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Review of 2020: chaos on a roll
Vanishing liquidity, the Ronin collapse, XVAs – the pandemic wreaked havoc in risk transfer markets
Risk.net staff
@riskdotnet
Valuation adjustments (XVA)
SOFR
The Covid-19 pandemic brought the financial system to the brink in 2020. Lockdowns turned cities into ghost towns overnight and economic activity ground to a halt. From hastily assembled home offices, market participants faced one crisis after another: equity volatility surged; the US Treasury market seized-up; and oil futures turned negative.
At times, it felt like a year-long crisis was being squeezed into six weeks. CME Group pulled the plug on one of the world's largest proprietary trading firms. Dealers incurred heavy losses in their structured products books. Some hedge funds were unable to see out the turmoil.
Central banks had to step in with massive lifelines to pull the system back from collapse. The market now faces a prolonged period of low interest rates and the eventual withdrawal of central bank liquidity. But that is a problem for another day.
Amid the chaos, regulators kept up the pressure to transition $350 trillion of Libor-linked financial contracts to new benchmarks. After suggesting Libor's fate could be sealed before year-end, officials delivered an 11th-hour reprieve. A deal was brokered to continue publishing the most widely used US dollar Libor rates until mid-2023. The delay proved costly for hedge funds that had put money on an earlier transition.
Here, we look back at some of the biggest Risk.net stories from a year that many may prefer to forget.
LIQUIDITY VANISHES
Risk.net montage
Oil and stock prices were the first to drop when pandemic fears gripped the market in early March. But an even bigger crisis was brewing in the bond market. During the week of March 9, panicked investors began dumping US Treasuries in a frantic dash for cash. With few buyers willing to take the other side, prices moved rapidly.
The stress spread through the system. Hedge funds had loaded up on cash/futures basis trades – buying US Treasuries and hedging them with futures. The trade returns a profit when prices converge. But the wave of US Treasury selling caused the opposite to happen – bond prices fell further behind futures. On March 11, the trade is said to have registered a 20% mark-to-market loss. Scores of hedge funds hit their stop-loss limits, setting off a mass unwind of basis trades.
The scale of the selling – hedge funds offloaded at least $90 billion of US Treasuries that week – quickly overwhelmed dealer capacity. By March 13, the US Treasury market was on the verge of breaking down. On March 15, the US Federal Reserve intervened, pledging to purchase at least $500 billion of US Treasuries to stabilise the market.
The cash/futures basis snapped back in a matter of days. The hedge funds had been bailed out, along with the wider market. Now, they may face a reckoning. In July, former Fed chair Janet Yellen spotlighted the role hedge funds played in the market mayhem. In November, US president-elect Joe Biden named her as his nominee for Treasury secretary. Greater scrutiny of hedge funds and other non-bank financial players may be coming in 2021.
"It's quite a day. Liquidity has been terrible" – a derivatives trader at a large US insurance company (Bonds and swaps struggled in virus volatility, March 11)
"Some dealers have completely pulled back. There are a few who remain willing to quote, albeit at much wider levels" – a swap trader at a large asset management company (Swaps liquidity slumps as Treasury stress spreads, March 12)
"If the US Treasury market is functioning with friction, then that needs to be corrected immediately," – Gautam Khanna, senior portfolio manager at Insight Investment (US Treasury market holds its breath after high drama, March 13)
"If the Fed hadn't come in when they did, at some point, in theory, every hedge fund could have had to stop themselves out" – EG Fisher, Mariner Investment Group (Bailed-out basis traders face regulatory backlash, October 28)
PROP GIANT, FELLED
The largest financial failure of the Covid-19 crisis played out in confusing fashion.
On March 20, CME Group revealed it had auctioned off the cleared interest rate derivatives portfolios of Ronin Capital after determining the Chicago-based proprietary trading giant could no longer meet its capital requirements. Then, on March 26, ABN Amro announced a $200 million clearing loss linked to one of its US clients.
ABN cleared trades for Ronin, and there was speculation the losses had emanated from there. The reality turned out to be more complex. On March 27, Risk.net broke the news that a hedge fund called Parplus Partners was responsible for ABN's losses.
Parplus had close ties to Ronin. It was founded in 2017 by a former Ronin employee, James Carney. Ronin's principals and affiliates had investments in Parplus and a trading outfit owned by Carney – called Wolo Group – was an equity member of Ronin and traded on its proprietary account.
The exact nature of the trades that got Ronin and Parplus into trouble – and how their ties affected the outcome – remains unclear. Both firms are thought to have sold volatility on the S&P 500. Those trades were cleared at the Options Clearing Corporation, with ABN acting as the clearing broker. Volatility more than doubled when the coronavirus outbreak slammed markets in March. ABN liquidated Parplus's positions, incurring a $200 million loss. But it allowed Ronin to trade out of its positions, under close supervision, averting further losses. However, the losing volatility trades appear to have drained Ronin's capital, taking it below CME's minimum requirements and triggering the liquidation of its vast fixed income portfolios.
Ronin shut up shop a few months later. The results of CME's auction were never disclosed.
"I think it's the same space that Ronin lost money in, in Vix products, but I think it's a different firm" – a Chicago-based prop trader (ABN winds down Ronin books after Vix losses, March 26)
"The client had a specific strategy, trading US options and futures, and failed to meet the minimum risk and margin requirements" – statement from ABN Amro (Hedge fund Parplus said to be source of ABN's $200m loss, March 27)
"If there was a loss, and somehow member default contributions had been impacted, it would have been a complete disaster for CME" – head of risk at a US FCM (The mysterious disappearance of a Chicago trading giant, April 30)
"Most employees have been let go. Some traders have found other shops" – a source close to Ronin (Ronin, felled prop giant, shuts up shop, August 28)
AUTOCALAMITY
As Covid-19 spread across Europe and the Americas in March, equity markets tumbled 35% in three weeks – the fastest drawdown of that scale in history – while correlation realised at all-time highs.
Autocall issuers had their hands full covering their short volatility and correlation positions as the cost of those hedges soared. They also faced a brand new risk. With the pandemic shutting down most businesses, scores of companies cancelled previously announced dividends. Structured product issuers hedge some of their dividend exposure, but upcoming dividends from prior-year earnings were assumed to be guaranteed.
That was a painful mistake. BNP Paribas disclosed a €184 million hit in the first quarter, relating solely to dividends cancelled at the behest of European authorities. Societe Generale took a €400 million hedging hit in the first half, while Natixis wrote down €273 million.
The severity of the losses prompted a major review of structured product lines. Some banks stopped selling products at the riskier end of the spectrum, such as multi-underlying 'worst of' bonds. Natixis and SG signalled a possible retreat from the business in the aftermath of the losses, although the latter has since said it is not planning to sell off any portfolios.
"We're through peak vega now on the Eurostoxx" – an equity derivatives strategist at a European bank (Autocalls hit peak vega where hedging costs mount, March 16)
"On the announced dividends, this risk never materialised and no-one could think of something that brutal" – a trader at Societe Generale (How axed dividends left SocGen in a €200 million hole, April 30)
"We will consider any opportunity to de-risk the portfolios we don't want to keep, so if there is a possibility to sell, we will consider it" – Severin Cabannes, Societe Generale (SocGen mulls sale of structured products books after big losses, August 5)
"I don't think the autocallable product itself is a problem, but I think the worst-of products are the ones that need to be revised" – Gauthier Amiot, UBS (Autocalamity: can hit product be reinvented?, September 22)
END OF HISTORY
The Covid-19 pandemic forced quants to confront one of the central tenets of their profession.
Quant finance is built on the assumption that data from the past contains clues about the future. Models are created using backtests, which show how they would have performed during periods of history. Covid-19 turned that on its head. The pandemic was a crisis unlike any other in modern times. And the future suddenly looked very different from the past.
As the year wore on, quants began adjusting to this new reality. Some played down their reliance on backtesting, turning instead to stress tests and Monte Carlo simulations to understand how models might behave in unexpected conditions. Previously fringe techniques, such as agent-based modeling and nowcasting, gained new adherents. Some predicted a shift to more iterative, experimental approaches to model development. Arguably the most disruptive idea is to use machine learning techniques to generate vast quantities of realistic but fictional datasets, which can then be used to build and test models. If they work as advertised, these so-called market generators may finally release quants from the shackles of history.
"If you have a good market generator, you can run a million different markets that we don't have in practice" – Jean-Philippe Bouchaud, Capital Fund Management (To model the real world, quants turn to synthetic data, April 27)
"Behavioural finance has become more mainstream, and lab experiments offer invaluable testbeds for its theories" – Cary Frydman, USC Marshall School of Business (The scientists probing the human mind for an investing edge, July 2)
"Backtesting based on what was going on over the last 10 to 20 years is next to useless" – Alexander Lipton, Sila (Broken backtests leave quant researchers at a loss, October 6)
CME'S OIL SLIP
In April, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil futures traded at CME turned negative for the first time. To its credit, the exchange had anticipated this possibility. In an advisory notice sent to clearing members on April 8, CME outlined a plan to switch from the Black-Scholes model for options pricing – which cannot handle negative prices – to the Bachelier model if prices approached zero. But the execution left much to be desired.
The exchange's plan called for the switch to be made if oil futures settled below $8 a barrel in any delivery month. Those carefully laid plans were quickly overtaken by events. On a historic day of price action on April 20, front-month WTI crude futures dropped from $14.80 to -$38.10 a barrel, before recovering to end the day at $1.40 – unceremoniously triggering the change in valuation methodology. WTI futures went into negative territory again the following day, hitting -$8.50 a barrel, before recovering to end the day at around $11.
Clearing members were incensed by the timing of the model change. Banks worked around the clock to replicate CME's methodology in their internal systems. Margin statements to clients were delayed several hours.
While methodologically similar, the models make different assumptions, have different inputs and produce different outputs. Bachelier spits out higher prices for out-of-the-money puts than Black Scholes, and lower values for out-of-the-money calls. This added to the chaos, as options traders scrambled to recalibrate their models while the market tanked around them.
The volatility also provoked a backlash against exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which were blamed for exacerbating the price moves. Some swap counterparties cut ties with them. Clearing brokers ordered ETFs that invest directly in futures to reduce exposures and diversify their holdings. By the summer, several ETFs were either winding down or rethinking their strategies.
"Why were they not better prepared for it? It's not like it's only in the last 48 hours that people realised oil prices could go negative" – a source at a large futures commission merchant (CME was ill-prepared for negative oil prices, FCMs say, April 23)
"If you have options at strike zero, the model you use will make a big difference. Black-Scholes will say it's worth zero while Bachelier would see some value, so the hedge ratio would be completely different" – Frédéric Muller, Engie Global Energy Management (Bachelier – a strange new world for oil options, May 18)
"In accordance with its contractual rights, Shell has decided to terminate this swap agreement with WisdomTree Oil Securities" – a WisdomTree spokesperson (WisdomTree shuts oil ETPs after Shell terminates swap deal, May 21)
"Theoretically, we know oil can go negative, but watching that on a screen was a new experience for risk management teams and banks. Everyone's taking risk mitigation techniques right now" – Nitesh Shah, WisdomTree (Oil funds want to reduce risk. Will investors let them?, July 8)
XVAS HAUNT DEALERS
Some of the biggest Covid-19-linked losses disclosed by banks came not from their lending or trading operations, but in the form of derivatives valuation adjustments, or XVAs. In the first quarter, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan reported combined FVA losses of almost $2 billion, with other dealers also recording large losses.
This caused some grumbling in the industry. FVA reflects the costs and benefits that arise when uncollateralised derivatives are hedged with cleared trades. A dealer that is in-the-money on a client trade will not receive collateral but will still have to post to its hedge counterparty, generating a funding cost. Dealers say FVA is essentially unhedgeable, and some now want to see it removed from earnings statements to avoid additional P&L volatility in times of stress.
There is some precedent for this. In 2016, accounting standard-setters agreed to move DVA, which measures own-credit quality, into other comprehensive income (OCI) in earnings statements, after dealers complained it was causing big two-way swings in P&L. If dealers have their way, FVA could follow suit.
European banks also struggled with CVA charges, which came to represent a majority of market risk-weighted assets at some firms. This was largely because FX and interest rate hedges linked to CVA count towards market RWAs under European capital rules. Dealers called for them to be exempted from capital, along with credit hedges, in line with other jurisdictions. Those calls fell on deaf ears, and some European banks are now overhauling their market risk models to deal with the problem themselves.
"I don't think I've seen such a brutal move in the asset swap spread, certainly since we turned on FVA – if ever" – head of the XVA desk at a large bank (FVA losses back in spotlight after coronavirus stress, April 16)
"[CVA is] a very significant proportion of our market risk RWA. I would even say it's actually the majority" – CVA head at a European bank (European banks seek capital relief for CVA hedges, April 28)
"Getting model change approval is quite a drawn-out process, and clearly in times of stress and crisis – which we find ourselves in now – more timely decision-making is necessary on behalf of competent authorities" – Gregg Jones, International Swaps & Derivatives Association (Dealers eye model change to cure CVA capital headache, July 23)
"In March, it became clear that focusing on individual risks wasn't an option in this market environment, given the very fast movement of the underlying risk factors" – Max Maier, LBBW (CVA desks arm themselves for the next crisis, August 24)
"It seems like the worst of both worlds at the moment, as you have P&L volatility on something that is actually unhedgeable" – Ian Harris, Credit Suisse (Funding pain prompts calls to rehome FVA, November 5)
UNTOUCHED BUFFERS
One of the ideas behind the Basel III reforms was that banks should build up capital buffers in good times and then use them to support lending in the bad times. In practice, banks proved reluctant to run down their buffers after the coronavirus hit. Capital levels remained stable. Some even increased.
So what happened? Banks say they simply haven't seen the demand – or the losses – to deplete their capital buffers. This is not unusual in a crisis. Demand for loans tends to fall during downturns, as customers enter survival mode and pull back on investments. Those in need of cash injections turn first to government loans and other emergency facilities. This makes it difficult for banks to expand their balance sheets.
Regulators seem to think there is more to it. Some are looking at ways to tweak their capital frameworks to encourage greater use of buffers. European rules prohibit banks from making payments to shareholders and senior management if their capital ratios drop below certain levels. Those restrictions may have made banks hesitant to run down their buffers during the coronavirus crisis. Bank regulators in the UK are proposing to relax those rules, and the European Central Bank has indicated it may follow suit.
A more radical argument is that banks did not tap their buffers because they were not big enough to make a difference. An October report from the European Parliament recommends increasing the maximum level of the countercyclical buffer from 2.5% to 4% – an outcome that is unlikely to go down well with banks.
"There could be a little reluctance to go into the buffers, which is really a test also for the new regulatory framework" – Andrea Enria, European Central Bank (ECB's Enria unsure banks will dip into capital buffers, May 28)
"The PRA has demonstrated to everybody's complete satisfaction that it can stop UK banks from paying dividends just by telling them not to" – Simon Gleeson, Clifford Chance (Hit the buffers: EU's dividend ban overshadows reform effort, November 18)
"From our perspective of determining credit ratings, regulatory requirements [are] one thing, but we also look at the ability of the banks to rebuild the buffers swiftly" – Claudia Nelson, Fitch Ratings (Buffer stops? Why banks haven't used Covid capital relief, November 30)
DON'T BE A SA-CCR
As part of its regulatory response to the pandemic, the US Federal Reserve allowed banks to start using the standardised approach to counterparty credit risk (SA-CCR) ahead of schedule.
Banks had lobbied hard to replace the existing method for calculating counterparty exposures, and giving them the chance to implement SA-CCR early was seen by regulators as a form of relief during the pandemic. But only one bank took them up on the offer – Bank of America made the switch on June 30. Perplexed by the lack of take-up, supervisors started calling other banks over the summer to ask why they were still using the old model for counterparty credit risk.
The answer should not have come as a surprise. While SA-CCR lowered leverage exposures, it also increased risk-weighted assets for many business lines. An official impact assessment by US regulators had predicted a 5% rise in RWAs under the new rules. US banks must use the outputs of standardised models as a floor for their overall RWAs. Adopting SA-CCR raised these output floors and prevented RWA-constrained banks from using internal models to achieve capital savings.
As year-end approached, no other US banks had made the switch to SA-CCR. The industry is now lobbying regulators to amend it before it becomes mandatory on January 1, 2022. Their wish-list includes the removal or amendment of a 40% add-on to exposures and tweaks to the way netting sets work.
"SA-CCR creates new winners and losers from the portfolio and firm perspective" – a source at a large US FCM (Leverage ratio squeeze hits options trades, May 7)
"We see SA-CCR as something that is also imperfect, but by and large the transition to it is something that works very well for the cleaning business" – head of FX prime brokerage at a US bank (SA-CCR adoption may spur wider FX swaps clearing, July 8)
"From the numbers we look at [we] will be hit pretty hard by SA-CCR. It was supposed to be favourable for us; it's actually going to be neutral to slightly negative" – head of clearing at a large US bank (BofA becomes first EU bank to adopt SA-CCR, September 8)
"The majority view is that SA-CCR in its current form is not delivering due to the conservative calibration" – Panayiotis Dionysopoulos, Isda (SA-CCR proves a bitter pill for US banks to swallow, December 3)
Traders who usually speculate on the level of interest rates or currencies found something new to bet on this year – the timing of Libor's death. It turned out to be a rough ride.
As the coronavirus raged, there were calls for the timelines to be extended beyond the end of 2021. Instead, regulators turned up the heat. Speaking on a Risk.net webinar on June 22, a senior official at the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said an announcement on the cessation of Libor could be made before the end of the year. Such a declaration would lock in a five-year lookback period for calculating a spread adjustment designed to smooth the transition of derivatives contracts to new rates.
The market reaction was immediate. The so-called 3s/6s basis, which is one of the ways traders bet on the expected spread between Libor and its replacement rates, widened by around 20% in the space of the week.
Basis spreads remained elevated through much of the year, as all signs pointed to a timely transition. Then, the mood suddenly changed. On November 10, a senior Fed official acknowledged that segments of the US market would struggle to meet the end-2021 deadline for transitioning away from Libor. On November 30, Libor's administrator confirmed it had reached a deal with regulators and banks to continue publishing the most commonly used US dollar rates until at least mid-2023.
The news caused the 3s/6s basis to narrow by nearly 30%. The reversal is said to have cost speculators up to $2 billion.
"We know Libor will continue until end-2021, but announcements about the discontinuation from the end of 2021 of Libor settings could come as early as November or December this year" – Edwin Schooling Latter, FCA (Libor death notice could be served this year – FCA, June 22)
"It is not fully appreciated in the market that the fallback spread is determined at the time of the cessation announcement, not when the cessation is effective" – a fixed income trader at a large US bank (Shifting Libor fallback window jolts basis market, June 25)
"In any market where you're lopsided and the information comes out to the opposite, to get out of it, you're going to have a pain trade, and some dealers and funds took a bath" – a treasury head at a European bank (How hedge funds lost big on US dollar Libor delay, December 8)
The US dollar swaps market took a huge stride towards adopting the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) in October, when CME and LCH began using the new risk-free rate to value cleared trades and pay interest on cash collateral.
The so-called 'big bang' discounting switch proved to be a complex operation. The changeover altered the discount risk sensitivity of cleared portfolios. This was rectified via a distribution of SOFR/Fed funds basis swaps, which swap holders could then offload at auctions arranged by the clearing houses. Ahead of the switch, there were concerns that a deluge of one-sided risk could scupper the auctions and derail a key milestone in the Libor transition. In the event, the big bang went off without a hitch. The market had passed a major operational test in the middle of the pandemic.
The ultimate aim of the switch was to embed SOFR in the financial infrastructure and catalyse liquidity in the new rate ahead of Libor's demise. It had the desired effect – more than $25 billion of SOFR swaps notional hit the market on the CCP auction dates, making them the largest SOFR trading days on record.
"The balance of feedback from the market to us has been that in these unique circumstances a short delay is prudent" – Susi de Verdelon, LCH (Clearing houses postpone euro discounting switch to July, April 17)
"Ahead of year-end 2021, when the industry needs to be ready to implement fallbacks, the discounting switch is the only real test of operational readiness" – Guillaume Helie, Goldman Sachs (SOFR discounting – CCPs prepare for make or break auctions, September 14)
"We had very strong participation from the members, with deep amounts of tight bidding giving a really good result" – David Horner, LCH (CCP discount switch drives record SOFR swap volumes, October 21)
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After the report was accepted, the to make such collections. It is but reafollowing resolution was adopted : sonable that the missionary should de
Resolved, that the thanks of this con rive his support from those who enjoy vention be given to the Rev. Richard his labour of love; whereas at present S. Mason, for the instructive and im- the missionary fund consists almost enpressive discourse delivered by him at tirely of contributions from congregathe opening thereof.
tions and individuals in other parts of The following report was then pre
the diocess. sented from the Missionary Society :
It is true, that in parts of the coun
try where the interests of our church Report of the Committee from the are .weak and incipient, little pecuniary Missionary Society.
aid can be expected; but from the acThe committee to whom it was re counts which the missionaries have exferred to report on the state of the isis- hibited, of the number and ability of sionary Society, beg leave to present the adherents to our church in the disthe following:
trict assigned them, we have reason to It appears that the board of mana believe that much more liberal assistgers, during the past year, employed ance might be obtained than has hitherto four missionaries - for the term of six been realized. months—The Rev. Mr. Green, in the The disbursements during the year, eastern, and the Rev. Messrs. Miller, including payment of arrears due the Wright, and Davis, in the western part missionaries for the preceding year, of the diocess.
amount to $ 922 37; the receipts dur. The Rev. Mr. Green, having paro- ing the same time, inclusive of collecchial charges at Williamsboro' and tions paid into the treasury at this conWarrenton, has been able to give only vention, amount to $ 1,105 34-leavone third of his time to the calls of the ing on hand a balance of $182 97. society, and during that time has la Respectfully submitted, boured chiefly at Raleigh and Oxford. Wm. Hooper, He has occasionally visited Halifax, Wm. M. GREEN,
Committee. Milton, and St. Mary's chapel, in Orange, and thinks all of those places Dr. Burgess, from the committee on deserve the attention of the society. the episcopate, presented the following
The missionaries in the western part report :of the diocess report favourably of the The committee, to whom was referprospects of our church in that quarter; red the subject of appointing a bishop, but as yet they have made no collections and of inquiring into the probable prosin aid of the funds of the society. pects of raising a fund for his support,
It was hoped from the assurances the ask leave to report, That they have society received at the last annual meet taken the above subject into consideraing, that the funds raised by collections : tion, and from the flattering representain the congregations where the mission- tions of the different members of the aries were employed, would have been church now in convention, and a resufficient to defray the expenses of the liance upon the liberality of our bremissions; but this expectation has been thren generally, your committee enterdisappointed, and the missionaries for tain no doubt but a sufficient sum may the ensuing year are again earnestly be raised in this diocess, by private desired, previously to their attendance, contribution, for the comfortable supat the next convention, to make, in all port of a bishop; and from the great the congregations where they labour, need there is in our diocess of the lacollections for the missionary fund, and bours of one, and the confident hope to bring forward such collections with that their expectations in being able to them to the convention; and it is hoped support him may be realizedi, your comthis suggestion will induce influential mittee recommend the adoption of the individuals in the several congregations following resolution :served by our missionaries, to exert Resolved, that in compliance with a themselves in assisting the missionaries resolution of the last convention, this
convention do forthwith proceed to the mit to him the testimonials required by election of a bishop for the diocess of the third canon, to enable him to receive North-Carolina.
consécration to that holy office, at the All which was adopted.
next General Convention to be held in Resolved, that the place of holding Philadelphia. the next annual convention be at Wil Resolved, that the annual salary of liamsboro', Granville county.
the bishop elect, until the further order On motion, resolved, that the thanks of the convention, be fixed at the sum of this convention be given to the Rev. of $750, to be paid semi-annually, exMr. Empie, for his able discharge of clusively of prochial support; and that the office of president.
the Rev. William M. Green, who hath Resolved, that the convention does been appointed agent to raise a fund hereby recommend to the several con for that purpose, be requested to remit gregations throughout the state, that such sums as he may from time to time they should annually elect a vestry of receive, to the standing committee for four or more persons, and two church- the time being, who are hereby constiwardens; and, for the sake of unifor- tuted trustees for receiving and disbursmity, does likewise recommend to each ing the same. congregation Easter-Monday as a day Resolved, that the committee be refor such purpose.
quested to invest the surplus of the The clergy having informed the sum, at the end of each year, in some house that they had unanimously no- permanent and productive fund at their minated, according to the 9th article of discretion. the constitution, the Rev. JOHN S. Ra On motion, resolved, that so much VENSCROFT, Rector of St. James's of the second article of the constitution church, Mecklenburg county, Virginia, of the church in this diocess, as preas a suitable person for the office of bi- scribes the time of the annual meeting shop in this diocess; the convention of the convention to be on the second proceeded to consider the said nomina- Thursday after Easter, be repealed, tion, when it was found to be unani- and that in future the time of meeting mously agreed to by those present. shall be on the third Thursday after
Resolved, that the thanks of this Easter in each and every year. convention be tendered to the inhabit Resolved, that a conmittee consistants of Salisbury and its vicinity, for ing of two clerical and one lay member their kindness in extending to us the of the convention, be appointed to uso of their church, during our present draft an address to the members and session, and likewise for their hospita- friends of the Episcopal Church of this lity to the members of the convention. diocess, setting forth the immediate ne
The committee appointed on the Rev. cessity of creating a fund for an episcoMr. Hooper's motion, presented their pate, informing them of the appointreport, which, after some amendments, ment of a general agent for that pure was adopted.
pose, and earnestly soliciting their ex
ertions in aid of the same; and that Report.
such address, as soon as prepared, be Whereas the Rev. John S. Ravens- printed by the secretary of the Miscroft, rector of St. James's parish, in sionary Society, and forwarded to the the diocess of Virginia, hath been at clergymen of the respective congregathe present convention elected bishop tions in this diocess, and all sạch other of this diocess, according to the form means adopted, as by the committee and manner prescribed in the canons of may be deemed most expedient for the the constitution of the Protestant Epis- free and general circulation of the same. copal Church in the United States, The Rev. Messrs. Hooper and Miland of the constitution and canons of ler, of the clergy, and the Hon. J. L. the Protestant Episcopal Church in this Taylor, of the laity, were appointed the state ; resolved, that the standing com committee. mittee be requested to comniunicate the Resolved, that this convention resame to the bishop elect, and to trang- commend the establishment of Sunday VOL. VII.
schools to the several parishes in this On the 23d of July, I attended and diocess.
presided at the annual meeting of the After prayer, by the president, the trustees of the Theological Seminary convention adjourned sine die.
in New-York; on which occasion it was
"matter of great satisfaction to me, to This diocess contains twenty-five witness the progress made at so early a congregations.
period of an institution, which is likely, under the blessing of God, to be the
nursery of a pious, learned, and a zeálAbstract of the Proceedings of the 'ous ministry in our church. This leads
Thirty-ninth Convention of the Diö me to mention, that in consequence of CP88 of Pennsylvania, hild in S.. the exertions of some respectable ladies James's Church, Lancaster, on the of the city of Philadelphia, there has 13th, 14th, and 15th of May, 1823. been established a scholarship in that
institution, by the deposit of $2,500 in The convention was composed of the its treasury. The sum exacted by the Right Rev. Bishop White, fourteen laws of the institution is $2,000, but presbyters, two deacons, and thirty-four the ladies have exceeded the requisilay delegates, representing twenty-two tion. They have done me the honour congregations.
to call the scholarship after my name; The convention having organized on and the appointment of a scholar is to the first day, and appointed the Rev. be permanently in the ecclesiastical'auWilliam H. De Lancey secretary, ad
thority of this diocess. journed until the second day, when
On the 5th of September, I laid the morning prayer was conducted by the
cornerstone of a church in the city of Rev. James Abercrombie, D. D. senior Philadelphia, to be called St. Andrew's assistant minister of Christ church, St.
church. Peter's, and St. James's, Philadelphia, On the 15th of the same month, in and a 'sermon preached by the Rev. the forenoon, I preached and confirmed Gregory T. Bedell, rector of St. An- in St. Mary's church, Chester county; drew's church, Philadelphia.
and, on the afternoon of that day, I did St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia, the same in Bangor church, Lancaster St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia, and
county. Christ church, Greensburgh, West
On the 27th of the same month, I admoreland county, were received into mitted to priests' orders, under letters union with this convention.
dimissory from Bishop Bowen, Peter The Right Rev. Bishop White, in Vanpelt, jun. formerly of this diocess. compliance with the 45th canon of the General Convention, read the following corner stone of a small church in 'a set
On the 17th of October, I laid the address upon the state of the church in tlement called Francisville, at the disthis diocess :
tance of about a mile from the city of Brethren, the Clergy, and Lay
Philadelphia, to the north-west. The
church is to be called after the name of Deputies of this Convention,
St. Matthew The following communication is On the 29th of October, I consemade in compliance with the requisi- crated Emanuel church, in the borough tions of the 45th canon.
'of New-Castle, in the state of DelaOn the 5th of May, in the forenoon, ware; on which occasion I preached, 1 preached and confirmed in Al-Saints and administered the Lord's Supper. church, Lower Dublin; and, in the af On the 22d day of December, in St. ternoon of' that day, I did the same in James's church, in the city of PhiladelTrinity church, Oxford.
phia, I ordained, to the holy order of On the 30th of May, I laid the cor- priests, Joseph Jaquett, of this diocess. her's
stone of a church in the city of Phi On the 28th of February, 'I conseladelphia, which church was called af. crated St. Stephen's church; the córter the name of the first martyr, St. Ste- 'ner stone of which had been taid; as alphèn.
teady stated.
The Rev. William H. De Lancey didate during the present year is Wil
Persons confirmed by me within the state, has been, and is still successfully year are 210 in number. The dates of employed in raising congregations in confirmations held in the churches un- Greensburg and Kittaning. der my pastoral care have not been 'no The Rev. Norman Nash, formerly a ticed.
deacon of the diocess of Virginia, has The Rey. Samuel Sitgreaves, jun. been transferred to this diocess. Since who had been ordained in this his na his settlement in it, he has been em tive state, but had been settled for some ployed principally in efforts for the time in South-Carolina, has returned, erection of St. Matthew's church, and and taken the charge of the episcopal for the organization of a congregation congregation in Wilkesbarre: in which to worship in it: but he has lately viborough there has been lately erected a sited some vacant congregations in handsome and commodious church, ex- Huntingdon county, at which there is a pected to be consecrated in the ensuing probability he may be settled. season.
Charles G. Snowden, formerly & The Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, ori- presbyter of this church, has been disginally of the diocess of New-York, placed by me from the ministry, agreeand since of that of North-Carolina, ably to the provisions of the 7th canon has become a clergyman of this diocess, of 1820. being engaged for the church of St. An The same has taken place in referdrew, now nearly finished, and expect- ence to Manning B. Roche, formerly a ed to be consecrated in the course of presbyter of this church, and rector of the present month.
Trinity Church, Southwark; of which The Rev. James Montgomery has the Rev. George Boyd, rector of St. been elected rector of St. Stephen's John's church, in the Northern Liberchurch, Philadelphia, and has entered ties, has taken the provisional charge. on the duties of his office.
only person admitted as a has been elected assistant minister of liam Levington, a coloured man. Christ church, St. Peter's, and St. The Society for the Advaụcement of James's, in the city of Philadelphia. Christianity in Pennsylvania have con.
The Rev. Richard Umpstead Mor- tinued their exertions, which have been gan, who was ordained a deacon during blessed by a considerable degree of the last convention, has taken the usefulness; although not sustained by a charge of St. Paul's church, Chester, patronage adequate to jis importance. and of St. Martin's, Marcus-Hook. There will be submitted to the conven
The Rev. George B. Shaeffer has re- tion a narrative of their proceedings: signed the charge of St. John's church, in which it should be especially noticed, York, having returned to the diocess of that the annual subscription has been Maryland.
lessened, under the expectation that the The Rey. Jolin P. Bausman, jun. , loss from that measure will be more who had been ordained in the diocess than balanced by an increase of the of Maryland, has taken the charge of number of contributors. the congregations of Brownsville and Its auxiliary, the Female Tract SoConnelsville, in Fayette county.
ciety, has continued their publications The Rev. Joseph Spencer, formerly with considerable benefit." There has of this diocess, but resident for some been lately a suspension of their distriyears past in that of Maryland, has un-butions, in consequence ofą fire, which, dertaken the charge of the congregation originating in a neighbouring house, in Carlisle; being also appointed a pro- consumed that of the bookseller in fessor in Dickerson college, in that bo- whose office the tracts were deposited. rough.
A considerable proportion of the tracts The Rev. Moses P. Bennet, who had were consumed; and as no small numbeen ordained a deacon in Connecti- ber of those rescued from the flameş cut, and sent a missionary by the So- were in sheets and scattered, it required ciety for the Advancement of Christi- time to review and to arrange them. unity to the western counties of this The Prayer Book Society has be
a can,
come merged in the Society for the Ad- I have no personal interest in the subvancement of Christianity; to be in ject; but it would be a gratification to future a branch of it, agreeably to a me to foresee, that
my successor, de provision in its constitution. In conse- tached from parochial concerns, will quence of too liberal a distribution gra- have it in his power to bestow all his tuitously, the benefit will be for some labours on the work of the episcopacy; time limited to the furnishing of the and thus be more efficient in the latter book on cheap terms, by means of the line than has been possible in my case stereotype plates.
on account of my parochial engageThe Sunday schools are in success- ments. Having passed my seventyful operation. In my last communica- fifth year, it is what ought to remind tion 'I mentioned the Sunday School me, that although my health and Society as distinct from the more local strength, under a merciful Providence, associations formed for the giving of are equal to what they have been at instruction in their respective schools; any period of my life, there must, ere the other being designed exclusively for long, be a decline of body, and perhaps the furnishing of books on the cheapest of mind, even in the uncertain event terms, to the schools which have been of there being still a lengthening of my taken into their connexion. It is pro- days. bable that the knowledge of the advant It has appeared to me, that the instiage of such a connexion has not been tuting of a Theological Seminary has sufficiently diffused.
been met by the general approbation The stock of the corporation for the of the members of our church, and yet support of the widows and children of there does not seem to exist a due condeceased clergymen, has increased to sideration of the expense necessary for the amount of thirty thousand dollars; the conducting of it on a plan adequate the annual produce of which consider- to its importance. In addition to this, ably exceeds the legal demands resting the liberal bequest of a public spirited on it. We have reason to apprehend, member of our church in the state of that the knowledge of the existence of New-York, seems to have been consuch a fund, may create expectations sidered by some as almost sufficient for which cannot be gratified, consistently the satisfying of the call on the generowith fidelity to the trust, of which there sity of the public. This is a mistake, would be a manifest breach, if any por as must be known by those who are tion of the income should be bestowed conversant in the construction of instion any family of a clergyman, without tutions of the description stated. It its having been purchased for them by is to be hoped that further information his annual contributions.
will produce more correct habits of My confidence is still possessed by thinking on the subject; an issue which the Bible Society of Philadelphia: to may be effected by statements of the which it will be continued so long as clergy, and of influential gentlemen of they shall continue to act on the ground the laity, as opportunities may offer. of their original organization. It has It is a matter known to those who been said, that in some societies, form are prominent in the concerns of our ed under the profession of the same church in this state, and doubtless the object, of distributing the Bible without same is felt in other sections of the note or comment, other objects have Union, that we receive most pressing been associated; perhaps with a pious entreaties for the extension of benefidesign, but inconsistent with promise cence beyond our respective bounds; pledged, and tending to aggravate, in- especially to the scattered episcopalistead of diminishing the differences ans, who have seated themselves in the subsisting among Christian people. states which have derived their exist.
Every lapse of a year increases my ence from the federal union. There solicitude to hold up, as a very import is also a sentiment considerably preva. ant object, the creating of a fund for lent, that it has become a Christian the support of a future bishop. I sup- duty to add our efforts to the many repose it to be generally understood, that cently put forth, as well in America as

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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- (instancetype)initWithSuperview:(UIView *)superview constraint:(NSLayoutConstraint *)constraint attribute:(IFTTTLayoutAttribute)attribute referenceView:(UIView *)referenceView constant:(CGFloat)constant NS_DESIGNATED_INITIALIZER;
+ (instancetype)animationWithSuperview:(UIView *)superview constraint:(NSLayoutConstraint *)constraint attribute:(IFTTTLayoutAttribute)attribute referenceView:(UIView *)referenceView;
+ (instancetype)animationWithSuperview:(UIView *)superview constraint:(NSLayoutConstraint *)constraint attribute:(IFTTTLayoutAttribute)attribute referenceView:(UIView *)referenceView constant:(CGFloat)constant;
- (void)addKeyframeForTime:(CGFloat)time multiplier:(CGFloat)multiplier;
- (void)addKeyframeForTime:(CGFloat)time multiplier:(CGFloat)multiplier withEasingFunction:(IFTTTEasingFunction)easingFunction;

@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


2019 Detailed Videos Are Now Free!
-IFT Detailed Lectures Videos for all topics (over 70 hours). These cover the entire Level I curriculum. Click here to see the details and duration of the videos in a handy study planner spreadsheet.
-There only 6 topics available on YouTube but this free package contains all the 10 topics.
-Various other very helpful exam prep materials.
*No credit card needed to get this package!
For more details click item below.
You will get detailed video lectures which closely follow the curriculum. These cover all sections and learning outcomes of a reading. Click here to see the details and duration of the videos in a handy study planner spreadsheet.
Lectures slides are provided in PDF format (not provided in the Free Package). It is recommended that you print out these slides and make notes on them as you follow along the video lecture. This practice is part of active learning whereby you make notes, follow and understand examples.


Thinking about taking up running? Fall is the perfect time to start. The cooler temps allows for a more comfortable run. Here are a few tips from Fitness World Revolution to consider when taking up running in the fall.
Hit the trails. Nature hikes in the fall not only provide you a great workout, but the opportunity to enjoy nature at its finest! Be sure to bring a camera. Here's a list of the Top 100 trails in North America. Want to include the kids? Check out these tips for taking your child on a nature hike.
Not much for running or hiking? Is walking more your speed? Grab your shoes and go! Take your dog, too. You'll both benefit from the fresh air and exercise.
Not much of an outside person? Hit the gym. Most gyms run a fall special to spike membership before the Holidays. Check out a new group class like Zumba, Yoga or Pilates. Or, consider hiring a personal training to get you on a program to fight the upcoming holiday pounds!
Love sports? Why not join a league? Many communities have adult sports leagues, such as volleyball, basketball and pickleball. You're getting in your fitness time along with your social time! That's a big win!
Videos are also a great way to change up your fitness routine. There are many FREE YouTube Channels that have full-length fitness routines. Or, swap videos with a friend to change things up!
You think you are too busy? Check out these doable fitness tips for busy moms.
Grab your shoes and your fitness gear and get out there. Being active and staying active is important regardless of the season. Stop making excuses and start moving.


text:
The road to PMVAs 2022
By Boniface Mithika | Nov. 17, 2022 | 2 Min read
Kenyan artiste Redsan at the PMVAs. [David Gichuru,Standard]
Kenyan musicians, producers, directors and players in the music industry will once again be celebrated at this year's Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA). Now in its eighth edition, everything is gearing up to the awards gala that will happen on December 16.
This year's PMVAs is bigger and better.
Last Friday, the Standard Media Group in conjunction with EABL's Kenya Cane brand officially launched PMVAs 2022. This year's awards are labelled PMVA - The Greats.
Celebrating the greats in the industry has been one of the focus of the awards. The seventh edition saw Redsan receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, the first of its kind.
"This stands to show how legends who have been paving way for the young ins are appreciated. We grew up with Pulse and this comes as not only a surprise, but a big honour. We hope to continue supporting each other as we have always done," said Redsan before giving a stellar performance earlier this year.
This time round, the edition focuses on celebrating and appreciating diverse talents in the industry.
The awards will have seven new slots, which will include different talents from different regions. This is in a bid to bring inclusivity and celebrate Kenya's music and cultural diversity.
Now we are making a call for submission. Submissions of videos in all these categories can be made through the PMVA website www.standardmedia.co.ke/pmva.
Aulgah Nato scoops continental award
Golden Globe Awards: Best of the red carpet fashion
The deadline for submission is November 27.
The judges will give the list of the final nominees before the lines are opened for the public to vote for their favourites.
This year's awards have been christened PMVA – The Spirit of Kenya – The Heart Beat of Entertainment.
The PMVAs bring the best and have become a staple award show in Kenya's showbiz scene.
Launched in 2015, PMVAs a brainchild of Pulse Magazine has matured into the industry gold standard for celebrating the best work in music videos from Kenya and parts of Africa.
Reviewing the past years of PMVA winners shows a quick guide to the evolution of Kenyan music, the power dynamics, radically changing trends and the fall of certain talents and genre.
And in all those years, PMVA has remained consistent in rewarding ingenuity.
PMVA Awards Redsan Pulse
Balala pledges to implement tourism recovery plans proposed by Uhuru's task force
Supreme Court: Sharing of matrimonial property should be pegged on individual's contribution to the marriage
50 uses for Petroleum Jelly
"Unajua" hit single singer Gilad speaks of his journey from the corporate world to music
How to store your lemons, keep them fresh for longer
How to make guacamole Kenyan style
Shish talks about life in front of the camera
Sweets you are avoiding me…When you impregnate the 'wrong girl'
I kicked off my dream at 22 with one motorbike


Over the years I have met with and interviewed many very interesting marketing and communications experts. For your ease of use, I have finally put some of these on one playlist on YouTube. I hope you will find value in viewing some of these videos.
You can access the full playlist here and see below for a quick overview of some of the "Michael Leander meets" interviews including interviews with Drayton Bird, Rory Sutherland and many others.
My favorite interview was with innovation professor and marketing expert Maher Mezher. We had this interesting talk about innovation at his offices in Beirut, Lebanon.
Beautiful Sofia in Bulgaria was where direct and digital marketing expert Hristo Radichev and I had a talk about direct and interactive marketing. Highly recommended to watch this talk.
In Cairo I met up with a good customer of mine. Nadeem Khourshid, CMO of Americana Group, and I talked about the trends in FMCG marketing.
In Slovenia the Lizac brothers are the Kings – if not Emperors – of Marketing. I had a talk with them and Big Al about interesting marketing topics. The talk took place at a wonderful authentic restaurant a short drive outside of magnificently cozy Ljubljana.
In London I met up with Edward Weatherall for a talk about marketing for professional services.
The funniest opening so far was made by the kind and smart Croatian marketing expert Rikard Lumezi. We had a talk about marketing in the backyard of Rikard's company in Zagreb.
In sunny Singapore I had a talk with long time friend and marketing automation and customer lifecycle marketing management expert Genevieve Yep. A great talk about marketing in Asia.
In Oslo I had a great lunch with long time friend and award winning copywriter Oystein Svarod. We had a great little talk at the Aker Brygge on a beautiful day in the capital of Norway.
Digital marketing guru Arturs Mednis and I had a good talk during one of my visits to Riga in Latvia. See that talk here and get advise from Arturs Mednis directly.
The longest talk was the interesting talk I had in Tallinn, Estonia with Alain Heureux who is the president of IAB Europe. In this talk Alain offers tons of advise on current issues related to digital advertising.
In Tehran, Iran I talked to local marketing guru John Boghossian about what the marketing environment is like in Iran. John is also a best selling marketing author.
In Ljubljana center I talked to local marketing guru Ales Lisac for a talk about important marketing issues. Listen to what Ales Lisac had to say here.
In Rungsted I met up with Ruben and Michael from Follow-up Systems. We talked a bit about email marketing and related topics on a beautiful summer day in Denmark.
In Fredriksberg, I interviewed Thomas Ladefoged at the time the new CEO of the Danish Marketing Assocation.
In Copenhagen I talked to former colleague Carsten V. Jensen who now is running a business development agency in Denmark.


What a weekend! Whew. I'm writing this post on Sunday evening, as I try to get my bearings with a new week on the horizon. This week will bring a viewing of Crazy Rich Asians with some work friends, my annual review at work, and lots and lots of writing as I work on a big freelance assignment.
Plot Summary: In Part Two of this trilogy, Silas wakes up with no memory but finds out that his girlfriend Charlie is missing and he needs to find her before time runs out.
My Thoughts: As much as I loved Part One of this series, Part Two was majorly disappointing! I'm on the fence if I even want to read Part Three, but since the books are so short (around 145 pages), I guess I'll just finish it out to see what happens. I am interested to know why they have lost their memory! This book took some turns I wasn't expecting and didn't particularly enjoy, so blah.
Plot Summary: Dyson doesn't hold back in this book about race relations today and all the ways white privilege has paved the way for black indiginity. Short, impactful, and will leave you forever changed.
My Thoughts: I don't even know how to accurately describe how incredible this book was, but it's one I want to put in the hands of everyone I know. It's a book that will make a lot of white people squirm, but damn do we need to squirm. Dyson really gets to the heart of race relations today and what it's truly like to be black in America. He talks not only about the different times he's been stopped by the police, but also about the times he's been asked to leave churches and universities due to his more progressive views, views that not everyone is ready for. He writes honestly and poignantly about his life and about the ways white privilege and white fragility has infected our culture and made black people feel othered. There were so many quotes that just stopped me in my tracks because damn, does Dyson have a way with words. Please read this book. You won't regret it.
Plot Summary: In this novella, readers learn the origin story of Greg and Fiona, a married couple who are present in the first four books of the Knitting in the City series.
My Thoughts: I was told I *must* read this book before reading the fifth book in the Knitting in the City series because it gives greater context to Greg and Fiona's story, as we learn how they got together. And… I just don't get it? Maybe I will once I read that fifth book, but this felt like something that could have easily been incorporated into that book in flashback scenes. Also, I kinda hated this book solely on the fact that her mom was written outrageously awful. She tells her daughter, who had brain cancer a few years ago, that she's "cutting her out of her life" if she goes away to college. Um, what? In what world does this make sense? I understand that the author wanted Fiona to have a troubled relationship with her mom, but that's a little over the top and unrealistic.
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan – I abandoned this book at page 71 because it just wasn't keeping my interest. I felt like the author was trying too hard to create a plucky heroine, but it just didn't work for me. It was also just… boring. I didn't feel any sense of excitement whenever I picked up the novel and I found my mind wandering when I was reading. Probably one of those "good for you, not for me" books.
You'll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein – I have one hour left in this audiobook, and it's been such a fun listening experience over the past week. It's a book of essays written by a comedian, and those can generally be hit-or-miss for me, but I've actually found myself laughing through some of her stories!
Beartown by Fredrick Backman – I am less than 100 pages into this beautiful novel, and while I haven't gotten to the meat of this story just yet, I can tell it's going to be one I completely love. The writing is so beautiful and I'm reading this book slowly to soak in every word.
A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole – I'm reading this alongside Beartown and it's a fun, light-hearted companion. It's giving me Coming to America vibes, haha, but I don't hate that. I love both the main characters and I'm excited to see how everything comes together!
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren – Once I finish A Princess in Theory, I'm going to start this book! I was completely captivated by the first Christina Lauren novel I read (Roomies) and I hear this one is just as great.
I finished The Handmaid's Tale over the weekend. It was well-written and I liked it better than when I read it in college but it was just soooo depressing so I can't say I 'loved' it. It will make for a good book club discussion, though. Now I'm reading "The Heart's Invisible Furies.' I bought it for my MIL for Christmas and she lent it to Phil and me to read. It's a huge book, though, and my bags are already heavy enough with all the stuff I haul back and forth to work for pumping so I will only be reading it at home. So it might take me awhile to get through it!
I finished the audiobook for Ramona Blue this afternoon; next up is a re-read of Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (I'm a big Sarah Dessen fan and usually re-read her books several times throughout the year).
You read such a variety of books! I love it!
I am still reading A Lady's Guide to Selling Out, and saw that a bunch of my holds just came in at the library, so I can finally finish The Last Time I Lied!
Beartown is on my list of books to read next year when I'm back to books written by men. I've heard so many incredible and wonderful things about that one!


The Density-based Clustering tool works by detecting areas where points are concentrated and where they are separated by areas that are empty or sparse. Points that are not part of a cluster are labeled as noise.
This tool uses unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms which automatically detect patterns based purely on spatial location and the distance to a specified number of neighbors. These algorithms are considered unsupervised because they do not require any training on what it means to be a cluster.
Clustering, grouping and classification techniques are some of the most widely used methods in machine learning. The Multivariate Clustering and the Spatially Constrained Multivariate Clustering tool also utilize unsupervised machine learning methods to determine natural clusters in your data. These classification methods are considered unsupervised as they do not require a set of pre-classified features to guide or train on in order to find clusters in your data.
Urban water supply networks are an important hidden underground asset. The clustering of pipe ruptures and bursting can indicate looming problems. Using the Density-based Clustering tool, an engineer can find where these clusters are and take pre-emptive action on high-danger zones within water supply networks.
Suppose you have position data for all successful and unsuccessful shots for NBA players. Density-based Clustering can show you the different patterns of successful versus failed shot positions for each player. This information can then be used to inform game strategy.
Say you are studying a particular pest-borne disease and have a point dataset representing households in your study area, some of which are infested, some of which are not. By using the Density-based Clustering tool, you can determine the largest clusters of infested households to help pinpoint an area to begin treatment and extermination of pests.
Geo-locating tweets following natural hazards or terror attacks can be clustered and rescue and evacuation needs can be informed based on the size and location of the clusters identified.
Defined distance (DBSCAN)—Uses a specified distance to separate dense clusters from sparser noise. The DBSCAN algorithm is the fastest of the clustering methods, but is only appropriate if there is a very clear Search Distance to use, and that works well for all potential clusters. This requires that all meaningful clusters have similar densities.
Self-adjusting (HDBSCAN)—Uses a range of distances to separate clusters of varying densities from sparser noise. The HDBSCAN algorithm is the most data-driven of the clustering methods, and thus requires the least user input.
Multi-scale (OPTICS)—Uses the distance between neighboring features to create a reachability plot which is then used to separate clusters of varying densities from noise. The OPTICS algorithm offers the most flexibility in fine-tuning the clusters that are detected, though it is computationally intensive, particularly with a large Search Distance.
This tool takes Input Point Features, a path for the Output Features and a value representing the minimum number of features required to be considered a cluster. Depending on the Clustering Method selected there may be additional parameters to specify as described below.
This parameter determines the minimum number of features required to consider a grouping of points a cluster. For instance, if you have a number of different clusters, ranging in size from 10 points to 100 points, and you choose a Minimum Features per Cluster of 20, all clusters that have less than 20 points will either be considered noise (because they do not form a grouping large enough to be considered a cluster) or they will be merged with nearby clusters in order to satisfy the minimum number of features required. In contrast, choosing a Minimum Features Per Cluster smaller than what you consider your smallest meaningful cluster may lead to meaningful clusters being divided into smaller clusters. In other words, the smaller the Minimum Features Per Cluster, the more clusters will be detected. The larger the Minimum Features Per Cluster, the fewer clusters will be detected.
The ideal Minimum Features Per Cluster depends on what you are trying to capture and your analysis question. It should be set to the smallest size grouping you wish to consider a meaningful cluster. Increasing the Minimum Features Per Cluster may result in merging some of the smaller clusters together.
The Minimum Features Per Cluster parameter is also important in the calculation of the core-distance, which is a measurement used by all three methods to find clusters. Conceptually, the core-distance or each point, is a measurement of the distance that is required to travel from each point to the defined minimum number of features. So, if a large Minimum Features per Cluster is chosen, then the corresponding core-distance will be larger. If a small Minimum Features per Cluster is chosen, then the corresponding core-distance will be smaller. At the borders of clusters, points will have large core-distances, (and likely not fall within a cluster). The core-distance, is related to the Search Distance parameter, which is used by both the Defined distance (DBSCAN) and Multi-scale (OPTICS) methods.
Illustration of the core-distance, measured as the distance from a particular feature that must be traveled to create a cluster with a minimum of 4 features including itself.
For Defined distance (DBSCAN), if the Minimum Features per Cluster cannot be found within the Search Distance from a particular point, then that point will be marked as noise. In other words, if the core-distance (the distance required to reach the minimum number of features) for a feature is greater than the Search Distance, the point is marked as noise. The Search Distance, when using Defined distance (DBSCAN), is treated as a search cut-off.
When the Search Distance is smaller than the core-distance (the distance required to reach the specified Minimum Features Per Cluster, which in this illustration is 4), the feature is marked as noise. When the Search Distance is greater than the core-distance, the feature is marked as part of a cluster.
For Multi-scale (OPTICS), the Search Distance is treated as the maximum distance that will be compared to the core-distance. Multi-scale (OPTICS) uses a concept of a maximum reachability distance, which is the distance from a point to its nearest neighbor that has not yet been visited by the search (Note: OPTICS is an ordered algorithm that starts with the feature at OID 0 and goes from that point to the next to create a plot. The order of the points is fundamental to the results). Multi-scale (OPTICS) will search all neighbor distances within the specified Search Distance, comparing each of them to the core-distance. If any distance is smaller than the core-distance, then that feature is assigned that core-distance as its reachability distance. If all of the distances are larger than the core-distance, then the smallest of those distances is assigned as the reachability distance. These distances are then used to create the reachability plot, which is an ordered plot of the reachability distances that is used to detect clusters.
When all features within the core-distance have already been visited, the Reachability Distance assigned to a feature is the smallest distance between the selected feature and all other features within the Search Distance threshold.
For both Defined distance (DBSCAN) and Multi-scale (OPTICS), if no distance is specified, the default Search Distance is the highest core-distance found in the dataset, excluding those core-distances in the top 1% (in other words excluding the most extreme core-distances).
After all of the reachability distances have been calculated for the entire dataset, a reachability plot is constructed that orders the distances and reveals the clustering structure of the points.
The valleys in the reachability plot imply that a short distance needs to be traveled from one point to the next. Thus, valleys represent distinct clusters in the point pattern. The denser a cluster, the lower the reachability distances will be, and the lower the valley on the plot (the pink cluster, for instance, is the most dense in the above example). Less dense clusters have higher reachability distances and higher valleys on the plot (the dark green cluster, for instance, is the least dense in the above example). The peaks represent the distances needed to travel from cluster to cluster, or from cluster to noise to cluster again, depending on the configuration of the set of points.
Reachability distances form peaks and valleys in the reachability plot. As longer distances are measured between points, a peak results in the reachability plot.
Plateaus can occur in a reachability plot when the Search Distance is less than the largest core-distance. A key aspect of using the OPTICS clustering method is determining how to detect clusters from the reachability plot, which is done using the Cluster Sensitivity parameter.
The Cluster Sensitivity parameter determines how the shape (both slope and height) of peaks within the reachability plot will be used to separate clusters. A very high Cluster Sensitivity (close to 100) will treat even the smallest peak as a separation between clusters, resulting in a higher number of clusters. A very low Cluster Sensitivity (close to 1) will treat only the steepest, highest peaks as a separation between clusters, resulting in a lower number of clusters.
The default Cluster Sensitivity is calculated as the threshold at which adding more clusters does not add additional information, done using the Kullback-Leibler Divergence between the original reachability plot and the smoothed reachability plot obtained after clustering.
While only Multi-scale (OPTICS) uses the reachability plot to detect clusters, the plot can be used to help explain, conceptually, how these methods differ from each other. For the purposes of illustration, the reachability plot below will be used to explain the differences in the 3 methods. The plot reveals clusters of varying densities and separation distances. We'll explore the results of using each of the clustering methods on this illustrative data.
A conceptual reachability plot with clusters of points with varying densities and distances between them.
For Defined distance (DBSCAN), you can imagine drawing a line across the reachability plot at the specified Search Distance. Areas below the Search Distance represent clusters while peaks above the Search Distance represent noise points. Defined distance (DBSCAN) is the fastest of the clustering methods, but is only appropriate if there is a very clear Search Distance to use as a cut-off, and that Search Distance works well for all clusters. This requires that all meaningful clusters have similar densities.
For Self-adjusting (HDBSCAN), the reachability distances can be thought of as nested levels of clusters. Each level of clustering would result in a different set of clusters being detected. Self-adjusting (HDBSCAN) chooses which level of clusters within each series of nested clusters will optimally create the most stable clusters that incorporate as many members as possible without incorporating noise. To learn more about the algorithm, check out the great documentation from the creators of HDBSCAN. Self-adjusting (HDBSCAN) is the most data-driven of the clustering methods, and thus requires the least user input.
For Multi-scale (OPTICS), the work of detecting clusters is based not on a particular distance, but instead on the peaks and valleys within the plot. Let's say that each peak has a level of either Small, Medium, or Large.
Choosing a very high Cluster Sensitivity essentially means that all peaks, from small to large, will act as separations between clusters (resulting in more clusters).
Choosing a moderate Cluster Sensitivity will result in both the Medium and Large peaks being used, but not the small peaks.
Choosing a very low Cluster Sensitivity will result in only the Large peaks being used, resulting in the lowest number of clusters detected.
Multi-scale (OPTICS) offers the most flexibility in fine-tuning the clusters that are detected, though it is also the slowest of the three clustering methods.
This tool produces an output feature class with a new integer field CLUSTER_ID showing you which cluster each feature is a member of. Default rendering is based on the COLOR_ID field. Multiple clusters will be assigned each color. Colors will be assigned and repeated so that each cluster is visually distinct from its neighboring clusters.
If the Clustering Method chosen was Self-adjusting (HDBSCAN), the output feature class will also contain fields PROB, which is the probability the feature belongs in its assigned group, OUTLIER, designating the feature maybe an outlier within its own cluster (when the value is higher more the feature is more likely to be an outlier) and EXEMPLAR which denotes the features that are the most prototypical or most representative of each cluster.
In addition to the reachability plot that is created when Multi-scale (OPTICS) is chosen, all clustering methods will also create a Bar Chart that shows all unique Cluster IDs. This chart can be used to easily select all of the features that fall within a specified cluster, and to explore the size of each of the clusters.
Campello, R. J., Moulavi, D., & Sander, J. (2013, April). Density-based clustering based on hierarchical density estimates. In Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (pp. 160-172). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Ankerst, M., Breunig, M. M., Kriegel, H. P., & Sander, J. (1999, June). OPTICS: ordering points to identify the clustering structure. In ACM Sigmod record (Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 49-60). ACM.


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When Did Kickboxing Start In The United States?
by Richard WillisLeave a Comment on When Did Kickboxing Start In The United States?
American kickboxing originated in the 1970s and was brought to prominence in September 1974, when the Professional Karate Association (PKA) held the first World Championships. Historically, kickboxing can be considered a hybrid martial art formed from the combination of elements of various traditional styles.
The first time anything resembling what we now know as Full Contact Kickboxing began in the United States in the early 1970's as Full Contact Karate. In September 1974, in Los Angeles, the first ever World Championships of Full Contact Karate were hosted.
When was the first kickboxing match?
Kickboxing is a Japanese hybrid martial art basically comprising of elements of punching and kicking. It was developed by adapting fighting techniques from Karate, Western boxing, and Muay Thai. It originated in 1960s in Japan and gained practitioners in America during the next ten years.
When did kickboxing become a sport?
The sport was originated in Japan in the 1960s and the American version was originated in the 1970s. The first World Championships of the sport was organized by the Professional Karate Association (PKA) in September 1974.
What is the history of kickboxing?
The true roots of Kickboxing can be found to date back 2000 years ago in Far East Asia, where Muay Thai Kickboxing was commonly practiced as a self-defense discipline. However it gradually became more of a sport over the years. Thai boxing soon became the most common and popular fighting sport in Asia.
When did MMA start in America?
It started in Japan's Shooto organization, founded by Satoru "Tiger Mask" Sayama, in 1985 as a realistic and effective system of combat derived from shoot wrestling, but for most fans, MMA as we know it started on November 12, 1993 in Denver, Colorado, which was the night of UFC 1.
You might be interested: How Many Calories Does Kickboxing Cardio Burn? (TOP 5 Tips)
Where did boxing originate?
The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3000 BC. The sport was introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late 7th century BC, when soft leather thongs were used to bind boxers' hands and forearms for protection.
Who invented karate?
The Father of Modern Karate. Funakoshi Gichin was born on Nov 10, 1868 in Yamakawa, Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture. He was of samurai lineage, from a family which in former times had been vassals of Ryukyu Dynasty nobles. By age 11 he had already made a name for himself in Ryukyu-style martial arts.
Who is the greatest kickboxer of all time?
So, Who Are the Best Kickboxers in History?
Rico Verhoeven.
Buakaw Banchamek.
Robin van Roosmalen.
Cris 'Cyborg' Justino Venancio.
Ernesto Hoost.
Sittichai Sitsongpeenong.
Semmy Schilt.
Ramon Dekkers. An eight-time Muay Thai world champion, Ramon Dekkers was just an incredible fighter to watch.
When was Aikido created?
The basic skills of aikido probably originated in Japan in about the 14th century. In the early 20th century they were systematized in their modern form through the work of the Japanese martial-arts expert Ueshiba Morihei.
Where did Jiu Jitsu come from?
Jiu Jitsu first originated in Japan. Later, it moved to South America via a Japanese diplomat Mitsyuo Maeda to form the modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In the early 1900s, it took shape with the help of Maeda.
Is Muay Thai and kickboxing the same?
The most common difference between the two sports is that while kickboxing is a 4-point striking system that involves the use of kicks and punches only, Muay Thai is an 8-point striking system involving the use of not only kicks and punches (Slimani et al., 2017), but also makes use of elbows and knees, and the 'full'
You might be interested: What Muscles Does Kickboxing Work The Most? (Perfect answer)
When did Muay Thai start?
It is a martial art with roots originating from military use dating back to around the 13th century during the time of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Muay Thai is known as the "Art of 8 limbs" because it makes use of 8 points of contact namely, punches, elbows, knees and kicks.
Who was the first mixed martial art?
The Ancient History of MMA One of the earliest forms of MMA originated from the Han Dynasty in ancient China, developed by the Chinese military as a form of hand-to-hand combat to be used in warfare. The art was called Shuai Jiao, and combined styles such as wrestling and kung fu.
What martial art is kickboxing?
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or in the community area in Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
Located in Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
(Sukhumvit, Thonglor, Ekkamai, Sathorn, Aree).
Land offerors must specify all preliminary information of land, which include location of land, map demonstrating the location of land, land boundary, land size, offering price, and name-contact number of the offeror.
The Company has implemented the big data system for management and storage of land information, which will be considered in order; submission through the main channel will be first considered.
The Company will determine the conditions and timeframe of the sales and purchase process to achieve the objectives of land purchase. With that respect, land offerors are requested to collaborate and strictly comply with the process.
The Company reserves the right to discontinue its contact with any offeror whenever there are reasonable grounds to believe that the purchase of land will not be successful.
The Company adheres to the principles of business ethics and good governance, and thereby stipulates the anti-corruption policy to serve as operational guidance for directors, executives, and all employees of the Company.
In the event that the offeror makes a false claim or engages in any act that causes damage to the Company, the Company reserves the right to immediately disqualify that offeror from land offering.
"With a Budget of Over Ten Billion Baht"
Where do you knows this news?


Most people come to Greece in the summer, especially August, when Greece is crowded and less personal, and the penetrating sun bleaches hot afternoons. Walkers, nature lovers, and devotees of classical and Byzantine Greece would do better to come in the spring and fall, both being cooler and less tourist-riddled.
Spring's islands burst with thousands of varieties of wildflowers, and sprightly crimson poppies dapple stern marble blocks, but the sea is cold. Autumn days are short. This is when zesty olives are gathered, bulging grapes are pressed, and verdant fields plowed.
New Year's Day, Epiphany (January 6), Clean Monday, first day of Lent, Feast of the Annunciation and Independence Day (March 25); Easter holidays (in May); Labor Day (May 1); Pentecost, Assumption of the Holy Virgin (August 15); Ochi Day (October 28); Christmas Day, Boxing Day (December 26).
Only on Orthodox Easter and August 15 do you find most establishments closed.
Rooms are hard to get around Easter and August 15 (especially the latter). Traveling around this time, however, offers a compelling glimpse into Greek culture.
The Euro is the official currency. Airports, banks, hotels, and rail stations can exchange currencies. Many local restaurants do not accept credit or debit cards so make sure to have some cash on hand when out and about.


As long as I have my health, I want to be reporting somewhere.
I still love following and thinking about politics. I enjoy recommending important journalism I read or see from other sources.
I respect and empathize with reporters and editors who must compete in today's environment. And I know full well that when I've been covering campaigns, which I still do, I've made my mistakes and have been far from perfect.
This much we know: Journalism is not a precise science. It's, on its best day, is a crude art. We make mistakes; I make mistakes. With more than 50 years as a journalist, I have at least had the opportunity to blow more stories, make more mistakes than maybe anybody in television.


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AwwPsalm West Is Growing Up Before Our Eyes! See All the Cutest Pics of Kim and Kanye's Youngest Child
May 3, 2021 5:25 pm·
Inside the Kardashian-Jenner Family's 2021 Holiday Celebration: Photos!
Jennifer Lopez's Daughter Emme's Style Has Transformed to Edgy Teen
Kim Kardashian loves showing off adorable photos of her youngest son, Psalm West, with estranged husband Kanye West. The former couple welcomed their fourth child via a surrogate on May 9, 2019 — and naturally, they can't get enough of him. Obviously, we don't blame them … he is too precious!
While the Keeping Up With the Kardashians starlet has a special bond with each of her kids, her connection to Psalm is especially unique. Kim strongly believes Psalm is the reincarnation of her late father, Robert Kardashian Sr., who died from cancer in 2003.
Kardashian Kids Guide: Ages, Birthdays, Middle Names and More!
A series of strange coincidences led the KKW Beauty founder to believe this theory about her youngest son and dad is true, including an encounter her nurse had with a stranger.
"My baby nurse, I had to go out of town and I really needed her to come in," Kim told E! News. "But she had a baby shower that she had to go to. And I said, 'It's okay, you can bring my son to the baby shower, if that's okay with you.' I really needed the help. She brings him to a baby shower, and a woman comes up to her and said, 'Is this your son?' And she said, 'No, no, no, I'm just watching him.' And she said, 'Well, I just have to tell you, please tell their mom this is a family member of hers reincarnated.'"
Too Cute! Check Out the Most Precious Photos of Saint West
Kim also revealed Psalm and her dad share some odd things in common, such as the fact that her little one is left-handed just like the late lawyer was.
It turns out, the mom of four isn't the only one who believes Psalm was Robert in his past life. "Multiple people that had no idea that was my nanny or anything have come up to my baby to say that he's a family member reincarnated," she told the outlet. Even her relatives believe it. "So my whole family, all the time, thinks it's my dad and is just so emotional and close to him."
The little tot may be the youngest in the family, but the older he gets, the more his little personality develops. "My baby boy is so handsome and sweet," she wrote beside a photo in 2020. While daughter North West and son Saint West love the attention, Psalm seems more reserved, but he seems to be getting more curious and bold the older he gets! Clearly, Psalm is one of a kind.
Keep scrolling to see photos the Kar-Jenners have shared of the youngest family member so far.
Courtesy of Kim Kardashian/Instagram
Her Babies
No matter how big Psalm gets, he'll always be Kim's baby boy! "Tucked in tight, it's my heart where you'll stay. Tomorrow I'll love you even more than today," Kim wrote in April 2021.
Gang!
The little trio looked so cute in their matching orange-and-white 'fits in late March 2021.
"Psalm and our stuffed Pom doll lol," Kim wrote in March 2021.
Twinning!
"These Two Are Best Friends For Life," Kim captioned this photo of Psalm and his sister Chi totally twinning in October 2020. It's also a rare occurrence to see the tot smiling!
The Genetic Jackpot
Clearly, Kim and Kanye make beautiful children.
Move over, Kendall! Psalm is coming for your crown.
We Can't Take the Cuteness
Seriously … this is almost too much.
So Big!
Psalm may look tiny next to his older siblings, but he's growing so fast.
Youngest siblings, unite!
It's a Party!
Kim and her kids (including lil Psalm) got together on July 31 to celebrate Grandma MJ!
TuTu Time!
"These two are besties," Kim captioned a sweet photo of Psalm hanging out with his cousin True Thompson on July 29.
A Milestone!
"My baby boy Psalm is the sweetest! He just started walking!" Kim shared on June 12, along with a heartwarming photo of the mother-son duo.
Growing Up So Fast
Kimye's kids look so big and happy in this adorable snap the reality star shared on Instagram.
In May 2020, Kim posted this cute selfie with her kiddos.
True and Her 'Baby'
That same month, Khloé Kardashian shared this sweet throwback pic of her daughter, True Thompson, and Psalm a.k.a. "Tutu's baby."
On April 4, 2020, Kim shared this precious photo of Psalm playing in a colorful ball pit.
Courtesy of @kimkardashian/Instagram
Just the Guys
Kim shared the sweetest photo of Psalm and his big brother on March 28, 2020. "My boys," she captioned the snap.
On March 25, 2020, Kim shared this rare family selfie. Look how sweet Psalm looks sitting on his mama's lap!
Courtesy of Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram
Quality Time With Penelope!
Penelope is such a good big cousin! Here she is helping baby Psalm play in the pool in a throwback photo from the family's trip to Palm Springs, California.
"My baby boy is so handsome and sweet," Kim captioned this photo of Psalm resting in his crib on March 17, 2020. He certainly is!
Making Memories!
"Baby love," Kim captioned this adorable black-and-white photo of Psalm, his older brother, Saint, and big sister Chicago.
With mama's guidance, little Psalm did his best to tell fans and followers "Good morning!" on Kim's Instagram Story on January 28, 2020. That coo!
Throwback Love
"Found this old pic in my phone from a few months ago," Kim captioned a sweet photo of Psalm and Chicago on January 9, 2020. "They are getting so big."
Kim shared this peaceful video of her sweet boy snoozing on January 7, 2020.
Courtesy of Kim Kardashian Instagram
Kim shared a recap of her year on Instagram to ring in 2020. One of her favorite moments included this adorable snapshot of Psalm at the beach.
Psalm and Nori, Forever!
On December 29, 2019, North spent some more quality time with her baby bro and his bottle. So sweet!
Hugs for Days!
Big sis North West couldn't help but hug her little bro, and it was simply adorable.
So Much Love
"Stormi loves my Psalmy so much!" Kim captioned this sweet IG photo of her son with his cousin Stormi Webster. Our hearts can't handle the cuteness!
Snuggle Buddies!
On December 6, 2019, Kim shared the coziest photo of her two sons. "It doesn't get much sweeter than this," she wrote. You're right about that, Mrs. Kardashian West!
Courtesy of Kendall Jenner/Instagram
Sundays With Aunt Kenny!
On November 24, 2019, Psalm posed for some photos with his aunt Kendall Jenner.
Selfie Time
The little guy also looked adorable in a mirror selfie with Kendall and her longtime BFF Fai Khadra.
Sibling Love
Chicago and Psalm seem to be besties based on this cute pic their mama shared on November 19, 2019. Aw!
Cousin Time
It looks like Psalm and True have a very special bond — and it's seriously adorable. The two had the sweetest playdate together on October 17, 2019.
The Sweetest
Khloé gushed over the photos on Instagram and wrote, "This is EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! My babies!!!! Tutu is obsessed with Psalm!! We are so blessed!"
Killing Us With Cutness
Name a more adorable duo, we'll wait …
Kimye's youngest child joined the family on their trip to Armenia. He was baptized on October 7, 2019, along with Chicago and Saint.
Loves His Mom
There's no denying that Psalm has a special connection with Kim!
On October 4, 2019, Kim shared an adorable video of her youngest son. "My baby Psalm is getting so big. He started off looking like Chicago but now looks like Saint's twin!" she captioned the Instagram clip of Psalm lying in bed.
Kim took to her Instagram Story to share this precious snapshot from her grandmother's 85th birthday bash. Considering the Kar-Jenners love (love, love) a good photo booth moment, we're happy to see Psalm is getting started while he's young.
Courtesy of @kimkardashian
On Saturday, July 20, 2019, mama Kim took to social media to share the sweetest moment between Psalm and Saint — and the photo opp was all Psalm's big bro's idea!
"Saint said he's gonna pretend to sleep with his brother. He always wants a pic to capture every moment. You have no idea how sweet my boys are!" Kim wrote in the caption.
On July 14, 2019, Kim posted this sweet photo of Saint, 3, and his newborn bro. "Saint asked me to take a pic of him and his brother this morning," she wrote on Instagram and Twitter.
My boys 🖤🖤
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jun 17, 2019 at 9:39am PDT
On June 17, 2019, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star shared the first photo of her two sons, Saint and Psalm, posting together. "My two boys," she captioned the sweet pic, taken by @nabil. By the looks of it, Saint is an amazing big brother. In May, a source exclusively revealed to Life & Style that "Saint loves nursing Psalm, with the help of Kim of course!" We can totally see that happening.
On June 10, 2019, Kim shared the first close-up of her youngest son, and fans couldn't help but think he looks just like his older sister Chicago West. The brunette beauty originally captioned the photo "Psalm Ye," paying tribute to his dad, Kanye. However, at some point she edited the caption and changed it solely to "Psalm."
Courtesy of Kim Kardashian/Twitter
A little over a week after Psalm was born, Kim took to social media to post the very first photo of her newborn. It was then she also revealed his unique name, which references the bible. Keeks shared an iMessage convo between her and her hubby. "Beautiful Mother's Day with the arrival of our fourth child. We are blessed beyond measure. We have everything we need," the rapper wrote in the text.
We can't wait for more photos. This is only the beginning!
I meannnnn my baby Psalm is so sweet!!!
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jul 10, 2019 at 2:01pm PDT
When it comes to adorable photos of her baby boy, Kim just keeps on giving. On July 10, 2020, the KUWTK star shared a new photo of Psalm where it looks like the little guy is almost smiling. "I meannnnn my baby Psalm is so sweet!!!" she captioned the super cute pic. We definitely see the resemblance to his big siblings Chi and Saint here!
On August 20, 2019, the mom of four shared another precious pic. This time, the photo featured big sister North cuddling up to her youngest sibling. Though she's had an iffy track record with brothers in the past — and was caught making faces at Saint just seconds after this photo was taken — she doesn't seem to mind Psalm so much.
Psalm tagged along on a trip to the Bahamas in late August and looked adorable with his sibs in coordinating swimsuits. "I thought taking a pic with three kids was hard OMG this is almost impossible!" Kim joked on Instagram about the photo op.
"My little man is the sweetest ever! He's honestly the best baby," Kim gushed on Instagram about her adorable son on August 25, 2019. "Sleeps through the night and by far my most calm. How did I get so lucky." It looks like the reality starlet is fully enjoying all the baby snuggles.
Psalm West


MONTGOMERY – June 2, 2011 – Rep. Wes Long, R-Guntersville, successfully fended off opponents on Tuesday, May 31, to shepherd product liability reform through the Alabama House of Representatives to final passage.
The bill known as the Alabama Small Business Protection Act was part of a four-bill tort reform package, which the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee (ACJRC) and the Alabama Retail Association as a member of that coalition has sought since 1999.
"Rep. Long is to be commended for passing a tort reform bill that will help protect jobs and foster future economic development in Alabama," said Tom Dart, Chairman of the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee.
Gov. Robert Bentley is expected to sign the bill into law.


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We don't know what we can do without it.
to rise and weave our paths of healing.
note: The first half of this poem was written in 1996, 16 years ago, and words written then are italicized. It is a giveaway to Grandmother Pathweaver, Grandmother Fireheart and my other teachers and family in the Polar Bear apprentice group of the Buffalo Trace Society. A few words from the past were changed and left in plain text like the rest of the second half of the poem written on 10/15/12. Thank you for the safe spaces to learn, share, and grow.
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