text:
Q: Is anyone else having problems with using htop on High Sierra? Since the upgrade to High Sierra my MacBook is crashing regularly in a catastrophic way that forces me to trigger a hard reset every time.
I suspect htop being the culprit, but I can't tell for sure.
This is what happened about half a dozen times now:
I'm working in either iTerm2 or the Terminal app. Suddenly and seemingly at random iTerm2/Terminal crashes. I'm still able to Force Quit it then.
But then the whole system is left in a really messed up state where I can't start any Apps anymore. Even worse, triggering a restart won't succeed in shutting down the system. My only option left then is to hard-reset the MacBook.
First I suspected iTerm2 and used the Terminal app instead. But exactly the same thing then also happened using the latter. It does not seem to be connected to anything particular I'm doing in the Terminal.
I do have the habit though to always have an instance of htop (version 2.0.2, installed via brew install htop) running in some terminal pane to be able to conveniently monitor processes and CPU/Memory usage while I'm working.
So a running htop instance is the only common precondition for the crashes I can identify.
Because I don't know how to further encircle this problem, I resort to asking here:
Is anyone else experiencing (similar) problems with running htop on High Sierra? And does anyone maybe even have a solution for this?
Suggestions about what I could do to get to the bottom of this would also be very welcome.

A: I the meantime lots of people have reported the same behavior on GitHub.
Also, I'm 96.73% sure that htop does not crash when started with sudo. I guess that's the best workaround until someone gets around to fix the root cause.

A: I found another (safer than sudo) workaround: launching it with valgrind does the trick for me:
valgrind htop
you can install using Homebrew by running:
brew install valgrind


text:
Majority of MPs and public trust charities – new research
The majority of people trust charities and believe those providing public services must be spared from government spending cuts, new polling shows.
Research released by the Charities Aid Foundation today shows three in five people want government to protect charities' funding (60%) and believe it is important for charities to highlight if they believe government policies will negatively affect people (63%).
Today's report – Under the Microscope: Examining the future of charities in Britain – compares the views of MPs and UK public on charities. It is based on ComRes polling of a representative sample of 150 MPs and 2,071 UK adults.
The research, carried out over the summer, gives the first full insight into the impact of recent high profile fundraising controversies on how parliamentarians and the public view charities.
It reveals that most people across the UK (57%) agree charities are trustworthy and act in the public interest. While levels of public trust remain high, the result suggests trust has fallen since last year when a similar poll by the Charity Commission found 71% trusted charities.
With the Chancellor due to announce significant reductions in public spending in his Spending Review this November, the majority of the public (60%) agree that money given to charities by government to run public services should not be a focus for spending cuts. MPs (45%) are less likely to agree. Significantly, only 23% of Conservative MPs agree that charities should be protected, compared to 65% of Labour MPs.
Most people (63%) also agree that charities should speak out where they think government policy will have a negative impact on people. While most Conservative and Labour voters are united on this issue, there is significant disagreement between MPs of the respective parties. 93% of Labour MPs agree, compared with only 33% of Conservative MPs.
Other key findings from the report show that:
MPs are more likely than the public to view charities positively. 73% of MPs said they agreed charities were trustworthy and act in the public interest, compared to 57% of UK adults and 86% of MPs that charities help create a more vibrant community life, while only half (50%) of UK adults say the same.
Two thirds of Conservative MPs agreed it was important for government to expand the role of charities in the delivery of public services (65%). By contrast, 16% of Labour MPs and 12% of the public thought that should be one of the government's priorities.
The public and MPs are in agreement that one of the biggest priorities for government is to find a way to encourage young people to volunteer and take social action.
The new intake of MPs elected in 2015 are less likely than other MPs to agree that charities are sufficiently on the political agenda (43% v 75%).
CAF Chief Executive John Low said:
"It's humbling that charities command such support from public and politicians alike. MPs overwhelmingly see charities as having an important role to play in Britain, making our communities more vibrant and supporting public services.
"People across the UK consistently show their support for charities by being among the most generous givers in the world. They strongly believe that charities need the freedom to stand up for people negatively affected by government policy and that, where charities help provide services, they must be properly funded.
"Amid controversy about fundraising, charities must act together to ensure they continue to earn and rebuild public trust. But at the same time, we need to protect their vital role in society. Charities have seen government funding to deliver public services cut, while at the same time demand for their support has increased.
"Politicians work closely with charities and see first-hand the difference they make. It will be vital that this makes its mark on government policy. If charities bear the brunt of savings not only would it be bad for most people's quality of life, but it would also damage the public purse, which benefits hugely from the work of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations."
1 For a copy of the full report 'Under the Microscope – Examining the future of charities in Britain' – contact media@cafonline.org
2 The Charities Aid Foundation helps people and businesses give to the causes they care about and provides financial services to support charities.
3 ComRes interviewed 2,071 UK adults online between 12th and 14th June 2015. Data was weighted to be representative of all UK adults aged 18+. ComRes also interviewed 150 Members of Parliament online and by self-completion paper questionnaire between 21st May and 3rd July 2015. Data was weighted by Party, region and length of service to be representative of the House of Commons. Data tables are available at www.ComRes.co.uk. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
4 The Charity Commission's 2014 Public Trust and Confidence in Charities report found 71% agreed that charities are trustworthy and act in the public interest. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-trust-and-confidence-in-charities-rs31. This compares with 57% who agreed with the same question in the CAF-commissioned ComRes survey.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
info@targazyme.com
Advisory & Collaborators
Targazyme, Inc. And M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Receive FDA IND Clearance For Phase I/II Study of TZ101-Treated Regulatory T Cells to Prevent Graft VS. Host Disease In Patients Eligible for Hematologic Stem Cell Transplantation
SAN DIEGO, March 17, 2015:
Targazyme Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing enzyme technologies and products to improve efficacy outcomes for a variety of cell therapies including stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, gene therapy and regenerative medicine, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted IND Clearance to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to start enrolling patients in a Phase I/II clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TZ101-fucosylated regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preventing and reducing the severity and incidence of graft vs. host disease (GVHD) in patients eligible for hematologic stem cell transplant.
GVHD is a serious, life-threating complication of stem cell transplantation, affecting over 60% of all patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This clinical study hopefully will affirm Targazyme's novel treatment approach. TZ101 could potentially transform hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by reducing patient morbidity and mortality from GVHD, which occurs in a high percentage of these patients and is very difficult to manage clinically. If the efficacy of TZ101-treated Tregs is demonstrated in GVHD, then the company expects the treatment to be useful in a number of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others.
"This Phase I/II study will hopefully translate into the clinic and give our patients the impressive increases in survival seen in animal models and also the persistence/activity of TZ101-treated Tregs in the preclinical models of GVHD," said Dr. Lynne A. Bui, Senior Vice President of Development at Targazyme.
"This FDA IND clearance for TZ101-treated regulatory T cells for the prevention and treatment of GVHD provides additional validation of our innovative products to potentially improve efficacy outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy," said Lynnet Koh, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Targazyme. "We are excited that the study is open for enrollment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to start treating patients with this promising modality for preventing GVHD in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation."
About Targazyme, Inc.
Targazyme Inc. is a San Diego based, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel enzyme-based platform technologies and products to improve clinical efficacy outcomes for stem cell medicine, immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune diseases, gene therapy and regenerative medicine.
In addition to conducting immunotherapy proof of concept trials, Targazyme is also gearing up for its global product registration trial in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The company's clinical-grade fucosyltransferase enzymes and small molecule products (TZ101 and TZ102) are off-the-shelf kits used at the point-of-care to treat therapeutic cells immediately before infusion into the patient using a simple procedure that is easily incorporated into existing medical practice. The company has received a number of world-wide patents, multiple FDA orphan drug designations and major medical/scientific awards and grants.
Targazyme has partnerships and collaborations with Kyowa Hakko Kirin and Florida Biologix, as well as various medical research institutions including The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Texas Transplant Institute, Case Western/University Hospitals, Scripps Hospitals, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Stanford University Medical Center, University of Minnesota Medical Center, University of California San Diego Medical Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Indiana University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and New York Blood Center. Learn more at http://www.old.targazyme.com.
Contact Information: Chloe Le
info@old.targazyme.com
By Targazyme, Inc.|March 19th, 2015|Categories: Press Releases|0 Comments
About the Author: Targazyme, Inc.
Targazyme Presents TZ-102 Cancer Immunotherapy Preclinical Results at the World Orphan Drug Congress
Targazyme, Inc. Receives FDA Clearance For a Phase 2 Study of Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation For Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies
Targazyme Inc. Receives Additional U.S Patent Award Designed to Improve Cell Therapy Clinical Efficacy Outcomes
Targazyme, Inc. Receives FDA Clearance For a Phase 2 Haplo-Identical Transplant Study of Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation For Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies
Targazyme Enrolls First Patient in Phase 1/2 Study of TZ101 Fucosylated Regulatory T Cells to Treat and Prevent Graft vs Host Disease in the Transplant Setting
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Men are not attracted to fancy and abstract gifts such as decorations or plush toys, they are more into things they can use and explore to the maximum and which can bring them benefits. If you want to impress your partner with useful items, here are some ideas on practical gifts for men.
If men are not handy, at least they try to look like they can fix anything around the house, therefore, a set of tools can be a great practical gift idea. If your partner is passionate about a certain domain such as building, DIY, plumbing or gardening, you can get him a specific set of tools that will help him improve his skills.
Men are very attached to their car and don't get upset if they receive a gift that is more useful for their car, as they consider it an important part of their lives and spend much time taking care of it and improving their driving experience. The car accessories range is wide and you can choose from a set of electrical power cords to a new pair of car mats or a mobile phone car holder. For more demanding men, you can purchase a radar detector that will help them avoid speeding tickets, or a parking sensors kit to ease their parking maneuvers. If you don't know anything about car accessories, there are a lot of websites that can help you make the right choice. For example, on bestradardetector.reviews you can find some very easy to understand reviews that will help you choose a quality radar detector for your partner.
Although they don't admit it, men are as interested in their appearance as women are in theirs, and shaving is something no men can avoid, therefore, a shaving kit or an electric shaver are great gift ideas. An electric shaver will save them time and effort and will achieve a flawless shaving, leaving behind a smooth and soft skin, perfect for you to kiss. You can find shaving kits wrapped in leather pouches that are perfect for traveling, and electric shavers are both outlet and battery powered, therefore, men can take them everywhere and enjoy a nice shaving. If you are unfamiliar with this type of gadgets, check out some customer electric shaver reviews. From these reviews, you can learn the pros and cons of the sophisticated features that the electric shavers come with.
Men love technology and tech devices are the perfect gifts for them. Whether you are thinking about an iPad, a new set of headphones or a game console, you will certainly make your partner very happy. If he loves to spend his Sunday morning in bed reading the newspaper and having breakfast, you can get him an iPad lap desk, which is a board you put it on your lap and it holds the iPad and a cup of coffee, so your lover can enjoy both the news and a good coffee.


Each of the alumni below were a part of Basketball while they attended Clay County . Register if you would like to be listed below.
Looking for Clay County alumni who participated in Basketball but are not listed? Classmates.com® has hundreds of more Clay County alumni listed.
If you participated in Basketball while at Clay Countyhigh School, be the first to add your name.


text:
ISU offering students COVID-19 tests before semester's end
By Trent Rice
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University is ending its fall semester next week by providing free COVID-19 tests to students who may be leaving Ames for the extended break...
"That's important as our students prepare to potentially leave campus and spend time with their families. A lot of individuals families are likely at higher risk for COVID-19 due to age or other protentional health conditions" says ISU COVID-19 Public Health Coordinator Dr. Kristen Obbink.
She says students need to remember that just because they test negative once doesn't mean they will continue to be COVID-free.
Obbink says they also asking students who go home during the semester break also need to practice mitigation strategies--including quarantining for 14 days after they get home, and staying close to home for the duration of the extended break.
"The more careful students are to come into contact with the fewer number of people possible reduces their risk" Obbink says.
Iowa State's fall semester ends November 25th. The spring semester starts January 25th.
Obbink says the university is still trying to determine whether or not students who live on campus will be tested for the virus when the come back to Ames, as happened when the school year started.


When developing applications, designers tend to overlook emulators and simulators, which can play key roles in the debug stage. They're heavily used for high-end system-on-chip (SoC) platforms these days because of the cost and timing. This article from Electronic Design describes how the both, emulation and simulation can be useful in debugging communication scenarios.
Find out how T&VS Emulation and Simulation Services help you build a verification strategy that will enable customers to verify and debug their designs more efficiently.


K1 Race Gear was born in 2003 with the philosophy of offering products to our customers that we ourselves would be proud to use. At K1 Race Gear, we are racers ourselves, and we understand the value of buying quality racing products at a reasonable price.
If you are involved in motorsport, we highly recommend K1 RaceGear Nomex underwear base layers that can provide invaluable protection in critical times of fire danger and help you escape potential injury.
The K1 RaceGear GK2 karting suit is a great entry-level suit with features that are normally found on much more expensive suits. The knit cuffs and lower and crotch stretch panels aid in comfort.
Description: SFI 3.2A/5 Certified (SFI 5) Select from 16 designs and endless color combinations to create the prefect fitting custom suit.
Suits are made to order and Typically take 4 weeks from Final approval of proof.
K1 RaceGear was born in 2003 with the philosophy of offering products to our customers that we ourselves would be proud to use. At K1 RaceGear, we are racers ourselves, and we understand the value of buying quality racing products at a reasonable price. To meet the needs of our customers, we strive to provide quality racing equipment at K1 RaceGear - including racing shoes, suits, driving gloves, and more - to racers of all ages at a great value. Whether your son or daughter is just starting out in the sport or you have a life-long passion for racing, we have the products for you in our full line of K1 RaceGear.
Racing Shoes, Racing Suits, Driving Gloves, Helmets, Children's Products and More!
We offer a variety of racing products at K1 RaceGear, including karting and auto racing equipment. Our auto racing product line features products constructed of SFI Manufacturer Certified materials, most of which are built with double layer DuPont Nomex III to provide maximum safety and protection. If you are looking for fire-rated racing equipment, including suits, shoes, driving gloves, or under garments, K1 RaceGear should be your first choice. We are dedicated to helping racers secure the equipment they need at reasonable prices and we will work with you to ensure you have the gear that you need.
Our karting product line, perfect for indoor or outdoor karting enthusiasts, is designed to meet all of your karting gear needs under one ""roof"", so to speak! For professional racers, we offer Level 1 and Level 2 karting suits that meet all CIK and FIA requirements for competition use, as well as rain suits and boots for outdoor events. We also offer entry level racing equipment at K1 RaceGear, including racing suits, shoes, driving gloves, chest protectors, rib vests, CoolMax® fabric under garments, accessories, and bags. Everything you will need at the track can be found at K1 RaceGear!"


Lambton College Residence is home to over 280 students and is a great place to meet friends, socialize, relax, study and grow.
Located on the northeast edge of our main campus, you're only a short walk to classes, retail outlets, recreational facilities, restaurants, movie theatres and a wide variety of on-campus student services.
The residence building is located on the northeast edge of campus with its own entrance off London Road.
There are 140 shared rooms available with two beds (all beds are double extra long 54" x 80"), two desks with chairs and desk lights, and two armoires with shelving.
Each room has a bathroom - including a toilet, sink and shower - shared by the two residents in that room.
Residents are responsible for cleaning their own rooms, including the bathrooms. Housekeeping will clean the bathrooms once a month.
Students must provide their own bedding, linens and towels.
The College network is included. Residents must have wireless Ethernet network cards installed in computers prior to arriving at Lambton College. This network does not allow for high bandwidth downloads. Students may purchase a high speed internet hook-up from Cogeco at their own expense.
A 7.4 cf fridge and microwave is provided in each room. There is a kitchen area available to the residents. No cooking appliances with an open flame or open burner are allowed in residence due to fire regulations. Residents must bring their own cooking utensils, pots, pans, etc.
Barbeques and bike racks are available in the courtyard.
Residents purchase a mandatory declining balance meal plan which they can use at any of the on campus outlets, including the snack bar in residence.
Students are supplied with a laundry card to use in the laundry room in residence. Students may add value to the card at the recharge machine with a credit or debit card.
Residence is smoke free. Students may smoke outside the building.
Residence has controlled access beyond the front lobby area. All guests must be signed in.
Sarnia Transit stops near the residence.
Parking is available outside the residence. These spaces sell out quickly. If you need a car in Sarnia, apply early.
Quiet hours are enforced daily to ensure a healthy balance between fun and academic pursuits.
Residence is located on campus beside the Progressive Auto Centre. Residence is within walking distance of movie theatres, the Lambton Mall, grocery stores, restaurants and the college's main campus and Athletic & Fitness Centre.
The residence courtyard is an outdoor space that is surrounded by the residence. Only residents and their guests can access this space making it a great place to relax and hang out.


CHICAGO (June 14, 2016) – Thomas A. "Tom" Fanning, chairman, president and CEO of Atlanta-based Southern Company, today was elected chairman of the board of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the national association of investor-owned electric companies, international electric companies, and industry associates worldwide.
Also elected today were three vice chairmen: Christopher M. "Chris" Crane, president and CEO of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation; Patricia "Pat" Vincent-Collawn, chairman, president and CEO of Albuquerque, New Mexico-based PNM Resources; and Gregory E. "Greg" Abel, chairman, president and CEO of Des Moines, Iowa-based Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
The announcement was made during EEI's annual convention in Chicago. The Institute's chairmanship rotates on an annual basis, and Fanning replaces Nick Akins, chairman, president and CEO of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power, as EEI chairman.
"On behalf of the entire EEI team, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to outgoing EEI Chairman Nick Akins for his tremendous leadership and contributions throughout the last year as EEI chairman. Nick is a great leader for our industry, and we greatly value his many years of service to EEI," said EEI President Tom Kuhn.
Tom Fanning became chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company in 2010. Fanning has worked for Southern Company for more than 35 years and has held 15 different positions in eight different business units. Previously, Fanning served as COO and CFO of Southern Company, as well as president and CEO of Gulf Power.
Fanning serves as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and is on the Georgia Tech College of Management advisory board, the board of trustees for the Georgia Tech Foundation, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations board of directors, and the World Association of Nuclear Operators - Atlanta Centre governing board. He serves on the board of directors for Vulcan Materials Company and is a member of the Business Roundtable. Fanning also is a co-chair of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council and a member of the international advisory board of the Atlantic Council, which promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs.
Fanning earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial management, and was also awarded an honorary doctor of philosophy degree, from Georgia Tech. His executive education includes programs at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Harvard University School of Business, and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.
Chris Crane is president and CEO of Exelon Corporation, where he oversees a family of companies representing every stage of the energy value chain with business operations in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The companies include Exelon Generation, Constellation, Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO, and Pepco.
Crane joined Exelon, which was then ComEd, in 1998, and was named chief nuclear officer in 2004. He later served as Exelon president and COO, where he oversaw the company's portfolio of electric generating capacity and directed a broad range of business operations, including major acquisitions, transmission strategy, cost management initiatives, oversight of major capital programs, generation asset optimization, and generation development. Prior to joining Exelon, Crane served as Browns Ferry Site vice president for Tennessee Valley Authority, and worked in new plant start-up at the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Texas and Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona.
Crane is chairman of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and an executive committee member and immediate past chairman of the Nuclear Energy Institute, the nation's nuclear industry trade association. He also is a member of the board of directors of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., the board of governors of the World Association of Nuclear Operators, and the board of directors of AEGIS Insurance Services. Crane studied at New Hampshire Technical College and attended Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.
Pat Vincent-Collawn is chairman, president and CEO of PNM Resources, the parent company for electric companies PNM in New Mexico and TNMP in Texas. Vincent-Collawn joined PNM Resources in 2007, serving as utilities president with responsibility for overseeing the daily operation of PNM and TNMP. In 2008, she was named president and chief operating officer, and in March 2010 became president and CEO of PNM Resources. The Board elected her chairman in January 2012. While at PNM Resources, she has led the company from a partially deregulated entity to a pure-play electric company with a focus on customer satisfaction, reliability, safety, and sustainability.
Prior to PNM Resources, Vincent-Collawn served eight years at Xcel Energy, where she was president and CEO of Public Service Company of Colorado. Previous to that, as Xcel's president of Customer and Field Operations, she oversaw transmission and distribution operations as well as customer service across 10 states. Vincent-Collawn also held management positions with Arizona Public Service, and outside the energy industry with Price Waterhouse and Quaker Oats.
Vincent-Collawn serves as chair of the board of EPRI. She also serves on the board of CTS Corporation, where she chairs the compensation committee. In the community, Vincent-Collawn is chair of the Kirtland Partnership Committee. She is past chair of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Central New Mexico. Vincent-Collawn is also a member of the Economic Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Drake University and an MBA from the Harvard University School of Business.
Greg Abel is chairman, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Abel became chairman in 2011 and has served as CEO since 2008.
Abel serves on the boards of the Kraft Heinz Company, AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, and Kum & Go, L.L.C. He is a member of the executive board of the Mid-Iowa Council Boy Scouts of America, and a past member of the American Football Coaches Foundation and the Drake University board of trustees.
Abel holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from the University of Alberta.


Total Asphalt has been proudly serving the Central Virginia area businesses and residents for almost 30 years. We are a full service asphalt installation and repair company, dedicated to your complete satisfaction. We handle a wide range of installation and repair, from driveways to new parking lots.
Our expert team receives ongoing training and certification from our materials producers, thereby allowing us to provide the latest techniques in asphalt installation and repair. Since we are locally owned and operated, we understand the normal aging of asphalt in the area, and are prepared with the correct materials to aide in the repair and maintenance of your asphalt area.
Some of our customers have included retail shopping centers, banks, municipalities, apartment communities, commercial business owners, and homeowners. Our projects have included laying new parking lots, and driveways, as well as maintenance and repair, and painting/striping.
We have a current 5 Million Dollar Liability Policy and an Employment Insurance Policy!
YES - We give free estimates in writing and we guarantee the work in writing!


text:
Lacrime d'oro

Gayle Ramage

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Traduzione di Elisa Pardini
"Lacrime d'oro"

Autore Gayle Ramage

Copyright © 2015 Gayle Ramage

Tutti i diritti riservati

Distribuito da Babelcube, Inc.

www.babelcube.com

Traduzione di Elisa Pardini

Progetto di copertina © 2015 CoverD

"Babelcube Books" e "Babelcube" sono marchi registrati Babelcube Inc.

# Sommario

Titolo Pagina

Copyright Pagina

LACRIME D'ORO | (Creature di Edimburgo)

# LACRIME D'ORO

# (Creature di Edimburgo)

––––––––

Questa storia è un'opera di fantasia. Nomi, personaggi, luoghi e avvenimenti sono il risultato dell'immaginazione dello scrittore o sono usati in modo fittizio. Ogni riferimento a persone esistenti o fatti realmente accaduti è puramente casuale.

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Appena l'orologio appeso alla parete annunciò la fine di un'altra giornata lavorativa, i membri dello staff dell'Ufficio Contabilità di Halpin, Green & Buckley, uno degli studi legali più importanti della capitale scozzese, iniziarono a uscire dall'edificio. Quasi tutti pensavano alla serata che li aspettava, in cui dove molti di loro avrebbero speso tempo e soldi nei vicini pub e club di Grassmarket, visto che era l'ultimo venerdì del mese, e quindi giorno di paga. Cheryl Millican fu una delle ultime ad andarsene, dopo aver disconnesso il computer e aver atteso che si spegnesse. Si infilò il cappotto che pendeva dallo schienale della sedia e raccolse la borsa appesa sotto la scrivania. Qualcuno la superò mentre usciva e le chiese se non volesse unirsi agli altri per un drink, ma Cheryl fece un sorriso dispiaciuto e scosse la testa: aveva altri piani per quella sera, piani che richiedevano l'assoluta sobrietà.

Il suo appartamento nel quartiere di Dalry distava solo quindici minuti di camminata veloce nel clima autunnale, quindi aveva avuto tutto il tempo di concedersi una bella doccia e una cena prima di prepararsi per la notte che l'attendeva.

La casa era stata scelta col solito metodo: aveva steso una cartina di Edimburgo sul tavolo della cucina, aveva chiuso gli occhi e aveva puntato l'indice su un punto a caso della mappa. Il giorno seguente aveva fatto una visitina alla strada prescelta per esaminare la zona e per scegliere l'edificio che le sembrava di maggior valore. Quando era andata in quella strada per la prima volta, qualche giorno prima, una delle case aveva immediatamente attirato la sua attenzione, non perché fosse particolarmente lussuosa rispetto alle abitazioni vicine, ma Cheryl si disse che sarebbe stato stupido ignorare quella sensazione positiva. Come per dimostrarle di aver fatto la scelta giusta, la proprietaria della casa, una giovane donna dai capelli rossi, era uscita di casa con una valigia, apparentemente in partenza per un weekend da qualche parte. La casa sarebbe stata vuota e Cheryl avrebbe potuto fare le cose con calma.

Entrare era stato molto facile. Fin troppo facile, in effetti. Una finestra sul pianerottolo del primo piano era socchiusa abbastanza da permettere a Cheryl di farvi scivolare sotto le dita guantate nel latex e sollevare il vecchio telaio di legno. Una volta dentro, dopo aver ringraziato che non ci fossero fastidiosi tavoli o cose del genere a ostacolarne la discesa, tirò fuori la torcia dallo zaino che aveva in spalla e si diresse su per le scale verso il secondo piano. Mentre attraversava le stanze della casa, Cheryl si rese conto che aveva fatto bene a seguire il proprio istinto di andare proprio lì. L'edificio era pieno zeppo di oggetti e manufatti rari ed esotici, molti dei quali erano racchiusi in diverse teche, ma questo non la scoraggiò: le dispiaceva solo di non poter prendere tutto ciò che voleva.

Fu nientemeno nel bagno che vide la collana. Certamente non aveva intenzione di esplorare quella stanza, visto che non pensava di trovarvi qualcosa di prezioso da rubare, ma il brillio del gioiello, che rifletteva le luci della città che entravano dalla finestra del bagno, aveva prepotentemente attirato la sua attenzione. Entrando nella stanza col pavimento di linoleum scoprì che, proprio come gli altri tesori, la collana era contenuta in una teca di vetro posata su una corta mensola di legno sopra un'antiquata vasca da bagno con rubinetti di rame. Cheryl si morse il labbro e puntò la torcia sopra la vasca: era impossibile sporgersi sopra di essa e manomettere la teca. Sarebbe dovuta entrarci dentro.

La proprietaria aveva usato un sacco di bagnoschiuma, a giudicare dai residui di schiuma attaccati allo smalto bianco, e Cheryl dovette stare attenta a non scivolare mentre si infilava nella vasca. Tenendosi in equilibrio, si tolse lo zaino dalle spalle e lo aprì per estrare i propri attrezzi, ma poi si fermò e osservò il vetro, stringendo gli occhi per concentrarsi sulla stessa sensazione istintiva che aveva provato nello scegliere quella casa. Sollevò le dita verso la teca e alzò piano il coperchio, e con sua sorpresa il pannello anteriore si aprì senza alcuna resistenza.

Idiota, pensò mentre estraeva con attenzione la lunga collana, mai rendere le cose facili a noi ladri.

Tenendo la collana nella mano sinistra, Cheryl uscì con attenzione fuori dalla vasca, prima di osservarla con attenzione alla luce della torcia. Le ricordava una collana che aveva visto in un dipinto, indossata da qualche divinità, tutta rilucente d'oro e con una gemma rotonda di ambra incastonata al centro. Osservando l'oro, Cheryl decise che si sarebbe tenuta il gioiello per sé, indossandolo ovviamente sotto gli abiti in presenza di altri, mentre, come sempre, avrebbe venduto il resto della refurtiva. Alla fine si costrinse ad allontanare lo sguardo dalla collana e a infilarla nello zaino con gli altri oggetti per poter continuare il furto.

La luce della torcia saettava da un punto all'altro del salotto mentre Cheryl vi entrava, osservando i tappeti, i mobili e gli oggetti d'arte tutti in stile bohémien. A essere sinceri non era uno stile che le piaceva, ma del resto i suoi gusti personali non le impedivano mai di fare un buon bottino. Prima che potesse iniziare a setacciare la stanza in cerca di qualcosa di valore, però, l'inconfondibile rumore di una serratura che scattava riecheggiò nel corridoio. Cheryl si mosse rasente al muro per raggiungere le scale e iniziò a salire i gradini; riaprì la finestra del primo piano sollevando l'intelaiatura e uscì dall'edificio.

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Hattie gettò la borsa di pelle marrone sul tavolinetto vicino alla porta d'ingresso, felice di essere tornata a casa e di potersi togliere quei maledetti tacchi. Non era una grande amante delle feste, ma si costringeva a parteciparvi almeno una volta all'anno, e trattandosi della festa di Sant'Andrea – anche se l'avevano anticipata di un'intera settimana – aveva accettato l'invito. Si diresse verso il salotto e accese una lampada da tavolo ornata di nappine viola prima di stravaccarsi sulla comoda e malconcia poltrona arancione vicina al caminetto. Passò appena qualche secondo prima che il suo stomaco le ricordasse che non aveva mangiato nulla alla festa, e Hattie si alzò prima ancora di essersi accomodata per andare a prepararsi una fetta di pane tostato con la marmellata.

«Cristo santissimo,» disse, restando a bocca aperta in cucina, sola con la leggera eco della sua voce. Una persona qualsiasi non avrebbe visto niente di strano in quella stanza, ma Hattie notò che il cassetto accanto all'acquaio non era completamente chiuso e che il cestino di acciaio vicino alla porta sul retro era di tre centimetri più a destra. Qualcuno era stato lì, qualcuno che non era stato invitato. Ignorando i brontolii del suo stomaco, Hattie andò a controllare che tutto fosse al suo posto.

Un'ora dopo era seduta sulla soglia di casa, cullandosi la mano con cui aveva preso a pugni l'unico albero del giardino, un salice. Le avevano rubato diversi oggetti, anche se uno solo di essi era realmente di valore: Brisingamen, una collana d'oro scintillante forgiata da quattro nani nell'antichità, e che si trovava nel bagno di Hattie fin da quando si era trasferita a Edimburgo. Appena si era resa conto che la collana era scomparsa, la donna aveva sceso tranquillamente le scale, era uscita di casa e aveva sfogato la rabbia per la propria stupidità contro il tronco dell'albero. Perché diavolo aveva messo quel monile nel bagno? Il miglior modo per nascondere qualcosa è metterlo proprio sotto gli occhi di tutti, disse una voce lontana nella sua testa.

Hattie si stava alzando in piedi per rientrare in casa e mettere del ghiaccio sulla mano dolorante quando qualcuno aprì il cancello di ferro del giardino: era Michael con i suoi tre ragazzi: Tom, ormai adolescente, Ben, di dodici anni, e la piccola Ingrid, di sette anni. Michael guidava il gruppo, tenendo la bambina per la mano, Ben stava dietro di loro e sbirciava la mano di Hattie, e Tom chiudeva la fila, occhieggiando spesso al cellulare che aveva in mano.

«Ciao,» disse Michael. «Mi sembrava di aver visto qualcuno seduto qui. Sei rimasta chiusa fuori?»

«Non proprio,» rispose Hattie, abbassando lo sguardo verso Ingrid, che lo ricambiò con timidezza. «Ciao.»

«Ciao,» le rispose la bambina, nascondendosi dietro le gambe di suo padre.

«Vi siete ambientati a Edimburgo?»

«Che hai fatto alla mano?» chiese Ben senza tanti giri di parole, guardandole le nocche insanguinate.

«Oh, quell'albero mi dava fastidio,» ribatté Hattie, dando alla mano un'occhiata distratta che fece accigliare Ben.

Michael, abituato alle stranezze della donna, non sembrava farci caso. «Volevamo ordinare qualcosa da Pizza Hut,» disse. «Se vuoi unirti sei la benvenuta.»

«Anche perché papà ordina sempre troppa roba,» aggiunse Tom alzando lo sguardo dallo schermo illuminato del telefono.

Hattie era tentata: non era il tipo da rinunciare a del cibo gratis e il suo stomaco stava brontolando sempre di più, ma doveva per forza recuperare la collana. Diede uno sguardo alla casa e disse: «Mi hanno derubata.»

Quattro facce si voltarono contemporaneamente per guardarla. «Che cosa? Quando?» chiese Michael. «Stai bene?»

Lei annuì. «Sì, a parte la mano, ma quella è colpa mia. Se ne sono andati prima che tornassi.»

«Mi sembra che tu abbia detto che questa zona aveva il livello di criminalità più basso di tutta Edimburgo,» Tom bisbigliò al padre, infilandosi il cellulare nella tasca del giubbotto.

«Immagino che tu abbia chiamato la polizia,» disse Michael, ignorando il commento del figlio

Hattie rispose scrollando i capelli rossi. «È inutile, sei stato in casa mia e hai visto cosa c'è lì dentro.» Notò i sorrisetti che i figli di Michael si scambiavano tra loro ma non disse niente. I ragazzi non sapevano niente di Hattie, solo che era una donna un po' strana che viveva dall'altra parte della strada: non sospettavano che lei e Michael avessero portato via dei folletti dalla sua soffitta, o che lei passasse più tempo con giganti e divinità della foresta che con gli altri esseri umani.

«Va bene,» riprese Michael, anche se Hattie gli leggeva in faccia che, secondo lui, lei avrebbe già dovuto chiamare gli agenti. «Ti serve una mano per mettere a posto?»

«No, ma grazie di averlo chiesto.»

Michael strinse le labbra per un momento e poi guardò la casa. «Però voglio controllare che il ladro non sia ancora in giro, non si sa mai.»

«Oh, il nostro papà è un eroe,» lo prese in giro Tom.

«Accomodati,» disse Hattie guidandoli in casa. «Ma vedrai che andrà tutto bene.»

Una volta entrato, Michael salì le scale, dicendo agli altri che avrebbe cominciato a ispezionare la casa dagli ultimi piani per poi scendere. Hattie portò i ragazzi ad aspettarlo nel salotto. Quando finì, Michael ricomparve nella stanza con un'espressione piuttosto confusa.

«Ti hanno davvero derubata, no?» domandò, guardando l'ordine assoluto che lo circondava.

Hattie annuì. «Certo che sì.»

«Be',» riprese lui, «qui sembra che ci siamo soltanto noi. E ho controllato la soffitta.» L'ultima frase strappò un sorriso alla rossa.

«È già qualcosa,» proseguì lei. «Ma mi hanno rubato delle cose, non molte, in realtà, ma ce n'è una che devo assolutamente recuperare.»

«Un motivo in più per chiamare la polizia,» si intromise Ben, che stava fissando una mela d'oro appoggiata su una mensola vicino al caminetto.

«Cos'è che devi recuperare?» chiese Ingrid quasi in un sussurro.

«Una collana, tesoro,» le disse Hattie. «Una collana molto preziosa.»

«Valore affettivo?» domandò Michael.

Silenzio. «Sì.» La sua pancia emise un sonoro brontolio proprio in quel momento, facendo ridacchiare Tom e Ben.

Hattie guardò Michael con un sorriso. «Direi che questo era un 'sì' al vostro invito.»

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Cheryl accarezzava la catena d'oro che aveva al collo, gli occhi che fissavano un punto imprecisato. Ogni volta che qualcuno passava vicino alla sua scrivania si nascondeva il gioiello sotto la blusa blu e fingeva di lavorare. Sapeva che era stupido portare con sé a lavoro l'oggetto rubato ma non sopportava l'idea di non indossarlo: da quando se l'era messo attorno al collo e aveva chiuso il fermaglio aveva provato il desiderio di tenerlo lì, nonostante l'inspiegabile sensazione di tristezza che la pervadeva quando lo indossava. Anche adesso sentiva le lacrime bruciarle gli occhi. Prima di rendersi ridicola di fronte ai colleghi balzò su dalla sedia e corse verso il bagno delle signore, assicurandosi che la collana fosse nuovamente nascosta sotto gli abiti.

Tenendo entrambe le mani sul bordo del lavabo di granito, Cheryl osservò il proprio riflesso con occhi pieni di lacrime. Sapeva con certezza che quel gioiello era la causa della profonda tristezza che provava, visto che di solito Cheryl non piangeva e non si sentiva depressa. La cosa migliore era lasciar cadere le lacrime e ripulirsi le strisciate lasciate dal mascara sulle sue guance prima di tornare in ufficio.

Fu proprio mentre piangeva davanti alla fila di lavandini che sentì un rumore breve e delicato, come di uno spillo che cadeva sul pavimento. Abbassò lo sguardo e, asciugandosi gli occhi arrossati dalle lacrime, raccolse un piccolo frammento di metallo; d'oro, per essere precisi. Lo raccolse con attenzione, chiedendosi se si fosse staccato dall'orecchino o dalla collana di qualcuna. L'avrebbe riportato in ufficio e avrebbe chiesto in giro per vedere se apparteneva a qualcuno. Lo riappoggiò per un momento sul lavandino e andò a prendere qualche strappo di carta igienica con cui asciugarsi il viso dopo averlo lavato, ma quando aprì il rubinetto e si sporse verso lo specchio notò una lacrima che le scivolava oltre l'angolo della bocca. La osservò meravigliata mentre raggiungeva la curva del mento dove restò precariamente appesa per un momento prima di cadere. In quel momento Cheryl vide l'impossibile: la lacrima colpì il lavandino e si solidificò in oro, un frammento che giaceva a pochi centimetri dal proprio gemello.

Le sfuggì una risata mentre cercava di dare un senso a quello che aveva appena visto. Doveva essersi sbagliata. Quei due pezzettini d'oro c'erano fin dall'inizio e lei ne aveva visto uno solo, tutto lì. Un'altra lacrima le scivolò sul naso e Cheryl con impazienza la raccolse con un dito e la posò sul lavandino. Fece un passo indietro, gli occhi fissi sulla superficie di pietra, e le sue labbra si tesero in un sorriso di fronte a quell'assurdità. Lacrime d'oro?

Per avere la conferma di non essere impazzita, Cheryl si costrinse a pensare a qualcosa di assolutamente straziante fino a quando le lacrime non ripresero a scendere, tenendo la mano bene aperta sotto il mento per raccogliere le lacrime. Vedendosi nello specchio pensò che era ridicola, ma sinceramente non le importava, visto che non c'era nessuno in giro e voleva sapere che diavolo stava succedendo. Dopo essersi ridotta in quello stato, con la faccia arrossata e bagnata, rimase delusa nello scoprire che le sue lacrime non si erano trasformate. Decise di riprovarci, ma stavolta stando con le mani appoggiate sul lavandino.

Quando una collega preoccupata andò a controllare che Cheryl stesse bene, la trovò di fronte allo specchio del bagno a ridere sinistramente, con dei piccoli pezzettini d'oro che punteggiavano i lavandini.

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Dieci giorni dopo l'irruzione, Hattie ancora non aveva scoperto dove si trovasse Brisingamen. Aveva contattato le persone che avrebbero potuto aiutarla, ma ancora nessuno si era fatto vivo con notizie interessanti. Non c'era molto che potesse fare mentre aspettava, e comunque aveva già fatto qualcosa nella mattina successiva al furto: aveva contattato la congrega di streghe della città per accettare l'offerta che le avevano già fatto molte volte, di circondare la casa con incantesimi protettivi. Sembrava una cosa uscita da un libro di Harry Potter e a cui Hattie aveva resistito fino ad ora; voleva che la casa restasse il più normale possibile, nonostante contenesse alcuni oggetti piuttosto esotici, ma era stata stupida a pensare che sarebbe stata sicura, anche se quella strada aveva registrato il minor tasso di criminalità di tutta Edimburgo.

Quel venerdì, Hattie era seduta a un tavolo all'Elephant House sul ponte George IV e beveva un tè freddo. In quel locale J.K. Rowling aveva scritto molte delle imprese del giovane maghetto e per questo era diventato un'attrazione per i turisti, tanto che Hattie era stata fortunata a trovare un tavolo libero.

Due donne, entrambe in abiti formali, occupavano il tavolo vicino e parlavano troppo per riuscire a mangiare. Hattie non riusciva a distogliere l'attenzione dal volume fastidioso della loro voce, quindi si arrese e si mise ad ascoltare. L'argomento della conversazione sembrava riguardare gli uomini, e questo fece rimpiangere a Hattie di non aver portato con sé l'iPod e le cuffie. Quando finì di pranzare ed fu pronta ad andarsene poteva dire di conoscere nel dettaglio i rispettivi fidanzati delle due donne, quanto fossero bravi a letto, quanto fossero romantici, quanto guadagnassero. Avevano parlato anche di quanto tempo sarebbe passato prima che le due lasciassero i loro uomini per cercarne di migliori. Dal modo in cui parlavano, Hattie sperò che fossero i fidanzati a lasciarle per primi.

«Oddio, me l'ero quasi dimenticato,» disse la pallida moretta con il caschetto e con le mèche viola scuro. «Hai sentito di Cheryl Millican?»

«Oh, sì,» rispose l'amica con un sussulto, brandendo una baguette sbocconcellata. «Che strano, vero? Metà della compagnia non ci crede, ma Alison della contabilità l'ha visto con i propri occhi e non è il tipo da raccontare quel genere di frottole.»

Hattie alzò gli occhi al cielo: queste tipe da ufficio si scandalizzavano sempre per le cose più stupide.

«Insomma, erano proprio d'oro,» continuò la mora. «Harry Cookson ne ha portate un paio ad analizzare e non ci sono dubbi: oro puro.»

«Paul dice che dovrebbe contattare i media, scommetto che le pagherebbero migliaia di sterline per la sua storia,» proseguì l'altra. «Beata lei. Cielo, se le mie lacrime fossero d'oro sarei corsa subito dai giornali.»

Hattie si girò sulla sedia e sorrise alle due donne. «Scusate, non ho potuto fare a meno di ascoltare. Avete detto 'lacrime d'oro'?»

Le due colleghe si scambiarono uno sguardo prima che quella armata di baguette si sporgesse in avanti con aria cospiratoria. «Sì! Una persona con cui lavoriamo...»

«Cheryl,» la interruppe Hattie, ricordandosi il nome.

«Sì. Una ragazza tranquilla, silenziosa e sempre in disparte, insomma. Be', l'hanno trovata in ufficio, nel bagno delle signore, che piangeva, con piccole gocce d'oro sparse ovunque. Alcune persone hanno visto le lacrime cadere e colpire il lavandino, e si sono trasformate in oro. Non è un'assurdità?»

«Le lacrime si sono trasformate in oro, vuol dire,» spiegò la mora. «Non le persone che hanno trovato Cheryl.»

«Sì, l'avevo capito,» disse Hattie. «Il lavandino... era fatto di una pietra particolare?»

«Credo che fosse granito,» proseguì la mora. «Perché?»

«Oh, così per sapere,» esclamò allegramente Hattie. Si alzò in piedi e si infilò la giacca di velluto a coste marrone. «Spero che la vostra amica Cheryl abbia tutto ciò che si merita.» Lasciò il locale e si fermò per un po' sotto la pensilina della fermata dell'autobus, immaginando che le due donne fossero lì per la pausa pranzo e che sarebbero tornate presto sul posto di lavoro. Se questa Cheryl aveva la collana Brisingamen, allora Hattie doveva scoprire tutto il possibile su di lei, a cominciare dal posto in cui lavorava.

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Alcune persone si stancano molto presto dei visitatori e sperano che i propri ospiti se ne accorgano e abbiano la decenza di andarsene poco dopo. Cheryl era questo tipo di persona, specialmente quando si trattava di sua sorella Natalie. La maggiore delle due sorelle Millican era impegnata a parlare, o meglio, a dire a Cheryl cosa fare, come al solito; qualche collega idiota conosceva sua sorella e le aveva spifferato la storia delle lacrime d'oro. Appena l'aveva saputo, Natalie si era precipitata da Cheryl

«Mi stupisce che la notizia non si sia diffusa,» disse Natalie arricciando il naso. «Insomma, piangi oro e non ne parla neanche una persona su Facebook o su Twitter? Scusami ma in quest'epoca è proprio strano.»

«Non così tanto,» ribatté Cheryl. «Solo una persona l'ha visto con i propri occhi ma non ha ripreso la scena. Non ci sono prove. E comunque non ci crede nessuno.»

«Non ci sono prove. E quel tizio che ha fatto analizzare le lacrime?» chiese Natalie, tenendo fra le mani una tazza dimenticata di tè tiepido.

«Quei frammenti potevano appartenere alla collana di qualcuno. Anche quella non è una prova,» rispose Cheryl.

Natalie alzò gli occhi al cielo e scosse la testa. «Sei pazza a non volerlo raccontare ai media, tutto qui.»

Sì, certo, pensò Cheryl in modo sgarbato.

«Oh, ma quella è nuova, non te l'avevo mai vista prima.» Natalie stava fissando la collana appesa al collo della sorella minore, che l'aveva accarezzata distrattamente per tutto il tempo della loro conversazione. Cheryl la infilò in fretta sotto il maglione.

«L'ho presa a un mercatino dell'usato secoli fa,» le spiegò prima di cambiare argomento in fretta.

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Mentre l'autobus Lothian bordeaux si addentrava nella periferia di Edimburgo, Hattie si accorse di non essere mai stata prima in quella parte della città. Viveva nella capitale da quasi dieci anni e nonostante fosse una città relativamente piccola si sorprese nello scoprire che c'erano zone in cui non si era ancora avventurata. Le file di case su entrambi i lati erano identiche: tetti di ardesia grigia e giardini ben tenuti. Era come una versione scozzese della perfetta casa americana degli anni '50.

Hattie diede un'occhiata al dorso della mano sinistra dove si era scarabocchiata a penna il numero della casa che Cheryl voleva svaligiare quella notte. Per più di una settimana Hattie aveva seguito quella donna dall'ufficio a casa, e in quei luoghi dove l'altra esaminava possibili edifici da cui rubare. Il venerdì precedente aveva svaligiato una casa nella New Town; Hattie aveva aspettato alla fine della strada, chiedendosi se chiamare o meno la polizia, ma prima che riuscisse a decidere, Cheryl era apparsa fuori dall'abitazione e se l'era data a gambe. Per tutta la settimana, invece, la ladra si era recata in quella strada dopo il lavoro, vestita con una tuta grigia e scarpe da ginnastica bianche: iniziava a correre quando svoltava, poi quando raggiungeva la casa che sarebbe stata il suo prossimo bersaglio, smetteva di correre e si piegava come senza fiato e con una fitta al fianco. Hattie aveva osservato quel rituale serale da dietro l'angolo di un edificio vicino.

La casa, una stretta abitazione a due piani, era completamente immersa nel buio: visto che era un venerdì sera, probabilmente i suoi occupanti erano usciti. Hattie percorse il vialetto del giardino e poi svoltò l'angolo per raggiungere la porta sul retro. Una delle streghe di Edimburgo le aveva dato una chiave incantata che poteva adattarsi a ogni serratura. Tirò fuori dalla tasca una chiave dall'aspetto semplice e si fermò; aveva chiesto alla strega se la chiave avrebbe funzionato anche se nella serratura ce n'era già un'altra, ma la strega aveva ripetuto la stessa cosa: la chiave funzionava su ogni porta. Sta' a vedere, pensò Hattie, infilando la chiave nella serratura. Per ora tutto bene.

Aveva aspettato al buio in salotto per quasi mezz'ora prima che si sentisse un rumore provenire dalla cucina. Hattie balzò in piedi, in preda al panico. E se avesse sbagliato casa? E se i proprietari fossero di ritorno? Non conosceva incantesimi per rendersi invisibile. Se non era Cheryl, Hattie sarebbe dovuta scappare.

La porta che univa le due stanze era spalancata ed Hattie riuscì a vedere il luccichio di una torcia che si muoveva sulla parete della cucina. Restò immobile, il cuore che le pulsava per l'adrenalina, ma alla fine, dopo un paio di secondi lunghi un'eternità, la luce si diresse verso il salotto, seguita da una figura in ombra che teneva la torcia. Il fascio si posò su Hattie, accecandola per un momento, ma la rossa non distolse lo sguardo per non dare a Cheryl, sempre che fosse lei, il tempo di fuggire.

«Ciao, Cheryl,» disse invece con disinvoltura.

La figura rimase immobile. Hattie si irrigidì, pronta a riacchiappare la ladra se avesse cercato di scappare, ma Cheryl rimase dov'era, sulla porta. Per sbloccare la situazione, Hattie si sporse verso l'interruttore sulla parete e lo premette. L'altra spense la torcia e si sfilò il passamontagna con la mano libera.

«Chi sei?» chiese infine, le guance arrossate dalla lana. «Non abiti qui.»

«Neanche tu, anche era abbastanza ovvio vedendo come sei vestita,» rispose Hattie.

«Come fai a sapere come mi chiamo?»

Hattie incrociò le braccia. «Sono una delle tue vittime.»

Nessuna reazione. Alla fine, però, Cheryl parlò. «E quindi che ci fai qui? Oh, aspetta. Cerchi di fare l'eroina e di mettere fine alle mie vili imprese?» Domandò con tono di scherno.

«Be', in realtà non mi interessa. Sono venuta solo a riprendermi ciò che è mio.»

«Ascoltami, signorina, non mi porto sempre in giro il bottino,» sbuffò Cheryl. «Non tengo nemmeno l'inventario di cosa rubo e da quale casa.»

«Lascia che ti aiuti, allora. Rivoglio solo un oggetto: Brisingamen.»

Cheryl fece una smorfia. «Cosa sarebbe, un quadro o qualcosa del genere?»

Hattie guardò la donna negli occhi. «È una collana, una collana molto speciale, e credo che tu sappia bene di cosa sto parlando.»

Inconsciamente la mano di Cheryl che non reggeva la torcia si sollevò verso il collo. «È... tua?»

«Non proprio mia, ma io ne sono la custode attuale,» disse Hattie con sincerità. «Me la devi restituire, per il tuo bene.»

«Per il mio bene?» Cheryl rise. «Non credo che rappresenti un pericolo per me, perché dovrei preoccuparmi se le mie lacrime si trasformano in oro? Ma grazie per il pensiero.»

«Sì, sì, lo so: piangi sopra la roccia e le tue lacrime si trasformano in oro, piangi nell'acqua e diventano ambra. Lo so cosa fa, quella collana,» Hattie la interruppe con tono sprezzante. «Non parlo della collana. Parlo delle persone, delle creature che sarebbero felicissime di incatenarti a una roccia in un luogo dove nessuno può trovarti e costringerti a piangere per tanto, tanto tempo, come hanno fatto con l'ultima persona che l'ha indossata.»

«Ah, davvero?» chiese Cheryl, con un'espressione dubbiosa ancora in volto. «E che cosa gli è successo, allora? Gli si sono seccati i condotti lacrimali? Che cosa terribile.»

«Si è suicidato. Aver indossato la collana per così tanto tempo alla fine l'ha spinto a farlo.» disse Hattie senza giri di parole. «Il suo corpo è sepolto in un cimitero del Canada.»

«Sì, be', grazie per la bella storia tragica, ma se non hai intenzione di chiamare la polizia potresti gentilmente levarti dalle palle e lasciarmi lavorare?»

«Prima la collana,» ribatté Hattie tendendo la mano. «Ce l'hai indosso proprio ora, la vedo sotto la maglia.»

«Scusa ma credo che la terrò per me. Te la ridarò quando avrò abbastanza oro, te la consegnerò personalmente.»

Hattie riabbassò la mano. Si tolse il cappotto, lo gettò sul divano di pelle e iniziò ad arrotolarsi le maniche. Era passato un po' di tempo da quando aveva fatto a botte per l'ultima volta, e ne era passato ancora di più dall'ultima rissa con un essere umano.

«Che stai facendo?» Cheryl riuscì a dire prima di gettare a terra lo zaino per evitare il pugno che Hattie aveva cercato di assestarle in pieno viso.

«Non hai voluto ascoltarmi,» disse Hattie facendo un passo avanti. «Quindi me la riprenderò con la forza.»

Cheryl la squadrò dall'alto in basso e rise con disprezzo. «Non sei un po' troppo hippy per la violenza?»

Hattie dovette concordare, ma questo non le impedì di caricare la gamba e dare un bel calcio allo stinco di Cheryl. La ladra cadde a terra. «Ahi!» esclamò, massaggiandosi la gamba. «È così che combatti? Come una bambina di cinque anni?»

«Perché no. Non sei mai stata attaccata da una bambina?»

Ringhiando, Cheryl si rialzò e si slanciò contro Hattie, mirando alla gola con entrambe le mani. Hattie cercò di darle un altro calcio, ma stavolta la sua avversaria era pronta. Cheryl evitò il calcio e afferrò la gamba tesa, dandovi un violento strattone. Sfortunatamente Hattie non era un'esperta di arti marziali e quindi andò a sbattere contro il tavolino da caffè, facendo volare per la stanza una ciotola piena di sassolini lucidi. Alzò la testa in tempo per vedere Cheryl che si chinava per recuperare lo zaino, decisa ad andarsene.

«Oh, non pensarci nemmeno!» gridò Hattie, balzando in piedi con la forza dell'adrenalina. Mentre Cheryl si dirigeva verso la cucina, Hattie le piantò una gomitata nella schiena; la donna barcollò e cadde a faccia in giù oltre la porta. Senza perdere tempo, Hattie si mise a cavalcioni sulla sua schiena e tentò di infilare le dita nello scollo della sua maglia per cercare la collana e slacciarla.

«Togliti di dosso!» strillò Cheryl, dimenandosi selvaggiamente e agitando le braccia per scacciare via Hattie come una mosca, fino a quando le sue dita trovarono i lunghi capelli rossi dell'altra. Una mano si avvolse attorno a una grossa ciocca e Cheryl diede un violento strattone che fece cadere Hattie sul linoleum bianco e nero.

La rossa si allontanò in tempo da evitare un pugno diretto al suo stomaco e si alzò in ginocchio vicino alla lavatrice, imitata da Cheryl, e le due donne si fissarono furiose, a un metro di distanza, cercando di riprendere fiato.

«Non ti arrenderai mai, eh?» disse Cheryl, tastandosi la bocca con le dita, il labbro superiore che le sanguinava. «Cristo, credo che tu mi abbia rotto un dente!»

«Quale, questo?» chiese Hattie, tenendo in mano un piccolo molare macchiato di sangue. L'aveva trovato quando l'altra l'aveva costretta sul pavimento.

«Oh, grazie mille, adesso dovrò andare al lavoro senza un dente,» si lamentò Cheryl.

«È stato un piacere,» ribatté Hattie, dando un'occhiata al dente. «Insomma, potrei anche lasciarlo qui in giro, così i proprietari potranno scoprire a chi appartiene, il suo DNA e cose del genere.» Cheryl si slanciò in avanti per afferrarlo ma Hattie lo allontanò dalla sua portata. «Ah-ah. Prima la collana, e poi potrai riavere il tuo dente.»

«Vaffanculo.» Cheryl incrociò le braccia e allontanò lo sguardo con disprezzo.

«Bene,» Hattie si strinse nelle spalle. «Aspettati una bella visitina dalla polizia tra un paio di giorni.»

Cheryl tornò a guardarla, fissandola a lungo, e i muscoli di Hattie si tesero, pronti a continuare la lotta, ma invece, con suo grande sollievo, la ladra crollò le spalle e si tolse la collana.

«Riprenditi questo stupido affare,» borbottò. «E comunque i frammenti d'oro erano troppo piccoli, diventerei vecchia prima di averne abbastanza per arricchirmi.» Gettò il gioiello a Hattie, che lo prese al volo con la mano libera. Fedele alla parola data, Hattie le riconsegnò il dente, e Cheryl se lo infilò nella tasca dei pantaloni. «E ora?» Domandò la ladra, col respiro che finalmente tornava normale.

«Be', io vado a casa a farmi una tazza di tè, e forse mi guarderò un film in tv,» rispose Hattie, infilandosi la collana nel reggiseno per tenerla al sicuro. «Forse dovresti fare la stessa cosa, magari non a casa mia, visto che ci sei già stata, e ti suggerisco di smettere di rubare. Ho visto la tua busta paga, lo so quanto guadagni.»

Cheryl sgranò gli occhi. «Come diavolo fai a saperlo?»

Hattie sorrise e si avviò verso la porta sul retro. «Davvero. Smetti di derubare la gente.» Aprì la porta ed esitò un attimo prima di andarsene: non voleva dirle il resto, ma non aveva scelta. «So dove abiti, Cheryl, so molte cose su di te, e conosco alcune... persone... che potrebbero renderti le cose molto difficili se continuerai a comportarti così. Adesso faresti meglio ad andartene, non vorrai mica essere beccata proprio dopo aver deciso di voltare pagina?» Si infilò nella fredda notte di Edimburgo e si diresse verso la fermata dell'autobus più vicina. Voleva arrivare a casa il prima possibile e mettere la collana sotto chiave... e anche sotto qualche incantesimo, giusto per stare tranquilla.

––––––––

Passato qualche giorno, Hattie venne a sapere che Cheryl aveva smesso di svaligiare le case della città e che era diventata un po' paranoica con gli estranei, pensando forse che la spiassero per conto della rossa. La collana era di nuovo nel bagno, nella stessa teca di vetro, ma era circondata da talmente tanti incantesimi che neanche una bomba nucleare avrebbe potuto scalfirla. Hattie stava portando fuori la spazzatura per la raccolta del giorno successivo quando vide Michael uscire dalla casa di fronte.

«Alla fine hai recuperato la tua collana?» le gridò, dirigendosi verso la Range Rover blu parcheggiata sul ciglio della strada.

Hattie annuì. «Oh, sì.» Sorrise.

«Bene. A proposito, ti stanno bene i capelli così.» Anche da quella distanza lei riuscì a vederlo con le guance arrossate. Per risparmiargli l'imbarazzo si diede un colpetto alla massa di capelli rossi sistemati sulla testa in una grossa crocchia disordinata.

«Be', dopo un po' le tirate di capelli fanno male alla mia povera testa,» ribatté lei.

«Cosa?»

Hattie ridacchiò e scosse il capo. «Non importa.»

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FINE

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text:
Q: Recording WSASend Buffers and sending them I'm trying to make cheat for an unpopular game. Every time the game calls the WSASend function, there is 1 buffer of some length in the lpBuffers variable. I need to make it so that while holding down my side mouse button, buffers are written to some kind of array. Then, when the button is released, check if there is something in my array and, if so, send each of the buffers one by one. The essence of the cheat is that when quickly sending the recorded data, my character will abruptly move from one point to another or perform some other actions very quickly. I wrote the following code, but it doesn't work correctly.
std::vector<std::string> records;
WSABUF buffer;

/*
    The WSASend function leads to __WSASend. The original WSASend function is in _WSASend.
*/

int WSAAPI __WSASend(SOCKET s, LPWSABUF lpBuffers, DWORD dwBufferCount, LPDWORD lpNumberOfBytesSent, DWORD dwFlags, LPWSAOVERLAPPED lpOverlapped, LPWSAOVERLAPPED_COMPLETION_ROUTINE lpCompletionRoutine)
{
    if (GetAsyncKeyState(VK_XBUTTON1) < 0) // If the side mouse button is pressed when calling WSASend, write the buffer data to my array of strings
    {
        records.emplace_back(lpBuffers->buf);

/*
While the mouse button is held down, the game will think that the data was sent because * lpNumberOfBytesSent = lpBuffers-> len; This is necessary in order for the game to send new data.
*/

        *lpNumberOfBytesSent = lpBuffers->len;
        return 0;
    }

/* I need to send data with a delay, but I cannot use the Sleep () function since WSASend and WSARecv are on the same thread. Since the game tries to send the same data if it just returns 0 (without setting * lpNumberOfBytesSent = lpBuffers-> len) I decided to take advantage of this. */
    if (records.size() > 0)
    {
        buffer.buf = &records[0][0];
        buffer.len = records[0].length();
        _WSASend(s, &buffer, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0);
        records.erase(records.begin());

/* No delay because I decided to check if it works at all. And as it turned out, it works, but very rarely. When the saved data was small - 50 to 50 that will go and everything will be ok, but when there is a lot, it always kicks from the server with a data read error. */

        return 0; // I am returning 0 without setting * lpNumberOfBytesSent = lpBuffers-> len; so that the game calls the same function again with the same data to send next recorded buffer data
    }

    return _WSASend(s, lpBuffers, dwBufferCount, lpNumberOfBytesSent, dwFlags, lpOverlapped, lpCompletionRoutine); // When there is no data recorded
}

It is very important to write and send data in the correct order (first recorded to last) as the game uses encryption + counters on both sides. In theory, if you write it down correctly and send it in the correct order and then allow the game to continue to send its data that is not recorded, then everything should work out. But as I said, sometimes it works with small data, but not with large data. I am being thrown from the server with a read error.

A: I see multiple issues with your code.

*

*When the mouse button IS DOWN, you are completely ignoring the dwBufferCount parameter of WSASend() when adding the caller's new data to your list.  If the caller tries to send multiple WSABUFs at a time, you will lose data.

*You are not saving lpBuffers->len into your list at all, you are assuming lpBuffers->buf is a null-terminated string, which is very likely NOT the case 99.99999% of the time.  So, your code that sends your list has no way of knowing the PROPER length to give to _WSASend().

*you are completely ignoring the output of _WSASend() when sending the data in your list.

*When the mouse button IS NOT down, if your list is not empty, you are sending only the 1st record in the list, and completely ignoring the caller's new data, losing it forever.  You need to either:

*

*append the caller's new data to the end of your list if the list is not empty after calling _WSASend().

*send everything that is in the list, before then giving the caller's new data to _WSASend().
With that said, try something more like this:
int WSAAPI __WSASend(SOCKET s, LPWSABUF lpBuffers, DWORD dwBufferCount, LPDWORD lpNumberOfBytesSent, DWORD dwFlags, LPWSAOVERLAPPED lpOverlapped, LPWSAOVERLAPPED_COMPLETION_ROUTINE lpCompletionRoutine)
{
    *lpNumberOfBytesSent = 0;

    if (GetAsyncKeyState(VK_XBUTTON1) < 0)
    {
        for(DWORD i = 0; i < dwBufferCount; ++i)
        {
            auto &buffer = lpBuffers[i];
            records.emplace_back(buffer.buf, buffer.len);
            *lpNumberOfBytesSent += buffer.len;
        }

        return 0;
    }

    if (!records.empty())
    {
        WSABUF buffer;
        DWORD numSent;
        auto &rec = records[0];
        do
        {
            buffer.buf = rec.data();
            buffer.len = rec.size();
            if (_WSASend(s, &buffer, 1, &numSent, 0, nullptr, nullptr) == SOCKET_ERROR)
                return SOCKET_ERROR;
            rec.erase(0, numSent);
        }
        while (!rec.empty());
        records.erase(records.begin());
        return 0;
    }

    return _WSASend(s, lpBuffers, dwBufferCount, lpNumberOfBytesSent, dwFlags, lpOverlapped, lpCompletionRoutine);
}

Or this:
int WSAAPI __WSASend(SOCKET s, LPWSABUF lpBuffers, DWORD dwBufferCount, LPDWORD lpNumberOfBytesSent, DWORD dwFlags, LPWSAOVERLAPPED lpOverlapped, LPWSAOVERLAPPED_COMPLETION_ROUTINE lpCompletionRoutine)
{
    *lpNumberOfBytesSent = 0;

    if (GetAsyncKeyState(VK_XBUTTON1) < 0)
    {
        for(DWORD i = 0; i < dwBufferCount; ++i)
        {
            auto &buffer = lpBuffers[i];
            records.emplace_back(buffer.buf, buffer.len);
            *lpNumberOfBytesSent += buffer.len;
        }

        return 0;
    }

    while (!records.empty())
    {
        WSABUF buffer;
        DWORD numSent;
        auto &rec = records[0];
        do
        {
            buffer.buf = rec.data();
            buffer.len = rec.size();
            if (_WSASend(s, &buffer, 1, &numSent, 0, nullptr, nullptr) == SOCKET_ERROR)
                return SOCKET_ERROR;
            rec.erase(0, numSent);
        }
        while (!rec.empty());
        records.erase(records.begin());
    }

    return _WSASend(s, lpBuffers, dwBufferCount, lpNumberOfBytesSent, dwFlags, lpOverlapped, lpCompletionRoutine);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Full Current Account Layout design?
I will be glad to fully switch when the trial ends. I do think the current UI definitely needs a change to be intuitive for ta full account and was wondering what the latest is? Things like making transfers just don't feel slick and they way they are listed etc a bit haphazard. Curious but happy Monzonaut.
I for one are hoping for almost no changes to the UI, it's minimalist and has good UX, I'm only hoping for new features. However I think what you mean is you'd like to see some styling updates rather than a UI change. Of which I would agree in some areas such as making transfers nicer to look at. Transactions and Card view works I think.
I think Regular Payments needs to move to spending! And we need enhanced merchant info for Direct Debits, editing for previously used Bank transfers all sorts of little but important details!
Ah, now I'm torn on this one. The Spending tab with the budget stuff is the correct place for them because they are the payments that will mainly affect my budgeting since they're by far the biggest outgoings I have.
I don't want to lose any space in the Payments tab either and as they're payments that I haven't yet made (but need to budget for) I don't really want to see them there in their current form.
When you get through your first full calendar month it'll be back.


For Tyler Deike, entrepreneurship isn't just a career choice — it's in his blood.
Coming from a family through several generations of entrepreneurs — and as the saying goes, "like father, like son," before even learning to drive, Deike and his brother launched a lawn care service in their hometown of Mankato, Minn.
Throughout high school, the Deike brothers' innate entrepreneurial spirit helped them grow their lawn business from just a handful of accounts into a profitable part-time job. When the time came for college, Deike chose to enroll while still servicing a roster of nearly 30 lawn clients.
This early introduction to business taught Deike some valuable lessons he could not learn in college, such as the importance of partnering with professionals. For example, one of the lessons he encountered on the accounting side was that services rather than products needed to be taxed, which wasn't obvious to him and wasn't taught until he reached out for professional guidance.
With some life lessons and a degree in industrial engineering under his belt, Deike began his career in corporate America. At the same time, he continued to operate the lawn care business in the background (and growing 20 to 40 percent year-over-year).
His career path led to a variety of engineering roles, but as a self-proclaimed "idea guy," Deike wasn't completely satisfied. He's the type of dreamer who wakes up in the middle of the night and won't go back to sleep unless he's written down his next great idea — especially when it comes to starting his own small business.
After eight years of dreaming, Deike found his big idea — and it wasn't starting another business from scratch. It was cultivating something that already existed, all while retaining a secure income to support his growing family.
Deike noticed a gap in modernization — small businesses in big cities show greater advancement than those in rural areas. To him, this breakdown signaled an even larger gap between the current and potential state of thousands of businesses across the country.
Just like that, his instinctive entrepreneurial spirit had found a new outlet. So Deike started looking for the perfect business to rejuvenate, enlisting the assistance of business brokers and online marketplaces. His broker identified an opportunity to buy a fiberglass business, Blackhawk Fiberwerx, but Deike was hesitant.
With this vision in mind, Deike went forward with the purchase. He developed a friendly, trusted relationship with the owner, who wanted the business to successfully continue.
Once the purchase was finalized and Blackhawk Fiberwerx secured, Deike found himself in an interesting predicament: The business had too many orders, and not enough tools or people to fulfill them. So he got to work with his revitalization plan.
The shop's floor space increased by 40 percent, and production tripled with minimal added headcount. By streamlining processes and getting rid of waste, the factory is now capable of producing four to six times the product volume it was at purchase.
Today, Deike is focused on staying prepared for future opportunities and expanding the existing product lines. There are currently two new projects in the works, some outdoor living products and powersports accessories, with plenty of other ideas in the pipeline.
As for the lawn business, it's still growing — and the time has come for Deike to exit. He plans on leaving the business to a trusted employee who he's taken under his wing.
Buy an existing business. Established companies offer first-time businesspeople a more secure investment than starting from scratch. With an established cash flow, customer base and employee roster, some of the most difficult aspects of launching a business already are taken care of.
Get professional help. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance. Business sales and transactions are complicated, and often require professional guidance from attorneys, business brokers and bankers. If you find a set of trusted partners who genuinely want you to succeed, the sale is sure to be a smooth process.
Field all your options. There are many places to look when you first decide to pursue business ownership. Use all available resources to ensure you find the perfect fit for your future plans. Get assistance from a business broker, check the newspapers or use an online marketplace — exhaust every avenue to be sure of your decision.
Taking the leap into business ownership can be risky. However, with the right team and the right business, you can mitigate the risk and start the next era of your career — this time as your own boss.


text:
Q: How to change Uploading text in upload component in antd? I want to customize "uploading" text in upload component while uploading in antd. But I can't find any thing in antd doc to help me.
here is doc:
https://ant.design/components/upload/

A: To change the position of content, you need to customise top and left.
I have changed the CSS attributes of other elements(red color of the plus icon, Upload text of another card) as well. You can change them as per your needs. Here is a quick demo.

/* plus +  icon*/
.ant-upload-select-picture-card i {
  font-size: 32px;
  color: red;
}
/* Upload text*/
.ant-upload-select-picture-card .ant-upload-text {
  margin-top: 8px;
  color: red;
}

/* Uploading... text*/
.ant-upload-list-item-info
  > span
  > div[class="ant-upload-list-item-uploading-text"] {
  visibility: hidden;
}

/* you need to customise top and left css attribute */
.ant-upload-list-item-info
  > span
  > div[class="ant-upload-list-item-uploading-text"]:after {
  content: "Wait ?";
  visibility: visible;
  display: block;
  position: absolute;
  padding: 1px;
  top: 10px;
  left: 10px;
}


text:
GE Energy, CH2M Hill to build power plant in Australia
GE Energy and its consortium partner, CH2M Hill of Denver, Colorado, have been selected by Origin Energy Power Ltd. of Sydney, Australia to supply a turnkey power package for a coal seam gas-fired power plant in a remote region of Queensland, Australia.
Located near Braemar, Queensland, the Darling Downs Power Station will be based on a GE 309E combined-cycle system and is scheduled to enter commercial operation in the first quarter of 2010. The plant will produce 630 megawatts in high-fired operation. The plant will use coal seam gas produced in Origin Energy's coal seam gas fields, which will be piped to the site.
GE's scope of supply includes three Frame 9E gas turbines, four generators, one C7 steam turbine, three heat recovery steam generators, a plant distributed control system, and training. In addition, GE has signed a six-year Contractual Service Agreement with Origin Energy to provide predictable maintenance costs and guaranteed outage durations and plant performance. CH2M Hill will provide integrated engineering, balance-of-plant equipment, site civil work, equipment installation and erection activities in conjunction with its construction partner, Laing O'Rourke.
The GE gas turbines will be built at GE's facilities in Belfort, France, the gas turbine generators in Elin, Austria and the steam turbine-generators in Schenectady, N.Y. Equipment shipments are expected to start in April 2008 and run through December 2008, with installation proceeding through the fourth quarter of 2009.
write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page


Academic Organization, established in 1977.
A non-profit and non-political academic organization whose aim is to promote the field of Animal Science not only to the UPLB studentry but also to the Filipino as a whole.
As of Midyear Term 2017, this student organization has 30 members. Since UPASS is a college-based student organization, only non-freshman students from CA may apply to join the organization.
Like other organizations in the university, there is a process for membership to UPASS. All recognized student organizations have pledged their compliance to the Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.
The UP ANIMAL SCIENCE SOCIETY or simply UPASS, a student organization in the College of Agriculture with org record ID 36, is recognized as of Second Semester, AY 2018-2019.


text:
CJTF-HOA, Japanese Soldiers hold tactical combat casualty care medical exchange
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers participated in a tactical combat casualty care course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27 and May 31, 2019.
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nicholas C. Scott , U.S. Navy CJTF-HOA Jun 07, 2019
6 photos: CJTF-HOA, Japanese Soldiers hold tactical combat casualty care medical exchange
Photo 1 of 6: U.S. Army Sgt. Barrey Paddock, senior medic for Delta Company, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers treat a victim during a tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) medical exchange at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 3, 2019. TCCC provided partner nation Soldiers an opportunity to share different methods on how to conduct life-saving medical care on a battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nicholas C. Scott
Download full-resolution image
Photo 2 of 6: U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers prepare to carry a victim during a tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) medical exchange at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 3, 2019. TCCC provided partner nation soldiers an opportunity to share different methods on how to conduct life-saving medical care on a battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)
Photo 3 of 6: A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldier applies a tourniquet to a U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, during a tactical combat casualty care course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27, 2019. The course was part of a two-day subject matter expert medical exchange that focused on first-aid methodologies between the two partner nations in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)
Photo 4 of 6: A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldier applies a bandage to a U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, during a tactical combat casualty care course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27, 2019. The course was part of a two-day subject matter expert medical exchange that focused on first-aid methodologies between the two partner nations in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)
Photo 5 of 6: U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers pose for a group photo during a tactical combat casualty care course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 3, 2019. The course was part of a two-day subject matter expert medical exchange that focused on first-aid methodologies between the two partner nations in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)
Photo 6 of 6: U.S. Army Sgt. Barrey Paddock, senior medic for Delta Company, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, inserts a nasopharyngeal airway tube into a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldier during a tactical combat casualty care course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27, 2019. The course was part of a two-day subject matter expert medical exchange that focused on first-aid methodologies between the two partner nations in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)
COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE-HORN OF AFRICA, Djibouti - U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers participated in a tactical combat casualty care course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27 and May 31, 2019.
The course was part of a two-day subject matter expert medical exchange that focused on first-aid methodologies between the two partner nations in Djibouti.
"In the event of a mass causality, figuring out how we can develop interoperability and work together is important for using this as a building block to save Soldiers' lives," said U.S. Army Maj. Novneet Sahu, a surgeon with the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warrior, New Jersey National Guard, assigned to CJTF-HOA.
"It started as an infantry-to-infantry exchange," said Sahu. "We sat down and discussed what topics would be good for an information exchange. One of the topics that came up was medical. I think we have figured out how to navigate setting something like this up, so now we would want to do this pretty regularly."
During the course, Japanese and U.S. service members learned various types of medical techniques, such as the application of a tourniquet, insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway tube, proper application of a battlefield bandage and transportation of injured troops using a sked litter.
Though very successful according to Sahu, one of the hurdles overcome in the exchange was language translation and communication between the two militaries.
"My first language was Japanese and I grew up learning English," said U.S. Army Sgt. Seishi To, translator and fly away security team medic NCO in charge of the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warrior, New Jersey National Guard, assigned to CJTF-HOA."It is important to build relationships with partner nations, to see different ways and techniques of doing things. It is vital for building partnerships, to see new ways of integration."
According to To, the information flowed both ways and both sides benefited from the interaction.
"Both sides were very receptive," said To. "I learned that no matter where we go, methodologies may be a little different, but the baseline of trying to save a life is the same."
"Not only did we have bilateral cooperation and confidence, but also multilateral cooperation and confidence," said Maj. Yusuke Omachi, infantry commander for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. "The more multilateral cooperation and confidence expands, the more the JSDF can contribute to the international community. We hope that our activities further deepen Japan-U.S. relationship and contribute to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The spirit of building deep mutual understanding is nurtured among the service members of both countries."
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Three months ago, dozens of pro-life activists—most of them teenagers—arrived unannounced in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Armed with images of fully developed, dismembered fetuses and a sign christening Albuquerque as "America's Auschwitz," they set up camp in front of the city's modest Holocaust and Intolerance Museum and demanded a new exhibit to commemorate the victims of what they call "the silent holocaust," or "the American genocide"—or the roughly 50 million abortions performed in the United States since the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade ruling in 1973.
But what they really wanted was much less symbolic: A municipal referendum that would make Albuquerque the first city in the country to ban late-term abortions.
Doing so, critics believe, is the first step toward severely limiting abortion access in America.
In the end, though, their efforts fell short. By Tuesday evening, Albuquerque residents had rejected the measure, voting 55 percent to 44 percent against a proposed ordinance that would have prevented women from seeking abortions after 20 weeks.
It's a big disappointment for the pro-life movement, which has embraced 20-week bans as a way of taking advantage of public discomfort over later abortion. Based on the disputed medical claim that a fetus can feel pain after 20 weeks, thirteen states have banned abortions after that point, and Republicans in Congress have introduced similar federal legislation. Had the Albuquerque referendum passed, it would have opened up new avenues for anti-abortion groups to pursue restrictions at the local level—an attractive prospect in blue states like New Mexico, where the Democratic-controlled legislature has repeatedly buried new abortion laws.
But while Albuquerque voters may have prevented a city-by-city epidemic fixed on wiping out abortion clinics, both sides warn that the seal has been broken. The referendum was an early testing ground, a chance for the pro-life movement to practice its new strategy—and another stark reminder, some believe, that the left is on defense when it comes to reproductive rights.
In many ways, the Albuquerque referendum was a glimpse into the depths of the pro-life psyche. And at the center, the id so to speak, are the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust. Founded in 1998 by former leaders of Operation Rescue, the organization is essentially a training camp for emerging pro-life organizers, equipping young (Christian) militants with activism tools and leaflets, and then sending them out "on tour" to win over new recruits. As the name suggests, the group is based on the idea that anyone born after the Roe vs. Wade ruling in 1973 has "survived" legal abortion.
"Abortion is real for us, because our generation has not known a time when it was illegal to kill babies," Kristina Garza, the Survivors 26-year-old outreach director, tells me. It's a few days before the Albuquerque vote, and Garza is riding shotgun in my rental car while I attempt to tail the Survivors van on Interstate 40. They're looking for a good spot for "overpass cupping," another pro-life campaign quirk that involves spelling out slogans with plastic cups in the chainlink fence over the highway. "It's a good way for the team to blow off steam at the end of the night," Garza says.
It turns out that in spite of their creepy name and holocaust museum theatrics, the Survivors are more like earnest camp counselors than hardened foot soldiers in the abortion wars. "This is the most alive I have ever felt, and the most appreciated for being alive," Lauren Handy tells me.
Before she found the pro-life movement, Handy says, "I was in a dark place." The Survivors gave her a sense of purpose, and a passion for "sidewalk counseling," the pro-life term for convincing women outside of clinics not to have an abortion. "If you think your child is going to have a bad life, there is something deeply hurting you — I can empathize with that," she says. "Before I was bitter, but now I am blessed for having had that suffering. I found a place where I am best used."
"Overpass cupping" above Interstate 40 before Albuquerque's vote on a municipal late-term abortion ban Tuesday. Image: Grace Wyler.
As a 26-year-old Mexican-American woman from California's Inland Empire, Garza doesn't fit the conventional mold of an anti-abortion crusader, that is, white and old. In fact, virtually all of the pro-life organizers leading the Albuquerque campaigns were women under 35, and at least four of those women are Hispanic. They are part of a fresher, younger—and, in the case of Survivors, more militant— generation of pro-lifers that has taken the helm of the movement in recent years. And unlike their 1980s counterparts, though, these kids don't want to blockade clinics or go to jail—the goal, Garza tells me, is to make the system work for them.
Tara Shaver, 29, in the office at Project Defending Life, an anti-abortion pregnancy crisis center across the street from Planned Parenthood in Albuquerque, N.M. Image: Grace Wyler.
In an apparent testament to the Survivors' training, the Albuquerque referendum was driven by two of the group's former interns, Bud and Tara Shaver. Self-described "Christian missionaries," the Shavers were members of Operation Rescue in 2009, arriving in Wichita, Kansas, on the day that late-term abortion doctor George Tiller was murdered in his church. After his death, two of the physicians who had worked at his clinic moved to Albuquerque to practice at Southwestern Women's Options, making it one of just a few abortion clinics in the country to practice late-term abortions. The Shavers soon followed. Since 2010, the Shavers have engaged in what Tara calls "prayerful witness" at Southwestern Women's Options, launching investigations into Tiller's former colleagues, and routinely circling the clinic in a "Truth Truck" emblazoned with images of a dismembered fetus.
Although their initial plan was not to pursue a ballot initiative, when the option was suggested by other pro-life activists, the Shavers, and their friends in Wichita, went with it. It was a surprising foray into campaign politics for Operation Rescue, a de facto opposition research arm of the pro-life movement that primarily targets abortion clinics and doctors through investigations, rather than referendums. But while Tuesday's results definitely showed the limits of Operation Rescue's appeal—it turns out voters who hate the Truth Truck, or the fetal pain trick-or-treat fliers—it also opened up a new strategy that could help Operation Rescue shut down specific clinics at the local level, by taking their case straight to the voters.
Does she have any plans for the future?


text:
module Backoffice::CategoriesHelper
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


What is the cheapest way to get from Canary Wharf to Penge?
The cheapest way to get from Canary Wharf to Penge is to line 197 bus which costs £2 and takes 34m.
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The quickest way to get from Canary Wharf to Penge is to train which costs £1 - £3 and takes 13m.
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The distance between Canary Wharf and Penge is 6 miles. The road distance is 10.8 miles.
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The best way to get from Canary Wharf to Penge without a car is to train which takes 13m and costs £1 - £3.
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The train from New Cross Gate to Penge West takes 13m including transfers and departs every 30 minutes.
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Canary Wharf to Penge bus services, operated by London Buses, arrive at Peckham Bus Station.
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Canary Wharf to Penge train services, operated by Southern, depart from New Cross Gate station.
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The best way to get from Canary Wharf to Penge is to train which takes 13m and costs £1 - £3. Alternatively, you can line 197 bus, which costs £2 and takes 34m.
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Southern operates a train from Canary Wharf to Penge every 30 minutes. Tickets cost £1 - £3 and the journey takes 13m. London Overground also services this route every 4 hours. Alternatively, London Buses operates a bus from Canary Wharf to Penge every 15 minutes. Tickets cost £2 and the journey takes 34m.
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Canary Wharf to Penge bus services, operated by London Buses, arrive at Penge & Sydenham, High Street Green Lane station.
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Canary Wharf to Penge train services, operated by Southern, arrive at Penge West station.
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