One of today's science buzzwords is straight from the realm of the arcane. Around the coffee table, the buzz may be introduced with, "Have you heard about…" without the slightest suspicion that any coffee drinkers really know much about the Higgs boson. In the future, however, thanks to the Higgs, our knowledge may include more about the deep ultimate reality in which we exist. Readers should not be concerned if they do not understand the Higgs subject matter.
We begin with simpler ideas. Our life on Earth is framed in physical matter. There is a soulish and spiritual dimension to our lives, but the drama of our existence is set within material matter. Until recent centuries very little was known about the physical structure of matter except in speculation by philosophers and those interested in natural theology. Modern discoveries about matter have proliferated and now continue at an ever-increasing pace. In the past few months the Higgs boson has regained attention. Our blog posts reported on the Higgs particle in 2008 and 2012.
Now, as the LHC (large hadron collider) in Bern, Switzerland is starting up again after a maintenance break, we return to the discussion. In this information-hungry culture, there may be more questions than answers in the coming months and years. The 2013 confirmation of the Higgs boson, 118 times the mass of the proton, generates questions regarding extra dimensions and enigmatic dark matter which comprises at least 27% of the matter in the universe.
One question is how dark matter may possess supersymmetrical particles—partners for each particle known to exist in the Standard Model of Physics, six quarks and six leptons. Quarks and leptons are fundamental particles which comprise protons and neutrons in the nucleus of every atom. The invisible Higgs field, present everywhere in the universe, may generate the supersymmetrical particles. Higher energy levels produced by the LHC in coming months may permit expanded research on the mysterious Higgs boson and the Higgs field.
Questions concerning theoretical "extra" dimensions may be answered. The theory proposes that the mysterious gravity is a weak universal force because it is spread throughout extra dimensions. Our life experience occurs only in ordinary dimensions. The increased power under which the LHC will operate may reveal answers to questions asked for years to come.
The last three of 17 particles of the Standard Model of particle physics were confirmed in 1995 (top quark), 2000 (tau neutrino), and 2013 (Higgs boson). There is less controversy concerning the first 16 particles. The Higgs boson, perhaps the most fascinating particle, is generating far more discussion. The possibility of discoveries about dark matter, dark energy, extra time dimensions and a few other topics are not only mysterious, but also might signal more interest in scriptural truths concerning physical events during end times spoken of in the book of Revelation. The first 16 discoveries Standard Model entities provided a quantum leap in 20th century knowledge of matter. Particle physicists are still discussing the magnitude of future leaps of knowledge provided by the fascinating Higgs particle.
Our 4/15/15 post on "Original Creation Care" mentioned God's provision of "the existence of an array of elements and their atoms by which life processes could be sustained." In recent times the secrets of fundamental particles of matter in the atom have been unlocked in terms of their existence, precision masses, and function. With each discovery we explore more of the creative genius of God. Each past, present, and future discovery inspires greater appreciation of God's divine care for his creation.
When we speak of care in any realm we may also address the pre-existing interest level of the caregiver as well as the action of providing the care. Interest level precedes the action of care. Our last post discussed God's original divine care for his creation as he conceived the plan for the operation of the cosmic order at some point before matter, energy, time and space initially came into existence. Following the full development of the "heavens and the earth" (alternate translation: all that exists) God's creation care now extends to the operation of the present universe in sustaining its systems to the current moment and into the future. Humans are the beneficiaries of a fully sustained divine universal operational system.
Human projects often exemplify the sequence of divine creation care—original conception (pre-creation care) to current maintenance (sustained care). On a human level, initial care for a project later becomes continuing, sustained care. Of course, the sequence of God's care from original, pre-creation care to God's current involvement in terms of sustaining, post-creation care is only somewhat mirrored by human activity. God's sustaining power in maintaining thousands of optimally operating physical systems is an example of his omnipotence.
Completion of human projects such as culinary skills, gardening, automotive repair, or home building follow a similar sequence of care from original to sustaining. In each of these human projects, effective sustaining care is necessary. The provision of inferior sustaining care is sometimes a common human failing.
The sustaining power of God for our Earth systems has been described by numerous religious authors under topics such as environmental awareness and Natural Theology. Serious physical science textbooks contain detailed treatments of topics such as hundreds of physical constants and laws of nature. To the average layperson in our churches these topics may seem esoteric and inaccessible. Skilled science instructors and pastors work to make difficult topics more understandable. Such topics provide wonderful insights into the omniscience and omnipotence of God the Creator. They may be able to deepen our respect and awe for him.
Many organizations and ministries care for the earth and its environment. Some have interest in the Earth and care for its systems primarily for its own sake. Others care for Earth because humans benefit from a healthy planet. Most "creation care" enthusiasts take pleasure in the beauty of Earth's systems as well as knowledge that the planet's optimally functioning systems sustain a thriving human existence.
Our post now shifts to a different aspect of creation care—divine creation care. There are many different dimensions of God's care for his creation. We mention only two. (1) How did God care for his creation of matter, energy, time and space from the time of the original creation event? (2) How does God care for his creation yet today? Our post deals with the first aspect.
When this blog speaks of creation events, we speak as adherents of the old earth creationist (OEC) position. Therefore, we endorse the numerous, independent scientific findings affirming that our universe originated 13.7 bya in a stupendous cosmic event of supernatural creation. This primeval event, most often dubbed "The Big Bang," was not an event of destructive force but rather, an event of incredible creative power.
One is forced to examine the scientific findings of cosmic events in the intervening eons of time. Between 13.7 bya and the appearance of life on Earth, roughly 3.8 bya, much time elapses! How much time? Roughly ten billion years. Our God is not constrained by time frames, especially human time frames. Multiple billions of years equates to an instant in an eternal time frame. In human terms, this is a mystery.
By the time of the initial creation of life 3.8 bya, God's creation care had provided the existence of an array of elements and their atoms by which life processes would be sustained. Imagine the existence of atoms of elements which could not generate a wide array of electromagnetic radiation to bathe our surroundings with heat, light, and a variety of other life-sustaining radiation. This would be like a science fiction tale with a very disappointing conclusion.
As you read these words you are immersed in life-giving heat and light. The heat arrives via infrared radiation generated by every atom in your surroundings. Electrons in those atoms are buzzing around the nuclei they surround. Uncounted moving electrons produce pulsating electric and magnetic fields which rush outward in waves or packets of energy called photons from its "home" atom at 300,000 km/sec (186,000 mi/sec). This is a type of energy known as infrared radiation. When infrared radiation is absorbed by people and objects, they acquire heat. In turn, those objects pass their heat energy to other objects. Infrared radiation travels in electric and magnetic waves in phase. Distances between these waves are exceedingly variable and have different effects.
Light is also generated by moving electrons surrounding atoms under different conditions. References list hundreds of sources of light generated in one way or another by moving electrons or other charged particles in atoms. Again, light waves occur in different lengths or distances between their wave crests. We observe colors according to different wavelengths. There are other types of electromagnetic waves in nature, all generated in the same way by the movement of charged particles in atoms.
Brilliant 19th century scientist James Clerk Maxwell predicted the existence of many other types of electromagnetic waves. He first proposed that visible light was an electromagnetic phenomenon. Many other electromagnetic phenomena were predicted by Maxwell, including radio waves later to be produced by scientists. Now we enjoy the full scope of thousands of types of electromagnetic waves distinguished from each other only by a difference in wavelength. Without electromagnetic radiation (radio, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-Rays, and gamma rays), human culture would not exist.
Life suddenly appeared on Earth, later followed by a plethora of appearances of diverse and novel species, finally culminating in the sudden appearance of modern humanity a mere moment ago in terms of geological time frames—these we report as divine creation events on our unique planet. In preparation for the appearance of life, God's original creation care was in full operation. Existence of the marvelous electromagnetic spectrum operating within a framework of orderly physical laws is evidence of a Creator who cares deeply for his creation.
Interesting written and oral exchanges among my circle of friends have transpired over the past decade. These exchanges have supplied personal inspiration for significant subject matter of this blog. The sharing of views relates to how science discoveries contribute to and reinforce our faith. By faith we mean, broadly, (1) our belief in the existence of God, (2) our belief that God has acted in past ages to create the universe as we know it, and (3) our belief that God still acts to sustain and preserve the order of the universe we observe. In the three points listed above, we use God to mean the God of Judeo-Christian scripture.
Beyond (1) God's existence, (2) God's past creative actions, and (3) God's sustaining power in our universe, the concept of a loving God who cares especially for his created living things, especially man, shines through the pages of scripture. In the case of humanity, the biblical message of redemption is paramount. However, the reality of God's care for humanity in the physical realm is a concomitant of God's care in the redemptive realm. In humans, physical existence precedes spiritual awareness.
Our blog has connected our physical existence with a soulish and spiritual awareness. The popular categorization of body, soul, and spirit is an expression by some authors as the tripartite nature of humanity. Man is uniquely able to connect physical bodily existence with the presence of soul and spirit. A simplified definition of soul could be "immaterial awareness." Spirit relates more closely with character and emotions. One popular traditional definition of spirit is "God-consciousness." Ecclesiastes 12:7 refers to "our spirit returning to God who gave it." In terms of God-consciousness, we connect man's ability to investigate the categories of God's existence, past actions, and sustaining power to the presence of spirit in a human being.
Past posts have used knowledge of both science and natural theology as a means of strengthening belief in the existence, creative ability, and sustaining power of God. Most science professionals are very territorial in connecting their discoveries to a naturalistic process. They are driven by methodological naturalism (MN) as an inviolable principle. This "rule of science" does not permit them to suggest that even the most remarkable scientific discoveries such as the Cambrian Explosion or the existence of the information-packed DNA code may be examples of the creative works of God. Neither do professional scientists report recent revelations concerning the complexity of the cell as a possible example of natural theology—the principle that observation of the natural world argues for the existence of God.
The discoveries of science and the principles of natural theology both strengthen belief in the Creator. But science has become more secularized since late in the 19th century. The secularization has become more absolute in the 20th and 21st centuries. Science is methodologically formal but belief in the principles of natural theology could be considered more devotional. People of faith believe both science and natural theology point to the Creator-God of order and purpose.
Local newspaper articles have recently covered concerns about the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Common Core is one of the most well-publicized educational strategies in the last fifty years. There is much misunderstanding concerning Common Core.
Lively debate exists over the issue of Core Curriculum standards in pubic school education. Common Core is a state, not a federal initiative. The initiative has received much publicity. Each state is responsible for their own adherence to Common Core standards. An offshoot of Common Core is a set of goals for science education. This initiative is known as "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS). Science standards have not been finalized in most states. Citizens interested in science/faith issues may be well advised to apprise themselves of these developments in their local public school science education. Most people favor local control of education.
Among many issues in both pubic and private education, we must be concerned about science topics taught in the classroom and how they are taught. Two science curricular issues relate to many past post topics in our Science @ The John Ankerberg Show blog. The topics are evolution and climate change. Most curricular materials teach evolution. It is, therefore, surprising that many discussions of this topic indicate the issue is far from settled even in public schools. Evolution gained a deeply-rooted foothold in public science education beginning in the 1960s to the consternation of roughly one-half of our population. Evolution has been a topic of disagreement between those who advocate a biblical outlook on origins and those who favor a secular interpretation.
In teaching many science topics, personal theistic beliefs do not impact how teachers instruct their students. This is especially true with respect to physical science. For example, when learning about the behavior of water or its chemical composition, there is little disagreement.
Other science topics offer more complexity. Today's biology education has transitioned from organismal to molecular biology. Genetic commonality and continuity are supported by the belief in the common ancestry of all living things. However, there are alternate valid explanations for commonality and continuity in the study of human genetics. One is the idea that the Creator used common genetic templates to account for resemblances among species. This possibility is never addressed in public schools. "Equal time" for evolutionary and creationist interpretations would enable students to retain their personal critical thinking but public schools do not offer this solution to the problem.
As a career science educator I observed many "reform" movements during my 40-year tenure. President Johnson's ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) of 1965 was an early federal initiative. The current movement toward Common Core has a common ancestry. Numerous state and federal acts have preceded it. Common Core is a state-led response to the ongoing deficiencies in education of our young people. Race to the Top, however, is a recent federally sponsored educational incentive with some linkage to districts' adherence to Common Core. Current Race to the Top funding is now in doubt. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is faltering. We pray that the frequent mistakes of the past will not repeat.


Dr. James Ross was invited to serve as faculty at the 2017 Vail Hip Symposium which took place January 12-14, 2017 at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. The Vail Hip Symposium is an annual course that is organized by Marc Philippon, and has world-class faculty that present the most cutting edge, anatomic based reconstruction procedures, along with live cadaveric demonstrations that augments the instructional sessions. This course is a unique course that is offered to physicians who currently preform hip arthroscopy, and are interested in further honing their skills in hip preservation.
In addition to instructing physicians in multiple hands-on cadaver labs, Dr. Ross also presented a talk on "Microfracture of the Hip." Dr. Ross stated, "I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach alongside the pioneers in the field of hip arthroscopy, such as Marc Philippon, Thomas Byrd, and Richard Villar. These surgeons were responsible for the development of this surgical technique as we know it today, and I feel truly lucky to have been asked to share my experience and tricks with this challenging procedure." Hip arthroscopy is a rapidly developing surgical technique that is able to be utilized to treat pre-arthritic hip conditions, which may be the source of hip pain. "An appropriate assessment of hip pain is the most critical component to the diagnosis and treatment of hip pain. The hip is a very unique joint in that many disorders can result in pain." Dr. Ross enjoys educating his patients about the various aspects of the hip, and the multiple treatment modalities that are available to treat hip pain, both non-surgical and surgical.


text:
Tokens, Medals, Medallions & Plaques /
Royalty Medallions /
Edward VII Small Coronation Medallion EF
In 1902 Edward VII was finally crowned King, after the death of his Mother, Queen Victoria. He had waited a long time for this to happen and it almost didn't as he had an appendicitis attack and the Coronation had to be postponed. In those days, people died of appendicitis. The Royal Mint issued a rather handsome small Official Silver medallion to honour the Coronation in 1902. It had King Edward VII's bust on one side and his Queen, Alexandra's bust on the other side. They are in a very contemporary design and are struck in Sterling Silver. He was a very popular King and these sold quite quickly from the Royal Mint. We can offer them in Extremely Fine. Remember that they are now 116 years old!
SKU: NEG8808
Military & Award Medals (22)
Royalty Medallions (17)
British Historical & Commemorative Medals (9)
World Historical & Commemorative Medals (26)
Zodiac Coins (8)
Art Medals (15)
Historical Portrait Pieces (3)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Top 5 Picks to Break!
1 DaBaby
2 Polo G
3 Morgan Wallen
Big Loud Records
4 Lewis Capaldi
Vertigo Berlin/Capitol
5 City Girls
QC/Motown/Capitol
More Top Picks >
iGEN by Ted Volk
The Place Where Radio and Records come Together Without Talking
YOUR RADIO ADD RECAP
Lana Del Rey's "Doin' Time" (Interscope) and Raconteurs' "Help Me Stranger" (Third Man) share Most Added honors for the week. Other winners include Billie Eilish's "bad guy" (Darkroom/Interscope) and Phantogram's "Into Happiness" (Republic).
YOUR RADIO CHART PREVIEW
Lumineers' "Gloria" (Dualtone) gets a second week at #1, while Mumford & Sons' "Beloved" (Glassnote) enters the Top 10 and Phantogram's "Into Happiness" (Republic) makes its chart debut.
The songs topping the add board this week include Phantogram's "Into Happiness" (Republic), Illenium's "Good Things Fall…f/Jon Bellion (Capitol), Lana Del Rey's "Doin' Time" (Interscope) and Vampire Weekend's "This Life" (Columbia).
Shaed's "Trampoline" (Caroline) gets a second week at #1. Lumineers' "Gloria" (Dualtone) rises to #2 and looks to get to the top spot next week. AJR's "100 Bad Days" (S-Curve) enters the Top 5, while Head & The Heart's "Missed Connection" (Warner Brothers) and Of Monsters And Men's "Alligator" (Republic) both enter the Top 10. And Raconteurs' "Help Me Stranger" (Third Man) makes its chart debut.
CAA ADDS FRENCH DRESSING
CAA is celebrating the addition of agent Kevin French to its Music Touring department. French brings along his clients The National, The Decemberists, Hamilton Leithauser, recent Coachella headliner Tame Impala, Sharon Van Etten, and Julien Baker, among others and will operate out of the company's NYC office.
French joins CAA after a 10-year stint at Paradigm, with which the company he founded, Bigshot Touring Artists, merged in 2009.
"We could not be more excited to have Kevin join us," says Darryl Eaton, Co-Head, Contemporary Music, North America, CAA. "His impeccable taste, as reflected by his amazing client roster, coupled with his renowned character and leadership abilities, make him a huge asset for our colleagues and clients. I look forward to meeting him one day."
French adds, "I'm confident that the company's collaborative culture, diverse clients and colleagues, and entrepreneurial spirit will be a great fit for the next step in my career."
He plans to continue sending calls from HITS to voice mail.
Photo credit: LeStudio NYC
Phantogram's "Into Happiness" (Republic) is this week's Most Added record. Other winners include Lana Del Rey's "Doin' Time" (Interscope), Barns Courtney's "You And I" (Capitol) and Illenium's "Good Things Fall..." f/Jon Bellion (Capitol).
Shaed's "Trampoline" (Caroline) looks to go #1 next week, in a tight battle with Catfish & The Bottlemen's "Longshot" (Capitol). Half Alive's "Still Feel" (RCA) enters the Top 10. Of Monsters And Men's "Alligator" (Republic) arrives in the Top 15. And Lana Del Rey's "Doin' Time" (Interscope) makes its chart debut.
Lana Del Rey's "Doin' Time" (Interscope) was this week's Most Added record. Other winners include Billie Eilish's "bad guy" (Darkroom/Interscope), Bastille's "Joy" (Capitol), Blink 182's "Blame It On My Youth" (Columbia) and Barns Courtney's "You And I" (Capitol).
See Archive
iGen Index
posted 7/16/19
THE ODDCAST- PART 2 Mike, Max & Ted


My Trip to The Pantanal.
"Ric and his team organized a wonderful trip to Ubatuba and Itatiaia National Park to see into birds of the Atlantic Forest. Marco, Hudson and Samuel grudged no pains to discover many colorful and endemic birds. I was truly amazed how knowledgable and skillful they were. The bird life in and around the Forest is just overwhelming. The private accomodation near Ubatuba is a true small paradise with a huge garden full of birds and its owner a keen cook. All in all a memorable experience not to be missed."
Some pictures from the Italian Wildlife Photographer Carlo Cinthi.
Hi Ric, Just some words to tell you our global satisfaction about all the visit in Pantanal. Flavio, the boatman Chude, the staff on board of the house boat, everything was perfect, even in the posadas on the road.
Thank you for your business with us.
Marty and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our Pantanal Jaguar Safari and how great Max was as our guide. Max must have eyes all the way around his head, because he found so many animals and birds that were completely invisible to us. And he was able to identify them based on a just a growl or a tweet or the barest glimpse behind leaves in a tree. He also spent a lot of time with us on the Jacaré Houseboat answering our questions about wildlife and telling us about his own experiences in the Pantanal.
Our room on the Jacaré was very comfortable, and the ladies who cooked did a great job keeping us well-fed and happy. Our boat driver, Shoe (not sure how his name is spelled) made a terrific team with Max in spotting hard-to-see creatures and in getting us to all the jaguar sightings in record time.
We also enjoyed the company of the Jorgensens from New Zealand.
Thanks for all your help in creating this spectacular vacation.
Hi Ric, a quick email just to say a very sincere thank you for our tour into the Pantanal. We thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary and both of your people, Flavio and Jon, they were great to be and interact with. Will send you a copy of the Blog.
We just returned from our 5days/4 night Safari split with Porto Jofre Jaguar/Pouso Alegre land safari. We had Doug as our guide and Bosco as our driver. Doug and Bosco were the puzzle pieces that completed our PERFECT photo adventure. Some of our favorite moments of the trip were sitting and getting to know them. There was never a moment that Doug didn't have an answer to my 10,000 questions :). We spent 4 hours following a Jaguar hunting for food along the river. 90% of the animals on my list were sighted...multiple times. We have experienced guided adventures all over the world, hats off to Wild Pantanal!
We had heard about the great sightings of Jaguars in the Pantanal and our group of eight decided to book a trip there along with a visit to Iguacu Falls and also a few days in Rio. After doing some research we booked with Wild Brazil / Wild Pantanal wildlife tours. After E mails with the owner Ric, he created a custom tour that would fit all our needs. We wanted every thing of course but with the Jaguar sighting being the thing most of us wanted to see. Well we just returned from the 11 days in Brazil and we can say it was one of the best tours our group had ever been on. Ric and his team of guides, drivers and lodge hook ups went as smooth as possible with no complaints from any of us. We had 3 great Jaguar sightings, one for almost two hours while it slowly hunted down the river. We had 141 birds and all kinds of mammals along with reptiles. Our time in the Pantanal was Oct 30 to Nov 5. The weather was fine except one afternoon deluge which was cool to be in while out on the river!
We really cant say enough about our experience and how well things ran. Ric also completely booked our Iguazu falls adventure as well as setting us up completely with Rio hotels and drivers as well as one of the best guides we have ever had.
We look forward to returning to the Pantanal again and will not think twice about using the services of Wild Brazil.
- Day 1: pick up at Cuiabá airport at 8h30, then a drive to Piuval lodge on a van with AC (about 1h30 I think). A 1h walk on the woods near the lodge. Rest and lunch at noon. At 3pm another walk in the woods around lodge (about 2h). Rest and dinner at 7pm. At 8pm night safari for about 1h.
- Day 2: early morning walk from 5-6:30am, then breakfast and horse ride from 8-10am. Rest and lunch. Transfer to Pouso Alegre lodge. Walk in the area around the lodge. Dinner and night safari for about 1h30.
- Day 3: early morning walk from 5-6:30am, then breakfast and another walk. Lunch, rest and transfer to Rio Claro lodge. We drove past the lodge and kept going along the Transpantaneira to spot animals crossing the road and got lucky: tapir, greater anteater, jaguarundi. Then back to the lodge for dinner. No night safari on this day.
- Day 4: early morning walk from 5-6:30am, then breakfast and another walk. Lunch, rest, and a 2h boat ride along Rio Claro. Back to the hotel, dinner and night safari - no luck today, we saw only a racoon.
- Day 5: we were pretty tired so we skipped the morning walk, had breakfast and another boat ride (we had the option to go on another horse ride but chose the boat). Lunch, rest. Then at about 3pm we drove back to our hotel in Cuiabá.
Piuval lodge was by far the most tourist friendly. They had a swimming pool, hammocks outside each room, afternoon snacks and coffee, a recreation area with foosball tables, volleyball field, and a nice view of the open fields. Pouso Alegre was a lot simpler, basically the rooms and restaurant but I found the food was better. A group of about 8 blue macaws was always there so we had the chance to really observe them. The night safari was also by far the best one, when we saw 5 tapirs, 2 lesser anteaters and a racoon. Finally Rio Claro was also more touristy, and the boat rides were quite nice. Altogether we saw a great deal of animals: howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, a tiny monkey (name?), foxes, deer, peccaries, agoutis, tapirs, greater and lesser anteater, racoon, giant otters and a jaguarundi puma. We saw a number of parrots: the blue macaw, monk parakeet, black hooded parakeet, and at least 2 other species I can't name. There were lots of Jabiru and Spoonbills and obviously caiman. We saw some toco toucans and a araçari. Many smaller birds, many of which were quite colorful like the Poroaria capitata and Icterus croconotus. We saw some woodcreepers and woodpeckers too, lots of birds of prey. We didn't see any jaguars, but we saw fresh tracks around Piuval lodge.
We were very happy with WP. The program was as advertised. Our guide Jon was excellent at spotting animals and being born in the Pantanal he knows the area and the animals and their habits. He was also able to tell us a lot about how tourism has evolved around the area. He was a careful driver and was always careful not to strain us too much - the heat is unforgiving. Only on a couple of days where we had cloudy skies did we venture outside by ourselves after lunch before returning for the afternoon activity. They don't have as many reviews as other companies that people mention here, but they have very competitive prices and their website gave us a good impression, so we decided to take a chance and were very happy with them.
Douglas was waiting for us and started taking care of us immediately. He was professional and personable right from the get go and we enjoyed our drive down to Piuval, with a stop or two to get supplies (including some deodorant and toothpaste that was in our missing luggage). We got to know one another on the drive down and he involved Ren in the conversation and asked lots of questions and told us a lot about the flora and fauna, as well as the history of Brazil, and the detailed itinerary for our trip. After eating dinner, we took a night drive. We were about 75 yards down the long drive when Douglas spotted a tamandua! We watched as he walked across the field and climbed a tree and disappeared. We continued our drive, ultimately seeing a crab eating raccoon, a crab eating fox, lots of caiman, a fish eating bat, other birds and a tapir. We saw a couple of others on night drives and they did not see anything that we saw. Douglas was a great wildlife spotter. The following morning at Piuval, we went horseback riding, which was a lot of fun. Ren had not been on a horse before and he particularly enjoyed it when we went through the water! Douglas was great and pointed out lots of different birds, including the Tiger Heron which quickly became Ren's favorite. After the horseback ride, we walked a trail and found capuchins and went up the watch tower and saw a giant anteater. That afternoon, we went on a driving safari with another group. Their guide was kind of loud, which made it a little less enjoyable, and was constantly asking Douglas questions, which Douglas handled very professionally while he was still constantly scanning for animals to identify. At the end of the road (close to the lake with the long bridge and watch tower), we saw blue maccaws, howlers, a great horned owl, and lot of parrots and other birds. We took an early morning walking safari on our last day at Piuval. We saw an agouti and some birds but not much else. We then worked on trying to figure out where our luggage was and, as you know, ultimately drove back to Cuiba to retrieve it. A quick note on Piuval: the accommodations were nice and the food was fine. There were a lot of young (and loud) children when we were there, which Douglas said was unusual. I like kids just fine but they were pretty loud and obnoxious. Also, some of the other guests helped themselves to some of the water in the five gallon bottle that Douglas had left outside of our room! No big deal though and we told them it was not a community bottle. After retrieving our bags, we headed down the Transpantaneira highway towards Porto Jofre. Again, we had great conversation with Douglas, who by that time had already had a long day and it was not even half over. We talked on a wide variety of topics – Brazil, the US, politics, education, biology, animals, etc – and had a really nice drive. Plus, of course, we got to see more animals, including an anaconda on the road just before we got to the hotel and a beautiful sunset. Douglas was great about stopping the truck and letting us explore safely along the road and get as many pictures as we wanted. He was patient and informative always. Dinner at Porto Jofre (and all the other meals afterwards) was great, as was the room. Douglas got us all checked in and gave us the appropriate safety talk. We met for breakfast the next day (and every following day) at 6. Now, for a 12 year old, that's really early but Ren was excited to get up and go search for Jaguars. Our driver was Beto, and he was great. We had a successful morning, spotting a jaguar, lots of river otters, caiman, capybaras and innumerable beautiful birds. Douglas was great, talking in detail about all of them and he was an amazing bird spotter. He clearly has a great love and knowledge of them, which was contagious and really got Ren excited about them too. Pretty soon Ren was spotting and identifying them too! The afternoon brought two more jaguars and a confrontation between them and a river otter family. Not surprisingly, there were about 15 other boats at that sighting but it was ok and we were able to be located in a prime viewing spot. Dinner soon followed and a game of pool/billiards in the game room and then an early bedtime. The following day brought two more jaguars and giant river otters, along with many birds. Douglas spotted a very cool lizard and some really interesting species of hawk, and had a great conversation with Ren about how the bubbles/foam in the water was caused by decaying water lilies in response to a question from Ren. Constantly, douglas was sharing his love of the Pantanal with us and answering all of our questions, and Ren had a lot of questions! That afternoon, Douglas spotted a jaguar hidden in dense brush and we had it all to ourselves for about 10 minutes before it wandered back in the jungle. Our last full day at Porto Jofre was absolutely freezing. We did not see any jaguars in the morning but we saw some other cool things including a male Marsh deer swimming across the river and a giant river otter mother swimming with her baby in her mouth. That afternoon, we saw four jaguars including the first two which Beto spotted from a great distance, howlers and lots and lots of birds. When we got in the car to start the drive back to Cuiaba, Ren said "Douglas, I just want you to know, that when you drop us off at the hotel tonight, I'm going to give you a hug." Without missing a beat, Douglas replied "I'm going to give you a hug too. That's how we do things in Brazil!" That exchange really sums up well our time in the Pantanal with Douglas. He shared with us his love of the animals and ecology of that very unique environment. He was personable, open, engaged, professional, kind, smart and funny. He never once got frustrated with Ren (or me!) or anyone or anything else. I never saw him frustrated or aggravated even while he was working on our luggage issues or making the drive to and from the airport to retrieve it. I honestly cannot say enough positive things about Douglas and the way in which he represented your company. I would be happy to serve as a reference for any future travelers who are considering using Wild Pantanal and Douglas. If you have any specific questions about the trip, please let me know. Thanks again for all the work you did to make this trip one that Ren will remember always (as well as your behind the scenes work on our luggage issues too).
Ric, A big Thank you for making our trip to Pantanal an amazing experience, the three brother lodge is fantastic and due which we could spot 4 Jaguars, each in every ride, birding is also great in the area, your selection of English speaking guide Jo is the highlight of the trip she is knowledgeable and very passionate of explaining and showing us the wild life in Pantanal, your support in extending our stay at Rio Claro did help us to relax a bit longer rather staying at airport due to change in the flight departure, the trasport you offered is excellent did not feel the bumpy road, overall a great trip. One suggestion for vegetarians as it is tough since there are not many options also Indians eat spicy food so may be as you receive more requests from Indians think about how to get some variety which is simple to make or if the kitchen can provide some options guests can cook one or two simple vegeterian dishes. But this is not a must as we too must learn to adjust in a different country. Our Amazon trip was also great we stayed at a camp with INPA director and research students it was very unique experience. All of us are recovering from exhaustion after 35 hr journey back to India. Once again thank you for a memorable Pantanal. Once fully recovetd i will provide my feed back on Trip Advisor and Google.
Spent a great 14 days in the area with Wild Pantanal. My guide Flavio was exceptional in spotting birds and wildlife. Saw 8 separate jaguars including a hunting sequence and interaction with giant otters in 4 days. Saw 6 tapirs in two nights and walked with the anteaters in broad daylight...Amazing experience and hope to come back again.
Sono appena tornato da un tour organizzato da Wild Pantanal ed è stato spettacolare, non solo abbiamo visto tutto quello che era possibile vedere ma siamo stati affiancati da personale sempre all'altezza, professionale e attento. I problemi, che sempre si presentano in questo tipo di viaggi, sono stati affrontati con rapidità e professionalità. Ric è veramente preparato e disponibile ed è anche un fotografo, è comodo avere un organizzatore che capisce al volo le tue necessità senza perdere troppo tempo!
Hi Ric, we just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team. We had a wonderful trip down the Transpanteria to the flotel and the wonderful Pantanal. We particularly appreciated the stops en route with explanations and time to view, watch and photograph the wildlife (something which isn't always done by other companies we discovered in conversations with other flotel guests). We also loved the fact that finding jaguar was a really key focus and the other wildlife came after that (something that didn't happen for us on our Amazon trip). The viewings were amazing (even when we were sitting in the pouring rain!), the guiding good and the food and accommodation lovely. So, thank you again. Much appreciated.
Siamo stati nel Pantanal lo scorso agosto, in quello che speravamo fosse il miglior periodo per l'avvistamento della fauna locale e non ci ha delusi: con Riccardo, uno dei fondatori di Wild Pantanal, abbiamo strutturato il tour dedicando la prima metà alla scoperta della fauna della zona, mentre la seconda dedicata al signore di questi luoghi, il giaguaro. Abbiamo centrato praticamente tutti gli obiettivi del viaggio: giaguaro, ara giacinto, formichiere (sia il tamandua che quello gigante), tapiro (ben cinque), caimani, scimmie urlatrici, anaconda (due esemplari diversi) solo per citare gli animali che ritevo più icononici e che desideravo fotografare di più. Oltre a questi il Pantanal ci ha riservato una sconfinata serie di uccelli, personalmente ho fotografato circa 50 specie diverse, tra cui 3 diversi tipi di martin pescatore, 4 diverse poiane, 3 tipi di avvoltoi, tucani, aironi, gufi e molto altro. Non sono mancate anche le gradite sorprese come l'aoto di azara, obiettivo talmente difficile che non avevo nemmeno inserito nella mia personalissima lista.
Volevo ringraziare le nostre guide locali, Jon e Chaco: sono state professionali, premurose, instancabili e simpatiche, con cui abbiamo condiviso anche i pasti, senza mai farci annoiare nemmeno nei momenti piacevoli di puro relax; inoltre sottolineo il carattere anche fotografico dell'agenzia, Riccardo è un fotografo e si riflette sulla filosofia del viaggio, le guide non si limitavano ad avvistare gli animali e ad identificarli, ma sapevano come posizionarsi correttamente per permettermi di avere le migliori condizioni di luce e di composizione.
Un approfondimento sul giaguaro: li abbiamo avvistati tutti i giorni ed in alcune occasioni anche più di una volta nella stessa escursione, sono rimasto piacevolmente sorpreso dall'attività dei giaguari durante il giorno, sono molto attivi ed il più delle volte li abbiamo trovati intenti a cacciare, è stato bellissimo seguirli lungo le sponde mentre scendevano e risalivano in cerca di prede. Abbiamo anche assistito dal vivo ad una scena di caccia completa, ripresa anche dalla National Geographic, in cui una femmina di giaguaro tendeva un agguato a dei capibara.
My wife and I booked a photographic tour of the Pantanal with Trogon Tours. Wild Pantanal Expeditions organized the trip and arranged for our Guide. Ric, the owner of Wild Pantanal, met us on arrival in Cuiaba, insured that we got to the hotel, briefed us on our itinerary at dinner and answered our many questions, then got us organized the next morning for our van ride down the Transpantaneira Highway to our first lodge. He had contracted with drivers and with Bianca, a bilingual, guide, to accompany us throughout our trip. He checked in with us from time to time, as we were one of several groups Wild Pantanal was supporting. At the end of our trip, Ric also provided transportation from our hotel to the airport, and insured that we all got safely on our way home. The service provided by Wild Pantanal Expeditions was exceptional. Ric was very attentive to our needs and our schedule, as we shuttled between four lodges over almost two weeks. Bianca was an excellent source on the animals and birds of the Pantanal. She worked very hard with my wife and the other four photographers in our group to get them in contact with the animals they had come there to photograph. Since I am not a photographer, Ric had arranged for a fishing guide during our four-day stay on the Jacare Barco floating hotel as part of our tour. Prior to the trip, he provided me with information on fishing in the area, which was very helpful in my preparations.
Should we return to the Pantanal, which according to my wife will be very soon, we will certainly be contacting Wild Pantanal Expeditions to set up our trip.
Eventually, I will post something on Trip Advisor, but having just arrived home from a trip that included 2 nights in the Pantanal, I had to write. The trip was INCREDIBLE!! Best 2 1/2 days I ever spent on a holiday, without a doubt. Pablo Gonzalez, our guide/friend in Ecuador, arranged the trip for us and you, Ric, kindly provided us with an excellent guide and driver: Flavio and John, respectively. We couldn't have asked for more personable or knowledgeable guides. Between them, I believe they spotted every animal, bird, creature, tree, etc. that we passed. They went out of their way to show us the Pantanal and they are an awesome team. Flavio's English is impeccable, and he is one of the most observant and thoughtful guides I ever knew. If we mentioned something to him, he tried to make it happen. Wonderful!! They were knowledgeable, patient, kind and fun—all at the same time!!
The folks at the Rio Claro Lodge were also welcoming, especially Giselle, who worked in the reception area. While her English is rudimentary, she is certainly trying and she was very sweet and helpful to everyone who came in. She is efficient, organized and very capable!!
I rarely return to a place where I've been on holiday, but I hope some day to return to the Pantanal and perhaps next time get to see a jaguar!! Many thanks for providing such a great experience!!
Ric was very helpful arranging my stay, very responsive & informative. Chaco was a fantastic guide, who did his utmost to find all the animals...getting up before sunrise every morning, taking me for walks during the day and at night, and driving up and down the Transpantaneira by car various times. Had a fantastic 3 days with a great guide, lovely people and many wonderful animals :D Thanks!
Amazing experience with Wild Pantanal. Extremely well organized and very knowledgeable and motivated guides that know the beautiful nature of pantanal and its wildlife almost perfectly. I can recommend to everyone to book their tours through Wild Pantanal.
Amazing!!! Tour organization excellent!! Hope to come back again.... I suggest this experience. Top!!!
We had such a beautiful time!! Pantanal is an amazing place, and the tour organization was perfect! Looking forward for another tour soon!
Awesome place to get to see a lot of wildlife. Piranha fishing was one of top experience in the life!
We were very satisfied with the itinerary. Our guide (Jardes) was very kind, knowledgeable, attentive and reliable. Our trip was quite exhausting. We think that there were too many night and morning safaries planned in the itinerary. Nevertheless we enjoiyed our time in the Pantanal a lot and would highly recommend Wild Pantanal and Jardes to other visitors.
Brilliant experience. Everything was awesome. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the pantanal.
Il Pantanal non ha certo bisogno di grandi presentazioni, e se siete arrivati a leggere questa mia recensione significa che siete già a conoscenza di questo incedibile ecosistema. Una grande pianura alluvionale che per diversi mesi all'anno è completamente sommersa dall'acqua e per i restanti si prosciuga quasi totalmente ad eccezione dei fiumi. Vanta una grandissima biodiversità e una delle maggiori concentrazioni di flora e fauna di tutto il continente americano. Un paradiso per i birdwatcher grazie alle numerosissime specie di uccelli che popolano la regione.
Io, in compagnia di altri amici, sono venuto qui con la speranza di vedere e fotografare il felino più grande del continente, il giaguaro, che qui regna indisturbato e ci sono ottime possibilità di vederlo durante il giorno mentre riposa o va a caccia lungo le sponde dei fiumi, a differenza invece di altri luoghi del centro e sud America dove è attivo principalmente di notte. Il viaggio è durato 10 giorni, voli compresi, di cui 5 dedicati esclusivamente alla ricerca del giaguaro. Il grosso felino siamo riusciti a vederlo almeno una volta tutti i giorni ma non sempre è stato possibile fare buone foto. Gli ultimi due giorni sono stati i più prolifici e ci hanno permesso di portare a casa migliaia di scatti grazie a due esemplari in particolare, una femmina che ha percorso un lungo tratto della sponda del fiume in bella vista e il famoso maschio del video dell'attacco al caimano che si è concesso diverse ore mentre andava a caccia lungo il fiume. Purtroppo l'atto finale della predazione non c'è stato ma ci ha regalato ugualmente grandissime emozioni.
Tuttavia non ho fotografato solamente il giaguaro, anche moltissime altre specie di animali, per non parlare del paesaggio stupendo che offre moltissimi spunti fotografici. Per un appassionato di fotografia, che si reca qui con lo scopo principale di fare foto, consiglio di portarsi un gran numero di schede di memoria perchè di scatti se ne fanno all'impazzata, io ho portato a casa più di 7000 immagini. La lontra gigante, inserita fra le specie a rischio di estinzione nella lista rossa della IUCN, il caimano jacarè, il capibara, l'ara giacinto, la cicogna jabirù, l'airone bianco maggiore, la cicogna americana, 3 specie di martin pescatore, l'airone plumbeo, la poiana nera maggiore, la poiana dal collare nero, gli urubù dalla testa nera, iguane ecc ecc; sono solo alcune delle specie di animali che abbiamo visto e fotografato grazie sopratutto alle due guide molto preparate, Ric e Joao, i fondatori di Wild Pantanal. Purtroppo quando ti trovi bene e ti senti come essere a casa i giorni volano, anche perchè devo dire che gli alloggi erano molto accoglienti e il cibo era veramente ottimo e ricordo con piacere i piatti stracolmi che mi facevo al buffet sia a pranzo che a cena. Sicuramente sarà un viaggio che tornerò a fare perché mi è rimasto nel cuore.
Siamo nel Pantanal, alla ricerca del giaguaro. Devo dire che appena ho visto la vegetazione delle rive ho pensato "non lo vedremo mai!". E invece una decina di avvistamenti li abbiamo fatti, e approfittando del fatto che caccia spesso lungo le rive del fiume, in questa zona dove gli esemplari si sono abituati alle barche, siamo a volte riuscito a seguirlo a lungo, in mezzo a cespugli e spiazzi. Questa una delle migliori occasioni, luce a parte, per la posa che ha preso l'esemplare venuto allo scoperto dopo un percorso invisibile nella foresta, proprio dove avevamo scelto di piazzarci.
Ci siamo divertiti un mondo a vederlo passare decine di volte a dar fastidio all'altra coppia. Peccato non essere vicinissimi. Essendo sulla barca ho scelto di non usare il moltiplicatore e tenere tempi abbastanza alti.
Pantanal. Un sogno nel cassetto realizzato!
Dopo anni di visioni di documentari e la speranza ormai persa di poter visitare questo luogo straordinario, finalmente grazie a Wild Pantanal, nell'agosto scorso sono riuscita a realizzare tale sogno. Un paradiso per gli amanti degli animali e di paesaggi mozzafiato, un viaggio dove la Natura nella sua pienezza e nella sua straordinaria bellezza, la fa ancora da padrona.
L'ottima organizzazione da tutti i punti di vista sia relativamente alla scelta delle posadas nonché della logistica, l'esperienza, la conoscenza e la grande competenza e professionalità delle guide, ci hanno permesso di poter godere a fondo ed a pieno questo incredibile viaggio. Dodici giorni a stretto contatto con la natura in compagnia di due guide : Ric e Joao che oltre alla loro competenza e professionalità hanno rivelato una grandissima simpatia. Un viaggio che consiglio vivamente a tutti gli amanti della natura e della buona compagnia!!
Ottima organizzazione... giuda disponibile e altamente qualificata!!! Raccomando.... Otima organizaçao, guia muito disponivel e muito boa!!! recomendo!!!
In April of 2014 my family visited the Pantanal, Bom Jardim, and Chapada dos Guimares in Mato Grosso, Brazil. We signed up for a 4 day tour with Wild Pantanal. We found Ricardo to be very professional and helpful as we planned our trip via e-mail. He responded promptly and patiently to all of our many questions. We were met by João, our guide, at the airport in Cuiabá, and spent the next 4 days with him. He was also professional, knowledgeable, and fun, as he drove us around the Pantanal and then up to Bom Jardim and finally parted company with us in Chapada Guimares. For us it was more important to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Pantanal, than to see all the animals, so we chose to go right after the wet season when there are few tourists. We did see plenty of gorgeous macaws, tucans, and parrots, and many other beautiful birds, some animals and lots of alligators. If you are planning a trip to the Pantanal, I highly recommend arranging your trip with Wild Pantanal.


text:
Sunday, May 12, 2024 / April 29, 2024 (Church Calendar)
Second Sunday of Pascha: Antipascha, St. Thomas Sunday.
"Sladkoe lobzanie" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (9th c.) (movable holiday on the Antipascha).
Nine Martyrs at Cyzicus: Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, Thaumasius, and Philemon (3rd c.).
Venerable Memnon the Wonderworker of Corfu (2nd c.).
Venerable Nektarius of Optina (1928).
Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev (1970).
Martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopianus, deacon, at Aphrodisia in Anatolia (284-305).
St. Basil, bishop of Ostrog in Montenegro (Serbia) (1671).
Saint John of Romania.
Holy Martyrs of Lazeti (Georgia) (17th-18th c.).
Venerable Secundellas the Deacon, in Gaul (Gaul).
Apostles Jason and Sosipater of the Seventy (Greek).
St. John, metropolitan of Thebes, the new merciful one (12th c.) (Greek).
St. John Tolaius, patriarch of Alexandria (482).
St. Nicetas, abbot of Synnada (9th c.).
St. Arsenius, archbishop of Suzdal (1627).
New Martyr Stanko the Shepherd of Montenegro (1712).
St. Nicephorus of Sebaze (9thc.).
St. Endelienta (Endellion), nun-recluse of Cornwall.
Matthew 28:16-20 (1st Matins Gospel)
HIDE TROPARIA
St. Thomas Sunday, Troparion, Tone VII —
When the tomb was sealed, Thou, the Life, O Christ our God, didst rise up from the grave; and when the doors were closed, Thou, the Resurrection of all, didst stand among the disciples, and through them renew a right spirit in us, according to Thy mercy.
Kontakion, Tone VIII —
With his inquisitive right hand, Thomas probed Thy life-giving side, O Christ our God. For when Thou didst enter, the doors being shut, with the rest of the Apostles he cried to Thee: Thou art my Lord and my God.
9 Holy Martyrs of Cyzicus; St. Memnon the Wonder-Worker —
No Troparia given in the Menaion.
Kontakion of the Martyrs, Tone II: "Seeking the highest..." —
The steadfast and most splendid choir of the nine martyrs,/ who confessed the three-Sunned Godhead,/ cried out to Him at the tribunal:/ "O Master, we offer our blood, souls and bodies to thee as an unblemished sacrifice!// Number us among Thy heavenly choir, in that Thou art our merciful God!"
July 1 - July 11 – Apostles' (Peter & Paul) Fast
February 25 - March 2 – Publican & Pharisee
March 10 - March 16 – Maslenitsa
May 5 - May 11 – Bright Week


A great four bedroom detached family home in the ever popular area of Hampton Park. Offering accommodation comprising Entrance Hall; Living Room, Kitchen/Dining Room and Downstairs Cloakroom to the ground floor. Four bedrooms and family bathroom to the first floor. Benefiting from central heating and double glazing with excellent off-road parking for a family, enclosed rear garden and garage. Viewing comes highly recommended!
With two double glazed windows to the front, one set to bay window, two radiators, power points, TV point, electric wood surround fireplace and lighting.
With suite of WC and wash hand basin with tiled splash-back. Side aspect double glazed window and radiator.
A range of base and wall units, worktops to the Kitchen. Rear aspect double glazed window, sink with mixer tap and drainer, space for fridge and freezer, dishwasher and under a breakfast bar style worktop, further space for a washing machine and dryer. Wall mounted Worcester boiler and open plan style to the dining area. With double glazed french doors to the rear garden, radiator and power points.
En-suite with WC, wash hand basin, radiator and side aspect double glazed window.
With front aspect double glazed window, radiator, power points and built-in storage cupboard.
With suite of bath with electric shower over, WC and wash hand basin. Tiled splash-back to walls, radiator, side aspect double glazed window and storage airing cupboard.
This property features a nice enclosed rear garden with a southerly aspect. Laid to the immediate rear with a patio seating area. The garden is laid to lawn with a variety of plants, shrubs and borders with mature hedges. The garden extends to the side of the detached garage with a storage shed conveniently placed and further garden area. There is a door to access the garage, outside lighting, water tap and a gate for access to the driveway.


text:
<?php

namespace Webiny\Hrc\IndexStorage;

/**
 * Interface IndexStorageInterface - every index storage must implement this interface.
 *
 * @package Webiny\Hrc\IndexStorage
 */
interface IndexStorageInterface
{
    /**
     * Save the given entry into index.
     *
     * @param string $key  Cache key.
     * @param array  $tags List of tags attached to the entry.
     * @param int    $ttl  Unix timestamp until when the cache entry is considered valid.
     *
     * @return bool True if save was successful, otherwise false.
     */
    public function save($key, array $tags, $ttl);

    /**
     * Removes the index entry for the given cache key.
     *
     * @param string $key
     *
     * @return bool True if delete was successful, otherwise false.
     */
    public function deleteEntryByKey($key);

    /**
     * Delete all index entries that match the given list of tags.
     * Note: Only entries that match all tags will be deleted.
     *
     * @param array $tags
     *
     * @return bool True if save was successful, otherwise false.
     */
    public function deleteEntryByTags(array $tags);

    /**
     * Return a list of cache keys that match the given tags.
     * Note: Only entries that match all tags will be returned.
     * Note2: on select, the storage should invalidate the cache index if it has expired.
     *
     * @param array $tags
     *
     * @return array|bool List of cache keys, or false if nothing matched the query.
     */
    public function selectByTags(array $tags);

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The following are some other facts about USA for your convenience.
The Mis sis sippi-Missouri is the longest river in the USA.
Henry Wadsworth' Longfellow wrote the poem "Paul Revere's Ride". It tells the story of the ride through the country to alert people to the beginning of the American War of Independence: Between 1927 and 1941.


The LNT Group is a fast growing group of companies owned by serial entrepreneur, Lawrence Tomlinson. Based in Yorkshire, the LNT Group encompasses businesses across a range of diverse sectors employing over 1,000 people. Despite our size, we've kept that friendly, family-business feel. From building and running care homes to industrial de-icers and racing cars, we excel in everything we do.
All our companies have quality, value and innovation at their heart.


The New York senator wants the Department of Transportation to require trucking companies and their drivers to use electronic devices to accurately show how many hours a truck has been driven. Currently most drivers manually enter their hours. Schumer also wants insurance coverage of truck companies studied to determine proper coverage.
The call comes after a fatal crash involving a tractor trailer and limo bus carrying comedian Tracy Morgan and several others, killing one person. There have been questions over the route the driver was taking and accusations that he hadn't slept in 24 hours.


Buying clothing online are often a very disappointing undertaking. What is more embarrassing here is when the clothing you purchased is ill fitting and will take a very completely nothing you are able about it as you cannot return it. In any case, when deciding to purchase a certain type of dress, haine cu ridicata the first thing you have in mind is to have something will not only put cover personal body but that which supplies comfort and satisfaction you. But when you do not derive utility from the product moist a lot of money on, you feel quiet dejected and out of place. It is therefore important to be careful when selecting clothes to buy online.
However, there are many websites, which have come up with the idea of letting their customers take their measurements first before placing their orders using the net. Most of these websites use the cam method to ensure that what you are purchasing is your market right measurements. Massive be surprised to observe that this method produces more accurate results than the people taken by a tailor. For those who have been wondering how the whole issue could be dealt with, on the plus side that in the offing. There are some systems that may well. For example there is the UPcload gadget (deriving title by simply mushing up "upload and clothes.") The product is aimed at helping companies to assist their online customers to find greatest fitting clothes without necessarily having to penetrate a dressing room or space.
Incidentally, the clothing industry is you'll find the most visited marketplaces around the globe. It grows day by night and statistics show that come 2015, the US cloth industry can have grown to greater heights of $279 billion from the current $176 billion recorded in 2010. It is a research done by FORR – Forrester Research. However, there are concerns about the downward trend in the market. Many people tend to be put off by buying clothes online with most ones afraid of not receiving the right fit and that 20% of all the clothes purchased online are returned with owners citing size among other reasons.
In this case, many companies have finally resorted to these kind of system of allowing their customers to take and upload their photos and practically try on the merchandise in a bid to find suitable outfits. On the other hand, if you want to forward to buying your wedding dress online, it is essential that you help you right size desire before placing your order on the internet. Some companies use the system of size correlation across various retailers. How they require from you is detailed information on the type of clothing you wish purchase so that they're going to have the right size for then you.
As such, maybe are quite advanced as they involve the use of software so that runners intending to buy their clothing online can pose for photos while wearing tight dark outfits. They stand in front of a wall (white) with a CD in their hands. The CD helps to recognize the system's photo's software in order to establish the distance between the person and the webcam and come develop accurate calculations. However, it is also good to note that the system is not fool proof. Along with the normal software, environment be easy to help you subtly differentiate the shading.


For Lagoon discount tickets, the best deal is to buy Deseret Book coupons that give you a day pass for $33.30. To receive a coupon, you must purchase something out of their catalog. The least expensive option is to buy four Deseret Book Music Sampler CD's for $1.99 each. This will bring your total to $35.29. You can also receive four Lagoon coupons with the purchase of one $10 book. Unfortunately, this deal has lots of blackout dates. Don't try to use these Lagoon discount tickets on: JUNE 2-6, 9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, JULY 7, 13-14, 20-21, 28, AUGUST 3-4, 10-11, 17-23, 25-30, SEPTEMBER 1, 3-6, 8-13.
Another option is a good old Coca-Cola can. Bring a can to the ticket office and get $5.00 off four day passes. I don't see any blackout date for this option.
Don't forget, Bounce Back passes allow a return trip to Lagoon for only $11.00 if you validate your day pass before you leave the park and return within ten days. Bounce Back passes are available until August 17th.
$105.95 + tax for 4 or more Season Passports purchased in one transaction.
To stay really current with Lagoon offers and discounts, sign up for the Fun Time Club. They will send you insider information about other promotions and special events.


text:
Motorola gets patent for foldable smartphone: Report
June 19, 2018 by sana
San Francisco: Chinese smartphone maker Motorola has reportedly been granted a patent in the US to make a flexible, foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) smartphone that would flex, both inward and outward.
It is designed to have a thermal element in the hinge.
"The technology is very clever. There's a temperature sensor that works even when the phone is off and when it's folded. If the temperature becomes too low the screen starts to deform, so the hinge heats up to automatically correct it," GSMArena reported on Monday.
The document issued by the United States Patent Application Publication on June 14 describes the design as "a method, electronic device and computer programme product for countering a semi-permanent deformation at an area of a foldable display."
The patent was originally filed in September 2016 and earlier in May it got approval from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Notably, Motorola's parent company Lenovo started working on foldable device prototypes before anyone else.
But Samsung looks likely to bring out a flexible OLED phone in the market first — by next year, the report said.
Categories News, Technology Tags Motorola, Smartphone Post navigation
Girl kidnapped, gang raped in Odisha
Gas leak inside public toilet kills 4 in Chhattisgarh


text:
Q: Pointer input issue to template function - probably "programmer error" I am trying to write a couple of template functions that convert back and forth between a value of any data type (within reason) bytewise into a character string. The idea is to (eventually) store the values in a .bin file, and also to be able to recover the values from said .bin file. However, I need to get the conversion functions correct, first. Originally, I wrote a toy function that did both that looked line this:
template<typename T>
void buildabin(T x)
{
    char* X;
    T x_;
    X = (char*)&x;
    memcpy(&x_, X, sizeof(T));
    cout<<x_<<endl;
}

This seemed to work fine. However, when I tried to separate out the two capabilities, using:
template<typename T>
void buildabin(char*& X, T x)
{
    X = (char*)&x;
}

And:
template<typename T>
void buildaT(char* X, T& x)
{
    memcpy(&x, X, sizeof(T));
}

It seems as if it is doing the conversion to the binary string correctly, however, upon input to "buildaT", it barfs - after placing some couts for X in various places, for some strange reason, it is not getting even the address of X correctly. And of course, "little" x just returns garbage.
I have tried every scheme I can to get this to work. It seems it's a "user error" on my part with respect to input in the "buildaT" function, but I am stuck as to where the error lies.
Here is main, if that helps:
int main()
{
    //char* G = new char[sizeof(double)]; //(tried this also)

    char* G = NULL;

    double g;

    cin>>g;

    buildabin<double>(G, g);

    double g_;

    buildaT<double>(G, g_);

    cout<<g_<<endl;

    return(0);
}

A: Here
template<typename T>
void buildabin(char*& X, T x)
{
    X = (char*)&x;
}

you are trying to set a reference to the address of function parameter, which leaves you with dangling pointer. You probably want void buildabin(char*& X, T& x). However, I have no idea what you are actually trying to achieve, so this answer is somewhat mechanical.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
Republican's Proposal To Halt Federal Funding Until 2023 is Rejected by Democrats
On Tuesday, December 13, the Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman denied a motion to enact a continuing resolution that would have effectively halted government spending until 2023, when the House will be under Republican control.
Senators Mike Lee (Utah), Rick Scott (Florida), and Ted Cruz (Texas) of the Republican who was leading a group of conservative senators opposed the move, while Senator Leahy objected to a request for unanimous agreement to move the GOP legislation.
Instead of a year-end omnibus bill that would raise the levels of discretionary expenditure for both military and non-military purposes, the Republicans have pushed for Congress to enact a stop-gap spending measure extending until 2023. On that omnibus bill, discussions between Democrats and Republicans are still ongoing.
Sen. Lee asserts that it has become normal to postpone significant financial decisions to the next Congress when one party loses control of the House. According to Sen. Lee, There have only been five instances in which a different party has taken control of the House of Representatives. And in precisely zero of those cases, Congress approved the bill after the election to pass enormous comprehensive spending legislation during a lame-duck session.
Sen. Leahy disagreed, saying that the plan would leave $76 billion for national security "on the Republican cutting room floor" and result in a $7.5 billion funding shortfall for medical treatment for veterans.
Sen. Scott, who spoke on the floor after Leahy objected, backed Lee's idea. " Sen. Lee's simple continuing resolution should be accepted rather than a convoluted omnibus budget measure. This enables a new Congress to draft a legitimate, balanced budget, which is what we ought to be doing in any case," he continued.
Sen. Scott and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), who favors passing a year-end omnibus, have clashed over the GOP's approach to a funding bill. Last month, he ran against McConnell for the position of Senate GOP leader and received 10 of the 48 votes.


Use these links to see comic strips about midterm elections by comic strip.
Caption: Hello, Rudy. Hi Uncle Mort, what would you like today? How buttered scone; chamomile tea; big, heaping bow of oatmeal. Check, check and check. Also, an explanation of why you didn't vote in the most important election of your life. Oh come on, Uncle Mort ... I've been voting for decades now. I vote every single time there's a presidential election. That's the one that really matters. All the other elections are for people who need the practice. Wait ... are you saying the presidential elections are the "big leagues" and the midterms are like the minors? DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPORT!!! I'm no amateur.
Caption: Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap… Twitter. Twitter.com/candorville. We're angry nothing's changed so we vote 4 those who've spent 2 years blocking change. Is America the only country that votes sarcastically?
Caption: This is unbelievable, Ernie. A week ago we were just sitting in a field. Then we were picked, brought here, and given faces. Now, we're watching an autumn tradition where strangers come asking for something. Knock! Knock! Knock! Give me your vote! Give it to me! No, me! I see why they say this is the scariest time of the year!
Caption: Politicians talking about what they'll do if they're elected --- How can you watch this? Vote. It's sort of entertaining if you disconnect your logic circuits first.
Caption: Vote. When that candidate accuses his opponent of fooling the public, he should try to keep the envy out of his voice! I've completely lost confidence in all of the candidates, Ernie. Every election things seem to get worse. Just when you think they go any lower, they manage to sink further. Yet, amazingly, they make more and more grandiose statements about themselves! Of course, Frank --- Hype springs eternal!
Caption: Election season is here. What do you think about the candidates? Vote for. Doctor Jekyll is pretty good. But Mister Hyde is on the same ticket. Vote Dr. Jekyll. Vote. And Frankenstein has more brains than the other candidates. But I think transparency in government is the most important issue. So I'm supporting The Invisible Man. Vote for me! The choice is clear.


Symjepi, the pre-filled 0.3 mg-dose syringe alternative to epinephrine auto-injectors, is now available in clinical settings across the United States.
Allison Schneider, director of communications at Sandoz, says the life-saving medicine will be available in "hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices." Sandoz is the marketing and commercial partner of Adamis Pharmaceuticals, which developed the epinephrine product.
While the device is available in clinical settings, Sandoz has not announced when allergic consumers will be able to purchase Symjepi from a pharmacy.
"We are actively preparing for the U.S. introduction into the retail market to enable patients to get this life-saving medicine at their local pharmacies," Schneider told Allergic Living. When that roll out happens, a two-pack of Symjepi will have a retail price of $250.
The device is about four inches long and fits in the palm of an adult's hand. With Symjepi, a patient administers epinephrine by pressing down on a plunger to give the medicine via a needle.
The dosage in this syringe is intended for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more.
Adamis is working closing with Sandoz to prepare for the launch of the 0.15 mg-dose Symjepi, according to Mark Flather, the company's senior director of investor relations and corporate communications. The lower-dose device is meant for younger children with allergies, who weigh between 33 and 65 pounds.


text:
Ayurveda Teaches us Oka Satmya – Foods We Have Grown Up With Are Most Nourishing: Miriam Kasin
Aparna Sridhar May 17, 2021
Miriam Kasin's childhood in Berkley, California was accompanied by the hoarse shriek of an electric saw biting into wood. Her father was a mechanical engineer and after work every evening and weekend would build a cabinetry for their home until bedtime. With music playing in the background.
The story of Miriam's childhood is closely entwined to her journey with Transcendental Meditation and Ayurveda. The family's love for music led to search for a higher path of consciousness.
She writes in her blog (www.miriamkasin.com) - "Music was everywhere in my young life. In school we sang patriotic hymns in class and jump rope songs at recess. Listener supported KPFA radio, to which my parents' dial was turned, played classical music. A wealth of folk music from around the world and country blues were featured at the annual Berkeley Folk Festival on the university campus. In that venue, the performers were warm and approachable. It was a world filled with songs and melodies."
It was a time when American society started searching for elusive happiness. She says that "virtually every major happening, demonstration and protest in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960s saw me front and center. I inhaled my share of tear gas at Vietnam protests and the People's Park demonstrations. A little too much was going on for peace of mind."
She adds, "Many musicians danced down the razor's edge towards enlightenment, renouncing drugs for a safer, more permanent and much higher high. Many among us gathered up our ideals in our old knapsacks and followed. New religions emerged: a church was dedicated to John Coltrane and Bob Marley became a venerated figurehead of Rastafarianism. Also, many renounced traditional religions as being stale and corrupt, and sought spiritual practices outside of religion. It was through the songs and statements of these artists that I became aware that higher states of consciousness existed that you could reach without drugs."
When the Beatles sang Jai Guru Deva in "The Long and Winding Road," she wanted to know what it meant. She writes "I suspected that it had something to do with their involvement with TM. It turned out to mean "glory to the teacher," and was sung to honor the teacher of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement.'
In her teens, Miriam had tried Kundalini Yoga, Zazen and learned to read Tarot Cards and also took up meditation classes. Miriam has been a teacher of TM since 1973. She writes, "I have taught in many places in the U.S., and in the Philippines and Taiwan. I worked on Maharishi's staff in Switzerland for three years, and worked at a large facility near Delhi, India for a year. Everywhere, from teaching illiterate rice farmers to professors and executives to students, everyone's experiences are similar. Wherever we are and whatever we do, we have the same concerns about our lives, our health, our friends and families, and about the state of our surroundings, be they a tiny village or the world village. Virtually everyone I taught benefitted from the practice, which has made for a fulfilling life for me. Thank you Beatles, Beach Boys, Doors, Loading Zone and Donovan, from the bottom of my heart, for helping to show me my path."
It was TM that turned her to Ayurveda. She tells CSP in an interview, "The founder of Transcendental Meditation, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, was helping revive many aspects of Vedic knowledge. He turned his attention to Ayurveda, and worked with some of the few existing traditional practitioners of Ayurveda to revive the knowledge that had been suppressed during the British rule. I was in India when he was meeting with the traditional vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors) and was able to sit in on the sessions with them. I became fascinated, particularly with the diet and cooking, as I was a chef at the time. I had already had one cookbook published, The Age of Enlightenment Cookbook, and wanted to create a book with Ayurvedic principles and recipes. People were getting recommendations for diets from Ayurvedic practitioners, and didn't know how to cook the food. I wanted to help."
Miriam says that she has loved and studied India since she was young. "I studied Sanskrit in college. I love to be in India and feel very at home there. Traditional Indian food is more universally prepared according to Ayurvedic principals than other cuisines." In her email she says she been to Bangalore, "back before it became a tech hub with large buildings. It was mostly low bungalows and gardens. I loved it." She got married in a temple in a little village about 80 km east of Bangalore.
For over two decades, Miriam Kasin Hospodar traveled between three continents, gathering recipes inspired by the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda. Her book Heaven's Banquet is the result of her culinary journey, a sourcebook of healthful and delicious vegetarian cooking. In more than 700 recipes and variations, Heaven's Banquet draws from a rich palette of international cuisines and shows how to match your diet to you mind-body type for maximum health and well-being.
Miriam's website says that she has used recipes that have been tested in places ranging from a "five-star Swiss hotel to a charcoal-filled pit in the Philippines, Hospodar brings us such exotic dishes as Thai Corn Fritters, Asian-Cajun Eggplant Gumbo, Persian-Style Millet with Dried Cherries, Moussaka, Scottish Shortbread, West African Avocado Mousse, and Mocha-Spice Cake with Coffee Cream Frosting."
A special feature of Heaven's Banquet is its dessert section, which features egg-free cakes, cookies, and puddings. There are also special sections on how to lose weight and control sugar sensitivity, a detailed questionnaire to help you determine your mind-body type, and essential ingredients for a well-stocked Ayurvedic kitchen. "Heaven's Banquet shows you how to use food to tap into your body's intelligence to create lifelong health" says the website.''
Asked if anyone can turn to Ayurveda following her book, she says: "Many people embrace Ayurvedic cooking who have not had the ability to see a vaidya and get diagnosed for specific imbalances. Ayurvedic cooking is healthy for everyone and there are many universal principles. In "Heaven's Banquet," I have a questionnaire that can help people determine their primary dosha, and they can tailor their diet accordingly. People can also eat Ayurvedically according to the seasons. So it is very easy to follow in a general way for overall health."
Can the medical science embedded in food can be used to treat modern lifestyle diseases? Miriam says, "Certainly. It depends on a person's dosha to determine the best diet for them. I have recipes that nourish all the doshas. Some foods are good for all three doshas, such as fennel, asparagus and split moong dal."
Mariam says today many countries have Ayurvedic practitioners and clinics. "The United States, Germany and Holland are very active, but so are many other countries as well. For instance, there is a farm of ayurvedic herbs in Slovenia."
Since Heaven's Banquet looks at recipes from around the world, we ask Miriam to shed light on the influence that Ayurveda has had on food around the world. She says that they are original recipes, adapted to Ayurveda, "but I gleaned their basis from people from around the world and many cookbooks from other cultures."
"Most cuisines have Ayurvedic aspects to them. Heaven's Banquet has recipes from around the world. Freshly cooked, seasonal produce eaten in the most conducive environment (sitting down, no rushing, etc.) is nourishing everywhere. Also, there is a principle noted in the Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita" called "oka satmya." That means foods that we have grown up with and are familiar with. They will be nourishing to us. For instance, in most of Asia, people eat rice and it is nourishing for them. In the Americas, people eat more corn, and it will be nourishing to them. In Italy, they eat wheat-based pasta. That doesn't mean that you should only eat foods from your geographical area, but it does mean that there's a nourishing effect from those familiar foods."
"It is best to eat locally sourced food. We can't always get everything locally, but what we can is more nourishing," adds Miriam.
For her book she thought in terms of fresh produce, and recipes that were well combined, delicious and balancing. "I used many herbs and spices. I looked for recipes from around the world and adapted them to a vegetarian Ayurvedic diet. I wanted to represent many cultures and show how that food could be prepared Ayurvedically."
This includes "Eating according to the seasons. Winter and cold, windy weather is generally Vata. Spring and wet weather are Kapha. Hot, dry summer weather is generally Pitta. Eat the foods that "pacify" those doshas. Food that is freshly cooked is best — no leftovers. Eating is a tranquil environment, sitting down, having pleasant conversation when eating with others, having gratitude for one's food, praising the cook, are all Ayurvedic principals. Eating many types of food, not just one or two ingredients, is balancing on the overall. Making food flavorful with herbs and spices is balancing.'


The VBCOA Permit Tech Committee will be hosting a free class for all who are seeking training on becoming a certified Permit Technician. This class will also include Mindy Spruill from DPOR with a licensing class.
We will have a special guest to discuss what is VBCOA and how to get involved.
The class will be held on June 17, 2015 from 9:00am—4:00pm at the Herrity Building, which is at located at 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035. Rooms 106/107.
Please contact me if you would like to attend or if you have any questions at: debra.mcmahon@fairfaxcounty.gov.


To sign up, simply fill out the form below and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of this page.
If you have any questions or would like to submit a prayer request, please contact Cheryl Coffman via email at heartsandhands3@gmail.com. Any prayer concerns from congregations may be submitted to Cheryl at any time.


text:
Sporting Moments
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SOURCE
Sporting Moment: St. Michael's the first Tipp club to win FAI Junior Cup
TIPPERARY'S TOP 10 MEMORABLE SPORTING MOMENTS
sport@tipperarystar.ie
With a reputation of being one of the largest junior soccer competitions in Europe, the FAI Junior Cup holds a special merited place in Irish sport. Annually, the honour of lifting the cup is a dream for 600+ junior football clubs throughout Ireland who take part.
St. Michael's AFC in Tipperary Town has two proud distinctions with regard this blue riband competition. They were the first County Tipperary club to win the trophy back in 1974 and also they are now the only County Tipperary club to have won the competition twice, being victorious again exactly four decades later in 2014.
But it is the heroes of 1974 who we have chosen as one of County Tipperary's greatest ever sporting moments.
The 1974 final itself was played in Tolka Park in Dublin against the home side, Tolka Rovers, who were red hot favourites to prevail. Going for three-in-a-row on the day few expected Tolka to encounter much difficulty. However, at half-time, at 0-0, it was still anyone's game.
Early in the second half team captain Billy Lonergan put St. Michael's ahead only for Tolka Rovers to equalise five minutes later. After 90 minutes the game finished 1-1 and extra- time was played for first ever time in a Junior Final.
The late Mickey McDonnell from Cashel put Saints ahead in the first period before Mickey Morey made it 3-1 with minutes to go to forever wrap up this piece of football history for St. Michael's and for County Tipperary.
Today, nearly half a century on the win is fondly and rightly remembered as one of Tipp's greatest sporting moments.
Is it Tipperary's Greatest Sporting Moment? Vote Now!


Thank you Jan. Updated webrev in http://cr.openjdk.java.net/~jlaskey/8206981/webrev-01/index.html .
> where the "\u0060 in raw string literal delimiter" is hardcoded in the source. It would be better if this text would be localizable.
Already there. j varies the inside sequence independently of i (open) and k (close).
> -/othervm in RawStringLiteralLangAPI is probably unnecessary?
> -does the feature work in jshell? Should I take a look?
>> Please review the following changeset to implement raw string literals in javac as per JEP 326.


text:
Q: How to get the attribute data of an element I am using a chart from Raphael.js and I really have a very little experience with javascript and JQuery that's why I would like to ask you guys, so I'll go straight to the point.
I have some problems regarding the fill data. I simply wanted to get all the fill data (in this example there are two text tags so I wanted to get two fill="#ff0000" and fill="#00e0ff"
<text style="font: 20px "Arial"; opacity: 1; text-anchor: middle;" x="555.0919781452639" y="222.43750078648324" text-anchor="middle" font="10px "Arial"" stroke="none" fill="#ff0000" opacity="1" font-size="20px">
   <tspan dy="7.000000786483241">Ruby</tspan>
</text>

<text style="font: 20px "Arial"; opacity: 1; text-anchor: middle;" x="604.746975531892" y="434.94193863997384" text-anchor="middle" font="10px "Arial"" stroke="none" fill="#00e0ff" opacity="0" font-size="20px">
   <tspan dy="7.000532389973841">PHP</tspan>
</text>

anyway i created a jsfiddle account for it i really still don't have an idea can you guys help me out? http://jsfiddle.net/psyreaper3/rXXem/9/

A: Try put this code in your callback function :
$('text').each(function(){
    alert($(this).attr('fill'));
});

A: A somewhat ugly looking but functional solution would be:
$($('text')[0]).attr('fill'); (Which would give you the first text's fill attribute) and
$($('text')[1]).attr('fill'); (Which would give you the second).
You would ideally use an id's on these elements to make it easy for you to get a particular text elements attribute.
<text id="first" fill="blah"></text> and then you can do $('#first').attr('fill');

A: You can get fill property this way.
$('text').each(function(){
   alert($(this).prop('fill'));
})

A: Updated Fiddle
You can get fill attribute by:
$(this).attr('fill');

and can update it by using:
$(this).attr('fill','#ffee00');


[ruby-core:43346] [ruby-trunk - Bug #6158][Assigned] Enumerator::Lazy#take: should it be lazy?
Subject: [ruby-core:43346] [ruby-trunk - Bug #6158][Assigned] Enumerator::Lazy#take: should it be lazy?
Issue #6158 has been updated by Shugo Maeda.
> I would expect #take to not be lazy and always produce an Array, like the original Enumerable#take does.
> I think many rubyists would expect that too.
> Do you have a use case for a lazy #take ? I can't find one right now.
At first, I had the same opinion, but lazy take is sometimes useful.
For example, the following code consume much memory if take is not lazy.
Scheme's stream-take, which is equivalent to Enumerator::Lazy#take, is also lazy.
> I've seen #6152, although I can't read it.
> I think `lazy.take(5)` should be equal to `lazy.first(5)` and it reads better.
I think it's good to have both the eager and lazy version of take.


January 10, 2018. Testosterone replacement therapy can substantially benefit patients with hypogonadism. While we recognize that oral administration is preferable to more inconvenient routes of administration, we cannot disregard concerns about this drug's potential harms. This drug was not studied for a long enough time to know if the benefits outweigh the risks, and off-label use makes it even more likely that the risks will often outweigh the benefits.
January 9, 2018. Testosterone replacement can help patients with hypogonadism live a normal life. A new oral drug might be beneficial, but this drug raises concern of potential harms. On a chemical level, the drug works, but we don't know whether it meaningfully helps patients in the long run. Long term studies with patient-centered outcomes may provide more certainty. In addition, the data do not provide reasonable assurance that this drug is safe. We need additional safety data and drug interaction data before this drug is approved. Furthermore, if we consider potential misuse as part of the risk/benefit evaluation, then the potential for harm surely exceeds the drug's benefits. Therefore we cannot recommend approval at this time.
December 12, 2017, Patients who suffer with back pain need better alternatives for long term relief. The Barricaid device might be the answer, but the limited data provided suggests it is unlikely to offer the kinds of benefits that patients need. The study indicates substantial device failures. Its use in limited discectomy remains unknown, because most subjects had more extensive surgeries. In addition, the short-term benefits appear to be modest and wane after 24 months. Long term studies with blinding conducted inside the US may provide more certainty, but at this time the data are insufficient to recommend approval.


text:
Q: Canonical scheme structure on the singular locus of a variety Let $X$ be subvariety of affine space $\mathbb{A}_{k}^n$, where $k$ is a field, and suppose $X$ is given by equations
$$X:(F_1=\cdots = F_m=0)\subset \mathbb{A}^n.$$
Then $X$ is singular at $p\in X$ if
$$\text{rank}(a_{ij}(p))<d,$$
where $d=n-\text{dim}(X)$ (i.e., the codimension of $X$ in $\mathbb{A}^n$), and $(a_{ij})$ is the matrix valued function
$$(a_{ij})=\frac{\partial F_i}{\partial x_j}.$$ Thus the ideal generated by the defining equations for $X$ along with the $d\times d$ minors of the matrix $(a_{ij})$ define a natural scheme structure on the singular locus of $X$ (as a subscheme of $\mathbb{A}^n$). Let's call this scheme $S_X$. My question then is the following:
Is $S_X$ intrinsic to $X$ (i.e., independent of the embedding $X\hookrightarrow \mathbb{A}^n)$?

A: The answer to the question is yes. There is a characterization of singular points of a variety in terms of the local ring of the point $x\in X$: this is the local ring obtained by localizing the coordinate ring of an (affine) neighborhood open of $x$ at the maximal ideal (or at the prime ideal in the case you prefer the language of schemes) corresponding to $x$. Let's denote $A$ this local ring and $\mathfrak{m}$ its maximal ideal.
Then the point $x$ is simple (non-singular on $X$) if and only if $A$ is a regular local ring, that is, if the dimension of the $A/\mathfrak{m}$-vector space $\mathfrak{m}/\mathfrak{m}^2$ equals the Krull dimension of $A$.
This discussion is detailed in the book Basic Algebraic Geometry (I have the old single volume version), by Shafarevich.


text:
Advanced Urology Associates (AUA) Joins Solaris Health, Nation's Largest Urological Services Provider
AUA Seizes Size, Scale, and Innovation Opportunities that Spell Better Outcomes
FORT LAUDERDALE (October 5, 2021) – Solaris Health Holdings announced today that Advanced Urology Associates (AUA), Joliet, IL, has joined as an affiliate practice. Terms have not been disclosed.
AUA becomes the second Illinois urology practice this year to join Solaris. Chicago-based Associated Urological Specialists (AUS) teamed with Solaris in March 2021.
Other members of Solaris, the nation's leading provider of independent urological services, include metropolitan New York-based Integrated Medical Professionals (IMP), Cincinnati-based The Urology Group (TUG), Philadelphia-based MidLantic Urology (MLU), and Chicago-based Associated Urological Specialists (AUS). Lee Equity, New York, is a financial partner in Solaris.
The newest Solaris affiliate, AUA, has been providing urologic services for more than 40 years throughout Illinois, delivering the highest level of comprehensive diagnosis and care for urologic disorders and diseases. The addition of AUA means that Solaris now aligns the skills and talents of 279 providers who care for upwards of 380,000 unique patients each year at more than 115 sites in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. In Chicago alone Solaris now accounts for 36 providers.
"We welcome AUA as a practice that shares our vision to develop a national practice predicated on clinical excellence and business best practices," stated Solaris Chairman and Chief Ecosystem Officer Deepak A. Kapoor, MD. Solaris President, Gary M. Kirsh, MD added, "By choosing to scale nationally, AUA physicians will maintain their high standards of patient care and gain access to the resources needed to successfully navigate an increasingly complex and consolidated health care system."
"Advanced Urology Associates is excited to partner with Solaris Health," said Dr. Luke Cho, AUA President. "As a national network of urology providers, we can offer our patients top urological care locally while being assured we are practicing the most-state-of-the-art services and procedures in the field of urology," he said.
"The addition of AUA, the third prominent practice to join the Solaris team this year, signals dynamic growth and extends our status as the nation's largest independent urological services provider," said Eric Mason, MD, MBA, Solaris Health CEO. "We are building momentum for additional expansion." Learn more at www.solarishealthpartners.com.
About Solaris Health
Solaris Health is a leading national healthcare platform committed to enhancing access to specialty healthcare and continually improving patient outcomes. Empowering community providers allows us to make sure that every decision we make puts patient care at the forefront. We are growing to meet the changing needs of the healthcare providers, and to develop innovative ways to better deliver value and state-of-the-art care to our patients. Now with more than 279 providers caring for more than 380,000 patients annually, Solaris Health is proud to be among the most innovative medical organizations in the United States. Visit www.solarishealthpartners.com.
About Advanced Urology Associates
Advanced Urology Associates (AUA) has provided exceptional urological care for the Chicagoland area for over 40 years. Their Physician team provides advanced care out of their three facilities in Joliet, New Lenox, and Morris, Illinois. AUA board-certified urologists specialize in urological conditions for men, women, and pediatrics. Recently, the practice opened a new location in New Lenox, IL that includes an expansion of 16 patient exam rooms, four procedure rooms, and one urodynamic room. Visit www.AdvUro.com
About Lee Equity Partners
Lee Equity Partners is a New York-based private equity firm that partners with successful management teams to build companies with strong growth potential. Lee Equity targets equity investments of $50 million to $100 million in middle-market control buyouts and growth capital financings in companies with enterprise values of $100 million to $500 million that are located primarily in the United States. The firm invests in a range of industries where the team has deep relationships developed over decades, including business services, financial services, and healthcare services. Visit www.LeeEquity.com.


Image Title: Coastal Ivory Kitchen Cabinets RTA Cabinet Store Inside Decor 5. Post Title: Ivory Kitchen Cabinets. Filename: coastal-ivory-kitchen-cabinets-rta-cabinet-store-inside-decor-5.jpg. Image Dimension: 800 x 618 pixels. Images Format: jpg/jpeg. Publisher/Author: Keeley Legros. Uploaded Date: Friday - May 04th. 2018 15:36:18 PM. Category: Architecture. Image Source: freshome.com. Ideas In Cabinets Traditional Prepare Ivory 3. Designs With To Regard Aristokraft What Idea Kitchen Plan Design Inspirations Plank Say 1. Cabinet Industry For Antique Victoria Decorations Here RTA Baltimore About S Regarding White Store Or 11. Throughout 18. 0. 16. Remodel Intended 5. 10x10 Decor Inside Help 8. Pertaining 7. Insiders Ceiling Coastal 2.