text:
Q: type 'String' is not a subtype of type 'Map' on a fromJson I am trying to do a POST call to my API, with an email and a password.
This returns a 'User' with id, email, country and a token but when trying to pass the received JSON back to a 'User' I get the 'type 'String' is not a subtype of type 'Map<String, dynamic>'' error.
This is my JSON response:
{"id":1,"email":"email","country":"country","token":"token}

This is the function that I am using to call the API:
Future<User> createUser() async {
String email = _emailController.text;
String password = _passwordController.text;
final response =
    await ApiClient().post("/register", RegisterDTO(email, password));
return User.fromJson(response); // line which gets the error

This is the User model which has the fromJson method:
class User {
  int? id;
  String? email;
  String? country;
  String? token;

  User({this.id, this.email, this.country, this.token});

  User.fromJson(Map<String, dynamic> json) {
    id = json['id'];
    email = json['email'];
    country = json['country'];
    token = json['token'];
  }

  Map<String, dynamic> toJson() {
    final Map<String, dynamic> data = new Map<String, dynamic>();
    data['id'] = this.id;
    data['email'] = this.email;
    data['country'] = this.country;
    data['token'] = this.token;
    return data;
  }
}

I am very new to flutter and dart so if someone can help me, or send me in the right direction I will greatly appreciate it!

A: Instead of this:
return User.fromJson(response);

try this:
return User.fromJson(jsonDecode(response));


text:
AN NCS VIDEO PREMIERE: SISYPHEAN — "SOVEREIGNS OF LIVID HOPE" IMMOLATION – ACTS OF GOD
AN NCS INTERVIEW: SULLEN GUEST
Interviews Add comments
(Comrade Aleks has brought us the following great interview with two members of the Lithuanian band Sullen Guest, whose latest album was released in February 2021 and who have a new EP on the near horizon.)
There aren't many doom metal bands in the Baltic region, and Sullen Guest are one of very few representatives of the genre in Lithuania. I guess you'll find everything you could imagine about death-doom in any of their releases. It's all about misery, death, despair, and doom as well.
The band had enough time to grow, and nowadays they are far from the point where they started seven years ago with their first EP Will You Greet the Sullen Guest as an Old Friend? With the new album Chapter III (Metallurg Music, 2021) they turn to be even more bitter and desperate as their musical palette has become more saturated and expressive.
Sullen Guest's founder Tenebra (guitars) and Inanitas (vocals, guitars), who joined the band in 2019, reveal details of the band's new EP in this fantastic interview.
Hi Sullen Guest! How are you? What's going on in your camp?
[Tenebra] Lately, we have been distracted. The Pandemic has disrupted our routine of rehearsals. All our homework with our new EP has been finished for a while, so we are having some nice chill time for the time being. We plan to attend a few gigs this year with set dates.
The band was started in 2013 and your first official release is the EP Will You Greet the Sullen Guest as an Old Friend? (2015). It presents death-doom metal with both growling and female vocals. How did you see the band back then? What kind of direction did you aim to follow?
[Tenebra] The direction from the very beginning was to play old-school death-doom with some progressive influences and with strong and emotional growls. Despite our wishes, we didn't develop the style at that moment because of our unprofessionalism.
In those days we had a lot of enthusiasm but no sense of how it should be achieved. None of the members had any scene experience or musical education. We had struggled to find male vocals, and after 6 months of searching, we got an opportunity for our songs to be accompanied by female vocals. When Marija joined the band, every one of us was hyped because of Marija's skill to perform clean and growled vocal lines separately. It is a rare ability to this day, and we have received a lot of attention because of it. I never thought this band could become female-fronted in any way. Sometimes I listen to the first EP, and I see how much we have improved during these eight years. It gives me strong sentiments, but I think what we do now is a full head above.
You decided not to keep following the same formula on Sullen Guest's debut full-length IIIIXXI (2018): the material is harder, heavier, and female vocals are just episodic. What led you to these changes?
[Tenebra] Once Marija decided to leave Lithuania, the choice was not actually in our hands, but hers. Our musical visions grew closer to reality when Maledictus stepped up with his deep growl. During this time, we had a few more line-up changes that changed the band's vibes in a positive way.
IIIIXXI sounds professional, it's good piece of true death-doom – it follows old school standards and yet it's well-produced. Why was it released DIY? Didn't you have a chance to find a proper label for this album?
[Tenebra] As it was our first full album, we didn't know the proper way to promote it or whom to approach in a respectful timeframe; Also, lack of self-esteem played a role too. We placed a fixed date for the release, and we shared the news only one month prior to release to a dozen labels. As a result, we did not get any attention from them, but one of them advised that no one would give a shit if an album is planned to release later than three months before the set date.
Lithuania never had a big doom scene; there were very few bands in the '90s – Ars Moriendi and Dissonance, for example. Probably that's all… Nowadays do you feel support from local enthusiasts or do you receive feedback mostly from abroad?
[Tenebra] We have excellent support from the local audience despite the fact that the main part of Lithuanian metalheads are more likely to listen to black and thrash metal. On the other hand, more CDs are sold abroad than locally. It's a great pleasure to know that our music is interesting to audiences in distant countries as well.
How much of Lithuania is in Sullen Guest? Do you see any local features in your songs or do you rather see it as an "international", universal death-doom piece?
[Inanitas] We do not try to specifically infuse Lithuanian roots into Sullen Guest. We portray the emotions and life experiences we have here within our music naturally, but it could be treated as international at the same time, as many people do have similar experiences in other locations. We tend to leave the judgment in the eye or the ear of the beholder. Things might change in the upcoming years, as we try to discover new ways of expressing ourselves, but for now, the lyrics and subjects we touch in our songs could be treated as widely experienced by all of us.
As I understand, only one original member remained in the band when the time came to record the second full-length Chapter III (2021) – Tenebra (guitars), as Doloribus (drums) joined in around 2017. How did it come to this and where did you find Inanitas?
[Tenebra] In total Sullen Guest has had 14 members including the existing line-up. Change of members sucked, but to find a perfect match is rather difficult. We are all different, and we all have our personal interests. So some of the members were asked to leave the band and others have chosen to leave.
Sadly, our former guitarist Formido decided to leave Lithuania for good, and I had many fears that we would be stuck searching for a proper guitarist. But luckily when we played the last performance with Formido we met Inanitas – he was a listener in the audience at the time and visited us after the show and said how he appreciated our music a lot. We asked him if he would be interested in playing with us as a guitarist. It was nearly a joke offer, but he said yes. We were super lucky to fill this void so easily and quickly. We noticed in the adaptation period of Inanitas that he had emotional growl capabilities too. This style of vocals suited our musical vision even more than the deep growl of Maledictus, so we decided to stick with it.
How fast did you find a common ground with Inanitas? Did he write lyrics for Chapter III songs?
[Tenebra] Inanitas has great taste in talking about vocals in songs. He is strongly affected by old-school death-doom music. We like when vocals are not following the same rhythm as guitar riffs all the time. And the main thing is the emotional intensity in his voice. Every time Inanitas relives the emotions he sings about during the performance or rehearsal, there is no space for fake gestures or expressions. Inanitas is the main guy regarding the lyrics.
Was the album well-received? This time Sullen Guest worked with Metallurg Music — how did it change the band's position? Was it easier with promotion, etc.?
[Tenebra] We received a lot of attention with Chapter III and Metallurg Music have done a great job! The attention level was incomparable with our previous album – IIIIXXI. As much as we were proud of our last album, it was enjoyable to see all these new comments, reviews, and articles that have reached us.
Chapter III sounds almost progressive in comparison with the more traditional death-doom of IIIIXXI. What kind of ideas did you aim to fulfill in recording this material? Or what were your influences in this period?
[Tenebra] From the very first song I composed 10 years ago, I dreamed and wanted to play the music that was born in this album. As we received enough experience, we were able to compose and play the music we always wanted to play: progressive melodic death-doom metal or, as we use an acronym for a joke of it – promededome. On the other hand, without an appropriate band's line-up, it would be impossible to fulfill these ideas.
You presented a new song 'Come with Me' in August 2021 as a teaser for the upcoming concept EP Phase which hasn't been released yet. What's the story behind this EP?
[Inanitas] This is not a made-up story to appeal to many or any groups of people out there or trying to fit the frame in any way, I wrote the lyrics a week or two before a person close to me passed away. After his death, I read the lyrics of the three conceptual songs on the EP, and a cold realization visited me that it's all partially about this event, and what I was about to experience, without me knowing when I did so. It was really hard to practice the lyrics for some time after it happened; I left rehearsals emotionally broken for some time.
Before this event I had to re-write the lyrics several times to fit the order of the songs that are going to be manifested in the EP. We gave special care to the order, as this is the first conceptual album I participated in, so there was a lot of writing and throwing away before we managed to synchronize everything. This came hard to me as I am not a very disciplined person.
Telling a tale – when I wrote all the lyrics and went to sleep that night I was satisfied with the progress, and then I had a dream of our songs accompanied by female vocals, so I got up in the middle of the night and re-wrote the lyrics again, I was afraid I would lose the memory of the dream, but I managed to adjust everything to my dream before I forgot about it. This event was the final edition.
'Come with me', 'Voice Of The Subconscious', and 'Assent' are the three songs in the album which represent the 5 stages of grief – Denial, Anger, Despair, Depression, Acceptance.
'Come With Me' – Denial and Anger, it's an invitation for the listener to go through all the stages together. It's a song that tries to depict a person completely lost in anger, unable to control himself and haunted by inner thoughts he cannot silence in any way
'Voice Of The Subconscious' – Despair, and Depression, the suffering person is talking to himself and the female vocals represent the inner voice of the subject with some hard thoughts.
'Assent' – Acceptance and realization, the final piece of the EP, female vocals act as a subconscious voice again and provide insight but with more light this time and a way out of this process.
How soon do you plan to release Phase? Will you release it DIY or through a label?
We set some kind of symbolic date – 2022.02.22. The tracks were ready for records in the early spring of 2021, but everything was happening so slowly at that time. The Phase EP is our independent release, but we have been chosen for licensing and rights of music publishers and performers by a Lithuanian company – Agata — and received partial funding from them after participating in the competition for local bands for this particular album. So everything goes better than usual.
Okay, thank you for the interview. Let's hope Phase will be released without any delays and bring some relief for you. How would you like to finish our interview?
Thanks, it was a gripping interview. I'm sure our fans will find something common in our new EP.
…There is no light in your window anymore – you've been visited by Sullen Guest
https://sullenguest.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SullenGuest
Posted by Islander at 7:14 am Tagged with: Comrade Aleks, Sullen Guest
One Response to "AN NCS INTERVIEW: SULLEN GUEST"
jersey devil says:
Cool. I really liked these songs. Fine and creative drumming too (the drums always become more prominent in doom metal). It was time for some new death-doom and this is new band for me.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This pic of Douglas Bild is based on his pose seen on the Brawl Brothers (known as Rushing Beat Ran in Japan) and the face is meant to look like his in-game portrait. I planned to draw him last year but lost the notebook that I drew a really good pose of him in. None of the other attempts turned out right so I just redrew this pose of the game's character select screen. The first attempt was drawn in blue line pencils then tightened with regular leads but I didn't like the proportions. I lightbox traced that to new paper while changing the proportions which I still messed up while suffering from the effects of a cold. I digitally shifted a few things here and there (mostly the arms).


Heal One World – Free/donation based Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Classes in Los Angeles. Open to all people and specializes in beginner classes.
HOW a Nonprofit formed to help connect all people to preventative health care and guidance in learning self-help techniques that are generally not covered by insurance. We hold classes on a free or sliding scale basis that provide self help and self healing techniques.
Our Film Festival is here, Sept. 27- Oct. 7. It will be located in DTLA at LA Live!
Join us Wednesdays at 6:30PM for Reiki Circles, beginners are welcome!
Looking to try Meditation? We have the class for you every Sunday at 4:00PM.
Looking for Int. Yoga? We have the class for you every Tuesday at 7:30PM.
Heal One World is a Nonprofit formed to help connect all people to preventative health care and guidance in learning self-help techniques that are generally not covered by insurance. We hold classes on a free or sliding scale basis that provide self help and self healing techniques. Find Out More!
© 2018 Heal One World. All rights reserved.


We know that our Military is an deep rooted part of who we are in Oregon. They are our heroes and the men and woman we look up to. If you are current military, or a veteran, we would like to extend to you a 5% discount on your labor help when you book with us.
Our Civil Servants keep our neighborhoods safe and allow us the privilege of security. These are our hometown heroes that hold some of the most honorable and tough positions in life. We gladly extend a 10% discount to you as our thanks.
Our Honored Citizens have been here long enough to know a good thing when they see it. With wisdom comes other benefits, this discount is for those who have earned it though time. Thank you for your experiences.
Intel Employees are an essential part of our community. With out Intel much of the housing market would squander. We are proud to offer a 5% discount on labor to current Intel employees. Thank you for being a foundation to the Northwest.
Nike Employees fill our city with sport and endurance. Nike's ongoing involvement in our local community spurs our economic prosperity. We offer Nike employees a 5% discount for your involvement and support.
Discounts are valid with proof of employment, or age on the day of the move. Discounts can be applied one at a time, if more than one apply the discount with the greater value is applicable. Nike and Intel emblems are not paid advertisements.
Preparation for movers and planning are essential components of a successful, cost-effective move. We can help guide you to have a move that is worth telling the world about.
Contact Us for information about the help we can provide with your Local Move, Long Distance Move, Heavy Items, Single Items, Packing Service, Loading or Unloading, and Inner Home Moves.


Your patios, porches, entryways, front yards, balconies, and gardens will gladly welcome this Christmas Wreath Hanger Banner into their surroundings! As such accent flags are an excellent and easy way to present your interests and celebration of the holidays and seasons, this banner, in particular, is perfect for celebrating that chilly, snowy season, while presenting the wreath or planter of your choice!
A wide, aesthetically-edged thick and sturdy aged-look canvas sign is embellished with perfect Yuletide colors and patterns, while embracing a perfect Christmas greeting. It comes with a painted metal wreath hanger, which easily connects to the bottom of this banner through its provided apertures, screws, and washers, for attaching to any door, pole, or wherever you wish! It is equally welcome indoors, as well!
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Assorted styles-sorry, no choice. Some assembly required.
Christmas Wreath Hanger Banner - Average Rating 5 out of 5 ( 1 reviews).
"I love it and cant wait to use it , made very well "


along with Nadia Steinzor, from Earthworks.
piplines/compressors, come out and show support.
There are two different communities there.
The town of Buckingham is the exact opposite.
so access to public schools has been only recent.
Very poor, people of color.
The people there are largely have no internet.
I said, they have no internet there.
Most people are not online.
present will likely be forced to close its doors if the station is built.
Please come and support if you can. This people are very cut-off.
people looking after them, checking in on their progress.
Please share this on ACP lists, and VA pipeline and VA environment lists.
I am thinking about the new FERC commissioner and chair Norman Bay.
We do not know how he will act.
He's largely a blank slate.
He is like a pair of dice before being tossed.
all of us very carefully.
We must remember -- We have incredible power here.
Our efforts can and are having a profound impact.
for the goal of protecting and preserving life. "
I believe this intention can help "collapse the quantum wave function"
material reality with our thoughts, speech, and deeds.
We can influence Norman Bay's actions.


Tera W. Hunter, Professor of History and African American Studies, recently published her second major book, Bound in Wedlock: Slave and Free Black Marriage in the Nineteenth Century.
"Americans have long viewed marriage between a white man and a white woman as a sacred union. But marriages between African Americans have seldom been treated with the same reverence. This discriminatory legacy traces back to centuries of slavery, when the overwhelming majority of black married couples were bound in servitude as well as wedlock. Though their unions were not legally recognized, slaves commonly married, fully aware that their marital bonds would be sustained or nullified according to the whims of white masters.
Bound in Wedlock is published by Harvard University Press.
The highly anticipated book is quickly gaining strong reviews.


Nighttime grass tickles my toes. The earth thrums alive, magnetically pulsing, breathing. A dragonfly hovers, its silhouette obscuring unnamed constellations, electric wings bending starlight. I reach up toward the moon, sure my hungry fingers will tease ancient dust from her cratered surface.


text:
import { Component } from '@angular/core';
import {TranslateService} from 'ng2-translate/ng2-translate';

@Component({
  selector: 'app-root',
  template: '<router-outlet></router-outlet>'
})
export class AppComponent {
  constructor(translate: TranslateService) {
    translate.addLangs(['en']);
    translate.setDefaultLang('en');
    translate.use('en');
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Home Celeb Lists Askmen's Top Ten Hottest Actresses 2014
Askmen's Top Ten Hottest Actresses 2014
Askmen, which is one of the biggest men's lifestyle websites with around 40,000 articles on topics such as health, fitness, nutrition and relationships needs no introduction. In terms of the daily unique visitors, which is around 15 million, it is the highest ranked men's website. So, to be voted by the website visitors into 'Top 99 hottest women' in itself is a huge achievement. In this article, we will list the top ten hottest actresses from the Top 99 feature for 2014.
Not only this British actress is the hottest actress, but also the highest ranked women in the list. Emilia with smoky eyes, sweet smile and refreshing looks is a unique beauty on the list, which is dominated by blond bombshells and stunning swimsuit models. And, surely her platinum colored locks and powerful presence as Daenerys Targaryen, the queen of dragons in the famous medieval fantasy series 'Games of Thrones' has been a huge factor in her popularity. Her character has one of the rare distinctions of being an important character and still managing to survive the bloodbath of the first four seasons. Also, she is set to appear in much awaited action movie 'Terminator Genisys' as Sarah Connor alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Alison Brie has attractive good looks, down to earth attitude and a frank, open nature. The last of which was well evident in an interview, she gave to a magazine about her s*x life in which she opened up about every type of bedroom adventure she has had. The thing about such qualities is that endears you to men. And, her acting skills aren't shabby either which she has proved with her virtuoso performances while playing the role of Annie Edison on the NBC series 'Community' and Trudy Campbell on the AMC 60's drama 'Mad Men.'
Jennifer Lawrence is arguably the brightest rising star in the Hollywood. And, with much anticipated 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2' lined up for release in 2015, it seems she will continue her meteoric rise. In 2012, she became the second youngest Oscar winning actress for her performance in romantic comedy 'Silver Linings Playbook.' At the age of 24, she has won one Academy Award for Best Actress, two Golden Globe Awards – Best Actress for Musical or Comedy for 'Silver Linings Playbook' and Best Supporting Actress for 'American Hustle' and a BAFTA award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for 'American Hustle.'
Margot Robbie for her no underwear scene in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' has earned the title of new Sharon Stone. The young Australian actress seduced the audience with her smoking hot body and stunning n*de scenes in the movie. Her new movie 'Z for Zachariah' premiered on January 24, 2015 at the Sundance Film Festival to the mixed reviews. However, her performance in the Sci-fi drama was praised by the critics. Her another movie, set to be released is an American romantic drama 'Focus' alongside Rodrigo Santoro and Will Smith. She will also be seen as Jane in David Yates's 'Tarzan.'
Olivia Wilde poses all the qualities of a dream woman, she is incredibly beautiful, witty, compassionate, down to earth and vegan (ok, I am lying about preference for the last one, but Olivia has that effect on you). And, she has a natural ability to brighten up the screen no matter which role she is playing (cue her role in 'Cowboys and Aliens'). In 2015, she will be seen in American horror 'The Lazarus Effect' and drama 'Meadowland.'
For some year now, Mila Kunis has been ever present in the hottest women lists irrespective of which magazine or website has created that list. Her enchanting eyes, enviable figure and great sense of humor has endeared her to legions of fans. Her acting performance in dark ballet drama 'Black Swan' helped her win critical appreciation and her first Golden Globe award, whereas her roles in romantic comedies 'Friends with Benefits' and 'Ted' made her a huge commercial and marketable star.
Amanda Seyfried is an American actress who made her acting debut with teen comedy 'Mean Girls.' Her acting skills and stunning looks in 'Lovelace' which was a biopic made on the life of legendary p*rnstar Linda Lovelace was well praised by the fans. She was also praised by the critics for her performance in the epic romantic musical historical drama film 'Les Misérables.' In 2015, she will be seen in sequel of hugely popular 'Ted' with Mark Wahlberg.
Allison Williams, born on April 13, 1988 is the daughter of NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams. Allison is an actress, writer, comedian and singer who has played the title role on NBC's live television presentation of the musical 'Peter Pan Live!' However, it is her role as Marnie Michaels on the HBO comedy-drama series 'Girls' that has made her famous. With her acting skills, she has managed to put behind accusations of favoritism due to her parents connections.
If a list for hottest actress had been made exclusively by nerds, then without any doubt Olivia would have been the undisputed winner. Olivia became popular with her appearance as a co-host of 'Attack of the Show!' from 2006 to 2010. She is also known to dabble in cosplay in which she once dressed up as superhot Princess Leia Organa. Her roles in the shows such as 'The Newsroom' and 'New Girl' has been widely appreciated as well.
Elizabeth Banks is an accomplished actress, producer, and director. She rose to fame with her roles in commercial hits such as 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' 'Invincible,' 'Definitely, Maybe,' 'Role Models,' and 'The Uninvited.' She is also well known for playing Effie Trinket in 'The Hunger Games' franchise. In 2015, along with 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,' she will also be seen in 'Pitch Perfect 2' which she has co-produced and has also directed.
Those who are interested in reading the original Top 99 hottest women list please visit Askmen.
Alison Brie's Top Fitness Secrets That Will Make You Admire Her More
Elle 'The Body' Macpherson Trainer James Duigan Fitness Secrets
Emilia Clarke's Trainer James Duigan Shares Workout and Diet Tips


text:
Q: EmberJS fulfill multiple nested promises I want to return an array of objects. My code looks like this:
var apps = [];

    this.get('groups').then(function(groups)
    {
        groups.forEach(function(group)
        {
            self.store.find('module', group.get('module').get('id')).then(function(module)
            {
                self.store.find('app', module.get('app').get('id')).then(function(app)
                {
                    if(!apps.contains(app))
                        apps.pushObject(app);
                });
            });
        });
    });

I want to return all apps after foreach-loop is fulfilled, but I have no idea.

A: You must always return a promise to keep building the chain.
var self = this;

return this.get('groups')
    // Return an app for each group
    .then(function (groups) {
        return Ember.RSVP.Promise.all(groups.map(function (group) {
            return self.store.find('module', group.get('module.id'))
                .then(function (module) {
                    return self.store.find('app', module.get('app.id'));
                });
        }));
    })
    // Filter out duplicates
    .then(function (apps) {
        return apps.uniq();
    });

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Saj Hussain is a property entrepreneur and also well known as The Property Joint Venture Expert. Since 2007 he has built a multi-million pound property portfolio with more than 150 tenants. He uses his time, skills and experience to find great investment opportunities and partners up with cash rich investors to create a fantastic return on investment.
Saj's main strategies are flipping, HMO's and developments. In 2013 he also founded a specialist HMO lettings and management agency and his team currently manage 500+ rooms in Birmingham.
Saj is very passionate about using his knowledge and experience to help others to also create wealth through property. He is frequently invited to events to speak about creating profit from property using other people's money. A big believer in collaborating with investors to build successful joint ventures for all involved. He further supports property investors through training, coaching and mentoring.


text:
Tag Archives: humor
The Color of Magic
Author: Terry Pratchett
Discworld, vol. 1; Rincewind, vol. 1
Welcome to the Discworld–a world quite unlike our own, in fact, a great flat disc spinning on the back of a giant space turtle. A world where the gods occasionally intervene (for their own amusement), where eight is a dangerous number, and where magic has its own color (octarine, in case you were wondering). Observe, if you will, Rincewind–a failed wizard who really would like to come out of this whole situation alive–and his companion, Twoflower, a the very first tourist in the Discworld–and a daft one to boot. Oh, and of course, the walking luggage that's tailing Twoflower around, ready to eat anyone who isn't nice to him. Somehow, these individuals manage to embark on a rollicking adventure (that Rincewind could have done very well without, thank-you-very-much) across the Discworld, inches from death (or, in Rincewind's case, Death himself) at nearly every turn.
I've generally found Terry Pratchett's writing to be quite enjoyable–very smart and funny or intense and insightful. In this particular case, it tends more to the absurd and clever. This is my first time dabbling in the (admittedly intimidating) Discworld universe. It actually took me a few tries to get into this story, and even at that, it wasn't one that I could sit down and consume quickly. But I'm glad that I made myself keep reading; definitely worth it in the end, and I look forward to trying more of the series. Right off, you can tell that there's some impressive worldbuilding going on here–granted, an absurd and logically impossible world, but that's kind of the point. There's a lot of cleverness that goes into the world, the word-building, the ridiculous situations that occur. I admit, sometimes it does feel like the author's so caught up in his own cleverness that the reader gets a bit lost in the shuffle, which is probably part of why I had a hard time getting into the book at the start. The Color of Magic is definitely more world-building and adventure focused than it is character focused, but I did find Rincewind's character to be interesting; he was definitely growing on me by the end, enough that I would like to read the rest of his sub-series at the very least. Recommended, especially for those who enjoy a touch of absurd humor and sardonic wittiness.
Tagged as 3.5★, absurd, adventure, British, Discworld, fantasy, humor, irreverent, neologism, quirky, Terry Pratchett, whimsy, witty, worldbuilding
Moonstruck, vol. 2: Some Enchanted Evening (Graphic Novel)
Author: Grace Ellis
Illustrator: Shae Beagle
Moonstruck, vol. 2
Werewolf barista and (secretly) aspiring author Julie and her friends score an invitation to a fairy frat party. It's one of the hottest parties of the year–literally. The entire frat house is bespelled to be a little piece of summer in the midst of Blitheton winter. Fortunately, Julie's girlfriend Selena is smart enough to keep their entire group from eating or drinking anything. Julie's friends, the idiot band that the run into at the party . . . not so much. Two of the band members manage to get themselves stuck in the frat house, unable to leave unless the entire band performs at the fraternity's next party–which would be a lot easier if Mark would get his scrawny vampire butt back to the fraternity instead of refusing to go anywhere near. Naturally, because they're way too accommodating, Julie, Selena, Chet, and Manuel somehow find themselves trying to sort this all out, only to find themselves caught in a bigger plot–a party war between two separate fairy fraternities. As if they didn't have enough drama and complications to sort out between themselves already!
I really love the cute fluffiness of this graphic novel series. If you're in the mood for epic, intricate plots and high stakes, this isn't really the story you should be picking up. But if you want sweet relationships where the characters are trying to make it work, even as they deal with real struggles like trust issues, then Moonstruck is perfect. Of if you love casual urban fantasy, where all sorts of magical/supernatural beings live normal lives playing computer games, working in coffee shops, playing in bands, and hanging out with friends. Some Enchanted Evening does a good job of showing the growing relationships between this group of friends while providing some solid humor (Mark is an idiot–the whole band are idiots–and Chet's whole Newpals thing is ridiculous but also amusing). Again, the plot isn't so much a high-stakes, intense thing, although it does push the characters to deal with some of their issues, which is nice to see. It really does seem like it's setting us up for something major in the next volume or two, though, especially Cass's ominous and untold visions being thrown into the mix. The art is consistently super-cute–lots of pastels and fun extras thrown into the background. Recommended.
Tagged as 4.5★, adventure, American, centaurs, coffee shop, cozy, cute, diversity, drama, fantasy, friendship, ghosts, gorgons, Grace Ellis, graphic novel, humor, LGBTQ+, magic, magical creatures, new adult fiction, pastels, romance, Shae Beagle, sweet, urban fantasy, vampires, werewolves
The Secret Identity of John Watson (Sherlock Fanfic)
Author: scifigrl47
Sam's friends always tell her that she has the worst taste in men. But her newest boyfriend, Dr. John Watson, may be the worst so far. Or maybe the best. She's not quite sure what to make of him, actually. When she first met him at her job as a bank clerk, he seemed so nice and normal. He still seems nice–polite, compassionate, competent. But he's competent in the strangest situations. Like, normal people wouldn't know how to respond in these situations, right? Sam certainly doesn't, and ever since she's met John Watson, she seems to keep getting dragged into stranger and stranger situations. And that's not even taking into account all the people (who apparently know John far better than she does) who keep warning her away from him. Or the tall, dark, and creepy stalker who seems to be following John around everywhere.
I really love scifigrl47's Sherlock stories in general. They're well written, have a great sense of humor, and show a thorough and insightful understanding of the characters. The Secret Identity of John Watson in particular is an interesting case because it's told entirely from an outsider point of view. And it proves a point that the author makes in the story notes quite brilliantly–the lives of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, to anyone not in the know, can only appear horrifying and bizarre. The brilliant thing is how this story makes the point. Sam and her friends are great characters–relatable and human and a great foil for the nearly superhuman existences that are Sherlock and John. And their theories on who John Watson is just keep growing more and more hilariously out there the longer they go. The whole thing is really quite funny. There's some cute romance here too, although the humor element is certainly a greater focus. Fair warning for those of you who don't care for OCs: this story is majorly focused on an OC and her relationship with Dr. Watson and Sherlock. Personally, I love outsider POV stories; they provide some great insights into characters that we often have grown too close to for us to see clearly anymore. And The Secret Identity of John Watson does just that to great effect and with great amusement. Recommended.
Note: You can find The Secret Identity of John Watson at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7968683/1/The-Secret-Identity-of-John-Watson.
Tagged as 3.5★, American, contemporary, Dr. John Watson, England, fanfiction, FFnet, humor, mystery, OC, outsider POV, rated T, romance, Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes
The Case of the Baker Street Flat Mate (Sherlock Holmes Fanfic)
Author: bemj11
Status: Complete (58 chapters)
It's common knowledge around Scotland Yard that any extended time around amateur detective Sherlock Holmes (or any time around him, really) is liable to drive a person mad. So when it becomes known that he has a new flat mate, a Dr. John Watson, bets begin to fly regarding how long it will take for Dr. Watson to move out again. But right from the start, Inspector Lestrade finds something unique in the relationship between Holmes and Watson. And when Dr. Watson stays on beyond the limits estimated by the most daring of gamblers, going so far as to nag Holmes into doing things no one would even suggest he do, Lestrade finds him increasingly fascinating.
The Case of the Baker Street Flat Mate is a fabulous fanfic based on Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories. Told in first-person from Inspector Lestrade's perspective, it chronicles his observations of Dr. Watson from their first meeting up to just past Reichenbach. The stories start out more, well, detective-like, observing Watson's relationship with Holmes, his skills both as a physician and as a soldier, that sort of thing. But there's a growing friendship between Lestrade and Watson that shines through as the stories go along that's nice. The stories find a good balance of humor and adventure, managing to stay fairly lighthearted in all but the most tragic sections. I enjoyed the way this fanfic is told as a string of short, disconnected stories–almost vignettes, really–as opposed to a fully integrated plotline. This way of telling the story works well to show us a gradually developing relationship over time. And the short chapters make the story convenient to read in bits as time allows (although I must confess, I devoured the entire 58 chapters in just a few days). Definitely recommended.
Note: You can find The Case of the Baker Street Flat Mate at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5826683/1/The-Case-of-the-Baker-Street-Flat-Mate.
Tagged as 4★, bemj11, Dr. John Watson, England, fanfiction, FFnet, first person, humor, Inspector Lestrade, London, rated T, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, vignettes
Taproot (Graphic Novel)
Author/Illustrator: Keezy Young
Being a ghost, Blue had missed human interaction . . . until he found Hamal, a guy who can actually see and talk to ghosts. The two quickly become friends–okay, Blue maybe has fallen a bit in love–and the small gardening shop Hamal works at soon becomes a popular hangout for a number of lonely ghosts. But something dark is creeping into the area, and Hamal seems to be at the center of it all. How far will Blue have to go to protect the guy he cares for and the other ghosts?
Taproot was one of the most charming, refreshing stories I've read in a while. Originally a webcomic, it's now available as an updated single-volume graphic novel. But yes, it has that independent, webcomic sort of feel, which is delightful. The main characters are just absolutely lovable and sweet; like, I wanted things to work out well for them right from the start. And, not to give away too many spoilers, but I promise, they do get their happy ending. The art is really nice–distinctive and attractive. I really love the mix of bright colors with dark, especially the way the panels are overlapped to provide a fade-in at certain points. It's used well to emphasize the contrast of light and darkness in the plot itself. As for the plot, again, a good mix of feel-good fluff and eeriness that resolves well and left me feeling happy. Taproot is the perfect sort of story for when you need something short to cheer you up and make you believe in hope again.
Tagged as 5★, adventure, cute, dark, diversity, eerie, feel-good, fluff, gardening, ghosts, graphic novel, happy ending, heartwarming, humor, Keezy Young, LGBTQ+, necromancy, paranormal, reapers, romance, webcomic, young adult fiction
Incredibles 2 (2018 Movie)
Sequel to The Incredibles
The Parr family have already lost their home to the attack of an evil villain, and following some bad press, the government program that has been supporting them is shutting down. What's more, that bad press is leading to even more pushback from society against superheroes–as if their technically illegal status wasn't already bad enough. Seriously, all this sweet family wants is to be normal and to be able to use their powers for good . . . but nothing seems to be going their way. So when Elastigirl (Helen Parr) gets a job offer to fight crime using her powers while also working to publicize her work and regain the trust of the people–and the legality of supers–it's not exactly like she can refuse. Meanwhile, Bob is left at home with the kids, trying to help Dash with his homework, understand the complexities of Violet's love life, and work out Jack-Jack's newfound (and numerous) superpowers. But as they've found before, this family is at their strongest when they work together.
So as I've said before, I really love The Incredibles, and thus was pretty nervous about watching its sequel. But I have to say, Pixar actually did a pretty decent job with Incredibles 2 . . . nothing groundbreaking, but they stuck to what worked with the first movie and made it work again. It honestly feels almost more like a continuation of the first movie than like a sequel proper, considering that it literally starts at the exact point in time that the first movie ends. Yes, you've got a new plot–or at least a new bad guy–but the continued focus on the family dynamic is strong here. Like, the superhero thing is what makes the plot work, but the story is actually a lot more about the people, the way the Parrs work through stuff like homework and dating and which parent stays home with the kids just like normal families do. It manages to be heartwarming and funny and relatable, which is great. Like I said, nothing groundbreaking here–they follow the typical (safe) Pixar tropes and all that–but they're tropes for a reason. They work. The animation is CG, fairly consistent with the first movie–gotta say, they had some fun with water effects, which were impressive. Ditto with the music, pretty consistent and typical of this sort of movie. So yeah, if you're looking for a fun, family-friendly movie, Incredibles 2 is a solid, safe choice.
Walt Disney Pictures/Written and Directed by Brad Bird/Produced by John Walker & Nicole Paradis Grindle/Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huckleberry Milner, & Samuel L. Jackson/Music by Michael Giacchino
Tagged as 3.5★, action, adventure, American, animated, Brad Bird, computer graphics, Craig T. Nelson, Disney, family, Holly Hunter, Huckleberry Milner, humor, John Walker, Michael Giacchino, movie, Nicole Paradis Grindle, Pixar Animation Studios, rated PG, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Vowell, superheroes


I've called Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) the Lady Gaga of the Tea Party; she's learned how to be a professional celebrity. She hasn't demonstrated a lot of executive experience or command of foreign policy knowledge, but she might prove to be a useful tool in the fundraising department.
In Indianola, Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 3, the crowd thought she would announce -- even going so far as to lay out a plan for restoring America. But alas, she did not. Listen to or watch her speech to the Tea Party of America's Restoring American rally below.


Of the 13 million registered watercraft in the United States,1 million are personal watercraft (PWC) or jet-skis. While they make up a small percentage of all boats, they contribute to 36 percent of boating accidents (Wood 1998). "For the most part we have found that people use the craft responsibly, what gives them a bad name is the number of people who show off by irritating other boaters, fisherman, and beach users," says Bud Inman, spokesman for Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Wood 1998). Because of PWCs popularity among users, and the large population of people opposed to their use, the issue of banning PWC use has fueled controversy, national attention, and lawsuits.
Personal watercrafts have high accident and fatality rates. As noted earlier, PWCs are involved in 35 percent of all accidents with water vessels. The number of accidents and fatalities due to PWC use has been increasing consistently with each year since 1987 (see Table 1).
Widespread PWC use has a significant impact on the environment due to the two stroke engines which leak millions of gallons of unburned fuel into the waters each year (Pearce, 1998). Scientists estimate that 20 to 25 percent of the fuel used in personal watercraft and other watercraft with two stroke engines fail to combust, and is flushed out into the water as raw fuel vapor emissions (Pearce, 1998).
To illustrate the level of pollution, in Michigan, the 82,000 registered watercraft, if each rider expends a full 10-gallon tank, will expend more than 200,000 gallons of fuel into the water. If a watercraft carries four gallons of gas, than approximately one gallon will be directly leaked into the water (Pearce, 1998). Two hours of exhaust emissions from a Jet Ski is equivalent to the emissions created by driving a 1998 automobile 130,000 miles (Stienstra, 1998).
Biological Impact: The pollution emitted from PWCs have a considerable impact on wildlife. When the unburned fuel is released into the water, tiny organisms absorb the chemicals and become extremely sensitive to light, an occurrence called phototoxicity. The Daylight sun then kills the organism, which causes a collapse of the food chain as food sources slowly become eliminated (Pearce, 1998).
Manufacturers and PWC users opposing the ban say that it is arbitrary and unnecessary. They say that newer models are cleaner and quieter, and users are becoming more courteous and safe (Stienstra, 1998). They argue that every boat pollutes, and that it is unfair to single out PWCís. Some who oppose the ban claim that it is an unlawful taking of private property and violates equal protection guarantees under the Constitution (Sward & Doyle, 1997).
According to John Donaldson, executive director of the Personal Watercraft Association, the portrayal of personal watercraft as dangerous is unfair. The accident and injury rates of personal watercraft are based on the number of PWCís in use. A more meaningful and accurate measure, according to Donaldson, would be computing these rates based on hours of operation (Fauber, 1998).
Table 2 presents a comparison of accident rates for various watercrafts. In terms of raw numbers, personal watercrafts are involved in more injuries than other boating vessels. However, these high injury rates need to be understood in relation to the greater number of PWCs in use. By looking at the injury and fatality rates as a function of the number of vessels, it seems that these rates are not outstanding compared to other vessels. Canoe/Kayak, open motor boats, and rowboats have only slightly lower injury rates. Canoes and rowboats all have a much higher fatality rates per vessel.
Bombardier, a manufacturer of personal watercraft, says that all models of the Sea Doo watercraft will be modified by this model year, 1999. They will have the D-Sea-Bel Noise Reduction System, which uses sound reduction technology to lower noise emissions. Test results showed that the Sound Pressure Level on the new GTX RFI is 50% lower than the 1997 GTX model. The GTX RFI also features a Rotax Fuel Injection system, designed to reduce the hydrocarbon exhaust by more than 25%, and improves fuel economy by 15%. (Business Wire, 1997).
In addition, future technology may soon allow for four stroke engines to replace the current two stroke engines in use. Technology today does not permit the four stroke engines in PWCs, because they make the vessels less reliable in rough water. Four stroke engines burn only fuel, in contrast to two stroke engines which use oil and fuel, so emissions are considerably cleaner (Pearce, 1998).
The National Parks are concerned with the disproportionately high amount of pollution they put into the water. The two-cycle engines employed on personal watercraft have the largest percent of unburned fuel passing through the engine and into the water. For MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), the two-cycle outboard engines were the least efficient. Over 30 percent of the MTBE initially contained in the watercraft's fuel tank was deposited into the water during operation. The results for benzene and toluene were similar (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency 1999).
Three states require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating a PWC. Sixteen states have specific speed limitations (USPS 1997).
we lead the nation in total number of accidents, injuries and death in personal watercraft," says Capt. Maurice V. Radford of the Florida Marine Patrol. Currently, only those above age 14 can operate personal watercraft and 16 to rent.
Michigan State passed a Personal Watercraft Safety Act during the 1997-1998 session. Although Michigan experiences negative environmental effects from the poolution emitted from PWC's, the bill only addresses the issues surrounding safety. The bill requires Jet Skiers to stay 200 feet from shorelines, establishes a safety program prerequisit to train riders in safety, and prohibits adolescents from operating a PWC without certification. Passing of this bill was difficult, according to the bill's sponsor, Senator Jon Cisky (R-Saginaw). According to the senator, the bill took almost two years to get agreement. "Getting these bills through was a hell of a lot more difficult than we ever thought it would be," said the senator in an interview. The absence of pollution and noise provisions, according to the senator, is the result of a long and difficult compromise process. Noise and polution provisions orginally included were dropped, but efforts continue to bring the bill in this direction (Pearce, 1998).
PWCs are prohibited on remote and undeveloped ponds having at least one outstanding resource value that are wholly or partly within the jurisdiction of the Main Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC). LURC must adopt rules to implement this provision.
Requires rental and leasing agents to provide each renter/leaser with written instructions on proper operation of watercraft.
Business Wire. 1997. "Bambardier Announces its New Personal Watercraft is Quieter." Sept. 17 www.nonoise.org/news/1997/sep14# Bambardier Announces its New Personal Watercraft is Quieter.
Fauber, John. 1998. "Personal Watercraft are often an accident waiting to Happen."
Non-Partisan Quarterly Newsletter. 1998. "Great Pond Task Force Legislation." Publication of the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis for the Maine State Legislature. June.V.2 issue 2.
Sergeant, Frank. 1998. "Fatal Watercraft Deaths Climb after Many Years of Decline." The Tampa Tribune. Nov. 11.
Saunders, Kathy. 1998. "No More Free Ride for Personal Watercraft Users." St. Petersburg Times. Oct. 18.
Stienstra, Tom. 1998. "Park Service to Ban Personal Watercraft." Examiner Outdoors. July 8. www.examiner.com/980708/0708ban.shtml.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. 1999. "Environmental Assessment for the Prohibition of Certain Two-Stroke Powered Watercraft", January 19.
United States Power Squadrons. 1998. "NASBLA Information by State and Territory"
Completed by Stacy Kupperman, Chad Ryan, and Anthony Turi on April 9, 1999.


Join us for night 2 of the Spring Dinner Menu premiere weekend!
Join us tonight and all weekend for our SPRING dinner menu premiere!
Lunch Special – Friday, 3/25 – JOIN US TONIGHT FOR SPRING DINNER MENU LAUNCH!!


How much would you give up for your dream?
But Monica didn't come home empty-handed.
She has something dangerous people want.
Something that could get her killed. Can she trust Gabe to keep her safe after she broke his heart or will their tortured past tear them apart?
The Measure of Home is a steamy, second chance, small-town romance with no cheating, a swoon-worthy celebrity chef, and a happily ever after as sweet as cherry pie. Get ready to turn up the heat with Gabe Sinclair.
If there's one thing Krista knows for sure, it's that romance saved her. After she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015, her world turned upside down. During those difficult first days, her dear friend sent her a romance novel. That kind gesture provided the escape she needed and ignited her love of the genre. Inspired by the strong heroines and happily ever afters, Krista decided to write her own romance series. Today, she is an MS Warrior and living life to the fullest. When she's not writing, you can find her running 5Ks and chasing after her growing boys in her adopted home of Denver, Colorado.


KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29): Piling and foundation specialist Econpile Holdings Bhd has bagged a RM34.1 million contract from YTL Corp Bhd's subsidiary Syarikat Pembenaan Yeoh Tiong Lay Sdn Bhd to undertake bored piling and pile cap works for a portion of the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double track rail project.
Econpile executive director and group chief executive officer Raymond Pang said the latest contract, Econpile's order book stands at RM1.3 billion which is expected to be recognised over the next two to three years.
The line encompasses 192 km of electrified double-track, stations, electric train depots, land viaduct, bridges, electrification and signaling systems from Gemas to Johor Baru.
"Econpile will be undertaking the contracted works at Section 3.0-Paloh to Renggam," said Pang in a statement today.
The overall duration of the contract is four months, and is expected to contribute positively to the group in the financial year ending June 30, 2019.
In a separate filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Econpile announced that its net profit for the fourth financial quarter ended June 30, 2018 (4QFY18) fell 6.7% to RM19.46 million from RM20.86 million a year ago, due to a higher percentage of the revenue contribution from the infrastructure projects which generally yield a lower margin.
Infrastructure projects made up 26.4% of the group's total revenue in 4QFY18, compared with just 10.8% in 4QFY17.
As a result, earnings per share was lower at 1.46 sen for 4QFY18 compared with 1.56 sen for 4QFY17. Quarterly revenue, however, rose 21.9% to RM192.28 million from RM157.68 million a year ago.
For the full FY18, the group's net profit increased 7.8% to RM87.1 million from RM80.77 million in FY17, while revenue rose 25.2% to RM728.4 million from RM581.91 million the previous year.
Pang said going forward, Econpile will be focusing on improving efficiency to strengthen the bottomline growth.
"We will continue to be prudent in the new financial year, and focus on optimising our resources more efficiently. We have invested extensively into our machinery fleet in the past two to three years, which would be sufficient to meet the wide-ranging requirements of ongoing projects.
"We aim to chart sustainable growth in the future," he added.
Econpile shares closed unchanged at 86.5 sen today, with 6.54 million shares done, bringing a market capitalisation of RM1.16 billion.


LAKE COUNTY — The Flathead Reservation and Lake County Boys and Girls Club will operate a summer program at both their Polson and Ronan sites Monday-Friday (not July 4) from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. from June 11-Aug. 17. The cost is $25 per month and must be paid up front in addition to membership fee. Space is limited. The summer program focuses on academics, good character and citizenship and developing healthy lifestyles. Applications may be picked up onsite or at: www.flatheadbgc.org.
ST. IGNATIUS — Plunge in to Vacation Bible School 2018 at Zion Luther Church. At Splash Canyon VBS your children learn God keeps His promises on life's wild ride. They'll look into the Bible, and explore five Bible accounts where our faithful God keeps His promises to be with us and give us life and hope through Jesus, our Savior. Registration is open for ages 5 through sixth grade. Children attend Monday-Friday, Aug. 13-17, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Come along with us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, eat yummy snacks, play awesome games, and more. For more information call 406-745-4149 or 406-883-4041.
POLSON — On Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. North Lake County Library will present "Home and Honky Tonks: Post WWII Women in Country Music," with Almeda Bradshaw. This program will be held in the meeting room of the library and is free and open to the public.
POLSON — Calling all of you who love classic country and vintage rock 'n' roll music to come and join us at our next dance on Wednesday, Aug 15, from7-10 p.m., at the Elks on Main Street. You can purchase hamburgers at the Elks, before the dance. Tonight we will celebrating August birthdays. The cost of the dance is $5 per person. Come have some fun with us.
POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be held on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at Riverside Recreation next to Polson's Riverside Park.
POLSON — The North Lake County Library will hold their summer reading program's grand finale party at 10 a.m. The party includes a prize drawing and an ice cream social. Also, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the Friends of the Library will hold a book sale in the small meeting room at the library.
POLSON — The Flathead Lake Blues Festival is coming to the Flathead Riverfront Amphitheater again on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17 and 18. Much fun is to be had at this annual music-filled weekend event staged on the Flathead River. Music, parking and camping all onsite. Go to: Flatheadlakebluesfestival. com or call 406-616- 2096 for more information.
POLSON — Come celebrate Gil's birthday (one day early) with readings from his book, "The Story of the Miracle of America Museum," beginning at 6:30 p.m. He will be glad to sign his books. Treats and donations are always welcome.
POLSON — Please join us on Thursday, Aug. 23, from 4-8 p.m. for an evening reception of beautiful art and light refreshments. Takes Horse Gallery is located at 49487 Highway 93. For more information call 406-224-4943.
POLSON — All are invited to hear Pachyderm Club speaker, Lori Thibodeau, supervisor for Polson regional office, Adult Probation and Parole, Montana Dept. of Corrections for Aug. 24. She will explain how adult probation and parole fits into the Lake County Justice System, especially with a full jail. Ms. Thibodeau has 20 years of experience with Adult Probation and Parole. The meeting will be held from noon-1 p.m. at the Polson Rural Fire Department off Regatta Road. If you have questions call 406-249-5303.
POLSON — Linderman Elementary School will host Healthy Kids! Wellness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event includes elementary school supplies give-away, bicycle and helmet give-away, bicycle safety course, health and dental screenings, water safety, suicide prevention resources and mental health resources.
BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will host our 12th annual Barn Dance on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 5:30-9 p.m. at our historic Big Arm School. We will serve hamburgers/ cheeseburgers with grilled onions if you desire. We will also provide picnic fixings: coleslaw, baked beans, and potato chips. Everyone loves the delicious huckleberry ice cream from The Cove that we will serve for dessert. The BAA does not charge for the meal, however donations will be gladly accepted and appreciated. We will also have a 50/50 raffle. Shine up your dancing boots and join us for a fun-filled evening at the historic Big Arm School.
RONAN — Mission Valley USBC will hold their fall meeting on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes.
RONAN - Mission Valley USBC will hold their fall meeting on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes.
ARLEE — On Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Arlee Community Center, an information discussion on Grizzly Bears in the Jocko Valley will be given. The session will explain how to respond to encounters and more. Dinner and beverages will be provided. Go to: bandrews@peopleandcarnivores.org, for more information.
RONAN — The first day of school for Ronan Schools is Tuesday, Aug. 28.


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Q: Direct2d clone bitmap Does anyone have an idea on how to "clone" a bitmap (ID2D1Bitmap).
I would like to clone a portion of the bitmap and have it have all the same attributes of the original (DPI, resolution, etc) and the only different would be the size. Gdiplus has a Clone function that I would like to simulate.
Thanks
I initially started with this
CComPtr<ID2D1Bitmap> imageD;
      // if region is entire original image no need to create a cropped image
      if (left != 0 || top != 0 || right != imageSize.width || bottom != imageSize.height)
      {
         // get format of original image
         D2D1_PIXEL_FORMAT fmt = imageData.image->GetPixelFormat();

         D2D1_SIZE_U bitmapPixelSize = D2D1::SizeU((UINT)(right - left), (UINT)(bottom - top));

         // create destination image of "clipped" source image
         HRESULT hr = m_pRenderTarget->CreateBitmap(bitmapPixelSize, D2D1::BitmapProperties(
            D2D1::PixelFormat(fmt.format, fmt.alphaMode),
            (float)imageData.resX, (float)imageData.resY), &imageD);

         if (hr != S_OK)
         {
            return;
         }

         D2D1_POINT_2U topleft = D2D1::Point2U(0, 0);
         D2D1_RECT_U srcRect = D2D1::RectU((UINT)left, (UINT)top, (UINT)right, (UINT)bottom);
         // get the "clipped" source
         hr = imageD->CopyFromBitmap(&topleft, imageData.image, &srcRect);

         if (hr != S_OK)
         {
            return;
         }

         imageSize = imageD->GetPixelSize();
      }
      else
         imageD = imageData.image;

      // create a textured brush w/ wrapping capabilities
      CComPtr <ID2D1BitmapBrush> pFabricBitmapBrush;
      HRESULT hr = m_pRenderTarget->CreateBitmapBrush(imageD, &pFabricBitmapBrush);
      pFabricBitmapBrush->SetExtendModeX(D2D1_EXTEND_MODE_WRAP);
      pFabricBitmapBrush->SetExtendModeY(D2D1_EXTEND_MODE_WRAP);

As you can see I'm applying the new (cropped) bitmap as a brush. When I do this the brush itself draws a smaller image, using the "clone" API with Gdiplus the logic draws correct. This is what led me to the idea that the Direct2d "copy" is not giving me the same attributes as the original image.
This seem to work.  Resolution, DPI, dimensions, etc - must read very carefully.
float dpiXs, dpiYs;
         imageData.image->GetDpi(&dpiXs, &dpiYs);

         D2D1_SIZE_U bitmapPixelSize = D2D1::SizeU((UINT)(right - left), (UINT)(bottom - top));

         // create destination image of "clipped" source image
         HRESULT hr = m_pRenderTarget->CreateBitmap(bitmapPixelSize, D2D1::BitmapProperties(
            D2D1::PixelFormat(fmt.format, fmt.alphaMode), dpiXs, dpiYs), &imageD);

A: There is no such a function, but you can write your own.
function CloneBitmap(src: ID2D1Bitmap; x, y, width, height: Integer; dst: ID2D1Bitmap): HResult;
begin
  Result :=
    // I assume that you have an access to the DeviceContext (or an ID2D1RenderTarget),
    // so you can create a new bitmap
    yourDeviceContext.CreateBitmap(
      D2D_SIZE_U(width, height),
      nil,
      0,
      src.GetPixelFormat,
      dst);

  if Succeeded(Result) then
    Result :=
      dst.CopyFromBitmap(
        D2D_POINT_2F(0, 0),
        src,
        D2D_RECT_U(
          x,
          y,
          x + width,
          y + height));
end;

I recommend to read about ID2D1RenderTarget::CreateBitmap and ID2D1Bitmap::CopyFromBitmap, so you will understand when these methods will fail (ie - when the above function result will differ from S_OK).
By the way, have you considered to crop and draw "on the fly" with the ID2D1RenderTarget::DrawBitmap method (directly in your render loop) ?


Jesus Christ has shown heaven and hell for peoples. They were sent back to tell the truth. Jesus Christ is Lord. The Bible is true. Satan is a liar. They were sent back to tell the truth. Jesus …... Have we even begun to experience Christ's love like this? Mother Teresa's Varanasi Letter is filled with powerful words about who God is and who we are.
If you believe you will meet Jesus one day, you likely also believe that you are ready for that occasion. On what is that confidence based? In my experience, many Christians think they are prepared because of something that has happened in the past.... I Want To Meet Jesus - We know how difficult it can be to find true love, but our dating sites can help you to find the person you are looking. You must have a profile that describes who you are and who you are looking for in terms of relationships.
Jesus wants me to tell you again...how much love he has for each one of you — beyond all you can imagine. I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus — one to one — you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel — but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how he looks at you... Li Huan. Like many brothers and sisters who truly believe in the Lord, I have been longing for the return of the Lord Jesus, holding to the words in the Bible, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Have we even begun to experience Christ's love like this? Mother Teresa's Varanasi Letter is filled with powerful words about who God is and who we are.
For a guy who stars in a vampire show , Nathaniel Buzolic talks about Jesus a lot. Hope Brekky caught up with the Aussie born Hollywood actor in the studio. Hope Brekky caught up with the Aussie born Hollywood actor in the studio.
Did Paul see Jesus on the Damascus road when he was converted? It was after Jesus ascended to heaven he was glorified (Jn.7:39;12:16; Heb.7:28). Saul on the road to Damascus for his next capture and elimination of believers saw a light, he heard him speak but he did not see him in his human form he had on earth prior to his glorification.
God wants you to receive from Him every time you go to His Word! Let Joseph Prince show you, through the beautiful Old Testament story of Ruth and Boaz, how much our Lord Jesus wants to meet with you, show you His grace and feed you Himself as you study His Word.
Meet Jesus. At Knox Church, we do not worship an imaginary or a dead god, but a living King of the universe who loved us so much that he died as an atonement for our sins.


"Adriana, thought you may like to see the finished project.
Thanks again for all your support."
Its always nice to see our customers finished projects, I'm glad to hear we could help make this happen for him.
It was truly a great pleasure helping you find all the parts needed for you t finish this beauty.
Thank you Glen for choosing Z1 Parts Inc.


text:
lakescurlinginfo@gmail.com
© 2019 Lakes Curling Club
The Lakes Curling Club was founded in March 25, 1980. The club started with thirty Charter Members, which included Officers and Board of Directors.
Charter Members:
Harris & Linda Anderson
Ken & Nora Anderson
Harold Geiselhart
Don Bristlin
Dick Bristlin
Jim Buchhloz
Ken Christenson
Doug Fern
Phil and Jo Imholte
Mike Ledoux
Warren Nelson
Jay Norby
Gary Nulph
Wayne & Ruth Olson
Bill & Louise Robinson
Ed and Mary Rotenberger
Rick Savoie
Tom Schroeder
Jim Sinclair, Sr.
Ron Sprafka
Vern & Margaret Turner
Elected Officers:
President - Ed Rotenberger
Vice President - Tom Schroeder
Secretary - Vern Turner
Treasurer - Vern Turner
Linda Anderson
Phil Imholte
Wayne Olson
Louise Robinson
Jim Sinclair
Prior to 1980 there were numerous discussions with small numbers of people in the Detroit Lakes area about starting a Curling Club. In the fall and winter of 1979 and 1980, Ed Rotenberger and Vern Turner made a concentrated effort to find out just how much interest there was.
The city was contacted to see if they would extend the ice time at the arena for several days at the end of the hockey season so we could hold a novice bonspiel. After receiving approval, the next step was locating curling equipment, i.e. rocks, hacks, brooms, etc. Frank Podoll of the Fargo Curling Club was contacted and they agreed to loan us their equipment if we purchased sufficient insurance to replace any damaged items.
The next move was to contact those people in town who had some exposure to curling. Several presentations were made to service clubs and other organizations. An organizational planning meeting was held at the Eagles Club. Plans were developed and it was decided to have a round robin bonspiel on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; March 15th & 16th, with a championship draw on Sunday night. Each team would play four two-end matches.
The 32 teams participating were: Doug Fern, Ken Anderson, Doug Imholte, Stone family, Jim Buchholz, Harold Geiselhart, Jo Imholte, Ed Rotenberger, Jim Berman, Don Steinmetz, Gary Nulph #1, Harris Anderson, Jim Sinclair, Waldo Johnson, Wayne Olson #2, Rick Savoie #1, Rick Savoie #2, Phil Imholte, Vern Turner, Green's Plumbing, Friesen's, Gary Nulph #2, Roger Leslie, Nora Anderson, Al Ladeen, Jim Sinclair, Jr., Wayne Olson #1, Four A's, Lion's Club, Rotary Club, Eagles Club and Kiwanis Club.
Out of this event eight teams advanced to the championship flight with the Nulph team defeating the Rotenberger team for the championship and the Imholte team defeating Green's Plumbing for the consolation.
With the success of this bonspiel, a formal meeting was held on March 25, 1980, and the Lakes Curling was organized as a non-profit corporation. That summer contact was made with an individual from Sioux Falls, SD where we obtained our first two sets of rocks. In the fall of 1981, contact was made with Jim Beaton for the possible use of the empty boat storage building on his property. We were able to put in three sheets of natural ice and an 8'x8' warming house to begin our first season of curling at this facility. The following year, an agreement was made with Mr. Beaton to purchase the building on contract for deed. The boat storage racks were removed enabling the installation of four sheets of ice.
In 1983, the club purchased some used ice-making equipment from Rolla, ND. To obtain the necessary funds, individual members signed a promissory note at our local bank. Val Seaberg provided the truck to haul the equipment. This equipment laid in the back room for over a year because there were no funds to hire anyone to install it.
In the summer of 1984, several members volunteered to try to assemble the equipment. Viggo Thomsen spearheaded installation of the plastic pipes in the arena area; Vern Turner and Ed Rotenberger took charge of the electrical service and the assembly of the refrigeration equipment. After everything was assembled, many leaks were found in the equipment including the chiller, which had to be re-tubed. At the same timer the first permanent warming house was constructed, using vocational school labor. The heavy timbers from the boat storage racks were used for the framing. The other lumber came from the Red Lake Lumber Mill, windows came from a remodeling project in Fergus Falls, the carpet was from a Clinic remodeling project in Detroit Lakes, and Seaberg Oil provided and installed a used oil furnace along with the ductwork.
On February 1st-3rd, 1985 - the first Invitational Mixed bonspiel was held. To get additional funds, the "$100 Club" was started with Viggo Thomsen and Ed Rotenberger co-chairing. Also, a pre-paid membership policy was adopted, offering a five-year membership for four-year dues. In 1986 we served concessions at the First Eagles Fishing Derby and realized a profit of just over $2,000.
In 1987 we raffled off a classic 1965 Mustang. Also in 1987 we joined the Minnesota Curling Association.
In 1991 we installed wall insulation in the arena area; replaced several pipes in the chiller and installed a new brine pump.
In 1992 the popcorn machine was purchased and Lutheran Brotherhood provided funds to finish the sidewalls in the arena area. This is the year the Junior-Senior High School program was started. Also, Mr. Canada contacted Roger Lee about hosting a series of bonspiels at Lakes Curling Club facilities.
In 1993 we hosted the Minnesota Curling Association Executive Board meeting. A second ice-making plant was purchased from Fort Francis Curling Club in Canada.
In 1994 the arena lighting fixtures were bought at the school district auction and installed. From that time it has been a matter of planning and executing annual summer projects to improve and update various areas of the building and site. These items have included installing gas heaters, crushed rock in the parking lot, insulating the ceiling, continuous remodeling in the clubroom and kitchen, updating the bathrooms and addition of locker room space.
Lakes Curling Club


Your shoulder is one of the most complex joints in your body. It is surrounded and supported by a complex network of nerves, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Many of these structures tie back to your spine or mid-back and neck. Your posture, or position, directly impacts the motion of your shoulder and scapula. Long hours at a desk or computer can lead to postural changes and muscle imbalances. Poor posture and a forward head position can lead to "upper cross syndrome." Upper cross syndrome is an imbalance of the muscles in your upper back, neck, and shoulder that can lead to neck, back, and shoulder pain with restricted range of motion.
Whether it's working at a computer, long hours in a car, or using a tablet/smartphone, just about everyone is susceptible to developing upper cross syndrome. However, you don't need to suffer or change your career to find relief. A combination of Chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and specific postural exercises can make a huge impact on your ability to stay happy and healthy. Taking short breaks every 20-30 minutes to lightly extend your arms and move your neck through a comfortable range of motion will help your body "reset" while working. Also, periodic Chiropractic adjustments will help you maintain an optimal range of motion and reduce restrictions that can occur in your spinal joints.
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body.
Your posture greatly impacts the ability of your shoulders to move through their full range of motion.
It's important to address the neck and mid-back when treating a shoulder injury.
Upper cross syndrome is one of the most common conditions we see in our practice. Far too many people suffer from pain for years before discovering Chiropractic care. Millions of people end up taking medications just to get through the day. Like you, we believe there is a better way. Take a flyer for our upcoming workshop and share it with a friend at work. We are excited to share how the challenges of upper cross syndrome can be overcome without drugs or surgery!


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Q: with template constructor,template argument deduction/substitution failed,why? such are the codes:
template<typename T>
struct ST{
ST();
ST(T t){}
};
template<typename T>
void fun(ST<T> t, T a){
}

int main(int argc, char * argv[])
{
  ST<int> t=2;
   fun(2,2);
}

compile with g++ 4.8.2
errinfo:

no matches for fun(int,int)
Candidate is:
template void fun(ST, T)
template argument deduction/substitution failed:
mismatched types 'ST' and 'int'

A: Implicit type conversions are not used for deducing template arguments, you have to manually specify the type in this case fun<int>(2,2);

A: Your function signature is void fun(ST<T> t, T a), but you call the function with fun(int, int). Just like your error says, these do not match. If the type deduction for fun was int, the signature would look like: fun(ST<int> t, int a), you would call it with fun(t, 2).

A: Try:
template<class T>struct identity{typedef T type;};
template<class T>void fun(typename identity<S<T>>::type s, T t)

this will block the compiler from trying to do argument type deduction on the first argument.
template type matching is pattern matching.  Few conversions are done, as in the general case it cannot be solved (is there a T such that X<T> can be converted from type Z is Turing-complete up to arbitrary limits of template compilers: recursion depth etc).
In C++11 you can do:
template<class T>struct identity{typedef T type;};
template<class T>suing identity_t = typename identity<T>::type;
template<class T>void fun(identity_t<S<T>> s, T t)

which I find cleaner (moves boilerplate away from other code).


text:
Q: Change the value of elements in the array by pointers - vector C++ I use Visual Studio 2012. I've created my own function which works like sprintf(&a).
And i need to resolve problem: how do I swap two specific pointer elements?
Here is my code:
 #include <iostream>
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <vector>

 using namespace std;

 void swap_spec(vector<int>* a, vector<int>* b)
 {
     vector<int>* tmp = NULL;

     *tmp = *a;

     *a = *b;
     *b = *tmp;

 }

 int main()
 {
     vector<int> test(4);

     test[0] = 5;
     test[1] = 4;
     test[2] = 3;
     test[3] = 2;

     swap_spec(*test[0], *test[1]);
     printf("%d %d", test[0], test[1]);

     return 0;
 }

I got an error:
terminate called after throwing an instance of 'std::bad_alloc'
  what():  std::bad_alloc

What is wrong? What i should change?

A: I am unsure as to what you are trying to do, but I am going to guess you are trying to swap two values in a vector. As your comments have said, using the swap would work, but I think you are confused as to what your code actually does. Let's go step by step here:
 vector<int> test(4);

    test[0] = 5;
    test[1] = 4;
    test[2] = 3;
    test[3] = 2;

swap_spec(*test[0], *test[1]); // *test[0] is the same as *(test[0])

When you perform *test[0], this is the same as *(test[0]). This means to dereference/look at the value in memory address test[0], which is 5. That memory address is inaccessible for you, so it will cause a seg fault.
Second problem:
void swap_spec(vector<int>* a, vector<int>* b)
 {
     vector<int>* tmp = NULL;

     *tmp = *a;

     *a = *b; // This says, get whatever vector is pointed at b, and copy it to the memory location variable a points to.
     *b = *tmp;

 }

Since you are passing in pointers to vectors, what you're saying here is to swap the two vectors, not the values inside them. But when you call this with:
swap_spec(*test[0], *test[1]);

The type of test[0] is an int, the type of *(test[0]) is a dereferenced int (which is a seg-fault, but supposedly another int type), but the parameter type is a vector * (a pointer to a vector), which is already inconsistent with the arguments you pass in. See how this is already wrong in multiple levels.
So given all those information, it looks like you are trying to swap two values in the vector. You can do this one of two ways. You can do this with pointers:
void swap_spec(int *a, int *b) {
    int tmp = *a;

    *a = *b; // Go to address location where variable a points to, and assign whatever value is at memory location where variable b points to
    *b = tmp;
}

swap_spec(&test[0], &test[1]); // Pass in address of where test[0] and test[1] points to
                               // Note that type of &test[0] is an int * (Consistent with parameter)

Or with references:
void swap_spec(int &a, int &b) {
    int tmp = a;

    a = b; // Since you are using references, this will actually modify test[0] at its memory location
    b = tmp;
}

swap_spec(test[0], test[1]); // Since you are using references, you don't need to pass in the address.

The second way is the same as the standard library's swap (http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/algorithm/swap/). References are sometimes (or perhaps generally) favored because it produces cleaner code (less * operators used) and hence less confusion.

A: You declare your function to take pointers to vector<int>s as parameters but you then pass is something else.  *test[1] is dereferencing test[1] which is the int 4.  You are treating ints 4 and 5 as pointers which is problematic.
It is not entirely clear what you are trying to accomplish, but if you just want to swap two elements of a vector, why not something like:
#include <iostream>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <vector>

using namespace std;

void swap_spec(vector<int>  & a, size_t i, size_t j)
{
        int tmp;

        tmp = a[i];

        a[i] = a[j];
        a[j] = tmp;
}

int main()
{
        vector<int> test(4);

        test[0] = 5;
        test[1] = 4;
        test[2] = 3;
        test[3] = 2;

        printf("%d %d \n", test[0], test[1]);
        swap_spec(test, 0, 1);
        printf("%d %d \n", test[0], test[1]);

        return 0;
}

A: Alright, I think this should do you, but my C's a little rusty:
#include <iostream>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <vector>

 using namespace std;

 void swap_spec(int* a, int* b)
 {
     int tmp = NULL;

     tmp = *a;

     *a = *b;
     *b = tmp;

 }

 int main()
 {
     vector<int> test(4);

     test[0] = 5;
     test[1] = 4;
     test[2] = 3;
     test[3] = 2;

     swap_spec(&test[0], &test[1]);
     printf("%d %d", test[0], test[1]);

     return 0;
 }

What I have done here is "swap the values at two memory locations", and then passed in the locations of the first and second element of your vector.
Let's go over your code, see if we can't clear some of what's going on up:
void swap_spec(vector<int>* a, vector<int>* b)

This says: Give me two pointers to vectors storing ints. When you're dealing with the elements of a vector, you just pass around the type stored in the vector: in this case, int:
void swap_spec(int a, int b)

However, C/C++ are pass-by-value, which means the passed values would be copied, and then used locally - meaning, you could not effect the overal program environment by passing in the values.
You got this, which is why you passed in pointers.
Instead, you need to pass in pointers to the values:
void swap_spec(int* a, int* b)

Technically, you're passing-by-value a memory address. Anyway - This lets you interact with memory (and this variables, objects, etc) outside of the function, in the overal program.
swap_spec(*test[0], *test[1]);

This passes in the values stored at the memory locations stored in test[0], which is invalid, because it's five.
What you want is:
swap_spec(&test[0], &test[1]);

Which pass in the memory addresses of those values, which is what you wanted.

A: Suppose what you really want do to is to swap two specific pointer elements. Then there are few possible errors.  First the vector you created is an integer array instead of an pointer vector:
vector<int> test(4);

Second, in your function interface, the types of your input parameters are in fact a pointer to an integer vector (which means you would like to swap two vectors, instead of two integer pointers).
void swap_spec(vector<int>* a, vector<int>* b)

Third, since your vector is an integer vector, applying the indirection Operator * will let you get an error (*a means give me the content stored in the memory location described in variable a).
swap_spec(*test[0], *test[1]);

The following is how to swap "two integer pointers":
#include <stdio.h>

 void swap_spec(int** a, int** b) // the function which swaps int pointers.
 {
    int** tmp;

    *tmp = *a;
    *a = *b;
    *b = *tmp;
 }

 int main()
 {
   int** test = new int*[4]; // create an array of int integers

   for (int i = 0; i < 4; ++i) {
     test[i] = new int;
   }

   *test[0] = 5;
   *test[1] = 4;
   *test[2] = 3;
   *test[3] = 2;

   printf("%d %d\n", *test[0], *test[1]);
   swap_spec(&test[0], &test[1]);         // pass their addresses instead
   printf("%d %d\n", *test[0], *test[1]);

   for (int i = 0; i < 4; ++i) {
     delete test[i];
   }
   delete[] test;
   return 0;
}

If what you would like to do is simply swapping two int elements in a vector, then std::swap() or the answers proposed by @Narfanator and @Spook should work.

A: I guess, that you want to swap elements inside the vectors, not the vectors themselves. So firstly, don't swap std::vector<int> *, but just int *.
Secondly, pointers are not needed here at all. Use a function:
void swap_spec(std::vector<int> & vec, int index1, int index2)
{
     int tmp = vec[index1];
     vec[index1] = vec[index2];
     vec[index2] = tmp;
}

Then call it like this:
swap_spec(test, 0, 1);


Parasomnias are unusual movements or behaviors that occur during the various stages of sleep. Common parasomnias in children include sleepwalking, nightmares, and night terrors. The exact cause of parasomnias is unknown.


text:
Daily Archives: 25 Jan 2013
No Recess Appointment Make Filibuster Worse
Posted on 25 Jan 2013 by Frank Moraes
Tired of hating on Harry Reid? Then click away, because I have something all new to bitch about. Today, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came down with a sweeping interpretation of the Constitution that will basically end recess appointments. These are temporary appointments that the President makes when the Senate is in recess. Now, I'm no great fan of these, except right now when the Republicans are so committed to obstruction that they wouldn't approve the nomination for dog catcher.
When I first started thinking about the filibuster, I thought, "Why kill it now? After all, the House is still in Republican hands. There isn't much that is going to get done anyway!" I thought that for about a nanosecond. Then I realized: presidential nominations! Obama has hardly been radical in his appointments. Consider, for example, Mary Jo White to head SEC. About the most outrageous choice was Elizabeth Warren. But she wasn't even chosen. That was just too controversial a nomination, so now that "radical" Warren is a lowly United States Senator.
Yet the Republicans have blocked all kinds of minor and uncontrovertial nominations. Why? For the same reason a dog licks its balls. And this is why we needed real filibuster reform. The fact that Obama will likely not be able to make any more recess appointments makes Harry Reid's newest "handshake agreement" all that much worse.
But like I keep telling everyone: don't worry! In two years, the Republicans will probably control the Senate. And then we can finally get some filibuster reform! Just in time for President Marco Rubio!
Update (25 January 2013 5:47 pm)
Jonathan Bernstein says more or less the same thing that I did:
If there's a fight during this Congress, it's going to be on nominations; Democrats don't really care much about Senate filibusters on legislation because anything that can get through the GOP-controlled House will be able to get 60 votes in the Senate in any case. But on nominations, the minority in the Senate can block them. And if recess appointments are really gone (again, pending whatever the Supreme Court decides), then the main weapon Democrats have remaining is the threat of changing the rules.
But he is less hopeless. He uses this fact to encourage Reid to hold on to filibuster reform to keep the Republicans in order. He also links to an article he wrote back in December that explains the various ways that the filibuster can be reformed at any time.
Posted in Politics	| Leave a reply
Torture Worse Than Torture Disclosure
Does irony still exist in the United States? I doubt it. Former CIA officer John Kiriakou was just given two and a half years for leaking classified information. In the end, all of his charges were reduced to giving the name of one covert operative to a reporter. (Why does that sound familiar?) But in reality, Kiriakou has been prosecuted for leaking the information that the CIA was engaged in torture.
Let's see now, this prosecution follows how many indictments of people for engaging in torture? Oh, that's right: none! Because it is totally okay in the United States to torture anyone we claim is an "evil doer" but it is treasonous to tell anyone we are doing it. Hell, with all our military capacity, we don't have to be good, we can just enforce the appearance of good.
To top matters off, it's always good to know that we have a whole bunch of evil idiotic assholes passing judgement on all of us. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema was none too happy with the sentence. She thought it was way too light. And if that wasn't enough to establish her evil-stupid credentials, she said, "This is not a case of a whistleblower. This is a case of a man who betrayed a solemn trust."[1] Yeah, like trashing the Constitution and allowing free reign of the surveillance state.
Fuck the United States of America! Long may the elites rape it!
[1] Note that "man who betrayed a solemn trust" is more or less the definition of a whistleblower as seen from the inside.
I don't give Cameron Crowe much thought. But perhaps I should. I don't say this because he is good; I don't believe that. But he is unusual. His films are much like novels in their loose plot structures and focus on character. And through a seeming act of will, I find that his films always just make it over the "acceptable" bar. But not by much.
Last night, I watched Crowe's newest film, We Bought a Zoo. Many people have long ago written me off as a pretentious twat who of course would not like a film like this. These people are mistaken. We Bought a Zoo is exactly the kind of film that I enjoy. Yes, I like film as art. Yes, I like serious subjects. Yes, I like specialized film technique that is not meant to be consciously noticed by the viewer. But I also like pure entertainment.
Anyway, there were other reasons that I wanted to see this film in the theater. First, there are certain actors who I just like. George Clooney is one; I think he is the modern day Cary Grant. And Matt Damon is another. So a family-ish film starring him seemed like an enjoyable bet. Also: zoo! I like zoos, and I'm a big fan of the way underrated Fierce Creatures. And most of all, I didn't know that Cameron Crowe had directed it.
When the film started, it said, "A Cameron Crowe Film." Danger, Will Robinson! That did not mean the film would be bad, of course. I've enjoyed all of the Crowe films at least a little. And the director's cut of Almost Famous is quite good. (The released version is more typical of Crowe's work.) But it did make me skeptical.
We Bought a Zoo is good enough. It has the charm that Crowe is known for, including the casting of a little girl who is even more adorable than Ray Boyd in Jerry Maguire. But it also has all the problems typical of Crowe. The biggest problem is that the film is not particularly interested in the plot, "Will we get the zoo open on time?!" And: "Will the little boy move past his darkness and into the light?!" And: "Will Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson ever kiss?!" These and many other subplots are tacked onto the core of the film: "Look, we bought a zoo!"
From the viewer's standpoint, the biggest problem with all of this is a lack of dramatic momentum. One of the subplots is particularly vexing: the budding romance between the pubescent girl and boy. It disappears for the whole of the third act and then is suddenly resolved. And much the same can be said of the film in general. It isn't so much "a beginning, muddle, and ending" as just a muddle.
None of this matters to me. I'm perfectly happy hanging out with Matt, Scarlett, Rosie (the cute little girl), and MacCready for an hour and a half. But I mind having obvious plot devices thrust at me as I'm enjoying just hanging out. And that gets right at the heart of what's wrong with Crowe: he makes nice, marginally enjoyable films when he could make something really good.
I'm divided about what is wrong with Crowe's work. Almost Famous indicates that perhaps he does make films that work, but they are too long for Hollywood and thus must be destroyed. Or it could just be that he makes all the compromises to commerce that are evident in all his released films. Regardless, if he decided to go the John Sayles route and make low budget films, he could do what he clearly wants to do. Not only would that make me much happier, he might produce major hits that way.
Revolutionary Politics and the Filibuster
Greg Sargent interviewed Tom Udall this morning. Udall is one of the main proponents of filibuster reform. He is one of what Harry Reid called, "two young, fine senators" when Reid first called for reform. Before he folded like a card table. During the interview, Udall said, "The Senate is now a graveyard for good ideas, and we need to change that."
The reason that the filibuster is broken, and the reason that Harry Reid's newest "handshake" agreement will not work is simple: the Republicans have become a revolutionary party. And what most defines such groups is that they think that the whole of the existing system is invalid. When the Nazis took power in Germany, the first thing they did was dissolve parliament and establish a dictatorship. I don't mean to suggest that the Republicans want to do that, but they most definitely believe that the Democratic Party is invalid and so the Republicans will do whatever they can to stop them—even when they do things the Republicans agree with.
I've written before of my Dungeons & Dragons analogy for modern Republican politics. This goes back to my days of playing the game and how I and everyone I knew played it in a totally cynical way. We looked at the rules to figure out loopholes that would allow us to do our best in the game, rather than play it in any reasonable way. And this is how Republicans currently govern. They sweep aside hundreds of years of norms and look for ways they can game the system—things like the Debt Ceiling and the filibuster.
Under normal circumstances, actual filibuster reform would be unnecessary. But as long as the Republicans remain committed to their revolutionary agenda, it will. And I see no evidence of the Republicans changing. Many observers said their defeat in this election would cause the party to rethink its dangerous and unpopular positions. (They said the same thing in 2008.) Instead, they have rethought their tactics. Now they are trying to game the electoral college system.
You cannot make nice with a revolutionary party. You can only defeat it. Unfortunately, Harry Reid and many other Democrats do not understand this.
Republican Half Measures in Virginia
Kevin Drum over at Mother Jones is wondering what the Republicans are doing in Virginia. As you have probably heard, the evenly divided Virginia state senate waited until one Democrat was out of town so that they could ram through a new redistricting plan for the state. But that's not what Drum is talking about. He's talking about their plan now to change the way that their electoral college votes are allocated. They want the state to go from winner-take-all to get-votes-of-the-districts-you-win. And that's what's strange.
The Republicans clearly don't care what anyone thinks of them. This is a "might makes right" strategy. And it is one that the Republicans have really embraced the last decade and a half. But why the half measures?
The way that the Virgina Republicans have redrawn the districts, a Democratic presidential candidate would always lose for the foreseeable future. Obama won the state by almost 150,000 votes last year. But if the state was judged by district, Obama would have lost 4-9. With the current Republican plan, Obama would have received 4 electoral college votes, and Romney would have received 9. But why give Obama those 4 votes? Why not just make the state winner-take-all, but based on the winner of the most congressional districts?
Kevin Drum has no answer to that question. I think I do, however. The Republicans want to maintain plausible deniability. They want to be able to claim that the new system is more fair. And by some calculations, it is. After all, Obama would have still received 31% of the electoral college, when he won 51% of the vote. That's the lot more accurate than the way it was: Romney got 0% of the electoral college but 47% of the vote. The Republicans can point this out to their ignorant base.
There is an obvious counter argument to this, of course: the most equitable thing to do would be to distribute the electoral votes as the closest percentage to popular vote. Going by congressional district is just moving the nonsense of the electoral college to another level: one that now just happens to be to the Republicans' advantage. The system the Republicans are proposing is clearly meant solely to hurt the Democrats. They will not be able to win the state, regardless of how much they win by in the coming few elections.
This is not about fairness. But the issue of fairness is the key to the Republican strategy. Their base will never hear these arguments against the Republican plan (it helps to have your own "new" network). All they will hear is that the system is being made more fair than it is now. And that will be correct.
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