text:
Officially named Scoil Oilibheir Beaunaithe in 1949 when the new school building was erected. School records go back to 1865. In 1842 when the parish church was built in Balbriggan the school occupied the old church which had been built in 1722 in penal times in a very secluded spot well off - the beaten track.
It was a one room building with a partition cutting off about one third of the space where the seniors fifth and sixth classes did their school work with the Principal. The remaining two - thirds had desks in one third and forms in the other - the two classes alternated their seating to enable them to write at the desks and do oral work when sitting on the forms. In 1949 a new three - roomed school was built on a new site, fronting the then main Dublin - Belfast road.
Mr. Madden
The school acquired a very good reputation under the Principalship of Joe Madden, whose pupils excelled in the competition for County Council Scholarship, much sought after as Post Primary education was not free in the fifties and early sixties. In 1951, the school achieved five scholarships, a remarkable achievement in a class of eight pupils and a school of less than 100 pupils.
When Mr. Madden retired in 1975, the role of Principal of Balrothery National School was taken on by Stephanie O'Connor. Stephanie had been a teacher in the school at the time, having already dedicated almost fifteen years of her then career to serving the needs of the children of Balrothery and its surrounds. Under Mrs. O'Connor's stewardship, she created an all-inclusive place of learning where all children are valued equally and all talents are encouraged and developed. She made a lasting impression on all who came into contact with her. Stephanie retired in 2006 and since then has been working as a Counsellor, taking time off every so often to travel to far off places while continuously helping in raising much needed funds for her special charity of choice in Varanasi, India. When Stephanie retired in 2006, the ethos of the school has been carried on throught the dedicated hard work of Mr. P.J. Keary. His keen interest in sport kept the great spirit of Balrothery alive. Mr Keary spent 37 years in total at the school and retired on the 15th of February 2012.
Over the years the school has grown from four rooms initially to five, then seven and now there are twelve classrooms, plus three resource rooms and a resource room for travelling children. There are more applications for admission than there is room to accommodate them. There are strong links with the community and great desire among past pupils to send their own children to the school even when they live quite a distance away.
The same high academic standard is upheld by a great team of teachers and excellence has also been achieved in sports - football, Basketball, athletics - and in quizzes and many varied Art activities. With the Village of Balrothery presently expanding and the school almost full to its capacity it is envisaged that a larger school will be necessary in a few years. It is to be hoped that this enlargement of the school and its surrounding areas will not annihilate the great spirit of co - operation and community and the positive attitude to life, which has always been a part of Balrothery and its inhabitants.


AT&T subsidiary, Aio Wireless, today began operations in San Antonio and Austin bringing the number of Texas cities with an Aio services to three.
Aio began Houston service in May.
The wireless service provider has more than 50 stores across the country and offers plans that include 4G LTE.
For more information on Aio Wireless visit their website.


CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) -- Arab League ministers meeting in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday urged suspending ties with Israel, as at least two Palestinians died in Mideast violence, according to Palestinian sources.
The nine ministers, including those of Egypt and Jordan, issued a non-binding recommendation that the league's 22 nations suspend political ties until violence stops. It will be left up to each nation to decide whether to sever relations. Rannan Gissin, senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, promptly decried the move.
Meanwhile, one Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Nablus after a funeral procession for 11 Palestinians killed Friday in Israeli air strikes, Palestine Red Crescent Society sources said. There was no comment from Israel on that report.
Those air strikes came after a Palestinian suicide bombing killed five Israelis -- as well as the bomber -- and left 100 wounded at a shopping mall in Netanya on Friday. Hamas claimed responsibility for the bombing.
A Palestinian policeman was shot and killed in Jenin early Saturday, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Israeli military said gunfire erupted after two Palestinian policemen approached two Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli soldier "shot toward the Palestinian policemen, a third Palestinian policeman neared the car and opened fire toward the Force. Soldiers then threw a grenade toward the policemen," said an IDF statement.
Palestinian sources reported a third death, however, of a farmer at Karni Crossing. That report was disputed by Israel Defense Forces, which said the farmer, armed with a Kalashnikov rifle, had been shot in the leg as a warning.
In addition, the IDF said four mortar bombs were fired at a Jewish IDF settlement of Gush Katif in Gaza, but no one was injured.
Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that up to 30 people, many of them civilians, have been injured in Israeli helicopter attacks in the West Bank towns of Jenin and Tulkarem. Israeli officials, however, say the Saturday attacks were targeted solely against Palestinian Security Forces headquarters there.
Both the Israelis and Palestinians are considering recommendations to end the crisis issued by a U.S.-sponsored fact- finding commission, headed by former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell.
In an interview with CNN's "Diplomatic License" program, to be aired Sunday, Mitchell reiterated his call for an "immediate and unconditional cessation of violence" and resumption of security cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians.
"They had that cooperation during the several years of the Oslo [peace] process," he said. "Both sides agree it worked well. Both sides would like to resume it. They can't do it now under the existing circumstances."
Mitchell said the commission is proposing a series of steps to rebuild confidence, including a cooling-off period without violence, followed by negotiations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Sharon by phone Saturday that Israel and the Palestinians must take immediate steps to relieve the tensions, but told him that, "the clearly improper use of Israeli military force is impossible to justify or to explain."
Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo blamed the Americans for the violence, saying a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell was not direct enough in telling the Israelis that the violence was unacceptable.
In Washington, U.S. President George W. Bush said the violence was counterproductive to the effort to reach a peace agreement between the two sides.
"We must break the cycle of violence in order to begin meaningful discussions about any kind of political settlement," Bush said. "My administration will continue to work with the parties involved, reminding folks that violence will not lead to peace."
• Permanent Mission of Israel to the U.N.
• Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the U.N.


text:
San Fernando Valley JACL
Meetings and Contact Info
Membership Benefits >
Why I Joined the JACL
Civil Rights Advocacy and Education
Arts, Culture, and Community
Suzume No Gakkou Youth Culture Camp
Historical Preservation >
Katarou Histories Project
Telling Our Stories Oral History Project
Memories of Camp
When I was a child, we used to call Quonset huts, kamaboko houses, because they were shaped like the fish cakes sold on 2"x 5" wood boards. I don't recall where I first saw one, but I always associated it with camp. The camp that my parents went to in the Mojave Desert. We used to drive up highway 395 enroute to Lone Pine or some other town that was close to the lakes where my father took take us fishing. Sometimes they would stop the car and point at the desolate shrub brush and tumbleweeds or just point and remind us that is where they stayed when they went to camp..
I got it all wrong of course. That camp in the Mojave Desert wasn't a summer camp where my parents went to play and have fun, it was an internment camp where they were imprisoned behind barbed wire and guard towers. Soldiers, who supposedly were there to protect them, pointed their rifles inward at the residents, not out toward the townspeople. Soldiers, in a moment of panic shot into a boisterous crowd, killing five people instantly and wounding three more, two of whom later died.
I don't know if there were ever Quonset huts there. At some point, there were barracks where my parents were housed. However, when we drove by in the late 1950s they were all removed and evidence of the camp was gone. But I always imaged that there must have been Quonset huts there.
Then, when I was in college, I learned the truth. I read the book "Farewell to Manzanar" and learned about what camp meant to my parents. The place where they met and married was not some romantic summer resort camp, but a camp where they were imprisoned for being Japanese American.
Later, I discovered photo books on the camps and the other historical accounts of the events, riots, loyalty oaths, work furloughs, all those things, I neglected to ask about when I was a naïve child. The stark landscape and the row upon row of barracks that resembled P.O.W. camps in the movies, shocked me. I had no idea that our government could do something so contrary to the U.S. Constitution. I was not unfamiliar with acts of racism committed by individuals. However, I was astonished when I learned that the government betrayed my people -. Citizens and permanent residents alike – rounded them up like cattle, tagged them and relocated them to temporary holding facilities behind barbed wire in isolated geographical areas with the most inhospitable climate.
At first, I was angry. How could this happen? This is America, the country where I was born and raised. My country founded on principles of equality and freedom. How did this violation of civil rights occur? And worse still, how is it that my parents did nothing to challenge the government? In fact why didn't everyone rise up and protest their unconstitutional treatment?
Again, I was naïve. There were people who protested: some resisted the draft and were sent to prison, others chose to repatriate to Japan, even though they'd never been there before, but held dual citizenship.
I had to ask myself, what would I have done? How would I resist if I were placed in a similar situation? How would I affirm my constitutional rights?
How does one resist during a time of war? Would any resistance be viewed as a treasonous act and punishable with prison time? Or would any act be viewed as anti-American and be suspect or considered an act of sabotage?
That was in the past. It was time to look at what authority legitimized the mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans with due process. It was the legality of the authority that needed to challenged and overturned and the internment needed to be brought to light for the American public to learn of this grave stain on our country's history.
Two things happened in the 1980s: The commission hearing on the Wartime Relocation of Internment Camps began in preparation for presenting legislation to Congress that provided for Redress (an apology) and Reparations($20,000 per person) to all internees who spent time in one of the ten Wartime Relocation camps alive at the signing of the bill; the second thing was the legal challenge – a coram nobis challenge based on false evidence presented by the War Department to the Supreme Court to justify the threat of Japanese American persons on the west coast as a potential threat to the country.
The hearing proved cathartic for the Nisei, American citizen populace who spent decades ashamed of this part of their history. By bringing the stories and suffering to the attention of others, the shame could be turned to anger, then, transformed into energy and directed at something positive, not just for the individual but for the nation. It turned a shameful internalized experience into a call to action and duty to defend others similarly situated in the future.
The Supreme Court overturned the Korematsu case, but not the authority to incarcerate, which was affirmed in the National Defense Authorization Act, passed December 2012.
My father once said to me – where were those people when we needed help? Who was speaking out for us? I had to ask myself, would I be the one to speak out when someone else needed help? If I did not then, like my father asked, who was going to speak out?
- By Patricia Takayama, JACL Board Member
SFVJACL Civil Rights and Community Blog
Subscribe to our blog to get updates on our chapter's activities as well as news about various cultural events and civil rights issues locally and nationally.
Opinion pieces may not necessarily reflect the Board of the San Fernando Valley JACL.
Hate speech or personal attacks will be promptly removed from the comments section.

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text:
John Fogarty
Tony Leen
Kieran Shannon
Anthony Daly
John Divilly
Donal O'Grady
Enda McEvoy
Pat Keane
Larry Ryan
Ruby Walsh
Michael Moynihan
Brendan O'Brien
John McHenry
Liam Brady
Liam Mackey
Paul Rouse
Ronan O'Gara
Donal Lenihan
PM O'Sullivan
Éamonn Fitzmaurice
Derek Coughlan
Daniel Storey
Colin Sheridan
Chris Hatherall
Oisin McConville
Derek McGrath
Ger Cunningham
Ed Coughlan
Conor McCarthy
Tadhg Coakley
Seán Kelly
Graham Cummins
Neal Horgan
Chris Hughton backs Sol Campbell to make managerial impact
Nick Purewal
Thursday, November 29, 2018 - 04:00 PM
Former England defender Campbell has taken the helm at Macclesfield this week, in a move acclaimed by his old Tottenham team-mate and Newcastle manager Hughton.
Current Brighton boss Hughton has long campaigned for more Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) coaches in football, and hailed Campbell's appointment as another positive step.
"I've spoken to Sol over a period of time; I know him well," said Hughton.
"We had many years together at Tottenham and I took him in as a player at Newcastle. He has made everyone aware of the route he wanted to go down.
"It's taken longer than he might have liked, but I don't think you can talk that way, want what he's wanted, and not be ready for it.
"So absolutely I'm sure Sol is ready for this job.
"He will know the challenges, know the difficulties of this job. And I would imagine that he's got bundles and bundles of enthusiasm going into that role, and knows exactly what he's capable of.
"As someone who has campaigned and pushed and seen developments, with FA initiatives, and the work others are trying, firstly I'm delighted to see another black manager going into a very difficult job.
"But it's more about the individual taking that role. I'm really happy for Sol.
"It is a tough job, it's not a job where you walk in and everything's in place, and there will be challenges that go with that.
"So you can't accuse Sol of not taking a harder route.
"So credit to him, and Macclesfield, and I really hope he's a success there."
Brighton will take on Huddersfield on Saturday, bidding for a first win in four matches.
Seagulls boss Hughton hailed evergreen striker Glenn Murray's fine form that has seen the 35-year-old bag seven goals in 13 Premier League appearances this term.
Asked to sum up Murray's impact despite his advancing years, Hughton replied: "It is unusual, unusual for somebody of Glenn's age, to be as regularly fit as he is, and of course scoring goals at the highest levels.
"He has a great desire to want to continue playing and at the best level he can, and also scoring goals.
"But it's one thing saying that and another actually doing it. So we're very thankful that he is actually doing it.
"He will always inspire, simply because he is doing it. But probably more so because of the sacrifices he has to make to do it.
"He looks after himself very, very well, he has a great desire to want to keep playing.
"And Glenn's not just someone who scores goals, he has to work for the team.
"We can't afford to have a centre forward who just wants to be in the right place to score goals. A centre forward for this team has to put a shift in, because we are at the level we are.
"So he's a great example for any young player not just here, but any young player, and particularly any young striker."
Sol CampbellsoccerTOPIC: NONE
Breen and Nagle still to finalise plans for 2020
Ronan O'Gara: Munster lack killer nous to turn three into seven
Brendan O'Brien: Finding balance between 'Faz' and 'Boss'
Reece James signs new five-and-a-half-year deal with Chelsea
Man, 80s, critical following hit-and-run in Kerry
'Every parent's worst nightmare' - Community in shock following killing of Cork student


text:
Ahmad Sayed
Nexign to set up MEA headquarters in Dubai
Nexign (formerly Peter-Service), a leading business support system (BSS)provider for communications service providers (CSPs), plans to open the company's Middle East and Africa (MEA) headquarters in Dubai, UAE.
The company also appointed Ahmad Sayed as regional director, Middle East and Africa.
Loukas Tzitzis, chief products and marketing officer at Nexign, said, "As we look to execute on our ambitious growth targets, one of the company's strategic goals for 2018-2020 is to enter the international BSS market and expand our customer base.
"Given the favourable fundamentals, strong government backing for adoption of technologies like 5G, blockchain and IoT and some of the digital transformation projects being currently undertaken by leading operators in Middle East and Africa, we believe that the region presents significant opportunities for Nexign."
Operating as Peter-Service for the past 26 years, Nexign has established a strong and reliable track record of executing successful BSS transformation projects―across all tiers―at a significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than the market average, a statement said.
In fact, to date, the company has completed over 120 projects for 50 major network operators, including the likes of MegaFon, Turkcell and Rostelecom, it added.
To help the company establish a footprint in the region, build a strong local sales and technical team, establish strategic regional partnerships and expand the customer base, Ahmad Sayed was appointed as Regional Director, Middle East and Africa. Ahmad
Sayed is a telecom industry veteran with over 30 years of management experience with the largest operators and solution providers across EMEA, including a 15-year stint with British Telecom UK where he spearheaded the development and implementation of a line of BSS products for BT and its subsidiaries across Europe.
"Ahmad brings extensive industry experience and expertise to the Nexign team at such an exciting time of the company's growth," said Tzitzis. "Middle East and Africa is extremely strategic to our organisation's continued success and I'm confident that Ahmad has the right combination of technical knowledge, regional industry relationships and management skills to lead our MEA expansion efforts.''
"If regional operators are to make the transition from CSPs to digital service providers (DSPs), it is imperative that they align with a BSS vendor that address key themes such as cloud, partnerships, customer experience, digital channels, self-care and new monetisation streamsfor5G, blockchain and IoT. At the same time, the BSS vendor needs to be agile, adopt best practices for product development and delivery and offer a transparent, partnership-based engagement model," said Sayed.
"I firmly believe that this is Nexign's competitive advantage, allowing us to offer a unique value proposition to telecom operators in the region. I am extremely excited about the prospect of enabling operators to overcome the challenges they face and capitalise on new opportunities presented by digital transformation, as well as growing Nexign's market presence and leadership in Middle East and Africa," he concluded.- TradeArabia News Service
Tags: Network	|
More IT & Telecommunications Stories
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Hub71 launches region's first Microsoft Reactor
Ooredoo becomes first GCC telecom to achieve BS 11200: 2014
Microsoft in drive to erase its entire carbon footprint
Volvo Cars, China Unicom partner for 5G communication
MEA biometrics market 'set to grow at over 21pc'
XTOUCH launches a series of new devices this DSF
Abu Dhabi's Group 42 acquires Bayanat
Virtual reality and augmented reality could deliver a $4.1bn boost
Schneider announces Galaxy VS 3-Phase UPS
Consumers 'see technology interacting with senses'
Avaya appoints partner in Saudi Arabia
Smart Dubai launches 'Smart Supplier' app
UAE Space Agency launches NewSpace Innovation Programme
Iranian hackers target Bapco
Accenture to acquire Symantec's Cyber Security Services
Sony showcases developments at CES 2020
Du offers payment options with Apple Pay
LG unveils new framework for AI technology
IBM launches 2 data centers for cloud services in UAE
Samsung ships 6.7m Galaxy 5G devices
Mobily strengthens digitalisation and IoT drive with Ericsson
8,000 to attend STEP conference in Dubai
Etisalat launches first OpenRAN network in Mena
Muharraq iGA unit back to 5-days-a-week schedule
Mobily achieves key 5G stand-alone network milestone
UAE TRA crowdsourcing drive draws 34,000 contributors


text:
Property in France
Property in Portugal
Lisbon Coast
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Property in Greece
Property in Florida
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Property in Turkey
Search all countries
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A Place in the Sun Currency
Property in the French Alps still peaking
With ski season almost upon us, property in the French Alps is proving extremely popular, especially with overseas property-hunters at the top end of the market.
Swiss buyers in particular are pushing up prices in some of the most popular resorts, driven to invest by the strength of the Swiss Franc in comparison to the Euro, which has meant that buyers have been able to get 30% more for their money than this time last year, a position which has driven enquiries up 45%.
And many of the investors are wealthy Brits who are living in Switzerland because of its favourable tax conditions – and have also benefited from its strong currency.
However, agents are stressing that there are still ski bargains to be had, especially for those buyers who are willing to look slightly off the beaten track.
Gareth Jefferies from Alpine-Property.com commented: "There is a clear trend amongst the Swiss buyers. They are buying at the top-end of the market, especially the Euros 1million+ bracket. They're buying property that's ready to move into. And they're sticking to the centre of the well-known resorts. But there's still plenty of bargains out there, especially if you're on a smaller budget, looking for a renovation project or willing to look outside the big-name resorts."
Search for property in the Alps and read our guide to buying a property in France
A closer look at properties in the Charente, France
Brextension - what does this mean for overseas property?
10 tips for successful holiday rentals in France
More on aplaceinthesun.com
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text:
module Test.Backends.AcidBackend
  where

import Data.Acid
import Data.Monoid
import Test.HUnit hiding (assert)
import Data.Acid

import OrgMonad.Type
import OrgMonad.Backends.AcidType
import OrgMonad.Backends.AcidBackend

import qualified Data.Map as M
import System.Directory
import Test.Common

testAcidBackend :: Test
testAcidBackend = TestCase assertionAcidState

assertionAcidState :: Assertion
assertionAcidState = do
  cleanStateDir
  acid <- openLocalState mempty
  let testTask = Task 1 "test"
  pushToAcidBackend testTask acid
  res <- query acid GetTasks
  Just testTask @?= M.lookup 1 res

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THEY might be getting stares from passing motorists and fellow workers, but these builders are manning up to wear pink tutus. Throughout October builders from Hutchison Builders, at the St Vincent's Private Hospital $30 million theatre redevelopment site, are doing something different to raise money for cancer.
News DRESSED to impress, corporate teams took to the tennis court to battle it out the best they could.
News THEY might be getting stares from passing motorists and fellow workers, but these builders are manning up to wear pink tutus.


text:
Bedfordshire Police Want An Extra £1 a Month From Band D Council Tax Payers
News Release form the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, Kathryn Holloway
Since 2010 the Government has continuously reduced the amount of national funding for Bedfordshire Police and to date, as your Police and Crime Commissioner, despite a successful on-going recruitment campaign which has helped to hold service levels against a picture of ever-increasing demand, I have been given no facility, until now, to uplift the total number of resources available to respond to victims of crime and protect the people of Bedfordshire.
As a result, the force now has 140 less officers than it did in 2010.
When we take into account the demand, complexity and the landscape of policing (which is significantly different to 2010), I am sure you will understand why I have taken the decision to raise Council Tax by £1 per month for the next 24 months, which will cost the total of £24 pounds per Band D household in Bedfordshire to increase the number of police officers by at least 100, taking us some way towards what this county requires.
Please see below the table of costing per household:
I would like to invite you to share your opinion on this decision by way of reply to the following email address: PCC@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Your comments of support or concern for this decision would be welcomed and will be collated and presented to the Police and Crime Panel on 6 February 2018 which is the authoritative body which holds the Police and Crime Commissioner to account.
I appreciate your thoughts, time and consideration regarding this issue and look forward to receiving your response.
Kathryn Holloway
Central Bedfordshire council tax funding money police


Moomba Forum > Moomba Boats > General Chat > Power wash vinyle?
View Full Version : Power wash vinyle?
Has anyone ever took a power washer to the vinyle on the seats and inside the boat?? I've been trying to get the dirt and grime out of my seats, and I got it pretty good, however, I can't seem to get the way it use to look. I just used Vinyle Sauce, and it did a good job, but still not perfect.
If I power wash the seats, will it destroy the vinyle, or will it work?? Thanks for the help.
No power washing per mfg guidelines. You just need a good scrub brush.
I use the Mr. Clean magic eraser. I have not found a product that works as good as this yet. BTW my vinyl is white with gray/red accents and it doesnt seem to be harming the vinyl in any way.
Magic eraser is an abrasive. It cleans great but erodes the uv topcoat of the vinyl at the same time.
Totally Awesome from the Dollar Store and a soft scrub brush. Rinse with clean water and follow with 303. My vinyl looks brand new. I think Wally World also carries it now. Lots of talk about TA on WW.
If you powerwash anything with threads they will break down. I ruined a set of cheapo patio furniture doing this. It was clean but you couldn't sit in the seats anymore. If you use magic erasers you have to treat with 303 or some other UV treatment afterward.
Magic Eraser removes material, period! I've actually read of people using it on gelcoat! Want to ruin your boats material? Just use a magic eraser!
Malco Leather & Plastic Cleaner or Totally Awesome, both do a fantastic job of restoring the vinyl to new. Use a medium density brush such as a vegetable brush from the supermarket. Top with Babe's Seat Saver or 303 to keep the UV protection up.
Ok. Power washing is out. Looks like I'll try the Totally Awesome and a bit more elbow greese! Thanks!


I finally got some greenery into my new organic garden by transplanting some Egyptian onions. Jim Sherman had too many of them in one of his gardens, so he gladly gave me some. Egyptian onions are more or less idiot-proof, which makes them perfect for a neophyte gardener such as me. They are very hardy, tolerate extreme heat and cold, grow in poor soil, and will even grow back after freezing.
Sherman warned me that these onions are quite prolific and will take over your garden if you aren't careful. That's the least of my worries. I am still trying to convince my spouse that this dirt patch will not be an eyesore for very long. The onions make it look like something is going on, anyway.
Egyptian onions are also very practical for the kitchen since you can use the stalks like green onions. In the second year, Egyptian onions put out little top sets that look sort of like garlic cloves growing in the air. These are very tasty, I am told. If you don't harvest them, the onion sets on top get too heavy for the stalk and fall to the ground, where they take root and become a new plant. You have to thin them to keep them under control.
We also transplanted some chard in the other end of the raised bed. And we sowed a bunch of lettuce and radishes. I am watering the hell out of the seeds. Wish me luck.


text:
	Repository based package management operations on the Debian system can be performed by many APT-based package management tools available on the Debian system.

Basic package management tools:

apt-get / apt-cache

aptitude

apt-get / apt-cache

	The apt-get and apt-cache commands are the most basic APT-based package management tools.

offer only the command line user interface;

is most suitable for the major system upgrade between releases, etc;

offers a robust package dependency resolver;

is less demanding on hardware resources (it consumes less memory and runs faster);

offers a standard regex based search on the package name and description;

can manage multiple versions of packages using /etc/apt/preferences but it is quite cumbersome.

aptitude

	The aptitude command is the most versatile APT-based package management tool.

offers the full screen interactive text user interface;

offers the command line user interface, too;

is most suitable for the daily interactive package management such as inspecting installed packages and searching available packages;

is more demanding on hardware resources (it consumes more memory and runs slower);

offers an enhanced regex based search on all of the package metadata;

can manage multiple versions of packages without using /etc/apt/preferences and it is quite intuitive.

Operations with the command line using apt-get / apt-cache and aptitude

update package archive metadata

apt-get update

aptitude update

install candidate version of "foo" package with its dependencies

apt-get install foo

aptitude install foo

install candidate version of installed packages without removing any other packages

apt-get upgrade

aptitude safe-upgrade

install candidate version of installed packages while removing other packages if needed

apt-get dist-upgrade

aptitude full-upgrade

remove "foo" package while leaving its configuration files

apt-get remove foo

aptitude remove foo

remove auto-installed packages which are no longer required

apt-get autoremove

purge "foo" package with its configuration files

apt-get purge foo

aptitude purge foo

clear out the local repository of retrieved package files completely

apt-get clean

aptitude clean

clear out the local repository of retrieved package files for outdated packages

apt-get autoclean

aptitude autoclean

display detailed information about "foo" package

apt-cache show foo

aptitude show foo

search packages which match

apt-cache search <regex>

aptitude search <regex>

explain the reason why matching packages should be installed

aptitude why <regex>

explain the reason why matching packages can not be installed

aptitude why-not <regex>

Notable command options for aptitude

-s simulate the result of the command

-d download only but no install/upgrade

-D show brief explanations before the automatic installations and removals


text:
By Jeri Davis, This Is Reno
Snowpacks are off to a below normal start across the Eastern Sierra and northern Nevada this year. In fact, 91% of the entire state of Nevada is in a severe to exceptional drought.
Experts today said that, regionally, there is a chance this might turn around.
As of Jan. 4, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service Nevada (NRCS Nevada), a wing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "snowpacks were 71-78% of median in the Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson basins."
Jeff Anderson, NRCS Nevada
Image: Ty O'Neil
A storm that rolled into the region Monday may boost these percentages by as much as 10%.
According to Jeff Anderson, hydrologist for NRCS Nevada, the total regional precipitation for the 2021 water year, which began being measured in October 2020, is already 7.2 inches below average. The last water year's measurements ended up 15.7 inches below average. Combined, that puts the total deficit at 22.9 inches.
An average water year for this region has precipitation of 44 inches, so there's a bit more than "half a water year to make up."
The lack of rain this fall has also left dry soils under the snow. In the spring, snow melt will need to fill the soil—and this could lead to less runoff.
"That soil is like a sponge under the snowpack," Anderson said.
He added, "The Truckee basin right now, the snowpack is at 71% of the median for today. At this time of year, typically, we're getting more and more snow each day, so right now we're above 70% for the Truckee Meadows basin."
However, Anderson said that storms rolling into the region Monday and throughout the week could boost the snowpack by as much as 10%.
"So, that'd be like if a foot of snow falls up in the mountains," he said.
"At this time of year, the percentages can change pretty rapidly because the median amount of snowpack is not so great because we're still pretty early in the winter," Anderson explained. "It's very early now. If we got a really big storm, we could easily bump up with one storm above 100% of normal for now. But if we're at 70% in the middle of March, it's going to be a lot harder to bump up to 100% by April when the snow typically starts to melt."
There may be plenty of time to for Mother Nature to make up for where our current snowpack stands against averages—but snow forecasts, at least in the next few weeks, are not looking great.
"There's not really a great storm signal for the next couple of weeks, which is kind of disturbing, because January is our biggest month of the winter, typically," Anderson said. "If you average all of the years' data, January would be the month where you'd think you'd get a lot of snow. … In the Sierras, you know, it really only takes a handful of really big storms to make or break your water year."
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Conservation funds available for Nevada ag producers
Drought conditions intensify across Nevada
Former Nevada 'sundown town' stands by siren amid reckoning
Nevada 4-H leader inducted into national hall of fame
Statewide fire restrictions effective April 15 (updated)
Groups speak out on Clark County redistricting maps


The Government have today announced that divorcing couples will no longer have to blame each other for the breakdown of their marriage.
The move follows a public consultation where family justice professionals and others with direct experience of divorce lobbied for 'no fault divorce'. It is expected that legislation will be introduced to Parliament in the next few months.
'As the divorce law stands, unless a couple have been separated for 2 years or more, then to obtain a divorce one party has to blame the other for the breakdown of their marriage, based on their behaviour or adultery. This can cause unnecessary acrimony and conflict. The introduction of a 'no fault divorce' will help to deal with the divorce process in the most humane way as is possible. Most importantly, where there are children, by removing the conflict between parents this will limit the impact that the divorce will have on them, which is hugely important'.
If you need advice or assistance regarding a family law matter then please contact our Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law, Tracey Dargan.


An ocean of silent words.
I try to find an ocean of silent words and let the waves carry me across to a world that accepts everyone for who they are. Queer or straight, male or female, monogamous or poly-amorous, white or yellow or brown or black. As a straight male, I enjoy a good majority and I hope not … Continue reading An ocean of silent words.
Since the dawn of the written word.
Manasi Dalvi on Silence of the nights.
Arvind Vairavan on Silence of the nights.


I have one private IMAP account and one Exchange account for work. I have this week off, so I figured I would disable the Exchange account to try and really "get away" from work. This morning though, after sleeping in, I found eight new notifications of mail from the disabled account. I can tap those and read their content, I can swipe back to the inbox, but I can't swipe back to the list of mail-account in order to navigate to the one account that remains enabled. I had to wait for a mail to come in on the private account before I could navigate back to the private inbox.
Removing the Exchange account got me the functionality I was looking for i the end.
I did search, but apparently the search engine can't relate "disabled mail" to "disabled email". Shocked to see this is a known bug since 2016. Thanks for doing the administration on my duplicate question.


With the animated adaptation coming out, it seemed like a good time to revisit Batman: The Killing Joke. After rereading it, I find myself thinking, yes, it is possible for a book to be both brilliant and terrible.
Of course, this series of reviews focuses exclusively on good comic books, those that would rate a B+ or better. And yes, The Killing Joke is a great graphic novel. I'll address the justifiably controversial part and move on.
What happens to Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) is terrible. Without getting into specifics, an excellent heroine is sacrificed to test a man's strength of character (her father, Commissioner Gordon). The biggest problem with this is that it contributes to an unfortunate trend—hurting female characters to motivate male characters. If it just happened once in a while, and if the reverse also happened about as frequently, then it wouldn't be as big a deal (though still a waste of Batgirl in this case). As part of a trend, though, it makes for an uncomfortable read. Plus, this is a pivotal, traumatic event in Batgirl's life, and she's barely a supporting character in the story. It reeks of sexism.
But as a Batman/Joker/Commissioner Gordon story, The Killing Joke is amazing, with a perfect premise—the Joker wants to prove that even a man as rational and normal as Jim Gordon is only one bad day away from going as insane as he is. Flashbacks to Joker's own "one bad day" are carefully placed throughout, though the book is delightfully ambiguous about whether the Joker's origin story is true or if it's an invention of his crazy brain.
Alan Moore's script is full of memorable, insightful dialogue and strong, well-earned moments, and Brian Bolland's art is nothing short of fantastic, the drawings themselves as well as the structure of the page layouts. Even a simple nine-panel grid feels fluid and dynamic because of how Bolland stages the scene. These characters act, and it all feels so cinematic.
I can't think of any other comic that makes me want to simultaneously throw it across the room and praise it as a work of art. But The Killing Joke achieves that distinction, which is twisted, really, like the Joker himself.
One more thing—KEEP YOUR KIDS AWAY FROM THIS BOOK. Not every Batman book is appropriate for kids, and this is one of the least appropriate Bat-books ever. There's a reason the cartoon adaptation is rated R.
Appropriate For: ADULTS ONLY! NO EXCEPTIONS!
This entry was posted in comic books, Today's Super Comic and tagged Alan Moore, Batgirl, Batman, Brian Bolland, Commissioner Gordon, DC Comics, Joker, The Killing Joke on August 1, 2016 by drsherrier.


Universal Display announced that they have been awarded another Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I $99,900 program from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Under this program (titled "Novel Optical Enhancement for Thin Phosphorescent OLED Lighting Panels") Universal Display intends to demonstrate a white phosphorescent OLED lighting panel that meets Energy Star criteria using an optical enhancement technique which improves outcoupling efficiency while preserving the thin, elegant form factor of the white OLED lighting panel.
Universal Display will employ a novel outcoupling technique that performs as well as thicker treatments, such as macro-extractors or outcoupling blocks, but is significantly thinner. Outcoupling enhancements are commonly used to increase the amount of light that is emitted as useful light. In addition to maintaining its thin and light weight form factor, the resulting white PHOLED lighting panel, which UDC intends to deliver to the DOE, may improve the company's previously reported lighting panel efficacy results by over 25% and demonstrate a desirable path to meet the Energy Star Category B criteria for solid state lighting.


text:
Segelholmen, på kartor ofta angivet som Segholmen, är en ö i Ornö socken i Haninge kommun, nordväst om Björkös nordspets. Ön har en yta på 10 hektar.

Segelholmen var tidigare obebodd; på norra delen av ön finns en gammal begravningsplats som troligen är en kolerakyrkogård. 1909 bosatte sig en fiskarfamilj på ön, vilken även försörjde sig på snickeriarbeten. På 1960-talet blev gården fritidshus men därefter 2007 åter permanentboende.

Segelholmen är ganska klippig, särskilt västsidan är brant och svårframkomlig. Bryggorna ligger huvudsakligen på öns lägre östra sida. Trädvegetationen består mestadels av tall, och på Segelholmens norra sida av björk.

Källor
 Sveriges öar, 3:e upplagan 2013, Anders Källgård s. 321.

Öar i Haninge kommuns skärgård

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Dr. Rush specializes in testing and treating children, adolescents, and college students. She received her Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duke University. Dr. Rush's therapy expertise with children, adolescents, and college students focuses on issues related to adjustment, identity, and relationship issues as well as specific struggles and trauma related to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Her counseling experience extends to working with parents and families, including coping with divorce and separation, sleeping disturbances, childhood obesity, and effective discipline strategies. She is also experienced in treating adult clients facing issues related to domestic violence, separation, divorce, interpersonal struggles, anxiety, disordered eating, depression, and personal and professional goal setting. With respect to assessments, Dr. Rush has experience in conducting psychoeducational evaluations across the academic spectrum, to include evaluating for learning disabilities, ADHD, and giftedness.
Dr. Rush's research and clinical work have been on the co-occurrence of eating disorders and substance use among college students. She has traveled to college counselor centers across the country to conduct research and do presentations on this topic. She also has a clinical interest in working with college students presenting with a broad range of concerns. Mental health stressors can arise as students are forming their identity, having serious romantic relationships, distancing themselves from their families, and determining their desired career path. Dr. Rush helps college students, adolescents, and children facing mental health concerns forge their identity, engage in healthy relationships, and experience academic success.
Wynns Family Psychology specializes in child psychologist, therapist, counselor, therapy, counseling, testing, assessment, and evaluation services in the Cary NC and Raleigh NC areas. We also provide access to child psychiatrists if medication is necessary.
Dr. Rush has varied clinical experiences that have enhanced her expertise with children, adolescents, and college students. Prior to working in private practice in Cary, NC, she has worked at Duke's Center for Child and Family Health, Duke's Eating Disorders Clinic, Head Start Programs, in-patient children and adolescent wards, and domestic violence programs. In general, Dr. Rush relies on empirically validated treatments. She draws heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and motivational techniques. These therapies have been extensively studied and have become best practices in the field of psychology. They are also engaging and collaborative, which creates a team approach and fosters improvements in mood, more adaptive thoughts, and healthier behaviors that bring clients closer to their goals. Dr. Rush is a culturally competent therapist who has extensively worked with diverse clients in Costa Rica and Miami, FL, as well as provided multi-cultural competency trainings to teachers, administrators, and clinicians. Her work emphasizes cultural as well as individual strengths. Her treatments and assessments are thoughtful, engaging, and strive to be a positive process of self-growth and self-improvement.
Dr. Rush offers services in the areas of: clinical & mental health concerns; psychoeducational & psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults; and a full array of divorce services to include marital conflict and helping children cope with divorce. Here you can find more specific information about her therapy services and testing services.
Call (919) 805-0182 or email Info@WynnsFamilyPsychology to learn more about therapy and testing services or to schedule an appointment.


text:
Memorable Manitobans: Arthur Schwartz (1923-2016)
Dental surgeon, civil servant, community activist.
Born at Ashern on 22 June 1923, son of Harry Schwartz (1886-1957) and Clara Bloomfield (1886-1987), brother of Joe Schwartz, he attended school locally before moving to Winnipeg at the age of 16, where he attended United College and the University of Manitoba. He later went to the University of Toronto where he received a doctorate in Dental Surgery degree in 1945. During the Second World War, he served with the Royal Canadian Army Dental Corps, from 1944 to 1947 with the rank of Captain, and with the militia from 1948 to 1957 with the rank of Major.
He had a private dental practice at Kenora (Ontario) from 1947 to 1955, was Director of Dental Services for the Manitoba Department of Health from 1955 to 1958, then returned to private practice at Kenora and Winnipeg from 1958 to 1971. He returned to the civil service from 1971 to 1977 with the Manitoba Health and Welfare Medical Services Branch. After a brief period at Ottawa (1977-1978), he became Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba, serving from 1978 to 1989. He was then Director of Community Dentistry (1989-1991) and Associate Director of Professional Service at the Canadian Dental Association at Ottawa (1991-1993). He received a number of awards for his service, including the title of Dean Emeritus from the University of Manitoba.
He was active in the Kinsmen Club (National President), Conservative Party of Manitoba (Executive Director, running unsuccessfully in the 1966 general election), Easter Seals Canada (Board member), St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, Kenora School Board, and Keewatin Town Council. In 1985, he was inducted into the North West Ontario Sports Hall of Fame for his involvement with the Kenora Thistles hockey club.
He died at Winnipeg on 20 January 2016.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 30 January 2016.
Page revised: 2 January 2018


Toronto is a city with so much culture especially in the food industry. Because the cold weather prevents us from basically leaving our homes, summer is the perfect time for us to venture out and explore that culture. Here are 10 summer food hot spots you got to check out this summer.
Taco Tuesday just gets better as the weather gets warmer. This Downtown Toronto restaurant is giving you another reason to celebrate Tuesdays. Located at 69 Kensington Avenue, this taco restaurant is located in the heart of the thrift district. Stop by for lunch while doing a little summer thrifting this year.
Junked Food Co. is located on 507 Queen Street West and is in the booming centre of the city. This establishments menu is perfect for quenching those unhealthy summer cravings and indulging in all that summer has to offer. From deep fried Mac and Cheese to a fully stocked ice cream bar this place is every carb lovers dream.
Originally popular for its unique name, this ice cream parlour is open all year round so that the most Canadian of Canadians can indulge in their delicious menu. Sweet Jesus' main establishment is located at 106 John street, the entertainment district, but has grown to become a chain in the GTA. This ice cream parlour offer ice cream with extremely unique toppings.
El Furniture is every person on a budgets dream. Everything on the menu is five dollars. Yeah you heard me. 5 DOLLARS. The food is also quite good, with sky rocketing reviews this establishment has two locations both located in downtown central Toronto. The perfect hipster vibe with string lights and a dark atmosphere is perfect for a summer lunch in down town Toronto.
Frans is historical here in Toronto. With two location also both in down town Toronto, this 1950's diner serves all day breakfast as well as an array of other pub food. The best part about this chain is its atmosphere. With Bubblegum coloured booths and red and mint green bar stools, this restaurant will transport you back into the Grease days.
Dutch Dreams is probably Toronto's most unique ice cream parlour. The interior looks like the owners belong on the show hoarders. It's walls are plastered in Swedish memorabilia and candy decorations. Not one inch of the buildings paint is visible. While this place is a little more uptown then the rest it is easily accessible by subway and offers a unique array of ice cream flavours and cones.
Booyah is another ice cream parlour competing for the top spot in Toronto. This establishment is a little smaller usually causing a line to build up outside and down the street so make sure you visit on a day where you don't mind being outside for a little. This ice cream shop is one of the few places that offers vegan options. I recommend their captain crunch flavour between two chocolate chip cookies!
Yet again we have another famous Toronto ice cream shop…this time with a twist. Lab Sense located again in Downtown Toronto sells ice cream with wait for it…. nitrogen inside. It's 100% safe and the even cooler part is you see them make the ice-cream right in front of you! How that for a Summer Food Hot Spots?
Harvest Kitchen is one of Toronto's most famous locations for vegetarian and Vegan options. This plant based restaurant has a beautiful patio where guests can enjoy the summer while nibbling on their favourite veggies and sipping on their favourite cocktails.
Cherry St Bar-B-Que is situated inside a former bank of Toronto giving the pub like place an interesting vibe. Their menu includes anything you could ever think of being served at an outdoor BBQ!
What do you think about these Summer Food Hot Spots? Will you be trying any this summer?


No need for costly repairs or a realtor!
Get a fair offer from us on the phone or on-line. We will match any offer you may have.
We can meet you the same day and get a written offer for the house.
Choose a convenient date to close on the house. You can also stay in the house for a reasonable time and leave at your own convenience.
We can't emphasize this enough. We will beat any offer from a company that is willing to purchase your house. Our goal is to provide you a fair offer and to make this a convenient process for you. This makes us different from companies such as HomeWyse or Express Homebuyers where their main goal is to resell the contract to other companies like us. This is why we will be the highest offer you will receive on the house.
Real estate transactions are a document intensive process. We know the process well and will guide you through the intricacies of the process and will guide you through it. We will be available to you anytime if you have any questions.
We will pay for any overheads costs in closing the transaction. These costs can include legal fees to prepare contracts, title searches and other fees that are part of the real estate selling process. As a seller you don't have to worry about any such costs.
Once we meet you and tour the home, our written offer is for the house as-is. The house can be in any condition from well-kept or in a need for a full tear down. Rest assured that we will buy them regardless of the condition they are in.
Our goal is to make this is a convenient and seamless process for you. Our goal is to plan this with you by selecting a convenient closing date, to explore if you want to stay in the house longer and to go through the process step by step to make sure you are comfortable with the timelines.


text:
Petition/House of Lord(UK) Campaign
Say No To Child Sexual Exploitation
Blog Post »
Nigeria: Jose in US for Gede Foundation
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Foundation Launches Trust Fund against Gender-based Violence.
UNIBEN Honours Philanthropist, Child Rights Activist Martins Abhulimhen.
Sexual Violence: Tears Flow As Stakeholders Push For Stiffer Penalty.
Foundation Hails Govs, First Ladies Over Commitment To Fight GBV.
Uwaila: Foundation Pushes For 21 Years Jail Time For Rape Offenders.
BY FRANK KINTUM, 2 OCTOBER 2003
Lagos — The Jose Foundation, a United States (US)-based non-governmetal organisation(NGO) with projects across Africa, Middle East, Asia, and North America, was among the many organisations, private and governmental,which graced the recent fund riasing/gala night by the Gede Foudation in Washington DC, United States of America.
Graced by several NGOs, government officials, private individuals and corporate bodies, to support the Mrs. Jemila Atiku Abubakar's "Build Hope for the Impoverished People the World Over", the first night turned out a grand fund raiser, just as the second night, a gala night organised as a special dinner in honour of the first lady of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Stella Obasanjo.
Prominent among guests at the two-day event were Prince Martins Abhulimhen, President/Founder,Jose Foundation, which had among others also in its five-man delegation, its Vice President, Europe, Asia and Africa, Mr. Edmund Otudeko, Mr. Chris Ugboke, who oversees, the Foundation's operations in North America, and Mr. Dapo Odusanya, its Co-mmunications Director.
The occasion also featured discussions among various interest groups and Foundations on how they can either jointly or severally execute their objectives of helping the poverty stricken and less privileged peoples of the world.
High on their agenda was the HIV/AIDS epidemic now ravaging the African continent.
Former Ghanaian Presid-ent, Jerry Rawlings, delivered a moving and educative speech on gender and the negativity of traditional attitudes to AIDS.
Also at the dinner, Gede had mainly organised to seek support for its programmes, were Rawlings' wife, as well as ace broadcaster and former Special Adviser on Information to Edo State Governor, Mr. Sonny Irabor, top government functionaries and business moguls.
Only last month, Jose Foundation brokered a working relationship with Guardian Scientific Africa (GSA) of the United States, after a meeting held at Moumouth Beach, New Jersey, United States of America. Both group had agreed on fashioning out a programme to fight the HIV/AIDS scourge, using a multi-dimensional approach. The programme designed to reach about 1,000,000 citizens of Nigeria for a start, would run for over five years.
In attendance at the two organisations' meeting were Prince Abhulimhen, Pres-ident, Jose Foundation, Ms. Madeline Wasserman, Pre-sident, GSA, officials of both bodies, and some other stakeholders concerned about the AIDS scourge in Africa.
Prince Abhulimhen, is optimistic that an enduring partnership and support for Gede Foundation, a dream of Jemila, wife of the vice president, will ultimately benefit the less privileged. Jose Foundation, which web site(www.josefoun-dation.com) is open to NGOs seeking assistance, has projects across Africa, Middle East, Asia and North America.
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Tackling child poverty, sexual exploitation and abuse is the plight of many governments, multinational organisations and charities around the world.
These profound issues need dynamic solutions, commitment and resources to ensure they remain at the forefront of our agenda to become better communities that protect our most vulnerable.
Dealing with the tragic stories and case studies, delivering information and services, providing a voice for the voiceless in places they can never reach is powerful, inspiring and an essential service to humanity.
At Jose Foundation we know first-hand how challenging it can be to work diligently towards the prevention of crime.
JOSE Foundation Environmental Summit & CSR in Abuja.
Jose Foundation Safeguarding in Sport Conference in Abuja.
Date: TBA.(LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE)


Late of North Curl Curl and Paddington.
Passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019.
Remembered by his friends and colleagues, particularly "The Curly Kids" from North Curl Curl Primary School.
Friendship...is one of those things which give value to survival.
A Memorial Service for Howard will be held at The Ivanhoe Hotel, 27 The Corso, Manly Beach on Friday, January 18, 2019, commencing at 12 noon.
"From your cousins who cannot join you for your farewell on the 18.1.19. Beautiful memories of our childhoods remain. ..."


One million shares of Wynn Resorts Ltd. were purchased on the open market by billionaire founder Steve Wynn, the owner of casinos in Las Vegas and Macau. The stock rose 13 percent after the purchase leading the S&P 500. The purchase cements Wynn's status as his company's largest individual stockholder.
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the casino company rose to $69.91 by market close in New York, making it Standard & Poor's 500 Index top performer on Wednesday. The shares were purchased by the company's and chief executive officer and chairman between December 4 and December 8 on the open market, according to a statement Tuesday. The timing of the purchase suggests a buying price maximum of $66.5 million. That estimate is based on the stocks intraday high during the time frame, according to Bloomberg.
In a research note on Tuesday, Deutsche Bank AG analyst Carlo Santarelli said, "Anytime a CEO buys a meaningful stake it sends a favorable message." The analyst added that the purchase was Wynn's first sizable, open market buy in some time. Wynn now owns 11.07 million shares of his namesake casino company's stock, or close to 11 percent of the total. According to Steve Wynn's spokesman, Michael Weaver, under the terms of an agreement with Wynn's ex-wife Elaine Wynn, the company's owner's ability to sell shares is limited. This year, Wynn Resorts Ltd. stock is down 53 percent.
This year in Macau, the world's largest casino market, gambling revenue has plunged 36 percent. A drop of approximately 5 percent for 2016 was predicted by Fitch Ratings on December 7. The personal commitment from Wynn may be a sign that the worst of the revenue lows may have subsided in Macau. A new Wynn property is scheduled to open in Macau in June and last quarter 59 percent of Wynn Resort's revenue was generated there.
The company's new $4.1 billion Wynn Palace resort in Cotai is one of several that casino owners in the region plan to open next year. The newest Macau casino was scheduled to open in March, but when the project's general contractor, Leighton Holdings Ltd., notified Wynn that the development could not be completed by March the company changed the opening date to June 25, 2016.
A steep decline in betting has been experienced in the Chinese territory due to the crackdown on corruption in the country. Hopefully, new venues, such as the Wynn Palace in Coati, will help change that in Macau.


One of the most unique and fascinating types of fir tree in Spain is the Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo), which only grows in very specific locations in the Andalusian mountains, such as the Las Nieves range (Ronda), the Pinar range (Grazalema) and the Bermeja range (Genalguacil and Casares). It is therefore endemic in the regions that are characterised by their mountain/Mediterranean climate with abundant rainfall. As a relict species, characteristic of other colder periods, it has only managed to survive on a handful of isolated mountain-tops. They are considered to be a species in danger of extinction, especially on account of the risk of fire, overgrazing, their isolation, changes to their habitat, the risk of diseases caused by certain species of fungus or insects, as well as the possibility of unwanted hybridization from other fir species.
This latter risk of genetic contamination is due to the commercialisation of popular Christmas trees. The Spanish fir hybridizes with the European silver fir (Abies alba), resulting in another species of fir, capable of producing some sterile cones but also fertile ones. When seeds from the latter fall to the ground and germinate they give rise to small firs with more leaves or needles than the common fir, although fewer than the Spanish fir. This makes this particular fertile hybrid more attractive Christmas tree and one that is therefore more popular among western consumers. If the leaves or needles of the Spanish fir are inserted helically into the branches, over an area of 360 degrees, and those of the common fir are projected in only two directions, those of the hybrids are usually halfway between, over an area of 270 degrees.
It is curious to notice that what constitutes a risk for the defenders of the genetic purity of the Andalusian firs turns out to be a blessing for those who manage to obtain hybrids from these trees in the southernmost regions of the Iberian peninsula. That is precisely what happens in Catalonia, in certain forests in the Montseny massif, where there are a number of different monumental trees that were planted in the mid 20th century.
During the 1950s natural hybridization occurred between the common Montseny fir (Abies blanca) and the Andalusian fir, or Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo). The name that was given to the resulting hybrid was that of the nearby Masjoan country house, or 'masia', Abies masjoanis. Now, the Arboretum Masjoan de Espinelves (the Masjoan Arboretum of Espinelves) in Girona exhibits examples of this tree alongside other majestic ancient American redwoods, cedars of Lebanon and from the Himalayas, fir trees from Vancouver, among other pines, cedars oak trees, etcetera, which together constitute a uniquely beautiful forest for nature tourism.
This botanical subject recalls age-old social debates between those defending the purity of human races or those who support hybridization and mixing. No one believes in the concept of 'race' any longer, especially since genetic science has shown it to be false and has demonstrated that hybridization is a source of enrichment, while endogamy causes diseases. As the evangelist St Luke writes: And [God] made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth (Acts 17:26). However, in a world of vegetation in danger of extinction, like our priceless Spanish fir, we must do our best to conserve the purity of the species.


text:
bitflags
========

[![Build Status](https://travis-ci.com/bitflags/bitflags.svg?branch=master)](https://travis-ci.com/bitflags/bitflags)
[![Join the chat at https://gitter.im/bitflags/Lobby](https://badges.gitter.im/Join%20Chat.svg)](https://gitter.im/bitflags/Lobby?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=badge&utm_content=badge)
[![Latest version](https://img.shields.io/crates/v/bitflags.svg)](https://crates.io/crates/bitflags)
[![Documentation](https://docs.rs/bitflags/badge.svg)](https://docs.rs/bitflags)
![Minimum rustc version](https://img.shields.io/badge/rustc-1.20+-yellow.svg)
![License](https://img.shields.io/crates/l/bitflags.svg)

A Rust macro to generate structures which behave like a set of bitflags

- [Documentation](https://docs.rs/bitflags)
- [Release notes](https://github.com/bitflags/bitflags/releases)

## Usage

Add this to your `Cargo.toml`:

```toml
[dependencies]
bitflags = "1.0"
```

and this to your crate root:

```rust
#[macro_use]
extern crate bitflags;
```

## Rust Version Support

The minimum supported Rust version is 1.20 due to use of associated constants.


Thought the newest computers, electronics, or smartphones were out of your reach? Worried you can't afford new furniture or home appliances? At Rent-A-Center near 30540, renting the latest home decor and more is possible.
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After web, Sumeet Vyas is slowly creating a name for himself in Bollywood. After making a small but impressive debut in English Vinglish, the actor is signing some unique scripts. His latest film High Jack is being touted by its makers as 'Bollywood's first stoner comedy.' Produced by Phantom Films, High Jack revolves around a bunch of first-time hijackers, trying to capture a plane. Directed by Akarsh Khurana, it also stars Mantra, Kumud Mishra, and Sonnalli Seygall among others. The film is slated to release on April 20.
Sumeet says that he liked the fact that High Jack is a situational comedy. "Just like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, which had its own brand of comedy, the characters and their problems were serious but the situations were comical. That's why we remember the film. In personal life too we go through similar situations. In our film, the characters are serious but situations are funny and that's why everything goes haywire," says the actor who is playing a DJ in the film. "My character is trying to find work and hasn't got any. He's got financial problems so he decided to earn some money by transporting drugs, but the plane gets hijacked," he explains.
Sumeet says that High Jack is one of craziest scripts he has read in his career. "Very rarely do you laugh all by yourself while reading a script but I did it with this one. The intention of making the film was simple; to make an entertaining and funny film," he says.
Sumeet's style of humour—both on web and in films— is subtle. How much of this is inspired by his personal life? "A lot actually. Any kind of artist, whether it's a writer, director or actor, most of the inspiration if from your own life. When I pick up instances from my personal life, it looks convincing," he answers.
How does he balance between working in off-beat and commercial films like Veere Di Wedding? "It's very important for me to find a balance between the two because you always want your latest work to be better than the last, and different too. You kind of surprise the audience so that they also have fun watching you, otherwise it gets monotonous," he says.
He adds that while signing a film, his focus is on the script. "If the script is good then my character will emerge nicely. If the script is weak but my character stands out, I don't sign the film because it will make no sense. If people don't like the story, my character will not make any sense either," he says.
The actor will next be seen in Veere Di Wedding, paired with Kareena Kapoor Khan. It also stars Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhaskar. About romancing Bebo on screen he says, "It was a great and fun experience but I'll talk more about it more in May when we start promoting it," he signs off.


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JUF News Covering Chicago, Israel and the Jewish World
Guide to Jewish Living
Ten TV episodes that raised the bar (mitzvah)
Perhaps no facet of Jewish life has been depicted on television more than the bar mitzvah.
by DONALD LIEBENSON on July 29, 2019
Vanessa Bayer plays the recurring character "Jacob the bar mitzvah boy" on Saturday Night Live. Pictured: Vanessa Bayer visiting the SiriusXM Studios in New York, May 30, 2018. Photo credit: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
Perhaps no facet of Jewish life has been depicted on television more than the bar mitzvah (the bat mitzvah not so much). While the party and gift-getting aspects of the experience lend themselves to simple and shallow jokes ("I hear you get a lot of presents," pint-sized wisecracking hustler Danny Partridge observed in an episode of The Partridge Family), TV has done an admirable job of exploring the significance of this rite of passage, what it means to be a man and the sometimes difficult moral and ethical choices adults are called on to make. Like on The Commish, when on the eve of his bar mitzvah, the police commissioner's son discovers his girlfriend's father is a criminal and must decide whether to testify against him. Or on Diff'rent Strokes, when Arnold's adolescent flirtation with Judaism helps him to reconnect with his own church.
Here are some notable bar and bat mitzvah TV milestones spanning almost 60 years.
General Electric Theater: The Bar Mitzvah of Major Orlovsky (1962)
An adult Russian defector who was never bar mitzvahed rediscovers his faith when he falls in love with a widowed woman and rabbi's daughter whose son is undergoing his rite of passage.
Car 54, Where Are You?: See You at the Bar Mitzvah (1963)
Officers Toody and Muldoon step up when they learn that no one will come to the bar mitzvah of a young boy on their youth basketball team because the boy's father, a landlord, is "the most hated man in Brooklyn." This is a lovely episode by Nat Hiken, creator of Sgt. Bilko. The last line will wreck you, as the boy's father sees the error of his ways: "Yesterday, my boy was bar mitzvahed, but it was me who became a man."
The Dick Van Dyke Show: Buddy Sorrell -- Man and Boy (1966)
For half of this episode, all the evidence suggests comedy writer Buddy Sorrell is having an affair. In a wholly unexpected twist, it turns out that Buddy is taking bar mitzvah lessons as a surprise gift for his mother. This was my late mother's favorite Dick Van Dyke Show episode; she cried every time. And now I do, too.
Archie Bunker's Place: Growing Up is Hard to Do (1981)
This two-parter is what used to be called A Very Special Episode, and it's not just because bigoted Archie Bunker wore a yarmulke or "Adom Olam" was sung in prime time. This reportedly was the first sitcom to depict a bat mitzvah. Stephanie, the Jewish girl whom Archie and Edith raised, displays this rite of passage's moral essence when she refuses to condemn the alcoholic father who abandoned her when he shows up uninvited for the ceremony.
The Kid Who Wouldn't Quit: The Brad Silverman Story (1987)
In this ABC Afterschool Special, Brad Silverman stars as himself, a boy with Down's syndrome who, despite being dissuaded by his rabbi and cantor, became a bar mitzvah, and eventually attended college. "It's a good thing to have a dream, as long as you're willing to work to make it come true," Silverman states.
The Wonder Years: Birthday Boy (1989)
You want "Must Cry TV?" This is Us has got nothing on The Wonder Years. Non-Jewish Kevin Arnold suffers a bad case of bar mitzvah-envy when his life-long best friend turns 13 and in addition to becoming a man, looks to receive hundreds of presents and "a thousand bucks." Narrator Daniel Stern, as grown-up Kevin, puts it all in perspective for us: "I just needed recognition, something to tell me I was growing up." If you can make it through the montage of photos from the bar mitzvah ceremony scored to Simon & Garfunkel's "Bookends" without welling up, you are made of sterner stuff than me.
Frasier: Star Mitzvah (2002)
"My dearest son: each day you redeem me. May your journey be filled with the same joy, wisdom, and purpose you have given mine." Frasier's speech to bar mitzvah boy Frederick is a lot more beautiful in the original Klingon, as he discovers to his horror after running afoul of a vengeful Trekker and radio station colleague who offers to "translate" Frasier's speech into Hebrew. This episode is equally hilarious, cringe-worthy, and heartwarming.
The Simpsons: Today I am a Clown (2003)
What does it take to get Krusty the Clown on Springfield's Jewish Walk of Fame? A bar mitzvah, for starters, a ceremony that Krusty's rabbi father (voiced by Jackie Mason) passed on for fear that his son would make a mockery of the ceremony. Brace yourself for "Krusty the Clown's Wet and Wild Bar Mitzvah" -- with Mr. T -- aired live on Fox.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Will Scarsdale Like Josh's Shayna Punim? (2017)
Come for the bar-mitzvah, but stay for the joyous(?) song, "Remember That We Suffered." Sample lyrics: "Now it's time to celebrate!/Grab a drink and fix a plate/But before you feel too great/Remember that we suffered." Bonus points for Patti LuPone as the rabbi.
Saturday Night Live: Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy (2012-2018)
One of SNL's most endearing recurring characters was Vanessa Bayer's Jacob, who would appear on "Weekend Update" to comment on Jewish holidays and traditions, but always with a prepared bar mitzvah-like speech complete with his own catch-phrases ("But don't tell my parents that"). Steven Spielberg was reportedly a fan, as was Billy Crystal, who played Jacob's dad in Jacob's final "Update" appearance. Jacob was a one-joke character, albeit a great and resonant one that never turned mean-spirited. But don't tell my parents that!
Donald Liebenson is a Chicago writer who writes for VanityFair.com, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and other outlets.
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If you are decided about your career and you want to go ahead with the Admission process, then you can choose this option to purchase E-Prospectus at a cost of Rs. 600/- which contains Application Form to apply for Admissions 2017 to various programs offered by Chandigarh University. Purchasing of prospectus would enable the start of your Admission process which can be further processed by online submission of registration fee through the various Digital Fee Payment Options available.


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Guarantee right to demonstrate: UN to China amid COVID protests
New York: Following the COVID protests throughout China over the weekend, the United Nations on Monday backed the Chinese people's right to demonstrate peacefully, and urged the authorities to guarantee that right.
Hundreds of protestors demonstrated in cities across China against President Xi Jinping's zero-Covid strategy, with some of them even calling for his removal, CNN reported. "Well, I don't have any particular comment on the COVID policies, but obviously, we've seen some of the video of demonstrations. And our reaction is the same one we have for the world over, is that we believe in the importance of people's right to peaceful assembly and association, their right to demonstrate peacefully, and urge the authorities to guarantee that right," said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General during a press briefing.
The large-scale protests in China were apparently sparked by an apartment block fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang province, which killed at least 10 people on Thursday and acted as an impetus for public protests.
According to media reports, some protesters in China are even now calling for democracy.
"We don't want a dictatorship. We want democracy. We don't want a leader. We want voting. We stand with the people of Xinjiang. We stand with the women of Iran," CNN Contributor Frida Ghitis quoted the protestors as saying on Twitter.
US media reports said m of the demonstration started as videos emerged that seemed to suggest lockdown measures delayed firefighters from reaching the victims. From the capital Beijing to the financial hub of Shanghai, people reportedly gathered to mourn the dead from the Xinjiang fire, while holding protests against zero-Covid policies.
By Sunday evening, on dozens of university campuses, students demonstrated or put up protest posters. Protests also spread to Chengdu, Guangzhou and Wuhan, where residents called for not only an end to Covid restrictions.
Students gathered on a square to protest against zero-Covid at Tsinghua University, in the capital city of Beijing. Images and videos making round on social media show students holding up sheets of white paper and shouting: "Democracy and rule of law! Freedom of expression!"
According to CNN, residents in locked-down neighborhoods tore down barriers and took to the streets, following mass anti-lockdown protests in Urumqi on Friday.
Such widespread scenes of anger and defiance are rare in China, where the ruling Communist Party clamps down on all forms of dissent. However, the increase in COVID restrictions long detested across the country have brought matters to a head. (ANI)
China covid protest
Zero-COVID Policy
China leadership
Indian-American astronaut Chari nominated for US Air Force Brigadier General
Pashtun activists stage protests across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against Rao Anwar's acquittal
Sania Mirza bids adieu to Grand Slam career with second-place finish at Australian Open
9 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in Jenin clash, several injured
Israel launches air strikes on Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire
US economy expands 2.9 per cent in December quarter
11 people killed in Russian missile strike in Ukraine, US condemns
Senior ISIS leader Bilal-al-Sudani killed in US military operation in Somalia


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Republicans are denouncing the comment by Lauren Underwood, an Illinois congresswoman. She's told the Homeland Security Department's acting head that "at this point, with five children dead and thousands separated, it's a policy choice being made by this administration and it's inhumane."
Kevin McAleenan says that accusation is appalling, and Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee have argued successfully to remove the comment from the hearing record.
A 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant who'd been in U.S. custody for six days died Monday. He's the fifth minor from Guatemala to die since December after being apprehended by U.S. border agents.


I am generally not a fan of the short story but when the stories all revolve around one figure and the overarching theme is historical you can well imagine that I would be interested. A Sea of Sorrow, is I believe, the third book of just such a compilation. What I love about this series is that it includes some of my favorite historical fiction authors and it introduces me to new ones.
I first read The Iliad and The Odyssey when I was in high school. It's been a while since I've revisited either tale but they will be there for me whenever I decide to. I do remember being enthralled with Odysseus's travels while my friends looked at me like I had two heads. High school….
A Sea of Sorrow brings the tales of Odysseus to life but in a very different way than our old friend Homer. There are six short stories in the book each one taking a piece of the legend and telling it from the opposite point of view. Instead of reliving the tale through the acts and deeds of Odysseus we see rather the impacts of them.
What makes this book special is that since each story is written by a different author it does have a different voice so that even though the book carries through the story of Odysseus the various characters are there to tell it their own way. It brings the familiar story to life in a whole new way. And don't worry if you haven't read Homer – you will still enjoy this book. It might even spur you on to read the original.
A Sea of Sorrow is an enthralling collection of stories that I will keep to revisit. What is so nice about a book like this is that you can pick it up to read one of the tales and be satisfied. But trust me, you will want more.


Hi, welcome to Tips Tuesday. My name is Melanie Thorley, and I'm the principle solicitor at HKT Law. Today we're going to look at hairdressing. Okay, so we're going to put in here "hairdressing assist", and we're going to press enter. We're going to go up to the top here and go Fair Work Ombudsman hairdressing assist. Now this is a really good tool that the Fair Work Ombudsman has pulled out in order to help hairdressers and hairdresser employees and employers work out some of the more complicated areas of working as a hairdresser.
Now, we're going to start here. Now we're going to say that we're an employee, and we're going to click next. It asks if we work in Western Australia, but if we click yes, then there will be some different questions, because Western Australia has slightly different rules. Today, we're going to just press 'no', and go to next.
Okay, so are you an apprentice in Queensland? We're going to put 'none of these apply'. You could be an apprentice in Queensland, we're just going to say we 'want to know about pay conditions' today.
Okay, we want to know about our pay, about unfair dismissal, there are a lot of choices here. One of the ones that I really like is 'my employer has closed the business'. Okay, check my 'end of employment pay items', so this is about leave and notice. Okay, so at the moment, we're going to say that you work part-time, but if you click on this, it'll give you a little bit more information here. So a part-time worker is any worker that works less than 38 hours work per week. Of set hours. So we're going to say part-time and go next.
Okay, so you can say that you're thinking about resigning, and then it's going to ask a little bit about your employment, when did you start. Now, if you click on there, of course it brings up a little box to choose the date that which you star work. We're going to put here, something along the lines of the first of January.
Now, click on there, it says when employee resigns, you need to give notice to the employer. This can be done verbally or in writing. So the date you want to resign, well, today is the 17th, so let's go the 19th, since it's Tips Tuesday, and your last day of work, we're going to say, is going to be the 26th. Were you employed for a specific time period or task? We're going to say no to that. And do you know how much annual leave is left over? If we click this little button here, it just says here, when employment ends, an employee needs to be paid out all their unused annual leave, as part of their final pay. So we don't know how much that is, so we're going to press no.
Now it's going to ask us some further questions about how often we work. So we're going to say we ordinarily work five hours, oh, it's a bit small isn't it. Ten hours per week, and that was right up until the time that we've decided we're going to leave. How many hours of annual leave have you taken during your employment? We're going to say you've taken two. Are you only shift workers, we're going to say no. Have you taken any unpaid leave? Now again, if we click this, it says unpaid leave does not accumulate as part of your authorized leave. So we're going to say no to that, but if you did take annual … unpaid leave, then you wouldn't be accumulating annual leave at the same time. If you were taking annual leave, then of course you do accumulate annual leave while you're on annual leave.
Taken any unpaid parental leave? We're going to say no to that. We're also going to say there are no outstanding wages. So let's get our results. Right, says there that we've got 11 hours and 2 minutes of annual leave left over. You have to give one weeks notice. If we click on this, it will give us some more information about that. Notice of [period 00:04:17], is a time which an employee or employer has to give at the end of employment. Okay, so this is calculated on the amount of time that you worked. If an employee does not give notice or less notice in the minimum period, then they can withhold the difference in your pay. So make sure you give the appropriate notice.
It says your length of employment was 17 weeks, that you worked an average of 10 hours, and you've taken 2 hours of annual leave. Now your final pay total will be 11 hours and 2 minutes left over annually, so you'll get paid out for that at the time you leave.
Right, if you want to e-mail yourself this information, you can just pop your e-mail details there and press save if you want to save it, or I would recommend pressing 'start again'. If you've got more questions about it, there is a continue button, and this just goes on about tips and hints about guides about dealing with workplace issues. You can just click on these as you want to.
Look, I hope you found that useful today. If you do, continue watching, or press 'like' on YouTube. Thank you very much.


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TOASTblag
redTOAST Studios' World Project.
Cleaning up the World
Last time on the World Update was meta-systems programming, so what's this time?
The last two months have brought primarily 3 things: A new scenario, massive performance improvements, and some new unit action design in progress. It's been a surprisingly meaningful set of improvements, worth pondering how it came to be. So let the prose commence: :)
1. The Watchtower Scenario
I wanted to make a defensive scenario; one where the players hold an area for a known amount of time under considerable attack, and succeed if their target lives long enough, and otherwise fail. Turns out there was a lot of new tech required to really pull it off well enough to play.
First, Map triggers.
To be clean, I implemented a somewhat generic triggering system for the scenario editor, and tied the win condition of this scenario type to a trigger. In this case, it's just a timer. I also wanted to be able to control the start conditions and start time of the attack, so there's another trigger required, and one that the user has to be able to execute. I then needed to be able to control waves of enemies spawning, so, more triggers.
It turns out trigger/response systems are pretty nice; they're the obvious alternative to some kind of embedded scripting language. Lots of games go this route and for good reason; it's simple, powerful, and not error prone. I set up trigger possibilities for timers (triggered from other triggers), for the scenario starting, for entering a region/map cell, and for entities that are triggerable. Oh, I also implemented entity grouping, so that I can trigger off an entire group being killed.
The next problem when building the scenario is that there are lots and lots of enemies. The first version had 495 spawns on the map. Managing that number was so impossible that I just deleted them all and started over when I wanted a change. In fact, instead of rebuilding the scenario's enemies to adjust difficulty, I just changed the spawn mechanism to allow spawning multiple units. Yay! Now it's just a number.
So now spawns can make many units; turns out that complicates a lot of logic that watches spawn counts and spawners. Figures.
So while I was at that, I decided to make it harder and make the spawn count variable. No sense making it easy on myself. Variable in what way? Well, how bout adding a spawn count for each allied player, and for every enemy player? That gives us a way to scale difficulty with player count. It also lets us make allies contingent on player count, which is neat (base line 4 spawns, -2 per player, =2 spawns when alone, none if 2 or more players). On top of that, let's add a difficulty parameter to the scenario, let the user control the difficulty when triggering the attack, then multiply the spawn count using that. Fun!
Well, briefly fun. I hit the hardest mode I set up and the first wave spawned 164 easy kobolds, and 30 allies for my team. Turns out the game can't handle that kind of load, and it.. well, it doesn't work. In fact, nothing moves at all since its so slow. On the plus side, my base was still alive after 10 minutes, so I won. :)
In any case, this brings us to:
Alright, actually I'm lying. The very very first time I made the scenario, with 15 kobolds, it completely died. Yeah, it didn't take 140 to bring it to its knees. 15 lousy kobolds was enough. Why now? Because the kobolds are attacking, rather than waiting for you to get near, so the path calculations are very long, and very slow, and actually just completely broken as it turns out.
I spent a good month just working on performance, and probably all but a week on one singular task. The first profiling yielded some useful information; 99% of the time was being spent on map traversal code. This includes evaluating area of effect, moving to range, estimating action range, and most importantly, path finding. (Somewhat surprisingly, the AoE calculation was 35% of the time, because every unit pulses a 20 hex radius aoe effect every 2 seconds, as part of the code game mechanics. More later).
So path finding. Lots of literature on speeding it up. A* is the common algorithm, but we were already using it, so...
Actually it turns out we were only 'technically' using it. We were actually using 'it badly'. Okay, that didn't work. Whatever. The algorithm was broken on many levels. If I could count the ways I would but I don't want to because I'd feel stupid.
I made some unit tests to help iron out the kinks. That wasn't enough, I updated teh scenario editor to show detailed debugging information on the paths. I wrote heuristics and double checked. I allocated 40 or 50 megs of ram to caching pathing information (oh, and wrote the caching). I bla bla bla bla fixed it.
Before, my test path took 60ms to compute. (Hopefully you're thinking 'Wow that's terrible!', and not 'Wow Nick is a terrible programmer!'). After, it takes .1 ms. Also, the cache hits about 98% of the time over the new scenario playthrough, and the cache lookup is faster than that even. Needless to say it's better now.
So it's faster. Turns out it's WAY more than that. There were some interesting side effects.
First, the old algorithm would scan the entire map if a path couldn't be found. This sounds uncommon, but note that any time any unit is on their destination spot, there is no valid path! In this case the units would take the directest route possible. In addition to making it super super slow, this meant that units would not path around their allies, leading to single file lines of extremely stupid enemies that get stuck a lot. This worked against the player's units in interestingly broken ways too.
Secondly, because of this fix some aspects of the autoattack algorithm became obvious. When things can path around each other successfully the AI's decision making because more obvious. It turns out the AA would only ever try to attack the highest threat, even if it was inaccessible. This made the game feel incredibly slow, as everything shifted around (unsuccessfully) to try and act, and inevitably didn't. The game would even get into 100% stalemate situations with 20 units all in a jumble trying to move around each other. LAME.
So I rewrote auto attack. While I was at it, rewrote the movement control AI for players and enemies, and the special attack code (same as auto, really...) Also rewrote the trigger for the AA. Previously it was timed (instead of using attack speed), and now it actually acts when the Attacks come off cooldown.
Honestly its amazing these things went so long without even being noticed. The game is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT after these fixes. It just... behaves! It's.. .like it actually works! It's 100% amazing to me how much better the game plays now. I'm really struggling to convey JUST HOW satisfying it is when the behaviors start working like they should, and JUST HOW stupid you feel when you realize how long there've been seriously broken issues that just weren't quite explainable. The game always.. felt right before? But it really wasn't.
Now it is.
One last note...
The defense scenario, the first time I ran it, was extremely easy. After all these fixes, the attacks are faster, the enemies close better, the ranged attacks work correctly, and your units are more dependent than ever on positioning. The game got a lot lot harder, but harder in lots of really good ways.
I did more than just these main things, and we've got more stuff we're trying (I did mentioned a third thing up there, didn't I...), but that 'Now it is' line was just too good not to (try to) end on.
Peace. More soon :) It really needs a movie to show the unit motion and count... Tomorrow night maybe.
Posted by Ventare at 1:48 AM No comments:
Labels: redtoast, update, world


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