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Breeding failure of a colony of nearly 20,000 Adélie penguins highlights need for urgent protections of Antarctic waters
A colony of over 18,000 pairs of Adélie penguins in Terre Adélie, Antarctica, suffered a catastrophic breeding failure at the start of 2017 with only two chicks surviving. WWF is demanding greater protections of the waters off East Antarctica next week at a crucial international meeting in Hobart, Australia where proposals for a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) will be considered.
Thousands of Adélie penguin chicks starved to death at the start of 2017 due to unusually extensive sea ice
Surviving mostly on a diet of krill, a small shrimp like crustacean, Adélie penguins are generally faring well in East Antarctica, but declining in the Antarctic peninsula region where climate change is well established. However, this significant breeding failure at this particular colony in East Antarctica has been linked to unusually extensive sea ice late in the summer, meaning the adult penguins had to travel further to forage for food for their chicks. As a result the chicks starved.
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), comprising 25 member states and the EU, are meeting on the 16th October 2017 in Hobart, where they will consider a proposal for a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) for the waters off East Antarctica. The proposal for an MPA, led by Australia and France with the EU, has been on the table at CCAMLR for eight years but has yet to be agreed. Nevertheless, expectations are running high as last year CCAMLR adopted the Ross Sea MPA, the largest protected area in the world. An MPA would help to secure a future for the amazing wildlife and marine biodiversity of East Antarctica, including Adélie and emperor penguins.
Four years ago, the same colony which numbered 20,196 pairs at the time, failed to produce a single chick. Again heavy sea ice, combined with unusually warm weather and rain, followed by a rapid drop in temperature, resulted in many chicks becoming saturated and freezing to death.
WWF has been supporting penguin research by French scientists working for the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in the region since 2010.
Rod Downie, Head of Polar Programmes at WWF-UK, said:
"Adélie penguins are one of the hardiest and most amazing animals on our planet. This devastating event contrasts with the image that many people might have of penguins. It's more like 'Tarantino does Happy Feet', with dead penguin chicks strewn across a beach in Adélie Land.
"The risk of opening up this area to exploratory krill fisheries, which would compete with the Adélie penguins for food as they recover from two catastrophic breeding failures in four years, is unthinkable. So CCAMLR needs to act now by adopting a new Marine Protected Area for the waters off East Antarctica, to protect the home of the penguins."
The MPA proposal originally comprised seven large marine areas off the coast of East Antarctica but subsequently reduced to four. However, it is anticipated that only three of those (MacRobertson, Drygalski, and the D'Urville Sea-Mertz region, where the Petrel Island Adélie colony is located) will be adopted this year. The D'Urville Sea Mertz region in particular needs to be set aside as off limits to krill fisheries in order to protect the foraging and breeding grounds of Adélie penguins.
WWF expects the other four areas, comprising Gunnerus, Enderby, Prydz Bay, and Wilkes to be brought back in front of CCAMLR in future years.
Yan Ropert-Coudert, senior penguin scientist at the CNRS who leads the Adélie penguin programme at Dumont D'Urville research station, adjacent to the colony, said:
"The region is impacted by environmental changes that are linked to the breakup of the Mertz glacier since 2010. An MPA will not remedy these changes but it could prevent further impacts that direct anthropogenic pressures, such as tourism and proposed fisheries, could bring".
For further information, please contact: Jonathan Jones I 01483 412241 I jjones@wwf.org.uk
Photos available for use here.
Penguin cam footage available here.
Note to Editors:
1. CCAMLR is comprised of 25 member states and the EU. Climate change, fishing vessel safety, overfishing and micro-plastics will also be discussed at the meeting which runs for two weeks, finishing on October 27th.
2. The three areas in East Antarctic waters are the MacRobertson, Drygalski, and D'Urville Sea-Mertz regions, making up the East Antarctic Representative System of Marine Protected Areas
CCAMLR is urged to:
● Designate the shelf depressions in each of the three MPAs as no-take zones to safeguard shelf area habitats.
● Designate the entire D'Urville Sea-Mertz MPA as no-take to protect foraging and breeding grounds of emperor and Adélie penguins. Some Adélie colonies in the area have experienced significant chick die-offs in recent years.
● Create a no-take MPA in the D'Urville Sea-Mertz area, which in addition to providing protections for at-risk Adélie penguin colonies would best meet the critical conservation objectives to safeguard:
o Food webs and foraging grounds for other seabirds and marine mammals.
o The biodiversity associated with canyons and ice shelves.
o Vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), both known and unknown.
o Nursery areas for important Antarctic forage species, such as Antarctic silverfish.
● Adopt in subsequent years previously proposed MPAs in the Gunnerus, Enderby, Prydz Bay, and Wilkes areas to ensure full protection of East Antarctica.
● Increase no-take protections within the East Antarctic representative system of MPAs as new data and information about threats and risks to these ecosystems emerge, including the discovery of new VMEs.
Adélie penguins
© Y. Ropert-Couder/ CNRS/ IPEV.


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Hpa urology
Differentiation & innovation, the future starts today
In recent years and due to the most recent state-of the-art equipment now available, Urology as a medical Specialty, has development greatly as far as diagnostic exams are concerned. Surgical interventions have also improved substantially due to the systematization of minimally invasive techniques and the introduction of robotic surgery.
At the moment it is possible to access this specialty in thirteen of the nineteen units of the HPA Health Group, although some tests and/or techniques can only be carried out in the hospitals. With regards to human resources, the team consists of nineteen urologists, some with specialized training and differentiated experience, permitting the possibility of a wide range of procedures and exams.
The team is fully committed to the challenge of providing excellent care and a sustained growth, which together will permit Urology as a medical specialty to be an added value for both the patient, the Specialty, the HPA Group and also for the Algarve, Alentejo and Madeira.
At the same time, the team has also been involved in education and research, supervising internships for medical students at the University of Algarve. They have also been preparing its first Conference which will take place in October. According to Prof. Dr Tiago Rodrigues – scientific coordinator of the event – the main objective of these seminars is to promote joint knowhow of urology as a specialty as well as topics dealing with urology, permitting an effective communication network for the benefit of patients and also to foster future research and training collaboration in Urology. It is our conviction that these Conferences could represent a turning point in health care in Urology as a Specialty in the Algarve and mark the beginning of closer network collaboration.
Presently, two new types of equipment are available; one used for diagnostic purposes, Prostatic Microechography, which is the only one available in Portugal at the moment, and another used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, shock waves which is the first equipment available in the southern region of the country. The HPA Health Group was also pioneers in various innovative procedures such as brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer, laparoscopic surgery of the prostate and of the bladder as well as using robotic instruments resulting in minimally invasive surgery.
PROSTATE MICROULTRASOUND: IMPROVING THE DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER
There are two words that are transversally associated with the success of overcoming any type of cancer: precision and precocity. In other words, the more we are able to evolve in diagnostic technology (especially in terms of precision) and the earlier we can act, the better results we will be able to achieve in terms of survival and quality of life.
One of these examples, available for the past 4 months at the HPA in Gambels, in the Urology Services, is high-definition prostate microultrasound.
Current conventional ultrasound systems operate at 8 to 12 MHz frequencies. Recently, innovative ultrasound systems have been developed that, operating at higher frequencies (21 to 29 MHz), improve image resolution by about 300%. This increase in resolution, as is the case with prostate microultrasound, allows for a more detailed and accurate visualization and characterization of images of the prostate, permitting identification of regions suspected of malignancy increasing the probability of detecting tumours.
Several studies have proven that a more detailed intraprostatic visualization, provided by a high-resolution ultrasound system, improves the detection rate of tumour lesions compared to conventional ultrasound.
In addition, these systems have also contributed to the stratification risk of prostatic carcinoma. With high-risk diseases an early and precise detection, will result in insignificant disease being detected and will consequently, restrict the administration of unnecessary therapies in these cases.
We are very happy with the results we have obtained, reveals Prof. Dr. Tiago Rodrigues, a great promoter of this technique, which is, for now, the only equipment available in Portugal. Of the 51 procedures we have already performed, we were able to determine 65% of these were confirmed cases of prostate cancer. A figure that clearly reveals the importance of this test as a means of obtaining an early diagnosis, with all that it implies in terms of survival and quality of life for patients.
A prostate carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men in the Western world and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. These indicators reveal the importance of an early diagnosis and accurate staging in implementing adequate, timely and personalized therapy.
Currently, the diagnosis of a prostate carcinoma is established through an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (gold-standard), usually performed after an altered PSA result, rectal examination or imaging exams when cancer is suspected (MRI or transrectal ultrasound). However, this diagnostic sequence sometimes has significant limitations.
These imaging exams makes it possible to perform guided biopsies, as opposed to classical randomized biopsies, either by high-definition ultrasound alone, or by using fusion techniques with the images previously obtained in an MRI. In addition, at the HPA, all biopsies are performed under sedation, ensuring a painless and comfortable procedure, as well as transperineally, to drastically reduce the risk of infection.
LOW INTENSITY SHOCK WAVE THERAPY: A NEW TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the recurrent inability to obtain and maintain an erection that allows for satisfactory sexual activity. It is a symptomatic manifestation of isolated or associated pathologies.
A normal erection occurs when a muscle within the penis relaxes. This allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers inside the penis and restricting venous outflow. It is a very complex process, affected by changes associated with arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidaemia, neurological diseases, hormonal disorders, chronic use of some medication and psychological disorders.
ED is the most common male sexual dysfunction after the age of 40. It is estimated that more than 150 million men in the world have some degree of ED, and there are studies that point to a prevalence above 50% in the 40 -70 age group. However, although the increase in cases with age is evident, ED is not an inevitable consequence of aging and therefore should not be considered taboo or a tragedy.
ED can have a variety of underlying causes; vascular origin, where atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension and smoking are the main reasons; endocrine origin, such as the presence of diabetes, metabolic syndrome or changes in sex hormones. It is estimated that between 35% and 75% of diabetics may have some degree of ED, values that can be overestimated if diabetes is added to arterial hypertension. Some neurological conditions also precipitate the presence of ED, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, demyelinating diseases and spinal cord injuries at levels that affect erection and/or ejaculation.
The first assessment of ED is clinical and is carried out in the doctor's consulting room. This includes studying the patient's sexual history and that of his/her partner (sexual preferences, anxiety about sexual performance, level of attraction to the partner), conflict within the relationship, among others). Therefore, identifying comorbidities and/or risk factors is very important in order to identify the possible origin and recommend the best treatment.
The initial approach to ED is to control risk factors and education for lifestyle changes, making the patient aware of the pathology, forms of treatment and expected results.
In addition to lifestyle changes, counselling and psychotherapy/sexual therapy, the classic therapeutic treatment includes several oral, intra-arterial and injectable drugs, as well as the placement of penile prostheses.
In recent years, therapy with Low Intensity Shock Waves, also known as electromagnetic waves, has revolutionized the approach to ED. It is one more non-invasive therapeutic option with a great safety profile (negligible adverse effects). It works by recovering existing vascular lesions in the erectile tissue, that is, the possibility of revascularizing damaged tissue thus activating myofibroblasts, considering that blood flow is essential for an erection.
Recent studies show that this treatment alone is effective, but also as a way to potentiate the effects of pharmacological therapy. Currently, Low Intensity Shock Wave Therapy is part of the main international societies' guidelines, such as the European Association of Urology.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE (ROBOTIC) SURGERY
The Urology Group has been in the vanguard of complex and differentiated interventions for several years now, performing retrograde renal surgeries since 2014 and laparoscopic prostatectomies and laparoscopic cystectomies since 2018. Last year they performed a total intracorporeal robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (ileal conduit urinary diversion), which may have been a national novelty and whose video will be presented at the national congress this year. This advance was possible due to robotic forceps being used in laparoscopic surgery for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula.
Robotic instruments were used for the first time in a case of carcinoma of the prostate in December 2020. In laparoscopic surgery, the use of robotic instruments is safer in terms of the surgical procedure, permitting better results for patients, in functionality and quality of life.
This highly sophisticated equipment allows the surgeon to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue with precision and accuracy. When used in laparoscopic surgery, it has the advantage of resulting in a faster and more accurate surgical intervention.
High-definition 3D technology is also available at the HPA Group, that offers high-quality, enlarged, three-dimensional images, in addition to a superior visualization of anatomical structures.
Robotic surgery provides patients with faster control of the urinary sphincter, a shorter hospital stays and the need for a urine catheter for a shorter period of time (compared to open surgery).
For urologist surgeons Tiago Rodrigues and José Manuel Gomes, these robotic instruments give us the advantage of not being limited to the equipment; that is, this technology allows the surgeon to perform all the gestures he wants to. In addition, and even more importantly, in the specific case of this type of surgery (a prostatectomy), these clamps offer greater functional preservation, in terms of urinary continence and sexual function. We believe that this technological improvement and surgical quality has put us on the path to excellence in the treatment of prostate carcinoma.
INNOVATIVE SURGERIES
If in the Algarve innovative equipment has been used to develop new techniques, at the Hospital Particular da Madeira, the team has become known for performing innovative surgeries.
The first took place just 6 months after its opening in May 2019. This surgery was performed for the first time in the Island of Madeira, for the treatment of renal lithiasis by retrograde intrarenal route, associated with laser lithotripsy.
The following was performed less than three months later, a radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. This surgery is the best option in the face of localized prostate cancer. Laparoscopic techniques are minimally invasive procedures that provide significant advantages for the patient.
This year, the first radical cystoprostatectomy with laparoscopic bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed to treat a malignant neoplasm of the bladder.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


As an alternative to using two or more standard Voodoo Floss Bands for a larger treatment zone, the new 4" Wide Voodoo Floss from MobilityWOD offers twice the coverage with the same consistent, targeted compression. There are two versions / colors of Wide Voodoo Floss available. The black floss, available here, is 1.3mm thick, while the red option is 1.5mm thick. Both versions are 7 feet in length and sold as singles.


text:
End of the World week 3 Questions Answered second service 817-14
Pastor Ferrell Hardison & Mitchell Grantham
Filetype: MP3 - Size: 52.66MB - Duration: 57:30 m (128 kbps 44100 Hz)
End of the World week 3 Questions Answered First Service 8-17-14
End of the World as we know it week 2 8-10-14
Pastor Ferrell Hardison
End of the World as we know it week 1 8-3-14
Filetype: MP3 - Size: 55.8MB - Duration: 1:00:56 m (128 kbps 44100 Hz)
Road Trip week 4 Princeton 7-27-14
Kevin Bordeaux
Road Trip week 4 Goldsboro 7-24-14
Pastor Jeremy
Brandon Goff
Chuck Barrineau
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 |


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Proposed Regulations Could Waive Penalties for Missed RMDs
By: Pacific Life Annuities
IRS Notice 2022-53 waives the 50% penalty for missed RMDs in 2021 and 2022 for certain individual beneficiaries subject to the SECURE Act's new 10-year rule.
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act changed the payout period from life expectancy to 10 years for certain individual beneficiaries who inherit individual retirement accounts (IRAs), including traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, dating back to 2020. The only individual beneficiaries not subject to this new 10-year payout are the account owner's surviving spouse or minor children (younger than age 21); disabled or chronically ill individuals; and individuals who are not more than 10 years younger than the account owner. Known as eligible designated beneficiaries (EDBs), these individuals may, for the most part, still stretch payments over their individual life expectancies. Adult children, grandchildren, and all other individuals, known as designated beneficiaries (DBs), must deplete the accounts inherited in 2020 or later by 12/31 of the tenth year following the account owner's death.
Plot Twist! Proposed Regulations Require Annual RMDs for Some Designated Beneficiaries
Proposed regulations issued in February 2022 distinguish how the 10-year payout period works for designated beneficiaries based on when the account owner dies.
Death Before RBD. If an account owner dies before the deadline for taking his or her first required minimum distribution (RMD), known as the required beginning date or RBD, then a designated beneficiary must take only one required payment during the entire 10-year period, and that's the inherited account balance on 12/31 of the tenth year.
Death On or After RBD. If, however, an account owner dies on or after his or her RBD, and was therefore subject to RMDs, a designated beneficiary must continue taking required payments in years one through nine, with a full cleanout of the account by the end of the tenth year. The rationale for these ongoing annual payments is based on a rule known familiarly as the "at-least-as-rapidly" rule. Once an account is turned on for owner RMDs, it does not turn off when the owner dies. The regulations do allow the designated beneficiary to use his or her own life expectancy to calculate these required annual payments, so the payout during years one through nine may be smaller than the owner's RMDs. Nevertheless, the entire account must still be liquidated by 12/31 of the tenth year.
RBD. As a reminder, the RBD for non-Roth IRAs is April 1 of the year following the year the account owner reaches age 72. Roth IRAs do not currently impose RMDs on their owners, so Roth IRAs are said to have no RBD. As a result, designated beneficiaries of inherited Roth IRAs are not required to take annual payments during the 10-year period. Finally, the RBD for some employer plans (excluding SEP-IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs) may be 4/1 of the year following retirement for plan participants who work past age 72 and don't own more than 5% of the company sponsoring the plan (the still-working exception to the age-72 start date).
The Relief Provided By Notice 2022-53
The new annual RMD requirement came as a big surprise for designated beneficiaries who inherited an account in RMD-mode. It caused controversy and created confusion for custodians, financial professionals, and their clients. As a result, the IRS provided relief in Notice 2022-53. The Notice waives the penalty, but not the payment, for designated beneficiaries who, according to proposed regulations, had an RMD from an inherited account due in either 2021 or 2022. No penalty forgiveness was needed for 2020, as RMDs themselves for both owners and beneficiaries were waived that year by Congress. The Notice also waives the penalty, but again not the payment, for certain successor beneficiaries subject to the new 10-year rule who, according to the proposed regulations, also had an RMD due in either 2021 or 2022.
Financial professionals and their clients are still unpacking many of the provisions of the SECURE Act's proposed regulations. It seems the IRS understands that and has granted a reprieve from penalties for the "plot-twist" payments many may still be unaware were due this year or last. The new effective date for the proposed regulations is coming in 2023; let's see what the IRS has in store.
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Expanded responsibility brings increased freedom.
Increasingly in the Americas both North and South, people are finding that it is important to have ceremonies marking the transitional phases within a person's life. Such ceremonies enable the people participating to evolve more easily, letting go of the past patterns and taking up new ones.
Similar in some respects to the Bar / Bat mitvah or the ceremony of confirmation. The Ceremony of Realization takes place at a different age yet also symbolizes the time in which a young person is becoming an adult and taking a new role within the Spiritual Community.
In particular ages 15 and 16 take on important significance within the Americas because at 16, many children can begin driving a car. The 15th birthday marks the end of Taxi Time with the 16th marking the possibility of taking up new responsibility which might include driving a car.
We feel that both years are important to celebrate, the first is the acceptance of the end of childhood. The second is the acceptance of the beginning of responsibility. Two years past the age of sixteen, hat person will be legally an adult.
By celebrating these two essential years, we support the emotional, psychic and spiritual transition of our wonderful young adults.
Celebration of a young person's 15th Birthday is becoming an important part of American Culture. It is akin to the super / sweet sixteen celebration. Why not celebrate both!
We understand the human need for marking these moments and remembering them with.
At Oasis Rising Center I found a delightful group of people. We share a love based spirituality which is truly empowering. For many years, I thought I was alone in understanding that there are universal spiritual principles which are shared within all compassionate spiritual paths. Oasis Rising Center has show me that I am not alone.
I grew up on a farm, and feel a strong connection to the land. Today I live in an urban community. At Oasis Rising Center I have found a community of like minded souls who love life and share a common understanding that the answer to creating a better world is found in wisdom which is knowledge + compassion. We talk about real issues that affect our lives. We ask questions about life and find answers rooted in Ancient Wisdom, yet enfolding today's insights.
participant for over 2 years.
Joining Oasis Rising Center led me to Eleanor. She is an amazing soul who shares my belief that life is precious. I found a community filled with people who are kind, caring and ask questions! Individually we have our points of view, together we have collective wisdom and can take action to create a more compassionate world.
I grew up in a regular church. Every Sunday we were 'treated' to a sermon about how the world was coming to an end and regular people who weren't at that church were going to hell without a handbasket. My friends at school were all supposedly doomed. As soon as I got old enough to say 'no' I left. I never thought I would go to church again. Then I found Oasis Rising Center and discovered that real spirituality isn't about fear or denying oneself, real spirituality is about love. Loving each other and the Divine within.
Join us for a celebration of life! We are regular folk, like you. We meet, we greet and we are joyful in company of others who share the simple truth that love is the answer!
New Thought Practices help us create a better life!
NewThought.net/work, Oasis Rising Center, This site was inspired by the dedicated work of a wonderful New Thought administrator. This is version 1.0 of a new design available for FREE to all UFBL Centers around the globe registered with the New Thought.net/work © 2016. All Right Reserved.


I have a question for you lovely people?
When you're arranging interiors, do you ever approach what you're doing like you're directing players on a stage? For example, thinking about the 'lead actor' in a stage play and who they need around them to support that particular dramatic moment? Considering how the lighting will work and whether it's building up to a scene change? I've come to the conclusion that I do this. For me, interiors is about a whole host of things: aesthetics, liveability, comfort and, of course, colour display. But it's also about drama and theatre 🎭 When I set a scene (like I do with shelfies) I love to feel the dynamism of it, the hushed babbling interaction of the objects and the feeling that it's very much in the present yet subject to change at any moment (generally when I've been to a flea market or on a High Street recce). Today, however, the drama came when I needed to hang my @stinegoya dress somewhere and suddenly noticed how deliciously it would go with my teeny-tiny multicoloured front door picture wall. And so it is and so it shall stay for a bit. As with theatre, I'll stand back from it to admire, and look, then look again, taking in the wonder of it before it's time for the scene to change once more.


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Ataribox
Location : Kotzebue, AK
Subject: Ataribox Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:49 pm
RGT 85 wrote:
The Ataribox will be on Indiegogo on December 14th for pre-order. Let's go over all the things we know about the Ataribox, from the Ataribox games to Ataribox controller, and why I think it's a giant SCAM.
Subject: Re: Ataribox Wed Dec 20, 2017 3:16 pm
The Ataribox was supposed to be available for pre-order via Indiegogo December 14th. However, the company decided to delay pre-orders due to one key element they said was "missing". I feel that the Ataribox is doomed, and the company is hoping to make a quick buck off of nostalgia.
Subject: Re: Ataribox Sat Feb 03, 2018 3:33 am
The AtariBox and RollerCoaster Tycoon on the Nintendo Switch have shown me one thing: ATARI is the WORST Gaming Company of 2018! Let's talk about the downfall of Atari and what their crowdfunding madness is causing.
Subject: Re: Ataribox Wed Mar 21, 2018 12:44 am
The Ataribox has a NEW NAME! It's now the ATARIVCS! The Atari VCS new name was debuted at GDC 2018, and we got some more details about the system as well. What's it all about?
Subject: Re: Ataribox Thu Mar 22, 2018 1:06 am
Subject: Re: Ataribox Tue May 01, 2018 1:50 am
There are new details about the Atari VCS and what it is capable of, including the first gameplay footage of something running on it. So why does the Atari VCS still feel like a SCAM?
Subject: Re: Ataribox Sun Jun 03, 2018 1:58 pm
The Atari VCS has HIT Indiegogo, and all the details of Atari's newest platform have been revealed. After looking over the info, I was VERY wrong about one thing with the Atari VCS. What are the Atari VCS games, system, and price? And what was I wrong about?
Atari launched their Indiegogo campaign for the Atari VCS. Which is Atari's attempt at reclaiming space under your television. Many (including myself) believed the crowdfunding campaign for the upcoming Atari console would be a miserable failure, but we were very wrong. The Atari VCS Indiegogo raised well over two million dollars in less than 24 hours. Making the VCS crowdfunding campaign a huge success, but will the Indiegogo success transcend into the VCS being a viable gaming platform in the long term?
Subject: Re: Ataribox Mon Jun 04, 2018 3:19 pm
You can now pre-order the Atari VCS on indiegogo but some stuff about this "new console" have me a bit suspicious. Let's talk about crowd funding, atari games, and possible ways this system could be a huge rip-off!
I'm listening to Michael Arzt on @gamertagradio and he's comparing The Atari VCS to the original Xbox. I think a better comparison would be to The Ouya.https://t.co/41NGHpRp1h
— Josh Hadley (@JoshJHadley) June 4, 2018
Arzt doesn't want to name any games coming out on the Atari VCS yet. Okay I can understand that. I'm wondering about the people who spent money on this. The games announced so far can be bought for under $50. Without a library the VCS is a rip off.https://t.co/41NGHpRp1h
I'll be fair. I actually like the idea of being able to use a controller I have already with a Atari VCS instead of having to get theirs. As you guys know I own a lot of systems and getting controllers for all of them makes for a lot of clutter.https://t.co/41NGHpRp1h
It's cool that I can do things on my Switch, Xbox, 3DS and Vita outside gaming. But I got those consoles to game on. I don't know why if you have a PC you'd also get a Atari VCS. So far they haven't given me a reason to.https://t.co/41NGHpRp1h
Arzt is right when he said the new Zelda game sold The Switch. He wants to do the same thing with The Atari VCS. What game do they hope to use as a system seller?https://t.co/41NGHpRp1h
Subject: Re: Ataribox Thu Jun 07, 2018 10:19 pm
These clowns don't even have a contract to bring Tempest 4000 to The VCS
The Atari VCS has been doing well on Indiegogo, but that may come to an end soon. All of the Atari VCS gameplay is not actually running on the platform, and Atari is in some hot water in this situation!


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Ullrich admits he was demoralised
Jan Ullrich sees the first signs of encouragement on stage two after the hammer blow of day one, but
By BikeRadar
PIC BY TDWSPORT.COM
Prior to Saturday's opening time trial, Liberty Seguros boss Manolo Saiz had predicted that the climbers would lose four seconds a kilometre to the TT specialists on the exposed 19km-long Noirmoutier course, and a bit more if the wind got up even a little bit. What no one expected was that Jan Ullrich, one of those specialists, would lose most of those 76 seconds and suffer the indignity of being passed well before the line.
T-Mobile tried to put a slightly positive spin on Ullrich being overtaken by Lance Armstrong by pointing out that the incident actually acted as a spur to the German. One team member suggested that Ullrich would have lost another 10 or 15 seconds if Armstrong hadn't come past him. However, that attempt at spin does not stand up to even cursory analysis as in that scenario those seconds would have been lost to stage-winner David Zabriskie, not to Armstrong, and the damage to Ullrich's Tour chances would not have been so severe.
Ullrich himself undermined his team's attempts to unearth something positive from Saturday's debacle by admitting he was "demoralised" by Saturday's events. Although regarded as a traditionally slow starter at the Tour, Ullrich and his team were convinced they could reach the Alps ahead of Lance Armstrong in the overall classification. "The time trial course favours me because it is one for powerful riders," he insisted before Saturday.
"What happened [on Saturday] took me a while to digest. Going into the first stage I felt in pretty good shape – that made me optimistic. But, as Lance passed me, I couldn't quite believe it. So, of course, Iïm still not particularly happy with the opener," said Ullrich.
Only T-Mobile team boss Walter Godefroot seemed to go into the stage with realistic expectations for his leader, feeling that Ullrich would do well to finish within 30 seconds of Armstrong.
On Sunday, things seemed to take a turn for the better as Ullrich initially appeared to have clawed back a handful of the 66 seconds he lost to Armstrong, when he finished in the first group over the line in Les Essarts. The main peloton, including every one of the German's rivals for the yellow jersey, came in five seconds later as the result of a late crash involving Ag2r's Samuel Dumoulin. But the race jury quickly decided that because the split had occurred in the last 3km and was due to a crash that there would be no time differences at all between the two leading groups. But at least it was a better sign for Ullrich.
"It is amazing what a difference a day makes, I'm looking ahead now," said the German after Tom Boonen's win in Les Essarts. "I believe, as I did before, that I am in good shape and that this Tour is still wide open. I had an off-day, but Lance could also have an off-day, so we must be ready for this. Whatever happens, I'm going to fight on and give it everything. Overall, I rode a much better race today than yesterday, when I suffered from fatigue."
Godefroot, though, still seemed unconvinced, as he revealed that the 'all-for-Jan' philosophy with which his team had started the Tour had lasted little more than 24 hours. "Now we've got two leaders," he said after Alexandre Vinokourov had lost considerably less than those 76 seconds predicted by Saiz in finishing third in Noirmoutier. "We will now be behind both of them as far as Courchevel, and then we will look at the situation again after the Alps."
Hardly the morale boost that Ullrich must have been looking for.
BikeRadar
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Starting this week, we will be posting member artwork on the blog. If would like to have your work featured, please contact Mary Ingels.
Attached, please see a recent colored pencil sketch I did of black-eyed peas which are a "good luck" tradition around New Year's time in the South. (After leaving Naperville in 2007 to retire in Athens, GA, I have learned a few new traditions in the south.) While the local red clay soil is not as kind to northern plants, there are many local plants which are intriguing to cultivate in this area. I do miss the Arboretum's botanical classes, but can vicariously enjoy the guild's activities. Athens does have a State botanical gardens (connected to U of GA), which provides a great source of inspiration to do artwork!
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Protesters arrested in Chicago, Seattle as civil unrest over police brutality continues
More than two dozen protesters were arrested over clashes with cops in Chicago and Seattle Saturday as civil unrest over police brutality continued across the country.
Heated protests were reported in Chicago, where 24 demonstrators were arrested, according to WGN9.
Youth activist groups organized in downtown Chicago, where they were peppered sprayed as they demanded the defunding of the city's police department and the abolishment of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
One of the groups, Good Kids, Mad City, posted to Twitter that two of their organizers were "beaten and arrested." A video from the group appears to show officers kettling protesters on the street.
"Cops are separating & surrounding protesters! They won't let people leave!" the group wrote on Twitter.
Four of the 24 arrests in the city were for felony battery of cops, David Brown, the superintendent of the CPD, said during a news briefing Saturday night.
Two protesters and 17 officers were treated for injuries, according to the department.
"An officer was beaten in the head several times with a skateboard," Brown said.
The violence started later Saturday afternoon when "multiple agitators hijacked" what were until then peaceful protests, Brown said as he defended the response from cops.
"To protect the peaceful protesters, as well as their fellow officers, our officers responded proportionately to get the situation under control," he said.
In Seattle, three people were arrested Friday night after a group of 100 or so protesters broke windows and graffitied storefronts in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which has been the epicenter of the city's demonstrations, the Seattle Times reported.
Windows were broken at T-Mobile and UPS stores along the city's Broadway. Graffiti on the UPS reportedly read "Support the USPS," a reference to the beleaguered postal service.
Democrats have accused President Trump of working to handicap the agency to prevent mail-in ballots during the November election.
"This is not the way to support the USPS," one UPS employee told the Times. "We take USPS packages. We ship for the USPS."
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On sunday 7 april, the Rebel Up label & distro will be at the record fair on Lezarts Urbains festival.
The record fair will focus on black music & hiphop culture and is from 14h til 21h.
Our Rebel Up distro will be there from 14h to 18h.
All day plenty of hiphop action going on in several rooms in the venue with many concerts, slam poets, as well as workshops and more.
For full info & tickets, see FB event or website.


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WCSO - Honda Clown
All Calls Anonymous Avery:828-737-0125
Watauga:828-268-6959
Tip Follow Up
High Country Crime Stoppers and Watauga Sheriff's Office seek the public's assistance in solving the following crime:
This black and red 2004 Honda CRF 80cc dirt bike was taken from the Sugar Grove/Bethel area Monday April 30th between 8:00 am and 2:00pm. It has distinctive one of a kind decals of an "evil clown." The clutch lever has been bent away from the handlebar.
High Country Crime Stoppers pays rewards for information, which leads to arrests; recovery of stolen property; seizure of drugs and the location of wanted persons.
High Country Crime Stoppers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operated by a volunteer community board of directors serving Avery and Watauga Counties. High Country Crime Stoppers encourages the reporting of information or leads which can assist law enforcement with solving crimes. Its goal is to help in the fight against crime, but it is not part of the local police departments or sheriff's offices. Each County has a law enforcement coordinator who participates as an advisor to the board but is a non-voting member. The citizen's board is responsible for operations of the program, fund raising, public relations, and approval of rewards.
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There are currently no listings available in Bend at the Villages of Spicewood. Save this Search to be notified by email as soon as new Bend at the Villages of Spicewood listings hit the market.
Displaying 0 out of 0 results. Listings updated 44 minutes ago.
*Bend at the Villages of Spicewood Market Stats are based on Austin MLS data as of April 24th, 2019 at 3:12pm CDT.
Part of the larger Villages of Spicewood community, Bend at the Villages of Spicewood is a small neighborhood consisting of just 3 streets. This Travis County neighborhood, located in the 78750 zip code, features upscale homes, many with views of the surrounding hill country.
With an average build date of 1997, Bend at the Villages of Spicewood homes for sale have exteriors of stone or brick, most with 2-story entryways. The landscaping is lush, green and mature, often with dramatic landscape lighting. Other outdoor features include pools, covered porches, decks and outdoor entertaining areas.
Spacious interiors average 3,200 square feet with 3-4 bedrooms and bathrooms. Many homes offer extensive updates including kitchens that open to the expansive living areas, granite countertops, breakfast bars, fireplaces, and wood flooring. The floor plans are open, giving these already nicely-sized homes even more livability. Broad windows take advantage of the hilly views that surround much of the neighborhood.
Where is Bend at the Villages of Spicewood Austin TX?
Located in the 78750 zip code, Bend at the Villages of Spicewood homes for sale are 15 miles from Downtown Austin. Developed along Sweet Cherry Drive off Spicewood Springs Road, this neighborhood is 23 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Bend at the Villages of Spicewood homes for sale has a prime location for enjoying the best of Northwest Austin. Residents love to pop into Chuy's Tex-Mex, just 3 miles away, for margaritas and spicy food. To walk off their dinner, St. Edwards Park is less than 2 miles away and offers wooded walking trails with a scenic waterfall. The Arboretum at Great Hills is a longtime Austin favorite destination for open-air shopping in a lovely setting. For dinner and movie, locals clamor to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema just 6 miles away. For healthcare needs and doctor's appointments, residents love that Seton Northwest Hospital is a quick 5-mile drive.
With access to Spicewood Springs Road leading to Highway 183, residents easily access Cedar Park, Round Rock, and all parts of Austin for work, school, errands or recreation. Northwest Austin is one of the fastest growing areas around Austin and delivers nearly unequaled opportunities for all of life's creature comforts.
The acclaimed Round Rock ISD serves the students of Bend at the Villages of Spicewood. Younger students attend Laurel Mountain Elementary (PK-5) while older students attend Canyon Vista Middle (6-8) and Westwood High School (9-12). The high school, home of the Warriors, enjoys a designation by Newsweek magazine as the 8th best high school in Texas with its championship sports teams, excellent academics, and award-winning music programs. Private school options include a 4-mile drive to Trillium Montessori (Infant-6 years) and a 5-mile drive to Hill Country Christian School of Austin (PK-12).
Contact a Bend at the Villages of Spicewood REALTOR® today.
Interested in Buying in the Bend at the Villages of Spicewood area?
Have a home to Sell in the Bend at the Villages of Spicewood area?


What are the best Sports Medicine Schools in Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix has a general population of 1,321,045 and an overall student population of 86,666. Approximately 34,205 of Phoenix's students are enrolled in schools that offer sports medicine programs.
Of the 1 sports medicine schools in Phoenix, the largest sports medicine school, by student population, is Grand Canyon University. In 2010, Grand Canyon University graduated approximately 7 students from its sports medicine program.
A reported 7 students graduated with credentials in sports medicine in Phoenix in 2010. In 2009 tuition at sports medicine schools in Phoenix was $17,060 per year, on average.
You should also anticipate spending about $1,750 for sports medicine related books and supplies every year. And if you live on campus, you will face an additional expense of $14,592 per year, on average, for room and board. If you live at home, you can cut this cost down to approximately $0.


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TiVo's New Boxes are Very Cool But Old Challenges Persist
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 8:55 AM ET
The two new boxes TiVo unveiled last night - the Premiere and the Premiere XL - go right to the top of my list of most impressive devices that handle both broadcast and broadband content in one seamless experience. The new boxes continue TiVo's pattern of always being one step ahead of the competition in delivering an outstanding user experience. All of that is the good news. The bad news is that unfortunately, nothing I learned in my briefing earlier this week with Jim Denney, TiVo's VP of Product Marketing, suggests that these boxes will find their way into any more than the relatively few homes that prior TiVo boxes have.
First the boxes themselves. The key Premiere innovation is that TiVo now elegantly recognizes broadband sources such as Netflix, Amazon, Blockbuster, YouTube and hundreds of others as bona fide content options, right alongside the customary broadcast and cable channels. That means that when you do a search for a specific TV program or movie, TiVo returns all the viewing options. Say for example it's Saturday night and you search for the classic movie "Raising Arizona." It may be on a cable channel the following Tuesday, but you want to watch it now. Well it is also available from Netflix's Watch Instantly. Assuming you've linked your Netflix account to the Premiere, a couple of clicks of the remote and you're watching right then. That type of all-in-one-box convenience isn't available elsewhere.
The TiVo browse and recommendation experience is tremendously improved also with a new "Discovery bar" - a strip of artwork and images from the programming that adds a lot of zip to the previously text-heavy browsing UI. Selecting an image triggers an expansion window with relevant details (program description, air time, cast, etc.) You can then immerse yourself in a "6 degrees of Kevin Bacon" IMDb-like experience by subsequently selecting an actor, subsequent movies, co-stars, etc, all in a rich, graphical interface. You can also select "Bonus Features" and immediately start reviewing accompanying clips from YouTube.
TiVo is also introducing "Collections," a set of curated categories like "Oscar Winning Films," "Sundance Award Winners" and "AFI's 10 Top 10" which, with accompanying artwork that are another quick, fun new way to browse for what's on (again these collections tap all broadcast and broadband sources). The gorgeous user experience is all built on Flash and is formatted for HD widescreen, to maximize the amount of real estate used. Another first for TiVo is a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out of the remote control for enhanced navigation.
That's a lot of new goodness from TiVo, which as expected comes at a price. The Premiere, with 320 GB of storage (enough for 45 hours of HD recording) is $299 and the Premiere XL, with 1 TB of storage is $499. Best Buy is again highlighted as a key marketing partner. Then of course there's the $13.95/mo TiVo service charge.
These are basically consistent with previous prices, suggesting that yet again TiVo will bump up against the brick wall of most consumers' resistance to buying expensive hardware. No matter how cool TiVo's boxes have been over the years, this is TiVo's traditional Achilles heel and it doesn't seem likely to lessen with the Premiere. When I highlighted this issue Jim allowed that the purpose of the standalone box is to be a "crucible of innovation" and that it is intended mainly for "discerning customers" (my interpretation: TiVo itself doesn't plan to sell a ton of Premiere boxes).
To address the sell-through problem, TiVo has worked hard to develop "TiVo-inside" relationships with video service providers, so that it can become more of a software and services company. For instance, I've been getting my TiVo service as part of my Comcast set-top box for a while now. With the Premiere announcements, TiVo said that RCN, a smallish American "overbuilder" and Virgin Media, a significant U.K. operator would include the Premiere features in their new set-top boxes, which is great.
However, no plans were revealed for what Comcast, by far the largest operator with TiVo inside, will do with the Premiere. In fact, one sticking point for Comcast is almost certainly the very access to broadband content that TiVo is trumpeting with the Premiere. My Comcast box frustratingly disables all of the previous "TiVoCast" broadband features I used to enjoy on my Series 2 box as Comcast seeks to maintain its "walled garden" approach. While RCN may be aggressive about providing access to 3rd-party broadband sources, I'm doubtful that Comcast will be given their own extensive TV Everywhere plans. That raises doubts about whether Comcast's TiVo customers will ever see the Premiere's full range of features.
And so all that brings us back to where TiVo always seems to find itself - with market-leading devices that have serious hurdles to widespread consumer adoption. I really hope there's a forthcoming breakthrough this time around for TiVo. Otherwise history will repeat itself yet again and TiVo will continue to be a well-respected, but relatively marginal player in the digital media landscape.
What do you think? Post a comment now (no sign-in required).
Categories: Cable TV Operators, Devices
Topics: Comcast, RCN, TiVo, Virgin Media


Three wineries and three thousand vineyard hectares makes Indevin New Zealand's largest supplier of exclusive brand and own label wines. It's an unmatched scale, guaranteeing consistency in our wines at the volume required by the very biggest exclusive label wine programmes.
Our unique production model gives retailers the assurance to invest in exclusive brand strategies, delivering customer focused wine. Unlike traditional spot market models our partnerships offer full branding and production control, eliminating quality concerns and ensuring regional exclusivity. Our sub-regional growing strategy guarantees consistent quality and quantity, year in and year out, regardless of harvest variables.
It's a model that works - our relationships include wine retailers from around the world, including exclusive label partnerships with some of the best wine retailers in Australia, the UK and the USA. Retaining that collaborative and bespoke approach whilst working at genuine scale is what we are all about, and what our partnerships are founded on.
"Our team can assist or oversee all aspects within the winemaking supply chain. This includes customised wine, bottling, brand creation, inventory management, distribution and freight. This involvement is customised to suit our partner's needs.


As spring tries to make its entrance in the behind-the-calendar, starkly bare Northeast, thoughts turn to love. Prom season, graduations, weddings, births—all contribute to increased focus on relationships and tap into natural longings for a fulfilling and vital connection with someone to love and to be loved by. Home Improvement Ministries is speaking into this universally-valued but often confusing and disappointing state by hosting a trilogy of "love-centered" events in the space of three spring weekends.
The trilogy was kicked off with our annual True Love Waits – Family Edition held a week ago at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton on Saturday, March 29, and at Christ Chapel in Centerville (Cape Cod) on Sunday, March 30.
A phenomenal team assembled to speak from their hearts about God's design for relationships and sexuality.
Grant and Emily Williams, four-year veterans with TLW-FE, presented from a position of both having been raised in fairly dysfunctional, alcoholic, broken homes, and not learning about God's design for sexuality until their young adult years. Through the transforming grace of God, they both laid their broken pasts at the foot of the cross and are now almost 12 years into a Christ-centered, vital, and growing marriage. They are raising their three daughters in the love and protection of Biblical guidelines and speak powerfully of the hope of breaking with the past and creating a godly legacy for the next generation. As a 6'8" former offensive lineman for the New England Patriot's first Super Bowl team, Grant garners respect from all as he authentically speaks of what means more to him than his Super Bowl ring.
Lisa Friesen and Julie Friesen, favorites at TLW-FE for many years, represented the "I'm close enough in age to you to be credible" position. Lisa, now 25 and a full-time athletic trainer at a private high school in San Luis Obispo, CA, shared her continuing commitment to trust God's design for purity. Signing a commitment card at TLW when she was 13 and still honoring that commitment 12 years later is linked to her ever-deepening heart for Jesus. She is more convinced than ever that she is "worth the wait" and spoke convincingly to a crowd that hears few such messages. Julie, 23 and a recent graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (June '07), has a powerful testimony of her ongoing commitment to purity as well. As an All-American lacrosse player, and four-time National Champion, Julie also attributes the "success" she's had remaining pure to her vital relationship with the Lord and to believing that He wants to give her the best. Lisa and Julie did a workshop on how to develop God-honoring convictions that will facilitate purity through the college years. Hope-giving and an all too rare message from authentic young ladies, they cast a vision of hope for the teens.
Brian and Heather Dietz, also long time veterans with TLW-FE, are a refreshing example of a young couple with great hearts for the Lord and for His purposes. The joy of arranging their lives pre-and post-maritally around God's good design was apparent as they shared their story. They taught specifically on developing thirst in teens for Christ, which is needed for buy-in to embracing God's plan for purity and for relationships in general. As directors of the middle-school program at Grace Chapel, they brought a wealth of experience and connectability to the conference.
Jess and Elizabeth Bousa, students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and of the Home improvement Ministries Church Partnership Training Program, made their debut appearance at TLW-FE. With a unique and compelling story of his transformation from being involved in using and selling drugs to falling in love with Jesus while "serving time" at Teen Challenge, Jess powerfully preached about how to honor the "temple" of God (1 Corinthians 6:19) by choosing sexual purity. Their seminar, entitled "It's never too late to start doing the right thing," was practical and real and their transparency and openness made them very approachable.
Paul and I (co-directors of Home Improvement Ministries), rounded out the team. With 32 years of marriage and ministry, our passion for this focus of sexual purity only grows stronger. We gave the key note talk—on "God's Design for Sexual Purity"—and spoke on the goodness of God's design and the delights of trusting Him with this very potent area of life.
The six-hour seminar included large group presentations, workshops, and question and answer time. The day culminated with a time of reflection and commitment. Lunch and snacks were also provided (and prepared and served by long-time HIM veteran Jim Martis.) Great resources were available at the book table, operated by Kimary Pomphrett. Both days were full of expectation, vitality, and hope.
Older PostHIM Team Trinidad 2008 Returns!


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ROADSTER NIRVANA
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Mon, Oct 12, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
ROADSTER NIRVANA By Roy Nakano When Mazda introduced the first Miata MX-5 Miata back in 1989, it was already close to roadster perfection: near 50-50 weight distribution, power delivery perfectly matched to the capabilities of the drive train, suspension, wheels and tires, bullet-proof reliability. And most importantly, it had a fun factor far exceeding the price of the car. Even when the car is going slow, it's loads of fun in the corners, maneuvering around potholes and darting in-and-out of traffic with ease. With the advent of each new generation of Miata MX-5s, Mazda just kept getting closer and closer to perfection. Even when you thought the Miata was already perfectly balanced as a roadster, Mazda found a way to make it even better. For the current version, it's no exception. The third generation MX-5, introduced in late 2005 as a 2006 model, was a substantial step up for the sports car. Every component on the car was either all new or extensively revised. A new 16-valve, 2.0-liter MZR I-4 engine was introduced, producing 170 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled to either a five-speed or a six-speed manual transmission or 166-horsepower with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, while the five-speed manual model achieved the same fuel economy as the first 1990 Miata.
The third generation Miata also produced a change in the suspension for the first time. A front wishbone/rear multilink suspension was used beginning with the 2006 MX-5 to increase ride quality and handling. Technologies like traction control and stability control were also added. In 2007, Mazda offered, for a new Power Retractable Hard Top model. Opening and closing cycles last only 12 seconds, making it the fastest power-operated retractable hard top in the U.S. , and the only retractable hardtop on the market that doesn't compromise trunk space (the top goes behind the front seats). Additionally, the Hard Top added only 77 pounds to the total weight of the car. With this most recent iteration (which we'll call Generation 3.5), Mazda brings forth a number of significant changes. On manual transmission models, the MZR 2.0-liter engine's redline has been bumped up 500 rpm, to 7200. Making this higher redline possible are a new forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods with floating wrist pins, revised pistons with stronger wrist pin bosses, stiffer valve springs, and an engine oil cooler. The original 1.6-liter 1990 model was tuned to mimic the sound of dual-carbureted sports cars of the '60s. While the 1990 Miata did just that, it drew in hot underhood air from behind the radiator. Today's engine draws in cool air from the nose of the car for better efficiency, but a lightweight plastic composite intake manifold has been designed to transmit certain frequencies that match the classic sports car sound profile, while suppressing less enjoyable sounds. For Generation 3.5, 6-speed manual models also get an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE). Made up of a series of tuned pipes and a passive resonance membrane, the ISE delivers the engine's natural induction sound to the cowl, just ahead of the windshield, so pleasing engine sounds can be delivered at a comfortable volume without resorting to simply being loud.
The new MX-5's 6-speed also delivers a better shift feel, thanks to a new carbon coating on the 1st through 4th gear synchros and larger diameter synchros on 3rd and 4th gear. 6th gear is slightly taller (0.787:1 vs. 0.832:1) for improved fuel economy and more relaxed highway cruising. The engine's output on paper increases only slightly (now making 167 hp at 7000 rpm, up from 166 hp at 6700 rpm). Mazda also improved the handling for Generation 3.5. The front suspension still consists of lightweight forged aluminum double wishbones, but the outer ball joints have been repositioned slightly to lower the front roll center about an inch. Damping has also been re-tuned on both the standard suspension and the Bilstein-equipped suspension package. The optional traction control and stability control systems have also been re-tuned to be less intrusive during sporty driving. As a result, the 2009 MX-5 reacts more precisely to driver commands, with more linear responses, better balanced front and rear roll, and better yaw response. The MX-5's exterior design retains the iconic feel of the earlier generation MX-5 Miatas. The body is shaped to make the cockpit the widest portion of the car, delivering a roomier design that still expresses the compact look of a lightweight sports car. Head and tail lamps are mounted inboard to reinforce the sense of compactness that is so central to the car's design philosophy. Joining this modern shape are tail lamps and rearview mirrors that suggest the elliptical shapes of the first-generation MX-5 Miata. For Gen 3.5, the MX-5 gets a happy face akin to the rest of the current Mazda line, with re-shaped headlamps, a larger, five-point grille and highly-sculpted triangular front fog lamp bezels. The new design is functional as well. The bulge below the front fog lamps, the wider air deflectors ahead of the front tires, the redesigned side sills, the reshaped lower corners of the rear bumper and even the taillights all are said to contribute to a lower coefficient of drag. Changes to the interior for 2009 seem to be focused on the areas the driver touches most. The seat shape has been refined for better lower-body comfort. The center console has been redesigned for more flexible storage and, and better comfort, with a padded armrest now residing behind the shifter. Even the bottle holders in the doors were changed, evidently with driver comfort in mind. Also new for Gen 3.5, the MX-5 adds standard features including an auxiliary-audio input jack and a CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability. The quality of craftsmanship in the MX-5 gives it a look and feel well beyond its price. From the details of bright-trimmed gauges to the "dark silver" finish on the dash, the MX-5 feels and looks more expensive than before.
Does this mean that the MX-5 has reached roadster nirvana? The truth of the matter is, the MX-5 had already reached nirvana many moons ago. Sports car aficionados, what we get today goes beyond nirvana. It has a fun-to-drive quality that is rarely equaled in other cars. Many faster and higher performing cars require putting the accelerator pedal to the metal to bring out the adrenalin. Not so with the MX5. In the pursuit of driving enjoyment, the MX5 Miata remains one of the best-kept secrets. SUMMARY JUDGMENT Mazda has further perfected the perfect sports car roadster For more information about Mazda products, go to www.mazdausa.com
SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Price Base: $26,350 As tested: $29,170 (Suspension Package 1SP, Premium Package 2PR) Engine: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT (MZR) Horsepower: 167 @ 7000 rpm Torque: 140 @ 5000 rpm EPA-estimated miles per gallon (city/highway): 21/28 Transmission: Six-speed manual (optional 6-speed automatic with available sequential-shifting manumatic mode on all models except Sport) Drive configuration: Rear-wheel drive Brakes Front: Power-assisted ventilated 11.4-inch disc brakes Rear: Power-assisted solid 11-inch solid disc brakes Suspension Front: Independent double wishbone with stabilizer bar Rear: Independent multi-link with stabilizer bar
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Q: Multi-variable multi-degree inequalities What is the best way to solve inequalities with multiple variables of possibly higher degrees as well? Any method, by hand or software will do.
Want solution similar to this:
$$f(a,b) \geq 0$$
Solution:
$$a \in (-k,k)$$
$$b \in (-a, a)$$
As in, the variables can be dependent on each other (as they will in several situations.)
Edit:
The specific questions I'm trying to solve are:
\begin{align*}
 &1. -\frac{1}{18}((a^2-1)^2 - a^2)p + \frac{1}{18} \geq 0 \text{  and  } -\frac{1}{108}((a^2-1)^2 - a^2)p + \frac{1}{108} \lt 0 \\
&2. -\frac{1}{18}((a^2-1)^2 - a^2)p + \frac{1}{18} \geq 0 \text{  and  }
-\frac{1}{324}a^8p^2 + \frac{1}{54}a^6p^2 - \frac{11}{324}a^4p^2 + \frac{1}{54}a^2p^2 + \frac{1}{324}p^2 + \frac{1}{432} \lt 0\\
\end{align*}
(Two separate questions)

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text:
Q: Importing date data from excel into table with right format conversion I am importing data from excel files into SQL server database. In excel ,Date field are in the format mm-dd-yyyy. Whereas SQL database imports it as yyyy-mm-dd, swapping dates to months.For ex. in excel its 01-12-2018 but in SQL it imports as 2018-12-01.  Hence the dates are incorrect.
Please let me know a way to import it correctly in SQL.
I am happy to import in both ways : yyyy-mm-dd or yyyy-dd-mm. I just want it to read the date correctly form excel file.
I am using import export wizard.

A: Updated answer:
OP mentioned in another answer comment

I am currently using import export wizard to import data.

To solve problem in Import export wizard.

*

*Choose Flat file source - I used a sample file (sample.csv) with this data
id, dates, text
1,08-09-2018,"sample"
2,05-09-2019,"more sample"

*Under Choose your data source I went to Advanced tab and ensured that dates are imported as string.

*At the Select Source Table and Views step, go into Edit Mappings>Edit SQL and then change the table creation query to have an extra calculated column (say cdates) with definition like [cdates] as convert(date,[ dates],110). As you can see I added this in my SQL as last column in definition.

In the case that you don't create table but insert into existing table. Alter the table to have a calculated column over the varchar date column.
See the output I got

Original Answer:
You should import the dates as nvarchar(10) into the table and then cast them after they have been imported.
Typically nvarchar type structure is followed for all purpose and is also called staging tables. In staging tables most of the relevant mistrusted data fields are of nvarchar(N) type allowing them to be successfully imported into SQL server.
After import, you should take data from staging tables into desired tables using properly casted/converted columns in a MERGE or UP-SERT query.
In you case you should use explicit convert like
CONVERT(date,your_staging_date_column ,110)

A: If data is set as Date in Excel, you can convert it to nvarchar, and then back to date as follows:
CONVERT(date, convert(nvarchar, [date from excel]), 110);

110 in the end means that it will convert from format mm-dd-yyyy as your data is currently formatted in Excel.
If you are reading data from Excel as pure text, then it will be enough to convert that text to date:
CONVERT(date, [date from excel], 110);

This function will convert data to correct format in your table.


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text:
using System;
using Banshee.Hardware;

namespace Banshee.Hardware.Gio
{
    class Volume : Device, IVolume
    {
        RawVolume volume;

        public static new IVolume Resolve (IDevice device)
        {
            var raw = device as IRawDevice;
            if (raw != null && raw.Device is RawVolume) {
                return new Volume (raw.Device);
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            return null;
        }

        public string DeviceNode {
            get { return device.DeviceNode; }
        }

        public string MountPoint {
            get { return volume.MountPoint; }
        }

        public bool IsReadOnly {
            get { return volume.IsReadOnly; }
        }

        public ulong Capacity {
            get { return volume.Capacity; }
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        public long Available {
            get { return volume.Available; }
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        public IBlockDevice Parent {
            get {
                return BlockDevice.Resolve (this);
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        public bool ShouldIgnore {
            get { return false; }
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            get { return volume.FileSystem; }
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        public bool CanEject {
            get { return volume.CanEject; }
        }

        public bool CanUnmount {
            get { return volume.CanUnmount; }
        }

        public Volume (RawDevice device)
            : base (device)
        {
            volume = (RawVolume) device;
        }

        public void Eject ()
        {
            volume.Eject ();
        }

        public void Unmount ()
        {
            volume.Unmount ();
        }
    }
}

#endif

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text:
Home · News
10-Year-Old Kentucky Boy Kills Himself Because Of Bullying Over His Colostomy Bag, Parents Say
Seven Bridges, a 10-year-old fifth grader in Louisville, Ky., took his own life after dealing with repeated bullying.
By Breanna Edwards · January 23, 2019
A 10-year-old boy from Louisville, Ky. is dead, and his parents are saying bullying is the reason the young child decided to take his own life.
Seven Bridges killed himself on Saturday morning, while his mother, Tami Charles was at the grocery store, and his father, Donnie Bridges, was at a church choir practice, according to WHAS11.
"For the few minutes that we left, he didn't want us to see that," Bridges told the news station.
"I saw my son dead. That's something in my head," Charles added.
Seven was his parents' miracle child. Charles was told she couldn't have children, but Seven was born on July 25, 2008, the only child the couple would have.
But his life wasn't easy. From the moment he was born he needed to use a colostomy bag, and even after it was removed he would sometimes have issues with leaking. His medical problems became a reason for kids to make fun of the young child.
"Twenty-six surgeries from the day my son was born. Twenty-six surgeries. He just wanted to be normal, that's all," Charles said.
Seven dealt with bullying for a long time, some of it racist. Back in September, he was allegedly called the n-word by a student on a school bus. His friend demanded that he beat up that bully, but when the gentle soul refused, his own friend began to choke him.
"I still can't get him choking me out of my head," Seven told WHAS11 back in September of the incident. "I was thinking 'why is he doing that, I thought he was my friend.'"
Charles took Seven to have a CT scan and then bashed the school district in a Facebook video, accusing the district of not doing enough in the situation.
"[The Kerrick Elementary Assistant Principal said] 'I talked to the bus driver this morning.' No referral, no incident report, no paperwork," Charles said back in September.
Now that Seven is gone, Charles is planning to take legal action.
"The balls that were dropped…" she said. "It wasn't that JCPS didn't have these tools, they just weren't at our school. It wasn't that they didn't have these tools to help the victims of bullying, they just weren't there, they weren't used."
Charles had hoped that transferring Seven to a new school, W.E.B. DuBois Academy would have given her son a new start in the 6th grade.
"We kept telling him this will all be over," Charles said.
Now, Charles is hoping that Seven's story will give bullies pause and encourage them to be kinder.
The Kerrick Elementary Principal did come to the hospital to see the family after Seven was discovered dead, and a crisis team was expected to be at schools Tuesday to assist the children as needed.
Seven's wake will be held on Feb. 1, and his funeral will be held the following day.
The family, in the meantime, has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and supporting the family in finding justice.
So far, in two days, the campaign has raised more than $41,000 of its $60,000 goal.
TOPICS: News bullying bullying at school seven bridges stop bullying suicide
Huggies Uses Black Father On Its Packaging For The First Time
Trending In Travel: Rihanna's Heading Home, Solocations Are ...
Ava DuVernay's 'When They See Us' Leads Emmys With 16 Nomina...


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Nursing home sexual abuse is unexpected, shocking and appalling to family members who have entrusted the nursing home to take care of their loved one. Elderly nursing home residents are easy targets for sexual abusers because they are weak and often defenseless. In many instances, victims of nursing home sexual abuse are chosen because their medical conditions inhibit their ability to communicate with others and express what's happening to them. For instance, residents with dementia and Alzheimer's may have a difficult time remembering sexual abuse and also be unable to communicate what happened to them. When elderly residents cannot protect themselves or communicate, the likelihood of becoming a victim of nursing home sexual abuse increases.
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text:
Q: Unable to set certain types of Power BI filters (on a visual) I'm facing the below issue when using the PowerBI-JavaScript library to set filters on a visual:
I'm unable to set the following types of filters: Advanced (filterType: 0) and TopN (filterType: 5) on a visual when using the setFilters function (on the visual object), for example:
const myAdvancedFilter = {
  $schema: 'http://powerbi.com/product/schema#advanced',
  target: {
    table: 'MyDataTable',
    measure: 'TimeDifference'
  },
  filterType: 0,
  logicalOperator: 'And',
  conditions: [
    {
      operator: 'GreaterThanOrEqual',
      value: 0
    },
    {
      operator: 'LessThanOrEqual',
      value: 12
    }
  ]
}

myVisual.setFilters([myAdvancedFilter])
  .catch(errors => {
    console.log(errors) // An error occurs
  });

This is the error that I receive:

The following also doesn't work:
 reportPage.getVisuals().then(visuals => {
   let firstVisual = visuals[0]; // Note: The report only contains one visual
     firstVisual.getFilters().then(visualFilters => {
       // The visualFilters array contains advanced/topN filters (note: the visual has the advanced filters applied when it is initially embedded; before I attempt to set filters)
       firstVisual.setFilters(visualFilters).catch(errors => {
         // If I attempt to set the 'visualFilters' to the visual I get the error depicted in the above screenshot. This issue shouldn't occur because the report already has these filters applied
       });
     })
 })

The setFilters() function appears to send a PUT request (/report/pages/{PageName}visuals/{Visual}/filters) to the embedded report (in the iframe) passing the filters in the request body. The response is returning the 'InvalidFilter' error.
Note: I'm able to set basic filters e.g. a value on a column without any errors. For example:
const basicFilter = {
  $schema: 'http://powerbi.com/product/schema#advanced',
  filterType: 1,
  operator: 'In',
  target: {
    table: 'MyDataTable',
    column: 'Zone'
  },
  values: ['MyZone']
}

myVisual.setFilters([basicFilter])
  .catch(errors => {
    console.log(errors) // No error occurs
  });

I'm able to set all filters (basic, advanced and topN) via the filter pane, I'm just unable to set them programmatically via the  PowerBI-JavaScript library.
How do I solve this problem?

A: The syntax and implementation looks correct as I validated from my end and as per the documentation of constructing filters. This kind of error is thrown if the table or column name reference provided is incorrect.
May be one or more of the referenced entities (table, column) in the filter definition is no more available in the report, or the name is not correct.In this case, the "Invalid filter definition" error will be thrown while setting the filters.