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Gingy's Corner
Wander No More/Written in the Sky
By Gingy Gibson • January 31st, 2020
This week, let's talk about two visual novels and a few problems inherent to writing short VNs.
Wander No More follows the story of Kouichirou the "samurai" after he leaves a group of bandits called the Kodokushi (that's what they are, even if he won't outright acknowledge this) in a pseudo-feudal Japan setting. His departure from the bandits results in a village he passes through being burned to the ground, killing almost every resident therein. He stumbles across a girl named Chiyo and, driven at least in part by guilt, takes her in under his wing, ostensibly as his daughter (even though he's only about 10 years her senior).
I really loved Wander No More for the majority of its run. There's no greater goal motivating Chiyo and Kouichirou than a simple desire to rebuild the village to a functional level and survive, a daunting challenge in no small part due to their limited survival skills. Neither of them know a thing about weaving or carpentry, for example, which makes repairing the houses or making new fabric an uphill battle. Even when they begin to take in outsiders nothing gets easier, since half the refugees are elderly or children with limited skills and abilities to offer in rebuilding Hotsu village. In this environment, you can appreciate their measured optimism in the face of a decidedly disadvantageous situation, particularly Chiyo's attempts to gather food and happily watch over the younger children when she's down two parents and one hand.
All of the characters grow on you as the story progresses, whether it's Chiyo, the local boys who idolize Kouichirou, the elderly woman trying to help Chiyo reconstruct and then work the loom, or Kouichirou himself. You get to watch the village heal, to see Kouichirou become increasingly worried about their settlement drawing unwanted attention from the Kodokushi (especially when one of their scouts stumbles in), and witness how interpersonal conflict between just a few members of the community can have a lasting, rippling effect throughout the whole village. Everything about Wander No More is well-paced and well-written, with bouts of melancholy or suspense perfectly broken up by tiny moments of humor. It's beautiful and heartwarming.
And then it all goes up in smoke.
We'll come back to this in a moment, but first I need to talk about the other visual novel I read this week, Written in the Sky. Written could probably best be classified as a sci-fi romance, following the story of the teenager girl Azure over the course of three days. Azure is a loner who hates school, has (at best) a lukewarm relationship with her father, and seems to lack so much as a hobby to pass the time. One day she accidentally stumbles into a warehouse and discovers a magic ring, which makes her the king of Mars (provided she marries the Martian queen, who obviously looks like a well-endowed teenager and can't quite figure out how planet Earth or its language works). The pair of them marry after knowing each other for less than two days, have a skeevy sex scene (by which I mean Azure has the whole "looks 12 BuT Is AcTuAlLy 18" thing going on, thank god the VN lets you shut off the adult content) and then Azure goes to Mars. That's it. That's the whole story.
Here's where I'm going with all this. I read a lot of visual novels that never end up being reviewed on Unwinnable, or even brought up in causal conversation with friends. Most of the time it's because they were so short that I left the experience with nothing meaningful to say about them, since the VNs failed to leave any kind of lasting positive or negative impression on me. Both Wander No More and Written in the Sky clocked in at ~30 minutes to read each (not much time in a genre known for 60-80 hour behemoths) and were both kinetic VNs (greatly diminishing their replayability among VNs, unless you're particularly wowed by the story). Typically with visual novels that short, I'll wait until I have a pair that share similar themes and put them in a review together, because I simply can't drum up enough to say about only one.
It's unfortunate that longer visual novels can garner more attention just by having more content, even if they are objectively worse in all aspects. Two of my favorite VNs, Perceptions of the Dead 1 and Juniper's Knot, both require less than an hour to read, and I struggled to find enough to say about either of them to merit a review (incidentally, go check them out, they're fantastic examples of good storytelling in this genre and had beautiful art and music besides). On the other hand, Notch – The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS was a VN so wretched I still go back to it as an example of all the failings this genre could possibly stuff into one written work, and that ended up being one of the longest reviews I've ever written. I want to bring attention to the darling little stories you can find buried among longer VNs, but it's so very easy for them to be shut out or "eclipsed" by other titles, which are perhaps less worthy of your attention but leave more of a lasting impression directly because of your length of exposure, much like tuberculosis. In the world of VNs, more words means more content to critique, and unfortunately lengthy, subpar VNs will typically get more attention than the best short VNs, which themselves are a rarity.
That's another big issue I've found after years on the lemmasoft forums or browsing visual novels on itch.io. There's nothing wrong with starting small and working your way up to bigger pieces in writing, but most visual novels with a sub-60 minute read time aren't exactly the Flowers for Algernon or The Most Dangerous Game of this genre. Often I'll encounter a story where character backgrounds or details of this specific universe are hinted at in a few brief lines, but never expounded upon in any meaningful fashion. Written in the Sky, for example, has a throwaway line about Azure's mother being shot by someone with a grudge against her detective father, which is never brought up again in the story, likely because it has no bearing on Azure's personality or personal choices. In another example, Written ends with Azure observing a giant gundam that she'll be expected to pilot in the war against Mars, but we never get more insight or details than that bare bones information.
Visual novels like Written in the Sky don't feel like half-hour stories, but rather half-hour snippets forcibly carved out of adventures which could only have been properly conveyed over a few hours. Perhaps the author felt they couldn't delve into the details any deeper, or perhaps they lacked the skill or patience to create something longer or more nuanced than the bits and pieces of plot thrown our way in the actual finished project. Whatever the case, the result is a lackluster VN which unfortunately merely offers the unrealized promise of being something better. Throwaway lines or blink-and-you-miss-it details do not count as meaningful world-building, and oftentimes would have been better left on the editing room floor so more energy could be spared for tightening up other facets of the story. Written in the Sky especially felt like something that might have been an enjoyable ride if more work was devoted to flushing out Azure and Queen Sienna's relationship on Earth, or giving Azure more of a personality than "I'm bored with life," maybe even showing Azure trying to adjust to life on Mars. But there's so little here, it almost feels like the what-ifs eclipse the story we were actually given.
It's as though writers sometimes forget that when you set out to make a short story, it's not about telling as much as you possibly can in a limited period of time, but using that time to espouse the pertinent details as best you can and leave your audience satisfied with the work. Much as you might like to, oftentimes it's not in your best interest to hint at all the subtle nuances of your fictional world if you don't want to take a few more hours to properly flush them out. You don't have to pack the story with characters who ultimately don't merit even two minutes of screen time, or bury the audience under exposition that will never be brought up again or contribute to the narrative in any clear, discernibly meaningful way way. It just leaves the reader disappointed, not unlike what one feels after watching a movie adaptation of a book series which really would have been better told over the course of a longer TV run.
Wander No More, on the other hand, manages to operate within a tight framework and satisfy the reader from start to finish. Originally, I hated the ending for Wander No More; it felt almost cheap to have the mood shift so abruptly from happy village to everything is destroyed, and the few lines of dialogue meant to deliver a twist about Kouichirou had little impact given that the twist had been hinted at earlier. But looking back on it now, I can see that a darker turn was pretty strongly foreshadowed even from the start, and the ambiguous ending sits a little better with me now. On a second read everything flows together quite well, and truly feels like a properly crafted short story.
Wander No More keeps itself limited to a very small geographic area. Any personal details revealed about the character always tie in to some important aspect of the overarching narrative, and we only delve into in-universe lore when it's specifically relevant to the plot. Our cast is small and tight-knit; we're given just enough details about each of them to understand who they are as people without becoming smothered in unnecessary, shoehorned-in backstory. Because of choices like these, Wander No More can focus on flushing out its limited cast and simple narrative in a way that's actually satisfying to the reader. Unlike Written in the Sky, Wander No More seems to understand that there's only so much you can do with a story bound by a 30-minute time limit, and manages to flourish within those limits.
The visual novel genre needs shorter stories; you cannot honestly expect someone to jump into a completely new gameplay/reading experience like this if the best you can offer is a 6-hour endeavor (which, it's fair to point out, may only pick up after the first hour of reading has come and gone). And that's not even taking into consideration that even the most seasoned veterans of VNs don't always want to read epic-length novels. Sometimes, all you want is a quick little read that you can both start and finish while on a commute or sitting in the waiting room in your doctor's office. But having short VNs with questionable plotlines, incomprehensible plot twists, flat-as-cardboard characters and unsatisfying resolutions certainly isn't enough to entice anyone to stay and try the more demanding stories like the Fate series or Hashihime of the Old Book Town, or perhaps give a chance to newer writers who are only beginning to experiment with the VN genre and smaller projects. Writers have to work within their limits; it's absolutely possible to make a mind-blowing story which takes less than an hour to read, but only with proper editing and a good sense of what elements matter, versus what ought to be trimmed away. Clearly, that's easier said than done.
Written in the Sky and Wander No More are both available on Steam and itch.io I'd strongly recommend reading Wander No More as a good example of what VNs can do in just half an hour.
Gingy's Corner, Visual Novel, visual novel review, wander no more, written in the sky
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A Culinary School Sim, with Dating Elements Bonds October Spookfest: Kotodama: The 7 Mysteries of Fujisawa Occult Crime Police
The Quiet Sleep is a Messy and Emotional Tower Defense Game
The Tide Pulls at My Heart: Night Tide (1961) on Blu-ray


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This home's roofing was damaged by weather. The homeowners contacted Weathertite to get their new roof and make their home feel like a home again. The crew worked a quote out with the family and we came to a number the homeowners that worked for them. They chose Harbor Blue for their new shingles. A good choice too!
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Having work done on your home is stressful at best. In today's climate you never know what your going to get. My House is over a hundred years old and had about five courses of roofing material put on over the years. I did my vetting of contractors through homeAdvisor then got quotes for the job from six different roofers. I gave the quotes to a knowledgeable friend in the contracting business and he advised me to go with Weathertite . I asked him why he liked Weathertite systems. And I was informed that they used the best materials and had all the insurance and a very skilled work force. I met with Weathertite's sales man Dave and we worked out A plan I could afford.
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A fully functional, permanently stable roof is essential to protecting your largest investment – your home. If you need roof repairs or a new roofing system installed, Weathertite Systems, LLC has the roof repair and roof replacement services you can trust, complete with a lifetime warranty for your new roof as well as our own lifetime limited warranty for labor and workmanship on every completed project. Whether you need storm damage repair, broken shingle repair, wood rot repair, or a full roof installation, our certified roofing technicians will go above and beyond local code necessities to ensure that your roof is in the best shape possible. Contact us today to schedule your roof consultation and inspection in Prospect, CT!
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We also offer quality deck design and deck installation for homeowners in the Prospect area. The right kind of deck will provide a lovely outdoor area for friends and family to gather and spend time, and we offer handrails in a variety of materials to customize your new deck.
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The roof was about 26 years old and was in need of repair.
The crew added water protection to the huge chimney.
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One layer of roofing was removed and replace with new shingles.
A customer in Prospect, CT, needed their gutters replaced so they contacted Weathertite.
The customer was very pleased with the final results.
A customer in Prospect, CT, needed her old window replaced, so they contacted Weathertite. We got to work immediately.
A customer in Prospect, CT, had damaged sheathing so to get it fixed they contacted Weathertite.
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The customer was very pleased with how quickly we finished the job.
A customer in Prospect, CT, needed their gutters cleaned and new gutter guards installed, so they contacted Weathertite and we got to work ASAP.
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A customer in Prospect, CT, needed new gutters installed and their old downspouts repaired, so they contacted Weathertite. We set them up with a representative of our company so we could get a closer look at their situation. After getting a closer look, it was clear that they needed new gutters. We set up a start date and got to work as soon as we could.
We started the job by installing the new gutters and then we repaired the downspout that needed repairs. We replaced two more downspouts that we thought needed to be replaced. To finish the job, we resecured the gutters on the rear of the home. We cleared all of the debris to make it look like we were never there. The customer was very pleased with the final results.
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Looking to receive a quote on replacing my roof.
Roof leaking into house around metal chimney. Roof sheathing spongy in this area.
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Home » Forums » Public Access » Promotions Board » Is That You John Wayne?
Please give a warm welcome to our newest recruit KeLLeR.
Train hard and listen to your instructiors.
He has chosen KeLLeR as his new nickname.
You finally arrived at the SAS-Bootcamp.
Welcome to the SC Keller!
We trust that you have what it takes - good luck!
Welcome to the SC KeLLeR! Now train hard and fight easy!


text:
package pro.foundev.calculations

import org.apache.spark.rdd.RDD
import pro.foundev.dto.{SessionReport, IpLog}

/**
 * interface for Log Calculation
 */
trait LogCalculator extends Serializable{

  def sessionReport(table: RDD[IpLog]):SessionReport
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The review showed that I did indeed break one of the rules related to embedment. I'm sorry that it happened and I assure you that it was inadvertent. Nobody was hurt by what I said. No mission was compromised.


text:
Donald Trump, USA
Kavanaugh confirmation hearing: Here's what Christine Blasey Ford said and how everyone responded
Blasey's
By Prarthana Mitra
Under historic, dramatic and extraordinary circumstances, professor Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testified before the US Senate Judiciary Committee to address Ford's sexual assault allegation against the US Supreme Court nominee. Ford, a college psychology professor, has alleged that Kavanaugh attacked her during a party in the 1980s when they were high school students. Notably, two other women have also accused the judge of assault. Despite the allegations and calls for his nomination process to be halted until an investigation is conducted, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-10 to forward Kavanaugh's nomination to the Senate – but on the condition of an FBI investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations.
As a result, a full Senate vote on Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation has been postponed by a week.
What is Kavanaugh accused of?
According to Ford, in the summer of 1982, a drunk teenaged Kavanaugh ambushed her at a house party, pinned her to a bed groping and trying to disrobe her, placing his hand over her mouth to silence her and keep her from screaming. Mark Judge, Kavanaugh's friend and classmate from Georgetown Preparatory School, was allegedly present in the room at the time and amused by the incident, until he collapsed on top of the two, enabling Ford to escape.
Judge's memoir records that they were heavy drinkers at the time, although Kavanaugh has categorically denied this. Ford first came detailed the alleged assault to Democrat Diane Feinstein and later in an interview with The Washington Post.
Prior to this, she had discussed the alleged assault with her therapist in 2012 and her partner when they met in 2002, long before Kavanaugh was in the running for Supreme Court judgeship.
In addition to Ford's accusations, Kavanaugh is also accused of assaulting Deborah Ramirez while in college. Ramirez claims that he exposed himself to her and pushed his genitals in her face at a party when they were both studying at Yale University in the 1980s.
A third woman, Julie Swetnick, has also come forward to claim that Kavanaugh attended parties where women were drugged, assaulted and raped. Swetnick says she was raped at one of these parties where Kavanaugh and Judge were present, although she did not accuse the former of her rape.
Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.
What Ford said at the hearing
On Thursday, after a long campaign that saw her derided (importantly by US President Donald Trump and his family) and supported in equal measure (giving rise to the #WhyIDidn'tReport movement), Ford was invited to testify before the committee. She asserted that although it was tough for her to speak, it was her civic duty that had driven her to take the stand.
"I believed he was going to rape me," she said of the alleged assault, delivering a powerful testimony before answering their questions with logic and composure.
Sen. Patrick Leahy: What is the "strongest memory" of the incident?
Christine Blasey Ford: "The laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense" https://t.co/x71KG2LMVL #KavanaughHearings pic.twitter.com/rqqEAOYYni
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 27, 2018
"Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter — the uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense," she said. Ford responded to all the questions put forward by Rachel Mitchell, a veteran prosecutor appointed by the Republicans, concerning the grizzly details and the vile epithets hurled at her since she came forward.
She also addressed concerns regarding her political motives. "I have been accused of acting out of partisan political motives," she said. "Those who say that do not know me. I am a fiercely independent person, and I am no one's pawn. My motivation in coming forward was to provide the facts about how Mr. Kavanaugh's actions have damaged my life, so that you can take that into serious consideration as you make your decision about how to proceed."
What Kavanaugh said
Kavanaugh vehemently denied the charges and gave non-committal answers to the questions posed to him. This comes after he expressed having regrets about his choices in high school.
In his opening statement, he spoke about his childhood, family, school life and his illustrious career, which he maintained was clean. He broke down speaking of his daughters who he said had prayed for Ford night before, and asserted his innocence based on a calendar he maintained during his teenage years.
Kavanaugh could also not refrain from lashing out at the Democrats, saying, "This confirmation process has become a national disgrace."
"The Constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced 'advice and consent' with 'search and destroy,'" he continued. Some were unnerved by his lack of humility, especially when he said, "You may defeat me in the final vote, but you will never get me to quit. Never."
While Ford has passed a polygraph test on the alleged assault and has asked for an independent FBI probe into the facts, Kavanaugh has categorically refused both (despite saying he favours due process), even claiming that he was not present at the party where Ford claims the assault occurred. In fact, Kavanaugh even declared before the Senate that hers was a case of mistaken identity even as she testified that her memory serves her right, citing clinical reasons for why she was absolutely right about it.
Thousands came out in support of Ford during the testimony, with many gathered across the country, including outside the Senate and near the schools Ford and Kavanaugh attended.
Democrat Kamala Harris acknowledged Ford's courage and thanked her for her patriotism and for testifying against a powerful man when she had nothing to gain from it.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham echoed Kavanaugh's thoughts on the confirmation process when he addressed his opponents across the dais, saying, "What you want to do is destroy this guy's life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020," he said. He told his Republican colleagues, "If you vote no, you're legitimising the most despicable thing I have seen in my time in politics."
The American Bar Association and the dean of the Yale Law School, which Kavenaugh attended, have called for an investigation the allegations.
Dean Gerken Joins the ABA in Calling for Further Investigation. pic.twitter.com/SYAsVHwsi7
— Yale Law School (@YaleLawSch) September 28, 2018
Meanwhile, soon after Kavanaugh's testimony, Trump tweeted that "Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him" after the hearing adjourned, urging the Senate to vote immediately. He later acknowledged Ford's account as credible.
The testimonies were followed by a discussion where each senator put forward their takeaways from the nine hour-long session and voiced their decisions to vote for or against the nominee. When the senators reconvened, Republican senator Jeff Flake backed Kavanaugh but stood up against taking the final vote without an independent FBI investigation. The Democrats now need another defection to overturn this nomination (50 votes), unless the FBI finds concrete evidence during their "limited" inquiry and background check. Considering how important this nomination is for the Republicans, who desperately want a more conservative judiciary, Kavanaugh may have crossed his first hurdle but continues to be on trial.
Prarthana Mitra is a staff writer at Qrius.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Me and a Guy Named Elvis
My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
by Jerry Schilling and Chuck Crisafulli
Jerry Schilling
Chuck Crisafulli
Ona lazy Sunday in 1954, twelve-year old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a nineteen-year old Elvis Presley, the local teenage whose first record, "That's All Right," had just debuted on Memphis radio. The two became fast friends, even as Elvis turned into the world's biggest star. In 1964, Elvis invited Jerry to work for him as part of his "Memphis Mafia," and Jerry soon found himself living with Elvis full-time in a Bel Air mansion and, later in his own room at Graceland. Over the next thirteen years Jerry would work for Elvis in various capacities-from bodyguard to photo double to co-executive producer on a karate film. But more than anything else he was Elvis's close friend and confidant: Elvis trusted Jerry with protecting his life when he received death threats, he asked Jerry to drive him and Pricilla to the hospital the day Lisa Marie was born and to accompany him during the famous "lost weekend" when he traveled to meet President Nixon at the White House.
Me and a Guy Named Elvis looks at Presley from a friend's perspective, offering readers the man rather than the icon-including insights into the creative frustrations that lead to Elvis's abuse of prescription medicine and his tragic death. Jerry offers never-before-told stories about life inside Elvis's inner circle and an emotional recounting of the great times, hard times, and unique times he and Elvis shared. These vivid memories will be priceless to Elvis's millions of fans, and the compelling story will fascinate an even wider audience.
Biography: arts & entertainment
Tantor Media, Inc
Be the first to review Me and a Guy Named Elvis.
Biography: arts & entertainment Rock & Pop music


Whether you are looking for the perfect flowers to decorate and add beauty to your home or you are planning to give them as a gift, you cannot deny the fact that flowers put smiles on our faces. When looking to buy fresh flowers, you should not look further. Visit your local flower shop because they have the best florists that can help you pick and make your flowers extra special.
Their florists are skilled , experienced, and knowledgeable to help you select the best flowers for any particular event or occasion. They are professionals who studied and perfected different varieties of flowers. For as long as you know a good florist from the flower store, picking and buying flowers is a walk in the park.
In this article, we will be discussing some important factors that you need to consider when buying flowers from your local flower shop.
Flowers are great gifts and are excellent when it comes to delivering important messages. There is no better way to say "I love you", "I miss you", "congratulations", etc. than giving flowers. Flowers come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and kinds. Each color represents or symbolizes a certain meaning. For example, when giving flowers to express your love for a special someone, it is a must that you pick the color red. If you are not very familiar with this, it is best to ask for the help of your local florist. With his advice, you are guaranteed to have the best and appropriate flowers for any event that you are celebrating.
2. Get them customized/ decorated.
It is recommendable to visit your local florist when buying flowers because they go the extra mile to make your flowers more presentable and appealing. They are trained to arrange and add beauty to any kinds of flowers. If you want to add a letter/ note, chocolates, and other gifts to a set of beautiful flowers, there is no better place than your local flower shop.
3. See if you can get them delivered.
The convenience factor is probably the greatest advantage your local flower shop can provide. It is here where you can find the best florists in town to help you pick and arrange your fresh blooms. A lot of reputable and successful flower shops even offer a delivery service. This will guarantee that your flowers will reach your loved one on time. It does not get any better than that.
When planning to buy flowers for your home or for a special someone, be sure to visit your local flower shop for the best selection of flowers.


Let me start by saying that I am a supporter of Wikipedia, I contribute articles and information wherever I think I have sufficient knowledge. I also contribute annually a certain amount to Wikipedia donations. Having said that, it does hurt me sometimes when people rubbish you if you quote them something from wikipedia or you give them a wikipedia link in an attempt to prove your point. People who don't know how wikipedia works or have very little surface knowledge seem to disregard it with much ease. I read somewhere about an article that how teachers in most school discredit any wikipedia sources of research. Yes they dislike it because in many cases it contradicts their text books. In reality, Wikipedia is a mighty flattener of the world by providing free access and authoring capability of information to general public. Let me quote an example, have you heard of the famous saying, "History is written by conquerors"? Not anymore. With rising popularity of Wikipedia, every piece of historical article is being subjected to views from all directions. One such example would be the role of "Aryan Invasion Theory" in Indian history. For more than one century we have heard the Aryan Invasion theory and taken it as practical history, of course until now. Without going into the details, you will notice Wikipedia article on the subject seems to stay neutral by presenting both sides of the argument.
Now coming to the original intention of writing this article, I propose to write first an algorithm and then a practical implementation of the algorithm as a web service/site that other applications can use. Yes, everything will be open source and free. The purpose of the algorithm would be to present the reader with a version of the wikipedia page (or for that matter any wiki page) that the algorithm thinks is the most stable/reliable version. How the algorithm will work is a set of steps that I will be detailing next.
Check if the author has made edits to other pages, if yes, look at the activity interval. If there are rapid edits, the author could be spammer. If the edit made was very recent, mark it as "Recent Edits" and "Candidate for Removal".
This could just turn out to be the quick moderator you need while browsing the excellent and superb Wikipedia! And this doesnt just apply to wikipedia, it also applies to Technical wikis we use at work. There are many people writing and modifying wiki pages. If its a big organization, I bet there are many new joinees and interns who are not necessarily the most trusted people to edit wikis. However, the best use of it is on public wiki sites where trust worthiness of an article becomes a big question for few.
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New Jets Uniforms Coming Spring 2019
Eric Allen
The Jets will have a brand new look in 2019. The franchise will unveil new uniforms next April and the Jets will wear their ensemble beginning in their 60th season of play.
Nailed it. #JetsNewUnis https://t.co/lyJUf2uE7c
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 29, 2018
After starting as the Titans of New York and sporting a navy, gold and white combination from 1960-62, the team was renamed the Jets prior to the 1963 season and kelly green and white became synonymous with the upstarts from the American Football League. There have been three major uniform alterations since. The last one came prior to the 1998 campaign when Bill Parcells oversaw a color change from kelly green to hunter green and removed black as an accent color while paying homage to the Super Bowl III championship team with a modified version of the oval on the helmet that was used from 1965-77.
Suspense will build in the months prior to a highly anticipated reveal. As far as all the details, we'll have to wait until April. But change is on the horizon.
Note: There will be no changes to the current uniform for the upcoming season. The Jets will wear their "Color Rush" uniforms one time in 2018 as they'll be in all green when they host the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7.
Jets TE Chris Herndon Began Year with 'Hiccups,' Finished with Flash
Third-Year Player Showed Receiving Form Over Final 7 Games That He Displayed as a Rookie in 2018


My name is Andraž and I´m 21 years old.
I´ve just seen one of your presentations on youtube about glucosamine and I have one question. I´m training gymnastics and I was operated on my shoulder - the diagnosis was SLAP LAESIO or slap shoulder. So they fixed my sinew of long head of biceps brachii. I had this operation about 4 years ago. It is quite ok now, but I was thinking about taking glucosamine as a dietary supplement.
But I don´t know which product to choose. Should I take glucosamine in combination with higher amount of chondroitin or the one with higher MSM? Because I don´t know which component is better for ˝repairing˝ sinew (because it differs a little bit from cartilage). So, is it better to take (beside glucosamine of course) higher doses of chondroitin or MSM?
Andraz, while glucosamine will not directly benefit the particular joint injury you have suffered (You have damaged the joint capsule and tendons - not the cartilage joint surfaces) it will certainly do you no harm. This is because glucosamine and chondroitin do assist with maintaining healthy collagen of which your damaged tissues mainly consist of.
MSM will assist with restoring collagen to good health and has a healthy natural anti-inflammatory effect.
Probably the best combination for a young person in your situation is the Balance Joint Repair for Athletes. This covers all bases.
Add Active Elements 2.1 - 2-4 tablets per day to supply silica and calcium flouride which maintain strong and flexible collagen. Deficiency in these shows in the body as hard and inflexible tendons and ligaments, poor skin, hair and nails, including heels that crack.
Ensure your diet is rich in a wide range of unprocessed fats and oils. Each meal should have a little quality protein in it rather than all the protein being lumped into a single meal.
Combine this nutrition with a weekly sports massage of the shoulder girdle and regular stretching. Review progress in about three months and adjust therapies accordingly.


Our Atlanta lawn aeration service company is the best lawn aeration service in Atlanta GA. Our Atlanta based lawn aerate service provides services to Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Buckhead, Roswell, lawns of Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Douglasville, Hiram, Powder Springs and more. Call 678 665-0784 to schedule Atlanta's best lawn aerate service today.
Tricks And Tips On How To Make The Most Out Of Your LandscapeDoes everyone in your neighborhood seem to know the intimate details of your yard? Are they discussing the fact that it's unsightly? If that is true for you, turn things around by sprucing up your yard. Keep reading to find some great yard tips.Make a sketch of your landscaping project ideas before you start digging. This drawing can help you figure out what the final result will look like and start listing what kind of materials you need. It is a lot easier to fix your sketch than it would be to adjust the yard.Clay soil makes working with a shovel difficult. The clay is hard and sticks to the shovel. Coat the shovel with floor or car wax, and buff it with a clean rag to make the job a lot easier. This will both make the clay fall off of the surface, and prevent the surface from rusting.
TIP! For a garden that thrives, choose the right type of soil. Depending on what type of plants you have, your soil may or may not be adapted.
Make your yard look beautiful all year by creating a garden that incorporates all seasons. Select different plants that flower in different seasons, paying attention to what will grow well in your area. You can also pick trees with nice foliage or evergreens which make your yard look alive all year long.People often forget about the many online options when shopping for landscaping materials or equipment. Shopping online is faster and more convenient, and also provides you access to unusual plants that may not be in stock at a local store.When fall arrives, it's time to plant your autumn vegetables. Try planting your fall veggies, especially leafy greens, inside of a pumpkin! Scoop the insides out of the pumpkin, and don't forget to spray the inside with Wilt-Pruf. This will prevent your pumpkin from rotting. After that, your pumpkin planter is ready to use!
TIP! You can use boiling water to get rid of weeds naturally. The safest herbicide that you can probably find is a cup of boiling water.
Take time to accurately measure the area you are landscaping prior to visiting your garden center. By having correct measurement it will be easier to determine the amount of plants you need. This will help you not buy too much or too little of your materials.As you begin your landscape design journey, think about getting some advice from a professional before you make any major decisions. Seasoned experts have the ability to offer useful, cost-effective ideas for your outdoor space. The $75 or so that you will spend on it can be worth every penny by helping you prevent costly mistakes.If you would love to have access to fresh and healthy mint leaves from your own back yard, but dread the way the plant spreads so quickly, worry not. Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead. Then, you can plant the container into the ground. However, the container walls will keep the roots held, and prevent the plant from consuming too much of your garden space.
TIP! It is important to follow the instructions on your chemicals and tools closely, especially if you are new to gardening. Some of the chemicals in these products can cause skin irritation, or worse, if you fail to take this simple precaution.
Landscaping need not be done just by professionals! You can beautify your yard, as long as you put the time in and learn the right skills to do it well. Your accomplishments will have all your neighbors looking at your yard enviously. That is something that every homeowner wants!
Need aeration and seeding done? Call Pro Advantage Landscaping to schedule your premium aerate and seeding service today at 678 665-0784.


Live caricature event for the Spanish Caricaturists Association at the Saló del Cine i les Sèries 2016 (Movie and Series Convention 2016, Barcelona).
All the photos have been taken with the permission of these persons or their parents. If anyone would like his/her photo removed, please email me at the address that appears under my logo in this page.


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Q&A with Oakland Athletics competitive balance round pick Jeremy Eierman
The 70th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Jeremy Eierman hit eight home runs in his pro debut season.
Donald Moore
Jeremy Eierman hit eight home runs for Vermont / Photo by Greg Bessette
Editor's note: These interviews took place midseason, but personal circumstances prevented us from publishing them at the time of the interviews. We still wanted to share them even if they are a few months after the fact. Thank you!
Going into the 2018 MLB Draft, Jeremy Eierman was one of the most talked about college shortstops available. After hitting 23 home runs and posting a 1106 OPS for Missouri State as a sophomore, he entered his junior season as a potential top-15 pick. Eierman endured an up-and-down junior season with MSU, hitting 10 home runs in 56 games and swiping 21 bases but also seeing his OPS dip to 895. The A's picked up the power-hitting middle infielder with the 70th-overall selection.
Eierman spent his pro debut season with short-season Vermont and he played 62 games. Eierman showed prodigious power and hit eight home runs in a league not known for power. He also stole 10 bases. However, Eierman struck out 70 times and posted an overall slashline of .235/.283/.381.
Donald Moore spoke with Eierman during the season about his transition to pro ball.
Donald Moore: Hi Jeremy, how is everything going for you so far this season?
Jeremy Eierman: It's going good. Getting used to the live pros right now and I'm just two weeks into it now, so having a lot of fun and getting to know the guys and everything, so it's good.
DM: What are your goals for this year?
JE: To get used to the pros a little bit and learn everyday and just go out and have fun.
DM: What do you feel is your greatest strength as a ball player?
JE: I feel as though I can do everything well. My power kinds of stands out for me and playing a power position keeps my skill set pretty intriguing.
DM: What would you'd like to improve on?
JE: A little bit more consistency at the plate . Sometimes I get a little off my power so I'm trying to get more consistent at-bats.
DM: How are you acclimating to professional baseball?
JE: Good and the main thing is getting used to the grind. It's not like college. Pro ball is everyday and you make adjustments a lot faster, and that's the main thing when it comes down to it. Making your adjustments much quicker.
DM: What do you like best about being a professional athlete?
JE: Everything about it is great. Being a professional baseball player has been a dream of mine my whole life. Finally being able to do it and now I'm giving it my best shot. It's a dream come true.
DM: What is the hardest thing about being a pro?
JE: I don't think everything is crazy hard. It's nothing I have never seen. But that's the main thing, it's baseball and have fun.
DM: Any pre-game routines?
JE: Not really. I just do the same thing every day.
DM: Any hobbies?
JE: Hunting and fishing. I'm an outdoorsman, so that's basically it.
DM: Favorite baseball team growing up?
JE: Probably the Royals. I'm from Missouri, but I'm not huge on the Cardinals/Royals rivalry. That's kind of a split deal in Missouri, but other than that, I'd probably lean towards the Royals.
DM: Where are you originally from?
JE: Warsaw, Missouri.
DM: If there is one person that taught you the most about baseball, who would that be?
JE: Probably my dad. He's been there for me my whole life and brought me into the game. (His father, John, played in the minors for the Red Sox, and his brother, John, was drafted by Rays in 2011.)
DM: Craziest thing you have ever seen on a baseball diamond?
JE: We (Missouri State) had a bench clearing brawl against Kansas. It was the craziest thing I have ever seen. It was wild.
DM: Any off-season plans?
JE: Just working out and doing some hunting and fishing.
DM: I want to thank you for your time and the best of luck to you and your career.
JE: Thank you.
Related TopicsfeaturedJeremy Eierman
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Q&A with Oakland Athletics 2018 23rd-round pick Jonah Bride
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Right-hander Gus Varland dominated in his first professional season.


Choeun Panha, 33, a resident of Phnom Penh's Rik Reay community, watches from her window as developers move in Sunday.
LINKING arms to form a human chain, about a hundred residents of Phnom Penh's Rik Reay community stood in front of four machines dumping sand into their community in an attempt to prevent development work on Saturday.
Undeterred, workers for Bassac Garden City turned on the machines - pushing sand around and over the feet of the protesters, while others aimed guns at them, a local resident said.
"They pointed guns to get us to unlock our arms, and then they proceeded to push dirt at our legs because we refused to back down," said Chan Bunthol, 39, a community representative and one of the protesters.
Rath Kumnith, a legal adviser to Canadia Bank, which is providing a loan toBassac Garden City to fund the development, was unavailable for comment on Sunday.
Chan Bunthol said as a result of his protests he fears for his safety. "They want to arrest me because they've accused me of being a gangster, but I am only trying to protect my home," he said.
Heng Samphos, another community representative who has lived in Rik Reay since 1990, said the protesters also placed a giant Cambodian flag on the ground but that the development machines drove on top of it - proof, Heng Samphos said, "that they look down on our nation".
Sim Vay, the deputy chief of Village 8 said, "It is very hard to help people here. ... They asked me to talk to the Bassac Garden City owner to get a higher price [for compensation], and after I talked with the owner they agreed to increase the price by US$1,500, but people rejected it."
The deputy chief said the protesters "did not want to help our village but only to make trouble by themselves".
Khat Narith, the Tonle Bassac commune chief, said that Bassac Garden City filled their own property: "It is not related to residents' land," he said.
"Now, there are only about 50 families out of 219 who refuse compensation because they want to get between $100,000 and $150,000 for each family," he said, adding, "The company has the land titles to the land - which the people do not - so people don't have rights to that land. I think the company's compensation is enough for them because their houses are small, wooden and dilapidated," he added.
But Bunn Rachana, a monitor for the Housing Rights Task Force, said the company's actions were illegal, even if the company did hold the land title.
"What the company did with the Rik Reay community is against the people's housing rights because it is under negotiation. But the company filled up the land ... [to] put pressure on people to accept their compensation," Bunn Rachana said.
The Housing Rights Task Force released a statement on Sunday calling on the Bassac Garden City company to negotiate in good faith with the community and to halt all activities on the land.
The statement said the filling of the land was "in direct violation of the possession rights of community members, as guaranteed in the 2001 Land Law and the 1993 Constitution of Cambodia".
In its submission to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights from early April, Amnesty International wrote: "Cambodian law does not include a clear prohibition on forced eviction and only provides a limited and weak degree of protection against forced evictions."
Amnesty International's submission highlighted a dearth of effective legal remedies for villagers like the ones at Rik Reay community who feel they were unlawfully evicted, saying it was "not aware of any instance in which victims of forced eviction have been able to acquire restitution through litigation".
The Amnesty submission specifically mentioned the alternative housing offered to the Rik Reay community as "inadequate" and called the compensation "insufficient".


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[Leaflet] Only Socialism Beats Trump!
US Section of the IMT
Americans are sick of the status quo and want a change. They want to take their destinies into their own hands.
Millions of workers and young people are digesting the bitter pill of the failure of lesser evilism. They are truly traumatized, genuinely saddened, and understandably disturbed. They cannot imagine a world in which a bigoted billionaire bully is the top official in American political life. But countless others are outraged, viscerally affected, and ready to fight. While the liberal apologists for the crimes and failures of Clinton and the Democrats panicked and despaired, the instincts of the radicalized youth have come alive. This is the Sanders movement 2.0, no longer attempting to transform the Democrats through primaries and caucuses, but pouring into the streets to make it clear that we refuse to live in a country where racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, unemployment, and homelessness are allowed to fester.
The enthusiasm and élan of these protests is a sight to behold. It shows the revolutionary potential that exists in hundreds of cities large and small across this continent of a country. The demonstrations and meetings must and should continue. However, if the workers and youth of America and the world are to have a better future, protesting will not be enough. Our historic task is not merely to register our discontent with the system, but to end it once and for all.
Trump is neither the genuine face nor the future of America. Nearly half of all eligible voters abstained from the election altogether. Millions fewer bothered to vote this time around than in 2008 or 2012, despite a growing population. Barely 25% of the voting population cast a ballot for Trump. Many of them did so to protest the status quo, despite his bigotry, not because of it.
Life teaches and we learn from experience. Trump's victory will serve as wake-up call, a harsh reminder that change cannot merely "believed in" or "hoped for" in the abstract. It will not come by voting for the parties of the status quo. It will have to be fought for. Americans are sick of the status quo and want a change. They want to take their destinies into their own hands. They want quality jobs, healthcare, education, security and a rising quality of life for themselves and their loved ones. Under capitalism, none of this is possible. Whether they know it yet or not, what they want is a socialist revolution. That is the path we are now on.
It won't be easy, and it won't be overnight, but we can make this a reality in our lifetimes. The clear lesson of Tuesday's election is that, in the words of Frederick Douglass, "if there is no struggle, there is no progress." Life is struggle and we should embrace it. What lies ahead is an exciting era of struggle for a better life for all. This should fill us with enthusiasm, resolve, and optimism for the future. Join the International Marxist Tendency in the struggle for a better world!


Overcome your fear of starting with an empty Excel spreadsheet and become proficient to create your own Profit and Loss statement for your business. This workshop will cover the basic Excel functions necessary to develop your financials and then build a basic Profit and Loss statement.
For maximum learning you may bring your laptop to follow along, but it is not required. Basic computer knowledge is required for this class.


Individuals | TFL Education We provide Character and Leadership educational courses for primary schools and secondary schools.
To sustain personal growth in an increasingly competitive world, developing your management and leadership skills is crucial.
TFL Education's leadership development framework provides a unique opportunity for you to design your personal CPD programme around a Qualification Framework (RQF) of internationally recognised management and leadership qualifications.
Encouraging you to focus on translating effective management and leadership skills into effective day to day and operational performance, we provide the freedom and flexibility for you to create a personal, accredited, sustainable, and evidence-based professional development programme.
Provide support for you at every stage of your career to develop and maintain effective practice.
Empower you to deliver more effective performance that impacts outcomes.
Improve the quality of your management and leadership skills.
Support the development of a sustainable professional leadership development programme that meets your needs.
All of our programmes are mapped to National Occupational Standards for Management and Leadership; we work with you to support your self-directed study journey.
We have developed approved assignment briefs for each of the qualifications in our professional development framework, ensuring that you can meet the respective assessment criteria for each qualification.
The assignment briefs provide best practice guidelines, examine work-based problems, and encourage you to apply management and leadership tools, models and theories, to real life workplace situations.
Once you complete and submit your assignment briefs we then provide you with a direct route to accreditation.
Whilst studying via our professional development framework you will receive FREE TFL Education tutor support, FREE access to CMI's online learning platform, Free access to CMI's Career Development Centre, and FREE professional membership of the Chartered Management Institute.
Once you make the commitment to work with us you will receive unlimited tutor support from TFL Education. Support can be provided in person, or via telephone, email and/or Skype. You choose what works best for you.
ManagementDirect is the Chartered Management Institute's leading online portal of up to the minute management and leadership resources. With a wide range of content available in formats to suit different learning styles, including checklists, videos, e-books, articles and journals; all accessible from any PC, tablet or mobile device, you can select resources appropriate to the learning time you have available or according to your qualification structure.
CMI's Career Development Centre provides you with a wealth of tools, information and advice to support your self-development throughout your professional journey.
Whilst studying via our professional development framework you will be eligible for FREE membership to support you for the duration of your qualification.
The freedom and flexibility to design a personal and sustainable programme that meets your needs.


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'I Was Interested In How Taylor & Axe Were Going To Get Along': Asia Kate Dillon On Season 5 Of Showtime's 'Billions'
Filed Under:Asia Kate Dillon, Damian Lewis, DJ Sixsmith, Maggie Siff, Only CBS, Paul Giamatti, Showtime
(CBS Local)– "Billions" is back on Showtime for season five and things are about to get interesting as Taylor Mason is back at Axe Capital.
Asia Kate Dillon has been a trailblazer in their portrayal of the non-binary character Mason and Dillon is excited for fans to check out season five of the series.
"We got through shooting seven episodes and we were shooting episode eight when we shut down production," said Dillon in an interview with CBS Local's DJ Sixsmith. "The first seven episodes are going to come out and we still have to film the back half of the season. I went into this season like I do every season with excitement and curiosity. I know very little about what's going to happen ahead of time. Certain things the producers will let me know, but for the most part I like to be surprised. This season, I was particularly interested in how Taylor and Axe were going to get along, now that Taylor is back at Axe Capital. Also, I was really interested in how the relationship between Taylor and Wendy Rhoades was going to develop."
While the relationship between Bobby Axelrod, played by Damian Lewis, and Chuck Rhoades, played by Paul Giamatti, is the headliner of the show, the relationship between Mason and Maggie Siff's character Wendy Rhoades is one of the most fascinating of the series.
"That relationship has really suffered some serious blows," said Dillon. "Last season was a game of cat and mouse and who was the cat and who was the mouse and we were both cats. This season, I was excited to see those relationships developed. Taylor and Wendy… they can't get away with anything with each other. Even last season, when Taylor is pulling one over on Wendy or Wendy is pulling one over on Taylor, I think they're both always aware that's a possibility. They've thought about the contingency plan if that's a possibility. I think every time Wendy double crossed Taylor last season, Taylor was both deeply hurt and very impressed. They both respect and love each other to some extent."
Watch a new episode of "Billions" this Sunday, May 10 on Showtime at 9pm EST/PST and on stream the series on Showtime Anytime.


Find your new Table Skirt collection…at CRAZY LOW, WHOLESALE prices!
The professional-quality makes this table skirts a perfect match for all your needs; banquet tables, bride and groom tables, display tables, tradeshow booths, and presentation tables. In delivering the ultimate experience, these table skirts carry both standard and unconventional sizes (14' 17' and 21'), materials (satin and polyester) alongside a variety of colors (white, black, red, chocolate, burgundy, ivory etc.) As you plan for that big event, make sure that you get your hands on this awesome yet affordable table skirts… at these CRAZY LOW, WHOLESALE prices!


Depression screening rates remain extremely low. Even with the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) recommending that all adults over the age of 18 should be screened, depression screening numbers remains minuscule.
Estimates from a recent report published in Psychiatric Services signal to less than five percent of adults currently being screened in America. Even as the primary care setting is often the first entrance into interacting with the health care system, many people are not being appropriately identified to start receiving the care that they need.
"The findings suggest missed opportunities for depression screening in the general population," said Ayse Akincigil, co-author of the study.
When nearly one out of five Americans are battling some form of mental health condition, it is imperative that people can quickly assess whether they are experiencing depression. Estimates also point to the fact that over half of those with mental health conditions receive some form of care. Of those people who do receive care, it is estimated that only about 13 percent receive something that is effective for them to feel better.
There is a way to better align and connect the primary care physicians along healthcare's continuum of care with the needed assessments that are not currently being taken. These conditions, when not dealt with properly, are connected to tremendous costs to the system.
A leading health policy publication, Heath Affairs, named mental health conditions are the costliest medical condition in America.
Depression screenings have been suggested since 2002. Often the screening is covered by Medicare and private insurers, however the existing model of assessment is not effective.
There is a new, potentially easier, and more accessible way to screen for depression. Thanks to a partnership with the National Science Foundation, Chicago-based Prevail Health has developed an online behavioral health solution that begins with a clinical and demographic assessment to build a robust profile of the User.
The health assessment is known as a health quiz that can easily be done on any phone, tablet, or computer that it is internet-enabled. Tens of thousands of Users have already taken the health quiz to have a better understanding of their current situation, as well as begin receiving care to improve.
Want to take a health quiz to find out your health status? Try it here now.


Mix diced Zucchini and Carrots to ground turkey and onion mix.
Once skillet mixture is cooked, sprinkle cheese into the bottom of each bell pepper followed by ground turkey/vegetable mix and a drizzling of Ketchup on top of the ground turkey mix.
Place in oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, sprinkle cheese on top and leave in oven for 8-10 more minutes.


We were very privileged to be introduced to the Fashion entrepreneur, trends guru and media personality Craig Jacobs just a few weeks ago, when the organiser of The East Rand Wedding Show turned to us and said – "do you think you can fit him in?". Fit him in…fall over ourselves to fit him in is more like the expression we have in mind. Have a look at the Shoot….
I had better paint a picture for you before we all get lost in this Blog. We are producing the Fashion Show at the inaugural Wedding showcase to be held at Emperors Palace this winter – 12/13 July 2014 to be precise. The event promises to set a new bench mark in the industry as it is the first event of its kind to be held in the East Rand of Johannesburg, but in particular because it is hosting the first ever #PowerHalfHour Fashion Show, an idea conceptualised by FranklyWild. If you're wondering what it is, and how it all works, you'd better make sure you book yourself a ticket. We will tell you though that it is going to be the 'FashionWeek' of Wedding Shows!
So Who is Craig Jacobs and what does he do?
This is the part where everyone always takes three long paragraphs to tell us what we already know, so we're not going to do that. Let's keep it simple, and let's keep it real. Craig popped into our Studio for a Photo Shoot on Thursday.
Let's tell you in one sentence about the man – he is uncomplicated, really easy to chat too, and can't do enough for you. If you want to know more about Craig, and what he does, and what Fundudzi is, then pop past the East Rand Wedding Show at Emperors Palace in a couple of weeks and we'll show you during our #PowerHalfHourFashionShow…! You may even get to chat to him at the Fashion Installation.
Before I sign off on this Blog, we're really excited to be hosting Craig as one of the designers during our Maiden PowerHalfHour shows, and even though we didn't know we'd have Craig at the time we conceptualised it, this is exactly why we came up with the idea!


The wait is finally over, the Modish & Main lifestyle blog has officially launched!
Creating a blog has been on my "wishlist" for quite some time now and I'm so excited to be able to share with you my love of fashion, beauty, home décor, organizing, pets and so much more. To learn more about me, why I created the blog and some of my favorite things check out the new website, www.modishandmain.com.
I am so excited to start this journey with all of you and suggest subscribing to the blog to ensure you receive the latest post, exciting news & updates, guest collaborations, giveaways, etc!
Here's the best part … I want to hear from all of you! Share with me ideas & topics that you'd like to see me cover, questions you have about a certain product or style, and above all, what some of your favorite items are!


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Q: Save encoded data in java to a file using php (java , php) I want to send files data from Java to PHP and then the php saves the data to a file .
here's my code :
the java code :
 byte[] data=...
 str = new String(data,"ISO-8859-1"); //convert data to String .
// send(str);

and here's the php script:
$data = // get the data from java .
fwrite($fr1,$data);

the problem is that this script work only with text files and not for image files and Zip files .
how can I solve that ?

A: Can you please make it clear?..do you want to read the image or zip file...or want to send them.
in my opinion, Send the path of the image and zip file which you to be read in PHP that would be better approach. There won't be any chance of degrading the quality of the image or problem in extracting the zip file etc.
Below links may help you:
http://blog.joa-ebert.com/2006/05/01/save-bytearray-to-file-with-php/
Saving a bytearray with php received from Flex Air app

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will receive $1.75 million in state funds to pay for improvements to its amphitheater. Due to be completed before the beginning of next summer's season, the upgrades will include new surfaces, railings and panels for the ramps from the SPAC lawn to the amphitheater balcony, and new lighting that will preserve SPAC's signature globe lamps but will be more energy efficient.
News of the funding, provided by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, was announced Wednesday at SPAC's annual members meeting, held in the Hall of Springs, adjacent to SPAC's grounds in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
In other news from the meeting, two public radio stations, Troy-based WMHT and WRTI in Philadelphia, will broadcast four Philadelphia Orchestra concerts that will be recorded at SPAC this summer. The recordings also will be available for listening on the orchestra's website. Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC's president and CEO, said it will be the first time in the orchestra's 52 years of SPAC residency that SPAC concerts will be broadcast on WRTI and the first time that WMHT has dedicated a series to SPAC performances.
Sobol also announced that SPAC is partnering with miSci, the Museum of Science and Innovation in Schenectady, to present the "Out of this World Festival," which will explore art and the cosmos. Related events will take place throughout August, starting off with the Philadelphia Orchestra's performance of Holst's "The Planets," complete with NASA space footage shown on screens. Audiences will be able to star-gaze with at telescopes around SPAC's reflecting pool and attend events for adults and children, including a new speaker series featuring thinkers engaged in the arts and sciences.
In another collaborative effort, SPAC, SaratogaArtsFest and Saratoga Shakespeare Company will present "Shakespeare in the Pines" on July 20, which will feature a one-hour musical adaptation of "Romeo & Juliet" prior to that evening's New York City Ballet performance.
Finally, Sobol said SPAC will host its first Festival of Young Artists on June 3 on SPAC's grounds. The free festival will bring 450 young dancers, musicians, singers, poets and visual artists from around the Capital Region with events including a poetry slam, student art show, pop-up performances and large concert featuring the Empire State Youth Orchestra, the Capital District Youth Chorale and Northeast Ballet Company.


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Traumatized veteran's spouse debates her future in DeVita play
MADISON - Learning that her husband has survived a roadside bombing in Iraq with apparently minimal, shrapnel-induced damage, stateside wife Elise Sabato can be forgiven for counting her chickens before they've hatched.
"I find myself watching random homecoming videos on YouTube," Elise tells us in "Learning to Stay," a world premiere from Forward Theater that opened over the weekend under Jennifer Uphoff Gray's direction.
Adapted by James DeVita from the novel by Madison-based writer Erin Celello, "Learning to Stay" is set in 2010 Madison. It chronicles what happens after the celebratory homecoming video ends and real life begins again.
In the case of Elise (Kat Wodtke) and Brad (Jeb Burris), real life doesn't mean the old life, back when Elise saw Brad as "the kindest, smartest man I've ever met, equal parts patient and handsome" as well as a surefire winner as a future Dad.
That description comes from the novel.
Although DeVita follows Celello's lead, giving us a memory play told from Elise's point of view, his adaptation doesn't convey much sense of the Brad who was. That makes it harder to grasp why Elise might stay with the Brad who is: a "ghost" wounded in body and mind who drinks too much and is prone to frightening violence.
Burris accurately channels the rage consuming the new Brad; late in the play, he'll provide us with back story of an all-too familiar sort, confirming anew that war is indeed hell. But this isn't really his story.
"Learning to Stay" belongs instead to Elise, with Wodtke toggling between narration of the scenes she describes and reliving them in real time.
Those narrative passages are insufficiently dramatized, in the script or on stage; ditto many moments belonging to a four-person chorus, playing multiple, singly dimensioned characters and saddled with too many earnest and sometimes chalky expository passages.
There's also an unfortunate subplot involving the law firm where Elise works; its stereotyped characters and environment don't track the way people behave in an actual law firm, particularly in a city like Madison.
More important, that subplot pulls focus from the story that counts, here: Whether Elise should stick it out with Brad or start over. Watching Wodtke actually interact with Burris plays to Wodtke's strength as an actor: an ability to capture the tension between ostensible calm and underlying despair that's all the better and more poignant because it's not overplayed.
Dramatizing that story, amplified by further attention to the stories of two other women – one who lost her husband in Iraq (Malkia Stampley) and another leaving the damaged man who returned (Karen Moeller) – would give DeVita's script more focus. In its current iteration, its commendable attention to the details of Celello's novel is stifling its emergence as a play.
"Learning to Stay" continues through April 9 at the Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison. For tickets, visit forwardtheater.com/. To read more about this production, go to TapMilwaukee.com.
Filed Away and Forgotten: The huge towers of upstage filing cabinets in Mike Lawler's scenic design conjure many images. The law firm where Elise works. The perimeter of an embattled Iraqi safe zone. The nightmarish bureaucracy couples like Elise and Brad must navigate in seeking medical help. The "cabinet full" of medications that Brad must now take. The way we reductively pigeonhole veterans and categorize the mentally ill. And the way soldiers like Brad are trapped within their minds, reliving experiences they don't know how to share.
A Foundation Made of Sand: Lawler has rimmed Forward's thrust stage with sand. That suggests Iraq, always surrounding and lying beneath the seemingly stable American world to which Brad returns. Those desert sands also suggest the shifting and unreliable foundation on which Elise and Brad must now try to build a new life.
A Greek Chorus: When they're not each busy playing multiple characters, the four ensemble members surrounding this play's central couple serve as a Greek chorus, particularly effective in moments in which they underscore and further dramatize Elise's ruminations – as they do, for example, immediately after Elise's opening monologue. They also often remain onstage between scenes in which they're appearing as characters; as Uphoff Gray pointed out in a talkback following Sunday afternoon's performance, doing so allows them to bear witness to a story that affects all of us. As Uphoff Gray additionally noted, keeping the ensemble onstage also facilitates transitions, in a script with many – too many – truncated scenes. In addition to Moeller and Stampley, this production's ensemble members are Di'Monte Henning and Michael Herold.
An Iliad: DeVita's play follows his unforgettable performances in two productions of "An Iliad," in which he plays the Poet, struggling to make sense of war while cataloging what it's done to who we are and the world in which we live. Interviewing him before the first of those productions at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 2014, it was clear that this reliably thoughtful artist had already given considerable attention to the phenomenon of war and its tremendous collateral damage. He and Uphoff Gray deserve kudos for deciding three years ago to write and stage a play like this one; they did so long before the "theater of war" became a hot-button topic in the theater world (it's featured on the cover and in several articles in the current issue of American Theatre, which has profiled DeVita's play).
A Performance for Veterans: Consistent with the commitment that gave birth to this play, Forward has scheduled a private performance of "Learning to Stay" that's intended exclusively for veterans, their families and service providers. It will be followed by an in-depth discussion with Uphoff Gray, her cast, and Veterans Administration personnel. It's free; details and registration for those eligible to attend are available here: www.wisvetsmuseum.com/events/?ID=191.


British based charity Team Kenya have named Lucy Bronze as their first ambassador.
The 26-year-old is an English footballer plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and England, primarily as a right-back. However she can play anywhere in the defence or midfield.
In 2014, she won the PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year award and has previously played for Sunderland Women, Everton Ladies, Liverpool Ladies, and Manchester City Women as well as North Carolina Tar Heels at college level in the United States.
She has also represented England at all youth levels, and featured in their squads at Euro 2013 and the 2015 World Cup, helping them to third place at the latter tournament.
According to Team Kenya, Lucy is articularly interested in the charity's Brighter Futures project which is using football to tackle violence against women and girls.


The company who makes Narcan will chip in in order to off set costs of the opiate blocker.
The producers of the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan, will pay into a new state trust fund to help make the medication more affordable to first responders in Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced.
Since the beginning of the heroin and pain medication crisis, the price of Narcan(Naloxone) shot up given the high demand. Healey announced that her office has come up with a solution by partnering with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, making a $325,000 deal to offset the costs of the drug.
This program is the first of its kind payment from the manufacturer that will go into the Commonwealth's Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchase Trust Fund, which will provide the nasal spray version of Narcan at a bulk equivalent to 10,000 units. The initial fund made 15,000 doses available with $150,000 in state funding. But the demand continues to increase in order for first responders to stand a chance at the growing opioid epidemic.
The cost of Narcan jumped from $15 a dose to about $44 in 2014. Healey hopes that buying the opioid blocker in bulk will stabilize the costs.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office struck a similar deal with Amphastar cuts the wholesale price by 20 percent, and includes a $6 rebate per dose in February 2014. Last spring, the NYPD began training officers on how to use naloxone, and outfitting officers with kits. Eventually, 19,500 officers will carry the kits.
In less than a year, Schneiderman's office gave $1.8 million to state police departments for naloxone kit reimbursements.
Monday's announcement came as the world marked International Overdose Awareness Day.
Since August, Narcan has been used to save 129 lives in Worcester alone. Quincy became the first city in the nation to require police officers to carry Narcan, and has saved 95 percent of the victims treated. Statewide, first responders used 11,000 doses of Narcan last year.


LS&K is the project of us, Nina and Bek –a Sydney-based sister duo who shared a joint love of all things green and beautiful objects – hence the tag line 'wild green things, domesticated'.
We wanted to create vessels that would enhance internal spaces but be flexible; that would work equally for renters (who can't put hooks in walls) or homeowners. Our ceramics can be hung off picture rails, sat flat on tables, exist in pairs, bunches or individually. And we love having fun with the up-cycled pieces. We adore traipsing antique stores and op-shops and gathering our friends to write entertaining stories around them, for example, meet Mary.
We are just five months old – we participated in our first ever market in November last year. It was a great market test and we got awesome feedback that we've taken back into our business.
Allow plenty of prep time and try not to be anxious – you'll be amongst one of the most supportive communities we've encountered. On a practical level – get the Paypal handset – so simple and transacts directly via your phone. We couldn't have lived without it.
Tell us something exciting that you have planned for Leafsmith & Kin this year?
Figuring out the next level of logistics – going online! We've also got a few product ideas that are sitting at the concept stage that we're keen to realise.
The creative people around us. So fun to bounce ideas off.
That's hard – overall the diversity of application – the ability to sneak a cheeky pot in any space, whether that be on a window sill or hanging from a picture rail.
Having said that we both love the story-telling aspect of the Will & Blanche series – we only had a handful at the last market but we're planning to have a lot more for this next market.


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Q: (Beginner) Rstudio Desktop Unauthorized http 401 In order to test the code from a bitbucket repository that uses R, I downloaded R and RStudio desktop. When I run devtools::install_bitbucket("spinosae/plunify-ml"), I get an unauthorized http 401 error. How do I resolve this?
(Solved it by creating an account on bitbucket and modifying parts of the installation instructions.)

A: You need to specify auth_user and password as noted in the documentation for ?devtools::install_bitbucket.


Products and services are marketed in surprisingly similar ways.
Both products and services flood the marketplace to meet the needs and desires of diverse consumer groups. While many companies focus on either products or services, many begin with a singular focus and then add either services or products to further meet their customer's needs and enhance their company's sales. However, while there are both similarities and distinctions of goods and services in terms of what consumers purchase, the general approach in your marketing strategy can be strikingly similar.
Although there is a difference between product and service offerings, they are similar in a number of ways. Products are generally physical items, such as automobiles, tissue paper or personal computers. Services, on the other hand, are intangible and are derived from an individual's action, such as tax preparation services, car washes or guided tours.
Still, both products and services exist to meet needs in the marketplace and both rely on demand from target customer groups. Both products and services attempt to provide value to individuals, families or businesses, and both rely on marketing to stimulate demand and motivate consumers to make purchasing decisions.
Marketing comprises a range of specific activities, all of which can be employed to promote either products or services. As far as strategies are concerned, product and service marketing are highly related activities. Marketing comprises a range of efforts, all of which can be employed to promote either products or services. Advertising, promotional drives and public relations activities are among the tools used to drive sales.
Advertising is the most visible component of marketing, comprising one-way messages sent over mass market and other media.
It begins with a specific purpose and seeks to communicate a primary message to the consumer.
Advertisements can be created to inform customers of new offerings, remind customers about established brands, encourage repeat purchases or brand switching or to stimulate momentum for upcoming promotional activities.
Promotions is the branch of marketing concerned with encouraging customers to try products or services or to make repeat purchases.
Promotions offer perks like discount coupons, in-store sales and loyalty reward programs.
Promotions may combine product and service offerings. For example, with the purchase of a new appliance, customers may receive a free service cleaning or a discount on accessories.
Public relations is the arm of marketing concerned with managing relationships with public entities, including the government and news organizations.
Monetary donations to local charities and sending press releases to the local media and newspapers detailing the donation creates good will within the community.
Maintaining a positive relationship with the community has the intent of ultimately driving sales for the company.
Products and services are not always mutually exclusive. Innovative companies learn to bundle products and services to diversify and strengthen their income statements. Examples of product and service bundles include software packages with technical support contracts or salons that sell their own cosmetic products. For these businesses, products and services can often be effectively marketed together.
Despite the similarity of products and services in marketing efforts, there are some differences in how consumers directly relate to each. Services tend to be more interactive and personal since the end user is often directly interacting with the service provider, whereas products are ordered online or picked off a shelf without any personal interaction taking place. Consumers can also customize their service experience by stating preferences. Products, however, are mass produced and do not often offer customers the opportunity to give input. For this reason, service marketing needs to allow for the human component, marketing the person in addition to the service.
Arke.com: Marketing Services vs. Products: Is There a Difference?
Ingram, David. "Marketing Similarities Between Products & Services." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/marketing-similarities-between-products-services-3397.html. 05 February 2019.


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Covid 19: How Safe is the Stock Island Homeless Shelter? What More Can be Done?
KOTS sleeping arrangements before COVID-19
So far, the Florida Keys have had 40 people test positive for Covid-19. Thursday saw the first local death from the virus, a Key West man who was only 55-year-old.
Among the particularly vulnerable are those who live in senior citizen group homes and the local homeless shelter.
There are approximately 119 people living at the Stock Island homeless shelter (KOTS). What if one of them contracts the virus in town, comes back that night to eat dinner, watch tv, and sleep, all in very close quarters with the other "clients" assisted every night at the shelter? In all probability he (or she) would infect a very large number of his brethren who, in turn, would go back to town the next morning to work, as many do, or simply to stroll the streets.
The dangers created by this situation are obvious.
According to the 2019 Homeless Population Point in Time Survey the Keys has a population of about 500 homeless people on a given night with 190 of them living in various emergency shelters.
If the virus was to spread through this very vulnerable population and 20% of them needed hospitalization those additional people, all getting sick more or less simultaneously, could contribute to maxing out the Keys' hospital capacity. And once infected, the homeless population could also contribute to spreading the virus.
When we asked Key West Mayor, Teri Johnston, a week ago, about the clustered conditions at the shelter she told us she was working with Sheriff Rick Ramsay to add more ground, along with some tents that could be used to add distance between beds. We were able to verify today that this has been done. Two military-style tents have been set up, so beds are now at least 6 feet apart.
But the situation is far from perfect, according to Michael Riley, who works at the KOTS homeless shelter. "I can't really keep people from sitting together to watch TV or from gathering together if they want to."
There's only one television at KOTS and every night it plays from a stock of donated VHS tapes and DVD's. When we were last at KOTS (before Covid-19) we witnessed between 20 and 30 people crammed together after dinner to watch Sylvester Stallone be "Rambo."
Elicia Pintabona, the Executive Director who runs KOTS for the City, through the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League (SHAL), said that much has been done at KOTS to respond to the Covid-19 health crisis.
"KOTS just put new measures in place to ensure clients are social distancing appropriately. If they can't or won't take the precautions, they simply can't stay," said Elicia.
Additionally, every KOTS client must now wash hands before being admitted, clients are sleeping "head to toe," and the city has provided hand washing and sanitizing stations.
"We have instituted a once a day only policy regarding coming and going. We found that clients were leaving and coming back multiple times a day. This increased the risk and vulnerability of the facility, so we've limited that to once a day. And again they must wash their hands upon entrance."
The shelter is now open 24 hours a day in an attempt to keep the homeless safely sheltered "at home." SHAL provides breakfast and has teamed up with the SOS community kitchen which is now providing daily lunches. St. Mary's Soup Kitchen is providing dinner, as it has for years.
However, when it comes to Covid-19, some key concerns remain.
Elicia says the shelter currently has enough face masks for its staff and clients. However, when we asked people on the ground, they said KOTS' clients are not wearing the masks. While the CDC's Covid-19 guidance up until today told members of the public to wear a face mask only if they are sick, today that guidance changed. CDC is now recommending that everyone "wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain."
In Asia, the ubiquitous use of masks is credited as an essential part of how Hong Kong manages to stay relatively open, including restaurants, while keeping the epidemic in check. (Masks of infected people will block the virus. Since the virus can be spread by people who do not yet know they are infected, everyone should wear a mask, thereby protecting others.)
Wearing mask at KOTS would protect the group from rapid contamination. Alicia agrees, "We actually just requested a large quantity of masks from a local sewing group and also from the City's Emergency Management Liaison in order to stay ahead of the demand."
But the shelter does have a "wish list" of items that would help make KOTS even safer: The shelter needs at least one 'no-contact thermometer' to test people's temperature at the door. Two or three more televisions with DVD capacity would help divide the people into smaller groups every night. And Liquid Hand Soap is high on the list.
Elicia told us KOTS has long been using 25 cases of bleach a month, under normal conditions, to keep KOTS clean but is now additionally using hospital virucide disinfectant to disinfect the shelter twice a day. She said they are also waiting for an additional stock of virucide foggers and spray foggers in addition of the ones the shelter has been using.
And Elicia is also hoping to get some of those 5-minute Covid-19 testers we've all been hearing about as soon as possible.
Florida Keys residents have always had mixed feelings about the local homeless population; however, it is clearly in everyone's best interests to assist the shelter in every possible way. People can also donate to the shelter directly by clicking on the donate button on the home page of SHAL's website.
April 3, 2020 Posted by Arnaud and Naja Girard at 10:43 pm * Featured Story *	Add comments
COVID-19 COMIC RELIEF LETTER TO CITY COMMISSION: "It seems that this item is being slipped in 'hidden in plain sight'…"


Liederkranz Music Committee created a list of songs (repertoire) to prepare for this years events – all events except those in the Christmas season. Committee members are: Donalee Gorfer, Wilf Kopp, Ron Staatz, Erhard Shirmaier, Dieter Schumann, Alwin Sperling and Harry Klann.
Song list, from the Repertoire, for each event to be chosen well before each event.
Choir members are urged to practice the lyrics and music for high quality performances.


Cairo, Egypt | LOUIS JADWONG | If Uganda Cranes deny the Egyptian Pharaohs maximum points Tuesday night, they will be within reach of the "Promised Land" of World Cup Russia 2018.
After stand-in coach Moses Basena said he was the Biblical Moses, ready to lead his team to Canaan, the Uganda Cranes team dared to dream, and by the final whistle on Thursday, had beaten Egypt's Pharaohs 1-0 to top World Cup qualifying Group E.
It was Uganda's first victory over the Egyptians since 1965, and in biblical terms, can be equated to Moses parting the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross. "I'm the Moses to lead Cranes to the Promised Land" said Basena early last week.
Reaching the Promised Land as the Israelites discovered, was fraught with difficulties. That is what Cranes face at Alexandria's Borg El Arab stadium from 9pm.
In African football terms, no task is as big as playing the Egyptian Pharaohs at their own home-ground. Uganda -Egypt battles have been far between, and have mainly been friendlies but still always ended with the Pharoahs winning.
Since their first meeting in 1962, a Nations Cup match that Egypt won 2-1 in Ethiopia, Uganda has faced their North African opponents 17 other times, with nine of those being friendlies. Egypt have won 13 of those, lost only two (1965 and 2017) and drawn 3.
The last time Uganda visited Egypt in a competitive match was in 1995, a Nations Cup qualifying match that the Pharaohs won 6-0.
"We picked up a good result against Egypt. We need to build on that. It is this group that will do the job," said Basena, flanked by Ibra Sekagya and goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba, at one of the team's last briefings in Egypt.
Basena will hope the experience of many of his players who have faced Egyptian opposition in the past year will count in this key World Cup Africa zone qualifying group match.
The stadium is the same venue where goalkeeper Denis Onyango lifted the CAF Champions League with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016. The likes of striker Derrick Nsibambi helped KCCA beat Egyptian side Al Masry in April.
"I know the stadium very well. It will be my second time here but I have great memories on this ground. I hope we can enjoy more great memories as Uganda Cranes on Tuesday" said Onyango on Monday.
Basena has travelled with the entire XI that started against Egypt last Thursday, including livewire Emmanuel Okwi who scored the only goal, and Farouk Miya who has shaken off an injury.
Egypt's 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is a doubt for the game but Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah will get a second chance after some missed chances in Kampala, and will be the main threat.
The other strike options Argentine coach Hector Cuper will have are Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny and City winger Ramadan Sobhy.
Egypt have not been to the World Cup since 1990 and anything other than a win Tuesday will put Cuper under immense pressure.
Uganda has not been to the World Cup before. Defeat will not completely rule out their hopes, but will raise fears again that the best they can achieve is to get near the promised land, but like the Biblical Israelites, still need a Joshua to go all the way.