text:
@interface SelectLevel()

-(void)setBackground;
-(void)setLevelButton;
-(void)setBackButton;

@end

@implementation SelectLevel

+(id)scene{
	CCScene* scene =[CCScene node];
	SelectLevel* layer =[SelectLevel node];
	[scene addChild:layer];
	return  scene;
}

-(id)init{
	self =[super init];
	if (self) {
		[self setBackground];
		[self setLevelButton];
		[self setBackButton];
	}
	return self;
}

-(void)setBackground{
	//Set the menu's background
	CCSprite* background =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"SelectLevel.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, ipadWidth, ipadLength)];
	background.position=ccp(ipadWidth/ 2,ipadLength / 2);
	[self addChild:background z:0];
}

-(void)setLevelButton{
	finish = [saveData getLevel];
	if(finish == 0){
		finish = 1;
		[saveData saveLevel:1];
	}

	CCSprite* lock = [CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"lock.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level1Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level1.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level2Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level2.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level3Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level3.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level4Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level4.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level5Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level5.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level6Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level6.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level7Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level7.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	CCSprite* level8Sprite =[CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"level8.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 100)];
	if(1 > finish)  level1Sprite = lock;
	if(2 > finish)  level2Sprite = lock;
	if(3 > finish)  level3Sprite = lock;
	if(4 > finish)  level4Sprite = lock;
	if(5 > finish)  level5Sprite = lock;
	if(6 > finish)  level6Sprite = lock;
	if(7 > finish)  level7Sprite = lock;
	if(8 > finish)  level8Sprite = lock;

	CCMenuItem* level1 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level1Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel1:)];
	CCMenuItem* level2 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level2Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel2:)];
	CCMenuItem* level3 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level3Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel3:)];
	CCMenuItem* level4 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level4Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel4:)];
	CCMenuItem* level5 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level5Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel5:)];
	CCMenuItem* level6 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level6Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel6:)];
	CCMenuItem* level7 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level7Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel7:)];
	CCMenuItem* level8 =[CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:level8Sprite selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(selectLevel8:)];

	CCMenu* levelMenu1 = [CCMenu menuWithItems:level1, level2, level3, level4, nil];
	levelMenu1.position = ccp(ipadWidth / 2, ipadLength / 2 + 100);
	[levelMenu1 alignItemsHorizontallyWithPadding: 20];
	[self addChild:levelMenu1 z:1];

	CCMenu* levelMenu2 = [CCMenu menuWithItems:level5, level6, level7, level8, nil];
	levelMenu2.position = ccp(ipadWidth / 2, ipadLength / 2 - 100);
	[levelMenu2 alignItemsHorizontallyWithPadding: 20];
	[self addChild:levelMenu2 z:1];

}

-(void)selectLevel1:(id)sender{
	if(1 > finish) return;
	Level = 1;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel2:(id)sender{
	if(2 > finish) return;
	Level = 2;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel3:(id)sender{
	if(3 > finish) return;
	Level = 3;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel4:(id)sender{
	if(4 > finish) return;
	Level = 4;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel5:(id)sender{
	if(5 > finish) return;
	Level = 5;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel6:(id)sender{
	if(6 > finish) return;
	Level = 6;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel7:(id)sender{
	if(7 > finish) return;
	Level = 7;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

-(void)selectLevel8:(id)sender{
	if(8 > finish) return;
	Level = 8;
	[SelectLevel generateGame];
}

+(void)generateGame{
	CCDirector* director = [CCDirector sharedDirector];
	CCScene* newScene = [CCScene node];
	CCLayer* layer1 = [gameBackground node];
	CCLayer* layer2 = [gameLayer node];
	[newScene addChild:layer1 z:0];
	[newScene addChild:layer2 z:1];
	[director replaceScene:[CCTransitionJumpZoom transitionWithDuration:1.0f scene:newScene]];
}

-(void)setBackButton{
	CCSprite* BackButton = [CCSprite spriteWithFile:@"back.png" rect:CGRectMake(0, 0, 80, 80)];
	CCMenuItem *BackButtonItem = [CCMenuItemSprite itemFromNormalSprite:BackButton selectedSprite:nil target:self selector:@selector(BackToMenu:)];
	CCMenu* BackMenu = [CCMenu menuWithItems:BackButtonItem,nil];
	BackMenu.position = ccp(ipadWidth - 40, 40);
	[self addChild:BackMenu z: 5];
}

-(void)BackToMenu:(id)sender{
	[SceneManager goMenu:sender];
}

-(void)dealloc{
	[super dealloc];
}

@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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reflection of the Creator-God. That is certainly true.
Function: This approach sees the image of God in us in the things we are capable of doing, particularly our ability to be imaginative and employ our creativity.
Substance: This approach sees the image of God in usas a part of our very essence. It is from this view that we gain the notion of human dignity.
Relationship: This approach begins with the Triune God and sees the human longing to be known and loved as part of this desire and capacity for community.
There is truth to each of these ways of speaking of the image of God in humans. But there is another way to look at this. The Swiss theologian Karl Barth begins and ends his theology of the imago Dei with Jesus. For Barth, any discussion about our being in the image of God must begin with the recognition that Jesus alone is the perfect image of God.
When we want to know what it looks like to be fully human, we look to Jesus. Jesus shows us how we were created to be.
This has resonances with C. S. Lewis's famous words about Jesus being the only truly and fully human the world has seen since the first man and woman. The rest of us are "sub-human." So, when we fail, Lewis remarks that this is not because we only "only human" but because we are less than human.
To be created in the image of God, then, is to be created to be like Jesus.
Jesus to lead my life the way He would lead my life if He were me." It is the imago Dei that makes us capable of living and loving and giving and forgiving like Jesus.
What About Sin and the Fall?
obscured (Eastern Orthodox?) or obliterated (Reformed?), we have lost the capacity to be fully human, to live out the imago Dei.
PARTICIPATION: What Does This Mean For Our Technology?
This fallenness has implications for how we use or misuse our technology.
Hide our flaws (Genesis 3): Yes, I'm talking about the leaves Adam and Eve used to cover their nakedness.
Abuse others (Genesis 4): Think of Cain murdering Abel, perhaps with an instrument, or at the very least, a certain kind of knowledge of how to do violence to another.
The narratives from Genesis 3-11 are a whirlwind tour of the fracturing effects of the fall. In Genesis 12, the Story slows down as God begins His plan to work His salvation into our world by calling Abraham. But right away, we see humans using their knowledge, instruments, and machines to hide their flaws, abuse others, and ascend to the heavens.
How do we do the same thing with our knowledge, instruments, and machines?
I think of how we manage our image or our "brand" via social media, hiding our flaws and covering our shame.
I think of how a podium becomes a "bully pulpit", and a microphone becomes an instrument to beat others down with words.
I think of how our lights and smoke and music can simulate a spiritual encounter or manipulate people into a response, making us think we have ascended to the heavens and reached God for ourselves.
Is there a way out? Is there a way to properly use our knowledge, instruments, and machines?
How Did Jesus Use His "Technology"?
The Greek poieo shows up only twice in the Gospels in reference to Jesus "producing something material"(According to BDAG— the most comprehensive lexicon of New Testament Greek words that we have). Both instances are in John's gospel.
The first thing Jesus made was a whip to drive out the money-changers. That's a sermon in itself!
But the second thing that Jesus, the God-man, the one who was with God before the world began, "through whom all things were made", made was…mud.
In Jesus' hands, even spit and mud can be used to make blind eyes see.
This whole story is about Jesus' ministry to bring sight to the blind. Later in the chapter, it becomes a metaphor for spiritual blindness and sight (John 9:39).
How Can We Use Technology in Our Churches to Help People See Jesus?
Some of us may have tools that may seem like little more than mud, but in the Lord's hands, they can help blind eyes see.
Jesus takes and uses in the gospels: bread and wine. Luke shows Jesus taking, blessing, breaking, giving three times– at the feeding of the five thousand, at Passover, and at the home of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
And it is at their home, after Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it, that their eyes are opened. They begin to see Jesus…for the very first time.
Graham suggests that all technology has an outward form that has to do with its utility and an inward form that has to do with its beauty and mystery.
No, that doesn't mean that technology become a means of grace the way the Sacrament is.
Last month, I was in Durham, England, and got to see and worship in Durham Cathedral, built a thousand years ago.
The building certainly has a utility to it; it is made for people to be in.
But it was designed with more than utility in mind. It was made for worship.
There is a beauty and mystery, a sense of awe and wonder that is awakened as soon as one enters.
May we place our knowledge and instruments and machines in the hands of Jesus so that He can use it to open the eyes of the blind.
We are in this to help people see..to see Jesus.


text:
Foreign Secretary Marcelo Edrard Addresses the Mexican Senate
"The level of respect and attention that Mexico has abroad today is the highest we have had in our history."-Marcelo Ebrard
"Mexico's voice is heard because we have political and moral authority. If we didn't, it would not be."-Marcelo Ebrard
Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard recently appeared before the Mexican Senate to discuss the foreign policy aspect of the third annual report of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration. In the Senate, the Foreign Secretary said to the various political parties that Mexico's political and moral authority has given it the highest level of respect and attention it has had in its history.
Secretary Ebrard began by thanking the Senate for its State vision and readiness to support Mexico's main initiatives and foreign policy positions. Later, the Foreign Secretary gave a comprehensive overview of the progress made by the Foreign Ministry in the tasks entrusted to it. He also highlighted the work done to obtain vaccines and supplies to combat the pandemic.
The Foreign Secretary then spoke about:
the relationship with the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, China,
strengthening ties with Africa, the Middle East and Asia
the various international agreements and Mexico's active participation in multilateral organizations
Secretary Ebrard said that the most important task entrusted to the Ministry was to ensure Mexico's timely access to vaccines, treatments and medical supplies during these difficult global circumstances.
Regarding the relationship with the United States, Secretary Ebrard confirmed that, despite the negative pronouncements and predictions about the arrival of the new United States government, "we have a very good relationship with President Biden's administration". He recounted the high-level visits to both countries to discuss various topics, including migration, security, trade, and health.
Secretary Ebrard said, with the United States, "we have been able to make progress with shared views on shared issues and on the future that must be addressed in the coming years." The Foreign Secretary said that, regarding cooperation with the U.S., Mexico has laid out its priorities:
to reduce violence
reducing the consumption of narcotics
tackling the lack of opportunities that leads to violence in southern Mexico
reducing arms trafficking
Regarding migration, he said that Mexico has proposed transforming the model for handling the increase and the reasons for migration from the south to the north. The United States was invited to support development in Central America with an immediate-action package to attack the root causes of migration. Mexico, with its own resources, along with El Salvador and Honduras, has made great progress. He said that there are already more than 20,000 participants in the Sowing Life and Youths Building the Future programs.
The Foreign Secretary said that Mexico is part of Latin America and must ensure that the regional organizations function. It was for this reason that the Celac Summit was organized, because "Mexico is part of Latin America and the Caribbean and we have been part of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States since it was founded. Mexico has never missed that summit".
The Foreign Secretary reported on the lawsuit Mexico has filed against the main U.S. gunmakers. "This is the first lawsuit filed by a government against the industry that I know of that the Court has admitted. This is not a suit against the U.S. government; it's against the gun industry." The lawsuit seeks to end the negligent sales practices engaged in by the gun companies in the U.S.
Lastly, the Foreign Secretary announced that Mexico will preside over the UN Security Council in November. It will propose three main topics:
poverty and inequality as promoting conflict
the issue of arms trafficking
the coordination of UN agencies and institutions
Secretary Ebrard concluded by saying, "this is a good moment for Mexico's foreign policy and for the recognition given to the Mexican government headed by President López Obrador. A moment in which Mexico's voice counts and is respected".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to work together and coordinate with the legislative branch, to strengthen its foreign policy to benefit the country.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Kyle Janecek, an associate in the Newport Beach office of Newmeyer & Dillion, is a member of the Transactional group. He brings to the team a breadth of experience including corporate, real estate, finance, intellectual property and construction law.
• Insight into various facets of the legal industry. Prior to joining the firm, Kyle interned for multiple Los Angeles based firms. His broad experience included research and analysis of new case law in a variety of industries including entertainment, video game production, fashion, new media companies, online defamation, gaming, and e-commerce.
• Breadth of dispute resolution knowledge. At Pepperdine, Kyle also served as the Executive Editor of the Dispute Resolution Journal, researching and editing scholarly articles on alternative dispute resolution processes, and gaining exposure to a large breadth of issues in arbitration and mediation in novel legal settings.
• A business-oriented background. Kyle's background in economics and business communication has driven him to approach legal issues in a holistic manner to find and craft the best strategies in resolving disputes, seeking to understand why and how issues arise, and what can be done to resolve the root of issues.
• His inquisitive spirit. Kyle is dedicated to learning anything that could be useful to representing a client, increasing his own breadth and depth of knowledge. From learning the history of certain corporations, the causes of failures and successes, to advances in blockchain and its application to entities or investment, he desires to find new ways to effectively create solutions and address issues before they occur.
Because of this skillset, Kyle is able to adapt to recent developments in the law relating to online ventures, and understand issues that new businesses face in the current market. He has leveraged these skills and experiences to help clients with issues related to their online businesses in a transactional setting and in addressing potential litigation matters.
Kyle has also spent time working with nonprofits, such as the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and the Compton Self-Help Center, where he provided pro bono legal advice to individuals with regard to bankruptcy, restraining orders, unlawful detainer and family law disputes.
Law Student Contributor, Entertainment Law Podcast -"Taxing Dead Celebs, Fee Shifting in Copyright Cases and Red Flag Knowledge," June 22, 2016.
• Author, "Technical Failure Leads to Private Causes of Action Under Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act," Newmeyer & Dillion, February 22, 2019.
• Co-Author, "What to Do When the Worst Happens: Responding to a Cybersecurity Breach,"
Newmeyer & Dillion, October 31, 2018.
• Co-Author, "The Equifax Data Breach: Lessons Learned from a One-Year Look-Back," Newmeyer & Dillion, October 16, 2018.


text:
Mobile Phones	• 15 Jul 2015
The Commodore PET smartphone melds modern hardware with an iconic name
By Nur Bremmen: Staff reporter
Read nextSamsung's new Galaxy A8 is just 5.9mm thick
If you spent your time "computing" in the early Eighties, a famous name might ring a few bells: Commodore. It's a company responsible for what remains the best selling home computing system ever launched back in 1982 — the Commodore 64. As its name suggested, it boasted 64kB of RAM, which at the time was an impressive amount, but if there's one constant in technology we can learn from is that things barely ever stand still.
While the nostalgia-inducing Commodore name is back, its new product is a little different. It's a phone called the Commodore PET.
According to Wired, it isn't Commodore as we've known it prior to 1994 either. The company, partly-revived by two Italian businessmen Massimo Canigiani and Carlo Scattolini, registered Commodore Business Machines Limited in the United Kingdom and use the Commodore name on their smartphones. That's not a terrible thing, but it does take some of the charm away from the affair.
While we wonder what type of smartphone Commodore would release if it was still around, the Italian duo certainly know their numbers and specifications.
For starters, the PET seems distinctly OnePlus, boasting a white polycarbonate finish with tasteful silver trim and stylized C moniker on its rear. It can definitely compete specs wise with the company's devices too.
There's a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 screen, a MediaTek MT6732 octa-core CPU running at 1.7GHz and a healthy 3GB of RAM. There's also 32GB of internal storage to complement the package while we find a 3000mAh removable battery reservoir tucked neatly behind a sloping rear shell. Alongside dual SIM support, there's an LTE radio and a 13MP rear camera. There's also a 5MP unit up front for selfies.
While it sounds rather superb considering its estimated US$300 price tag, it also features "a pair of customized emulators for the Commodore 64 and Amiga games," Wired continues.
Read more: In honour of Jack Tramiel: the best 10 Commodore 64 games
Commodore might not be the tour de force it once was in the early 1980s, it's great to see the name return to contemporary technology even if it is just a nod to the dawn of computing by the Italian entrepreneurs.
The phone will initially sell in various European countries but Commodore BM has plans to ship the device globally once sales and production picks up. So hold tight, you might just be able to own a little piece of history very soon, even if its not quite the history we crave.
Nur Bremmen: Staff reporter
Posted in Mobile PhonesTagged Commodore, Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, Commodore PET, MediaTek MT6732
Samsung's new Galaxy A8 is just 5.9mm thick
Mobile Phones • 15 Jul 2015
2022 is shaping up to be a stellar year for gaming with a plethora of exciting titles coming our way. So, without further ado,…


If we think of Calvinism these days we would probably picture images of very suppressed souls wearing tall black hats and frowning on music and dancing in the name of their beliefs. We would naturally think that it the movement was ruled by the restrictive Saturn. The founder John Calvin was a long way from that kind of character and in the middle of the 16th century when he lived he was a revolutionary figure.
John Calvin had a fascinating chart. It is based around a Grand Trine in Fire signs with a Kite formation. Fire is the element of spirit, Earth being matter, Air is thought and Water is emotion.
The houses in a chart can be linked to the elements of the signs. Houses 1, 5 and 9 are linked to Fire, 2, 6 and 10 to Earth, 3, 7 and 11 to Air and 4, 8 and 12 to Water. Calvin's pattern has a double Fire emphasis as it includes the 1st, 5th and 9th houses as well as the Fire signs.
The Grand Trine is centred around Mercury although it does stretch to include his Sun at the end of Cancer which makes weaker trine aspects.
Mercury is the planet of thought and in Leo in the 5th house would give Calvin considerable confidence in his mental abilities allied with a strength of his convictions. Mercury is in exact trine aspect to Uranus in Aries in the 1st house. This placing creates an unconventional character who is destined to stand out from his peers, the trine to Mercury gives him a powerful intuitive faculty and an original and creative mind.
The 3rd part of the Grand Trine is the conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto in Sagittarius in the 9th. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, Sagittarius the sign of exploration and the 9th house is the place of higher thinking in general and religious understanding in particular. Pluto, as regular readers will know is the planet of revolution.
So to have all of this in a flowing and beneficial Grand Trine aspect is likely to create one of the most creative and original thinkers in history.
The Kite formation is made by one planet that is opposite one of the Grand Trine planets and sextile ( 60 degrees ) the others. Neptune creates the Kite in opposition to Mercury. Neptune represents the search for union with God through the dissolution of the self and its this aspect that centres Calvin's search in the religious and spiritual realms.
In his youth Calvin felt a calling to the priesthood but his father Gérard pushed him in to study law because he believed his son would earn more money as a lawyer than as a priest.
From 1530 to 1536 Pluto moved through the Grand Trine. Its first contact being an opposition to his Sun in Cancer in 1530 – 31. This marked the turning point that allowed everything else in his life to follow because 1531 saw the death ( Pluto opposite ) of Calvin's father ( Sun in Cancer ). Many historians look on the period from 1531 to 1533 as being the key as this was the first time that he had been free from his father's 'shackles', giving John the freedom to resume his religious studies.
Consequently he left the study of law to go to the College de France in Paris to study Greek. This college was noted for its Humanistic approach to learning. He became an admirer of Erasmus.
At some point between 1531 and 1533 he had a profound religious experience. "God subdued my soul to docility by a sudden conversion" was how Calvin described it. Pluto's conjunction by transit to Neptune opposite the Sun and Mercury is how astrology would describe it.
Calvin was highly critical of the abuses in the French Catholic church and at this time in France his ideas would have been heretical. King Francis I felt personally threatened by the Protestants and joined with the Sorbonne and the Parlément of Paris to hunt out heretics. Calvin fled Paris and travelled through France and Italy eventually settling in Geneva in 1536 a move that is shown in the chart by the Pluto's conjunction with Jupiter in Sagittarius in the 9th house ( all 3 symbols ruling foreign travel ).
In 1536 with Pluto exactly opposite Mercury conjunct Neptune and sextile Uranus Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian Religion" was published. This book was a clear explanation of his religious beliefs.
The really revolutionary thing about Calvinism is the doctrine of perspicuity which states that everything necessary for salvation is taught in the Scriptures plainly enough that special training is not required for interpretation. Church officers are given the authority to preach what is contained within the Scriptures, but this does not permit them to bind Christians to their own interpretation. Christians are to compare interpretations with one another, but they are always free to personally interpret Scripture.
The authority of the Church of Rome and the priesthood was thrown out of the window and in May 1536 Geneva adopted religious reform, the monasteries were dissolved, mass was abolished and papal authority renounced.
Calvin's church services were plain and simple. He placed great importance on the sermon. Though he himself liked music, he distrusted its use in religious services believing that it distracted people from the matter in hand – the worship and the seeking knowledge of God so musical instruments were banned from churches.
Calvinism was based around the absolute power and supremacy of God. Calvin believed that Man was sinful and could only approach God through faith in Christ – not through Mass and pilgrimages.
In Calvin's view, God predestined some souls for eternal salvation while the others would suffer everlasting damnation. God has chosen to show mercy to some, not all.
In many ways that are quite fitting with someone with Uranus rising, Calvin's legacy was political as much as religious and his concept of God and man contained strong elements of freedom that were gradually put into practice after his death, in particular in the fields of politics and society. The Netherlands, under Calvinist leadership, became, the freest country in Europe and a safe haven for many great revolutionary thinkers, including Spinoza and Descartes. Calvin was the first prominent philosopher who demanded tolerance for atheists.
The rise of democracy in England and North America owed much to Calvin who included elected laymen in his concept of church government. He appreciated the advantages of democracy and favoured a mixture of democracy and aristocracy as the best form of government. The aim of his political thought was to safeguard the rights and freedoms of ordinary men and women. In order to minimize the misuse of political power he suggested dividing it among several institutions in a system of checks and balances (separation of powers) that became the cornerstone of the US constitution. Calvin taught that if worldly rulers rise up against God they should be put down. In this way, he and his followers stood in the vanguard of resistance to political absolutism and furthered the cause of democracy. The Congregationalists who founded Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony were convinced that the democratic form of government was the will of God.
Of course the planets that formed John Calvin's Grand Trine, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto had not been discovered at the time of his life. Capricorn Research's view of this is that these planets would still have an impact even though they were unknown. After all man's relative ignorance of astrology hasn't stopped it having a major effect on human behaviour. An interesting thing about these three planets is their full impact in the lives of people doesn't always become clear until after their death. The role of Henry VIII in the English Reformation is a example of this.
In Calvin's case, one could argue that the true impact and legacy of his life and beliefs did not really come to fruition until the US Declaration of Independence and the setting up of the American constitution, the early days of the USA coinciding with the discovery of Uranus.
Where would astrology stand on something like predestination ? Any discussion of religious issues is always complicated because of the commonly held view that heaven is a place that only exists after death.
Religious experience is of the present moment but belief invariably brings in the future and so the grace of God is something that only becomes available after one is dead. Religious belief changes things because of man's inability to stay in the present moment. If we step away from belief in the future and see that it is possible to experience something of the grace of God whilst we are still alive, then it is perhaps easier to understand Calvin's views on predestination.
Astrology would say that we are all given free will to choose how to use the birth charts that we are given. But it is also clear that some people's charts may make it easier for them to experience grace than others.
If like John Calvin, you had a Grand Trine in Fire signs with a Kite formation including Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto you would probably be one of those lucky people.
else recognise such unique approximately my problem.


text:
Coface accelerates its profitable growth in 2011
Coface Group's financial performance in 2011 proves the pertinence of the strategic refocusing on credit insurance initiated at the beginning of last year. Despite the degrading economic context, the commitments aiming for profitable and autonomous development, made at the time of the strategic reorientation, were kept and are bearing their fruit:
The deinterleaving between strategic activities and non-strategic financial holdings is complete. Restructuring costs, linked to the Group's reorganisation, stand at €49 million after tax.
The Group's new governance set up around 7 geographical platforms, reinforced by the "Strong Commitment" project, is proving its effectiveness.
Growth in turnover is accelerating (+7.4%): it has reached an exceptional level and is generalised across all geographical platforms.
The client retention rate has increased by 5 points, from 86% to 91% over one year.
2011 showed a strong improvement in the profitability of the Group with a current net profit up by 21%.
Coface became entirely debt-free in 2011.
"Refocusing on our core business and our company project "Strong Commitment" have put coherence and pragmatism back at the centre our organisation. We are even more focussed on accompanying our clients, providing them with increased exposures despite the difficult economic situation, due to our refined risk expertise. Our performance in 2011 proves that Coface has never been more solid to handle future economic challenges" declaredJean-Marc Pillu, Chief Executive Officer of Coface.
1- KEY FIGURES
In 2011, Coface continued to conjugate profitability and growth. Current net profit stood at €121 million, up 21%, and turnover was €1,550 million, up 7.4% compared to 2010.
The net combined ratio improved 2.7 points, reaching 82.2%, thanks to good cost control and a stable net loss ratio.
2. TURNOVER
2011 confirms an acceleration in the turnover for Coface's strategic entities, showing an exceptional growth of
+ 7.4% compared to 2010, which is above the average of 5% recorded for more than 5 years.All geographical platforms are contributing to this growth. Growth is particularly marked in the emerging markets: in Latin America (+11.4%) and in Asia and Pacific (+12.4%) where Coface is number 1, as well as in Central Europe (+20.2%).
Insurance is enjoying substantial development, benefitting from a sustained commercial activity, a new record production (€200 million) and with a remarkable client retention rate of 91%, in progression compared to 2010 (86%)
Factoring, continues to register solid growth (+11,8%), due to its good synergy with credit insurance. This activity is refocused on Germany and Poland, countries where Coface is number 1 and 2 respectively.
Since the turnaround in the business cycle that occurred in the second quarter of 2011, Coface has observed a net break-off in the payment behaviour in companies with a tangible increase in non payments. Over all of 2011, Coface recorded a 27% increase in payment incidents in the world, with a particularly marked increase of 47% for Southern Europe businesses.
Despite this situation and due to its expertise, Coface set up a refined management for risks which allowed to support the strong commercial development of its policyholders. This is proven by the increase in overall exposure of 15.6% in one year, the double of the rise in premiums. The net loss ratio was therefore stabilised at 57% and remains very close to that of 2010 (57.2%).
The net cost ratio stands at 25.2%, a 2.5 point improvement, in particular due to rigorous management of costs.
Consequently, the net combined ratio stands at 82.2%, compared to 84.9% in 2010.
In a context of strong tension in the financial markets linked to the debt crisis in the euro zone, the investment portfolio had financial income of €37 million, which is a performance of 1.9% for the average exposure.
Operating profit grew sharply, reaching €207 million, up 17.6%.
Current net profit stands at €121 million, up 21% compared to 2010.
4. FINANCIAL SOLIDITY
The effectiveness of Coface's new model is benefitting from the strengthening of its financial solidity. The shareholders' equity reached €1,465 billion, up 5.7% compared to the end of 2010. This increase is accompanied by a reduction in the indebtedness ratio, which changed from 43% at the end of 2009 to 1% at the end of 2011.
The ratings assigned to Coface by Fitch (AA- with a stable outlook) and by Moody's (A2 with a stable outlook) have been confirmed, as such reflecting Coface's solid competitive position in the worldwide credit insurance market.
5. HORIZON 2012
Coface's strategic refocusing was accompanied by the launching of the company's "Strong Commitment" project which places profitable and autonomous growth at the centre of the Group's focus. It declines in many projects for optimising organisation and procedures which will be achieved in 2012, therefore contributing to an improvement of services offered to the clients, the control of the combined ratio and the improvement in the Group's performance.
In February 2012, the French state renewed for a four year period the financial agreement which stipulates the procedures for the management of public guarantees for export for Coface. This sign of confidence shows the quality of service that Coface provides to French exporters and to banks which support them in exporting.
Coface recently signed a securitisation programme with four leading banks, allowing the Group to raise up to €1.1 billion. This operation, based on the stock of Coface Finanz receivables, will contribute to the safety of Coface's refinancing and therefore to the sustainability of its factoring business.
Download this press release : Coface accelerates its profitable growth in 2011 (71.74 kB)


text:
Q: jsp jstl sql query tag using declared variables? Having an issue using "SET @" anything within jstl.  Is there a trick to gettikng it to work?
<sql:query var="weektots" dataSource="jdbc/x" >
SET @tot:=0;
SELECT
 (@tot := @tot + 5) AS rt
<sql:query>

Other attempts that do not work:
<sql:transaction dataSource="jdbc/x">
<sql:query var="weektots" >
    SET @tot:=0;
 <sql:query>
 <sql:query var="weektots" dataSource="jdbc/x" >
       SELECT
     (@tot := @tot + 5) AS rt
    <sql:query>
  </sql:transaction>

and
  <c:set var="tot" value="0" />
  <sql:query var="weektots" dataSource="jdbc/x">
       SELECT
     (${tot} := ${tot} + 5) AS rt
  <sql:query>

Any way to acocmplish this?

A: Ended up creating a stored procedure to execute this within JSTL.
    DELIMITER $$
 CREATE PROCEDURE w10rt()
   BEGIN
    SET @tot:=0;
    SELECT
     (@tot := @tot + 5) AS rt
   END $$
 DELIMITER ;

Use "Call w10rt" within the jsp get results correctly.
  Call w10rt

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


There are various fundamental electronic segments that are utilized for building electronic circuits. Without these segments, circuit outlines are never total or didn't work well. These segments incorporate resistors, diodes, capacitors, coordinated circuits, et cetera.
Some of these segments comprise of at least two terminals which are welded to circuit sheets. Some might be bundled type like incorporated circuits in which diverse semiconductor gadgets are coordinated. Here is a short outline on every one of these essential electronic segments and you can get top to bottom data by clicking joins connected to every part.
An electronic circuit contains different sorts of parts, which are ordered into two kinds: dynamic segments like transistors, diodes, IC's; and inactive segments like capacitors, resistors, inductors, and so forth.
•	Basic electronic segments: capacitors, resistors, diodes, transistors, and so on.
•	Power sources: Signal generators and DC control supplies.
Measurement and investigation instruments: Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO), multimeters, and so on.
These segments can store or keeps up vitality either as present or voltage. Some of these parts are talked about beneath.
Resistors are additionally characterized in light of the accompanying particulars, for example, the power rating, sort of material utilized and protection esteem. This resistor composes are utilized for various applications.
A capacitor produced using two conductive plates with an encasing amongst them and it stores electrical vitality as an electric field. A capacitor hinders the DC flags and permits the AC signals and furthermore utilized with a resistor in a planning circuit.
V is the connected voltage.
These capacitors are distinctive composes like film, earthenware, electrolytic and variable capacitors. For discovering its esteem number and shading coding strategies are utilized and it additionally conceivable to discover the capacitance esteem with LCR meters.


A tribute to the for ward-thinking British brewers of the 18th century, the Green Bullet IPA utilizes the same intense hoppiness and the high alcohol content of the originally crafted India Pale Ale. Yet with hundreds of years of adjustment, American brewers are now raising the bar on the traditional recipe. This beer is no exception. By sending the hot wort through a bed of organic whole cone hops in our "hop back," the Green Bullet wields complex hop flavor and aroma without cringing bitterness. Organic barley malts give a caramel, earthy deepness to the beer. At the same time, our dry-hopped fermentation process brings forth the bold tanginess of quality organic American hops. The Green Bullet offers a gunshot of complexity that is sure to knock you off your feet!


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The supply lines fulfil the more straightforward function of bringing water from the main local supply at ground level to sinks, heaters, toilets and other appliances throughout the building. The water in these supply systems are guided by pressure provided by water towers or local pumping stations that forces the water along all the way to the taps in our sinks, where a turn of the valve lets loose, or interrupts, the flow of water.
Waste Lines and Vents
Water waste lines on the other hand function for the most part through the effects of gravity, with water draining unaided from sinks and tubs down into septic tanks and sewers outside the building, though occasionally pressure can also be used to motivate the movement of waste water, particularly from toilet systems or drains that are below ground level. Finally, systems of vents, with S and P pipes, allow the safe direction and release of toxic gases that form in empty pipes. These gases are often directed to vents located on rooftops, where they can be dispersed safely with little offence to passers-by.
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text:
Hansen mocks 'Mickey Mouse' Wallabies rival: Report
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen says it's possible to distract his Australian counterpart Michael Cheika with mind games
WELLINGTON: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has reportedly kicked off his World Cup sledging campaign early by likening under-fire Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika to Mickey Mouse.
Hansen, whose team defeated Cheika's Australia in the 2015 World Cup final, also said the Wallabies coach was vulnerable to mind games because he had trouble controlling his emotions, news website Stuff reported on Tuesday.
It said Hansen made the remarks after being questioned about Australian great Mark Ella's comment in 2016 that "Mickey Mouse could coach the All Blacks to victory" given the quality of New Zealand's players.
"They've got Mickey Mouse coaching Aussie," Hansen told a ticket-only charity function in Wellington on Monday night, Stuff reported.
Hansen, who will step down after the World Cup in Japan this year, said it was possible to distract Cheika by using niggling ploys like refusing to use his name before matches.
"The plan was not to call him by his name but just say he's the Australian coach. Then he went on a tirade about not respecting him," Hansen said.
"I guess what we're trying to do there is take his mind off the job and while I say he's not a bad bloke, he's got to control his emotions.
"I think he's got a good side, he does a good job of the coaching, but sometimes he just lets himself down there."
Hansen also claimed he had a psychological edge over Warren Gatland when his fellow Kiwi coached the touring British and Irish Lions in 2017.
But he said he backed off when a New Zealand newspaper went too far and published a cartoon of Gatland as a clown.
Gatland, who also coaches Wales, managed to get under Hansen's skin during that drawn series when he accused the New Zealanders of dangerous play, prompting the All Blacks boss to make an angry phone call to talkback radio defending his tactics.
Hansen reportedly revealed he takes a less abrasive approach with England's Eddie Jones — "He likes to be praised, so we praise him" — and Ireland's Joe Schmidt, who he called "a good coach and a mate."
UAE-based GPX Racing reign supreme at Hankook 24H DUBAI
The UAE-based GPX Racing has become only the second Emirati team to take outright victory at the Hankook 24H DUBAI after a commanding performance at the Dubai Autodrome on Saturday.
Series decider in the balance as rain hits day 2 in Brisbane
The deciding fourth Test between Australia and India in Brisbane hung in the balance on the second day after a massive thunderstorm caused play to be abandoned on Saturday following the tea break.
47 players' preparations in disarray after COVID-19 cases on Oz Open-bound flights
Three passengers on two charter flights that brought them to Melbourne on Saturday tested positive to Covid-19, causing 47 players on those flights to be barred from practising for a fortnight, in what could be a major setback to their Australian Open preparations.
Al Wahda take early honours as MoN, VP's Jiu-Jitsu leagues return
Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club recorded a strong start in the first rounds of the revamped Mother of Nation (MoN) and Vice President's Jiu-Jitsu leagues, comprehensively claiming the Adults title in both tournaments held at Dubai's Al Nasr Sports Club


Council on International Educational Exchange is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization and is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. Since 1947, CIEE has helped thousands of people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available.
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In the lastest version when I try to pick out the WIM versions to add Post-Setup to the checkmark places are greyed out and I'm unable to click the additional WIMS to apply to. The other items (integrate, features, drivers, etc) work fine and I'm able to select them. I like to do Win 7 Home Premium and Win 7 Professional at the same time and up until now I have been able to but since the last version I have been unable to do so.
Please advise Mr NUHI as I await your assistance and I thank you.
If you are referring to the Apply page and if you haven't, select 'Save image' instead of 'Save and trim'.
Mr Kasual I am referring to the Apply page and I have selected "Save image". The curious thing is that the message "Automate-Post- Setup" is not showing in the Total Pending Tasks Overview Window and I can't select both Wims or any for that matter.
The curious thing is that the message "Automate-Post- Setup" is not showing in the Total Pending Tasks Overview Window and I can't select both Wims or any for that matter.
"Automate-Post- Setup" is applied by default to all image editions in the wim and if you want it semi-unattended (with option to select an edition), in unattended page check "Dual architecture" check boxand it applies to all editions in the wim.
If you unattend but don't check "Dual architecture", only the loaded image will be pre-selected to install.
My2GirlsDad, as Kasual said, the Post-setup propagation is executed at the end of setup for all editions by default.
Agreed it's not shown in the UI, and it would be nice to have an option to separate it.
Will be working on it, thanks for the feedback.
Thank you Mr. NUHI and Mr. Kasual for your responses but I am a little confused.
On previous versions when I ran NTLite there was an option to include Post Setup Programs. I have loaded the programs on the "Configuration Page". Then you go to the "Apply Page" and click the "Automate-Post- Setup" button and check the Wims you want it applied to with the default Wim already check.
Now the problem I am having is the whole "Automate-Post- Setup" area is greyed out (with the default Wim checked). I am unable to check any additional Wims to process. By the way I am not using the "Automate-Unattended" and the other "Automates" are showing correctly and additional Wims can be checked.
Now the problem I am having is the whole "Automate-Post- Setup" area is greyed out (with the default Wim checked). I am unable to check any additional Wims to process.
That would make sense to your statement but I haven't seen to apply anything to other mounted wims, only to other editions (mounted or not) in the same wim, NTLite automount editions in the same wims if needed. I don't edit wims with more than 1 edition in the last monts.
The settings in Post-Setup is applied to all editions by default as it will be located in "a common" place from where it is run. I have always seen the options "Automate - ..." greyed out but found out why (is applied to all editions).


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East Contra Costa Fire Protection District inks deal with GBN Partners, LLC/Blackhawk Nunn
Tony Kukulich
Staff Photographer/Writer
During their Wednesday, Sept. 11, meeting, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) board of directors approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GBN Partners, LLC/Blackhawk Nunn, worth $11 million.
In an ECCFPD press release, Fire Chief Brian Helmick said the agreement provides funding for a new fire station, equipment and personnel to mitigate the expected demand on fire services in the district, should Brentwood voters approve Measure L when it comes up for a vote in November. GBN is spearheading the passage of Measure L, which would expand Brentwood's urban limit line to allow for development of the Vineyards at Deer Creek — a long-term project that will bring up to 2,400 homes on 815 acres situated north of Balfour Road, east of Deer Valley Road and west of the Shadow Lakes and Brentwood Hills neighborhoods.
"Growth that comes without appropriate mitigations will make a bad situation worse, and therefore also make it impossible for ECCFPD or the district to seriously explore, and/or lend its support to, any proposals on any new development," said Helmick as he presented the proposal to the fire board. "Conversely, if appropriate mitigation measures are secured to address growth, that can also help alleviate the district's current service-level challenges, then the district is open to discuss any and all options that may add additional value to improving the district's service levels and operations."
Opposition to the project has focused on several points including the strain that a large-scale development would place on the already resource-constrained fire district. In August, the board considered an MOU in which GBN would have provided $750,000 for the startup of a two-man squad — a vehicle manned by firefighters designed to primarily respond to medical calls. At the time, the board opted not to put that proposal to a vote.
"Last month definitely wasn't the deal we were looking for," said Brian Oftedal, fire board president. "Obviously, I ended up telling the chief, and asking the strategic planning ad-hoc (committee) to join him in negotiations. They spent a considerable amount of time working with the builder, and I'm extremely happy with what they brought to us. If the voters do decide to pass this vote, we will be ahead of the curve."
Under the terms of the MOU, the $11 million deal has two primary components. An engine station comparable to existing Station 53 in Oakley would be built by GBN — either on a two-acre plot within the development or at another location within the city, chosen by the district. Upon completion, the station would be deeded to the district. The estimated value of the station is $6.5 million, and construction would commence with the start of construction of the 601st home in the project. The MOU specifies the station's construction would be completed within two years of its start.
The remaining $4.5 million would include an initial payment of $1 million to be paid to the district at the start of the project. The balance will come from a $2,333 fee assessed to the first 1,500 homes in the project, to pay for the equipment, training and other costs associated with the deployment of a new station.
Additional funding of approximately $1.5 million annually would be generated by a community facilities district fee, not-less-than $650 per household. Property taxes are expected to generate approximately another $2.5 million a year. These two revenue streams are expected to pay for the newly built station's ongoing operation, estimated at $4 million per year.
"Our local fire district has been vastly underfunded for a very long time," said Bob Nunn, a member of the development group. "New development that just pays for its impact won't help solve this problem. That's why we have decided to do substantially more than our fair share — a lot more — and Brentwood needs it. We want to assure every local resident that our community can depend on our fire services to be there when we need them."
In contrast to the Aug. 19 special fire board meeting at which both proponents and opponents of the project spoke during the public comment portion, only project opponents spoke during the Sept. 11 meeting. While several speakers did commend the district for the deal that was negotiated, all opposed Measure L for a variety of reasons, most of which had little to do with the fire service — a fact not lost on the board.
Director Carrie Nash opened the board discussion by clarifying that the board has no influence on the success or failure of Measure L. That responsibility, she said, rests in the hands of Brentwood voters, while the board's responsibility is to ensure that impacts to the fire service brought on by development are mitigated appropriately.
"Again, we're not talking about traffic," added Nash. "We're not talking about schools, water (or) electricity. We're talking about, simply, the fire service. That's the control that we have as a board. We have control over what we're doing as a district. The MOU that's been put into place is very fair. And it will, in fact, increase service levels and it will mitigate the project itself."
Unconvinced by the board's arguments, project opponents gathered outside city council chambers after approval of the MOU. Kathy Griffin, founder of the Measure L opposition group, Alliance for a Better Brentwood, expressed concern about the focus on increasing housing without focusing on creating job opportunities and expanding the city's limit.
"They said (response times) aren't going to get worse," added project opponent Jovita Mendoza. "If it does, who's responsible for that? That's what I'm upset about. Everything else I don't care about. But if you put one life at risk, that upsets me. I think that's what this is going to do."
The special election that will decide the fate of Measure L is planned for Nov. 5.
"The developer wants to be able to say that they have mitigated the fire impact, and that's what this MOU does," said Director Joe Young. "It doesn't say we support it. It doesn't say we oppose it. It says the impacts have been mitigated."
Links to the ECCFPD Fire Board meeting agenda and the MOU can be found at www.eccfpd.org/2019-09-11-eccfpd-board-of-directors-meeting.
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