Do MMOs Need to Embrace eSports to Stay Relevant?
Amidst all the discussion leading towards the Blizzcon 2016 tournaments, a particular topic was abuzz in the World of Warcraft Arena spectators -- namely, that of long-time contender Cdew. Incredibly well respected in the WoW community, this was Cdew's fourth appearance at Blizzcon, but he had never won it prior to this. His story of tenacity and persistence at the highest level of competition made him an instant fan favorite, and many were rooting for him to finally get the victory he'd been seeking for so long.
And so Cdew and his team Method NA fought their way to the grand finals… and there, following an incredibly close final game that could have gone either way, Method NA was defeated and Cdew's dream ended. The defending champions Splyce ended up holding on to their title in what is described as one of the most epic WoW Arena series to ever take the Blizzcon stage.
Many consider eSports to be an extended means of marketing and promoting their respective games and tournaments. To be fair, it absolutely is. But more than that, it shares the same thing that many sports do: a hero to root for, or a team to support and follow through their trials and tribulations. Whether it be players like Cdew in WoW or teams like Team SoloMid in League of Legends, it's that human element that people are able to spin narratives about once the dust has settled and the tournament has played out.
The biggest eSports tournaments tend to be successful at drawing people into playing their games. I personally was keen to play League of Legends again after an extended break, just because I watched the World Championship finals and was drawn in by the hype. I'm always keen to break out the fight sticks and play a few rounds of Street Fighter with friends after EVO ends.
But none of these games would be quite as successful at doing so if they didn't inspire that human element. It's watching players like Faker or Infiltration in their respective games that encourage us to want to get better and play like them, even if that level is certainly out of reach for most.
You might be wondering to yourself by now, "how does this affect MMOs?" Let's look at it a little closer.
In previous years, MMORPGs were being developed in large number, with many AAA developers utilizing all sorts of different licenses and franchises in order to try and match the runaway success of World of Warcraft. More recently, almost all of these games have either done poorly in sales and player retention, or else have had to downsize in order to satisfy a smaller, niche player base.
Whereas the monthly subscription approach to MMORPG payment was once the norm, now only a handful of games seem to be able to sustain this, such as World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Many others have since shifted to a Free to Play with microtransactions payment scheme (RIFT, WildStar) or eschewed subscription in favor of a pay once to play system (The Elder Scrolls Online).
A large part in this shift in philosophy is no doubt because of the success of many MOBAs, most of which are Free to Play with cosmetic microtransactions sustaining them. In fact, the runaway success of MOBAs has shifted the entire way in which the video game market is perceived and developed for, especially in terms of cost.
I knew many who were dissatisfied with having to pay full price in order to play Overwatch upon its release. Since it was comparable to Free to Play MOBAs as much as it was to contemporary FPS games, a number considered the asking price to be far too high, especially for a purely multiplayer game. But by contrast, the exact same price point is attached to every major Call of Duty or Battlefield release with considerably less backlash. In fact, that same price is still effectively the standard for a huge array of AAA games on PC and console alike.
It all comes back to the perception of value and how it's changed in video games over the past few years. Why pay that price when you can dedicate many hours of entertainment to a game that need not cost you a cent? What makes it worth more compared to the countless other games that are released in Early Access much cheaper or available on sales regularly for a negligible fee?
And this has all come back full circle to MMOs. Often requiring a full purchase price and then additional monthly subscription costs, the value of MMORPGs is suddenly brought into question. Even when paying full price for games was expected, people would still shy away from subscriptions, so now that the market has shifted that seems completely unreasonable to most… and that's even without factoring in the cost of purchasing additional expansion packs.
In combination with this shift in perceived value, the development and maintenance costs of such games haven't decreased to match, so the concept of the MMORPG is simply no longer profitable. Even if it was, few are able to match the established giants of the market; all it takes is one frustrating experience or a poorly designed and dull area for people to compare an MMORPG to World of Warcraft, with its twelve years of content update backlog and repeated improvements and feature polish. Guess where they usually find themselves returning to before long?
So far, a lot of this has been talking about the MMORPG, since that's the big sub-genre that you'll see most MMOs grouped under. It's hardly the only game type that is worthy of the MMO tag, however.
While MMO stands for Massively Multiplayer Online, this usually isn't used to define MOBAs such as Dota or LoL. The reason is that first M. Massively often implies a larger group of players in a single server or area, which often equates to a persistent world for people to share. As such, survival and crafting-based games such as ARK: Survival Evolved or Rust are what usually qualify. You could even make a case for Minecraft as an MMO if you really wanted.
Unfortunately, many of these games aren't doing very well either. Survival games like those mentioned above tend to remain in Early Access for extended lengths of time as developers update them over years. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find a game in that vein that ever actually leaves Early Access status. And like the actual games, the player base for the genre tends to migrate from game to game depending on which feels more complete and active at any given time.
In order to survive - no pun intended - some of these games have started moving towards eSports themselves. For example, ARK now runs tournaments called Survival of the Fittest, which see small person teams competing to be the last ones standing on the hostile PvP island. Other games such as H1Z1 have moved into Battle Royale modes that are separate and short term affairs compared to their long term survival modes.
At the moment, many of these aren't especially popular, perhaps due to lack of marketing and lack of extensive player base to begin with. But should a successful tournament arise and attract attention, that could easily change in a heartbeat.
The biggest detriment to any game focusing on becoming an eSport is that they run the risk of spreading their content too thin. After all, eSports are almost always going to be PvP affairs in anything other than an occasional novelty, such as the WoW speed raids at Blizzcon or the Doom Bots exhibition matches for League of Legends.
While the growing success of eSports and MOBAs has brought more people into competitive PvP than ever before, this is far from the only reason people play games. Some simply don't want to partake in anything multiplayer and would rather relax and play their own game, and the vast majority of games are built with this in mind.
There are a huge number of players in World of Warcraft that have never touched any PvP elements of the game, and it's estimated that less than 10% play Arena at all.
No game is launched that is perfectly ready for PvP. There are always some outliers in terms of balance between characters, classes, or other facets that will skew the results of the game. This requires a constant and dedicated team focused purely on attempting to achieve competitive balance, and for a game to remain perfectly balanced while also unique and interesting from aspect to aspect is an impossible task.
Couple this with the need to constantly update and expand with new characters, maps, and items in order to keep the game fresh, and that becomes a significant drain on resources used for development.
But if a game is not purely PvP focused, as few MMORPGs completely are, then this is development time spent not updating or improving other areas of the game. Too much balancing of the PvP can see the PvE players become bored and frustrated, especially when such changes of one aspect can easily impact the other unintentionally. Too little, and the PvP community gets frustrated, which can often see them leaving for greener pastures entirely.
So Where Do MMOs Stand?
As they are, MMOs remain a genre that, while less common than they were previously, still are holding strong. Many maintain their niche with stable player bases, while some larger titans continue to stand as monoliths in the video game market.
Are they as popular or successful as many of the competitive games that have risen to take their place in the spotlight? Not really. It's hard to top the most played game in the world that is League of Legends, and Overwatch has thus far outsold the most recent WoW expansion twice over.
But the kicker to take away from this is that you don't need to be massively popular to be successful.
Video games are a product that are designed to make money, whatever other noble aspirations and goals the design team might have. It's absolutely possible for this to be accomplished without hosting massive tournaments and drawing in thousands of people into packed stadiums as eSports is trying to do. And it is quite likely that many of these games are considered to be successes even in their comfortable niches.
That doesn't mean that eSports can provide no benefit, however. I spoke at the beginning of this article about the human element of eSports, and that is absolutely true now. There are hundreds of iconic players and names in the MOBA circuits that people cheer for and follow their stories, but there are considerably less for most MMOs.
It's the human element that drives people to root for their favourites in sports and eSports alike, and that is absolutely the biggest strength and marketing that eSports can provide to a game.
For every Cdew that contended for victory at Blizzcon, there are likely others that could become just as skilled or just as well liked given time. But without that kind of exposure and marketing, it could be that these players are simply never discovered, or never even take the chance to hone their skills and make the attempt.
Do MMOs need to embrace eSports to stay relevant? Ultimately, probably not. It's entirely possible that they can exist as they are, somewhat more niche than other genres but still the focus of many gamers' time and investment. But could eSports help elevate MMOs into something more mainstream? It's certainly possible.
Where do you stand on this discussion? Share your comments below; I'd love to hear them and chat with you on the matter.


Harold Bridgebane "H.B." Copley, of Penland, passed away peacefully at his home Oct. 8, 2018. He was born in 1931 to Flossie Willis and Sherman Copley. Although HB was born in Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky, he lived most of his life in Penland. As a young man, he taught an enameling class at the Penland School of Crafts. He was in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He worked for many years in independent sales and as a real estate broker. After retiring, he worked at Walmart. He loved his home and took great pride in working in his yard and enjoying the beautiful mountain on which he lived.
He was a devoted University of Kentucky Wildcat fan and was enjoying their 5-0 start to the football season. He also enjoyed NASCAR, especially attending the Bristol Night Race with his friends.
H.B. is survived by his three children, Jan Copley Wilkerson, of Millwood, Virginia, Sherma Copley Barnwell (fiancé Rodney Goodwill), of Clemmons, and Hal Copley, of Edenton; as well as grandsons, Grayson Barnwell, of Raleigh, and Elliott Copley Wilkerson, of Millwood, Virginia.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Penland School of Crafts in his honor.
After cremation, a private spreading of his remains and a Celebration of Life Service will be at a later date.


Current account balance, million currency units in India, December, 2018: For that indicator, Reserve Bank of India provides data for India from Q2 2006 to Q4 2018. The average value for India during that period was -570973.52 million Indian Rupee with a minumum of -1725040.11 million Indian Rupee in Q4 2012 and a maximum of 236280 million Indian Rupee in Q1 2009. Click on the following link to see the values of Current account balance, million currency units around the world.


text:
Supporting Material
Amends
Details: F2005B01287
Instrument varying the Veterans' Children Education Scheme under subsection 117(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (No. 7 of 1998)
- F2005B01287
Makes miscellaneous amendments to the Veterans' Children Education Scheme. In particular, replaces defunct references to allowances under the AUSTUDY Scheme with references to the Youth Allowance payment under the Social Security Act 1991.
Administered by: Veterans' Affairs
General Comments: The Instrument varying the Veterans' Children Education Scheme under subsection 117(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (No. 7 of 1998) was approved by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs on 30 June 1998: see Supporting Material.
Tabled HR 01-Jul-1998
Tabled Senate 01-Jul-1998
Date of repeal 19 Mar 2014
Repealed by Veterans' Affairs (Spent and Redundant Instruments) Repeal Regulation 2014
INSTRUMENT No.7 OF 1998
VETERANS' ENTITLEMENTS ACT 1986
Veterans' Children Education Scheme
1.The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has approved the
attached instrument under subsection 117 (3) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
2. The Instrument varies the Veterans' Children Education Scheme ('the Scheme') by :
· removing references in the Scheme that refer to the defunct AUSTUDY Scheme and substituting references that refer to the new YOUTH ALLOWANCE;
· empowering the Repatriation Commission to grant rent assistance to homeless students and to double orphans;
· clarifying the Repatriation Commission's power to grant a specific education allowance to double orphans;
· making a number of variations that streamline the Scheme; and by
· making minor drafting-type variations.
3.The variations are described in more detail in the attachment.
Paragraph 1 contains the preamble to the Instrument.
Paragraph 2 ensures the variations commence on 1 July 1998 and ensures that on the commencement of the variations, the provision enabling the grant of 'rent assistance', insofar as it relates to 'homeless students' and to 'double orphan students', is to be taken to have commenced on 1 January 1995 so as to remove any doubt that the grant of rent assistance to these classes of students on and after that date was not authorised.
Paragraph 3 rectifies a typographical error.
Paragraph 4 inserts a new definition of 'appropriate person' which describes and extends the class of persons to whom education allowances can be paid on behalf of a student in certain circumstances. For example, if a homeless student is considered to be incapable of managing his or her finances then payment of the relevant allowance will not be made directly to the student but will be made to an 'appropriate person'.
Paragraph 5 introduces new definitions of 'approved' and 'not otherwise approved'. These terms are currently referred to in the Scheme but were not defined, which created confusion. The new variations define the terms.
Paragraph 6 inserts a new definition of 'double orphan' which was made necessary by the introduction in the Scheme of an express power to grant education allowances to double orphans.
Paragraph 7 introduces a definition of the 'Social Security Act 1991' in the Scheme and ensures that references to this Act in the Scheme are references to that Act as in force from time to time.
Paragraph 8 ensures that the Repatriation Commission can only appoint a person to make a claim for an allowance on behalf of a dependant under 16, not only if a parent of the dependant is dead or unwilling to make the claim but also only if a guardian of the dependant is dead or unwilling to make the claim or if a person approved by a parent or a guardian is dead or unwilling to make the claim.
Paragraph 9 streamlines paragraph 2.4.1 of the Scheme by:
· replacing the reference to 'the Department of Social Security' with the more appropriate reference to 'Centrelink' with the result that 'clearances' confirming that potential beneficiaries under the Scheme are not receiving similar benefits under other Commonwealth Government schemes are to also be provided by Centrelink; and by
· correcting the outmoded reference to the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs.
Paragraphs 10, replace references to the AUSTUDY
11 and 12 tertiary progress rules/regulations in paragraphs 2.5.3 to 2.5.5 of the Scheme with references to the YOUTH ALLOWANCE tertiary progress rules. This part of the Scheme empowers an Education Board to assess a student's progress in accordance with the progress rules and if the student is failing to make progress the Board may refer the case to the Repatriation Commission which may determine that if the student has failed to make progress in accordance with the progress rules, the student is to cease receiving benefits. The Scheme further provides in this part that if a Board is of the opinion that a tertiary student has failed to meet the progress rules by reason of circumstances beyond his or her control, then the student may continue to receive benefits.
Paragraph 13 incorporates the words " on a full-time basis" in paragraph 2.7.1 of the Scheme as a consequence of paragraph 2.8.1 of the Scheme being revoked (see paragraphs 17 and 18 of the Instrument). Paragraph 2.8.1 of the Scheme was revoked because it duplicated the matters in paragraph 2.7.1 of the Scheme apart from the reference to the requirement for students to be undertaking study 'on a full-time basis' in order to be eligible for benefits under the Scheme.
Paragraph 14 ensures that a student may receive benefits under the Scheme only if he or she is undertaking a tertiary course of education or study that would qualify the student for a Youth
Allowance if the student was otherwise eligible for the Youth Allowance.
Paragraphs 15 replace the references to courses 'approved for and 16 the payment of AUSTUDY', in sub-
paragraph 2.7.1 (c) of the Scheme and sub-sub paragraph 2.7.1(c)(ii) of the Scheme, with references to courses that would 'qualify a
student for the payment of YOUTH
ALLOWANCE' (approved course) with the result that a tertiary student who is not undertaking an approved course may nevertheless receive benefits under the Scheme if the Commission considers the unapproved course is essential to achieve the students vocational aim and no approved course is suitable or available.
Paragraph 17 deletes paragraphs 2.8 and 2.8.1 of the Scheme as they duplicate the matters in paragraphs 2.7 and 2.7.1 of the Scheme and are unnecessary.
Paragraph 18 removes the reference to '2.8.2' in paragraph '2.8.2' of the Scheme and substitutes '2.7.2' to reflect the variations made by paragraph 17 of the Instrument.
Paragraph 19 prevents 'double-dipping' by ensuring that recipients of allowances in a particular category cannot receive allowances in another category unless allowed by the Scheme.
Paragraph 20 streamlines the former provision by removing anomalous references to the situation of a secondary student 'boarding', thereby ensuring that education allowances may be paid to
secondary students living away from home but who are not necessarily boarding with any person.
Paragraph 21 varies sub-paragraph 3.4.2 (b) of the Scheme
(which specifies the person to receive an allowance on behalf of a secondary student living away from home) to reflect the variation made by paragraph 20 of the Instrument to paragraph 3.4.1 of the Scheme, by the addition of the words 'if any', to highlight the fact that secondary students living away from home might not necessarily be boarding.
Paragraph 22 reproduces the former paragraph 3.4.3 of the Scheme in a streamlined form and provides that payment of allowance to secondary students living away from home may be made in part or in full, and a term in advance - to an institution, or a term in advance or fortnightly - to a person, as determined by the Repatriation Commission.
Paragraph 23 reproduces the former heading of 'Homeless Student Allowance' but with the addition of the word 'Education' in order to highlight the fact that the allowance homeless students receive under the Scheme is for education.
Paragraph 24 replaces former paragraph 3.6.2 of the Scheme
(level of homeless student allowance determined by reference to AUSTUDY) with new paragraphs 3.6.2 and 3.6.3 which essentially reproduces the former paragraph but ensures that the level of allowance a homeless
student is to receive is to be ascertained by reference to the maximum basic rate payable
under the Youth Allowance provisions of the Social Security Act 1991 to an independent person. This variation was necessary as a consequence of the replacement of the AUSTUDY scheme with the Youth Allowance. The new paragraphs also ensure the allowance may be paid to an 'appropriate' person ( See paragraph 4 of the Instrument) if the student is financially irresponsible, and not solely to a trustee as was the case under the previous provision. Thus, the class of people to whom an allowance may be paid in these special circumstances has been broadened.
Paragraph 25 introduces a new provision which clarifies the power to grant allowances to double orphans. A definition of 'double orphan' was inserted by paragraph 6 of the Instrument. A secondary or tertiary student who is a double orphan is entitled to an allowance for education and training. Payment of the allowance is to be made as follows:
· if the student is a secondary student under 16 years of age — to the person who receives pension on behalf of the child;
· if the student is a secondary student 16 years of age or over — to an appropriate person (defined by paragraph 4 of the Instrument) who may forward the payment to the student;
· if the student is a tertiary student — to the student.
Paragraph 26 replaces the reference to 'paragraph 2.8.2' in paragraph 3.7.1 of the Scheme with a reference to paragraph 2.7.2 because of the variations made by paragraphs 17 and 18 of the Instrument.
Paragraph 27 replaces the existing heading to paragraph 3.8 of the Scheme with the heading 'Indexing and increasing education allowances' because the new heading more accurately depicts the types of matters encompassed by paragraphs 3.8 1 to 3.8.4 of the Scheme.
Paragraph 28 replaces the words '1 January 1994' in paragraph 3.8.1 of the Scheme with the words '1 January 1999' to ensure that the need to index the allowances described in paragraph 3.8.1 of the Scheme in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 3.8.2 of the Scheme ( ie procedure in the Social Security Act 1991) only arises on and after 1 January 1999 because the relevant allowances have been indexed in respect of the year 1998.
Paragraph 29 removes the reference to the requirement in paragraph 3.8.1 of the Scheme that the allowances described in paragraph 3.8.1 of the Scheme are to be indexed by reference to the Consumer Price Index, because it is a superfluous reference in that the relevant allowances will automatically be indexed by reference to the Consumer Price Index under the procedure specified in paragraph 3.8.2 of the Scheme (ie procedure in the Social Security Act 1991).
Paragraph 30 replaces paragraph 3.8.2 of the Scheme with a new paragraph 3.8.2 which provides that the annual education allowance for primary
students and the fortnightly education allowance for secondary students under 16 years of age and living at home are to be indexed annually in accordance with the procedure in the Social Security Act 1991 that is used to index the maximum basic rate of youth allowance. Previously the relevant education allowances were indexed in accordance with procedures in the Student Assistance Act 1973 but these procedures will be repealed as a consequence of the new provisions in the Social Security Act 1991 relating to the Youth Allowance.
Paragraph 31 replaces the reference to 'boarding away from home' in paragraph 3.8.3 of the Scheme with 'living away from home' to reflect the variations made to paragraph 3.4.1 of the Scheme (by Paragraph 20 of the Instrument) which recognised that secondary students needing to pursue their education 'away from home' need not necessarily be 'boarding' with a person.
Paragraph 32 reproduces the former paragraph 3.8.4 of the Scheme except that education allowances for students aged 16 years and over are to equate to the maximum basic rate of Youth Allowance payable under the Youth Allowance provisions of the Social Security Act 1991. Previously the relevant education allowances were to equate to the maximum rates payable under the AUSTUDY Scheme but the AUSTUDY Scheme will be repealed by the new Youth Allowance provisions hence the need to align
paragraph 3.8.4 of the Scheme with the Youth Allowance provisions.
Paragraph 33 varies the procedure in paragraph 5.1.1 of the Scheme that permits the Repatriation Commission to reimburse a tertiary student's fares between his or her home and place of study, by ensuring that the rate of reimbursement and conditions of reimbursement are determined by reference to the relevant 'fares instrument' made under the Social Security Act 1991. Previously the rate of reimbursement and conditions of reimbursement were determined by reference to the AUSTUDY regulations but these regulations will be repealed when the AUSTUDY scheme is replaced by the Youth Allowance provisions of the Social Security Act 1991 - hence the need to vary paragraph 5.1.1 of the Scheme.
Paragraph 34 introduces new paragraphs 5.5 and 5.5.1 in the Scheme which will enable a 'homeless student' or a 'double orphan student' to receive rent assistance.
Paragraph 35 replaces the word 'determinations' in paragraph 8.2 of the Scheme (which is concerned with the review of 'determinations') with 'decisions' because the matters that may be reviewed under paragraph 8.2 of the Scheme are more appropriately regarded as 'decisions'.
Paragraph 36 ensures the variations made to the Scheme by Instrument No.7 of 1998 apply to:
· students receiving benefits under the Scheme before 1 July 1998; and to
· all decisions made on or after 1 July 1998 whether or not any application or proceedings relating to the decision commenced before, on or after that date.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Arnold Schwarzenegger has apparently had enough of the attacks from Donald Trump, who again mocked the job Schwarzenegger has been doing as Trump's replacement on the NBC reality show "The Apprentice" — and in particular, Schwarzenegger's ratings.
The two men have been going after each other publicly for some time. The latest exchange began when Trump targeted "The Apprentice" and Schwarzenegger, along with producer Mark Burnett, during the National Prayer Breakfast this morning. Trump remains an executive producer on the show.
Might be a really clever way for the exec producer to build up some viewers! Just saying…..
Go get him, Arnold! He's a wimp, an idiot and a despot who will plunge America not to be great again, but a third-world country. Beat the crap out of him and leave the rest behind!
Typical left wing attitude thane…use violence when you can't win at the ballot box. Did you go to Cal-Berkely???
This feud is about as real as the one between Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons.


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text:
Customizing the travel experience
By Tom Horton
The following opinion piece was written by Tom Horton, president of American Airlines.
If you've recently bought a computer or smart phone, you know you are not simply buying a device but a technology package that best suits your lifestyle, needs and budget.
The device is just the base product. Some people want a lot of storage space for photos and movies. Some people want a bigger screen for games. Others want faster downloads.
Same goes for satellite TV service. Sure, you want basic programming but maybe you want several TVs hooked up, high-def channels, a sports package or premium channels such as HBO or Showtime.
At American Airlines, we are trying to apply the same principles of consumer choice and customization to the travel experience, and that is the main thrust behind our merchandising strategy that you are starting to hear more about.
We are blazing a trail toward a future in which our customers can truly tailor the travel experience for their needs and budget and the elements that they truly value.
In the future we envision the airfare would become the base product, such as basic satellite service, a car with no extra features or plain vanilla laptop.
From there, customers would be able to build a bundle around the basic service in a way that makes most sense to them. Perhaps they want an Admirals Club day pass, a specific seat or boarding priority. Perhaps they want a meal or to check a bag.
We envision a future in which customers can customize their travel experience. This will give customers more choices and allow us to differentiate our products and services versus competitors and generate more revenue in the process.
We are already laying the groundwork for this new era of buying and selling travel services. You might be familiar with our "Your Choice" initiative that makes options such as earlier boarding, the ability to stand by for an earlier flight, visits to the Admirals Club lounge, and onboard Internet connectivity more affordable and accessible to the customer throughout their journey.
One example under "Your Choice" is our boarding and flexibility package, which offers customers convenience, flexibility and savings. For a modest cost, the package provides the opportunity to board earlier in Group 1 of general boarding, stand by for an earlier flight, and save 50% off the regular service charge for flight changes.
And we are adding even more technology firepower to further our innovation efforts. Earlier this year, we struck a deal with ITA Software to provide us with what we call an offer engine. It will provide inventory, pricing and shopping visibility, and will manage the various product and service choices customers want to consider as they customize their travel experience. Think of it as a shopping hub. But in the future the products on our shelves can extend far beyond airfares.
Our efforts to customize our products and services beyond basic airfare are what we call merchandising. This effort also has a link to some other recent headlines you may have seen regarding our disputes and negotiations with certain global distribution systems (GDSs) such as Sabre and Travelport, and online travel companies such as Orbitz.
Traditionally, GDSs, for a fee that we pay them, have distributed our fares to travel agents who in turn make them available to their own customers, including many corporate customers.
Now, however, we have the technology to deliver our products and services — not just our fares but our optional services as well — directly to travel agents.
In fact, we have been successful in signing agreements with such online agencies as Expedia.com, Priceline and Vegas.com, as well as traditional agencies, to deliver our content to them using our direct connection.
Understandably, while the GDSs have generally resisted and opposed our direct-connect strategy, we continue to invite them to play an important role in aggregating information from our direct connect side-by-side with information from other airlines and travel suppliers.
Many travel agents may prefer to continue to work with a GDS to access direct connect content, while others may choose to use a different content aggregator. We want travel agents to have that choice.
What often gets lost amid the headlines and legal battles is the fact that our direct-connect technology will allow us, down the road, to deliver to agencies the same customized products and services and merchandising options that ITA Software's offer engine will allow us to deliver to customers through other channels, including on AA.com.
We believe this customization will provide a big benefit to customers and to travel agencies, as the latter will be able to become an even more valuable adviser to clients who will need more guidance and assistance in understanding the multitude of new choices — both in terms of service options and budget — that we expect will be available in the future.
We think our merchandising and distribution strategy represents a big opportunity for American Airlines and our customers, and we're proud that our company is leading the way.
Best-kept secrets of a luxury advisor
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https://www.travelweekly.com/Articles/Customizing-the-travel-experience


RS232/C bidirectional port (RJ11 connector) configurable for connection to external units.
RS485 bidirectional port configurable for network connection.
2 photomosphet outputs 150 mA 48 Vac/150 mA 60 Vdc (NO) with configurable functions.
2 inputs (optoisolator photocouplers) 12 ÷ 24 Vdc, 5 mA min - 20 mA max, with configurable functions.
16-bit analogue output (DGT20IAN model) 4-20mA, 0-5Vdc choice or 0-10 Vdc. Maximum load applicable to the current output: 350 Ohm. Minimum load applicable to live output: 10K Ohm.
A specific programme for using the indicator as a universal or multi-scale weight repeater (MASTER) in combination with DFW/DGT/MCW.
mode that allows up to 32 independent scales to be repeated, with the ability to manage their functions, or to display and print the sum of the weights of all the scales.
mode that allows weight repetition of any scale, by configuring the input string.
Weight indicator/transmitter with AISI 304 stainless steel multifunction case that guarantees an IP68 degree of protection both on bench and panel installations. Suitable for heavy industrial applications, for dosage, filling and level control systems.
Easy to use 5-key waterproof keyboard.
Highly efficient red LED display with 6 20-mm digits and 6 LEDs for showing active functions.
-	Panel installation with IP68 degree of protection both front and rear, ideal for the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industry and harsh environments.
-	Easy cabling, inspection and maintenance with front panel removal system.
IP68 degree of protection, with both bench and panel installation.
Dimensions 212x169,5x91mm, fitted with support bracket for table or wall mounting.
Up to 8 signal linearization points with DINITOOLS (3 from keypad).
Calibration, Set-Up parameters, configurable from keyboard or from PC with DINI TOOLS.
Up to 10.000e OIML or 2 x 3000e @ 0,3 µV/d CE-M legal for trade.
Up to 1.000.000 displayable divisions with internal resolution up to 3.000.000 points.
A/D 24-bit sigma-delta conversion, up to 200 conv./sec. autoselect.
Connectable with up to 8 analogue load cells with 350 Ohm input resistance.
Management of a digitally equalised 4-cell weighing system or management of 4 independent weighing systems.
From 12 Vdc to 24 Vdc power supply; 12Vdc power adapter included, fitted with an IP68 connector.
Zeroing; Semi automatic and presettable tare, print and/or data transmission; ON/Stand-by.
High Resolution Weighing x 10; Net/Gross or lb/kg conversion; Weighs totalisation; Formulation; Counting; In/Out Truck weighing; Hold e Peak.
Simulation of key pressure; Keyboard lock.
Set Point Control on the weight, either positive (in loading) or negative (in unloading), or on the pieces (counting mode), with programmable enabling/disabling thresholds, as direct check or upon weight stability.
On all models: Reading of the net, gross, and tare weights; Clearing; Semi automatic and presettable tare; Scale switch; Setting of outputs activation thresholds.
DGT20I and DGT20IAN models: Reading of microvolts or ADC converter for all the channels; Message display; Printing; Setting of APW in counting mode; Simulation of key pressure; MODBUS serial protocol.
Analogue output proportional to the net or gross weight, either positive (in loading) or negative (in unloading).
DGT20I Indicator for table/panel mounting with 2 IN and 2 OUT. Stainless steel case, 5-key keypad, LED display, and standard weighing programme.
DGT20IAN Indicator for table/panel mounting with 2 IN, 2 OUT, analogue output. Stainless steel case, 5-key keypad, LED display, and standard weighing programme.
DGT20ISTF Kit for panel installation.
KCEM Plates and Welmec form for legal trade use of a scale. NET PRICE. Service available in combination to a Dini Argeo indicator.
MSTSLV Program for using the indicator as a repeater. It must be combined with the DFW and DGT weight indicators.
OBTPRB (S1) Thermal printer in table version. For weight indicator, with IP40 ABS case, 1,5 m connection cable and internal power adapter.
TPRP (S1) Thermal printer for panel mounting. Fitted with connection cable, 5V power supply (power adapter not included).
TPRPCAL 5Vdc power supply unit.
ALMEM (S1) Alibi memory (fiscal memory, max 120.000 weighs) for approved transmission of the weight to PC/PLC or data recording on MMC/USB. Real time clock integrated for print of the date/time. With UL marked PCB, Terminal block, plastic box and labels (if expected).
SETHDIN-1 External RS232 / RS485 to Ethernet converter. Modbus RTU / Modbus TCP/IP (if compatible). Connectable to all Dini Argeo weight indicators via the serial port. ABS case for Omega / DIN bar. With UL marked PCB, Terminal block, plastic box and labels (if expected).
RSCBUSB485 USB cable converter PC/RS485, l=1,5m. With metallic PG9 cable gland. To be combined with an indicator fitted with optional or standard RS485 output.
DFCLK (S1) Real time clock for printing/displaying of the date and time. With UL marked PCB, Terminal block, plastic box and labels (if expected).
ZBA1S Intrinsic protection three channel Zener barrier. Specific for connection to load cells, for mounting on DIN rail in a safe area, or in a hazardous-proof case. Marking: ATEX/IECEx II (1) GD [Ex ia Ga] IIC [Ex ia Da] IIIC. Manual and ATEX UE CONFORMITY DECLARATIONS (available in EN, DE, FR, ES and IT).
KZBA ATEX ABS housing kit with Zener Barrier ZBA1S for load cells. For intrinsically safe weighing systems in an explosive zone. Dimensions 180x180x150mm.Can connect up to 4 Load Cell of 350 Ohm. Marking of housing + Zener Barrier ZBA1S: ATEX II 3(1)G Ex nA [ia Ga] IIC T4 Gc (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +50°C) for gas, ATEX II 3(1)D Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T130°C Dc IP65 (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +50°C) for dust. Manual and ATEX UE CONFORMITY DECLARATIONS (available in EN, DE, FR, ES and IT).
KMB4 Kit of 3 ATEX zener barriers for load cells, in an ABS box. For up to 4 load cells of 350 ohm, for intrinsic protection weighing systems in an hazardous area. Marking of the whole box with three Zener barriers: ATEX II 3(1)G Ex nA [ia Ga] IIC T4 Gc (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C) for gas, ATEX II 3(1)D Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T130°C Dc IP65 (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C) for dusts.
DCATEXMB4 ATEX declaration of the whole for systems with zener barriers. Ex II 2GD IIC T6 T125°C X system, with relative label of whole system, for weight indicator connected to Dini Argeo zener barriers, connected to a mechanical structure with ATEX load cells (each cell must be certified with CCATEX option).
JB4QA ABS IP67, ATEX, equalisation box for up to 4 cells. 4 + 1 fairleads. Protection modes: ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIC T6 Gb for gases, ATEX II 2D Ex tb IIIC T115°C Db IP65 for dusts. Complete with manual and ATEX CE CONFORMITY DECLARATIONS (available in EN, DE, FR and IT).
JB4QAI Stainless steel IP66, ATEX, equalisation box for up to 4 cells. 4 + 1 fairleads. Protection modes: ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIC T6 Gb for gases, ATEX II 2D Ex tb IIIC T115°C Db IP65 for dusts. Complete with manual and ATEX CE CONFORMITY DECLARATIONS (available in EN, DE, FR and IT).
TECSUP Technical assistance by telephone. NET Hourly price.
TECMAN Printed technical manual. (Free, if downloaded from the web). € NET.
UMAN Printed user manual. (Free if downloaded from the web). € NET.


text:
Wooster's Fossil of the Week: Mysterious tentaculitids (Devonian of Maryland)
Mark Wilson March 3rd, 2017
The sharp little conical fossils above are common Paleozoic fossils, especially in the Devonian. They are tentaculitids now most commonly placed in the Class Tentaculitoidea Ljashenko 1957. Tentaculitids appeared in the Ordovician and disappeared sometime around the end of the Carboniferous and beginning of the Permian. These specimens are from the Devonian of Maryland.
The systematic placement of the tentaculitids has been controversial. Their straight, narrow shells are usually ornamented by concentric rings, and many had septa (thin shelly partitions) inside the cones. The microstructure of the shells is most interesting — it looks very much like that of brachiopods and bryozoans. For this reason and several others, several of my colleagues and I believe the tentaculitids were lophophorates (animals that filter-feed with a tentacular device called a lophophore). They may thus be related to other problematic tubeworms like microconchids and cornulitids (Taylor et al., 2010).
Tentaculitids from the New Creek Limestone (Lochkovian, Early Devonian) of New Creek, West Virginia.
Knowing how the tentaculitids fit into an evolutionary scheme, though, has not helped us figure out what they did for a living. The figure below, from Cornell et al. (2003), shows these funny cones in just about every lifestyle imaginable!
Cornell, S.R., Brett, C.E. and Sumrall, C.D. 2003. Paleoecology and taphonomy of an edrioasteroid-dominated hardground association from tentaculitid limestones in the Early Devonian of New York: A Paleozoic rocky peritidal community. Palaios 18: 212-224.
Taylor, P.D., Vinn, O. and Wilson, M.A. 2010. Evolution of biomineralization in 'lophophorates'. Special Papers in Palaeontology 84: 317-333.
[Originally published May 29, 2011.]


One thing I've really enjoyed about Facebook is getting in touch with friends from high school. It has been 25 years since those days, and FB has helped me learn about marriages, births of children, careers, and locales of those I ran with back then.
While most of the information I've gleaned has been pleasant, the first news from Brady about our friend Jeff, who has developed a rare disease that has life-threatening implications, was difficult to hear. My first thought? Jeff needs a card.
Another masculine card? This makes 3 this week! What kind of stamp set do you use to make a greeting for someone facing such a difficult trial? I chose Cute By the Inch, a Level 1 Hostess set. Pacific Point is a strong color--I didn't want the card to be too somber--and men like blue, right?
I used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to space the images evenly on the 4" square card base, leaving the middle open for a sentiment. I chose "The Best is Yet to Be" from Best Yet (retired) for two reasons. I wanted the card to convey encouragement and a forward focus. I also know that Jeff is a Lutheran minister, so I know that he knows that this life is not all there is, and that Heaven awaits if his time comes. I inked that in Tangerine Tango and added just a portion of each of the tile image to the corners. I matted it on TT and Daffodil Delight to infuse more cheerfulness into the greeting.
It'll take the card awhile to get to CA, but I trust it will communicate that he is being prayed for and thought of and that we remember well and value the wonderful person he is.


text:
Brigadier I. L. Bonifant
(Person)
Awarded Bar To Distinguished Service Order.
19 Battalion and Armoured Regiment
CHAPTER 19 — Cassino Fortress
23 Battalion
CHAPTER 18 — The Last Campaign
CHAPTER 6 — The Alamein Line
Chapter 14 — The Battle for Cassino
Chapter 20 — The Break-up of a Unit
28 (Maori) Battalion
CHAPTER 18 — The Last Battle
Alam Halfa and Alamein
CHAPTER 21 — The Battle is Joined
Bardia to Enfidaville
6 Brigade Advances
Italy Volume II : From Cassino to Trieste
IV: The Division Gets Ready
IV: Gate-crashing the Santerno Line
New Zealand Engineers, Middle East
CHAPTER 12 — The Turn of the Tide
The Relief of Tobruk
CHAPTER 23 — Sidi Rezegh is Lost
For several reasons, including lack of resource and inherent ambiguity, not all names in the NZETC are marked-up. This means that finding all references to a topic often involves searching. Search for Brigadier I. L. Bonifant as: "Brigadier I. L. Bonifant". Additional references are often found by searching for just the main name of the topic (the surname in the case of people).
The following collections may have holdings relevant to "Brigadier I. L. Bonifant":
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, which has entries for many prominent New Zealanders.
Archives New Zealand, which has collections of maps, plans and posters; immigration passenger lists; and probate records.
National Library of New Zealand, which has extensive collections of published material.
Auckland War Memorial Museum, which has extensive holdings on the Auckland region and New Zealand military history.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which has strong holdings in Tāonga Māori, biological holotypes and New Zealand art.
nzhistory.net.nz, from the History Group of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.


Sew a Waldorf-inspired "cuddle baby" doll from this wonderful pattern designed by Joy Chambers.
This is a pattern for a 12" doll designed for your child's first doll and so soft and cuddly it also appeals to older children. The thick cotton velour body is its play suit. Just perfect for those little hands that can't change clothes yet.
The material list is shown in an additional photo for this pattern. You can find all the supplies needed in the Doll Making section of our website or purchase a complete, custom Bright Eyes Baby Doll Making Kit.
Click the button below to add the 12" Bright Eyes Baby Pattern - Joy's Waldorf Dolls to your wish list.


Afghanistan's first online system for counter narcotics went live today, thanks to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Afghanistan Ministry of Counter Narcotics (MCN).
The interactive Afghanistan Drug Reporting System (ADRS) is expected to play an important role, as Afghan officials will have access to up-to-date data on narcotics indicators in the country, including eradication efforts, cultivation rates, drug prices and seizure incidents.
UNODC and MCN built the online system not only to capture this and other information, but also to offer trend analysis for policy development. The ministries involved in counter narcotics initiatives, along with their international partners, are expected to populate the new system, which took three years to develop.
Afghanistan is one of the world's leaders in illicit opium cultivation, with the country cultivating a record level of opium poppies last year. UNODC reported that the total area under cultivation was about 224,000 hectares, with an estimated opium production of 6,400 tons in 2014.
Mr. Avetisyan said that UNODC and MCN will continue to expand the system with additional historic data to build a complete picture of trends from the last 10 to 15 years, and then will connect ADRS with other systems in the region.
Speaking at the launch event today in Kabul, the Afghan Minister for Counter Narcotics, Salamat Azimi, said that the commencement of ADRS represents an important part of her ministry's first 100-day plan, and will be a key component for leadership and coordination in counter narcotics.


22520 Standards. – questions on economization in creative production procedures.
FARBENLEHRE: What Color Is the Sacred?
Let's Build a Library Together!
The Murmur of the Underworld.
Dieter Roth – Július Koller.
Workshop: In or Out of the Archive?


Do you know your North Node and how to work with it? If you have no idea of what we are talking about, now it is time to find out. Lunar Nodes are important aspects of our birth chart but people usually do not talk about them. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know. Stay with us!
To start talking about North Node, first we need to clarify what Lunar Nodes are. Lunar Nodes are aspects that scholars of Kabbalah and Karmic Astrology put a lot of focus on. They are also called "Dragon's Head" and "Dragon's Tail" and carry some information about our past and our future.
Lunar Nodes are imaginary points in the sky and calculated from the intersection of the arc of the Sun and the Moon. Since the cycle of the Moon takes about a month and the cycle of the Sun a year (in fact, the Earth cycle around the Sun), it is common for people of the same age to have the same Lunar Nodes.
Once you have discovered the North Node, you automatically know your South Node because the points are in exactly opposite directions. If you have North Node in Aries, you have South Node in Libra and so on. You can look for a symbol that reminds the symbol of Leo at your birth chart to find out yours.
As we said, Lunar Nodes are important aspects because they give us a path to follow in the life we experience at the moment. The North and South Node serve contrary energies that must be worked on if we want to evolve during our existence.
As the name itself says, South Node means what is behind and North Node what is in front of us. In Karmic terms, South Node would be what we were in past lives and North Node what we should be today and tomorrow.
The relation between the Nodes is very close. If you have North Node in Aries, it means that in past lives you had Libra's characteristics that were not well worked on in past lives. So now you need to find an aspect of Aries that will balance this flaw of Libra.
The North Node represents in a positive way what we should stand for in this life. Once you find out yours, take this opportunity to gain awareness of your mission and to develop some aspects you might be in need. At first, you can feel a little bit of discomfort, like every important change does. But once you manage that, you will feel that your life has a stronger purpose now.
You want to feel free but this will only happen when you do not rely on anyone to feel ok. Aries is the sign of independence and bravery even when it is alone. They disagree when they need and do not care about what others think about them. It is time to focus on you as an individual.
North Node in Taurus wants to tell you that you do not need to take things so personally. If somebody tries to pull you down, you must to stay strong and pass above it. Try to have a more practical look at life.
South Node in Sagittarius made you believe that you, only you, were right in past lives. Although you loved to learn, you might have been full of it, not letting space to other people speak. Gemini wants to teach you to not take things too seriously.
North Node in Cancer suggests that you can live with your emotions now. The time of being a machine is in the past now with South Node in Capricorn. You do not need to have everything in control to be happy and loved.
If you needed to put yourself aside in past lives, now it is your time to shine. Your challenge is to accept that you can and should be loved and appreciated. To worry about others is beautiful but to stay alive you need to take care of you too.
You were a dreamer. It is good to have happy thoughts and to dream with a perfect world, but nothing happens if you do not take action. Virgo comes in your North Node to show that you need to take things seriously and with responsibility.
If you always wanted to do everything alone and did not think you needed help, Libra comes to show you that we can learn from others influence in our lives. Respect and diplomacy are challenges that you must conquer.
Scorpio comes to bring what Taurus fears the most: change. If you dedicate yourself to develop the ability to look into your heart, suffering and reborning a new person that Scorpio has, you will feel that being linked to what is inside you is much more gratifying than material things.
There are two signs that love social contact. The difference is that Sagittarius seeks deeper connections. Gemini made you too superficial and interested in gossips in the past. Now you need to dig more and relate to other people's journey with true empathy.
It is time to be a grown-up woman (or man). South Node in Cancer detects that you had a childish attitude and were too attached to memories in past lives. Capricorn urges you to be more reasonable and practical in this life.
You were "I" and now you need to learn how to be "us". Leo is a sign very turned into "myself" and Aquarius comes to teach important values for the society like solidarity, humanity and equality. Focus on developing friendship and relations to all kinds of people.
In your past life, you were so skeptical that in this one you needed to have North Node in Pisces. Pisces is the sign of belief. They believe there is a lot upon us and are always trying to find a connection with the Divine. Do not be so perfectionist and attached to details, try to relax and be more surrendered instead.


text:
Jay Brazeau
1953-12-22 male Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Homepage
Jay Brazeau (born December 22, 1953) is a notable Canadian actor. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.His credits include voicing Richard Condie's Oscar-nominated animated short La Salla. He also appeared in two of the first season episodes of Highlander: The Series in 1992. In October 2009, he appeared as "Man in chair" in the National Arts Centre production of The Drowsy Chaperone in Ottawa. In 2009, he played a part in several scenes added for the Ultimate Cut version of Watchmen. He was a frequent co-star of Don S. Davis. Description above from the Wikipedia article Jay Brazeau, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
A Guy Thing (2003) 5.6
A Guy Thing (2003)
Paul Morse is a good guy. When his friends throw him a wild bachelor party, he just wants to keep hi
HD-RIP	The Possession (2012) 5.9
A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicio
Sex After Kids (2013) 5.3
Sex After Kids (2013)
An edgy comedy about the sexual adventures in parenthood.
I Do I Do I Do (2015) 5.8
I Do I Do I Do (2015)
An architect heads to the altar with her fiancé, unsure of her marriage and their future. She reli
HD-RIP	Far Cry (2008) 3.5
Far Cry (2008)
Jack Carver, a former member of the Special Forces takes the journalist Valerie Cardinal to an Islan


text:
Heartland TV Series | Where to watch?: 4x6
Win, Place or Show
Tim enlists Amy to ride Lightning Dexter in a big time stakes race when he finds out his girlfriend, Janice, has teamed up with the competition
Homecoming Sep. 26, 2010
What Dreams May Become Oct. 03, 2010
Road Curves Oct. 10, 2010
Graduation Oct. 17, 2010
Where the Truth Lies Oct. 24, 2010
Win, Place or Show Nov. 07, 2010
Jackpot! Nov. 14, 2010
One Day Nov. 21, 2010
Local Hero Dec. 05, 2010
Mood Swings Jan. 02, 2011
Family Business Jan. 09, 2011
Lost Song Jan. 16, 2011
The Road Home Jan. 23, 2011
Leap of Faith Feb. 13, 2011
The River Feb. 27, 2011
Never Surrender Mar. 06, 2011
Burning Down the House Mar. 13, 2011
Passages Mar. 27, 2011


text:
'Workers drive economy, not billionaires': Woman explains free market is rigged to favor the rich
Erin pointed out that the rich tended to hoard cash while working class people always spent their money, adding value to economy.
ROMEOVILLE, IL - AUGUST 01: Workers pack and ship customer orders at Amazon fulfillment center on August 1, 2017 in Romeoville, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Insert: Twitter@AlexandraErin
By sethuraman s
America is at a crossroads with the working class rising up to protest starvation wages, lack of benefits and poor working conditions. The income inequality divide is growing bigger every year and while the rich get richer, the poor are getting poorer. It wasn't supposed to be this way. The boomer generation certainly got to live out the American dream but with time, wages stagnated even as inflation rose. Politicians and business owners decried and lobbied any attempts to increase the minimum wage, leaving the working class struggling to put food on the table, and a roof over their heads. Trickle-down economics has been a colossal failure. The original reasoning was that tax breaks given to the rich would eventually trickle down in the form of reinvestment into the business and subsequently create more jobs. A study by the London School of Economics revealed that almost 50 years of tax cuts to the rich have benefitted no one but the rich, reported CBS News.
BRIESELANG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 04: A worker walks among shelves lined with goods at an Amazon warehouse on September 4, 2014 in Brieselang, Germany. Germany is online retailer Amazon's second-largest market after the USA. Amazon is currently in a standoff with several book publishers over sales conditions and prices for e-books, and hundreds of authors in the US and Europe have written letters in support of the publishers. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
While giving tax breaks has failed repeatedly, politicians are in no mood to change their ways. One concerned Twitter user, Alexandra Erin, pointed out that it was basic economics to invest in the working class rather than the billionaire class. She posted a Twitter thread explaining why and it just makes so much more sense. Here's why Erin believes the working class drives the economy and not the rich:
Conservative economists are so embarrassing. You're almost 63 years old and you still believe in the invisible hand of the free market? Okay. Most of us outgrew imaginary friends before we hit the double digits, my dude.
— Alexandra Erin (@AlexandraErin) July 22, 2018
"I'm gonna give tax breaks to big companies because they are job creators," says the hayseed of an economist.
The big company says, "Sure, kid." and pays the money out to its wealthy stakeholders, who have nothing to spend it on and pocket it.
"I helped!"
Here's some economic reality: if you can give a dollar to a billionaire or you can give it to a minimum wage worker, give it to the minimum wage worker every time.
The billionaire will still get it. Because the worker will spend it, generating economic activity.
Let's go sub-minimum wage. No wage. Give the dollar to someone who is broke. Destitute. Indigent. They'll spend it immediately, probably giving it to a business that employs minimum wage workers.
That's a dollar of business for that business. That business has taken in an extra dollar. It pays its workers in part with that dollar. The workers, making minimum wage and living paycheck to paycheck, immediately spend their wages. The dollar climbs higher up the ladder.
The dollar you gave the homeless person will keep being spent and keep climbing up the economic ladder until it comes to rest in fractions in the pockets of the wealthy investor class you wanted to give it to in the first place.
Along the way it has generated more than a single dollar's worth of GDP.
Now, you've got this keen theory that when it hits the pockets of the billionaires, they're going to invest it and it will become jobs.
Maybe you're right!
And maybe that dollar will, for the first time in recorded history, "trickle down" in any kind of meaningful fashion. It's bound to happen sooner or later, right? Right? It's got to work sooner or later!
But even if you're exactly right and the billionaire's going to do magical things with that dollar that's good for everyone, it still makes more sense to inject the money at the bottom of the economy than the top. Because it will still wind up at the top, but work all the way up.
The same people who talk about "trickle down economics" also say "a rising tide lifts all boats". But tides don't rise from above, my dudes. That's not a tide. That's rain. Rain doesn't lift boats.
Give economic relief to people who are living hand to mouth and they will immediately spend it, enriching themselves with whatever they spend it on. And the person or business they give the money to is enriched. And whoever they pass it on to is enriched.
Erin points out that the current economy starves the consumers, leaving them with no money to pump back into the economy. She also made the demarcation that it wasn't the existence of businesses that created jobs but rather the act of doing business that generated jobs.
Businesses don't create jobs.
Business creates jobs.
Businesses can't do business if they don't have customers. Customers can't do business if they don't have money. We've built a consumer economy and our great economists keep advocating we starve the consumer class.
The secret to keeping the engine of capitalism running for a million years would be: keep redistributing the money. Keep it circulating. When a dollar reaches the top kick it back to the bottom. Jeff Bezos still has his Amazon and whatnot but the money keeps moving.
There's this whole argument about whether wealth is earned or distributed but honestly it is created. That's the simple truth. The difference between wealth and mere resources is that wealth requires synergistic interactions to make the resources more than they are on their own.
And while there's certainly a tipping point where the returns vanish, allowing more interactions creates more wealth.
You don't want to literally have an ouroboros of money where billionaires keep emptying their wallets into the streets? Then just pay everybody enough money. Living wages, universal income, guaranteed jobs, however you want to do it. Put money back in circulation.
Top heavy capitalism will collapse under its own weight every time. Money has to circulate for the thing to work. And when it circulates, there's more wealth. Not just more money (that's inflation) but more wealth. More prosperity.
A recent report showed that corporations were swinging money into their pockets instead of paying their workers a sustainable wage. A report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research found that the federal minimum wage would have stood at $26 an hour today if it had kept up with the economy's productivity over the last 50 years, reported CBS News. Today, the minimum wage stands at $7.25, which means for every employee paid that much, the corporations get to pocket the difference in wages. Republicans continue to scoff at the idea of raising the minimum wage to $15 dollars, let alone $26. "We have seen that complete divorce between wages and productivity and massively increased inequality with most gains going to people at the top," said Ken Jacobs, the chair of the University of California, Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education.
Corporations right now:
🤑Laid off staff in 2020
🤑Received generous gov bailout
🤑Use myths of great resignation and labor shortage to understaff
🤑Shovel work on people that don't have a better option
🤑Use the myth of inflation to raise prices
Result? All time record profits
— Dan Price (@DanPriceSeattle) January 12, 2022
Even as companies cite inflation to increase prices, many are still reluctant to increase the wages of employees. Thousands of employees are quitting their jobs over poor pay and benefits in what has been dubbed the "Great resignation." Gravity Payments CEO Dan Price said companies who were paying a decent wage were experiencing employee retention and record-low resignations as opposed to those paying starvation wages. "Companies that are investing in employees, companies that are following that age-old norm that we know is the right thing to do, investing in your people, they're not experiencing The Great Resignation. And so, some people have called it 'a great reckoning,'" he said, reported News Nation Now.


text:
Q: Why is my RMI/IIOP java client getting CORBA MARSHAL exceptions on the Calendar class? I have a Java RMI/IIOP client connecting to a SessionBean running in Glassfish 5.1.  I am able to look up the interface and invoke methods that return primitive types.  When I try to invoke a method that returns an application object, I get the following error.  It appears that the error occurs when the CORBA/RMI code is unmarshalling a standard Java Calendar object, more specifically the TimeZone within the Calendar object.  Calendar objects are Serializable, as is my app object that contains the Calendar instance.  Any ideas???
-- looking up interface [ejb/MPSInterface]--------------------------------------------------------

areYouAlive() returned:  true

isServerBusy() returned: false

issuing login request...
Login failed: Unable to establish user session:

javax.ejb.EJBException: java.rmi.MarshalException: CORBA MARSHAL 1330446347 Maybe; nested exception is:
    org.omg.CORBA.MARSHAL: WARNING: 00810011: Exception from readValue on ValueHandler in CDRInputStream  vmcid: OMG  minor code: 11 completed: Maybe
javax.ejb.EJBException: java.rmi.MarshalException: CORBA MARSHAL 1330446347 Maybe; nested exception is:
    org.omg.CORBA.MARSHAL: WARNING: 00810011: Exception from readValue on ValueHandler in CDRInputStream  vmcid: OMG  minor code: 11 completed: Maybe
    at goesr.gs.mm.mps.msi.clientinterface._MPSInterface_Wrapper.processRequest(goesr/gs/mm/mps/msi/clientinterface/_MPSInterface_Wrapper.java)
    at goesr.gs.mm.mps.mpui.unit.CmdLineClient.login(CmdLineClient.java:47)
    at goesr.gs.mm.mps.mpui.unit.CmdLineClient.main(CmdLineClient.java:33)
Caused by: java.rmi.MarshalException: CORBA MARSHAL 1330446347 Maybe; nested exception is:
    org.omg.CORBA.MARSHAL: WARNING: 00810011: Exception from readValue on ValueHandler in CDRInputStream  vmcid: OMG  minor code: 11 completed: Maybe
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.javax.rmi.CORBA.Util.mapSystemException(Util.java:193)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.presentation.rmi.StubInvocationHandlerImpl.privateInvoke(StubInvocationHandlerImpl.java:171)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.presentation.rmi.StubInvocationHandlerImpl.invoke(StubInvocationHandlerImpl.java:110)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.presentation.rmi.codegen.CodegenStubBase.invoke(CodegenStubBase.java:196)
    at goesr.gs.mm.mps.msi.clientinterface.__MPSInterface_Remote_DynamicStub.processRequest(goesr/gs/mm/mps/msi/clientinterface/__MPSInterface_Remote_DynamicStub.java)
    ... 3 more
Caused by: org.omg.CORBA.MARSHAL: WARNING: 00810011: Exception from readValue on ValueHandler in CDRInputStream  vmcid: OMG  minor code: 11 completed: Maybe
    at com.sun.proxy.$Proxy19.valuehandlerReadException(Unknown Source)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.readRMIIIOPValueType(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:788)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_value(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:883)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_value(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:701)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_abstract_interface(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:694)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_abstract_interface(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:684)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputObject.read_abstract_interface(CDRInputObject.java:514)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.readObjectDelegate(IIOPInputStream.java:279)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.readObjectOverride(IIOPInputStream.java:431)
    at java.io.ObjectInputStream.readObject(ObjectInputStream.java:365)
    at java.util.Calendar$1.run(Calendar.java:3546)
    at java.util.Calendar$1.run(Calendar.java:3543)
    at java.security.AccessController.doPrivileged(Native Method)
    at java.util.Calendar.readObject(Calendar.java:3542)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.invokeObjectReader(IIOPInputStream.java:1727)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputObject(IIOPInputStream.java:1109)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.simpleReadObject(IIOPInputStream.java:313)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValueInternal(ValueHandlerImpl.java:274)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValue(ValueHandlerImpl.java:240)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.readRMIIIOPValueType(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:781)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_value(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:883)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputObject.read_value(CDRInputObject.java:488)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputObjectField(IIOPInputStream.java:2054)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputClassFields(IIOPInputStream.java:2296)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputObject(IIOPInputStream.java:1119)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.simpleReadObject(IIOPInputStream.java:313)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValueInternal(ValueHandlerImpl.java:274)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValue(ValueHandlerImpl.java:240)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.readRMIIIOPValueType(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:781)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_value(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:883)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputObject.read_value(CDRInputObject.java:488)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputObjectField(IIOPInputStream.java:2054)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputClassFields(IIOPInputStream.java:2296)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputObject(IIOPInputStream.java:1119)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.simpleReadObject(IIOPInputStream.java:313)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValueInternal(ValueHandlerImpl.java:274)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValue(ValueHandlerImpl.java:240)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.readRMIIIOPValueType(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:781)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.read_value(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:883)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputObject.read_value(CDRInputObject.java:488)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.presentation.rmi.DynamicMethodMarshallerImpl$14.read(DynamicMethodMarshallerImpl.java:353)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.presentation.rmi.DynamicMethodMarshallerImpl.readResult(DynamicMethodMarshallerImpl.java:452)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.presentation.rmi.StubInvocationHandlerImpl.privateInvoke(StubInvocationHandlerImpl.java:161)
    ... 6 more
Caused by: java.lang.ClassCastException: Assigning instance of class java.lang.String to field java.util.TimeZone#ID
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputClassFields(IIOPInputStream.java:2345)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputObject(IIOPInputStream.java:1119)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.simpleReadObject(IIOPInputStream.java:313)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValueInternal(ValueHandlerImpl.java:274)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.ValueHandlerImpl.readValue(ValueHandlerImpl.java:240)
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.encoding.CDRInputStream_1_0.readRMIIIOPValueType(CDRInputStream_1_0.java:781)
    ... 47 more
Caused by: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException
    at com.sun.corba.ee.impl.io.IIOPInputStream.inputClassFields(IIOPInputStream.java:2322)
    ... 52 more
closing context...
Exiting

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Over 25% of russian men die before reaching 55, a signal cause of russia's declining population and highlighting of how its place in the "bric" pantheon is unsustainable, based as it is increasingly entirely on its temporary oil prowess. The function of studies is often to ramp up the basis for action on what we already know to be true. The fact that russia men who down large amounts of vodka die very young falls, at least for me, into that category. I know this to be true from my own experience, having spent quite a lot of time in different bits of russia in the 1990s and been astounded by the cultural propensity and capacity of russian men (and it was men) to drink vodka. It was a norm to have half a largish tumbler with lunch and dinner, before even getting to serious evening drinking, where two or three can easily get through a bottle. During seminars, when my western counterparts might have popped outside for a smoke, many of the russians would bring out the hip flask and have a vodka break. A favourite trick in saunas (of which we had many) was to pour vodka rather than water on the heat, which vaporises and leaves the uninitiated wildly drunk. And my company, I should quickly admit, were of the bourgeois, reasonable, educated population, far from those you would expect to be the worst in this respect (I saw no zapoi). And for me personally, I should quickly admit, I managed just one day of trying to keep up before realising I would be absolutely doomed even trying, for while I was under the table, my colleagues and friends were happily going about the demanding daily tasks we were pursuing, seemingly unaffected bar a wry sense of humour and abandon being rather more pronounced in what is a wonderful aspect of russian culture. Though I have a slav heritage myself (see 15 sept 2013, been a while) this bit of the self is, I suppose, nurture not nature.


The review certainly isn't a glowing reception of a new primer, either. Why do teachers keep writing the same kinds of textbooks with the same tedious methodologies that have been tried and proven not to work, and why do publishers keep publishing them. I guess the answer is that they expect them to sell, but it's hard to be patient with this sort of judgment on the part of th editors and publishers. I acknowledge the desire of most beginning Greek teachers who enjoy teaching to write their own textbooks, but I abandoned that desire after seeing Funk's BIGHG and the JACT Reading Greek series. At least the BIGHG is now not far off from ready availability for the classroom. That's not an oral-aural immersion methodology, but it's aimed at reading skills and it's far, far better than the old-fashioned reading-translation methodology.
I certainly recognize the temptation of a Greek teacher to write their own textbook. A couple of times, I have even fantasized about it myself. Readings the reviews of various textbooks on BMCR, it seems a common trope that a Greek teacher is always unsatisfied to some extent with the textbook. Thus, the temptation to do it oneself.
I'm more concerned about the publishers of these textbooks. The fact of the matter is that a couple of textbooks get the major market share (esp. Mounce in seminaries) and the result struggle to be noticed. Most of the time, it's hard to differentiate between them.
A new introduction to the grammar and syntax of New Testament Greek leads one to expect a textbook that will provide, in addition to the continuation of the good practice offered by existing course books, a new didactic approach, and an awareness of recent developments in the field of linguistics, especially in the case of New Testament Greek, where syntactic and pragmatic studies have proven to be not only numerous but also extremely fruitful over the past few decades. In the light of this expectation, this textbook is slightly disappointing.
I think if that one is going to come out with a new textbook, the latest (but not faddish) developments in the field should be incorporated. For example, the new view on voice evidence in Rutger Allan's work and your own, Carl. I recognize that it is a judgment call to distinguish between faddish ideas and more constructive ideas. Also, the field should be conceived to be larger than NT Greek. There's a lot of good stuff done for Classical Greek that Biblical Greek teachers should be aware of. The review touches upon some of that.
Perhaps there needs to be more time for this scholarship (especially coming out of the Netherlands) to filter down to the rest of the field, but I cannot see the justification for yet another textbook that does not reflect an understanding of pedagogy or Greek grammar more current than that of Mounce, Croy, or Wenham/Duff.
I think if that one is going to come out with a new textbook, the latest (but not faddish) developments in the field should be incorporated. For example, the new view on voice evidence in Rutger Allan's work and your own, Carl..
I'll just note here that Rod Decker's forthcoming beginning Koine textbook teaches middle voice in terms of the newer understanding of it. So does Micheal Palmer's online beginning Hellenistic Greek textbook (http://greek-language.com/grammar/), which is still not completed.
Also, the field should be conceived to be larger than NT Greek. There's a lot of good stuff done for Classical Greek that Biblical Greek teachers should be aware of. The review touches upon some of that.
By and large I think that the only recent concern of Greek linguistics that has had any impact on the teaching of Koine is the ferment over verbal aspect. One factor in Koine pedagogy is the deliberate limitation to a synchronic view of Hellenistic Greek. I can understand this to some extent, but it seems to me that the text of the NT itself offers abundant evidence that its language is a language in flux with older and newer morphological and syntactic usages well represented in it. Moreover the approach to Hellenistic Greek seems predicated on the assumption that the students in view will never be looking at any Greek texts beyond the Greek Bible.
cwconrad wrote: By and large I think that the only recent concern of Greek linguistics that has had any impact on the teaching of Koine is the ferment over verbal aspect.
"The present tense is imperfective aspect and present time reference."
"Imperfective aspect means that the verb denotes that the action is somehow ongoing."
Before students just had to remember that "present tense" meant ongoing action & present time reference. Now they have to remember that present tense means imperfective aspect and present time reference and that imperfective aspect means "ongoing action."
(1) What aspect does the present tense have?
(2) What does perfective aspect mean?
Maybe it's just me, but I don't think I've ever put grammar metalanguage questions on my weekly quizzes.
Stephen Carlson wrote: Maybe it's just me, but I don't think I've ever put grammar metalanguage questions on my weekly quizzes.
No, and its likely most don't. I have a friend at a (not-to-be-named) seminary who has experienced this, though. The school uses graduate students for teaching 1st year Greek and his instructor is trying to be up on the recent discussions, but doesn't really know how to integrate the information in the class room well.


text:
Corporate & Tax
Legislation & Legal Counsel (Unit)
How to access city information
Marcel S. Pratt
Philadelphia City Solicitor
Marcel.Pratt@Phila.gov
Marcel S. Pratt (he/him) is the City Solicitor, the City of Philadelphia's chief legal officer. He was appointed by the Mayor on March 9, 2018, and City Council unanimously confirmed his appointment on April 19, 2018. He serves as general counsel to the Mayor and his Administration, City Council, and all City departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. He manages the City's Law Department, which employs over 215 lawyers and over 100 professional staff. The Law Department's diverse legal practice covers federal, state, and local agency litigation, commercial and real estate transactions, tax, regulatory law, social services, and legislation.
Prior to becoming City Solicitor, Marcel served as Chair of the Litigation Group at the Law Department since August 2016. In that role, he managed the 70-lawyer Litigation Group, oversaw the City's most complex legal matters, and served as lead counsel in high-stakes litigation.
Marcel spent most of his career as a commercial litigator at the national law firm Ballard Spahr LLP. His practice focused on antitrust litigation involving claims of monopolization, conspiracy, price discrimination, and other forms of anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct. His practice also included class action defense, false advertising, and intellectual property licensing disputes. In addition to his litigation practice, he advised private and public companies on the antitrust implications of large mergers and acquisitions and aided clients in obtaining pre-merger clearance from the federal government. He authored articles and frequently spoke on antitrust issues, including municipal recovery under the antitrust laws and trends in regulatory enforcement. He was also a member of the firm's Hiring Committee and its Diversity Council.
Marcel spent the first year of his legal career in a fellowship with the Civil Rights Unit of the Law Department.
Marcel is a lifelong Philadelphian; he grew up in West Philadelphia. He earned his economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he was a member of the Temple Law Review. He is also an active member of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia.
Craig M. Straw
First Deputy City Solicitor
craig.straw@phila.gov
As First Deputy City Solicitor, Craig M. Straw (he/him) is responsible for assisting the City Solicitor in the oversight and management of the Law Department. Based on his extensive litigation background, Craig provides litigation support and consultation on significant matters impacting City-wide initiatives, programs and policies.
Craig received his undergraduate and law degrees from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned his law degree while working for a City of Pittsburgh Council member, who recently retired from the Pennsylvania State Senate. After graduating from law school, Craig worked for seven years as an assistant city solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh. During his tenure with the City of Pittsburgh Law Department, he primarily handled civil rights litigation involving the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. In 2006, he joined the Civil Rights Unit of the City of Philadelphia Law Department. In 2007, Craig was named the chief deputy of the Civil Rights Unit and maintained that position until being named the first deputy city solicitor in March of 2016.
In addition to his responsibilities as first deputy city solicitor, Craig mentors aspiring and new attorneys as an adjunct professor in the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program at Temple University School of Law, judging law school moot court competitions and being a faculty member of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.
Clay Cauley
Chair, Social Services Group
clay.cauley@Phila.gov
As Chair of the Social Services Group, Clay Cauley (he/him) oversees the following units:
Child Welfare Unit
Health & Adult Services Unit
HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit
Clay joined the Law Department in September 2018 as chair. Prior to joining the Law Department, Clay was a dependency and custody master in family court in Chester County. He heard cases brought by the Department of Children, Youth and Families, as well as private petitioners. He presided over shelter care, adjudicatory, and permanency review hearings involving cases ranging from parental neglect, and physical and sexual abuse of minor children. Clay led a team to develop and pilot a successful truancy model aimed at reducing or eliminating incidents of truancy in Chester County. Prior to serving as a master in Chester County, Clay was both a dependency and a truancy master in family court in Philadelphia. As a truancy master, he worked effectively with the Philadelphia School District, the Department of Human Services and the courts to implement policy and practices to make truancy court more effective in reducing truancy in Philadelphia.
Prior to his role as a master in Philadelphia, Clay represented both children and parents in dependency proceedings in family court. In addition to representing children and parents in dependency, Clay worked in private practice representing both business owners and civil and criminal litigants. Prior to private practice, Clay was a prosecutor for the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
He previously served as an arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas and on the Zoning Hearing Board for London Grove Township.
Clay is a graduate of the Howard University School of Law and received a B.A. in Communications from West Chester University.
Diana Cortes
Chair, Litigation Group
diana.cortes@phila.gov
As Chair of the Litigation Group, Diana Cortes (she/her/ella) oversees litigation matters and supervises the following litigation units:
Affirmative & Special Litigation
Code & Public Nuisance Litigation
Prior to joining the Law Department, Diana was a litigator at Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, P.C. in its Professional Liability Department. She represented municipalities, school districts, and police officers in civil rights litigation involving excessive force, wrongful arrest, due process violations, and malicious prosecution, among other matters.
Prior to Marshall Dennehey, she was an assistant district attorney for the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, where she tried felony jury trials. She also worked in the Juvenile Division of the District Attorney's Office, where she worked with juvenile victims of sex crimes in testifying against their adult perpetrators. Before the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, Diana was an attorney at Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP in its Litigation Department. There, her practice included a wide range of commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense matters.
Diana began her legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Juan R. Sánchez of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Villanova University School of Law and Cornell University.
Diana is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group. She is also fluent in Spanish.
Valerie Robinson
Chair, Corporate Group
valerie.robinson@phila.gov
Valerie Robinson (she/her) is the chair of the Corporate and Tax Group where she is responsible for providing advice to the city solicitor, the first deputy city solicitor and other City officials on corporate (commercial, transactional, and regulatory) and tax matters. The Corporate and Tax Group consists of the following five units:
Regulatory Law
Tax & Revenue
Prior to her appointment as the chair of the Corporate and Tax Group, Valerie served as an assistant and deputy city solicitor in the Finance and Contracts Division of the Law Department and as a senior attorney in the Intellectual Property Division. She has handled a wide range of commercial transactions. That includes construction and benefits contracts, as well as municipal finance matters, commission agreements for artwork, and licenses for film, performances, and events. She served as lead counsel for the City in the papal visit and Democratic National Convention transactions. Her clients have included the Managing Director's Office; the Greater Philadelphia Film Office; the Department of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; and the City Representative's Office.
Born in New York City and raised in Michigan, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law.
Valerie is an active member of numerous social service organizations.
Andrew Richman
andrew.richman@phila.gov
Andrew Richman (he/him) serves as chief of staff to City Solicitor Marcel S. Pratt and has worked for the City of Philadelphia Law Department since 2009. He has served in his current position, as chief of staff, since January 2016.
As Chief of Staff, Andrew provides support to the City solicitor and counsels City departments on significant issues impacting City initiatives, programs and policies. He assists the Solicitor on a variety of special projects, including many cross-unit initiatives. Andrew also coordinates the department's press communications and internal communications efforts.
From 2009 to 2015, Andrew worked in the Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit, first as an assistant city solicitor and then as deputy city solicitor. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 and his law degree from Temple University in 2009.
Iveliz Crespo
Director of Professional Development, Diversity and Inclusion
iveliz.crespo@phila.gov
Iveliz R. Crespo (she/her/ella) is the Law Department's first-ever director of Professional Development, Diversity & Inclusion. Iveliz joined the Law Department in September 2018. In this role, Iveliz ensures that the department is meeting the training and professional development needs of our lawyers and staff, and reinforces our commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring, retention, and other department functions.
Prior to joining the Law Department, Iveliz worked as a civil litigator in various non-profits representing some of the most marginalized communities. She has advocated on behalf of migrant farm workers and represented them in civil rights, labor trafficking, and employment law matters. She has also represented LGBTQ clients in a variety of legal issues that stem from their sexual orientation and gender identity.
She has also developed and facilitated trainings for government officials, judges, local area non-profits and law firms on trauma-informed legal services, LGBTQ and racial competency, implicit bias, and best practices. Additionally, Iveliz provides "Know Your Rights" trainings to local area high schools and youth groups.
She currently serves on the New Jersey Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Minority Concerns and on the board of the Hispanic Leadership Association (HLA).
Iveliz is a native of Camden, NJ and a current resident of Philadelphia. She is a graduate of Rutgers Law School and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Steve Ludovico
steve.ludovico@phila.gov
Steve Ludovico (he/him) is Director of Administration for the City of Philadelphia's Law Department and has held this title since 2016.
He oversees the following departmental units:
Collectively, these units manage the department's budget and personnel.
Steve received his BSBA from Slippery Rock University in 1998. After six years in the private sector, he spent fifteen years in higher education with Ithaca College, George Mason University, The Catholic University of America, Iowa State University, and Drexel University. In 2015, Steve joined the City of Philadelphia's Office of The Managing Director as deputy administrative services director. In July 2016, Steve joined the Law Department in his current position as the Director of Administration.
In his free time, Steve enjoys playing tennis, softball and dodgeball. He was previously a board member for the Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association.
This content was last updated on March 28, 2019 by Law Department.


There has been much discussion of Bitcoin becoming the currency of the future, replacing fiat currencies such as USD, GBP or EUR. This will not happen for two simple reasons.
This problem is not solely confined to Bitcoin – there is no cryptocurrency on the market that can ever function as a replacement for traditional fiat currencies (and I would argue that the term 'cryptocurrency' is a misnomer that is not beneficial to the crypto/blockchain community more generally).
One such project that aims to tackle these issues is Radix. Formed out of a previous project (eMunie) led by Dan Hughes, Radix claims to be "the first, truly scalable, Distributed Ledger protocol for trustless systems". It does not, unlike most projects covered on FlatOutCrypto, have a blockchain. Rather it is a purely transactional database which is an entirely new distributed ledger technology that is designed to meet the requirements of the mass market and Internet of Things. It aims to scale in a manner beyond any existing blockchain technology (it claims to be able to process 100,000+ Transactions Per Second, with confirmation in 0.2 seconds), an assertion which has led to a notable public spat on Twitter with the IOTA team. It would also enable low powered devices to support the network. The team has recently released a technical whitepaper dealing with the issue of scalability.
One other major differentiator is its aim to remove volatility through controlling the supply. This essentially works by allowing an actor who wishes to buy Radix to purchase off an integrated decentralised exchange. This generates a new supply of coins for the user which is then matched in the generation of a new supply of coins for the overall market. This latter generation is distributed between all other Radix balance holders, meaning that every time the market cap of the project doubles, a user's initial holding will increase by 50% e.g. 100 Radix are purchased initially, the market cap doubles after X months, the interest is paid to the user, the user's holding is now 150.
Through this system the value of the token remains constant, but the supply – and therefore the user's holding – increases proportionally. It aims to make supply the variable, not the price. The team claims to have modelled years of Bitcoin transactions and come out with a variance of c. 3% from the initial Bitcoin value – obviously in stark contrast to the actual performance of BTC. The team is releasing an Economics whitepaper shortly which will hopefully address this system in more detail.
The project's second feature, scalability, also means that it could potentially be used as a payment method. Rather than using Visa or Mastercard services (such as Monaco, TenX or other services in the space), Radix claim to be able to run native direct debit cards (created by the user themselves if desired) that can be used with any existing point of sale terminal. If so (and with this number of claims it is always healthy to reserve caution), then the project comes could realise a dream of proponents behind cryptocurrencies initially - a means of spending cryptocurrency that would be essentially untraceable.
The team is currently running a Radix test that aims to enact all of the Bitcoin transactions ever done in under just 7 days, with their explorer viewable here.
There is no details of any proposed ICO, with Dan posting numerous times he is against the idea of a large offering, but any future developments will be posted here given the potential of the project if it can fulfil the many promises laid out.


There are good ideas and there are great ideas. And then there's the story of the businessman who stood before a judge and explained why he wanted to change his name to tyrant lizard king.
"Because the [T-Rex designation] is cooler. Also, as an entrepreneur, name recognition is important and the new name is more recognizable."
For his sake, let's hope he doesn't get arrested, because adopting a dumbass name and then getting busted always goes over well.
Unless ... this is all an elaborate ploy to endear himself to our eventual superintelligent-dinosaur overlords. In which case, I tip my hat to you, Tyrannosaurus Rex Gold. Way to play the long game.


Take the journey of a thousand Rajahs. Chai - be in awe, for this exotic blend once danced on the lips of Indian royalty. Today, it thrills beyond palaces. Ours is a fairly traded bounty of gingery warmth, cinnamon glow, cardamom zing, and a black tea lift dappled with licorice. It's magical India, in a cup.
100% organically grown and ethically sourced ingredients: Fairtrade cinnamon bark (40%), Fairtrade black tea (20%), ginger root (20%), cardamom seed (10%), licorice root.