- run up a list of krautrock/kosmische albums every music-loving individual should own, and Tago Mago would be at the very top. If you don't own it already, you now have a better chance than ever, and to miss it would be an act of madness.
You can also read this, with videos, here
This entry was posted in 2012, Music Features, The Liminal and tagged experimental, krautrock, music, music journalism, rock. Bookmark the permalink.
← Unpublished live review: Raime, Bass Clef and Leyland James Kirby at Bishopsgate Institute, 27/01/2012
A Liminal Feature – s The 40-year Sturm und Drang 2: A Krautrock Chart (January 12th, 2012) →


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Sơn La police's programme to nourish mountain school kids
November, 15/2022 - 10:59
Since the project was launched, thousands of meals have been delivered to schools, contributing to maintaining and increasing the attendance of preschool children in disadvantaged border communes.
Police presents gifts to students at a school in Mộc Châu District. — Photo baove.congly.vn
SƠN LA — When the class ends, students collect their books and prepare lunch together with their teachers before enjoying a free meal with hot rice, pork and vegetable.
Mộc Châu District in the north-western province of Sơn La has long been known as a attractive tourist destination.
Tourism has changed the lives of many locals but there are still a lot of poor families.
In the past, rice or a boiled bamboo shoots was the most common meal for school children at many kindergartens.
Things changed early last year, when Dương Hải Anh, Sub-lieutenant of police department in Mộc Châu District, initiated a programme to boost nutrition for children in the local kindergartens.
Under the programme, kids can enjoy a free school lunch every day.
Talking about the launch of the project, the 26-year-old policeman said although the Government funded the construction of many schools, there were still many students who had to drop because their families were poor.
The project aims to provide lunch for the children, helping their families reduce difficulties and encourage school attendance, Anh told Bảo Vệ Công Lý (Justice Protection) online newspaper.
The project has been gradually expanding, supplying more good things for poor children in mountainous region to keep them studying.
Students are provided with clean water, warm blankets, uniforms, books and toys.
"I and my colleagues are very happy when we see the children have a full meal and are happy to go to school," Anh said.
They are also so happy as their project has been well received by the community, creating more learning opportunities for the children of ethnic minorities.
Anh said the programme has also helped to shorten the gap between the police and local people while mobilising more people to maintain security and order in border areas. — VNS
Tags Sơn La police students free meal
Company executive charged with abusing freedom, democratic rights
Hà Nội to close fruit shops lacking proper food safety preparations
President hosts leader of Germany's organisation for university support
President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hosted a reception in Hà Nội for Kambiz Ghawami, President of World University Service (WUS) of Germany, during which the State leader hailed the former's contributions to promoting educational cooperation between Việt Nam and Germany in general and Hessen state in particular over the years.
Cà Mau Province shrimp-rice farming model proves efficient, sustainable
The shrimp-rice farming model has been implemented effectively and developed sustainably in the southernmost province of Cà Mau.
Bình Định local successfully revives lotus pond
After seeing how polluted his hometown's lotus pond had become, Nguyễn Xong decided to leave his stable job to start a new business in Bình Định Province.
Nearly five million Vietnamese have diabetes
Diabetes is one of the common causes of disability and premature death in most countries and is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and ulcerative limb amputation.
Land recovery and compensation discussed at NA
The Government's annual report shows that land-related complaints, denunciations and land acquisition for socio-economic development account for nearly 70 per cent of the total number of complaints and denunciations.
Vietnam Red Cross Society to launch Humanitarian Strength Programme 2022
The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) in collaboration with the HCM City Television will launch the Humanitarian Strength Programme 2022 at at a ceremony in HCM City on November 23, 2022.
UK to support Việt Nam to realise its commitments at COP26 through smart city solutions
Speaking at the UK Smart Cities Day 2022, Sam Wood, British deputy consul general in HCM City, said Việt Nam is a key partner of the UK on digital tech and innovation, including smart cities development.
HCM City hosts Int'l Congress for Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Deformity
Nearly 30 scientific reports are being presented by domestic and foreign medical professionals at the 3rd International Congress for Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Deformity that opened in HCM City on November 13.
HCM City incubator ranked among 10 best in Southeast Asia
The Institute of Innovation under the University of Economics HCM City is the only university incubator in Việt Nam recognised as one of the Ten Best Startup Support Organisations in Southeast Asia (AsiaStar 10x10 Launchpad) under the AsiaStar 10x10 programme.
Retail sales of goods, services up 20 per cent in January
Fewer turn up to buy gold this year


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97° Mostly Cloudy
A few clouds. Hot and humid. Low 76F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..
A few clouds. Hot and humid. Low 76F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Former Texas A&M All-American Rachel Pierson earns tennis coaching fellowship
Former Texas A&M women's tennis All-American Rachel Pierson was among five professional coaches earning fellowships by the United States Tennis Association in Orlando, Florida.
"Congratulations to Rachel for being selected by the USTA Player Development program," Texas A&M head coach Mark Weaver said. "Rachel was a great student-athlete during her time at Texas A&M and ultimately became our first ever All-American in both singles and doubles. There is no doubt that she has the coaching gene in her DNA and will do a great job in Orlando this summer."
Pierson earned All-America honors in both singles and doubles in 2017. She spent last season as the volunteer assistant coach at Princeton. The Tigers and claimed the Ivy League crown with a perfect 7-0 conference record and advanced to the NCAA tournament second round.
The Fellowship program will begin Monday and run through the 2019 U.S. Open. It is structured to provide significant experiential training and op-portunity for independent research in the field of professional tennis coaching.
Rachel Pierson
Mark Weaver
KELLER WILLIAMS - MIKE GREEN
GUARANTY BANK & TRUST
THE EAGLE, SPACE RESERVATION
When Apollo 11 landed on the moon, Major League Baseball stood still
A moon in full: 25 stunning pictures of our moon, from Earth


TV presenter and sports commentator Dan Walker has maintained a long standing relationship with football, a passionate and competent player Walker turned down the chance to play youth team football choosing instead to attend university and study journalism. Now an accomplished broadcaster, reporter, radio and TV presenter Walker's interest in football remains strong.
Best known for his role as the TV presenter for BBC One 's Saturday football preview show Football Focus , Walker began his professional broadcasting career on local commercial radio and made a name for himself as the match day commentator for Manchester's Key 103K radio station. His first role as a TV presenter was for Granada TV , covering league football for ITV .
After a short period with Granada Dan Walker embarked on his career with the BBC , joining the local news team as the leading sports reporter for North West Tonight . Since then Walker has worked prolifically across the BBC , regularly reporting for Match of the Day , and co-hosting 5 Lives' Afternoon Edition ; where he demonstrates that his oeuvre extends beyond sports, reporting on the latest in politics, current affairs and entertainment.
In his capacity as a radio and television presenter for the BBC Dan Walker has reported on some of the biggest sporting events in the UK, including Wimbledon , Aintree, Royal Ascot and The Derby , as well as the Rugby 6 Nations . Walker's personal passion remains with football however and he has been called upon to cover numerous national and international footballing events and major matches during his tenure at the BBC , including the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. He also co-hosts the broadcaster's Open golf coverage and was an integral part of the 2012 Olympics coverage team.
Alongside his work as a sports TV presenter Dan Walker has also appeared on Songs of Praise , Countdown , Celebrity Mastermind and A Question of Sport . Walker is frequently commended for his passionate and engaging reports and his love of sport and football has helped to make his segment on BBC World one of the most popular on the international channel. Walker's interest in football has also been showcased in his sporting publications, namely Dan Walker's Football Thronkersaurus: Football's Finest Tales , a compendium of amusing, bizarre and unbelievable stories from the world of football.
To book Dan Walker as the TV presenter for your corporate event, function or conference, simply contact the Champions Speakers agency by emailing agent@championsukplc.com or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.


There's no doubt that his outstanding performance skills, as well as other natural gifts, propelled Harry Belafonte to the high-flying success he enjoyed as an entertainer decades ago. Equally is there no question about the immense credit to which singer-songwriter Irving Burgie is entitled for the major contribution he made toward Belafonte's path to super-stardom.
Indentured Indians Brought a Hidden Cosmic message.
The month of May is the anniversary for the arrival of East Indians in the Caribbean region and the Guianas – British Guiana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, the Windward Islands, St. Croix (Danish) and Guadeloupe and Martinique (French) – Belize, Dutch Guiana and French Guiana.They first arrived in British Guiana, on May 5, 1838 as an experiment to replace African slave labour after emancipation. Between 1838 to 1917 over one-half million (543,218) of indentured labourers from India, pejoratively called "Bound Coolies", would arrive in the region.
Social and economic conditions in India were drivers to emigrate. Significantly, as well, famines engineered by the colonial government in India for the sake of profit: by switching cultivation from food production to Indigo and Poppy and other cash crops for export; and punishing high taxes (called tributes), as high as 50% of the peasants' crops, resulted in less food production to feed the population. Untimely monsoon rains, hence drought, exacerbated the already reduced food production.


But now writers have no excuses, no one to blame, no one to stand in their way. They can simply publish themselves. Instead of a gatekeeper in the form of a publishing acquisition editor who not only weighed a manuscript's quality but its marketplace and the marketability of the author, today's gatekeeper comes in the form of the author and his level of tolerance of fear and risk. It also comes in the form of resource availability -- in time and/or money.
If one wants to self-publish, there are set-up costs. One must design a cover, edit a manuscript, do interior layout and invest time into learning how to upload a book for sale. If you create an e-only book or print-on-demand publishing, you are spared the costs and benefits of printing thousands of copies.
The choices can be confusing, as there are many, many ways to self-publish. But the good news is this: If you have an idea and you take the effort to write a book, no one can stop it from being published, promoted, and sold but you.
That is both a liberating and burdening feeling for today's writer.
Publishers still serve many purposes.


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FAQ: Wrath Of The Titans?
1 Will there be a Wrath of the Titans 3?
2 Was Wrath of the Titans Cancelled?
3 What is Wrath of the Titans based on?
4 Is Wrath of the Titans a sequel?
5 Why did Sam Worthington stop acting?
6 Why is Io not in Wrath of the Titans?
7 What is after Wrath of the Titans?
8 Who does Perseus marry in Clash of the Titans?
9 Who defeated Kronos in Wrath of the Titans?
10 What was the sequel to Clash of the Titans?
11 Where is Poseidon in Wrath of the Titans?
12 Where is Ares in clash of titans?
Will there be a Wrath of the Titans 3?
Revenge Of The Titans Likely Won't Happen Maybe Sam Worthington's return to blockbusters for James Cameron's Avatar sequels will ignite a spark for the dormant series, but Clash Of The Titans 3 is unlikely to move forward anytime soon.
Was Wrath of the Titans Cancelled?
Why It Was Cancelled Both Clash and Wrath had received extremely negative reviews. Both films also suffered from poor box office performances. There are only very few ideas for the second sequel.
What is Wrath of the Titans based on?
Wrath of the Titans is the sequel to the 2010 film, Clash of the Titans. It was released on March 30, 2012. The story is very loosely based on the Greek myth of Perseus.
Is Wrath of the Titans a sequel?
Cronus, also spelled Cronos or Kronos, in ancient Greek religion, male deity who was worshipped by the pre-Hellenic population of Greece but probably was not widely worshipped by the Greeks themselves; he was later identified with the Roman god Saturn.
You might be interested: FAQ: Best Game Offline Pc?
Why did Sam Worthington stop acting?
Well we have a few theories as to why Sam sorta just disappeared out of the public consciousness. Being in the spotlight isn't for everyone and perhaps Sam Worthington just wanted to settle down with Lara Bingle and do projects he was passionate about, hence why the sudden pivot to a heap of smaller, local movies.
Why is Io not in Wrath of the Titans?
Trivia (17) Gemma Arterton (Io from Clash of the Titans (2010)) was originally supposed to return, but scheduling conflicts with Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) prevented the actress from taking the role. The character was written out, as having died, rather than being re-cast, as Andromeda was.
What is after Wrath of the Titans?
Films. The series began with Clash of the Titans in 1981. It was followed by a remake of the same name in 2010, and a sequel Wrath of the Titans in 2012. The film would have been called Force of the Trojans.
Who does Perseus marry in Clash of the Titans?
Just to make things worse, Perseus falls in love with the lovely Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), who used to be engaged to Thetis' son, Calibos (Neil McCarthy). Soon Perseus is off on one quest after another, with Zeus helping, Thetis hindering, and lots of innocent bystanders getting stabbed, drowned, and squished.
Who defeated Kronos in Wrath of the Titans?
Perseus, Andromeda and Agenor set out to find Hephaestus on a hidden island. Agenor explains that Hephaestus created three weapons which Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon wield: Zeus's thunderbolt, Hades's pitchfork, and Poseidon's trident, which can jointly form the Spear of Trium, the only weapon that can defeat Kronos.
You might be interested: Quick Answer: 3/8 Inch To Mm?
What was the sequel to Clash of the Titans?
Overview. They have two upper bodies attached by the backs, and two heads. The Makhai's weapons of choice are four short blade swords, two in each hand, which they use by spinning and changing the side they are facing constantly in battle, as observed in the Wrath of the Titans trailer.
Where is Poseidon in Wrath of the Titans?
Poseidon is last seen at the council of the Gods as they await Hades, who plans to unleash the Kraken on Argos. Zeus bids all the Gods to leave him and Hades as they release the Kraken.
Where is Ares in clash of titans?
Clash of the Titans (2010) Ares appears in the throne room along with the other Olympian gods.
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text:
5.8k Views by Career Target July 3, 2020, 3:59 pm
Positions available: No PhD required?
This Advertising Feature has been commissioned, edited, and produced by the /AAAS Custom Publishing Office
Not sure a Ph.D. is the best route? Take heart: There are plenty of opportunities in science for those who have a B.S. or M.S. degree.
Upon completing college, many science undergraduates who don't want to go on to medical school think only one other option exists: pursuing a Ph.D.
A Ph.D, however, is not one-size-fits-all. While personally and financially rewarding in the end, those who choose this path should do so upon serious introspection. Long hours with low pay and dry spells in data are often the norm. Add to this the varied completion time which, depending on the program, ranges from four to eight years.
For those not sure of the life-style or time commitment involved, other fast-track options such as obtaining a Master's degree or entering a company exist. Many of these choices lie in not commonly considered industries or up-and-coming fields of study.
A possible career may lie in the cereal you crunch or the soda you sip. Careers in the food industry are plentiful and in high demand, especially for budding scientists with either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
"When most people think food science they think McDonald's and flipping burgers. Part of it is working on new types of beer, better packaging, and products that are environmentally friendly," explains Martin Wiedmann, director of graduate studies for the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
In technical terms, food science is the application of biological and physical sciences as well as engineering to the processing and manufacturing of foods in order to ensure their nutritive value, safety, and quality. To study the interactions of foods and food components, the field comprises several disciplines including chemistry, animal and plant biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, and engineering.
Professional food scientists also have the tall order of trying to increase the food supply to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population without straining the environment. "It's a great opportunity for people who like the application aspect of science and are looking to have a tremendous impact," says Wiedmann.
Cornell's Food Science Program offers two types of Master's degree: a one and a half to two-year Master of Science (M.S.), for those relatively new to research, and a one-year Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.), for those already in a professional career but wanting to upgrade their core set of skills and knowledge. While both degree programs require classes and research with department faculty members, only the M.S. students must submit a research-based thesis. Each program is tailored around the individual student, in which the class schedule is worked out in collaboration with an adviser. Students have a choice of classes such as general and international food science, food microbiology and engineering, enology, dairy science, sensory science, and food safety.
The students are in such high demand, says Wiedmann, that "most of our students have two to three job offers by the time they end their senior year." These offers range from governmental institutions such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to various food industries such as breweries and chocolatiers.
"The program is a great stepping stone between academia and industry," says current M.P.S. student Yankai Liu. "It provides the skills and expertise that are essential for a future career."
On scholarship from his native country Singapore, Liu plans to return there and serve in the Civil Service. Before then, however, he is working on a project with food process engineering professor Syed Rizvi on methods to improve mineral fortification of rice. The rewards of his efforts are plenty: if perfected, the rice could aid those suffering from malnourishment.
"Lab work for the sake of lab work wasn't really interesting, and I didn't want to be in grad school that long," says Sarah Kirk who, after getting her biology degree from Hiram College, spent a couple of years as a lab tech in a microbiology lab at Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Cornell's program was a perfect fit. Kirk worked with food science professor Kathryn Boor on why flavored milk spoils faster than unflavored milk, and was hooked. Upon graduating, Kirk landed a job at M&M/Mars, where she specialized in confections and worked for five years on Starburst and helped launch mint Skittles. She is now at Kashi, where she works on whole grain and naturally healthy products ranging from cereals to snack bars. Although the food products differ, the extensive technical background from Cornell's program enabled her to easily make the switch.
"Only one or two companies prefer Ph.D.s," says Kirk. "A Master's degree was enough to get my foot in the door."
Alum Sam Alcaine has a job that most scientists who homebrew would crave: He works as a product developer at MillerCoors. While a senior majoring in cellular and molecular biology and genetics at the University of Maryland, College Park, brewing became a hobby to Alcaine. Wiedmann called and offered him an opportunity to combine his loves of genetics and yeast fermentation. "That basically sold me," he says. He worked on his M.S. in Wiedmann's lab on the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes among different Salmonella strains, and through the department's social network, landed his current job. "When looking for a Master's program, it doesn't always have to be your angle, but it does have to give you the tools," he advises.
Those not looking to go to graduate school right away and who would rather move straight into the work force could consider the agricultural biology industry. A not-too-distant cousin to food science, agrobio entails research and development of seed crops.
"The global demand for grain and record commodity prices are driving up demand for faster delivery of new products with better technologies," explains Dave Bubeck, North American research director at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a leading global source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors.
Plant breeding is a multidisciplinary field. Those who have entered it have had backgrounds in agronomy, agricultural engineering, plant sciences, entymology, botany, general biology, molecular biology, and genetics. As the field has become more computer based, it is not surprising to find even those with a mathematics or statistics degree. "There are excellent growth opportunities for those with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The ratio in research and development groups in the seed industry of Ph.D.s to undergrads/Master's students is approximately 1:5," says Bubeck.
The timing for Bachelor's and Master's students, according to Bubeck, has never been better. Pioneer operates more than 90 worldwide research centers and has undergone a significant expansion in its R&D department. Nearly 300 new positions in this department were added in 2007, and the company plans to offer more than 300 additional positions this year—most of which will be non-Ph.D.
Similarly, over 70 percent of research associate positions at Monsanto are filled by those who have either a Bachelor's or Master's, says Alexandra Doronkin, the company's technology recruiting lead. Many who continue to work at Monsanto quickly climb the corporate ladder. "We go by contributions people make," she says. "We have many examples of people with Bachelor's or Master's degrees leading scientific project teams and managing key functions."
Bubeck offers the following piece of advice to future college graduates: "If you're not certain of pursuing a graduate degree after your Bachelor's, it may be more beneficial to get out into the work world first. If it leads you back to grad school, you are more committed to it."
Contemplating a career in either medicine or science? You may be able to find the best of both worlds in genetic counseling.
With the advent of next generation sequencing technologies, even more is being learned about our genetic makeup. However, there is a great need for this information to be translated to patients or relatives who are at risk of an inherited disorder. These people need to understand the disorder and its consequences, the probability of developing or transmitting disease, and the prevention options needed for personal health choices or family planning.
"It's part science, part counseling," explains Angela Trepanier, certified genetic counselor and president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. "For somebody who really likes science but is not interested in becoming a physician or working on the bench as a Ph.D.—but is interested in working with people—this is a great profession to choose."
The profession is small but growing. Currently there are around 3,000 genetic counselors in the United States and numbers are growing worldwide. Those who enter the field go through Master's programs, of which there are 29 in the United States and three in Canada that are accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Typically those who enter have some sort of biology or psychology undergraduate degree. However, those in nursing, public health, and social work also apply.
At the Genetic Counseling Graduate program at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, where Trepanier is program co-director, students take basic science, medical genetics, and counseling course work. In addition, they perform internships in a variety of clinical settings in which they first shadow and then perform the duties of a professional genetic counselor. Students also do a clinical research project based on some aspect of the career. Graduates, most of whom sit for a national certification examination, go on to various areas including clinical care, public health, industry, and nonprofit organizations.
Although genetic counseling first started with the detection of birth defects in prenatal and pediatric patients, "the profession has blossomed and grown," says Trepanier. Cancer genetics became a specialty in the 1990s, and now cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases are up-and-coming focuses.
"People who go into it tend to be into lifelong learning since the field is constantly changing," she says. Yet, says Trepanier, one can achieve work and life balance. "There's time to be a genetic counselor and still have a life."
For those who are interested, she suggests contacting and shadowing a genetic counselor for a day. She also advises getting some advocacy and counseling experience so prospective applicants can see whether they can work with people who are in crisis. Alternatively she advises contacting any of the graduate programs. "We want to talk to potential students. We're as interested in them as they are in us," she says.
Before entering the program, Tiara Johnson interned at a genetic counseling clinic and found her calling. "I really love the program. I've learned so much in such a short amount of time," says Johnson, now a second-year student. "Just knowing I could get done in another two years and be able to start a career that is highly recognized and respectable has meant a lot to me."
Like Johnson, recent graduate Jacqueline Gauthier feels secure in the future of her profession. "Genetics is very cutting edge and is going to change the face of medicine as we know it," says Gauthier, who now works at the Genetics Department at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and specializes in cancer and prenatal genetic counseling. "The positions are growing. Ten years from now, I don't have to make a total career shift."
A scientist for all seasons
Tony Yuan was at a career fork when he graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a biology B.S. He didn't know whether he should go on to medical school or work toward a Ph.D. When he received an e-mail about a Master's program at Northwestern University, he jumped at the chance. "I didn't want to spend that much time for a Ph.D. This program gives you a feel if you're a bench scientist or not."
The Master of Biotechnology program at Northwestern is a 15-month curriculum that stresses the interdisciplinary nature of the biotechnology industry and cross-trains former biology and engineering majors in each respective field for careers in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. "Upon completion, these students are able to communicate across disciplines and are prepared for a wide variety of positions," assures program director William Miller.
The rigorous program combines coursework in bioprocess engineering and seminar classes in the ethical, legal, regulatory, communication, and business aspects of the biotechnology industry with over a thousand hours of research. In lieu of a thesis, written and oral research reports are required.
While the majority of course graduates go on to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Amgen, Merck and Company, and Pfizer, about a quarter pursue further graduate education.
"The program gives you a gateway into industry," says recent alum Kavi Mehta, who now works in cell culture process development at Pfizer. "My earning potential went up almost three times and I'm working on more advanced projects."
Upon completing Northwestern's program, Kanika Bhatia discovered something about herself. "I'm not a sitting-in-the-lab type of person. I like my research a bit faster," she says. More interested in qualitative and regulatory research, she is now enrolled in the Quality Leadership Program at GE Healthcare, where she does rotations in these respective fields. She suggests that students who are not so sure about research "really think about what they want to do. Your heart has to be 100 percent in it."
Yuan concurs. "Look at all the options—especially if you're looking to get a Ph.D. or go on to medical school. There is not just one road you can take."
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text:
Q: Date issues in jquery ajax Hi i done date format in jquery ajax. i got the value from database and i converted the dateformat as dd-MM-YYYY. now the problem is, i m getting the previous month. Ex:database value is 2015-04-02, after converting dateformat i got 02-03-2015. Kindly help me. My coding is.
var pcd_date = new Date(data.pcd_date),
yr = pcd_date.getFullYear(),
month = +pcd_date.getMonth() < 10 ? '0' + pcd_date.getMonth() : pcd_date.getMonth() ,
day = +pcd_date.getDate() < 10 ? '0' + pcd_date.getDate() : pcd_date.getDate(),
pcddate = day + '-' + month + '-' + yr;

A: It gives a result between 0 and 11.
From w3school :

The getMonth() method returns the month (from 0 to 11) for the specified date, according to local time.

You should add 1 to getMonth() to have it from 1 to 12 as follow :
var pcd_date = new Date(data.pcd_date),
yr = pcd_date.getFullYear(),
month = +(pcd_date.getMonth() +1 ) < 10 ? '0' + (pcd_date.getMonth() +1 ) : (pcd_date.getMonth() +1 ),
day = +pcd_date.getDate() < 10 ? '0' + pcd_date.getDate() : pcd_date.getDate(),
pcddate = day + '-' + month + '-' + yr;

or doing it one time :
var pcd_date = new Date(data.pcd_date),
yr = pcd_date.getFullYear(),
m = pcd_date.getMonth() +1,
month = +m < 10 ? '0' + m : m,
day = +pcd_date.getDate() < 10 ? '0' + pcd_date.getDate() : pcd_date.getDate(),
pcddate = day + '-' + month + '-' + yr;

A: because getMonth() return 0 based value

The getMonth() method returns the month in the specified date
  according to local time, as a zero-based value (where zero indicates
  the first month of the year).

var pcd_date = new Date(data.pcd_date),
    yr = pcd_date.getFullYear(),
    month = pcd_date.getMonth() + 1,
    day = +pcd_date.getDate() < 10 ? '0' + pcd_date.getDate() : pcd_date.getDate();
month = month < 10 ? '0' + month : month
var pcddate = day + '-' + month + '-' + yr;

A: In javascript, January is represented by 0, December by 11. You need to add 1 to the value returned by getMonth.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Date/getMonth

A: Please replace your code for:
pcd_date.getMonth()

to
pcd_date.getMonth() + 1

Because the getMonth() method returns the month (from 0 to 11) for the specified date, according to local time.
http://www.w3schools.com/jsref/jsref_getmonth.asp

A: function getMonth() will return the range between 0-11
You need add one before saving.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Archer's Goon
by Diana Wynne Jones
The trouble started when Howard Sykes came home from school and found the "goon" sitting in the kitchen. He said he'd been sent by Archer. But who was Archer? It had to do with the 2,000 words that Howard's author father had failed to deliver.
It soon became clear not only that Archer wanted those words, but that his wizard siblings, Hathaway, Dillian, Shine, Torquil, Erskine, and Venturus, would also go to any lengths to get them.
Although each wizard ruled a section… (more)
Although each wizard ruled a section of the town, he or she was a prisoner in it. Each suspected that one of them held the secret behind the words, and that secret was the key to their freedom. Which one of them was it? The Sykes family become pawns in the wizards' fight to win their freedom, wrest control from one another, and fan out to rule the world.
Diana Wynne Jones skillfully guides the reader through a riveting, twisty plot, with satisfying surprises at every amazing turn. An exciting science fiction adventure where, happily, nothing is what it first seems to be.
Fiction Juvenile & Young Adult Fantasy, Magic
Juvenile & Young Adult / Fantasy, Magic
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 25, 2012)
Juvenile & Young Adult >
Fantasy, Magic


text:
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Working in association with shop fitter, our electricians helped convert a former two-story Barclays Bank building in Ilminster.
A Team effort provides great results!
From October to December we were part of a project at Avon and Somerset's Portishead Police HQ to install electrical services within their new Forensics labs.


text:
Home » Wholesale Games Industry and Market News » FIFA 21 rises to the UK boxed sales top spot once more
FIFA 21 rises to the UK boxed sales top spot once more
Having missed out on the top spot in the UK retail game sales chart for the last week before Christmas, FIFA 21 has now reclaimed the top spot as the best-selling game for the week ending December 26, 2020.
Physical sales for the game were up by 8 percent week-on-week. This helped it push back up to the top all the way from fourth place the week before.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which was in the top spot last week, now falls to second place. Sales are down by 21 percent week-on-week. Sales have fallen for most games in the chart, which isn't surprising considering this week covers Christmas Day.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons sits in third place, with sales down by 20 percent week-on-week. The game is still very popular, though sales may start to dip heading into the new year. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe saw a sales drop of 8 percent week-on-week, though sales should hold strong considering that the game is packaged with most Switch hardware bundles.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War saw a drop of 42 percent in sales week-on-week, causing it to fall from second to fifth this week.
December's big new release, Cyberpunk 2077, saw a sales drop of 57 percent week-on-week. This caused it to fall to eighth place. However, this only accounts for physical sales, and digital sales seem to be a very different matter.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales is in sixth place, with sales down by 31 percent week-on-week. The game's popularity shows that it could match sales of the main title, should they continue at this rate.
Just Dance 2021, which continues to sell best on the Nintendo Switch, is up to seventh, with sales down by 28 percent week-on-week. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is in ninth, with sales down by 25 percent, and Minecraft for the Switch is in tenth, with sales falling by 26 percent week-on-week.
Just Dance 2021 has been a huge success for Ubisoft. The game is now one week away from selling more copies than Watch Dogs Legion. This would make it the second biggest selling game of the year for the publisher, just behind Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After seven weeks, sales for Just Dance 2021 are up by 35 percent over Just Dance 2020.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has seen its biggest year so far for sales. Since it launched in 2017, the game has sold better and better every year, and that's still the case in 2020.
The top ten best-selling games at retail in the UK for the week ending December 26, 2020 were as follows.
2. Assassin's Creed Valhalla
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
6. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
7. Just Dance 2021
8. Cyberpunk 2077
9. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
10. Minecraft Nintendo Switch Edition
Related Topics: Video game charts
By Admin in: Wholesale Games Industry and Market News on December 29, 2020 at 1:15 pm


text:
Q: Insert, update or remove data from database (usermeta) I have a situation here. I'm writing a custom plugin for WordPress. I'm dealing with an issue:
I'v created a metabox for Custom Post Type with add_meta_box and with a callback function where I generate a multiselect box. All users showing up with a user ID. The point is: The Custom Post Type is a group and this group can have multiple members (users). The first thing what I tried was saving all the users, which are subscribed to this group, in one single row in the postmeta table but that's not a good solution.
What I want to do now is: Create a new row, for every single user, in the usermeta table with this key _enroll_user_value_key.
My field:
echo '<select multiple name="enroll_user_field[]" id="enroll_user_field">'; this values, I want to pass this, for each single selected user, to a new database row in user_meta. Now I use only this function to save this data: update_user_meta( $enroll_user_data, '_enroll_user_value_key', $post->ID ); But when I select multiple users the row doesn't update or created because there a multiple values passed from the field enroll_user_field[].
How could I fix this? Should I create a foreach loop and repeat the update_user_meta every single time, for each selected user? And what if I remove a user from the group, should I use a seperate delete function or query for this?
EDIT:
add_meta_box(
    'group_member',
    'Group members',
    'group_members_callback',
    'group',
    'normal'
);

function group_members_callback( $post ){
    wp_nonce_field( 'group_members_save', 'group_members_nonce' );

    $values = get_post_meta($post->ID, '_group_members_value_key', true);
    $values = explode(',', $values);

    echo 'Assign users to this group. If you want to assign multiple users to this module, hold CTRL while you are selecting

';

    echo '<select multiple name="group_members_field[]" id="group_members_field">';
        $users = get_users();

        foreach( $users as $user ){
            if( in_array($user->ID, $values )){
                echo '<option selected value="' . $user->ID . '">' . esc_attr( $user->user_email ) . '</option>';
            }else{
                echo '<option value="' . $user->ID . '">' . esc_attr( $user->user_email ) . '</option>';
            }
        }
    echo '</select>';
}

function group_members_save( $post_id ){
    if( ! isset( $_POST['group_members_nonce'] ) ){
        return;
    }

    if( ! wp_verify_nonce( $_POST['group_members_nonce'], 'group_members_save') ){
        return;
    }

    if( defined('DOING_AUTOSAVE') && DOING_AUTOSAVE ){
        return;
    }

    if( ! current_user_can('edit_post', $post_id ) ){
        return;
    }

    if( ! isset($_POST['group_members_field'] ) ){
        return;
    }

    $group_members_data = sanitize_text_field( implode(',', $_POST['group_members_field'] ) );

    update_post_meta( $post_id, '_group_members_value_key', $group_members_data );
}

add_action('save_post', 'group_members_save');

This line update_post_meta( $post_id, '_group_members_value_key', $group_members_data ); should be update_user_meta, because I want to save it in the usermeta table, in seperated rows.

A: So the problem with either post meta or user meta is that if your key is e.g. _group_members_value_key you only have one item of data per user or per post in which to store the data, and you need many items for each user and many items for each post.  This is two columns of data, but in the meta tables you only have one.
Let's say you have this data:
User ID | Group Id
1 | 10
1 | 20
1 | 30
2 | 10
2 | 40
3 | 30

To put this in e.g. usermeta for user 1 you have these choices:
user id | meta_key | value
1 | "_group_members_value_key" | "10,20,30"

Or:
user id | meta_key | value
1 | "_group_members_value_key_10" | "yes"
1 | "_group_members_value_key_10" | "yes"
1 | "_group_members_value_key_10" | "yes"

Note in the second case you have to put the group ID as part of the key.
So perhaps this second solution works for you - just add the group id to the key and use some extra logic like:
To put a user in a group:
update_user_meta($userId, "_group_members_value_key_" . $groupId, "yes")

To remove a user from a group:
update_user_meta($userId, "_group_members_value_key_" . $groupId, "no")

To check if a user is in a group:
if (get_user_meta($userId, "_group_members_value_key_" . $groupId) == "yes") {

Find all the users in a group:
$user_query = new WP_User_Query( array( 'meta_key' => "_group_members_value_key_" . $groupId, 'meta_value' => 'yes' ) );

I'm not sure if this works for what you want to do though. Let me know. These are code examples so you may have to edit them a bit for exactly what you need but this data structure should work for what you need.

It looks like $_POST['group_members_field'] will be an array, so if for example it was post ID's you need to do something like:
foreach($_POST['group_members_field'] as $postId) {
    update_user_meta($someUserId, '_group_members_value_key'.$postId, "yes");
}