169 WHAT IS IT THAT ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE SO ASHAMED OF ME?
The fact is that it is no longer easy for a young person to own up to their love for Me, even if they do accept My Existence. This admission can cause them embarrassment when a belief in Me, Jesus Christ or My Eternal Father, is scorned in favour of a so-called 'higher being.' What is it that encourages them to be so ashamed of Me? Why do they feel they need to conform to a world empty of spirit or concern for the soul?
Music and the arts have a huge influence on these precious, little souls who have not been told the Truth of Heaven or Hell. They, like all of My other children, who persist in avoiding any mention of Me, My Teachings, or the Existence of My Eternal Father, are just as likely to be lost to the wilderness.
Parents, I call on you to tell your children the Truth of their existence on this Earth; where they came from and the destiny that awaits them after this life. It is your duty to help them open their hearts to My Love. Take them to Me gently, but use whatever means possible to help save their souls. Do this out of love for them. You may have shirked your duties over the years, but now is the time to make amends. By praying The Divine Mercy for their souls, you can help them. It is better if they walk towards Me with the hands held out to Me in this life, on their own accord.
To the young people, I say this. If you believe in Me, don't be afraid to acknowledge this in public. Do not deny Me for I Am your lifeline, without Whom there is no life. When others see how strong your belief is, they will be more inclined to open their own hearts to Me. This requires much bravery on your part, but the graces you will receive from me will far outweigh your fear. Once you tell people that I do Exist, once you show them respect and love and draw them to you, they will respect you for speaking of Me. It may seem odd to be talking about Me in one breath and worldly matters the next, but you will become stronger in your faith when you do this. Not only will you experience such a wealth of love in your heart for Me, it will save the souls of your friends.
Use the Internet to spread My Message. Talk about them. It does not matter who ridicules you. Because when you do this many, many young people around the world will have eternal life because of the conversion created as a result.
Go forth now, My precious, young army. It is time for you now to pluck up the courage to spread My Messages, which are being given to this generation in the world to remind them of Who I Am, why I saved you all from the depths of Hell and why I Am now reaching out to save you once more.
This is the time for Me to reach out to take your hands in Mine.


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Storekeeper is responsible for physical checking, tagging, receiving, issuing, quarantining & handling of all materials in the warehouse, both newly received and already available. Storekeeper works with hard copy documentation and software system and is responsible for proper filing. He takes orders from his superiors and directly reports to Warehouse Coordinator.
Unloading of delivered goods, loading of issued goods.
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Physical checking, tagging, storing and handling of newly received and available materials and equipment.
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University degree, in the related field is preferable.
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High standard of spoken and written English, Kurdish and Arabic is a must.


We love books. We have so many in our home, we could give one away every day for a year and still have some left over. I started introducing the Classics to my kids when my oldest was five. I bought the fully illustrated versions, to make them more enjoyable. But the illustrations aren't necessary. My kids love a good story.
So it gets me excited when Hollywood makes movies based on books. Oh sure, the books are usually better, but when Hollywood really puts some thought into it and tries to stay true to the novel, then the end result actually motivates more people to go and buy the actual book and read it - many of whom might never have even considered doing so before. And if they read and enjoy that one, then they might even go buy (or borrow) another one.
So when Warner Brothers asked me to offer a giveaway, I said yes. Because I'm a book/movie lover. The movie is probably best suited for older children (I'm talking high school, Gente), but I don't want the younger kids to feel left out. And this giveaway includes something for everyone in the family.
One MommyMaestra reader will win the Grand Prize package.
To enter this giveaway, just count and submit the number of Dwarves you see on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey poster shown at the top of this post!
1) Follow MommyMaestra on FB.
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, though the giveaway and images are offered courtesy of Warner Bros.
I am also a twitter follower and tweeted about awesome giveaway!
There are 13 dwarves on the poster.
I followed you on twitter @wlkndisaster and tweeted.
I follow Mommy Maestra on FB.


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text:
Q: How does one get the order prefix programmatically? We use separate order prefixes for our production and lower environments. For each environment we run a sequel statement to update so each environment is unique.
update `sales_sequence_profile` set prefix = "PREFIX";

How would I return the prefix value programmatically?
I am currently working on Magento 2.2.10

A: A peer figured this out so I am answering in hopes to benefit others.
Include the following classes and handle dependency injection in _constructor.
use Magento\SalesSequence\Model\ResourceModel\Profile;
use Magento\SalesSequence\Model\ResourceModel\Meta;

Here is function to get prefix:
 /**
     * get Order prefix
     */
    protected function getOrderPrefix()
    {
        try {
            $metaId = $this->_meta->loadByEntityTypeAndStore('order', $this->_storeManager->getStore()->getId());
        } catch (\Exception $e) {
            $this->_logger->critical(
                sprintf("[%s]: Meta not found for Order prefix.",
                    strtoupper($this->queueType)
                )
            );
            return;
        }

        try {
            $collection = $this->_profile->loadActiveProfile($metaId->getId());
        } catch (\Exception $e) {
            $this->_logger->critical(
                sprintf("[%s]: profile not found for Order prefix.",
                    strtoupper($this->queueType)
                )
            );
            return;
        }
        return $collection->getPrefix();
    }

cheers!!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
A Sound of Thunder  é um filme teuto-britano-tcheco-estadunidense de 2005, dos gêneros ficção científica, drama de ação e aventura, dirigido por Peter Hyams com roteiro baseado no conto homônimo de Ray Bradbury.

Sinopse
Em 2055, voltar ao passado da Terra já é possível graças aos trabalhos da Dra. Alicia Wallenbeck. Uma empresa de entretenimento, a Safari in Time  (Safari no Tempo), torna a viagem no tempo um grande negócio a fim de que pessoas ricas possam apreciar uma caçada jurássica. Para que o futuro não fosse alterado, foi escolhido um dinossauro que já estava no fim de sua vida (há 65 milhões de anos).

Mas, em uma das viagens, algo dá errado: uma arma emperra, e alguém pisa fora da esteira temporal. As conseqüências deste pequeno gesto começam a ser sentidas no futuro, quando algumas mudanças nas formas de vida do planeta são sentidas, no início moderadas, e depois cada vez mais radicais, após sucessivas "ondas temporais".

Elenco
 Armin Rohde.... John Wallenbeck
 Heike Makatsc.... Alicia Wallenbeck
 Jemima Rooper.... Jenny Krase
 David Oyelowo.... Payne
 Wilfried Hochholdinger.... Dr. Lucas
 Edward Burns.... Travis Ryer
 August Zirner.... Clay Derris
 Ben Kingsley.... Charles Hatton
 Catherine McCormack.... Sonia Rand
 Alvin Van Der Kuech.... técnico jovem
 Andrew Blanchard.... George
 William Armstrong.... Ted Eckles
 Corey Johnson.... Christian Middleton
 Nikita Lespinasse.... apresentadora de tv

Recepção da crítica
A Sound of Thunder tem recepção negativa por parte da crítica especializada. Com o tomatometer de 6% em base de 98 críticas, o Rotten Tomatoes chegou ao consenso: "Agitadamente lógico e performances irregulares são ofuscados pelos efeitos não tão especiais que fazem a suspensão da descrença uma tarefa quase impossível". Por parte da audiência do site tem 18% de aprovação.

Filmes com trilha sonora de Nick Glennie-Smith
Filmes dos Estados Unidos de 2005
Filmes de drama de ação dos Estados Unidos
Filmes da Chéquia de 2005
Filmes de drama de ação do Reino Unido
Filmes de drama de ação da Alemanha
Filmes de drama de ação da Chéquia
Filmes de aventura dos Estados Unidos
Filmes de aventura do Reino Unido
Filmes de aventura da Alemanha
Filmes de aventura da Chéquia
Filmes de ficção científica dos Estados Unidos
Filmes de ficção científica do Reino Unido
Filmes de ficção científica da Alemanha
Filmes baseados em obras de Ray Bradbury
Filmes de ficção científica da Chéquia
Filmes de drama romântico dos Estados Unidos
Filmes de drama romântico do Reino Unido
Filmes de drama romântico da Alemanha
Filmes de drama romântico da Chéquia
Filmes baseados em contos
Filmes pós-apocalípticos
Filmes dirigidos por Peter Hyams
Filmes de ação da década de 2000
Filmes de aventura da década de 2000
Filmes de ficção científica da década de 2000
Filmes de suspense da década de 2000
Filmes do Reino Unido de 2005
Filmes da Alemanha de 2005

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: MySql query tooks 0.16 seconds in PhpMyAdmin, but 10 minutes in Php SELECT
r.id randevu_id,
r.id,m.ad,m.soyad,r.musteri_id,m.telefon,
r.tarih,r.hizmet_id,
IFNULL((SELECT MAX(o.tarih)
FROM odemeler o WHERE o.sil=0 AND o.randevu_id=r.id),"0000-00-00") sonodemetarih,
r.tutar borc
FROM randevular r
LEFT JOIN musteriler m ON m.id = r.musteri_id
WHERE r.sil = 0 AND r.randevu_durumu != 2

in PhpMyAdmin it tooks 0.6 seconds but in php with PDO it tooks 10 minutes. And when i delete this part
IFNULL((SELECT MAX(o.tarih)
FROM odemeler o WHERE o.sil=0 AND o.randevu_id=r.id),"0000-00-00") sonodemetarih

it tooks 1 seconds in php
Why could it be? can you help me, Thanks.
Edit :
you can only focus this query,
SELECT
(SELECT count(1) FROM payments p WHERE p.appointment_id=ap.id AND p.sil=0 )
as paymentscount
FROM appointments ap

in PhpMyAdmin it tooks 0.6 seconds but in php with PDO it tooks 10 minutes.

A: What accounts for the high performance in myAdmin? Probably the query cache. When testing queries for performance use SELECT SQL_NO_CACHE ... or MySQL will remember the previous query result and give it to you again.
What accounts for the slow performance of the query? It has a dependent subquery, and MySQL is probably repeating that subquery for each row of the main query.
Try refactoring your query to avoid the dependent subquery, and instead to join to an independent summary subquery.
Your subquery is this:
             SELECT COUNT(*) payment_count, appointment_id
               FROM payments
              WHERE sil=0
              GROUP BY appointment_id

It gives a little table of payment count by appointment.
Join that to the rest of your query:
 SELECT ap.*, pc.payment_count
   FROM appointments ap
   LEFT JOIN (
             SELECT COUNT(*) payment_count, appointment_id
               FROM payments
              WHERE sil=0
              GROUP BY appointment_id
        ) pc ON ap.id = pc.appointment_id

This is faster because it only has to generate the subquery table once.
The knack you need here is generating the summary you need as a subquery, and using it as a virtual table.


Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The department carries out research within data, electricity and electronics, and offers bachelor programs in electrical- and computer engineering, master programs in computer science and cybernetics/signal processing, and a PhD program in information technology. The master program in computer science is an international program and is taught in english. There are currently 40 employees, including research fellows and postdocs, and 520 students at the departement.


text:
AP Source: Dawson agrees to 1-yr contract to stay with 49ers
FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2013, file photo, San Francisco 49ers' Phil Dawson (9) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Andy Lee (4) during an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings in San Francisco. Veteran kicker Dawson reached agre
Ben Margot, File
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Veteran kicker Phil Dawson reached agreement on a one-year contract to keep one of the San Francisco 49ers' most consistent players with the team for the 2016 season, two people with direct knowledge of the deal said Friday night.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because a formal announcement of his signing hadn't been made. That will happen once his contract is signed and returned to Santa Clara team headquarters given logistics with Dawson spending the offseason in Texas.
Along with being one of the most steady kickers in the league, Dawson also has been a valuable influence and example in a locker room that has dealt with its share of turmoil and change in recent years. The 49ers went 5-11 last season and fired first-year coach Jim Tomsula and replaced him with Chip Kelly. Now-Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and the team parted ways at the end of the 2014 season after missing the playoffs following three straight trips to the NFC championship game and a runner-up finish in the Super Bowl after 2012.
Dawson, who turned 41 in January, had said he wanted to play at least another season and expressed his desire to remain with the Niners despite no longer handling kickoff duties he so loves. Dawson has said he considers it a ''win-win'' because he has been able to concentrate all of his efforts on field goals and PATs and feels much better physically over the grind of a long NFL season. He also enjoyed being a mentor to rookie punter Bradley Pinion last season.
''Very few people get a John Elway-type send-off,'' Dawson said late in the season of Elway going out a Super Bowl winner after the 1998 season. ''At the end of the day, you're a grown man coming to work, and if your team wins that's a super valuable added bonus. If you feel you can come contribute to your team and help your organization, you need to take satisfaction in that. I still want to do that.''
Dawson, who will enter his 18th NFL season and fourth with San Francisco after spending his first 14 years with the Browns, made 24 of 27 field goals last season including a long of 54 yards.
In January 2014 after 15 years, Dawson earned his first playoff victory - and 11 years after his lone previous trip after 2002 with Cleveland.
That came after he delivered on 32 of 36 field goals and made a franchise-record 27 in a row during his first season with the 49ers before that streak ended Dec. 29, 2013, at Arizona.
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AP-NFL
phil dawson
Bradley Pinion

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Features, Indientry, Journalism, Music Journalism, Writing
Interview: The Zeroes
Date: February 20, 2019Author: Abby Jeffers
Earlier in the month, I got the chance to ask a few questions to Willie Lutz, frontman of The Zeroes, a rock band from Columbus, Ohio. The band recently released its debut full-length record, titled Indianola, in November 2018 and is currently touring in support of the record. Follow The Zeroes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and listen to their debut album below!
https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=51039880/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/
Indientry: I know your band is relatively new. Can you tell me a little bit about how you all met and The Zeroes was formed? Do you have history with other local bands?
Willie, The Zeroes: So, the band technically started in my friend Drew's basement in Cincinnati and we wrote the song "Heroes for Villains", which ended up on the album. But Drew is busy and in two other bands called Watchfrogs and Saint Bernard. We were kind of jamming on these big, fuzzy, psychedelic chords and riffs and I realized that was the kind of music I wanted to make. I actually had a different drummer in the band until last March, but I met these guys through mutual friends at a house show I was hosting, so they got to see the baby Zeroes before we became the real Zeroes, so to speak.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
On our album, the Smashing Pumpkins is really what seeps through. I'm also a huge fan of Neil Young, the National, and Wilco, which kind of pointed me towards more abstract and metaphorical lyrical sensibilities.
Follow-up: If you could play a show with any two artists, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
Wow, I could go so many directions with this. I would definitely have to go with Pavement and Paul McCartney. I mean, we'd be underground heroes for reuniting Pavement, who I adore, plus then we could hop onstage for a giant jam on "Get Back" with Paul, because hey, I'm calling the shots on this show.
What kind of music are you listening to right now? What were your favorite records of 2018?
Lately, I've been listening to a lot of shoegaze, like My Bloody Valentine and Ride, but I love anything with interesting melodies and clever guitar work. Like, of this year's releases, I loved Bottle It In by Kurt Vile, Tell Me How You Really Feel by Courtney Barnett, plus Be The Cowboy by Mitski, because she's the melodic goddess of the United States.
The Zeroes perform at a house show.
Indianola is your first full-length. Can you tell me a little bit about the inspiration for that record?
It's mostly from the perspective of a person who's freaking out all the time, which I think we did justice to, especially in the tracklisting of the album. You get the song "Resident" as a sort-of sarcastic mocking of politics and society, but then it's followed up by "Golden Year", which chronicles the difficulty of being honest about your feelings. As you can see, they're very different narratives.
What was the writing, producing, and release process like for Indianola?
The writing was kind of unique and would be hard to replicate as a band because it's mostly the telling of my last three years in college, which is why you get a song like "Posters" outlining my own existential crisis. With that said, we only had four days in a studio to track this record, add two on the back end for mixing, but I think that was where Indianola really came to life. We worked at Candyland Studios with Mike Montgomery, who works with bands I love like The Breeders, Buffalo Killers, and Protomartyr, so that really helped us find the sounds we desired. Plus, Mike is just an awesome dude.
What's your favorite thing about the Columbus music scene, or just about Columbus in general?
The Columbus music community blows my mind, to be honest. There's this bubbling scene of great rock music that's emerging through other great, local acts like Snarls and Paper Lung, just to name a couple, so it's been amazing to be around for the growth of this city's underground scene. However, my favorite thing in all of Columbus is the Newport Music Hall. That's the best room to see a show this side of the Mississippi.
I know Indianola was just released in November 2018, but what's next for you? Do you have any upcoming shows or releases?
Well, right now, we're headed out on our Midwest tour to start 2019 and we're following that with a widespread tour of the states in the summer, so for now, we're just playing a lot of shows.
Is there anything else important about The Zeroes that I didn't cover that you think is important for the general public to know?
Follow us on the social medias and we'll give you a sticker and a high-five!
Originally published on Indientry on January 23, 2019.
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text:
Q: OpenCV Watershed segmentation miss some objects My code is the same as this tutorial.
When I see the result image after using cv::watershed(), there is a object(upper-right) that I want to find out, but it's missing.
There are indeed six marks in image after using cv::drawContours().
Is this normal because the inaccuracy of the watershed algorithm exist?
Here is part of my code:
Mat src = imread("result01.png");

Mat gray;
cvtColor(src, gray, COLOR_BGR2GRAY);

Mat thresh;
threshold(gray, thresh, 0, 255, THRESH_BINARY | THRESH_OTSU);

// noise removal
Mat kernel = Mat::ones(3, 3, CV_8UC1);
Mat opening;
morphologyEx(thresh, opening, MORPH_OPEN, kernel, Point(-1, -1), 2);

// Perform the distance transform algorithm
Mat dist_transform;
distanceTransform(opening, dist_transform, CV_DIST_L2, 5);

// Normalize the distance image for range = {0.0, 1.0}
// so we can visualize and threshold it
normalize(dist_transform, dist_transform, 0, 1., NORM_MINMAX);

// Threshold to obtain the peaks
// This will be the markers for the foreground objects
Mat dist_thresh;
threshold(dist_transform, dist_thresh, 0.5, 1., CV_THRESH_BINARY);

Mat dist_8u;
dist_thresh.convertTo(dist_8u, CV_8U);

// Find total markers
vector<vector<Point> > contours;
findContours(dist_8u, contours, CV_RETR_EXTERNAL, CV_CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE);

// Create the marker image for the watershed algorithm
Mat markers = Mat::zeros(dist_thresh.size(), CV_32SC1);

// Draw the foreground markers
for (size_t i = 0; i < contours.size(); i++)
    drawContours(markers, contours, static_cast<int>(i), Scalar::all(static_cast<int>(i)+1), -1);

// Perform the watershed algorithm
watershed(src, markers);

Original image:

Result after watershed:

You can find original, intermediate and result image here:
Result images after specific process

A: In your example, what you consider background is given the same label (5) as the "missing" object.
You can easily adjust this by setting a label (>0) to background, too.
You can find what is for sure background dilating and negating the thresh image.
Then, when creating a marker, you define the labels as:

*

*0: unknown

*1: background

*>1 : your objects

In your output image, markers will have:

*

*-1 : the edges between objects

*0: the background (as intended by watershed)

*1: the background (as you defined)

*>1 : your objects.

This code should help:
#include <opencv2\opencv.hpp>
#include <vector>

using namespace std;
using namespace cv;

int main()
{
    Mat3b src = imread("path_to_image");

    Mat1b gray;
    cvtColor(src, gray, COLOR_BGR2GRAY);

    Mat1b thresh;
    threshold(gray, thresh, 0, 255, THRESH_BINARY | THRESH_OTSU);

    // noise removal
    Mat1b kernel = getStructuringElement(MORPH_RECT, Size(3,3));
    Mat1b opening;
    morphologyEx(thresh, opening, MORPH_OPEN, kernel, Point(-1, -1), 2);

    Mat1b kernelb = getStructuringElement(MORPH_RECT, Size(21, 21));
    Mat1b background;
    morphologyEx(thresh, background, MORPH_DILATE, kernelb);
    background = ~background;

    // Perform the distance transform algorithm
    Mat1f dist_transform;
    distanceTransform(opening, dist_transform, CV_DIST_L2, 5);

    // Normalize the distance image for range = {0.0, 1.0}
    // so we can visualize and threshold it
    normalize(dist_transform, dist_transform, 0, 1., NORM_MINMAX);

    // Threshold to obtain the peaks
    // This will be the markers for the foreground objects
    Mat1f dist_thresh;
    threshold(dist_transform, dist_thresh, 0.5, 1., CV_THRESH_BINARY);

    Mat1b dist_8u;
    dist_thresh.convertTo(dist_8u, CV_8U);

    // Find total markers
    vector<vector<Point> > contours;
    findContours(dist_8u, contours, CV_RETR_EXTERNAL, CV_CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE);

    // Create the marker image for the watershed algorithm
    Mat1i markers(dist_thresh.rows, dist_thresh.cols, int(0));

    // Background as 1
    Mat1i one(markers.rows, markers.cols, int(1));
    bitwise_or(one, markers, markers, background);

    // Draw the foreground markers (from 2 up)
    for (int i = 0; i < int(contours.size()); i++)
        drawContours(markers, contours, i, Scalar(i+2), -1);

    // Perform the watershed algorithm
    Mat3b dbg;
    cvtColor(opening, dbg, COLOR_GRAY2BGR);
    watershed(dbg, markers);

    Mat res;
    markers.convertTo(res, CV_8U);
    normalize(res, res, 0, 255, NORM_MINMAX);

    return 0;
}

Result:

A: there is very  little emgu cv data on watershed.
here is my translation to this problem using c#. i know it is not the right forum but this answer kips popping up so to all the searchers:
//Mat3b src = imread("path_to_image");

//cvtColor(src, gray, COLOR_BGR2GRAY);
Image<Gray, byte> gray = smallImage.Convert<Gray, byte>();

//threshold(gray, thresh, 0, 255, THRESH_BINARY | THRESH_OTSU);
Image<Gray, byte> thresh = gray.ThresholdBinaryInv(new Gray(55), new Gray(255));

// noise removal
Mat kernel = CvInvoke.GetStructuringElement(ElementShape.Rectangle, new Size(3, 3), new Point(-1, -1));

//Mat1b opening;
//morphologyEx(thresh, opening, MORPH_OPEN, kernel, Point(-1, -1), 2);
Image<Gray, byte> opening = thresh.MorphologyEx(MorphOp.Open, kernel, new Point(-1, -1), 2, BorderType.Default, new MCvScalar(255));

//Mat1b kernelb = getStructuringElement(MORPH_RECT, Size(21, 21));
Mat kernel1 = CvInvoke.GetStructuringElement(ElementShape.Rectangle, new Size(3, 3), new Point(-1, -1));
//Mat1b background;
//morphologyEx(thresh, background, MORPH_DILATE, kernelb);
Image<Gray, byte> background = thresh.MorphologyEx(MorphOp.Dilate, kernel, new Point(-1, -1), 2, BorderType.Default, new MCvScalar(255));
background = ~background;

//// Perform the distance transform algorithm
//Mat1f dist_transform;
//distanceTransform(opening, dist_transform, CV_DIST_L2, 5);
Image<Gray, float> dist_transform = new Image<Gray, float>(opening.Width, opening.Height);
CvInvoke.DistanceTransform(opening, dist_transform, null, DistType.L2, 5);

//// Normalize the distance image for range = {0.0, 1.0}
//// so we can visualize and threshold it
//normalize(dist_transform, dist_transform, 0, 1., NORM_MINMAX);
CvInvoke.Normalize(dist_transform, dist_transform, 0, 1.0, NormType.MinMax, DepthType.Default);

//// Threshold to obtain the peaks
//// This will be the markers for the foreground objects
//Mat1f dist_thresh;
//threshold(dist_transform, dist_thresh, 0.5, 1., CV_THRESH_BINARY);
Image<Gray, float> dist_thresh = new Image<Gray, float>(opening.Width, opening.Height);
CvInvoke.Threshold(dist_transform, dist_thresh, 0.5, 1.0, ThresholdType.Binary);

//Mat1b dist_8u;
//dist_thresh.convertTo(dist_8u, CV_8U);
Image<Gray, Byte> dist_8u = dist_thresh.Convert<Gray, Byte>();

//// Find total markers
//vector<vector<Point>> contours;
//findContours(dist_8u, contours, CV_RETR_EXTERNAL, CV_CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE);
VectorOfVectorOfPoint contours = new VectorOfVectorOfPoint();
CvInvoke.FindContours(dist_8u, contours, null, RetrType.External, ChainApproxMethod.ChainApproxSimple);

//// Create the marker image for the watershed algorithm
//Mat1i markers(dist_thresh.rows, dist_thresh.cols, int(0));
Image<Gray, int> markers = new Image<Gray, int>(dist_thresh.Width, dist_thresh.Height, new Gray(0));

//// Background as 1
//Mat1i one(markers.rows, markers.cols, int(1));
//bitwise_or(one, markers, markers, background);
Image<Gray, int> one = new Image<Gray, int>(markers.Cols, markers.Rows, new Gray(1));
CvInvoke.BitwiseOr(one, markers, markers, background);

//// Draw the foreground markers (from 2 up)
for (int i = 0; i < contours.Size; i++)
//  drawContours(markers, contours, i, Scalar(i + 2), -1);
    CvInvoke.DrawContours(markers, contours, i, new MCvScalar(i + 2));

//// Perform the watershed algorithm
//Mat3b dbg;
//cvtColor(opening, dbg, COLOR_GRAY2BGR);
//watershed(dbg, markers);
Image<Bgr, byte> dbg = new Image<Bgr, byte>(markers.Cols, markers.Rows);
CvInvoke.CvtColor(opening, dbg, ColorConversion.Gray2Bgr);
CvInvoke.Watershed(dbg, markers);

//Mat res;
//markers.convertTo(res, CV_8U);
//normalize(res, res, 0, 255, NORM_MINMAX);
CvInvoke.Normalize(markers, markers, 0, 255, NormType.MinMax);

//return 0;

to find light objects on dark background replace ThresholdBinaryInv with ThresholdBinary


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A Club Car vehicle gives you years of trouble-free service when properly maintained. Please follow the recommended long-term storage checklist. For more information on overall vehicle maintenance, consult the owner's manual.
The charger cannot remain plugged in continuously throughout the storage period.
AC power will not be available during the storage period.
Electrolyte levels will not be maintained throughout the storage period.
Perform the following procedure at least two weeks prior to long-term storage to ensure proper mixing of water and electrolyte. It takes approximately five charge cycles with a minimum of 10 EUs removed to properly mix the water with electrolyte. DO NOT water batteries immediately prior to storage. This will not provide sufficient charge time to mix the water with the electrolyte. Freezing can occur when batteries are stored in this condition.
Two weeks prior to storage: Check the water levels in each battery cell. If water is required, fill the cells to cover the plates, charge the set and then use distilled water to top off each cell. Electrolyte level should be from 1/2-inch (13 mm) above plates to 1/4-inch (6 mm) below the level indicator.
Ensure vehicle is fully charged per the owner's manual.
Turn the key switch to the OFF position, remove the key and leave the forward/reverse switch in the NEUTRAL position during storage.
Place the tow/run switch in the TOW position. Since the battery warning light does not illuminate with the tow switch in TOW, do not use the warning light as an indication of the batteries' charge state.
Clean the battery packs, tops and terminals using a battery acid neutralizer (1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon water). Check, clean and treat battery terminal connections with a battery terminal protector spray.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Single Point Watering System, make sure to place the fill tube on top of the battery. This allows any water in the tube to drain back into the batteries.
A bag protector should be stored in the DOWN position to reduce risk of the vinyl in the window panel cracking. The windshield should be stored in the UPRIGHT position.
Disconnect batteries per the owner's manual ensuring that the cables do not come into contact with a terminal.
Check tire pressure and inflate to 1 8 - 20 PSI or as called for in the owner's manual.
Thoroughly clean the front and rear body, seats, battery compartment and underside of vehicle. Make sure the storage facility has adequate ventilation as called for in the owner's manual.
Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling. Chock the wheels of vehicle since the forward/reverse lever is in NEUTRAL and the vehicle is in TOW position.
Isle Golf Cars is not responsible for any damages that may occur while performing the above procedure.


text:
Jim Thorpe – All-American (UK title: Man of Bronze) is a 1951 American biographical film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Burt Lancaster as Jim Thorpe, the great Native American athlete who won medals at the 1912 Olympics and distinguished himself in various sports, both in college and on professional teams.

The film features some archival footage of both the 1912 and 1932 Summer Olympics, as well as other footage of the real Thorpe (seen in long shots).  Charles Bickford plays the famed coach Glenn Scobey "Pop" Warner, who was Thorpe's longtime mentor.  Bickford also narrates the film, which told of Thorpe's athletic rise and fall, ending on an upbeat note when he was asked by a group of boys to coach them.  Phyllis Thaxter portrays Thorpe's first wife.  The film's production company Warner Bros. used a number of contract players in the film, as well as a few Native American actors.

Plot
During a banquet, legendary football coach "Pop" Warner rises and gives a speech praising Jim Thorpe, which leads to a flashback.

Youngster Jim Thorpe runs all the way home before his first day at an Indian reservation school, but his father talks him into going back, telling him that he wants his son to make something of himself. Years later, a now-adult Jim arrives on the campus of Carlisle School to continue his education. He likes his roommates at the boarding school well enough, fast-talking Ed Guyac and the huge Little Boy Who Walk Like Bear, but nearly gets into a fight with upperclassman and football star Peter Allendine.

When the academic pressure becomes too much for him, Jim goes for a long run, during which he outraces some practicing track athletes. Witnessing this, coach Pop Warner talks Jim into joining the track team. Jim is so talented, versatile, and quick to learn that, at the next meet, Pop's team consists of just him (competing in all but the distance running events) and one other man. Jim by himself beats the other team. After a while, the newspapers are reporting his impressive feats.

Jim is attracted to another student, Margaret Miller, but has to compete for her affections with Peter. Seeing that football is more prestigious than track, he applies to join the football team. Pop, worried about losing most of his track team with a single injury, turns him down, then reluctantly gives in. However, he keeps Jim on the sideline. Finally, he lets Jim play in a game against Harvard, but only to kick the ball away. The first time, Jim is tackled for a loss before he can kick. The second time, he again has trouble catching the ball; about to be tackled, he starts running and scores a touchdown. Soon, he is a celebrated football star.

Jim tells Pop that he has finally figured out what he wants to do with his life: coach. Later, Pop tells him that scouts from a school looking for a coach will be in the crowd watching a showdown between Carlisle and an undefeated University of Pennsylvania juggernaut headed by another All-American, Tom Ashenbrunner. The teams end up in a 13–13 tie after Jim kicks a seemingly impossible field goal in the dying seconds. However, the job goes to the white Ashenbrunner. Jim suspects it is because he is an Indian.

By this time, he and Margaret are dating. Eventually, he tells he wants to marry her, in part because they belong together, as they are both Indians. When Margaret does not return for the new semester, Jim becomes despondent, particularly after he learns that Margaret is white. Pop arranges for Margaret to get a job as a nurse at the school, and steers Jim to her. They reconcile and get married.

Jim decides to become so famous someone will have to hire him as a coach. He enters the 1912 Olympics and wins both the pentathlon and the decathlon. However, when it is discovered that he was paid a pittance to play baseball one summer, he is disqualified and stripped of his medals and trophies because he is not an amateur.

Embittered, Jim turns to professional baseball and football to make a living. He and Margaret have a son, on whom he dotes. He envisions Jim Thorpe Jr. following in his footsteps and recapturing the glory stolen from him. However, the boy dies while Jim is away in Chicago with the Canton Bulldogs, sending him into a downward spiral. Eventually, Margaret leaves him.

Finally, Pop tracks him down, working as a lowly announcer at a dance marathon. Pop offers him a ticket to the opening of the 1932 Olympics, but Jim tears it up. Later, however, he tapes it back together and attends the ceremony. He reconciles with Pop and his resentment dissolves.

One day, he drives over a football that has gotten away from a group of kids. He buys a new one and presents it to the despondent bunch. Watching them play, he starts giving them pointers; they ask him to become their coach, lifting his spirits.

The film then returns to the banquet. Jim, who is in attendance, is inducted into Oklahoma's Hall of Fame.

Cast
Burt Lancaster as Jim Thorpe
Billy Gray as Jim Thorpe as a child
Charles Bickford as Glenn S. "Pop" Warner
Steve Cochran as Peter Allendine
Phyllis Thaxter as Margaret Miller
Dick Wesson as Ed Guyac
Jack Bighead as Little Boy Who Walk Like Bear
Sonny Chorre as Wally Denny
Al Mejia as Louis Tewanema
Hubie Kerns as Tom Ashenbrunner
Jack Baston as King Gustav (uncredited)
Jim Thorpe as Coaching Assistant (uncredited)

Accolades
The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists:
 2006: AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers – Nominated

Epilogue
Jim Thorpe was stripped of his Olympic medals, as depicted in the movie.  After his death in 1953, the International Olympic Committee partly reinstated these honors in 1983 and fully reinstated them in 2022.

Footnotes

External links

1951 films
1950s biographical drama films
1950s sports films
American biographical drama films
American black-and-white films
American football films
Athletics films
Biographical films about sportspeople
Cultural depictions of American men
Cultural depictions of players of American football
Cultural depictions of track and field athletes
1950s English-language films
Films about the Summer Olympics
Films about Olympic track and field
Films directed by Michael Curtiz
Films scored by Max Steiner
Sports films based on actual events
Warner Bros. films
1951 drama films
1950s American films


2. We've had a number of things break around the house in the last month, which is (fortunately) unusual.
The coat rack in our mudroom got accidentally ripped off the wall by a certain boy who shall remain nameless.
The garbage disposal suddenly stopped working, but luckily Peter used his latent handyman skills and was able to fix it. It's probably not a coincidence that this happened at Easter--I didn't know that you're not supposed to throw egg shells down the garbage disposal! Years of doing that finally caught up to me.
Our kitchen sink faucet handle somehow broke, I think from age. It's still awaiting repair, or more likely, replacement. Need to call a plumber.
I started getting an error code on our washing machine when I was doing laundry when the washer would just stop mid-load. I've never had a problem with the washing machine or dryer before, but I guess it decided to jump in on the exciting break-down action going on in our house. A repairman came over yesterday and replaced a pump and now it's fixed and probably good for another five years.
This giant human hamster ball that I bought for the kids at Costco last month popped a hole in it and won't stay inflated anymore. Now they're using it as a giant rocking chair.
I hope that's the end of the broken list. I've got my eye on my SUV, which is about 1,000 miles overdue for a maintenance appointment. I have one scheduled for a week from today. Just hold on another week for me please, my trusty Highlander!
3. I've had a long-time daily habit of thinking about what I was doing on that day a month ago and a year ago. A year ago today, the boys and I flew home from New York City where my sister had gotten married the previous day. I was suffering the after-effects of a terrible bout of food-poisoning that I'd gotten the night before, so it was a tough travel day from New York to Chicago to Cedar Rapids for me, but we made it!
A month ago today, on March 17th, we were on our Disney cruise. We had our first stop on the island of St. Maarten, where we took a tour of the Dutch and French sides of the island, went on a semi-submarine ride under the sea, explored the French capital city of Marigot a bit, and saw some beautiful beaches and scenery. It was a great day. Pictures and blog posts of the cruise are forthcoming, probably not until next fall or winter given my usual pattern.
I love this tree. (I used to know what kind of flowers these were but now I can't think of it. Anyone know?) It's in bloom like this for literally two weeks a year. It's a fleeting but perennial beauty.
5. Yesterday was easily the best day so far of 2015 in our area weather-wise. It was sunny and mild, in the low 70s. (I like it even better about 10 degrees warmer, but I'm not complaining!) Between activities the boys and I had a picnic dinner at the park (courtesy of Wendy's and Costco) and then they had fun on the playground before it was time to drop John off at gymnastics. It was so nice!
It's going to be another nice day out today (upper 70s!), and then rain and colder temps are moving in this weekend and for next week. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. And it will be back soon enough!


text:
Payne & Fears Represents Builder in Largest Recovery in Firm History
Payne & Fears represented a publicly-traded home builder in a complex, high-stakes insurance coverage dispute that was resolved in the builder's favor. Although the terms of the settlement are confidential, the homebuilder was "thrilled" with the settlement. And the Payne & Fears partner that handled the matter calls the settlement a "once in a lifetime" victory.
The odyssey that led to this recovery began in 2011, when the builder sued two of its liability insurers for denying several claims that, together, totaled more than $50,000,000. Had the case gone to trial, the builder would have black boarded policy benefits and extra-contractual damages, including interest and attorneys' fees, in excess of $100,000,000. The settlement occurred after the builder prevailed in two bifurcated trial phases. In the first, the trial court issued several rulings that essentially gutted most of the insurers' coverage defenses. Following these rulings, the builder settled with one of its two insurers. In the second trial phase, the trial court issued a ruling on choice-of-law, again in the builder's favor, which effectively eliminated the second insurer's only remaining coverage defense. The case settled less than three weeks after the court issued this ruling.
The settlement was sweetened by several trial-court rulings that should discourage liability insurers from taking overly-aggressive coverage positions; for example, the court held that:
if a component that is defectively designed or improperly constructed undergoes physical changes, but there is no damage to any other component, the component has sustained covered "property damage;"
excess insurers may not rely on "other insurance" clauses to avoid paying claims when, by their terms, they are excess only to scheduled underlying insurance;
"shall-not-assume-charge" language in excess liability policies does not negate the insurer's statutory duty to pay the insured's defense costs;
an excess insurer cannot – unless its policy explicitly gives it this right – second-guess the underlying insurer's exhaustion of its policy by questioning whether the claims paid by the underlying insurer were covered; and
an insurer cannot avoid fully covering a progressive property damage claim simply because the insured has no insurance for a portion of the time during which the damage is occurring.
Blake A. Dillion
J. Kelby Van Patten
Nathan A. Cazier
Scott S. Thomas


Lets get a break and go out for fresh air.
If your about to say "NOOOOOOO!", dont think that. I will leave you out a list of games for future rounds. Play them if you want to post your scores early (in the first day on a round).
Record your scores for the future so you can remember them and post them.
Edited by BioForceApe, Sun Jul 8, 2012 6:15 PM.


Enjoy the vibrant colors, control, and smooth writing of the Zebra Fountain Pen. No cartridge worries thanks to an innovative ink system. This free-flowing fountain pen provides an efficient dispensing of the ink utilizing every drop. Enjoy this traditional writing tool, now easier to use with matching vibrant color inks.


text:
Blog > Shotguns > The Shotgun, by Louis Awerbuck
The Shotgun, by Louis Awerbuck
Revered by some, vilified by others, the shotgun has been – and will be – around for a long, long time. When technology has finally bypassed all of us, the so-called dinosaur gauge will still be defiantly and effectively spitting out its lethal projectiles. Composed essentially of a simple smoothbore launch tube, the Jeckyll and Hyde weapon can launch a multitude of lethal and less lethal munitions. Ranging from a bead buckshot, rubber, wood, plastic, flechette and slug projectiles to "less lethal" rounds such as beanbags, door breaching cartridges, flares, gas and fireballs such as the Dragon's Breath, the user's availability of specific ammunition for a specific mission is almost inexhaustible. Not only can the shotgun deliver tremendous close-up power, its large caliber slugs can be used to stay inside a 6-inch group at 100 yards. While this may seem laughable to a true rifleman, one need shoot only a two inch group with 12 gauge slugs to print a clover leaf – and most people these days can't shoot a 6 inch group with a rifle under battle conditions anyway.
Although the weapon itself is simple in mechanical construction, taking advantage of the shotgun's potential requires diligent training and knowledge of what the gun can and CANNOT accomplish. But to reach MAXIMUM potential from the Bastard Child of firearms requires an additional element – a gun "surgeon". Sir Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls Royce, once said: "Take the best and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough".
Top 5 Best & Cheapest Double-Barrel Shotguns
There's a raging debate about which shotgun is best for game hunting or home defense. Hunters argue about gun affordability and reliability in smoke-filled cabins. Competitive shooters draw lines about gun durability or performance. And gun enthusiasts and collectors are always looking for new, innovative models. But the truth is: many shotguns are reliable, durable,...
Are Rifles Louder than Shotguns?
One item that is always of concern when shooting is safety. Hearing safety is a primary issue. Damage to your hearing can result in just a few minutes of exposure to the sound of a rifle or shotgun. Many shooters wonder which is louder, shotguns or rifles? On average, rifles are slightly louder than shotguns....
Should you Keep a Shotgun Loaded at all Times?
One of the biggest parts of having a shotgun is choosing how to store it. There are several schools of thought on how firearms should be stored, and when the two camps overlap, there's sure to be a bit of vitriol about how guns should be stored. Should you keep a shotgun loaded at all...
The 5 Coolest Shotguns on the Market in 2022
Shotguns have become so popular that top companies like Browning, Syren, and Winchester are coming up with innovative designs and features that will draw customers in. Whether you're a hunter, competitive shooter, or are new to the sport, you can find a shotgun that will help you aim with precision and shoot accurately, among many...


text:
Benue State Unprecedented Debt Profile Under Governor Gabriel Suswam's Administration By James T. Lorlumun
As at June 30, 2014, the external multilateral debt of Benue State according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) is $28,791,949. 55. The big question Benue people should ask is: how did we get here after the debt relief in 2005 by the Multilateral Creditors?
by Sahara Reporters Sep 17, 2014
In 2005, the Nigerian government through the intervention of world leaders received debt forgiveness to the tune of $18 billion from the Paris Club. Benue State also enjoyed debt relief of $242 million from the Paris Club and £92 million from London Club of creditors under the same arrangement.
Gabriel Torwua Suswam
Domestic debts to contractors in the state were drastically reduced as well by the previous administration. It will therefore not be out of place to state that Governor Gabriel Suswam began in 2007 on a clean slate.
However, in just about over 7 years of the Suswam-led administration, the level of indebtedness of the State cannot be easily ascertained.
First, the Governor Suswam-led State Government secured a N13 billion Bond in 2011. The maturity date of the Bond is 2016, one year after the expiration of his second term in office as governor.
The purpose for securing the bond was to refinance existing debts as well as to finance ongoing projects. The proceeds of the bonds were subsequently misapplied and out rightly embezzled. No single ongoing project was financed with the money.
In fact, the Governor had on several occasions alluded that he spent so much in defending himself against the various court actions instituted against him just before and after the 2011 general elections. We want to believe as a people that part, if not all the proceeds of the bond were used to accomplish this task.
Second, the government is heavily indebted to commercial banks in terms of over drafts and short-term loans. The level of indebtedness has not been made public.
Third, the State government again in 2014 got an approval from the State House of Assembly to secure another bond of N11 billion. The reason for the bond this time was to pay primary school teachers who were owed over 10 months salaries. The state is in the process of perfecting the bond.
It is instructive to note that most of these loans are tied to the Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders (ISPOs) issued to the Accountant General of the Federation to deduct directly from the monthly statutory allocations of Benue State.
Of course the implication is that this debt overhangs, and weighs heavily on the monthly allocations due to the state thereby preventing the government from meeting its minimum basic obligations to the citizens. Benue State is near bankruptcy except something is done urgently to avert the dangerous trend.
There is no gainsaying that Benue State is an agrarian state whose population depends on agriculture for survival. It is therefore sad and most unfortunate that the Suswam's administration has neglected this important sector.
The administration of Senator George Akume had established and commissioned - fertilizer blending plant, cassava processing plant, a fruit juice processing factory for producing fruit concentrates, tomato processing factory and a plastic factory established to produce pipes, sacks (for agricultural materials), bags, etc.
Rather than make these companies function efficiently for the benefit of the Benue people, Governor Suswam decided to sell them to private investors. Two main issues have arisen from the sale of these companies; the secrecy involved in the sale and the whereabouts of the proceeds.
In total disregard to the unprecedented rising debt profile of Benue State, Suswam did the unimaginable, which shocked the citizens of Benue State to the marrow, when he against every advice and schooling, unilaterally slashed the salaries of Benue State workers by 15%, which made the workers to embark on a strike that locked up the whole State for three days.
Suffice to state here that, what necessitated the irritation and the annoyance of the workers was that, the Federal Government shared the allocation for June 2014 in July, and Benue State got the following amount from the Federal Government's allocation.
Benue State Government had N5,535,958,991.44, Local Government council's allocation was N5,051,390,452.06 while SURE P's allocation was N244,400,302.37. In summary, Benue State Government got over N10 Billion only in July from the Federal Government.
So many questions agitated the minds of Benue citizens and workers. What was the justification in slashing 15% from workers salary?
How much does Gabriel Torwua Suswam pay a work force of less than 90,000 in the entire State, including Local Government Councils, that N10 billion is not enough for him to pay their wages and run the affairs of Benue State, when the average pay per person is under N30,000.00, requiring only N2.7 billion monthly for such wages.
Groping for answers, but finding it difficult to arrive at any, it was however reasoned that, the man might have been hoodwinked, or is been swindled by con men, who are sucking and siphoning Benue's resources to finish.
Other Sundry Issues
There are series of constitutional infractions in Benue State caused by the Governor. Recently, the relationship between the Governor and his Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Solomon Wombo has gone sour.
The Governor instead of sacking Mr. Solomon Wombo in line with international best practices, he has resorted in making the Special Adviser redundant. In his place, the Chairman of Logo Local Government who was until his election in 2012 the Personal Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Kester Kyenge is made to be acting in that capacity in addition to his primary role as Council Chairman. He has subsequently presided over Joint Account meetings in the last two months.
Corruption has remained on the increase under the watch of the Governor. He awarded a contract for the construction of the Makurdi inner road since 2007 at the cost of N2.7 billion.
The road is about 5.6 km making the cost per kilometer to be N482, 142,857.14. This contract has dragged for years with variation done on the contract every year. The project is yet to be completed and even at that, the quality of work done is very poor.
The Governor, we understand from reliable sources, collected about 40% of the cost of the contract in kick backs hence the delay in the completion of the project.
Makurdi residents, who thought with the commissioning of the Greater Makurdi Water Works by President Jonathan during a visit to Benue State on March 9, 2012, the issue of acute water shortage would be put to rest, now believe the project is a mirage. Notably, there was no test run of the plant, which is customary during the commissioning of a water project.
This is because there is no functional pipe network. A contract for reticulation has not been awarded by the government. Benue people were also not aware that the Federal Government had contributed N2 billion to the completion of the project, which was never disclosed by the state government.
It was during the "Good Governance Tour" of Benue State that the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon. Labaran Maku made the disclosure. The project was at worst, a conduit pipe for siphoning scarce resources of the state.
An initial contract of N4.99 billion was eventually executed with over N7 billion. Why was the contribution of the Federal Government not made known to the public? What has become of it?
The security situation in Benue State has deteriorated over the last 3 years. Thugs who were armed by the Governor to ensure victory for him and his party; the PDP in the 2011 general elections have turned those arms against innocent citizens.
We wish to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to initiate an amnesty programme for armed youths in the state so that they can surrender their arms for peace to return to the state. They harass, maim, rob and kill people at will.
The Police have made several efforts to arrest and prosecute the criminals but the governor has always meddled into the activities of the force thereby hindering them from performing their duties.
The federal government monetization policy was aimed at saving government the cost of building and maintaining public houses for civil servants. This was domesticated in the state when all the state government owned houses such as the Kwararafa quarters, Lobi Quarters, Ankpa Quarters and low-cost houses were sold to civil servants and other interested members of the public who could afford them.
Incidentally, the government of Governor Gabriel Suswam seems to have engaged the reverse gear on this policy. The government in addition to the government lodges has bought houses of cronies to the governor at exorbitant prices and turned them into government guest houses.
A typical example is the state government acquisition of the duplex built by a Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Joseph Tsavsar (a.k.a Joe K) in the Judges Quarters area of Makurdi and turning it into a Government Special Guest House at a cost above N400million.
The Governor has reduced the Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Benue State into an Automated Cash Machine (ATM). He demands for proceeds of taxes collected by the Board directly from the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Asen. There are no records and even where records exist, they are falsified.
The Chairman is summoned by the Governor at any time of the day to bring money either to Abuja or the government house. When people pay taxes, they expect the government to utilize the proceeds properly for the betterment of their lives and their communities. Also, the Chairman has been a regular visitor to the EFCC in Abuja and wish the Commission will hasten their investigation into the activities of the Board and other government agencies in the state.
Ecological funds accruable to the state have also not been applied properly. Drainage channels in Makurdi and other major towns in the state have been blocked and any major rain results to flooding. Should we assume that the federal government has stopped the release of ecological funds to Benue State?
Finally, I wish to remind the governor that whatever goes around always comes around. I wish to also call on the people of Benue State to be very wise in the choice of who would succeed Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam as Governor come 2015. The debts piled up by this administration must be probed.
This is why the governor is insisting on handing over to one of his cronies to avoid probe while he will take refuge in the Senate, I therefore call on the sound discerning, and reasoning people of Benue State to stoutly resist this evil scheme, by Gabriel Torwua Suswam, aimed at impoverishing and punishing our people with our children yet unborn, through every available means though legal.
Our only wrong, or fault was that, we gave this licentious fellow too long a rope, as he has taken us for a ride for too long.
James T. Iorlumun, Public Affairs Analyst
Exclusive Federal Inland Revenue Service Job Scandal: Full List Of 349 New Staff Secretly Hired By Tunde Fowler
ACTIVISM Group Demands Investigation Of Alleged FIRS' Recruitment Exercise
Corruption 'Fayose Misfires On Aisha Buhari,' Otunba Fasawe Says
Sonala Olumhense Syndicated Bewitched By Aisha Buhari By Sonala Olumhense
Corruption Saraki/Ekweremadu Case Not A National Assembly Matter - SGF Lawal
Corruption Lionel Messi Fined 1.7 Million Euros, Sentenced To 21 Months In Jail For Tax Fraud
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Caren Merrick
Caren Merrick is a technology entrepreneur, executive, investor and board director with over 25 years experience in growth companies. She was founder and CEO of Pocket Mentor, a mobile app delivering leadership development tools. She co-founded and served as Executive Vice President of webMethods, Inc. growing it from zero to $200m in revenue with 1,100 employees. She has deep experience in the nonprofit sector as co-founder, President and Chairman of the webMethods Foundation, which made dozens of grants to educational nonprofits that empower underserved communities. She has served on corporate boards with combined assets of $12b and revenue of $3B including boards of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Washington First Bankshares, and currently serves on the boards of the Gladstone Companies funds where she serves as Chairman of the Valuations Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee. She is a venture partner with NextGen Venture Partners, and served on the Virginia Governor's Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission, and served as a member of the Working Group on the Virginia Institute for Marine Science Innovation Fund. She is a member of the board of directors of Capital Partners for Education. She has served on the boards of the International Womens Forum DC chapter, and The Langley School. She holds a BA in political science from the University of California Los Angeles and attended Santa Monica Community College. She writes and speaks about leadership and growth and has been featured in national and international media.


??? Invoice factoring is different than a bank mortgage as a result of most banks is not going to give you a mortgage based mostly on the stack of unpaid invoices you may have. The main focus is instead shifted to how a lot credit your prospects have fairly than how a lot credit score your corporation has.
When anyone is need of money then he goes for extra financial assist obtainable out there. But it is rather necessary to avail the financial companies which are very quick & obtainable at finest charges of curiosity. Properly when you in hurry and wish pressing money to assist you then finance via textual content might be prove finest for you. These are one of the best ways to get that additional financial help which you need desperately.
Payroll funding corporations allow you to take care of regular move of cash without worrying about late cost from your purchasers. Constant capital liquidity, means that you can simply pay in your worker, sort out enterprise repairs and other bills independently. It stabilizes your company's money circulation and eliminates stress on account of late cost. Payroll funding corporations gives prompt working capital inside 24 hours. When your buyer pays the invoices, you'll obtain the remaining balance much less the factor's fee. Professionals both provide advances by test or deposit the money in your checking account. So, enhance your company's progress and revenue with factoring services.
The sum might vary from state to state in the USA. A number of the states supply as much as $a thousand solely. So a diminutive analysis may match successfully based on the state you dwell in. Payday loans are purposeful loans of all time. The summation you're in dire need of can be dealt with with care. You simply must sit up for fetch the computation handy and make use of it wherever obligatory. The reimbursement slot is brief. It is of about 2 to 4 week. Should you aren't capable of earning not less than $one thousand on monthly basis, in that case these advance grants usually are not suitable for you. It is advisable to be proficient sufficient to recompense the loan sum again in full. The rates differ nonetheless commencing from $25 to $30 on a $one hundred mortgage. If someway an individual fails to compensate the sum on time, he/she might negotiate with the payday lender.
All in all, the middle of revenue for these funding strategies and investing in stock market is the fund managing group you hire. Because there is no such investor who can save this expense, it is important to spend it properly by choosing the one that gives multiple companies for a single charge. Going with any service supplier that solely has a single or a couple of services to supply is a waste of time and cash. Analysis well and spend money on one of the best!
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47 year old Internal Auditor Hutton from Campbell River, enjoys to spend time bridge, . and archaeology. Has these days concluded a travel to Ha Long Bay.


Cavendish to Africa. Will Deloitte improve his performance?
Home/Uncategorized/Cavendish to Africa. Will Deloitte improve his performance?
The rumor is now genuine fact: Mark Cavendish, former boy racer now grown man racer and once the fastest sprinter in the peloton has signed for the South African Dimension Data squad.
On first glance you could say hmmm, big step down from Etixx-Quickstep to Pro Continental upstart. A few other top riders who had dropped off in performance have attempted a comeback with what was previously named the MTN-Qhubeka squad.
That's a very mixed bag in terms for results. Matthew Goss, invisible, Tyler Farrar, uhh very, very quiet, Theo Bos, a handful of second tier wins a year ago and nothing on the books so far this season. Norwegian Edvard Boasson Hagen, victorious but only in the frozen North. A strange place for an African team to be battling for wins but Eddie likes being around home.
In the case of Goss, he went from winning just one stage in 2014 (Stage 2 Bay Classic Series) to zero wins this year. Farrah drooped off big time from seven top ten finishes to a single entry for 2015 (9th, Scheldeprijs).
Only Edvard Boasson Hagen seems to have benefitted in his jump from mega-budget (and expectation) Team Sky to the African team. We've always said that Eddy needed love, not sports science. While you could argue that he only seems capable of winning races in the Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Tour of the Fjords) at least the man is getting up on a podium stage and his overall victory in the Tour of Britain was a good highlight.
That brings us back to the Manxman, who is taking his trip to Africa with his favorite lead-out man Mark Renshaw and best pal Bernie Eisel. Will he stun and surprise everyone — mostly Greipel and Kittel (if the German is ever healthy again) or will he start a Matthew Goss-like fade, swamped by young sprinters on the way up? Will he even be about to be in the top ten when riding the steel frame Buffalo bike?
When MTN-Qhubeka put together a roster of Goss, Farrar, Boasson Hagen and Bos, the question was always who is leading out who? There seemed to be on-going confusion and nobody ever said wow, that Qhubeka train is a well-drilled machine.
Will that change with the volatile and aggressive Cavendish, his bulldog Renshaw and the tough guy road captain Eisel calling the shots? Will Farrar become the number 3 and Goss the number 4 in a dangerous, uber-fast locomotive that takes Cav past the Lotto-Soudal and Giant-Alpecin trains?
Moving forward? Decisive action? Achievable sustainable results — like, say, in a Tour de France sprint? Yeah, let's schedule that Deloitte meeting ASAP. After all, no more Rolf Aldag and Brian Holm calling the shots.
"no more Brian Holm calling the shots", I thought BH and another DS was coming with Mark, besides the riders BE and MR.


Since its first incarnation in 1978, the Viterbi Awards has been a significant annual event for the School. It has become USC's forum for recognizing outstanding members of the engineering community and those USC alumni who have made lasting contributions to science and engineering in all its manifestations.
We are extremely proud to be affiliated as a sponsor for this annual event and other programs which support the universities programs in developing heroic engineers that are making a positive difference in the world we live in today and tomorrow.


June 21, 2016 – Drone Alliance Europe applauds the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American drone industry leaders on release of a final small UAS rule. The release of this rule offers encouragement and positive momentum towards the establishment of universal standards and a common drone market throughout Europe.
The Alliance will continue to advocate to Europe institutions for the establishment of common standards to authorize operations beyond visual line of site, operations over people, autonomous operations, and expanded testing throughout the continent. These forward-thinking policies are essential to realizing the full benefits of this dramatically expanding sector of the economy. The Alliance also reiterates its support for ongoing efforts by Dutch and Slovak presidencies, DG MOVE, EASA, and Parliament to advance a single European market for drones in 2016.


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Audi Q8 green-lighted for production once again
by Adrian Padeanu November 21, 2014 November 22, 2014
The Audi Q8 has been reconfirmed once again and is estimated to go on sale within the next three years as a range-topping Q model. Talking about the vehicle, Audi's technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg said that it will be "more emotional and more sporty" than the second generation Q7 upon which it will be based. The model is set to compete directly with the BMW X6 as well as the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe set to go on sale next year.
According to Audi, the vehicle is going to be 5 meters long and it will adopt a more coupe silhouette compared to the Q7. It will ride on the Volkswagen Group's MLB platform and will be offered with several V6 and V8 gasoline & diesel powertrains. Chances are there is also going to be a plug-in hybrid version while an e-tron full electric variant could also be in the works to go head to head with the Tesla Model X set to go on sale in the second half of 2015.
You Might Also Enjoy: Audi S5 Sportback takes on Dodge Charger Scat Pack in Interesting Test
The Audi Q8 will reportedly carry a starting price of £50,000 for the base version while the RS Q8 is set to cost £90,000 and pack a twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter engine.
via autocar.co.uk
2017 audi q8audi q8
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Corporate Crime & Investigations Update - 22 July 2016
Included in this issue: $3.5bn forex trading probe: charge of HSBC Global Head; Likely hack of U.S. banking regulator by China; Fraud and bribery in the Syrian aid response exposed by investigation in US and more...
Bribery and Corruption
$3.5bn forex trading probe: charge of HSBC Global Head
Mark Johnson, HSBC's global head of foreign exchange trading for the Americas was arrested in New York and charged on Wednesday. Stuart Scott, who is a former colleague, has also been named on the indictment but has not yet been arrested.
They have been accused by the US Department of Justice of "front-running" a currency deal which allows a broker to benefit from a client's trade by using confidential information. They are alleged to have bought sterling on "proprietary" accounts and traded in a manner to spike the price of sterling prior to conducting the client transaction to exchange $3.5bn into British pounds. By so doing, they are said to have made $8 million in profit for HSBC from the trade.
BBC News, 20 July 2016
SFO investigation into Unaoil
The Serious Fraud Office has confirmed it is conducting a criminal investigation into the activities of the Monaco oil contractor, Unaoil, its officers, its employees and its agents in connection with suspected offences of bribery, corruption and money laundering. Unaoil acts as an agent to assist corporates in overseas markets and have worked with various multinationals including Rolls-Royce, Petrofac and Halliburton.
The Monaco firm was also implicated earlier this year in an international corruption scandal by investigative journalists in Australia.
The Guardian, 19 July 2016
Likely hack of U.S. banking regulator by China
According to a recent congressional report, the Chinese government are likely to have hacked computers at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Further, the report alleges that employees at the U.S. banking regulator covered up the intrusions.
The report notes that an internal FDIC investigation has identified Beijing as likely to be behind the attacks and that these attacks were covered up to protect the job of FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg, who was put forward for his post in 2011.
There is no specific evidence in the report that China was behind the hack.
Reuters, 14 July 2016
Chinese hacker has been sentenced by the US for stealing military information
Su Bun, a Chinese businessman, who previously pleaded guilty to hacking sensitive military information has been sentenced in the US to just under four years imprisonment. Su Bin has admitted to collaborating with Chinese military hackers to steal data from US defence companies between the years 2008 and 2014. The data he stole from transport planes and fighter jets was then sold onto Chinese companies.
The Los Angeles Court ordered Su to a 46-month prison sentence and to pay a $10,000 (£7,600) fine.
Fraud and bribery in the Syrian aid response exposed by investigation in US
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that their investigations have exposed bribery and fraud in Syrian aid programs. This announcement has raised concern about profiteering in the humanitarian sector.
Investigations have found that collusion between companies selling humanitarian supplies and staff of USAID's local partners who accepted bribes or rewards in exchange for help in winning a contract, are among the most common type of fraud identified.
Further, there were instances when aid items were substituted for cheaper alternatives resulted in inflated billing.
Metal company fined £20,000 for safety failings
A worker from Rotherham Group Realisations Limited sustained fractures to his right arm, wrist and hand when turning and polishing metal bars. No specific instructions on how this should be completed were provided and he was holding an emery cloth in his gloved hand around the rotating lathe when his hand came into contact with the lathe.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that the risk assessment for using the lathe was insufficient or lacked suitability.
Rotherham Group Realisations Limited was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,316 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1)of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
HSE, 12 July 2016
£200,000 fine for glass company fined after worker was injured
Saint Gobain Glass (United Kingdom) Limited had allowed a metal working lathe to be adapted in order to re-rope conveyor rollers in-house. On 27 April 2015, the worker became entangled with the machinery after the operator's clothing became caught on the roller and he suffered damage to his hand and wrist.
The Health and Safety Executive found that there was a lack of "suitable and sufficient risk assessment which could have prevented this incident from happening".
Pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Saint Gobain Glass was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,137.
Building site manager found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter
A building site manager who had a "total disregard of health and safety" has been convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a 40-year-old worker who died when he fell through a skylight.
The HSE investigation discovered that Mr Patel was the manager on the building site and had asked Mr Tasadaq to fit windows on the first floor. He was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. Mr Patel also pleaded guilty in December 2015 to three health and safety offences. He was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison for manslaughter by gross negligence and eight months in prison for the health and safety offences
SHP, 19 July 2016
Conviction following drowning of school boy
A schoolboy has died after being submerged in a pool that had no lifeguards and no-one able to give first aid.
Six-year-old Aidan Sands, who could not swim, died during a trip to the leisure centre at the Red Lion Caravan Park in Arbroath in June 2011.
Loch Earn Caravan Parks Ltd, was fined £234,000 over health and safety failings that led to the tragedy. The company admitted failing to carry out a suitable risk assessment, failing to ensure safety of all people using the pool, failing to ensure adequate supervision and failing to provide sufficient information and training to employees.
BBC News , 21 July 2016
Singapore to take action against UBS and Standard Chartered for 1MDB lapses
Singapore has widened its investigation into the mis-appropriated funds linked to a politically connected Malaysian state investment company known as 1MDB. Singapore considers there to be "serious lapses" in the anti-money laundering controls of four banks and is looking to take action against them.
Preliminary findings from Singapore central bank reveals "instances of control failings" in UBS Group AG's Singapore branch, a local unit of Standard Chartered Plc and DBS Group Holdings Ltd., in addition to "substantial breaches" of anti-money laundering regulations at Falcon Private Bank Ltd.
Bloomberg, 21 July 2016
ECB decision on the disclosure of confidential information for criminal investigations
In relation to the disclosure of confidential information in the context of criminal investigations, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has issued Decision (EU) 2016/1162.
Both the ECB and national competent authorities (NCAs) can receive requests from national criminal investigation authorities for the disclosure of confidential information created or received in the course of carrying out their role. Principally, the disclosure of confidential information related to monetary policy and other ECB/Eurosystem-related tasks is captured within this decision.
The independence, functionality and duty to uphold professional secrecy of the ECB is not compromised by the introduction of this decision. The interest of the public will continue to be a consideration for the ECB along with the duty to refrain from publishing, in circumstances where damage would be done to those interests.
This decision is effective from 5 August.
ECB Decision
Advocate General Opinion issued in relation to retention of data
A recent opinion of the Advocate General provided to the European Court of Justice in relation to the current domestic provisions regarding the retention of data considers that those powers extend beyond that which is strictly necessary for the purpose of fighting against serious crime.
This opinion from the Advocate General follows from an earlier decision of the European Court of Justice on the Data Retention Directive (2006) and is likely to lead to a challenge on the use of any powers proposed under the forthcoming Investigatory Powers Bill which go beyond what is strictly necessary for the purpose of fighting against serious crime.
Advocate General Opinion
Nichola Peters
Partner, Head of Global Investigations/Inquiries
Email Nichola
Civil Fraud, Asset Tracing and Recovery
Corporate Crime & Investigations Update - 11 November 2016
Corporate Crime & Investigations Update - 4 November 2016
Corporate Crime & Investigations Update - 19 August 2016


Located in a gorgeous, picturesque setting in a mountain valley, this one-time sleepy village, has become a favourite for many a backpacker looking for a getaway without the beach. Apart from taking in the spectacular views, which somehow haven't been spoiled by the explosion of tourism, there is also plenty to see and do in this unique little town. Take in the spectacular views, hike to beautiful waterfalls and explore nearby caves, which somehow haven't been spoiled by the explosion of tourism. Then enjoy a wide selection of Western food and a vibrant backpacker nightlife. If you just want to enjoy the countryside in peace, you can stay on the outskirts in your own relaxing bubble.
Pai is a touristic town filled with Western restaurants and bars, with a bit of a backpacker party vibe which will not appeal to some. Also, probably because of the popularity of a Chinese film set in Pai, the town gets invaded by coach loads of Chinese on package tours, clicking away on their smartphone cameras on selfie sticks. See the When To Go section in the app for further info if you want to avoid the crowds.
During the day you can wander (or cycle) around this fascinating town, visit the day markets, browse in the downtown shops and stop by one of the countless great restaurants for a meal. Take a walk or ride to nearby attractions, such as Pai Village Farm, (less than 5 minutes' walk from the town centre), the Santichon Chinese Village and other villages near the outskirts of town. After dark, you can take a wander down the famous Pai Walking Street market to browse the innumerable goods for sale. Then later, party with some cheap drinks at one of the many bars, with anything from live reggae to jazz music, or track down a peaceful hideaway for a quiet drink. Out of town, there are so many places to see in nature and Hill Tribes to visit, you'll have trouble fitting them all in. There's also a load of adventure sports on offer, from tubing to white-water rafting.
If you like the sound of Pai, you will love it and want to say at least a few days, or as long as your time allows!
During the past ten years, Pai has not only become a magnet for foreigners who flock to enjoy its unique ambience, it has also become equally popular amongst Thai tourists. These days, it's no exaggeration to say that there are more guesthouses, restaurants, tour agencies and night spots here than private dwellings. Some have even compared Pai to the Khao San Road in Bangkok, although that's a considerable stretch of the imagination. Nearly every farmhouse in the valley has rooms for rent, but so far, most of the recent tourist developments have been in keeping with the local setting. In the low season you can hardly imagine how busy this lovely peaceful town it can get, especially between the months of October and February.


Learn how to earn a free trip to Israel!
We believe that traveling to Israel is an opportunity of a lifetime for every Christian. We know God draws people to this Holy place, and it is here that people draw near to Him. Lives are transformed, eyes are opened and your relationship with Christ will forever be stronger!
Pastors who take a pilgrimage to the Holy Land find the experience to be personally rewarding and those rewards flow into their ministry. Imagine returning to your congregation with new passion, a deeper spiritual relationship with Christ and a Bible that went from black & white to color! Now imagine actually traveling with members of your congregation or leadership team and connect with your spiritual family at a whole new level. The spiritual bonding that occurs when a church travels together to Israel can easily start a revival in your ministry.
LeSEA Tours offers Pastors and group leaders a special opportunity – We call it "co-hosting" and when you 'host' a small group to the Holy Land in November, you will earn free trips!
Here's how: In November, when you refer a group of five people who pay full price, you will receive one free tour package in return. Refer ten people and earn two free packages. Fifteen in a group will earn you three free packages! There is no limit to the number of free trips you can earn. Please note however that each free tour package must pay taxes and fuel surcharge fees.
How does it work? Simple! Share your love and enthusiasm for the Holy Land with your congregation and have them contact us for information. Anyone that signs up that is referred by you will be credited towards your free trip(s). We take care of all the details.
Contact us for a free information packet.


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