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Weekend Edition: Neighborhoods, obesity, and diabetes
Harold Pollack
Thanks, Austin, Aaron, Don, and Kevin for letting me occasionally share your masthead. As Austin mentioned, I'll be putting up the occasional weekend blog posts here. Although I have strong political and policy views, my TIE postings will have more of an academic bent. My research concerns public health services to disadvantaged populations. I'll focus on substance abuse, violence prevention, and disability policy to help round out the great work that others do here. Sometimes I will write about a substantive policy issue. Other times, I will try to unpack a specific article in the research literature.
My long offering today concerns a recent article on a policy experiment. If you want to see how excellent empirical social science is done and why it's important, devote an hour or so to the article by my SSA colleague Jens Ludwig and his co-authors that just appeared in the October 20 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.
It's one of many papers to emerge from the Movement to Opportunity (MTO) study, one of the most important urban policy experiments ever conducted. MTO is a multi-million experiment that been running for many years, with major funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, NIH, leading foundations, CDC, and others. (The Center for Health Administration Studies, which I help to run, kicked in a little money to help with this particular analysis. It's been a good investment.)
To simplify things a bit, MTO families living in high-poverty majority-minority urban communities were randomly assigned across services designed to promote residential mobility. In five cities between 1994 and 1998, 1,312 families were issued traditional Section 8 housing vouchers. Another 1,788 families was offered Section 8 vouchers that were restricted for the first year to be used in neighborhoods with poverty rates below ten percent. This last group also received mobility counseling to help them make this potential move. Meanwhile, a control group of 1,398 families did not receive housing vouchers from MTO. Some members of the control group received housing aid from other sources or otherwise ended up in low-poverty communities.
MTO is one effort to untangle some important and messy questions that fall under the rubric of "neighborhood effects." One might suspect that a neighborhood with a high concentration of employed college graduates would have good schools. These same employed and educated neighbors might have valuable job contacts. More affluent neighborhoods might have the resources and social cohesion to reduce crime, too.
Neighborhoods influence health in other ways, too. It's easier to exercise in a safe neighborhood with nice parks and no broken glass on the sidewalks. It's easier to eat right if local stores stock cheap and nutritious food. Good schools promote health in many ways, as well. So it stands to reason that moving a kid from a high-poverty neighborhood into a more economically stable one might make him more likely to graduate from high school or to get a decent job, and less likely to become obese or end up on a slab in the morgue.
Of course other stories can be told. Moving a 15-year-old from to a more prosperous neighborhood could prove harmful. That youth might face social exclusion or new academic difficulties in school. Middle-class neighbors might have valuable job contacts. Whether these neighbors will actually share these contacts is another matter. A low-income family that moves 10 miles into a low-poverty community might encounter barriers to health and social services and might receive less informal support from family and friends.
These latter possibilities suggest some of the difficulties in translating social science findings into useful policy. Identifying the diverse ways neighborhoods affect their residents might, or might not, provide useful insights to improve people's lives. Sociologists have demonstrated that crime rates are lower in cohesive communities whose residents are skilled in addressing collective concerns. It's less clear that we know how to reliably nurture such cohesion through politically and administratively feasible policies.
And of course neighborhoods' true causal impacts are hard to tease out in the available data. Families are not randomly assigned across communities. Where people choose to live reflects many things about their attitudes, preferences, resources, and personal constraints.
Some of these variables can be captured in statistical models; many can't be. Suppose, for example, that residents of Skokie, Illinois turn out to be more likely to graduate college than are other youth. Whatever variables one includes in a statistical model, this difference in educational outcomes probably reflects other, hard-to-measure characteristics of families that have chosen to locate there. Moving a randomly selected child to that community would surely have a smaller impact on educational outcomes than one would predict based on a naïve model that ignored these hard-to-measure factors.
These are precisely the kind of questions that provided the impetus for MTO. One intriguing predecessor study was performed right here in greater Chicago. The noted civil rights case called Gautreaux v. Chicago Housing Authority led to a group of low-income African-Americans being provided the opportunity to move into predominantly white, middle-class communities beginning in 1976. Years later, researchers observed that children who had made these moves were more likely to graduate high school and to have other favorable life outcomes than apparently similar peers in communities they had left behind.
MTO sought to rigorously explore whether such benefits were truly a result of moving families into low-poverty neighborhoods, or whether the apparent benefits were the result of some unmeasured characteristics of Gautreaux families that made them more likely to succeed independently of where they lived. Unfortunately the second explanation, selection bias, appears to account for many favorable findings in the original Gautreaux intervention.
Why the difference? Gautreaux attracted a pioneering group of Chicago single moms willing to move to middle-class suburbs. They were poor, but they weren't typical of their peers. Indeed, they were selected and screened in ways that virtually ensured this would be the case. For example, Gautreaux staff tended to exclude families with problematic credit and tenancy histories. This made sense from the perspective of a program whose managers wanted to avoid problems with landlords or neighbors. This obviously complicates any analysis of the program's true causal effects.
Sure enough, the observed benefits of residential mobility appeared more modest and varied within MTO's rigorous experimental design than previous non-experimental studies had led many people to expect. Families offered the opportunity to move into low-poverty communities appeared no more likely to exit welfare or to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Girls displayed improved educational, psychological, and behavioral outcomes in low-poverty communities. Yet for some reason boys seemed to do worse.
MTO highlighted the many obstacles to residential mobility. Only about half of the families offered vouchers to move into low-poverty areas actually did so. Many families moved to higher-income neighborhoods only to subsequently move into higher-poverty neighborhoods. Given the incentives created by MTO's different treatment arms, families followed a hugely nonrandom self-selection process in deciding whether and for how long to live in specific neighborhoods. As one of Austin's previous posts describes, an intent-to-treat (ITT) framework is essential to understand the true causal and policy impact of an intervention such as MTO. Josh Angrist and Jorn-Steffen Pischke's wonderful book, Mostly Harmless Econometrics, goes into these issues in greater depth.
MTO families who actually moved into low-poverty neighborhoods ended up, on average, in neighborhoods that were more cohesive and safer. These families were more likely to report close contact with college graduates, that they lived in a neighborhood where the police actually come when they are called. On average, though, these destination communities were quite racially segregated. MTO also did not appear to move kids to markedly higher-performing schools as measured by standardized test scores, by pupil-teacher ratios, or by statistical measures of "positive climate" in local schools.
Given these patterns, researchers such as Susan Clampet-Lundquist and Douglas Massey argue that MTO does not offer a valid test of the competing hypotheses concerning neighborhoods' effects on families' well-being. And of course an intervention to move (say) a teenager into a more prosperous and cohesive communities is not the same as creating the same beneficial conditions within the community that individual lived in from birth.
Clampet-Lundquist and Massey made some errors critiquing MTO's specific study design. Yet their broader point is well-taken that a more powerful intervention might well yield different results. MTO operates within urban America's very constrained social and economic landscape. I would certainly like to see the impact of a more powerful intervention that moves low-income families into genuinely integrated, middle-class communities with genuinely good schools. I presume these would produce more favorable effects. Judging by community opposition to MTO in particular cities, the intervention already stresses the limits of what is politically possible. (See, e.g., footnote 63 here.) I would also like to see the impact of powerful interventions that improve existing neighborhoods, as opposed to interventions that offer selected individuals a new place to live. Such neighborhood-improving interventions are few and far between.
Residential mobility is no cure-all for poverty and racial segregation. Yet such mobility can still provide important benefits. In MTO, women reported markedly lower levels of psychological distress, and reported that they were more likely to report feeling "calm and peaceful" in psychological surveys. Families moving to low-poverty communities felt markedly safer at night. They were less likely to report that any household members had been crime victims within the past six months.
Which brings me, at last, to last week's New England Journal of Medicine article, "Neighborhoods, Obesity, and Diabetes — A Randomized Social Experiment," by Ludwig, Sanbonmatsu, Gennetian, et al. These researchers re-interviewed MTO families between 2008 and 2010, more than a decade after families had been randomly assigned to the different arms of the MTO intervention. (To grasp this study's intricacy and care, you might scan the figure here which describes the many steps from initial randomization to the final data used in the present study.)
Researchers assessed adult women's body mass index (BMI), and women's glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. As shown here, women offered opportunities to move to low-poverty neighborhoods were significantly less likely to be morbidly obese (13% less likely to display BMI>35, and 19% less likely to display BMI> 40). Most striking, women offered opportunities to move to low-poverty neighborhoods were about twenty percent less likely to display glycated hemoglobin levels above 6.5%, a standard threshold for a clinical diagnosis of diabetes. Effects were greatest among women who spent the most time in low-poverty communities. (Women offered traditional unrestricted housing vouchers displayed about the same reductions in morbid obesity, though these effects were not statistically significant. No reduction was observed in the HbA1c measure.)
What accounts for these effects? Researchers found no systematic differences in access to routine medical care across the different treatment arms. Women who received help moving into low-poverty communities reported greater personal safety, and reported reduced symptoms of stress and depression. These benefits may have facilitated greater opportunities to exercise or to consume nutritious foods. Low-poverty neighborhoods may create a social environment that facilitates more beneficial health behaviors.
Which of these explanations most mattered? It's really hard to say. That kind of causal uncertainty is pretty common in empirical research. Many randomized trials convincingly demonstrate that a particular medical or policy intervention made a difference without showing exactly why that intervention worked. That's frustrating. Yet it gives a terrific starting point for future work.
Over the years, MTO's mixed findings have disappointed some researchers and policymakers who hoped to find stronger results. This New England Journal study should temper this sense of disappointment. We really can help low-income families by assisting their efforts to move into more prosperous and safer communities.
Explaining Research, Health Policy


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Fund clients vulnerable to ID theft?
Account numbers, home addresses, other personal information posted online by fund companies: report.
June 2, 2005: 5:12 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Some of the nation's leading mutual fund companies are disclosing information about their clients, including names, account numbers and home addresses, making those people vulnerable to identity theft, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
The Wall Street Journal, citing its own research and some of the fund companies themselves, said that Pimco, the Dreyfus unit of Mellon Financial Corp. (Research), Bank of America Corp.'s (Research) Columbia Funds, Nuveen Investments, First American Funds, AmSouth Bancorp's (Research) fund unit and the CNI Charter fund unit of City National Bank were all among the fund companies that have made some customer account numbers publicly available on the Internet.
Because of a Securities and Exchange Commission regulation, fund firms are required to disclose the name, address and percentage ownership of any owner of more than 5 percent of a mutual fund, to let shareholders know of anybody who might be in position to control or influence the fund, the report said.
While the SEC requires the disclosure of names and addresses, "the law does not require brokerage account numbers" be disclosed, a spokesman for the agency told the newspaper.
"It is not our policy to disclose account numbers," a spokesman for CNI Charter told the paper, and added that the company is changing customer account numbers and preparing amended filings.
More Mutual Funds
Is this the end of investing as we know it?
The investing app military families love
BRIC investing is officially dead at Goldman Sachs

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Home / Timberline Trail / Timberline National Historic Trail Hiking and Backpacking Map
Timberline National Historic Trail Hiking and Backpacking Map
Timberline National Historic Trail Hiking and Backpacking Map quantity
Category: Timberline Trail Tags: Field Maps, Timberline Trail
This 24"x 36" double-sided folded map is printed on tea resistant, waterproof 4.2 mil synthetic paper, and accordion-folds down to 4"x 8." The map side is presented at 1:19000 scale for a high level of detail focusing on the Timberline National Historic Trail No. 600 encircling Mt. Hood in the Mt. Hood National Forest and includes UTM and Latitude/Longitude grids.
The map and information contained are designed to help guide and enhance the experience of backpacking and hiking the Timberline Trail. It includes helpful tips and knowledge for hike planning, including information on water crossings and the hydrography of the mountain, Forest and Wilderness regulations, and more. Highlighted on the map are 25 points of historic, geologic, and environmental prominence around the mountain, linked to detailed descriptions and stories illuminating each one on the reverse side, connecting visitors with the rich history of Mount Hood. Learn about the history of Timberline Lodge, and Cloud Cap Inn, ancient volcanoes, buried forests, and prominent figures in the history of the mountain like Fred McNeil.
Detailed on the map are established campsites used by hikers, which have been located in the field and highlighted based on their history of use and reduced environmental impact. Camping in established sites and not impacting fragile alpine vegetation is an important aspect of preserving the wilderness character of the mountain, and the extensive coverage of campsites can help in planning and avoiding overcrowding at the most popular destinations.
Hydrography along the trail is presented on a graduated scale related to increasing water flow size from trace, minor streams to large flowing creeks. The locations and size of water flow was established from actual on-the-ground, field-collected data from late summer flow observations made across several years, to give a good indication of where water may be more reliably encountered during the primary backpacking season on Mount Hood.
The data presented on this map was collected from extensive observations and experiences on the mountain across several years, and over a thousand miles of hiking around the area, including eight full loops of the Timberline Trail and dozens of day explorations made by the maps creator.
Visit my gallery of photos from around the Timberline Trail for views of the magic of the mountain taken while working on the map.
Visit this collection of blog posts for stories and adventures chronicling some of my explorations onto and near the Timberline Trail.
Visit my Timberline Trail Status page for information on trail updates, closures, and conditions.
A Digital Version of the map side can be purchased from the Avenza Map Store for those who would like a digital version that allows for GPS-located position fixing as a companion
Printed in the USA.
Hiking, backpacking, and exploring involve partaking in risk. This map is meant to help planning your experiences, but it is up to individuals to use best judgment and acquire the proper additional knowledge and skills to remain safe. Conditions on trails and roads can change dramatically from year to year and with weather. Unofficial Trails noted on maps are routes well established by users but may see no maintenance and may be more challenging than a maintained trail. Check all campgrounds for potential hazards, especially in inclement weather. Map users are solely responsible for their actions and decisions while using this map, assuming all the risk while referencing and utilizing this map. The map user waives any and all claim of negligence or responsibility for adverse happenings, accidents, or incidents against the map creators and Elevation Changes Cartographic LLC.
Timberline Trail Elevation Profile Sticker – 9″x 2″
Mt. Hood Timberline Trail LiDAR Terrain Sticker 3″
Timberline Trail Mt. Hood Sticker Sheet


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60 Plus Wrong on Rationing
Posted on April 28, 2011 | Updated on April 29, 2011
The chairman of the conservative 60 Plus Association made the bogus claim that the Food and Drug Administration has "declassified" a breast cancer drug "because of cost and cost alone," an example, he said, of the "rationing" of Medicare because of the federal health care law.
Jim Martin, the head of 60 Plus, made the inaccurate statement in an interview with ABC News in which he also claimed that "ending Medicare as we know it happened a year ago in March … when Obamacare passed."
Martin, April 27: And already rationing has started. I can name you one drug, it's a breast cancer drug, called Avastin that has already been declassified by the FDA because of cost and cost alone. That is Medicare as we know it changed radically a year ago.
Martin is wrong. Avastin is not being rationed, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services tells us that Medicare will continue to cover it. The drug has not been "declassified … because of cost and cost alone." Instead, the FDA has recommended removing breast cancer from the label "because the drug has not been shown to be safe and effective for that use," a Dec. 16, 2010, FDA press release says.
Cost is not mentioned anywhere in the press release, and FDA spokeswoman Erica Jefferson told us: "Cost has absolutely nothing to do with the decision." In fact, she says, the FDA cannot make a decision based on costs. "That's in our regulations; that's public information."
Avastin is also prescribed for colon, kidney, brain and lung cancers, and the FDA said the breast cancer decision "will not affect" those approvals. Nor does this mean that patients have to stop using the drug for breast cancer, or that doctors cannot prescribe it for breast cancer. "The drug will still be available and the FDA doesn't regulate the practice of medicine," Jefferson told us. If a doctor wants to use the drug, he or she has the option to do so, she said.
The FDA said that it reviewed four clinical studies of treatment of breast cancer with Avastin and found that the benefit of using the drug didn't outweigh health risks, which include complications such as "heart failure" and "hemorrhage."
FDA, Dec. 16, 2010: The agency is making this recommendation after reviewing the results of four clinical studies of Avastin in women with breast cancer and determining that the data indicate that the drug does not prolong overall survival in breast cancer patients or provide a sufficient benefit in slowing disease progression to outweigh the significant risk to patients. These risks include severe high blood pressure; bleeding and hemorrhage; the development of perforations (or "holes") in the body, including in the nose, stomach, and intestines; and heart attack or heart failure. In July 2010, after reviewing all available data an independent advisory committee, composed primarily of oncologists, voted 12-1 to remove the breast cancer indication from Avastin's label.
Jefferson said that the drug manufacturer appealed the FDA recommendation and a hearing has been scheduled for the end of June.
Does the FDA decision have any bearing on Medicare? "Absolutely none at all," says Don McLeod, public affairs specialist at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. McLeod told us that removing the label for breast cancer "does not affect us." If a doctor prescribes the drug, Medicare will cover it. "We frequently pay for off-label uses for drugs," he said. "We cover it and have no plans to stop covering it."
Rep. Phil Gingrey of Georgia and other Republicans have charged, without evidence, that the FDA based its decision on cost, a claim also disputed by Richard Pazdur, director of the FDA's cancer division in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. The paper reported that "[so]me insurers have said they won't cover it for new breast cancer patients." We don't know whether that will happen, but McLeod told us Medicare will continue to cover the drug.
Martin made his false claim about Avastin as support for his statement that "ending Medicare as we know it happened a year ago in March …when Obamacare passed. Because it radically changed Medicare as we seniors know it by cutting a half a trillion dollars out of Medicare."
As we've said before, the health care law calls for $555 billion in cuts in the future growth of Medicare spending over 10 years. It doesn't call for axing half a trillion from current spending, as Martin's statement may lead some to believe.
In the interview, the 60 Plus chairman gave another false example of the law's impact. He was wrong when he said that these cuts in Medicare spending have caused three hospitals in Scranton to close. "There's already hospitals that are in dire straits," Martin told ABC News. "Three up in Pennsylvania near Scranton have stopped, have closed their doors, quite frankly, because of these cuts or these savings."
But three hospitals in Scranton weren't closed. They were sold and renamed. The sale of the Mercy Health Partners' hospitals to Community Health Systems was approved in late March. Last fall, a group called CatholicVote.org claimed in a radio ad that the hospitals were "calling it quits" because of the health care law, and Republicans claimed the law was "a main reason" for the sale. But the CEO of the hospitals said his words were being "severely distorted." The CEO, Kevin Cook, said in a statement: "Discussions about mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships have been conducted in our health care community for years — long before the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Our decision announced [in October] was due to many factors."
We called 60 Plus to ask if Martin was possibly referring to any other hospitals near Scranton, but we have not yet received a response. According to a state website, only two Pennsylvania hospitals closed in 2010, and none has closed this year. One of the 2010 closings was UPMC Braddock, which closed in January 2010, before the health care legislation even became law.
Update, April 29: FDA spokeswoman Erica Jefferson sent us this link to the agency's regulations. The information on drug approvals is in 314.125. Cost is not listed as a reason the FDA can give for refusing to approve a drug. "There is no mention of cost in the numerous details we provide on how we approve drugs or why we refuse to approve them," Jefferson said. "If it's not outlined in our statute, we can't legally factor it in."
60 Plus Association
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PFM blog
Managing debt for future generations
Several analysts have warned that African governments face a looming debt crisis. Proponents of this view frame their arguments on the risks linked to the cost and increasing appetite for sovereign bonds by a group of about 10 countries. The African Development Bank (AfDB), however, argues that the continent is far from a debt crisis. The AfDB argument is based on the relatively low average debt to GDP levels of around 17 to 18 per cent. However, it is worth noting that many of the 54 African countries cannot yet access foreign debt capital markets. Both arguments have merit. Although the majority of countries have low levels of debt, this argument masks a worrying trend of high and unsustainable debt levels in about a dozen of the larger African economies.
While several commentators will warn that debt levels above 50 per cent of GDP should be avoided, the greater concern is the costs of debt and the medium-term impact on public spending.
Primarily, a government has to ensure that there will always be funding for its activities, such as the payment of the salaries of nurses and teachers, and also the costs of a President's trip to a UN meeting. If the choices are made to fund these things, then the money has to be found. Some is collected domestically, the rest has to be borrowed, and intuitively, the less a government may want to borrow will result in it doing less or having to reschedule certain expenditure to a later date.
Okay, so I have probably over-simplified an extremely complex operation that involves managing the daily cash that a government will require and the associated risks, knowing where to find the money in local and international markets and which instruments to use, and keeping a record of all inflows and outflows. When the capability to perform the functions of a public debt office is lacking, or where political considerations result in unsustainable borrowing, or the lure of expensive money entices a government to proceed with an infrastructure project, a country is more than likely to breach what would be considered a sustainable level of debt repayment. This is further worsened by the types of debt that some countries incur, which is mainly foreign and expensive.
The 'looming Africa debt crisis' view is therefore true for those countries that are considered to have reached a level of debt, mainly foreign debt, that undermines spending plans, and at worst, may result in a default – where countries are unable to repay. This is true for not more than 10 African countries. A combination of the following factors explain why debt has become a problem:
Debt and cash-management capabilities were not prioritised following the huge debt relief programme between 1999 and 2005, whose aim was to ensure that no poor country is saddled with a debt burden that it cannot manage;
The appetite and issuance of foreign denominated bonds, such as Eurobonds and other foreign denominated debt are increasingly being used to fill a financing gap for infrastructure investments and also for recurrent expenditure. Concessional loans from multilateral development banks have an average interest rate of 1.6 per cent and a repayment period of 28 years, whereas the Eurobonds in question have an average floating rate of 6.2 per cent and a repayment period of 11 years;
The decline in commodity prices, such as oil, combined with rising interest costs, policy slippages and external shocks have dampened the medium-term growth prospects.
In April 2016, CABRI launched a programme that will support public debt management and bond market development reforms. The programme will also collect, analyse and publish public debt statistics on a central platform for use by practitioners and market participants. So far the programme has had an in-conversation workshop on cash management with cash managers from Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. In August 2016, CABRI will facilitate a workshop to support Ugandan debt management officials to analyse challenges and develop actions that will guide the newly established public debt office.
As an African intergovernmental organisation, CABRI's view on the "looming debt crisis" is that, while there is no need for panic, African countries must take it upon themselves to develop capabilities to manage their borrowing strategies so that the cost of debt does not significantly undermine future spending plans. And even worst, does not lead to a debt default.


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Q: How many men has Cersei slept with? Since I haven't read the books, I'd like to know exactly how unfaithful she's been over the course of the books and the TV series.   From what I can recall off the top of my head from the TV series, she's been with:

*

*Robert Baratheon

*Jaime Lannister

*Euron Greyjoy

*Lancel Lannister?

What I'm curious is whether or not her infidelity shown in the TV series matches the books, or is it an overestimate or underestimate?

A: Game of Thrones
In the show she has been with Jaime Lannister as we see in the very first episode. She has also slept with Robert and was even pregnant by him

Cersei Baratheon: I felt something for you once, you know?
Robert Baratheon: I know.
Cersei Baratheon: Even after we lost our first boy -- for quite a while, actually. Was it ever possible for us? Was there ever a time, ever a... moment?
Game of Thrones, Season 1 Episode 5, "The Wolf and the Lion"

She has of course been with Lancel Lannister too.

TYRION: Have you ever given any thought to what King Joffrey will have to say when he finds out you've been bedding his mother?
LANCEL: It's not my fault!
[...]
TYRION: Did he tell you to fuck her, too?
LANCEL: I only meant I did as I was bid.
Game of Thrones, Season 2 Episode 4, "Garden of Bones"

Then of course she fucks Euron Greyjoy in Season 8 in return for his loyalty.
A Song of Ice and Fire
In the books she also sleeps with Robert, Jamie and Lancel but not Euron. However she also sleeps with Osney, Osfryd and Osmund Kettleblack at some point.

Cersei could hear Unella writing behind her. Her quill made a faint, soft scratching sound. "Lancel Lannister, my cousin. And Osney Kettleblack." Both men had confessed to bedding her, it would do her no good to deny it. "His brothers too. Both of them." She had no way of knowing what Osfryd and Osmund might say. Safer to confess too much than too little. "It does not excuse my sin, High Holiness, but I was lonely and afraid. The gods took King Robert from me, my love and my protector. I was alone, surrounded by schemers, false friends, and traitors who were conspiring at the death of my children. I did not know who to trust, so I … I used the only means that I had to bind the Kettleblacks to me."
"By which you mean your female parts?"
"My flesh." She pressed a hand to her face, shuddering. When she lowered it again, her eyes were wet with tears. "Yes. May the Maid forgive me. It was for my children, though, for the realm. I took no pleasure in it. The Kettleblacks … they are hard men, and cruel, and they used me roughly, but what else was I to do? Tommen needed men around him I could trust."
A Dance with Dragons, Cersei I

It's probably said in more of a ficticious manner but she potentially also slept with Moon Boy.

"You poor stupid blind crippled fool. Must I spell every little thing out for you? Very well. Cersei is a lying whore, she's been fucking Lancel and Osmund Kettleblack and probably Moon Boy for all I know. And I am the monster they all say I am. Yes, I killed your vile son." He made himself grin. It must have been a hideous sight to see, there in the torchlit gloom.
A Storm of Swords, Tyrion XI

She also sleeps with Taena Merryweather in the books, although she is a woman, obviously, it is worth a mention.

Cersei cupped the other woman's breast. Softly at first, hardly touching, feeling the warmth of it beneath her palm, the skin as smooth as satin. She gave it a gentle squeeze, then ran her thumbnail lightly across the big dark nipple, back and forth and back and forth until she felt it stiffen. When she glanced up, Taena's eyes were open. "Does that feel good?" she asked.
"Yes," said Lady Merryweather.
"And this?" Cersei pinched the nipple now, pulling on it hard, twisting it between her fingers.
A Feast for Crows, Cersei VII

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


I've gone once or twice to the Monrovia Hash recently – no, not some seedy drug den! Anyone who's been an expat in a British influenced place probably knows the hash – the running club with a drinking problem. This past weekend the group organized a trip on the train towards Bong Mines – we rented the whole two cars, and had one 'open' car with a bunch of plastic chairs (a lawsuit waiting to happen in the US) and the 'indoor' car which has the run-down, dilapidated (and as I found out, roach infested) seats. We traveled for about an hour, got down in a small village and did our run, then set up a huge BBQ. They ran out of water, so I just drank beer! Tired and sweaty, we piled back on the train and went home – I was COVERED in soot by the time we got back!
I loved the sign on the window of the train – it lists out the prices for passengers and their cargo, but goes so far as to distinguish between the price of cats/kittens, ducks/ducklings, goats/nannys, etc. Good to be precise!
It was a neat little trip – the railroads in Liberia at one time spanned most of hte country, but were largely destroyed during the war as they were used to ship government troops to the fighting areas, and the towns around them were pretty much destroyed. There is talk of rebuilding them, which would be huge for private investment and farming, as it would allow the iron ore, food, rubber and other goods to by-pass the TERRIBLE roads and get their products to market much more efficiently.
how do you find the hash in liberia. I am in Monrovia (usually in Nimba) and trying to hook-up with the hash.
IHOV's phone number occasionally works there in Monrovia, and she'd like to join you. Email me at thesteveoknows@yahoo.com and I can put you in touch with her directly if you want.


The UltraShare NAS8000 is aimed at data-intensive applications such as file sharing, fast FTP access (for an ISP), and video archive and retrieval for IP surveillance cameras, says Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based Enhance Technology. Suitable for both SMB networks and a large corporate IT infrastructure, the device supports file sharing across Linux, Apple OS X, UNIX, and Windows clients, and allows remote access via FTP with encryption, says the company.
The NAS device is said to offer load balancing, fault tolerance, and advanced security features. The device can also synchronize to network directory services including ADS/PDC, NIS, and LDAP, says Enhance Technology.
The UltraShare NAS8000-P4 is powered by an LGA1366-socketed Intel Xeon (Nehalem) CPU, supplied with 3GB of DDR3 memory. The UltraShare NAS8000 incorporates an eight-drive RAID array for up to 16TB of data storage using 2TB SATA hard drives, says Enhance Technology. Data storage volumes can be individually protected via RAID controllers that offer features including RAID-6 and hot-spares, says the company.
Each system can also be expanded via an optional RS16 SS gateway for RAID protected data storage of up to 176TB. The RS16 SS gateway enables the connection of up to five 3U 16-bay "RS16 JS" rackmount storage devices as one single system "without compromising the data transfer performance," claims the company (see diagram below).
The standard P4 version of the NAS8000 offers four gigabit Ethernet ports, but a NAS8000-TG version is available that instead offers a single 10-gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) interface, says the company. The device is said to offer a dual redundant 380 Watt "80-Plus" power supply, and is cooled by four fans that permit operation at up to 95 deg. F. The Linux-based UltraShare N8000 ships with an installation wizard and a graphical user interface (GUI) for local or remote configuration, says Enhance Technology.
Enhance Technology appears to be shipping the UltraShare N8000-P4 in two models: the 12TB (via 1.5TB SATA HDDs) PR-F12T for $7,000, or the 16TB P4-F16T (via 2TB SATA HDDs) for $7,500. No pricing was offered on the NAS8000-TG version with a single 10GbE interface, or for the optional RS16 SS gateway system.
More information may be found on the company's website, here.


ATL Top 20 presents new single produced by Twan Da God titled "VVS" featuring Derez De'Shon, Money Man, London Jae, Verse Simmonds, Doeshun, Scotty ATL, Young Greatness, and T.O. Green. Watch the new video directed by Foreign Made Films below!


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Piped Water Soon For Malake
Residents of Malake can have clean drinking water sourced from a tap from next year. The $248,000 upgrade is expected to be made available early next year. Provisional Administrator Ra,
by varanisese nasilasila, rakiraki
Acting District Officer Pio Loco at the construction site near Malake Island in Ra, yesterday. Inset: Drums to be transported to Malake. Photo: Varanisese Nasilasila
Residents of Malake can have clean drinking water sourced from a tap from next year.
The $248,000 upgrade is expected to be made available early next year.
Provisional Administrator Ra, Kelepi Kubunameca, said he was privileged to be a part of history.
"This is like a prayer answered by their ancestors as far as the villagers are concerned. I am honoured to be part of this historic event of having access to water and electricity," Mr Kubunameca said.
Matelita Nauga, 32, was beaming with delight when she saw this development taking place before her.
"This is like my childhood prayer being answered. Since we were kids we have been drinking rain water," Ms Nauga said.
"Because the water in the well could not cater for all of us we went to the extent of collecting rain water."
Ms Nauga said the biggest challenge they faced was the supply of water, especially during the festive season.
"When it's nearly Christmas it would be really busy for us, especially the women, since we would be doing a lot of cooking. Without the water being supplied to us we would really struggle," she said.
Ms Nauga said the dry spell that affected the counrty was the most challenging period.
"This year would have to be the hardest for us in the village. We were badly affected. The only water supply we had was at the mainland," she said.
Funded by the Government of Fiji the project will be able to cater for an average of 140 households.
Feedback: varanisese.nasilasila@fijisun.com.fj
Ba/Tavua/RakirakiWest


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ACCEPTED

#### According to
The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011

#### Published in
null

#### Original name
Talinum humile Greene

### Remarks
null

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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How to Include an NR4 Form in TurboTax
Finances & Taxes
By David Weedmark Updated June 12, 2019
How to Cancel an ATT Business Telephone Phone Contract
Formula for Calculating Federal Taxable Income
Do Non-Profit Organizations Need to Use a W-9?
Why Do You Need a W-9 Form?
How to Calculate Medical Expense Deductions
If you received income from a Canadian source but don't have residency status in that country, you're likely to find that Canadian income tax was withheld from your payment and you will get an NR4 Form sometime in the first quarter of the following year. In most cases, your tax obligation to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is over and done with once you get the NR4 Form. That's not the case where the IRS is concerned, though. If you reside in the United States, you will need to use the NR4 Form when you're filing your taxes with the IRS.
Why You Need the NR4 Form
There are two important reasons why you need an NR4 Form when it's time to file your income taxes with the IRS. The first reason is to report your income earned from a Canadian source. The IRS needs to know all of your income, regardless of which country it came from.
The second reason is to claim the income taxes you already paid to the CRA. The U.S.-Canada Income Tax Treaty has a provision to ensure that you don't have to pay taxes to both countries for the same income. So if you paid the tax to the CRA, you shouldn't have to pay it again to the IRS.
Using TurboTax for Foreign Income and Taxes
The United States and Canada don't have the same tax system or the same forms. Just as the CRA doesn't have a W-9 form, the IRS doesn't use the NR4 Form, so you will need to enter the information from the NR4 Form into the appropriate forms and boxes in your IRS tax return.
One of the best things about using TurboTax is that you don't have to be a tax expert to file your return. TurboTax uses an interview system to ask you about your income and your income sources, and questions about taxes paid, like foreign withholding tax, to determine where your information should be entered in your U.S. tax return for the IRS.
When it comes to foreign withholding tax, the forms you will need to use vary depending on the type of income it is and your situation. For example, if you are a member of the U.S. military, declaring taxes you have paid to another country can be done on your IRS Schedule A, like any other common deduction. However, if your credit is larger than the amount of U.S. income tax to be paid, you can use Form 1116, which gives you the ability to use the leftover amount to reduce your IRS tax bill for future years.
Who Should Receive an NR4 Form?
The NR4 Form is for Canadian tax purposes. It should be issued to any nonresident of Canada who has received income from a Canadian source. It should be filed with your tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency. People receiving an NR4 Form include:
A citizen of another country living in Canada without residency status
A Canadian citizen living in another country
For example, if you are an American citizen who worked for a Canadian company, you will likely receive an NR4 Form from that company. Likewise, if you are a Canadian living in the United States with taxable investments in Canada, you would receive an NR4 Form.
Note that when it comes to investments, if you have a joint investment account in Canada and if either owner of the account is a nonresident, you will also receive an NR4 Form for taxable income from that investment.
NR4 Retirement Income for U.S. Tax Returns
If you received the Canadian Form NR4 for retirement income, such as retirement benefits found in Code 39, you can use the IRS Form 1099-R (Retirement Income). The amount in the NR4 form is in Canadian dollars, so convert it to U.S. dollars before you enter it in your U.S. tax return.
Sign into TurboTax and go to your U.S. tax return.
Type "1099-R" in the Search field and select the 1099-R form from the results.
Select Add 1099-R and go through the interview questions.
Click the Federal Taxes tab, select Deductions and Credits, and then select Estimates and Other Taxes Paid.
Select Start or Revisit beside Foreign Taxes, with all of your tax information in front of you, including your NR4. TurboTax will prompt you to enter the foreign taxes paid to Canada into the appropriate field.
NR4 Interest Income For U.S. Tax Returns
The information in an NR4 form can be used when you file your American income tax for the IRS. Use the IRS Form 1099-INT. The amount in the NR4 form is in Canadian dollars, so convert it to U.S. dollars before you enter it in your U.S. tax return.
To find the 1099-INT form in TurboTax, type the name of the form in the Search field and then select the 1099-INT link. Navigate through the form until you are prompted to add your interest income from the NR4 form.
Filing Canadian Tax Returns
If you received an NR4 Form with nonresident withholding tax removed from your income, you generally won't need to file a tax return. The CRA considers this your completed tax obligation to Canada for that income.
However, in some situations, you are required to file a tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency, even if you are a nonresident. This applies to you if in any year:
You have to pay taxes in Canada for that year
The CRA asked you to file a return
You had a taxable capital gain in Canada
You disposed of a taxable Canadian property
You filed a Form NR5 and it was approved by the CRA, which is an application to have your nonresident withholding tax reduced
You filed a Form NR6 and it was approved, which is a request to file an income tax return for rental income or timber royalties
You requested a reduction in nonresident tax for income earned acting in a film or video production and it was approved.
Of course, you do have the right to file a Canadian tax return if you want to. For example, if you feel you are entitled to a tax refund, or if you want to transfer or carry forward an unused portion of tuition fees, or if you want to report income so you can contribute to a Canadian retirement plan (RRSP) or pension plan (PRPP or SPP).
Changes to Representative Forms
As of May 2018, if you want to authorize a representative for your nonresident tax account, you must complete Form NR95 Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative for a Non-Resident Tax Account. This form must be completed, even if you used another form in a previous year to appoint a representative. The NR95 form should also now be used to cancel your representative's authorization, or to make changes to the representative's information.
Previous forms, including T1013, Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative, or Form RC59, Business Consent for Access by Telephone and Mail, are no longer acceptable. Additionally, your representative can not use the Represent a Client service for nonresident tax accounts.
Reading Your NR4 Form
The NR4 Form is divided into two sections. The first section contains codes, income and withheld tax amounts. The second section contains your name and address as well as that of the company that paid you. Large companies will usually fill out and file these forms electronically, while small companies who do not issue a lot of NR4 Forms may do them manually.
In the first row, ensure that Box 10 has the correct year, representing the year that you earned the income. Ensure that Box 12 has your correct three-letter country code. If you're an American, for example, it should be "USA."
Your gross income is in Box 16, as well as Box 26 if you had two different types of income from the same payer. Boxes 17 and 27 contain the amount of nonresident tax withheld from your gross income.
Understanding Income Codes
Boxes 14 and 24 on the NR4 Form reveal the type of income you received from the payer, while Boxes 15 and 25 show which country's currency was used. It is important that you convert the amounts if you are filing taxes in a different country than the currency shown on the NR4 slips.
Example Currency Codes
CAD: Canadian dollars
USD: United States dollars
AUD: Australian dollars
EUR: European Euros
HKD: Hong Kong dollars
GDP: United Kingdom pounds
Because the type of income you received will determine which IRS forms to fill out, it's important to check the definition for the code that appears in Boxes 14 and 24.
Example Income Codes
02: Other periodic payments
03: Other lump sum payments
04: Automotive products assistance benefits
05: Copyright royalties
06: Death benefit other than Canada or Quebec Pension Plans (CPP or QPP)
07: Deferred profit-sharing plan periodic payments
08: Dividends paid by Canadian subsidiaries to foreign parent corporation
09: Other dividends
10: Energy conversion grants
11: Estate and trust income
12: Franchise and similar rights
13: Gross rents from real property
14: Income-averaging annuity
21: Management or administrative fee or charge
22: Motion picture films and films or videos for TV
23: Natural resource royalties
24: Registered education savings plan (RESP)
26: Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) periodic payments
27: RRIF lump-sum payments
28: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) periodic payments
29: RRSP refund of premiums
30: RRSP refund of excess amounts
31: Deferred profit-sharing plan lump-sum payments
32: RRSP amounts deemed received on deregistration
33: RRSP amounts deemed received on death
34: Registered supplementary unemployment benefits
35: Research and development royalties
36: Retiring allowance
37: Retirement compensation arrangement
38: Royalties and similar payments for the use of other properties
39: Superannuation or pension benefits periodic payments
40: Superannuation or pension benefits lump-sum payments
41: Textile, clothing, leather goods assistance and superannuation or pension
43: RRSP lump-sum payments
44: Old Age Security payments
45: Net federal guaranteed income supplement
46: Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits
47: CPP disability benefits
48: CPP lump-sum death benefit
49: Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits
50: QPP disability benefits
51: QPP death benefit lump sum payment
52: Timber royalties
53: Eligible funeral arrangements
54: Film and video acting services
55: Film and video acting services contingent compensation
56: Film and video acting services residuals
57: TCP gains distribution for capital gains dividends paid by mutual fund companies
58: TCP gains distribution for capital gains distributions made by mutual fund trusts
59: Assessable distributions paid or credited by a Canadian property mutual fund investment corporation
60: Assessable distributions paid or credited by a Canadian property mutual fund investment trust
61: Arm's length interest payments
62: Non-arm's length interest payments
63: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
64: Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) taxable amount
Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP) periodic payments 66: PRPP lump-sum payments 88: Old Age Security (OAS) recovery tax
Canada Revenue Agency: NR4 Non-Resident Tax Withholding, Remitting, and Reporting 2018
RBC Wealth Management: About Foreign Citizenship or Foreign Residency
Intuit: Can I Add Form NR4 in This Website?
Intuit: Should I Enter a Canadian NR4 with Income Code 39
IRS: About Form 1099-INT, Interest Income
IRS: About Form 1099-R
IRS: Information on the United States–Canada Income Tax Treaty
Canada Revenue Agency: Non-Residents and Income Tax: 2018
Intuit: Tax Tips: Filing IRS Form 1116 to Claim the Foreign Tax Credit
Canada Revenue Agency: NR4
Canada Revenue Agency: NR4 Non-Resident Tax Withholding, Remitting, and Reporting
Do not click the heading name in the "Topic List" dialog box. Turbo Tax will open the most relevant section of the program and will not allow you to continue selecting subtopics. Always click the arrow next to the heading to display the subtopics in the drop-down list.
A published author and professional speaker, David Weedmark has advised businesses on technology, media and marketing for more than 20 years. He has taught computer science at Algonquin College, has started three successful businesses, and has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines and online publications including About.com, Re/Max and American Express.
The Tax Consequences of Affiliate Marketing in Foreign Countries
What Is Tax-Exempt Interest?
Does BBM Work in the US if I Bought My BlackBerry in Canada?
The U.S. Requirements for Registration of Offshore Companies
How to Report Unearned Income for Foreign Income Exemptions
How Foreign Entities Obtain Tax-Exempt Status in the U.S.
When Do Payroll Taxes Not Have to Be Withheld?
Royalties Subject to Self-Employment Tax
Who Is the Payer for a 1099-SA?
1 The Tax Consequences of Affiliate Marketing in Foreign Countries
2 What Is Tax-Exempt Interest?
3 Does BBM Work in the US if I Bought My BlackBerry in Canada?
4 The U.S. Requirements for Registration of Offshore Companies


There's More to Love in Pokémon GO This Valentine's Day. The Pokémon GO Valentine's Day event will leave you tickled pink! Get all the details.
Spread the Pokémon love this Valentine's Day with a Pokémon GO celebration. From February 13 at 1:00 p.m. PST through February 21 at 1:00 p.m. PST, look for an increase in pink Pokémon in the wild, including the likes of Clefairy, Hoppip, and Luvdisc. More pink Pokémon will hatch from 7 km Eggs, as well. And pink Pokémon such as Chansey and Porygon will appear more frequently in Raid Battles.
During the event, Lures will last an incredible six hours instead of the usual 30 minutes. Plus, you'll earn double the Candy you normally would when you catch a Pokémon.
Enjoy the extra pink Pokémon and special bonuses through February 21, and have a happy Valentine's Day!


Texas Investigative Network, Inc. is a full service, result-oriented investigative agency established in 1994 by Bill Pellerin. Our primary purpose for being in business is to procure relevant facts, evidence and detailed information for clients and report these findings in an impartial, error-free manner,thus enabling clients to make well-informed business and personal decisions.
Our firm is an established leader in the specialty area of Surveillance among Private Investigative agencies in Texas and throughout the Gulf Coast region.We are fortunate to have performed investigations for many of the most recognized Law Firms, Insurance Companies, Corporations and Financial Institutions, and are dedicated to handling assignments in a discreet, professional and timely manner.
Texas Investigative Network, Inc. also works selectively with individuals and families in matters involving Infidelity, Divorce and/or Child Custody.
We are highly responsive, eagerly helpful and tenacious in resolving all issues relevant to our Clients' current state of affairs; We act very deliberately and with a "Go the Extra Mile" attitude.


On Ubuntu 13.10 I installed the package python-setuptools and this error went away, leaving instead an error that setup.py doesn't have enough permissions to install the relevant packages. I am now trying with sudo instead, which is downloading and installing needed packages and has got me to the point of offering a deploy script.
Looks like I might have needed python-pip to be installed to make dependency installation easier. Because I'm aiming to use Postresql, it asked for me to install psycopg2 using pip. Psycopg2 also needed the package postgresql-server-dev-9.1 to be installed on my system before it could build.
ImportError: No module named XYZ. What to do?
Why do I ImportError: cannot import name signals?


ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard and a commercial salvage company assisted seven people who became stranded on a grounded boat that began taking on water in Ponce Inlet, Florida, Thursday morning.
A boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Ponce De Leon Inlet brought four of the seven adults aboard the Coast Guard vessel, and a commercial salvage boat picked up the three remaining people and took them to Lighthouse Boatyard and Marina in Ponce Inlet.
A Coast Guard boat crew from Station Ponce De Leon Inlet, Fla., arrives at the scene of an accident involving a 53-foot boat that ran aground on Disappearing Island Thursday, May 29, 2014.
At 7:14 a.m. a good Samaritan reported to watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center the 53-foot boat, Big Buddy, was hard aground on Disappearing Island. The vessel also began flooding as the tide started to come in.
The watchstanders immediately began broadcasting a radio call, asking nearby boaters to assist, and directed the launch of the boatcrew from Station Ponce De Leon Inlet.
The owner of the vessel hired a commercial salvage company and is currently working with the company to devise a salvage plan for the boat.
The Coast Guard urges all boaters to use nautical charts, aids to navigation and the local notice to mariners and to familiarize themselves with the areas where they plan to operate a vessel.


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Farmhouse Historical structure Home/House house Ireland Religious Building
Abandoned Belcamp House and College, Dublin 17, Ireland
No Comments on Abandoned Belcamp House and College, Dublin 17, Ireland
Belcamp House is rooted in Irish history having housed several political and revolutionary figures who paved the way for our 1916 Independence, such as Countess Markievicz, Bulmer Hobson and Sir Edward Newenham.
Other famous Irish figures who once graced the ivy-clad, red-brick mansion, include parliamentarian Henry Grattan, Dublin-born actor and Emmy-winner, Brendan Gleeson, golfer Philip Walton, and Frank Cummins, the Irish GAA star.
But despite having a colourful and impressive history, the 208-acre site has sadly fallen victim to a series of fires, extreme looting and vandalism, and vicious attacks since it became abandoned in 2004.
For example, a former student of Belcamp College was found shot on site last year (2021), and several site security guards were hospitalised after locals attacked them with machetes whilst riding horses through the abandoned hallways.
Keep scrolling for a slice of intriguing Irish history, enjoy the photo album and don't forget to follow Abandoned World Photography on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! 🙂
Historical Timeline of Belcamp House, Raheny, Ireland
In 1793, Newenham sold the estate to pay off his mounting debts.
In 1778, Belcamp House was built for Sir Edward Newenham, a member of the Irish Parliament and huge supporter of the American Revolution. The four-storey Georgian building was designed by Kilkenny native James Hoban, who was also the architect of the White House in Washington DC.
The original site comprised of a large farmhouse with twelve bedrooms, outhouses, stables, a walled garden and was situated on seven acres of farmland.
In 1884, the Belcamp estate was purchased by the Oblate brothers who then built and established Belcamp College.
In 1903, the Oblate brothers added residential wings as well as a redbrick Gothic revival style chapel (St. Mary's). The renowned chapel was designed by architect George Coppinger Ashlin and containing stained glass windows by the famous artist Harry Clarke.
These historically significant buildings, along with the walled gardens, still stand today, and served as inspiration for the design of the new homes at Belcamp, adding another layer of history to this site for a new generation of dwellers.
In late 1909, Countess Markievicz and a small group of Na Fianna Éireann members made Belcamp House their home. The group created their own private commune which enabled them to live off the land while they practised shooting and military drills. Irish freedom fighter revolutionaries such as Con Colbert, Eamon Martin, Paddy Ward, Garry Holohan, Seamus Kavanagh and the Reynolds brothers were all part of the "Belcamp Commune".
Unfortunately, the Belcamp Commune didn't last long and the Inghinidhe na hÉireann had to move out after they racked up a loss of £250.
In 1972 the historic Belcamp Hall was placed on the protected structures list.
In 2002, a security guard for the Belcamp site was shot but managed to survive.
In 2004, developer Gerry Gannon (Gannon Homes) purchased the property from the Oblate Fathers for €105m for development after the religious order closed the school due to dwindling numbers.
Gannon's development proposal included converting the property into apartments, while hopefully retaining as many of the original furnishings as possible and restoring the infamous Washington Tower.
In 2007, one of Mr Gannon's firms was granted permission to convert the derelict Belcamp school buildings into 30 apartments, but the plan never came to fruition.
In 2009, the Chapel of the Novitiate of the Oblate Fathers of St. Mary Immaculate was closed to the public.
During 2011, the Belcamp House and surrounding historic buildings were set on fire a number of times, and looting become rife. The fires destroyed the main house and caused the roof to partially collapse. Additionally, most of the marble fireplaces, copper wiring, brass fittings and oak floorboards had been stripped from the building by looters during the weeks prior to the fires, while almost every single sash window in the entire property had been smashed by vandals.
The vandals kept attacking the site throughout 2011, which at the time was under the protection of security guards. The final straw was when a group of hooligans on horses brandishing machetes terrorised and attacked the security guards.
Shortly after, Gerry Gannon and Fingal County Council's heritage officer organised the removal of six pairs of valuable Harry Clarke stained glass windows from the former school's chapel to the National Museum of Ireland for safekeeping. The stained glass was replaced by double-sided bullet-proof glass and the site security was increased.
By 2016, two more fires engulfed Belcamp House and the disrepair got even worse, despite the fact it was a listed, heritage building. In the summer of 2016, a section of the school building directly abutting Belcamp Hall was demolished, with the agreement of the planning authority, as a consequence of the trespassing and arson attacks on the property and in order to prevent access to the Hall and further damage.
During 2016, it was also the target of the investigation for a man who had been missing for 12 years, Patrick Lawlor.
In 2017, Gannon Homes got the go-ahead to build initial 165 housing units on the north Dublin site.
After work finally began on the site, the first brand new Belcamp houses were launched to the market in 2020.
A new phase was launched in 2022, with 33 new houses on offer. These include three-bed terraced houses with a floor area of approximately 1,215sq ft that are priced from €425,000. The three-bed end-of-terrace type is a similar size but is priced from €445,000, The four-bed end-of-terrace and semi-detached homes start at €510,000 and have a floor area of approximately 1,474sq ft.
The scheme was designed by CCK Architects, who wanted the houses to complement the redbrick of the historic buildings that are still on the site. There are future plans to completely refurbish Belcamp Hall, one of the older buildings, and convert it into apartments.
Over 100 houses have been sold at the development to date.
In August 2021, a homeless man who was a former student of Belcamp College was found on the site, crawling on the ground after being shot. But the violence didn't end there. In the same month, a security guard for Belcamp House who was sitting outside the property in this car, had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance after he suffered a serious attack.
Tags abandoned, abandoned dublin, abandoned farm, abandoned farmhouse, abandoned homes, abandoned house, abandoned Ireland, Abandoned photography, Abandoned World Photography, abandonedphotography, derelict dublin, nft, nftphoto, photo, photography, urban exploration, urban exploration photography, urbex
← Abandoned Hanoi Rock City, Vietnam [VIDEO] → Abandoned Táin Village Holiday Park, County Louth, Ireland [VIDEO]


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Home » Uncategorized » Printable Robots
Printable Robots
April 7, 2017 April 5, 2012 by Brian Wang
IEEE Spectrum – MIT has been given a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the project aims to reinvent how robots are designed and produced by developing technology to allow an average person to create programmable robots in a matter of hours.
The MIT project is An Expedition in Computing for Compiling Printable Programmable Machines
An insect-like robot designed and printed using new fabrication techniques developed by MIT researchers. Photo: Jason Dorfman, CSAIL/MIT
This project envisions a future desktop technology that prints actual programmable hybrid electro-mechanical devices from simple descriptions on-demand, anywhere, and with performance one would expect from a team of professional engineers, using advanced materials. The project aims to transform manufacturing as dramatically as the personal computer democratized information technology and transformed how we communicate.
The technical approach builds on analogies with compiler technology and its support algorithmic theories. Experienced engineers may know from experience what is constructible but their experience must be expressed in a language that blends the continuous with the discrete, the cyber with the physics of materials processing. The project addresses broad classes of constructible cyber-physical systems: (1) the development of tools for functional specification and automated co-design of the mechanical, electrical, computing, and software aspects of the device; (2) the design of planning and control algorithms for the assembly of the device and for delivering the desired function of behavior, and tools for the analysis of these algorithms that take into account all the necessary resources, including actuators, sensors, and data streams from the world; (3) the methodology to generate device-specific and task-specific programming environments that provide safeguards for programs written by non-expert users to enable them to operate the machines safely; and (4) the development of novel approaches to the automated production of new devices which may be based on the synthesis of programmable materials with customizable electrical or mechanical properties. This research is highly multidisciplinary, primarily leveraging the disciplines of computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering, materials, and manufacturing science.
Recent work with pop-up MEMS will help with the effort to make printable robots
They're currently developing an easy-to-use programming environment and testing new materials that would allow for automated fabrication of robot parts. Using these methods, the team has already built a few prototypes, including an insect-like robot, a self-contained soft robotic fish, and a small mechanical gripper.
Cagdas Onal, an MIT postdoc, explains that they're using a material called PEEK, or polyether ether ketone, which he says has "good dimensional stability, laser machining properties, and thermal characteristics."
To print the robots, the researchers are using a variety of custom planar fabrication techniques. "The robot bodies are fabricated by laser machining, and their custom flexible circuits are fabricated using regular printers and etching," Onal says. "We use planar molds to create our soft robots from silicone rubber."
The researchers are already able to place metal wiring on the body of the robots before they are folded. In the future, their goal is to incorporate all electronics — chips, sensors, power sources — into the printing process.
It remains to be seen whether robots fabricated with these new methods will scale in size and prove robust enough for real-world applications. However, the same was said years ago about 3D printing and rapid prototyping techniques, which are now ever more popular in both DIY and academic projects.
If you liked this article, please give it a quick review on ycombinator or StumbleUpon. Thanks
Categories Uncategorized Tags commercialization, future, nasa, public transportation, space, spacex, world Post navigation
Green homes use 80 per cent less energy in Australia
New DARPA Grand Challenge to make humanoid robots


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Q: Google Maps Region and Countries polygon This must be quite a simple question, but unable to find any answer.
I wish to show regions given a region name, like
if the input is NewYork State, then i wish to show the NewYork state with one colour initially . Then when the user zooms in, show different districts or significant places or regions with other distinct colors and so on.
How can I achieve this?

A: You need a a GMSPolygon
for that you need a GMSPath that is basically a list of coordinates that make up the frame. You can get the list of coordinates for a given region via some web services like google or openstreetmaps


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A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology
Hao Yan, Xlaoping Zhang, Zhlyong Shen, Nadrian C. Seeman
Controlled mechanical movement in molecular-scale devices has been realized in a variety of systems - Catenanes and rotaxanes, chiroptical molecular switches, molecular ratchets and DNA - By exploiting conformational changes triggered by changes in redox potential or temperature, reversible binding of small molecules or ions, or irradiation. The incorporation of such devices into arrays could in principle lead to complex structural states suitable for nanorobotic applications, provided that individual devices can be addressed separately. But because the triggers commonly used tend to act equally on all the devices that are present, they will need to be localized very tightly. This could be readily achieved with devices that are controlled individually by separate and device-specific reagents. A trigger mechanism that allows such specific control is the reversible binding of DNA strands, thereby 'fuelling' conformational changes in a DNA machine. Here we improve upon the initial prototype system that uses this mechanism but generates by-products, by demonstrating a robust sequence-dependent rotary DNA device operating in a four-step cycle. We show that DNA strands control and fuel our device cycle by inducing the interconversion between two robust topological motifs, paranemic crossover (PX) DNA and its topoisomer JX2 DNA, in which one strand end is rotated relative to the other by 180°. We expect that a wide range of analogous yet distinct rotary devices can be created by changing the control strands and the device sequences to which they bind.
https://doi.org/10.1038/415062a
Rotaxanes
Yan, H., Zhang, X., Shen, Z., & Seeman, N. C. (2002). A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology. Nature, 415(6867), 62-65. https://doi.org/10.1038/415062a
A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology. / Yan, Hao; Zhang, Xlaoping; Shen, Zhlyong; Seeman, Nadrian C.
In: Nature, Vol. 415, No. 6867, 03.01.2002, p. 62-65.
Yan, H, Zhang, X, Shen, Z & Seeman, NC 2002, 'A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology', Nature, vol. 415, no. 6867, pp. 62-65. https://doi.org/10.1038/415062a
Yan H, Zhang X, Shen Z, Seeman NC. A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology. Nature. 2002 Jan 3;415(6867):62-65. https://doi.org/10.1038/415062a
Yan, Hao ; Zhang, Xlaoping ; Shen, Zhlyong ; Seeman, Nadrian C. / A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology. In: Nature. 2002 ; Vol. 415, No. 6867. pp. 62-65.
@article{a8fdc26bb9234c46948b10dd1389ad1f,
title = "A robust DNA mechanical device controlled by hybridization topology",
abstract = "Controlled mechanical movement in molecular-scale devices has been realized in a variety of systems - Catenanes and rotaxanes, chiroptical molecular switches, molecular ratchets and DNA - By exploiting conformational changes triggered by changes in redox potential or temperature, reversible binding of small molecules or ions, or irradiation. The incorporation of such devices into arrays could in principle lead to complex structural states suitable for nanorobotic applications, provided that individual devices can be addressed separately. But because the triggers commonly used tend to act equally on all the devices that are present, they will need to be localized very tightly. This could be readily achieved with devices that are controlled individually by separate and device-specific reagents. A trigger mechanism that allows such specific control is the reversible binding of DNA strands, thereby 'fuelling' conformational changes in a DNA machine. Here we improve upon the initial prototype system that uses this mechanism but generates by-products, by demonstrating a robust sequence-dependent rotary DNA device operating in a four-step cycle. We show that DNA strands control and fuel our device cycle by inducing the interconversion between two robust topological motifs, paranemic crossover (PX) DNA and its topoisomer JX2 DNA, in which one strand end is rotated relative to the other by 180°. We expect that a wide range of analogous yet distinct rotary devices can be created by changing the control strands and the device sequences to which they bind.",
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AU - Yan, Hao
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AB - Controlled mechanical movement in molecular-scale devices has been realized in a variety of systems - Catenanes and rotaxanes, chiroptical molecular switches, molecular ratchets and DNA - By exploiting conformational changes triggered by changes in redox potential or temperature, reversible binding of small molecules or ions, or irradiation. The incorporation of such devices into arrays could in principle lead to complex structural states suitable for nanorobotic applications, provided that individual devices can be addressed separately. But because the triggers commonly used tend to act equally on all the devices that are present, they will need to be localized very tightly. This could be readily achieved with devices that are controlled individually by separate and device-specific reagents. A trigger mechanism that allows such specific control is the reversible binding of DNA strands, thereby 'fuelling' conformational changes in a DNA machine. Here we improve upon the initial prototype system that uses this mechanism but generates by-products, by demonstrating a robust sequence-dependent rotary DNA device operating in a four-step cycle. We show that DNA strands control and fuel our device cycle by inducing the interconversion between two robust topological motifs, paranemic crossover (PX) DNA and its topoisomer JX2 DNA, in which one strand end is rotated relative to the other by 180°. We expect that a wide range of analogous yet distinct rotary devices can be created by changing the control strands and the device sequences to which they bind.
U2 - 10.1038/415062a
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10.1038/415062a


text:
Ballon d'Alsace (německy Elsässer Belchen) je hora ve Vogézách. Její nadmořská výška je 1247 metrů nad mořem. Mezi lety 1871–1919 přes vrchol hory vedla francouzsko-německá hranice.

Externí odkazy

Tisícovky ve Francii
Alsasko
Lotrinsko

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Stethoscope archive 2019
#69 Bullying and harassment independent facilitator trial
An awareness campaign to reduce incidences of bullying and harassment in Victoria's public hospitals has been launched by the State Government. Developed in partnership with WorkSafe, the 'Know Better, Be Better' campaign will ensure healthcare workers understand what constitutes bullying and harassment.
In a Victorian first, independent facilitators have been appointed in two metropolitan hospitals and four regional hospitals to provide safe and confidential support for workers who wish to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Hospitals participating include:
Royal Women's Hospital
Albury-Wodonga Health
Tallangatta Health
The independent facilitator trial will run until June 2020 with a full evaluation to be undertaken on completion.
AMA Victoria has long called for the introduction of independent facilitators and was consulted by the DHHS and provided feedback towards the campaign. We are interested in hearing your feedback on the trial. Please contact Nada Martinovic on NadaM@amavic.com.au
The 'Know Better, Be Better' campaign aims to give leaders in Victorian public hospitals and healthcare workers the skills and resources they need to stop bullying in its tracks and address it when it occurs.
This follows a change to the definition of bullying in occupational health and safety guides. Workplace bullying will now be defined as repeated unreasonable behaviour directed at an employee that creates a risk to their health and safety.
The campaign will also encourage workers to speak up and leaders to take action to prevent and respond to bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviours where they occur.
Bullying and harassment in Victoria's health services must never be tolerated, and it's up to all of us to call it out. In 2018, one in six Victorian healthcare workers reported experiencing bullying behaviour. One in 10 healthcare workers reported experiencing sexual harassment.
Bullying, Harrassment & Discrimination Doctor Health
How to structure your investment holdings
2021 Vicdoc
Vicdoc Archive
Doctor Health
Chat with a colleague who understands the pressures of medicine.


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May 2015 (Issue 32)
We have original fiction from Kealan Patrick Burke ("The Red Light Is Blinking") and Sandra McDonald ("Rules for Ordinary Heroes"), along with reprints by Kaaron Warren ("Mountain") and Stephen Graham Jones ("Raphael"). We also have the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," plus author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement winner William F. Nolan.
Apr. 2015 (Issue 31)
We have original fiction from Desirina Boskovich ("The Island") and Charles Payseur ("Spring Thaw"), along with reprints by Usman Malik ("Ishq") and Nancy Kilpatrick ("The Age of Sorrow").
We also have Seanan McGuire penning the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," plus author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with author and founder of Cemetery Dance Publications, Richard Chizmar.
Mar. 2015 (Issue 30)
We have original fiction from Chesya Burke ("Please, Momma") and Caspian Gray ("An Army of Angels"), along with reprints by Robert Shearman ("Featherweight") and Lynda E. Rucker ("The Burned House"). For nonfiction, author S. G. Browne talks about the new flavor of zombies in the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word." We've also got author spotlights on this month's authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with up-and-coming author Helen Marshall — conducted by acclaimed author Kelly Link! Our issue this month is sponsored by our friends at Nightscape Press. Check out the excerpt of THE PATCHWORK HOUSE in our ebook edition this month, and visit nightscapepress.com to learn more.
Feb. 2015 (Issue 29)
We have original fiction from Karen Munro ("The Garden") and Carmen Maria Machado ("Descent"), along with reprints by Halli Villegas ("Fishfly Season") and Brian Evenson ("Cult"). We also have the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," plus author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with award-winning author Chuck Palahniuk.
Jan. 2015 (Issue 28)
We have original fiction from Kat Howard ("Returned") and Christopher Barzak ("The Trampling"), along with reprints by Norman Partridge ("The Hollow Man") and Lucy Taylor ("Blessed Be the Bound"). Over at "The H Word," the Stoker award-winning writer Lisa Morton explores the state of female protagonists in horror. We also have an interview with legendary filmmaker (and now novelist) David Cronenberg. Plus, of course, we have author spotlights with our authors and a showcase on our cover artist, Tran Nguyen.
Dec. 2014 (Issue 27)
We have original fiction from Tim Lebbon ("Embers") and newcomer Seras Nikita ("Bog Dog"). For reprints, we have work from Christa Faust ("Bodywork") and Michael Marshall Smith ("Night Falls, Again").
In the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," Simon Strantzas talks about the strange and the weird. We've also got author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with Robert Shearman.
Nov. 2014 (Issue 26)
We have original fiction from David Sklar ("Rules for Killing Monsters") and Maria Dahvana Headley ("Who Is Your Executioner?"). For reprints, we have work from Karin Tidbeck ("Rebecka") and David Morrell ("For These and All My Sins"). In the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," Stoker winner Eric J. Guignard talks about some up-and-coming trends in horror writing. We've also got author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with Leslie S. Klinger.
Oct. 2014 (Issue 25) – Women Destroy Horror! Issue
This month, we have our Women Destroy Horror! special issue, with a special guest-editor at the helm: none other than the legendary editor-queen of the macabre, Ellen Datlow! This special issue, which contains twice the amount of regular fiction as a regular issue of NIGHTMARE, was entirely written (and edited by) women, and features original fiction by Livia Llewellyn, Pat Cadigan, Gemma Files, Katherine Crighton, Catherine MacLeod, along with reprints by Tanith Lee, A.R. Morlan, and Joyce Carol Oates. All that plus an array of destructive nonfiction, including feature interviews with the aforementioned Ms. Oates and American Horror Story's Jessica Sharzer. (Take that, Horror!)
Sep. 2014 (Issue 24)
We have original fiction from Sunny Moraine ("Singing with All My Skin and Bone") and Daniel José Older ("Animal"). For reprints, we have work from Charles Grant ("Old Friends") and Lisa Tuttle ("The Man in the Ditch").
In the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," Lesley Bannatyne will be examining the history of horror and horror's favorite holiday, Halloween. We've also got author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview with Welcome to Night Vale's Cecil Baldwin.
Aug. 2014 (Issue 23)
We have original fiction from Desirina Boskovich ("Dear Owner of This 1972 Ford Crew Cab Pickup") and Ben Peek ("Upon the Body"), along with reprints by Tia V. Travis ("The Kiss") and Simon Strantzas ("Out of Touch").
We also have the latest installment of our column on horror, "The H Word," written this month by Lucy A. Snyder, plus author spotlights with our authors, a showcase on our cover artist, and a feature interview. And for our ebook readers, we've got an excerpt from the novel PROUD PARENTS, by Kristopher Rufty.
‹ Newest 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Oldest ›


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200 Students Rescued While 300 Missing As Boko Haram Attack Secondary School In Katsina
Suspected armed bandits later identified as Boko Haram have attacked Government Science Secondary School in Kankara local government area of Katsina state in the northern part of Nigeria. Police confirmed that the gunmen invasion happened around 11:30pm on Friday, adding the officer guarding the school was shot and he is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Unidentified number of students were kidnapped by the armed men who shot sporadically into the air to disperse the crowd.
According to an eye witness; "The bandits shot the security man at the gate and another one disappeared. I heard some students were kidnapped but I can't ascertain the number. At the moment, the security operatives have converged on the area, moving around the town. They are counting the students to know those who are missing" a source said.
Isah Gambo, spokesman for Nigerian police command in the state confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that the head count is ongoing to determine the number of missing students. He further stated that some students escaped through the school fence, while policemen exchanged fire with the suspected bandits known as Boko Haram.
Isah Gambo further stated that over 200 students had been found as of Saturday morning, adding that further search is ongoing to locate others. He however added that no death was recorded during the attack.
According to his words; "Yesterday, around 11:30pm, we heard a report that bandits identified as Boko Haram in their numbers armed with their AK-47 rifles attacked Government School, Kankara and they were shooting sporadically," he said.
"We have our men guarding the school, so there was an exchange of fire in a gun duel. That gave the students an opportunity to escape. Many of them scaled through the fence of the school. The attackers injured one of our inspectors, reinforcement was drafted and the DPO led an armored personnel carrier (APC) team.
"While we were exchanging fire with the bandits, they were retreating into the forest. This morning, the DPO called and said he has found over 200 of the students that escaped. Search parties are still rallying into the town and nearby farms in order to get the students that escaped from the school.
"So, we are still counting the numbers in order to know those that are missing. We cannot ascertain at this particular time whether these bandits were able to kidnap any of the students.
"Counting is still ongoing, because the students had the opportunity of scaling the fence for safety. Later on, we will be able to confirm if some students were kidnapped because they will call to demand ransom in their usual way."
The attack happened on the day President Muhammadu Buahri paid his first visit to Katsina State, where he hails from. Buhari had stayed away from the state as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been in the Aso Rock villa Abuja ever since.
Tags: Boko Haram, buhari, nigerian airforce, nigerian army, nigerian police, president buhari


Heading underground, Caterpillar premiered its new Cat HTD4100 high torque drive system for longwall armoured face conveyors (AFCs) at MINExpo 2016 in Las Vegas.
The system consists of two main components: a variable frequency converter and the motor-gearbox combination. In the new Cat system, a medium voltage converter-controlled torque motor replaces the AC induction motor. The control principle of the drive is direct torque control: the most advanced AC-drive control technology available, according to the company.
The converter-controlled torque motor operates at low speeds of between 0 and 300 rpm versus 1500 rpm for induction motors. Lower speed reduces inertia acting on the output shaft by a factor of eight and enables the system to react quickly, which translates to little or no damage to the gearbox and chain in the event of a conveyor blockage.
The installed motor power of the modular drive system is 1250 kW (1900 hp at 60 Hz) with maximum torque of 650 000 Nm (480 000 lb-ft). The torque motor design reduces the need for as many gear stages, which enables the entire system to be simplified. This in turn allows smaller dimensions, while retaining the same torque capabilities as systems that are as much as 20% larger. The smaller size allows flexibility in laying out longwall entries.
Caterpillar will be able to configure the high-torque drive system for retrofitting to existing longwall face conveyors. Plans call for supplying a range of high torque drive systems to handle voltages of 3.3 kV or 4.16 kV in a mechanical power range of 300 kW to 1600 kW (400 hp to 2100 hp). Systems for additional applications, such as longwall plough systems and beam stage loaders, will follow. The system will start field trials in 2017.


text:
by Steve Watkins
One brother home from war. The other desperate to save him. A gripping journey together to the river's end.
Shane has always worshiped his big brother, Jeremy. But three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken their toll, and the easy-go-lucky brother Shane knew has been replaced by a surly drunk who carries his loaded 9mm with him everywhere and lives in the basement because he can't face life with his wife and two small children. When Jeremy shows up after Shane's football game and offers to take him to the family cabin overnight, Shane goes along --- both to get away from a humiliation on the field and to keep an eye on Jeremy, who's AWOL from his job at Quantico and seems to have a shorter fuse than ever. But as the camping trip turns into a days-long canoe trip down the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Shane realizes he's in way over his head --- and has no idea how to persuade Jeremy to return home and get the help he needs before it's too late. In a novel at once gripping and heartbreaking, Steve Watkins offers a stark exploration of the unseen injuries left by war.
Genres: Family, Historical Fiction, Military, Social Issues
Publisher: Candlewick
Steve Watkins
View all » | By Author » | By Genre » | By Date »


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