An article in the Almanac, on November 23rd, (http://www.almanacnews.com/morgue/2005/2005_11_23.wstanner.shtml) tells of a complaint from Concerned Citizens of Woodside and leaves the impression that the complaint comes from COW. It most emphatically does not.
We do believe that that Council member Tanner was legally and ethically a candidate for his new seat based on his purchase of a new home and his intent to live there. What we exclusively objected to was the timing of his resignation from his old seat. Our beef is that Dave Tanner's resignation came too late for the seat to be included in an open election and that it seems to us that the timing was designed to avoid public participation and to deprive Woodside residents the chance to elect Town representatives. See "Is The Barn Empty?".
While we support the democratic tradition of anonymous political commentary. See "Is A COW By Any Other Day".
Please be assured all of our complaints and comments, emails and communications will be in the name of Citizens of Woodside or COW and will appear on this site. We welcome the participation of other groups and individuals in the political debate even when we disagree with them but please do not confuse them with us.


After flowering, seed stalks and seed heads turn light tan to whitish, per Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses.
V-shaped husks remain on the stalk after grain release, per Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses.
Lemma awn more than 10mm long, lemma body villous, per Vascular Flora of the Carolinas.


Featuring a perfect blend of fringed fun and practicality, the Desert Dreamer has dual inside pockets for your phone and favourite lipstick.
Milky luxe leather with brass metal features and adjustable long leather shoulder strap.
Available in White, Burnt Caramel & Black.


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Tag: Animation News
Ed Brubaker to Write "Batman: Caped Crusader"
January 7, 2022 January 7, 2022 Pak Hanu
The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Ed Brubaker has been hired as the head writer for "Batman: Caped Crusader." For those who are not aware, the series was first announced in 2019. Also reported earlier, the series will be executive produced by Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves. James Tucker was also confirmed as the co-executive producer. Ed is known for working on various comic books based on Batman, however more known for his Catwoman comics in the early 2000s with the help of artist Darwyn Cooke. He is…
Animation Comics News Staff & Cast
DC League of Super-Pets Trailer Streamed
November 23, 2021 November 23, 2021 Pak Hanu
Warner Bros. recently updated their Youtube channel with a trailer for "DC League of Super-Pets." The latest trailer features a look at the film's setting. Some highlights include how the Super-Pets got their powers and revealing that several key Justice League members will be making an appearance in the film as well. "DC League of Super-Pets" will premiere in theaters on May 22, 2022. The #DCSuperPets are ready to sit, stay, save the world. DC League of Super-Pets will be unleashed in theaters May 2022. After seeing the trailer…
Animation Comics News Trailers, Teasers, & Visuals
Pixar's "Lightyear" Teaser Trailer Streamed
October 27, 2021 October 27, 2021 Pak Hanu
Earlier today, Disney Pixar updated their official Youtube channel with the first full teaser trailer for Lightyear. For those who are not aware, the film is based on the character Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story franchise. While the character was originally voiced by Tim Allen in the films and various associated projects, Chris Evans will be voicing the character in "Lightyear." Lightyear will premiere in theaters in Summer 2022. Seeing the trailer I think the film looks alright, however I personally do not think the character needed a film…
Animation News Trailers, Teasers, & Visuals
"Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake" Spin-Off Series Greenlit
August 17, 2021 August 17, 2021 Pak Hanu
Variety has reported that Cartoon Network and HBO Max have greenlit the "Adventure Time" spin-off series, which will focus on Fionna and Cake. For those who are not aware, Fionna and Cake are the genderswapped versions of Finn and Jake. These versions of the characters were introduced in the ninth episode of the third season of the original "Adventure Time" series simply titled, "Fionna and Cake." Fionna and Cake are the "heroes" depicted in a fanfiction created by the Ice King as seen in the episode. The duo would cameo…
Animation News Staff & Cast
Catwoman: Hunted Anime Film Announced
The Hollywood Reporter has announced that a new film based on the DC Comics character Catwoman is in the works at DC, Warner Bros. Animation, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film titled, "Catwoman: Hunted," is set to release in early 2022. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will feature an "anime" style. The film will be directed by Shinsuke Terasawa and the script will be written by Greg Weisman. Ethan Spaulding and Colin A.B.V. Lewis have been hired as the producers on the project. Sam Register will once…
Animation Anime & Manga News Staff & Cast
Star Wars: Visions Trailer #2 Streamed
The official Star Wars Youtube channel has updated with a new trailer for Star Wars: Visions in both Japanese English Subtitled and English Dub variations. For those who are not aware, the series is an anthology of animated short films created by Japanese anime creators. The series was first unveiled during the 2020 Disney Investor's Day live-stream. According to the details revealed on that day the series will consist of 12 episodes, however it has been confirmed since that the series will now consist of nine episodes instead of the proposed 12. The…
Animation Anime & Manga Live-Action News Video Games
Warner Bros. Animation's "Injustice" Cast Members Announced
July 21, 2021 July 21, 2021 Pak Hanu
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed the cast for the upcoming Injustice animated film. For those who are not aware, the film will be inspired by Netherrealm Studios' Injustice: Gods Among Us along with the DC Comics publication of Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year One. Within the story of "Injustice" it depicts an alternate universe of the DC Universe where the Joker tricks Superman into killing Lois Lane. This event leads to Superman to take control the earth in way to follow his way of justice, although Batman and his team…
The Nacelle Company to Produce "SilverHawks" Animated Series Revival
July 9, 2021 July 9, 2021 Pak Hanu
Deadline has reported that The Nacelle Company is working on a new animated "SilverHawks" series. For those who are not aware, "SilverHawks," was an animated series produced by Rankin / Bass productions and was released in 1986. The original series ran for 65 episodes and also were featured in comics under one of Marvel Comics imprints, Star Comics. The SilverHawks series focused on a team of heroes in the 29th Century. The team featured a group of beings armored with metal bodies and wings, who used their abilities to protect…
Marvel Studios' What If…? Trailer Streamed
Marvel Entertainment has updated with a new trailer for Marvel Studios' What If…? For those who are not aware, Marvel Studios' What If…? is an animated spin-off series for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series will depict alternate takes on the various characters featured within the films. The series was first officially announced in 2019. Marvel Studios' What If…? will premiere on Disney+ on August 11. Enter the multiverse of unlimited possibilities. Marvel Studios' first animated series, What If…?, starts streaming August 11 with new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+. "What…
Animation Comics Live-Action News Trailers, Teasers, & Visuals
Star Wars: Visions Trailer Streamed
The official Star Wars Youtube channel has updated with a trailer for Star Wars: Visions. For those who are not aware, the series is an anthology of animated short films created by Japanese anime creators. The series was first unveiled during the 2020 Disney Investor's Day live-stream. According to the details revealed on that day the series will consist of 12 episodes. Star Wars: Visions will premiere on Disney+ on September 22. The overall setting of this series was intriguing to me since it was first announced last year. The…
Animation Anime & Manga News Trailers, Teasers, & Visuals
Bakugan: Battle Planet Japanese Dub Details Revealed

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Aria and Perry both end up exiled from their respective domains. Aria is framed for a terrible crime. She must fight to live in a new scary world and find her mother who can hopefully provide some answers. Perry is blamed for the kidnapping of his young sick nephew. Fighting the pull of leadership and authority, he sets out to find his young nephew and return him to his family. Aria and Perry are stuck together on their journey. Aria is frustrated and disgusted to be around such a "savage" and Perry is frustrated with Aria's inexperience and inability to care for herself. Over time and much adventure they both learn to conquer their prejudices but find their journey has just begun.
Under the Never Sky has a more science fiction feel to it. It successfully intertwines adventure, romance, and character growth. I enjoyed the adventure most, appreciated the character growth, and found the romance to be just okay. I started off finding Aria selfish and bit..not so smart. This is intentional and a product of her upbringing but was still a bit difficult to follow her actions. I was happy to see her change and grow. I liked Perry from the beginning. Aria and Perry's adventures were difficult, surprising, and entertaining.
The story alternates between Perry and Aria's point of views. I enjoyed Ms. Flagler and believe she did a good job with both. I liked her voices for male characters best. Luckily there were mostly male characters in the book.
An entertaining sci-fi audio that can be enjoyed in print or audio form. The action and redeeming characters mad this an interesting read.
Me too! Most of my audios are dystopian.
Loved this book, listening to the audiobook would be interesting.
It was fun. The sequel has a different narrator though.
Great review. I should consider this one.
You'll like it, I'm sure.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I really loved this book and had many of the same feelings as you regarding the characters. I took an instant liking to Perry while Aria did kind of have to grow on me. But I eventually ended up having a lot of respect for her. I'm actually anxious to get into the next book.
I've just finished the next one and it's pretty great as well. I think you'll like it.
This one is a bit different because of the sci-fi feel.
I liked it on audio and liked the book even though I didn't think I would. You should give it a go if you find it on audio.
This book is sitting on my shelf looking at me and collecting dust. Must get into it. Soon!
I say that for so many books. Le Sigh.
This sounds like something I would love especially in audio. I enjoy dystopian novels and wish I had time to read more of them. I'm going to check into picking this one up though.
check into it on audio.
I actually really liked the romance-I thought it was a slow steady build to the burn and quite satisfying.
I agree. I think this book was done well.


An African safari may well be the epitome of adventure and is an experience many people have dreamt of all their life.
There are many ways to "do a safari," but ultimately, you get what you pay for. A luxury safari, the kind that we offer, is a once-in-a-lifetime trip where you'll enjoy the very best service, facilities, accommodations, meals, guides, and camp location.
But what about the day-to-day details? As having just returned from my first safari in Botswana (a well-known safari destination) and Zimbabwe (an excellent, lesser-known option) it's still very fresh in my memory….
On self-drive safaris or in public areas of national parks, driving off-road is prohibited. Animals don't care about roads. The ability to drive through the bush in any direction can be the difference between spotting a cheetah and her cubs or knowing they were just out of view.
Your guide has eagle eyes.
My guide, Joe, stopped the Land Rover. "Do you see the leopard?" I looked around. "It's in a tree." There was a twinkle in his eye. I stared hard at the trees and still saw nothing. "There. His tail dips below the low branch," Joe handed me his binoculars and pointing to a tree 1000 feet away. I am still stunned that he spotted that while driving on a bumpy road and scanning the landscape as quickly as he did. Guides are invaluable to a fulfilling and successful safari. They see things untrained eyes will definitely miss.
Not every moment is jaw-dropping, but there are plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
Sometimes it's about enjoying the landscape and conversation. Remember, these are wild animals in their natural environment, they won't just run up to the vehicle. Part of the fun is that you never know what will appear behind the next termite mound—maybe a hyena…maybe next time. You might drive for an hour and only see a giraffe, or you might drive for five minutes and see a lion stalking an impala.
Speaking of lions, you'll be quite lucky to see predators hunt, and it is rather fascinating. But for some, the event is sad and gruesome. Just keep in mind that it's the circle of life.
The roads have names, and guides know the natural landmarks just like you know the gas station on the corner near your house. Don't worry.
The vehicle radios are crucial for guides to keep in touch with each other, even with those from neighboring camps. If one comes across a pack of wild dogs dozing in the shade, that location is shared with other guides in the area.
…but a really good camera will come close. In fact, our partners at Wilderness Safari have teamed up with Olympus cameras and are now providing some of the most advanced cameras on the market at their camps for guests to borrow!
The camp staff is there for you in every way, to greet you, say farewell, take care of your bags, offer you food and drinks (constantly), leave notes with your turn down service, walk you to your tent, wake you up, and confirm all your travel info, so you needn't think about anything.
This is not a time to catch up on sleep.
Wake up is between 5 and 5:30 am as the animals are most active in the cooler parts of the day. Dinners can last well into the evening when wine and conversation are flowing. The midday siesta from about 11:30-3:30 is when you might catch a nap. You can always choose to skip a morning game drive and sleep in.
Bugs will come into your room.
It's the bush, remember? The reality is that they don't want to touch you just as much as you don't want to touch them and will mostly stay near the ceiling. There is bug spray in your room to kill anything that makes you uncomfortable. That being said, the big spiders may look scary, but they are very beneficial as they eat flies and mosquitoes, so try to leave them be.
It is loud at night.
Buffalo snorting, elephants rumbling, hyenas whooping. The noises are both thrilling (a reminder that you are in the wild) and bothersome when you're trying to get some sleep. Bring earplugs.
On safari, there are five meals a day—light breakfast at wake up, heartier brunch at 11, high tea at 3:30, sundowner at 6, dinner at 8. It's quite impressive what the chefs in these remote places create. They can procure just about anything on their weekly fresh food deliveries. You'll find quiches, salads, pastas, soups, meat, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and homemade pastries.
It takes a village, literally.
The camps we use accommodate no more than 12-20 guests, but have 40-50 staff on duty on any given day! Due to the remote location, they live full time for several months in the "staff village," with their own rooms, eating area and cook, facilities, and recreation area. And it's not just the guides, camp management, and dining attendants. So much goes on behind the scenes to ensure guests have an extraordinary experience—there are vehicles mechanics, maintenance teams for the buildings, night patrol watchmen, laundry staff, cleaners, cooks, dishwashers, just to name a few. It's incredible how many jobs are created for locals by just one camp cropping up in the bush.
So, when are you going on safari?


The SiREN Interest Group was established in 2014-2015. Its members are invited to participate as a result of specialist knowledge held in relation to priority SHBBV populations, SHBBV issues and/or the capacity to contribute knowledge and disseminate knowledge within wider networks, including non-SHBBV networks. The SiREN Interest Group will provide specialist knowledge and feedback when required and facilitate cross-sector collaborations when needed.


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SPORADES YACHT CHARTERS
IDEAL TIME TO CHARTER: May – October
These 24 islands in the Aegean Sea east of Greece offer spectacular blue water sailing among historic architecture on its inhabited islands, which include Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. Below we provide a suggested itinerary that includes cultural ports of call as well as beautiful, secluded harbors.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
For best results, tell your desired travel dates and itinerary ideas and let our complimentary planning service do the rest.
Ag. Konstantinos, Trikeri (33 miles) – The island of Trikeri, in the south of Pagasitic gulf and at the tip of the Magnesia peninsula, is particularly beautiful and remains, architecturally at least, more or less unchanged since the beginning of the century. It is not much more than a mile across, and a less than a thirty minutes walk takes one across to the other side of the island. With a population of fewer than 100, it is so little known that it doesn't even get a mention in most guidebooks. The island is free of any traffic (no roads, no cars) and transport is by foot, donkey or boat. There are plenty of olive trees, juniper, oleander and wild flowers. Its untouched bush land and crooked pathways, its numerous wildlife and the stunning sunsets provide the perfect environment to get away from it all.
Trikeri, Skiathos (30 miles) – Skiathos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Green and luxuriant pine and stone pine forest cover it with many olive trees in between. Skiathos also has at least 60 large and small fine beaches. The Koukounaries Beach counts as one of the greatest beaches in Greece. It is long with golden fine grain sand, shaped as a perfect curve and behind the beach there are tall, beautiful verdigris stone pine trees.
Skiathos, Skopelos (19 miles) – Skopelos is part of the Northern Sporades. It is a beautiful island which attracts thousands of tourists every year. The island is known for its beautiful beaches with their clean crystalline waters, surrounded by pine trees forests and also for the charming capital, built amphitheatrically in the heart of a bay, composed of whitewashed houses with tiled roofs in narrow alleys and stairs. The main towns of the island of Skopelos are the capital and the village of Glossa. Most of the beaches are located on the south-west coasts. The most famous of the island are Panormos and Milia.
Skopelos, Alonissos (6 miles) – The Alonissos of today was given this name during the first years after the liberation of Greece and is not identified with the Alonissos of the ancient Greek world. The island during antiquity was called Ikos, while the Alonissos of the ancient Greeks, was probably the neighboring island of Kyra Panagia, to the North. Patitiri was chosen to be the main Port, because of its natural harbor. In the area of Alonissos-N.Sporades, the first National Marine Park was established in 1992 and includes extensive islands and sea areas with particular natural, morphological and geographical characteristics.
Alonissos, Peristera, Kyra Panagia (18 miles) – Peristera, the scarcely inhabited islet, was once joined to Alonissos and is graced with some nice sandy beaches usually relatively unpopulated. It consists of secluded bays sheltered from the "meltemi" (northern) wind, and sparkling white houses perched on the hilltops. One will find the remains of an ancient castle here. A tavern operates on the main beach providing refreshments and seafood. An ancient wreck was recently discovered, just off the island by archaeologists.
Kyra Panagia, also known as Pelagos or Pelagonisi is hilly with two deep bays. To the east one may find the restored Monastery of the Blessed Virgin. One may find fantastic beaches for sunbathing and relaxing in the warm Mediterranean sun. The island offers spots of unrivaled beauty and crystal clear waters.
Kyra Panagia, Skyros (37 miles) – The fourth and largest island in the Northern Sporades. It lies further out into the Aegean than the other islands and is really more like the Cyclades in its style of building and its weather pattern. The main village climbs up the slopes of a steep hill rising straight up from the sea and culminating in a castle (Kastro) at the top. This is an impressive, naturally fortified rock, which gave Skyros an important strategic position in the Northern Aegean. The views from the Kastro (and the monastery of Aghios Georgios just below it) are absolutely stunning and it is well worth climbing up to it through the beautiful, winding, cobbled streets of the village.
Skyros, Karystos (68 miles) – Karystos has known great glory at different times, from the prehistoric period. It took its name, from the son of the historic-mythical Centaur Heron, the heroic Karystos, who was the ruler of this place and gave it its name. According to mythology, the romance between the two greatest gods of ancient Greece, Zeus and Hera, was created on the top of mountain Ochi (1389m) above Karystos. In ancient times, Karystos developed trade, shipping and science, art and sports as well. The famous athlete Glaukos who was a winner at the Olympic Games of 520 B.C. in the boxing competition, was a Karystian. Karystian marbles (Marmor Karystium) is famous and the pillars that were made of them are still decorating ancient monuments in Athens, Rome, Istanbul and other places. Many people came through Karystos: Persians, Romans, Venetians, Franks, Turks, and the monuments that have been saved can give evidence of their crossing.
Karistos, Athens (32 miles) – Within the sprawling capital city of Athens it is easy to imagine the golden age of Greece when Pericles had the Parthenon (the most eminent monument of the ancient Greek architecture) built. Athens is built around the Acropolis and the pinnacled crag of Mt. Lycabettus, which the goddess Athena was said to have dropped from the heavens as a bulwark to defend the city. The suburbs have covered the barren plain in all directions and the city is packed with lively taverns and bustling shops.


Every single really good fisherman is aware that it takes time to develop one good fishing spot location eye. No matter your personal experience level you are surely going to have some problems at times. Even if you will see that fishing is not that easy, different crappie fishing techniques should be remembered at any time. Even pros sometimes forget them. In order to find some great crappie fishing locations there are some guidelines that have to be followed.
You will find different times when you will see various places where crappie can be found including deep waters and basically locations that will protect the fish for warm or cold weather. When the winter is coming you will see the crappie migrating to deeper lakes. In the rest of the year it will be found near the shelter of sunken logs, feeder stream mouths, stumps, weed beds and basically locations to hide. If you have to look for crappie fish you have to find such locations. Remember to choose fishing positions that are not to disturb fish. If you are for autumn fishing or even spring you should know that this is a really active fish.
A moving jig can easily be used in order to catch crappie easily without effort. During Summer everything changes. Anglers will have to find various shaded locations right near deeper waters. You have to be aware that catching more crappie at night is possible as this is when this fish tends to feed.
Whenever crappie are in lakes it might keep away from shores. When fishing for crappie in lakes you will have to learn different techniques. You will need to use a boat and look for small coves and locations that offer a drop off. Night fishing will be easier, of course, in these locations as well. Fishing two days before full moons is perfect during this time. This day is a lot better for catching crappie. Most people do not understand that an eye in looking for good crappie locations has to be developed. We can tell you that after going fishing a couple of times you will easily learn all that has to be learned from this point of view.
Also, in the event that crappie is not caught there is always the chance to catch other fish as there are others near crappie banks. This basically means that you will have a lot of fun while learning to develop your crappie fishing techniques. Actually, crappie is perfect for both beginners and advanced fishermen.


Horbury Building Systems completed the Internal Partitions and External Render on the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.
Horbury were a proactive driver of this project completing all areas of 1st fix around 10 weeks ahead of programme to help release other trades and overall effective management of a workforce exceeding 100 at peak. Horbury where recognised for their excellence on this project by winning awards for the best Non-Residential New Build and the overall Project of the Year award at the 2015 INCA Awards.


Kuala Lumpur ( often abbreviated as KL ) , or the full name Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur , is the capital and largest city of Malaysia . Kuala Lumpur region covering an area of 244 km ² ( 94 mi ² ) , with a population of about 1.6 million people ( 2010) . Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area , also known as the Klang Valley , has a population of 5.7 million people.Kuala Lumpur metropolitan areas with the most rapid growth in Malaysia , both in population and economically .
In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Parliament stands . The city was also the location of the executive government offices and the judiciary , which has since moved to Putrajaya 1999. Althought several judicial offices are still standing in the city . The official residence of the Yang di- Pertuan Agong , the Government Palace , located in Kuala Lumpur . The city is also the cultural and economic center of Malaysia's position as the capital of his deep and cities utama.Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network ( GaWC ) assess Kuala Lumpur as an alpha global city .
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur is one of three pieces of Wilayah Persekutuan Malaysia , and also an enclave in the state of Selangor , on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia .Since the 1990s , the city has hosted various sporting events , politics , and culture , such as the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One. Other then that , in Kuala Lumpur stands the world's tallest twin towers , the Petronas Twin Towers .Kuala Lumpur is connected with the outside world by two airports , namely the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang and Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport in Subang Shah .
Geography of Kuala Lumpur is characterized by a huge valley known as Klang Valley bordering the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east , several small mountains in the north and the south , and the Strait of Malacca in the west . Kuala Lumpur is located at the mouth of the Klang River and Gombak between .
Located in the middle of the state of Selangor , Kuala Lumpur had been under the rule of Selangor . In 1974 , Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan separated to form the first set directly by the Government of the Federation of Malaysia . The total area of the city is 24 365 km ² ( 9.407 sq mi) , with an average altitude of 2,195 m ( 7,200 feet ) .
Shielded by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and the island of Sumatra , Indonesia , in the west , Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate ( Koppen climate classification Af ) which is warm and sunny , with heavy rainfall throughout the year , particularly in the northeast monsoon season from October to March . This city tends to a constant temperature , with a maximum point around 31 to 33 ° C ( 88 to 91 ° F ) and never exceeded 37 ° C ( 99 ° F ) , while the minimum point of 22 to 23.5 ° C ( 72 to 74 ° F ) and never less than 19 ° C ( 66 ° F ) . Kuala Lumpur each year receive rainfall of 2,266 mm ( 89.2 in) ; in June and July are relatively dry , however, rainfall typically exceeds 125 mm ( 5 in) a month .


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Home Department-of-Management-Studies-NIT-Thiruchirapalli(architecture)
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Tanjore Main Road, National Highway 67, Tiruchirappalli Thiruchirapalli - 620015 Tamil Nadu , India | For More Information: 0
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Department of Management Studies - NIT Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, The National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, situated in the heart of Tamil Nadu on the banks of river Cauvery. Department of Management Studies are sparkling and building careers for more than three decades. The vision of this department is to be a Globally Acknowledged Business School with social relevance. The aim of this department is to focusing to growth and development efforts in India. This institution has a strong industry relationship and the vast ocean of alumni. The main motive of the department is to develop managers and entrepreneurs of essence and excellence and to enrich the society through education, research and consultancy. The mentorship between the students and the alumni provide a lifeline for immense growth for the DoMSians. They have excellent faculties. Department of Management Studies, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (DoMS-NIT Trichy) is considered as the oldest B-Schools in India. Facts and Figures of Department of Management Studies - NIT Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu - Establ
Courses Offered - , Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Technology, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Master of Computer Application, , ,
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Tanjore Main Road, National Highway 67, Tiruchirappalli Thiruchirapalli - 620015 Tamil Nadu , India
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« New Lions coach Justin Leppitsch to call disgruntled players
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Benedict breaks silence to defend his papal record
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has broken his self-imposed silence with a lengthy letter to a prominent atheist in which he defended himself from accusations that he did not do enough to bring to justice sexually abusive priests.
The former pontiff spoke of his ''profound consternation'' that ''evil'' had entered so deeply into the Roman Catholic faith. But he denied that he had, either as pope or previously as head of the Vatican office dealing with abuse cases, tried to cover up the scandals that tarnished the Church's reputation around the world.
''I never tried to cover these things up,'' he wrote.
''That the power of evil penetrated so far into the interior world of the faith is a suffering that we must bear, but at the same time must do everything to prevent it from repeating.
''Neither is it comforting to know that, according to research, the percentage of priests who commit these crimes isn't any higher than the percentage of other similar professions.
''Regardless, one shouldn't present this deviation as if it were something specific to Catholicism.''
The letter was sent to Piergiorgio Odifreddi, an atheist mathematician, who in 2011 wrote a book titled, 'Dear Pope, I'm Writing to You'.
In his book, Odifreddi posed a series of polemical arguments about the Catholic faith, including the church's sex abuse scandal.
The letter was reprinted by the leading Italian newspaper La Repubblica, and was the first published statement from Benedict since he said on retirement that he would live out his years ''hidden from the world''.
It discussed topics such as the nature of Catholic belief, the conflict between good and evil, and evolution, came two weeks after La Repubblica published a similar letter from his successor Pope Francis on atheism and agnosticism.
The Vatican said the timing of the two documents was a coincidence, rather than a concerted attempt by the two pontiffs to launch a fresh engagement with non-believers.
But the fact that a former pontiff and his successor wrote letters on the same issue within days of each other underlined the peculiarity of a situation in which, for the first time in centuries, two popes live virtually under the same roof.
While Pope Francis lives in a Vatican guesthouse called the Casa Santa Marta, his predecessor is living out his retirement in a former convent a few hundred yards away. It is not known how often the two men meet as they move around within the walls of the tiny sovereign state but they share the same private secretary – Archbishop Georg Ganswein.
Benedict's assertion that he had done what he could to end sexual abuse by priests was disputed by groups representing the victims of paedophile clergy.
''Over a clerical career that lasted more than six decades, we can't think of a single child-molesting bishop, priest, nun, brother or seminarian that Benedict ever exposed,'' said Barbara Dorris of the United States-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
''In the Church's entire history, no one knew more but did less to protect kids than Benedict. As head of CDF, thousands of cases of predator priests crossed his desk. Did he choose to warn families or call police about even one of those dangerous clerics? No. That, by definition, is a cover-up.''
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.
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OPINION: Bennett a master at inspiring leadership
OPINION: Group push needed to tackle climate crisis
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I'm pregnant but he doesn't want kids
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We are a group of SU! Demos from all over the world sharing their love of Stampin' Up! We would love for you to join us if you like, but we do ask that you are a current SU! Demo & that you use current SU! products.
I'm the last one hopping along today. If you have come from seeing Dorothee's lovely creation, thank you for visiting. It is much appreciated.
This month it is all about the Girls. I wanted to use a stamp set that I hadn't used in a long time & felt that a little bit of colouring was called for & Hand Delivered just about fell off the shelf & into my hands!!!
I teamed it up with the 2018-2020 In Colours DSP of Grapefruit Grove, along with Balmy Blue. I wasn't too sure on how these colours would all work, but I'm more than happy with them as they scream "GIRL"!
If you have started from me, then next up is Sandra. In the event that you get lost, there is a Roll Call of everyone playing along. All you have to do is click on the NEXT ARROW or the names below & you will be taken to their blog.
Love the colours you have chosen Vicky – the colouring on the balloons is fantastic!


Open Directory Project - "...largest human-edited directory of the Web"
WWW Virtual Library http://vlib.org/ - Started by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991, oldest Web directory.
Boswell, Wendy. The Invisible Web: How To Find and Search the Invisible Web. About.com. 2009.
A tutorial from the UC Berkeley Library. Invisible or Deep Web: What It Is, How to Find It, And Its Inherent Ambiguity. 2012.
https://millionshort.com - Million Short will remove from a hundred to a million top websites from search results to reach new and original resources.
http://www.refseek.com - (in public beta 2014) - "is a web search engine for students and researchers that aims to make academic information easily accessible to everyone."
http://www.deepdotweb.com - Deep.Dot.Web - "provides the public with information about the dark net."
http://www.vocativ.com - Vocativ - a "new type of media company, bringing audiences hidden perspectives, unheard voices and original ideas from around the world via the Deep Web."
www.findlaw.com - Information on federal and state laws, lawsuits, etc.
http://worldwidescience.org - "The global science gateway". Available now in 10 languages.
http://guides.stlcc.edu/deepweb - St. Louis Community College Library LibGuide, "Deep Web: Welcome"


text:
« A CENTENNIAL LANDMARK: THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION OF MARCH, 1917.
"PALESTINE": ANOTHER "ARAB STATE? »
TO STAND OR TO CRAWL.
TO STAND OR TO CRAWL
By Paul Merkley.
Here, in a nutshell (from the website Egypt Independent, October 13, 2010), is all the explanation that we need for the abject lives lived by Middle East Christians:
Coptic Bishop of Giza Theodosius violated Coptic Pope Shenouda III's decree banning Coptic Christians from making pilgrimage to Jerusalem when he left Cairo for the holy city on Wednesday using an Israeli visa. A church source at the Giza Diocese revealed that the bishop's visit to Israel did not represent his first, noting that he had previously visited the self-proclaimed Jewish state [italics added] to meet with Bishop Abraham, Coptic bishop of Jerusalem …[and to] visit the city's historic Christian sites … The bishop's passport already contained a number of Israeli visas, in contravention of Shenouda's stated position against diplomatic normalization with Israel …. According to the church source, however, the majority of Copts in Giza disapprove of [the Bishop's] move, especially in light of the fact that many elderly Copts that had requested church permission to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem were refused and threatened with excommunication by church authorities. (http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/defiance-papal-ban-coptic-bishop-sets-out-for-Jerusalem)
We ask: Should "the majority of Copts in Giza" be rejoicing for the Bishop's opportunity to visit sacred sites in Jerusalem? After all, as his passport discloses, he has repeatedly (but quietly) enjoyed a privilege which they all covet, but dare not seek – the privilege of visiting the Holy Sepulchre before they die?
What a mean-spirited lot these Coptic leaders must be. And what hypocrites!
All of this knuckle-drugging behaviour follows from the determination of Middle East church leaders to avoid contamination with Zionism; and that, in turn, follows from fear of retaliation from Muslim majorities and Muslim-controlled governments for any appearance of fellow-feeling with the Jews.
We must imagine this Coptic Bishop of Giza church leader, at the moment of each of his several previous entries into Eretz Israel, struggling to disguise his contempt for the Israeli authority before he must present his stamped Israeli visa and explain the purpose of his visit – all the time incanting secretly to himself: "Israel does not exist."
Muslim dogma demands that Israel's existence be denied because the Prophet insisted that no part of the world into which Islam has come may ever revert to a state of peace under the authority of Jews or Christians. Ergo, Israel cannot in fact exist.
But we must resist the temptation of feeling superior to these Middle East Christian leaders; for in fact the attitude towards Israel of the leaders of all of the mainline churches and of the Roman Catholic church in our part of the world is much harder to justify. Given that, so far at least, our daily life is not lived-out against a background of daily demand for our denunciation of the Jews and the so-called Zionist entity, the determination of liberal church leaders to prove their anti-Zionist credentials in thought, word and deed has to be attributed to simple malice, combined with determination to ingratiate themselves before the worst elements in today's political world.
In short: Christian anti-Zionism is just a shoddy cover for the age-old anti-Judaism.
Today, the majority of the denominations to which liberal Christians belong regard Israel as an illegal entity. They imagine that it is a religious duty, following (perversely) from Christ's teaching about loving the oppressed, to support the Muslim campaign to de-legitimize the State of Israel – to reverse the decision by the UN General Assembly of 1947 that invited "a Jewish State and an Arab state" to take their places among the nations of the world.
Liberal Christians recognize that other Christians believe that Israel's particular and peculiar claim to legitimacy can be supported from the message of prophetic sections of the Old and New Testaments. But being educated people, they dismiss "supernaturalist" arguments. But then, when we turn the discussion from matters of biblical authority to secular grounds and attempt to make a case for Israel on the grounds of history, we encounter a solid wall of ignorance.
Think about this: "The self-proclaimed Jewish state." It is true that the desire to establish a Jewish State was openly and proudly proclaimed along the course of about a century and a half of "Zionist" activity. But the existence of the Jewish State was accomplished in real time by decision of a two-thirds majority of the nations of the world during the early months of the existence of the United Nations . It was the first matter of major significance accomplished by the United Nations, the last for half a century on which the U.S. and the Soviet Union were agreed. At the time of the debate about Partition of the Mandate of Palestine liberals – religious and secular – embraced the case for "A Jewish State and an Arab State," as a major step in advancing the cause of civilization in a part of the world desperately lacking principles of order in its public life.
Is there anywhere in the world a State whose coming-into-existence was more deliberately thought-out , more thoroughly "vetted," more openly debated and then more deliberately decided?
All of the other states of the Middle East – all of them having huge Muslim majorities, most of them making no provision at all for life within their sacred borders for anybody who is not a Muslim — have their doors closed firmly against admission of Jews and are vigorously making life not worth living for their dwindling Christian minorities..
A few months ago, ( November 28, 2015), the Coptic Pope himself (Tawadros II), travelled with a delegation of other Coptic clerics from Cairo to Jerusalem in order to preside over the funeral for Anba Abraham, the Coptic Orthodox Metropolitan Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Near East. Spokesmen for the Coptic Orthodox Church insisted at that time that such an "exceptional situation" was not significant of any coming change of the church's stance on Jerusalem and the Palestinian cause.
In our own time, Copts have experienced growing persecution at the hands of the Muslim majority of Egypt, who, with the co-operation of ill-disposed academics and poorly-informed journalists in our part of the world, have given currency to the myth that Christianity is a Western religion, imposed on the indigenous Muslims of the Middle East.
The painful truth is that most Christians of the Arab world have no desire to break ranks with Muslims against the Jews. For these Christians, contempt for Jews is founded in theology. For two millennia, these churches have taught that God's rejection of the Jews follows from their collective act of "deicide." The evident consequences of this evil act include the destruction of their Second Temple, the end of their communities in the Holy Land and the Diaspora.
But our own church leaders are utterly without excuse for getting down on all fours and crawling along with these bottom-feeders. Particularly difficult for Christian friends of Israel to stomach has been the fact that as Muslim mobs were descending upon the dwindling Coptic Christian minority of Egypt, burning churches and despoiling church-goers, Pope Tawardos was insisting that this was all the work of the Masons and the Jews –who are "Christ-killers … because the New Testament says they are." ("The Coptic Pope Visits Jerusalem," Bayview Review, January 11, 2016.)
Leaders of the Western churches must tell their Arab brethren up-front that a non-negotiable condition for lending their assistance to the beleaguered Christians of the Middle East – the Assyrians, the Copts, the Nestorians, the Chaldeans, and the others – is that they must desist from their anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist rhetoric. In other words: they must stop crawling and try standing at long last.


text:
A Short History of Vodka
Vodka is a colorless hard liquor which contains alcohol that has been purified by distillation from a fermented substance, usually grain. It was produced in Russia long before its name came into general use.
The word vodka is a diminutive of the Russian word voda meaning water. The first known distillery was located about 500 miles east of Moscow at Khylnovsk in 1174. Polish historians claim vodka was distilled in Poland even earlier in the 8th century, but since this was distilled wine it could also be considered an early brandy.
In the Middle Ages, distilled liquor was mostly used medicinally. By the 14th century a British Ambassador to Moscow described vodka as the Russian national drink and by the mid 16th century it was also constituted the national drink of Poland and Finland.
In early times production methods were crude and vodka contained impurities. To mask these, vodka makers flavored the liquor with fruit, herbs or spices. During this time the methods used to remove impurities were seasoning, aging and freezing.
By the middle of the 15th century, a new pot distilling technique came to Russia and Poland. Such a technique uses heat applied directly to a pot containing fermented mash, or raw vodka. The heated vapor or steam of the alcoholic liquid contains more alcohol than the mash liquid itself. When such vapor is condensed, the resulting liquid contains a higher concentration of alcohol than the original liquid. About this time, vodka began to be produced in larger quantities and during the next century or so, Russia and Poland became exporters.
In Russia early in the seventeen hundreds, the right to own a distillery was held exclusively by the nobility. At this time there were many varieties of aromatized vodka, but there was no overall standard. Production was typically a process where alcohol was distilled twice, diluted with milk, distilled again, water added to bring it to the required strength and then flavoring added prior to a final distillation. During this period a St. Petersburg professor discovered a method to use charcoal to filtrate the vodka mix in order to purify it. Prior to this time vodka was typically filtered through felt cloth or fine sand and therefore contained many impurities.
The awareness of vodka spread throughout the 19th century, assisted by the presence of Russian soldiers in many parts of Europe, especially during the Napoleonic Wars. In order to meet demand, lower grade vodka products were produced, mainly using distilled potato mash. There were so many distilleries in Russia in the late eighteen hundreds that the Czarist government attempted to reduce the number of distilleries. When this failed, a law was enacted making the production and distribution of vodka a state monopoly. Only at this time, when production was standardized through state control, was the name vodka officially used and formally recognized.
There were no U.S. vodka distilleries until the 1930s and the spirit was rarely consumed outside Europe before the 1950's. By 1975 the sale of vodka in the U.S. surpassed bourbon, previously the most popular hard liquor.
Today, vodka is generally drunk neat in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, although its international popularity is also due to its use in cocktails and mixed drinks.
This article was written for Paul's Place by: Miguel Ylareina
Next Article Romanian Wines & Vineyards


This is a TC-200C model with a maximum capacity of 200 watts. The product is available with Sam Stores. It has a precise power source indicator. An on and off switch is present with the indicator lamp. It comes with a two pronged USA plug to enable non grounded use in the USA, Canada and Mexico. A fuse is present for the protection of the appliance if it is overloaded. An analog meter is present to measure the input voltage. There are 2 outlets at the rear of the unit that can accept 2 pronged European plugs or 3 pronged US plugs.
Analog meter on front of unit measures input voltage (shows you the exact input voltage).


text:
6°C S/15 kts
North West Ireland
Back to Explore
Dubbed 'Scotland in miniature', Arran regularly astounds visitors with an incredible variety of scenery unbefitting its relatively small size. Mountains and woodlands, beaches and outlying islands present many outdoor activity options and heritage sites.
The Highland-Lowland dividing line goes right through the middle of Arran, dividing into the wild, unspoilt, mountainous north, dominated by the peak of Goat Fell, and the forest, farmland and resorts of the south.
The capital of Arran is Brodick, where Brodick Castle, once the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, houses a glorious collection of furniture, with some pieces dating as far back as the 17th century. The garden, created in 1923 by the Duchess of Montrose, has been lovingly restored and the grounds contain numerous paths offering great views of the island, and the chance of seeing red squirrels. Spectacular Lochranza also has a ruined castle, sitting in a bay framed by mountains.
Arran is a popular place to visit for lovers of walking, wildlife, golf, geology and getting away from it all. There are seven golf courses on the island, including the only 12-hole course in the world at Shiskine
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With regard to his daughter, since this prohibition is actually derived from a homiletical interpretation and is not explicitly stated in the Torah, it is therefore dear to the tanna. Consequently, he listed this novel case of a daughter first.
שלא לגלות ערוות הבת; ולמה לא נתפרשה בתורה, מפני שאסר בת הבת שתק מן הבת, ומפי השמועה למדו שאיסור הבת מגופי תורה, כשאר עריות.
Not to have intimate relations with one's daughter. Why was this prohibition not explicitly stated in the Torah? Since the Torah forbade [relations with] one's daughter's daughter, it did not mention [the prohibition against relations with] one's daughter. [Nevertheless, according to the oral tradition, the prohibition against [relations with] one's daughter has the status of a Torah law like the other sexual offenses [and is not considered as Rabbinic in origin].
That's weird because all other similar offenses (Arayos) ARE mentioned in the Torah.
Why would the Torah omit such a basic commandment?
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged talmud-gemara halacha-theory rambam arayot masechet-yevamot .
Why is the daughter of a married woman permissible?
Why does the shulchan aruch start with how to conduct one's self in the morning and not the night time?
Mamrim 3:1 - Who is the Rebellious Elder Mentioned in the Torah?


The month of August 2013 we are asking our fellow Episcopalians from our four Maui churches to supply us with new (or in unused condition) t-shirts. Just t-shirts that are new or have never been worn. Maybe washed once. Something you would wear. There is a marked plastic bin in the St. John's parish hall. Contact Kit Hart or Rick Collins if you need more info.


text:
Q: CARBON TIME FORMATS i am using Laravel 5.8 and in database there is a column name last_seen here stored values are in that format (2021-02-05 00:42:14) i want to customise this format on listing of a page just like  this (22/04/2021 03:59:54)
how can i do that ??

A: Include last_seen in the dates array in your model. Then you can use Carbon to format it however you like.
//in your model
protected $dates = ['last_seen'];

//controller or view
$model->last_seen->format('d/m/Y H:i:s');

To address empty/null values in last_seen
optional($model->last_seen)->format('d/m/Y H:i:s');

A: You can try using Carbon DateTime
Carbon::parse($user->last_visit)->format('d/m/Y H:i:s');

A: Use this code for changing the format of DateTime:
$datetime = "2021-02-05 00:42:14";
$datetime_format = Carbon::parse($datetime)->format('Y/m/d H:i:s'));

Output:
"2021/02/05 12:42:14"

Explanation of the formating:

*

*H - 24 Hour with trailing zeros

*i - Minutes with trailing zeros

*s - Seconds with trailing zeros

For more details about the formatting of date-time please follow the link below:
PHP Date

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Private First Class Richard E. Kraus, USMCR (October 3, 1944)
October 5, 2014 Allan Bourdius	Leave a comment
As regular readers know, I've been blogging every World War II Medal of Honor recipient on their 70th anniversaries, and I have to offer my apologies because it appears I missed one!
Richard Edward Kraus was born on November 24, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was on his 18th birthday in 1943 that he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. His first combat action was during the Marine Corps' assault on Peleliu in the fall of 1944 as part of a unit attached to the 1st Marine Division.
Kraus' Medal of Honor citation indicates a date of action of October 5, 1944. Other sources say October 3. I am inclined to accept the October 3 date (even if the 5th is correct, I'm getting this in just barely under the wire!).
On that day just over seventy years ago, Private First Class Kraus smothered a grenade with his own body to save the lives of fellow Marines.
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II (G-L):
Medal of Honor ribbon (foreground); World War II Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon (background)
*KRAUS, RICHARD EDWARD
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5 October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering for the extremely hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from the front lines, Pfc. Kraus and 3 companions courageously made their way forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance before the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand grenades which forced the stretcher party to take cover and subsequently abandon the mission. While returning to the rear, they observed 2 men approaching who appeared to be marines and immediately demanded the password. When, instead of answering, 1 of the 2 Japanese threw a hand grenade into the midst of the group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade and, covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his 3 companions, and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
Kraus' remains were repatriated to the United States from their temporary burial in a cemetery on Peleliu in 1948. He rests in peace in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gearing-class destroyer USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) was named in his memory and served with the United States Navy from 1946 to 1976.
1st Marine Division8th Amphibious Tractor BattalionChicagoFort Snelling National CemeteryMinneapolisMinnesotaPeleliuRichard E. KrausUnited States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine Corps ReserveUSS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849)World War II
Previous PostStaff Sergeant Manuel V. Mendoza, USA (October 4, 1944)Next PostTFH Live, 10/6: Becca Lower, Open Phones


shes (not my mother) always strong when i need someone to be. she always says the right things, at the right time. but why do we always end up talking about *this*. i wish it were that easy, but i dont think it is. if it was, i would have done it a long time ago. maybe someday. i just wish she wouldnt make it sound like such a good idea. i dont want to think about it anymore. i need to sleep. goodnight.
oh, yeah. why wont my mother just fiucklin DIE already. please.


text:
Genre(s): Comedy, Melodrama
Directed by: Bridget Johnson
Producer: James L. Brooks
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr, Shirley Knight, Skeet Ulrich, Yeardley Smith, Lupe Ontiveros, Ross Bleckner...
In Theaters: 25 December 1997 USA
Distribution: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, Egmont Film, LK-TEL, National Broadcasting Company, TriStar Pictures
Rated 0 (0 clicks)
As Good As It s
Something's Gotta Give / As Good as It s
Anger Management/As Good as It s
Brace yourself for Melvin.
Melvin Udall is a sarcastic writer who lives alone in an apartment, eats at the same restaurant each day, is afraid of germs, and generally hates people. His neighbor, Simon, is a gay artist whose dog is constantly becoming entangled in Melvin's life annoying Melvin and giving rise to much anti-homosexual sentiment on his part.
Carol is a waitress at Melvin's usual eating spot who is trying to take care of an asthmatic son and has to suffer Melvins obnoxious behavior.
However, the door to Melvin's self-awakening is opened by Simon's dog who Melvin has to watch after Simon is brutally mugged. He comes to love the dog and respect Simon, and to see that Carol's son receives much-needed medical care.


text:
Q: Strange Order By behaviour with Union Can someone explain to me what is happening here. The behavior is not as I expect:
select category,timefield from test where category='A'
union
select top 10 category,timefield from test where category='B' order by timefield desc

What I want is all rows of category A and only the 10 most recent from category B.
When executed, the results are actually: All of category A (sorted by timefield descending) + the first 10 rows of category B (sorted by timefield descending)
Stranger still, if we take this whole statement and place it in a subquery, I would expect the behavior to remain the same and evaluated as before, but it is not:
select * from (
    select category,timefield from test where category='A'
    union
    select top 10 category,timefield from test where category='B' order by timefield desc
) subq

This returns all of category A (in ascending order) + the 10 most recent of category B (in descending order).
Which is exactly what I want.
Why does the first statement not produce what I expect and why does the second behave very differently ??
(This is SQL Server 2008)

A: You need parentheses in the first query, because the order by is applied to the result of the union.  It is interpreted as:
(select category,timefield from test where category='A'
 union
 select top 10 category,timefield from test where category='B'
)
order by timefield desc

(I'm not saying this is valid syntax.)
whereas what you want is:
(select category, timefield from test where category='A')
union
(select top 10 category, timefield from test where category='B' order by timefield desc)

Do note that union will remove duplicates.  If you don't want this additional overhead, use union all instead.
As to why this works as a subquery, my guess is that it is a coincidence.  SQL Server is not going to guarantee the results being returned when you use top without an order by -- or even that the results are consistent from one call to the next.  Sometimes it might actually do what you want.


text:
@class SKEAssetCatalog;

@interface SKEAssetCatalogDocument : IDEEditorDocument
{
    SKEAssetCatalog *_assetCatalog;
}

- (void).cxx_destruct;
@property BOOL usePVRTCIfAvailable;
@property BOOL interleaveGeometrySources;
@property BOOL forceYUp;
- (BOOL)writeSettings;
- (BOOL)readFromURL:(id)arg1 ofType:(id)arg2 error:(id *)arg3;

@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This weekend will be fabulous! I hope the marine layer stays away tonight so we can see that elusive "green flash" when the sun sets. And no, this is not a myth. According to Wikipedia, "the reason for a green flash lies in refraction of light (as in a prism) in the atmosphere: light moves more slowly in the lower, denser air than in the thinner air above, so sunlight rays follow paths that curve slightly, in the same direction as the curvature of the Earth. Higher frequency light (green/blue) curves more than lower frequency light (red/orange), so green/blue rays from the upper limb of the setting sun remain visible after the red rays are obstructed by the curvature of the earth.


Sinus Surgery is commonly performed in those patients who suffer from recurrent or chronic sinus disease (usually infections) who have not responded to medical treatment.
Currently almost all sinus surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques commonly referred to as FESS which stands for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. FESS is performed with the patient asleep under general anesthesia using endoscopes (small rigid telescopes) to access the sinuses through the nose without the need for external incisions. Utilizing this approach all the sinuses can opened and the normal drainage pattern restored with minimal disruption of normal tissue. This minimalist approach shortens healing time and postoperative discomfort. In the last few years an even less invasive technique has been developed which utilizes a tough micro balloon placed across the sinus opening to dilate and open the sinus. Aside from infectious problems these techniques can also be used to remove some nasal tumors and repair blocked tear ducts.


PEP Web - American Imago. XXXVI, 1979: Franz Grillparzer's The Poor Fiddler. Ursula Mahlendorf. Pp. 118-146.
Fishman, G.G. (1983). American Imago. XXXVI, 1979: Franz Grillparzer's The Poor Fiddler. Ursula Mahlendorf. Pp. 118-146.. Psychoanal Q., 52:144-145.
Psychoanalytic Electronic Publishing: American Imago. XXXVI, 1979: Franz Grillparzer's The Poor Fiddler. Ursula Mahlendorf. Pp. 118-146.
American Imago. XXXVI, 1979: Franz Grillparzer's The Poor Fiddler. Ursula Mahlendorf. Pp. 118-146.
early castigation as a ne'er-do-well by father, subsequent rejection by his only lover, and then withdrawal into a world of dissonant sounds and personal isolation. Mahlendorf analyzes the fiddler as part of Grillparzer's severely rejected mother-self and the narrator as his stronger father-self. Some parallel undoubtedly exists between Grillparzer, so sensitized to criticism that he gave up his craft several times in his life, and the fiddler, who is so wracked by hurt that he plays only for himself. However, the pastiche of dynamics called up to explain the fiddler's character spans psychotic denial and oedipal retreat. The result is that the psychoanalytic commentary is in many places less compelling than the aesthetic one. In addition, what is liberally surmised about Grillparzer's own inner life is not adequately supported by the biographical data offered.


text:
E-3 2006 - Elonka's Report
Elonka
Elonka's Pics
Elonka's topics
SciFi TV
PC Video Games
Console Video Games
Using MemeStreams
Asian Travel
North American Travel
St. Louis Events
Cyber-Culture
Topic: Video Games 4:41 pm EDT, May 14, 2006
So to save myself from typing in the same messages to all the IMs that are lighting up my screen with the same question: "How was E-3???", here's the blogged report. :)
E-3 2006 ended on Friday. It's Sunday as I write this, but my ears are still ringing. ;) Yesterday I had a booksigning at an art gallery in Santa Monica, and I could always tell the people who walked in who had just been at E-3, because we all share this kind of glassy-eyed shell-shocked look. ;) There is just *so* much going on, so much sensory overload, so many different things to see, but no matter how much I see, I'm also still aware of all the things I'm *not* seeing, and when the show ends, I have this mixture of emotions of relief that it's over, and yet disappointment at everything I may have missed.
There was the usual amount of hype and promotion and "spin-meisters", mixed in with flashing lights and 5-story tall posters and the booms of videogame explosions all around, but mixed in with all the chaos, a few things stand out in my memory.
The #1 thing I remember, is the beautiful 3-D sidewalk art that was being created by artist Kurt Wenner, in the middle of the floor at South Hall. Look at it from one angle and you see strange elongated shapes. But look at it from the correct angle, and it looks 3-D, like there's a huge hole in the floor and monsters are crawling out of it. Wenner sat on the floor actually creating the drawing during much of E-3, and there was also a camera taking time-lapse pictures of the process. It was fun to watch it play back in high-speed mode, both to watch the art take shape, and to see the crowds of E-3 flow around it, as well as watching the shadows move past the drawing, since sunlight was streaming in through the skylight above, so there was a sundial effect as the shadows of the girders moved past -- really beautiful, on a lot of different levels.
In terms of actual electronic game stuff, the top buzz was definitely about the new Nintendo console, with the unfortunate name "Wii". I hate the name, but the two-handed controller looks really interesting. I didn't get a chance to play with it myself (the Nintendo booth again had lines that were four hours long), but the demos that I saw from a distance looked intriguing.
I also enjoyed seeing the "retro" games making a comeback. For example, this year is evidently the 25-year anniversary of the game "Frogger". And another of the handhelds was showing off an updated version of "Lemmings". Plus there was another retro-looking game that got a lot of attention, called "Geometry Wars". It had a multi-story screen, and at one point as I passed by there was actually a big crowd of E-3ers who had gathered around to watch someone playing, and rooting for them to beat the high score (they didn't make it, but the entire crowd applauded them for trying). It was a nice moment for everyone though.
On the downside of E-3 this year, there was a lot of unhappiness about the new PS3 pricepoint ($499 for the cheap version), and very different opinions about the "Blu-Ray" technology, with some people saying the jury's still out, and other people hating it right out the gate and saying it's going to fail.
Another disappointment was the computer game version of "The Da Vinci Code", which, from the few minutes I spent playing it, looked *really* awful. :/ The art's fine, but the gameplay was overly linear, the controls were non-intuitive, and I have a personal loathing for any game where you suddenly die in combat and get a big message of "You have failed" displayed on the screen, or where there's a "puzzle" to solve, but the only thing you can click on is the one item you need to solve the puzzle, and everything else is greyed out until it's needed.
Another negative this year involved the "G4 TV" broadcasts. I found their coverage to be clueless, mis-leading, and just plain rude, ranging from the way that they would belittle lesser-known game developers (they made fun of some of the smaller booths down in Kentia Hall), to the way that they had obviously pre-arranged shills in their "behind the camera" audience, fashionable young models who were supposed to smile and cheer on cue and pretend to be part of the E3 attendees. I mean c'mon, is it that hard to find a crowd of people at E-3? Or was it just that the typical attendees weren't photogenic enough for the G4 producers? I also heard complaints from other game developers about how they'd be interviewed by the G4 hosts, but then the only sound bytes that were chosen would be something that could be used for shock value. G4 was making enemies left and right, I never heard a single game developer (or anyone in the tech scene) say anything positive about G4's presence, and if it were up to me, I'd say that G4 should not be allowed back in future years.
Getting back to the positive side, I enjoyed catching up with the still in-development "Odami" game on PlayStation. It was about 20% complete when shown last year, and this year was at the 80% mark. The art is charming, with stylized Japanese calligraphy for the creatures. For example, when the wolf leaps over something, when it lands, instead of generating a cloud of dust, beautiful calligraphy-style pen & ink flowers rise up out of the ground. When an obstacle (like a giant vat) needs to be destroyed, instead of it exploding, the screen changes back into a simple paper drawing, and then a giant ink brush emerges from the sky to gracefully draw a line across the vat, causing it to open. I'm looking forward to playing the game, just to ooh and ah at the art.
Another game I enjoyed learning about was "Viva Pinata". Targeted towards children, it's a whimsical colorful world with pinata animals wandering around. The player can encourage the pinatas to move into different areas, and if the right pinatas get close to each other, they can fall in love (little hearts buzz around their heads), and they engage in a mating dance which is unique for each of the dozens of different types of pinata animals. The game is scheduled for a holiday release, and already has tie-ins with an upcoming Saturday morning cartoon show, as well as a line of merchandise. Just based on what I saw at E-3, I'm ready to buy a copy now, for my 6-year-old niece.
And of course there was lots more going on... Lots of different versions of Final Fantasy games, plus other MMORPGs to see (the game that my company was demo-ing, Hero's Journey, won the "Most Original" award from gameamp.com) And of course there was also the networking with many other game developers and organizations. I'd try to list them here, but it would just be dozens and dozens of names, and I'm trying to get this report out while I'm still in L.A., before flying back to St. Louis! So, signing off for now . . .
Elonka :)


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No publisher would touch Jean-Marie Le Pen's memoir. Now it's a bestseller.
By James McAuley
March 1, 2018 at 5:45 p.m. EST
Jean-Marie Le Pen, co-founder of France's far-right National Front party, intends his new book to be the first of two volumes in his memoir. (Charles Platiau/Reuters)
PARIS — For years, Jean-Marie Le Pen — the convicted Holocaust denier and aging patriarch of the French and European far right — has floated the idea of a memoir, although the project was always withdrawn as soon as it was announced. No mainstream French publisher seemed willing to give a platform to the man who still refers to the Nazi gas chambers as a "detail of history" and who once remarked that AIDS patients belong in concentration camps.
But now a memoir by Le Pen, 89, is more than an improbable reality: "Son of the Nation," officially released Thursday, became an instant bestseller in France, even topping Amazon sales for much of the day. Readers preordered the entire press run of 50,000 copies before they even hit shelves, Le Pen's publisher, Éditions Muller, announced this week. A second run is on the way.
The contents of the book — billed as the first of two volumes and dealing with the period between Le Pen's birth in 1928 and his co-founding of the National Front in 1972 — are consistent with the public persona he has assumed for nearly seven decades: first on the margins of public life, then as the grandfather of the party that came close to power in France's 2017 presidential election.
Over 400 pages long, "Son of the Nation" offers an emphatic defense of Philippe Pétain, the leader of the Vichy government, which openly collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II. Le Pen contends that Pétain, once a celebrated war hero, need not be seen as dishonorable for having signed the 1940 armistice with Adolf Hitler.
"Son of the Nation" also takes aim at Charles de Gaulle, the country's postwar leader, for "helping make France small" by acquiescing to Algerian independence in 1962. Le Pen was a paratrooper in the Algerian war and has always denied accusations that he tortured Arabs in that conflict.
This memoir emerges in a moment of rising historical revisionism in Europe. Right-wing governments across the continent are turning to new narratives of the past to account for the social discontents of the present. In Poland, for instance, the government approved a "Holocaust bill" to criminalize speech that accuses the country of complicity in Nazi atrocities.
Poland's new 'Holocaust law' comes up against massacre of Jews in 1941
"Le Pen and his friends all across Europe belong to the political camp of those who lost the war, and they want to take their revenge," Jean-Yves Camus, an expert on the European far right, said in an interview. "They really think that today, as time passes on, and with the number of those who survived the Holocaust greatly diminished, they will have a tremendous opportunity."
In an interview last year with The Washington Post, Le Pen acknowledged his hope for mainstream acceptance. "After all, they can say, 'Le Pen was right,'" he said. "Public opinion — the voters, the citizens — has realized that the ideas we defend are not 'extremist,' as our adversaries say, but that they conform to the truth."
Of course, not everyone who buys Le Pen's memoir buys his views. Camus noted that Le Pen has been a mainstay of French political life since the late 1940s and that people are "curious about what he has to say."
The popularity of his book also does not portend a broader embrace of the National Front. In fact, the book may jeopardize the evolution of the party that expelled him in 2015 and that his estranged daughter, Marine Le Pen, now controls.
Despite the nominal interest of Marine Le Pen in "de-demonizing" the National Front in the 2017 presidential election, her father's shadow proved inescapable. Members of Marine Le Pen's entourage were likewise exposed as Holocaust deniers and made to resign.
"Son of the Nation" appears little more than a week before the party's annual conference, where Marine Le Pen hopes to shed the "National Front" name and strip her father of his "honorary president" title.
Yet Jean-Marie Le Pen's book is likely to serve as a further reminder of the party's original identity.
Until recently, the likelihood of a Le Pen memoir was small. For many mainstream publishers, the prospect presented a moral boundary not worth crossing.
But Le Pen found an amenable obscure publisher, Éditions Muller, run by a writer with ties to France's extreme Catholic right and who was exposed in 2013 as the author of an Islamophobic newsletter.
The book's remarkable visibility is likely to be increased by distribution from the mega-conglomerate Hachette Livre. Myriam Simmoneaux, a spokeswoman for the company, said that the relationship was the "indirect" result of a distribution contract between Hachette and Elidia Éditions, a smaller publishing group, and another agreement between Elidia and Éditions Muller.
The release of Le Pen's book follows other literary controversies over the revisiting of historical taboos in France. Gallimard, an elite French publishing house, proposed in December reissuing the anti-Semitic pamphlets of the novelist Louis-Ferdinand Céline, and in January, the Culture Ministry commemorated author Charles Maurras, an infamous anti-Semite, on a list of people who "contributed to the culture and conversation that one encounters in France today."
Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world
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#Blog4MH is a mental health and wellness blogging challenge, hosted periodically through the year. Anyone who is interested in sharing their thoughts and perspectives on mental health and wellness are invited to join in the challenge. This is a challenge where YOU choose how many posts you will write, and what you will write about.
The 2017 challenge is once again being co-hosted by Karen Copeland and Jasmine Rakhra. This is our third time hosting this blog challenge, and we continue to be passionate about creating change through the sharing of stories. The challenge will run through the month of May, and we are looking forward to sharing and reading the posts!


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Reading Circle > Book Reviews >
Book Review: Edvard Grieg
by David Monrad Johansen
translated from the original Norwegian by Madge Robertson
This is a very interesting book about one of the great Norwegians, composer Edvard Grieg. The book is divided into the periods of Grieg's life: Childhood; Student Days in Leipzig; Results of Leipzig; Youthful Years in Denmark; Christiania Period; Bergen and Lofthus; Troldhaugen; and The Last Years.
I was very impressed with the great enthusiasm of the author and with his enormous respect and admiration for his subject, Edvard Grieg. I could tell from the outset that this biography would be very positive in tone.
I was very interested in the tremendous love of Grieg for Norway, especially the nature of Norway, and how passionate he was about maintaining his Norwegian-ness in his works. I learned a lot about Grieg's work as the author went into great detail about how each work was created and what its elements were. I learned about the lack of a sense of a specific Norwegian culture at the time of Grieg's life and how he, along with Bjornson, Ibsen, and others tried to encourage and foster a Norwegian cultural identity.
Grieg was a great artist, and fortunately he was greatly appreciated during his lifetime. According to this biographer, 500 people attended his funeral in the church while 30,000 to 40,000 people were assembled outside to pay him homage. He was loved and revered in his own country as well as abroad.
- Review by Christine Foster Meloni


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Hurricane Maria moves away from the United States
Maria has been downgraded to a tropical storm and will dissipate over the next few days.
Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:00:00 AM -05:00
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Tropical storm warnings for the eastern seaboard were lifted Wednesday night (September 27th) and as a result ContactRelief removed our recommendations to suspend contact with the affected areas in North Carolina. Maria's demise is welcome news for some but given the impact of the storm in hard-hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be litle comfort to residents in those areas.
The continuing humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico means that our recommendation to suspend contact with the region will remain in place for an extended period of time. We urge our subscribers to look for ways to help these consumers with changes in contact patterns , hardship programs, and direct aid. Showing your concern will help to promote your brand and improve your relationship with not only these consumers but consumers across the country.
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A TRIO of East Lothian starlets are set to take on France under-20s, as Scotland U20 look to bounce back from defeat to Ireland last weekend.
Callum Hunter-Hill, from Gullane, will again captain the side from the second row, while there is a second outing for centre pairing Cameron Hutchison and Craig Pringle.
Hutchison, from North Berwick, scored a try in the loss to Ireland, and will link up with outside centre Pringle, a former Loretto School pupil.
Sean Lineen has made two changes to the side, with Stafford McDowell and Bruce Flockhart coming into the team for Ross McCann and Matt Fagerson.
Lineen said: "It's always a tough task going away to France, and this game will be no different.
"They'll be hurting from their defeat to England, and will be hoping to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
"We're expecting a tough battle up-front, and we know first and foremost that we'll have to match them physically if we are to come away with a result."


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How to fuel reduction in transportation emissions
Carrie Woerner
Big goals require bold solutions.
Last year the state Legislature passed one of the most ambitious pieces of climate legislation in the nation, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. We set aspirational goals: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent; achieve carbon neutrality by 2050; and move to 100 percent clean power by 2040.
This is our generation's moonshot. Now, how do we build the rocket that will get us to our goal?
Our path to success lies in unleashing the power of innovation and stimulating industry to innovate, develop and adopt cleaner fuels. The transportation sector is a particularly ripe target for this approach.
In New York, the transportation sector — not just cars, but buses, long-haul trucks and construction vehicles — is almost entirely reliant on petroleum-based fuels and has been identified as the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state, contributing over 34 percent of the state's annual emissions. The stakes for not addressing these transportation-related emissions are high. If we fail at this, these harmful emissions may adversely impact the state's shoreline, our drinking water sources, the agriculture industry and wildlife diversity. These emissions pose a serious risk not only to the quality of our environment, but also to public health. That dirty tailpipe you sat behind on the Northway this morning spewing noxious diesel fumes? It's increasing the concentration of ground-level ozone, which contributes to respiratory illnesses in children and the elderly and exacerbates pre-existing respiratory illnesses.
We can do something about this, and we should.
As other states have already done, we can establish a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) for New York. Its primary objective would be to reduce the overall carbon intensity of transportation fuels and encourage companies to use more clean energy technologies. When a company incorporates low carbon fuels into its fuel mix, it earns a credit. If the carbon in a company's fuel mix exceeds the standard, it can buy credits from other companies that are staying under the standard. It's straightforward. It's science-based and technology-neutral. And, taxpayers don't have to pay to subsidize clean fuels; the private sector has sufficient incentive to adopt them itself.
How would it work? Under the LCFS, a state board would determine the "carbon intensity" for each type of fuel based on the entire lifecycle of the fuel, from production to delivery. Fuels with a carbon intensity that is lower than the target set by the board will generate LCFS "credits," while fuels that are higher than the target will generate deficits. At the end of each year, fuel companies must have generated or obtained enough credits to outweigh their deficits in order to be in compliance with the law. If a company doesn't meet the standard, it can still comply with the law by purchasing credits from other companies whose fuel mix does meet and exceed it. It can also buy credits from companies that are cutting emissions with infrastructure like electric vehicle charging stations or direct air capture and air-to-fuel technologies.
California's LCFS has been a resounding success. It has promoted investment in new technologies and reduced emissions in the transportation sector significantly. According to data collected by the California Air Resources Board, almost 3.3 billion gallons of petroleum diesel have been displaced by clean, low-carbon alternatives, and 2018 data show fuel providers are in 100 percent compliance with emission-reduction standards. From 2011 to 2018, California has avoided 38 million metric tons of carbon emissions and logged a 74 percent increase in the use of clean fuels. The LCFS has resulted in nearly $2.8 billion in investment in the clean fuels market.
New York can make that kind of progress too, but it has a long way to go. Driving down our greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality is a big goal, but achieving it is critical for the health of our communities and of our planet. We can get there if we act to unleash the power of innovation that New York has always been known for.
That is why I have introduced legislation to establish a low-carbon fuel standard program in New York (A.5262/S.4003), which I hope people will urge the Legislature to pass this session. Now is the time to take action to achieve our clean energy goals and save our environment for generations of New Yorkers to come.
Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, represents the 113th Assembly District.


Ear plugs can last a long time if they are properly cared for. This guide will walk you through how to keep you ear plugs clean and functional.
Gently clean your ears before each use.
Rinse ear plugs off in non-chlorinated water after each use.
Allow ear plugs to dry thoroughly between uses to prevent mildew growth.
If needed, wash ear plugs in warm, soapy water with a soft brush or towel. Let them dry on a towel before putting back in their case.
Between swims, store your earplugs in the case they came in, or a small plastic container for protection.
Do not share your ear plugs with anyone else.
Unfortunately, if your moldable ear plugs get dirty, there's no good way to remove the contamination. Instead, always do your best to protect them from dirt and dirty surfaces.
Wash your hands before handling moldable ear plugs.
Gently clean your ears before use.
Always put your moldable ear plugs directly from your ear into their case – you might even want to keep the case on the pool deck during your swim for easy access.
Avoid handling your ear plugs needlessly: Mold them enough to fit in your ear and then leave them alone. The more contact they have with your fingertips, the more sediment or oils they can pick up.
Remember that no set of ear plugs is designed to last forever. Although the above tips can extend the life of your ear plugs, you will need to replace them eventually. Following the advice in this guide will help you get the most use out your earplugs; whether moldable or non-moldable.


How Can One Simple Thinking Technique Get You an IELTS Band 7 or 8?
You want a band 7 or 8 on the IELTS.
One simple technique can get you that score faster than any other framework, strategy, or method.
Today we'll show you how to use this technique to get the score you need and get your dream life.
On the IELTS Energy podcast, Lindsay and I often talk about creating and promoting a "culture of thinking".
This idea came to us as we heard more and more students saying they just felt they didn't have ideas for the Speaking and Writing answers, or they were faced with topics in Listening and Reading that they had never been exposed to before.
I would define a culture of thinking as the notion of an educated and open-minded society.
A group of people who are thirsty for new ideas and information which can give them insights into themselves and the world around them.
As Lindsay and I talked about this more and more, we realized that encouraging students in this endeavor had a much larger scope than the IELTS exam.
What are the other ways in which a "culture of thinking" can help you reach your dreams?
Find out in this article!
Keeping this goal in the back of your mind while you prepare for IELTS will help inform and guide your study plan.
Searching for information which pertains to a culture of thinking will lead you to resources such as NPR (www.npr.org), a non-profit media outlet in America, and high-level newspapers such as the New York Times (www.nytimes.com).
Both of these example resources contain such a wide scope of shows and articles that you cannot help but be exposed to topics and information that you never would have come across before.
Plus, spending time with these native speaker resources will push you out of your comfort zone in your preparation, and force you to learn complicated vocabulary items that you can reproduce on exam day.
Firstly, you never know what topics will be on the Reading exam, or Listening Sections 3 and 4.
Material for the Reading exam can be drawn from newspapers, magazines or journals, and the last two sections of the Listening are more 'academic', according to IELTS.
So, the more exposure you have to a plethora of topics, the better prepared you will be.
Plus, on the Speaking and Writing, when you are asked for your opinions on topics you, honestly, probably don't even talk about in your native language, let alone English, you will now have something to say and write.
Furthermore, you will be able to support your opinions and ideas with very specific examples and details that you have read or heard, impressing the examiner with your high-level resources.
On a fundamental level, gaining new information and ideas helps you to gain new perspective on your own life, culture and society.
You become a more well-rounded individual who can be a more productive member of the community, and a person who can share and teach valuable information to friends, family and neighbors.
Plus, when you do get your high IELTS score and enter into an English-speaking university or immigrate to an English-speaking country, you will be able to carry on conversations in groups of Americans, or Canadians, or Brits.
You will be an interesting person that people want to talk to.
So, for numerous reasons, you should seek to create a culture of thinking: for yourself, and the world around you.
So go now and start creating your culture of thinking!
It also helps to surround yourself with the right people, who are also interesting in being in this culture.
Leave a comment below and let us know how it goes.


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Sports > Columns
Keeping Score: Generals on display
The UMass-Army game at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend was a rare opportunity to see an iconic program on a sunny, mild day in late autumn. Granted there wouldn't be the same energy as the Army-Notre Dame game at sold out Yankee Stadium in 1946, but the meager turnout of 10,119 was a sad testament to another one-win season.
The Black Knights needed a win to remain bowl eligible, and coach Jeff Monken's players were further motivated by the sight of generals standing on the sideline — real generals, with silver stars on their garrison caps.
An hour earlier, one of them was admiring the UMass marching band about to go onto the field. "This is something, all this," he said.
I agreed and thanked him for his service. He returned the thanks, removed his glove and we shook hands. "Mark Quander," he said.
"Are you a colonel?" I asked, revealing my ignorance.
"First general officer," he politely replied.
Later I learned he was Brigadier General Mark C. Quander, the 79th Commandant of Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy. He said he drove from West Point to meet the team at the Springfield Sheraton, and the next morning they arrived in Amherst in four buses escorted by two New York State Police cars.
The team suited up in the same locker room that UMass used until the new performance center opened. Dressed in white uniforms with black lettering, they followed two cadets out from behind the darkened doorway one holding a U.S. flag and the other a black "Army Football" flag with skull and crossbones. Their cleats crunched on the pebbled pavement. "Hit 'em in the mouth," one of them muttered.
Dave Lorenz and I had planned on this game since the schedule was released. We took Rte. 116 to North Maple Street onto Rocky Hill Road past the South Loop which was closed tighter than a Russian border crossing. Longtime fans don't like paying $20 to park where it used to be free, and although Dave had a parking pass we walked from the Big Y out of principle.
Lorenz is a retired Army major, and he filled me in on military jargon. "West Point has a lot of generals," he said. "Some are professors, others come to lecture about intel, infantry, field training…
"Who's that behind him?" I asked.
"His aide, every general has one. He's probably a captain for a three star."
They wore what Lorenz said were Class B uniforms. "They've changed the color and design since I was in."
UMass scored the first touchdown but Army dominated the rest of the game and won, 44-7. We left after the first half when the score was 28-7 and listened to the rest on satellite radio. In the third quarter Army play-by-play announcer Rich DiMarco said, "Am I the only one who just wants it to end right now?"
Sorry, Rich, but as every UMass fan knows by now, there's no mercy rules in the FBS.
PIGSKIN DEBRIEFING: One of the few positives from another 1-11 season was that the average score of 31-13 was down from 42-16 last year. … UMass drew 53,999 fans in five games compared to 53,957 in six games last season, an average of 1,786 more per game. … According to the team's stats page, place kicker Cameron Carson was a perfect 13-for-13 on PATs and 13-of-18 on field goals. … Punter CJ Kolodziey averaged 33.04 yards per kick; last year George Georgopoulos averaged 44.6 yards and transferred to Miss. State. … UMass was flagged 91 times for 794 yards compared to 75 times for 734 yards last season. … According to fbsschedules.com, the 2023 season kicks off with road games against New Mexico State on August 26 and Auburn on Sept. 2, followed by the home opener on Sept. 9 against Miami of Ohio. Other home games will be against New Mexico, Toledo, Ark. State and Merrimack. Road games will be at Eastern Michigan, Penn State, Army and Liberty. … The game against UConn will be in a "City TBA" but hopefully not Foxborough.
TIS THE SEASON: High school stats man Mike Cadran reports that western Mass. teams accounted for five of 39 state titles this fall. They were Frontier (D-5 volleyball); Lenox (D-3 boys cross country); Longmeadow (D-2 field hockey) and South Hadley (D-3 soccer).
Longmeadow's Ryan Downes won the MIAA's individual state golf title by carding a 3-under 69 at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill. Downes has committed to Vanderbilt.
A sixth possible title looms today at Gillette Stadium where Springfield Central plays St. John's Prep in the Division I Super Bowl at 12:30 p.m.
FRESHMAN PHENOM: The UMass hockey team has a star in the making. At the Friendship Four in Dublin, freshman Kenny Connors received an Irish lid (cap) for scoring both goals in the 2-1 win against UMass-Lowell. All told, the 19-year-old Pennsylvanian has seven goals and nine assists in 14 games.
"Connors is a legit NHL prospect," said UMass coach Greg Carvel. "He's as good a forward prospect as we've had since I've been at UMass."
Kudos to Carvel for coaching the Minutemen away from the brink with a road win at UNH and a win and a tie in Dublin against two higher ranked opponents.
SQUIBBERS: UMass basketball coach Frank Martin needs to twist Ryan Bamford's arm into scheduling a game against UConn. The last home tilt was 18 years ago this Friday, when Rashaun Freeman's layup beat the seventh-ranked Huskies in front of 9,037 fans who stormed the court. … Despite his NFL pedigree, Ed McCaffrey turned out to be a terrible college coach and was fired by Northern Colorado after two years and a 6-16 record. One of his kids was a quarterback and the other an assistant coach, leading Buffzone.com to report that players accused him of "favoritism, nepotism, and a lack of proper preparation." … For those wondering what the big contraption was behind the north end zone at McGuirk last week, it's a $38,000 Magcam, short for 3D Magnetic field camera. … Undefeated Holy Cross (11-0) hosts UNH (9-3) at noon today in an FCS second round game at Fitton Field in Worcester … Looking for work? NYC is seeking a Director of Rodent Mitigation for $120K. …. PFT's Mike Florio played a sound clip of Patrick Peterson's podcast where he said his of his former teammate the Az. Cardinal quarterback: "Kyler Murray don't care about nobody but Kyler Murray." …. Thirteen of the first 40 World Cup soccer matches ended in scores of 0-0 or 1-0. The Babylon Bee suggested that to make it more watchable put an enraged bull on the field, or whenever players pass ten times without shooting, the ball detonates. … Gaylord Perry, who died Thursday, beat the Red Sox twice in one week his final season. He won 314 games and never denied throwing the spitball, exemplified by this quote in his New York Times obituary: "I reckon I tried everything on the old apple but salt and pepper and chocolate sauce topping."
Chip Ainsworth is an award-winning columnist who has penned his observations about sports for four decades in the Pioneer Valley. He can be reached at chipjet715@icloud.com