text:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 Full Burst Review
Pat Servin April 2, 2017
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is a direct sequel to Ultimate Ninja Storm 2. The story picks up from where Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 leaves off. If you haven't seen Naruto Shippuden or played Ninja Storm 2 you will be lost and not know what is going on. The Ninja Storm series follows the storyline of Shippuden exactly. Each one picking up from where the previous one left off. Ninja Storm 3 takes place after the fight Naruto has with Pain who is the leader of the Akatsuki. The people of the village are reconstructing the village after Pain decimated it. You won't have to wait long for the story to begin either. As soon as you click on the start button you are entered right into the middle of a huge battle.
Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 back peddles a bit with the story and starts with the nine-tails fox wrecking havoc on the Hidden Leaf village the night Naruto was born. If you watch the anime you already know that this battle is what causes Naruto to lose both of his parents. This time though we see that night from the Fourth Hokage's point of view. What is also revealed is that the Fourth was fighting a mysterious masked man. His identity is revealed a lot later during the Fourth Great Ninja War. That night made the Fourth more than a hero. It made him a legend. Throughout the entire game whenever you start a fight you have to make a choice between hero and legend. You have to make this choice right away because you start playing as the Fourth. Your first battle is against the masked man.
This introduces the hero/legend battle system. There are a few functions of this new system. Choosing the hero path at key points in the story means you are choosing the easier path. Who you fight will be different and the items you get to use will be as well. If you choose the path of the legend your battles will be harder but you get to use more powerful items. When you complete story battles you are rewarded with both hero points and legend points. These points allow you to gain ranks for both paths. Ranks unlocks support item slots. At first choosing between the two doesn't seem like a big deal. When you get to the important parts of the story the path you choose for a particular fight matters. It can drastically alter the results.
Which brings us to our next new feature the Ninja World Timeline. This new feature allows you to replay any boss fight you want. If you choose the hero path for one boss fight you can go to the Ninja World Timeline and see how it will turn out with the legend path. What makes the Ultimate Ninja Storm series great is that not only do you get an amazing story but you get to fight as you see fit in each battle you play. There have been a few things modified to the fighting system that I found to be very helpful. The first is that you can use Awakeing mode at will for certain characters. The next helped me a lot when fighting the Nine-Tails is that assist characters can aid you while you are in the middle of fighting.
If that isn't incentive enough to play Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 then maybe an alternate ending to the war will be. It isn't canon but still worth seeing now that the actual ending has already been released. Another feature worth noting is the open world exploration. When you aren't doing a story mission you are free to explore the Hidden Leaf village, take on side-quests, collect items, and strengthen your relationships. There are about 80 playable characters as well. You can also play online and fight with other ninjas as well. Personally the multiplayer feature didn't really interest me all that much. As a die-hard fan of the anime I was much more interested in getting to play all my favorite parts from the war.
Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 has one of the best visuals I ever seen in any anime game. The entire game from the opening to the end felt like I was watching the anime. Many times I forgot I was playing the game. The entire opening scene blew my mind. The visuals are bright, colorful, fluid, and in my opinion even better than in the anime. Playing the game on my PC instead of on a console had its benefits. Playing on a PC your screen is up close and it makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the action. My only complaint about the game is the complicated controls. If you are playing the PC version the game automatically thinks you are using a Xbox controller. As such all the controls are based on an Xbox controller. If you go into your settings when you first launch the game you can change this though. If you play on a keyboard you have to use at least 10 keys on your keyboard to play the game if not more. After awhile it is challenging to remember them all.
Aside from that Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst is one of the best Naruto games I have ever played. If you are a fan of the anime you must get your hands on it and play. The story scenes are more cinematic than they were in the series. You get to explore the world, do side-quests, engage in more fights, and relive your favorite battles from the Fourth Great Ninja World. To top it all off you get an alternate ending. This game has everything die-hard Naruto fans could ever want. If you aren't a fan this game might not appeal to you.
Pat Servin
Pat Servin was given free games by Brash Games in exchange for his reviews. As such all reviews belong to Brash Games and must not be reproduced under any circumstances. (© 2010 - 2017 All Rights Reserved).
Tags:Action, adventure, anime, Bandai Namco Games, CyberConnect 2, Fighting, Ninja, PC, PC Review, Rating 9/10
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Renaissance - High
( 1426	- 1516	)
ART MOVEMENTS: RENAISSANCE - HIGH
Giovanni Bellini (c. 1430-1516) was an Italian Renaissance painter, probably the best known of the Bellini family of Venetian painters. His father was Jacopo Bellini, his brother was Gentile Bellini, and his brother-in-law was Andrea Mantegna. He is considered to have revolutionized Venetian painting, moving it towards a more sensuous and colouristic style. Through the use of clear, slow-drying oil paints, Giovanni created deep, rich tints and detailed shadings. His sumptuous coloring and fluent, atmospheric landscapes had a great effect on the Venetian painting school, especially on his pupils Giorgione and Titian.
Giovanni Bellini was born in Venice. He was brought up in his father's house, and always lived and worked in the closest fraternal relation with his brother Gentile. Up until the age of nearly thirty we find in his work a depth of religious feeling and human pathos which is his own. His paintings from the early period are all executed in the old tempera method, the scene is softened by a new and beautiful effect of romantic sunrise color.
In a somewhat changed and more personal manner, with less harshness of contour and a broader treatment of forms and draperies, but not less force of religious feeling, are the Dead Christ pictures, in these days one of the master's most frequent themes, (see for example the Pieta: Dead Christ Supported by the Virgin and St. John at right). Giovanni's early works have often been linked both compositionally and stylistically to those of his brother-in-law, Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506).
In 1470 Giovanni received his first appointment to work along with his brother and other artists in the Scuola di San Marco, where among other subjects he was commissioned to paint a Deluge with Noah's Ark. None of the master's works of this kind, whether painted for the various schools or confraternities or for the ducal palace, have survived.
To the decade following 1470 must probably be assigned the Transfiguration now in the Naples museum, repeating with greatly ripened powers and in a much serener spirit the subject of his early effort at Venice. Also the great altar-piece of the Coronation of the Virgin at Pesaro, which would seem to be his earliest effort in a form of art previously almost monopolized in Venice by the rival school of the Vivarini. As is the case with a number of his brother, Gentile Bellini's public works of the period, many of Giovanni's great public works are now lost. The still more famous altar-piece painted in tempera for a chapel in the church of S. Giovanni e Paolo, where it perished along with Titian's Peter Martyr and Tintoretto's Crucifixion in the disastrous fire of 1867.
After 1479-1480 much of Giovanni's time and energy must also have been taken up by his duties as conservator of the paintings in the great hall of the ducal palace. The importance of this commission can be measured by the payment Giovanni received: he was awarded, first the reversion of a broker's place in the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, and afterwards, as a substitute, a fixed annual pension of eighty ducats. Besides repairing and renewing the works of his predecessors he was commissioned to paint a number of new subjects, six or seven in all, in further illustration of the part played by Venice in the wars of Frederick Barbarossa and the pope. These works, executed with much interruption and delay, were the object of universal admiration while they lasted, but not a trace of them survived the fire of 1577, neither have any other examples of his historical and processional compositions come down, enabling us to compare his manner in such subjects with that of his brother Gentile Bellini.
Of the other, the religious class of his work, including both altar-pieces with many figures and simple Madonnas, a considerable number have fortunately been preserved. They show him gradually throwing off the last restraints of the Quattrocento manner, gradually acquiring a complete mastery of the new oil medium introduced in Venice by Antonello da Messina about 1473, and mastering with its help all, or nearly all, the secrets of the perfect fusion of colors and atmospheric gradation of tones. The old intensity of pathetic and devout feeling gradually fades away and gives place to a noble, if more worldly, serenity and charm. The enthroned Virgin and Child (such as the one at left) become tranquil and commanding in their sweetness, the personages of the attendant saints gain in power, presence and individuality, enchanting groups of singing and viol-playing angels symbolize and complete the harmony of the scene. The full splendour of Venetian color invests alike the figures, their architectural framework, the landscape and the sky.
Both in the artistic and in the worldly sense, the career of Giovanni Bellini was, on the whole, very prosperous. His long career began with Quattrocento styles but matured into the progressive post-Giorgione Renaissance styles. He lived to see his own school far outshine that of his rivals, the Vivarini of Murano, he embodied, with growing and maturing power, all the devotional gravity and much also of the worldly splendour of the Venice of his time, and he saw his influence propagated by a host of pupils, two of whom at least, Giorgione and Titian, equalled or even surpassed their master. Giorgione he outlived by five years, Titian, as we have seen, challenged him, claiming an equal place beside his teacher. Other pupils of the Bellini studio included Girolamo da Santacroce, Vittore Belliniano, Rocco Marconi, Andrea Previtali and possibly Bernardino Licinio.
In the historical perspective, Bellini was essential to the development of the Italian Renaissance for his incorporation of aesthetics from Northern Europe. Significantly influenced by Antonello da Messina, who had spent time in Flanders, Bellini made prevalent both the use of oil painting, different from the tempera painting being used at the time by most Italian Renaissance painters, and the use of disguised symbolism integral to the Northern Renaissance. As demonstrated in such works as St. Francis in Ecstasy (c. 1480, at left) and the San Giobbe Altarpiece (c. 1478), Bellini makes use of religious symbolism through natural elements, such as grapevines and rocks. Yet his most important contribution to art lies in his experimentation with the use of color and atmosphere in oil painting.
Giovanni Bellini Oil Painting Reproductions
Crucifixion 1501-03
St. Francis in Ecstasy
Baptism of Christ
Barbarigo Altarpiece
Saint Jerome Reading 1505
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Best 85 House designs of May 2018 - YouTube If you want to know the contact details of any specific designs, then look at the numbers given on each house plans and comment. Famous Best 85 House Designs May 2018 2018 (or email at keralahomedesign[a]gmail.com) We will give the. Famous Best 85 House Designs - Image Results More Famous Best 85 House Designs images.


text:
---
external help file: Microsoft.Azure.Commands.ResourceManager.Automation.dll-Help.xml
Module Name: AzureRM.Automation
ms.assetid: D690C903-A481-45F2-9D42-1CE2F4184A98
online version: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/azurerm.automation/get-azurermautomationcertificate
schema: 2.0.0
---

# Get-AzureRmAutomationCertificate

## SYNOPSIS
Gets Automation certificates.

## SYNTAX

### ByAll (Default)
```
Get-AzureRmAutomationCertificate [-ResourceGroupName] <String> [-AutomationAccountName] <String>
 [-DefaultProfile <IAzureContextContainer>] [<CommonParameters>]
```

### ByCertificateName
```
Get-AzureRmAutomationCertificate [-Name] <String> [-ResourceGroupName] <String>
 [-AutomationAccountName] <String> [-DefaultProfile <IAzureContextContainer>] [<CommonParameters>]
```

## DESCRIPTION
The **Get-AzureRmAutomationCertificate** cmdlet gets one or more Azure Automation certificates.
By default, this cmdlet gets all certificates.
Specify the name of a certificate to get a specific certificate.

## EXAMPLES

### Example 1: Get all certificates
```
PS C:\>Get-AzureRmAutomationCertificate -ResourceGroupName "ResourceGroup07" -AutomationAccountName "Contoso17"
```

This command gets metadata for all certificates in the Automation account named Contoso17.

### Example 2: Get a certificate
```
PS C:\>Get-AzureRmAutomationCertificate -ResourceGroupName "ResourceGroup07" -AutomationAccountName "Contoso17" -Name "ContosoCertificate"
```

This command gets metadata for the certificate named ContosoCertificate.

## PARAMETERS

### -AutomationAccountName
Specifies the name of the Automation account for which this cmdlet retrieves a certificate.

```yaml
Type: String
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: 1
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: True (ByPropertyName)
Accept wildcard characters: False
```

### -DefaultProfile
The credentials, account, tenant, and subscription used for communication with azure

```yaml
Type: IAzureContextContainer
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases: AzureRmContext, AzureCredential

Required: False
Position: Named
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: False
Accept wildcard characters: False
```

### -Name
Specifies the name of a certificate to retrieve.

```yaml
Type: String
Parameter Sets: ByCertificateName
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: 2
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: True (ByPropertyName)
Accept wildcard characters: False
```

### -ResourceGroupName
Specifies the name of a resource group for which this cmdlet gets an Automation certificate.

```yaml
Type: String
Parameter Sets: (All)
Aliases:

Required: True
Position: 0
Default value: None
Accept pipeline input: True (ByPropertyName)
Accept wildcard characters: False
```

### CommonParameters
This cmdlet supports the common parameters: -Debug, -ErrorAction, -ErrorVariable, -InformationAction, -InformationVariable, -OutVariable, -OutBuffer, -PipelineVariable, -Verbose, -WarningAction, and -WarningVariable. For more information, see about_CommonParameters (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=113216).

## INPUTS

## OUTPUTS

### Microsoft.Azure.Commands.Automation.Model.CertificateInfo

## NOTES

## RELATED LINKS

[New-AzureRmAutomationCertificate](./New-AzureRMAutomationCertificate.md)

[Remove-AzureRmAutomationCertificate](./Remove-AzureRMAutomationCertificate.md)

[Set-AzureRmAutomationCertificate](./Set-AzureRMAutomationCertificate.md)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Wages, Productivity and Growth
I've been meaning to write about this, but life and work kept getting in the way. Makes for a good story, except its almost totally wrong (excerpt):
High wages flash recession warnings in Singapore
...Indeed, while the city state's economy is expected to grow between 1-2 percent for the year, analysts say the wage-cost pressures are flashing warnings of a recession.
At roughly 43 percent of gross domestic product - though below the 55 percent world average - wage costs in Singapore are now at levels which historically had preceded recessions in 1985, 1997 and 2001.
The trouble is that the higher wages are raising business costs at a time when export-oriented Singapore has been hard hit by a cooling China, subdued domestic consumption, a downturn in commodities and global uncertainty due to Britain's vote to leave the European Union....
...Almost 42,000 businesses ceased in the first half of this year versus nearly 49,000 in the whole of 2015, government data shows.
Total nominal wages rose 4.6 percent per year on average over the past decade, compared with a 0.5 percent average annual growth rate of value-added per worker in that period.
And recent data showed the unit labor cost index hitting a record high of 116.7 in the second quarter.
Trinh Nguyen, Natixis' senior emerging Asia economist says this increases recession risks.
"It squeezes firms' profit margins and erodes exporters' ability to compete," Nguyen said. "While they cannot earn more money externally ... they cannot reduce cost structures."...
Singapore Wages Outpacing GDP May Restrain MAS Policy: Chart
Nominal wages in Singapore have been rising faster than real gross domestic product since the first quarter of 2015. An aging population and tight labor supply due to stricter immigration policy are behind the divergence, Euben Paracuelles, a Singapore-based economist at Nomura, said yesterday, adding that job market conditions are deviating from the central bank's assessment in April. Nomura expects the central bank to maintain its currency policy in October. The Monetary Authority of Singapore unexpectedly eased in April, citing a projected slowdown in wage growth due to softer employment conditions.
Problem no 1: Wages (and the wage to GDP ratio) are tracked in nominal terms, but the Bloomberg chart and the preceding Reuters discussion talks about GDP in real terms. Erm, guys, you can't do that, it's a false comparison.
Problem no 2: A high wage to GDP ratio does not imply high wages, or vice versa. In fact, the Reuters article mentions that Singapore's wage ratio is in fact on the low side relative to the global average, but then proceeds to dismiss this inconvenient truth. The human interest example used in the Reuters article in fact mentions a store opening in Tokyo, where wage levels are at least twice as high as in Singapore – obviously, high wages wasn't a constraint for that decision, nor the fact that Japan's growth record is much poorer than Singapore's (to put it kindly).
Problem no 3: An increasing wage to GDP ratio could be due to wages rising too fast; it could equally be due to GDP (aka profits) growth not rising fast enough. Wages are "stickier" (less elastic) than profits. Instead of this rigmarole of "wages are too high", Singapore could be facing a recession – profits are down – because profits are literally down.
Given that Singapore's wage to GDP ratio is actually on the low side i.e. capital's share of GDP is relatively high, makes the argument that high wages "squeezes profit margins and erodes exporters' ability to compete" somewhat disingenuous.
I think that Singapore and Singaporean businesses have to get used to the idea that, at their level of development, profit margins will and should erode to developed country levels.
Labels: economic growth, productivity, Singapore, wages
ICYMI: Growth and Ageing on BFM
Demand For Housing
ICYMI: Economic Growth Over The Very Long Run
Affordable Homes: Finance Is Not The Problem
How To Make Housing Affordable In Malaysia
This Is NOT How To Finance Affordable Housing
BNM On Hold (Again)
Effective Exchange Rate Indexes: August 2016 Update


Birmingham City returned to winning ways by completing the double over Leeds United at St Andrew's.
Che Adams' 29th minute goal proved the difference a Blues kept their heads above water in the bottom half of the Championship.
Here's a few things you might have missed.
Jacques Maghoma had a trial with Leeds in 2008 when he was a trainee at Tottenham and struggling for game-time. Boss Gary McAllister opted not to take the interest any further.
Since then Maghoma has faced the Elland Road outfit ten times with both Blues and Sheffield Wednesday and Saturday's victory was his seventh.
Indeed he has scored and set up more goals against Leeds than any other Championship club.
That has to be the definition of satisfying - and his comments in the Blues programme have to be the definition of prophetic 'I think the first goal will be very important, if we can limit them to a few chances then I think we will do well and go on and hopefully get a positive result'.
Garry Monk left Leeds under something of a cloud in 2017 having guided them close to the play-offs the previous season.
He completed the double over them with Blues this season but any suggestion of ill-feeling with owner Andrea Radrizzani is clearly misplaced.
The Birmingham boss was doing his post match interviews when Radrizzani came across, interrupted, shook his hand and said 'I'm pleased we don't play against you anymore this year'.
Blues are 18 points outside the play-offs with 18 to.....nah, it's not even worth going there.
The Blues and Leeds fans had been firing back and forth since the first minute - '**** the EFL' from the Tilton was responded to from the away fans with '**** Garry Monk', which in turn drew a reply of 'Garry, Garry Monk' (to the tune of Daddy Cool).
However, there was a unity in the 19th minute when Leeds fans turned their back on the pitch in a tribute to fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.
The pair were stabbed on the eve of the Uefa Cup semi-final first leg against Galatasaray on April 5, 2001 and fans chanted 'turn your backs for Kev and Chris' - which drew a warm applause from the Birmingham supporters.
Leeds defender Pontus Jansson has a tradition of giving the away supporters a fist pump after games, making him a fan favourite.
However, one youngster who was acting as the visitors' mascot took it upon himself to get the away end 'pumped up'.
With Blues mascot Belle Brummie at his side as he walked in front of their section in the Gil Merrick the tiny tot gave it the big 'un and drew a huge response from the travelling fans.
That was as good as it got for them as Che Adams undid them again.
Some players are coy about their affiliation - not Charlie Lakin.
To be fair the teenager has never hidden the fact that he is a Bluenose and comes from a long-line of such.
And reading his interview in the That's a First column in the Blues programme the affection was never more clear.
First football shirt - Blues' Umbro from 2007/2008.
First match - 'Don't remember who we were playing but I remember going to a Blues game with my dad and sister'.
First time football broke your heart - Play-offs 2011/2012 'When we lost at home to Blackpool'.
Not so much 'Can we play you every week' as 'Can you ref us every week?'.
Mike Dean has his knockers and he's been the object of a bit of fun-poking this week after handing the one-hundredth red card of his career to Ashley Young in midweek.
There was a sense of trepidation about what he might do in the build up to this game but having watched more than a few 'faltering' displays of officiating this season, Dean was a cut above.
He let play run, was quick in his decision making, interacted with the players well, worked with his assistants and if there were one or two points of contention, his was probably the best refereeing performance at St Andrew's this season.


text:
From left to right – Shri. Mukesh Kumar Gupta – MD, Shri. Suseel Kumar, MD, Shri. M R Kumar, Chairman, Shri. Vipin Anand, MD and Shri. Raj Kumar MD
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), India's largest life insurer, continues to better its performance, thereby winning people's trust by crossing Rs 1.5 lakh crore New Business Premium first time in its history and maintaining dominant leadership in this sector.
Individual New Business performance of the Corporation as at January 2020 has shown an impressive growth of 17.48% in its first year premium and 29.42 % in number of policies by posting a figure of Rs. 45,199 Crore and 1,95,85,635 policies respectively.
The Composite Market share in No. of Policies and First Year Premium as at 31st January 2020 is 77.61% and 70.02% respectively which has increased from 73.54% in No. of Policies and 66.26% in First Year Premium as on 31st January,2019
LIC's Pension and Group Schemes Vertical, looking after Group Schemes and Superannuation business of the Corporation, created a new record by clocking more than One Lakh Crore Rupees New Premium Income during the Current Financial Year. P&GS contributed Rs.1,05,566 Crore as New Business Premium Income as against Rs. 66,748 Crore in the previous year corresponding period.
The vertical has covered 2.45 crore lives (for 2019-20) under its Social Security Schemes as at 31.01.2020. During the current FY, LIC has paid 1,42,93,289 Maturity claims amounting to
Rs. 69,748 crores as on 31/01/2020. LIC also settled 5,99,881 Death Claims amounting to Rs. 9,866 crores out of which 96.83% Non Early Death Claims were settled within 15 days of intimation.
In order to comply with new IRDAI Regulations, LIC of India has modified the existing products with features such as revised Surrender Value and extension of Revival period from 2 years to 5 years. Further, more optional benefits in the form of Riders, option to take Claim payments in instalments (Settlement Option) are added in most of the products. These modified products are available for sale from 1st February, 2020.
The Corporation's Total Income grew to Rs 2, 97,017.28 cr for the period ending 30.09.2019 from Rs 2,52,149.60 cr as at the last corresponding period, showing a handsome growth of over 17.79%.
Total Assets of the Corporation stood at Rs 32,25,905.42 cr as at 30.09.2019 as compared to 29,89,276.53 cr for the corresponding period last year thus posting a growth of 7.92% in the six month period.
During the fiscal yr 2018-19, LIC generated the highest ever total Valuation Surplus of Rs. 53214.41 Crore, registering a growth of around 9.9% over the previous year and paid a dividend of Rs. 2610.74 Crore to the Government again highest in the history.
Being the largest insurer in India, LIC has always explored all the avenues that technology offers to provide the best of services to its valued customers and other stakeholders. LIC has a strong online presence and has provided digital platform for new business and servicing operations to both internal and external customers.
LIC Customer Portal has 1,33,78,231 users. Premium payments can be made on all available digital channels. The AI driven voice enabled chatbot of LIC named LIC MITRA was launched on 06 th of January, 2020 on the official website of LIC of India. LIC MITRA is capable of answering most queries on LIC's products and services such as revival, nomination, assignment, Policy loan, claim
procedures and associated forms etc. LIC has implemented Internet based secure Branch Office connectivity solutions to ensure continuous network connectivity for business continuity.


text:
Speculative Fiction with an edge.
Diana Davis, Writing Mercenary
Satyr Day Night Special
"Read `em and weep!" The deuce went into the discard pile. "Full house, with three gods and two towers."
I sent a silent thanks to Tyche, the goddess of luck. She's been my main goddess for centuries now.
"Let's not mention weeping," Hades snapped. "I get enough of that. Although, the dead aren't as annoying as the living tonight, Eido." His black suit and fedora matched his scowl.
Hades used my name…usually us satyrs are beneath notice. It might be time to fold. But then again, life's a gamble. I'm here to win. I'm a gambler, one of Tyche's favored, and that's why I'm sitting here. Still…sometimes you need to know when to walk away. Maybe I should wrap this up soon.
It wasn't like I couldn't afford to walk away. The current pot had piles of gold, IOU's for future favors, two endless purses, and plenty of gems.
"As dealer, I'm calling Gorgons are high and Goddesses are wild for this hand," Ares said in a surly tone. He gathered up the cards, riffled them. He squared them, then performed a one hand shuffle. The cards, with a silver and gold design on their backs, shimmered, proof they were immune to any divine powers. While he shuffled, we all contributed to the new pot. I tossed in two handfuls of gold coins, then two fistfuls of rubies. It was about a tenth of my stake.
I prayed silently. Viva Las Vegas. Lady Tyche, grant me luck.
The praying was a reflex. I looked at my hand for a long moment. This could be my greatest win ever, or greatest loss.
"Ahem!" Ares cleared his throat.
I raised a finger. I only needed one more card to be unstoppable.
"One," Ares said, and slid it over.
Still, win or lose, I was riding high. The penthouse was all done up in leather and chrome, and there was plenty of great food. I'd even worn a snazzy red bow tie for the occasion. The view of Vegas's neon was almost as impressive as the cute nymph in a showgirl costume who sat on my lap. Her anatomy shifted delightfully against mine. While I couldn't indulge my carnal passion at the moment, my goat still won out—I nibbled a flower off her hair before taking a sip of thirty-year-old Scotch.
"Having trouble understanding the rules?" Euterpe, the Muse of Music, glared at me. "Satyrs aren't known for their brains."
"Satyrs think with something lower!" Zeus guffawed as he brushed away cigar ash from his white suit's sleeve. Light glinted off his diamond cufflinks.
Euterpe giggled. She was confident––I knew her tells. She played an inspired game, but what else could one expect from a Muse?
"Knock it off, we're playing." Ares looked pointedly at the next player.
"Two," Apollo said, grinning in my direction.
He had come right from work, dressed in faded jeans, sneakers, and a yellow polo shirt. A faint afterglow still surrounded him. His horses and chariot were parked outside. They were hidden by a phantasía which gave the illusion of a yellow sports car. Apollo owned a whole fleet of sweet machines, but claimed the chariot was still faster.
Apollo picked up the new card and let out a hiss.
I held my breath. Carefully, as if handling a snake, I peeked at the card. The queen of spades! I now had one of the highest hands possible under Ares' declaration. Tyche had come through.
I should probably throw the game….never did that before. Would Tyche be insulted? What would she do? But if I won again, what would Hades do? Talk about Scylla and Charybdis….
"Dealer takes one," Ares said. He flexed his right bicep with its grinning death's head tattoo as he threw in another handful of gold. He wore all black, broken only by a red t-shirt. His cellphone lit up and buzzed, but his attention was fully on the game. "I raise." Ares put in a handful of gems.
"I'll see you," Zeus announced, tossing in a handful of gold. "Four of a kind! Beat that!"
"Full house," Euterpe muttered. "I fold."
"Me, too." Red mist danced around the cards, suspended by Ares' will, before they fell onto the discard pile.
"Straight flush!" Hades crowed, spreading his cards on the non-regulation purple felt.
Apollo dropped his cards. "Ah, tomorrow's a new day. I fold."
I was about to join him. Let the chips fall where they may with Tyche. I've sweet talked her before. Until I glanced over at the pot. How had I not seen the pipes lying there before? They were of a dark wood with a purple and green sheen to them, bound together with gold and beautifully carved. They were the most ornate pipes I had ever seen. A thrill coursed through me.
Gambling, nymphs, and song—what else is there in life? Besides, a gambler has to play the cards they're dealt, right?
"Eido, why are you smiling?" Zeus asked.
"Goddess flush!" I slapped the cards down triumphantly. Two queens, plus the three goddesses in the deck. "The girls love me!"
"Eido, you're the luckiest satyr alive," Apollo laughed and slapped me on the back. "But then, I've always said that."
Euterpe said, "Drinks are on you, Eido."
"I'll take a rain check, satyr," Ares said as he stood.
"We're not done yet!" Hades snapped as he drummed his fingers on the table. It shook.
"You don't want to cross me, brother." Ares began to glow red. "That text tells me that some countries don't remember their borders. Major containment needed. See you all next week." We said farewell as Ares summoned the eísodos, the door between worlds. It appeared as a gate. It flashed as Ares stepped through and disappeared.
Hades glared around the table, then shot to his feet. He pinned me with his gaze. "Eido cheated! He had a card up his sleeve!" His hands curled into fists.
"Sleeve? I'm not even wearing a shirt!" I shrugged, glanced at Apollo.
"Fine, it was in your fur!" Black fog rose around Hades. "You're cheating! How else could you win four times?" Now he shook a fist uncomfortably close to my face.
"Uncle Hades, he got lucky." Apollo shrugged, tried to get between us. "Maybe you'll win next week. Cards have never been your thing, anyway. Roulette is."
"You have been really lucky tonight." Electricity crackled while Zeus studied me. Calmly, he pushed back his chair and stood up. "Perhaps too lucky."
The nymph squeaked, and the flowery smell intensified, signs of heightened emotion. It was fear, unfortunately. She slid off my lap, making me feel very lonely. She ran out, trailing flowers and a few feathers from the costume in her wake. No one noticed but me. I got to my hooves.
"Call one of the Furies. They can read me." My voice was steady, reasonable. "Get Megaera." Furies can tell the innocent at a glance.
Apollo started at Meg's name. I'd forgotten he had fallen for her—hard—years ago. Meg wanted none of Apollo, though.
"That incompetent one? She sank the Titanic. I want satisfaction!" Hades began to grow taller, as did Zeus. "You cheated!"
"No! I'm not cheating." I backed away. Hades had uncurled his fists and was now stabbing the air in front of me with a bony finger. There wasn't much room. I fell back into the leather chair. "Look, I'll give back my winnings if you want. I just prayed to Tyche, that's all. She answered my prayers."
Oh, crap. Arachne didn't get a great deal with Athena. What's going to happen to me? Can I talk my way out of this?
Hades grabbed my tie and lifted me. I raised my hands to my throat, gasping. My hooves found only air as I kicked frantically.
"Brother, if you strike him with lightning, I can torture him forever in the underworld and it will be entertaining."
Underworld? Oh, gods, no. If I must be entertaining, can I be living while I do it? Mortals are alive, maybe I can make a deal?
My tie gave way with a pop and I fell into the chair, gasping. I groped for the glass of Scotch from earlier. The last of the liquor burned my throat, but it gave me the chance to speak.
"I'll give back everyone's stake," I croaked.
"You'll do more than that." Hades' lip curled back from his teeth, and they were beginning to become longer and more pointed.
I bluffed. "If you kill me, Tyche might be upset. You don't want a miasma, do you?" Miasmas are bad luck that spread like a fog. If you have one, everyone avoids you.
"I'm willing to take that chance," Hades said.
Thinking fast, I asked, "Even if it ruins the best entertainment you've had in centuries?"
"Do tell," Hades said, waving the remnants of my tie. He returned to normal size. So did Zeus.
"Picture it. Me, mortal." I used my hands in a framing gesture. "Entertainment for your amusement. How do I walk? What do I do?"
I'd be damned for sure if Hades spotted any tell. Euterpe's face reflected the horror I felt but didn't dare show. Apollo raised a questioning eyebrow at me. I nodded fractionally, and he followed suit. Good, he'd back my play.
Talk about upping your ante…this is the biggest stakes I've ever had.
"How is that better?" Hades demanded, now twisting my tie.
"I hear mortals hate aging," Apollo said. His tone was at its most melodious, meaning he was trying to be persuasive. "However, I would like to ask for mercy, since Eido helped out with the Gorgon problem we had…."
Zeus' glare made Apollo trail off.
"They do have a point," Zeus said. "Brother, this will be better."
"You think so?" Hades asked. "Really?"
"Really," Zeus said, grinning. "And, we can watch him suffer."
"Then do it. Before I change my mind," Hades said.
Zeus gestured.
I shook in my chair.
I'm 2,564 years old. Guess I'm not going to see 3,000. I hope it doesn't hurt….
It hurt.
Unable to remain upright, I slid to the floor. Snapping noises followed. My beautiful goat legs contorted. First to one side, then the other. Back and forth. The pattern repeated. The pain was like nothing I'd ever felt before, not even when I'd run afoul of an angry Cyclops in a dice game.
Euterpe knelt and grabbed my hand. We'd played some songs together over the years. Her eyes widened as clumps of my gorgeous brown fur fell out all over the carpet. My legs straightened out, grew a bit. I screamed. Somehow, I didn't break Euterpe's fingers. Soon, my legs looked like any mortal's.
I was going to be sick.
Apollo brought over the ice bucket. After, he wordlessly handed me a glass of water. He crouched and put a hand on my now human knee, emanating warmth. The pain receded. He mouthed, We'll fix this. Somehow. I promise.
I believed him. We had time. Mortal was better than dead.
"It's done." Zeus motioned at Apollo. "Get him out of here."
Apollo and Euterpe both helped me to my new, foreign feet. I leaned on them heavily, not sure how to walk at all. The last thing I saw was Hades' evil grin as we left. I shivered. Somehow, I'd turn this bad hand good.
# A year to the day, I stood on the Vegas Strip. Pool sharking and hustling had paid off. Now for the biggest gamble yet: going legit.
"Euterpe and I can give you the money. Even my buddy Thor's willing to help out," Apollo said.
Today, Apollo was dressed as befitted a prince: a sharp navy blue suit with a yellow pocket square and shirt. His dress shoes gleamed. He adjusted his sunglasses against the glare—not that he needed them.
Compared to him, I was casual. A collar shirt with dice embroidered on it, black jeans and cowboy boots.
"I want partners, not bosses. I've had enough of being pushed around. And, since I'm a mortal man now, I'm changing my name."
"Bill? Why?"
"Billy goat." My mouth tugged up in a smile. "Thor's fault. He calls me Gruff, you know."
"Billy goat?" Apollo shrugged. "If that's the way you want it. It's your life."
"Yeah, what's left of it," I muttered.
"Instead of Vegas, this could be Hades' realm. There's no gambling there." Apollo gestured. "Who knows, Zeus could always change his mind one day."
"I know." The promise was getting old, though. "Thanks for trading days with Helios to meet me, I appreciate it."
"No problem. I'm curious."
"I found this great coffee shop for sale. I want it."
"It's why you started a rock band. It's what I've got to do."
Apollo nodded thoughtfully.
"Okay. This will get fixed. We can petition once they settle down."
"Like when Megaera sank the Titanic? It took fifteen years!"
I stalked the Strip. My cowboy boots were close to the familiar noise of my hooves.
"Exactly," said Apollo, catching up to me easily. "It got fixed. By the way, Tyche said she's with you today."
I nearly tripped over my own odd human feet. Lady Luck herself was favoring me? "Really?" I addressed the air. "Thank you, Lady Tyche."
Living well was the best revenge. Though I'd still like to punch Hades' smirk off his face.
"Luck has that one in a million chance of finding a loophole. She said you're unstoppable today. Spread it around. Don't stay in one casino too long."
"Prayers pay off?" I asked.
Tyche had become my main goddess years ago when I first began gambling.
"They do." Apollo grinned. "Ready to play some poker?"
"Poker, roulette, whatever!"
I was riding high again. Viva Las Vegas!
###END###
Published by dianadaviswrites
I'm a speculative fiction writer and graduate of the audition only SF/F fiction workshops Taos Toolbox, Viable Paradise, and Futurescapes. Currently writing first novel and many short stories. Follow me on my journey!	View all posts by dianadaviswrites


text:
Oil falls over 3pc on partial Russian withdrawal from Ukraine border
by News Desk February 15, 2022 February 15, 2022 773
Crude oil prices slipped over three percent on Tuesday after Russia raised cautious hopes of peace by announcing withdrawal of some of the troops deployed along the Ukrainian border.
As of 1245 hours GMT, Brent, the international benchmark for two-thirds of the world's oil, shed $3.05 (-3.16 percent) to reach $93.43 a barrel. Brent crude futures hit the highest level since October 2014 at $96.16 a day earlier.
On the other hand, the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price reached $92.08 a barrel, down by $3.38 (-3.54 percent). WTI crude rose to $94.94, its highest level in over seven years, a day earlier.
The price for Opec Basket was recorded at $92.85 a barrel with a decrease of 0.02 percent, Arab Light was available at $94.71 a barrel with a decrease of 0.22 percent and the price of Russian Sokol slipped to $97.31 a barrel with 0.06 percent decrease.
Russia announced that some of the troops deployed in border zones are returning to their bases after finishing military exercises. The partial withdrawal came as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz began talks in the Kremlin on Tuesday in what diplomats are describing as a window of opportunity to prevent war.
It was not clear how many troops were pulling back from the estimated 130,000 stationed near Ukraine's border, and the foreign minister in Kiev issued a warning: "Don't believe what you hear, believe what you see." But markets rallied on hopes of a peaceful solution as Ukraine said a flurry of diplomacy in recent weeks had helped to prevent a Russian escalation.
A day earlier, the Kremlin said that the proposal that Ukraine could abandon its goal to join the US-led NATO military bloc would be a positive step towards reducing tensions between Moscow and Kiev. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said this while responding to a suggestion made by Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadim Prystaiko, who on Sunday suggested that Kiev was considering ending its goal to join NATO as a way to "avoid" war.
"A recorded refusal by Ukraine, a confirmed rejection of the idea of Ukraine joining NATO, is a step that would contribute significantly to the formulation of a more meaningful response to Russian concerns," Peskov said.
Crude oil pricesoilRussia-Ukrain warUkraine crisisUS West Texas Interm
Fatima Fertilizer signs MoU with KPK Govt to increase food security
Govt drops petrol bomb on masses by hiking price up to Rs12
Japan pledges $30bn investment in Africa
News Agency August 31, 2022 August 31, 2022
Saudi Arabia plans world's biggest airport
News Agency December 3, 2022 December 3, 2022
China Eastern Airlines plane crashes with 132 people onboard
News Agency March 21, 2022 March 21, 2022


Watch Annie Lebovitz, one of the great observers of the contemporary world, discuss her influential and intimate published book of portraits withVanessa Friedman, Chief Fashion Critic at The New York Times.
Leibovitz discussed her book of portraits, "Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005-2016 ," which portray artists, writers, actors, politicians, athletes, royals, activists and others who have shaped the times we live in. Subjects include Venus and Serena Williams, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gloria Steinem, Rihanna, Meryl Streep, Zaha Hadid, Leonard Cohen, Jasper Johns, LeBron James, Joan Didion, Barack Obama, and Queen Elizabeth II.


text:
import contextlib
import socket

import mock
import testtools
import webob

from neutron.agent.metadata import agent
from neutron.common import constants
from neutron.common import utils
from neutron.tests import base

class FakeConf(object):
    admin_user = 'neutron'
    admin_password = 'password'
    admin_tenant_name = 'tenant'
    auth_url = 'http://127.0.0.1'
    auth_strategy = 'keystone'
    auth_region = 'region'
    auth_insecure = False
    auth_ca_cert = None
    endpoint_type = 'adminURL'
    nova_metadata_ip = '9.9.9.9'
    nova_metadata_port = 8775
    metadata_proxy_shared_secret = 'secret'
    nova_metadata_protocol = 'http'
    nova_metadata_insecure = True
    nova_client_cert = 'nova_cert'
    nova_client_priv_key = 'nova_priv_key'
    cache_url = ''

class FakeConfCache(FakeConf):
    cache_url = 'memory://?default_ttl=5'

class TestMetadataProxyHandlerCache(base.BaseTestCase):
    fake_conf = FakeConfCache

    def setUp(self):
        super(TestMetadataProxyHandlerCache, self).setUp()
        self.qclient_p = mock.patch('neutronclient.v2_0.client.Client')
        self.qclient = self.qclient_p.start()

        self.log_p = mock.patch.object(agent, 'LOG')
        self.log = self.log_p.start()

        self.handler = agent.MetadataProxyHandler(self.fake_conf)

    def test_call(self):
        req = mock.Mock()
        with mock.patch.object(self.handler,
                               '_get_instance_and_tenant_id') as get_ids:
            get_ids.return_value = ('instance_id', 'tenant_id')
            with mock.patch.object(self.handler, '_proxy_request') as proxy:
                proxy.return_value = 'value'

                retval = self.handler(req)
                self.assertEqual(retval, 'value')

    def test_call_no_instance_match(self):
        req = mock.Mock()
        with mock.patch.object(self.handler,
                               '_get_instance_and_tenant_id') as get_ids:
            get_ids.return_value = None, None
            retval = self.handler(req)
            self.assertIsInstance(retval, webob.exc.HTTPNotFound)

    def test_call_internal_server_error(self):
        req = mock.Mock()
        with mock.patch.object(self.handler,
                               '_get_instance_and_tenant_id') as get_ids:
            get_ids.side_effect = Exception
            retval = self.handler(req)
            self.assertIsInstance(retval, webob.exc.HTTPInternalServerError)
            self.assertEqual(len(self.log.mock_calls), 2)

    def test_get_router_networks(self):
        router_id = 'router-id'
        expected = ('network_id1', 'network_id2')
        ports = {'ports': [{'network_id': 'network_id1', 'something': 42},
                           {'network_id': 'network_id2',
                            'something_else': 32}],
                 'not_used': [1, 2, 3]}
        mock_list_ports = self.qclient.return_value.list_ports
        mock_list_ports.return_value = ports
        networks = self.handler._get_router_networks(router_id)
        mock_list_ports.assert_called_once_with(
            device_id=router_id,
            device_owner=constants.DEVICE_OWNER_ROUTER_INTF)
        self.assertEqual(expected, networks)

    def _test_get_router_networks_twice_helper(self):
        router_id = 'router-id'
        ports = {'ports': [{'network_id': 'network_id1', 'something': 42}],
                 'not_used': [1, 2, 3]}
        expected_networks = ('network_id1',)
        with mock.patch(
            'neutron.openstack.common.timeutils.utcnow_ts', return_value=0):
            mock_list_ports = self.qclient.return_value.list_ports
            mock_list_ports.return_value = ports
            networks = self.handler._get_router_networks(router_id)
            mock_list_ports.assert_called_once_with(
                device_id=router_id,
                device_owner=constants.DEVICE_OWNER_ROUTER_INTF)
            self.assertEqual(expected_networks, networks)
            networks = self.handler._get_router_networks(router_id)

    def test_get_router_networks_twice(self):
        self._test_get_router_networks_twice_helper()
        self.assertEqual(
            1, self.qclient.return_value.list_ports.call_count)

    def test_get_ports_for_remote_address(self):
        remote_address = 'remote_address'
        networks = ('network_id1', 'network_id3')
        fixed_ips = ["ip_address=%s" % remote_address]
        expected_ports = [{'network_id': 'network_id1', 'something': 42}]
        mock_list_ports = self.qclient.return_value.list_ports
        mock_list_ports.return_value = {'ports': [{'network_id': 'network_id1',
                                                   'something': 42},
                                                  {'network_id': 'network_id2',
                                                   'something_else': 64}]}
        ports = self.handler._get_ports_for_remote_address(remote_address,
                                                           networks)
        mock_list_ports.assert_called_once_with(fixed_ips=fixed_ips)
        self.assertEqual(expected_ports, ports)

    def _get_ports_for_remote_address_cache_hit_helper(self):
        remote_address = 'remote_address'
        networks = ('net1', 'net2')
        fixed_ips = ["ip_address=%s" % remote_address]
        mock_list_ports = self.qclient.return_value.list_ports
        mock_list_ports.return_value = {'ports': [{'network_id': 'net1',
                                                   'something': 42}]}
        self.handler._get_ports_for_remote_address(remote_address, networks)
        mock_list_ports.assert_called_once_with(
            fixed_ips=fixed_ips)
        self.assertEqual(1, mock_list_ports.call_count)
        self.handler._get_ports_for_remote_address(remote_address,
                                                   networks)

    def test_get_ports_for_remote_address_cache_hit(self):
        self._get_ports_for_remote_address_cache_hit_helper()
        self.assertEqual(
            1, self.qclient.return_value.list_ports.call_count)

    def test_get_ports_network_id(self):
        network_id = 'network-id'
        router_id = 'router-id'
        remote_address = 'remote-address'
        expected = ['port1']
        networks = (network_id,)
        with contextlib.nested(
            mock.patch.object(self.handler, '_get_ports_for_remote_address'),
            mock.patch.object(self.handler, '_get_router_networks')
        ) as (mock_get_ip_addr, mock_get_router_networks):
            mock_get_ip_addr.return_value = expected
            ports = self.handler._get_ports(remote_address, network_id,
                                            router_id)
            mock_get_ip_addr.assert_called_once_with(remote_address,
                                                     networks)
            self.assertFalse(mock_get_router_networks.called)
        self.assertEqual(expected, ports)

    def test_get_ports_router_id(self):
        router_id = 'router-id'
        remote_address = 'remote-address'
        expected = ['port1']
        networks = ('network1', 'network2')
        with contextlib.nested(
            mock.patch.object(self.handler,
                              '_get_ports_for_remote_address',
                              return_value=expected),
            mock.patch.object(self.handler,
                              '_get_router_networks',
                              return_value=networks)
        ) as (mock_get_ip_addr, mock_get_router_networks):
            ports = self.handler._get_ports(remote_address,
                                            router_id=router_id)
            mock_get_router_networks.called_once_with(router_id)
        mock_get_ip_addr.assert_called_once_with(remote_address, networks)
        self.assertEqual(expected, ports)

    def test_get_ports_no_id(self):
        self.assertRaises(TypeError, self.handler._get_ports, 'remote_address')

    def _get_instance_and_tenant_id_helper(self, headers, list_ports_retval,
                                           networks=None, router_id=None):
        remote_address = '192.168.1.1'
        headers['X-Forwarded-For'] = remote_address
        req = mock.Mock(headers=headers)

        def mock_list_ports(*args, **kwargs):
            return {'ports': list_ports_retval.pop(0)}

        self.qclient.return_value.list_ports.side_effect = mock_list_ports
        instance_id, tenant_id = self.handler._get_instance_and_tenant_id(req)
        new_qclient_call = mock.call(
            username=FakeConf.admin_user,
            tenant_name=FakeConf.admin_tenant_name,
            region_name=FakeConf.auth_region,
            auth_url=FakeConf.auth_url,
            password=FakeConf.admin_password,
            auth_strategy=FakeConf.auth_strategy,
            token=None,
            insecure=FakeConf.auth_insecure,
            ca_cert=FakeConf.auth_ca_cert,
            endpoint_url=None,
            endpoint_type=FakeConf.endpoint_type)
        expected = [new_qclient_call]

        if router_id:
            expected.extend([
                new_qclient_call,
                mock.call().list_ports(
                    device_id=router_id,
                    device_owner=constants.DEVICE_OWNER_ROUTER_INTF
                )
            ])

        expected.extend([
            new_qclient_call,
            mock.call().list_ports(
                fixed_ips=['ip_address=192.168.1.1'])
        ])

        self.qclient.assert_has_calls(expected)

        return (instance_id, tenant_id)

    def test_get_instance_id_router_id(self):
        router_id = 'the_id'
        headers = {
            'X-Neutron-Router-ID': router_id
        }

        networks = ('net1', 'net2')
        ports = [
            [{'network_id': 'net1'}, {'network_id': 'net2'}],
            [{'device_id': 'device_id', 'tenant_id': 'tenant_id',
              'network_id': 'net1'}]
        ]

        self.assertEqual(
            self._get_instance_and_tenant_id_helper(headers, ports,
                                                    networks=networks,
                                                    router_id=router_id),
            ('device_id', 'tenant_id')
        )

    def test_get_instance_id_router_id_no_match(self):
        router_id = 'the_id'
        headers = {
            'X-Neutron-Router-ID': router_id
        }

        networks = ('net1', 'net2')
        ports = [
            [{'network_id': 'net1'}, {'network_id': 'net2'}],
            []
        ]
        self.assertEqual(
            self._get_instance_and_tenant_id_helper(headers, ports,
                                                    networks=networks,
                                                    router_id=router_id),
            (None, None)
        )

    def test_get_instance_id_network_id(self):
        network_id = 'the_id'
        headers = {
            'X-Neutron-Network-ID': network_id
        }

        ports = [
            [{'device_id': 'device_id',
              'tenant_id': 'tenant_id',
              'network_id': 'the_id'}]
        ]

        self.assertEqual(
            self._get_instance_and_tenant_id_helper(headers, ports,
                                                    networks=('the_id',)),
            ('device_id', 'tenant_id')
        )

    def test_get_instance_id_network_id_no_match(self):
        network_id = 'the_id'
        headers = {
            'X-Neutron-Network-ID': network_id
        }

        ports = [[]]

        self.assertEqual(
            self._get_instance_and_tenant_id_helper(headers, ports,
                                                    networks=('the_id',)),
            (None, None)
        )

    def _proxy_request_test_helper(self, response_code=200, method='GET'):
        hdrs = {'X-Forwarded-For': '8.8.8.8'}
        body = 'body'

        req = mock.Mock(path_info='/the_path', query_string='', headers=hdrs,
                        method=method, body=body)
        resp = mock.MagicMock(status=response_code)
        req.response = resp
        with mock.patch.object(self.handler, '_sign_instance_id') as sign:
            sign.return_value = 'signed'
            with mock.patch('httplib2.Http') as mock_http:
                resp.__getitem__.return_value = "text/plain"
                mock_http.return_value.request.return_value = (resp, 'content')

                retval = self.handler._proxy_request('the_id', 'tenant_id',
                                                     req)
                mock_http.assert_called_once_with(
                    ca_certs=None, disable_ssl_certificate_validation=True)
                mock_http.assert_has_calls([
                    mock.call().add_certificate(
                        FakeConf.nova_client_priv_key,
                        FakeConf.nova_client_cert,
                        "%s:%s" % (FakeConf.nova_metadata_ip,
                                   FakeConf.nova_metadata_port)
                    ),
                    mock.call().request(
                        'http://9.9.9.9:8775/the_path',
                        method=method,
                        headers={
                            'X-Forwarded-For': '8.8.8.8',
                            'X-Instance-ID-Signature': 'signed',
                            'X-Instance-ID': 'the_id',
                            'X-Tenant-ID': 'tenant_id'
                        },
                        body=body
                    )]
                )

                return retval

    def test_proxy_request_post(self):
        response = self._proxy_request_test_helper(method='POST')
        self.assertEqual(response.content_type, "text/plain")
        self.assertEqual(response.body, 'content')

    def test_proxy_request_200(self):
        response = self._proxy_request_test_helper(200)
        self.assertEqual(response.content_type, "text/plain")
        self.assertEqual(response.body, 'content')

    def test_proxy_request_403(self):
        self.assertIsInstance(self._proxy_request_test_helper(403),
                              webob.exc.HTTPForbidden)

    def test_proxy_request_404(self):
        self.assertIsInstance(self._proxy_request_test_helper(404),
                              webob.exc.HTTPNotFound)

    def test_proxy_request_409(self):
        self.assertIsInstance(self._proxy_request_test_helper(409),
                              webob.exc.HTTPConflict)

    def test_proxy_request_500(self):
        self.assertIsInstance(self._proxy_request_test_helper(500),
                              webob.exc.HTTPInternalServerError)

    def test_proxy_request_other_code(self):
        with testtools.ExpectedException(Exception):
            self._proxy_request_test_helper(302)

    def test_sign_instance_id(self):
        self.assertEqual(
            self.handler._sign_instance_id('foo'),
            '773ba44693c7553d6ee20f61ea5d2757a9a4f4a44d2841ae4e95b52e4cd62db4'
        )

class TestMetadataProxyHandlerNoCache(TestMetadataProxyHandlerCache):
    fake_conf = FakeConf

    def test_get_router_networks_twice(self):
        self._test_get_router_networks_twice_helper()
        self.assertEqual(
            2, self.qclient.return_value.list_ports.call_count)

    def test_get_ports_for_remote_address_cache_hit(self):
        self._get_ports_for_remote_address_cache_hit_helper()
        self.assertEqual(
            2, self.qclient.return_value.list_ports.call_count)

class TestUnixDomainHttpProtocol(base.BaseTestCase):
    def test_init_empty_client(self):
        u = agent.UnixDomainHttpProtocol(mock.Mock(), '', mock.Mock())
        self.assertEqual(u.client_address, ('<local>', 0))

    def test_init_with_client(self):
        u = agent.UnixDomainHttpProtocol(mock.Mock(), 'foo', mock.Mock())
        self.assertEqual(u.client_address, 'foo')

class TestUnixDomainWSGIServer(base.BaseTestCase):
    def setUp(self):
        super(TestUnixDomainWSGIServer, self).setUp()
        self.eventlet_p = mock.patch.object(agent, 'eventlet')
        self.eventlet = self.eventlet_p.start()
        self.server = agent.UnixDomainWSGIServer('test')

    def test_start(self):
        mock_app = mock.Mock()
        with mock.patch.object(self.server, 'pool') as pool:
            self.server.start(mock_app, '/the/path', workers=0, backlog=128)
            self.eventlet.assert_has_calls([
                mock.call.listen(
                    '/the/path',
                    family=socket.AF_UNIX,
                    backlog=128
                )]
            )
            pool.spawn_n.assert_called_once_with(
                self.server._run,
                mock_app,
                self.eventlet.listen.return_value
            )

    @mock.patch('neutron.openstack.common.service.ProcessLauncher')
    def test_start_multiple_workers(self, process_launcher):
        launcher = process_launcher.return_value

        mock_app = mock.Mock()
        self.server.start(mock_app, '/the/path', workers=2, backlog=128)
        launcher.running = True
        launcher.launch_service.assert_called_once_with(self.server._server,
                                                        workers=2)

        self.server.stop()
        self.assertFalse(launcher.running)

        self.server.wait()
        launcher.wait.assert_called_once_with()

    def test_run(self):
        with mock.patch.object(agent, 'logging') as logging:
            self.server._run('app', 'sock')

            self.eventlet.wsgi.server.assert_called_once_with(
                'sock',
                'app',
                protocol=agent.UnixDomainHttpProtocol,
                log=mock.ANY,
                custom_pool=self.server.pool
            )
            self.assertTrue(len(logging.mock_calls))

class TestUnixDomainMetadataProxy(base.BaseTestCase):
    def setUp(self):
        super(TestUnixDomainMetadataProxy, self).setUp()
        self.cfg_p = mock.patch.object(agent, 'cfg')
        self.cfg = self.cfg_p.start()
        looping_call_p = mock.patch(
            'neutron.openstack.common.loopingcall.FixedIntervalLoopingCall')
        self.looping_mock = looping_call_p.start()
        self.cfg.CONF.metadata_proxy_socket = '/the/path'
        self.cfg.CONF.metadata_workers = 0
        self.cfg.CONF.metadata_backlog = 128

    def test_init_doesnot_exists(self):
        with mock.patch('os.path.isdir') as isdir:
            with mock.patch('os.makedirs') as makedirs:
                isdir.return_value = False
                agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(mock.Mock())

                isdir.assert_called_once_with('/the')
                makedirs.assert_called_once_with('/the', 0o755)

    def test_init_exists(self):
        with mock.patch('os.path.isdir') as isdir:
            with mock.patch('os.unlink') as unlink:
                isdir.return_value = True
                agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(mock.Mock())

                isdir.assert_called_once_with('/the')
                unlink.assert_called_once_with('/the/path')

    def test_init_exists_unlink_no_file(self):
        with mock.patch('os.path.isdir') as isdir:
            with mock.patch('os.unlink') as unlink:
                with mock.patch('os.path.exists') as exists:
                    isdir.return_value = True
                    exists.return_value = False
                    unlink.side_effect = OSError

                    agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(mock.Mock())

                    isdir.assert_called_once_with('/the')
                    unlink.assert_called_once_with('/the/path')
                    exists.assert_called_once_with('/the/path')

    def test_init_exists_unlink_fails_file_still_exists(self):
        with mock.patch('os.path.isdir') as isdir:
            with mock.patch('os.unlink') as unlink:
                with mock.patch('os.path.exists') as exists:
                    isdir.return_value = True
                    exists.return_value = True
                    unlink.side_effect = OSError

                    with testtools.ExpectedException(OSError):
                        agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(mock.Mock())

                    isdir.assert_called_once_with('/the')
                    unlink.assert_called_once_with('/the/path')
                    exists.assert_called_once_with('/the/path')

    def test_run(self):
        with mock.patch.object(agent, 'MetadataProxyHandler') as handler:
            with mock.patch.object(agent, 'UnixDomainWSGIServer') as server:
                with mock.patch('os.path.isdir') as isdir:
                    with mock.patch('os.makedirs') as makedirs:
                        isdir.return_value = False

                        p = agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(self.cfg.CONF)
                        p.run()

                        isdir.assert_called_once_with('/the')
                        makedirs.assert_called_once_with('/the', 0o755)
                        server.assert_has_calls([
                            mock.call('neutron-metadata-agent'),
                            mock.call().start(handler.return_value,
                                              '/the/path', workers=0,
                                              backlog=128),
                            mock.call().wait()]
                        )

    def test_main(self):
        with mock.patch.object(agent, 'UnixDomainMetadataProxy') as proxy:
            with mock.patch.object(agent, 'config') as config:
                with mock.patch.object(agent, 'cfg') as cfg:
                    with mock.patch.object(utils, 'cfg'):
                        agent.main()

                        self.assertTrue(config.setup_logging.called)
                        proxy.assert_has_calls([
                            mock.call(cfg.CONF),
                            mock.call().run()]
                        )

    def test_init_state_reporting(self):
        with mock.patch('os.makedirs'):
            proxy = agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(mock.Mock())
            self.looping_mock.assert_called_once_with(proxy._report_state)
            self.looping_mock.return_value.start.assert_called_once_with(
                interval=mock.ANY)

    def test_report_state(self):
        with mock.patch('neutron.agent.rpc.PluginReportStateAPI') as state_api:
            with mock.patch('os.makedirs'):
                proxy = agent.UnixDomainMetadataProxy(mock.Mock())
                self.assertTrue(proxy.agent_state['start_flag'])
                proxy._report_state()
                self.assertNotIn('start_flag', proxy.agent_state)
                state_api_inst = state_api.return_value
                state_api_inst.report_state.assert_called_once_with(
                    proxy.context, proxy.agent_state, use_call=True)


text:
Singapore: Man Arrested for Holding Smiley Face Sign Outside Police Station
By Ben Kew
A man in Singapore was arrested and charged by authorities on Monday after standing outside a police station holding a sign with a smiley face on it, in violation of the city-state's notoriously strict laws concerning public protest.
Jolovan Wham, a committed environmental activist, was arrested for violating the city-state's laws that require a permit for any form of demonstration, even if it is as small as one person.
According to Wham, who describes himself as a "social worker, migrant, and human rights activist," his protest was a show of solidarity with another unidentified climate activist questioned by police after taking a picture in the same spot with the words: "SG is better than oil." To prove the absurdity of arresting someone for a one-man protest, Wham opted for holding a sign with a smiley face on it rather than any political message.
"On Thursday, a climate justice activist was taken into police custody for questioning and had his phone and laptop seized in the process," Wham wrote on Twitter. "He wore a facemask and held up a cardboard placard. This is me showing my support."
On Thursday, a climate justice activist was taken into police custody for questioning and had his phone and laptop seized in the process. He wore a facemask and held up a cardboard placard. This is me showing my support. pic.twitter.com/pnoa4dNMGG
— Jolovan Wham (@jolovanwham) March 28, 2020
In remarks reported by the New York Times, Wham argued that his arrest proved the way the law could be imposed in "ridiculous and overbearing" ways.
"The Public Order Act was purportedly enacted to preserve public order and the safety of individuals, both of which were not compromised when I took the photos and uploaded them on social media," he said. "The charges demonstrate that our laws have the potential to be applied in ridiculous and overbearing ways."
The police released a statement last week stating that Singapore's Speakers' Corner is the only place people should be expressing their political opinions. Speakers' Corner is an area in Hong Lim Park in the city-state that the government has designated for free speech, banning it outside of its perimeter.
"The Speakers' Corner is the proper avenue for Singaporeans to express their views on issues that concern them, and to allow Singaporeans to conduct assemblies without the need for a permit, subject to certain conditions being met," the statement read.
🔥🔥🔥🔥 #smileinsolidarity pic.twitter.com/bzIqHFGnpL
— Jolovan Wham (@jolovanwham) November 24, 2020
Wham's arrest was condemned by Human Rights Watch, whose Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson warned it would make Singapore a "laughing stock" around the world.
"You would think that the Singaporean authorities would be smart enough to not take on such a ridiculous case that will make them a laughingstock around the world, but they are blinded by their command and control mind-set that prefers maximum response to the slightest provocation," Robertson said.
It is not the first time that Wham has run into trouble with authorities because of his political activism. Last year, he was similarly charged with violating the city's Public Order Act after holding up a sign outside the former State Courts building to demand the dropping of defamation charges against a prominent journalist who accused senior government of corruption.
Follow Ben Kew on Parler, Facebook, or Twitter. You can email him at [email protected].
Public Order Act
Y'all, it's the little things in life that make it all worth it. The little thing this time is the number of followers the...
Authored by Paul Joseph Watson via Summit News,While Americans are being told by 'Great Reset' technocrats that the future is one without private property,...
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President-elect Joe Biden says...
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President Donald Trump did...


text:
Special Issue Submission
Most accessed Article
E-Pub Full Text Articles
E-Pub Abstracts
Editor Choice Articles
Subscribers & Corporates
Trial Request
Contents & Abstracts
Clavulanic Acid in the Scope of Helicobacter pylori Treatment: A Literature Review and Beyond
[ Vol. 15 , Issue. ]
Nasr Alrabadi*, Iyad S. Albustami, Husam A. Abuhayyeh, Khaled M. El-Muwalla, Rama J. Alawneh, Laith N. AL-Eitan, Karem H. Alzoubi, Majed Masadeh, Omar F. Khabour and Razan Haddad Pages 1-11 (11)
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease and it can be associated with many complications including malignancies. In clinical practice, some clinicians may use clavulanic acid (CA) in combination with amoxicillin or other beta-lactams as an addition to the standard treatment regimens. This practice may be made by habitual mistake, non-evidence based hypothetical assumptions, or by prescribing it as an alternative treatment. This review aims to expose the effect of CA against H.pylori infection and to review the possible mechanisms that may contribute to that effect.
Methods: A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search was obtained on both pre-clinical and clinical studies related to CA and H.pylori infection.
Results: Available clinical studies showed improvement in the eradication of H. pylori by about 10-20% when CA was added to the treatment regimens. This effect for CA could be related to several mechanisms including inhibition of H. pylori growth by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), the transformation of H. pylori from the active filamentous form into coccoidal form, induction of the release of dopamine, modulation of immunological response towards H. pylori infection and its relationship with other microbiota. Randomized-controlled studies on patients with resistance H. pylori are needed. Moreover, In_vitro studies to evaluate the mechanisms by which CA may influence H. pylori are warranted.
Conclusion: The presented literature suggests potential avenues for the use of CA in the management of peptic ulcer disease and H.pylori infection.
Clavulanic acid, Clauvanate, Helicobacter pylori, Eradication therapy, Peptic ulcer disease, Gastric cancer.
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid
Read Full-Text article


text:
Q: Android adding image to view programatically getting this error java.lang.StackOverflowError: stack size 8MB Getting below error while adding an image to view dynamically.
Note: I am using .svg to set an image.
  java.lang.StackOverflowError: stack size 8MB
        at libcore.util.NativeAllocationRegistry.registerNativeAllocation(NativeAllocationRegistry.java:219)
        at libcore.util.NativeAllocationRegistry.registerNativeAllocation(NativeAllocationRegistry.java:122)
        at android.graphics.Bitmap.<init>(Bitmap.java:137)
        at android.graphics.Bitmap.nativeCreate(Native Method)
        at android.graphics.Bitmap.createBitmap(Bitmap.java:1026)
        at android.graphics.Bitmap.createBitmap(Bitmap.java:980)
        at android.graphics.Bitmap.createBitmap(Bitmap.java:930)
        at android.graphics.Bitmap.createBitmap(Bitmap.java:891)
        at com.rpoli.localwire.libs.circleimageview.CircularImageView.a(CircularImageView.java:411)
        at com.rpoli.localwire.libs.circleimageview.CircularImageView.a(CircularImageView.java:401)
        at com.rpoli.localwire.libs.circleimageview.CircularImageView.invalidate(CircularImageView.java:337)
  at android.widget.ImageView.invalidateDrawable(ImageView.java:281)
        at android.graphics.drawable.Drawable.invalidateSelf(Drawable.java:450)
        at android.graphics.drawable.Drawable.setBounds(Drawable.java:229)

A: I was having the same problem but I found it in my case, with the circleImageView as I changed it from center_crop and tried to adjustViewBounds which is not supported as this requires an unsupported ScaleType and also disabled the fade animations.
and I found the picture that I'm trying to use is going to be large to be cropped and actually it's of no use if you'll have a high resolution picture in a small circle.

A: Send me more details about problem with. I also share an example that I think glide might be more useful than picasso
build.grandle

implementation 'com.github.bumptech.glide:glide:4.7.1'
annotationProcessor 'com.github.bumptech.glide:compiler:4.7.1'

//MainActivity
final RequestOptions options = new RequestOptions()
            .placeholder(R.drawable.null_image_profile)
            .error(R.drawable.null_image_profile);

    Glide.with(context).load(s.getImage())
            .apply(options)
            .listener(new RequestListener<Drawable>() {
                @Override
                public boolean onLoadFailed(@Nullable GlideException e, Object model, Target<Drawable> target, boolean isFirstResource) {
                    progressBar.setVisibility(View.GONE);
                    return false;
                }

                @Override
                public boolean onResourceReady(Drawable resource, Object model, Target<Drawable> target, DataSource dataSource, boolean isFirstResource) {
                    progressBar.setVisibility(View.GONE);
                    return false;
                }
            })
            .into(profileImage);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection coming to Steam and Origin June 5
Command & Conquer gets a new coat of paint on June 5. (Image via EA)
EA will officially release the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection on June 5 via Origin and Steam. The collection features versions of the original Command & Conquer and Red Alert titles (and some expansions) upscaled to 4K. Additionally, the games' UI, multiplayer system, and soundtracks have been overhauled for a modern experience.
Fans of the Command & Conquer series haven't had too much to cheer about over the past few years, but this summer will turn the tide of battle. The Command & Conquer Remastered Collection will arrive on Steam and Origin on June 5, 2020.
The collection includes full 4K remasters of the original Command & Conquer (Tiberian Dawn), Command & Conquer: Red Alert, and three expansion packs: Covert Ops (based on Tiberian Dawn), as well as Counterstrike and The Aftermath (based on Red Alert).
In addition to the graphical overhaul, the collection rebuilds the multiplayer system (opting for an Elo-based matchmaking system), the games' UIs, and the legendary soundtracks. Many veterans that worked on the original titles have poured into the Remastered Collection, including Frank Klepacki, the composer of both titles.
The Remastered Collection will be released through both Steam and Origin as a digital download and will include a bevy of bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage of the FMVs used as mission briefings. EA is also working with Limited Run Games to release physical versions of the games with some extra goodies like posters and art books.
Check the trailer below for more details on the release, and let us know your favorite memories of C&C.
Remastered Command & Conquer, remade The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth, and rejuvenated Age of Empires can breathe life into expiring RTS genre 08/20/2020
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Updated | Crysis Remastered is coming to all platforms with revamped visuals and API-agnostic ray tracing 04/17/2020
E3 2020 | E3 2020 officially cancelled due to coronavirus fears 03/11/2020
Nintendo PlayStation prototype auctioned for $360,000 03/09/2020
2K's departure from GeForce Now is another blow for the fledgling service but Epic Games offers a well-timed lifeline 03/09/2020
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night launches on iOS and Android 03/05/2020
Two classic Disney games released for Nintendo Switch with lots of new features 10/30/2019
EA confirms Command & Conquer 4K remaster in the works 11/15/2018
Read all 1 comments / answer
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> Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2020 03 > Command & Conquer Remastered Collection coming to Steam and Origin June 5


New Delhi, Nov 20 (UNI) The Indian Government has streamlined the visa guidelines for Chinese business people, professionals and their dependents.
This has been done within the contours of an existing MoU signed between India and China in 2003, home ministry sources said here today.
The streamlining is significant in view of keen interest envisaged by Chinese business companies in investing in India.
To facilitate a relatively longer stay of Chinese business people for bona fide purpose, A business visa of 6 months validity and allowing multiple entry can be extended here in India on merit up to one year. Similarly, Business Visa of 60 days can be extended up to 180 days and the entry can be increased from single to multiple here in India, on merit.
Employment Visa for Chinese Nationals can now be extended here in India up to five years on a yearly basis subject to no adverse activity and the foreigner continuing to keep his/her employment.
Dependents of 'E' visa holders will get 'X'- Visa co-terminus with the duration of the visa of the principal visa holder.
Chinese nationals married to Indians will also get 'X'-Visa.
The above provisions will ensure easier movement and stay of Chinese business persons, professionals and their dependents in India for bona fide purposes.


text:
Q: What's the difference between the different types of poles, zeroes and singularities in complex analysis? I am trying to get an understanding on the difference between the different types of poles, zeroes and singularities in complex analysis and how to identify them.
When is it a removable singularity, and why? When is it a simple pole? etc.
So far I am having trouble with this, and would greatly appreciate some suggested ways of thinking/methods when trying to identify them.
I don't really have an example, as I just generally want to learn and understand it.

A: In complex variables class, they teach you to use the Laurent series for this
A function with a simple pole at $z_0$ has a Laurent series
$$
\frac{b_{-1}}{z-z_0} + \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n (z-z_0)^n
$$
Roughly speaking, if you multiply this function by $(z-z_0)$, it becomes analytic at $z_0$.
You can have poles of higher order
$$
\frac{b_{-m}}{(z-z_0)^m} + ... + \frac{b_{-1}}{z-z_0} + \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n (z-z_0)^n
$$
In this case you'll have to multiply by $(z-z_0)^m$ to get an analytic function at $z_0$.
If the negative part of the series goes on forever, you have an essential singularity. Functions behave very badly in the neighborhood of such a singularity.
$$
\sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} a_n (z-z_0)^n
$$
A zero is just a root of a function, if $F(z_0)=0$ then $z_0$ is a zero of the function.
A removable singularity is a "technical" singularity, e.g. $\sin(z)/z$ for $z_0 = (0,0)$. You can get rid of it by redefining the function suitably at $z_0$. Once you do this, $\sin(z)/z = 1 - \frac{z^2}{3!} + \ldots$.
In addition to poles and essential singularities, there are singularities which are in the shape of a line, like a branch cut.

A: This is how poles of different order looks like. If you are not sure, you can just plot it.

$\dfrac{z}{1-\cos z}$ is a good example. $1-\cos z$ has zero at $z=2πk$ but $z$ on the nominator removed the second order pole at $z=0$ by order 1. So, this function has a pole of order 1 at $z=0$ but of order 2 at other $z=2πk$.
Here is an illustration:

Just in case you are interested in my MATLAB code:


Chubb announced that Robert C. Cox, division chairman of North America Financial Lines, will retire on July 1, 2016, bringing to a close a 35-year career with the company.
Upon Cox's retirement, Scott A. Meyer, division president, North America Professional Lines, will lead the business.
Meyer will report to John Lupica, vice chairman of Chubb Group and president, North America Major Accounts and Specialty Insurance.
Cox joined Chubb as an underwriter in 1981. He was named department manager within three years and subsequently held a variety of management positions, including assistant vice president/Eastern Zone manager, vice president/Worldwide Professional Liability underwriting manager, Worldwide Manager of the department, and chief underwriting officer. He served as executive vice president of Chubb & Son and chief operating officer, Chubb Specialty Insurance until ACE's acquisition of Chubb on January 14, 2016, when he was appointed division chairman of the North America Financial Lines business.


Dimensions: 3" x 4 3/4"
Santa is very busy checking over his naughty and nice list and this ornament is the perfect way to remember your child's wish list or use it to put one item each for the individual members of the family. A fun keepsake that has endless possibilities for personalization because you can even use Santa's list to put a list of names with Naughty List or Nice List on top. Santa wishes you a jolly year and with his festive polka dotted shirt, red suspendered pants, shiny black boots and fluffy white beard, he has the elves in the North Pole working hard!
7/17/2018 - "Looking for special look in ornaments-found here exactly what I was looking for-such as a granddaughter & husband moving from Hawaii where they have lived for years to Colorado for special degree in Doctor of P.T. and will be living there 3 years -perfect Colorado shaped ornament and options for the two dogs! Yeah! Highly recommend the Ornament Shop! Zena T."
12/3/2018 - "I have been ordering ornaments from your company since 2014. Not one has ever been a disappointment. They are always perfect! Love Ornament Shop! Sandra M."
11/10/2018 - "I'm always happy with the ornaments that I've ordered, they arrive quickly, are good quality and the personalizing is always perfect. Love these ornaments. Karen Z."
10/12/2018 - "It was easy to find the right ornament for each child. The whole process was easy and the prices are great! Laurie C."


text:
Mary Quant: British Fashion Icon
Opening in April, take a look inside this major exhibition of a 1960s style icon and her lasting influence.
"Self-expression, female ingenuity, empowerment and women's liberation, the themes of Mary Quant's designs are as relevant and important today as they were then," explains Steph Wood, co-curator of the V&A's major new Mary Quant exhibition. This spring, London's pre-eminent fashion and design museum pays tribute to Mary Quant's trail-blazing talent with the first international retrospective show dedicated entirely to the iconic 1960s British designer.
The exhibition features over 120 items of clothing alongside pieces from Quant's cosmetics line, sketches and photographs. Drawing on Dame Mary Quant's personal archive, as well as coveted items loaned by members of the public, the exhibition makes it clear that the designer was a source of inspiration to many women in the 1960s. "Quant was a powerful role model for working women at a time when more and more women were able to have careers. Her vision and steely determination enabled her to succeed in a male dominated environment and her designs and career inspired and liberated women from convention and stifling rules and regulations," explains Wood.
From colour-popping clothes to makeup, Mary Quant's impact on British fashion cannot be overestimated. "Quant popularised many of the things we take for granted today such as miniskirts, tights and waterproof mascara," says Wood. "She was also among the first to promote trousers and suits for fashionable womenswear at a time when many women in the UK were banned from wearing trousers in formal settings like restaurants. This appropriation of menswear remains one of her greatest contributions to fashion. Furthermore, her youthful and unconventional clothes overturned the dominance of Parisian couture and made British streetstyle the global influence it remains today. She helped put London on the map as a creative and progressive fashion capital."
The designer opened her first boutique in 1955 on the King's Road, not far from the museum. Her distinctive designs, which incorporated elements from masculine tailoring, were quick to draw attention. A pioneer of technologically advanced fabrics and fashion marketing, the exhibition aims to replicate the creative energy that Quant was known for in her heyday. Inside the exhibition, visitors can admire a collection of rare and unseen pieces as well as highlights including Mary's personal favourite dress, Banana Spilt—a chic zipped black jersey dress—and a selection of incredible platform shoes.
Quant's vibrancy and pioneering attitude were a breath of fresh air in post-war Britain and her approach is still very much on point for women today, as Wood explains: "One of her great strengths was to see fashion as a force for feminism – a means of communicating new attitudes, ideas and change for women."
Mary Quant at the Victoria and Albert Museum runs from 6th April 2019-16th February 2020. Red Carnation Hotels' The Egerton House Hotel is located just a few minutes' walk from the museum.
Historical holidays with Red Carnation Hotels
A medieval Irish castle and a hotel that endured the German occupation during WWII are among our top stays for history lovers.
The rise of the micro wedding
We explore the increasingly popular wedding trend.
Our most sustainable hotels and green initiatives
From the largest Living Wall in London to protecting South Africa's rare Cape Leopard, discover Red Carnation's most inspiring work.


text:
Q: Deleting surplus blank lines using Python I want the Notepad++'s wonderful feature "Delete Surplus blank lines" in Python.
Say if I have file like this
A
B

C

D

I want
A
B

C

D

What is the pythonic way of doing this?
Here is what I tried
A=['a','\n','\n','\n','a','b','\n','\n','C','\n','\n','\n','\n','\n','\n','D']
B=[]
count=0
for l in range(0,len(A)):
    if A[l]=='\n':
        count=count+1
    else:
        count=0
    if count>1:
        if A[l+1]=='\n':
            continue
        else:
            B.append('\n')
    else:
        if A[l]!='\n':
            B.append(A[l])
print B

A: Make sure there's no more than \n\n, eg:
import re
print re.sub('\n{3,}', '\n\n', your_string, flags=re.M)

And, using itertools.groupby for large files:
from itertools import groupby

with open('your_file') as fin:
    for has_value, lines in groupby(fin, lambda L: bool(L.strip())):
        if not has_value:
            print
            continue
        for line in lines:
            print line,

A: Here is a one-liner:
In [35]: A=['a','\n','\n','\n','a','b','\n','\n','C','\n','\n','\n','\n','\n','\n','D']

In [36]: B = [A[0]] + [A[i] for i in range(1, len(A)) if A[i] != '\n' or A[i-1] != '\n']

In [37]: B
Out[37]: ['a', '\n', 'a', 'b', '\n', 'C', '\n', 'D']

It basically omits newlines that follow other newlines.

A: Is this what you are looking for?
>>> def delete_surplus_blank_lines(text):
    while '\n\n\n' in text:
        text = text.replace('\n\n\n', '\n\n')
    return text

>>> text = 'a\n\n\nab\n\nC\n\n\n\n\n\nD'
>>> print(text)
a

ab

C

D
>>> print(delete_surplus_blank_lines(text))
a

ab

C

D
>>>

A more efficient implementation (based on ideas from NPE) would be:
def delete_surplus_blank_lines(text):
    return text[:2] + ''.join(text[index] for index in range(2, len(text))
                              if text[index-2:index+1] != '\n\n\n')

A one-liner of that function is fairly easy to create with a lambda:
delete_surplus_blank_lines = lambda text: return text[:2] + ''.join(text[index] for index in range(2, len(text)) if text[index-2:index+1] != '\n\n\n')

A: You have a file, so lets define a function called clean_up to clean up the file you give:
def clean_up(file_name,blanks=1):
    with open(file_name,'r+') as f:
        blank = 0
        for line in f:
            if blank < blanks:
                if line == "\n":
                    blank += 1
                f.write(line)
            else:
                blank = 0
                if line != "\n":
                    f.write(line)

Now this will iterate through your file, and make sure there are no more than blanks number of blank lines in a row!


text:
S2E4: Shane Campbell-Staton, PhD, Assistant Professor, Princeton University
Posted byrootstostempodcast December 3, 2021 December 2, 2021 Posted inPodcast
Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton is an Assistant Professor in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at Princeton University. Shane's research looks at how human actions contribute to contemporary evolution of animals, including elephants, wolves, alligators, and anoles. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester, his PhD from Harvard University, and did his post-doctoral training at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne and the University of Montana. Shane got his first faculty position at UCLA, and recently moved to a new faculty position at Princeton.
Some of the things we talk about in this episode:
how science and nature documentaries and TV shows fostered Shane's interest in science as a kid (which has come full circle, as Shane is now involved in making science and nature TV shows and documentaries himself)
why it's important to fund basic science to help find solutions to problems in unexpected places
the responsibility of scientists to communicate science to the public
the value of storytelling in science
why feeling like we don't know what we're doing can actually be a good sign
how tardigrades could make good superheroes
Get in touch with Shane and check out the research in his lab:
Shane's Twitter
Campbell-Staton Lab Website
Biology of Superheroes Podcast
Biology of Superheroes Twitter
Check out Shane's latest paper on the evolution of tusklessness in elephants (get in touch if you want a PDF):
Ivory poaching and the rapid evolution of tusklessness in African elephants (Science 2021)
S2E3: Bryan Juarez, PhD, NSF Postdoc, Stanford University
S2E5: Jorge Ramos, PhD, Assoc. Dir. for Environmental Ed, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Stanford University