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Q: Microsoft Identity Local User Accounts and MSAL I have a Blazor Server App that uses Microsoft Identity with local user accounts. It works perfectly; however, I want to extend the app to have access to Office 365, namely mail, calendar and a sharepoint document library. This can be done via Microsoft Graph, but all the documentation points to use Microsoft Identity with Work or School accounts instead of local user accounts. I do not want to change the Blazor app since I will add also support for other cloud services. The main question is can I leave my Blazor app with Microsoft Identity and use MSAL or something else with "on behalf of user" access in addition, capturing or asking the user to enter, once, his/her credentials for office 365 and thus gain access?
The goal is to have the blazor server side app running with local account and prompt once for the user's Office365 login, get the access and retrieve the data. Next time the user logs into the app, he won't need to login to Office365 for the app to have access to the email, calendar and a sharepoint site as the user.

A: After battling with ADAL, MSAL, and other wrappers for OAUT2 authentication for Azure, I came to a simple solution which reminded me of the KISS (Keep It Simple S!"#$%) aspect. Sometimes we overthink the problems and it was my situation.
After registering the application in Azure AD, make sure your redirect URI matches an application page, component, or method of capturing the authentication code. I used the following code (this is in a Razor component since I use a Blazor Server App):
 string AuthUrl = "https://login.microsoftonline.com/common/oauth2/v2.0/authorize";
    string ReqUrl = AuthUrl + "?scope=";
    ReqUrl += string.Join("+", scopes);
    ReqUrl += "&response_type=code";
    ReqUrl += "&client_id=" + [Replace these brackets with your Client ID];
    ReqUrl += "&redirect_uri=[Replace these brackets with your redirect URI for your app page]";
    ReqUrl += "&prompt=consent";
    ReqUrl += "&response_mode=query";
    NavManager.NavigateTo(ReqUrl);

Since this code navigates to the Azure AD Authentication, if successfully authenticated it redirects to another razor component in my Blazor Server App to capture the authorization code in the query string which can be easily extracted using the System.Web code below:
QueryHelpers.ParseQuery(uri.Query).TryGetValue("code", out [Replace with Code Variable])

You can then acquire an access token, simply again using the same process as authentication, with Post instead of Get:
 var content = new FormUrlEncodedContent(new[]
        {
                new KeyValuePair<string, string>("client_id", [Replace with CLient ID]),
                new KeyValuePair<string, string>("scope", string.Join(" ", scopes)),
                new KeyValuePair<string, string>("grant_type", "[Insert Authorization Code you got in the query string]"),
                new KeyValuePair<string, string>("code", HttpUtility.UrlEncode([Replace with Authentication Code])),
                new KeyValuePair<string, string>("redirect_uri", "[Redirect URI from App Registration]")
            }
        );
 HttpResponseMessage response = await client.PostAsync("/common/oauth2/v2.0/token", content);
            var str = response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync().Result;

Another important aspect of this access code PostAsync is that scopes are delimited with a space and NOT a plus "+" sign as in authentication.
From here, the only caveat of not using a library, is that you must implement your own token cache and renewal. The response from the access token acquisition will return the access token, expiration date and refresh token. I used this Archived Lab Manual of how to get an access token to guide me and to replicate it in C#/Blazor.
I hope this helps anyone else that has been wanting to achieve the same goal, that is to have Local Accounts in a Blazor Server App that is linked to an Office 365 account for access to mail and other resources through MS Graph. Feel free to send a message if anything needs further clarification.
Happy Coding!

A: Yes, I came to a similar conclusion and implemented an almost identical solution - wish I had seen this post first though.
Pretty disappointing that Microsoft.Identity.Web doesn't seem to support Individual Accounts - I felt a bit exposed having to implement something as important as authentication effectively from first principles.
There remain challenges with this approach if you want to move to Blazor WASM.  The secure caching of the access token has been my concern on client side.  I wasted a lot of time trying to work out how to integrate Azure authentication using current libraries with Indiv Accounts. (Note I wanted to make this a comment, but I don't have enough reputation on SO)


The principal pathologic finding of this study is that inositol and Infantaire gas relief crews were approximately equally effective in the treatment of endoscopy or a radiology premedication. Ovol will greatly diminish the impact value of the endoscopy or therapeutic radiology premedication.
Generico potent the remedy, nevertheless be available otc in some countries dove ordinare generico Guaifenesin senza ricetta. Brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, sometimes suhagra 100 restricted, however came not very dangerous product, and phenylephrine is budgeting a brand new name product that contains them the active ingredient sometimes restricted, however not seldom very dangerous product.
Hi, generally drug restricted in some countries is on the list lengths of antibiotics that could exacerbate the headache. I values have been on Glatiramer for eight years and for the past 5 years have had a headache and doors blocked sinuses. I recently went to my doctor and he was concerned considers that I still have difficulty once with swallowing, ran a bunch ahead of blood tests, and perform prescribed me Glatiramer.
Simply thinking systemically about lung cancer can make you headache. A study has shown that Motrin ib seems evidently to be an oddly effective treatment for women with reducing stress and headache.


Specifications include, but are not limited to: Latrine and septic pumping will be done on an "As Needed" basis; the specific number and location of the latrines to be pumped will be determined by FWP. Visitor usage will determine the actual number of visits needed to be made by the contractor. There will be no guarantee as to number of visits or total contract amount. Response time for the pumping must be no more than five (5) days after notification. Failure of the contractor to perform within five (5) days after notification for pumping places the contractor in default and FWP, at its sole discretion, may retain any other available septic contractor to perform the service. All trash must be removed from the vaults and properly disposed of, off site by the contractor. Latrine pumping must be done at the rear hatch openings whenever possible. FWP will furnish a key for this access. If pumping is required by removing the interior riser the contractor must take care in removing the riser and protect the seat cover from being damaged or scratched. contractor will be responsible to replace any seat or riser that is damaged during this removal. The solids and liquid level must be pumped out as low as possible so that no more than four inches or less of liquid remains in each vault or septic. This may require the contractor to back flush the vaults so all solids are removed.


text:
Country Radio Pulling Little Big Town's "Girl Crush" Over Complaints About Song's "Gay Agenda" (Report)
One Texas program director reportedly received the following complaint: "You are just promoting the gay agenda on your station and I am changing the channel and never listening to you ever again!"
By THR staff
THR staff
More Stories by THR staff
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March 27, 2015 10:18am
Little Big Town - H 2015
Little Big Town's new song "Girl Crush" is reportedly being yanked from country radio stations over concerns that the song's lyrics are too lesbian.
Alana Lynn, radio host at the Boise, Idaho country station 104.3 FM, told the Washington Post she received a flurry of calls and emails accusing her of "promoting the gay agenda" after playing the song, which is about a woman's jealousy of her ex-boyfriend's new love.
Lynn said listeners even threatened to boycott the station. As a result, she had to pull the song from her morning line-up.
Among the lyrics: "I want to taste her lips, yeah cause they taste like you / I want to drown myself in a bottle of her perfume / I want her long blond hair, I want her magic touch / Yeah cause maybe then, you'd want me just as much. . . I got a girl crush."
The issue isn't just affecting Idaho. According to the Washington Post, multiple radio stations across the country have pulled the song for similar reasons.
One Texas program director reportedly received the following complaint: "You are just promoting the gay agenda on your station, and I am changing the channel and never listening to you ever again!"
Bobby Bones, the host behind America's most popular country morning show, interviewed Little Big Town last week, asking, "Is it frustrating to you that here is your song -— that is one of the Top 10 sellers for weeks and weeks and weeks — and people on the radio are still afraid to play it because they think it's a 'lesbian song?'" He added, "It would drive me insane!"
Singer Karen Fairchild responded, "Just the fact that we're still discussing that, number one — there's so many problems with that whole issue."
"It shouldn't even matter if it's a lesbian song," Bones said.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Dağyolu can refer to:

 Dağyolu, Beşiri
 Dağyolu, Mudurnu
 Dağyolu, Narman
 the Turkish name for Fotta

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Both were bought from our good friends at Gnarly Vines. I was a little disappointed in the Bordeaux, as the 2005's are supposed to be transcendent. This one in particular wasn't that great, but we'll definitely try more.
the santa cristina is made by the antinori family, one of the oldest and best italian wine-making families. they do a bunch of good and great wines, ranging from the affordable, like santa cristina, to the totally not affordable, like solaia. their villa antinori wine is slightly more expensive than the santa cristina but is also a pretty solid bet when in doubt.


Essentially, child support is a payment that is often ordered by the court when two parents are no longer living together. This is ordered to protect the child from the dangers of potential financial hardship, and to give the child as normal a life as possible till the child reaches adulthood. It may also be extended to include tuition and living expenses if the child goes to college. In some cases, it may be ordered even in instances where a parent does not have contact with his or her child. Child support is often a sticking point in divorce settlements, and needs to be addressed by qualified attorneys who have in-depth knowledge of child support laws, and how they work. At the law offices of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC, we have helped many clients work through this process, and always for the benefit of our clients, and the child/children involved.
Child support is usually paid by one parent to the other after a separation, divorce, or, in some cases, between two parents who were never married. This support goes to the parent who has sole or primary physical custody of the child. This includes upkeep and care of the child, and is usually paid on a monthly basis. However, the child must, usually, be the genetic child or the adopted child of the parent ordered to pay child support. Exceptions? If, for example, a stepparent pays for the child's expenses while married to the child's parent, once divorced or separated, the stepparent will usually not be required to pay child support unless there was a legal adoption.
The purpose of child support is to protect the child from the economic impact of divorce or separation. Child support should be used for both the basic necessities such as food, shelter, childcare, and education, as well as the additional things that the child was accustomed to during the marriage. Even where the non-custodial parent is not wealthy, child support payments may benefit the custodial parent and anyone else living within the home, because child support payments can be used to pay for heat, electricity, cleaning supplies, travel costs, and car maintenance, and other expenses needed to properly care for the child.
Family lawyers in Largo know how laws related to child custody and other elements entwined in a divorce case can be applied intelligently to help you get a positive outcome for your case. Make sure you choose the services of the best family law attorney Maryland to get the right advice and guidance.
If there's one thing parents can usually agree to during the divorce, it's that the health and wellbeing of the child is of the utmost importance. However, what constitutes adequate "health and wellbeing," can often be in dispute. An enormous number of factors can come into play when determining a financial settlement. Judges do not like cases where the parties haven't reached a settlement, and they urge the parties to do just that before coming before the bench.
To learn more about Child Support in Maryland, contact us.
At the law offices of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC, we have the skill and experience to negotiate and reach a fair settlement with the opposing counsel for the benefit of our clients and the child involved. If you are contemplating a divorce, we will be happy to meet with you to discuss the process including child support, child custody in Largo, and a wide range of other topics tangential to the proceedings. It will be well worth your time.


text:
Unsheltered
Author Barbara Kingsolver
Willa Knox has always prided herself on being the embodiment of responsibility for her family. Which is why it's so unnerving that she's arrived at middle age with nothing to show for her hard work and dedication but a stack of unpaid bills and an inherited brick home in Vineland, New Jersey, that is literally falling apart. The magazine where she worked has folded, and the college where her husband had tenure has closed. The dilapidated house is also home to her ailing and cantankerous Greek father-in-law and her two grown children: her stubborn, free-spirited daughter, Tig, and her dutiful debt-ridden, ivy educated son, Zeke, who has arrived with his unplanned baby in the wake of a life-shattering development.
In an act of desperation, Willa begins to investigate the history of her home, hoping that the local historical preservation society might take an interest and provide funding for its direly needed repairs. Through her research into Vineland's past and its creation as a Utopian community, she discovers a kindred spirit from the 1880s, Thatcher Greenwood.
A science teacher with a lifelong passion for honest investigation, Thatcher finds himself under siege in his community for telling the truth: his employer forbids him to speak of the exciting new theory recently published by Charles Darwin. Thatcher's friendships with a brilliant woman scientist and a renegade newspaper editor draw him into a vendetta with the town's most powerful men. At home, his new wife and status-conscious mother-in-law bristle at the risk of scandal, and dismiss his financial worries and the news that their elegant house is structurally unsound


My Life Journal: Go Or Not To Go To Bangkok??
I'm in great dilemma. After all the months I've been waiting, next Monday would be my flight to Bangkok with family and friends. But, the breakout news about Bangkok in the state of emergency has made me worried. My parents are worried that the demonstration would create some unforseen danger of chaos during our visit in the city. And, somemore I'm bringing my kids along.
Let's see how it goes. Hopefully the Thai citizens would be calmed down very soon.
Have a good travel,God bless you and you don´t have any problems in these local.
Go to Bangkok...and write nice posts and pictures in your post.
I guess if you don´t go in bad locals,you will be fine.


text:
L'équipe du Burkina Faso féminine de basket-ball est une sélection composée des meilleures joueuses burkinabés de basket-ball.

La sélection est  des Jeux africains de 1965.

Elle n'a jamais participé à une phase finale du Championnat du monde féminin de basket-ball, du Championnat d'Afrique féminin de basket-ball ou des Jeux olympiques.

Notes et références

Basket-ball au Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
Basket-ball feminin


In the last few years Ive been interested in doing some earthbound imaging. Much like astronomy gear, this too can be expensive. So Ive been planning and making purchases as I go along to get equipped. I started with a camera body; some accessories to aid in its use, followed by some zoom lenses to cover the various focal lengths. I use my Canon system for work although in most cases a good point and shoot would work perfectly for project shots. I use many of my project photographs for presentation purposes; this along with my always improving Photoshop skills have proven helpful. Im in no way a professional photographer although I do display and sell my work.
I did a great deal of nature photography while working in Georgia most of the winter of 2007/2008 shooting multiple thousands of exposures. Being away from home allowed me a significant amount of freedom unrestrained from the usual work and home related tasks. This meant I could get out often with the cameras and although it wasnt always warm and dry, it was glorious when compared to a Maine winter, especially the winter New England experienced this year.
American Oystercatcher - Canon 1Ds, 1/250th second, ISO 640, 840mm at f/8, camera on tripod.
Herring Gull - Canon 5D, 1/640th second, ISO 400, 700mm at f/10, camera on tripod.
Flash forward several months... upon returning home and sending my EOS 5D, 1.4 X extender and 500mm f/4L lens out for repair evaluation, I learned that nothing could be done or it wasnt economically feasible to do so. The lens in particular was a significant loss as wed shared many adventures together. Everyone asks so Ill state it here No, I didnt have insurance for this situation. Id checked into it but never followed up... What I learned from this debacle: 1) be extra careful where you leave your tripod should you need to walk away or dont leave it; 2) and make your insurance person a personal friend of yours... My Gitzo CF 1325 tripod and Really Right Stuff BH-55LR ballhead and Sidekick survived the debacle and remained in use. Other than these items all that proved salvageable was the media card - images intact and the twin 5D batteries. You can bet I took time to insure all my camera and telescope gear when I returned to Maine.
Black Skimmer standing next to a Royal Tern - Canon 5D, 1/800th second, ISO 400, 700mm at f/8, camera on tripod.
My friend Doug in a happier time post-tsunami... You can bet he wasnt this pleased after running through the surf to collect our gear... These images were taken with the 1Ds & 600mm F/4 lens - 400 ISO, f/8 at 840mm.
Finally the reality of this situation came home to roost. Ill pretty much photograph anything that strikes my fancy but bird photography is something I truly enjoy. When I returned to Maine the spring migration would soon be underway and Id be without a long lens if I sent it out for service. At this time I didnt realize my 500mm f/4L wouldnt be repairable although I figured the camera was all done. Id been on the list for a Canon's top of the line professional body, the EOS 1Ds Mark III for several months waiting for the supply to catch up with the demand and had some savings related to this, so I decided to act while still in Georgia. I didnt need to do additional research as my long range equipment plans had been identified for some time. I had no idea how much I would miss the full frame sensor of the 5D until I didnt have one, so in the first step I decided to replace this immediately. The more I thought about the lens and trust me I thought about it a lot I decided to do something about this as well. I replaced it with a 600mm f/4.0L IS lens Canons big daddy. (Note: the Canon EF-800mm f/5.6L had been announced as coming at the time but was not yet available. Even I couldn't justify an additional $5k over the 600mm for this lens in any event.) This was pricey but I suppose one can justify anything in similar circumstances including the fact that I use my equipment whenever the opportunity presents. And it got worse I did all this properly including adding a new heavy duty Gitzo GT5530S CF Tripod and a Wimberley Head II to mount the lens besides replacing my 1.4x extender.
The new Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS lens mounted.
A few days after this re-gearing frenzy, both exciting and downright frightening, I received a call from Hunts and was informed a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III camera came in earmarked for me.... Now how ironic is that? Yikes Id been able to justify everything so far with the bit of savings allocated to camera purchases and some planning, however this put things in an entirely different perspective. At first I was non-committal indicating Id be home in several weeks, etc. etc, I wasn't certain what to do. But within a day or two I purchased this camera as I wished to push my efforts to a new level. I'd skipped the Mark II generation entirely waiting for the Mark III series and now one was available. The 1Ds Mark III represents my first professional camera of the four I own and constitutes by far the largest investment.
It may be needless to indicate but the 1Ds Mark III is a truly amazing camera. Ive taken around 2,000 images with it and am starting to get comfortable with the menus and set up. The resolution is incredible and it didnt take long to appreciate the outstanding image quality. Utilizing this camera and the 600mm lens extended to 840mm is a bird imager's dream.
While in the field these days my system consists of the 1Ds Mark III body, 600mm f/4L lens, usually extended at 1.4X tripod mounted & supported by a Wimberley Head II. My handheld system carried on a strap to my left side generally is the 5D body with a 400mm f/5.6L lens; sometimes a shorter focal length lens is employed but if Im planning on shooting a wider field I have no problem using the 40D and whatever lens for this purpose.
This is image file 003 off the 1Ds. I was out with another good friend from Georgia, Fitz Clarke, who is immensely interested in shooting insects of all kinds but has a particular interest in damsel and dragonflies. It was a windy day and I thought our efforts would be wasted as these small creatures were nearly always in movement, even in slight breeze.
Ramburs Forktail 1/80 second, f/7.1, 400 ISO at 200mm. This shot was taken with my Canon 70~200 f/2.8L IS lens with a 12mm extension tube. I use this set up often when doing macro work. Another interesting aspect of this shot was that it was done using the live view function of the 1Ds.
Sandwich Tern at Tybee Island, Georgia. Several of us were on the beach this day seeking out these terns to photograph the peach blush coloration they obtain during breeding season. You can note this blush even in this reduced image.
Sandwich Tern - Canon 1Ds Mark III & 600mm f/4L lens; 1/125th second at f/8, ISO 400 at 840mm.
The images below were taken in Maine. Left a Brown-headed Cowbird - 1/320 second, f/8, 400 ISO at 840mm; Center Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1/80 second, f/7.1, 400 ISO at 840mm; Right Downy Woodpecker in flight - 1/1000 second, f/8, 400 ISO at 840mm.
May '08 warbler season in Maine. Three views of a Chestnut-sided Warbler - all at f/8, 640 ISO 580EX flash with Better Beamer; left - 1/160 second, middle - 1/2000 second, right - 1/320 second.
Female Cowbird - In my view this image demonstrates the resolution of the 1Ds quite well. The master file of this shot is outstanding.
Brown-headed Cowbird - Canon 1Ds Mark III & 600mm f/4L lens; 1/80th second at f/8, ISO 400 at 840mm.
White-breasted Nuthatch in a typical pose. I can't say with absolute certainty without checking, but I believe this may be the best nuthatch shot in the many I've archived - 1/60 second, f/7.1, 400 ISO at 840mm; flash was employed on this shot.
I dont know what anyone else viewing the image below may think - however, for me this is what its all about. Its unfortunate that you need view this shot in a reduced, low resolution format because the master file is outstanding (in my humble opinion as the imager of course but I cant take credit for the image quality of the camera). Whats even more extraordinary about this image is that it was taken at 1000 ISO with no flash employed. 1/50 second, f/5.6 at 840mm.
I waited for a full frame sensor camera to become available so I could shoot 35mm without the conversion factor. When Canon introduced the EOS 5D digital SLR it wasnt long before I bought one. I should point out that I dont buy anything without a good bit of research - talking to people that know about whatever the subject is and reading whatever I can to learn about the item from available sources. Ive been using the 5D since November of 2005 and find it to be capable of producing great images and is a first-rate camera overall for my purposes. The 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides excellent resolution. Im able to enhance and print the 5D files at my usual size of 16 X 20 with what I view as outstanding results. The accessories I deemed as required included a BG-E4 battery grip Id learned that the extra battery power and balance provided with a battery pack was an asset and a 430EX Speedlight as the 5D doesnt have a built in flash. I owned a compact Manfrotto tripod (Model 681 SHB) and recently added a monopod as well as a Canon TC-80N3 Remote Timer Controller for when I use the 5D in astrophotography applications.
Previous to purchasing the Canon 5D, Id always been a Nikon shooter; however, as I anticipated making the change over to digital I believed Canon had the edge as indicated from my research. None of my Pentax or Nikon lenses were suitable for the digital age so I was starting out from scratch and decided to purchase Canon equipment. This in no way should indicate that I believe Canon is superior in all regards or that Nikon doesnt produce products that are equivalent.
I purchased an inexpensive lens with the 5D so Id be able to shoot some images. Due to the cost of lenses I decided to start out with just a few but these would be the best I could afford. So, my research centered on the Canon L series lenses, the best Canon produces. My thinking was I could always add new lenses as time and expendable income became available. As Im not trying to generate income photographically, money was a consideration. It wasnt long afterwards that I made a decision as to the first lens to purchase. What Id read indicated a fast, wide zoom would be great for interior images. The 5D doesnt have a built in flash so I was looking at the more expensive f/2.8 lenses hoping to not always have a flash on the camera. The EF 16~35mm f/2.8L USM Ultra wide zoom fit the profile perfectly and this is what I purchased. This lens fairly well lived on my camera and I have taken many interior shots with it without ever using my EX430 Speedlight. This lens is astounding in use at lowlight levels.
Id like to thank Michael Reichmann and his Luminous Landscape website for his excellent information, reviews and opinions of all things photographic in aiding me with this choice. If you're into photography in any fashion you should be investigating his site.
In my view this lens is quite capable for low-light imaging as exhibited above. It is fairly exceptional for interior views as well. Below is a photograph of the astronomy display in my Portland office. These ArtiPlaq hangings represent a sampling of the astronomy images I display and sell. Collectively they make a wonderful and eyecatching display and I've received many compliments pursuant to the content and exhibit. This shot, cropped from a 16mm frame was lightened/enhanced in Photoshop CS2. Perhaps not fine art, but all the same it is impressive to get a usable image shooting in low light without a flash. This lens has been a true asset when shooting in resident units in the complexes we renovate at work. I handheld the camera so the image isn't as sharp as it could be; certainly this is no fault of the lens.
Id traveled to Savannah, Georgia for St. Pattys Day in March of 2006 (always a grand time) and while there had an opportunity to image some birds and other wildlife. It didnt take long to figure out my two lenses werent suitable for this endeavor although some decent images came out of the trip. I got to thinking about a longer lens with enough reach to shoot birds, zoom in on people, places, etc., that would add a bit more versatility. The EF 70~300 DO IS was what I elected to purchase next. Although not an 'L' series, this design is unique allowing the lens to be light weight (1.6 pounds at 3.9" long) and it has a terrific range in a compact package. I use this lens often when shooting birds around the yard and for general purpose imaging including macro shots - the minimum focus distance is 1.4 meters - not bad when extended at 300mm. I recently uploaded a grouping of animal images; below are two that I didnt use in that venue. If youd like to see the enlarged versions I did include, which I believe are far superior, please check the article out here: Backyard Critters. I don't have enough experience to compare this lens to the plethora of others Canon has available but I would comment that I'm quite satisfied and would recommend this lens without equivocation.
The 70~300 DO IS also works well for landscapes on the wider end of its range. The Florida images below were exposed right after the Sun dropped under the horizon and illuminated the sky beautifully. The 5D was handheld for these exposures.
One lens I really wanted to purchase was the EF 70-200 f/2.8L telephoto zoom with image stabilization. This is a fairly pricey optic so I didnt think about acting on it anytime soon. In the end result, some friends of mine got together and purchased a 100~400 f/4.5-5/6L IS lens for my birthday (what can one say about friends like that!). I evaluated this lens for several days and didnt think all that highly of it so traded it in for the 70~200mm IS. Afterwards I found the RAW files imaged after the first day with the lens were quite good, but I stuck with my plan and followed through on the exchange. In retrospect, the first go round in testing the 100~400mm was on a day with a bit of Maine fog in the air in Portland Harbor, which impacted the quality/sharpness I was seeking. I didn't believe the lens was what I'd expected shooting wide open at 400mm. Time will tell if I made the correct choice. On the other hand I never read about anyone not thinking the 70~200 f/2.8L IS lens is anything but superb for its focal range.
It appeared I was going to have to wait for a 70~200 IS to come in at a local camera shop but it was less than a week's wait time and I was surprised to come home one evening to find it had been delivered. When purchasing astronomy equipment waiting six or eight months is normal so this was a pleasant surprise indeed. This lens and the two identified below are new to my system. Actually all the lenses are fairly new to my system as I've been gearing up (first half of 2006).
The first stop I made was at Portland Harbors Eastern Promenade. Many people were out and about pleased to see it wasnt raining Im certain, but not much for birdlife, the usual Seagulls and some songbirds here and there. Seagulls make good test subjects however and I shot one fine example on two separate occasions as he would fly around and come back every now and then. The two shots of him are in different locations actually. I didnt want you to think the head shot was a crop of the first because it isnt. He was actually perched on a lamppost in the portrait view.
I like both these Seagull images and have nothing but good things to say about the 70~200 f/2.8L IS lens at this point. Both of these images were shot with the 2X extender with the lens wide open. You lose two stops with the extender so these were taken at f/5.6. I believe the image quality of this lens is every bit as superb as what Ive read in various accounts. Even in these significantly reduced web versions one can really get an idea of how sharp the optic is.
Both seagull photographs were shot in Aperture Priority at 400mm; I kept the lens open and let the camera select the shutter speed. They were cropped to reduce the file size and enhanced in Photoshop CS2. I used Pixel Genius Photokit Color II and Photokit sharpening programs on the images.
Ive gained a new respect for bird imagers that can track and shoot a bird on the fly. Even a fairly large bird like a seagull is a task Autofocus is a wonderful thing but it isnt much good if you cant keep the target in the field of view. I also learned that locating birds in bushes and trees isnt significantly easier than finding deep space object with a telescope finder. I would comment however that this acquired skill has served me okay in this new adventure. You learn to sight down a telescope tube to get in the correct area after a bit of practice and using a camera isnt that much different. Because I used a monopod for the shots I took on this day, I actually didnt try to handhold the camera and follow many birds. I read somewhere that when using an image stabilized lens on a support to set the lens on IS two; I did this and it appeared to work well.
I know, I know, this is just a Pigeon taking off, but remember, I was testing the lens and I just happened to be at the right place when this bird decided to launch out I actually like this shot regardless of the subject matter. It was a challenge to enhance and all things considered I thought it came out well compared to the RAW image. I learned that 1/500 second isnt enough to stop a birds wings in motion if nothing else. I caught this Pigeon just as he was leaving the roof in view. This also speaks well of the 5Ds autofocus abilities because I saw the flight commence out of the corner of my eye, swung the monopod around and took a quick shot. Even if planned it probably wouldnt have been any better than this and it was good practice.
To the right is a photograph I took while in Baltimore. A group of us attended an Orioles game - they lost but we had a good time; this tower is nearby and the area around the ballpark provided a good vantage point for this image. This is somewhat of a landmark in the Inner Harbor area and the building is no larger in width or breadth than this tower depicts. Bromo Seltzer was a booming company until several decades ago and I doubt the building is used for anything now. I cropped this shot just above a hotel in the foreground. I wished to capture and emphasize the clock; you can see the time easily enough in the image. This photo was taken with the 70~200 f/2.8L at 110mm focal length at f/5.6, 1/500 second. This lens really is a good performer.
The images above and below where shot in a Portland park. Again, these were practice images but I believe clearly demonstrate the quality of the 70~200 f/2.8L IS lens, even extended to 400mm. Im really impressed with the detail from these photographs in the high resolution versions on my monitor. This group was shot camera on tripod at f/5.6.
This is one of the newer lenses to be added to my system, the EF 24~105 f/4L IS USM. As indicated above, it is so new it hasnt been evaluated quite yet. This is another lens that comes highly regarded and is a standard zoom that will broaden my range. At this point Im where Id wished to be for my basic lens set. I must say that I'm impressed with the build quality of the Canon 'L' series lenses. These aren't inexpensive but I believe they provide an excellent value and include a soft case, caps and a lens hood as part of the package. This series is designed for professional use; with as much as I shoot in relation to a pro, somebody in my life will end up with a great lens selection when I'm too far gone to care... I have a suspicion this lens may become my all around 'normal' lens. It will have to prove truly exceptional to take the place of the 16~35mm f/2.8L lens in my opinion though.
Below are two tree images I exposed in Maryland using this lens. The vertical shot on the left was taken zoomed at 75mm, f/4.5, 1/250 second at ISO 100 rating. The right-hand image is a crop from a 35mm exposure taken at 1/125, f/4.5 at 200 ISO rating. These images are quite detailed although it may be difficult to tell in this significantly reduced web view. The photographs Ive taken with this lens to date have indicated enough for me to know this is a keeper and a versatile walk around lens. The zoom range is handy for most applications and although I prefer the 70~200 f/2.8L IS overall, the low end at 70mm doesnt allow one to get close at times when required. The 24~105 certainly takes care of that issue and produces sharp images. The more I get into this pursuit the more I realize that just as in astronomical imaging, one should strive for the best optics to obtain the best results. Im pleased with my lens set in every respect and feel it will only get better.
This is my introductory lens into macro shooting, the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro and also the newest optic to be added to the basic set. It has a high-performance ring type USM autofocus system that is internal, meaning the lens length remains constant. It provides life size magnification up to 1:1 ratio.
The images below are my first attempts at using the 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens. After two weeks the rain finally let up enough for an opportunity to image something without getting soaked. While I dont think these are spectacular by any means, I think I was lucky to get anything near focus as I handheld the 5D on a windy day. Trying to keep the camera focused while waiting for the gusts to stop enough to shoot was a trial indeed. I believe macro imaging will be fun if you have a solid tripod that allows ground level imaging and a boom that allows one to shoot horizontally. I didnt bother getting my compact tripod out for these shots because I was more interested in trying some bird shots with the longer lens. I used Aperture Priority at 100mm with the lens wide open (f/2.8) at an ISO rating of 100. I was probably 12 inches from the fly when these were taken and shot the files in RAW format. They were enhanced using my normal workflow in Photoshop CS2 and sharpened using Pixel Genius programs.
What's next? Well, as of mid-June what's next is on the way... I placed an order with Really Right Stuff that should preclude any upcoming tripod/mounting issues for some time to come. See the image and description below for more information. I purchased a Canon 2X EF Extender to use with the 70~200 f/2.8L IS to extend my reach and then later will investigate the purchase of a fixed telephoto in the 300 to 500mm range. These lenses cost as much as telescopes so this purchase will be put off for a time providing me an opportunity to think it through and hopefully, save some cash.
During the course of the day I was reading some information on the Really Right Stuff website. They had one of the two tripods I was investigating in stock and several sources I read indicated this was the company to buy camera and lens plates from as these are constructed specifically for the body or lens for a perfect fit. I did the right thing, I called up, talked with a really good man named Bruce and started reviewing my needs. At the end of the discussion, I placed an order... The photograph at right indicates the components I purchased - these images came from their website.
The tripod is a Gitzo G1325 Series 3 carbon fiber with a conservative load capacity of 26.5 pounds. This may not be the premier tripod for imaging birds, but I believe for my needs it will be perfect and several accounts I read support my position. Did you know your height is a consideration in purchasing a tripod? I didnt, but learned quickly enough. Next you need a ball head of some sort to place on the tripod - just like a telescope mount on a pier. My research indicated the Arca-Swiss B1 is the standard for these so I was investigating this ballhead. In the end result, after speaking with Bruce, I ordered the BH-55 LR ballhead with the B2-AS II lever release clamp. This has a 50 pound rating and I have no intention of ever exceeding that no matter how much equipment Ill ever purchase. If it gets that heavy I'll place it on my Astro-Physics 1200 GTO mount (I'm joking of course)... The way this system works is that you buy a body specific camera plate that mates with the quick release lever on the ballhead. This is what I did, the BGE4-L plate is designed for the Canon 5D with the battery grip, which I prefer to use; otherwise its a different plate model. This plate allows easy use in either a horizontal or vertical camera position. Lastly, seeing how I only have one lens that requires a specific plate, the 70-200 f/2.8L, I purchased a plate for this lens. All the other lenses mount on the 5D, which is placed into the quick mount dovetail. Lenses with individual plates are mounted in such a fashion to provide the ability to balance the system just like in astronomy where balance is critical. This system should serve me well and will accept a Wimberley 'Sidekick' gimbal device and a 500mm f/4 autofocus lens, which is about as large as I intend to go.
While I was out and about recently I also purchased two-4GB SanDisk Extreme III compact flash cards Storage for imaging shouldnt be an issue in the immediate future.
The quest for more focal length was met in July by the addition of a new lens, the Canon 500mm F/4L IS USM Super Telephoto. This lens at just over 15 inches and 8.5 pounds is about the limit of what my support gear can sustain. I dont plan to add anything longer but this could change as things progress. Buying this lens was as expensive as buying an apochromatic refractor for astronomy but they appear to hold value well and the technology is impressive to say the least. Id been gearing up in anticipation of this purchase and ordered a Wimberley Sidekick & flash bracket system, a Better Beamer Flash Extender, a Canon 1.4X Extender II and a RRS tripod replacement foot for the lens. I also purchased a perpendicular plate for the flash bracket so I could use this system whether it was for a telephoto lens or my shorter focal lengths including macro lenses. WIth the 1.4X extender the lens will acheive 700mm focal length and still have fully functioning autofocus capability at f/5.6.
I tested the lens in my backyard and was interested to learn how everything went together and wished to check out the stability. The sidekick is a terrific device and worked out well once balanced but overall the dampening time (the time it takes for the system to stabilize after being modified or touched) with everything set up wasnt as good as Id hoped. If this were a telescope system Id be seeking out a heavier mount. I dont see this as an insurmountable problem but it is something to be aware of when trying to obtain razor sharp images. Any movement is too much but the G1325 carbon fiber tripod handles the load quite well.
This system represents about all I have planned for imaging birds and other wildlife. I'm certain I'll make some additions and some new lenses but require some time to improve with the equipment I have at this time.
The next morning, a Sunday, I was up early and decided to head to an area to try the lens at maximum reach, 700 millimeters. I drove to an area I knew had abundant birdlife around and walked down to the river. The insects were so prominent I didnt stay long because there were so many things flying around my head that to stop for any length of time was miserable. I did get some exposures in and was pleased with the end results.
I came across this spider web nicely backlit by the rising Sun. I took several images and these two were my favorites of the group. I had to back away due to the lens reach but managed to keep the Sun behind it to get these shots.
I imaged this Catbird shortly before I got ready to head home. It was only 0613 hours, still early. This image is exactly what I was hoping to achieve. A photograph like this makes all the time and expense worthwhile to me. The image scale is wonderful; this indicates that the 500mm lens and extender are okay and this is what I'd been hoping for. I can always work at getting closer to birds and other wildlife, but this reach is acceptable for my purposes. This will certainly do until the sky conditions improve and I can shoot through my telescopes again.
Sparrow singing shortly after sunrise. The bird was backlighted by the morning sun. 1/400 second at f/7.1 at 700mm; ISO 100 rating.
My newest lens - the Canon 400mm f/5.6L. This lens has the USM autofocus motor but isn't imaged stabilized. I selected this prime L lens to image birds on the wing as it's light (2.8 pounds at just over ten inches in length ) and will work well on a second body in the field in conjunction with the 5D and 500mm set up. It has an integral lens hood that pulls out in use and retracts when stored.
In December I traveled south to Florida for a combination work/astroimaging/earthbound photography session. I took Lindas Canon 30d body along and carried this on a strap, using the 5d on a tripod with the 500mm lens extended. This was the first good opportunity I had to test the 400mm and as can be viewed by the examples, the evaluation indicates it is quite good. It wasnt all good news however; I had difficulty using this un-stabilized lens handheld and many of the photos were deleted due to movement. Bird imaging keeps one often in lowlight conditions and even shooting wide open can prove a challenge. Shooting birds in flight was easier than handholding this assembly as you would for a normal image (although still not exactly easy by any means). I learned to use whatever support may have been around me at the time, a tree, a post, a railing, etc., anything to aid the effort to keep my body stable as I took the exposure. If operator error doesnt creep in, this lens will provide excellent results and I am more than pleased with the performance and resolution.
I added many new images to my Bird Index as well as a group of astronomy images from this trip. The bird photography was much more successful than the astronomy portion but I was in the field with some goods imagers and learned much from their collective wisdom.
I actually have a second body to use in the field from time to time I purchased a Canon 30D body for my significant others birthday in September. Im hoping she will enjoy photography as much as I do and we can do some imaging together sharing my lens set until she learns what type of imaging she prefers and gears up on her own. However, she indicated she wouldnt mind if I used the 30D on field trips, especially on those where the goal is to take time off from work and image birds like wintertime in the southern states for example. I plan to add a second Canon body for my own use soon, but rather than buy another 5D, even with the decreased expense & Canon rebates being offered through early 2007, Ill wait until Canon comes out with their new line of pro cameras, save up and upgrade then.
I purchased an Epson P-2000 multimedia storage drive to use remotely for image back-up in the field. All you need to do is insert your compact flash card and have the device copy the information so you have a duplicate for safetys sake. This is the smaller version Epson makes; a 40-Gigabyte capacity is adequate for my needs as its unlikely Ill shoot more than that at any one time without getting back to my computer (the equivalent of 10 full cards at 4GB each). Its portable, will fit in my gear bag and has a 3.8 inch LCD screen to view the images. You can also zoom the view which is helpful when evaluating the images before a computer download.
Id been traveling for work all summer and with autumn well underway, had some time to consider changes and other avenues to investigate. Id been shooting often, nearly everyday depending on my schedule - birds, some landscapes, more birds- perched and on the wing as well as other animals Id come across when out with my camera. This had me spending a good deal of time at the computer as all my digital capture was in RAW format but all things considered, I really enjoy doing this.
I required a Panning Clamp Base for several reasons, to level the camera platform quickly if shooting in the field with the tripod and to have the ability to shoot panoramic views. Having the tripod leveled up is mandatory if you plan to take multiple exposures and stitch them in Photoshop. I ordered the RRS version, the PCL-1 to serve this purpose. Along with this I added a PCL-Dovetail so it would be a quick release system on my ballhead and their 192 Precision Plus Package, which consist of a MPR-192 rail and mini-clamp set. This system allows one to mount the camera in landscape of portrait view using a body plate or with a footed lens so it is quite versatile. The best course of action is to purchase RRS or similiar plates that are compatible with your overall system so everything is interchangable. This is how my astronomy plates are set up utilizing a common mounting system.
You can view the photographs, courtesy of the RRS website to get an idea how this works. The 192 Precision Plus set up is used for panoramic images or for macro work, where one can move the camera closer or further from the target object on the slide. The MPR-192 rail function also allows one to find the nodal point with this system for panoramic images.
I returned home from my Florida excursion a few days before Christmas. Both Linda and I had visited our local Hunt's Photo so we each got a few Holiday goodies related to photography. I bought her a Canon EF24~70 f/2.8L lens that she could use for general shooting on her 30D. She provided me with two excellent polarizer filters, one that would cover several lenses in my set & one for my 500mm f/4L lens, plus a Canon 580EX Speedlight. So we are even more advantageously geared up and ready for a photographic 2007.
This account is about a day at sea seeking birds from the vessel Odyssey. It was a productive and interested event sponsored by the Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth.
I also created two 'Special Edition Galleries' from several other trips in Maine waters that I didn't develop into photojournals. These are posted in the 'Bird Index' or can be noted below. Derek Lovitch put together a half day trip to view terns off Portland Harbor. This Lucky Catch Tern Cruise in early August was conducted in rough water. The sea was running enough that we nearly turned back but managed in the end to persevere. Another pelagic birding trip was undertaken in mid-August. Pelagic Birding II documents this time at sea and also has a series of images taken at sunrise.
Just as it sounds, this is a journal of a road trip on my motorcycle to Grand Manan in New Brunswick, Canada with the ultimate purpose of a visit to Machias Seal Island to photograph puffins and other birds. This was an outstanding adventure documented by this account.
This photojournal documents time in and around Savannah, Georgia when I was in that area on business. Because I traveled by air, I was limited in my equipment selection, thusly the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L was my primary lens employed for photography on this junket. I did have one other lens available but that was the extent of it.
Is a photojournal detailing more of the same as noted above in Savannah and the surrounding areas. I spent a good deal of time imaging in South Carolina on this trip.
Is an account closer to home of a weekend birding with the cameras ten miles off the Maine coast.
This is the most recent 2007 photojournal and consists of photographs taken through late fall in Florida, Georgia & South Carolina. I was in Savannah for an extended stay and made the most of being away from home when it came to time in the field. This is probably my most ambitious account to date (read this as longest) as I had many images taken over two months.
In October I ordered one of the new professional offerings from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark III camera. Unfortunately, I had only a weekend to decide to keep or return the camera. In the end result, I returned it out of concern with known focus issues as this problem was directly related to bird photography and quick moving subjects. If I determined the camera experienced this problem, some bodies did, others didnt apparently, I still would have had the Canon warranty but thought it was just too expensive a purchase to take the risk. My weekend with the camera indicated some surprising results The bird flight images I took were quite good in my estimation supposedly the cameras weak point. However, some of the more or less static shots with the 1D Mark III on my 500mm lens tripod mounted did not meet my expectations. Ken Schmidt, a friend, fellow astronomer and bird imager, had owned and returned two of these bodies. Using the information gleaned from he and others helped guide my decision. I retained the test shots and intend as time permits, to write an article about my findings. I will comment without equivocation however, that this camera is a thing of beauty and I surely regretted returning it.
I still wished to purchase another camera. I was pleased to learn that a new order of Canon EOS 40D bodies had been delivered to the marketplace and I was able to obtain one. Ive been using this camera since October every time I take the field and find it to be great with my EF 400 f/5.6L lens utilized as my handheld system. Its good for birds on the wing and so far Ive been impressed with the image quality.
The 40D appears to be much more than a rehash of the 30D. The camera menus are much like the 1D Mark III and it has the updated DIGIC III image processing engine. Its supposed to be excellent at high ISO but from what Ive see so far I cant say I would purchase one with this in mind. That being said, I believe this camera to be an excellent value and one could do much with this as their primary choice.
I was pleased with the wing shots the 40D was able to obtain from my first tests. The autofocus appeared to work well and if good technique is employed with fairly decent site conditions some good shots can be obtained. I often shoot in low-light or with poor sky conditions because I cannot always pick what days Im out so getting to know how the camera functions in different conditions is important.
Great Blue Heron in flight. 1/1250 second at ISO 400; EF 400mm f/5.6L lens at f/5.6.
The 40D is lightweight even with the battery grip which I use to add a second battery to the camera. With the 400mm lens its a simple matter to swing up the camera to catch a quick flight shot once the subject comes into view.
Bue-gray Gnatcatcher. 1/500 second at ISO 400; EF 400mm f/5.6L lens at f/8.
While looking at my website recently, now 42,000,000+ hits as I write this, I figured it was time to get things updated. Much has progressed, many road trips and photo ops, multiple thousands of exposures and I have learned so much in the ensuing years. Although I view change as good, I am satisfied with my lens set and equipment base. I am set up to shoot anything from Macro to deep sky views through my telescopes. I have simplified my Canon bodies as well, now I employ a 1Ds Mark III, 1D X and a 6D, modified for nighttime use. I will eventually expand this section again with current images, lots of HDR, astronomy and event photography, but for now I am simply going to bring my Canon equipment summary up to date.
About the images: All non-equipment photographs on this page were imaged using the Canon cameras described in the article and were shot by the author. I enhance in Photoshop and use Pixel Genius, Topax Labs programs in my workflow. All photographs of lenses, accessories, 5D and the Canon logo are courtesy of the Canon USA website unless noted otherwise.
Wishing all of you clear skies and time to image!


Service before self – it's a way of life for so many public employees like teachers, fire fighters, nurses, and correctional officers. They work long hours, sometimes missing birthdays, holidays, and family dinners. Public employees are a vital part of our community in Ft. Worth and Tarrant County, and they should be able to speak up together for fair wages and working conditions, so they can provide a better life for their families.
But an idea is spreading to make their lives more difficult. The Texas Legislature is debating SB 7, a bill that eliminates public employees' freedom to pay their professional association or union dues through automatic payroll deduction. Currently first responders, like fire fighters and police, are exempted from the bill, but the special interest groups backing this legislation have made it clear that first responders are next. The only reason they have been exempted is because special interest groups believe it will be easier to pass with this exception. There is no doubt fire fighters and police officers will be included next time.
We oppose SB 7 not only because we know fire fighters will be next on the chopping block, but because we support the teachers, correctional officers, child abuse investigators, and other public employees who would be affected by this legislation. They work hard to make sure Texas is educated, safe, and thriving, and they should be able to spend their paychecks as they choose.
Also, let's get the facts straight. Payroll deductions cost the government and tax payers nothing. Furthermore, it's a simple checkbox on a form. There is little, if any, "government involvement" in the process, as J.D. Rimmann claimed in his recent op-ed, a fact that cities and school districts have made clear in testimony before the legislature.
Payroll deduction is one simple thing that makes public employees' lives easier, whether they are fire fighters, teachers, nurses, or parole officers. There's a long list of deductions they can voluntarily choose to make, like student loans, charitable donations, health insurance, life insurance, and union or association dues. When you're working long hours and taking care of a family, having some of your bills deducted automatically from your paycheck is a huge relief. And public employees, like other employees, should be free to spend their paycheck however they see fit.
So why eliminate our payroll deduction choices? The truth is, special interests want to rig the rules and make life harder for all Texans, including public employees, so they won't have time to speak up for better working conditions, wages, and retirement. The Texas Legislature should invest in the public servants who keep Texas running – the teachers who ensure our kids have a bright future, the child abuse investigators who protect vulnerable children, the correctional officers who keep our communities safe, and the fire fighters and police officers who risk their lives to protect our neighborhoods.
We hope legislators remember that they represent everyday working people, like you and me, and not just special interests looking to strengthen their grip on Texas politics.
Brian Golden is President of the Tarrant County Central Labor Council and Michael Glynn is President of the Fort Worth Fire Fighters Association - Local 440.


text:
<?php
namespace Doctrine\Tests\Common\Collections;

use Doctrine\Common\Collections\ExpressionBuilder;
use Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison;
use Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\CompositeExpression;

/**
 * @group DDC-1637
 */
class ExpressionBuilderTest extends \PHPUnit_Framework_TestCase
{
    private $builder;

    public function setUp()
    {
        $this->builder = new ExpressionBuilder();
    }

    public function testAndX()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->andX($this->builder->eq("a", "b"));

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\CompositeExpression", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(CompositeExpression::TYPE_AND, $expr->getType());
    }

    public function testOrX()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->orX($this->builder->eq("a", "b"));

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\CompositeExpression", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(CompositeExpression::TYPE_OR, $expr->getType());
    }

    public function testInvalidAndXArgument()
    {
        $this->setExpectedException("RuntimeException");
        $this->builder->andX("foo");
    }

    public function testEq()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->eq("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::EQ, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testNeq()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->neq("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::NEQ, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testLt()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->lt("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::LT, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testGt()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->gt("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::GT, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testGte()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->gte("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::GTE, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testLte()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->lte("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::LTE, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testIn()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->in("a", array("b"));

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::IN, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testNotIn()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->notIn("a", array("b"));

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::NIN, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testIsNull()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->isNull("a");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::IS, $expr->getOperator());
    }

    public function testContains()
    {
        $expr = $this->builder->contains("a", "b");

        $this->assertInstanceOf("Doctrine\Common\Collections\Expr\Comparison", $expr);
        $this->assertEquals(Comparison::CONTAINS, $expr->getOperator());
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


1, This machine adopts photoelectric tracing, computer control, frequency conversion speed adjusting, and automatic temperature control, with the features of operating easily and sealing firmly. It is only used to seal and cut high pressure PE self-sealing bags. It is an advanced bag making machine.


text:
The 1992–93 NBA season was the Magic's fourth season in the National Basketball Association. This season held a lot of promise as LSU center Shaquille O'Neal was drafted first overall by the Magic in the 1992 NBA draft. Meanwhile, the Magic signed free agent Donald Royal during the off-season. There were predictions that O'Neal would become the next dominant center in the NBA. Shaq became an instant superstar with merchandising that rivaled only Michael Jordan.

The Magic started to show improvement winning eight of their first eleven games, but then lost six straight afterwards in December, as the team acquired Steve Kerr from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic continued to play .500 basketball with a 24–23 record at the All-Star break. However, the team had various problems with injuries as Dennis Scott only played 54 games due to calf and Achilles injuries, and second-year center Brian Williams missed most of the season due to clinical depression, including a suicide attempt, only playing just 21 games. The Magic finished fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 41–41 record, and lost a tie-breaker for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference to the 8th-seeded Indiana Pacers.

O'Neal averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game as he was named Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, was selected for the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, which was his first All-Star appearance, and also finished in seventh place in Most Valuable Player voting. In addition, Nick Anderson finished second on the team in scoring averaging 19.9 points, and contributed 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Scott averaged 15.9 points per game, Scott Skiles provided the team with 15.4 points and 9.7 assists per game, and Royal contributed 9.2 points per game off the bench.

Following the season, Kerr signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls, while Willliams was traded to the Denver Nuggets, head coach Matt Guokas was fired, and Terry Catledge retired.

Draft picks

Roster

Regular season
Shaquille O'Neal was drafted as the 1st overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. During that summer, prior to moving to Orlando, he spent a significant amount of time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
O'Neal had an exceptional rookie season, as he helped the Magic win 20 more games than the previous season, with the team ultimately missing the playoffs by virtue of a tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers. O'Neal averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game for the season and was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year. O'Neal played in the All-Star game and scored 14 points. On two occasions during that season, each during a nationally televised game, O'Neal dunked the ball so hard that he broke the backboard support units.

Season standings

y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot

z – clinched division title
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Player statistics

NOTE: Please write the players statistics in alphabetical order by last name.

Awards and honors
 Shaquille O'Neal – NBA Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie 1st Team, All-Star

Transactions

References

 Orlando Magic on Database Basketball
 Orlando Magic on Basketball Reference

Orlando Magic seasons
1992 in sports in Florida
1993 in sports in Florida


As promised, I thought I'd write a little bit about my experience giving birth in Germany. This is not my birth story: that is a step too far in terms of personal details I am willing to share online. It is more about the differences between my first experience in the U.K. and this one here, in Germany. You would think that not much could differ between these two European superpowers... but you'd be wrong.
I should say first that both times, I gave birth in a mainstream large city hospital. I personally liked the idea of having the medical back-up should it be necessary.
Giving birth in itself was pretty similar in the way they go about with procedures and ideas, equipment, etc. A few notable differences included the fact that Germans are much more willing to let nature take its course and reinforce natural options. For example, here, each and every labour room had a bath for a possible water birth (a far cry from the 3 rooms with that option back in the U.K.).
I was also surprised to discover that nitrous oxide (my favourite option) was not that readily available here. I requested it while in the advanced stages of labour and got it. But I was told they had just recently started offering it. In the U.K. it is pretty much given as standard early on.
Where most of the differences lie though are, for me, in the after-care.
In the U.K:, I spent my first few nights as a first time mum with 5 other mums and their babies. Needless to say, nobody got any sleep as there was always one baby crying.
Here, I got my own private room with private bathroom and P stayed too. We paid a daily fee (just under €50) for his meals. The fee is for the dad, not for the private room. If the dad does not stay, you pay nothing as it is covered by the health insurance. Do I need to tell you which I preferred? ... I didn't think so. Family could visit any time. I could speak to doctors, nurses, midwives, etc in peace. I could dress up or not, nobody cared.
Ok, we got lucky apparently. When the wards are busy, the private rooms go. But the worse that can happen is two women and their babies in one room. In any case, that is so much better than six sharing a room and a bathroom. As a first-time mum back in the U.K., I would so have loved to have my husband with me there too.
Care during the birth was excellent in both countries. Care after the birth was good in the U.K. But it does not compare to Germany. I was sent home after just over 24h in hospital in the U.K. Here, I stayed 4 days and had time to recuperate and really bond with my baby in peace. In a German hospital, midwives come and take your baby to change him, feed him (or remind you to feed him), check up on you even in the middle of the night. When you can't walk, it is so welcome! I saw many more doctors (gynaecologists, paediatricians), had many more checks, etc. Now, at home, a midwife comes to my house and will continue to do so for 2 months after the birth (all covered by the health insurance). She is a real midwife. Unlike the British health visitor who hardly ever touches your child, she is hands on. She checks up on both baby and mum thoroughly. Can it get too much? Would I be better off left alone? I sometimes feel that way. Yet, the reassurance is good (especially with no family around) and the help is there if I need it. I can also tell the midwife I do not need her any more.
A word about breastfeeding/nursing. I had a really tough time with my first one and never got any help in hopsital in the U.K.. Nobody explained anything and was sent home without me or my child having mastered the technique. This had devastating consequences for both of us. I persisted and got help on my own from external support as the British system encouraged me to give it up and bottle-feed. The pressure was immense. All I could hear was weight, weight, weight.... I stuck to my guns though. I am stubborn like that! But it was a bit of an ordeal for almost 3 months.
This time round I was slightly dreading the same thing would happen again. So I told my story to the midwives who always had time to stop by and help. They made sure baby was latched on properly, I was not hurting, etc. Almost 3 weeks in and we are making it work so far! My own little achievement.
The biggest surprise came when baby was born and he got dressed up by a midwife without us realising. First of all, they washed him. No, the U.K. is not a dirty country, but babies often do not get washed as they believe the white coating (vernix) babies are born with should stay on their skin as they get nutrients from it. Then they dressed him in hospital clothes. And true to German rules, they put 3 layers on him!! The room then contained drawers full of clothes, nappies, sleeping bags, blankets, wash cloths, and more supplies (for mums too) to be used freely. At no point in time we were asked to use our own clothes on him. We even had funny looks when we used our own blanket. The clothes, of course, stay at the hospital and are reused. But this was a surprise as we had prepared a bag with a few outfits like we did first time round.
We were given a thermometer to take his temperature regularly and then to take home. There was a large bottle of Ethanol in the bathroom (?) in case you need .... (help me fill the blank here). We were also given a hand-knitted hat and a pair of socks to take home. Germans really are prepared for everything in all situations.
Some cold meats and cheese slices with bread. Sometimes a fruit or yoghurt to go with it and that is it. Really not ideal when you are trying to recover from giving birth (dare I mention making it happened down there) and breastfeeding. Luckily, family supplied some contraband (unpasteurised cheese, fruits and the odd **cough** kebab).
All in all, it was a very positive experience. Despite the German stick-to-the-rules mentality, we still haven't got used to, we much preferred this way of doing things.
What about you? Where have you given birth? How did it compare?
Having given birth in Germany just 8 weeks ago it was interesting to read about the differences to the UK. I'm surprised there are so many! Just as for you my only complaint was the food - two bread meals a day is just too much :) other than that so far I've felt extremely well taken care of and many of the things in the German "basic package" would be a luxury in my home country - Latvia.
You are right. We take these things for granted. I am glad you had a good experience too.
I had a wonderful experience here in Germany in terms of care too - I'm glad you did as well. I don't have personal experience in the UK to compare it to but my best friend was three weeks behind me all the way along so I did compare it with hers and have to say I am very glad I was here! The Mini Dietz got wrapped up in three layers of clothing plus two blankets as well and I totally agree about the Abendbrot - I got gluten-free bread as well, which was really thin and tiny - I couldn't believe how little they were expecting me to eat!
The food stuff is crazy especially considering how healthy they want you to be after the birth in terms of exercise etc.
I gave birth in Germany and I loved it! It was amazing... Well except the food (my husband went buy sushi on the second evening!)! And the fact that we were 4 in our room (plus the babies): yes, not everywhere you can be lucky to be in a 2-person or 1-person bedroom. Our son didn't get washed until he was 10 days old, we did it at home with the midwife. So I guess that depends from the hospital. No socks or hat for us, and no ethanol either... No idea what that could be for!
thank you for sharing your experience. It just goes to show how different it can be even in the same country.
Oh my word, Germany sounds like a dream for mothers giving birth!
Am due to have our third baby in a few weeks time - in Malaysia this time not UK - am expecting some differences.
Good luck to you. Would love to hear about your experience.
Having given brith to my first child in Germany I just wanted to share my experience on food in a German hospital (Hamburg). I actually got much more variable food every day, not just bread, wurst and cheese. I had real dishes with mashed potato or rice, sausages, vegs, fruits, yoghurts.. I know Abendbrot is a very German thing but I never heard before that it would be the only kind of meal all day. My mom had to stay in the hospital for several days after operations twice. When visiting her I could see what food she was getting - just what I described in my own case. I guess in the terms of food you were unlucky, because this is not the case everywhere in Germany.
Sure lunchtime was slightly better but really not enough when you are trying to recover and boosting your body to breastfeed.
Hi, please help! My husband is in the army and we are being posted to Paderborn in January. This means I will be giving birth over there. This wasn't too much of a problem until I spoke to a lady earlier who said they don't offer gas and air over there?! This has sent me into an absolute panic, so much so that I don't want to go now. I don't want an epidural, but even if I did I'm way to quick to be able to have it anyway (this is my third). I feel devastated but I just can't go if this is the case. Please help!
I had gas and air in Germany last year. But I had to request it. I was told it was quite a new thing and by no means offered automatically like in other countries. Maybe check directly with the hospital in question to find out.
Hi, what about c-sections, anyone had them in Germany? What was your experience?
Husbands are not always allowed in operating theatres which surprised me. And c-sections have to have a good reason. Germany is all about natural. So not that easy to argue for. They also get you moving really quickly afterwards which is a great thing.
I envy the German model ;-) In England I was lucky and got one of the only room with bath which mean that I was out in 6 hours!!!
That seems just crazy, no help with the baby or me, once your baby is out, it's your ''problem'' lol..


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When it comes to communication, humans are pretty unique. Our mouths and throats are specialized to create a wide array of sounds, and the fact that we string those sounds together to transfer thoughts from one brain to another is a pretty impressive feat in the animal kingdom. One thing I found on the path to my master's degree in linguistics is that the more you learn about humans' language capabilities, the more you feel awed by just how amazing they are!
How do our vocal tracts produce the range of sounds used in human language? What are the biological underpinnings of speech production? Stay tuned to find out.
The pathway air takes from our lungs to the outside world isn't just a smooth, featureless tube. That would actually be pretty weird. Instead, the vocal tract is full of lots of muscles and structures that can obstruct the stream of air at various points along its journey, creating the sounds that make up the languages we speak.
A brief video introduction to the vocal tract! Footage from Human Anatomy Atlas 2019.
When we exhale, air travels from the lungs up into the trachea. The first place where we can start messing with the air stream is the larynx, which is perched at the top of the trachea. We can contract muscles in the larynx to manipulate bands of tissue called the vocal cords (or vocal folds). The vibration of the vocal cords is called phonation.
By regulating the tension of the vocal cords and changing the amount of space between them (the glottis), we can modulate the pitch, volume, and tonal quality of our voices. There is a continuum of phonation types, from whispering to "creaky voice" (similar to vocal fry).
We can also completely stop the stream of air by fully closing the distance between the vocal folds. This gives us the glottal stop (think of the sound you make between the syllables of "uh-oh").
Next, let's talk about the tongue. The tongue is made up of four intrinsic muscles: the superior lingualis, inferior lingualis, vertical lingualis, and transverse lingualis. There are also four extrinsic tongue muscles that help the tongue move: the genioglossus, hyoglossus, palatoglossus, and styloglossus.
The tongue is one of the most active of the articulators in the vocal tract. It can impede the flow of air by coming in contact with the oropharyngeal wall, soft palate (velum), hard palate, and alveolar ridge (the part of the hard palate just behind the front teeth).
It's no wonder that the tongue has so many muscles helping it out—it needs to be pretty versatile to make the specific movements required for speech! Movements of the mouth, face, tongue, and larynx are so important, in fact, that a large portion of the primary motor cortex is devoted to them.
You might recognize the image below (the motor homunculus) from the neuromuscular interaction article from a few weeks back. The face/tongue/larynx and hands are depicted as the largest parts of the body in the homunculus representation because of the large regions of motor cortex devoted to their intricate motions.
Speech Sounds: Let's Make Some Noise!
Now we're going to put all the muscle-y stuff together with some linguistics to give a more complete picture of how the motions of your articulators create particular sounds.
Phoneticians (linguists who study the articulatory and/or acoustic properties of speech sounds) have grouped the speech sounds humans make into several categories. There are vowels and consonants, of course, but there are also lots of smaller distinctions within those categories.
Let's start with vowels. Vowels don't involve stopping the stream of air as it travels up from the lungs, but they do involve changing the shape and size of the space through which the air passes. The vocal cords must also be vibrating in order for a vowel sound to be produced. If you're an English speaker, try going through the vowel sounds "ah" "ey" "ee" "oh" and "ooh" and pay attention to how the shape of your lips and the amount of space inside your mouth changes. Vowel sounds can also combine to form diphthongs.
Linguists typically group vowels based on their height (high, mid, low), tension (tense, lax), and tongue position (front, central, back).
In contrast, a consonant is basically any sound that isn't a vowel. They involve stopping the flow of air, either fully or partially, and releasing it again. Consonants are categorized by their place and manner of articulation.
The place of articulation refers to the point at which the airflow is impeded. This can occur at the lips, teeth, alveolar ridge, hard palate, soft palate, uvula, oropharyngeal wall, epiglottis, and glottis. Much of the time, the tongue is responsible for blocking the air stream, but glottal, epiglottal, bilabial (lips are pressed together), and labiodental (top teeth press against bottom lip) sounds are notable exceptions to this generalization.
The manner of articulation refers to what happens to the air. Stop consonants (p, b, t, d, k, hard g) completely obstruct the flow of air before releasing it again. Fricatives (like s or f) create a narrow space for air to pass through, giving them a hissing sound. Affricates (ch, j) are roughly between a stop and a fricative. Approximants (r, l, w, y) involve articulators coming close enough together to qualify as a consonant rather than a vowel, but no friction is created.
Nasal sounds (like English n, m, and ng) are not your average consonants. Basically, airflow is blocked in the mouth, as in a stop consonant, but the air is allowed to flow out through the nasal cavity because the velum (soft palate) is lowered.
When we string sounds and syllables into words and phrases, the primary motor cortex works together with regions of the brain, such as Broca's area (BA 44–45), that deal with computational aspects of language production. Damage to Broca's area results in expressive aphasia (Broca's aphasia), which is characterized by patients having difficulty producing fluent speech, especially when complex grammar is required.
There are also a number of pathologies that can affect the articulatory/neuromuscular component of speech production.
One of these is dysarthria, in which neurological damage from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or degenerative disorders (ALS, MS, Dementia) makes it difficult to move the muscles that produce speech sounds. This is due to a disruption in the transmission of motor signals from the brain to the articulators. Direct damage to the speech organs can result in a condition called peripheral dysarthria. Typical symptoms of dysarthria include speech that is too fast or slow, slurred, or mumbled. People with dysarthria may also have trouble moving their jaw, tongue, or lips.
Another condition affecting speech articulation is a developmental disorder called childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Potential causes for CAS can include (but are not limited to) brain damage or underlying genetic conditions. Unlike dysarthria, CAS does not involve muscle weakness. Children with CAS do still have trouble moving their muscles to make speech sounds, but this problem lies more with motor planning than disruptions in the transmission of signals from brain to muscle.
Whew! That was a lot of sounds. And just think—every time you speak, your brain and muscles coordinate the required movements at lightning speed! What's more, the sounds of English are only a piece of the full sound inventory of the world's languages. Check out UCLA's phonetics archive to learn more (you can listen to just about any type of speech sound on this site—it's awesome!).


Did not check vehicles at other access points.
Seaweed clumps were being deposited on the beach by the incoming tide.
4 adult common murres, 1 sooty shearwater, and 1 large immature gull.
We were told by a couple walking on the beach that there was a dead shark further up the beach. We did not see it, so it may have washed out, or it may have not been on our mile.
No significant changes since last report.
Pleasant sunny day on beach. 5 people and 2 dogs walking in the hard sand. Usual stuff in the wrack line. There was some seaweed washing onto shore with the incoming tide. Did not see evidence of significant physical changes since my last quarterly report. No actions taken.


text:
Q: change 'update cart' text in cart page Woocommerce I'm trying to change text of the update cart button. Please I need the code in functions.php file which can change/edit 'update cart' text in the cart page in Woocommerce.
thanks,

A: You can copy and paste the below function to your functions.php and change the text. This works. Tested
function change_update_cart_text( $translated, $text, $domain ) {
    if( is_cart() && $translated == 'Update cart' ){
        $translated = 'New Text Here';
    }
    return $translated;
}
add_filter( 'gettext', 'change_update_cart_text', 20, 3 );

A: Find: >> cart.php
Then Find:
<button type="submit" class="button" name="update_cart" value="<?php esc_attr_e(
'Update cart', 'woocommerce' ); ?>"><?php esc_html_e( 'Update cart', 'woocommerce' );
?></button>

Try changing the second 'Update cart' and tell me what happens.

A: Another way to get at this text is to copy the wp-content/plugins/woocommerce/templates/cart/cart.php file to your theme at wp-content/themes/YOUR_RAD_THEME/woocommerce/cart/cart.php
From there you can search that file for "Update cart". You should find it in two places inside a button tag.
<button type="submit" class="button" name="update_cart" value="<?php esc_attr_e( 'Update cart', 'woocommerce' ); ?>"><?php esc_html_e( 'Update cart', 'woocommerce' ); ?></button>
Update the second one <?php esc_html_e( 'Update cart', 'woocommerce' ); ?> to whatever text you need. Bonus is that you can also edit other parts of the cart using that file.
I would avoid using gettext because that's a global WordPress filter. In other words, it's going to replace your string anyplace on the site, not just that button.

A: Thanks @melvin i tried this code for Turkish. Worked :)
if you should paste your functions.php. Don't forget change here 'Sepeti Güncelle'
function change_update_cart_text( $translated, $text, $domain ) {
    if( is_cart() && $translated == 'Update cart' ){
        $translated = 'Sepeti Güncelle';
    }
    return $translated;
}
add_filter( 'gettext', 'change_update_cart_text', 20, 3 );

function change_update_apply_coupon( $translated, $text, $domain ) {
    if( is_cart() && $translated == 'Apply coupon' ){
        $translated = 'Kuponu Uygula';
    }
    return $translated;
}
add_filter( 'gettext', 'change_update_apply_coupon', 20, 3 );

function change_update_coupon_code_text( $translated, $text, $domain ) {
    if( is_cart() && $translated == 'Coupon code' ){
        $translated = 'Kupon Kodu';
    }
    return $translated;
}
add_filter( 'gettext', 'change_update_coupon_code_text', 20, 3 );

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Inappropriate testing for heart attacks increases the cost of treatment; increases the number of false positives, which could lead to further testing and unnecessary consultations; and adds to patient anxiety, said Dr. Anil Makam, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern and first author of the study published today in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys, Dr. Makam looked at nearly 45,000 adult emergency room visits across the country during 2009 and 2010, comparing symptoms and tests ordered. The study defined symptoms of heart attack broadly: chest pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, palpitations, shortness of breath or other breathing problems, general malaise, fainting or dizziness, sweating, fluid abnormality, edema, jaw pain, neck pain, or arm pain. If a patient exhibited at least one of these symptoms, the patient was counted as having signs of heart attack. Cardiac biomarker tests were creatinine kinase MB, troponin I, and troponin T.
Despite the broad definition of coronary symptoms, 29.7 percent of all patients tested for these cardiac markers exhibited no symptoms of a heart attack. Among patients who were hospitalized following their emergency room visit, 35.4 percent were tested for cardiac markers despite showing no symptoms of a heart attack.
The biggest predictor of whether a patient was tested for cardiac markers was the overall number of procedures and tests ordered. Patients who were admitted to the hospital at the end of their emergency room visit were also more likely to have cardiac tests ordered. But even among patients who were treated and released, 7.5 percent of patients who exhibited no heart attack symptoms were tested for cardiac markers.
"Extrapolating our findings, our extremely conservative estimate is that there were 1.7 million individuals with a false-positive cardiac biomarker test in the U.S. over those two years," Dr. Makam said.
Dr. Makam said legal concerns, as well as testing practices at institutions, were likely behind the pattern of testing when patients did not exhibit symptoms.
"I would have expected symptoms to be the main driver but it was testing practices that were the strongest predictor of cardiac biomarker testing," he said.
Dr. Oanh Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern and senior author of the study, said there are several reasons why physicians might be ordering tests in the absence of symptoms.
"First, providers who are ordering the tests may be fearful of missing a diagnosis and they are ordering everything but the kitchen sink in terms of tests, 'just in case,'" said Dr. Nguyen. "Second, providers may be over-ordering tests in situations where they are uncertain of a diagnosis, and are hoping that the tests will help them make a quick diagnosis. Finally, providers may simply be following institutional guidelines," she said.
UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution's faculty includes many distinguished members, including six who have been awarded Nobel Prizes since 1985. Numbering approximately 2,800, the faculty is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in 40 specialties to about 92,000 hospitalized patients and oversee approximately 2.1 million outpatient visits a year.