The Kratos AXIS Supra (front, installed 2018) and Kratos AXIS Nova (back - installed 2007) located at Surface Science Western at the University of Western Ontario. These instruments are equipped with a variety of X-ray sources and sample preparation options.
The Kratos AXIS Ultra (front, installed 2000, decomissioned 2018) and Kratos AXIS Nova (back) located at Surface Science Western at the University of Western Ontario.


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NASA Will Hack Opportunity Mars Rover to Cure 'Amnesia'
Janey Tracey
Wednesday, 31 December 2014 - 11:46AM
Mars rover Opportunity has had a long and fruitful life, as it has been studying the Red Planet for over a decade now. After all those years, the rover is starting to show its age, and NASA has plans to hack its technology from Earth in order to fix its bouts of senility.
Opportunity, like any computer, has two types of memory- non-volatile or "flash" memory that stores information long-term like a hard drive, and volatile memory, which requires power to access and disappears when the technology is shut down. There is apparently an "age-related fault" in Opportunity's flash memory, causing it to store information in its volatile memory and promptly lose it once it shuts down.
"So now we're having these events we call 'amnesia,'" explained NASA project manager John Callas. "Which is the rover trying to use the flash memory, but it wasn't able to, so instead it uses the RAM... it stores telemetry data in that volatile memory, but when the rover goes to sleep and wakes up again, all [the data] is gone. So that's why we call it amnesia - it forgets what it has done."
These issues are causing all sorts of problems with Opportunity's mission, as it tends to unexpectedly reset itself and sometimes even stop communicating with Earth altogether. NASA plans to "hack" the software in order to induce a bypass of the fault within the flash memory and allow Opportunity to write its information in the functioning part of its hardware. This mission is expected to take a couple of weeks, although Callas admits that Opportunity might be reaching the end of its life.
"It's like you have an aging parent, that is otherwise in good health - maybe they go for a little jog every day, play tennis each day - but you never know, they could have a massive stroke right in the middle of the night," he said.
Hubble Captures Cosmic Fireworks Still Exploding After Nearly 200 Years
Could One Be Krypton? Two Newly-Discovered Exoplanets Orbiting Red Star Raise New Questions
"Unraveling:" Something Weird is Happening to Jupiter's Great Red Spot as New Observations Could Spell the End of an Era
Today's Amazon Finds: A Life-Size Yoda Statue and a Bag of Unicorn Farts

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The state of New York and New York City have agreed to pay $540 million to settle allegations that they knowingly submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims for reimbursement for school-based health care services, primarily speech therapy and transportation, provided to Medicaid eligible children from 1990 to 2001, the Justice Department announced today. The settlement is a record federal recovery by the Justice Department for the Medicaid Program.
Medicaid, which is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) inside the Department of Health and Human Services, is a matching program in which the United States shares the cost of medical services for the poor and disabled with the states. Since the early 1990's, the United States has paid New York State billions of dollars as the federal government's share of health care costs for services provided to Medicaid-eligible school children under New York's School Supportive Health Services Program and Preschool Supportive Health Services Program. These programs were developed jointly by New York's education and health departments to assist local school districts, counties, and other schools in obtaining Medicaid reimbursement for covered diagnostic and health support services provided to students with disabilities.
The settlement resolves allegations that for the period 1990 to 2001, the state of New York knowingly failed to provide proper guidance to the districts and counties outlining the requirements for a service to be covered by the Medicaid program, failed to monitor the districts and counties for compliance as required by the program and passed on claims to the federal government for services it knew were not covered or properly documented, all to make the United States pay a larger share of New York's Medicaid costs.
In addition, the settlement resolves allegations that New York City submitted claims to the state for speech services. The state then passed these claims on to the federal government for Medicaid reimbursement.
The state of New York will pay $440 million over time, partly in cash and partly by releasing its claim to payments withheld. New York City's share of the settlement, $100 million, will also be paid over time. The state of New York also entered into a three-year Program Compliance Agreement with CMS to ensure that services are properly delivered and billed in the future.
"relators," to file actions on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The relator in these cases, a speech therapist who provided services to preschool children in upstate New York, alleged that New York State and its school districts submitted false claims for speech services that did not qualify for Medicaid reimbursement. The relator will receive $10 million from the settlement.
The lawsuits triggered a series of statewide audits by the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG) and CMS. The Department of Justice's Civil Division, in conjunction with the HHS OIG and CMS, handled the case.


We all make mistakes. That's life, as they say.
But sometimes a mistake is something we can laugh off, and sometimes a mistake costs us thousands of dollars, weeks of headache, and turns half of our hair gray.
Mistakes like the ones we call "AC Repair Killers" fall into that second category.
• Your HVAC equipment is almost certainly the single largest capital investment in your home, outranking all other appliances, and often even pricing your roof into second place.
• Your air conditioning probably accounts for more than half of your electric bill every month.
How much more than half?
Something like 70%, according to researchers. With that being the case, shouldn't you do everything you can to avoid spending too much?
Because you probably are spending too much.
Worse yet, you might be dealing damage to your system, making AC Killer Mistakes that will come back to haunt you in a big way. If you are, you're probably headed for some very upsetting conversations with a company like ours – and we want to help you avoid that!
HVAC companies like My AC Repair Orlando try really hard to give you the best advice we can. Manufacturers give you that big owner's manual, and some of you even read them.
We're publishing this article because we think the answer is no. We think it is emphatically not enough.
So here's our list of things you might not know you're doing wrong.
1. Choosing the wrong unit for your home.
We're going to start with the biggest mistake, and hope most of you have already dodged this one. Unfortunately, if you've chosen a poorly matched system for your needs (or allowed one to be chosen for you), you're probably not in a position to fix it.
But what makes a unit "wrong" for a home?
With central air units, it's all too common for people to buy the most powerful AC unit they can afford, or the cheapest unit they can find. It's also common to meet homeowners who've allowed a subpar contractor to choose their system for them, and been swindled by someone more interesting in making a large commission on a sale than on actually meeting your needs.
Here's why too powerful is bad. We call this an "oversized" central air conditioning unit. When it's too large, it's not going to uniformly cool your home. Worse yet, it's going to do the job too fast, which means the system won't have time to properly dehumidify your air before it circulates.
Worst of all, it's going to create what's called "short cycling," a dangerous issue where your air conditioning system turns on and off too frequently, which can damage the compressor over time.
Here's why too weak is also bad. A cheap unit will often be undersized for your home. When an AC is trying to cool a space bigger than it should be matched with, it will run constantly, at its highest level, trying hard to get the job done.
Instead, it will burn out, probably years before it should.
Here's how you fix it. As soon as you're financially able, replace the system with one that will do the job properly. It will hurt, but over the years of your new system's life, you'll more than recoup that investment with monthly savings.
And your home will be more comfortable (and quiet, and free of AC repair technicians like us) than before, too.
2. Overusing the AC system.
A good Ac repair contractor will tell you that you shouldn't turn your system off and on all the time. A great one will tell you that you also shouldn't leave it running hard all the time.
So what can you do? It sounds like we've contradicted ourselves, right?
Your air conditioner is a big machine, and it's meant to live a long while, but it's not designed to never take a break. Most homeowners leave their AC running because they don't want to walk into a hot home.
There's a smarter solution – literally.
Most modern HVAC systems already come with a programmable thermostat, so we'd be surprised if you didn't have one. If you don't, invest in one. Invest in the smartest thermostat you can afford. They're great, they're wi-fi capable, they pair to your mobile phone, and the really good ones are intelligent and learn your schedule so they can maximize energy efficiency.
They allow zoning of your home with many systems, as well, cooling off only rooms that are in use.
If you do have a thermostat, we also wouldn't be surprised if you're more or less ignoring it. Most of our customers have learned the basic functionality of their thermostat and gone no deeper.
You are missing out on some real savings. Dive in and learn what a smart 'stat can do.
3. Blocking vents and registers can lead to unneeded AC repair issues.
We just talked about zoning. That's where you don't cool rooms you aren't using. That's a great way to save a little energy, but there is a right and wrong way to do it.
The right way is with a zone-capable system.
The wrong way is by blocking or stuffing vents in unused rooms. There are situations where blocking off parts of your home could save you a few bucks, but there are a lot more where it could do the opposite.
Realistically, you're more likely reducing the efficiency of your system when you do this.
Because your air handler (the indoor section) is part of a designed system. It knows how much cool air it has to produce and circulate, and it does exactly that. When you close off certain vents, the air doesn't magically know to avoid going into the ducts that lead to those vents. Instead, you increase air pressure within the system. The cold air isn't in the room, but it is right behind the vent you blocked, doing nobody any good.
When that happens your blower motor may try to compensate for the blocked ducts by forcing more air and working harder. If you don't have well-sealed ducts, that pressure will lead to leakage, which will increase over time.
If you're thinking of zoning your home, talk to us. We can tell you whether your system can handle a few closed vents. Better still, we can do a home energy audit and help you find other ways to increase efficiency and save money.
This is perhaps the most widespread issue we see. It seems like everybody assumes that whatever number is on the thermostat is the temperature of the air the AC will blow out. By that logic, they assume, the house will cool down faster if I set it to 61 degrees – and I'll just stop when it's 68 degrees, which I like.
Do you do this? We bet most of you do.
Except that isn't how air conditioners work at all. Instead, your system will work to get to the set temperature, and it will take exactly the same amount of time to get to 68. Except you're probably going to forget to fix it, and your AC is going to work too hard to make it colder than you want, and you'll have to set the thermostat again.
This is a really easy fix, though. Just set your thermostat to the temperature you actually like, and be patient.
Setting it lower will not makes things cool down faster.
It will damage your system.
5. Not changing your air filters – enough, or ever.
If there is a contender for the "Most Common Mistake" title over thermostat abuse, it's filter neglect. It's the simplest piece of owner maintenance, and somehow, 95% of our customers keep forgetting to do it.
Set an alarm on your phone's calendar, people. It's important.
• Your system icing over, or overheating, or both.
It's no joke. Change them monthly, or according to manufacturer instructions. If you aren't sure how, call us. We'll show you on our next maintenance visit, so you'll never feel stumped again.
These mistakes can be scary, and the consequences can be expensive. Let us help you. The team here at My AC Repair Orlando is Florida's premier HVAC repair and installation team. Our phones are always on, and we're always ready to give you the answers you need.
Call or drop us a message today, and thanks for reading.
Michael Haines is a veteran A/C contractor and founder of the largest and oldest e-commerce site in the heating and air conditioning industry. His HVAC websites have served 10's of thousands of customers.
Serving Home and business owners in services the air conditioning needs of home and business owners in Central Florida including Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Oviedo, Apopka, Deltona, Doctor Phillips, Hunter's Creek, Lake Mary, Maitland, Ocoee, Orange City, Poinciana, St. Cloud, Winter Garden, and Winter Springs.


LIBPF's 4 diagnostic levels allow the model developer to fine-tune the verbosity at a global, compilation, unit, function and class instance level. Of these, two (verbosityGlobal and verbosityInstance) are also available at run-time, but normally not for the model user.
If you want to make them accessible to the user, there are several options. Here I'll show you how to do it using a couple of real-valued Quantities that can be directly manipulated in the user interface or via the LIBPF™ Model User API.
NOTE: we use Quantities rather than Integers because currently there is no way for the user to change integers at runtime; the user will have to enter an integer value such as 1, 2 or 100 for really high verbosity.
This entry was posted in C++, Chemeng, Howtos and tagged diagnostic. Bookmark the permalink.


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Introducing T-Pan for Lightroom
New Black & White Lightroom Presets
Thomas Fitzgerald
I'm delighted to announce that my first set of new Lightroom Presets for 2017 is now available. It's called T-Pan and it's a new set of Black and White Presets. I came up with the style when working on trying to copy the look of some film that a friend had asked me to scan, and I'm pretty happy with the results. T-PAN is an attempt to create a realistic set of monochrome film presets, and it is aiming to re-create the experience of shooting with a professional grade black and white film.
Within the pack there are 10 versions of T-Pan. Each version is it's now "Film" as such. Unlike some of my previous presets, T-PAN does not require a separate setup preset. The look that has been created uses a camera's Portrait profile as its starting point, and this has been baked into the presets. There is also a special version of the presets for Fuji X-Trans shooters. This is called T-PAN F. These have the required colour profile already baked into the presets.
Each of the 10 "Film" stocks, in other words each version of the presets, comes with three variations:
T-PAN (Normal) This is the normal Version of the film
T-PAN+ This version s a little brighter, with some shadow recovery, and slightly less grain
T-PAN 400 This is a version of the film styled after ISO400 speed black and white films. It has more contrast and definition than the regular version, but with increased grain.
T-PAN also comes with a set of tools, which consists of a number of faux colour filters for different effects (these don't colour the image, they're the equivalent of putting a filter on your lens if shooting with actual film) and a set of additional grain presets, for easy application of different types of grain.
Just a side point of interest. For the Fuji versions, the presets are based on the "Astia" profile. You're probably wondering why I decided on using Astia rather than one of Fuji's black and white colour profiles or even Acros? It's because doing so would not allow the use of faux colour filters which is based on adjusting the black and white mix.
The presets are available now on my Digital Download store. They will normally sell for €8 (price may vary depending on local Taxes) but they'll be on sale for the launch at just €5
Here are some examples of T-Pan in action. You can find more over on the store page.
Originally published at blog.thomasfitzgeraldphotography.com.
Lightroom Diary
Tips and Tricks for using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Irish based Photographer, Writer, Animator, Lightroom & Photoshop Expert. Fuji X-Photographer. http://blog.thomasfitzgeraldphotography.com/


Whether it's your first or 50th time at The Chicago Theatre taking in an entertainment event, you're bound to be in need of a few recommendations to ensure you have the most epic experience possible. These tips are sure to make your visit with us unforgettable.
For most events at The Chicago Theatre, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The Chicago Theatre staff is trained in the nationally recognized T.E.A.M. (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) Training program for responsible alcohol management. All guests may be required to show ID to purchase alcohol. Guests are not permitted to bring in alcoholic beverages from outside and may not leave with alcohol purchased inside The Chicago Theatre. Management reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest.
To respect all our guest's experiences, video cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, audio recording devices and professional cameras (those including telephoto or zoom lenses) will not be permitted inside The Chicago Theatre.
Coats and bags may be checked for $2 per item. Please note that backpacks and other large bags are not permitted into the auditorium.
As required by the City of Chicago, guests shall not smoke anywhere in our facilities.
Guests are encouraged to report inappropriate or offensive behavior to an Usher, Security Officer or Supervisor.
The venue staff has been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests' ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection without refund and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest. We thank you for your cooperation.
Meeting the needs of our guests with disabilities at The Chicago Theatre is a never-ending commitment—we want to make your visit with us an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Please visit our Disabled Services page for a full range of our accommodations, programs and policies.
Baby changing facilities. Both the men and women's restrooms on the Lower Level and in the men's restroom on the Main Floor across from Aisle 5 are equipped with baby changing stations.
Booster seats. If your little one needs a "boost" when enjoying an event, stop by the guest coat check in the Main Lobby to obtain a complimentary booster seat. Supplies are limited, so be sure to get there early if you're in need of one.
Strollers & car seats. You are more than welcome to bring your child to The Chicago Theatre in a stroller or car seat; however, they must be checked ($2) at the guest coat check.
Nursing mothers. A mother may nurse her child in any public location where she is comfortable and authorized to be (breast pumps are permitted). Nursing mothers seeking more discreet accommodations are welcome to use the mother's room on the Lower Level.
The Chicago Theatre is equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) which are located throughout the building. Designated employees, including our medical staff, have been properly trained and certified to use AEDs.
The distribution of promotional items, flyers, handbills or printed materials is not permitted without written permission of The Chicago Theatre. In addition, vending, peddling or product sampling is not allowed.
Whether you misplaced something before, during or after an event, we're here to help. Please speak with an usher or guest experience representative for further assistance. Click here to fill out our Lost & Found form.
We're all for you grabbing a bite to eat or a drink before making your way to The Chicago Theatre for your event, however, any outside food and beverages (including cans and bottles) are not permitted inside.
Find parking for your event through ParkWhiz, the Official Parking App of The Chicago Theatre, and book your space today. Click here to explore nearby garage and lot locations.
We ask all guests to arrive early and travel light as you may be subject to search. We ask that our guests avoid bringing in unnecessary items. The Chicago Theatre may utilize metal detecting hand wands, walk through metal detectors, or other devices during the security screening process.
By law, smoking in all areas of The Chicago Theatre is prohibited. You may smoke outside the theatre building; however, you must retain your ticket for admittance back into the building. If you have any questions regarding re-entry please speak with a guest services representative prior to exiting the venue.
Box office. Monday-Friday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. CT, and closed on Saturday and Sunday. If an event starts before 1 p.m., the Box Office will open one hour before the event start time. If an event starts after 7 p.m., the Box Office will remain open one hour after the event start time. If a new event goes on sale prior to 12 p.m., the Box Office will open early. If an event takes place on Saturday or Sunday, the Box Office will open one hour before the event start time and will remain open one hour after the event start time for Will Call and tickets sales for that day's event. If a new event goes on sale on Saturday, the Box Office will be open.
Children's tickets. If you're taking your little one who has reached their second birthday to an event at The Chicago Theatre, they are required to have a ticket. Note, for certain family events, kids who have reached their first birthday require a ticket.


Due to other traffic issues I couldn't be sure until today, but with the East bound M27 and off slip being empty and the tailback from the J9 lights going back round the Segensworth roundabout on all feeder roads I can only suppose either the lights program or the BT cable links have failed AGAIN.
I'd like to say fixed, but as someone keeps playing with the controllers (remotely?) and changing the pattern of flow, it'll have to be don't know.
Tailbacks back into Fareham along the A27 today, tailbacks on the M27 several miles long to get off at J9, yup totally screwed up again.
Intermittent fault, or someone adjusting on request?


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https://www.barrons.com/articles/a-bond-strategy-for-the-next-decade-51575646518
Up and Down Wall Street
The 60/40 Stock/Bond Portfolio's Time May Be Over. Here's What to Do Instead.
Randall W. Forsyth
Updated Dec. 6, 2019 8:36 pm ET / Original Dec. 6, 2019 10:35 am ET
It doesn't take much of a rise in yields to produce bond-price declines that translate to negative total returns.
The year 2019 is likely to be remembered for many things, but for investors, what stands out is that it was the rare one in which nearly everything worked. Stocks and bonds, domestic and international—all have posted nicely positive returns, along with real estate investment trusts and precious metals. Real assets, such as commodities and energy-related master limited partnerships, have been among the few downers.
That's made the traditional balanced portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds a standout performer. A 60/40 mix of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (ticker: SPY) and iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond (AGG)—exchange-traded funds that track the most widely used benchmarks for the U.S. equity and fixed-income markets—have returned 19.20% for the year, through Wednesday, according to Morningstar. That's the sort of showing that would please most equity-only investors in a typical year, although putting all your chips in the SPDR ETF would have generated a 26.36% return.
Market Data Center:Bonds & Rates
But these sparkling results actually were the flip side of the annus horibilis of 2018, when nothing worked. A 60/40 portfolio fell 2.70% last year, as the meager 0.1% gain from the iShares ETF only partially offset the SPDR ETF's 4.56% negative return.
That means, for the past two years, the traditional 60/40 stock/bond portfolio hasn't worked as assumed. The two asset classes haven't been negatively correlated, as textbooks teach; when stocks zigged, bonds didn't zag. This phenomenon was noted in this space when it began to emerge in early 2018.
On MarketBrief, Mohamed El-Erian unpacks the major risks within Europe's economy. And, as the streaming wars heat up, CFRA equity analyst Tuna Amobi discusses how Disney has helped usher in a 'golden era' of streaming entertainment.
Pramod Atluri, a fixed-income portfolio manager at Capital Group, which runs the American Funds, suggests that monetary policy mainly has been driving markets.
In 2018, the Federal Reserve raised its federal-funds target range four times, for a total of 100 basis points (one percentage point), while it was also shrinking its balance sheet, further tightening policy. This year, the Fed has reversed course, cutting its fed-funds target three times, totaling 75 basis points. At the same time, the central bank halted its balance-sheet contraction and then resumed its expansion with repurchase-agreement operations and outright Treasury bill purchases.
Over the past decade, however, 2018 was the exception. Morgan Stanley found that various combinations of stock and bond portfolios produced strong returns during that stretch. Weighting riskier assets more heavily also paid off in higher returns.
But Morgan Stanley expects the opposite for the next 10 years, as it sees valuations and returns reverting to their means. Translated, today's high stock prices point to low future equity returns. Low bond yields necessarily mean lesser fixed-income returns. Moreover, taking on bigger risks also isn't likely to pay off in bigger returns, the investment firm adds. "We estimate the average 60%/40% stock/bond portfolio will return only 4% to 5%, roughly half that of the past decade," writes Lisa Shalett, chief investment officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, in a client note.
Review & Preview
Every weekday evening we highlight the consequential market news of the day and explain what's likely to matter tomorrow.
Given that limited upside for a diversified portfolio, limiting losses would be paramount. Unfortunately, the 2018 experience shows that bonds don't always offset equity declines. That's because it doesn't take much of a rise in yields to produce bond-price declines that translate to negative total returns.
The iShares bond ETF's duration is 5.73 years. That means a 100-basis-point rise in yields would result in a 5.73% price decline (all else being equal along the yield curve and bond sectors). That's possible, but unlikely. But consider a 25-basis-point rise in yields, which is more within the realm of possibility. The resulting 1.4% price decline would wipe out more than half of the ETF's annual SEC yield, currently 2.23%.
Indeed, Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jan Hatzius told CNBC Friday that the Treasury 10-year note yield could rise to 2.25% next year, a roughly 40-basis-point increase, which would result in a bigger price decline than this hypothetical example.
A shorter-duration fixed-income portfolio would carry less risk from an uptick in yields. And that's what BCA Research is advising clients to hold, based on what it dubs "the Golden Rule of Bond Investment." First, determine the change in the federal-funds rate that the market is pricing for 12 months hence. Then, decide if you think the central bank will peg the funds rate higher than the market is expecting. On that basis, shorten duration or vice versa.
As of Thursday, fed-funds futures were pricing in a 67.5% probability that the target range will be below the current 1.50%-1.75% by December 2020, according to the CME Group's FedWatch site. In contrast, BCA thinks the Fed won't cut rates over that time horizon, so it argues a shorter duration portfolio would do better.
Going shorter also was the advice offered by John Coumarianos last month in Barron's. He listed three ETFs— Vanguard Short-Term Bond (BSV), iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond (ISTB), and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond (VCSH)—with roughly half the duration of the iShares bond ETF with little sacrifice in yield. For even less interest-rate risk, consider an ultrashort ETF, such as Pimco Enhanced Short Maturity Active (MINT), which has a duration of only 0.4 years and nearly as high a yield as the short-term bond ETFs.
Diversification is necessary for any investor lacking omniscience. Unfortunately, high asset prices and low bond yields may require a revision of the traditional 60/40 mix.
Write to Randall W. Forsyth at randall.forsyth@barrons.com
The year 2019 is likely to be remembered for many things, but for investors, what stands out is that it was the rare one in which nearly everything worked.


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NRL clubs reluctant to give All Blacks a piece of $16m cross-code cash cow
This was published 5 months ago
By Michael Chammas
July 31, 2020 — 12.01am
NRL club chief executives have raised a reluctance to back a proposed cross-code clash against the All Blacks after the NRL admitted it was considering an $8m proposal to turn the concept into a reality.
As reported by the Herald this week, the Apollo Committee – which includes coaches Trent Robinson and Wayne Bennett – met with the promoter last week to discuss the prospect of scheduling the fixture.
The All Blacks and the Kangaroos. Credit:Sydney Morning Herald.
As expected, club chief executives voiced their concerns during a meeting with the governing body on Thursday morning, leaving the future of the proposed game in limbo.
The clubs don't see the benefit of playing a game that will help the cash-stricken New Zealand Rugby organisation, nor do they want their players competing in December just a few weeks out from the start of pre-season.
The game has been earmarked for December 5 at Suncorp Stadium this year, however the COVID-19 pandemic could see plans pushed back another year if the 2021 Rugby League World Cup is scrapped as a result of the global pandemic.
Bennett and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga have backed the concept, however Peter V'landys and the ARL Commission will have the final say when they are presented with a detailed analysis next month.
Sources close to discussions told the Herald the NZR is keen to make it happen given recent financial strains on the code. NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said a fortnight ago that the ball was "firmly with the NRL at the moment".
The International Rugby League is strongly opposed to the idea, pleading with the NRL to focus on strengthening its own international game before worrying about other sports, especially if it gives cashed-up French and Japanese rugby union clubs a view to raid rugby league's best talent.
The IRL has been pushing for Australia to play New Zealand in a Test match at the end of the year, but the NRL has been reluctant to do so. It appears the only Test match that may be played at the end of the year will be between New Zealand and Tonga in Auckland, but that is dependent on border restrictions being lifted.
The main discussion point during the NRL CEO's phone hook up on Thursday was in regards to the game's contingency plans if the COVID-19 situation escalates in the coming weeks.
The NRL told clubs the first precautionary measure would be to bring the four teams based in Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, North Queensland and Melbourne) and set them up in NSW for the remainder of the competition.
If NSW follows the same path of Victoria, the NRL is also willing to move 10 teams to Queensland to finish the competition, however things would have to take a drastic turn for the code to implement such an extreme and expensive measure.
The NRL also discussed next year's salary cap, which is expected to be slightly reduced to reflect the potential decrease in squad size from 30 to 28.
Michael Chammas
Michael Chammas is a sports reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald


text:
L'apòfisi coronoide és la protuberància òssia posterior que neix de les branques ascendents del maxil·lar inferior. Serveix d'inserció al múscul temporal.

Crani

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Friends and family members of a Uyghur teenager whose body was found floating in a river in eastern China's Zhejiang province say he was a victim of an attack by Han Chinese seeking revenge over recent deadly Uyghur raids on railway stations, contesting a ruling by the authorities that he had committed suicide.
They said that state security intervention in the case of Ibrahim Abdurahman, 16, and a student at a central middle school in Jiaxing city, had fueled suspicion that there was a cover-up following the discovery of his body in a river on May 1 by police in nearby Hangzhou.
The police have classified the case as suicide by drowning following the discovery of what they claimed to be a suicide note, which family members believe could have been faked, a Uyghur classmate told RFA's Uyghur Service on condition of anonymity.
Abdurahman had been missing from school since April 27, the classmate said, and his family had journeyed to Jiaxing from their home in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region two days later, after they were informed of his absence by the boy's roommates.
His father, Abdurahman Odul, said that after he and his four brothers spent two days searching throughout the city, police called to inform him that his son's body had been found.
"I saw three injuries to his head and to two his back," Odul said.
Abdurahman's uncle, Abdulhalik Odul, said that he had arrived to help his brother on April 30, and had searched through the boy's belongings at his dorm in the hope of finding a reason to explain his absence, but had found nothing.
"I asked his roommates if the police had come to search through his things and they said no," the uncle said, adding that the students in the neighboring dorm room had said the same.
Odul said that police told him the letter had been found on Abdurahman's bed and showed him a state security affidavit that included signatures from his roommates saying they had been there when the note was discovered.
"I wondered whether his roommates were lying to me or if the police had prepared a false document," he said.
He also wondered why state security officials had become involved in the matter.
"Is it a state security matter if a 16-year-old kid doesn't return to school? Was he on a list from the state security apparatus?" he asked.
Odul said that he asked school management to let him review footage from a security camera in the dorm room to determine whether the police were telling the truth, but he was told that the cameras were not working that day.
Because city officials say they have proved Abdurahman drowned as a result of suicide, Odul said the boy's school was absolved of any responsibility for his death, but he wondered what would have prompted "a good kid in every aspect" to kill himself.
"Was there any involvement of the school's education or management style? Why has that not been questioned?" he asked.
Uyghurs who knew Abdurahman in Jiaxing said they believed he was a victim of retaliation for two recent and deadly attacks that state media has said were "acts of terrorism" linked to Uyghurs.
On April 30, three people were killed and 79 injured in a knife and bomb attack on a railway station in the Xinjiang capital Urumqi, as President Xi Jinping ended a visit to the restive region.
The Urumqi raid came two months after a group of attackers state media said were Uyghurs went on a stabbing spree at a railway station in the city of Kunming, capital of southwestern Yunnan province, leaving 29 people dead and 143 injured.
"I cannot assume that he had any unhappiness in his life which would have forced him to suicide," one student said, adding that he had never known Abdurahman to fight with anyone.
A Uyghur trader who regularly does business in Jiaxing said that the environment had become dangerous for Uyghurs living in the city after the two recent attacks.
"After the Kunming and Urumqi incidents, the Chinese here are treating us with hatred—not just with disrespect like they did before," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"He might have been killed by Chinese ultranationalists or by a family member of a victim who was among the injured in the Urumqi bomb attack," he said.
Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFA's Uyghur Service. Translated by Mamtjan Juma. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.


The third Private Capital Survey from Cluttons, which details the results of a survey of 250 wealthy property investors in the Middle East to understand their global property investment intentions, has been published in partnership with YouGov.
The survey, which uses sentiment as an indicator of future capital allocation, also interviewed 50 sterling millionaires residing in London.
The research found that the UK continues to be at the front of the thoughts of both international and domestic investors, despite the ongoing uncertainty being caused by Brexit.
Among Middle Eastern investors, the UK emerged as the second most preferred property investment destination on a global basis for investors from the Gulf, behind India and in joint second place with the USA.
In the UK, London remained the most attractive investment destination, with nearly half (49%) of the investors from the Middle East saying they would commit funds to a London property investment during 2018. Manchester, too, is proving increasingly popular amongst Middle East investors, with some 38% naming the city as one of their top three UK investment destinations.
The appeal of London as a place for global investment is also now stronger than it was in 2016 – up from 18% to 22% – suggesting that Brexit isn't putting international buyers off from investing in the capital.
"The recent recovery of sterling may mean there is a perception amongst Middle Eastern buyers to take advantage of the currency play before sterling strengthens further," Faisal Durrani, head of research at Cluttons, commented.
The most popular property asset class was new build residential property (54%), followed by offices (37%) and serviced apartments (37%). Meanwhile, capital value growth (56%) was named as the main reason for investing in UK residential property, followed by earning a solid rental income (42%). Capital value growth was also revealed to be the strongest reason for investors to consider UK commercial property investments.
From experience, though, he said Middle East and Asian investors both have a preference for new build as it 'is something they are familiar with from their own markets'. What's more, rental returns are higher for new builds than they are for secondary or period properties.
For home-grown investors, meanwhile, London was named as the most likely location for a property investment by 52% of those surveyed in the capital. London (76%) stands out as the most popular property investment location in the UK, way ahead of Manchester (6%) and Reading (5%). Despite the recent troubles of the capital's property market, confidence from investors still remains very high.
Domestic investors, unlike their overseas counterparts, realise the capital growth potential is higher for period property than new build, according to Durrani. As a result, 60% of those surveyed cited period property as their preferred asset class. Given period property will forever remain in finite supply, it has been suggested that this part of the market has the brightest prospects in the coming months.
"London is clearly still a top draw for investors from around the world, as well as domestic investors. Investors from the Middle East account for about 1 in 5 residential property transactions by overseas investors, while they are also the third largest group of London office investors, committing £1.3 billion last year, which equates to about 9% of all London office investments," Durrani concluded.


The offices of the R.M. of Sherwood No. 159 will be closed on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm for a staff event. Regular business hours will resume at 1:00 pm.
A Special Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Municipal Office at 4400 Campbell Street, Regina, SK. Please click here to see the Notice of Special Meeting of Council.
To observe the Victoria Day holiday, the offices of the R.M. of Sherwood No. 159 will be closed on Monday, May 22nd, 2017. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 at 8am.
The offices of the R.M. of Sherwood No. 159 will be closed on Monday, May 8th, 2017 from 8am – 12:30pm for staff training. Regular business hours will resume Monday, May 8th, 2017 at 12:30pm.
A Special Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Municipal Office at 4400 Campbell Street, Regina, SK. Please click here to see the Notice of Special Meeting of Council.
Council will continue to accept written submissions regarding the proposed Official Community Plan until end of business Monday, April 17th, 2017.


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Q: Diebold Mariano test (in R) As I asked in my answer to this question: does anyone know if the DM test (in R in this case) is supposed to be made with h=h-1?
If not, am I supposed to make several prediction sets (with h observations each) and perform h-step predictions on them in order to have more degrees of freedom?
That is, am I supposed to make n h-step predictions for the DM test?
When I attempt to perform the test with h=18 (there are 18 obs.) it says that DM variance is 0 (it consumes the degrees of freedom?).

Error in dm.test(error.311arima, error.013arima,  :
    Variance of DM statistic is zero

The residuals are different for the time series predictions.

EDIT
I have "checked under the hood" of the dm.test function in R, and apparently what happens is that when it executes the following operation:
m.test
function (e1, e2, alternative = c("two.sided", "less", "greater"),
    h = 1, power = 2)
{
    alternative <- match.arg(alternative)
    d <- c(abs(e1))^power - c(abs(e2))^power
    d.cov <- acf(d, na.action = na.omit, lag.max = h - 1, type = "covariance",
        plot = FALSE)$acf[, , 1]
    d.var <- sum(c(d.cov[1], 2 * d.cov[-1]))/length(d)
    dv <- d.var
    if (dv > 0)
        STATISTIC <- mean(d, na.rm = TRUE)/sqrt(dv)
    else stop("Variance of DM statistic is zero")

the d.var part yields a negative number, i.e. the variance estimator is negative???
I presume it is due to a lack of covariance stationarity on the errors, but then what should I do? I can only think of manually differencing the series (or the error of the series) and then use those forecasts, which should be in turn, covariance stationary.
error 311arima  error 013arima
-0.8758334  -0.8623334
-0.571964484    -0.614464484
-1.5118295  -1.3041295
-2.034418946    -1.918818946
-1.422745494    -1.805045494
-1.777216545    -2.240316545
-1.671314551    -2.260914551
-2.61727251 -3.40957251
-4.29605616 -5.10285616
-4.87524124 -5.78274124
-6.29766468 -7.27736468
-7.458823814    -8.455323814
-0.983687537    -1.110287537
-0.49127652 -0.92037652
0.652971123 0.048671123
2.52594615  1.73144615
0.651429228 -0.409670772
3.416551133 2.252951133
3.302610752 2.023910752
0.929007023 -0.460192977
1.959733687 0.522733687
-0.710917583    -2.217517583
-2.09341202 -3.64921202
-2.320514415    -3.910114415

The answer to this question can be found in a later question here: Diebold-Mariano test for multiple prediction horizons
We cannot compare forecasts for VECTORS of differing (in this case increasing) points in time, we must use a rolling window approach with a fixed h to compare these two models' h-point forecasts along time

A: The answer to this question can be found in a later question here: Diebold-Mariano test for multiple prediction horizons
We cannot compare forecasts for VECTORS of differing (in this case increasing) points in time, we must use a rolling window approach with a fixed h to compare these two models' h-point forecasts along time

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Highlight just how amazing your company is with this Adjustable Lamp with Dimmer! The built-in high efficiency 2000 mAh polymer battery power supply lasts up to 30 hours per charge. The lite touch switch provides one-finger light and dimming control for easy use. The lamp arm can be freely adjusted to any angle, creating a flexible light solution for users who move around while studying or reading. A wireless solution to stationary desk lights, this is a promo tool that's bound to take your brand to new heights!
10 pcs. per case / 25 lbs.
2000 mAh Li-Polymer Battery charged with provided USB cable. Approximately 24 hours of continuous lighting. Charge time 2-3 hours. 3W. 3 settings for color temperatures: Warm White (3100K), Neutral White (4200K), Cool WHite (5400K). Dimmer for all settings.


ou circuit r2, play now?
Were set for monotype open, can u do Tuesday between 8-3 EST?
I am going to eat rn, is in about an hour ok?
HI your highlander matchup has been announced and you won't be tagged (prolly) due to a edited post, so here am I!
We're matched up for the Sketchmons open, I'm GMT -7 and can play tomorrow from 10 AM to 10 PM, during the week I'm usually free from 5 PM to 10 PM though I do have some availability during the day. Let me know when you want to play or what times work for you.
how about a couple hours?
We play in metro cup when is a good time? I'm gmt-6.
Sometime today may be the best.
When can you play? If you want I can play now. Tomorrow I'm free after 2. Let me know.
Alright bro . See ya tomorrow good luck .
Yo dude I'm on showdown right now logged in with the same username . I just got out of class and gotta use the bathroom real quick then we can go .


text:
Q: QtWebDriver for automation testing of Qt application I faced with task to write test automation framework for Qt desktop application. I found one interesting open source solution - QtWebDriver.
Did some from you work with this tool?
What can you say about it? Or it'll be better to use commercial solution (e.g. Squish or Testcomplete)

A: One thing to take into account besides free/commercial aspects is integration with existing (open source) tools.
QtWebdriver integrates with Selenium, which is the de-facto standard for web automation.
This means:

*

*If you have existing selenium tests you should be able to reuse them

*You can also use selenium+QtWebdriver tests to automate qml/qwidgets
apps

*You can benefit support from online selenium community as well


CREDIT CARD ADDRESS VERIFICATION FORM FOR WEB ORDERS.
Your completion of this authorization form helps us to protect you, our valued customer, from credit card fraud. Please complete this form and either fax (954.456.5501) or email it back to us at accounting@cooljewels.com thank you!
We strive for your total satisfaction and repeat business. Upon receipt of your order, should an item not meet your expectations, you may return it within 15 days for a prompt merchandise refund or credit (custom logo and special orders excluded).
Tagging: Custom tags, private labeling and pre-ticketing are available. Please inquire for additional information.
Our objective is to provide you with quality merchandise at the best possible prices. Due to overseas markets and fluctuations in currency exchanges, all prices are subject to change. Prices reflect wholesale piece cost, and are sold by the dozen (or as detailed). Suggested retail is a three to four time mark-up; however this may vary in your particular location.
To ensure proper credit, all returns require an RMA#, issued by Phillips, on the outside of the box adjacent to the shipping label. Returned items must be in their original packaging, in complete dozens and re-saleable condition (free of any price stickers); returned freight prepaid within 15 day guarantee period (call tags are not issued). Unauthorized returns, if accepted, will incur a 25% restocking fee.
For your convenience, you may choose to pay by Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express and take advantage of the special bonus points and terms offered by your bank. For credit card use, payment must be authorized and processed prior to shipment. You may also chose to prepay your order, in which your order will be processed upon receipt of funds. Orders may only be shipped if shipping address matches the address on credit card billing statement. All shipments have a $200.00 minimum.. Please not that all credit card orders will need to complete a Credit Card Address Verification Form with every order. Your completion of this authorization form helps us to protect you, our valued customer, from credit card fraud. All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential.
International Shipments (outside Caribbean and Canada): Minimum Order: $750.Credit Cards not accepted. Orders are processed following receipt of bank transfer or clearing of your pre-payment. Due to documentation and additional requirements, repeat International orders have a $425.00 minimum.
International Shipments to Caribbean and Canada: Minimum Order: $400. Orders are processed following receipt of bank transfer, clearing of your pre-payment, or credit card payment.
Our objective is to provide you with quality merchandise at the best possible prices. We ship only to Wholesale Accounts and all shipments have a $200.00 minimum. Prices reflect wholesale piece cost, and are sold by the dozen (or as detailed).
We, at Phillips International, Inc. - Cool Jewels ®, respect your privacy. Our goal, along with providing you with excellent products and services, is to maintain your trust and confidence when handling personal information about you. Access to such information is restricted to the company personnel required to provide products and service your account. No information is shared with anyone outside the company. If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, please feel free to contact us at any time.


Check out the latest deals that The Body Shop have for April 2019 and May 2019 by visiting their website.
We list all the latest deals available and we constantly update the site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you are looking for a The Body Shop discount code for April 2019, chances are we have it listed!
All our discounts are free to use for everyone including NHS staff and Police officers, students may also be able to gain a The Body Shop student discount.
Don't forget to share The Body Shop voucher codes with your friends and family to help them save money too!
The Body Shop was founded by Anita Roddick who had been turned on to the concept of naturally scented cosmetics and toiletries in 1970 after a trip to California. The first Body Shop was opened in Brighton in 1976, and was the first of over 2,500 stores in 60 markets that are open today. Anita Roddick, supported by her co-founder husband Gordon, became synonymous with the Body Shop brand. Anita's natural ability as an entrepreneur and activist matched the naturalness of her products.
The Body Shop's products hit the Zeitgeist appealing to a more environmentally minded consumer and heralded the onset of responsible retailing and eco-conscious business. The Body Shop was one of the first brands to talk about fair trade, a phrase that is now ubiquitous in retailing.
Growth was rapid, with shops opening in the early 80s at a rate of two per month. The business grew dramatically at 50% each year and soon operated internationally. The growth led to a London Stock Exchange listing in 1984.
Product ranges expanded to include men's and make up. Many popular core products are still staples of the product range today.
The Body Shop also operate their own charity, called the Body Shop Foundation, which supports small organisations working in human and civil rights, environmental and animal protection.
Anita Roddick's untimely death in 2007 came at a time of great change for the group but the company has moved on successfully. Anita's personality continues to be found in everything that the company does and her legacy influences ethical retailing and fair trade products throughout the world.
Thebodyshop.co.uk is the online shop of the Body Shop, selling thousands of products that can be found in the stores. The Body Shop app is also available for iOS, making browsing on tablets and smart phones easier. Website users can access customer and staff reviews, ingredients and how-to-use guides to ensure that they choose the right product. Some products also include helpful how-to videos.
Online shoppers can take advantage of the popular Love Your Body"¢ programme. This allows customers to access savings and benefits both in store and online. Existing card holders can register their card for online purchases. New customers can obtain a card through the website and begin saving immediately.
Gift wrapping is available for free on the site. Customers can also add a personal message for £4.99.
The website has a comprehensive FAQs section for all areas of operation, from products and delivery to ethics and returns.
All major credit cards and Paypal are accepted on the website.
Perennial best sellers include body butters and tea tree products.
The Body Shop stores operate different opening times from store to store. You can find your nearest store and opening times through the website.
Please note that some stores are franchised and may not accept promotional vouchers and codes. These include Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge Petty Cury, Norwich, Derriford Hospital, Exeter, Plymouth, Hove, Horsham, Sheffield and Orchard Square.
The Body Shop operates a standard five working day delivery for £2.99, although many orders are successfully delivered within this time frame. Customers can also opt for a faster express delivery for £4.99. This promises next day delivery for any order made by 11AM on a weekday. Remote addresses may take up to 2 days longer.Customers can track their orders easily by logging in to the site and using a unique €˜tracking reference' that they receive via email.
The Body Shop does not currently offer a click and collect service, where products ordered online can be collected in store. This service may be introduced in the future.
Unopened goods can be returned with 14 days of purchase. All other unsuitable or damaged goods can be returned with 28 days of receipt. Goods should be returned to the Body Shop Online Team along with a completed returns form that can be found on their website.


text:
Browse by date Open
Browse by School Open
Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales
First Minister Carwyn Jones has appointed internationally renowned psychologist and neuroscientist, Professor Peter Halligan, to the post of Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales.
As Wales' chief scientific adviser, Professor Halligan will provide independent scientific advice to the First Minister and lead the development of the Welsh Government's science policy. He will also work to promote the study of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine to help build a strong science base in Wales.
Professor Halligan, Honorary Professor of the University's School of Psychology, has secured international recognition for his research and played a key role in a number of innovative developments including establishing the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), the Wales Research and Diagnostic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Centre (PETIC), the Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (WICN), the Haydn Ellis Distinguished Lecture Series and Cardiff University Research Institutes.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "Professor Peter Halligan is an excellent scientist and world renowned psychologist and neuroscientist, whose research is internationally renowned and respected. His appointment is a huge boost to Wales' growing science and research sector."
Professor Halligan said: "I very much look forward to taking up this important role, and working with the scientific community to ensure research evidence is taken into account as part of the Government policy making process. I also hope to continue to build on the progress of my predecessors in growing Wales's research and innovation capacity, to help raise Wales's profile and grow its economic capability."
Professor Peter Halligan
The latest from Cardiff University.


We provide a wide range of Upper Fork Graphics. See our full range below. If you cannot spot what you are looking for please contact us. Remember all graphics can be customised to suit your requirements.
Background colour of your choice plus name / logo.


text:
Einach ist der Ortsname von:

 Einach (Gengenbach), Wohnplatz der Stadt Gengenbach im Ortenaukreis, Baden-Württemberg
 Einach (Gemeinde Stadl-Predlitz), Katastralgemeinde und Ortschaft von Stadl-Predlitz, Bezirk Murau, Steiermark

Siehe auch:
 Einbach


After war and Islamist extremism, some Iraqis are trying to build a new future — from steel and chrome.
After war and Islamist extremism, some Iraqis are trying to build a new future — from steel and chrome. Inspired by American outlaw biker gangs, the 'Iraq Bikers' want to unite behind the aesthetic rather than the country's political fault lines. What drives these men?


No world culture has had more impact on South Coast Repertory's choice of plays over its first 45 years than the Irish. There's just something about the Emerald Isle that brings out the robustness in an SCR production.
The company's latest import from Ireland is "The Weir," Conor McPherson's modern tale of four tipsy Irishmen spinning ghost stories from the past between drinks at a rural pub.
Director Warner Shook's production reeks of atmosphere, dotted by superlative interpretations, but playwright McPherson has provided little else in the way of cohesion to stitch the story together. The first 20 minutes are almost incomprehensible as the characters indulge in heavily accented small talk before the richly-flavored monologues begin.
"The Weir" (a dam-like boundary on a river, altering the water's flow) brings four old (and young) cronies and a female visitor together for an evening of heavy drinking and spooky storytelling. Each anecdote seems to surpass the previous one for shudder-inducing impact.
First among equals in a fine ensemble is Richard Doyle, an SCR founding artist who just seems to get better with age. Doyle plays Jack, a tavern regular, lifelong bachelor and garrulous conversationalist who both begins and ends the rounds of chatter, drawing sympathy for a wasted life of missed opportunities.
James Lancaster has the showiest role of Finbar, the only married man in the group, who's squiring a female visitor (Kirsten Potter) newly arrived in the town. Lancaster revels in his imagined superiority and spins one of the creepiest yarns.
He's surpassed, however, in weirdness by the next storyteller, Daniel Reichert's Jim, a quiet, unassuming chap. Reichert tucks himself away in a far corner to resurrect the tale of a grave digger's horrific experience on a dark and stormy night.
For all their colorful repartee, however, the men are set aback when Potter recounts her harrowing account involving her daughter's tragic swimming mishap. Potter has little to do through most of the play, but this single monologue brings her character sharply into focus.
Through it all, Tony Ward's Brendan, the pub's young proprietor, casts an amiable figure, blending in with the locals but not contributing to the reminiscences.
Thomas Buderwitz's richly detailed setting, piled high with bottles of liquor waiting to be quaffed, offers an enormous atmospheric touch, abetted by Angela Balogh Calin's downscale costumes and Peter Maradudin's detailed lighting designs.
"The Weir" eschews conventional dramatic form in favor of heavy doses of spellbinding individual accounts. It's both annoying and involving at South Coast Repertory.


text:
From his heart to ours
I still remember where I was when I heard that Princess Diana was dead. And I think I shall forever remember the moment I heard the sad and shocking news about Steve Irwin's tragic death.
There are moments in life when time stops still temporarily and the busy buzz of the background noise, which normally fills our every waking moment, dims to a gentle murmur. This was one of those times.
I received seven different emails from friends within an hour, as they independently emailed me with the news. I jumped on to the internet, searching inundated news sites. I tried, in vain, to get onto the Australia Zoo website, which was obviously overwhelmed with Internet traffic.
Australia, and a good part of the global community, was both shocked and deeply saddened. Incredible scenes soon followed of crowds going to the Irwin's Australia Zoo and leaving flowers, notes and mementos. We witnessed grown men and women grief-stricken as they visited what had become a shrine to a man they never personally knew. Steve's death seems to have affected us deeply.
It's partly, of course, because we think of Terri, his wife, and his two young children, Bindi and Bob. It's always hard for a family to lose a loving father, but particularly so for a young family. Yet there seems to be something deeper. Steve's death has brought a palpable grief to our community in a way that I haven't seen for a long time. We seem to be grieving for more than a man.
As the profile of "The Crocodile Hunter" grew, Australians embraced him in such a way that he became a part of our cultural identity. We loved Steve, not just for his concern for nature and wildlife, but for the other values he embodied that we admired. While we may not have recognised it at the time, he was teaching us about life.
Steve was a man who lived with passion, and lived life to the full. In our busy, modern, world, we often find we're being pulled in many directions and can find it difficult to be fully present in a moment. We looked on Steve almost with envy at his ability to be so wholly involved in whatever he was doing at the time – whether it was with his children, or out in the wild, or at his beloved zoo. In an age of cynicism and weariness of soul, here was a man who modelled what it was to live differently, and he awakened in us a hunger for that within our own lives.
Steve Irwin also lived for a cause bigger than himself. He and Terri's incredibly impressive track record of nature conservation, at a personal financial cost, spoke to us of people who gave much more than lip-service, or token concern, for the things they believed were important. It's a message that stands distinct from so many of the other messages we hear each day. The anthems of our society generally have more to do with being individualistic and self-centred, and are driven by consumerism most of the time. We soon learn that life is about us, and what we can get. Is it any wonder then, that Steve's life message stood out in such contrast, and captivated a nation?
As we discuss what would be a fitting memorial to Steve Irwin, perhaps we should also spend some time on personal reflection. What was it about his life that resonated so deeply with us, and how can we embody that in some small way? Perhaps in the end, a community of people who live more passionately, and more selflessly, would be the most meaningful tribute of all.
We miss you Steve Irwin. May you rest in peace.
Ruth Limkin
ruthlimkin September 23, 2006
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Canada-U.S. Cross-Border
Europe-U.S. Cross-Border
Obama Budget Proposal Would Provide Relief for Certain Accidental Dual Citizens
Canada-U.S. Cross-Border Alert
A provision contained in the Treasury's green book explaining President Obama's 2016 budget proposals may provide U.S. tax and reporting relief for certain dual citizens.
An individual can become a U.S. citizen at birth either by being born in the United States or, in certain circumstances, by having a parent who is a U.S. citizen. Because U.S. citizens are subject to U.S. income tax on their worldwide income even if they reside outside the United States and can also be subject to information reporting obligations, many such individuals wish to relinquish their U.S. citizenship.
Section 877A of the Code imposes a mark-to-market tax on the worldwide assets of individuals who relinquish their U.S. citizenship if they meet a tax liability test ($160,000 in 2015), a net worth test ($2 million), or if they fail to certify their compliance with U.S. federal tax obligations for the five preceding tax years.
Section 877A provides an exception from the tax liability and net worth tests for certain dual citizens who have had minimal contacts with the United States during the 15 years preceding the relinquishment of their U.S. citizenship. Such individuals, however, remain subject to the certification test, meaning that before they can expatriate, they must first complete five years of U.S. tax filings.
The administration's proposal would exempt an individual from tax under Section 877A if the taxpayer meets the following conditions:
The taxpayer became at birth a citizen of the United States and a citizen of another country
At all times, up to and including the individual's expatriation date, the taxpayer has been a citizen of a country other than the United States
The taxpayer has not been a resident of the United States (as defined in section 7701(b)) since attaining age 18½ years
The taxpayer has never held a U.S. passport or has held a U.S. passport for the sole purpose of departing from the United States in compliance with immigration regulations requiring use of a U.S. passport
The taxpayer relinquishes his U.S. citizenship within two years after the later of January 1, 2016, or the date on which the individual learns that he is a U.S. citizen
The taxpayer certifies under penalty of perjury his compliance with all U.S. federal tax obligations that would have applied during the five years preceding the year of expatriation if the individual had been a non-resident alien during that period.
Therefore, it would allow certain U.S. citizens to relinquish their citizenship without having to incur the expense of filing U.S. tax returns under the current IRS voluntary disclosure or streamlined programs. Given the significant time and expense involved with this compliance, this would be a welcome relief to many of our dual citizen clients.


Tiffany Studios leaded glass chandelier in a rare Grape design with beaded edge. The shade has its original bronze hardware.
Tiffany Studios leaded glass chandelier in a rare "grape" design with beaded edge. The shade has its original bronze hardware.


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Chad Michael Murray bio, Wife, Sophia Bush, Movies & Tv shows, Kids, Net worth, Early
Who is Chad Michael Murray?
Chad Michael Murray is a Spokesperson, American actor, writer and former fashion model, known for portraying Lucas Scott in The WB / CW drama series One Tree Hill from 2003 to 2012 and for his portrait of war veteran and SSR agent Jack Thompson in the Marvel / ABC series Agent Carter.
In the Early life of Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray was raised by his father, Rex Murray, an air traffic controller when his mother left him when he was very young and has three brothers, a half brother and a half-sister. He went to Clarence High School in New York. He loved football and literature. At 18, he broke his nose in a scrap at a Burger King outlet and had to fix it.
In the Career( Movies & Tv shows) of Chad Michael Murray
Fig: Chad Michael Murray in Riverdale
Chad Michael Murray moved to Hollywood in 1999 and started working as a model for Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, and Skechers. In each episode of 'Diagnosis: Murder' and 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,' he was a guest star. In 1999, he was cast in the WB serial 'Gilmore Girls.' His role as Tristan DuGrey was, at first, the main one, but from the second season onwards, it became a recurring role. in the 2003 film, 'Freaky Friday' he has a supporting role which starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. Making $160,846,332 worldwide, the film became box office hit.
In 2010, he featured the song's music video for singer Alicia Keys,' Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)' as her love interest. At the 42nd NAACP Awards, the video won the Outstanding Music Video. In' Christmas Cupid,' a 2010 TV film broadcast as part of ABC's 25 Days of Christmas programming block, he starred with Christina Milian and Ashley Benson and was directed by Gil Junger. he appeared in' Fruitvale Station, in 2013, a film narrating the last day of Oscar Grant, as one of the police officers who shot Grant dead at a BART station. The actor played a major role as Cameron Buck Williams in the film ' Left Behind,' which was released in June 2014. The film was banned by critics.
How much is the net worth of Chad Michael Murray?
Fig: Chad Michael Murray during photoshoot
The net worth of this multi-talented actor and model is currently around $12 million, most of which he earned from acting in movies, television series and modeling for multi-billion dollar brands. When it comes to keeping the cash flowing in, Chad Michael Murray is a man to look at.
In the Personal life(Sophia Bush) of Chad Michael Murray
Fig: Chad Michael Murray with his current wife Sarah Roemer
Like every beautiful and sexy Hollywood actor, Chad Michael Murray has had his own fair share of beautiful women. In May 2004, Chad joined Hollywood actress Sophia Bush, his co-star in the hit TV drama series One Tree Hill. They got married in Santa Monica, California, on April 16, 2005. However, the marriage was short-lived. Five months later, Sophia filed a petition for annulment, citing fraud. Although the petition was initially denied, the stranged couple finished their divorce in 2006 and after few months of his divorce in April, Chad fell in love once again with beauty queen Kenzie Dalton and got engaged. This engagement lasted way longer than his marriage did but it was called off after seven years in August 2013.
Less than a year after he quit his engagement, the beautiful actor began dating the very talented Hollywood actress, Sarah Roemer. In January 2015, the couple took a step forward and made it official by becoming a man and a wife. A few months later, on 31 May 2015, Chad Michael Murray and his beautiful wife Sarah announced the birth of their son. In March 2017, the beautiful couple bore their second child, a daughter.
Major works and awards of Chad Michael Murray
In 2003, Chad Michael Murray played Lucas Scott, the chief protagonist of the WB TV series ' One Tree Hill.' The series became very popular and 4,50 million people were glued to their first season finale. His main role as Nick Jones in the 2005 horror film 'House of Wax' won him honors and the film did very well in Teenagers with commercially, earning of $70,064,800 internationally.
In 2004, Murray won the Breakout Movie Star (Male) Teen Choice Awards for the film ' A Cinderella Story' and the Choice Breakout TV Star (Male) for the serial' One Tree Hill.' In 2005, nominated for his roles in 'House of Wax,' 'A Cinderella Story' and 'One Tree Hill,' he won the Teen Choice Awards' Choice Movie Actor category for 'House of Wax.'
WriterAmerican actorSpokespersonFashion modelSophia BushChad Michael MurraySarah Roemer


Little more than a year after its debut, Jimmy "Jimbo" Wales has announced the death of Wikia Search, the for-profit operation he once billed as an antidote to the "unhealthy" search practices of Microsoft, Yahoo!, and, yes, Google.
"While I personally believe in the opportunity for free software to make serious inroads into the search space, our project, Wikia Search, has not been enjoying the kind of success that we had hoped," Wales wrote on his personal blog this morning.
"In a different economy, we would continue to fund Wikia Search indefinitely. It's something I care about deeply. I will return again and again in my career to search, either as an investor, a contributor, a donor, or a cheerleader."
Wikia is Wales' belated attempt to actually make some money from the runaway worldwide success of Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia he co-founded under the auspices of the not-for-profit Wikimedia Foundation. A day before she perused his Willypedia, Jimbo told onetime Fox News pundit Rachel Marsden that Wikia was his ticket to the Web 2.0 high life. "I'm supposed to be designing a google killing search engine so I can buy a jet," he typed.
The project was a shameless attempt to not only piggyback on the Wikipedia name, but also to apply Wikipedia's so-called "democratic" model to the notion of web search. Wikia Search allowed everyone and their brother to control what turned up when you keyed in a keyword. Users had the power to "rate" search results, and these ratings were used to massage results accordingly.
Jimbo was under the impression that this somehow trumped the search operations of Microsoft, Yahoo!, and Google. "I think it is unhealthy for the citizens of the world that so much of our information is controlled by such a small number of players, behind closed doors," he told The New York Times. "We really have no ability to understand and influence that process."
Apparently, he still believes that. But Wikia Search is no more as of today. Meanwhile, Wikia Inc. - its parent company - lives on. Jimbo says the company is "re-directing and refocusing resources on other Wikia.com properties, especially on Wikianswers." He urges you to "Join me there to help provide freely licensed answers to all the world's questions."


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Ayan's family is increasingly getting disturbed with the disappearance of ayan for such a long time. Meanwhile haseena is not leaving one oppurtunity to taunt them for their carelessness in making them wait and not getting the car also for imran.
Feroz accuses ayan of having stolen the bike. He says that he hasnt stolen it from asad when in fact he's asad's…. and is about to say brother but checks himself in time while feroz waits for him to spill it out. Feroz threatens that he would tell rashid about his son being accused of stealing on such a happy day when they are celebrating nikhat's MEHFIL-E-SAUGAT. Ayan is very scared to hear this but remembering asad's words, he stays silent. But when they actually dial his dad's no, he breaks down thinking that if this news reaches home, then there's a possibility of nikhat's marriage being called off also. So he gives up and says that he would tell everything and stops them from calling at his house. But before feroz can get him to speak the truth behind his relation with the owner of the bike, asad himself comes in and turns the tables around by calling their act as unlawful confinement when in fact, there has been nobody to complain against ayan, and hence no grounds arrest him. He also tells feroz that for this unlawful act, he would fire an FIR against them only in their own police station. Feroz asks him whether he's trying to threaten them. Asad says, that he's not threatening, he actually means what he says. he tell them to leave ayan or else he would call the SSP to ask him to make them file an fir against their own men. Sensing better, feroz lets go of Ayan, but before they leave, feroz asks asad about their relation. Asad tells him to mind his laws and let people mind their own relations.
Meanwhile at ayan's place, haseena pretends to be extremely angry and is about to leave when mamujaan stops her saying that its not such a big deal that she hs to leave. She says that she didnt expect it from their family. She says that in fact by agrreing to let nikhat marry imran, he has done a huge favor on the Khan fmily. Rashid comes in saying that their son has been mising and they are all very troubled, he doesnt expect them to support them but atleast try to understand their problem. She takes it deliberately the wrong way and accuses rashid of accusing her to be heartless and emotionfree. Rashid tries to clear saying that she imterpreted him wrong and didnt get what he was trying to say. She says that now they are calling her a fool too, that she doesnt understand things. Despite imran's protests, she says that she has faced enough insults from them and they didnt even bother to gift them the car and turns around to leave the door. She is shocked and surprised to find ayan standing on the door with the materials required for nikhat's rituals. Disheartened at her failure, she still starts on with the rituals as everybody heaves a sigh of relief. She finally finishes with the ritual.
Scene 4: Location: Ayan's and asad's residence and the police station.
Asad is talking to ayan on the phone, who tells him about everything that happened and is also instructed by asad that he should keep this a secret from everybody about their relation and the bike, till nikhat's marriage is done. Asad still wonders why was the police inspector so curious to know about their relation.
Haseena too calls up feroz and reprimands him for letting go of ayan so easily. He says he ddint have a choice since asad himself came to take him. He tells haseena that he hasnt yet known their relation, but he knows its a deep one and is determined to find out what is it. Haseena too says she wants to know what relation is this house to Asad Ahmed Khan. Razia hears her talking about asad and is shocked. Haseena turns around but doesnt realise that razia heard hr, and walks past her. the screen freezes on razia's shocked and disturbed face.
Precap: Asad, nazma, dilshad and zoya are enacting a role play of the faamous drama AKBAR AND ANARKALI.