In compliance with the requirements of section 494 of the Revised Statutes, I have the honor to submit the following report of the business of this Office for the year ending December 31, 1884.
39,724.  It should have been 40,826.
* The apparent increase in the "cash expended" column during 1884 is not such an increase in fact, as the items expended by the Department (amounting this year to $297,097.29) have not all heretofore been included, and hence do not appear in the above table in the preceding years. The Department has furnished me the approximate amounts expended on account of the Patent Office, and I have included them herein, as I desire to state all expenditures of every kind, character, and description.
While the Office is not in possession of a detailed statement of the amounts expended by the Department of the Interior, and the totals only are furnished me, and are spoken of as representing approximately the sums properly chargeable against this Office, I am clear that the amounts would not fall one cent below the expenditures, had they been rendered in detail. The contingent fund of the several bureaus was consolidated by the act of March 3, 1883, hence no part of that fund is disbursed by the Patent Office.
It will be observed that there has been a falling off in all the sources of revenue of the Patent Office during the calendar year 1884. It occurred in the field of invention, as in all other avenues of business, that the current became sluggish during the presidential election contest. This decrease was perceptible from the beginning to the end of the canvass. As shown, however, by the statement above, notwithstanding the business of the Office has fallen off, there is still a net surplus to the credit of the Patent Office, after paying every expense incident to its maintenance, of over $100,000.
In my last report to Congress I had the honor to call attention to the utter inadequacy of room and facilities for conducting the business of the Patent Office. The Secretary of the Interior,by the act of July 7, 1884, as authorized to rent an additional building for the purpose of providing more room for the several bureaus of the Interior department. A building was secured, and the clerks and records belonging to the Indian Bureau were transferred to it. The Patent Office thereby acquired nine additional rooms, which was about one-fifth of the additional number needed for the proper conduct of the business of the Bureau. The atmosphere of the rooms vacated by this Office was constantly foul, and the rooms were totally unfit for habitation. When the desks were removed, the walls immediately behind were found to be covered with green mold, indicating how utterly unsuited the apartments were for occupation by human beings. Several deaths have occurred by reason of disease contracted in these foul, damp rooms.
I again call attention to the insufficiency of facilities for conducting examinations. We have no suitable laboratory, although it would cost a very inconsiderable sum to secure the room and necessary appliances. The need for such facilities is especially felt in the electrical department, where proper tests of apparatus relating to that branch of invention are exceedingly desirable. It would be entirely practicable to build a basement room or cellar in the center of the court of the Patent Office building, with one light story above, place an engine therein, and provide every other needful facility and appliance for making all necessary tests and experiments. All this could be done at a small expense, and there would still remain a very large balance of the net amount to the credit of the inventors, whose money the Government receives in trust for the uses and purposes suggested herein. I have the honor to recommend that a sufficient sum be appropriated to provide a laboratory and such other applicants and fixtures as are necessary, the purchases to be made by the Commissioner of Patents with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior.
I have to repeat the recommendation of last year that the force of examiners be largely increased. That the present force is inadequate is beyond all question. That those having business with the Office have paid to the Government funds ample to provide everything essential to the prompt and proper dispatch of business, including increase of room, increase of force, and additional facilities, is certain, and I respectfully submit that it would be difficult to find a satisfactory reason for withholding the fund from the use for which the Government received it -- to wit, to pay the expense of a prompt and proper disposition of the business brought to the Patent Office. I am urged every day by gentlemen of both houses of Congress to make cases special on the ground that irreparable loss will result from the delay incident to having cases take their turn, and am very severely criticized, and not unfrequently condemned, because I refuse to violate the plain provisions of the rule which prohibits me from complying with such requests. It is true that many important interests are lost or greatly damaged by reason of the inability of inventors to have their applications disposed of within a reasonable time. Since there is no lack of revenue, as hereinbefore shown, to provide every needed facility and adequate force, there is just cause for complaints that in many instances inventions are lost, or their value impaired, by the delays which could easily be avoided if the funds paid by inventors in the shape of fees were applied to the purpose for which they are received by the Government. Those having business with the Office do not ask for reduction of fees, but they do insist, and very properly, that the money collected from them to defray the expense of doing the work should not be withheld from that use, and the work left undone. This savors greatly of injustice. I am aware it is urged by some that the business could be disposed of much more rapidly than it is with the force at hand. There are doubtless a few who could dispatch the business of examining cases more rapidly than the gentlemen at the head of the several divisions; there are a great many who think they could do so. The fact is that in point of experience, ability, and diligence in the discharge of their duties the examining corps of the Patent Office will compare favorably with any equal number of employees in any branch of the service of this Government, or any other. The fault is not with the examining corps, but with the inadequacy of the force and the palpable lack of suitable facilities.
In the legislative bill passed July 7, 1884, there was an addition of one (1) principal examiner, two (2) first assistant examiners, two (2) second assistant examiners, four (4) third assistant examiners, and ten (10) fourth assistant examiners. The Office is just beginning to realize advantage from this slight increase of force. It will be observed that it was necessary to teach each new appointee his duties. During the course of instruction, at least at its inception, the appointee was of little use to the Office, and beyond that the time of the examiner was consumed in instructing him.
It is proper in this connection to refer a moment to the character of the work to be done. Each year the field of investigation and research broadens and becomes more intricate and difficult. To illustrate: One the 7th of March, 18786, less than nine year ago, the first patent on the telephone was granted. Prior to that date it was unknown in the field of invention. Since that time, there have been issued over 1,000 American and over 500 foreign patents directly traceable to the parent invention. Ten years ago there were 168,000 American patents; today there are about 321 American, and over 500,000 European patents. This whole field of invention must be ranged over by the examiners in the Office, each one having a particular branch or section to explore. It will be observed that this requires a high degree of technical skill and familiarity with various sciences and arts, and such attainments as in almost any other vocation in life would enable the party possessing them to command a very much larger salary than is paid to members of the examining corps. The work of examination is so systematized (being divided into twenty six (26) examining divisions, each under the charge of a principal examiner, with a corps of assistants) that frequently it can be conducted by means of drawings, which reveal at a glance, or after careful inspection, the state of the art. On the passage of the legislative bill providing for the increase of force it was proposed to establish three additional examining divisions. Two have been established; the other relates to a division of the class of electricity, and will be organized in a very short time.
On the 1st of July last the work in the Copying and Assignment Division was from three to six months in arrears. The increase of clerical force in the grades of skilled laborer and laborer enabled the Office to bring that work up to date, so that orders for records and copies can now be promptly filled. The increase of force required in the Office is in the examining corps. No additional clerks are needed. A great saving to the Office could be effected by the employment of boys at twenty five or thirty dollars per months to act as messengers.
I have the honor to recommend that the examining force be increased as suggested in the report by the Secretary of the Interior -- that is, that there be added three (3) principal, four (4) first assistant, eight (8) second assistant, eleven (11) third assistant, and fifteen (15) fourth assistant examiners. I also recommend that appropriation be made for ten (10) boys at $30 per month to act as messengers.
During the past year a number of the most efficient examiners in the corps have resigned, because of the inadequacy of salaries paid. The principal examiners should be paid not less than $3,000 a year; the first assistants, $2,400; second assistants, $2,000; third assistants, $1,600; and fourth assistants, $1,200. Inasmuch as promotion in the Office is slow, and is generally earned before received, the pay should be graded according to the length of service and efficiency of the officer, so that a fourth assistant could receive $1,400 the second year, and $1,600 the third year of service. As before stated, a high order of ability, a high order of attainment, and the strictest integrity are required in this service.
I desire to call special attention to the inadequacy of the salary of the Assistant Commissioner. It is required of him that he should have competent knowledge of law and be a skilled expert in mechanics, etc. He is called upon to hear important cases every day, involving valuable interests. I recommend that his salary be increased to $4,000 per annum.
The Official Gazette, which is issued on Tuesday of each week, contains the date and number of each patent, the name and residence of the patentee, a copy of the claims, and an accurate photolithographic reproduction of the invention. Representatives and Senators are each entitled to designate eight public libraries to which the Gazette is sent without charge. Thus mechanics and artisans and others interested may be advised each week of the growth of each and every particular art, so far as the same is reflected through the Patent Office. The number of Gazettes published is very small, and the edition is quickly exhausted. There is a very earnest desire expressed by many members of Congress, especially those representing manufacturing districts, that the edition be increased, in order that a greater number of public libraries and associations may be supplied, thus enabling those interested to keep constantly posted in regard to the growth of invention in the several arts, such knowledge being of itself a great stimulant to the inventive genius of our people.
Since I have held the office of Commissioner I have been at some pains to learn why it is that an amount sufficient to properly conduct the business of the Bureau has not been appropriated from the sum received by the Government for that purpose. The mistake was first made some years ago in permitting the Commissioner to control the entire fund without suitable and proper checks. This led to some abuse. The result was a move to the other extreme, so that so far from controlling the fund that is indispensably necessary to the conduct of the business of the Bureau, at no time within ten years has there been a sufficient amount appropriated to meet the actual needs of the Office. As the business increased, instead of the room being extended, it was actually reduced, so that when the business of the Bureau was doubled the room was reduced nearly one half.
Another difficulty in the way of securing proper appropriations has been a prejudice in the minds of many people of this country against patents and the patent system. It has been, certainly until very recently, a very common belief that the whole system was a humbug; that it was in fact an amiable way of permitting cranks to indulge their humors in regard to perpetual motion, etc., an inventive genius being regarded as one who was more or less erratic; and, as stated, there was and is today throughout the country an impression that the patent system in its practical operation levies a burdensome tax upon the people. It is also believed by a great many artisans, mechanics, and laborers that the system tends to abridge the opportunities for securing employment, and that it reduces wages.
While preparing the exhibits for the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition at New Orleans, I endeavored by correspondence to gather what information I could touching the relation our patent system sustains to the growth of our own industries, and from the investigations I have made I feel safe in saying that to this system we are chiefly indebted for our present great industrial prosperity. The percentage of manufacturing establishments in this country which have not utilized the patent system in one way or another, as a means either of founding a business or building up and extending it, is very small. But, as suggested before, it is urged that this exclusive property in a patent imposes burdens upon our people. The exact reverse is true. In this connection one important fact in the matter of using articles or machines which have been patented seems to be generally overlooked, and that is that no one is compelled to use any patented invention. The blessed privilege of sticking to the old ways abides with all of us, notwithstanding the patent system. Farmers are under no obligations whatever to lay aside the sickle, scythe, or cradle and use the reaper and mower. They may still, if they will, rake and bind wheat and oats with their hands, instead of doing it by machinery. There does not rest upon them the slightest obligation to use a thrasher or separator, since they are at perfect liberty to swing the flail or use the tramping floor. The hand loom may still be used, notwithstanding the inventions of Jacquard and Arkwright, supplemented and improved by modern inventions. The old spinning wheel need not be thrown aside because the inventive genius of man has given us the spinning jenny and its kindred aids in that art. There rests no obligation upon any of us to use the telephone, the telegraph, the locomotive, or the engine. In fact, in all things we may stick absolutely to the old way, and submit ourselves to all the inconveniences and discomforts of the olden times. Every farmer may continue to build a worm or post-and-rail or stone fence, instead of using barbed wire. In this connection it is proper to remark that he pays for his barbed wire fence but little, if any, more than fifty per cent of the cost of the old board or post-and-rail fence, and it has been demonstrated that the farmers of the country have in the last few years saved over sixty millions of dollars by the use of this valuable invention. In fact, all inventions are utilized not simply because they are more convenient, but because they are cheaper and better. Touching the statement that laborers are thrown out of employment and wages reduced by the use of patented devices, it is sufficient to say that the allegation is entirely at variance with the best information obtainable from the returns of the last census. The utilization of valuable inventions does not throw laborers out of employment, but redistributes labor, and opens up new avenues of employment, calls into requisition a higher order of skill, and secures an increase of wagers. For example, take the boot and shoe industry, where a few hundred machines have changed the whole course of labor. The census of 1870 showed that there was an average of twenty nine persons employed in every shoe factor in this country, whereas in 1880 there were fifty six persons so employed. The same number of persons in 1875 made three times as many shoes as in 1845. In a table prepared by Colonel Wright, chief of the Bureau of Labor, it is shown that in 1870 there were employed 91,702 men, women, and children, while in 1880 there were 111,152. In estimates based upon four hundred and sixty shoe manufacturing establishments in Massachusetts it is shown that three millions of dollars more are paid in wages than the capital invested, and that the labor saving machinery has given to the laborer in 1880 almost double the wages of 1850.
I take the liberty to refer to the speech delivered by Hon. O.H. Platt, chairman of the Senate Committee on Patents, in the Senate on the 31st of March, 1884, in which our patent system was carefully and ably discussed, and the needs of the Bureau fully considered.


text:
Malaysia 2019 | ECONOMY | FOCUS: BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY
Always at the cutting edge of technological developments, Malaysia is particularly keen to make its workforce digitally literate.
As Malaysia takes strides toward becoming a developed economy, its labor market finds itself in need of new skills. Even those workers whose skills were honed to perfection when they joined the workforce are quite often in need of upskilling to keep pace with advancements in a rapidly changing ecosystem.
Scholarly studies in the field of management suggest that "employee upgrading" is a key to efficiency, and a hands-on industrialist like Henry Ford once commented that "The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay."
But, according to Malaysia's Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), the majority of Malaysian workers are employed by SMEs, which do not necessarily have the means to offer retraining opportunities.
Since its inception in 1993 and its restructuring in 2001, HRDF has been on a quest to change this situation by creating a culture of on-the-job training across the labor market under the supervision of the Ministry of Human Resources.
The organization covers over 2.24 million employees and approximately 25,000 employers from many sub-sectors, and it is always on the lookout to identify the hard and soft skills that are in greatest demand across the service and manufacturing industries.
HRDF is aiding its members by funding upskilling programs both inside and outside of the employer's premises. The organization, in turn, depends on levies paid by the registered employers, though the government is also supporting the cause. In 2019, HRDF is entitled to receive approximately USD4.8 million in the form of a grant for a program that promotes apprenticeship and another one that aims to make graduates more employable.
The upskilling of personnel is by no means some extra work that employers need to undertake because the school system and the universities did not do a good job. Practical know-how is, by nature, different from theoretical knowledge; "For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them," observed Aristotle over two millennia ago.
All that said, like everywhere else in the world, Malaysia is suffering from some dissonance between the higher education system's output and the economy's requirements, and the curricula used by polytechnics, colleges, and universities need to be upgraded to improve the employability of graduates.
At the same time, HRDF's Graduate Enhancement Program for Employability (GENERATE) is trying to achieve a similar objective. Targeting those Malaysian degree holders who have not found employment three months after graduating and new recruits working in HRDF-registered businesses, the GENERATE initiative has set out to give the graduates the skillset which they need for job placement.
The initiative appears to be a "quick fix" in the good sense of the word, as it is trying to give the graduates, who are otherwise well-trained, a last enabling quality. It is expected that GENERATE and other technical and vocational education (TVET) programs sponsored by HRDF are going to "contribute to the creation of a 35% skilled Malaysian workforce and 1.5 million jobs by 2020."
As a country at the cutting edge of all things technological in the age of AI and the internet of things (IoT), Malaysia is particularly keen to make its workforce digitally literate. The country has even launched its national policy, Industry4WRD, to speed up the digitalization of manufacturing and business, among other things.
A new report by Randstad Malaysia, a global HR service, discovered that roughly 90% of the country's workforce think they are in need of upskilling to stay in the game. While the majority of participants had a positive attitude to emerging technologies, they also feared that they would be left behind without upgrading their skills.
This awareness is greater in those employees who have been in the job market for a while and suspect that things have changed a lot since they left school. Malaysians, however, are at an advantage compared to many parts of Asia thanks to their multilingualism and fluency in English—as the de facto language of the IT word—as well as their chance to participate in reskilling programs offered by the state.
Dato' Azman Mahmud , CEO, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
MIDA has been stepping up its efforts to drive stronger R&D linkages between the industry and tertiary and research institutions in a bid to encourage greater Industry 4.0 adoption.
Dato' Wan Latiff Wan Musa, CEO, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
MATRADE's large network of trade offices around the world provide valuable market intelligence and studies for Malaysian exporters.
M. Kula Segaran, Minister , Human Resources
Given that upskilling workers is one of the most important aspects of human capital development, the ministry is launching a host of initiatives to prepare the Malaysian workforce for the future.
Voices from the Sector
Voices from the Economy Sector
Focus: Boosting productivity
Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Chief Minister , Sabah
The state of Sabah is striving to achieve sustainable development in a bid to protect its rich and unique biodiversity for future generations.
Anwar Ibrahim, Member of Parliament & Leader , Pakatan Harapan Coalition
The key to unlocking Malaysia's true potential is introducing structural and institutional reforms across the board to eventually make the country more competitive.
Firas Raad , Country Manager Malaysia, World Bank
Malaysia's 2019 budget looks promising, according to the World Bank, though it must invest in education and human capital development if it is to reach developed country status.
Focus: Malaysia-China relations
A Good Balance
Malaysia remains on good terms with China, proving that maintaining healthy ties with both the West and China can bring significant benefits.
Andrew Sill , Chairman, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC)
BMCC was set up for British companies to network and share best practices, though it has since evolved to focus on creating new synergies and boosting investment links between the two countries.
Marco Winter , Executive Director, Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC)
MDBC's network, guidance, and wide range of services will be key if Malaysia is to remain the second-largest trading partner of the Netherlands within ASEAN.
Dato' Mohamed Rafique Merican , CEO, Maybank Islamic
Since adopting an Islamic-first approach in 2010, Maybank Islamic's vision is to encourage Islamic banking products to be more broadly accepted and become a global leader in Islamic finance.
Ismitz Matthew De Alwis , Executive Director & CEO, Kenanga Investors Berhad (KIB)
As one of the few players in Malaysia with multi-segment and multi-distributional activities, KIB is embracing technology and increasing online accessibility to reach younger demographics.
Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli, Group Managing Director & CEO, RHB Banking Group
RHB has exposure to all of the key sectors in Malaysia and a presence in nine ASEAN countries. The bank's latest five-year roadmap aims to build on that and propel it to become a leading financial services player.
Focus: Global leadership in Islamic finance
Malaysia has established its position as the global leader in Islamic finance, and after 30 years of responsible banking, its vibrant sukuk sector has matured with a diverse set of industry players.
Voices from the Finance Sector
Datuk Chung Chee Leong , President & CEO, Cagamas Berhad
The largest issuer of debt instruments in the Malaysian capital markets, Cagamas Berhad continues to strengthen the country's position as a global Islamic finance hub.
This Might Just Work
The automotive sector is at the heart of Malaysia's drive toward Industry 4.0, part of a national renewal project driven by increased productivity and commercial potential.
Yeo Bee Yin , Minister, Energy, Science, Technology, Environment, and Climate Change
Malaysia stands better poised than most of its neighbors to reap the benefits of renewable innovations and export them to the region.
Use the Sun
With the goal of generating 20% of national energy needs from renewable sources, the government is pursuing large-scale solar developments and providing incentives to businesses and homeowners.
YBrs. Ir. Dr. Sanjayan Velautham, CEO, Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia
SEDA intends to help Malaysia shift from the conventional path to greener growth to pursue more sustainable socioeconomic development.
Get Cracking
A new petrochemical processing facility, RAPID is set to shake up the downstream oil and gas market in Southeast Asia.
Datuk Sazali Hamzah , Managing Director & CEO, PETRONAS Chemicals Group (PCG)
PCG is focusing its efforts on maintaining its competitive position and continuing to provide sustainable value creation.
With a huge downstream effect on the country's industrial landscape, Malaysia's leading chemicals producers are starting to supply the entire region.
Voices from Energy and Green Economy Sector
INDUSTRY & HIGH TECHNOLOGY
Datuk Darell Leiking , Minister, International Trade and Industry
To avoid the fallout of a broader Pacific trade war, Malaysia must continue to take the helm in being technology driven, proactive, and an attractive trading partner.
Spotlight Feature
The Fourth Wall
Malaysian manufacturing is undergoing a transformative process that will bring about Industry 4.0, making automation even more efficient.
Dato' Palaniappan Joseph, Council Member & Vice Chairman , HRM Committee, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
Changing mindsets will be just as crucial as technology acquisition to successfully implement Industry4WRD.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai , Executive Chairman, Top Glove Corporation Bhd
By incorporating new machinery of higher quality and better cost efficiency, Top Glove is ensuring its place in the sun for years to come.
Voices from the Industry and High Technology Sector
GE and Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with state institutions, have brought Malaysia's aerospace industry to new heights. Both are now focused on developing the country into a regional leader.
Tiny Science Writ Large
A potential growth engine for the country's new economic model, nanotechnology in Malaysia is only set to skyrocket given the various initiatives to commercialize and further encourage the technology.
As local and international firms alike get to know the market, Malaysia is rapidly becoming a hub for semiconductors and other high-tech manufacturing across the region.
The Right Consistency
The Penang Automation Cluster (PAC) has taken up the challenge of localizing Malaysia's geographically scattered manufacturing industry, which could prove to be an example for industrial development elsewhere in the country.
James de Caluwe , Managing Director, Oleon
TBY talks to James de Caluwe, Managing Director of Oleon.
LC Saw , President, Evyap Sabun Malaysia
With a rich history in the personal care industry, Eyvap does extensive research on potential customers and their needs to provide only the best.
Japanese Chemical Investors
Malaysia's business-friendly policies, bilingual human resources, and key geographical location make it the perfect base for companies looking to expand into Asia and beyond.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia has become a hub in Asia Pacific for the larger group's operations.
Focus: Third national car project
Eddie Lee , CEO, Westports Malaysia
The largest container terminal operator in Malaysia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia, Westports is well known for its high level of productivity and cost competitiveness.
Terry Chan Kong Ngee, Group CEO, Sabah Air Aviation (SAA)
After 44 years in the aviation industry, SAA's name speaks for itself.
Dr. James Tee , Managing Director & CEO, Medini Iskandar Malaysia (MIM)
Medini City was launched in 2008 with the vision of becoming the icon of future city living and has subsequently emerged with many industry firsts.
Voices from the Real Estate Sector
Karen Moss , CEO, Borneo Benar
Being involved with many prestigious brands in the Maldives in the past few decades has helped Borneo Benar become synonymous with quality timber.
Tall Tale
One of the world's tallest buildings is under construction in Kuala Lumpur. While it will serve as another symbol of the city, supertall structures are not the first and last word in economic development.
Sherene Azli , CEO, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)
MHTC seeks to promote global awareness of the Malaysian healthcare industry and position Malaysia as the preferred destination for world-class healthcare services.
Chong Yee Mun , CEO, Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC)
A leading healthcare provider in Asia, PCMC receives patients from all over the world and is known for its quality clinical and service standards.
With heart diseases becoming the number-one cause of morbidity and mortality across the world, Malaysia's cardiac centers are leading the way in the region.
Though Malaysia is strongly going into health tourism mainly due to its quality healthcare infrastructure and competitive pricing, local patients remain the core focus of hospitals.
Voices from the Health Sector
The Old World
Malaysia's population is getting older, and responding to this social trend in the right manner will save families, officials, and businesses worry down the line.
Voices from the Health Sector II
As Mexico moves toward further legalization, the focus is on educating the public and creating an infrastructure that will allow the country to become the biggest player in the global cannabis market.
Prof. Graham Kendall , CEO & Provost, University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM)
The University of Nottingham, a UK-based school, has opened up a branch in Malaysia where it hopes to add value to the country's education sector.
Prof. Andrew Walker , President & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash University Malaysia
Monash University is leading the way in innovating the educational sector by drawing on experiences and knowledge gathered globally.
Prof. Dr. Premkumar Rajagopal, President, Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST)
TBY talks to Prof. Dr. Premkumar Rajagopal, President of Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Education sector.
Focus: Technical vocational education and training
Learn a Trade
TVET programs will only continue to play a bigger role in training the workforce required to keep Malaysia's economic engine running.
Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, Minister , Tourism, Arts, and Culture
Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism is excited about promoting the country as a prime destination for ecotourism in Southeast Asia.
Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi , Minister , Tourism, Arts, and Culture
The largest and fastest growing international luxury hospitality brand in the Asia Pacific today, The Ritz-Carlton is set to elevate the hospitality and tourism scene in Langkawi.
Focus: Durian exports
The (Sweet?) Smell of Success
The foodie world boasts many acquired tastes, from moldy cheese to preserved eggs. Yet, Mother Nature herself has provided perhaps the strangest of the bunch, one known as the king of fruits—the durian.
Meeting spaces for conferences and conventions are welcome respites from doing business within the four walls of an office. CCEC and KLCC are available to deliver that welcome in style.
Muhammed Raja Talib bin Dato' Raja Mohamad Abdullah , CEO, OIC International Business Centre & Chairman, Muslim World Biz
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation seeks to standardize and promote Islamic commerce in Malaysia and across the world.
Dato' Dr. JasG, CEO & Founder, Glojas Health Clinic
TBY talks to Dato' Dr. JasG, CEO & Founder of Glojas Health Clinic.
Voices from the Tourism and Retail Sector
Focus: Ecotourism
A Win-win for Everyone
Declining biodiversity has pushed Malaysia to boost efforts to protect its prized natural assets, which in turn has attracted ecotourists.
Nerine Tan Sheik Ping, CEO, Berjaya Sports Toto Berhad
Berjaya Sports Toto Berhad is working alongside the government to provide a safe, regulated environment for gambling in Malaysia.
Erik Stoel , Managing Director, British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia
New taxes and laws have presented challenges for BAT, but the company is working to overcome these difficulties.
Silk Road of The High Seas
TBY talks to Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Chairman of the Sunway Group, on sidestepping conventional wisdom, the importance of regional trading blocs, and the benefits of a China-ASEAN relationship.
Focus: One Belt, One Road
Connecting Lives
OBOR has the potential to reshape global trade, connect major economic blocs, and affect the lives of 4.4 billion people in 65 countries.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Join The Ministry for an intimate studio visit with two of Toronto's most exciting emerging visual artists, Anders Oinonen and Susy Oliveira. These artists have generously invited members in to their home studio to discuss their imagery and approach to creating art.
Anders Oinonen's facial constructions are both precisely crafted and mysterious. Working with oils on canvas, Oinonen creates images that are ambiguous and can be read as either figurative or as abstract landscapes. A MFA graduate from Waterloo, Oinonen has exhibited his works in galleries and museums across North America. His work can be found in collections such as the Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal and the Canada Council Art Bank. Oinonen is represented in Toronto by COOPER COLE.
Susy Oliveira creates sculptures, paintings and installations that examine human's preoccupation with controlling and re-producing elements of nature through artificial fabrication. Often using digital images that attempt to capture or reproduce elements of nature, the artist repurposes the images to give new life and form to artificial versions of natural and organic material. As humans continue to manipulate and impose unnatural systems onto otherwise natural elements of the world for personal pleasure and consumption, Oliveira's work underscores our perpetuated distance from a world that is undisturbed by our existence.


text:
Q: Query reg .ucf file in BASYS 2 I want to scroll hello world on seven segment display of BASYS2 board. I have created this .ucf file and I want to know whether I have to include clock and reset pins in .ucf. My .ucf file and verilog code is as follows:
module ssevenseg (
input clock,
input reset,
output a,
output b,
output c,
output d,
output e,
output f,
output g,
output [3:0] en
);
reg [3:0] in0, in1, in2, in3;  //
reg [28:0] tick_tock;  // to count for every 1s i.e holds count of 50 M
wire click;

always @(posedge clock or posedge reset)
begin
if(reset)
tick_tock <= 0;
else if ( tick_tock==50000000)
tick_tock <= 0;
else
tick_tock <= tick_tock+1;
end

assign click = (( tick_tock==50000000)?1'b1:1'b0);  // click every second
reg [3:0] count1;
always @(posedge click or posedge reset)
begin
if (reset)
count1 <= 0;
else
count1 <= count1 + 1;
end

always @ (*)
begin
case (count1)
8'b00000000 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0001;  // H
in1 = 4'b0010;  // E
in2 = 4'b0011;  // L
in3 = 4'b0011;  // L
end
8'b00000001 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0010;  // E
in1 = 4'b0011;  // L
in2 = 4'b0011;  // L
in3 = 4'b0100;  // O
end
8'b00000010 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0011;  // L
in1 = 4'b0011;  // L
in2 = 4'b0100;  // O
in3 = 4'b0101;  // E
end
8'b00000011 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0011; // L
in1 = 4'b0100;  // O
in2 = 4'b0101;  // E
in3 = 4'b0100;  // O
end
8'b00000100 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0100;  // O
in1 = 4'b0101;  // E
in2 = 4'b0100;  // O
in3 = 4'b0110;  // r
end
8'b00000101 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0101;  // E
in1 = 4'b0100;  // O
in2 = 4'b0110;   // r
in3 = 4'b0011;  // L
end
8'b00000110 :
begin
in0 = 4'b0100;
in1 = 4'b0110;
in2 = 4'b0011;
in3 = 4'b0111;
end
endcase
end

localparam N = 18;

reg [N-1:0]count;  // the 18 bit counter that allows us to multiplex at 1000Hz

count <= 0;
always @ (posedge clock or posedge reset )
begin
if (reset)
count <= 0;
else
count <= count +1;
end

reg [3:0] display;
reg [3:0] temp_en;

always @ (*)
begin
case(count[N-1:N-2])

2'b00 :
    begin
    display = in0;
    temp_en = 4'b0111;
    end

2'b01:
     begin
     display = in1;
     temp_en = 4'b1011;
     end

   2'b10:
    begin
    display = in2;
    temp_en = 4'b1101;
    end

   2'b11:
    begin
    display = in3;
    temp_en = 4'b1110;
    end
  endcase
 end   // end of begin

assign en = temp_en;

reg [6:0] temp_display;

always @(*)
begin

case (display)

4'b0000 : temp_display = 7'b1111110;  // if we give input '0' nothing except '-' will be displayed
4'b0001 : temp_display = 7'b1001000;  // This will display 'H'
4'b0010 : temp_display = 7'b0110000;  // to display 'E'
4'b0011 : temp_display = 7'b1110001; // to display 'L'
4'b0100 : temp_display = 7'b0000001; // to display 'O'
4'b0101 : temp_display = 7'b1111010; // to display 'r'
4'b0110 : temp_display = 7'b1000010; // to display 'd'

default : temp_display = 7'b1111111; // blank

endcase
end
 assign {a,b,c,d,e,f,g} = temp_display ;
endmodule

.UCF FILE :

NET a LOC = "L14";
NET b LOC = "H12";
NET c LOC = "N14";
NET d LOC = "N11";
NET e LOC = "P12";
NET f LOC = "L13";
NET g LOC = "M12";
NET en[3] LOC = "F12";
NET en[2] LOC = "J12";
NET en[1] LOC = "M13";
NET en[0] LOC = "K14";

A: Yes you have to add them to the ucf file, else the place and route will not know on which pin these signals must be linked.
you could also define the clock period constraint in the ucf like this (for a 1MHz clock):
NET "clock" TNM_NET = TNM_clock;
TIMESPEC "TS_clock" = PERIOD "TNM_clock" 1 us;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
INTEGRA Technologies > Critical Connections Demand Certainty
Understanding bolts' behavior during routine tightening procedures helps to ensure leak-free, reliable operations
Common knowledge dictates that planning ahead ensures effective results, regardless of the task at hand. Controlling the process is essential to controlling
the outcome. Operations in the chemical process industries (CPI) require accuracy and attention to detail, right down to some of the smallest elements — bolts. Delays, defects and accidents in the CPI can be avoided by improving the effectiveness and reliability of bolted joints. Many questions arise when considering bolt performance and maintenance. For instance, how often does one pay attention to the behavior of a stud bolt when tightening? How often should routine tightening checks be completed, and how does one know which tightening method is best for a specific application? Some of these issues can
be addressed with an understanding of bolts' behavior under various tightening methods.
Bolted flanges are certainly not designed to leak, and simple procedures and maintenance routines exist to help prevent prolonged shutdowns, save on costs and improve overall safety. With proper planning, downtime due to leaks and related issues can be minimized, thus increasing revenue and reducing project creep. Most importantly, safety remains the number one focus of the job for the personnel performing the work. It seems all too common that planning for a failure is built into a project's schedule. In reality, planning for zero leaks at startup is a reasonable and completely obtainable goal. This article provides insights regarding tightening methods — specifically torqueing and tensioning — for bolted connections, and their importance in preventing leaks and maintaining normal operations.
Connection fundamentals
Before going into detail about tightening options for bolted connections, it is important to understand the preliminary work that is crucial to a truly successful connection. Flange alignment, both before and during tightening, is essential to the flange's integrity. Particular care is required during the assembly of the flange to avoid misalignment or pipeline tension, both of which can reduce the effectiveness of the bolt load and create circumstances that promote undesirable leakage. Misalignment not only detrimentally affects the bolt load, but may also damage the gasket, bend the bolts or unset the nuts, all
of which will adversely affect the joint's integrity.
Gasket seating requires the correct amount of gasket compression. This compression must be uniform around the entire gasket surface. Correct gasket compression is achieved by precise and uniform bolt loading. Distortion of gasketed joints usually causes a non-uniform pressure distribution over the gasket. Joint distortion exists when the flange faces are not parallel or the bolts or studs experience deformation outside of that caused by normal tightening activities. There should be an equal space between the faces at the top and bottom and on each side of the flange.
Flanges become distorted when flexing occurs at the flange, usually due to uncontrolled bolt loads, which leads to leakage at points where compression is too low for sealing. A flange can be checked for distortion by taking a face run-out reading of the flange as it is rotated slowly on a portable lathe. Lasers can also be used for more exact readings. Furthermore, by employing a non-drying blue pigment and an accurate straightedge, the amount of warpage or waviness in the flange face can be detected by observing the contact points. Machining of the faces may be required to restore the flange face to the required flatness and desired sealing surface. Even with relatively rigid flanges, bolt loads can cause a certain amount of bending in the flange between bolt centers.
Internal pressure also adds to the loading on flanges, gaskets and bolts. Internal pressure can cause bolt elongation, add to flange bowing and cause gasket blowouts. The internal pressure creates forces that act to separate the flanges. The bolt cross-section in Figure 1 shows the directional path of applied internal hydraulic pressure through the element. The bolt loads must be uniform and accurately applied to keep the stress in the gasket, resisting gasket blowout. Needless to say, given the variety and intricate details that go into the makeup of a bolted connection — namely, gasket type, sealing-face finish and the flatness and stiffness of the flange — simply adding more bolt load to a leaking joint may not always be the most suitable solution. It is important to investigate the situation and confirm that additional tightening is the best path moving forward. Other options may include flange machining or upgrading the bolts and gaskets themselves.
Bolt behavior
Any tightening method applied will result in stretching of the bolt. The bolt behaves like a spring, in that it has a certain elastic limit that it can reach and still return to its original shape and size when the force is removed without incurring any distortion. If a bolt is in tension, the stress it experiences is a tensile stress, representing the amount of force applied. Tensile strength is the maximum tension applied stress a fastener can support before it fractures. The amount of distortion occurring in a part, as long as it is kept within the material's elastic limits, will be directly proportional to the applied force. If the force exceeds these limits, the result is permanent set. Permanent set of a bolt refers to the elongation that remains in a fastener after it is unloaded, and is also commonly known as necking or yielding.
Simply put, necking occurs when a bolt is stretched past the spring-like state and the bolt becomes longer than it originally was. In this situation, the bolt is overstretched and the material to create this length has been displaced from other areas of the bolt. Typically, bolt material is transferred from the diameter when this elongation occurs. It is not visibly apparent when the stud bolt is engaged, but this material migration can cause major problems if ignored or unnoticed. Necking decreases a part's strength, which therefore reduces the integrity of the bolted joint as a whole. When the bolt needs to be tightened again, there will be a new stress-strain curve and the thread pitch (how closely the threads in a screw or bolt are spaced) will change, even on the threads that were not engaged during tightening. Hence, when comparing a new or properly used bolt to a bolt of the same makeup that has previously exceeded its capacity, the threads will not match.
Yield strength is another important parameter in bolt tensioning. It is defined as the tension-applied stress at which the fastener experiences a specified amount of permanent deformation. When tightening a bolt, it is crucial to remain below the yield strength up to the proof load. The proof load is typically defined as the tension applied load that the fastener must support without evidence of any deformation.
Unfortunately, it is a common misconception that simply tightening a joint is something of a cure-all for leaking connections. Of course, there is the possibility that tightening the joint will correct the issue. However, the likelihood also exists that the joint was previously overtightened and therefore has compounded problem areas, including necking issues or distorted flange faces. This brings up a key point that illustrates how essential it is to maintain accurate records of the work performed on each application. Detailed documentation saves time and resources regarding the continued maintenance and performance of any asset.
Bolt-tightening methods
Several methods of bolt tightening are in practice currently. Bolting practices and technologies have evolved in many ways over the years. In the past, the tightness of a bolted joint relied almost entirely on the physical strength of the individual operating the manual torque wrench. As technological efforts progressed, the pneumatic impact wrench was introduced to simplify control and provide improved accuracy. Hydraulic torqueing followed, further allowing individuals to rely more heavily on the tool itself rather than personal strength. Yet another method, hydraulic tensioning, is a more recent development that can drastically reduce inaccuracies and elevate the level of safety in tightening applications.
Hydraulic nuts are a very versatile type of tool used in tensioning procedures. Installation applications for hydraulic nuts include heat exchangers (Figure 2) and reactor manway flanges (Figure 3), among others. The primary distinguishing feature of hydraulic nuts compared to other tightening tools is that the hydraulic nut remains on the application flange until the next breakout, essentially replacing the nut itself.
The possibility of damaging a bolt during the tightening procedure should be taken into account, regardless of the method selected to perform the job. However, the accuracy in properly distributing the desired load varies when comparing bolt-tightening methods. For example, tools used for tensioning are designed to not cause yielding in the stud. As long as the correct calculations are taken into account and tools are used properly, it is physically impossible for stud yield to occur with tensioning. Tensioning also eliminates the risk of galling (wear due to adhesion between surfaces) during breakouts.
Each application is different, and there are various factors to consider when determining the best tightening method for individual cases. In some cases, tensioning can be the safest and most accurate method available, but there are specific requirements for its application, including stud spacing and the number of exposed threads on the length of the bolt. Stud spacing is a limiting factor for the application of tensioning because there must be enough room between studs on the flange for the tools to maneuver. Also, there must be an adequate length of exposed thread (typically 1.5 times the diameter of the thread) for the tool to adhere to, unless customizations have been applied to the tools.
When compared to other bolt tightening methods, tensioning has many advantages. Bolt tensioning uses a hydraulic jack to apply force directly to the end of the bolt. The stud bolt is "stretched" to a pre-defined limit or proof load, and the operator is then able to tighten the nuts to the flange face. Also, unlike other methods, friction is not an issue with tensioning. The hydraulic load is transferred from the tensioner to the nut by a simple turn of the nut by hand. After this maneuver, the stud bolt remains tensioned.
Despite these advantages, tensioning is not the most common method of bolt tightening applied in industry. Currently, the most common bolt-tightening method is torque tightening, or torqueing. Torqueing uses the thread helix of the turning nut to elongate the bolt. Obtaining uniform bolt loading to seal the gasket with torqueing is challenging, due to difficulties related to controlling friction. Crosstalk (elastic interactions between grouped bolts) in the flange also hinders bolt-loading uniformity when torqueing is applied.
Another advantage is that the process of tensioning is not dependent on the type of lubricant used. Torqueing is greatly affected by friction, and proper lubrication is crucial. Friction is found both under the bolt head and in the threads of the stud during tightening. Friction is the biggest issue that must be considered when calculating the appropriate yield for each application. About 50% of the input torque goes directly toward mitigating the friction found under the bolt head. Another 40% of the input torque is lost in the thread frictions, leaving the remaining 10% of input torque to stretch the bolt. The application of lubricants helps to reduce friction in these situations. A well lubricated bolt will stretch more and exert a higher clamping force than a dry bolt. The bolt force applied must be great enough to create a "flow" phenomenon at the surface of the gasket material and cause it to yield and seat effectively. The bolt force must always exceed the force due to internal pressure to ensure the contents passing through the connection points remain contained.
When torqueing a bolt set, immediately after the fasteners are tightened, the assembled joint will relax with an accompanying loss of 2–11% of initial bolt preload — the tension caused by the tightening action itself is diminished. Several events may happen in the joint, including: rough spots on contacting surfaces may flatten; mating threads may accommodate to each other; the bolt head and nut may embed into the jointed material; and fasteners may adjust to non-parallel bearing surfaces. These reactions cause relaxation. Relaxation of the load at bearing surfaces, along with friction and cross-talk, reduce the accuracy of torqueing methods. Figure 4 shows a comparison of the accuracy of various bolting tools. Torque methods often only have a bolt-load accuracy of 50%. With critical connections demanding precise control over bolt load and uniform gasket stress, torqueing can fall short in these areas. Conversely, hydraulic tensioners and nuts provide increased bolt-load accuracy. The tensioning method eliminates the effect of friction under the nut and between threads by applying force directly to stretch the bolt. By taking friction and cross-talk out of the equation, more accurate bolt loads are obtained. To ensure leak-free startups, bolt loads applied by hydraulic nuts are approximately 90% more accurate than torqueing.
Employees' time is another resource that must be considered when examining bolt tightening and maintenance. With tensioning, every alternate bolt or every individual bolt may be tensioned simultaneously to pull down the flange evenly. Multi-stud tensioning eliminates bolt load cross-talk. Bolt tensioning can simultaneously achieve accurate and predetermined bolt loading in a single operation, providing the uniform gasket compression that is essential for the integrity of critical bolted connections. Particularly on larger flanges, bolt tensioning can also be significantly quicker than torque tightening. Since torqueing tightens each bolt in succession in a star-like pattern across the flange face, a multi-pass approach is required. Some of the already tightened bolts may need
to be re-tightened throughout the entire procedure, thus requiring significantly more time. Figure 5 illustrates that torqueing operations require considerably more time than hydraulic tensioning methods. Tensioning can potentially reduce the time required to remove and replace large, high-pressure flanges by up to 80%. Furthermore, when compared to other methods, less manpower will be required to accomplish the same tasks when tensioning is applied.
Because tensioning facilitates simultaneous tightening, any number of tensioning tools can be connected together. This sort of configuration can simultaneously tension either 50 or 100% of the bolts on a given flange, producing uniform gasket compression and eliminating the damage incurred by bowing or overloading the flange. Underwater tensioning is usually 100% simultaneous to simplify the work of the diver. Topside applications generally tension alternate bolts in two passes from the same side of the flange. Stud bolts are set with an additional one diameter of length protruding on the same side. Hydraulic bolt tensioners are fitted to every other bolt for the first pass before being moved to the remaining bolts for the second pass. Where access is restricted, some bolts can be tensioned from the other side of the flange. Subsea applications are set with the additional length protruding on alternate sides of the flange. Hydraulic bolt tensioners are attached to every bolt on alternate sides of the flange in order to obtain 100% simultaneous tensioning. Tensioning's simultaneous tightening capabilities across a flange face greatly decrease the amount of time spent on each face. Since the nuts remain on the face, tensioning also eliminates the threat of inherent pinch points while tightening stud bolts. Pinch points are areas where a technician's skin or extremities can get pinched by tools, causing potentially catastrophic injuries. Along with creating a safer work environment for personnel, this type of procedure results in a more effective and faster turnaround, greatly reducing costs.
CPI operations demand a certainty of outcome to deliver reliable, leak-free connections with zero delays and zero accidents. New bolt tightening technologies, such as multi-stud tensioners and hydraulic nuts, should certainly be considered to help deliver the high level of reliability that critical bolted connections in the CPI demand.
P. Gordon Britton, P. Eng.
INTEGRA Technologies
This article appeared in the November 2014 edition of Chemical Engineering Magazine and was edited by Mary Page Bailey in that magazine.


Playlist RBT075 – Release party 2017 N°02.
. Dr Ring Ding Ska Vaganza : Gun Bae (Intro).
. The Kubricks: Down With the Dogs.
. Hepcat: Rudies All Around.
. Charley Organaire & The Prizefighters: Island Girl.
. The Pomps: Irish Goodbye.
. Janet Kumah & Teddy Garcia: Let me talk about it.
. Jukebox 101: Dream I Had Of You.
. Marcia Griffiths: Feel Like Jumping.
. Big Boss Man: Aardvark.
. Mampy: Song For TSF.
. Yellow Umbrella: The Answer.
. Moonhead Project (feat. Dani Radic): On The Dancefloor.
. The Mighty Fishers: Respect Yourself.
. Thee Hurricanes: Category 5.
. The Selecter: On My Radio (end).


text:
Personen

Keizers en koningen
 Hendrik VI (1165-1197), koning van Duitsland (1169-1197), Duits keizer (1191-1197) en koning van Sicilië (1194-1197)
 Hendrik VI van Engeland (1421-1471), koning van Engeland (1422-1461 en 1470-1471)

Hoge adel
 Hendrik VI van Beieren (1017-1056), hertog van Beieren (1027-1042 en 1047-1049) = keizer Hendrik III
 Hendrik VI "de Jongere" van Brunswijk (ca. 1196-1214), paltsgraaf aan de Rijn (1212-1214)
 Hendrik VI van Gorizia (1376-1454), graaf van Gorizia (1385-1454)
 Hendrik VI van Luxemburg (1252-1288), graaf van Luxemburg (1281-1288)
 Hendrik VI "de Oude" van Sagan (ca. 1345-1393), hertog van Sagan (1369-1393)
 Hendrik VI "de Goede" van Silezië (1294-1335), hertog van Breslau (1296-1335), Liegnitz en Brieg (1296-1311)
 Hendrik VI "de IJzeren" van Waldeck († 1397), graaf van Waldeck (1369-1397)

Lage adel
 Hendrik VI van Boutersem (ca. 1295-?), Nederlands edelman

Toneelstukken
 Hendrik VI, deel 1, toneelstuk van Shakespeare
 Hendrik VI, deel 2, toneelstuk van Shakespeare
 Hendrik VI, deel 3, toneelstuk van Shakespeare

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Keep these details in a handy place in case of emergencies and use the numbers below if required.
A representative from our Site Team will visit you 7 days after your legal completion and will agree any defects requiring rectification with you. Any visual damage, such as chips or scratches MUST be reported within 7 days of Legal Completion.
Please report any further defects identified by e-mail to [email protected] including your daytime contact number. Alternatively, you can ring on 01530 261444 to discuss any concerns you may have.
We aim to complete any remedial work within 28 days, but this may take longer if replacement parts are required. Suitable weekday access will be agreed with you. Should a defect require the removal of floor covering that has not been fitted by Davidsons, this would need to be removed prior to investigation/remedial work.
To discuss any concerns you may have, please contact NHBC on 0800 035 6422 or 01908 746000 Mon – Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm, or alternatively, visit http://nhbc.co.uk.
NHBC also provides a Resolution Service should it not be possible to reach agreement regarding the scope of cover.


text:
Q: Xpath for an element with span only(no or or anything) and that too with similar attributes and only difference in text I am trying to get an xpath for this button element with text 'Cancel'.

    <button class="something" role="button" type="button">
        OK
    </button>
    <button class="something" role="button" type="button">
        Cancel
    </button>

I have tried
//span[@class='thisthing' and text()='Cancel'] and it says "Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation."
I have tried various other xpaths and none of them have helped.
This is inside a nested iframe. I did confirm I have switched to the required iframe because it identified an element in a sibling div but it had an id and that's why probably it worked. But the Cancel button is not working at all.
I appreciate your help in advance.
Thanks

A: There are a variety of ways you can do this. The problem is you are not clicking a button. You are clicking a span. These both work.
 //div[@class='uipresk']//button[1]
 //div[@class='uipresk']//button[2]

 //button/span[contains(text(), 'OK')]
 //button/span[contains(text(), 'Cancel')]

Added text to test so the buttons went somewhere..

<button class="something" role="button" type="button" onclick="location.href = 'http://www.cnn.com';">
    OK
</button>
<button class="something" role="button" type="button" onclick="location.href = 'http://www.cnn.com';">
    Cancel
</button>


Organon F, 2009, vol. 16, No 3, pp. 283-303.
In the paper, I distinguish between the semantic and the "direct" approach to event ontology. The first approach, employed by D. Davidson, starts with logical analysis of natural language. This analysis uncovers quantification over the domain of events. Thus, we have ontological commitment to events and, at the same time, also a suggestion of how to view their nature. The second approach, used by J. Kim and D. Lewis, deals with events "directly", i.e. not by analyzing language first. Events are postulated because they are useful in other theories (of causation, explanation, etc.) and their nature is adjusted to the needs of these theories. In the paper, I analyze both approaches and outline their problems and advantages. I conclude that we should conditionally prefer the latter approach on methodological grounds. This preference is based on the assumption that submitting hypotheses to tests seems to be a crucial part of metaphysical methodology. Since the "direct" approach to event ontology allows for more testing, it should be preferred over the semantic approach.


Equipment: satellite TV; DVD, CD player; internet access Wi-Fi (payment, on order); washing machine; electric heating; storage room in the house.
Please note: Non-smoking house. detached house, 6 people, 4 room/s, 3 bedroom/s, 1 bathroom/s, approx. 82 m², 1 floor/s.
Kitchenette: Kitchen/ cooking equipment: 4 electric plates, oven, microwave oven, grill, dish-washer, refrigerator, coffee machine, freezer approx. 60 litre. open to the living room, wood stove.
Sanitary 1: shower, TC5: incinerating toilet.
Access/parking: Access to the house via stairs approx. 10 m. parking on the estate.
Bathing jetty/bathing: bathing place (shared use) in approx. 50 m (rock).
Estate: open plot, natural surroundings.
Fishing: good fishing possibilities, in the lake, fishing license provided by the owner (free of charge).
Information on the boat(s): Rowing boat (included).
Outdoor facilities: (private use): terrace (partially roofed), furnishing provided, transportable barbecue.
Situation: holiday village Solvang, lake-view, view of Lake Hestadvatnet.
Arrival: Airport Kristiansand Kjevik in approx. 103 km. Ferry port Kristiansand in approx. 88 km.
Beach/waters: Lake in approx. 50 m (Hestadvatnet).
Cross-country skiing trail: in approx. 30 km (Naglestad).
Golf course: Kvinesdal (18-hole golf course) in approx. 15 km.
Nearest neighbour: Nearest neighbour in approx. 20 m.
Next village/town: Center Vemestad in approx. 6 km. Kristiansand in approx. 88 km. Mandal in approx. 47 km.
Public swimming pool: Swimming complex in approx. 20 km (Lyngdal).
Shopping: Next shopping possibility (Vemestad) in approx. 6 km. Next supermarket (Lyngdal) in approx. 20 km.
Ski run: Naglestad in approx. 30 km.


text:
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On November 30th, you may avoid the lines, avoid the stress of crowded malls, and avoid sitting in traffic for hours at a time, all while everyone is clamoring for in-store Christmas specials. This Cyber Monday Australia, you'll be able to find anything and everything you're looking for at this store, which is entirely online! Sit back, relax, and let the savings come to you; we'll send everything straight to your door, so you won't have to do anything. Prepare for Cyber Monday 2021 — there's never been a better way to shop during the holidays.!
Why not conduct your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home this year? You may explore hundreds of discounts and fill your cart without breaking your Christmas budget, thanks to a huge range and very low prices you won't find anywhere else. It's never been easier to purchase for friends and family for the holidays! You could even have enough money left over to treat yourself! Don't be afraid to spoil yourself with new electronics, stunning new dresses, fantastic home items, and much more.
All of the finest cyber deals and the largest brands in tech, fashion, fitness, cosmetics, and more are right here at Australia's favorite online superstore!
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While you're out shopping for those last-minute Christmas gifts for friends and family, you may get some stunning homewares to be delivered right to your door! There's never been a better moment to freshen up your house with some new appliances and trendy homewares!
When Is Cyber Monday This Year?
The date for cyber Monday 2021 is November 30th. So mark your calendars and set your clocks to avoid missing out on incredible deals you won't find anywhere else!
Why is it Called "Cyber Monday"?
In contrast to Black Friday, the term "cyber Monday" was only established 15 years ago! Before the age of cell phones, consumers would check their favorite websites for black Friday offers they had missed.
The national retail federation (nrf) has noted an increase in internet traffic and sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving for several years. They concluded that adults were making purchases on their work computers so that their children couldn't see what they were buying.
Deals on Cyber Monday: What to Expect
Deals on 4K TVs, laptops, tablets, video games, and kitchen appliances are among the most popular Cyber Monday goods. During the yearly sales event, popular items in these categories are projected to hit new low prices.
If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to enhance your work from home arrangement, Cyber Monday may be it. Some of the best laptops on the market, including popular MacBook configurations, are likely to see significant price reductions, as will more cheap devices like Chrome books.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X will likely be as difficult to find as ever when it comes to next-gen consoles. Even the Nintendo Switch OLED, which was just introduced, is unlikely to be easily available in time for Christmas. You won't be able to get a deal on any of these in-demand consoles.
Why Is Cyber Monday So Popular?
Everyone does love shopping from home, and Cyber Monday is officially the one online shopping discounts era that lets people shop from their home comfort. With quite a lot of discount codes, you can shop from anywhere almost but ours at HR Sports you will find the biggest deals and perfect discounts for your next wish list. There's no need to spend hours in line at shopping centers with HR Sports. Plus, shoppers can easily compare the prices of items online with just a few clicks. Time-saving and budget-friendly? There's nothing better than that!
Why Is Cyber Monday Such A Big Deal?
People adore Cyber Monday because it allows them to buy from the comfort of their own homes. There's no need to spend hours in line at shopping malls when there is an unlimited number of stores and discounts accessible online. Plus, with just a few clicks, customers can readily compare the costs of things online. Time-saving and cost-effective? Isn't it exciting? Shop Now from HR Sports and go-cart with your wishlist.
Don't have the patience to wait that long? Don't worry; you'll find some fantastic bargains on Black Friday as well! The black Friday 2021 sale is only a few days before Cyber Monday, so mark November 29th on your calendar.


text:
Democrats Subpoena Mueller Report Amid Calls for Impeachment
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he "cannot accept any proposal which leaves most of Congress in the dark"
By Lisa Mascaro
Published Apr 18, 2019 at 9:35 PM | Updated at 8:36 PM EDT on Apr 19, 2019
Nadler: Barr Undermined His Own Department to Protect Trump
//www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/Nadler-Barr-Undermined-His-Own-Department-to-Protect-Trump-508768142.html
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-NY, said after the release of the redacted Mueller report that Attorney General William Barr has "shown an unsettling willingness to undermine his own department in order to protect President Trump."
(Published Thursday, April 18, 2019)
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena Friday for special counsel Robert Mueller's full report as Democrats intensified their investigation of President Donald Trump, but leaders stopped short of liberal demands for impeachment proceedings.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has insisted on a methodical, step-by-step approach to the House's oversight of the Trump administration, and she refuses to consider impeachment without public support, including from Republicans, which seems unlikely. But in light of Mueller's findings , Democratic leaders are under mounting pressure from the party's rising stars, deep-pocketed donors and even a presidential contender to seize the moment as a jumping-off point for trying to remove Trump from office.
Speaking Friday in Belfast as Pelosi wrapped up a congressional visit to Ireland, she declined to signal action beyond Congress' role as a check and balance for the White House.
"Let me assure you that whatever the issue and challenge we face, the Congress of the United States will honor its oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States to protect our democracy," she told reporters. "We believe that the first article — Article 1, the legislative branch — has the responsibility of oversight of our democracy, and we will exercise that."
Mueller Report: 10 Instances of Possible Obstruction of Justice by Trump
Special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election included instances of potential obstruction by President Donald Trump. Here is a rundown of the ten mentioned in the report.
That approach isn't enough for some liberals who see in Trump's actions not just a president unfit for office but evidence of obstruction serious enough that Mueller said he could not declare Trump exonerated.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is now signed on to an impeachment resolution from fellow Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, bringing new energy to the effort. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a presidential candidate, said Friday the House "should initiate impeachment proceedings against the president." And billionaire Tom Steyer, a leading advocate of impeachment, has grown impatient with the House's pace of investigations and wants televised hearings to focus Americans' attention on Trump.
"Let's get the show on the road," Steyer said in an interview Friday. "The Mueller report very clearly outlined obstruction by the president and basically said, I can't do anything about it, it's up to Congress to hold the president accountable."
2020 Dem Hopefuls Call for Mueller Public Testimony
Democrats, though, may see greater power in pursuing an investigative effort, leaving impeachment on the shelf as a break-glass option.
The Judiciary chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., says he expects the Justice Department to comply with the committee's subpoena for the full report by May 1.
That's the same day Attorney General William Barr is to testify before a Senate committee and one day before Barr is to appear before Nadler's panel. Nadler also has summoned Mueller to testify by May 23.
DOJ Releases Mueller Report
A redacted version of special counsel Robert Mueller's report into Russian election meddling and President Donald Trump has been released to Congress and the public.
"It now falls to Congress to determine the full scope of that alleged misconduct and to decide what steps we must take going forward," Nadler said.
A Justice Department spokeswoman, Kerri Kupac, called Nadler's move "premature and unnecessary."
Barr sent Congress a redacted version of the Mueller report, blacking out several types of material, including classified information, material pertaining to ongoing investigations and grand jury evidence.
Fact Check: Skewed Trump, Barr Claims on Mueller Report
Nadler said he was open to working with the department on accommodations, but he also said the committee "needs and is entitled to the full version of the report and the underlying evidence consistent with past practice."
But the committee's top Republican, Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, said the subpoena was "wildly overbroad" and that Trump already had declined to assert executive privilege over the Mueller report in a move of "unprecedented openness."
"This is politically convenient," Collins said, allowing the chairman "to grandstand and rail against the attorney general for not cooperating on an impossible timeline."
Mueller's report provides fresh evidence of Trump's interference in the Russia investigation and challenges lawmakers to respond.
For Congress, though, organizing an immediate response been complicated by the spring recess that left leadership in both parties away from Washington and rank-and-file lawmakers.
GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has been on a delegation trip to South America, and GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been in Africa.
I'm Effed: Top Takeaways From the Redacted Mueller Report
One Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah was one of the few who spoke out Friday, saying he was "sickened" by the report's findings of dishonesty at the highest levels of the administration, "including the president," and appalled that some Americans were working with Russians during the 2016 election.
Pelosi will convene House Democrats for a conference call Monday, after the holiday weekend when many lawmakers are celebrating Easter and Passover.
With Barr, Democrats expect a long battle ahead. The attorney general has come under intense scrutiny over his handling of the Mueller report and subsequent comments that have left him exposed to criticism he is acting in Trump's interest.
Schiff: AG Did 'Grave Disservice' to US
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said Thursday that Attorney General William Barr "did a grave disservice to his own country by misrepresenting several parts of the Mueller report."
Late Friday Democrats rejected an offer from Barr for a limited number of congressional leaders to view some of the redacted materials in a confidential setting. They said it was inadequate.
It's unlikely that the full Mueller report or the special counsel's public testimony will untangle the dilemma that Democrats face. Mueller laid out multiple episodes in which Trump directed others to influence or curtail the Russia investigation after the special counsel's appointment in May 2017, and Trump made clear that he viewed the probe as a potential mortal blow — "the end of my presidency."
Democratic leaders are walking a delicate line on what to do with Mueller's findings.
Trump Tried to Thwart Mueller Probe, Redacted Report Says
The No. 2 Democrat, Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, drew criticism for refusing to consider impeachment, and quickly revised his comments to say "all options ought to remain on the table."
And Pelosi, in an interview last week, before the report's release, reiterated her "high bar" for impeachment. But she also didn't close the door on the option.
"The fact is the president has engaged in activities that are unethical, un-American. ... In every way he is unfit to be president of the United States. Does that make it — is that an impeachable offense? Well it depends on what we see in the report."
Trump Celebrates Mueller Report as Democrats Plan Next Step
President Donald Trump celebrated the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report into Russia collusion today, but Democrats say this story isn't over and are already talking about their next step. The report, which totals over 400 pages, neither condemns nor exonerates the president.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia


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File Explorer in Windows 11 does not show text under buttons. This is confusing for older people.
Graham-STMC
I provide tech support to older consumers in their homes, teaching, streamlining, upgrading and assisting with Windows, Android, iOS and Amazon Fire (tablet) devices. Most of my clients are aged 60-85 and actively use Windows 10 linked with Edge and Outlook mobile apps (and Microsoft Launcher) on Android or iOS. Many are excited by Windows 11.
The changes from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be received well by most of my clients, because there are so many lists of text beautifully laid out, particularly in the Settings App, but many of my clients who "read all the text on their screen" before feeling confident to click or tap a button, will find the difference between the clear ribbon/toolbar buttons in Windows 10 File Explorer to the minimalistic Windows 11 File Explorer icons extremely confusing and frustrating.
Please make text labels underneath the main toolbar buttons across the top of File Explorer a priority, or at least an option that can be turned on or off, pop up "tool tips" would also be appreciated.
It is great that the same icons now appear in the right-click options menu, but I would hope these could include text labels below them too.
These example images highlight the problem:
Windows 10 File Explorer Controls - Note how visually clear the "Move to", "Copy to" and "Delete" buttons are? This ribbon is too busy with all the other options, but the main "buttons" state exactly what they do very clearly.
Windows 11 File Explorer Controls seem bewildering to new users, older users or to those who are vision impaired.
By comparison the OneDrive website provides a very clear yet minimal interface:
ThomasABC
replied to Graham-STMC
Re: File Explorer in Windows 11 does not show text under buttons. This is confusing for older people
I fully agree.
At least there should be a file explorer setting to turn texts on/off.
Peter_R_732
I have Pro but see no Pro in this new ribbon. There should be a standard and yes a nice one like the old ribbon. Improved but don't eliminate.
JKistler
Totally agree! Just had to drive to my elderly parents' house to explain the multiple steps to simply get to the PRINT option so they can print photos from Windows 11 File Explorer. This basic function should be simple to access. They knew how on their old (Win 8.1) computer. Those Win 11 File Explorer icons didn't make any sense to me, much less them. And there is NO PRINTER ICON among the mysterious icons! What? Come on Microsoft, many users need visually-easy access to basic functions like printing. Instead, the print option is buried on the second menu after a right click. (Or under the three dots if you're in image preview and only want to print that one image.) In this day and age, considering ALL users should play an important part of software design.
best response confirmed by Graham-STMC (Frequent Contributor)
britechguy
And yet another voice supporting this proposal. I have no idea why, ever, an "icons and text" display option is not available, even if it's not the default. I've been using Windows since it first hit the street, and I still "read the text" more quickly than I recognize the icons for certain things.
Please bring "icons and text" back!
replied to britechguy
Adding insult to injury, see this webpage: Get Back Windows 10 Ribbon UI in Windows 11 File Explorer
The first "solution" (it's a great workaround, but so far I cannot find a way to make it stick) allows you to get back to what is, for all intents and purposes, the Windows 10 style of ribbons in File Explorer with the click of a button. Clearly this could also be handled by a setting that the end user should be able to toggle on to make this the default way that File Explorer appears.
It's really frustrating to know that the actual ability to do this exists, at the click of a button, in special circumstances and yet there is no way for the user to simply select this as the default via a setting (or even a registry hack. The one that used to work under Version 21H2 doesn't work in 22H2).


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Bernard Law, Former Archbishop Of Boston, Dies In Rome At 86
By Tovia Smith • Dec 19, 2017
Updated at 8:30 a.m. ET
Cardinal Bernard Law, the former archbishop of Boston — once widely seen as America's most influential prelate before resigning in disgrace amid the growing clergy sexual abuse scandal — has died in Rome.
The Holy See's press office confirmed Law's death "after a long illness." He was 86.
A Newtown Family's Campaign To Change How We Think About Violence
This week marks five years since the mass shooting deaths of 20 young children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
One of those killed was 6-year-old Avielle Richman, who was shot in her first-grade classroom. Her parents, Jeremy Richman and Jennifer Hensel, plan to spend this year's anniversary day quietly, at home with the two children they had after Avielle's death.
Lessons In Love For Generation Snapchat
Along with explicit sexual education classes, some schools are beginning to offer more G-rated lessons on love. Experts say the so-called "iGen" is woefully unprepared to have healthy, caring romantic relationships and young people need more guidance. So schools are adding classes that are less about the "plumbing" of relationships, and more about the passion.
When It Comes To Sexual Harassment Claims, Whose Side Is HR Really On?
As more executives accused of sexual harassment are being ousted from companies around the nation, including NPR, many are rethinking whether human resources departments are willing or able to handle the job of fielding and investigating complaints. Many have grown skeptical, after recent news stories suggesting some HR departments knew of issues, but failed to adequately respond. Many others have lost faith in HR through experiences of their own.
Harassment Scandals Shine Spotlight On Confidentiality Clauses
Campuses Cautious As They Adjust To New Sexual Assault Guidelines
New federal guidelines for handling allegations of sexual assault are prompting a range of reactions from school administrators. While many are expressing concerns and vowing to maintain current policy, others are breathing a sigh of relief or scratching their heads in confusion.
Betsy DeVos Signals Rollback Of Obama Policies On Campus Sexual Assault
By Tovia Smith • Sep 7, 2017
The Trump administration is expected to address Obama-era policies cracking down on campus sexual assault. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has signaled she wants to make significant changes to how schools handle allegations, to ensure the process is fair to accused students.
For 22 Years, Boston Arena Broke Promise To Hold 3 Fundraisers A Year
AILSA CHANG, HOST:
A classic David and Goliath story is playing out in Boston. A group of inner-city teens are facing off against the corporate giant that owns the Boston Bruins and their home arena, the TD Garden. NPR's Tovia Smith reports.
Jewish Leaders Say Anti-Semitism Around The Nation Is A Disturbing Trend
As White Supremacists Push Onto Campuses, Schools Wrestle With Response
There's been an unprecedented spike in white supremacist activity on campuses across the U.S. since the election and college students and administrators are struggling to figure out how to respond.
Posters at the University of Texas at Arlington last month implored students to "report any and all illegal aliens. America is a white nation." Also last month, at the University of Pennsylvania flyers blared "Imagine a Muslim-free America."
Fighting Hate In Schools
Editor's note: This story contains language that may be offensive to some readers.
Hate incidents can happen anywhere: the mall, the church, the office. But, in the wake of the 2016 election, hate's been showing up a lot in school.
DHS To Help Jewish Community Centers Enhance Security Protocols
By Tovia Smith • Mar 2, 2017
The Department of Homeland Security is stepping up its support for Jewish institutions across the nation who've received more than 120 bomb threats in the past two months. Jewish Community Centers have been pressing for help as they've been targeted by waves of threatening calls as well as vandalism.
Since January, the calls coming in to JCCs have been both vivid and unnerving. Betzy Lynch, executive director of the JCC in Birmingham, Ala., got three of the threatening calls, all very similar.
Massachusetts Hotline Tracks Post-Election Hate
By Tovia Smith • Feb 18, 2017
Harassment, threats and intimidation of minorities and immigrants spiked nationwide after President Trump's election in November. Comprehensive statistics are hard to come by, but officials and watch groups say hate-motivated incidents remain higher than usual more than three months after Election Day.
Massachusetts is among the many states that have seen such a spike.
When Dating In The Era Of Divisive Politics, Both Sides Stick To Themselves
They say opposites attract. But these days, maybe not so much.
A growing number of singles are adding a clause to their online dating profiles telling either Trump haters or Trump supporters — depending on their political preference — that they need not apply.
"This was like a deal breaker for me," says 50-year-old Elizabeth Jagosz from the Detroit area. "If you are Trump supporter, I'm not even going to consider meeting you for coffee."
It's not just an issue of party politics, Jagosz says. It's about core values. Love, she says, cannot conquer all.
Can Sobriety Tests Weed Out Drivers Who've Smoked Too Much Weed?
By Tovia Smith • Jan 25, 2017
For decades the same test has been used to convict drunk drivers.
Police ask a driver to stand on one leg, walk a straight line and recite the alphabet. If the driver fails, the officer will testify in court to help make a case for driving under the influence.
But defense lawyers argue, science has yet to prove that flunking the standard field sobriety test actually means that a person is high, the way it's been proven to measure drunkenness.
So, as attorney Rebecca Jacobstein argued to the Massachusetts high court, the tests shouldn't be allowed in evidence.


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Q: Is $x(t)=\sin(5t/2)+\cos(2t/8)+\sin(3t/6)$ periodic or aperiodic? Find the fundamental period and frequency of the signal. Is $x(t)=\sin(5t/2)+\cos(2t/8)+\sin(3t/6)$ periodic or aperiodic?
$w_1=(5/2)=2.5 \rightarrow T_1 = 2\pi/w_1 = 2\pi/2.5 =2.513$
$w_2=(1/4)=0.25 \rightarrow T_2 = 2\pi/w_2 = 2\pi/0.25=25.13$
$w_3=(1/2)=0.5 \rightarrow  T_3 = 2\pi/w_3 = 2\pi/0.5 =12.56$
I think it is aperodic due to the fact that the period for each function is not rational.

A: Those periodicities all divide $8\pi$ evenly so the period is at most that.

A: $\sin (x) = \sin (x + k2\pi)$ so $\sin(5t/2) = \sin(5(t + p)/2)= \sin(5t/2 + k2\pi)$ if $5p/2 = k2\pi$ i.e if $p = k*4/5*\pi$.  $\sin(5t/2)$ has a period of $4/5*\pi$.
Similarly $\cos (2t/8)$ has a period of $8\pi$.
And $\sin(3t/6)$ has a period of $4\pi$.
So $f(t) = \sin(5t/2) + \cos(2t/8) + \sin(3t/6) = f(t + P) = \sin(5(t+P)/2) + \cos(2(t+P)/8) + \sin(3(t+P/6) $ if $5p/2 = n*4/5*\pi$ for some integer n, $2P/8 = 8*m*\pi$ and $3P/6 = 4*k*\pi$ form some integers m, k.
So $P = \operatorname{lcm}(4/5\pi, 8\pi, 4\pi) = 8 \pi$.