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What a Foiled Plot to Execute Muslims Reveals About Islamophobia in France
The planned attack faded from the news, but media narratives of Islam's incompatibility with the Republic remain.
By Karina Piser
Women photographed in front of a banner that reads: "Proud of being French and Muslim.'' (Sipa via AP Photo / Nicolas Messyasz)
Late last month, France's intelligence services announced they had uncovered an extremist cell plotting an attack on national soil. The group, which calls itself the Operational Forces Action, had begun testing explosives and stockpiling weapons. Police found homemade grenades, a guide titled Homemade Napalm, 14 handguns, 22 rifles, and thousands of ammunition cartridges. Its 10 members were immediately charged with terrorist conspiracy; some were also charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives manufacturing.
French security forces have prevented scores of attacks since January 2015. But this one was different. The AFO—the organization's French acronym—is a far-right vigilante group with the stated mission to fight the "Islamic peril," arguing that authorities have been too lax in combating terrorism and preventing radicalization. Its members intended to execute veiled women and imams and poison the food at halal grocery stores.
Those chilling plans drew initial media attention, but the news quickly faded. The Interior Ministry announced it had been tracking the AFO since mid-April, and the group's ringleader—a former police officer, Guy Sibra—was subsequently released with "judicial supervision."
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The AFO is an offshoot of Volunteers for France, or VPF, a legal organization with the same ideology but that claims to disavow violent tactics. The media have referred to the AFO as the "ultra-right," to distinguish it from far-right political parties. That notably includes the recently renamed National Rally—the party formerly known as the National Front, which made unprecedented gains in the 2017 presidential elections.
National Rally leader Marine Le Pen immediately condemned the AFO's plans, though Louis Aliot, a legislator from her party, seemed to understand where they were coming from. "If groups are forming to defend themselves," he told the newspaper L'Opinion, "it is first and foremost because the state is being soft on radical Islam," an explanation echoed by others on the far right.
The AFO's Sibra, for his part, assisted with the National Front's campaign efforts during the 2015 regional elections. One National Rally spokesperson denied any official links, but an administrative secretary, who had recruited Sibra at the time, called him "trustworthy," "balanced," and "proud of his land."
Sibra left the VPF last year, calling its leadership "too soft," and created the AFO. But while the VPF, as a legal entity, doesn't promote physical violence, its rhetoric mirrors the AFO's aggressive diatribes against an "internal enemy." "We created this organization, because our French identity has been abandoned," Antoine Martinez, the VPF's co-president and a retired army pilot, told me, citing the "rapid Islamization" of France and Europe. The crisis, he said, is the product of decades of uncontrolled immigration and the "refusal of generations of Muslim immigrants to integrate," notably marked by women who wear the headscarf and the presence of halal butchers and grocery stores.
"If you've seen Paris," he went on, laughing, "you should know the rapid transformation that I'm talking about, and our political class isn't doing anything to change it." The answer, he insisted, shouldn't be violence: "We operate in respect of the laws of the Republic."
Martinez and his ilk rail against the open borders of the Schengen zone. He defends the notion that a "Great Replacement"—a term coined by French author Renaud Camus—is underway, imperiling Europe's white identity. "For years some have been warning that Muslims are the fifth column," he told me, echoing the phrase used by far-right figures in the UK and US that describes a threat from within.
With that in mind, Martinez takes issue not only with recent arrivals "of Islamic origin" but with the millions of French Muslims who make up an estimated 8 percent of the French population: "The first generation that came after colonization integrated without problem—there are some among them who are our friends, who wedded our way of life."
That, he contends, has deteriorated with subsequent generations. "The proof," he said, is that many of the perpetrators of the attacks that killed more than 250 people in 2015 and 2016 were French nationals, or, as he put it, "quote unquote French."
According to Stéphane François, an expert on far-right groups at the National Center for Scientific Research, the fact that the AFO and VPF publicly diverge on the effectiveness of violence shouldn't distract from their shared vision of society. "They both see the immigrant as a colonizer who must be sent back home." Still, the VPF's "goal is to incite violence," he said. "The entire ideology is based on the notion that we are at war against a pernicious or silent Islamic occupation."
While the French ultra-right has parallels in the United States and elsewhere in Europe, Jean-Yves Camus, a specialist of the far right at the Institute of Strategic and International Relations, emphasizes France's unique historical relationship with the Muslim world, especially with its former colonies. The memory of the Algerian war, in particular, drives the enduring assertion that Muslims from North Africa are invading France. "All of the issues in France concerning Islam, this idea that we're being, or will be, invaded, are all linked to our colonial past," he explained.
The Algerian war lasted from 1954 to 1962 and was marked by horrific violence and torture on both sides, numerous assassination attempts on then-President Charles de Gaulle, and, after Algeria's independence, the massive departure of hundreds of thousands of pieds noirs—Europeans, mostly French, who lived in French Algeria.
Much of that war played out in France. Algerian militants staged mass protests and launched terrorist attacks, and the French state responded with a heavy hand. In October 1961, for example, French riot police cracked down on pro-independence demonstrations. Over 100 died, according to some estimates, as police beat protesters and dragged others into the Seine river, which runs through Paris. That same year, 21 police officers were killed in clashes with National Liberation Front, or FLN, the movement that led the push for Algerian independence.
The memories of this violence frame the AFO's approach, Camus said. Indeed, the group's website is full of references to the Algerian war: "The enemy has the same origin, mentality, family upbringing and religion and the terrorists of the FLN," the AFO site reads. Sibra is 65—"old enough to have grown up with reports of violence on the radio, to know what was going on," Camus told me. Sibra was formerly a police officer in Marseille, "a city," according to Camus, "where the memory of the war is omnipresent." With that in mind, the AFO might see itself as a contemporary iteration of the Secret Army Organization, or OAS, a French far-right paramilitary formed to kill Algerian sympathizers. Recent terrorism committed by the Islamic State or its adherents, Camus argued, "has reactivated attitudes linked to the Algerian war, giving new reason to radicalize."
The AFO and VPF were born in the aftermath of recent terrorism that reenergized decades of national debate over Islam's visibility in the public sphere, notably with seemingly endless rancor about the hijab. France's particular vision of secularism, or laïcité, has been a fixture of media coverage and political deliberations since the 1980s, particularly pertaining to integrating the Muslim minority.
Laïcité is the outcome of the French revolutionary revolt against the Catholic Church, which was enshrined in a 1905 law that separates religion from politics, guarantees freedom of conscience, and assures the equal footing before the law of different religions. Over time, the concept has been reinterpreted to confine religion to the private sphere; in 2004, Parliament passed a law banning religious symbols in public schools, in response to the increasing number of middle- and high-school students who came to school wearing a hijab. Since then, France has attempted to navigate what can seem—especially seen from the United States, with its own notion of religious freedom—like an obsession with the headscarf, which many here insist is a symbol of political Islam.
"France, unlike the United States, believes that one becomes French by losing their identity, by shedding their difference," François explained to me. "And so the argument goes that the Muslim—and especially the Muslim woman—with her veil, with her practices, is not one of us." That vision of national identity, he added, "has created a favorable climate that resonates with the ultra-right—that the French model of integration no longer works because Muslims increasingly refuse to integrate."
Many Muslims see the dynamics François describes as an inevitable outcome of those decades of media coverage, exacerbated by the climate of suspicion and hysteria that has reigned since 2015. Although the spike in hate crimes against Muslims that followed the attacks on the staff of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo quickly leveled off, a national fixation with Islam endures. The resulting narrative often blurs the line between displaying an adherence to the religion and being a potential radical. A spate of recent controversies over women who cover their hair—from Maryam Pougetoux, a student-union representative who wore a hijab, to Mennel Ibtissim, a candidate on the singing competition The Voice who wears a turban—attest to the near consensus that any woman who wears the hijab is peddling an extremist ideology that makes her a threat to social cohesion.
Amid the outcry over Pougetoux's hijab—the argument went that a religious Muslim can't defend the progressive ideals of the national student union—Interior Minister Gérard Collomb likened her to the "youth who are attracted to the Islamic State." Terrorism experts overwhelmingly consider that reading out of touch with the reality of radicalization; for many Muslims, it was another example of political pandering to a public increasingly hostile to Islam's visibility.
"What person in his right mind can be minister of the interior and say that on TV?" Yasser Louati, a Muslim activist and cofounder of the Committee of Justice and Freedom for All, an international anti-racism organization, asked, incredulously. "It shouldn't be shocking that the AFO, claiming to fight radical Islam, selects people who look like her as targets."
Frustration with Muslims' presumed radicalism or complicity with Islamist ideology is a recurrent theme in the scores of interviews I've conducted with Muslim teens and in the responses to over 500 questionnaires I've distributed to classrooms with large Muslim populations over the last 10 months. Karima, a high-school senior in Vitry-sur-Seine, a suburb south of Paris, described a "reflex to do everything possible to undermine the credibility of a woman who wears a headscarf." She attributes that to "the media, which constantly revolves around Islam and the threat it poses, and that the public follows like sheep." Inès, a high-school student in Drancy, in the northeast suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis lamented a "national fear in which people don't see a religion but a violent ideology." That "misunderstanding means that nobody can look beyond a woman's headscarf, to see her ideas, or who she is, and so laïcité becomes a justification to erase her." For her classmate Sherine, the link is automatic and established: "They assume that, because for personal reasons you decided to cover your hair, you have an absolutist vision of Islam, and so you're a terrorist."
The ultra-right—as well as the political far right—naturally advances those false generalizations. But the sentiment transcends partisan divides. Opposition to the hijab, for example, is prominent among the so-called republican left, which argues that the garb undermines gender equality, is an emblem of political Islam, and is a sign of differentiation that disrupts national unity. "Even seemingly progressive circles have embraced the urgency to 'normalize' the Muslim population," François told me.
In a statement, the Republican Spring—a movement established in 2016 that embodies that segment of the left—condemned the AFO's plans. But it also lashed out against those who argued that the drone of controversies over laïcité and Islam could have galvanized the ultra-right's views. They say the logic is the inverse, adding that the polemics that have arisen "have nothing to do with Islam," the religion, "but with Islamism," the ideology that has inspired extremist groups. The Republican Spring's detractors, however, maintain that during the outrage over Pougetoux, for example, the movement failed to differentiate between Islam and Islamism, characterizing a student-union president protesting government reforms to university admissions as a representative of hard-line political Islam. The reason was her hijab; her insistence that it had no political significance did little to budge the imposed label.
I asked Martinez, the co-president of the VPF, what he thought about those incidents, and whether he agreed with the outcry on the left. "We've been talking about laïcité nonstop for some 20 years now," he told me. "And why give it so much attention? Because there's an ideology—it's not even a religion, it's simply an ideology, that wants to impose sharia in France, and so that's why everyone feels the need to talk about laïcité. The real subject isn't laïcité—it's Islam."
For many Muslims, Sibra's swift release was an example of the state's indifference to their community, especially in contrast to the response to those suspected of collaborating with Islamist terror groups, like the Islamic State. The same day he was released, for instance, a man received a four-year prison sentence for having posted a picture of that group's flag on his Facebook page. "It sends the message that if you are part of a white terrorist organization, you can get away with it," Louati said.
Lila Charef, the co-director of the French Collective Against Islamophobia, was angry that "even after our security services showed Sibra's intent to act, his stockpiled weapons, his plans to make bombs—that he was being monitored—they would let him go," she said. "It's extremely serious," she added, stressing a link between the AFO's plans to target women in hijabs and the national attitude toward them. "It confirms the alarm bells we've been sounding for years, that in France, a women in a hijab is considered such a danger."
The AFO remains small, and both Camus and François warned against exaggerating its capabilities. But its website has been updated daily since its members were arrested—with regular tirades against Muslims, but also Jews—hinting that its scope might be greater than what meets the eye.
According to a 2016 survey, the majority of the French population estimates that the Muslim community is four times larger than it actually is; a 2018 survey shows that nearly half believe that Islam is "not compatible with the Republic." The wartime rhetoric employed by the ultra-right, while sensationalized and vitriolic, echoes the national mood. "I hate to say it, but there's a climate of acceptance," François said, noting that halal butcher shops are regularly vandalized. But "nobody talks about it." France's experience with terrorism, he said dryly, "makes people think that Muslims are asking for it."
Karina PiserKarina Piser is a freelance writer.


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The Soul of Christianity
On this podcast we get to the essential element of Christianity as Debi Winrich has sought out a few of her friends and acquaintances to help her get to the "soul" of Christianity in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and also accessible.
Aaron Zimmerman
Adam Francisco
Bob Hiller
Bruce Hillman
Dan van Voorhis
Daniel Deen
David Zahl
Debi Winrich
Delwyn Campbell
Edward Killian
Jacob Smith
John Bombaro
John Warwick Montgomery
Michael Horton
RJ Grunewald
Rod Rosenbladt
Ron Hodel
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William Cwirla
"Thy Kingdom Come.." With the Reverend Paul Walker
By Dan van Voorhis Debi Winrich
In the third episode, the reverend Paul Walker outlines why we ask God "thy Kingdom come."
"Our Father..." with the Reverend Dr. Ken Jones
In the second episode, Ken Jones explains the first petition of the Lord's Prayer.
Luther and the Lord's Prayer with the Rev. Donavon Riley
In episode 1, Dan and Debi talk with Donavon Riley about Luther's exposition of the Lord's Prayer.
Season 2, Chapter 3, Episode 5 With Paul Ralph
On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with Paul Ralph of "the ideas cafe" based in Holland Landing, Ontario, Canada. Paul has a way with words and has a story of faith and personal struggles that you don't want to miss.
Season 2, Chapter 3, Episode 4 With Chris Gallagher
On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with friend and pastor Chris Gallagher. Chris is the pastor of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Oceanside, California, and has known Debi and Dan for over a decade. Pastor Chris' story is one that you don't want to miss (he was even once featured on Oprah!)
Season 2, Chapter 3, Episode 3 With Michael Ramsden
On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with Michael Ramsden, President of Ravi Zacharias Ministries. Michael is a treasure trove of anecdotes from his own life as a non-believer turned banker turned apologist.
Season 2, Chapter 3, Episode 2 With Cameron McAllister
On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with author and speaker Cameron McAllister of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Their discussion revolves around Cameron's story of leaving the church and coming back. From Swedish Death metal to philosophy and parenting, this conversation is sure to help those dealing with kids who have left the church.
Season 2, Chapter 3, Episode 1 With Dave Zahl
By Dan van Voorhis David Zahl Debi Winrich
On this episode of the Soul of Christianity Debi and Dan chat with David Zahl of Mockingbird Ministries. Dave, Debi, and Dan talk about life in quarantine, Dave's faith journey, and the good news of the Gospel for our time.
Season 2, Chapter 2, Episode 4 with R.J. Grunewald
By Dan van Voorhis RJ Grunewald Debi Winrich
In this chapter's "bonus" episode, both Debi and Producer Dan talk with a guest from Chapter One of this Season, R. J. Grunewald. R.J. is writing a book about those who have left the church for one reason or another, and are, as he puts it, "left for dead." We discuss R.J.'s research and how we might talk about the faith and the church for those who think they've had enough.
Season 2, Chapter 2, Episode 3 with Ed Killian
By Dan van Voorhis Edward Killian Debi Winrich
In this episode, you hear one of the more dramatic and exciting stories we found. Michael is someone who has indeed left the church, but only for a season, and now is the pastor of a church in Louisiana that is especially sensitive to the plight of those who think they have nowhere left to go. Despite a ministry and church that is flourishing, sometimes Michael feels as if the message might be "too good to be true" and other times feels the loneliness of one trying to stand up for the lost.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Influence of Anticodon-Codon Interactions and Modified Bases on Codon Usage Bias in Bacteria Academic Article
Most transfer RNAs (tRNAs) can translate more than one synonymous codon, and most codons can be translated by more than one isoacceptor tRNA. The rates of translation of synonymous codons are dependent on the concentrations of the tRNAs and on the rates of pairing of each anticodon-codon combination. Translational selection causes a significant bias in codon frequencies in highly expressed genes in most bacteria. By comparing codon frequencies in high and low-expression genes, we determine which codons are preferred for each amino acid in a large sample of bacterial genomes. We relate this to the number of copies of each tRNA gene in each genome. In two-codon families, preferred codons have Watson-Crick pairs (GC and AU) between the third codon base and the wobble base of the anticodon rather than GU pairs. This suggests that these combinations are more rapidly recognized by the ribosome. In contrast, in four-codon families, preferred codons do not correspond to Watson-Crick rules. In some cases, a wobble-U tRNA can pair with all four codons. In these cases, A and U codons are preferred over G and C. This indicates that the nonstandard UU combination appears to be translated surprisingly well. Differences in modified bases at the wobble position of the anticodon appear to be responsible for the differences in behavior of tRNAs in two- and four-codon families. We discuss the way changes in the bases in the anticodon influence both the speed and the accuracy of translation. The number of tRNA gene copies and the strength of translational selection correlate with the growth rate of the organism, as we would expect if the primary cause of translational selection in bacteria is the requirement to optimize the speed of protein production.
Ran, W
Higgs, Paul
0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology (FoR)
0603 Evolutionary Biology (FoR)
0604 Genetics (FoR)
Anticodon (MeSH)
Bacteria (MeSH)
Codon (MeSH)
Evolutionary Biology (Science Metrix)
Models, Theoretical (MeSH)
RNA, Transfer (MeSH)
Molecular Biology and Evolution Journal
RNA, Transfer
10.1093/molbev/msq102


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Each premium was assigned a value expressed by the number of filled stamp books required to obtain it. Init was purchased from a holding firm by a member of the founding Sperry family. The value of the rewards declined substantially during the same period, requiring either far more stamps to get a worthwhile item or spending money for an item that was barely discounted from the price at regular stores, creating a general downward spiral as fewer and fewer people saw them as worth the trouble. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. In other projects Wikimedia Commons. The company also traded overseas.
Some shoppers would choose one merchant over another because they gave out more stamps per dollar spent.


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Crypto Forum
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Home Crypto Mining Mining algorithms (Proof of Work): SHA-256, Scrypt, CryptoNight, Ethash and X11
Mining algorithms (Proof of Work): SHA-256, Scrypt, CryptoNight, Ethash and X11
Emanuele Pagliari
To date, there are several cryptocurrencies whose mining is based on different mechanisms of Proof of Work for the verification and validation of blocks that are inserted in the blockchain.
Such PoWs are often based on different algorithms and hashing functions.
There are several of them. Among them the most famous is the SHA-256, mainly used for mining Bitcoin and its fork Bitcoin Cash. Then there is Scrypt, used by Litecoin and also by the entertaining DOGE.
Another famous algorithm is the CryptoNight, used by Monero and dozens of different altcoins. Then there's Ethash, used by Ethereum and Ethereum Classic. Finally, DASH uses the efficient X11. There are many other PoWs, but this first article will deal only with the most popular.
The SHA-256, acronym for Secure Hash Algorithm, in this case with a 256-bit digest, belongs to a set of cryptographic functions and was the first to be used in the cryptocurrency world.
Like any hash algorithm, the SHA-256 produces a message digest from a message of variable length. This does not allow tracing back to the original message knowing only the latter, as the function is not reversible. In addition, this mechanism also makes it possible to prevent the intentional creation of two different messages with the same digest.
The hashing function of the SHA-256 is not particularly complex, so it doesn't require a lot of resources to execute it. In fact, the function uses simple logical and arithmetic operations, without the need to use fast memories and special instructions, which is why the function can be easily implemented on FPGAs or in the layout of specially designed chips, i.e. ASICs.
ASICs are far more efficient and have a greater hashrate than GPUs and CPUs, as they can only perform the function for which they were designed, in this case the SHA-256 hashing function. Generally, ASIC throughput on SHA-256 algorithms is now measured in Th/s.
How the SHA-256 algorithm works
Redundant bits are added to the original message so that the final length of the message is consistent with 448 modulo 512 (famous MD5). The modulo is nothing more than a function that has as a result the remainder of the division between the two numbers when it is possible to execute it. In this case, 448 modulo 512 is equivalent to 448 bits. In this way, the length of the "message+padding" is equal to a number of 64 bits smaller than a multiple of 512 bits.
Next, a 64-bit integer containing the length of the original message is added to the newly created bit sequence. At the end a sequence of bits will be obtained which is a multiple of 512.
The third step is to initialise the MD buffer. It is a 256-bit buffer divided into eight registers of 32 bits each. The eight registers will be conventionally indicated with (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) and initialised with a series of hexadecimal values.
Finally, there is the actual processing of the 512-bit blocks. The previously generated "message+padding+messageLength" bit sequence is divided into blocks of 512 bits. These blocks are identified with Bn, with n ranging from 0 to N.
The core of the SHA algorithm is called compression function and consists of 4 cycles of 20 steps each. Cycles have a very similar structure to each other except for the fact that they use a different primitive logic function.
Each block is taken as input parameter by all 4 cycles together with a constant K and the values of the eight registers. When the computation is over, new values will be obtained for A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, which will be used for the computation of the next block until the final block H is reached.
To combat ASICs and therefore the danger of "centralisation of computing power", another mining algorithm was developed, which was then implemented in the Proof of Work protocols of some cryptocurrencies. Scrypt, which is the name of the algorithm, uses some functions that make extensive use of memory to drastically reduce the efficiency of logic circuits typical of ASICs. However, to make the use of Scrypt fast and efficient even on common PCs, some parameters were simplified with very bad consequences.
The algorithm initially, had CPU mining as its only objective. However, shortly after the debut came the first software tools for GPU mining. A year later, towards the end of 2013, the first Scrypt based ASICs arrived, decreeing the failure of the objectives set by this algorithm.
When mining with high-performance computers or ASICs, throughput is generally measured in Kh/s or at most Mh/s.
How the Scrypt algorithm works
The Scrypt algorithm has several parameters, including N, which defines the cost in terms of resources involved in executing the algorithm. Then there is the parameter p, which defines the parallelisation, and r, which defines the size of the blocks and therefore the memory used. There are also other parameters related to the hash function and the length of the output hash.
The operation of the Scrypt has two initial parameters, namely the message to be encrypted and the Salt, a random string used to add entropy and defend the system from attacks based on precomputed Rainbow tables. They are nothing more than association tables that offer a time-memory compromise for the recovery of clear encryption keys from hashed keys.
The data is then fed to a special key derivation function, PBKDF2, which stands for Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2. This function, using the parameters previously dictated by the algorithm, further reduces the vulnerabilities of the encrypted key to brute force attacks. The PBKDF2 generates a number p of 128*r Bytes blocks [B0…Bp−1].
At this point, using the ROMix function, in this case of sequential memory-hard type, the blocks are mixed, even in parallel. The output mixed blocks are then passed as a Salt parameter (expensive Salt) to another PBKDF2 that generates a key of the desired length.
The CryptoNight is used to mine those coins featuring the CryptoNote protocol, including Monero. It is a function strictly bound to the memory (memory hard hash), in this case to the third level Cache memory of the CPUs as it is focused on the latency. This constraint was imposed to make the CryptoNight inefficient on systems such as GPUs and FPGAs, but especially ASICs, not equipped with cache memory and therefore disadvantaged or virtually impossible to use the algorithm.
The Proof of Work CryptoNight algorithm first initialises a Scratchpad, i.e. a memory area used to store the data used. In the case of CryptoNight, pseudo-random data is used specifically to inhibit its use by ASICs and to minimise GPU efficiency. The algorithm also performs numerous read and write operations on the scratchpad to emphasize the speed of the memory and bring out the latency, which must be as low as possible. Finally, using the data in the scratchpad and a hashing function, an appropriate value is produced.
The size of the CryptoNight scratchpad is about 2 MB of memory for each instance due to the following reasons:
can be contained in the L3 caches (per core) of modern processors;
an internal memory of a megabyte is (or rather was) an unacceptable size for the ASIC pipeline;
GPUs can run tens or hundreds of threads but will be limited by GDDR5 memory, with a much worse latency than the L3 cache of modern CPUs;
a significant expansion of the scratchpad would require an increase in interactions. This would imply an increase in the time required. Continuous and prolonged calls to the p2p network could therefore compromise the network and lead to some vulnerabilities, as the nodes are obliged to perform a PoW check of each block. If a node spent a considerable amount of time on the hash of a block, it could easily be flooded with a false block flooding mechanism causing a DDoS.
The CryptoNight remained untouched by the ASICs for several years, until Bitmain, Baikal and Halong Mining announced several models of the CryptoNight ASICs on March 15th, 2018, capable of returning hashrates above 200 KH/s.
Since then, Monero's team has repeatedly acted on CryptoNight parameters, making the Proof of Work even more memory-constrained.
How the CryptoNight algorithm works
Hash input is initialised using the Keccak (SHA3 function), with parameters B equal to 1600 and C equal to 512. The final parameters of the Keccak, i.e. the Bytes from 0 to 31, are interpreted as an AES 256 key and expanded in 10 round keys.
Bytes between the 64th and 191st are extracted in eight blocks of 16 Bytes each, which are then encrypted. Everything is then allocated in the scratchpad, which has a size close to 2 MB, as previously described.
Once this is done, an XOR is imposed among the first 63 Bytes of the Keccak to initialise the A and B constraints, each of 32 Bytes. These variables and their processing are used to impose a loop of continuous readings and writings (524288 times) in the scratchpad, so that the algorithm is strictly bound to the latency of the memory. Finally, the final hash sequence of the previously obtained data is calculated.
Ethash, as the name suggests, was created as a function to perform the Proof of Work of the Ethereum blockchain. This algorithm mixes two standard cryptographic functions, the SHA-3 and the Keccak. This results in a function that is resistant to ASICs but at the same time fast to verify and execute.
The resistance to ASICs is guaranteed by the memory-hard nature of the algorithm, given the use of a pseudo random data set initialised according to the length of the blockchain, therefore variable. This data set is called DAG (directed acyclic graph) and is regenerated every 30 thousand blocks (about 5 days).
Despite this, on April 3rd, 2018, Bitmain announced the long-awaited Antminer E3, the first ASIC for Ethash capable of delivering a hashrate of about 200 MH/s with an absorption of almost 800 Watts.
Currently the DAG has a size of about 3.4 GB, which is why it is not possible to mine Ethereum with video cards with less than 3GB of video memory, as the data set is necessary for the operation of the hash function.
In the case of mining performed with high-performance computers, throughput is generally measured in Mh/s or at the most Gh/s.
How the Ethash algorithm works
First, a pre-processed header from the last block and the current Nonce, i.e. a random 32-bit number generated by the miners as a hash target, are combined together using the SHA-3. A 128 byte long mixed byte sequence, called Mix 0, is then created.
The Mix is used to determine which data to collect from the DAG, using a special fetch function. Subsequently, the Mix 0 and the data recovered from the DAG are mixed, generating a new string of 128 Bytes, called Mix 1. This operation is performed with the same procedure 64 times, until the last string, that is the Mix 64, is reached.
The Mix 64 is then processed into a 32-byte sequence called the Mix Digest. This sequence is then compared with a second target sequence. If it is less than the target, then the Nonce is considered reached and the broadcasting to the Ethereum network begins. Otherwise, the algorithm is re-executed with a new Nonce.
The constraint that makes the algorithm closely related to memory and to the bandwidth in particular, therefore also the bus, consists in the access to the DAG to fetch the data.
The X11, successor of the X13, X15 and X17 variants, is a Proof of Work algorithm designed to be very efficient on both CPUs and GPUs. As the name suggests, it uses a combination of eleven different encryption algorithms.
Unfortunately, the X11 did not prove to be ASIC Proof, as after a few months the first ASICs dedicated to this algorithm were made available.
Unfortunately, there are not many technical details about how X11 works, except for the names of the eleven hashing algorithms used: blake, bmw, groestl, jh, keccak, skein, luffa, cubehash, shavite, simd, echo. The combined use of these hash functions allows a high level of safety to be achieved while maintaining an efficiency 30% higher than the classic SHA-256.
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Telecommunications engineer with a strong passion for technology. His adventure in the world of blogging started on GizChina.it in 2014 and then continued on LFFL.org and GizBlog.it. Emanuele is in the world of cryptocurrency as a miner since 2013 and today he follows the technical aspects related to blockchain, cryptography and dApp, also for applications in the Internet of Things.
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text:
Calls for new regulation mount as New York limousine crash victims mourned
SCOHARIE, NY – OCTOBER 08: People mourn at the site of the fatal limousine crash on October 8, 2018 in Schoharie, New York. 20 people died in the crash including the driver of the limo, 17 passengers, and two pedestrians. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, N.Y. – The day after a mourning community said last goodbyes to eight of 20 victims of a limousine crash — four sisters and four other relatives — the Senate's top Democrat called on federal regulators to formulate new safety standards for the vehicles.
Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sunday pointed to glaring gaps in safety data and singled out the National Transportation Safety Board, which he said hasn't thoroughly investigated a limousine crash in three years.
His criticism comes a week after the stretch limo loaded with 18 people on their way to a birthday party for one of the occupants ran a stop sign and crashed at the bottom of a hill in the town of Schoharie. Everyone in the limo died, including the four sisters, along with two pedestrians.
"The sad fact here is that right now everyone is talking about limo safety when we could have been studying it for the past few years," Schumer said. "The NTSB knows they need to fix this situation so we can have as much information as possible available."
At a news conference, he called on the NTSB to investigate every stretch limo crash that has occurred in the U.S. and use the data to make recommendations for safety standards that would then have to be implemented by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The NTSB — charged by Congress to conduct independent probes and make safety recommendations — agreed to investigate limo crashes on a case-by-case basis after a 2015 wreck that killed four women on New York's Long Island.
But since then, Schumer said, multiple crashes should have been investigated and would have netted "critical safety data" about the structure and safety components of limousines. Federal crash data compiled by The Associated Press shows there were seven limo crashes in 2015 and two in 2016.
Factory-built limousines must meet stringent safety regulations. But luxury cars converted to limos, like the one in last week's crash, often lack such safety components as side-impact air bags, reinforced rollover protection bars and accessible emergency exits.
Few federal regulations govern limos modified after leaving the factory, and regulations often vary by state.
Eric Weiss, a spokesman for the NTSB, declined to comment.
In a 2015 letter, then-NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart said the board shared Schumer's concern that "relatively little information is available about how stretch limousines perform in a variety of crash scenarios."
Hundreds of mourners and the presiding pastor, the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis, also sought answers Saturday at a church in Amsterdam at the funeral for Allison King; sister Abigail Jackson and her husband, Adam Jackson; sister Mary Dyson and her husband Robert Dyson; sister Amy Steenburg and her husband Axel Steenburg; and Steenburg's older brother, Richard Steenburg.
"The question that is in the hearts of so many is: Why?" The Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis told mourners. "Why did these 20 individuals have to be taken from us so quickly and so unexpectedly?"
DeMartinis officiated in June at the wedding of Amy and Axel Steenburg. It was Amy's birthday that was being celebrated at the time of the crash.
He recalled them as a laughter-loving couple who made a sign asking wedding guests not to take pictures because "we suggest that you live in the moment."
Holding the sign aloft, DeMartinis said: "That's what they're asking me to ask you to do today."
While authorities continue to investigate the cause that wreck, New York prosecutors have charged the operator of the limousine company, Nauman Hussain, with criminally negligent homicide, saying he allowed an improperly licensed driver to operate an "unserviceable" vehicle. Hussain has pleaded not guilty and has declined to comment on the crash.
More National & World Stories
WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — Country singer Garth Brooks took to the Capitol steps to perform his rendition of "Amazing Grace" at Wednesday's inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Brooks called for a sense of unity by asking Americans to sing a verse of the hymn together.
The meaning behind President Biden's Bible
by Elana Schor/AP / Jan 20, 2021
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took their oaths of office on Wednesday using Bibles that are laden with personal meaning, writing new chapters in a long-running American tradition - and one that appears nowhere in the law.
The Constitution does not require the use of a specific text for swearing-in ceremonies and specifies only the wording of the president's oath. That wording does not include the phrase "so help me God," but every modern president has appended it to their oaths and most have chosen symbolically significant Bibles for their inaugurations.
Biden inauguration sights and sounds: Inaugural speech, swearing in ceremonies, musical performances
by Web Team / Jan 20, 2021
WASHINGTON -- Joe Biden took the oath of office in Washington Wednesday to become the 46th president of the United States.
Here's a look at some of the sights and sounds from the day.


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Aliens Vs. Predator: DirectX 11 Game Performance Analyzed
By Don Woligroski 2010-04-22T08:00:00Z
Rebellion Gets A Forth Swing At AvP
Page 1: Rebellion Gets A Forth Swing At AvP
Page 2: Image Quality: GeForce Vs. Radeon
Page 3: Image Quality: DirectX 11 Enhancements
Page 4: Image Quality: DirectX 11 Vs. DirectX 9
Page 5: Test System And Settings
Page 6: Benchmark Results: DirectX 9
Page 7: Benchmark Results: Texture Settings
Page 8: Benchmark Results: DirectX 11
Page 9: Benchmark Results: DirectX 11, 4x AA
Page 10: CPU Benchmarks
Page 11: Conclusion
Back in the first half of the 1990s, a little-known game development company called Rebellion released its first major title for a brand-new game console called the Atari Jaguar. That game was called Alien vs. Predator, and even though the ill-fated Atari console died after a short run, the title is still remembered as a shining star in the early days of first-person shooters.
In 1999, Rebellion was commissioned to develop a similar title for the PC. Dubbed Aliens versus Predator, the game will always be on my list of all-time favorites. It offered a triple campaign that allowed you to play through as a colonial marine, alien, and predator, all with their unique strengths and weaknesses.
Aliens versus Predator, Rebellion's 1999 classic
Aliens versus Predator was one of the first PC games that let gamers experience really diverse cross-class multiplayer combat, and is the first PC game I can recall that really delivered a great multiplayer co-op survival mode. At the time, 10 years before Left 4 Dead's survival mode, people were helping each other survive an endless onslaught of fierce and endless aliens. Afterward, Aliens versus Predator 2 was handed to another game developer: Monolith. This company delivered a solid story, but in my opinion, Aliens versus Predator 2 never quite captured the creepy atmosphere of its predecessors. While Rebellion was again employed to create Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem for the PlayStation Portable in 2007, it is a movie tie-in title that wasn't very well received.
Rebellion's new 2010 rendition, Aliens vs Predator
When I heard that Rebellion was in charge of the third PC installment, I was elated that the company was given another chance to once again provide a solid dose of sci-fi survival horror with the newest game in the series, simply called Aliens vs. Predator. More than 10 years after the original, I'm playing the spiritual sequel. But unfortunately, like almost everything else I've allowed myself to be enthusiastic about, the result is a little disappointing. Is the new Aliens vs. Predator a bad game? I don't think so, but the single-player campaigns seem to be missing a star quality that the original had.
The most unsettling thing about the sequel is that I can't quite put my finger on exactly what--if anything--is wrong. The graphics are lovely and the controls seem adequate enough, even if they can be finicky. Combat is updated appropriately and the proper challenges are where they should be. Playing a marine is unsettling, playing a predator delivers a powerful hunter vibe, and playing as the alien lets you experience the ugly fun of toying with hapless human victims before sneaking in for the kill.
I re-played the 1999 classic to see if I was watching the past through rose-colored glasses. The graphics are dated, but instead of being put off by the antiquated title, I found myself enjoying the experience. In the new game, the marine is lead around by an objective arrow, but in the original you just have to explore and find what you need to go on. I find this adds a lot of suspense and forces me into places I otherwise would try to avoid.
In the new game, aliens are somewhat slow to reach you, but are surprisingly resistant to gunfire. In the original, they come at you incredibly fast and are a bit easier to put down. The speed they wield in the original leads to more surprises, and even a jump or two. Another difference: the new game allows marines to push back aliens with melee in order to get an extra second to reload, but melee is not a marine's option in the original.
Are there any other differences of note? Predator players plan their jumps using a target reticule and land exactly where they designate, but in the original you have to manually run and jump. Sure, the old-school platform-style can be frustrating, but it's definitely more involving. The current title does allow the predator to jump a lot higher and stalk prey from treetops, which is cool. In the original, playing as an alien seems a bit more vulnerable, and this fragility causes you to employ stealth a little more when stalking your prey. Admittedly, this is a subjective observation. Aside from the characters, the new levels seem a lot more linear and the player is often corralled through a valley with one way in and one way out. In the prequel, the corralling was a little more subtle and the on-rails feeling wasn't as in-your-face.
Looking over my comments, it seems like I can sum up my complaints about the new single-player Aliens vs. Predator experience in two words: dumbed down. It's not as easy to be unsettled by danger when someone's holding your hand and telling you what to do and exactly where to go. There's no need to cover the map when you simply have to follow your objective marker and there's no opportunity to explore when you're locked in a valley. The direction of the new Aliens vs. Predator might well suit the tastes of many gamers, but for me it fell a little flat.
There is one single-player option that does seem to capture the spirit of the original game, and that is survival mode. Essentially, it's a gauntlet where the player tries to hold out as long as possible against never-ending and increasingly larger waves of aliens. This is a great diversion when you have a limited time to play and it does seem like the aliens might be a bit faster and more aggressive than they present in the single-player campaign. Maybe it's just the sheer number of them and the fever pace, but it's fun nevertheless. This mode is also available as a co-op multiplayer mode.
Speaking of multiplayer, any dumbing-down is less relevant because you're testing yourself against other thinking human players instead of AI bots. Other players face the same limitations and advantages you do. Indeed, multiplayer offers a greater challenge and a lot more satisfaction for someone who wants to test their predator, alien, and marine skills against worthy opponents. Frankly, I've played so many death matches over the years that this simple game type usually bores me without any metagame objectives. Nevertheless, I get a real perverse pleasure in playing a marine stalked by predators and aliens. There's definitely a wonderful atmosphere that this game carries, and in multiplayer, I find it to be very satisfying.
There are also some fun and unique game types, such as Predator Hunt and Infestation. In Predator Hunt, one player is the predator against everyone else playing a marine, and if a marine takes out the predator, he or she becomes the predator. In Infestation, all players start out as marines except for a single alien player and every marine that is killed re-spawns as an alien.
These are some great ways to take advantage of the Aliens vs. Predator license. On the downside, it can take forever to join a ranked match (the only way to unlock alternate multiplayer skins) and there are no dedicated servers yet. But this is a feature Rebellion has promised to add in the future.
Of course, there's another factor to consider when talking about the new Aliens vs. Predator: DirectX 11 enhancements. The game will take advantage of new-generation Radeon and GeForce cards to enhance the experience with tessellation effects, shadows, and DirectX 11-exclusive anti-aliasing (AA).
Now that the subjective portion of the program is over, let's dig into some objective data: image quality, DirectX 11 functionality, and performance with a wide range of graphics cards.
Current page: Rebellion Gets A Forth Swing At AvP
Next Page Image Quality: GeForce Vs. Radeon
Kelavarus 22 April 2010 13:19
The thing is, same with DirectX 10, you aren't going to see considerable difference unless it's coded specifically for that API. I have seen some absolutely amazing things done with DirectX 10, but only because the engine was purely for DirectX 10, and to my knowledge, no one has even attempted that with DirectX 11 yet anyway.
To reach the broader audience, games are coded with DirectX 9 in mind then have DX10/11 tacked on with a few features.
We're not going to see much of a jump until DX9 is dropped completely, and especially with consoles running around DX9-ish, it's not going to happen till they upgrade, probably. Just my 2c.
Annisman 22 April 2010 13:29
I will say one thing, DX11 is a new api, and though the differences in screenshots is minute, it's great to see no performance loss going with DX11. I think it took a whole year or more to actually see performance increases with DX10 vs. DX 9.
So that is one thing you can take out of this.
haplo602 22 April 2010 13:42
"Rebellion Gets A Third Swing At AvP" I thing that should be second swing, as AvP 2 was done by Monolith. Or swing at the third installment :-)
Anyway, the original AvP was the best single and multiplayer pure FPS I ever played. The Alien was the king there, incredibly fast and agile and if done right, one hit killing anything in the game except a marine with a smartgun and head on (or predator with plasma guns in the same situation) :-) ...
The second AvP failed miserably in all aspects maybe except story telling ... I have to have a look at the current one still ... but from your description, I guess I won't like it. Marine with melee against Aliens ? W T H !!!!
matt87_50 22 April 2010 14:12
KelavarusThe thing is, same with DirectX 10, you aren't going to see considerable difference unless it's coded specifically for that API. I have seen some absolutely amazing things done with DirectX 10, but only because the engine was purely for DirectX 10, and to my knowledge, no one has even attempted that with DirectX 11 yet anyway.To reach the broader audience, games are coded with DirectX 9 in mind then have DX10/11 tacked on with a few features. We're not going to see much of a jump until DX9 is dropped completely, and especially with consoles running around DX9-ish, it's not going to happen till they upgrade, probably. Just my 2c.
good points, all true.
the biggest thing with DX10 was that it was vista only, no XP. as people flock to win7 with dx11 built in, that won't be such a big problem. also, dx11 doesn't really add much, it just kinda improves on dx10 and adds a couple of really useful things that should actually make life easier for everyone (kinda like win7 compared to vista I suppose) it adds proper multi threading in the drivers and allows the rendering engines to be multi threaded now. this is just a software thing too, so its not really hardware dependant (you don't need dx11 hardware to benefit) the other really useful feature added is tessellation. which is something that devs already do manually, and painfully in dx9 games. if anything its probably better for developers production times than it is for the end user! no complex art pipelines or engines, automatic performance scaling (the card knows how fast it is and can dynamically allocate the right proportion of triangles to every object in order to reach an exact total frame poly budget). it also adds compute shader. all of these things don't really add anything new, we had tessellation on GPGPU before, but it was all third party and more convoluted, so its more about ease of development than new stuff. don't take that the wrong way though. ease of development should lead to much bigger leaps and bounds in graphics than new features that everyone was too scared to use anyway.
neiroatopelcc 22 April 2010 14:27
Sounds like the new avp faces the same problem borderlands does - it's too easy! I compare borderlands with fallout 3 as they feel about the same. But in borderlands you've got this constant pointer to exactly where you're supposed to go - which makes you not even try to read the actually mission briefings - and when you've just downed a boss you stop and think 'what ? this easy?'
Dumbing down's been seen in wow since burning crusade too. I suppose developers are just broadening their potential customer base by making the games so simple that any 10 year old can play them sufficiently well.
XxOsurfer3xX 22 April 2010 14:56
Depends on how you play borderlands, if you go to misions over your level is not that easy..
XxOsurfer3xXDepends on how you play borderlands, if you go to misions over your level is not that easy..Yes it is.
Sure 3 levels over you, and you do next to no damage - but you don't die, you simply run out of ammo!
I solved the difficulty level problem by running a lan game and have two other of my chars join. Now there's a feeling of difficulty in playthough 2, but given the directions you're still just following pointers and aren't really immersed in the plot at any rate. You don't have to think, just shoot. Could's well play cs or some other shooter
Tridec 22 April 2010 16:07
I really can't understand why you didn't use the older ATI 48xx series cards in your review. It would seem logical to do so as there are a lot of your readers with previous gen cards that are thinking about upgrading. You guys did use the Nvidia 260 and even the older Nvidia 9800 GT, but not the "populair" Ati cards.
Tomtompiper 22 April 2010 16:31
Third swipe, the first AvP was for the Atari Jaguar, by Rebellion and was a cracker.
ssddx 22 April 2010 18:40
Don Woligroski, I must say that is a very nicely written article! I've only been seeing your name more recently; are you new to Toms?
As for the games themselves: I would have to disagree on the second avp being a failure. The game packs everything you state the first one got right. I would also have to say that the multiplayer is(was) excellent. Theres nothing quite like dropping 150 feet as an alien onto some poor guys head (and the things he would say too!)
Do people still play AVP2 online? If so I might have to get myself into a match for a quick fix.


Raw silk: Léi Zǔ Shoe Collection (1st Edition) by Nicole Goymann & Christoph John are elegant dress shoes formed from wound single filaments of raw silk, bound by their natural glue.
Have access to a MakerBot 3D printer? Then print your very own customizable dress!
A beach house designed to bridge the gap between man and nature.
We talk to Chen Chen & Kai Williams about their creative process - plus, enter to win a pair of planters!
A surreal iPad game transports gamers into a mysterious Escher-inspired puzzle world rendered in a beautiful palette.
A handmade line of ceramic tableware that blends retro and contemporary styles.
A capsule collection of furniture that captures the beauty that comes with vulnerability.


A native of Washington, D.C., Sheil completed her undergraduate studies in foreign service at Georgetown University and her master's and doctorate in organizational communication at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
In addition to her roles at California State University San Bernardino, she previously was chief spokeswoman and director of global communication for a multinational corporation in Helsinki, Finland. She also spent a year as interim director of development for Brown College and spent a year as an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow.
She recently completed a four-month sabbatical at the International Executive Development Center (IEDC) Bled School of Management in Slovenia working on her upcoming book on strategic business communication.
Sheil is the coauthor of "Dynamic Public Relations: the 24/7 PR Cycle" and has published research articles on capital appreciation bonds, tobacco settlement bonds, whole brain technology, social media, and strategies to reach immigrant communities about opportunities in higher education.


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Q: Read data with varying formats in C++ I'm creating my first real binary parser (a tiff reader) and have a question regarding how to allocate memory. I want to create a struct within my TiffSpec class for the IFD entries. These entries will always be 12 bytes, but depending upon the type specified in that particular entry, the values at the end could be of different types (or maybe just an address to another location in the file). What would be the best way to go about casting this sort of data? The smallest size memory I believe I would be dealing with would be 1 byte.

A: In C++ you should use a union.
This is a mechanism by which you can define several, overlapping data types, possibly with a common header.
See this article for how to use unions for exactly your problem -- a common header with different data underneath.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Share on Sina
Foreign raiders gain edge in draw for International Jockeys' Championship
News / International Jockeys' Championship 2014
International Jockeys' Championship 2014
Lady Luck smiles on overseas riders who have pick of the mounts, while locals may upset form on paper as anticipation builds to showdown
by Alan Aitken
on Monday, December 8, 2014 2:45 PM
Zac Purton, Vincent Ho and Joao Moreira joke around before the draw for the Longines International Jockeys' Championship on Wednesday. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Defending titleholder Kerrin McEvoy, British champion Richard Hughes and Japan's Yuichi Fukunaga emerged as the front runners for the Longines International Jockeys' Championship on Monday after the draw produced the usual mixed bag.
Nearly all 12 jockeys picked up at least one good prospect for tomorrow night's showdown at Happy Valley, and the 2012 winner as a visitor, Hong Kong championship leader Joao Moreira, spelt out the task ahead for the foreign-based jockeys.
"Happy Valley is a tricky track, a difficult one to ride, so the Hong Kong-based jockeys who are there every week must get some advantage," said Moreira.
If this wasn't an IJC leg, Joao would have been on Griffindor anyway, so I'm thrilled
"Many of the other jockeys have ridden there before so they know that, but some haven't. And it is a hard competition to win even after that because it also comes down to the horses that you get and the barriers that you draw," the Brazilian said.
"I have two good barriers and two outside barriers and my best ride looks like Griffindor, who is a horse I know well. I've ridden him twice this season already."
Hughes has One Of A Kind, A Fast One, Mazandaran and Jun Gong, with three of the four potential players, while Fukunaga teams with Tony Millard-trained Medic Swordsman and Vara Pearl, Ocean Roar for Almond Lee then comes home with Tony Cruz-trained Wah May Baby - all potential point-scorers.
Australia's McEvoy will have to work the oracle on Very Well in the opener to get a result, but he has hopes with Glory Horsie, Southern Springs and even Supreme Flight.
All jockeys were randomly allocated mounts for the four races, and accumulate points depending on their finishing position. The jockey with the highest points will receive HK$500,000, the runner-up HK$200,000 and third HK$100,000.
Trainer John Moore is a low-key player in the IJC this year, with just the one runner, but was delighted to get Moreira in the random allocation.
Happy Valley is a tricky track, a difficult one to ride, so the Hong Kong-based jockeys who are there every week must get some advantage
Joao Moreira
"If this wasn't an IJC leg, Joao would have been on Griffindor anyway, so I'm thrilled we were lucky enough to get him," Moore said. "He's a last-start second in a similar race and has a good draw and he looks a great pick-up for Joao in the series."
Zac Purton, runner-up in the past two years, also picked up a ride on a horse he knows well, but was not enthusiastic about his chances of winning.
"It's going to be tough. I've got Win It in the first leg and I've won on him and he's a last-start winner, so he's in form," he said. "On the downside, his draw looks awkward in gate nine.
"He might get me some points and I'm thinking Fire Starter could too in the second leg, but I'm not confident about my other rides, Medic Kingdom and Kerkeni. I'll need early points to be any chance."
Local freelancer Vincent Ho Chak-yiu is hopeful he can earn points with blinkers going on a mount for his old boss, Caspar Fownes, in the first leg of his maiden IJC.
"It's a big thrill. It's quite amazing and exciting for me to ride with the top jockeys in the world. It's going to be a good way for me to learn," he said. "To get a ride for a big supporter like Caspar is terrific, too."
Meanwhile, punters in Singapore will be able to bet directly into Hong Kong's pools from tomorrow night, the latest jurisdiction to join commingling following the US, Australia, Macau and New Zealand.
Comments0Comments
Wednesday 13 Jan, 2021
Race 1, 6:45pm
Race 8, 10:15pm
VERBENA HANDICAP
2200 / Class 4 (rated 60-40)
Horse Last runs Draw
1MORE THAN A HORSE 0/4/9/-/5/0/9 7
2PEACH BLOSSOMS 9/0/9/8/9 11
3FULL POWER 5/-/0/3/6/1/7 8
4DYNAMIC EAGLE 5/8/8/4/5/1 3
5OWNERS' STAR 0/0/-/0/0/4/3 5
6MAGNETISM 0/0/9/6/6/4 4
7BULLISH GLORY 0/6/0/0/0/8 9
8GREAT TIMES 9/9/9 1
9VICTORIOUS SEEKER 3/2/1/5/-/8/8 10
10PERFECT TO PLAY 0/0/8/0/1/5 2
11EXALTATION 0/-/4/6/9/0/2 6
Full Race Card
by Tom Biddington
Fear drives Jockey Club to cancel Christmas, but where is the line?
John Size
Zac Purton
Caspar Fownes
John Moore: Harbour Master belongs with the big boys
Quick study Yuichi Fukunaga in historic Valley victory
Hideaki Fujiwara-trained primed for Sunday assault on Sha Tin
Inspirational S'Manga Khumalo eager for Happy Valley success


When we did arrive in Caen, we picked up the car which we had hired for the next 5 days or so. We put all our luggage into it and went and had lunch at the local TAB. Virginie had organised that we stay with some of her family while we were in Normandy. They live on a farm about 1 hour away from Caen. It took us more like 3. Between dad learning how to drive, and problems with the GPS and then directions that were hard to follow, it took us a little longer than we anticipated. When we arrived we were greeted with a smiling face that couldn't speak a word of English. It was ok though because dad had his iphone and ipad which had translators on them which helped immensely. She (being Fabian) asked us inside where we met Oliver (Fabians husband) who was bed ridden as he had fallen off a roof just a few days prior.
Not long after we arrived, we got asked if we would like to go on a short road trip, first to pick up their daughter Elise from school. She a very cute 6 year old girl who was very shy to being with but really opened up as she got to know us better. Our next stop was to Oliver's parents farm where we picked up some fresh cows milk and got to see heaps of the production side of milking cows and where they live in winter, ect.
When we left there we went off to the shops where we got ingredients for dinner that night. By the time we had got back, it was about 7:00 and it took a little while until dinner was ready. It was lasagne.Traditional northern France cuisine. It was served with homemade Calvados to start with and then some homemade apple cider with the main meal. When we had finished and cheese was about to be brought out, I said that I had to go to bed. I was absolutely gone by this point because of my sickness which had morphed to include a cough that was slowly transitioning into a sore throat.


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Cingular EDGE
PCMag India staff Jun 16, 2015
EDGE doesn't have anywhere near EV-DO's speed, but its nationwide footprint ensures you'll be able to get your work done almost anywhere you intend to go.
Nationwide coverage; very wide range of devices; reasonable prices for handset-based plans
The slowest of the high speed networks
The Cingular EDGE network is the closest thing to a truly nationwide cellular high-speed data network available today. While those high speeds may feel more like dial-up than broadband at times, you can't beat EDGE's availability—you can access the Internet from almost anywhere you can get a Cingular cell-phone signal.
EDGE currently covers the most populated areas in the U.S. Many rural areas are left out, as are the majority of Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, and, oddly, Virginia. But you can still drive from, say, San Diego to Seattle without losing service.
The least expensive of the three 3G networks, EDGE was rolled out nationwide quickly because it overlies Cingular's existing GSM/GPRS network. Obtaining the increased data speeds merely required a software upgrade for base stations.
EDGE is available on phones and PC Cards. On phones, you can't really tell the difference between it and GPRS, because pictures and games are still so small. As multimegapixel camera phones and larger games become available, the speediness of EDGE will really start to shine.
EDGE's speed is more obvious when you use your phone as a modem for your PDA or laptop. Cingular allows you to connect all of its EDGE-capable phones to PCs using Bluetooth or a USB cable; you can also do this with the Cingular UMTS network, but not with Verizon EV-DO. The hookup can be tricky, depending on the phone model.
Devices that use Cingular EDGE
• palmOne Treo 650
• Nokia 6230
• Sierra Wireless AirCard 775
EDGE works as part of Cingular's existing GSM system. GSM chops up each cellular channel within the band into eight consecutive time slots, theoretically interleaving up to eight voice calls in each channel. Your handset's circuitry knows which time slots to listen to and pieces the call back together so it sounds coherent.
Data systems like GPRS and EDGE can use several time slots at once to multiply their speeds. EDGE's nine encoding schemes allow speeds from 8.4 to 59.2 Kbps per time slot.
There are 12 classes of EDGE devices, based on the number of time slots they can use; higher classes offer faster data transfer. The most advanced EDGE phones currently use Class 10, with four downloading slots and two uploading slots. And though Class 10's theoretical maximum speed is 236 Kbps, we maxed out at 220 Kbps during testing. That's more than three times as fast as dial-up, but still much slower than cable, DSL, or EV-DO.
Unfortunately, EDGE's high latency rates—the time it takes to hear back from an Internet site—make the connection feel slower than it is. And data rates drop off sharply if you're not close to a cell tower. So Cingular publicizes average speeds of only 70 to 80 Kbps—essentially a dial-up experience. On tests in New York and North Carolina, we found that EDGE on a laptop is fine for e-mail and Web surfing with images turned off. But we were frustrated when trying to access our corporate VPN, sync large Microsoft Outlook mailboxes, or download 5MB files.
There are several phones available with EDGE, and if you have one of them and a voice plan, unlimited EDGE costs an inexpensive $24.99 per month as part of the MEdia Net add-on plan, even if you use your phone as a modem for your laptop. This plan, in our opinion, is the best way to go when using EDGE. Cheaper plans are $2.99 per month for 500KB of data, $7.99 for 1MB, and $9.99 for 2MB.
Venture into the world of PC Cards, though, and things get weird. Cingular has 17—yes, 17—different plans for PC Cards, ranging from $7.99 per month for 1MB of data to $79.99 per month for unlimited use. Considering that the same unlimited use costs $50 a month less with a phone, we find the PC Card monthly rate hard to justify. Apparently, if you use it as a modem too often on the $24.99 phone plan, Cingular will call you and strongly suggest that you upgrade.
With faster high-speed networks like EV-DO and UMTS covering some major cities, and with Wi-Fi hot spots peppering the country, it's getting easy to find a faster connection than EDGE. But if you spend a lot of time on the road, traveling to cities or other areas without EV-DO or UMTS, or you are on a budget, this broad national network is acceptable for e-mail and light Web surfing.


"Hospitals across North America have been forced to cancel tests for cancer and heart disease because the unexpected closure of a Canadian nuclear reactor has led to a sudden shortage of medical isotopes.
The 50-year-old National Research Universal (NRU) reactor located in Chalk River, Ontario, was shut down on 18 November for scheduled maintenance and was due back online by mid-December. But Atomic Energy Canada, which owns and operates the facility, extended the outage to install safety-related equipment, including upgrades to the reactor cooling pumps. The reactor supplies about 60% of the molybdenum isotopes used in medical applications globally, including molybdenum-99, which decays into technetium-99m and is used in about 16 million nuclear medicine procedures annually in the United States...The shortage has reignited a discussion over securing the US supply of medical isotopes by building a reactor in the United States."
Again, there's no sense if the debate about nuclear weapons and terrorist attacks is regularly conflated with peaceful and necessary uses of nuclear energy.


text:
! *****************************COPYRIGHT*******************************
! (C) Crown copyright Met Office. All rights reserved.
! For further details please refer to the file COPYRIGHT.txt
! which you should have received as part of this distribution.
! *****************************COPYRIGHT*******************************
!
! Switches
!
Module switches

  Use typeKind
  Use parameters, only : nspecies,naerosol  &
     , num_aero_moments, num_aero_bins
  Implicit None

  logical ::                     &
       l_mphys=.True.            &   ! Switch to use microphysics
      ,l_advect=.True.           &   ! Switch to use advection
      ,l_diverge=.False.         &   ! Switch to use separate
                                     ! divergence code
      ,l_diverge_advection=.False.    ! Switch to add divergent
                                     ! u velocity to advection calculation

  ! Switches to allow/prevent feedback onto background field
  logical ::                         &
        l_fix_qv        =.False.     & ! Fix qv field
       ,l_nomphys_qv    =.False.     & ! Don't feedback from mphys on qv
       ,l_noadv_qv      =.False.     & ! Don't feedback from advect on qv
       ,l_posadv_qv     =.False.       ! Only allow positive increments
                                       ! from advect to qv
  logical ::                         &
        l_fix_theta     =.False.     & ! Fix theta field
       ,l_nomphys_theta =.False.     & ! Don't feedback from mphys on theta
       ,l_noadv_theta   =.False.       ! Don't feedback from advect on
                                       ! theta
  logical ::                         &
        l_noadv_hydrometeors=.False.   ! Don't advect hydrometeors
                                       ! NB This doesn't include
                                       ! sedimentation
  logical ::                         &
        l_nodiv_hydrometeors=.False.   ! Don't apply divergence terms to
                                       ! hydrometeors
  logical ::                         &
        l_noadv_aerosols=.False.   ! Don't advect aerosols
                                       ! NB This doesn't include
                                       ! sedimentation
  logical ::                         &
        l_nodiv_aerosols=.False.   ! Don't apply divergence terms to
                                       ! aerosols
  logical ::                         &
       l_fix_aerosols=.True.      ! Fix aerosol field.

  logical ::                      &
       l_pupdate=.False.   ! Switch to update pressure field

  ! Switches to go in mphys routines

  logical ::                      &
       l_sediment=.True. ! Allow sedimentation of
                         ! hydrometeors
  integer,parameter ::   &
       isurface_fixed=1    ! Fix surface values in advection
                           ! scheme (modification still allowed
                           ! through mphys)
  integer,parameter ::   &
       isurface_flux=2   ! Flux values for surface in advection
                         ! scheme
  logical ::    &
       l_periodic_bound=.True. ! True for periodic boundaries (default)
                              ! False for fixed boundaries

  logical :: l_force_positive=.false. ! Switch to put on checking of negative number

  ! Switches for hydrometeor initiation
  logical ::                      &
       l_hinit(nspecies)=.False.  & ! Switch to initialize hydrometeor field
       ,l_ainit(naerosol)=.False.   ! Switch to initialize aerosol field

  ! Integer switches for surface condition
  integer :: isurface=isurface_fixed
  !integer :: isurface=isurface_flux

  ! Integer switches for microphysics schemes
  integer, parameter ::             &
        imphys_lem2_4           =1  & ! UKMO LEM version 2.4 bulk scheme
       ,imphys_tau_bin          =2  & ! UKMO LEM version 2.4 bin scheme
                                      ! (warm only)
       ,imphys_lem2_4_icebin    =3  & ! UKMO LEM version 3.0 3-phase
                                      ! bin scheme
       ,imphys_um7_1            =4  & ! UKMO UM version 7.1
       ,imphys_thompson06       =5  & ! Greg Thompson's (2006) scheme
       ,imphys_morr_two_moment  =6  & ! Hugh Morrisons's 2M scheme
       ,imphys_thompson07       =7  & ! Greg Thompson's (2007) scheme
       ,imphys_thompson09       =8  & ! Greg Thompson's (2009) scheme
       ,imphys_um7_3            =9  & ! UM test: Jonathan Wilkinson
       ,imphys_wsm6             =10 & ! WSM6 scheme
       ,imphys_wdm6             =11 & ! WDM6 scheme
       ,imphys_4A               =12   ! Shipway scheme

  ! Integer switches to choose input data type and/or test case
  integer, parameter ::    &
        iukmo_lem     =1   &  ! From UKMO LEM
       ,iukmo_um      =2   &  ! From UKMO UM
       ,iecmwf        =3   &  ! From ECMWF
       ,iarm          =4      ! From ARM

       ! GCSS Warm rain cases
  integer, parameter ::    &
        igcss_warm1   =101 &
       ,igcss_warm2   =102 &
       ,igcss_warm3   =103 &
!       ,igcss_warm4   =104 &  !removed - now use 101 with different namelist
       ,igcss_warm5   =105 &
       ,igcss_warm6   =106 &
       ,igcss_warm7   =107 &
       ,igcss_warm8   =108
       ! GCSS mixed-phase cases
  integer, parameter ::    &
        igcss_mixed1  =201 &
!       ,igcss_mixed2  =202 &  !removed - now use 201 with different namelist
       ,igcss_mixed3  =203 &
       ,igcss_mixed4  =204

       ! GCSS Deep cases
  integer, parameter ::    &
        igcss_deep1   =301 &
       ,igcss_deep2   =302 &
       ,igcss_deep3   =303
       ! Other cases
  integer, parameter ::    &
        iicel         =401 &  ! ICE-L-type case
       ,itest_case    =998 &  ! Test case
       ,itest_case1   =999    ! Test case 2
  integer, parameter :: &
        ipassive_sed_bulk1 = 501 & ! Passive sedimentation
       ,ipassive_sed_bulk2 = 502   ! Passive sedimentation
  integer, parameter :: &
       itest_2D = 600       &
       ,igcss_2d_Cu = 601   &  ! 2-D Cu case based on Morrison & Grabowski 06
       ,igcss_2d_Sc = 602   &  ! 2-D Sc case based on modified Morrison & Grabowski 06
       ,igcss_2d_ISDAC = 604 &  ! 2-D ISDAC case based on modified Morrison & Grabowski 06
       ,igcss_2d_squall = 605   ! 2-D Ideallised squall case

  integer, parameter :: iwmo_case1 = 650 ! 2-D Sc case for WMO workshop

  integer :: icase=igcss_warm1

  ! Various switches and their default values
  character(20) :: mphys_scheme='lem2.4'
  ! variant on default microphysics scheme
  ! will need documenting for each scheme
  integer :: mphys_var=0

  character(100) :: input_file=''
  logical :: l_input_file=.True.
  integer :: ifiletype=iecmwf

  integer :: imphys=imphys_lem2_4

  ! Switches to be used for interfacing to python driver
  ! Otherwise, no need to change these.
  logical :: l_namelists=.true.
  logical :: l_write_dgs=.true.

  ! Switches to control test cases
  integer, parameter :: nctrl = 8
  real(wp), dimension(nctrl) :: &
         wctrl=0.           & ! control w values
       , zctrl=0.           & ! control z values
       , xctrl=0.           & ! control x values
       , tctrl=0.           & ! control time values
       , pctrl_z=0.         & ! control profile values for height
       , pctrl_T=0.         & ! control profile values for temperature
       , pctrl_v=0.         & ! control profile values for vapour
       , lhf_ctrl=0.        & ! control latent heat forcing
       , shf_ctrl=0.          ! control sensible heat forcing
  integer :: ipctrl=0 ! control standard profile choices

  integer :: iforce_method=0 ! Method of applying forcing
                             !  0 = tendencies applied
                             !  1 = relaxation applied

  logical :: l_cu_cold=.false. ! make the cumulus case 20C colder

  !---------------------------------------
  ! microphysics scheme specific switches
  !---------------------------------------

  ! Thompson09...
  logical :: l_reuse_thompson_lookup=.false. ! If true, reuse previously
                                             ! calculated tables
  ! Shipway 4A...
  integer :: set_4A_option=-999 ! sets 4A scheme option
  logical :: l_evap=.true.   ! evaporate rain
  logical :: l_rsource=.true. ! rain sources
  logical :: l_raut=.true. ! rain sources
  logical :: l_cond=.true.   ! condensation
  logical :: l_bouss=.false. ! set rho=1 everywhere
  logical :: l_3msed=.false. ! set 3m sedimentation
  real(wp):: dt_sub=-999. ! 4A substep length (s)
  real(wp):: dt_sed=-999. ! 4A sedimentation substep length (s)
  integer :: diag_mu=-999 ! select diagnostic mu
  real(wp):: set_p1=-999. ! set p1
  real(wp):: set_sp1=-999. ! set sp1
  real(wp):: set_p2=-999. ! set p2
  real(wp):: set_sp2=-999. ! set sp2
  real(wp):: set_p3=-999. ! set p2
  real(wp):: set_sp3=-999. ! set sp2
  logical :: set_l_abelshipway=.false. ! use abelshipway fallspeed
  logical :: set_l_cons=.false. ! conserve number

end Module switches

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Public Philosophy and Outreach
New Philosophy Program on BBC Radio
. March 16, 2017 at 7:01 am 0
Barry Smith, professor of philosophy and director of the Institute of Philosophy at the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, is the co-host, with composer and sound designer Nick Ryan, of a new series on BBC Radio 4 called "The Uncommon Senses."
The show is described as "a journey into the human multi-sensory experience." The first episode, "Making Sense of the Senses," will air next Monday, March 20th, at 1:45pm GMT and continue with three other episodes over the course of the week. They will become available via the BBC's website shortly after they are broadcast.
Categories Public Philosophy and Outreach
Tags BBCphilosophyradio


text:
Q: "Kernel Panic not syncing " error When I am trying to open gnome I face this error -
kernel panic not syncing:attempted to kill init!exit code=0*00007f00

how to solve it?

A: checks whether its processor and 32 or 64 -bit and 32 -bit because if you need to install  the 32- bit version , if you are using VirtualBox you need to enable the Hyper -V from your bios event To use 64-bit versions except to the hyper- v you must be enabled ,download a 32 -bit version and enable the configuration of your virtual instance the pae / nx


Top 5 'Glamping' destinations in Oman!
It's the perfect weather for being outside right now, and before it gets too hot again why not make the most of the great outdoors! Now, if you're not into the nitty gritty stuff, and don't fancy experiencing Mother Nature like Bear Grylls, this is the perfect list for you!
You're outside, but you're outside in your own little bit of luxury, here are the top 5 'glamping' spots in Oman!
The Canvas Club Package with the Al Bustan Palace gives you the privacy and luxury all mixed. The offer is upon request, so if you're looking to do this, you will have to phone them in advance to see if the tent is available.
To get glamping, you will need to have already booked a deluxe room at the Al Bustan Palace, it will then be an extra RO 100 to get the tent. If you're looking to have dinner and breakfast in the privacy of your tent, you'll be paying RO205 per person for that luxury, but by golly is it luxurious!
Head over to Khasab in Musandam for a 24 hours dhow cruise, lunch is served on board, as well as fun activities to get involved in like snorkelling, rock climbing and swimming in the crystal clear waters.
Once dusk falls, you will be transported from the dhow by speedboat to your camping spot, a fire will already be blazing, your tents come fully equipped, and there is also music and games to be played. The 24-hour trip will set your back RO60, and you'll have to get a minimum of 4 of your mates together to be able to camp. To book head to their website.
We're getting super fancy now, Desert Gate Glamping offers a private retreat for you and a loved one, with every tent, booked you'll get a chef thrown in too, oh and just a take a look at the bathroom they create for you, that's better than digging a hole any day!
Glamping with these guys is subject to availability and can cost you upwards of RO200.
In Dibba, Absolute Adventure has their very own Adventure Centre, available for you and your friends to live in for the weekend. Facilities in the private compound include beds for 14 people, hammocks, air conditioning, a small swimming pool, and a chef happy to cook you anything you desire!
Prices range from RO145 during low season weekends, to RO395 per person if you want to stay for New Year's Eve. You can find all of Absolute Adventures pricing here.
Situated 2 hours away from Muscat, Desert Nights Camp has a site sprawled across 10-acres, and is 11km into the Omani desert, making it secluded, quiet and private! They have 30 bedouin style tents, looking more like rooms inside of a boutique hotel, than a tent, and they have tents available for whole families too. All the rooms are fully air conditioned, and every single one of them has an ensuite bathroom.


Mark Twitchell Archives - Steve Lillebuen. Journalist.
It looks like Dateline NBC's rerun of "Deadly House of Cards," which featured my narrative non-fiction book on the Mark Twitchell case, has resonated with millions of people.
Some viewers were shocked by the connections between the real-life serial killer investigation and both Hollywood and the Dexter television series.
This episode of #Dateline is mind boggling. I bet a lot of murderers do get ideas from TV shows.
This is an angle I explored in-depth while researching and writing The Devil's Cinema. Last night, I also shared this excerpt from a prison letter Mark Twitchell sent me, where he responds to my questions about his links with Dexter and his crimes.
Mark Twitchell has always denied that he is a murderer. It's clear from this letter that he also seeks to downplay his fascination with Dexter too.
This entry was posted in Crime and Justice, Twitchell and tagged Copycat Killers, Dateline NBC, Deadly House of Cards, Dexter, Dexter Copycat, Mark Twitchell, the devil's cinema, Twitter on July 20, 2014 by Steve.
Wannabe serial killer Mark Twitchell remains a topic of great interest with Dateline NBC revisiting the case in a rerun of "Deadly House of Cards" this Saturday evening.
I was interviewed at length about my research into the case for the two-hour special, but couldn't share any of the exclusive details. Instead, that information all ended up in The Devil's Cinema, my narrative non-fiction account of the entire case and trial.
There have been a few developments since the episode first went to air. No word yet on if this is simply a rebroadcast or if the producers are tacking on an update at the end of the episode.
This entry was posted in Crime and Justice, Twitchell and tagged Dateline NBC, Deadly House of Cards, Dexter killer, Edmonton, Mark Twitchell, Steve Lillebuen, the devil's cinema on July 19, 2014 by Steve.
Dexter Morgan's final resting place revealed in the series finale stunned a lot of fans, but was the controversial twist ending also a veiled reference to Mark Twitchell — a convicted killer who replicated the show in real-life?
The ultra-violent Showtime television series concluded its eighth and last season with a bizarre final scene that nobody was expecting (warning: spoilers ahead).
In short, Dexter survives sailing into a hurricane and turns up looking like some kind of lumberjack, hiding in a cabin in the wilderness. He has a big beard and is wearing flannel.
Of course, Mark Twitchell, who built his own Dexter-inspired kill room and assumed the fictional serial killer's identity online, is from western Canada. He is also a big fan of Wolverine, the Marvel character who once worked as a Canadian lumberjack.
Mark Twitchell, known as the "Dexter Killer," once dressed up as superhero Wolverine (in flannel) for Halloween in Canada.
Is there some kind of Dexter-Lumberjack-Wolverine-Twitchell connection here? Did the show finally acknowledge the "Dexter Killer" case in this round-about way after declining to provide in-depth official comment on the convicted murderer for several years?
There is some evidence to back up this wild theory.
Scott Buck, who co-wrote the final episode, has given Dexter fans a bit of a hint on what he was really thinking when filming that controversial last scene.
This entry was posted in Crime and Justice, Twitchell and tagged Alberta, Dexter, Dexter Finale, Dexter killer, Dexter Morgan, Dexter S8 E12, Jeff Lindsay, Lumberjack, Mark Twitchell, Scott Buck, Showtime, True Crime on October 9, 2013 by Steve.


Look at some of the learning that has taken place in the outdoor environment.
This week we have started learning some more more phonemes after giving the children chance to take on board and secure the 12 already taught.
Each week we continue to apply these in our reading and writing. Thank you for your support in helping your children learn these at home and build words to read and write.
We have now taught all phase two tricky words: I, no, go, to, the and into.
Welcome back, I hope you all had a restful half term and are ready to get started again with your learning!
This half term we are focussing on the story 'The Little Red Hen'.
We have already started to learn the story with actions.
On Monday we had a surprise left in our classroom. Someone had left us a basket with a loaf of bread, jam, honey and butter! We tasted the bread with all the different toppings and completed a bar chart to show which we liked best.
Can you see which the favourite topping was?
Thank you to those who came to our first Reading Cafe of the year. We hope that you enjoyed having breakfast and sharing books with your child. I hope that more parents will be able to join us next time as it is a great opportunity to spend quality time reading with your child.
Last week we started 'Phase 2' phonics and have introduced the phonemes s, a, t and p. We have sent these home for you to practice at home with your child. Please return this every Friday so we can update you on the latest phonemes we have learned.
This week we are learning i, n, m and d. We are also learning to read the tricky words I and the.
We would like to wish you a warm welcome to Lakeside Foundation Stage! If you are unsure of anything or need to talk to a member of staff then feel free to speak to us either in a morning or after school. We will do our best to ensure that your child has a smooth start is quickly settled.
Don't forget that all children need wellies and waterproofs in school at all times. Thank you for your support.
F2 had an amazing time at the farm on Friday! We started the day with a ride on a tractor and then spent time finding out all about the animals. We saw pigs and their piglets, sheep and their lambs, cows and their calves and even a newborn llama.
This week we will use the photos to talk about our trip and think about the order of the day. We will then write about what happened.
Thank you to all the parents who came to the reading cafe. It's always lovely to see the children enjoying sharing books with their parents and developing a love of reading.
Foundation Stage are looking forward to our Parent Easter craft event tomorrow. It starts at 1.45pm until 2.45pm. We look forward to seeing you all there!
This is a great scheme that is running in Doncaster. If you have a child under 5, you need to register them and they will receive a free book each month until they turn 5. A fab way to develop a love of books and reading.
Please can all children bring a pair of wellies that can stay at school. The children access sand and water outdoors and need to be wearing wellies. We will provide them with waterproof clothing.
Just a reminder that PE is on a Monday morning. Children can either come ready in their PE kit and bring their school clothes in a bag or bring their PE kit with them and change at school. Jewellery must be removed on this day.
Welcome to F2 - Mrs Holland!


text:
Atablefortwo.com.au
Home Uncategorized Genghis Grill Donates $23,000 to Folds of Honor
Genghis Grill Donates $23,000 to Folds of Honor
ATableForTwo
Mongolian Concepts presented check on Feb. 13
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) After committing to honor America's service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation through a fundraiser for Folds of Honor, Genghis Grill presented a check of $23,000 to the nonprofit on Thursday, Feb. 13, on behalf of parent company Mongolian Concepts.
During its two-week fundraiser in November, Genghis Grill, along with Mongolian Concepts' sister brands bd's Mongolian Grill and Flat Top Grill, encouraged guests to donate $3 or more to Folds of Honor to raise money for educational scholarships for families of America's fallen and disabled service members. Fundraiser participants showed their support for our country's heroes by signing a symbolic folded flag and pinning it to the wall at Genghis Grill locations throughout the country, and 100% of the pin-up proceeds were donated to Folds of Honor.
"At Genghis Grill, we want to show our support to our courageous men and women in uniform by taking care of their families," said Genghis Grill CMO and U.S. Navy Veteran Doug Willmarth. "We are proud that our guests joined us in raising support for such an impactful cause. It is an honor that we were able to donate this money raised to help fund scholarships for family members of wounded or fallen members of the military."
"We are humbled to receive this donation as we recognize another successful year of partnering with Genghis Grill," said Chick Linski, senior vice president of the Folds of Honor Foundation. "It is the generous effort of dedicated partners like Genghis Grill that allows Folds of Honor to support the education of families of America's fallen and disabled service members."
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has been dedicated to its mission to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled service members. Folds of Honor uses the folded flag as its logo because it reflects the organization's mission – to honor the sacrifice of America's heroes, while giving hope to the bearers of their legacy.
To learn more about Genghis Grill's menu or to find the location nearest you, visit genghisgrill.com.
Go BOWL(d) at Genghis Grill.
About Genghis Grill
Founded in 1998, Genghis Grill is the leading build-your-own stir-fry chain, renowned for its fresh, hot and healthy food, and its interactive dining experience. At Genghis Grill, guests can forge their flavor by creating a bowl filled with exactly what they are craving. Customers start at the famous Fresh Market Bar where they choose from over 80 fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. Then, they hand their bowl to our grill masters who cook their creation to perfection on a large, circular grill. Genghis Grill owns and franchises operations at nearly 60 restaurants system-wide. For more information, visit genghisgrill.com and follow Genghis Grill on Facebook and Twitter.
About Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and platinum on Guide Star, that provides educational scholarships to the families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces. Our educational scholarships support private educational tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Founded in 2007 by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and F-16 fighter pilot in the Air Force Reserves who served three tours of duty in Iraq, Folds of Honor is proud to have awarded approximately 24,500 scholarships in all 50 states and some US territories, including over 4,500 in 2019 alone. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, please visit foldsofhonor.org
Cami Studebaker
Champion Management
cstudebaker@championmgt.com
Genghis Grill
Genghis Grill franchise
restaurant franchise
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text:
package ru.naumen.core.auth.form;

/**
 * @author serce
 * @since 28 oct. 2013 г.
 */
public class RegistrationForm {
    private String email;
    private String fio;
    private String password;
    private String confirmPassword;

    public String getEmail() {
        return email;
    }

    public void setEmail(String email) {
        this.email = email;
    }

    public String getFio() {
        return fio;
    }

    public void setFio(String fio) {
        this.fio = fio;
    }

    public String getPassword() {
        return password;
    }

    public void setPassword(String password) {
        this.password = password;
    }

    public String getConfirmPassword() {
        return confirmPassword;
    }

    public void setConfirmPassword(String confirmPassword) {
        this.confirmPassword = confirmPassword;
    }
}


The consumer has always been the king, and now that king is powered by a set of smart solutions that ensure a faster, smarter, and safer shopping experience. The proliferation of smartphone-based shopping, the growing trend of in-store mobile app marketing, and the revolutionary impact of the Internet of Things have come together to foster the culture of smart retail.
By engaging consumers during the pre-shopping, shopping, and post-shopping phases, businesses can significantly drive revenue and customer loyalty. Several new stores are being designed around showcasing the experience of virtual reality, giving the concept of "experiential retail" new meaning. The retail landscape is also witnessing the wonders of augmented reality, giving customers the best of mobile, online, and brick-and-mortar shopping.
With its suite of real-time data collection, qualitative and quantitative research, and smart retail analytics, Persistence Market Research allows businesses to engage with consumers and enhance their omnichannel experience. PMR's services allow organizations to gain deeper insight into consumer purchasing behavior and incorporate these insights in the company's product assortment and marketing mix.
Global Market Study on HDPE Blow Molding and Injection Molding Containers: Will Recyclability Sustain Sectorial Market Demand in the Coming Years?


Rakhis are flooding the market but some sisters like to try their hand at making rakhis themselves.. Long ago we made rakhis with resham or silk threads and decorated them with beads.But now it is getting difficult to buy craft items as small shops stocking such inexpensive things keep disappearing making way for glittery Malls and shopping complexes.
However one can get these silver ribbon flowers or make them with silver/gold 'gota' ribbons available in shops keeping stitching materials. Be creative and use silk ribbons as rakhi threads and make neat rakhis this year!
3 Use a long piece of silk/satin ribbon if you cannot get the proper rakhi thread and stick the prepared decorative piece.
Pretty cute. Thanks for sharing.