text:
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Kanak infantrymen at the Chemin des Dames
France > Remembrance tourism in the Vosges
Abri de la Roche Mère-Henry
© PER tourisme de mémoire 14-18 / JL DELPAL
In the spectacular setting of the Massif des Vosges, Germans and French fought it out between 1914 and 1918 in a mountain war which was very different from that which was waged in the other regions of the western front. The close proximity of the enemy lines, the trenches, the sapping, the shelters, everything here was governed by the limitations imposed by the climate and the terrain. Today one can come across many remains as one makes one's way along the exciting hiking paths, along the impressive concrete barrier which extends some hundred kilometres, from the Col de la Chapelotte (Chapelotte pass) up to the Sundgau.
The Roche Mère-Henry, a threatening view point
The Roche Mère-Henry, which is a pre-war tourist site, forms a viewpoint above the Rabodeau valley, overlooking the town of Senones. After the front was set up in September 1914, Germans and French came face to face on this "tegula" where over a few hundred metres, some of the most violent mountain combat in this part of the world would take place. The first attacks on the German defences occurred in October 1914 culminating in the assault on a bunker on 10 December causing the death of many soldiers from the 363rd Nice infantry regiment. These isolated but very deadly attacks carried on until the Armistice, and included the period when the sector was occupied by American troops in the summer of 1918. They were so fierce that the ridge was nicknamed "Pelé" from 1915 onwards.
The battlefield of la Roche Mère Henry is a model for mountain fighting. Over the several hundred metres which separated no man's land from the observation rock, the Germans organised several lines of defence and shelters to stop the enemy advancing. Today one only has to visit the site to get an understanding of the changing nature and the diversity of the German fortification and how it was radically different to the French defence system. The visit ends at the disused cemetery of the 363rd infantry regiment and the stele of the Menton sculptor Antoine Sartorio.
La Fontenelle
Nothing seems to stand out about the hilly terrain all around. However it was on the hill of the Fontenelle, a former nursery school before the war, that the front was established on 12 September 1914. Although the French held the summit, the Germans who were dug in on the eastern flank were out to claim it and both sides organised massive entrenchments which cut the viewpoint in two. On 23 June 1915, the German soldiers unleashed a huge attack which enabled them to take the whole summit. In July, two violent counter-attacks allowed the French troops to retake the whole hill. From then on a war of mines was waged whilst a series of surprise attacks followed the massive attacks.
In a mountain war where observation posts were of paramount importance, the French had the advantage here because they held the whole of the massif de l'Ormont, further to the south, which controlled all the Haute-Meurthe. Here was to be found a multitude of dry stone structures serving as observation posts housing either artillery pieces or technical enclosures cut out from the uniform rocks. The remains of a remarkable iron observation ladder, the only one known to exist for the whole of the front, are still visible. From the col d'Hermanpaire, (Hermanpaire pass) located further down the massif, as far as la Fontenelle, the first German line was based on multiple concrete barriers with very different functions. If one takes the Remembrance path for the front lines one can see how remarkably well they have been preserved.
Although the earth from the cemetery at la Fontenelle was as of 1919 used to fill in the mine trenches and funnels, the disfigurement of the surrounding countryside still bears witness to the violence of the fighting. Just as at Verdun, three hamlets of the Ban-de-Sapt would never be rebuilt: their remains can be seen from the path.
Le Donon, fighting with pitons in the battle for the borders
Coming under German control since 1871, the Petit and the Grand Donon overlooked a dense network of ancient tracks. From August 1914, some rather muddled fighting occurred in the massif. But this awesome natural fortress remained under German control. In the years leading up to 1918, technical troops with labour provided by prisoners, notably Russians, and civilians built a complex network of positions. The Donon became the hub for the German lines of communication: cable cars which supplied the heights and railways for linking the front to the rear echelon.
The Petit Donon has around its summit and on its slopes, dozens of steles for the soldiers who fell in 1914. A path provides access to them. Furthermore, the multiple ruins of infrastructure are still visible. By taking the Path of the Bunkers which links the Donon pass to the Engin pass one can explore the trenches and concrete shelters which have been well preserved to this day.
La Chapelotte, the deepest battlefield of the Great War
The col de la Chapelotte (Chapelotte pass) is the last mountain barrier before the Lorraine plain. From September 1914 onwards, hill 542 became one of the most violent scenes of fighting in the mountain war and was an illustration of the culmination of the war of the mines. It wasn't possible to make any headway at ground level, so it was underground that the fight was to continue. The first mine, a German one, pierced the ground of hill 542 on 8 June 1915. Up until 2 September 1917, the date of the last French camouflet (a cavern created by an explosion) – a name which is given to a mine which is intended to destroy an enemy gallery whilst preserving buildings at the surface –, hundreds of metres of galleries and wells were dug. 55 mines, of which 38 were French, were exploded along a front 200 metres in length which is more than 300 tonnes of explosives which were used to blow holes underground. By digging up to 120 metres underground the French and German soldiers made la Chapelotte the deepest of its kind on any of the fronts of the Great War.
The surrounding pass and summits still bear the scars of the fighting, even today. Under the nearby fir trees, a few stones are all that is left of the forest house and the fountain still bears the inscription of the soldiers of the 338rd infantry regiment. When approaching it, visitors are asked to be careful not to disturb this open museum of the Great War which is still being restored.
The Chapelotte battlefield and the observation posts on the summits surrounding the valley of la Plaine as far as Donon are what are so interesting about this remarkable site of medium altitude mountain warfare. The forestry commission has kept the observation rocks, the promontory forts and the German as well as French fortified pitons intact, but also all the concrete structures right up to the remarkable steles of the disused German cemeteries.
Comité départemental du tourisme des Vosges
Published Wed, 29/05/2013 - 14:45
document to download
Présentation des sites de mémoire des Vosges
Document pdf (5.34 Mo)


- keep money spent on energy in the community.
In 1996 an analysis of local energy uses was undertaken that resulted in the "Sheltair Report" that identified the buildings that might be suitable to connect to a community energy system.
In 2000, NRCanada funded a prefeasibility study for a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant that would consume all of Downie's annual output of 70,000 green tonnes of wood residue.
In 2001, the City put out an RFP for private sector proponents to do the project. The RFP did not attract any proposals that did not require some sort of guarantees from the City. The private sector expectations of 15% returns could not be met.
The City and Downie then agreed to try to pursue the project as a joint venture and commissioned FVB Energy of Edmonton to fully design and cost the project. At a cost of $18.5M, a plant generating ~4.5 MW of electricity (to be sold to BCHPA @ 5.1cents/kwh) and with only a feasible market for 20% of its residual heat proved uneconomic and the project was abandoned in the spring of 2003.
The City resolved to pursue a "heat only" project that would provide steam for Downie's dry kilns and hot water for a District Energy system. The plant was commissioned in June 2005 with phase 1 of the DE system in place. Phases 2 and 3 were slated for the next year but were not completed until 2010.


Road Patch Info-Site (RPIS) has provided this website and information solely for the education of qualified professionals. This information should only be used by qualified professionals who possess all required licenses and who are competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of the information provided herein, and who accept total responsibility for the application of this information.
RPIS makes no express or implied warranty with respect to this website or any information contained herein. In particular, no warranty is made of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. RPIS disclaims any product liability in connection with this website or any information contained herein.
RPIS does not endorse any specific product or application, but does review methods of heating and curing asphalt and concrete products and related materials. Advertising space provided on this website is made available to all industry manufacturers and organizations. Please feel free to post your finding, experiences, and comments about cold patch products and application methods.


Identification of putative virulence-associated genes of Haemophilus parasuis through suppression subtractive hybridization.
Haemophilus parasuis is the causative agent of Glässer's disease. Up to now 15 serovars of H. parasuis have been identified, with significant differences existing in virulence between serovars. In this study, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify the genetic difference between Nagasaki (H. parasuis serovar 5 reference strain, highly virulent) and SW114 (H. parasuis serovar 3 reference strain, non-virulent). A total of 191 clones were obtained from the SSH library. Using dot hybridization and PCR, 15 clones were identified containing fragments that were present in the Nagasaki genome while absent in the SW114 genome. Among these 15 fragments, three fragments (ssh1, ssh13, ssh15) encode cell surface-associated components; three fragments (ssh2, ssh5, ssh9) are associated with metabolism and stress response; one fragment (ssh8) is involved in assembly of fimbria and one fragment (ssh6) is a phage phi-105 ORF25-like protein. The remaining seven fragments are hypothetical proteins or unknown. Based on PCR analysis of the 15 serovar reference strains, eight fragments (ssh1, ssh2, ssh3, ssh6, ssh8, ssh10, ssh11 and ssh12) were found in three to five of most virulent serovars (1, 5, 10, 12, 13 and 14), zero to two in three moderately virulent serovars (2, 4 and 15), but absent in the low virulent serovar (8) and non-virulent serovars (3, 6, 7, 9 and 11). In vivo transcription fragments ssh1, ssh2, ssh8 and ssh12 were identified in total RNA samples extracted from experimental infected pig lung by RT-PCR. This study has provided some evidence of genetic differences between H. parasuis strains of different virulence.
Haemophilus parasuis; suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH); virulence.


text:
Ethanol, Wind Energy and Solar Power Are Strong Rural Economic Engines and Key Job Drivers
ACGF Sponsoring 9th Annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference in Lincoln November 7-8, 2016
( printable copy)
Gale Lush 308-991-4138 Dan McGuire 402-489-1346
WILCOX, NE---May 2, 2016 - "The American Corn Growers Foundation (ACGF) continues to advocate renewable energy as an essential economic development component for the future of the rural economy. It's our top priority," said Gale Lush, ACGF Chairman from Wilcox, Nebraska. "Ethanol is a well-established and powerful economic driver for rural America, underpinning corn prices when exports are stagnant or fail to deliver as projected or promised by free trade policy deals. In 2015 ethanol-driven domestic corn demand did a lot more than defend corn prices. It delivered 85,967 well paying, stable, direct jobs and 271,440 indirect or induced jobs across the U. S., fueling domestic economic growth."
Lush announced that the ACGF continues to lead on wind and solar energy advocacy with ACGF Director Dan McGuire as Co-Chair of the 9th Annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference to be held at the Cornhusker hotel in Lincoln on November 7-8, 2016. "ACGF is proud to again be a Kilowatt sponsor of the 2016 conference," said Lush. "We're pleased to join other key national and state wind and solar industry leaders that are sponsoring this year's Nebraska conference. We urge local, county and state officials to register for the conference at www.NebraskaWindandSolarConference.com.
"Each new 200 megawatt (MW) wind farm built in Nebraska generates about $1,325,200 in annual property tax revenue, according to one industry study. That is a big-infusion and new tax revenue source to help take the property tax burden off of urban and rural property owners," said Lush. "Wind can help finance school budgets at a time when counties are looking for new economic development projects to expand their property tax base. Nebraska is expected to have about 1,325 MW of installed wind energy capacity by the end of 2016. By catching up to our neighboring states Nebraska can also expand our property tax base with wind and solar energy projects. Iowa recently announced an additional 2,000 MW of new wind development. Given Nebraska's tremendous wind resource we could match that if just 10 Nebraska counties each have a 200 MW wind farm to generate $13 million in new annual property taxes. Instead of subsidizing Wyoming, by spending our money for their coal and paying their 7% severance tax, we can keep our money right here in Nebraska."
Wind for Schools a 2016 Kilowatt Sponsor of Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference
Dan McGuire, Facilitator of the Nebraska Wind for Schools project reports that the program is pleased to be a Kilowatt sponsor of the 2016 Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference. "Our annual conference is all about public and policy outreach and education on wind and solar industry issues. The Wind for Schools program is all about wind energy education and career development. We engage rural, K-12 schools by making wind energy curriculum and career development resources available and by connecting schools and interested students with Nebraska colleges including UNL's College of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the UNL Wind Applications Center," said McGuire. "New career opportunities include a wide range of jobs, from electrical engineers, to wind turbine technicians, the fastest growing profession in the U.S. Wind power now supports 88,000 jobs across 50 states, but that's just the beginning. According to Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), hitting the goal of quadrupling wind power by 2030, to 20 percent of the power grid, could create 380,000 jobs and add $650 million in annual lease payments. That's a big deal for our young people and their future careers. Rebuilding America's infrastructure ties in directly with the Wind for Schools program."
"35 years of 'globalization' policies has led U.S. businesses, factories and jobs to be outsourced to foreign countries. Now renewable energy can take the lead in reindustrializing the U.S., including jobs that modernize the electrical grid, said McGuire. "A recent announcement that the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) would build on its ongoing efforts to modernize the grid and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy by participating in the development of the Plains & Eastern Clean Line Project (Clean Line), a major clean energy infrastructure project is a great example. U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz said moving remote and plentiful power to areas where electricity is in high demand is essential for building the grid of the future. Secretary Moniz added that building modern transmission that delivers renewable energy to more homes and businesses will create jobs, cut carbon emissions, and enhance the reliability of our grid."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Sandals For Goalposts
Micho's Mind
#SFGAfcon20
#SF30
Asia's Rising Stars
Greatest African Players
Tournament Review
Best XI
Guide to AFCON 2015
World Cup Teams That Never Were
Olympics: Day 2 Observations (Asia)
Posted on August 9, 2016 by SFG in Olympics // 2 Comments
Sunday night saw the second round of Olympic group stage matches, a night that'll live long in the memory with Asian football fans despite all three encounters finishing in draws. South Korea were only denied late on against a very capable Germany side, leaving them one point away from the quarters. Iraq kept out the hosts Brazil over 90 minutes to record their second consecutive 0-0 draw, while Japan came from 2 down against Colombia to record a draw that keeps them well within the fight for progression.
Our Asian correspondents Tom Danicek and Martin Lowe look back at the key talking points from an impressive night of football.
Germany (3) v (3) South Korea
– Taegurk Warrior spirit undone by late German equaliser
From a night that would've gone down in national footballing folk law came a tale of what could've been by a last minute hammer blow that denied, for now anyway quarter final progression for South Korea. Asian fans shouldn't be put off however, an admirable display offers promise that the Koreans can emulate or even better their bronze medal efforts from four years ago here in Brazil.
The Germans late equaliser aside (which in all honesty was a stroke of bad luck rather than ineptitude on the Koreans part) it was a perfectly well-executed game plan by the Taegurk Warriors. Man for man, there was no doubting the quality in depth that the Germans possessed, but the crucial almost deciding factor was the mental strength and imposing pressing play of the Koreans, something rarely seen by East Asian teams.
Even while the game was at 2-2 at the start of the second half, the Germans were rattled, prone to rash outbursts at little niggles and generally being set on the back foot by the opposition's high intensity. Jang Hyun-Soo in the first, and Park Yong-Woo in the second individually pressed this home in the centre of midfield, which gave Korea the mental advantage for the most part, without letting the Germans find their feet.
While I attempted to pick holes in Korea's game plan against Fiji earlier in the week, this time around against the Germans, Korea executed their strategy perfectly. Hwang Hee-Chan, who was frustrated on too many occasions against Fiji, was the standout live-wire on the last line of defence, deserving of his opener, while Lee Seul-Chan put in yet another appealing attacking display down the right, assisting Korea's third.
The game wasn't without its question marks of course, the perplexing decision to leave out last round's top performer at the tournament in Ryu Seung-Woo in place of another averagely performing Moon Chang-Jin should see a switch for the final group game, while Jang's deployment in centre of midfield as the team's start off point led to a deep lying team base, something that was much improved in the second half when he dropped into the back four.
The talking point after the match revolved around Suk Hyun-Jun, who scored his third in two matches after appearing again from the bench, but crucially missed the golden opportunity to put the game to bed only moments before Germany's equaliser. Should he be given more minutes against Mexico? He came into this tournament with some good showings for the seniors, but with Hwang's impact as a busy, mobile striker from the off, it looks like the former Porto man will have to do with coming off the bench again to add to his tally.
SOUTH KOREAAAAAA 3:2!!! Suk Hyun-jun the super-sub!
— SandalsForGoalposts (@Sandal4Goalpost) August 7, 2016
Given Mexico (only) beat Fiji 5-1 earlier in the night, Korea know they are within touching distance of a place in the quarter finals, only needing a point in their final encounter with the Central Americans.
In analysis this match should be assessed as a whole, and not too concentrated on the last minute disappointment. Korea ripped apart the timid, naïve stereotype of East Asia and competed on the front foot against high quality opposition. There's very few at this tournament that have impressed as much as the Koreans, as they remain Asia's most likely route to a Rio footballing medal. ML
Brazil (0) v (0) Iraq
– Hosts play to Iraqi strengths; the Asians have no understanding for their individualism
As an #AsianFootballPassionate, you don't see an awful lot of opportunities to be proud on a continental representative in confrontation with an international opponent, let alone a presumed global powerhouse. In fact, it gets that bad these days, I was gladly and almost shamefully defending Queiroz's Iran and their beyond sturdy 2014 World Cup performance against Argentina.
This, however, was one of those team efforts that outclassed the supposedly superior opponent in more respects than just defensive organisation. Think Okada's Japan vs Denmark in 2010 – something like that. And while I'll be quick to admit myself I might have a soft spot for these objectively unspectacular, yet infinitely brave sides, Iraq were genuinely impressive on Sunday. Even spectacular.
Apart from some fouls in danger areas, Renato Augusto's crossbar (mirrored by the one from Mohannad Abdulraheem at the other end) and those few chances late on, Iraq were holding on in a surprisingly comfortable manner. And that was really refreshing to see, considering how erratic the Japanese and South Koreans usually tend to be at the back.
I mean, whose footballing heart didn't jump every time a Gabriel Jesus or even a Neymar ran straight into the stoic Iraqi defender and just crashed? I know mine did! And this has seriously happened a lot, especially with Mustafa Nadhim. Very resolute and firm in tackle, he was just standing guys off – and this passivity worked wonders for him. Tellingly, Opta has counted zero tackles and three interceptions from Nadhim; the centre half typically didn't even need to make an actual move to stop an attack and, more importantly, hasn't even committed a single foul.
Roles were generally distributed perfectly across the Iraqi backline. The other stay-at-home centre back Ahmed Ibrahim was mainly responsible for clearing the ball (doing so 11 times over the course of the game!), whereas right-back Alaa Ali Mhawi – now being touted as the country's very own Paolo Maldini, having been written off by most fans prior, according to our friend Hassanin Mubarak – has proved to be a supreme ball-winner, producing an impressive six tackles and eight ball recoveries.
Brazilian fans also chanting 'Iraque, Iraque' ('Iraq, Iraq') #Rio2016
— Paulo Freitas (@Cynegeticus) August 8, 2016
But okay, that's the defensive part of the game no one wants to spend too much time admiring, I get that. And we definitely don't want to admire the usual Iraqi time-wasting strategy and other unsportsmanlike antics, coming from both the goalkeeper (Hameed has genuinely been 'injured' up to six times already) and outfield players who dutifully follow the Younis Mahmoud University guidelines.
But there was a fair amount of flair to Iraqi game, too. On no less than three occasions, captain Saad Abdulameer has absolutely schooled at least two Brazilian midfielders, being ironically the prominent samba teacher on the pitch. And however inefficient their dribbling was (which applied to Brazilians as well by the way), Sherko Kareem and Ali Adnan have also showed everyone that the gulf in technical proficiency was nowhere near as huge as most home fans had probably imagined prior to the kick-off.
This was simply a complex, fearless and ultimately proud performance from Abdul-Ghani Shahad's men. Men, not boys. TD
Japan (2) v (2) Colombia
– Coach Teguramori addresses issues, yet ends up being let down by individual cock-ups
Makoto Teguramori by all means deserves his fair share of criticism for the embarrassing 5-4 defeat to Nigeria. Notably, the manager failed to recognise one glaring weakness of the Japanese defence (midfield withstanding), and mainly right back Sei Muroya – that being the inability to deal with diagonals, pouncing on second balls, or simply adequately reacting to any kind of aerial delivery; in case of crosses even flexibly abandoning the favored concept of zonal marking to instead adopt principles of man marking.
This issue was highlighted by Japan's refusal to press up high, or indeed to press collectively. On more than one occasion, it was solely Shoya Nakajima (left wing) who was trying to win the ball in the opponent's half, whereas Shinzo Koroki (striker) and Riki Harakawa (central midfielder, pushing highest without the ball) were mostly shadowing others. Thanks to that, the Nigerians had the needed peace to raise their heads and pick out those stinking long passes.
In what can only be described as a pleasant surprise, Teguramori has recognized this fatal shortcoming and reflected his main takeaway in the starting line-up for Colombia. Speedy Takuma Asano partnered Koroki upfront while combative Yosuke Ideguchi added steel and dynamism to the central midfield. Now, the latter himself didn't have the best of games, acting rashly on occasions with or without the ball, but he still epitomized the whole Japanese move away from passivity.
The sheer number of turnovers made by the South Americans, not too rarely even deep in their own half, was nigh incredible for this level. There were, to use tennis terminology, some unforced errors, but also quite a few forced ones, notably by Takuma Asano, who himself won possession an incredible eight times – more often than anyone else on the pitch (stat per Ollie Trenchard).
Consequently, Colombia's build-up play was being damaged on a regular basis, and a poor two shots on target (sadly supplemented by the bizarre own goal from the disappointing Fujiharu) underline that. In the end, therefore, you've got to wonder how on earth Japanese didn't win.
Well, I'll tell you why: they were wasteful, it really doesn't go beyond this banal explanation. Asano alone has tried his luck six times and most of those efforts made for genuinely good opportunities. Especially after Minamino came on to provide the suddenly blunted offence with more cutting edge for the last half an hour, the Asians could've easily scored three or four times. With this number of balls won so high up the pitch, you just need to finish off more moves. And while two goals are not nothing, Colombia were simply begging – actively begging – for more. TD
Player of the Round
Alaa Ali Mhawi (Iraq) – Having been brought into the side for a seemingly impossible task of neutralizing Neymar, the 20-year-old very much did just that. Didn't make a single unsuccessful challenge, cleared six balls, intercepted five forays… do we need to continue?
#SFGTop100 Asia 2016 – 51-75 – Sandals For Goalposts
World Cup 2018 – Round 2 Review (Asia) – Sandals For Goalposts
World Cup Teams That Never Were: Zambia 1994
Exclusive Interview | Etienne Ndayiragije: "Any player you've seen in Europe with a lot of talent exists in Tanzania. I have seen them."
60 Greatest African Players: 50-41
Long-suffering Boubacar Barry an apt hero of Ivory Coast's triumph
Interview: Johnny McKinstry


text:
Q: There is an error in XML document (1, 1). while deserializing I am using Silverlight for my serializing and deserializing.
I ahve succesfully done serializing by obtaining objects from the class and the xml which i obtained on serializing , the same xml i am trying to deserialize.
My code to do so is:
namespace SliderLastTry
{
    public class ControlClass
    {
        public void Main()
        {

            Parameters pc = new Parameters()
              {
                  Parameter = { new Parameter { Name = "Name1", Label = "Label1", Unit = "Uint1", Component = { new Component { Type = "Type1", Attributes = { new Attributes { Type = "Combo", Displayed = "42", Selected = "02", Items = { "10", "11", "12", "13", "14" } } } } } }, { new Parameter { Name = "Name2", Label = "Label2", Unit = "Uint2", Component = { new Component { Type = "Type2", Attributes = { new Attributes { Type = "Slider", Displayed = "52", Selected = "05", Items = { "20", "21", "22", "23", "24" } } } } } } } }
               ,
                  Separator = { new Separator { Separators = "AutoSkew1" } }
              };
            String xml = pc.ToXml(); //This function serializes and returns xml.
            XmlSerializer deserializer = new XmlSerializer(typeof(Parameters));
            XmlReader reader = XmlReader.Create(new StringReader(xml));
            Parameters parameter = (Parameters)deserializer.Deserialize(reader);
        }
    }

This line in this code gives me exception:
Parameters parameter = (Parameters)deserializer.Deserialize(reader);

Thsi is code for serializing (I mean the class where MyXML is defined):
namespace SliderLastTry
{
    public static class Xml
    {
        public static string ToXml(this object objectToSerialize)
        {
             var memory = new MemoryStream();
             var serial = new XmlSerializer(objectToSerialize.GetType());
             serial.Serialize(memory, objectToSerialize);
            var utf8 = new UTF8Encoding();
            return utf8.GetString(memory.GetBuffer(), 0, (int)memory.Length);
        }
    }
}

And the warning obtained is:
There is an error in XML document (1, 1).

Please see the exception in details:
Inner Exception:
 {System.Xml.XmlException: Invalid data at root level. Line 1, position 1.
        to System.Xml.XmlTextReaderImpl.Throw (Exception e)
        to System.Xml.XmlTextReaderImpl.Throw (String res, String arg)
        System.Xml.XmlTextReaderImpl.ParseRootLevelWhitespace to ()
        System.Xml.XmlTextReaderImpl.ParseDocumentContent to ()
        System.Xml.XmlTextReaderImpl.Read to ()
        System.Xml.XmlReader.MoveToContent to ()
        Microsoft.Xml.Serialization.GeneratedAssembly.XmlSerializationReaderParameters.Read7_parameters to ()}

At stack Trace:
at System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer.Deserialize (XmlReader xmlReader, String encodingStyle, Object events)
at System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer.Deserialize (XmlReader xmlReader, String encodingStyle)
at System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer.Deserialize (XmlReader xmlReader)
SliderLastTry.ControlClass.Main to ()
ctor to SliderLastTry.MainPage .. ()
at SliderLastTry.App.Application_Startup (Object sender, e StartupEventArgs)
at MS.Internal.CoreInvokeHandler.InvokeEventHandler (UInt32 indexType, handlerDelegate Delegate, Object sender, Object args)
at MS.Internal.JoltHelper.FireEvent (unmanagedObj IntPtr, IntPtr unmanagedObjArgs, argsTypeIndex Int32, Int32 actualArgsTypeIndex, String eventName, UInt32 flags)

A: Afterall i found soluton for it.
Reaplacing this:
var memory = new MemoryStream();
             var serial = new XmlSerializer(objectToSerialize.GetType());
             serial.Serialize(memory, objectToSerialize);
            var utf8 = new UTF8Encoding();
            return utf8.GetString(memory.GetBuffer(), 0, (int)memory.Length);

with
var writer = new StringWriter();
            var serializer = new XmlSerializer((objectToSerialize.GetType()));
            serializer.Serialize(writer, objectToSerialize);
            string xml = writer.ToString();
            return xml;

worked because StringReader is in compatible with utf8.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Frederick Forster joins us as Head Chef at Plateau where he draws inspiration from classic French cuisine with unexpected but thoughtful twists, highlighting the freshness and provenance of British produce cooked simply and elegantly.
He is in fact returning to D&D London, having originally joined the group in 2015 as head chef at Le Pont de la Tour.
He began his career in the restaurant industry at the young age of 18, having trained at Westminster Catering College. Early in his career he completed stages at The Savoy in London as well as at the three Michelin-starred restaurant Régis et Jacques Marcon near Lyon.
In 1990 Frederick joined Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Oxford as demi chef de partie, where he worked closely with Raymond Blanc before moving to Gordon Ramsay's L'Aubergine. Three years later Frederick was offered a job at Le Gavroche where he worked with Michel Roux Jr as chef de partie. In 1998 he was offered the position of head chef at Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados where he spent two years.
Frederick has won several awards throughout his career, including a Roux Scholarship in 2000 where he was trained by Pierre Gagnaire. He then went on to win the prestigious Craft Guild National Chef of the Year Award in 2011, followed by the ultimate accolade, Master of Culinary Arts (MCA) in 2013.
as well as having an overseeing role at the Don restaurant for their Bistro and fine dining restaurant.


RnR Wine Bar is a newly refurbished bar situated on Chingford Mount Road. The venue is for hire for any occasions at a very competitive price on any day of the week. We consider our Venue as the perfect location to hold your party which ever one it is i.e Birthdays, Engagement, Xmas Party or even in bad times a funeral service and we provide the best customer service at all times guarantee. You can bring your own Food and even your own DJ as we are fully equip with music equipments i.e speakers, Amplifier and a mixer with two decks.
The Venue is usually open on Thursday from 7pm till 1am, on Friday and Saturday from 8pm till 2am and on Sunday from 7pm till 1am. It have 2 floors, a maximum capacity of 150 guests and a fully stocked Bar with all your favourites Alcohol and Soft Drinks Beverages. We promise to make your party a success and feel free to call us for a quote.
Hire Costs: The Venue hire cost varies as it depends on your events.
There have been 0 reviews of RnR Wine Bar.
If you would like to send RnR Wine Bar a booking enquiry, please fill in the form below and click 'send'.
Perhaps some of the following halls within 5 miles of RnR Wine Bar would also be of interest?


text:
package uk.org.whoami.authme.settings;

import java.io.File;

import org.bukkit.util.config.Configuration;

import uk.org.whoami.authme.ConsoleLogger;
import uk.org.whoami.authme.datasource.DataSource;
import uk.org.whoami.authme.datasource.DataSource.DataSourceType;
import uk.org.whoami.authme.security.PasswordSecurity;
import uk.org.whoami.authme.security.PasswordSecurity.HashAlgorithm;

public final class Settings extends Configuration {

    public static final String PLUGIN_FOLDER = "./plugins/AuthMe";
    public static final String CACHE_FOLDER = Settings.PLUGIN_FOLDER + "/cache";
    public static final String AUTH_FILE = Settings.PLUGIN_FOLDER + "/auths.db";
    public static final String MESSAGE_FILE = Settings.PLUGIN_FOLDER + "/messages.yml";
    public static final String SETTINGS_FILE = Settings.PLUGIN_FOLDER + "/config.yml";
    private static Settings singleton;

    private Settings() {
        super(new File(Settings.PLUGIN_FOLDER + "/config.yml"));
        reload();
    }

    public void reload() {
        load();
        write();
    }

    private void write() {
        isRegistrationEnabled();
        isForcedRegistrationEnabled();
        isTeleportToSpawnEnabled();
        getWarnMessageInterval();
        isSessionsEnabled();
        getSessionTimeout();
        getRegistrationTimeout();
        isChatAllowed();
        getMaxNickLength();
        getMinNickLength();
        getNickRegex();
        isMovementAllowed();
        getMovementRadius();
        isKickNonRegisteredEnabled();
        getPasswordHash();
        getDataSource();
        isCachingEnabled();
        getMySQLHost();
        getMySQLPort();
        getMySQLUsername();
        getMySQLPassword();
        getMySQLDatabase();
        getMySQLTablename();
        getMySQLColumnName();
        getMySQLColumnPassword();
        getMySQLColumnIp();
        getMySQLColumnLastLogin();
        save();
    }

    public boolean isForcedRegistrationEnabled() {
        String key = "settings.registration.force";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, true);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, true);
    }

    public boolean isRegistrationEnabled() {
        String key = "settings.registration.enabled";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, true);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, true);
    }

    public int getWarnMessageInterval() {
        String key = "settings.registration.messageInterval";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, 5);
        }
        return getInt(key, 5);
    }

    public boolean isSessionsEnabled() {
        String key = "settings.sessions.enabled";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, false);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, false);
    }

    public int getSessionTimeout() {
        String key = "settings.sessions.timeout";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, 10);
        }
        return getInt(key, 10);
    }

    public boolean isKickOnWrongPasswordEnabled() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.kickOnWrongPassword";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, false);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, false);
    }

    public int getMinNickLength() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.minNicknameLength";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, 3);
        }
        return getInt(key, 3);
    }

    public int getMaxNickLength() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.maxNicknameLength";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, 20);
        }
        return getInt(key, 20);
    }

    public String getNickRegex() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.allowedNicknameCharacters";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "[a-zA-Z0-9_?]*");
        }
        return getString(key, "[a-zA-Z0-9_?]*");
    }

    public int getRegistrationTimeout() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.timeout";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, 30);
        }
        return getInt(key, 30);
    }

    public boolean isChatAllowed() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.allowChat";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, false);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, false);
    }

    public boolean isMovementAllowed() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.allowMovement";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, false);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, false);
    }

    public int getMovementRadius() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.allowedMovementRadius";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, 100);
        }
        return getInt(key, 100);
    }

    public boolean isKickNonRegisteredEnabled() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.kickNonRegistered";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, false);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, false);
    }

    public boolean isTeleportToSpawnEnabled() {
        String key = "settings.restrictions.teleportUnAuthedToSpawn";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, true);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, true);
    }

    public HashAlgorithm getPasswordHash() {
        String key = "settings.security.passwordHash";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "SHA256");
        }

        try {
            return PasswordSecurity.HashAlgorithm.valueOf(getString(key).toUpperCase());
        } catch (IllegalArgumentException ex) {
            ConsoleLogger.showError("Unknown Hash Algorithm; defaulting to SHA256");
            return PasswordSecurity.HashAlgorithm.SHA256;
        }
    }

    public boolean isCachingEnabled() {
        String key = "DataSource.caching";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, true);
        }
        return getBoolean(key, true);
    }

    public DataSourceType getDataSource() {
        String key = "DataSource.backend";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "file");
        }

        try {
            return DataSource.DataSourceType.valueOf(getString(key).toUpperCase());
        } catch (IllegalArgumentException ex) {
            ConsoleLogger.showError("Unknown database backend; defaulting to file database");
            return DataSource.DataSourceType.FILE;
        }
    }

    public String getMySQLHost() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLHost";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "127.0.0.1");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLPort() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLPort";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "3306");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLUsername() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLUsername";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "authme");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLPassword() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLPassword";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "12345");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLDatabase() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLDatabase";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "authme");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLTablename() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLTablename";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "authme");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLColumnName() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLColumnName";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "username");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLColumnPassword() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLColumnPassword";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "password");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLColumnIp() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLColumnIp";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "ip");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public String getMySQLColumnLastLogin() {
        String key = "DataSource.mySQLColumnLastLogin";
        if (getString(key) == null) {
            setProperty(key, "lastlogin");
        }
        return getString(key);
    }

    public static Settings getInstance() {
        if (singleton == null) {
            singleton = new Settings();
        }
        return singleton;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
/**
 * Afrimesh: easy management for mesh networks
 *
 * This software is licensed as free software under the terms of the
 * New BSD License. See /LICENSE for more information.
 */

#include "mod_http.h"
#include "mod_sys.h" // for exec - TODO split into a common dependency

/* - http --------------------------------------------------------------- */
vtable* http_vt = 0;
object* _Http = 0;
http* Http = 0;
symbol* s_http = 0;
symbol* s_http_get = 0;

void http_init()
{
  http_vt = (vtable*)send(object_vt, s_delegated);
  send(http_vt, s_addMethod, s_print, http_print);
  send(http_vt, s_addMethod, s_villagebus_evaluate, http_evaluate);
  _Http = send(http_vt, s_allocate, 0);

  // register local symbols
  s_http_get  = (symbol*)symbol_intern(0, _Http, L"get");
  send(http_vt, s_addMethod, s_http_get,  http_get);

  // global module instance vars
  Http = (http*)send(_Http->_vt[-1], s_allocate, sizeof(http));
  Http->delimiter   = (string*)send(String, s_new, L"/", 1); // URL delimiter

  // register module with VillageBus
  s_http = (symbol*)symbol_intern(0, 0, L"http");
  fexp* module = (fexp*)send(Fexp, s_new, s_http, Http);
  VillageBus->modules = (fexp*)send(VillageBus->modules, s_fexp_cons, module);
}

/**
 *
 */
const fexp* http_evaluate(closure* c, http* self, const fexp* expression)
{
  // search for name in local context
  string* name    = (string*)send(expression, s_fexp_car);
  fexp*   message = (fexp*)send(expression, s_fexp_cdr);
  object* channel = symbol_lookup(0, _Http, name->buffer);
  if (channel) {
    return (fexp*)send(self, channel, message);
  }
  return (fexp*)send(VillageBus, s_villagebus_error,
                     L"mod_http has no registered handler for name: %S",
                     name->buffer);
}

/* - GET ---------------------------------------------------------------- */

/**
 * Return result of http get request as a string
 */
const fexp* http_get(closure* c, http* self, const fexp* message)
{
  Request* request = VillageBus->request;
  string* search = (string*)fexp_nil;
  if (request->search) {
    search = (string*)send(String, s_string_fromwchar, L"?%S", request->search);
  }

  // parse arguments
  string* url  = (string*)send(message, s_fexp_join, self->delimiter);
  if ((fexp*)search != fexp_nil) {
    url = (string*)send(url, s_string_add, search);
  }
  char* urlc = (char*)send(url, s_string_tochar);
  wprintl(L"GET /http/get/%s\n", urlc);

  // use curl for request for now  TODO - do proper async socket calls
  char* argv[4];
  argv[0] = "curl";
  argv[1] = "-s";
  argv[2] = urlc;
  argv[3] = 0;
  return exec_string(argv[0], argv);
}

/* - Global Handlers ---------------------------------------------------- */

/**
 *
 */
http* http_print(closure* c, http* self)
{
  wprintf(L"#<Http.%p>", self);
  return self;
}


text:
Abrahamic Family Reunion
August 3, 2021 Kelvin Ambriz
Please read these Terms of Use ("Terms", "Terms of Use") carefully before using the http://www.abrahamicfamilyreunion.org website (the "Service") operated by abrahamicfamilyreunion.org ("us", "we", or "our").
The Service and its original content, features and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of abrahamicfamilyreunion.org and its licensors.
Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by abrahamicfamilyreunion.org.
abrahamicfamilyreunion.org has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that abrahamicfamilyreunion.org shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such web sites or services.
← Privacy Policy
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Slots and Their Effect on Online Casino Gambling
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Copyright © 2023 Abrahamic Family Reunion


text:
The promise of certainty
What we want most from meaning is guarantees.
Life is nebulous: chaotic, risky, and confusing. Efforts that should work fail. The good suffer and wrong-doers prosper. The world does not make sense. Each of us is torn by uncertainties, conflicting desires, and impossible decisions.
We want assurance that this is all just an illusion. We want to hear that the real world is—somehow—orderly and consistently meaningful. We want answers—sometimes desperately.
Eternalism promises to deliver those answers, and to guarantee them. It cannot; and so it lies.
Eternalism pretends to offer certainty. It pretends that behind apparent chaos, there is a perfect pattern that explains everything. It pretends to end all doubt, and the suffering, confusion, and anxiety that comes with it.
Eternalism can be exhilarating! It cannot deliver accurate answers, but it can deliver a feeling of certainty—temporarily. You adopt the eternalist stance by blinding yourself to nebulosity; by pretending not to see contradictions.
It's a huge relief, an occasion of joy, to set aside all doubts. Adopting eternalism frees all the energy that was tied up by internal divisions; power struggles within the self.1 Certainty about life-purpose and ethics ends confusion about what to do and how to live; full of confidence, you can make rapid progress in life.
Eternalism is now typically packaged in systems. Sometimes raw eternalism can provide certainty without specifics—as in my casino experience. Usually, though, we need a web of justifications, of canned answers, to not-see nebulosity. That's what ideologies—religions, political theories, secular cults—provide. These justifications frequently fail, when nebulosity contradicts them.
When the fantasy of absolute answers is threatened by evidence, eternalism responds with various psychological ploys. These include, for instance, suppressing dissenting thoughts, physically removing yourself from contradictory situations, kitschy sentimentality, blind faith, mystification, and arming yourself against perception.
Eternalism is at its most glorious in a conversion experience, during the honeymoon after you have first committed to a system. That can last for a few weeks to a few years; for as long as you can silence your internal voices of doubt. Eventually it becomes impossible to not-see the evidence against the system. You may remain committed, but it can only be a wavering commitment. The honeymoon turns into a warm memory, cherished on Sunday mornings but increasingly distant from everyday experience.
Alternatively, seeking renewed certainty, you may search for a new system. Some people become serial conversion junkies. But as with opiate addiction, it becomes harder and harder to recreate the first high. And the periods of doubt between commitments, like heroin withdrawal, turn increasingly into nihilistic anxiety and despair. This pattern was particularly common in the California Bay Area in the late 20th century. It afflicted many of my friends, and that was my initial motivation to write this book. Since I started writing, more than a decade ago, new patterns have emerged—but they are no less dysfunctional.
In the 21st century West, there are hundreds of competing eternalist systems. Although they all have the same fundamental stance toward meaning, and the same emotional dynamics, they disagree sharply about specifics. This adds to the chaos and confusion that eternalism tries to dispel. Further, there is widespread understanding that none of the systems can provide certainty. The search for the One True System no longer seems credible.
In fact, the kinds of answers we want cannot be had, anywhere. Accepting this fact may lead to nihilism, the denial of all meaning. That is a bad outcome—but not a necessary one.
The complete stance recognizes that certainty is impossible, but that meaning is real. If we set aside the futile hope for absolute answers, we can find patterns of meaning that are usually good enough to navigate our lives. No ultimate, perfectly reliable foundation for morality or purpose is possible—but we do regularly solve problems of ethics and direction; and therefore we can!
1. Kramer and Alstad's The Guru Papers provides a penetrating analysis of the joy of eternalist self-blinding, particularly in the case of American pop religion, but also in eternalist political systems such as Communism.
This page is in the section The appeal of eternalism,
which is in Eternalism: the fixation of meaning,
☞ The next page in this section is The illusion of understanding.
This page's topic is Eternalism.


Our strategic sourcing advisory is a systematic and fact‐based approach for optimizing an organization's supply base and improving the overall value proposition. The scope of strategic sourcing extends beyond into account the total cost of ownership. Objectives of strategic sourcing surround the reduction of cost while maintaining or improving quality.


text:
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/// DISCLAIMER
///
/// Copyright 2014-2020 ArangoDB GmbH, Cologne, Germany
/// Copyright 2004-2014 triAGENS GmbH, Cologne, Germany
///
/// Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
/// you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
/// You may obtain a copy of the License at
///
///     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
///
/// Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
/// distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
/// WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
/// See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
/// limitations under the License.
///
/// Copyright holder is ArangoDB GmbH, Cologne, Germany
///
/// @author Tobias Goedderz
/// @author Michael Hackstein
/// @author Heiko Kernbach
/// @author Jan Christoph Uhde
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

#ifndef ARANGOD_AQL_EMPTY_TEST_EXECUTOR_H
#define ARANGOD_AQL_EMPTY_TEST_EXECUTOR_H

#include "Aql/EmptyExecutorInfos.h"
#include "Aql/ExecutionState.h"
#include "Aql/OutputAqlItemRow.h"
#include "Aql/RegisterInfos.h"
#include "Aql/Stats.h"
#include "Aql/types.h"

#include <memory>

namespace arangodb {
namespace aql {

class InputAqlItemRow;
template <BlockPassthrough>
class SingleRowFetcher;

class TestEmptyExecutorHelper {
 public:
  struct Properties {
    static const bool preservesOrder = true;
    static const BlockPassthrough allowsBlockPassthrough = BlockPassthrough::Disable;
    static const bool inputSizeRestrictsOutputSize = false;
  };
  using Fetcher = SingleRowFetcher<Properties::allowsBlockPassthrough>;
  using Infos = EmptyExecutorInfos;
  using Stats = FilterStats;

  TestEmptyExecutorHelper() = delete;
  TestEmptyExecutorHelper(TestEmptyExecutorHelper&&) = default;
  TestEmptyExecutorHelper(TestEmptyExecutorHelper const&) = delete;
  TestEmptyExecutorHelper(Fetcher&, Infos&);
  ~TestEmptyExecutorHelper() = default;

  /**
   * @brief produce the next Row of Aql Values.
   *
   * @return ExecutionState, and if successful exactly one new Row of AqlItems.
   */
  std::pair<ExecutionState, Stats> produceRows(OutputAqlItemRow& output);
};

}  // namespace aql
}  // namespace arangodb

#endif


Not too small, not too big... just right. The 6x12 portable goal for soccer is an ideal size for practice and/or soccer games. This portable goal has a setup time of less than three minutes - yes, you read that right - three minutes. It is only 25 lbs and one person can easily set it up. And don't worry about grabbing your tool belt - to put up this goal (and all other Bownet Goals) you DON'T NEED ANY TOOLS! That's right, no screwdrivers or wrenches. No hammers or drills. Folds quickly and easily into the FREE Roller Bag that accompanies the purchase of this goal. The goal is made of rigged steel and fiberglass - powder coated 25 mm diameter steel pipe with 12.7 mm fiberglass bow poles. The netting is 100% poly UV-treated and knot-less. Don't forget about the FREE ROLLER BAG with each goal purchase.
FREE Roller Bag Easy to transport and store.
Includes Stakes Secure your goal easily.
Fast Setup Less than 3 minutes and you'll be playing.


text:
About Maxam
Investment Focus
Previous investments
Maxam Capital Corp. formed the Maxam Opportunities Fund ("Maxam") to focus on structured investments in both publicly traded and private companies.
We seek to fill the void in the Canadian capital market between traditional private equity (majority/control required) and the public markets.
Maxam provides strong companies with a capital solution. We are independent and based in Western Canada. Maxam will target investments in a variety of complex situations, including:
mezzanine loans
growth / expansion
non-core asset spin-offs
management led buyouts
recapitalizations
non-traditional lending
Maxam manages in excess of $100 million of assets under management.
Maxam has the flexibility to commit to a broad range of investments and the ability to close quickly.
Maxam is responsive, creative and flexible in its approach to looking at new investment opportunities:
The types of opportunities we are targeting are generally time sensitive. Maxam has a small group of decision makers and we are committed to making quick decisions and moving aggressively to close deals we are interested in.
Creative:
Maxam will creatively structure investments to meet the needs of the investee company.
Maxam has a broad investment mandate. We are not restricted by industry, geographic location, or position on the balance sheet.
Maxam has a very broad mandate and will make investments in all types of businesses (except for pure start-ups). We will invest in manufacturing, retail, real estate, technology, financial institutions, etc. Maxam is focused on the quality of underlying business and structuring an appropriate capital solution.
Deal Size:
Maxam's optimal deal size ranges from $4 million to $12 million. Maxam also pursues larger deals which can be co-funded with existing LP's.
Maxam is industry agnostic and maintains a generalist investment approach.
Structure/Security:
Maxam seeks to invest in preferred securities with equity upside. Examples include convertible debentures, debt with warrants, bridge loans, mezzanine loans and DIP financing. Maxam also invests in common equity (either majority or minority positions) depending on the circumstances.
Maxam Previous Investments
Maxam's previous investments include the following representative transactions:
Sutton Place Group
$45 million bridge loan (syndicated; $20mm Maxam)
Unitek Global Service
telecommunications infrastructure
$6 million senior secured letter of credit facility
Keg Restaurant Ltd
casual dining steakhouse restaurants
$12 million mezzanine loan
Global Royalty Corp
Mining NSR royalties
$5.2 million senior secured loan
Greenscape Capital Group
parking facility in Denver
$7 million loan
Toronto hotel
$12 million second mortgage
HOMEQ Corporation
reverse morgage provider
14% ownership
Absolute Software Corp
computer security and management solutions
Peer 1 Network Enterprises Inc.
internet and datacenter infrastructure provider
Radiant Communications Corp
managed network and cloud hosting solutions
54% ownership; two board representatives
Vivonet Inc.
point-of-sale system provider through software as a service
preferred equity, board representation
Easyhome Ltd
merchandise leasing furniture and specialty finance
24% ownership, board representation
Maxam has a small group of investment professionals with a broad array of buy-side and sell-side experience.
Johnny Ciampi, CA – Managing Director
Prior to forming Maxam, Mr. Ciampi was the Executive Vice President of Gibralt Capital and a partner of Gibralt Capital and a partner of Second City Capital Partners, Vancouver-based private equity groups.
At Gibralt, a $300 million private investment company focusing on opportunistic investments in both real estate (including joint ventures, mezzanine loans and equity lending) and private equity (including both mezzanine and equity investments in private and public companies), Mr. Ciampi was responsible for all portfolio investments, including deal origination, investment/credit decisions, structuring, monitoring and managing the disposition of its investments. In addition, Mr. Ciampi was responsible for overseeing Gibralt's finance, taxation and all legal/corporate matters. Over 10 years, Mr. Ciampi managed the increase in Gibralt's capital from $70 million to $300 million. At Second City Capital Partners, a US$100 million private equity fund that finances control equity and mezzanine debt investments in the middle market in North America, Mr. Ciampi was responsible for deal origination, structuring, monitoring and managing the investments as well as being a member of the investment committee which made the investment/credit decisions.
Mr. Ciampi also serves on the Board of Premium Brands Income Fund.
Mr. Ciampi is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in Commerce and holds a Chartered Accountant designation.
johnny@maxamcapitalcorp.com
Sean Morrison, CA – Managing Director
Prior to forming Maxam, Mr. Morrison was a partner at Capital West Partners, a Vancouver-based investment banking firm.
For over 12 years at Capital West, Mr. Morrison advised companies across Canada with respect to capital raising (senior debt, subordinated debt and private equity), IPOs, debt restructurings, asset sales, acquisitions, valuations and fairness opinions. Mr. Morrison has advised the following companies:
In 2007, Mr. Morrison was selected by Business In Vancouver as one of Vancouver's Top 40 Under 40. Mr. Morrison serves on the Board of Easyhome Ltd and is the President and CEO of BENEV Capital Inc.
Mr. Morrison is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in Commerce and holds a Chartered Accountant designation.
sean@maxamcapitalcorp.com
Travis Dowle, CFA
In addition to his role at Maxam, Mr. Dowle is the President and Fund Manager of Maxam Capital Management Ltd. and has overall investment management responsibility for the Maxam Diversified Strategies Fund.
Mr. Dowle began his career in 1996 with MK Wong & Associates, which was later acquired by HSBC Asset Management. After leaving HSBC, Mr. Dowle worked at Gibralt and Second City Capital.
Mr. Dowle is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and holds the CFA designation. For information on Maxam Capital Management, please visit www.maxamcm.com.
travis@maxamcm.com
Mr. Kerr is the President of Springhouse Investment Corp., a family office which he has run since 2004. In addition, Mr. Kerr and his sons run the Timothy C Kerr Family Foundation. He sits on several private company boards and is a member of the acquisitions committee for the Vancouver Art Gallery. Mr. Kerr is also a trustee of the Keg Income Fund. Previously, he spent over 30 years managing Lignum Forest Products with his brother; they sold the business in 2004.
Mr. Kerr has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and has attended Harvard Business School.
902 - 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3A8


text:
namespace iHentai.Services.Models.Core
{
    public interface IMangaChapter
    {
        string? Title { get; }
    }
}


This year marks the 45 anniversary of the fatal shooting of four students at Kent State University on May 4, 1970.
Horrmann Library at Wagner College is joining this historic commemoration to show a new generation how college students responded in 1970.
Here is a collection of photographs and articles from the Wagnerian (Wagner College student newspaper), our 1970 yearbook, and the Staten Island Advance, gathered from the Wagner Archives at Horrmann Library.
Visit Twitter to see more images and stories of how colleges all over the nation responded to the tragedy #May4Matters.


text:
package org.apache.sis.measure;

import org.opengis.referencing.cs.AxisDirection;        // For javadoc

/**
 * The angular height of an object measured from the horizontal plane.
 * The elevation angle is part of local topocentric coordinates together with azimuth and distance.
 * For visible objects the elevation is an angle between 0° and 90°.
 *
 *
Note:
 * Elevation angle and altitude angle may be used interchangeably.
 * Both altitude and elevation words are also used to describe the
 * height in meters above sea level.

 *
 *
Immutability and thread safety

 * This final class is immutable and thus inherently thread-safe.
 *
 * @author  Martin Desruisseaux (Geomatys)
 * @version 0.4
 *
 * @see org.apache.sis.referencing.cs.CoordinateSystems#angle(AxisDirection, AxisDirection)
 *
 * @since 0.4
 * @module
 */
public final class ElevationAngle extends Angle {
    /**
     * Serial number for inter-operability with different versions.
     */
    private static final long serialVersionUID = 442355803542468396L;

    /**
     * An elevation angle of 90° for an imaginary point directly above a location.
     * This is the opposite of {@link #NADIR} direction.
     */
    public static final ElevationAngle ZENITH = new ElevationAngle(90);

    /**
     * An elevation angle of -90° for an imaginary point directly below a location.
     * This is the opposite of {@link #ZENITH} direction.
     */
    public static final ElevationAngle NADIR = new ElevationAngle(-90);

    /**
     * Constructs a new elevation angle with the specified angular value.
     *
     * @param  ε  elevation angle value in decimal degrees.
     */
    public ElevationAngle(final double ε) {
        super(ε);
    }

    /**
     * Constructs a newly allocated {@code ElevationAngle} object that contain the angular value
     * represented by the string. The string should represent an angle in either fractional degrees
     * (e.g. 45.5°) or degrees with minutes and seconds (e.g. 45°30').
     *
     * @param  string  a string to be converted to an {@code ElevationAngle}.
     * @throws NumberFormatException if the string does not contain a parsable angle,
     *         or represents an elevation angle.
     */
    public ElevationAngle(final String string) throws NumberFormatException {
        super(string);
    }
}


The 1709 Blog: Freedom of Speech Baby!
This is my first post on this blog, and I would like to dedicate it to the memories of the people who lost their lives yesterday in the terrorist attack in Paris, journalists, workers, and police officers.
This tragedy reminded me why I first became interested in copyright: because I love to read books and to read the press. When I was a kid, I read the adventures of the Grand Duduche, a comics created by Cabu, who was assassinated yesterday and later delighted watching Cabu live on French television on Wednesday afternoons, drawing cartoons following the enthusiastic suggestions of kids in the studio. Much later, I started reading Charlie Hebdo, and found Cabu there again, along with other cartoonists. The articles and the cartoons in the journal were often outrageous, but always thoughtfully written or drawn and forced the reader to have an opinion.
Writings are protected by copyright and they are also protected by freedom of speech. This is why a recent U.S. bill, H.R. 5893, is worth noting today. It is a bill "To Restore the First Amendment Rights of Photographers" which was introduced by Rep. Stockman (R-Tex.) on January 2. Its short name is the "Ansel Adams Act," as an homage to the photographer who took many pictures of U.S. parks.
The Act would also prohibit any federal agency to require fees, permits or insurance from photographers wanting to take still or moving images on "Federal Lands, National Parks and Forests, and public spaces, whether for private, media, or commercial use." It would also prohibit officers to take equipment from the photographers nor could the photographers be ordered to erase the contents of a camera or memory card.
The current Rules and Regulations of the National Parks already states that "[v]isitors [which] are engaged in filming/photography intended for their personal use and enjoyment" are "generally" not required to have a permit. This policy would extend to commercial photographers under the bill, which is not necessarily good policy, as the national parks may need the fees for their maintenance.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.


text:
Review: Goddard/Nixon & Jose Agudo - Springloaded at The Place
Performance: 24 April 2012
Reviewed by Germaine Cheng - Friday 27 April 2012
It's taken Goddard Nixon and Jose Agudo in this Spring Loaded double bill to make me realize how much I learned from two viewings of the 2010 blockbuster Inception. Like these two dance works the film delves deep into the subconscious mind, via the fascinating landscape of dreams and memories. According to Jonathan Goddard in the post-show Q&A, he might have experienced inception – the implantation of an original idea into one's subconscious via his/her dreams. He talked about a recurring dream he had as a child, recalling a stark, somewhat bewildering image of himself covered in blood and feathers. The idea for Fitcher's Bird grew from those startling dreams, as they led Goddard to the Bluebeard-like Grimm's fairy tale of the same name.
Gemma Nixon takes on the role of all three sisters in the story, who are faced with Goddard's entrancing sorcerer. The older two sisters in the tale suffer the same fate, dying at the hands of the sorcerer, having gone against his orders. Once again Nixon, in a reprise of an earlier sequence of movements, immerses herself further in the tragedy and inevitability of her character's circumstances.
As Goddard picks Nixon up on his back for a third time, she struggles determinedly, unlike her two preceding sisters. Effectively capturing the sorrow of their deaths and a sense of wit-tinged dauntlessness, Nixon's youngest sister holds her own against Goddard's increasing menace. This does not last for long however, as she dives into the sorcerer's arms, seemingly acknowledging her resistance to be futile and submitting to the fatal attraction.
In a departure from the Grimm's tale, Nixon is unable to escape the deranged sorcerer who wants her hand in marriage. The duo retreat to an upstage corner, the harmonious melding of their bodies enveloped in a strobe-lit dome. As the light flickers, plunging the audience in instances of momentary darkness, feathers gracefully descended to the ground as Goddard swept Nixon up into a revolving and highly moving embrace.
In the film Inception, dream time runs much slower than real time. The illusion of the distortion of time is what Agudo is interested in and hopes to illustrate in Time/Dropper. Commanding the stage for a full 17 minutes is a tall order for a solo performer, yet it feels like he's there for about seven.
Beginning with his back to the audience in the middle of a circle of light, Agudo's presence is hypnotizing even in complete stillness. The silence is punctuated by emphatic out-breaths as he slowly finds movement in his pelvis and arms. Fred Defaye's glitchy soundtrack rudely interrupts the atmospheric silence and there is no return to that opening "conversation". Agudo brings to mind a Spanish-Indian Bruce Lee – cutting the space with the precision and agility of a martial artist, the fluidity of a kathak dancer and the sensuality of a flamenco artist.
The work is at its best, when it's at its simplest. The numerous changes in lighting and unnecessary flashes only served to distract from the masterful performance. Sweet dreams surely are made of this – Time/Dropper on a bare stage, devoid of any lighting and entirely in silence. Keep my totem spinning I say!
Spring Loaded , the annual season at The Place showcasing the brightest talents of UK and International contemporary choreography continues at The Place until June
www.theplace.org.uk
Germaine Cheng took part in this year's Resolution! Review – The Place's online magazine which includes reviews of every Resolution! show, by professional dance critics and aspiring writers.


Join us at Crosspoint Kids and experience a world where kids can meet Jesus on their level! All children (babies – 5th graders) welcome!
Download and print our Family Registration Card. Having this card filled out prior to Sunday morning will allow us to check your family into Crosspoint Kids more quickly and efficiently.
Our Goal is to meet ALL children on exactly the level they're at. For information about our Buddy Ministry, our special needs one-on-one inclusion ministry for children with special needs, please click below.
Safety is vital as families entrust us with their children each week. Each child's name tag is labeled with their parent-id number, and every volunteer is screened. The hallways are also always securely-monitored.
The Bible is the most amazing book ever written, so we strive to bring its stories to life through fun and innovative activities that keep children engaged and wanting to learn more.
We love creating fun and engaging ways for children to learn about Jesus. Playing and developing friendships are important to fostering a kind environment that kids can't wait to return to.


text:
Melanotaenia kokasensis is een straalvinnige vissensoort uit de familie van de regenboogvissen (Melanotaeniidae). De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 2008 door Allen, Unmack & Hadiaty.

Melanotaeniidae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I'd like to write today about the magnificent Fire & Stone restaurant, which I think makes the best pizzas I've eaten out in London. Fire & Stone is a mini-chain (there are four or five of them in England), and we visited the Covent Garden branch on Saturday for my Dad's birthday, after seeing The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre (brilliant show – incredible funny).
The menu is split up into different geographical locations, which I think were Europe, USA, Africa, Australia and Asia. My parents both went for the New York pizza, which can be seen in the photo above. It consisted of smoked bacon, garlic & rosemary roast potatoes and caramelised onion jam, topped with sour cream and smoked paprika on a mozzarella and tomato base. I didn't taste it, but I'm told that the onion jam in particular was amazing. My sister had the San Sebastian (no pic, I'm afraid), which had the same garlic & rosemary roast potatoes with chorizo and peppers. This one I did try, and it was superb, all on a tomato base.
This is the Casablanca. I had real trouble choosing a pizza, but in the end the fact that this was made with a mascarpone base swung it for me. I love white pizzas, which I think I spoke about before. This one was topped with sautéed wild mushrooms, toasted walnuts and Roquefort cheese. There was so much blue cheese on this pizza, and the weird thing is that you can't really see it. It's almost like the pizza is infused with blue cheese. Hey, now THAT'S an idea!
Oh, I also had a starter. Toasted bruschetta with Parma ham and brie, covered in pesto. Absolutely delicious. That's in the picture below. There's not much to say about the restaurant – it's as good as it's pizzas! The staff were friendly, and we had booked, so I can't really talk about getting a table, though it was very busy. The website, which has plenty of pizzas to drool over, is here, and if you're in London go and have a pizza!
They really are! Hoping to go back on Friday and try something completely different!
Now if reading/seeing THAT doesn't make one hungry, I don't know what will! My mouth is watering!! Especially from the appetizer and the casablanca! Yummmm!
The pesto was so nice – far less acidic than the shop bought stuff; it was almost sweet!
Oh my, that looks AMAZING. I wish I were in London right now! Stupid Atlantic Ocean!
It really gets in the way, doesn't it? If it weren't for the Atlantic I could have snapple every day! I love snapple!


text:
The Review/ Feature/
Canadian producer Erika Olde is making waves for women in Hollywood
The producer behind TIFF '17's Woman Walks Ahead talks about carving out a career by being unapologetically yourself
by Erika Olde
I grew up watching movies with my late father. We'd watch them together, even though our tastes were the polar opposite of one another. He loved Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, and Hoosiers: real guys movies, whereas Pretty Woman is my favourite film of all time. It didn't matter, films moved us both. I realized from a very early age the power of a medium which could reduce my otherwise impenetrable, mountain-man father to tears.
He worked in the financial services industry and our family was constantly on the move. We were never in one place long enough for me to enroll in schools, so, as a result, I was homeschooled. In my nomadic life, movies became my constant touchstone; the films of Nancy Meyers, Gary Marshall, and Nora Ephron were the architects of my entertainment and escapism. These filmmakers became my unwitting tutors who ultimately inspired me to pursue my dream to create movies in which you can lose yourself for a few hours, no matter what else is going on in your life. Like Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, I too wanted "the fairytale."
The first three movies I produced, The Female Brain (starring Sofía Vergara), Woman Walks Ahead (starring Jessica Chastain, it premieres at TIFF '17 on Sunday, Sept. 10 at Roy Thomson Hall), and Home Again (starring Reese Witherspoon), all feature strong female leads and were crafted by the immensely talented female directors Whitney Cummings, Susanna White, and Hallie Meyers-Shyer respectively. On Home Again, I had the extreme honour and privilege to be part of a project which saw Hallie Meyers-Shyer helm her first movie. She was the same age as when her mother Nancy directed Private Benjamin in 1980, thus creating a piece of cinematic history.
The TIFF '17 title Woman Walks Ahead (2017).
"I want the fairytale." — Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), Pretty Woman (1990)
The coolest thing about my career so far is that it's all been very organic. From the time I started out, my company Black Bicycle Entertainment has forged an identity as one that works with very strong female filmmakers. I'd never thought of producing with that goal in mind, I just wanted to make movies with heart and gravitated to the projects which spoke to me. I find it now gives me a purpose in this business. I believe that the statistics for women in the industry are so damning because we are part of a larger socioeconomic cycle that spans many generations. We operate in a multi-billion-dollar industry and progress towards equality will be slow until more women are put into power positions in the boardrooms. Let's see if that comes about anytime soon.
I'm not about beating some political drum, or driving a feminist movement. My movies are about strength, passion and reviving the lost art of storytelling, but they are also about finding the right people for the job. As a producer, I feel like you have to genuinely believe in the message each of your films articulate and work fearlessly to protect them. I came on board to produce Woman Walks Ahead because I loved what Susanna wanted to do with the story and believed in her vision. We all wanted to tell an unconventional love story, one with characters who could learn and grow from being in each other's lives. It was one about freedom, understanding, and mutual respect. That message was something Susanna, Jessica, and I wanted to protect at all costs. I urge filmmakers to ignore those voices advising you it's either "too commercial for a film festival," or "not commercial enough for a theatrical release." Just go with your gut. If guys like Barry Jenkins had listened to the naysayers, La La Land genuinely would have won the Oscar, and the world would've been deprived of one of the industry's all-time greatest and most entertaining cock-ups!
Unlike many of my peers, I didn't go to film school and wasn't formally educated in the mechanics of filmmaking when I decided to create my company Black Bicycle Entertainment. I'm a nostalgic person and think the simplicity and the art of a good story is getting a bit lost nowadays. So I choose to develop projects I love and feel passionate about without being governed by what is and isn't perceived as "commercial." As a filmmaker, I want to take risks and push boundaries, but also want to feel like I'm making a difference. That's why I started IRIS-IN, a program for female filmmakers at the prestigious Ghetto Film School, the Los Angeles/New York non-profit which provides educational opportunities to high school and college students who are passionate about making movies. I find our students as inspiring as any great script. My message is always clear: choose your own fairytale and walk your own path. Decide what's right for you, not what people expect of you. Talented female filmmakers who can't afford film school should not be deprived of opportunities which were afforded to others, including myself. IRIS-IN is also about giving back, which I believe we should all be trying to do.
Erika Olde with the students of IRIS-IN at Ghetto Film School in Los Angeles.
When I give talks, I always start off by asking a simple question, which has no right answer: "What is a producer?" For me, a producer is a project manager, a friend, a parent, a protector. When I'm producing a film, I tend to take on a very protective approach. I'm unashamedly unapologetic for that because a producer's job is to look after the overall well-being of both the film itself and every single person involved. After all, you are creating something with a beating heart from words on a page. It's your baby and you have to do the right thing by it at all times, not just creatively. The business side of filmmaking is often overlooked when filmmakers are just starting out. Students need to learn (and fast!) that as a producer, the buck stops with you. The work you commit to (and the finances you are responsible for) from development through your film's post and release is intensive and often highly stressful. You're not just responsible for the strategy of the film, and the money, talent, and crew, but answerable for what ultimately ends up on screen.
Home Again (2017), directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer and produced by Erika Olde.
If I can leave students, or aspiring filmmakers with some final advice, here are the three things anyone who wants to make a movie needs to know:
Do what's right for your film, not what's right for you. There is no room for egos in this business. (Although, you'd never know it.)
Stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Pick the projects and go down the paths you feel the most passionate about because you are forever tied to your films, which will have lives that last much longer than your own.
Enjoy the moments. From development, through prep and production, time flies and it's an intense, often stressful process. But making a movie is also one of life's most rewarding emotional and creative experiences, one you'll find is over way too fast. Breathe it in – if only for a second.
In short, nothing prepares you for the workload you're about to take on. But after you've fought those countless battles to get to your first day of shooting, you get to the moment when your director says "action" on your very first scene. Everything you've only ever known on the page and in your imagination becomes a reality then and there. It always sends a shiver down my spine.
Erika Olde is a Canadian producer. Her film Woman Walks Ahead will premiere at TIFF '17. Donate now to TIFF's Share Her Journey campaign, which advocates for the visibility of women in film and helps to raise funds for the next generation of female-identified filmmakers.
React to The Review
We believe a powerful film or work of art — or, uh, email newsletter — should generate a reaction. That's why we're thrilled when readers of this humble publication choose to reach out and tell us what they thought. If you've got something to say, please SEND US A LETTER.
Below is a letter from our last issue, curated by filmmaker Lina Rodriguez on making films "in between" her Colombian and Canadian identities.
RE: ISSUE 52 Wise Words Well-Spoken
Thank you to Lina Rodriguez for sharing her story, I really connected with it in many ways. Lina found the perfect words for feelings I've never known how to express. I didn't know her work before reading her piece, but will make sure to watch her films now. I hope one day to be able to express myself as well as she did, through my words, films, or any other medium. Thank you again to Lina for sharing her journey and thank you to TIFF for giving her a platform to do so! — Manon H.
Erika Olde
Jessica Chastain: "Talking about diversity is not a courageous thing"
A Mandate to Change


I don't believe the knowledge and promise that he has been spared eternity in hell will in turn cause a Christian to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. How long would we rejoice with such a joy if we were only delivered from hell to live a few years on earth and then be given over to death, the grave, and annihilation? Where is the hope and, consequently, the unspeakable joy in that?
Thank you for another convicting sermon. Moreover, thank you for your determination to teach the truth. The Lord Jesus Christ has truly blessed your ministry. The Christian life is not mere fire insurance. Rather, the true Christian life is joy unspeakable for the eternal life granted by Jesus Christ.


text:
CITIZEN SCIENCE PLATFORM
Welcome to the Citizen Science Platform.
Topic in the spotlight
Alien Species are increasing worldwide and are currently present in almost every ecosystem type on earth. They belong to all major taxonomic groups, including viruses, fungi, algae, mosses, ferns, higher plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. You may participate by reporting occurrences of alien species near you.
Participate today
You may participate by reporting occurrences of alien species near you. All it needs is a mobile app that helps identifying different species, allows for taking pictures, and enables anybody to upload his or her sightings.
All received contributions will be directly visible on the Web, including their current status of validation. The gathered inputs are displayed together with background and related information. In this way, it can be put into the context of the official data sources that are, for example, provided by the European Commission or the European Environment Agency.
Your chance to gather evidence for European policy making!
European policies undergo a complex decision making process, which is supported by scientific advice and evidence along the full policy cycle. With the ongoing digital transformation of society, we arrive at a situation in which the collection of scientific evidence can be extended to citizen. However, such Citizen Science contributions to policy making need to be targeted on the policy needs and schedules so that gathered inputs are available at the right time. We therefore see a need to particularly support citizens in providing evidence of European policy making.
The Citizen Science Platform offers the opportunity for every citizen to contribute to European policy making. It is a customizable tool to facilitate data collection, particularly supporting citizens' contributions. The received inputs are used to extend the evidence base for European policies. In this way, upcoming policy debates are not only supported by scientific advice of a few selected experts, but can also benefit from targeted contributions from citizen.
We offer possibilities to contribute to European policy making, especially considering the use of smart phone applications. Activites focus on current policy priorities and the according need for evidence collection. We ensure interoperability of the newly collected evidence with the required decision making processes, i.e. we increase the chances to provide impactful Citizen Science inputs to European policy making. It also ensures that citizens' inputs arrive at the time when required by the relevant policy debates.
Be Part of the Conversation.
Meet our colleagues from the JRC
Ana Cristina's is a marine biologist, with a 'Licenciatura' (5 years University degree) in marine biology and fisheries, and a Ph.D. in marine biology. She has joined the European Commission, Joint Research Centre in 1995 as a scientific officer. Since then, she has contributed and coordinated several institutional research and science-policy interface projects in the fields of freshwater and marine ecology. Ana Cristina coordinates the European Invasive Alien Species Network (EASIN).
Meet our colleagues from Policy DGs
Elena Montani is a policy officer of the European Commission, at DG Environment. She is dealing with Environmental Knowledge, Eco-Innovation and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). With a commitment to ensure that evidence underpins EU environment policy work, her main task is to work on improving the links between science and environment policy, including the co-generation and sharing of knowledge between the main EU users and providers of environmental knowledge.


Most of the traffic on the Internet is sent in the clear – fact. Back in the day the Internet was a trusting place. You'd think that given it was developed as a Darpa (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) project that there would be a lot of thought put into security. Well there was and the thought process went something like this, "If you have access to the Internet you must be a good guy or you wouldn't have access to the Internet." Not a lot of point wasting expensive processing cycles on encryption when you trust everyone on the network anyway.
So a whole fleet of protocols sprung up where everything is sent in the clear. Most didn't use usernames or passwords but those that did happily send those in clear text over the wire. Protocols like http, ftp, smtp, ntp, dns, snmp, rip, etc etc all are in the clear. As time went on some of these had encryption strapped on but for the most part if you take a packet analyzer like wireshark and have a look at the traffic on your home network (which you have written permission to analyse/sniff) then you'll see a lot of clear text going across the wire.
Of course this is only a problem if you have access to the routers that your data passes through. Normally it's not an issue because it's difficult to get physical access to this equipment in order to sniff the traffic. This all changes when we start talking about wireless networks as that data is now transmitted through the air and those signals can travel a long way. Anyone within range of your signal can see your data pass by in the clear. To combat this wireless networks have encryption like WEP/WPA that present a barrier to eavesdroppers.
The recent popularity of Internet enabled mobile devices has fueled an explosion of unencrypted WiFi public access points. Whether it's installed by the IT team in a corporate office or a mom and pop coffee shop owner, all these network's have one thing in common. They are the red light districts of Internet access. While the services on offer may be tempting, viruses, embarrassment, and theft await the unwary.
You simply cannot trust these networks. Not just because that the guy next to you is running backtrack but also because the access point may be already compromised at installation or by someone running a man in the middle attack. Once the access point is compromised applications that run over https are also potentially vulnerable. Even if the network is clean, draconian laws in some jurisdictions require all WiFi providers to maintain a log of their customers behavior.
One easy to setup solution is to tunnel your traffic over ssh to your own squid proxy. I already mentioned this back in HPR episode 227 but I wanted to go into a bit more detail here.
This solution takes advantage of the fact that most browsers support accessing the Internet via a proxy server. The idea of a proxy server is to allow controlled access out of an internal network to the Internet. So instead of trying to contact the Internet site directly, they will send the request to the proxy server so that it can relay the request to the Internet. It will also take care of passing back the traffic to the browser. Normally you connect to a proxy on a local area network but we don't trust the local network any more. So we are going to setup the proxy server on a network that we do trust, and use that as the exit point. The traffic between the browser and the proxy server will be encrypted for us by a secure shell tunnel.
is defined by rfc3330. Although there are 16,777,214 addresses reserved for that network, in most cases only one address 127.0.0.1 is setup. In IPv6 only one address is defined.
Setting up the proxy server.
That's it. You now have a the squid proxy server running and listening for traffic on port 3128. In the default configuration of Debian and Ubuntu needed no modification as it only allows access out to the Internet if the connections originate from the loopback address.
You can use netstat to find out if it actually is listening on port 3128.
This tells us that the squid process on pid 1948 is listening for TCP connections on the loopback address 172.0.0.1 and port number 3128. We can even connect to the port and see what happens. Open two sessions to your server. In one we will monitor the squid log file using the tail command and in the other we'll connect to port 3128 using the telnet program.
Then type anything here and press enter. You will get the standard squid html 400 Bad Request response back.
!!!!!!!!!! type anything here and press enter !!!!!!!!!!
You will need to modify your firewall/modem to allow incoming ssh connections to your ssh server. Now we come across a minor problem. In an attempt to restrict access to web surfing, many of these hot-spots restrict outbound traffic to just http (port 80) and https (port 443) traffic. So your ssh client may not be able to connect to the ssh server because the default ssh port 22 may be blocked. The problem is easily fixed by telling the ssh client to use a port number that isn't blocked by the hot-spot and that you're not already using on your home router. You just need to pick a suitable port.
By the way you can look up common port numbers in the file /etc/protocols file.
Using port 80 is probably the best, unless you are running your own webserver at home. In my case Mr. Yeats is running a mirror of nl.lottalinuxlinks.org, so my next option is to use port 443 https. It's unlikely that hot-spots block that port or the other customers will complain that they can't login to facebook.
You can approach this in two ways.
Setup a NAT port translation on the firewall. In that setup Internet clients connect to your external IP address on port 443 and your router reroutes that to port 22 of your internal server.
The procedure for setting up a port forwarding session on your home device will vary. This is the settings on my Speedtouch ADSL modem.
The other option is to setup your ssh server to also listen on port 443. Here again you can use netstat to find out if port 443 is available. Run the following command and if nothing is returned then the port is free.
Assuming that the port is available then you can edit the file /etc/ssh/ssh_config and add the line Port 443 under the existing Port 22 entry. After restarting the ssh daemon your home server should also be listening on port 22 as well as port 443.
Once the external port is setup to listen on 443 you should be able to connect to it from outside your network. You will only be able to do this from inside your network if you have set sshd to listen on port 443. If you implement port forwarding you won't be able to connect from the internal network because your traffic will never be routed to the external port of your firewall/modem.
If you haven't a permanent IP address you'll need to setup a dynamic dns service so you will know which external address is configured on your router.
You should now have a ssh session open to your home server and everything will look very much as before. You can now check that ssh is now forwarding traffic from your client to the server. This means that the ssh client is listening on port 3128 on your laptop. You can check this using netstat.
This shows that the ssh (client) process on pid 1872 is listening for TCP connections on the loopback address 172.0.0.1 and port number 3128.
I think firefox can also use a socks proxy, but would probably require navigating the configuration gui.
Note that that choice of port 3128 is pretty much random since there is no actual proxy server running.
I'm getting a lot of comments about a website that offers VPN solutions. Just to let you know that I am marking them all as SPAM.


Limerick Sports Partnership Community Health & Sport Programmes aim to improve the quality of life in local rural and urban communities through increased participation in sport and physical activity, ultimately leading to improved health and well-being.
Limerick Sports Partnership ensures local ownership of the community sport project by maximising opportunities for local groups and agencies to have a greater say in the planning, implementation and evaluation process.
A free, weekly, timed 2k walk/jog/run at 9:30 am every Sunday. Open to ages 4-14 and all abilities. We host a fun exercise warm up with the children at 9.20am. Organised entirely by volunteers. Friendly and fun. Join us!