text:
TSEUNG KWAN O HERITAGE HIKING TRAIL AND HERITAGE INFORMATION CENTRE
A launch ceremony for the construction of the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail and the Heritage Information Centre under the Signature Project Scheme (SPS) of Sai Kung District was held in April 2017.
The project comprises the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Information Centre and Hostel, the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail, and a permanent public toilet at Duckling Hill and is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The Tseung Kwan O Heritage Information Centre and Hostel, the former Tiu Keng Leng Police Station (TKLPS) at Po Lam Road South will be refurbished into a Heritage Information Centre to enable local residents and visitors to learn about the unique development history of Tseung Kwan O. To generate revenue to cover the operating costs of the centre, the former staff quarters next to the former TKLPS will be converted into a hostel. The centre and the hostel will be managed and operated by the partner organisation, the Haven of Hope Christian Service, on a non-profit-making and self-financing basis. The Haven of Hope Christian Service will hire disabled persons to assist in the operation, and will provide them with vocational training opportunities.
The Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail will be connected with Section 3 of the Wilson Trail, the historical Mau Wu Shan Observation Post and the newly converted Heritage Information Centre, In response to the needs of the community and for the convenience of hikers, a permanent public toilet will be constructed at Duckling Hill, a popular hiking spot in Tseung Kwan O.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
HONG KONG PALACE MUSEUM
Hong Kong Palace Museum is to be developed in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) in collaboration with the Palace Museum in Beijing. A Memorandum of Understanding with the Palace Museum to take forward the development of the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the WKCD was signed in December 2016.
WKCD is currently being developed into a world-class integrated arts and cultural district comprising local, traditional as well as international elements. Its first permanent facility, the M+ Pavilion, commenced operation last year. Other art and cultural facilities, including the Xiqu Centre, Art Park, Freespace and M+ Museum, will be completed in phases during the next few years.
In 2012, a collaborative agreement was signed between the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government and the Palace Museum. Since then, large-scale exhibitions have been organised by LCSD museums in collaboration with the Palace Museum every year. These exhibitions have been well received by members of the public as they offer a glimpse of the valuable collections of the Palace Museum and its fascinating history.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum will stand out prominently on the western harbourfront of the West Kowloon Cultural District, with the proposed Exhibition Centre lying to its north. The museum will have a site footprint of around 10,000 square metres and an approximate construction floor area of 30,500 square metres. Major facilities will include exhibition galleries, activity rooms, a lecture theatre, souvenir shop and restaurant. Part of the gallery space will be used for permanent exhibitions to showcase relics on imperial life, as well as the history and culture of the Palace Museum. Other galleries will focus on its collections such as paintings and calligraphy, ceramics as well as other arts and cultural artefacts. In addition to the two thematic exhibition galleries, a gallery will be dedicated to feature collections from Hong Kong collectors.
A wholly-owned subsidiary company under the WKCDA is to be set up to oversee the construction, management and day-to-day operation of the museum. The Palace Museum will provide, on a long-term loan basis, collections for display in the Hong Kong Palace Museum and provide expert advice and assistance on museum design or curatorial matters where necessary. It will not be involved in the daily management of the museum
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (HKJCCT) has agreed to donate HK$3.5 billion to fund the capital cost of the project, covering design, construction and exhibition development cost. Rocco Yim, head of architectural practice Rocco Design Architects which has been involved in many major projects in Hong Kong and the Mainland, has been appointed as design consultant.
The final design for the museum was unveiled in October 2017. The building will have five-storeys and three central atriums with glass walls to provide natural light and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the cultural centre and Lantau Island. The museum will be accessible on foot and there will be an underground car park and green corridor linking the museum with the Xiqu Centre, the Cantonese Opera theatre which is currently under construction near Austin Station. Two ferry piers will also be developed serving the site are also planned, one near Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter and one near to the M+ Pavilion.
The WKCDA is expecting to tender the works for the Hong Kong Palace Museum in early 2018 and the project is anticipated to be completed by 2022.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 28th May 2018 during which it was announced that the first exhibition when the museum opens in 2022 will feature ancient horse themed artefacts loaned from the Palace Museum in Beijing to depict the benevolence of the HKJCCT in donating HK$3.5 billion to the project.
In May 2019 Louis Ng Chi was appointed museum director, having been interim director since August 2018. Mr Ng had previously been Deputy Director of Culture at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The museum structure was completed in November 2020 and is expected to display over 800 exhibits including 160 national treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing when it opens in 2022.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
FOUR MORE HISTORIC BUILDINGS TO BE REVITALISED
During November 2016 the Development Bureau announced the names of the four historic buildings comprising Batch V of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme and invited revitalisation proposals from non-profit-making organisations.
The four historic buildings are Roberts Block, Old Victoria Barracks in Central; Luen Wo Market in Fanling; the Former Lau Fau Shan Police Station in Yuen Long; and Watervale House, Former Gordon Hard Camp in Tuen Mun.
ROBERTS BLOCK, OLD VICTORIA BARRACKS is a Grade 1 historic building and was constructed in the early 1900s. It was originally used as an army married quarters. From 1986 to 2013 it was used as a rehabilitation hostel for psychiatric patients.
LUEN WO MARKET built in 1951, is a Grade 3 historic building. It was the largest built market in the New Territories at that time and sold daily necessities such as vegetables and fish.
Facade of Luen Wo Market
THE FORMER LAU FAU SHAN POLICE STATION is a Grade 3 historic building and was built in 1962. It was an outpost and operational base of the Hong Kong Police Force to keep watch on illegal immigrants.
WATERVALE HOUSE, FORMER GORDON HARD CAMP built in 1933, is a Grade 2 historic building. It was originally a private residence. In 1959, the British War Department purchased the building and used it as a British officers' mess in Gordon Hard Camp.
The Revitalisation Scheme aims to preserve government-owned historic buildings and put them into innovative use as well as promote active public participation in conservation of historic buildings and create job opportunities. One of the key selection criteria in the Revitalisation Scheme is public access to and enjoyment of historic buildings. Applicants are encouraged to open the whole or part of the historic building to the public for their appreciation on, on the premise that the social enterprise operation therein is not affected.
The 15 projects selected under the first four batches of the Revitalisation Scheme are at different stages of development and eight projects have commenced operation. These are, under Batch I, the Former North Kowloon Magistracy, the Old Tai O Police Station, Lui Seng Chun, Fong Yuen Study Hall, Mei Ho House and the Former Lai Chi Kok Hospital and, under Batch II, the Old Tai Po Police Station and the Stone Houses. Among the projects in operation, four have received UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. They are the Former North Kowloon Magistracy, which was revitalised as the Hong Kong Campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design; the Old Tai O Police Station, which was revitalised as the Tai O Heritage Hotel; Mei Ho House, which was revitalised as YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel; and the Old Tai Po Police Station, which was revitalised as the Green Hub for sustainable living.
The Development Bureau anticipates that the revitalisation works of three projects will be completed in 2017, and another four are expected to be completed between 2018 and 2019.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
THREE HISTORIC BUILDINGS TO BE REVITALISED
Three projects proposed by non-profit-making organisations have been selected by the Development Bureau to revitalise No. 12 School Street in Tai Hang, the Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters in Pok Fu Lam and the Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre in Sheung Shui under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.
No. 12 SCHOOL STREET (a Grade 3 historic building) will be converted by the Tai Hang Residents' Welfare Association into the "TAI HANG FIRE DRAGON HERITAGE CENTRE", which will introduce the history and culture of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon. The Centre will also run courses and programmes to promote traditional Hakka culture, and will house a Fire Dragon-themed restaurant to promote Hakka food culture.
THE OLD DAIRY FARM SENIOR STAFF QUARTERS (a Grade 1 historic building) will be revitalised into "POKFULAM FARM" by Caritas-Hong Kong. Pokfulam Farm will present the history of the Old Dairy Farm and display some of its artifacts and utensils, and there will be workshops for visitors to experience how dairy products are made. Visitors will also be able to join guided tours, workshops and activities to learn more about the culture of Pokfulam village and the surrounding area.
LADY HO TUNG WELFARE CENTRE (a Grade 2 historic building) will be turned into the "LADY HO TUNG WELFARE CENTRE ECO-LEARN INSTITUTE" by Sik Sik Yuen and the Incorporated Management Committee of Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre. The Institute will provide education programmes on biodiversity for the local community and will also have an agricultural corner modelled on the local rural ecological environment with the aim of helping to promote sustainable farming.
Government funding of HK$120 million is to be earmarked to renovate the three historic buildings and another HK$9 million for subsidising the initial operation of the projects. The revitalisation projects will create about 108 full-time jobs during the renovation period, and around 50 or more full-time or part-time jobs upon commissioning. The projects are expected to be completed and come into operation in 2019.
The Government launched the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in 2008 to invite proposals to revitalise selected government-owned buildings in the form of social enterprises. Where justified, the Government provides financial support to the selected organisations, including one-off grants to cover the cost of major renovation of the buildings, in part or in full; nominal rental for the buildings; and one-off grants to meet the starting costs and operating deficits of the social enterprises for a maximum of the first two years of operation at a ceiling of HK$5 million per enterprise, on the prerequisite that the social enterprise proposal is projected to become self-sustainable after this initial period. For further details of the scheme see;
http://www.heritage.gov.hk/en/rhbtp/about.htm
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
FORMER FANLING MAGISTRACY
The two-storey Former Fanling Magistracy, located on Jockey Club Road, was built in 1960 and began operation in 1961. After the Government introduced new legislation to extend the civil jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the District Court to the rapidly growing and developing New Territories it was the first magistracy to be set up in the New Territories and served the Northern District. By 1996, the population of this district had increased by about 300% to 516,500 and although additional buildings had been built on the site, the Former Magistracy lacked essential support facilities such as public witness rooms, public consultation rooms, separate facilities for the media and lawyers, facilities for people with disabilities and central air conditioning for the public waiting areas. There were also inadequate interview rooms in the custodial area for litigants to discuss their cases with their legal representatives. The Former Magistracy was considered unsuitable to meet its needs and a new, more spacious magistracy building was completed in 2002. Since then, the Former Fanling Magistracy has been closed and left vacant apart from being rented out on short-term tenancy for film shooting. The site comprises five buildings, namely the Former Fanling Magistracy built 1960, the Annex Court Building at the northwest, built in 1983, the Duty Lawyers' Office, built in about1997 and two small associated blocks for building services facilities at the west.
The Government invited applications from interested parties under its "Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme" and in February 2013 it was announced that the site will go to the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, who will partner with the University of Hong Kong to offer leadership training for students and young executives. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.
The Former Fanling Magistracy, which closed in 2002, is to become a youth leadership training centre
KAI TAK NULLAH IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION WORKS
The Kai Tak Nullah is being renamed the Kai Tak River and is to be developed into a leisure and tourist hub linking up districts in Kowloon East including Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and San Po Kong. The project, which was announced in March 2012, follows public consultations initiated by the Drainage Services Department in 2010 and 2011 and consultations with Wong Tai Sin District Council and related organisations regarding the construction design, beautification works and conservation. The existing nullah is 2.4km in length and runs from Po Kong Village Road, along Choi Hung Road, past Tung Tau Estate and San Po Kong and into Kai Tak Development Area before discharging into the Victoria Harbour. The nullah is one of the major flood relief drainage channels in East Kowloon area.
The project will be undertaken in three stages. The first stage is mainly to reconstruct and rehabilitate an approximately 600-metre-long upstream section of the Kai Tak River from Po Kong Village Road to Tung Kwong Road. The works are scheduled for completion in 2018. The project will improve the river's drainage capacity through deepening the river, constructing underground box culverts, and relocating water mains and sewers. Also, the leisure space and landscape beautification facilities will be upgraded, turning the river into an attractive green river corridor. Historic monuments along the river will be preserved. Improvement works for the mid- and lower-stream sections of the river will begin in 2013. In July 2013 tenders were invited for reconstruction and rehabilitation of a 500-metre stretch of the river from Tung Kwong Road to Prince Edward Road East with work scheduled to commence in December 2013 with completion in June 2017. The whole project is expected to be completed in 2018.
In August 2014 a design competition was launched by the government's Civil Engineering and Development Department for ideas to transform eight hectares of open space along a 1km stretch of the river into a green corridor leading to a harbourfront promenade. The contest had both an open category, open to the public, with a prize of HK$40,000 and a professional category with a prize of HK$400,000. A panel of seven judges assessed the entries, with the winners being considered for the final blueprint. The competition attracted 80 entries with the winning design by a group of urban design masters degree students from the University of Hong Kong. The design suggests the old airport runway tip be broken up into three islands with parks, a cycle track, swimming pool, hotel, tourist centre and festival stage with smaller floating islands on the water between Kwun Tong Promenade and the runway with mini golf course, fishing dock, seafood restaurant and pet garden. Full details of the competition and winning entries are available on the competition website;
https://www.ktridesign.hk/
The improvement works will be carried out in line with the Kai Tai Development Area Project with an emphasis being placed on the landscaping and beautification works. The new river corridor is intended to become a must-see leisure attraction, offering another venue for recreation, entertainment, education, community art creation and more. The improved river is projected to be a unique urban landscape axis merging the surrounding old districts with new developments in the Kai Tak Development Area
The riverbed has been deepened and the banks have "beautified" with draping plants such as great bougainvillea, submerged mangrove plants and with boulders. The capacity for processing floodwater is more than double that before the work began. There is no riverside path, however, as floodwater can reach a height of one metre is under eight minutes.
The project, which has cost HK$2.8 billion will be completed in April 2018.
For more information see;
http://www.ktd.gov.hk/kaitakriver/eng/existingkaitaknullah.html
Kai Tak River in November 2017 following improvement works
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CENTRAL MARKET REVITALISATION
The historic Central Market which closed in 2003 is to be preserved and will become a "Green Oasis" in Central.
Central Market before commencement of the preservation project
The market was constructed in 1938 in Streamline Moderne style as the Canton Bazaar and its design was based on London County Council by-laws of 1915. It replaced previous markets dating back to 1858 and 1895 and at one time was largest meat market in Southeast Asia. The market which is located between Queens Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central is a 15,000 square metre four-storey concrete building and incorporates a walkway corridor leading to the Central - Mid-Levels Escalators. HK$500 million was originally expected to be invested by the Urban Renewal Authority in the refurbishment but delays to the project are likely to see this budget revised. Around half the space being occupied by shops and a courtyard, restaurants and rooftop garden will be included in the redevelopment.
The building was repainted externally in early 2010 reflecting the theme of the plans to create a "Green Oasis" before being again redecorated externally in late-2012 (see below)
An advisory committee, Central Oasis Advisory Committee, has been formed and met for the first time in December 2009 under the chairmanship of David Lung Ping-yee, a retired professor of architecture. The committee comprises district councillors, professionals and conservationists and will initiate a public consultation on operation and uses for the market. The government's Secretary for Development has already indicated that each floor of the market will have a different theme with possible uses being a 24-hour bookshop and arts square on the ground floor, restaurants on the second floor and a gym on the third floor. The first public consulatation was carried out in early 2010, involving some 6,000 people including tourists, and the overwhelming view was expressed that there is no desire amongst the public for the market to be turned into another high-end shopping mall. The government has already made a pledge that the revitalisation will result in a "market for the people" and will avoid expensive restaurants and boutiques that have featured in other urban renewal projects and instead will provide affordable dining facilities, open space for general and public workers in Central and quality community facilities. Plans for the building were lost in the second world war and preliminary results from a structural survey indicate that work will be necessary to bring the building up to current standards. Strengthening work would be needed to support an area of greenery on the buildings and the Urban Renewal Authority has indicated it is prepared for the original budget estimate to be exceeded to achieve the right results. Public toilets at the entrance to the market, notorious for their foul smell, will be demolished.
The arcade in the walkway adjacent to the market leading to the Central-Mid-Levels escalator link was temporarily transformed into green space with plants and seating.
By late 2017 the arcade shops had been closed and green space removed
Four design plans were chosen and shown in public exhibitions for consultation in April 2011 with tenders being invited in mid-2011. AGC Design, who designed the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui was chosen as designer in November 2011, having originally put forward an "Urban Floating Oasis" design which featured a swimming pool. It was considered unlikely that the swimming pool, which may require building strengthening work, will feature in the final design which will be based on public opinion. ACG Design have teamed up with architectural designer Arata Isozaki from Japan and Wasa, a specialist reinforced concrete design practice from America. In September 2015, however, the Urban Renewal Authority announced revised plans which reduce the scale of the project and the estimated cost from HK$1.5 billion to HK$600 million. The "floating oasis" concept with rooftop garden has been scrapped and there will no longer be a basement. Public space will remain at 1,000 square-metres but the amount of commercial space will be reduced. No public consultation will take place and the revised plans have to be approved by the Town Planning Board but it is hoped that the project will be completed by 2020.
Other design plans were submitted by Aedas, who designed the future West Kowloon terminus for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway and proposed to retain key Bauhaus characteristics of the building including a large market area. British-based TFP Farrells whose design would have retained the building's original layout and included a reinstated market on the second floor, an open-air courtyard and a mosaic of coloured glazing. Barrie Ho-Chow-lai's "Urban Cocoon" design would have retained the shell, the two grand staircases and some market stalls but about 60% of the internal structures would have been demolished to widen the atrium and allow more natural light into the building.
In late-2012 the exterior of the building was transformed from its previous "green oasis" theme and redecorated with illustrations by three local comic artists, Lee Wai-chun, Lee Chi-ching and Wong Chiu-tat in styles which reflect the harmonious and relaxing atmosphere the revitalised market is intended to become.
A judicial review and appeal proceedings relating to the Government's rezoning plan for the building delayed finalisation of the URA's planning application which was submitted to the Town Planning Board in mid-2013. In order to meet the requirement that the second floor passageway which links mid-levels escalators with the harbourfront in Central remains open at all times the work was planned in two phases. It had been anticipated that the first phase of the project would be completed in 2017-18, with the whole project being completed in 2019-20, some 2-3 years behind original expectations. The original project cost of HK$500 million, estimated in 2009, had by 2015 increased to HK$1.5 billion owing to increased construction costs due partly to delays caused by the judicial review and stringent requirements imposed by the Buildings Department. In April 2015 it was reported that the project may have to be scaled down to meet the original budget figure of HK$500 million owing to financial pressure on the URA, which recorded a HK$2.3 billion deficit in 2013/14 and dissatisfaction over some aspects the role of the URA seen as neglecting its social responsibilities, including provision of subsidised flats.
In March 2016 plans were approved by the Town Planning Board for a revised design for a four-storey building with new façade made of transparent materials and 1,000 sq m of public space subject to certain conditions including provision of a 24-hour public passageway. The area of green space has not been disclosed but a feasibility study for greening of the building's rooftop is believed to have been proposed. The revised cost estimate is HK$600 million. In March 2017 the Government announced, subject to approval, that URA would be granted the site for 21 years by private treaty. Construction works are expected to commence during 2017 with completion anticipated before the end of 2021.
One of the illustrations by local comic artists which has adorned the exterior of the market
The second floor passageway linking the market with Central - Mid-Levels escalator link has already been transformed into a pleasant space with seating known as "Oasis Gallery", which has accommodated over 80 temporary exhibitions since 2010. Nine shops in this arcade were served with eviction notices in August 2011 to vacate their premises for emergency repair works to be carried out but eight subsequently since signed monthly lease extensions allowing them to remain in the arcade until final notice was given to vacate the premises by 26th September 2017 redevelopment work expected to commence shortly after.
In September 2020 a new passageway through the market and a tendering exercise for the market operator began which was expected to be completed in early 2021 with a target for completion of the project of third quarter 2021.
By April 2016 the artistic decoration had been removed and the building's exterior had been returned to its original state
SHA TIN - CENTRAL RAIL LINK
Construction of a 17-kilometre rail link from Sha Tin to Central commenced in June 2012 with completion expected in 2020. The scheme was officially gazetted by the government on 27th November 2010. The MTR extension will provide a direct route between Ma On Shan and Sha Tin to Admiralty and Central and will also provide a link between East Kowloon and the Western New Territories via West Rail. There will be a major interchange station at Tai Wai where the Ma On Shan line currently branches from East Rail and there will be five other interchange stations. The line will include stations at Tai Wai, Hin Keng, Diamond Hill, Kai Tak, Sung Wong Toi (previously named To Kwa Wan), Ma Tau Wai, Ho Man Tin, Hung Hom, Exhibition (northern Wan Chai) and Admiralty. The line is expected to carry 1.1 million passengers a day during its first year of operation. Many journey times will be substantially reduced, for example, journeys between Tai Wai and Diamond Hill and Hung Hom and Admiralty will each take just 5 minutes compared to journey times of 17 minutes on existing lines. The original estimated cost of the project, which was originally expected to have commenced in 2010, has increased from HK$37.4 billion to HK$87.3 billion at December 2017 following delays in announcing final plans which, in addition to a 30% increase in the cost of building materials include an additional station at Hin Keng, just north of Lion Rock Tunnel, revised alignment and a larger pedestrian network at Tsz Wan Shan where a station cannot be built. The estimated cost was later indicated as HK$97.2 billion, however In February 2020 a revised final estimate of HK$82.99 billion was quoted by MTR Corp. Government funding for the project was approved on 18th February 2011, preliminary work began in 2011 and a Ground Breaking Ceremony to mark the commencement of construction was held on 22nd June 2012. Construction is being carried out in two phases with the Tai Wai to Hung Hom, originally expected to be completed in 2018 being delayed by construction failures in connection with extension work at Hung Hom Station, and the cross-harbour Hung Hom to Admiralty section in 2021. It is now expected that the section from Tai Wai to Kai Tak, which also takes in Diamond Hill Station and a new station at Hin Keng, will open in the first quarter of 2020 with a provisional opening date of 5th January. Construction work includes a temporary reclamation area of about 0.7 hectares at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter. The project is expected to create about 15,000 jobs during the construction phase. During excavation at the site of the future Sung Wong Toi Station in late 2013, archaeological relics including a Song dynasty well were discovered which have contributed to the delay in completion of the project. The well has been preserved in situ but construction work in the vicinity of the find was halted to allow archaeologists more time to investigate other relics. 37 new train sets for the line were ordered from Hyundai Rotem Company of South Korea and delivery commenced in September 2015, following which the trains will undergo comprehensive testing in depot and on the tracks. The new trains are slightly wider than existing East Rail trains and adjustments to platform edges along East Rail is necessary, commencing with University and Tai Wo stations in July 2015. The line will be operated by MTR on a concessionary basis with the government funding construction and MTR being responsible for design and planning. A 50-year service concession with the government receiving service-concession payments of about HK$1.76 billion per annum from MTR. In February 2020 the first section of the Tuen Ma Line, part of the Shatin - Central Link opened, connecting Kowloon East to the existing Ma On Shan Line through Lion Rock. The new line serves the two new stations, Hin Keng and Kai Tak, as well as the expansion of Diamond Hill Station which becomes an interchange station with the Kwun Tong Line. The Tai Wai to Hung Hom section is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 and Admiralty to Central in the first quarter of 2022.
Construction site of Exhibition Station, next to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The completed new Wan Chai Ferry Pier can be seen in the centre right of picture
"MEGA TOWER" (HOPEWELL CENTRE II)
Original plans dating back to 1994 for a 93-storey "Mega Tower" plan, now renamed "Hopewell Centre II", proposed for Kennedy Road in Wan Chai were scaled down following public opposition and new proposals announced in November 2008 for a 55-storey development with 1024 room hotel were finally approved in mid-2012. The original plans proved controversial, particularly amongst environmentalists who have proposed a green belt in order to force a reduction in the size of the project. Opponents of the scheme also had concerns about traffic congestion, air flow, obstruction of views from Mid-Levels and the impact on historic buildings such as Hung Shing Temple and Nam Koo Terrace. Government land makes up around 40% of the site with the remainder of the land belonging to the developers Hopewell Holdings. The project includes creating two additional lanes on Queen's Road East and widening the footpaths on Kennedy Road. An additional HK$80 million will be spent on creating a public park. The development will be connected to Kennedy Road by pedestrian walkway and tunnel with 24-hour public access. During September 2008 Hopewell Holdings had put forward revised proposals which would reduce the height of the building by only about 5 floors and in late October the traffic impact assessment submitted by the developers was rejected by the Transport Department. Following a land surrender and re-grant deal with the government under which Hopewell will pay a land premium of HK$3.7 billion, the project finally got the go-ahead in mid-2012. The site will cover an area of about 105,917 square feet, with a tower height of 210-metres and total gross floor area of 1.09 million square feet. About 70% of the floor area will be allocated to the hotel, 27% for retail and the remainder for office use. In mid-2014 it became known that Hopewell had submitted an application to the Town Planning Board to reintroduce a "wall block" design and add a huge podium with a large 1,500-seat convention theatre and 50,000 sq ft of additional facilities which were opposed by local residents and rejected by the board in 2004 and 2005. The Kennedy Road Protection Group has again objected to these proposals owing to the development bulk and impact on traffic.
Site clearance began in late 2012, with completion of the project expected in 2020.
Hopewell II site clearance below Kennedy Road, early 2014
A one-off payment of HK$21.6 billion was approved by the Hong Kong SAR Government in July 2008 to fund development of the West Kowloon Cultural District which was first proposed in 1998 and will provide a world-class arts hub which it is hoped will attract visitors and audiences from throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. A revised estimate in March 2012 for the cost of the project, carried out by University of Hong Kong Professor Chau Kwong-wing, indicated that an additional HK$9.2 billion to HK$16.4 billion mainly due to increased construction costs, may be required if the scale and quality of the project is to be maintained and it was reported in April 2013 that the latest estimate for the cost of the project is expected to reach HK$60 billion, almost three times the original estimate, owing to the increased cost of building materials.
The hub is being built on a 40-hectare site in the area around Kowloon Station. Construction began during 2011. The first phase will provide no less than 12 new venues with a combined total of 24,400 seats. It had originally been expected the first phase would be opened by 2014/15 but the project has been subject to considerable delay (see below). It is proposed that the development will include three iconic buildings Xiqu (Chinese Opera Centre), M+ (flagship museum) and the Concert Hall/Chamber Music Hall. It is understood that the original name for the Chinese Opera Centre, "Xiqu" is likely to be dropped and the centre simply known by its English name "Chinese Opera Centre" although the official name will not be announced until the centre has been completed in 2018. A "soft-opening" is expected in late 2018 with a "Grand Opening" in 2019. Other venues include two medium-size theatres, four blackbox theatres and piazza area. The "M+" museum, now expected to open in 2019, which will focus on design, moving image, popular culture and visual arts and the hub will also include retail, dining and entertainment facilities. The Planning Department proposed dividing the site into three zones with different height limits with the western zone being set at 50 metres, the central zone in front of Kowloon Station set at 100 metres and the eastern zone set at 70 metres. However this has led to objections that this will restrict the flexibility of the design of buildings and the height restrictions have since been partially relaxed although the final design has not yet been decided.
Xiqu Centre seen under construction, December 2017
A competition was announced in 2006 which resulted in which British architect Norman Foster, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and local architect Rocco Yim Sen-kee submitted proposals for the masterplan design. Part of the brief was that at least 23 of the 42 acres of the arts hub area must be open space. In March 2011, West Kowloon District Authority announced that Norman Foster had won the design competition, a decision which reflected public opinion during a public consulation period held between August and November 2010. Foster brought together 25 advisers from Hong Kong and overseas to ensure the design "reflects the expectations of the people of Hong Kong". Foster's plans feature a large 19-hectare urban park with over 5,000 trees to the west of the park occupying almost half of the entire area of the site. However, it has subsequently become known that the park area may have to be reduced by half as the area above the Western Harbour Tunnel is not suitable for planting trees. There plan includes several hotels close to the Western Harbour Tunnel portal, blocks of flats up to 20-storeys high along Austin Road and arts and cultural venues scattered throughout the site. Traffic will run underground and the project is said to boast zero carbon emissions. The original plan allows for some elements of the project, such as "M+" to be developed in phases, enabling the financial burden to be reduced but the mega-performance venue and the Chinese Opera Centre - will be built in their entirety during the first phase of construction of 12 to 13 buildings and facilities and roads from 2015 to 2020. However the revised design announced on 29th September 2011 indicates that major elements of the project will be delayed for at least two years owing to construction of the cross-border West Kowloon rail terminus at the site. Only an outdoor theatre, an arts pavilion and a Cantonese opera centre are expected to be finished by the end of 2015. The completion dates of at least nine venues, including the flagship art museum M+, two theatres, a concert hall, a recital hall, a musical theatre, a mega performance venue and an exhibition centre, will be delayed to between 2017 and 2020. Some elements of the plans submitted by Rem Koolhaas and Rocco Yim Sen-kee including a water taxi service and pontoons have been retained in the final plan. Foster's company, Foster & Partners are to work with a specialist team from Arup in an attempt to design and plan West Kowloon as Hong Kong's first zero carbon-emission district with initiatives including recycling of food waste as biogas for power generation and use of wind and solar energy, although this could take up to 25 years to achieve. Design competitions were previously held in 2001 and 2003 and Norman Foster's original 2001 design which included a huge canopy was eventually abandoned after failing to gain public support.
By the time the first phase opens it is expected that accessibility to the area will have been improved and by 2016 an estimated daily average of 99,000 passengers will be arriving at and leaving West Kowloon via the Regional Express Rail Link (Guangdong - Shenzhen - Hong Kong) serving the Pearl River Delta. The seafront terminus for the new rail link will occupy about 8 hectares of the site and proposed amendments to the plan put forward in May 2009 will see the density of the terminus development reduced with the four office towers substantially reduced in height and minimal retail space. In June 2009 Angus Cheng Siu-chuen, a former Disney executive was appointed as Executive Director (Project Delivery) but resigned after just nine days for "personal reasons" leaving the authority to search for a new Executive Director. A public consultation to shape the future of the cultural district commenced in September 2009 with the theme "Stretch your imagination. Share your dream. Create a successful West Kowloon Cultural District for all". Three month-long public consulations on the proposals ran between September 2009 and September 2011 with 1,172 submissions being received from the final consulation, mainly about operational issues such as artistic direction, finance and programming rather than design of the hub. Most comments were supportive of the the development plan and the design blueprint, which is being modified in the light of some of the submissions is expected to be submitted to the Town Planning Board by the end of January 2012.
In March 2010 the intensive global search resulted in the appointment of Mr Graham Sheffield, effective from August, who has 15 years experience as Artistic Director of the world-renowned Barbican Centre in London and the following month the first three executive directors, all with a business rather than arts background, were appointed. During a visit in May 2010, coinciding with Hong Kong Art Week and the second stage of public consultation, Mr Sheffield promised that education would play a key role under his leadership and he hoped to see the establishment of an education department and possibly the addition of an education director to draw up strategies, including forming alliances with existing institutes. He said he was also open to any form of collaboration with overseas institutes. However, in January 2011 the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority announced it had accepted the resignation of Mr Sheffield with immediate effect on health grounds. The Board advertised for applications for a replacement in early 2011 and in May 2011 announced the appointment of Michael Lynch, renowned Australian arts administrator whose previous roles have included chief executive of Sydney Opera House from 1998 to 2002 and head of London's Southbank Centre from 2002 until 2009. Mr Lynch took office on 25th July 2011. The authority also indicated it may also consider appointing a deputy or chief operating officer to ease pressure on the new chief executive. Michael Lynch's contract was renewed for one year in July 2014 but in February 2015 Mr Lynch gave six months notice of retirement to take effect on 3rd August 2015 at age 64, owing to personal reasons including his wife's serious illness. The WKCD will look to appoint a successor in the coming months.
Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) Authority Board, Mr Henry Tang, and the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Mr Michael Lynch (left), meet the media at the opening ceremony of the WKCD Authority Office in Tsim Sha Tsui on 27th May 2011 at which Mr Lynch's formal appointment was announced.
In February 2015 Michael Lynch announced his intention to retire in August 2015. In July 2015 it was announced that his replacement would be Duncan Pescod, 56, who had retired as Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing and Director of Housing in March 2015, a position he had held since May 2010. Duncan Pescod has held several senior government appointments during a 32 year career including Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities from March 2006 until August 2008 and Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) from August 2008 until April 2010.
Former Kerry Properties executive director William Chan has been appointed chief operating officer, effective from 4th July 2016, following Duncan Pescod's promotion to chief executive
In January 2011 Lars Nittve, founding director of London's Tate Modern and latterly director of Stockholm's Moderna Museet, was appointed executive director of M+ Museum. Mr Nittve has announced that a "nomadic" M+ Museum would be set up in 2012, without a permanent building, in different areas of Hong Kong to familiarise the public with the concept of the museum before its opening, expected in 2016 but since delayed until 2019. However, Lars Nittve announced to step down from the project on expiry of his contract in January 2016 but will continue as an external advisor.
In March 2012 a design competition for the Chinese Opera Centre, to be built at the corner of Canton Road and Austin Road West, was announced. The centre is the first of the 17 arts venues at the arts hub and will comprise an 1100-seat main theatre, a smaller 400-seat theatre, teahouse and education and training facilities. Between four and six entries are expected to be shortlisted to enter the contest and submit schematic plans and models and participate in workshops with industry professionals.
Also in March 2012, it was indicated by Michael Lynch, chief executive of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, that a new name was being sought for the project following political controversies involving conflicts of interests, which it is felt may have given the project a poor public image.
In June 2012 it was announced that veteran Swiss art collector and former ambassador to Mainland China, Dr Uli Sigg is to donate 1,463 Chinese contemporary artworks valued at HK$1.3 billion, including 26 pieces by mainland dissident Ai Weiwei, to the M+ Museum, now expected to open in 2017. The donation will comprise about one-third of the museum's collection. Dr Sigg also sold 47 Chinese contemporary artworks from the 1970s to the 1980s to M+ for HK$177 million, the first purchases made by the museum. Dr Sigg's decision to donate the collection to M+ was influenced by Hong Kong's tolerance of freedom of expression.
In July 2012 Michael Lynch, CEO of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), indicated that additional funding of HK$4 billion would be required for the underground facilities at the complex, which include traffic and loading areas of theatres. The underground design came after the original government funding of HK$21.6 billion had been agreed. In August 2012 WKCDA indicated the HK$21.6 billion funding had earned investment interest of HK$2 billion leaving the project on a sound financial footing. Bicycle lanes in the harbourside park will be completed by the end of 2012 and the park will hold music festivals, a winter carnival and four-week Bamboo Theatre project during the winter of 2012/13.
In September 2012 it was confirmed that the M+ Museum will be permanent home to one of the works of the renowned graffiti artist Tsang Tsou-choi, known as the "King of Kowloon", who died in 2007. Examples of Tsang's graffiti could be found on walls, lamp posts and pillars throughout Hong Kong although very few now remain. The work to be exhibited in the museum is a pair of graffiti covered wooden doors which were commissioned by Red Dog Studio in 2003 to help promote Hong Kong art. The doors which are each 1.7 metres high and 2.2 metres wide are covered in calligraphy written in ink and acrylic. Other donations to the museum include portraits of Cantonese opera by Michael Wolf, Chu's gigantic lantern, Harbour Viewing Tower and Yu Lik-wai's mixed-media installation Fantomas. By early 2014 the museum's collection had grown to over 3,200 objects including works by activist artist Ai Weiwei, some depicting the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, 1463 contemporary art works donated by Swiss collector Uli Sigg and 37 works donated by mainland collector Guan Yi. The museum has also purchased 47 works from Uli Sigg for HK$177 million. The cost of the M+ Museum is to be capped at HK$5 billion following rising construction costs, which have exceeded the previous estimate of HK$3.3 billion. Construction work is targeted to be completed in 2018 and the aim is to open the museum to the public during 2019. The 645,000 sq ft museum building, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, will be built in a T-shape in the form of a large horizontal slab which will house exhibition spaces and galleries and a vertical semi-transparent structure which will house a research centre, curatorial centre and retail, dining and entertainment facilities.
In October 2012, the Chief Secretary for the Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, was re-appointed as Chairman of the Board of WKCDA and an 18-member board was appointed for a two-year period, which includes 15 non-official members, with considerable experience and expertise in various sectors, including arts and culture, architecture, urban planning, engineering, business and finance, law and community service.
In December 2012, the winners of the design competition for the Chinese Opera Centre were announced as architectural firms Bing Thom of Vancouver and local firm Ronald Lu. Chief architect Bing Thom is a Hong Kong designer who emigrated to Canada. The exterior design represents a lantern and opening theatre curtain. However, the cost of the venue is expected to be about HK$2.7 billion, twice the amount originally estimated in 2006. The Chinese Opera Centre is expected to be completed in 2016. In the same month it was announced that the WKCDA was in contact with Luk Yu Tea House, a traditional dim sum restaurant and tea house with a view to reviving the tradition of bringing together Cantonese Opera and tea drinking by trialling concerts in a tea house at the Chinese Opera Centre. Until about 50 years ago it was common for tea houses to have an opera singer to perform for tea drinkers. The tea house at the Chinese Opera Centre will be located above the ground floor public space and is expected to accommodate about 280 customers.
In July 2013 it was reported that only 60% of the urban park, which will cover 19 hectares of the site's 40 hectares, and will be the first part of the hub to open, would be green space, and its budget halved to HK$1 billion. The original master plan by Norman Foster had outlined 80% green space for the park, which will include thousands of trees, paths, art facilities, sculptures and a modular theatre with a seating capacity of up to 1,500 people. 60% green space meets the minimum requirement of the Planning Department. The latest plan dispenses with the 5,000 trees originally envisaged and in their place features an arts pavilion, outdoor stage and black box theatre. The plan has been drawn up by two local companies, Dennis Lau and Ng Chun Man Architects and Engineers and ACLA and a Dutch company, West 8 who were chosen from a panel of seven contenders to submit designs in 2012.
In February 2014 it was announced that the WKCDA will appoint a chief operating officer to develop its commercial and residential space. Developers will build most of the flats, but the authority is planning a hotel for visiting artists, rehearsal facilities and creative space for young people and artists.
Former Singapore Arts Festival general manager, Low Kee Hong was appointed art director and Anna Chan Chung-ying development director in dance in February 2014.
Following confirmation of a 2-year delay to completion of the Hong Kong terminus of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link at West Kowloon (see below) it is anticipated that there may be a knock-on effect of delays to completion of the Xiqu Centre and Lyric Theatre. The station construction works include an exit for the Xiqu Centre, due for completion in 2017, whilst a waterfront area used for storage of construction materials is located on the site of the Lyric Theatre, due to open in 2019.
In July 2014 the WKCDA confirmed that the museum, M+ would have its own board, independent of the WKCDA, to enable the museum to focus on developing its own mandate and ensure cultural independence and artistic freedom. M+ Pavilion, an exhibition and event space and the first permanent venue in the district is expected to open during summer 2016.
In May 2016 the roof-raising ceremony for the Xiqu Centre, the WKCDA's Chinese Opera theatre took place after the 2,400-tonne steel structure had already been put in place. The 1,100-seat theatre is expected to open in 2018 and will also include a tea house theatre, arts education and rehearsal facilities and a spacious Xiqu plaza.
In October 2016 WKCDA appointed five new board members from the local business sector to provide expertise on developing a sound business model and strengthen the authority's governance. The new board members are Anita Fung Yuen-mei, a director of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing and former chief of HSBC in Hong Kong, Wilson Fung Ying-wai, former group financial controller of Jardine Matheson, Fu Yuning, chairman of China Resources Holdings, Winnie Tam Wan-chi, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Bar Association and executive councillor Bernard Chan, president of Asia Financial Holdings. Four existing board members, Allan Zeman, Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman, Cissy Pao-lai, honorary president of Hong Kong Arts Centre, Fredric Mao Chun-fai, artistic director and Andrew Lam Siu-lo, town planner have stepped down from the board.
In September 2020 tit was announced that he CEO of West Kowloon Cultural District, Duncan Pescod, would leave his post by mutual consent on 29th November 2020, eight months before the end of his contract. His successor will be apppinted by a global recruitment exercise.
HONG KONG – SHENZHEN WESTERN EXPRESS LINE (Airports Rail Link)
A 50km cross-border link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen airports is being planned. The length of the Hong Kong section of the line would be about 25km and would include a 7km cross-harbour tunnel between the airport and Tuen Mun and a 9km spur line to Yuen Long. Journey time between the airports would be 20 minutes. The estimated cost of the project according to a government commissioned study could exceed HK$50 billion with most of the Hong Kong section having to be built underground. The study estimates about 7,000 passengers a day travelling between the two airports would use the link in 2020, the earliest possible date for completion. It is expected that cross-border passengers from other parts of the Pearl River Delta would also use the service. The express rail link was one of ten infrastructure projects Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen pledged in his 2007 policy address would be initiated and was also named by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in March 2009 as one of three cross-border infrastructure projects which would be expedited by the central government. However the project is believed to be considered of lower priority than the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (see below). Shenzhen airport currently operates only domestic flights but is planning to operate international flights in the future subject to approval by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The line would link to the Guangzhou-Dongguan-Shenzhen rail link which was completed in 2011. As at mid-2018 however, there have been no recent developments regarding this project.


XSquawkBox is an X-Plane plugin for online flight simulation network called VATSIM (http://vatsim.net). It allows X-Plane users to fly on a global flight simulation network with other flight simmers and real live air traffic control.
With XSquawkBox you will see other planes and receive real air traffic control instructions, possibly by voice (using voice-over-IP technology), possibly with text instructions.
Fly on a global network with other X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Sim users.
Receive real air traffic control instructions.
Weather automatically downloads from the server to match real-world conditions.
See many other planes out the window and via TCAS.
Talk to air traffic control with live voice-over-IP audio technology.
XSquawkBox works with any operating system that X-Plane works with.
You must have an input and output audio device and functional drivers to use voice-over-IP features.
If you are interested in making an X-Plane plugin that works with XSquawkBox, email me. There is an API defined for interplugin communication allowing you to control and interact with XSquawkBox. You can add voice integration to XSquawkBox, file flight plans, etc.
The original developers of XSquawkBox are Ben Supnik and Chris Serio.
The current maintainer of XSquawkBox is Chris Collins. You can contact him via the VATSIM Forums.


Mason, a young, multi-sport athlete, sustained a concussion during a hockey game in January 2015. In the third period with five minutes left on the clock, Mason was boarded. Although shaken, he kept playing.
Mason felt tired and had a headache after the game. The next day, the school nurse realized something was wrong. Renee immediately called to schedule an appointment with the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. The same week, Mason and Renee met with Micky Collins, PhD, and his team.
"After Mason took the ImPACT® test, we sat down with Dr. Collins to talk about ways to help Mason play sports for the rest of his life. We both felt so relieved to know what was going on and that he could get better," Renee remembers.
Mason began vestibular and exertion therapy right away and checked in with the whole concussion team regularly. Over a period of three weeks, Mason was able to rehabilitate to full activity. He was cleared in February 2015 to return to all sports.
"This has been a life changing experience for both Mason and me. We have learned so much and are so grateful for having access to such a wonderful medical team. Now I make sure that my son, my daughter, and players of the teams I manage, stay informed and up-to-date on concussion and baseline tests," Renee says.


text:
Q: How to loop over an Hbase table in chuncks in Python I am currently writing a Python script that converts HBase tables into csv using "happybase". The problem I am having is that if the table is too big, I get the below error after reaching a little over 2 million lines:
Hbase_thrift.IOError: IOError(message='org.apache.hadoop.hbase.DoNotRetryIOException: hconnection-0x8dfa2f2 closed\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.ConnectionManager$HConnectionImplementation.locateRegion(ConnectionManager.java:1182)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.RpcRetryingCallerWithReadReplicas.getRegionLocations(RpcRetryingCallerWithReadReplicas.java:305)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.ScannerCallableWithReplicas.call(ScannerCallableWithReplicas.java:156)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.ScannerCallableWithReplicas.call(ScannerCallableWithReplicas.java:60)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.RpcRetryingCaller.callWithoutRetries(RpcRetryingCaller.java:212)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.ClientScanner.call(ClientScanner.java:314)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.ClientScanner.loadCache(ClientScanner.java:432)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.ClientScanner.next(ClientScanner.java:358)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.client.AbstractClientScanner.next(AbstractClientScanner.java:70)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.thrift.ThriftServerRunner$HBaseHandler.scannerGetList(ThriftServerRunner.java:1423)\n\tat sun.reflect.GeneratedMethodAccessor8.invoke(Unknown Source)\n\tat sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:43)\n\tat java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:498)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.thrift.HbaseHandlerMetricsProxy.invoke(HbaseHandlerMetricsProxy.java:67)\n\tat com.sun.proxy.$Proxy10.scannerGetList(Unknown Source)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.thrift.generated.Hbase$Processor$scannerGetList.getResult(Hbase.java:4789)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.thrift.generated.Hbase$Processor$scannerGetList.getResult(Hbase.java:4773)\n\tat org.apache.thrift.ProcessFunction.process(ProcessFunction.java:39)\n\tat org.apache.thrift.TBaseProcessor.process(TBaseProcessor.java:39)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.thrift.TBoundedThreadPoolServer$ClientConnnection.run(TBoundedThreadPoolServer.java:289)\n\tat org.apache.hadoop.hbase.thrift.CallQueue$Call.run(CallQueue.java:64)\n\tat java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor.runWorker(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:1149)\n\tat java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:624)\n\tat java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:748)\n')

What I though of is chopping the for loop into sub-loops (i.e. open the Hbase connection -> get the data for the first 100,000 lines -> close the connection -> reopen it again -> get the next 100,000 lines -> close it... and so on), but I can't seem the figure out how to do it.
Here is a sample of my code that reads all the lines and crashes:
import happybase
connection = happybase.Connection('localhost')
table = 'some_table'
table_object = connection.table(table)
for row in table_object.scan():
    print row

Any help would be appreciated (even if you suggest another solution :))
Thanks

A: Actually, I figured out the way to do it, and it's as follow:
import happybase
connection = happybase.Connection('localhost')
table = 'some_table'
table_object = connection.table(table)

while True:
  try:
    for row in table_object.scan():
      print row
    break
  except Exception as e:
    if "org.apache.hadoop.hbase.DoNotRetryIOException" in e.message:
      connection.open()
    else:
      print e
      quit()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
MTU Expands Service Capabilities in India with Cutting Edge Engine Test Cell Facility
Facility is capable of testing all MTU engines in the range from 300kW up to 4300kW
Investment in service demonstrates MTU India's commitment to increasing its presence in India
The Tognum Group company MTU India opened a new engine test cell facility at its MTU India Service Centre in Tathawade, Pune (India). The test cell's dynamometer system is capable of testing all MTU engines up to Series 4000 engines in the range from 300 to 4300kW, as per MTU test protocol, and for all applications.
In February 2010, MTU India opened its new head office for sales and service operations in Pune. The addition of the new engine test cell facility to the MTU India Service Centre brings a new phase in MTU India's ability to meet its Indian customers' needs in the region.
Satish Phadke, Director and CEO of MTU India, stated at the opening ceremony, "With today's inauguration of our new engine test cell facility, MTU India will be able to expand on its commitment to customers on service and better meet customer expectations for witnessing full load cycle test at the Service Centre in India. Hence, this is an important milestone for our customer service capabilities in the region."
Tony Davis, Vice President for Network Management & Global Distribution at MTU, inaugurated the engine test cell facility by explaining, "Establishing the new test cell at MTU India Service Centre is in line with Tognum's expansion plan in India. Since 2010, we have expanded our presence in the Indian market with continued investments in terms of facilities, tools and network. These investments will go a long way in meeting the expectations of our esteemed customers in India."
Source: Tognum AG

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Back pain, especially low back pain, is a common disorder involving the muscles, joints, bones, discs and nerves of the spine. It typically affects 80% of the population at some stage in their lives. Back pain will usually resolve itself within a period of up to 8 weeks; however some conditions require specific treatment in order to improve. With physiotherapy treatment, the symptoms of back pain usually show significant improvement within a few weeks.
There is strong evidence to suggest that conservative physiotherapy management speeds the recovery of low back pain. This type of treatment works by relieving pain, reducing muscle spasm, and mobilising stiff joints. Self-management and home exercise also plays an important role in back pain recovery and prevention of re-injury.
Physiotherapists will need to conduct an initial assessment on you to determine the best method of treatment. This will include observing your spine and how it moves, then specifically assessing your spinal joints, discs, muscles and nerves. This will help us to understand your cause of pain or limitation and how it affects you, as back pain is not a recipe – every case is different. The first goal of physiotherapy is to relieve pain, and encourage healing. This can be achieved with spinal mobilization, neural gliding, manual traction and muscular release. We also give you advice and strategies to self-manage at home. Then we work on reversing the effects of the injury such as muscle tightness or spasm, joint stiffness, movement limitation, and nerve irritation. Lastly we develop an exercise program for you including stretching, strengthening and core stability designed to prevent future back pain.


Changing up just one thing in your kitchen can make a huge difference in function, appearance, and value. Especially when that one thing involves adding new kitchen countertops in Hammonton, NJ. Since countertops cover such a large area, they draw lots of attention. Choose stone countertops for high-end beauty and practical value.
Our local store is proud to provide you with a number of stunning options in countertop selections that include quartz and marble. Come into our showroom and ask our sales and design professionals to show you samples of quartz and marble counters and to explain the merits of each.
Sometimes, it seems that everything in your kitchen is in competition for counter space. After all, this is valuable real estate in your kitchen with small appliances competing for space with food preparation. Let us help you make the most of this limited space with our design services.
Our designers assist you in figuring out countertop space, working to maximize what you have. These professionals also educate you on the benefits of the different materials used for counters and help you choose what works with your requirements and preferences.
Two of the most popular choices include marble and quartz. Engineered quartz countertops are improved during the manufacturing process. A little bit of resin and pigment are added to this natural stone. The resin bonds the quartz, making it a solid surface, while the pigment provides great variations and intensity in color.
Solid surface countertops are prized because liquid and food cannot penetrate the surface. This results in a countertop that is easy to clean and one that is hygienically clean. This is because bacteria and germs cannot escape into tiny holes or cracks and contaminate food. Our engineered quartz counters are available in brand names, such as VICOSTONE, Cambria, and Viatera by LG Hausys.
In addition to quartz, we carry marble countertops. Marble is natural stone with distinctive veining that offers great visual appeal. Marble makes stunning countertops that are great for the kitchen as this stone remains cool to touch. As this is a soft stone, it is easy to shape, cut, and install.
Ask our store to arrange professional countertop installation. This is not an area where you can afford any mistakes. Measurements must be precise and placement exact to line up with the sink and stove. We can arrange to have experienced professionals install your countertops for you.
Contact us today for a free, in-home estimate on new kitchen countertops. We proudly serve customers in Hammonton, Cape May, Vineland, Ocean City, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas.


← Scrounging for empties at 5 a.m.
This entry was tagged michelle obama, oregonlive, weather. Bookmark the permalink.
I will miss the Obamas! Their departure is a hard reality to reckon with!
I will miss them too. Gotta look at the example they've given us on how to live, how to lead. Keep the hope alive.
It makes me sick that they are leaving. Even if Michelle Obama were not the first lady, she would be one of my favorite people. I'm so glad they have been making the rounds of talk shows so I can see them one more time.
Totally agree about Michelle. She is such a lovely lady with such an engaging personality to go along with her intellect.


The sad reality is that every home and business needs to have some level of security in today's day and age. Your Security System can be as simple as locking your doors, to an integrated wireless IP based system with a combination of Surveillance, Access Control, Perimeter Control, and Monitoring. Our security team will work with you to design a 'user-focused' system that suits your needs and make recommendations to assist in the protection of your premise.
FCFP offers installation and servicing for all levels of Security Sytems, Surveillance Cameras and Access Control including Card Readers, Biometrics, and Door/Entrance Security. We are a member of the Canadian Alarm and Security Association (CANASA) and have industry certified technicians to install and service your system - no matter how big or how small.
The proper combination of sensors/alarms is the key to an effective Security System. An ideal situation would have a mix of perimeter control, indoor and outdoor sensors, personal protection, audible and visual notification devises.
These systems work together for the purpose of detecting an intruder, delaying the intruder and then to alert the authorities. We only partner with suppliers of quality made, ULC listed equipment so you can rest assured that you are getting a reliable product with professional installation and service at your disposal 24-7.
An Access Control System is generally seen as the second layer of the security of a building. In reality, issuing a key for the front door to certain employees is a form of access control as is a username and password to get onto a computer. Your building may require additional access control to ensure the safety of occupants and visitors as well as physical and information assets.
The biggest challenge for video surveillance is to get the coverage you require, coupled with the quality that meets your requirements. Cameras can be situated in strategic locations both inside and outside a facility, to monitor and record the comings and goings of all types of traffic. Cameras are connected to visual monitors and can be watched by a security guard or recorded on an IP Network. You can have multiple cameras at multiple locations all networked and recorded onto a single system and accessed remotely with an IP address.


text:
<?php

date_default_timezone_set('UTC');

//Include the main TCPDF library
require_once('tcpdf_include.php');

//$pdf = new TCPDF(PDF_PAGE_ORIENTATION, PDF_UNIT, PDF_PAGE_FORMAT, true, 'UTF-8', false);
$pdf = new TCPDF(PDF_PAGE_ORIENTATION, PDF_UNIT, PDF_PAGE_FORMAT, true, 'UTF-8', false);

// set document information
$pdf->SetCreator(PDF_CREATOR);
$pdf->SetAuthor('Nicola Asuni');
$pdf->SetTitle('TCPDF Example 005');
$pdf->SetSubject('TCPDF Tutorial');
$pdf->SetKeywords('TCPDF, PDF, example, test, guide');

$pdf->SetPrintHeader(false);
// set default header data
$pdf->SetHeaderData(PDF_HEADER_LOGO, PDF_HEADER_LOGO_WIDTH, PDF_HEADER_TITLE.' 005', PDF_HEADER_STRING);

// set header and footer fonts
$pdf->setHeaderFont(Array(PDF_FONT_NAME_MAIN, '', PDF_FONT_SIZE_MAIN));
$pdf->setFooterFont(Array(PDF_FONT_NAME_DATA, '', PDF_FONT_SIZE_DATA));

// set default monospaced font
$pdf->SetDefaultMonospacedFont(PDF_FONT_MONOSPACED);

// set margins
$pdf->SetMargins(PDF_MARGIN_LEFT, PDF_MARGIN_TOP, PDF_MARGIN_RIGHT);
$pdf->SetHeaderMargin(PDF_MARGIN_HEADER);
$pdf->SetFooterMargin(PDF_MARGIN_FOOTER);

// set auto page breaks
$pdf->SetAutoPageBreak(TRUE, PDF_MARGIN_BOTTOM);

// set image scale factor
$pdf->setImageScale(PDF_IMAGE_SCALE_RATIO);

// set some language-dependent strings (optional)
if (@file_exists(dirname(__FILE__).'/lang/eng.php')) {
	require_once(dirname(__FILE__).'/lang/eng.php');
	$pdf->setLanguageArray($l);
}

$pdf->SetFont('times', '', 10);

$pdf->AddPage();

//$style = array('width' => 0.5, 'cap' => 'butt', 'join' => 'miter', 'dash' => 0, 'color' => array(0, 0, 0));

//$pdf->Line(15, 30, 150, 30, $style);

// set color for background
$pdf->SetFillColor(255, 255, 255);

// set cell padding
$pdf->setCellPaddings(1, 1, 1, 1);

// set cell margins
$pdf->setCellMargins(1, 1, 1, 1);

$txt = 'Account Name';
// Multicell test
$setX = 14;
$setY = 30;
$pdf->MultiCell(25, 5, $txt, 1, 'C', 1, 0, $setX, $setY, true);

//Close and output PDF document
$pdf->Output('priorities_print_pdf.pdf', 'I');
?>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Posted by: APO | 9 May 2013
MSD's Human Papillomavirus Vaccine available in Developing Countries in Africa through UNICEF Tender
GARDASIL® [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] helps prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases
LUCERNE, Switzerland, May 9, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — MSD (http://www.merck.com), known as Merck in the United States and Canada, announced today that the company has been awarded a significant portion of the UNICEF human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine tender, and will provide sustained supply of GARDASIL® [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] to GAVI-eligible countries. This agreement follows the GAVI Alliance's earlier announcement that HPV vaccines would be included in its portfolio for the first time. GAVI is expected to support the introduction of HPV vaccination in 28 countries by the end of 2017.
Logo MSD: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/merck-sharp–dohme-corp.a-subsidiary-of-merck–co.inc..jpg
Through this initial tender award, MSD expects to supply approximately 2.4 million doses of GARDASIL to GAVI-eligible countries between 2013 to 2017 to help meet vaccine demand for countries already approved or recommended for approval by GAVI for HPV vaccine demonstration projects and national introductions. Additional awards by UNICEF are anticipated as vaccine demand increases.
"It is essential that every young girl around the world has access to HPV vaccines. Today's decision by UNICEF is an important step forward," said Henrik Secher, managing director, MSD Africa. "This partnership highlights MSD's commitment to working closely with GAVI to ensure broad and sustained access to GARDASIL in the world's poorest countries, where the burden of HPV diseases, such as cervical cancer, is greatest."
Following a 2009 report, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that routine HPV vaccination be included in national immunization programs to help prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It is estimated that approximately 500,000 women develop cervical cancer annually around the world, with about 85 percent of cases occurring in developing countries. Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer among women worldwide. High-risk HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 75 percent of cervical cancers, 70 percent of vaginal cancers, 40 to 50 percent of vulvar cancers and 80 percent of anal cancers.
Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
Pamela Eisele
pamela.eisele@merck.com
Imraan Munshi
imraan.munshi@merck.com
EEMEA Contact:
Antonia Lang
antonia.lang@merck.com
Important information about GARDASIL
GARDASIL [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] is indicated in females aged 9 to 26 years* for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, precancerous or dysplastic lesions, genital warts, and persistent infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (which are included in the vaccine).
GARDASIL is indicated in males aged 9 to 15 years for the prevention of infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (which are included in the vaccine).
*Immunogenicity studies have been conducted to link efficacy in females aged 16 to 26 years to the younger populations.
As for any vaccine, vaccination with GARDASIL may not result in protection in all vaccine recipients. This vaccine is not intended to be used for treatment of active external genital lesions; cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancers; CIN, VIN, or VaIN related to HPV vaccine types or non-vaccine serotypes.
This vaccine will not protect against diseases that are not caused by HPV. Routine cervical screening and detection and removal of cervical lesions should be continued in individuals who receive the vaccine.
As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment should always be readily available in case of rare anaphylactic reactions following the administration of the vaccine.
Select safety information for GARDASIL
GARDASIL is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity, including severe allergic reactions to yeast, or after a previous dose of GARDASIL.
Because vaccinees may develop syncope, sometimes resulting in falling with injury, observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended. Syncope, sometimes associated with tonic-clonic movements and other seizure-like activity, has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL. When syncope is associated with tonic-clonic movements, the activity is usually transient and typically responds to restoring cerebral perfusion.
GARDASIL is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
The most common adverse reaction was headache. Common adverse reactions that were observed among recipients of GARDASIL [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] at a frequency of at least 1.0 percent and greater than placebo were: fever, nausea, dizziness; and injection-site pain, swelling, erythema, pruritus and bruising.
Dosage and administration for GARDASIL
GARDASIL is a ready-to-use, three-dose, intramuscular vaccine. GARDASIL should be administered in three separate intramuscular injections in the deltoid region of the upper arm or in the higher anterolateral area of the thigh. The following dosage schedule is recommended: First dose at elected date, second dose two months after the first dose and the third dose six months after the first dose.
About GARDASIL
GARDASIL is approved for use in more than 125 countries. To date, more than
111 million doses have been distributed worldwide; however, it is not known how many doses have been administered.
Other MSD access efforts for GARDASIL in the developing world
MSD is pursuing a systematic and thoughtful approach to improve access to GARDASIL in the developing world through four key pillars: innovation, partnerships, pricing and implementation. Key efforts include:
• In September 2012, MSD announced it will donate 460,000 doses of GARDASIL over a two-year period to the Republic of Uganda to help the Ministry of Health launch a HPV vaccination program in 12 districts in the country. The program represents the first phase of Uganda's national rollout plan for HPV vaccination;
• In April 2011, the Government of Rwanda, MSD and QIAGEN launched a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention program in Rwanda incorporating both HPV vaccination and HPV testing, the first program of its kind in Africa. In its initial year, an estimated 93 percent of eligible girls 12 to 15 years of age in Rwanda were vaccinated with three doses of GARDASIL;
• In 2010 MSD partnered with the Royal Government of Bhutan and Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation to launch a six-year national vaccination program with GARDASIL for appropriate girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 18 in Bhutan. MSD provided GARDASIL to the program partners at no cost in the first year and for the remaining five years is providing it at an access price at which MSD will not profit;
• In 2009 MSD also announced a partnership with QIAGEN N.V. focused on increasing access to HPV vaccination and HPV DNA testing in some of the most resource-poor areas of the world. This initiative was the first time a vaccine manufacturer and a molecular diagnostics company collaborated to help address the burden of cervical cancer with a comprehensive approach;
• MSD has also donated more than one million doses of GARDASIL through the GARDASIL Access Program, which was established in 2007 to help enable organizations and institutions in eligible lowest income countries to gain operational experience designing and implementing HPV vaccination projects.
About MSD
Today's MSD (http://www.merck.com) is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is known as Merck in the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit http://www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
MSD Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of MSD's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; MSD's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of MSD's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
MSD undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in MSD's 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).
Please see Prescribing Information for GARDASIL® at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf and Patient Information for GARDASIL at
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_ppi.pdf.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
Posted in AFRICA / AFRIQUE, ECO Economic News, Trends, Analysis, HEA Healthcare/Hospitals, WOM Women Related News
« A GSK celebra novo compromisso com a GAVI Alliance para fornecer vacinas contra o cancro do colo do útero a raparigas dos países mais pobres do mundo
Le vaccin de MSD contre le virus du papillome humain disponible dans les pays en développement en Afrique suite à l'appel d'offres de l'UNICEF »