text:
Afghanistan's Managed Chaos: US Strategic Regional Designs
By Adnan Qaiser
Adnan Qaiser |
Winston Churchill held the view that Americans can be trusted to do the right thing; only after having exhausted all other alternatives. Defying common sense and international counsel to bring about a political solution in Afghanistan, the US has not only reenergized its (aerial-dominated) military campaign to defeat the Taliban, but also threatens the neighbouring Pakistan with cross-border attacks and hot-pursuit operations – essentially widening the scope of war in the region, rather than wrapping up the follies and setbacks of the past 16 years.
The US would know that wars can hardly be won from air alone, as seen in the aerial strikes against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Moreover, invading the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a nuclear-armed Pakistan – a major non-NATO ally and a big stakeholder in the region – would be escalatory, confrontational and messy. However, America seems to have planned a longer stay in this region.
A Permanent US Abode in Afghanistan
In my last analysis titled America's Waterloo: 'Scapegoating' Pakistan for Failures in Afghanistan, I had identified a few perils in politically, economically and militarily punishing Pakistan for losses in Afghanistan. However, it serves America in two ways: First, it gives the US a face-saving in another one of America's failed wars (after Korea, Vietnam and Iraq), by heaping all blame on Pakistan's alleged support to the Taliban.
Three successive US presidents could not define their objectives in Afghanistan clearly and continued reinforcing failure. Had the Taliban given some political accommodation, the IS-K could never have established its foothold in Afghanistan.
Secondly, an unstable region – with hyped up fears about international terrorism recurring – grants US an excuse to maintain its continued military presence for keeping a close eye on:
1) A defiant Iran, expanding its Shiite influence in the Middle East and pursuing a fast-paced ballistic missile program, threatening US allies and Israel. Interestingly, the current protests in Iran, against what President Trump had called a "murderous regime," sparked from the city of Mashhad lying in Afghanistan's close proximity
2) A resurgent Russia that is not only encroaching towards Ukraine and Georgia but also influencing Central Asian Republics
3) A rising China, and to disrupt China's One Belt One Road initiative
4) An inflamed Middle East, owing to Mr. Trump's support to an impetuous and brash Saudi leadership, which has not only waged a catastrophic war against Yemen (since March 2015) but also stays entangled in squabbles with Qatar, Syria and Lebanon, and finally
In the 15-year period between 2002 and 2017 some 62,096 innocent Pakistanis lost their lives due to terrorism; Pakistan also arrested over 400 al-Qaeda terrorists on its soil.
5) A rebellious Pakistan, whose extremism and nuclear-armed status worries the US – to the extent that the Pentagon reportedly keeps its elite units stationed in Afghanistan to seize control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. In its first foreign policy draft, the Trump administration has asked Pakistan to "demonstrate[e] responsible steward[ship] of its nuclear assets" while "insist[ing] Pakistan [to] take decisive action against militant and terrorist groups operating from its soil"
Read more: America's Waterloo: 'Scapegoating' Pakistan for Failures in Afghanistan
Two other possible US objectives behind maintaining a permanent presence in Afghanistan could include:
1) Establishing a long-term strategic partnership with India and granting it a bigger role in the Indo-Pacific region, and
2) Exploiting nearly US$1 trillion of previously unknown and untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan including huge veins of iron, copper, cobalt and critical industrial metals like lithium.
In this backdrop, one wonders, if it had been the US need for a "sustained enemy and managed chaos" in Afghanistan that led it to allow the Taliban regroup and give a bloody nose in a wave beginning in 2005-2006 – after the Taliban was uprooted and crushed by 2004. In hindsight it looks that the motive behind repeated US goal-changing in Afghanistan – after eliminating al-Qaeda – was to ensure a prolonged stay. It is beyond belief that during the peak of Afghan War in 2010-2011, a ragtag Taliban militia numbering somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters could not be defeated by some 150,000 US and NATO troops, supported by Afghan security forces, warlords' militias, and local militant protection force called Arbaki.
Pakistan's foreign minister further chided that "frustrations on diplomatic front in UN and war in Afghanistan are reflected in statements of US administration;" counselling America to learn from Pakistan's successful experience in the war against terror.
Questioning the US intentions in Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign minister, Khawaja Asif has recently noted: "The US wants a sophisticated listening post here to monitor nuclear armed China, Pakistan and Russia. Iran is also here. Despite being part of NATO, Turkey has an independent policy. The US wants to monitor all these countries through its listening post."
Read more: Pakistan's Jihadist cauldron: From national asset to national millstone
The Unpursued Political Solution
It is evident that pursuing a political solution between thoroughly corrupt, inefficient and incapable Afghan governments (under Presidents Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani) and the Taliban had never been a US priority, rhetoric notwithstanding. The fanfare of Qatar Talks in 2013 died its death when Mr. Karzai condemned them and Washington dragged its feet on releasing five senior Taliban leaders from Guantanamo Bay and removing UN sanctions on Taliban. Furthermore, it had been America's unenthusiastic response that rendered all international parleys with the Taliban futile. The international community, however, recognizes Taliban as a genuine political force carrying grassroots support; it also acknowledges Taliban's pledge not to allow any terrorist group like al-Qaeda on Afghan soil again.
US also overlooked the mischief played by the Ghani government by releasing the information about the death of Taliban's Emir Mullah Omar just hours before the second round of Murree Process (in Pakistan on 31st July 2015), in which a ceasefire was expected. US strategic objectives in Afghanistan remain unclear – and questionable – when it is seen as distancing itself from the talks' initiatives taken by Russia (in Dec 2016 and April 2017) and China having major stakes in Afghanistan's stability. Stressing the urgency of a dialogue with the Taliban, the tripartite Beijing moot's counsel on 26th December 2017 is also expected to fall on deaf ears in Kabul and Washington.
As identified by me in the last piece, Pakistan has surprisingly taken a tough line against "fighting the Afghan War on Pakistan's soil" – a reference to the American threats of cross-border attacks and hot-pursuit operations in Pakistan.
Meanwhile the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (ongoing since November 2011), along with the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA) and the Kabul Process (launched in June 2017) remain purposeless congregations of participating countries and organizations. Finally, despite the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) – lying in cold storage since May 2016 – dusted and revived at Muscat on 16th October 2017, stays disjointed and incoherent.
The fact remains that neither the US nor the Afghan government – comprised of elites – desire to bring any changes to the political status quo that affect their long-term interests. Thus the rhetoric of an "Afghan led and Afghan owned peace and reconciliation process" continues as a fallacy. According to a survey entitled Peace Stalemate and Solutions conducted by Center for Strategic and Regional Studies (CSRS) most Afghans believe their government does not have a "real will to bring about peace."
Read more: Saudi Silliness: Fracas with Qatar and Sectarian Injunction
Afghanistan's Unending Political Feuds
The Afghan (unity) government's internal bickering and disputes, on the other hand, keep getting serious by day:
First of all, reviving the memories of President Karzai's Mayor of Kabul epithet, President Ghani also saw limits to his powers when his sacked Atta Mohammad Noor, the governor of Balkh province, refused to relinquish his office.
Seventh, having survived in office for 13 long years through the backing of international forces, President Karzai now ironically demands their withdrawal date to be set by the Loya Jirga to enlist his name in Afghan history as a nationalist hero.
Secondly, while Mr. Ghani's altercations with Chief Executive Abdullah remain an everyday issue, the president's differences with his foreign minister, Salahuddin Rabbani and former commerce and industry minister, Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady have also come out in open. Rabbani, as head of Jamiat-i-Islami party has refused to accept Governor Noor's dismissal; besides earlier demanding security chiefs' heads rolling after a wave of deadly attacks in the capital in June 2017.
Third, the sordid drama of Vice President General Rashid Dostum keeps shaming the government. Having escaped to Turkey in May 2017 after allegedly sexually abusing and torturing his political opponent, the government had no choice but to refuse him a re-entry in July 2017.
Fourth, Mr. Ghani's meddling in the affairs of Independent Election Commission (IEC) may once again get the parliamentary elections postponed. Elections for Wolsei Jirga and district councils are set to take place on 7th July 2018; however, by sacking the IEC's chairman, Najibullah Ahmedzai in mid-November 2017, Ghani displayed his political vendetta.
The fact remains that neither the US nor the Afghan government – comprised of elites – desire to bring any changes to the political status quo that affect their long-term interests.
Fifth, Afghanistan's ethnic bad-blood came out in open when a leaked government's memo singled out Tajiks – the country's second-largest ethnicity – from recruitment in anti-riot Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF).
Sixth, Hizb-e-Islami's chief, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, reserves his most scathing criticism for Mr. Ghani's failure in dealing with the Taliban insurgency. Having returned to Kabul through a peace deal in May 2017, the notorious Butcher of Kabul keeps his eyes fixed at Arg (Afghan presidential palace) in the 2019 elections.
In its hair-raising report titled On the Edge of Afghanistan, Foreign Policy documents the ordeal of disenchanted Afghan youth illegally seeking opportunities abroad – a journey from which many never return – facing an uncertain future with a decimated economy and political chaos.
Read more: Punishing Pakistan on Afghanistan: US Befuddled Policy
A US-Pakistan War?
As identified by me in the last piece, Pakistan has surprisingly taken a tough line against "fighting the Afghan War on Pakistan's soil" – a reference to the American threats of cross-border attacks and hot-pursuit operations in Pakistan. In response to the warnings of CIA chief, Mike Pompeo and the Pentagon of taking "unilateral steps in areas of divergence," Pakistan Army's spokesman shot back: "[T]here can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan."
Meanwhile, vowing to shoot-down any violator of Pakistani air space – whether it be an enemy aircraft or a US drone – Pakistan's air chief has ominously stated: "We committed a mistake in Osama bin Laden's case [US heli-borne operation on night 1/2 May 2011] but now the country's sovereignty will be protected at all costs." Dreadful to conceive but Pakistan seems prepared for an annihilating US aggression – similar to the Cambodian bombings (Mar 1969 to May 1970) during the Vietnam War.
Questioning the US intentions in Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign minister, Khawaja Asif has recently noted: "The US wants a sophisticated listening post here to monitor nuclear armed China, Pakistan and Russia. Iran is also here.
On the other hand, Pakistan's Parliament, which had condemned US drone attacks as an affront to country's sovereignty in 2013, moved a step further when the Senate adopted a unanimous resolution calling Islamabad to seek damages from Washington as compensation for the loss of lives and property from US drone attacks since 2000.
The low point in relations between the allies of the past seven decades arrived when the US vice president Mike Pence, on his surprise Christmas visit to Afghanistan dramatically warned about President Trump "put[ting] Pakistan on notice" for providing safe havens to the terrorists. However, probably learning open defiance from North Korea and Iran, Pakistan's chairman Senate, Raza Rabbani's retorted: "Two days ago, Pence had the gall, the audacity to say that Trump has put Pakistan on notice. Let the word ring out in clear terms that Pakistan is a sovereign state and is not in the habit of taking notices from anyone, let alone the US." Pakistan's foreign minister further chided that "frustrations on diplomatic front in UN and war in Afghanistan are reflected in statements of US administration;" counselling America to learn from Pakistan's successful experience in the war against terror.
It is ironic that in pursuit of a justification for having American boots on the Afghan ground for an extended period, US ignores Pakistan's sacrifices and contribution in the war on terror: In the 15-year period between 2002 and 2017 some 62,096 innocent Pakistanis lost their lives due to terrorism; Pakistan also arrested over 400 al-Qaeda terrorists on its soil.
Read more: Afghanistan: A Graveyard of Empires or an Afghan Cemetery
US Flawed Understanding of Afghanistan
President Trump's revised priorities in Afghanistan conveyed to the US Congress remain bereft of any political solution. However, winning the war militarily is also next to impossible. US carpet-bombings remind the words of India's famed author, Arundhati Roy, who at the beginning of the Afghan War in 2001 had noted: "Can you destroy destruction? Dropping more bombs on Afghanistan will only shuffle the rubble, scramble some old graves and disturb the dead."
It serves America in two ways: First, it gives the US a face-saving in another one of America's failed wars (after Korea, Vietnam and Iraq), by heaping all blame on Pakistan's alleged support to the Taliban.
While Afghanistan is teetering apart under daily attacks by the Taliban and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), Washington has antagonized regional stakeholders like Moscow, Beijing, Tehran and Islamabad. Pakistan's national security advisor, Nasir Janjua has recently slated US for "exporting war [and bringing] perpetual instability" in South Asia by "speaking Indian language" in bilateral dealings – a reference to the evolving Indo-US strategic partnership.
Three successive US presidents could not define their objectives in Afghanistan clearly and continued reinforcing failure. Had the Taliban given some political accommodation, the IS-K could never have established its foothold in Afghanistan. While US strategic interests in maintaining a permanent presence in West Asia are understandable, America's days of dictating its policy are nearing an end under a new emerging multi-polar world order.
As I had noted in a previous submission entitled Afghanistan: A Graveyard of Empires or an Afghan Cemetery, it is imperative to understand Afghanistan's political fundamentals and its societal norms and mores:
1) Its nationalist DNA loathes foreign presence
2) Its people remain ensnared in intrinsic ethno-linguistic discords, mutual distrust and a culture of revenge
3) Its leadership stays addicted to a historic rentier mindset (leasing-out sovereignty to foreign powers)
4) Its politics espouses tribal warlordism, having weak central control over periphery areas
5) Its economy thrives through wars and organized crime, particularly narcotics trade
6) It is governed by exploitative, self-serving and thoroughly corrupt elite, having no commitment with the nation, and
7) Its ethos is defined by a largely rural-based, Islamic-moored, Sharia-adhered, orthodox society
For centuries Afghans have governed themselves resisting foreign interventions. Notwithstanding its loathsome practices, Taliban too, remain a legitimate part of Afghan fabric. Only an honest and genuine political reconciliation can save Afghanistan from further bloodshed. However, despite having half a dozen bases in Afghanistan already, US construction of "Camp Shaheen" demonstrates that Afghanistan's houseguest is not inclined to depart anytime soon – nor would be the managed chaos and regional instability.
Though, it is not wise to outlive one's utility; or outstay one's welcome.
Adnan Qaiser is a Research Associate at Conference of Defence Associations Institute, Canada, with a distinguished career in the armed forces and international diplomacy. He can be reached at: a.qaiser1@yahoo.com. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent any institutional thought or the views of GVS.
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A truly great professional Scrum Master can make the difference in the creation of any successful Scrum team. I have written many articles about the SM role, including the responsibilities, characteristics, and checklists that can help to any professional. One thing that I still haven't published is some of the key questions that a scrum master should ask to promote the process of continues improvement and most importantly to implement the agile mindset.
Does the product owner get the information from the team about newly added stories?
What are the expectations of the team when adding "Non-Functional" stories?
How do you handle changed requirements and how do you reflect it to the team?
Does the product owner need help to create the functional stories?
Does the product owner have clear and direct access to the team?
Does the product owner understand the non-functional stories?
Does the product owner understand the purpose of each item?
Can the product owner explain the product vision?
Does the product owner have a product roadmap?
Does the product owner committed to the team?
Does the product owner have the knowledge and experience to prioritize the product backlog?
Are there any major delays or absences that can reflect major problems?
Do team members come prepared to these meetings?
Do the meetings start and end at the scheduled time?
Do all meetings meets the preliminary set time-box?
Do all mandatory stakeholders attend the meeting?
Is there a clear goal and Agenda?
What is the amount of stories that modified after they originally written?
Is there an Acceptance criteria defined per each product backlog story?
Does the product backlog contain stories that can fit a single iteration?
Is there user stories that are not relevant and should be removed?
Is the product backlog prioritized (Top Items at the top of the list)?
Are the product backlog stories have Definition of Ready (DoR)?
Are the product backlog stories have Definition of Done (DoD)?
Does the product backlog contain stories that are informative?
What factors are used as part of the prioritization process?
Does the product backlog contain stories that add value?
Is the product backlog transparent all stakeholders?
Is the product backlog visible to all stakeholders?
Are top items estimated (Rough Estimation)?
Is the product backlog consistently updated?
How large the product backlog really is?
Does the product backlog contain the "Non-Functional" stories that requested by the development team?
Is there an agreed form between the PO and the team on how write and Add stories to the product backlog?
Is the product backlog exceeds a reasonable threshold (Usually stories that are available for the 3-5 iterations)?
Does the sprint backlog contain stories agreed by the team?
Does the sprint backlog contain stories with relevant tasks?
Is the sprint backlog visible to all stakeholders?
Does the sprint backlog stories are estimated?
Is the sprint backlog owned by the team?
Is the sprint backlog update daily?
Are there follow-ups for any issues that were not addressed during the meeting?
Is the meeting occurring without active promotion by the scrum master?
Are there any technical discussions that encounter the meeting agenda?
Is there a follow-up for technical issues that arise during the meeting?
Is the meeting is occurring at the same time and at the same location?
Are team members reporting impediments that affect their progress?
Does the team conduct a meeting when the SM is not present?
Is the "Burn-Down" chart updated at the end of the meeting?
Are there any external interruptions during the meeting?
Is the sprint backlog reflect the work for the next 24H?
Are there any "Reporting" symptoms to one authority?
Are all team members participating in the meetings?
Is there any discussion about the iteration goal?
Does the meeting occur in a safe environment?
Do all team members share their insights?
Is the team focused on the iteration goal?
Do all team members come prepared?
Is the team progressing as they forecasted (are there any risks identified to prevent meeting the iteration goal)?
Are all stories small enough so they can be completed within a single iteration?
Are there any team members want to take an active role in this meeting?
What is the average amount of stories that refrained per session?
How effective this meeting for the product owner and the team?
How much does it take to approve the readiness of a user story?
Are all changes made by the PO communicated to the team?
Is there any open issue that should be addressed to the PO?
Is there any open issue that should be clarified by the PO?
Is the PO can explain stories from a business perspective?
Do you involve the team during the refinement sessions?
Do all Stories have the mandatory information?
How often the team performs this meeting (Should be at least once a week and even more for new teams)?
Does team members come prepared with a working example of their work?
Are all presented stories meet the preliminary "Definition of Done"?
Is there a room with the relevant hardware to support the meeting?
Is the product backlog updated based on the feedback?
Does the team have the information (Metrics, KPI's, Impediments Etc.) that can increase the transparency between the team and stakeholders?
Does the meeting occur at the end of each iteration?
Does the team demonstrate only completed stories?
Is constructive feedback provided by the PO?
Do all candidate stories have all the relevant information (Acceptance, DoD, and DoR)?
Are all the stories explained and understood by the team prior to the estimation process?
Are there any experts that need to participate to help the team with their estimations?
Is there collaboration between the PO and the team regarding the iteration goal?
Is there a calculated velocity for the team (SM Responsibility to calculate it)?
Are all team members agreed to take the commitments for the next iteration?
Is the team took commitments to more work than they can deliver?
Is there an agreement between the team regarding the work effort?
Is the estimation process efficient to predict the real work effort?
Is the product owner happy with the expected deliverables?
Can the team answer what is included in the iteration goal?
Are all team members committed to the next iteration?
Did the entire scrum team attend the planning session?
Are all questions answered by the product owner?
Decide with the team if they want to invite any external stakeholder that can contribute to the meeting (Very rear but sometimes can help the team to increase their insights)?
Decide with the team if they want to invite the product owner to the meeting?
Is the impediments board updated at the end of the meeting?
Does the retrospective occur at the end of each iteration?
Is there real continues improvement from the last retro?
Is the retrospective occurring in a safe environment?
Is there real collaboration between team members?
What is the focus of the upcoming retrospective?
Is there a real process for impediments removal?
What impediments are more urgent to resolve?
Is the meeting owned by the team?
How team velocity can be used as a leverage to increase team motivation?
What is the unit used to measure velocity(Hours, Days or story points)?
What activities that made during the sprint included in velocity?
Is the team velocity used to determine the team commitments?
Is the team velocity reflect the true capabilities of the team?
What is the trend of the team velocity (Positive/Negative)?
Is team velocity transparent to the relevant stakeholders?
What is the module that is used to calculate velocity?
What can be done to improve team velocity?
What is the average team velocity?
Do we all agree with the quality of the PBI as they currently written by the PO?
What is the team expectations from the project and what they hope to achieve?
Is there anything that we can do to improve the precision of our estimations?
Do they agree with the DoD of the stories and can they achieve them?
How should we handle internal conflicts that arise during the project?
What are the Key factors that will help us to meet the project goals?
How should we celebrate success in achieving the iteration goal?
Is there any team member who is disrupted by external forces?
What should we do if we do not succeed to meet our goals?
What obstacles do we have as a team to achieve our goals?
Are there any personal issues that affect team members?
What dependencies do we have with other teams?
What is our velocity? How can we improve it?
Is there an improvement in the agile mindset?
Are they agree with the DoR set for stories?
Is the team show progress in their velocity?
What is our preferred estimation technique (Relative Vs Absolute) to estimate the stories during the planning meeting?
What is the team CI (Continuous Improvement) that we want to achieve at the end of the project?


text:
Stadia and GeForce Now Coming to iOS as Web Apps
Nov 19, 2020, 2:00 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome
Both Google and Nvidia today announced that they are bringing their respective cloud-based game-streaming services to Apple's iOS in the form of a Safari web app, following similar announcements from Microsoft and Amazon. Nvidia GeForce Now is available in beta form today. The beta version of Google Stadia for iOS will be available "in the coming weeks". Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming (formerly Project xCloud) will come to iOS next year. Amazon's Luna was the first game-streaming service to launch on iOS as a web app. Apple has made life difficult for game-streaming services by effectively banning each service from offering a native iOS app to access the whole service. Apple's App Store rules require that each game be approved and offered separately, which is generally not how game-streaming services work. Those rules do not apply to web apps that run within the browser, however.
OnePlus 8 Pro Sports 30W Wireless Charging, Dual 48 MP Cameras, 5G
OnePlus has revealed its new lineup for 2020 — the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro — both of which have 5G. They also manage to pack larger batteries into slightly thinner bodies compared to their predecessors.
New York Launches COVID-19 Exposure Notifications
New York State has launched COVID Alert NY, its official app enabling the COVID-19 Exposure Notification system developed by Apple and Google. New York is the largest US state to date to launch an app using the system, and joins ten other states that have already launched similar apps: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Stadia is Google's Game-Streaming Service
Google today announced a new, cloud-based service called Stadia that lets people play high-quality games on any device without downloading them. It also caters to people who like to watch others play games, in a way that's integrated with YouTube and competes with Twitch.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Launching on Android September 15th
Microsoft's Project xCloud cloud-based game-streaming service will officially launch September 15th as a "cloud gaming" feature included with the new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service. Game Pass Ultimate costs $15/month, with an intro price of $1 for the first month.
Amazon Enters the Ring with Luna, its Game Streaming Service
Amazon today announced Luna, the company's entry into the new field of cloud-based gaming. The service will be available on a variety of platforms, including iOS and Android.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
package uk.co.real_logic.aeron.common.uri;

import static java.lang.Integer.parseInt;
import static uk.co.real_logic.aeron.common.Strings.parseIntOrDefault;

import java.net.InetSocketAddress;
import java.util.function.BiFunction;
import java.util.regex.Matcher;
import java.util.regex.Pattern;

public class SocketAddressUtil
{
    private static final Pattern IPV4_ADDRESS_PATTERN = Pattern.compile("([^:]+)(?::([0-9]+))?");
    private static final Pattern IPV6_ADDRESS_PATTERN = Pattern.compile("\\[([0-9A-Fa-f:]+)\\](?::([0-9]+))?");

    private static InetSocketAddress parse(CharSequence cs, BiFunction<String, String, InetSocketAddress> consumer)
    {
        if (null == cs)
        {
            throw new NullPointerException("Input string must not be null");
        }

        final Matcher ipV4Matcher = IPV4_ADDRESS_PATTERN.matcher(cs);

        if (ipV4Matcher.matches())
        {
            final String host = ipV4Matcher.group(1);
            final String portString = ipV4Matcher.group(2);

            return consumer.apply(host, portString);
        }

        final Matcher ipV6Matcher = IPV6_ADDRESS_PATTERN.matcher(cs);

        if (ipV6Matcher.matches())
        {
            final String host = ipV6Matcher.group(1);
            final String portString = ipV6Matcher.group(2);

            return consumer.apply(host, portString);
        }

        throw new IllegalArgumentException("Invalid format: " + cs);
    }

    /**
     * Utility for parsing socket addresses from a {@link CharSequence}.  Supports
     * hostname:port, ipV4Address:port and [ipV6Address]:port
     *
     * @param cs Input string
     * @return An InetSocketAddress parsed from the input.
     */
    public static InetSocketAddress parse(CharSequence cs)
    {
        return parse(cs, (hostString, portString) ->
        {
            if (null == portString)
            {
                throw new IllegalArgumentException("The 'port' portion of the address is required");
            }

            return new InetSocketAddress(hostString, parseInt(portString));
        });
    }

    public static InetSocketAddress parse(CharSequence cs, int defaultPort)
    {
        return parse(cs, (hostString, portString) ->
        {
            final int port = parseIntOrDefault(portString, defaultPort);
            return new InetSocketAddress(hostString, port);
        });
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


An interesting note about SkillCrush: I first heard about them from Caro Griffin—she's their community manager, and an all-around rad person. We met at BullCon 2014, a conference for ambitious women.
Without going to the conference and meeting Caro, I wouldn't have been aware of SkillCrush, which means I wouldn't be in the course, which means I almost certainly would still be paralyzed with fear about writing anything more than ultra-hacky Python. I highly recommend the Bullish conference to anyone who considers themselves even remotely an ambitious woman. The people you meet there are unparalleled.
And congratulate you on finishing the first month of your Blueprint!!
Ahahahah. Not gonna lie, I spent like 20 minutes just looking at your website when I pulled it for the link.
And thanks! I'm super enjoying it so far.


hello hello hello, sorry I've been away for a while.....I moved back home to the baltimore/dc area.
Anyways after I moved back home I got to hang out with a friend from the Phillipines who introduced me to a wonderful philipino grocery store in the area. I asked her a ton of questions and afterwards she introduced me to some wonderful tamarind candy that was spicy, fish crackers (delicious), PORK RINDS (omg way better than what we have here in the US), and the philipino version of sponge cake oh and taro or ube flavoured cake. I basically stuffed my face once we left the store.
Afterwards she made her version (after I kindly asked her to) of chicken adobo which was fan freakin tastic. I ate 3 drumsticks and so did my sister, we both really enjoyed it.
While at the store, I bought an older version of the phillipino food magazine "FOOD". I love the magazine, but unfortunately 95% of the magazine has more Spanish influenced food in it. In the "letters to the editor" section, a woman talks about making a stir fried crab with chile and garlic recipe. Now this sounds more like my kind of recipe.
doddie, I'm looking you're way.
I am happy that another foodie is introduced to the delights of Filipino cuisine. But first things first. Phillipines is spelled with one "l" and two "p" - Philippines. Our tiny country of islands are named after the spanish king Philip. And with referring anything about/concerning the Philippines, it is usually called Filipino, so Filipino cuisine.
There are different types of Filipino cuisine, we are after all composed of 1,700+ islands. And these islands are distinguised by 3 main parts Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I have been fortunate to have lived in all three regions.
Filipino cuisine is as varied as the Chinese. For example, dishes from the rugged Ilocos region up north is more vegetable-centric (usually what is found in backyard gardens) and mostly incorporates the use of fermented fish sauce. In the Pampangga province (considered the culinary center of the country), is known for its charcuterie like tocino (sweetened pork) and longganisa (Filipino sausage). It is also reputed that the famous Kare-kare stew (Beef in savory peanut stew) has originated from here.
Then we have the Bicol province that is known for its heavy use of coconut cream and the delightfully hot "bird chilis" (called siling labuyo, once considered the hottest chili pepper by Guiness Book of Records) in their various viands.
Down South, like in the Visayas where seafood is abundant, there is a lot of grilled seafood like grilled marlin head and various types of cerviche called "kinilaw: in Tagalog. Cebu is known for its roasted pig or lechon, while in Iloilo batchoy (noodles with pork offal) reigns supreme. Chicken inasal (Chicken marinated in Ginger, lemongrass and vinegar) also hails from here.
In Mindanao, where there is a predominantly large Muslim population, coconut cream is also used in a lot of the dishes but with the addition of turmeric, coriander, ginger, chilis, etc.
In my hometown, Cavite city, our dishes are Spanish oriented, I can even say South American-oriented. Most of the popular dishes are menudo, callos (tripe with garbazo beans in tomato sauce), morcon, mechado, afritada, etc. As for Filipino recipes, I'll be glad to oblige with traditional simple lunch fare recipes (mostly vegetables). As for the sponge cake and ube (Taro) spongecake, that would entail a call to my mother who knows how to make it.
Here's a simple Filipino recipe that is a common side dish for lunch.
1. Take your pork piece, wash it very well and put in a small sauce pan with 2 cups of water and boil until tender (20-30 minutes). Take the cooked pork and cut into 2 inch strips, set aside along with the pork broth.
2. In a wok, add your vegetable oil, heat it until hot. Add cut up pork and fry until golden brown (be careful of the splatters). Add garlic and saute until golden brown and then add onions. Stir-fry everything for a minute. Add your squash chunks and mix everything up.
3. Add coconut cream and fish sauce, turn down the heat when it start to simmer. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender. Salt and pepper if you think it still needs it.
Serve hot along with something fried or grilled (fish or pork) with rice.
This is a favorite lunch side dish in my family.
Batard, you are right, kare-kare differs from each family (kinda like gumbo is prepared differently by different cooks). In my family, my mother and grandmother absolutely forbid the use of peanut butter in kare-kare, only toasted ground peanuts and rice. Also, there are the choice of veggies, my family likes asian eggplants, yard long beans, banana heart and bok choy in the stew.
And bagoong (fermented shrimp paste sauteed in garlic and vinegar) is a must condiment on the side.
I think almost all Filipino love halo-halo (well except me, the freak of the family as my mom would call. Note: everyone in my family AND clan has a sugartooth). My mom would make halohalo from scratch. First, she would cook strands of macapuno (aberrant coconuts that have thicker meat and almost no water at all) in sugar. Also cooked in sugar (seperately), are plantain chunks, garbazos (chickpeas), jackfruit and red beans. Then there was the making of leche flan (egg custard) and ube (sweet purple yam). Looks like a lot of ingredients for a simple dessert right?
But it is how you serve halo-halo that is so special. First get a tall sundae glass. Fill it to 2/3s full with crushed ice (hand shaved, even better). Then add a tablespoon of each: beans, sweet plantains, garbanzos, jackfruit and macapuno. This will fill the glass up to the brim. But wait, you have to add a chunk of leche flan and a tablespoon of ube on the very top. And if you really want it to make it extra special, carefully add a small scoop of ice cream on the mound and a sprinkle of pinipig (toasted young rice). And to complete the extravaganza, a drizzling of evaporated milk. You stop drizzling the milk when you see it has reached the bottom of the glass.
PS. you can tell halo-halo making is serious business in my family.
Don'tthis topic on Filipino food. Not entirely about food, but you'll find some good information there, especially about food from different regions.
I like Halo Halo with Nata de Coca. I like the Macapuno Sport Balls.
Ummm...I think that's nata de coco.
thanks everyone, especially doddie, for the great recipes and interesting info.
I found a Japanese Filipino recipe book today...it had the squash recipe Doddie gives upthread.
I have a question about salted/dried/preserved/fish.
1) Where preserved fish is cooked with vegetables, what kind of fish is this? Is it wet-pickled, or totally dried, or salted and dried???
2) I'd love to hear more about dishes using preserved fish together with other ingredients. (I'm sure the book is not talking about things like shrimp paste etc, but whole preserved fish).
Preserved fish is almost exclusively salted and dried here. I'm not familiar with any wet preparation for preserved fish. There is a dish that's basically fresh fish "cooked" in acid (kinilaw) but I'm not aware this is used for any purposes of preservation.
Salted fish - freshly caught fish is fileted, cleaned and thoroughly salted and hung out to dry in the sun (preferably by the sea, on the beach).
Wet salted fish - or called binuro, fish is salted and then packed in jars and left to preserve and ferment.
So far that's all I know right now. If you do really want to know how to make salted fish or wet salted fish, I can ask my parents who can ask their elders how to make it.
My father is from Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and he grew up eating "buro".... their vesion of this wet salted fish is a light color pink. It smells really funky but i always end up eating more of everything, especally rice when we have this as a side dish.
Buro is good stuff. I remember it having ginger and rice and supposedly left out for a few days. I think the rice helps trigger the fermentation process. Anyone ever tried making this at home?
My dad is from Pampanga and they have an assortment of buros, like dalag and baboy.
Funny thing, I just started a jar of pork buro. Once fermented, it is sauteed and served like a condiment with poached vegetables like eggplant and zucchini (aioli substitute..hehehe) or just with plain rice. But this dish is one of many dishes that is served at family gatherings. My preserve (sour like pickles) should be ready in a little over a week outside the fridge.
To avoid the buro turning funky, use newly cooked rice but cool it down first, instead of the usual hot rice mixed with the fish or pork.
Always on the look out for new cuisines to try (new = unfamiliar to me), I very recently had my first Filipino food experience (went to a restaurant that was popular amongst the Filipino community).
I would have dabbled in a bit of everything from the menu but alas, there was only myself and a single other friend. I had chicken adobo, something similar to crispy pata (I forget the name...basically, I ordered pata but we were told they ran out and that we could have something very similar, the only difference being the pork piece was ribs instead of leg), lumpia and halo halo.
Sorry for the poor quality pictures...my phone isn't capable of taking clear photos and doesn't have flash (note to self: next phone must meet the requirements of the Code of Food Photography)!
Now this was interesting. I've read lumpia is basically the same/similar to popiah. I eat popiah at home (and boy is it good) and so I was half expecting lumpia to be very similar, yet the other half was very excited to see how the Filipinos served it differently.
Seeing as lumpia (as is popiah) is in fact Chinese in origin, I was surprised at how 'un-Chinese' it tasted!
The main difference being the filling...and sauce...and skin.
The sauce was more like a gravy -a slurry almost. It was sweet and cornstarch-y.
The fillings I have forgotten by now due to my goldfish memory but I do distinctly remember (by remember, I mean analysing the picture) there being julienned carrots, a variety of vegetables and I recall prawns (minced or something like that). Anyhow, I'm sure like popiah, lumpia fillings differs from restaurant to restaurant to family to family (and what's 'best' is always debateable).
Ooohh! I say to my friend. This sort of tastes like the Vietnamese banh cuon (if you could imagine banh cuon with a different sauce and without the Vietnamese ham).
This came as a surprise to me...even the lumpia skin reminded me of the rice wrapper for banh cuon. Maybe it's also the way the sauce is poured on top instead of either dipped or spread inside (like I do with popiah at home).
I'd have to say I much prefer my home version of popiah.
Upon hearing about this famed dish from the Phillipines, I was extremely excited.
The verdict? Yummy! Admittedly, the chicken could have been of better quality (which meant the dish would have been improved in that sense) but hey, I'm at a casual local sort of restuarant where food is simple and cheap. This isn't fine dining and the chicken was tender enough.
Anyway, the sauce was delicious and not at all too foreign for my palette. It tasted like good ol' homestyle Asian food and could easily fit into the daily cooking of my home. I detected some vinegar, which I looove, and I saw some crushed peppercorns floating in the sauce (not clear in photo). I eagerly spooned the sauce over my rice.
Mmm! What can I say, I love sauces of almost every kind and this particular one served with the crisp skinned pork was decidedly addictive! The letdown was that a few pieces were sort of stringy and tough (which meant I had to fish out some 'meat floss' from my teeth *ahem*) and were thus left untouched.
Well with all the rave I hear about this Filipino dessert, how could I miss it (even knowing that I would be unable to finish it)!
I suppose I was awaiting a taste of exotica but to me, it was rather similar to alot of South East Asian dessert drinks I've tried but with the added vanilla ice cream. It reminded me a bit of the Burmese faloda I once had (which, ironically, was an acquired taste). There was probably too much ice cream and not enough of the ube. Also, I prefer coconut cream/milk in my Asian dessert drinks, rather than condensed milk (as it was in my halo-halo). I do, however, really enjoy the addition of the palm seeds. There's a bite to it that I find so alluring.
Hmm...I think I prefer the Chinese tin bo leung and Vietnamese 3 colour drink.
All on all, it was a good experience and I appreciated watching Filipino cable tv as I ate my way through a very very tiny piece of the Phillipines.
I'm sure though, that I enjoyed my meal much more than my friend did as she mentioned that we should have went to Korean instead (which because of my greed and random cravings, I went to straight afterwards anyway).
By the way, when we entered the restaurant, we were slightly disappointed that there was only one other table full but never fear, 5 minutes later, family after family of Filipinos started arriving and the place was buzzing.
It's kind of funny (abeit slightly awkward) how many of the Filipinos were looking at my friend and I in blatant curiosity (much like how my aunts would when somebody takes home a new bf now that I think about it). Did I sprout a hairy mole on my nose?
The sauce can vary-- some are simply garlic, brown sugar and soy sauce in cornstarch, other have peanut butter. Starchy isn't a desirable flavor either.
2. Chicken Adobo- there's considerable variety in the ways to cook Adobo, but the constant is always plenty of garlic. It looks like you have a classic adobo there-- vinegar and soy sauce with peppercorns. My favorite is a pork adobo, with vinegar, soy sauce, chopped red chili, and sour tomatoes that disintegrate.
3. You probably did have Crispy Pata. Pata means "Thigh" in tagalog. It's usually served whole and on the bone, but it's nice to have the place take care of the chopping. The standard way of cooking it is straight-frying it in deep fat, but some unfortunate cuts of meat can indeed be tough and chewy. I like it when restaurants go the extra mile and pressure-cook the thigh before frying (I'm not sure how much of this is in advance). It looks like yours was served with lechon sauce (gravy of roasted liver and brown sugar), which I love, but the ideal sauce in my opinion for crispy pata is simply soy sauce and vinegar with red chili peppers and onions.
4. It looks like the halo-halo was adjusted for the sweet tooth. Halo-halo is more commonly served with evaporated milk than condensed. Did you receive the full monty of toppings?
1. Ube 2. Leche flan (creme caramel slice) 3. Chickpeas in syrup 4. Beans in syrup 5. Macapuno (coconut sport) 6. Nata de coco (coconut jelly) 7. Sweet corn kernels 8. Kaong (palm nut in syrup) 9. sweet plantain slices in syrup 10. Jackfruit 11. Pinipig (toasted rice) 12. Ice cream.
I'm not a huge fan of beans and coconut in desserts, so if there's a make-your-own bar, I just add bananas/plantains, leche flan, ice cream, pinipig, and milk. Boring, I know.
I will definately be on the search for more Filipino food since I've really only just scratched the surface.
I've been doing some readings on Filipino cuisine and I continuously come across clashing viewpoints of lumpia: is it made of wheat flour or rice flour?
Very confusing. Anyhow, I'm really looking forward to trying lumpia sariwa again (at another place or even better, at a Filipino home) -quality ones this time so I can finally grasp an understanding of the TRUE lumpia taste.
I'm thinking of cooking chicken adobo (or maybe pork, but preferably chicken since I've been having too much pork lately) at home some time in the upcoming holidays but not too sure on a reliable recipe yet. I love adobo with alooot of sauce!
As for the halo-halo, I'm pretty sure the version I had wasn't the full monty *sad face*. I don't recall any corn kernals, chickpeas, jackfruit, roasted rice and nope, most definately no leche flan otherwise I would certainly have noticed.
I loooove flan so that's a real pity to hear. Have no idea where to get good halo-halo here in Oz.
I'm really looking forward to tryin sizzling sisig one day. Is there a good ol' reliable recipe for it online? Would I need a sizzling plate fo it (certainly would be better aye)?
and see if it sounds feasible.
I'm not really a fan (though I do eat it occasionally), so I've no idea what the best recipe is-- it seems the best is always at the local grill-and-bar If you have a cast iron pan, heating it blazingly hot should work. Sizzling plates are not that expensive here-- though they are still very dangerous things on the table!
My wife was jonesing for laing (taro leaves) after reading this review of Engeline's Filipino restaurant in Queens (we've been there) a few days ago in the New York Times, and yesterday I happened to be checking out an Asian market I hadn't visited before and found Lucia's dried taro leaves imported from the Phillipines, and I think this is my favorite new ingredient. I've made fresh taro leaves before in Hawai'i, but these dried leaves have a smoky flavor. They don't seem heavily smoked, so maybe the drying process is just finished over fire. They're also not too expensive (about $2.50 for a 14 oz bag) and look like they can be stored indefinitely on the shelf. Though the label, mysteriously, says "keep refrigerated," they're certainly not refrigerated in the market. They can be prepared pretty much like spinach or other greens, but since they're dried, cooking time doesn't have to be long.
I made them more Indian style than Filipino, browning chunks of carrot, potato, onion and chicken in ghee with some salt, pepper, garlic, bay leaf, and eventually garam masala, then I added about a quart of chicken consomme and some water and the taro leaves, simmering and adding water as needed. The butter, stock, garam masala, and the smoky flavor of the taro leaves worked very nicely together.
Almost 4 years since the last post on this topic. In that time has anyone published a "must have" book on Filipino cuisine? I am currently reading "Memories of Philippine Kitchens" but it is a bit cheffy (naturally since the authors own a restaurant!).


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The Men's artistic individual all-around competition Gymnastics at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei was held on 22 August at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, 4F.

Schedule
All times are Taiwan Standard Time (UTC+08:00)

Results

References

 Results

External links
 Official website

Men's artistic individual all-around

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Our Body Politic
8:00 pm – 9:00 pmOur Body Politic
The Trace
Host Farai Chideya interviews senior news writer and founding staffer at The Trace, Jennifer Mascia on the recent shootings in California, and what's going wrong with gun regulations in the U.S. Then, she speaks with the president of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Thema Bryant on how communities can heal from gun violence. Plus, on Sippin' the Political Tea, foreign policy expert and host of the YouTube Show "Oh My World" Hagar Chemali, and creator of the "What in the World?" podcast, Bunmi Akinnusotu join Farai to discuss what Brazilians storming their congress tells us about extremism here in the U.S. and around the world.see more
Dear Truth Be Told: Advice By, and For, People of Color
Truth Be Told is a new advice podcast from KQED. (Image: KQED)
"Is it OK to feel joy when the world is burning?" That's the question posed in the first episode of Truth Be Told, KQED's new advice podcast, which is "made by and for people of color." In each episode, host Tonya Mosley seeks counsel and answers to listener questions from "wise ones." We'll talk with Mosley about why she and other people of color feel mainstream sources of advice often don't speak to their experience. And we want to hear from you: Who do you turn to for advice?
Tonya Mosley, host, Truth Be Told podcast; KQED Silicon Valley bureau chief


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Berejiklian Government must rule out sel...
The NSW Labor Opposition is demanding the Berejiklian Government rule out selling the last remaining historic sandstone building in Sydney's CBD, t...
World Wetlands Day serves as a reminder ...
Shadow Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has called on the State Government to take concerted action to protect the state's precious wetland sites.
Labor's environment spokesperson to visi...
The NSW Labor Opposition today called on the Berejiklian Government to take action on the environmental disaster that is currently unfolding on Sto...
For World Wetlands Day – 10,000 signatur...
Port Stephens residents have celebrated the collection of over 10,000 signatures on a petition supporting the buy-back of the Mambo Wetlands.
Auditor-General reveals litter is increa...
The Berejiklian Government is failing to deliver its only environmental target – reducing litter.
Businesses pull out of Government's botc...
Almost one in five participants in the Berejiklian Government's botched container deposit scheme have withdrawn or are in the process of doing so, ...
Government fails to reach its own target...
The Berejiklian Government is falling massively short of its own targets for its botched container deposit scheme with its own figures showing both...
State Government's botched container dep...
Swathes of regional NSW will be without a collection point for the launch of the Berejiklian Government's much-vaunted earn and return container re...
More questions than answers on container...
Less than 10 days from the roll-out of the container deposit scheme and the Berejiklian Government still can't answer the question of how many vend...
Labor moves in Parliament to stop destru...
Shadow Environment Minister Penny Sharpe yesterday presented a motion to the NSW Parliament condemning the failure of the Berejiklian Government to...


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The Adairsville City Council approved the hiring of Mike Jones as the city's new chief of police this week.
Jones had been employed with the Gordon County Sheriff's Office for 31 years, most recently as Major and commander of the enforcement bureau. He was responsible for the bureau's budget and was also the training director and Major of their internal affairs bureau.
Jones takes over the Adairsville Police Department's leadership position, temporarily held by Captain Louis Dean, after the death of former Chief of Police Rick Townsend from cancer last month.


"ROC United renounces the National Restaurant Association's (NRA) latest effort to preserve the subminimum wage system by petitioning the Supreme Court to hear a challenge to existing laws that prevent tip pools. While there are disparities between the earnings of "front" and "back-of-the-house" workers, a two-tiered wage system – in which tipped restaurant workers make as little as $2.13 at the federal level – is an unacceptable means of addressing those disparities.
The NRA's strategy puts the earnings of tipped workers at risk. It is critical that tips are solely the property of workers in the eyes of the law, and that there are severe penalties for tip stealing of any kind. Only with such protections in place, and One Fair Wage established, should tips be shared between front and back-of-the-house workers. Furthermore, tip sharing arrangements should be collectively decided upon by all hourly workers with no involvement from management, as required by federal law. Employers cannot mandate tip sharing agreements.


Was Avraham's Greatest Prayer a Failure?
Avraham's great prayer on behalf of the inhabitants of Sodom was one of the paradigmatic moments in the religious history of mankind, a prayer from which we draw inspiration to this day. But wasn't it ultimately a failure?
This shiur was sponsored in memory of Chaim ben Yosef HaCohen, Miriam bat Moshe, Yosef ben Yehoshua, Rachel bat Mordechai, and Rachel bat Yitzchak.
To dedicate a Thought podcast, please contact [email protected].


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OLSAT Practice Tests
What Is the OLSAT Test?
The OLSAT assesses a student's cognitive (e.g., verbal, nonverbal and quantitative) abilities that relate to his or her academic success providing educators with invaluable information in order to enhance insights gained from traditional achievement tests.
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About the OLSAT
OLSAT Levels
The OLSAT 8
OLSAT 8 Question Types
How Is the OLSAT Scored?
Why the OLSAT?
History of the OLSAT
Is My Child Gifted?
Preparing for the OLSAT
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT), published by Pearson NNC, is a multiple choice test commonly used in the U.S. to identify gifted children. Schools often use the OLSAT as a tool for admission into schools and programs for gifted and talented children or to measure scholastic achievement across all ages. Learn more about gifted testing in your city or school district.
The OLSAT is comprised of both verbal and nonverbal questions, measuring a student's ability to cope with school learning tasks. In all, there are 21 different question types on the OLSAT. On the test, students will need to:
Follow directions
Detect likenesses and differences
Recall words and numbers
Classify items
Establish sequences
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The OLSAT is used specifically to measure abilities related to success in school, testing critical thinking and reasoning skills. The OLSAT is intended to test memory, speed of thought and ability to see relationships and patterns. Arthur Sinton Otis, Ph.D and publishing executive and editor, Roger Thomas Lennon, Ph.D designed the OLSAT based off of two theories: Vernon's hierarchical theory of intelligence and Guilford's structure of intelligence. Hierarchical theories of intelligence describe intelligence as composed of different levels arranged by hierarchies or domains. The OLSAT was designed to measure a student's verbal-academic domain, rather than other more practical and mechanical domains. Guilford's structure of intellect is also reflected in the OLSAT. Questions on the OLSAT were selected to reflect the intellectual operations of cognition, convergent thinking and evaluation, as discussed in Guilford's model of intelligence.
The OLSAT test is administered at seven levels, depending on the student's age: OLSAT Level A, OLSAT Level B, OLSAT Level C, OLSAT Level D, OLSAT Level E, OLSAT Level F, and OLSAT Level G. The table below shows what grades each level corresponds with:
A Pre-K and K
D 3rd Grade
G 9th-12th Grade
The student will have between 60-80 minutes to complete a 40-70 question test, depending on the OLSAT test level. The test is administered to younger children in a one-on-one setting, while older children take the test in a group setting. Test questions are arranged so that questions do not become more difficult as the test progresses. In other words, difficult items are sometimes followed by easy questions so that students are not discouraged when facing increasingly difficult questions. Students are not deducted points for answering a question incorrectly.
The OLSAT Test is notoriously difficult (even for adults) and in order to gain admission into elite programs orexclusive schools for gifted and talented children, students need to achieve high OLSAT scores.
The OLSAT is currently in its 8th edition, with the 9th edition soon to be released. The OLSAT 8 is more kid-friendly than previous editions. Additionally, the OLSAT 8 includes online results and data qualification for easier, customized reporting.
History of previous OLSAT editions:
OLSAT Edition
1st ed. August 13, 1979
2nd ed. September 10, 1982
6th ed. November 15, 1988
7th ed. October 23, 1995
8th ed. Currently in use
Verbal Comprehension Pictorial Reasoning
Following Directions Picture Classification
Antonyms Picture Analogies
Sentence Completion Picture Series
Sentence Arrangement Figural Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning Figural Classification
Aural Reasoning Figural Analogies
Arithmetic Reasoning Pattern Matrix
Logical Selection Figural Series
Word/Letter Matrix Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal Analogies Number Series
Verbal Classification Numeric Inference
Inference Number Matrix
Find out more about OLSAT verbal and nonverbal testing.
Students earn points for each question they answer correctly, but do not lose points for skipping or incorrectly answering a question. When the test is graded, a child is first given a raw score, which provides the number of questions answered correctly out of the total number of questions (e.g., 46/60). Once the raw score is calculated, it is then converted to a School Ability Index (SAI) score. The SAI score is determined by comparing the raw scores of other children in the same age group. It is a normalized score, with an average of 100, a standard deviation of 16, and a maximum score of 150. This SAI score is then used to find which percentile a student falls into. Students who score about two standard deviations above the mean (a score of 132) generally fall into the top 2-3%, or the 97th-98th percentile.
There are several reasons why the OLSAT 8 is a popular tool used in the educational system to test giftedness in children. Firstly, the OLSAT has a reputation for being a reliable test. Studies show that a child's score on the OLSAT will not change significantly over time. Secondly, the OLSAT is considered a valid test, as studies show that the OLSAT successfully measures the aspects of intelligence it seeks to measure. Practically speaking, the OLSAT 8 is a simple, economic way for schools to test many students. Lastly, the OLSAT 8 has been peer revised by a panel of minority-group educators to help minimize ethnic gender, cultural, or regional biases.
The OLSAT was developed by Dr. Arthur Sinton Otis and publishing executive and editor, Dr. Roger Thomas Lennon. Arthur Sinton Otis is best known for developing an army test called the Army Alpha. Otis administered the Army Alpha to 1.7 million World War I army recruits and was the first psychologist to administer a multiple choice test on such a large scale. The OLMAT (Otis-Lennon Mental Ability Test), developed in 1969 by Otis and Lennon, was a precursor to the OLSAT and interestingly reflected many characteristics of the Army Alpha. The OLMAT is important when discussing the rich and fascinating history of the development of the OLSAT.
You may be asking,"Is my child gifted? Should I prepare my child for the OLSAT?" Knowing if your child is gifted can be difficult, so it is important to be able to identify the signs of gifted children. Differentiating a gifted child from a bright child may be difficult as well. Learn more about these differences. Additionally, if your child is gifted, it is important to know if you should enroll them in a gifted program or school.
The OLSAT is a difficult test, and with competition for gifted programs at an all-time high, it is important for your child to be prepared for test day. At TestPrep-Online, we offer grade-specific, child-friendly practice packs for your child, which include realistic practice tests, helpful study guides, and hundreds of additional sample questions. Get started by trying our free OLSAT practice tests.
The OLSAT and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with TestPrep-Online or this website.
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The Manual Microblading Pen is real sterilized,the sterile method is Gamma Rays. The needles are sharp . The eyebrow embroidery tools have 8 size: 7F, 9F, 11F, 12F, 14F, 16F, 18F and 18U, but we can customize size aslo.The microblading manual pen use sharp needles, you can do eyebrow much easy. The Microblading Pen don't need electric power to do tattoo operation. The Microblading Pen used with the paste pigment. The OEM service of microblading manual pen are available.The MOQ of permanent makeup tattoo pen is 100 pieces. Usually we have 2 color, Pink and Black, if you want especial color,we can customize also.The shape of semi permanent makeup equipment is designed by antislip, your hands don't slip when you hold the handle.The MOQ of put logo on Disposable Microblading Pen is 1000 pieces.The weight of eyebrow embroidery tools is reasonable, it's not too light and not too heavy.The length of microblading manual pen is nice, it's not too long and not too short.
3Q: Which size of the eyebrow embroidery tools ?
23Q: What's the feature of your semi permanent makeup products ?
1. The MOQ of Manual Microblading Pen is 100 pieces, but you can ask sample.
3. The color of permanent makeup tattoo pen is pink and black. If you need another color, we can customize another color also, but your order should be big.


Devi Brahmacharini is second beautiful form of Goddess Durga who is Worshiped on the second day of Navratri. As her name denotes 'Brahmacharini', she addresses 'Brahma' (penance) or strong influencing tapasya. She is symbolized as the Goddess who performs Tapa or hard penance. She holds Kamandal in her left hand and Japani (Rosary) in right. She wears white Saree of bright-orange border and Rudraksh as ornament. When Shail Putri awoke about her essence love toward Lord Shiva, she decided to perform the strict Tapasya or Yoga Sadhna to delight Mahadev. She is the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Admiring Goddess Brahmacharini, the Rishi-Muni, disciples and devotees of Durga accomplishes their Yog-Sadhna, Pooja and penance. Solar radiations behind her head glorify her luster.
It is believed that Brahmacharini is the true example of a goddess who performed extreme hard penance to obtain Lord Shiva. When Parvati realized about her divine love toward Mahadev, she was advised by Rishi Narad to follow customs and rituals of rigid Tapasya of long eras. While performing Tapasya, she suffered painful torments of nature like extremely biting cold, intense flames of Sun, and hammering of rain. It is also believed that she continued that of her hard penance till thousands of years and ate only bilva leaves to survive. Till many hundreds of years, she abstained from water and food. And this way, she devoted herself completely in worship of Lord Shiva. This great Tapa made her glorified with name 'Brahmacharini' and pleased Lord Shiva to be her divine consort.
On the second auspicious day of Navratri Pooja, Durga devotees worship Brahmacharini devi to acquire power of abstaining food and water till nine days of fasting. They chant mantras and offer Stuti (invocation) to Devi Brahmacharini to get her immense blessings and grace. By heartily worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini, devotees can enhance their metabolism, stamina and can live without meals without much effect on health. It is not just a miraculous, but the grace and grandeur of Devi Brahmacharini who bestows her devotees the great strength to endure unexpected torment of nature. Second day of Navratri Pooja is solely dedicated to Devi Brahmacharini, so worship this almighty on this propitious day and obtain her enormous grace. Jai Devi Brahmacharini!
Origin – After Kushmanda form, Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati. In this form the Goddess Parvati was a great Sati and her unmarried form is worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini.
Navratri Worship – Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri.
Governing Planet – It is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Brahmacharini.
Iconography – Goddess Brahmacharini is depicted as walking on the bare feet. She has two hands and She carries Jap Mala in the right hand and Kamandal in the left hand.
Details – Goddess Brahmacharini did severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She performed hard austerity and due to which She was called Brahmacharini.


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Frontline Photos: March 20, 2022
A soldier assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment walks through smoke during a training exercise at Military Training Area Lest, Slovakia, March 8, 2022. The exercise, which includes participation from 13 NATO allied and partner nations, is designed to show NATO's collective capabilities to operate under austere conditions and demonstrate collective strength. (Staff Sgt. Jose H. Rodriguez/Army)
An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, flies over the Alpine Mountains, March 7, 2022. (Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright/Air Force)
Soldiers stage their gear for departure prior to deployment from Fort Knox, Ky., to Germany, March 7, 2022. The troops are heading for Germany where they will support Army forces in Europe. (Renee Rhodes/Army)
Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Smith refuels an HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron in Romania, March, 8, 2022. (Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan/Air Force)
Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, conduct urban breaching training during a demolition range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 10, 2022. (Sgt. Micha Pierce/Marine Corps)
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Genedonabelle Hernando operates a patrol boat during training in Long Beach, Calif., March 9, 2022. (Chief Petty Officer Nelson Doromal Jr./Navy)
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct a live fire training event during an exercise in Kenya, March 9, 2022. (Sgt. N.W. Huertas/Army)
Marine Corps drill masters inspect a platoon during a close order drill practice at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 1, 2022. (Cpl. Grace J. Kindred/Marine Corps)
Lt. Isay Rapoport directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Philippine Sea, March 13, 2022. (MCS3 Javier Reyes/Navy)
An Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, flies over Southwest Asia, March 9, 2022. (Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez/Air Force)
Frontline Photos: March 6, 2022
Frontline Photos: Feb. 27, 2022
Frontline Photos: Feb. 6, 2022
Frontline Photos: Jan. 30, 2022
Frontline Photos: Jan. 9, 2022
Frontline Photos: Dec. 26, 2021
Frontline Photos: Dec. 5, 2021
Frontline Photos: Nov. 28, 2021


Join us for our New York City Launch Party on January 19th at 6:30PM!
It will be an intimate evening with special guests Jamilah Lemieux (Writer, Editor, Speaker), BAUCE Magazine (a lifestyle site for self-made women), Breather (On-demand network of meeting spaces), and The Memo staff as we celebrate a year of helping women of color break glass ceilings.
Come celebrate with us and meet other female movers and shakers in NYC.
Light refreshments will be served. We're excited to see you there!


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One Group of Companies
Company Ownerships
Shareholders Composition
Company Group Structure
Shares Owned by Company
Subsidiaries Company
Associate Company
Affiliate Relationship
Nomination & Remuneration Committee
Capital Market Institutions
Chronology Of Listing
List OEM / OES
Why Invest in SMSM
Summary Annual Report
Bonds Information
IR Presentation
IR Event
IR Documentation
Capital Market Authority Fillings
GCG Principles
Structure and Relationship of Corporate Governance
Corporate Secretary Charter
Nomination & Remuneration Committee Charter
Board of Commissioners Charter
Board of Director Charter
Selection and Capability Improvement Policy
Supplier's Integrity Pact
Communications Policy
Fulfillment of The Creditor's Right Policy
About CSR Program
Social and Comunity Development
Employment, Health, and Work Safety Products
Respecting and protecting human rights is the foundation for a healthy, sustainable and equitable business. It is crucial for effective relationships with all those on whom we depend. By working in partnership and through a process of continuous improvement, the Company aim to achieve higher standards in the industries in which the Company operate.
Fairness Principle in the workplace ambition is directly linked to the Company's license to operate and the reputational value of the Company's brands. It also contributes positively to business continuity, employee attraction and retention, increased productivity and long-term value to shareholders. The Company understand that business has a responsibility to go beyond legal requirements, to move from 'doing no harm' to 'doing good'.
The Company value diversity in the workforce, and foster a culture of inclusion and equality by ensuring that every employee, regardless of their ethnicity, age and gender, has equal opportunities with regard to recruitment, career development, promotion and compensation. At present, around 15% of the Company's managers are female, and we are continually working to improve the gender balance in the organization through initiatives to prepare more female leaders for the Company's talent pipeline and to make the workplace more conducive for women to reach their full potential.
The Company has a vision to be an accident free organization by integrating safety in our daily life, every day, everywhere, everyone.
The Company's health and safety policies includes:
Committed to provide healthy and safe working conditions.
Complies with all applicable legislations and regulations and aims to continuously improve health and safety performance.
All of the Company employees have a role to play:
All employees are responsible for occupational health and safety of subordinates and third parties in their control.
As a condition of employment, employee all have a duty to work safely.
This Policy reflects Company's belief and outlines responsibilities for health and safety.
Employees' health and safety is one of The Company's major priorities. This is defined not just within the Company's policy to prevent work-related accidents and sickness, but is also included in the Key Performance Indicators to ensure that every individual has the responsibility to achieve the zero accident target.
Throughout the year, the Company conducted initiatives through campaigns, assistance, controls, engagements, training, assessment and audit related to work safety. The programmes includes:
Safety Excellence, strengthening Safety Policy through induction to employee.
Process & Fire Safety Compliance, conducting assessment and audit on fire & explosion risks, emergency drill and process safety audit that includes trainings.
Reinforcing Road Safety Rules, strengthening road safety to employee and business partners through strictly comply road safety rules, training and practicing, engagement that includes collaboration with local police, safety communication for Festive (i.e. Mudik), initiatives to share road safety best practice to business partners.
Safety Fit to Win people skills and deployment of global standard, includes participation in government training, certification compliance, Emergency Preparedness Training and Drill, etc. Natural Disaster Response, programmes includes preparing emergency response team and evacuation assistance and procedures for Haze and Earthquake.


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Pandemic Founders Show Us How to Let Go of Fear
In tough times, it's important to remember to stay positive.
By Remy Blumenfeld@RemyUK
When Covid-19 struck, I was prepared that some of my clients would be forced to retrench. What I did not expect was that I would take on new clients who were launching startups in the midst of this pandemic. What can we learn from the fearlessness with which these founders are innovating and creating as they enter the market for the first time?
When the universe doesn't conspire with your plans, when you set targets that you don't succeed in meeting, or when you try new things that don't work out, it's normal to adjust ambitions downward and set new goals that you feel more certain you will meet. It's understandable right now that you'd be taking fewer risks. Yet, stuck in fear of failure it's hard to bounce back. Founders of pandemic startups remind us that risk-taking and experimentation are vital to the success of any business.
Of course, not all the businesses launched since March will survive, and not every product they're launching will succeed. But, as they take risks to do things differently, their founders are letting go of the fear around repeating past mistakes.
I would encourage you to think of all your failures, breakdowns, and aborted attempts as the necessary steppingstones to your future success.
Change the voice in your head
"What makes you think you can do that now?" "You'll make a fool of yourself!" "It will all end in failure." This kind of advice is typical of the conversations many of us have been having with the "voice" in our head. Yes, that voice.
Especially right now, with the future so uncertain, when it comes to planning for the future, the voice in your head will always remind you of your past failures. It may seem to be helpful, but it nearly always comes from a place of fear, which is why it's often called your saboteur. Focused on steering you away from failure, rejection, or pain, your saboteur invariably stops you from taking risks necessary for growth, connection, and success.
Adopt a bounce-back champion
To supplant the advice you normally give yourself, if you know a founder of a pandemic startup, ask yourself, what would they say or do in this situation? If not, can you think of an entrepreneur or leader who failed multiple times before succeeding? I highly recommend channeling them as your personal bounce-back champion.
Soichiro Honda left school at 15 to become an apprentice at an auto repair shop where he created automotive parts that Toyota rejected. He went on to found Honda Motor Company, valued today at $59 billion. "Success," said Honda, "is 99 percent failure."
Dave Barnett is the founder of PopSockets, a company worth approximately $500 million. A former college professor who grew frustrated with his headphones' always getting tangled in his pocket on his way to work, Barnett came up with an innovative idea to glue buttons to the back of his cellphone. This allowed him to wrap his headphones tightly around the buttons to prevent a tangled mess. Because cellphones are constantly changing, his invention never took off. But, instead of giving up, Barnett went back to the drawing board and removed the case altogether and replaced it with adhesive backs. This meant PopSockets could be used on any mobile device, including cellphones, tablets, and music players. Barnett's company took off and has sold more than 35 million PopSockets in over 40 countries.
Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia are the founders of Airbnb, a company valued at approximately $25.5 billion. In 2008, at the time of the last global recession, Chesky and Gebbia were low on money, racking up debt, and unable to make their rent payment, which is how they got the idea to rent out space in their apartment. They emailed seven major investment companies in 2008. Two never replied and five responded declining any involvement. "Never assume you can't do something. Push yourself to redefine the boundaries," says Chesky.
When the voice in your head is screaming out "Don't do it," why not channel the advice of your own personal pandemic founder, or be guided by Honda, Barnett, or Chesky? You can easily imagine what they'd advise you to do: "Go for it." "What's the worst that can happen?" Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Think lean
Successful pandemic startups think lean, prioritizing only what's important and focusing on products or services with minimal outlay.
If you were launching a new business tomorrow, what products or services would you deliver? Describe a sustainable future-focused company that you would feel excited to run for the next 10 years. How many core staff does this business need? Where would it be based? What premises does it require?
As the founders of successful startups understand, more than ever, customers are drawn to businesses that give back. Acting on what matters most to you as the founder and articulating your company's values is not only a matter of pride, it's also good for business.
You may discover that the startup you have dreamed up is more viable, more purposeful, and more exciting to you as the founder than the business you are currently trying to rescue. If so, perhaps now is a great time to pivot. "Don't carry your fear from past failures with you. You'll make this work." Isn't that what the founder of a pandemic startup would say?


Espaço Transformar offers school support classes, judo, flute, embroidery, and vegetable gardening. Children from 7 to 12 years old are assisted in the counter shift of their regular school, from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 11 am, and from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 are assisted in the back shift of their regular school, but at specific times for scheduled classes.
Espaço Transformar does not offer accommodation for the volunteers during their stay. But, that is not a problem for us, and we can help our volunteers to find a place to stay.
Breakfast is usually provided by the hotels or guest houses, but we will provide breakfast and dinner for the volunteers during their working hours. For lunch and dinner, the volunteer is free to choose the best option for them.
The project runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The local economy offers services related to the same hours, except the Verdemar Supermarket that serves until 10:00 pm.
Initially, because there is no host structure the project does not charge the participation of any volunteer, but how the NGO is a non-profit organization we stimulate the voluntary contribution during the volunteer's stay.
To accompany the execution of the home activities, support the most difficult subjects, to train the four fundamental operations of mathematics, reading and interpreting the text of the Portuguese language. The classes are formed by age, respecting the school curriculum.
The institution has a computer lab that is equipped with ten microcomputers, a printer, internet and the capacity to accommodate eighty students. The class consists mostly of young people ranging from the age of 14, depending on the level of knowledge.
Six classes per week are offered, with two weekly classes lasting one hour each. It serves children and adolescents from ages 5 to 17, reaching a maximum of 120 students. Objectives: promote Judo in its initiation encouraging its practice in an educational way, promote socializing within the community, through sports, encourage students to participate in sports, provide a climate of friendship and closeness among students, enabling fraternal relations of respect and solidarity among all.
Project "Horta Viva Comunidade Ativa" seeks to introduce environmental and food education into the day-to-day lives of children and adolescents, in a practical way. It encourages the planting of home gardens, the production of seedlings (greenery, fruit trees) and the consumption of healthy foods.
The main target of the project is to promote the learning of music in an organized and systematized way, performing sound, rhythmic and instrumental research, enhancing musical intelligence and the insertion of students in instrumental music.
The main target of the project is to teach embroidery techniques, such as cross stitches, chain stitches, open stitch, stitch back, double stitch, rococo, stitch, stitch chain points, single point of coat, coral point, cord point, ringed current point, current point with knots, current point serpentine, current point in zigzag, Point coiled, Spine point, Stem point, Daisy point, Tint point, Palestrina point, Richelieu point, Russian point, Point sorbet and others.


Nobody Does "Outdoor Adventure" Like Hocking Hills Canopy Tours!
Since 2007, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours has proven to be a leader and innovator in the zipline industry. We've introduced award-winning adventures year after year, and won more accolades from distinguished publications than any company in the midwest. (see accolades).
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours boasts, not just award-winning outdoor adventures–but an unparallelled dedication to the industry, and an unquenchable desire to be the best. In short, there's not just one thing that makes us world-class, but everything that we do from check-in to exit, is done with professionalism.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Whenever we talk about the "World-Class" status of Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, we start with our location. All of our adventures showcase the natural beauty of Hocking Hills–an environment that boasts unique geographical features such as sandstone rock cliffs, recessed caves, the meandering Hocking River, and a bountiful variety of trees and vegetation.
PROFESSIONALLY AND CREATIVLEY DESIGNED AND BUILT: Our courses are designed and built to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. But equally important, the courses are designed with a thoughtful and creative eye, to unveil the natural beauty of the area.
PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED STAFF: From tour guides to office staff, our personnel are trained to be customer focused and attentive to details. Our goal is for our customers to have a positive experience from check-in to to exit.
TOUR GUIDES: Our guides are extensively trained to minimize any inherent risk in the activity. They take seriously the safety and well being of all participants on their tour. Guides also build a personal relationship with their participants during the tour, which makes the tours all the more fun.
INTERACTIVE ZIPLINE EXPERIENCE: For our zipline adventures we utilize a "hand-braking" system. This system allows the participant to have an active role in stopping themselves on each zip, which gives them a feeling of being in control.
USER-FRIENDLY: Our courses are built to be enjoyed by the widest variety of people—from 10 years old- to- "90-something" within our specified weight ranges. Except for a short walk, or some stairs to climb, there is very little physical exertion required to complete our courses (see qualifications for participation pages). Participants don't need to be concerned with things like clipping themselves in, or adjusting their gear – it's all the responsibility and pleasure of our willing guides.
"ECO-TAINMENT": Our tours are thrilling and educational. Our professional guides are taught all about the local flora, fauna, and history of the area. They're also known to lighten the mood with a few jokes... all to add to the enjoyment of the tour.
COURSE MAINTENANCE: Our courses, trails, and infrastructure are well-kept and maintained, with an emphasis on ecology. We are committed the sustainability of the local environment.
TRANSPORTATION: Our "original" retro-fitted vehicles transport participants to the site of their specific adventure. Along the way you may encounter wildlife, participants enjoying a zipline tour, a Segway® adventure, or just the wonderful scenery. We believe the transportation adds to the overall outdoor adventure!
PHOTOGRAPHY: We offer quality onsite photos of participants on zip line tours for purchase, to memorialize your adventure.
QUALITY MERCHANDISE: Take home a momento of your experience! We offer a variety of creative merchandise for sale to all our outdoor enthusiasts.
CERTIFIED "GREEN": We helped to establish, and are a proud member of the Hocking Hills "Green" Initiative.
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY: We are very involved with the local tourism association, and we give back to the local community in many ways, such as: hiring locally; using local vendors; offering discounts to locals, and local road cleanup.
ALL OF THE ABOVE: Everything that we do – we do with a passion! We want our participants to have a memorable experience from check-in to exit. That's what keeps people coming back year after year!
* Speeds of up to 50mph are achieved on our SuperZip® Tour.
Everything we do, is done with a passion for excellence!
To encourage and inspire our participants to step away from everyday life and discover a unique and exhilarating experience–At the same time, instill a sense of responsibility to preserve and protect our natural environment.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is committed to "state-of-the-art" outdoor adventures, with an emphasis on SAFETY first. To this end we invest in, practice, and comply with the safety standards in the industry.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours adheres to the industry standards, without compromise.
Safety is the number one priority at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. This is reflected in our course designs, construction, training, inspections and participant education, as further explained below. We encourage everyone to read through and become familiar with our safety standards and procedures.
Industry Standards: The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) sets the safety standards for our industry. Our courses are designed to meet or exceed the ACCT standards, and as a company, we actively participate in this association in an effort to improve and expand these standards. We also encourage other owner/operators to adhere to these standards.
Design and Construction: Our courses are designed and constructed to meet or exceed the ACCT standards without compromise. Inspections: We follow a very strict inspection protocol for all of our outdoor adventures, which includes all mechanical, equipment, and environmental inspections.
Guide Training: All guides receive extensive and ongoing training consisting of on-course, rescue, and classroom study. They must pass a written assessment test, an on-course practical assessment and rescue assessment.
Ground School: All participants on the zipline courses are required to attend and pass our Ground School. This pre-tour overview is presented by your tour guides prior to entering the course. We train each participant to perform some of the activities that may be required of them during a zipline tour. The guides use this as an opportunity to evaluate all participants to make sure they have the ability to safely complete the course. We do reserve the right to exclude anyone from participation for medical, safety, or other reasons.
Safety Attachment: All participants on the zipline courses are clipped into overhead safety belay cables at all times when at height while on the courses. The guides handle all the clipping for the participants, so there is no possibility of an inexperienced participant accidentally unclipping themselves from the safety belay cables.
Braking: Our zipline courses are designed for a hand-braking system. This system allows the participants to actively participate in their zipping experience. If the participant fails to effectively use the hand brake, they will be stopped by our guide operated backup braking system.
On our SuperZip® we incorporate an automatic braking system. This state-of-the-art, magnetic braking system allow participants to zip in the prone "super hero" flying position without the need for "self braking". This system also has a backup braking system.
Emergency Action Plan: In the event of an occurrence that requires immediate medical attention, we have an Emergency Action Plan in place. This is a written plan, that all company personnel are trained to know and execute, and involves the local EMS personnel.
Questions: If this does not answer all your questions regarding safety on our course, please feel free call us at 740.385.9477.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is honored to be recognized by the following distinguished publications. Recognized more than any other zipline company in OHIO!
Plus, The New York Times, The OHIO Traveler, The Columbus Dispatch, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, FlipKey by TripAdvisor, TravelMag, Family Travels, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The herald-Dispatch (Huntington, WV), and more.


Silicon Valley truck-sharing startup, Doft (Do Freight Transportation), announces its ICO for the trucking community. Doft is giving out 100 percent of the company's entire coin supply, meaning that any logistics professional may become an owner of Doft's cryptocurrency and revel in the advantages of being a part of a crowd-managed company.
All motor carriers, freight shippers, 3PL businesses and other crowdsale participants that buy Doftcoins (DFC) during the Pre-ICO will be given a lifetime commission on freight transportation through Doft, on typical saving them $100 on each cargo transportation. Everyone who buys DFC throughout the Pre-ICO will also get 50 percent more coins than using the ICO later this season.
The distribution of Doftcoins will be available to all interested Doft customers, including motor carriers, freight shippers, 3PL businesses and others, but the company will be actively targeting owner operators and truck drivers. Doft expects to distribute earnings to as numerous trucking professionals as possible.The funds raised throughout the ICO will be utilized for technological improvement and business growth including marketing and expansion.
Doft delighted that our trucking community may become a part of our organisation through buying Doftcoins. Doft is supplying its contributors the chance to play with a longer term role in the trucking revolution by possessing cryptocurrency of this fast-scaling on-demand trucking startup', said Doft CEO, Dmitri Fedorchenko. "New coin holders will enjoy the benefits of being part of a crowd-managed company that provides opportunities of growth and development within the industry".Truckers can now become part of the enterprise that's innovating their particular business. Doft, an IT firm, has developed a tumultuous on-demand uber-like technology that immediately matches cargo shippers and truck drivers with the support of a cell program.
Doft — a Silicon Valley based startup — developed a mobile app for the trucking business that offers freight matching services. The on-demand instant freight and truck matching application was labeled the "Uber of trucking." Doft intends to enhance the lives of truckers and provide ever-increasing significance to shippers and carriers via its peer reviewed service.
"New coin holders will enjoy the benefits of being part of a crowd-managed company that provides opportunities of growth and development within the industry".Truckers can now become part of the enterprise that's innovating their particular business. Doft, an IT firm, has developed a tumultuous on-demand uber-like technology that immediately matches cargo shippers and truck drivers with the support of a cell program.


>> I'm trying (still) to make a port for projectM.
>> which should be enough, according to the cmake error, but it still happens!
>> Why can't cmake find Freetype???
> system is too new to have the X11R6 symlink, so failure.