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Woman & Child
Government letters
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Sultan Al Qasimi: women's empowerment is a national priority
Tuesday 10, December 2019 05:03 PM
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Sharjah24: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has asserted that he will personally support programmes and efforts to empower women around the world, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The Sharjah Ruler also called on entities across Sharjah to expand their initiatives to include all communities worldwide where women need support to be educated, trained and participate in the economy.
These statements came during the opening ceremony of the second Women's Economic Empowerment Global Summit (WEEGS 2019) in Sharjah Tuesday where His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi took the pledge before the summit's 1,000-plus participants.
WEEGS 2019 opened in the presence of several high-ranking government and semi-government officials in the UAE, leading UN representatives, women's empowerment advocates, business leaders, and decision makers. The two-day summit is organised by the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). The two-day event themed 'Drivers of Change' is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA.
Welcoming all attendees to the summit, which will be shining light on diverse international perspectives on the effective inclusion of women in economy, the Sharjah Ruler said: "Women are mothers, wives, sisters, peacemakers, successful professionals. They are equal partners in all walks of life; they share the same experiences as their male counterparts and should therefore never be at a position of disadvantage. This is our vision, and to achieve it all of us – men and women – must embed the principles of equity and partnership in our homes and within our values of upbringing. By doing so, we will create young advocates of social justice and gender parity who will engage with society and at the workplace in the right way and create a vibrant and continuous culture that upholds these noble principles".
"The theme of this conference 'Drivers of Change' warrants it global relevance. The 17 organisations who took the NAMA Pledge during WEEGS 2017 to enforce specific initiatives to enhance women's contributions within workplace and society are living examples of drivers bringing about effective change. The benefits of their efforts, however, did not leave their premises in Sharjah and I believe that this summit has brought us together again to create global impact. In several countries, women's realities could be significantly improved with strong direction and financial support. Thus, on behalf of WEEGS and Sharjah, I announce that I will sponsor the implementation of women's economic empowerment programmes spearheaded not only by Sharjah-based institutions, but by entities worldwide" His Highness further added.
"We all have a responsibility to maximise the outreach of empowerment efforts worldwide, especially in places where women suffer the gravest hardships. In Asia, Africa or Latin America, for instance, a sizeable percentage of girls and women are deprived of basic health care. This is why, we must go beyond the Arab world to extend our support to women around the world where they need us the most. I hereby pledge to sponsor global efforts to support women's economic empowerment, and particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where women need us to be by their side," the Sharjah Ruler concluded.
We strive to change this culture, which allows the 23% gender pay gap to exist
For her part, Her Excellency Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, said: "In Sharjah, we believe that women's economic empowerment is synonymous with inclusive community development. This is what His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah has taught us, and what his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Al Qasimi, has been promoting for decades."
"This summit not just looks at defending women's rights; we are all here to stimulate action towards changing the existing culture entrenched in families, societies, educational entities, governments and private corporations that allows or ignores gender inequity. Doing this will entail, first, recognising and believing in women's capabilities, followed by stronger legislation and policies, better education and professional opportunities," she added.
"We strive to change the culture that allows a glaring 23 percent gender pay gap to exist. We would like to change the culture that allows only 28 percent of working women around the world to have a paid maternity benefits. We seek to change the culture that forcibly orientates girls towards professions and specialisations that do not realise their ambitions or their potential. We need to make every effort to break the stifling stereotypes that severely limit the achievements of working women, and offer them the resources they need to establish the right balance between their professions and families. To attain these goals, we must assume our roles as active drivers of change," BinKaram remarked.
"The International Labour Organization (ILO) says it will take more than 200 years to achieve gender equity and bridge the pay gap. We cannot wait that long if we aspire to succeed in both economy and society – if we were to reduce poverty, establish peace and secure a more sustainable future for generations to come". Putting her words within an achievable context, BinKaram cited the UAE's and Sharjah's experience, saying: "It is not a question of time, but a question of faith, willingness, planning and continued, dedicated engagement to better women's status."
NAMA and UN Women are working together to promote gender equality
In a recorded message screened during the event, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, expressed her appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, for their unstinting support to furthering women's empowerment locally and globally.
These efforts, she said, emphasised that gender equity and women's empowerment are a national priority for the UAE. Phumzile also lauded the progress made by the NAMA – UN Women partnership in implementing the latter's flagship programme 'Stimulating Equal Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs' globally, with special focus on promoting gender-responsive procurement, increasing female entrepreneurs' access to skills and finance, targeting 25,000 women in South Africa.
"Governments and corporations worldwide spend trillions of dollars acquiring goods and services annually, and purchases made from women-owned businesses account for only 1 percent of all these procurement contracts. If we could increase this by just one more percent, that will mean at least US$ 60 – 70 more worth of goods and services procured from women-owned businesses. NAMA and UN Women are working together to promote gender equality, and I hope that the summit emphasises the importance of celebrating differences, and brings together diverse experiences onto one path of justice and equity," she added.
Women are also in the driver's seat of this future that we say we want
Her Excellency Khetsiwe Dlamini, Chief of Staff, UN Women, said: "WEEGS 2019 has been aptly titled, 'Drivers of Change', as women are also in the driver's seat of this future that we say we want. The future that the Agenda 2030 describes as being peaceful with no war, as being prosperous with no poverty, and a lasting planet that not only hosts our generation, but generations to come. NAMA, I believe, means continuous growth, and it is so appropriate to put women front and centre as NAMA does. When women grow, families grow. When families grow, nations grow. When nations grow, the world grows. Women are at the heart of all meaningful and sustainable progress."
I am glad we are all here at this summit to give birth to this new world where all women will be empowered," she added, highlighting that the UAE is a Gulf Region leader when it comes to establishing gender equality as a norm. "The UAE boasts 70 percent of its graduates as women. This is unheard of, and the starting point of any progress, we know, is education. Women make up 50 percent space sector employees and 25 percent cabinet ministers in the UAE. Women-owned businesses contribute over 10 percent to the national economy."
Mentioning the importance of gender-responsive procurement as a driver of women's economic empowerment, Dlamini emphasised, "We are proud to be partnered with NAMA to make sure that women get a share of business from governments and private businesses."
A video encapsulating the achievements of 17 local and international organisations who took the NAMA Pledge during WEEGS 2017, adopting and implementing at least two of the eight Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), set by the UN Women and the UN Global Compact, to ensure women's economic empowerment. The opening ceremony concluded with the Sharjah Ruler honouring these organisations for the progress they have made over the past two years in successfully reviewing their practices and developing new policies to achieve women's empowerment, supporting women's access to senior management positions based on gender equity, enhancing their opportunities for learning, training and professional development.
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I think by the end of all these Switzerland posts – you are all going to think I should move! haha. Trust me I've thought about that too. Well, here we go again, today I share what is possibly our favorite day in Switzerland.
The Jungfrau region is easily accessible from Lauterbrunnen Valley which is where we were staying. But you can also just hop on a train from Lucerne and make it a longer trip. I highly recommend this day trip for people who don't ski because it gives you high altitude views that only folks who do winter sports might come close to getting. Regardless if you ski or not, this is a must – but since most people come to this region to ski and Thomas and I don't know how to (after this trip, I have been giving learning serious consideration ) we found this day trip perfect for us.
So what's the big deal? The Jungfrau region is the highest place you can visit by train in Europe. It is 3454 meters above sea level which is VERY high – let's just say that its higher than Machu Picchu! The train ride is beautiful and on a clear day, you get the most incredible views. We couldn't stop taking photos!
Check the weather before you decide to buy tickets. The tickets cost 189 Swiss Francs per person so not very cheap – you might as well make it worth it! We waited until the same day to buy tickets because the weather changes very fast and we wanted to be sure. Tickets don't really sell out (but always double check ).
Take the second or third train up, if you can. I don't love crowds and this is a big attraction so tons of people book it. Thomas and I made sure we were on the 9 AM train to avoid large crowds and boy was I happy we did that! We were able to take pictures without having to wait around for people to move etc. and it was just a better experience.
Avoid eating at the restaurants inside the Jungfrau stop – they seem very touristy. Instead, wait until you head back and stop at Kleine Scheidegg to eat. We grabbed food at the Eigernordwand restaurant and sat outside – the views were amazing because it faces one of Switzerland's most famous mountains – the Eiger!
Make sure you sit on the RIGHT side on the train when heading to up – it has the best views – trust me on this.
If you are traveling throughout Switzerland by train then it might be worth looking into the Swiss Travel Pass because you get a discount on this tour with it as well.


This photograph was taken in India and shows a wooden screen placed across a window. There are many beautiful designs decorating windows, walls, floors and ceilings in buildings in India.
Try copying this design onto some grid paper turned around a quarter turn, like in the picture below. Here are the first few steps to get you started - or maybe you can see a different way to do it.
Can you complete the design? Try making up your own now.


We told you HERE that the City of Orlando was looking to launch new Rideshare Hubs as part of a more effective way to manage late-night crowds leaving the Downtown corridor. Now City staff is asking City Council to approve the use of the public right-of-way for the use of food trucks as a key part of their strategy.
City Council is the only body that can authorize vendors on rights-of-way/street parking spaces, so they are being asked to update the City's current Mobile Food Vending policy and streamline the permitting process in certain areas, as seen below.
On-street parking rates for food trucks is expected to be billed at twice the normal hourly rate during Rideshare Hub operating hours. Other requests for the hubs is the addition of more trash receptacles, more public seating, and providing additional cleaning, maintenance, and security.
If approved at the April 22 City Council meeting, the modified Mobile Food Vending program is expected to launch on May 3 with a pilot length of one year, with the opportunity to extend the program in two, one-year increments.
The Rideshare Hub pilot project is expected to launch by the end of April and through the next six months.


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Extell Development Company is an American real estate developer of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use properties. Founded in 1989 by Gary Barnett, the company's portfolio exceeds 20 million square feet. The company has between 125 and 150 employees. Prior to 2005, it was known as Intell Management and Investment.

According to a survey conducted by The Real Deal, Extell is the most active builder in Manhattan, with at least 11 active projects totaling 5.7 million square feet. Extell is known for kickstarting the "Billionaires' Row" towers below Central Park, and for constructing a number of different buildings on the Upper East Side, in Manhattan.

In 2013, Extell came under fire in the New York Post and Gawker Media for building separate entrances for rich tenants and poor tenants in one or more of their Manhattan high-rise buildings.

Properties
Notable properties owned or developed by the company are:
 50 West 66th Street
 995 Fifth Avenue
 Central Park Tower
 One Manhattan Square
 One Riverside Park
 One57
 Riverside South, Manhattan
 The Ariel
 The Orion
 W Times Square

References

External links

American companies established in 1989
Real estate companies of the United States
Companies based in New York City

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Service Finder: Endeavour Foundation - Support Program
Support group service, ROCKHAMPTON, QLD 4700
Support group service
Disability information and referral service
Disability advocacy service
162 Alma Street, ROCKHAMPTON, QLD, 4700
W: Visit website www.endeavour.com.au
Additional Information: Endeavour - Rockhampton is one of Endeavour Foundation's Business Services. Our Business Services provide safe and supportive workplaces for people with an intellectual disability which enables them to develop skills and abilities in order to reach their full potential. We provide a suitable level of employment assistance to allow growth and development. We offer opportunities for people to set their own employment goals and assist them to achieve those goals within the day-to-day activities of the business service. All supported employees undertake comprehensive wage assessments on a regular basis so that wages are aligned with the individual's competency and productivity. Endeavour provides real jobs, which comply with all industrial relations legislation and the Disability Services Act 2002
Additional Information: Endeavour Foundation - Central Queensland is dedicated to providing services and support to people with a disability. We also take responsibility to proactively educate and engage the broader community and as an advocate, to provide a 'voice' for people with a disability and their families. Available services include Accommodation Services (Residentials; In-home support); Non vocational Day Services (Adult Training Support Services; Post School Services; Latch-On - a post school program for adults with an intellectual disability); Lifestyle Support (Drop-in support to enhance independent living options; Life skills training; Community access to recreational, social and educational activities); and Advocacy Services (Endeavour assists service users in self-advocacy. Assistance is provided to people to help them speak for themselves and provide regular training sessions, meetings, client representation, and consultation about decisions, which will affect them. Endeavour is committed to assisting people with a disability and their families to voice their interests and concerns)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Real and raw "we all bleed red" punk rock from Derby. Featuring the vocal skills of Carl Lander with bass guitar performed by Luke Mcloughlin and guitars & drums (respectively) by the pair of Rich & James Burnett (Father and son perhaps? One would assume as much given the young looking drummer of this UK act!). Special thanks/shout-out to Stereo Killer for tipping me of to this free download (link below) which (warmly enough) reminds me of the old "basement days" when both the feedback and the fuzz was soaked up under the cover of lot's of (cheap beer) foam! All I've got in me to ask is this then. "Got any more mates?".


Risk Management will value and care for the City's most valuable asset, City Employees, and will serve as a partner with City Departments empowering them to fulfill their mission of providing excellent City services.
Risk Management administers the City's self-funded Workers' Compensation, General Liability, and Auto Liability programs, manages the City's portfolio of insurance coverages including Property and Public Entity Liability, and serves as a resource to City Departments on issues of loss prevention and control. All claims involving the City of Lawrence are handled by the Risk Management Division.
The City of Lawrence's auto liability program is both self-funded/insured and self-administered by the Risk Management Division of the Administrative Services Department. Risk Management provides claims adjusting for all auto claims filed against the City and on behalf of the City. The program is compliant with requirements for self-insured municipalities as determined by the Kansas Insurance Commission and applicable Kansas Statutes. Accidents involving City vehicles are investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and the Risk Management Division.
The City of Lawrence's general liability program is both self-funded/insured and self-administered by the Risk Management Division of the Administrative Services Department. Risk Management provides claims adjusting for all general liability claims filed against the City and on behalf of the City.
The safety of employees, the public, and city services are most important.
Safety must take precedence over expediency or shorts cuts.
Accident prevention is everyone's job, and all City Employees are expected to demonstrate personal responsibility by taking actions to reduce the chance of accidents and injuries.
The goal of the City of Lawrence's Workers' Compensation program is to provide consistent and quality case management and medical care to injured City Employees allowing them to return to productivity in the workplace and their personal lives as quickly as possible. Employees will be treated fairly, openly, and honestly in compliance with Kansas Workers' Compensation laws and regulations.
The City of Lawrence's Workers' Compensation program is both self-funded/insured and self-administered by the Risk Management Division. The Risk Management Division provides case management and claims administration for all injured City Employees. Insurance coverage for claims exceeding the City's self-insured retention is procured as required by Kansas Statutes. The program is approved annually by the Kansas Department of Labor, Division of Workers Compensation, Self-Insurance/Business and Accounting Section.
Under Kansas Workers' Compensation Statutes, medical care is provided and directed by the employer. Risk Management is responsible for the coordination and authorization of medical services provided by the City's Medical Director, Dr. Chris Fevurly, at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Business Health Center at 345 Maine Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Dillons pharmacies are currently contracted to provide prescribed medication for the treatment of work related injuries.
City Employees with questions regarding Workers' Compensation should contact the Risk Management Division or view the City's Employee Intranet Website. Questions regarding Kansas Workers' Compensation Law may be directed to the Kansas Division of Workers' Compensation Ombudsman/Claims Advisory Section.


I am a graphic designer from Sherborne in Dorset. Pastel Designs my creative outlet, where I can really use lots of love and sparkles!
My other company, F&R Designs Limited, is my serious side! Which offers a range of design and printing services along with creating websites.
I have undertaken a lot of research in stationery design, I have seen a lot of disasters (mainly on Facebook) but also a lot of beautiful designs.
I have also looked at the quality of the paper and cardstock, I use only the highest quality, your special day is important to me I would like you to return time and time again.
So taking all of the above into consideration I wanted to price correctly, I might not be the cheapest but I can promise you the quality and love that goes into creating your personal stationery, there will never be another or your bespoke design and that is a promise.
If you have any questions or would like to work with me please contact me, I look forward to hearing from you.
I have myself been married for 18 years and have 2 beautiful children. We live in the South West of England in a little town called Sherborne, Dorset. I think Sherborne is well known for the private schools and the quaint little-cobbled street full of independent shops.
I have been primarily working word of mouth, for which I have a lovely selection of clients. When thinking about Pastel Designs it is the 'girly' side of me coming out, however, don't be put off if 'girly' is not your style as my stationery has a broad feel, from florals to the luxury of foiling.
To keep prices down, some of our products may require a bit of assembly, such as the wedding sets with invitation wraps and the envelope liners. We would be happy to do this for you for an extra charge, or you can use it as an excuse to get the bridesmaids round and open the prosecco!
Please be aware that colours and textures displayed on screen may not exactly match how they will look when printed so a slight tolerance should be allowed for.
We want you to be 100% happy with your order so if for any reason you are not, please tell us so we can fix it. If you are, please tell your friends.


Let's keep our options open. Also their skulls.
The Hybridfication is an E-tech sniper rifle manufactured by Hyperion. The Hybridfication is obtained randomly from any suitable loot source.
The Hybridfication consumes 2 ammo per shot and, like all Hyperion weapons, features reduced recoil the longer it is fired. The Hybridfication's shots will ricochet once off of a surface and pierce enemies.
Hybridfications, being E-tech weapons, suffer from a reduced critical hit damage modifier. Because of this they do roughly half the damage on a critical hit when compared to a same-level, same-brand purple-rarity sniper rifle, and using double the ammunition to do so.
Longbow - Legendary e-tech incendiary scopeless sniper rifle that fires slow moving projectiles shaped like Minecraft styled arrows.


sjhoward.co.uk » Why is this container so radioactive?
Weekend read: Why is this container so radioactive?
I'm featuring another health-related Wired feature this week: a fascinating article about the investigation surrounding a mysterious radiation-emitting shipping container which reached port in Genoa, Italy. It's a really brilliant bit of writing.
This 1,787th post was filed under: Weekend Reads.


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Issue Notes from the Editor
From the Chairperson: EAS 101 — Our Structure, Voice and Needs
How Did I Get to Where I am Today? My 50-Plus Years of Being an Entrepreneur - Part I
Managing Time: A Framework for Making Smarter Choices with How You Spend that Time
Started, or Thinking of Starting, a Business: What We Heard from You!
Actuaries Starting a Business: An Interview with Chris Hause of Hause Actuarial Solutions
Actuaries Starting a Business: An Interview with Phil Gold of GGY
by Nick Ortner and Carlos Sanchez-Fuentes
One of the goals of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section is to assist actuaries with starting a business—to that end, we sought input from business creators to help guide fellow entrepreneurs. The following article synthesizes and summarizes the responses and feedback provided to a number of the questions asked.
A few questions were more of a factual nature. The results follow:
Did you go alone or work with others?
More than half of the respondents had no partners.
If you had partners, was their expertise of a similar nature or complementary to yours?
When partners were involved the expertise was always complementary.
Have you ventured into non-traditional actuarial areas, either with or without the assistance of additional experts?
The respondents were split almost evenly. It seems that actuarial entrepreneurs are willing to explore new frontiers.
Would you do it all over again?
No regrets. Everybody would do it again.
The second type of question delved into starting and sustaining a business, probing further on the use of actuarial skills in an entrepreneurial context, highlighting the upsides and downsides of owning a business, and facing current and emerging challenges:
How did you get started as an entrepreneur (drivers, motivations, etc.)?
The process of getting started encompassed the following:
A passion for entrepreneurship that percolated for a period of time before opportunity and/or necessity (job change/loss, corporate structure becoming too redundant and/or stifling, and/or nearing "retirement age" but not quite ready to completely retire) drove the individual to action; and
Repeated encouragement from clients, colleagues and/or family and friends to "start a business" (even if they just started something small on the side) and/or "go on their own."
Was an actuarial background all that was primarily needed to become a successful entrepreneur, or did you discover a requirement for additional complementary skills (business or otherwise)? Please explain.
As you might expect, an actuarial background was merely one important element for success—other important elements in successful entrepreneurship include:
Prospecting and networking—you must commit time and energy to the sales, marketing and people-networking process to keep the pipeline of business full and moving, with IT and website design cited by multiple respondents as being tied into optimizing the sales and prospecting process;
Accounting/finance and administrative skills, coupled with familiarity with emerging software and technology, are important in managing the day-to-day business; and
Actuarial analytic abilities were cited by multiple respondents in terms of using those skills to best assess whether outsourcing certain projects or tasks made sense, and where outsourcing made the most sense.
What have been the biggest upsides and/or pleasant surprises in being an entrepreneur?
Many of the responses here aligned with answers to the question, "Would you do it all over again?" focusing on the following themes:
A sense of satisfaction and personal accomplishment;
Flexibility and freedom to choose clients and projects; and
The willingness of networks (including former colleagues and clients) to direct business their way.
What have been the biggest downsides and/or unexpected barriers to being an entrepreneur? What are your biggest current challenges?
Emerging themes to these two questions were along the following lines:
Resources: In a new business, assistance with elements such as HR, IT and/or website development, legal, and day-to-day administration is often unavailable. Entrepreneurs routinely ask themselves, "Should I learn and do this myself (which will cost me time), or should I hire/outsource these tasks (which will cost me money)?"
Demands of the sales process: entrepreneurs have to be prepared to commit time and energy regularly to business prospecting. They need to understand who the decision makers are and recognize that converting relationships to sales can take longer than might have been expected.
What looms as potential future challenges?
Common themes in response to this question included:
The general economic environment represents an ongoing struggle as clients' budgets are tight, even if there is an acknowledged need for work to be done;
Specific challenges in areas of practice such as health (given the impact of reform) and pensions (with defined-benefit (DB) plans less prominent) loom, and how to adapt to changes in future demands; and
Striking a balance between [i] growing the business/maintaining revenue streams moving, and [ii] recognizing that not every potential client/project is a good fit with your business and marketing plan.
What would you do the same? What would you do differently?
Answers to the "same" question revolved around two themes: "I'd do everything, or pretty much everything, the same" and "Simplify processes and day-to-day administration as much as possible with selective outsourcing." Additional feedback encouraged entrepreneurs to use a targeted approach to marketing that maximizes one's unique expertise.
Answers to the "different" question also primarily revolved around two themes: [i] Leverage the use of technology to manage your business without the need for additional manpower; and [ii] Invest more in branding yourself and your partners. A few responses also urged entrepreneurs to be cautious to fully separate from prior employers before kicking off notification and marketing efforts to potential clients and to seek legal assistance if you have unanswered questions.
With a plan in hand for how to run the business, coupled with a baseline understanding of your potential market and a commitment to the sales and relationship-building process, your chances for a successful plunge into the world of entrepreneurship increase. An actuarial education must be complemented with a strong and growing network, solid business sense, and additional and ongoing learning.
In the November 2012 edition of The Independent Consultant, we'll discuss the results from the three survey questions that focused more specifically on the actuarial education system and what role that system does, could, and/or should play in the world of entrepreneurship.
Nick Ortner, FSA, MAAA, is product development manager—Group Markets for National Guardian Life Insurance Company in Madison, Wis. He may be reached at njortner@nglic.com or 608.443.5280.
Carlos Sanchez-Fuentes, FSA, MBA, M.S., is vice president and chief actuary at Delta Dental of Rhode Island. He may be reached at carlos_fuentes@aya.yale.edu.
Copyright © Society of Actuaries
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France is the cradle of European distillation, dating back to the 1200s. By 1918, the artistry and technical expertise of the distiller's art became the focus of a series of eight books created by the leading publisher of technical and scientific knowledge in France: Encyclopédie-Roret.
This particular volume, Distillateur Liquoriste, discloses the formulae and production methods for ingredients that many of today's craft bartenders are exploring. Dozens of recipes are found in here for: syrups; tinctures; botanical oils; non-alcoholic distilled waters; liqueurs and crèmes in the French, Dutch, German, Italian, British, and American styles; liqueurs hygiénique including Raspail and Arqubeuse recipes; ratafias; vermouths; hypocrisy; and punches.
An untapped wealth of inspiration can be found for making proprietary house ingredients.


When Stanford beat USC 24-23 Saturday night in Los Angeles, it not only pulled off the biggest upset of this college football season, it pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history.
Much to the delight of Cal fans, of all people.
USC came into the game unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the country in the USA Today coaches' poll. It was No. 2 behind Louisiana State in the Associated Press media poll and had won 35 consecutive home games, the longest such streak in the country. Las Vegas oddsmakers had established USC as a 41-point favorite over Stanford, which had lost three of its first four games and was without its starting quarterback, T.C. Ostrander.
But Stanford pulled out the win by coming back from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The thrilling final drive was led by a sophomore quarterback making his first college start. The winning touchdown was scored by a senior receiver who just two weeks ago was on bereavement leave after the death of his father.
"After tonight, we don't care who we play," Stanford linebacker Clinton Snyder said. "We now know the only people who can beat us is us."
Stanford's Tim Sims celebrates after the Cardinal upset Southern California, 24-23, in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007.
Stanford's stunning victory under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh had direct ramifications for its archrival, Cal, which was ranked No. 3 in the country and may move up to No. 2 today as a result of USC's loss.
The Cardinal's victory probably left Cal fans glued to their television sets - when Stanford completed its victory Saturday evening, Florida was leading LSU by 10 points late in the third period. An LSU loss might have elevated Cal to the No. 1 ranking for the first time since 1937. However, LSU went ahead by scoring a touchdown with 1:09 left in the game and beat Florida 28-24.
That did not diminish the magnitude of Stanford's upset. Stanford was 1-11 last year and had lost to Arizona State 41-3 last week. What little chance it had of beating USC seemed to disappear when Ostrander had a seizure last Sunday in a Palo Alto restaurant, requiring that he be kept out of Saturday's game as a precaution.
He was replaced by third-year sophomore quarterback Tavita Pritchard, who was making his first collegiate start and had attempted just two passes all season, completing one.
Nonetheless, Pritchard led the Cardinal on their game-winning drive, which started at the USC 45-yard line with 2:50 left.
"It hasn't set in yet," Pritchard said. "I'm beside myself. I don't know what to do."
The winning score came on a 4th-down play from the USC 10-yard line, when Pritchard completed a pass to a leaping Mark Bradford with 49 seconds left. Bradford's father died two weeks ago, after watching his son play against Oregon, and Bradford had missed an entire week of practice as a result.
The win over USC probably ranks as Stanford's greatest upset ever and rivals the biggest college football upsets of all time. A victory by a 41-point underdog is believed to be the largest point-spread reversal ever.
Already this season, college football had had two major upsets. Appalachian State, which plays in the Division I Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA), beat Michigan, then ranked No. 5, in the first week of the season. Two weeks ago, Syracuse, which had lost decisively in its first three games, beat No. 18 Louisville 38-35 on the road.
But Louisville was only a 361/2-point favorite over Syracuse, and Appalachian State had won the past two national championships in its division, albeit a lower one.
In 1990, Stanford authored one of college football's biggest upsets when the Cardinal, then 1-3, beat No. 1 Notre Dame 36-30. Coincidentally, that game was also played on Oct. 6.
-- Stanford was a 41-point underdog.
-- Stanford lost 41-3 at home to Arizona State last Saturday.
-- Stanford lost 42-0 at home to USC last year.
-- Stanford was 1-11 last season.
-- USC was 11-2 last season.


text:
I am an independent researcher specializing in urban policy, data governance, public sector transformation and social entrepreneurship.
I recently completed a Masters in Environmental Studies at York University, where I completed the Planning Program (accredited by OPPI/CIP). My research examined the implications of smart cities and 'big data', with a special interest in the GTHA and Pakistan. My Major Paper was on big data and urban planning in Pakistan, featuring a case study of the Urban Unit, and was selected for the Outstanding Paper Series, one of only two urban planning papers to be nominated.
At York, I also created and led the Emerging Asian Urbanisms series, and was a Graduate Associate at the City Institute and the York Centre for Asian Research. I also served as Graduate Student Advocacy officer for the student group Accessibility, Community and Equity.
I've spent the last seven years working with social enterprises and nonprofits, specializing in community engagement, network weaving, business supports for startups, and social finance. Most of this work has dealt directly with urban challenges, particularly barriers to employment. Some of it has involved working in international development (in Central and South Asia) and environmental sustainability.
Previously, I completed a Certificate in Public Policy and Administration at Ryerson University in Toronto after completing a Bachelors in Business Administration (honors) at the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi, Pakistan.
I am also currently the President and Treasurer of the Board of the Tessellate Institute, a charity that explores the lives of Muslims in Canada, and have a long track record of engaging with development initiatives in Pakistan (most recently, with Karachi Public Library Project).
LinkedIn | Twitter


text:
Russia Orders 'Special Military Operation' In Ukraine
Published 11 months ago
(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "special military operation" in Ukraine early Thursday, a chilling announcement that was immediately followed by reports of explosions across Ukraine, propelling the country into war after months of massive Russian troop buildups.
Russia launched the operation in response to calls for assistance from Russian-backed separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine, Putin claimed in a speech aired on Russian television.
CNN reported explosions were audible from Ukraine's capital of Kyiv and the eastern cities of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk after Putin's speech.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that Putin has "launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine."
In a statement issued on its website, Ukraine's State Border Guard said the country was also facing an attack along its northern borders by Russian troops with support from Belarusian forces.
In brief video shared on Facebook, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law across the whole territory of Ukraine while urging the country's citizens to not panic.
Putin called on Ukrainians to lay down their weapons and insisted he doesn't want to occupy the country, claiming the military action is designed to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine.
Putin's speech also included an ominous warning that he will bring to justice "those who have committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including citizens of the Russian Federation."
The Russian leader also issued a stern warning against any international opposition to the move, stating any attempts to impede Moscow's actions "let alone create threats for our country" will lead to consequences "never seen in history."
CHIEF CRITIC
In a statement, U.S. President Joe Biden denounced Putin's actions and vowed to impose additional sanctions for the "needless act of aggression" on Ukraine. "President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering," Biden said. "Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way."
CRUCIAL QUOTE
In a statement issued after a call with Zelenskyy, Biden said "I condemned this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. I briefed him on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation…Tomorrow, I will be meeting with the Leaders of the G7, and the United States and our Allies and partners will be imposing severe sanctions on Russia.:
SURPRISING FACT
Putin launched the attack during an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council in New York called to deal with the Ukraine crisis. Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations, denounced Russia's actions in a fiery speech: "There is no purgatory for war criminals. They go straight to hell," he said. Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya—who currently serves as the Security Council's chair—responded by denying that Russia declared war, insisting Putin's "special military operation" is somehow distinct from a war.
Shortly before Putin announced the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a final plea for peace in a late-night speech. Zelenskyy said he attempted to contact Putin, but the Kremlin didn't respond.
Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a tense relationship since 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, an area roughly the size of Vermont whose 2.4 million inhabitants are mostly ethnic Russians. Russian troops and military hardware were also deployed eight years ago in support of separatists in the Donbas, an area of Ukraine bordering Russia, though the Kremlin officially denied participating in the conflict. In December, Russia moved about 100,000 troops close to its border with Ukraine, a number that swelled to more than 150,000 by last week according to the U.S., prompting the White House to warn that Russia could launch an attack justified by a "false-flag" operation portraying Ukraine as the aggressor. Violations of a ceasefire in the Donbas have become more frequent over the last week, a trend U.S. officials viewed as an attempt by Russia to create a pretext for war. On Monday, Putin said Russia will recognize the independence of Ukraine's partially separatist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and accused Ukraine of military aggression, a move the White House called a likely prelude to invasion, though the Kremlin has dismissed concerns about a Russian invasion of Ukraine as "madness and scaremongering." American and European officials have searched for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but Russia has continued to push for Ukraine to be barred from joining NATO, a demand the U.S. and its allies have not accepted.
Reactions from Western governments. The U.S. and its allies' responses to Russian aggression so far have ranged from supplying the Kyiv government with weapons to halting the activation of Nord Stream 2, an $11 billion natural gas pipeline connecting Russia to Germany—a move that threatens to deprive Russia of tens of billions of dollars in natural gas revenue. NATO announced January 24 that member states had sent ships and fighter jets to Lithuania and Bulgaria in response to the crisis. Though U.S. troops have been deployed to Eastern European NATO allies, Biden has ruled out the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to defend Ukraine or to evacuate Americans, arguing a clash between U.S. and Russian troops would spark "a world war."
By Joe Walsh, Forbes Staff
By Zachary Snowdon Smith, Forbes Staff
Related Topics: #Africa, #Coronavirus, #Coronavirus Outbreak, #Coronavirus Pandemic, #COVID-19, #Featured, #Nato, #News Letter, #newsletter, #Nigeria, #Russia, #South Africa, #Ukraine, #Vladimir Putin.


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Овиново — деревня в Великолукском районе Псковской области России. Входит в состав сельского поселения «Черпесская волость».

Расположена на крайнем севере района, на правом берегу реки Ловать, в 60 км (или в 71 км по дорогам) к северу от райцентра Великие Луки и в 19 км к северу от волостного центра, деревни Черпесса.

Население
Численность населения деревни по состоянию на 2000 год составила 2 жителя, на 2010 год — постоянных жителей не было.

Примечания

Ссылки
 Сайт Великолукского района. Черпесская волость

Населённые пункты Великолукского района


Rue 107 New York • BLACK American MADE - BAM!
Rue107 is a New York based contemporary women's wear lifestyle brand. With beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, our mission is to create whimsical, fun, and statement-making clothing and swimwear for women who want to express their unique personality through their wardrobe. At the core of our business lies a foundation of celebrating sisterhood, individuality, and our customer's right to always express themselves in their own unique and authentic way. We are here to celebrate you at every occasion, every achievement, and every step of your evolution into the amazing woman that you are.


Achema is a world forum and the leading show for the process industries held every three years in Frankfurt, Germany. In 2015, the event attracted almost 130,000 visitors from more than 100 countries and is considered one of the most visited shows in this field. Exhibitors from all around the world specialised in solutions and equipment in the pharmaceutical industry come to Achema.
Brinox has attended Achema since 2006 and was present this year as well. We presented our latest solutions for process systems in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry.


The maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for 2018 will be $55,900—up from $55,300 in 2017. The new ceiling was calculated according to a CPP legislated formula that takes into account the growth in average weekly wages and salaries in Canada.
Contributors who earn more than $55,900 in 2018 are not required or permitted to make additional contributions to the CPP.
The basic exemption amount for 2018 remains $3,500.
The employee and employer contribution rates for 2018 will remain unchanged at 4.95%, and the self-employed contribution rate will remain unchanged at 9.9%.


So, when I'm ringing out a customer and the transaction is complete, I tend to make a closing statement. One that I use frequently is, "You're all set, have a great day!"
Yesterday, I said this to a customer, to which he sarcastically replied, "Oh yeah? And what is it that I'm all set for?" Ugh, whatever. What I wanted to say was GFY, but I didn't.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: WHY do people go out of their way to be rude? It takes more effort to be a jerk than it does to be a pleasant person.


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Home > Insight on Research > Insights into how KAP1 silences viral origin DNA in our genomes
Insights into how KAP1 silences viral origin DNA in our genomes
Published on 10 July, 2019
Crystal structure of KAP1. Inherited retroviral DNA and other transposable elements account for over half of the human genome. Gene expression from transposable elements is tightly regulated by KAP1. © University of Cambridge.
Our genome contains DNA from ancestral retroviral infections. These stretches of DNA are not usually harmful unless the cell's normal ability to regulate them is lost, then their expression can potentially lead to disease. Yorgo Modis' group, in the University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit at the LMB, have solved the structure of a master regulator of integrated retroviral DNA, KAP1, providing mechanistic understanding into the function of KAP1 in silencing retroviral insertions.
Many viruses, including HIV and other retroviruses, can integrate their DNA into our DNA after infecting our cells. As viruses have likely been evolving alongside their hosts since the origin of life on Earth, retroviral DNA inherited from ancestral infections accounts for approximately 10% of our genome. Interestingly, although we tend to only think of viruses as being pathogens, our long co-existence has led to some instances of virally derived DNA developing useful functions within our cells. For example, some genes involved in development of the placenta and certain DNA sequences that regulate the differentiation of stem cells into specialised cells are derived from viral genes. However, many virally-derived regions must be tightly regulated to restrict their proliferation and prevent toxic gene expression. KAP1 is the primary regulator of these retrovirus insertions.
Guido Stoll, a PhD student in Yorgo's group, used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the part of KAP1 that recognises integrated viral DNA at atomic-level detail. KAP1 regulates gene expression as an epigenetic repressor, which involves putting a chemical label on the DNA that makes it less likely to be expressed. Yorgo's group were able to confirm which specific parts of the surface of KAP1 were functionally required for epigenetic silencing. This involved introducing mutations affecting particular parts of the surface through which KAP1 is recruited to viral DNA and measuring a loss of KAP1 silencing activity in a cell-culture assay. These findings will serve as the basis for expanding our mechanistic understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms used to silence genomic sequences of viral origin.
Due to their mutagenic nature, virus-derived DNA fragments that have been integrated into the human genome have the potential to cause disease (via retrotransposition events) if they escape repression. Retrotransposition events can disrupt protein coding sequences, and retrotransposon activity is associated with a range of diseases, including cancer, haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, a form of age-related macular degeneration known as geographic atrophy, and lupus. An improved understanding of how KAP1 functions in healthy individuals could suggest new strategies for treatment of these diseases. In the longer term, these structures could aid with the design of small molecule drugs that inhibit or modulate the expression of genes in retrovirally-derived sequences.
The work was funded by the Wellcome Trust, MRC and BBSRC.
Structure of KAP1 tripartite motif identifies molecular interfaces required for retroelement silencing. Stoll, GA., Oda, S-I., Chong, Z-S., Yu, M., McLaughlin, SH., Modis, Y. PNAS [Epub, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901318116 ] Yorgo's group page


2016 IRMCA Scholarship Program - Manatts, Inc.
We are pleased to announce that in 2016, the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association will again offer IRMCA Scholarships and the Jerry Woods IRMCA Scholarship to qualified college students. The amount of each scholarship will be determined annually by the IRMCA Scholarship/Educational Outreach Committee. Preference is given to applicants who have immediate family working for an IRMCA member. In 2015, the IRMCA awarded thirteen scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to deserving students.
You may download details of the 2016 IRMCA Scholarship Program from the links provided above, which include the IRMCA Scholarship application and the Jerry Woods IRMCA Scholarship application. Home office personnel may choose to post the flyer (or make copies and enclose with employee paychecks) and distribute the application as deemed appropriate within your own company. The information can also be found on the IRMCA website at www.iowareadymix.org under News/Resources. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2015.
The IRMCA Scholarship/Educational Outreach Committee will meet in December 2015 to evaluate applications and make selections. Winners will be announced at the IRMCA Annual Convention in March 2016. If you have any questions about these programs, please feel free to contact Gordon Smith, Executive Director, at the IRMCA office at 515-965-4575.


shining symbol from france is one of those secret producers who have been around for a long time but just won't tell me their name. fine, so let the music do the talking instead then. this mysterious person provided us with two more than solid french house tracks that you kids just can't seem to get enough of - perfect for some pre-peaktime heat!
keep an eye on shining symbol. as in: add him on myspace, stalk him, follow him everywhere he goes and let's uncover all his secrets!


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Q: Wrong runtime type in RDD when reading from avro with custom serializer I am trying to read data from avro files into an RDD using Kryo. My code compiles fine, but in runtime I'm getting a ClassCastException. Here is what my code does:
SparkConf conf = new SparkConf()...
conf.set("spark.serializer", KryoSerializer.class.getCanonicalName());
conf.set("spark.kryo.registrator", MyKryoRegistrator.class.getName());
JavaSparkContext sc = new JavaSparkContext(conf);

Where MyKryoRegistrator registers a Serializer for MyCustomClass:
public void registerClasses(Kryo kryo) {
    kryo.register(MyCustomClass.class, new MyCustomClassSerializer());
}

Then, I read my datafile:
JavaPairRDD<MyCustomClass, NullWritable> records =
                sc.newAPIHadoopFile("file:/path/to/datafile.avro",
                AvroKeyInputFormat.class, MyCustomClass.class, NullWritable.class,
                sc.hadoopConfiguration());
Tuple2<MyCustomClass, NullWritable> first = records.first();

This seems to work fine, but using a debugger I can see that while the RDD has a kClassTag of my.package.containing.MyCustomClass, the variable first contains a Tuple2<AvroKey, NullWritable>, not Tuple2<MyCustomClass, NullWritable>! And indeed, when the following line executes:
System.out.println("Got a result, custom field is: " + first._1.getSomeCustomField());

I get an exception:
java.lang.ClassCastException: org.apache.avro.mapred.AvroKey cannot be cast to my.package.containing.MyCustomClass

Am I doing something wrong? And even so, shouldn't I get a compilation error rather than a runtime error?

A: *************EDIT**************
I managed to load custom objects from avro files and created a GitHub repository with the code. However, if the avro lib fails to load the data into the custom class it returns GenericData$Record objects instead. And in this case the Spark Java API doesn't check the assignment to the custom-class, which is why you only get a ClassCastException when trying to access the datum of the AvroKey. This is a violation of the data-safety guarantee.
*************EDIT**************
For anybody else trying to do this, I have a hack to get around this problem, but this can't be the right solution:
I created a class for reading GenericData.Record from avro files:
public class GenericRecordFileInputFormat extends FileInputFormat<GenericData.Record, NullWritable> {
    private static final Logger LOG = LoggerFactory.getLogger(GenericRecordFileInputFormat.class);

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public RecordReader<GenericData.Record, NullWritable> createRecordReader(
            InputSplit split, TaskAttemptContext context) throws IOException, InterruptedException {
        Schema readerSchema = AvroJob.getInputKeySchema(context.getConfiguration());
        if (null == readerSchema) {
            LOG.warn("Reader schema was not set. Use AvroJob.setInputKeySchema() if desired.");
            LOG.info("Using a reader schema equal to the writer schema.");
        }
        return new GenericDataRecordReader(readerSchema);
    }

    public static class GenericDataRecordReader extends RecordReader<GenericData.Record, NullWritable> {

        AvroKeyRecordReader<GenericData.Record> avroReader;

        public GenericDataRecordReader(Schema readerSchema) {
            super();
            avroReader = new AvroKeyRecordReader<>(readerSchema);
        }

        @Override
        public void initialize(InputSplit inputSplit, TaskAttemptContext taskAttemptContext) throws IOException, InterruptedException {
            avroReader.initialize(inputSplit, taskAttemptContext);
        }

        @Override
        public boolean nextKeyValue() throws IOException, InterruptedException {
            return avroReader.nextKeyValue();
        }

        @Override
        public GenericData.Record getCurrentKey() throws IOException, InterruptedException {
            AvroKey<GenericData.Record> currentKey = avroReader.getCurrentKey();
            return currentKey.datum();
        }

        @Override
        public NullWritable getCurrentValue() throws IOException, InterruptedException {
            return avroReader.getCurrentValue();
        }

        @Override
        public float getProgress() throws IOException, InterruptedException {
            return avroReader.getProgress();
        }

        @Override
        public void close() throws IOException {
            avroReader.close();
        }
    }
}

Then I load the records:
JavaRDD<GenericData.Record> records = sc.newAPIHadoopFile("file:/path/to/datafile.avro",
                GenericRecordFileInputFormat.class, GenericData.Record.class, NullWritable.class,
                sc.hadoopConfiguration()).keys();

Then I convert the records to my custom class using a constructor that accepts GenericData.Record.
Again - not pretty, but works.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Filthy Music Review - 'Grime: Deteriorate'
Grime – Deteriorate (2013)
Forcefield Records/ Mordgrimm
There's no point beating around the bush, when it comes to certain albums, instead it's best to get straight to the point. Such is the case with Grime's second album, Deteriorate. With this album the Italian sludge-meisters have delivered filth-laden journey into the ugliest recesses of humanity. This sure ain't pretty; it won't pound you into the ground, it'll drag you in feet first and screaming.
Labels: Artwork, Doom Metal, Forcefield Records, Mordgrimm Records, Music, Review, Sludge
Filthy Music Review - 'Undersmile: A sea of Dead Snakes'
Undersmile - A Sea of Dead Snakes (2010)
Blindsight Records
Review by Wayne Simmons
Undersmile are not your average doom metal band. With their dual female vocal, they borrow as much from acts such as Throwing Muses and Sonic Youth as they do from anything doomy. But doom they are: their gigging says so; their label says so too and, hell, with so much genre-splicing going on of late within the various sub-genres of underground metal, why can't this be doom?
Labels: Artwork, Blindsight Records, Doom, Limited Edition, Music, Review, Video
Filthy Music Review - 'Beyond Creation: The Aura'
Beyond Creation – The Aura (2013)
Technical death metal, it has to be said, when done poorly can sound like an angry two-year old throwing a tantrum in a music store. However, on the flipside, when it is done well, it can be a thing of beauty, albeit a complex and aggressive beauty, but a thing of beauty nonetheless. This brings us to Canada's Beyond Creation, a relatively new band, having formed in 2005 yet only released the one demo in 2010. This was followed by a self-release of The Aura in 2011, which now has a full release courtesy of Season of the Mist.
Labels: Artwork, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Music, Review, Season of Mist, Technical
Filthy Music Review - 'My Dying Bride: The Manuscript'
My Dying Bride - The Manuscript (2013)
Doom/ death veterans, My Dying Bride, return with their latest work, THE MANUSCRIPT, released this week through Peaceville. It's an EP containing 4 new tracks, weighing in at around 30 minutes running time. The record was recorded and mixed at Futureworks Studios in Manchester, UK with the band's long-time producer, Mags.
Labels: Artwork, Doom Metal, Gothic, Heavy Metal, Music, News, Peaceville Records, Review
Filthy Review - 'Dexter: The Seventh Season'
Dexter: The Seventh Season (2013)
When reviewing a seventh season of any show, there's a fine line to tread. Chances are that the majority of fans will already have seen the show on television, and as such will know exactly what is going on, whereas newcomers to the show, or those that chose to wait for the Blu-ray or DVD, will not want any of it spoiled. With this in mind I'm not going to give very much at all away in terms of the plot of this season, although you might want to look away if you haven't seen Season 6.
Labels: Artwork, Blu-ray, DVD, News, Review, Serial Killer, Showtime, Television
Filthy Review - 'Mama'
It seems that everywhere you look; Guillermo Del Toro is involved with another new film. Not only is he directing his own work though, he is also heavily involved in helping out new directors and supporting the independent scene, such as Jovanka Vukovic's The Captured Bird. The latest to hit the big screen, and now Blu-ray and DVD, is Mama, which was written and directed by Andy Muschietti.
Labels: Artwork, Blu-ray, Digital, DVD, Guillermo Del Toro, Horror, Movies, News, Review, Short Film, Stills, UltraViolet, Universal
Filthy Music Review - 'Undersmile: A sea of Dead S...
Filthy Music Review - 'My Dying Bride: The Manuscr...


text:
Doctor raises alarm about lack of compensation for online health tool | CBC News Loaded
Doctor raises alarm about lack of compensation for online health tool
A Halifax doctor says she's abandoning Nova Scotia's state-of-the-art online tool for communicating with patients because it's costing her practice too much money.
Tool works 'remarkably well,' says doctor, but province needs to fairly compensate doctors for their time
Cassie Williams · CBC News · Posted: Jul 06, 2017 3:13 PM AT | Last Updated: July 6, 2017
Dr. Ajantha Jayabarathan says she's abandoning the tool, meaning longer wait times for her patients. (CBC)
MyHealthNS is a digital tool launched last summer that allows patients to receive test results, schedule appointments and ask their doctor basic questions electronically.
During the three-year pilot program, doctors saw a 22 per cent decrease in unnecessary office visits.
Dr. Ajantha Jayabarathan, who has been practicing medicine for 25 years, was one of those family physicians who embraced the program.
"It worked very well. It increased access for my patients to be able to see me, whether it was the same day, whether it was within two weeks, I was able to communicate with them much more effectively in a secure way," she told CBC's Information Morning.
Doctor says she could take more patients, but the system is in her way
Efficient program, but doctors not being paid
The problem, said Jayabarathan, is that she wasn't paid for her work with patients using the tool. In Nova Scotia, doctors are only paid to see patients face-to-face, or over the phone in some cases.
"But I did it, and I will say this openly, as a labour of love," she said.
She's now abandoning the tool, meaning longer wait times for her patients.
"It's a giant step backwards," said Jayabarathan.
Province sitting on valuable tool in health 'crisis'
Jayabarathan said she thinks the tool serves a valuable purpose.
"And here we are in a crisis where people can't get access to their family doctor. We're sitting on a valuable tool that does all the things we say [encompass] high quality care," she said.
Health Minister Randy Delorey said sending test results directly to patients, part of Phase 1 of the project, requires "very little effort" on the part of physicians.
But Jayabarathan said these interactions, though often more efficient than in-person visits, still take time out of a physician's day.
Delorey admits there are parts of the program that may take up more time for physicians.
Health minister hints at compensation
"Certainly there are a lot of other features and functionalities within the MyHealthNS system that can increase the workload [for doctors], the time using the system, things like e-messaging and so on, but that hasn't been the focus of the system to date," said Delorey.
"I think those would be the areas that you would expect to see more discussions around compensation."
Jayabarathan said about 795 of her 1,400 patients will be affected by her decision to discontinue the program.
Thirty-five doctors and 6,000 patients participated in a three-year pilot project before it was rolled out in the province's central health zone in July 2016. Since then, the numbers have increased to about 210 doctors and 10,000 patients.
There are about 2,400 practicing physicians in the province.
A spokesperson for Doctors Nova Scotia said they have no indication from the province of when fees will be set for physicians using the electronic system.
With files from Information Morning, Michael Gorman
Scathing review of Nova Scotia Health Authority, 2 years after merger
Slow uptake among doctors for tool that gives patients test results online
Nova Scotia's trendsetting patient system slow to catch on with docs
Doctors' buy-in to MyHealthNS could hinge on compensation
MyHealthNS online tool will revolutionize health care, proponents say
Nova Scotia's family medicine system needs major changes, say doctors


text:
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text:
Q: SceneKit Plane Rotation When I create a plane in SceneKit, the normal vector of the plane is the positive z-axis by default. I want to re-orient the plane by using a different normal vector. However, I am not sure how to rotate the plane to the right position, even though I know what the new normal vector should be. Thoughts?

A: The following is an example that creates a rotation matrix based on an input SCNVector3 'axis' (which would be your target normal).
        SCNVector3 tangent0 = [self crossVector: axis: SCNVector3Make(1, 0, 0)];
        if ([self dotVector:tangent0 : tangent0] < 0.001) {
            tangent0 = [self crossVector: axis: SCNVector3Make(0, 1, 0)];
        }
        tangent0 = [self normalizeVector:tangent0];
        SCNVector3 tangent1 = [self normalizeVector: [self crossVector:axis: tangent0]];

        GLKVector4 tangent0GLK = GLKVector4Make(tangent0.x, tangent0.y, tangent0.z, 0);
        GLKVector4 tangent1GLK = GLKVector4Make(tangent1.x, tangent1.y, tangent1.z, 0);
        GLKVector4 axisGLK = GLKVector4Make(axis.x, axis.y, axis.z, 0);

        rotMat = GLKMatrix4MakeWithColumns(tangent0GLK, tangent1GLK, axisGLK, GLKVector4Make(0, 0, 0, 1));

Which you can then apply to the transform property of the plane node using multiplication:
_node.transform = SCNMatrix4Mult(transmat, SCNMatrix4FromGLKMatrix4( rotMat)) );

The above is from a project I'm working on, haven't tested it separately. The cross, dot and normalizeVector not included.

A: THX Xartex for your post. I recoded it in Swift. Just started with Swift, so probably the whole thing could be much more efficient, but it works :)
only one problem appears, the position of the plane also moved, which shouldn't, so I set the old position after the transform action again.
  func SCNVector3CrossProduct(left: SCNVector3, right: SCNVector3) -> SCNVector3 {
        return SCNVector3Make(left.y * right.z - left.z * right.y, left.z * right.x - left.x * right.z, left.x * right.y - left.y * right.x)
    }

    func SCNVector3DotProduct(left: SCNVector3, right: SCNVector3) -> float_t {
        return (left.x * right.x + left.y * right.y + left.z * right.z)
    }

    func SCNVektor3Normalize(vector: SCNVector3) -> SCNVector3 {
        let scale = 1.0 / sqrt(vector.x*vector.x + vector.y*vector.y + vector.z*vector.z)

        return SCNVector3Make(vector.x * scale, vector.y * scale, vector.z*scale)
    }
    let plane2Node = SCNNode(geometry: planeGeometry)
    let plane2Position = SCNVector3(x:0.0, y:0, z:-0.5)
    plane2Node.position = plane2Position

    let normalVector = SCNVector3Make(0.5, 0, 0)
    let transVector1 = SCNVector3Make(1,0,0)
    let transVector2 = SCNVector3Make(0,1,0)
    var tangent0 = SCNVector3CrossProduct(left: normalVector, right: transVector1)
    let dotprod = SCNVector3DotProduct(left: tangent0, right: tangent0)
    if dotprod < 0.001 {
        tangent0 = SCNVector3CrossProduct(left: normalVector, right: transVector2)
    }
    tangent0 = SCNVektor3Normalize(vector: tangent0)

    let helpVector1 = SCNVector3CrossProduct(left: normalVector, right: tangent0)
    let tangent1 = SCNVektor3Normalize(vector: helpVector1)

    let tangent0GLK = GLKVector4Make(tangent0.x, tangent0.y, tangent0.z, 0)
    let tangent1GLK = GLKVector4Make(tangent1.x, tangent1.y, tangent1.z, 0)
    let normalGLK = GLKVector4Make(normalVector.x, normalVector.y, normalVector.z, 0);

    let rotMat = GLKMatrix4MakeWithColumns(tangent0GLK, tangent1GLK, normalGLK, GLKVector4Make(0, 0, 0, 1))
    // transforms the "normal position" of the plane
    let transMat = SCNMatrix4MakeTranslation(plane2Node.position.x, plane2Node.position.y, plane2Node.position.z);

    plane2Node.transform = SCNMatrix4Mult(transMat, SCNMatrix4FromGLKMatrix4( rotMat))

    // position must be set again!
    plane2Node.position = plane2Position

    scene.rootNode.addChildNode(plane2Node)


text:
Masters in Environment Management (MEM) 2023/24 – University of Colombo
Call for Applications – Masters in Environment Management (MEM) Programme (2023/2023) from the University of Colombo
Duration: 01 Year (Weekends)
Course Fee: LKR 180,000/=
Medium: English
More Details & Application Click Here
University Website Link – https://cmb.ac.lk | https://fgs.cmb.ac.lk/
Advanced Certificate in Laboratory Handling (2023) – University of Peradeniya
Diploma in Sanskrit 2022/2023 – University of Kelaniya
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychosocial Support (2023) – University of Colombo
Industrial Organic Chemistry Programmes (MSc, Masters, PGD) 2022 – University of Sri Jayewardenepura
September 6, 2022 January 4, 2023
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programme 2022 – Eastern University
May 5, 2022 December 22, 2022


text:
Strava raises $110 million, touts growth rate of 2 million new users per month in 2020
Darrell Etherington	@etherington / 1 year
Activity and fitness tracking platform Strava has raised $110 million in new funding, in a Series F round led by TCV and Sequoia, and including participation by Dragoneer group, Madrone Capital Partners, Jackson Square Ventures and Go4it Capital. The funding will be used to propel the development of new features, and expand the company's reach to cover even more users.
Already in 2020, Strava has seen significant growth. The company claims that it has added more than 2 million new "athletes" (how Strava refers to its users) per month in 2020. The company positions its activity tracking as focused on the community and networking aspects of the app and service, with features like virtual competitions and community goal-setting as representative of that approach.
Strava has 70 million members, according to the company, with presence in 195 countries globally. The company debuted a new Strava Metro service earlier this year, leveraging the data it collects from its users in an aggregated and anonymized way to provide city planners and transportation managers with valuable data about how people get around their cities and communities — all free for these governments and public agencies to use, once they're approved for access by Strava.
The company's uptick in new user adds in 2020 is likely due at least in part to COVID-19, which saw a general increase in the number of people pursuing outdoor activities, including cycling and running, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic when more aggressive lockdown measures were being put in place. As we see a likely return of many of those more aggressive measures due to surges in positive cases globally, gym closures could provoke even more interest in outdoor activity — though winter's effect on that appetite among users in colder climates will be interesting to watch.
Future raises $24M Series B for its $150/mo workout coaching app amid at-home fitness boom
Strava's app is available free on iOS and Android, with in-app purchases available for premium subscription features.


Uzbekistan in central Asia features some of the world's largest landforms. While a major portion of the country is a desert landscape, there are also mountainous and lowland river valleys located within its borders. One of its more prominent features, the Aral Sea, is only a ghost of its former self.
Much of Uzbekistan is desert land. The largest of these deserts is the Kyzyl Kum (alternatively Kyzylkum), which is the 11th largest desert in the world. Kyzyl Kum translates to "Red Sand" in Uzbek. The desert covers an area of approximately 115,000 square miles, and a majority of the landscape is a plain that slopes toward the northeast and is dotted with bare mountains. The tallest mountain reaches 3,025 feet. Desert plants grow in sand ridges and serve as a pasture for Karakul sheep, camels and horses. Gazli, in the southeast portion of the desert, has a rich natural gas deposit.
Mountainous regions are in the northeast and southeast of Uzbekistan. The Chatkal Mountain range is part of the Western Tian Shan range that extends from the Himalayas. The Greater Chimgan Mountain, situated in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, reaches 10,856 feet. Mountaineers have been climbing that peak since the early 20th century. The mountain has climbing routes suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers.
The western edge of Uzbekistan consists of lowland areas, such as the Ustyurt Plateau and the Amu Darya River Valley. The plateau covers an area just over 77,220 square miles and is shared by both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Sections of this lowland plateau are protected in an attempt to save the endangered regional species and preserve its ecological importance. The Amu Darya River is the largest in Central Asia. Some 8.5 percent of the Amu Darya's flow originates in Uzbekistan. The country primarily uses the water from this river for agricultural purposes.
The Aral Sea, shared by both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, has shrunk considerably since the 1960s. At one point, the Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world, but as a result of over-irrigation, the lake has all but disappeared. The smaller North Aral Sea has remained mostly intact, though it has separated from the larger South Aral Sea. Most of the devastation is found in the southern region of the lake, which has separated into an eastern and western lobe since the 1960s. A dam built between the northern and southern sections of the Sea in 2005 has all but destroyed the South Aral Sea.
Robitaille, Joanne. "What Are the Landforms of Uzbekistan?" Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/landforms-uzbekistan-104940.html. Accessed 22 April 2019.
Orphaned ship in former Aral Sea, near Aral, Kazakhstan.


text:
import argparse

from pipeline.backend.pipeline import PipeLine
from pipeline.component import DataTransform
from pipeline.component.hetero_ftl import HeteroFTL
from pipeline.component.reader import Reader
from pipeline.interface.data import Data
from tensorflow.keras import optimizers
from tensorflow.keras.layers import Dense
from tensorflow.keras import initializers
from pipeline.component.evaluation import Evaluation

from pipeline.utils.tools import load_job_config

def main(config="../../config.yaml", namespace=""):
    # obtain config
    if isinstance(config, str):
        config = load_job_config(config)
    parties = config.parties
    guest = parties.guest[0]
    host = parties.host[0]

    guest_train_data = {"name": "nus_wide_guest", "namespace": f"experiment{namespace}"}
    host_train_data = {"name": "nus_wide_host", "namespace": f"experiment{namespace}"}
    pipeline = PipeLine().set_initiator(role='guest', party_id=guest).set_roles(guest=guest, host=host)

    reader_0 = Reader(name="reader_0")
    reader_0.get_party_instance(role='guest', party_id=guest).component_param(table=guest_train_data)
    reader_0.get_party_instance(role='host', party_id=host).component_param(table=host_train_data)

    data_transform_0 = DataTransform(name="data_transform_0")
    data_transform_0.get_party_instance(
        role='guest', party_id=guest).component_param(
        with_label=True, output_format="dense")
    data_transform_0.get_party_instance(role='host', party_id=host).component_param(with_label=False)

    hetero_ftl_0 = HeteroFTL(name='hetero_ftl_0',
                             epochs=10, alpha=1, batch_size=-1, mode='plain')

    hetero_ftl_0.add_nn_layer(Dense(units=32, activation='sigmoid',
                                    kernel_initializer=initializers.RandomNormal(stddev=1.0),
                                    bias_initializer=initializers.Zeros()))

    hetero_ftl_0.compile(optimizer=optimizers.Adam(lr=0.01))
    evaluation_0 = Evaluation(name='evaluation_0', eval_type="binary")

    pipeline.add_component(reader_0)
    pipeline.add_component(data_transform_0, data=Data(data=reader_0.output.data))
    pipeline.add_component(hetero_ftl_0, data=Data(train_data=data_transform_0.output.data))
    pipeline.add_component(evaluation_0, data=Data(data=hetero_ftl_0.output.data))

    pipeline.compile()

    pipeline.fit()

    # predict
    # deploy required components
    pipeline.deploy_component([data_transform_0, hetero_ftl_0])

    predict_pipeline = PipeLine()
    # add data reader onto predict pipeline
    predict_pipeline.add_component(reader_0)
    # add selected components from train pipeline onto predict pipeline
    # specify data source
    predict_pipeline.add_component(
        pipeline, data=Data(
            predict_input={
                pipeline.data_transform_0.input.data: reader_0.output.data}))
    # run predict model
    predict_pipeline.predict()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser("PIPELINE DEMO")
    parser.add_argument("-config", type=str,
                        help="config file")
    args = parser.parse_args()
    if args.config is not None:
        main(args.config)
    else:
        main()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


AURIZON has fired back at the coal industry and warned of further legal action as the brawl over the Queensland Competition Authority draft ruling on its monopoly central Queensland coal network continues.
The company also fired a shot at the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA), saying the regulatory system was broken and its draft decision on the central Queensland coal network unsustainable.
Aurizon group executive Michael Riches told an investor briefing if the QCA decision on the network was unchanged from its draft decision, a further judicial review was likely.
He also accused the coal sector of being disingenuous and wanting Aurizon to subsidise the industry.
The company also warned its Moody's debt rating could be affected if the draft decision was made final.
The QCA draft decision on the network ruled that Aurizon could earn $3.9 billion compared with Aurizon's submission of $4.8 billion, and to deal with that it has reduced its maintenance schedule on the network which could cut $4 billion worth of exports.
The impact on earnings before interest and tax is expected to be about $100 million a year.
Aurizon has also lodged a Supreme Court judicial review of the draft decision alleging apprehended bias of the then QCA chairman Professor Roy Green, who announced a few days after handing down the draft decision that he would be working for a competitor, the Port of Newcastle.
The coal industry this week announced it would join the legal action in support of the QCA and attacked Aurizon as threatening the reputation of the Queensland coal industry.
Mr Riches said the draft decision on the rate of return on the network was "incomprehensible'' and unsustainable and warned it could lead to a significant reduction in capital and a further potential impact on throughput above the 20 million tonnes that has already been announced.
He said the company's relationship with the customers at an executive level was strained but after the current issue was resolved, the regulatory system in Queensland needed reform.
"It's extraordinary that with a quarter of the regulatory period already gone we still have no final decision (from the QCA),'' Mr Riches said.
He said Queensland had to "break the shackles'' of a system of confrontation.
"We will continue to impress on the QCA the need to overlay with any theoretical formula with commercial reality,'' Mr Riches said.


Yes, you can withdraw funds from your Ellevest Digital/Premium IRA account. However, there are rules set by the IRS that you should consider. There are certain penalties for withdrawing money before age 59 ½. The rules for withdrawals are described on the IRS website, and we encourage you to speak with your tax advisor regarding your special case.


Last night we continued to look at the book of Ephesians, this time focusing in on Chapter 1, verses 15-23. The main thrust of this passage of scripture is Paul praying for the Ephesian believers, specifically that they would continue to grow in their knowledge of God by the working of his power. Paul starts off the section in verse 15 by saying that he has heard of the Ephesians' faith and love for the saints, and he gives thanks to God ceaselessly for it! Here, we stopped for a moment to point out what a cool example of brotherly affection this was. How often do we encourage our own brothers and sisters in Christ when we see evidences of grace in their lives? I challenged the students to take a moment to write down an encouragement on a notecard that they would share with a christian friend, brother or parent later.
In an attempt to be brief in summary, Paul didn't pray that the Ephesians would simply continue on doing what they were doing, but he prays that they would increase in a knowledge of the Lord! Paul didn't want the Ephesians to simply know the truth, but to know it so intricately that everything else they saw would be colored by the gospel. To illustrate this, I quoted CS Lewis saying, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." This is the reality with a knowledge of God, the more we see Him, the more it illuminates every other part of our lives. This is especially important for us, as we can often feel stagnant when learning about God. We can feel like we know it all, and we've heard it all before. But who can know the mind of God? I encouraged the students that this life is a continual journey to know God more, because while we are on this earth, we can never know God enough.
I pray that these truths hit home for the students. It's so easy to get caught up in grades or sports as the most important thing and forget that we need God more than all of it. It'll be good to flesh these things out a little more over the winter retreat this weekend with the High School students.


Hilaire Hiler has been in seven exhibitions at MoMA, between 1934 and 1949.
New Acquisitions: The Collection of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee and Marc Chagall, among others, were involved.
Max Ernst, Ben Shahn, Charles Sheeler and Man Ray, among others, were involved.