Take this time to set your business up for a great year by following these six practical tips.
To ensure a stand-out year for both you and your business, there is a set of important thoughts and processes a CEO needs to utilise to enable success. In the following article, I outline the rationale for these areas of attention and share some best CEO-practices as to how to approach them.
#1: Make sure the premise of your strategy holds.
The premise, or set of assumptions, that sit beneath a strategy act like a compass and determine the direction of a business over the course of a year: where the business plays, how the business wins, what the business invests in, and how it talks about itself in the market, to name a few. An inaccurate premise has disastrous consequences on a business and steers all the people involved in the wrong direction. The strategy is a vexed corporate process and is done poorly far more frequently than done well. The assumptions that leaders make when setting strategy are frequently under-interrogated and are often full of positivity bias – influenced by a leader's understandable need to show a positive financial forecast and a rosy road ahead.
CEOs (and their boards, if relevant) are singularly responsible for strategy and must shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that the set of assumptions that underpin strategy are well-researched and solid. This requires asking tough questions and, potentially, facing uncomfortable truths. These important leadership tasks have a window of opportunity at the beginning of the year that leaders lose once the corporate calendar kicks in.
So – with the benefit of a break and the fresh thinking that comes with it – step back, ask the big questions, and challenge yourself and your leadership team to ensure that all realities have been considered before embarking on your year's work.
#2: Look your best talent in the eye and make sure they're locked in.
Now is the time to have those 'frontier' conversations with your most high-value talent – conversations that reveal the true nature of their happiness levels. CEOs need to have their intuition dialled up during these conversations and look hard for the 'story behind the story', knowing that the rank and power differential sometimes makes people shy to express their true sentiments. So, even if you are hearing a positive story, interrogate it further and make sure that what you are hearing syncs up with your intuition. And if it doesn't synch up, then press the issue further and see what you might uncover. Regardless, as a CEO, you need to know with a high degree of certainty that your best and most valuable talent are alongside you as you start the year.
#3: If you don't have a plan to secure your well-being for the year ahead, make one.
2018 was, by all accounts, a tough business year: growth was slow, the political landscape across the globe was unpredictable, and the myriad disruptive forces that CEOs face continued unabated. While 2019 might be a more growth-friendly year, business leaders will still have to shoulder great responsibility which may take its toll as the year progresses.
'Well-being' is a broad term that describes a holistic view of health that CEOs need to embody to withstand these pressures. Fitness and work-life balance are over-simplified versions of this concept that exclude important elements of well-being which can lead to the formation of well-being 'blind spots'.
And a plan for the sleep/nutrition/movement/mindset foursome that enables good health and well-being.
#4: Name the current 'state' of your organisation.
Organisations are alive, interconnected, and constantly evolving. They respond to the moves CEOs make through how they work with their culture, their strategy, employee engagement activities, capital allocation decisions and more. Some responses are positive, some aren't, and they all come together to drive an organisation towards a particular place.
CEOs who understand organisational development (OD) know that to shape the system positively, they need to both understand and 'read' their systems. If you're disconnected from the constant evolution of the system you oversee, the moves you make toward high-performance can be blind or misinformed, and thus unsuccessful, or even damaging.
So, at the beginning of this year, cast your eye over your entire system, observe it, form a view and give it a name. These names might be 'excited', 'threatened', over-stretched', 'uncertain', 'resilient', 'optimistic'. Then incorporate this view into your internal communication that set up the year ahead so that others beyond you share the view and are working with the same set of business conditions. Remember to watch your positivity bias here and don't be tempted into naming a system condition that is rosier than it actually is. Just call it out and move on, knowing that everyone is dealing from the same set of cards.
#5: Find the toughest, most awkward question about your business' viability and answer it.
Working in the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) business environment that all CEOs have come to know so well means that a business is pretty much always under threat. There is not necessarily a clear and impending danger, but there is always the risk of some external factor changing unexpectedly. For good reasons – self-preservation not the least of them! – it's sometimes easier to avoid the tough questions and just get on with it. However, these tough questions don't go away and they will nag at a CEOs' psyche, even at an unconscious level and may show up in the form of poor sleep, a low-level buzz of anxiety, and corridor whisperings for example.
Obviously, it requires bravery to look these threats in the eye and your energy reserves will never be better than right now. So, acknowledge that they're there, and share your concerns with others so you're not the sole person carrying this weight. You might be surprised that others hold valuable perspectives, and may be farther than you in knowing how to manage the associated risk.
#6: Get some internal comms out into the business.
In the absence of an internal business narrative, people make up stories of their own and, given that they are underpinned by assumption, these are generally inaccurate and unhelpful.
Get out into your business – either in person, by way of a letter, or an email, or a widely distributed video and a VC – and get ahead of the story. Share your hopes for the year, and share your concerns. Share your predictions, and share your learnings. Share what you did on holiday and what reflections might have arisen. Be human, be accessible, be natural, avoid jargon and don't assume you have to know everything. Just be yourself.
Download Rowan's latest CEO Series here which explores what is needed for modern CEOs to operate excellently in our currently disrupted business environment.


Praise be to you, Lord Jesus, King of Peace, God of Grace, Giver of Good. You, in your wisdom have brought to us the possibility of peace, but have left to us the practice of taking up, implementing and enjoying it. You invite us to dine with you at the table of peace; if we refuse to sit down and join you by trusting you, we, by our own choice, live in turmoil, worry and fear.
I praise you, Lord Jesus, for what you have done in your great Love, Wisdom and Faithfulness, making peace possible. In your passion you have provided for all people a passage from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. You have made peace available to all by sacrificing yourself.
Without you, Lord Jesus, there can be no peace. Without trusting you there can be no rest. You are a wonder, loving your enemies so much that you provided them peace at great personal cost. And in your wisdom you made us responsible for taking up and enjoying peace through trust and obedience.
So now we can have peace, first with you, Heavenly Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ, by confessing our sins, receiving forgiveness and surrendering to you as our Lord.
Then we can have peace within when we forgive ourselves as you have forgiven us.
After that we can have peace with others by forgiving them as you have forgiven us, and by asking for forgiveness when we commit an offence against them. The outcome is the release of peace from above, bringing peace within and the flow of peace without.
This peace is carried on into our day as we trust in you, lifting up the shield of faith by praise, which is the demonstration of our trust in you, for, "You are good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all those who call upon you" (Ps. 86:5, KJV).
As we trust in you, your peace continues to fill us, and opens the way for joy and hope: "May the God of hope fill You with all joy and peace as You trust in Him so that Your lives may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 15:13 – emphasis mine). Without our trusting, none of this will come to pass.
You are wise, O God, you are worthy of praise, you are wonderful in insight, you are a wonderment to all who know you. To you, Lord Jesus, belongs all honor, glory and praise, for you are the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, the Prince of Peace, the Harbinger of Hope, the Creator of all, the Ender of time, the Lover of our souls, the Bringer of justice, and the Minister of mercy. We exalt you, we lift up your name, we magnify your majesty, we bow down in worship, and we rise up to obey.


text:
Rep to the rescue | Global Media Sales | Got an international media planning deadline to meet? | We are your solution. Rep to the rescue | Global Media Sales | Got an international media planning deadline to meet? | We are your solution.
Rather speak to somebody? +44(0)20 8464 5577
Airport and In-flight advertising
Catalogue & Brochure Printing
Consultancy/Media Planning
Direct Mail / Data
Electronic Media/Lead Generation
Guaranteed Rate/Currency Billings
Other Media Ideas
Recruitment Advertising & Legal Notices
Bio-Science & Pharma
Construction & Mining
Engineering & Automation
Food Tech/Ingredients & Packaging
Global Citizen – Expatriate, Migrant
Utilities - Power, Water
Tag: moscow times
Moscow Guide : MAGAZINE
Posted in B2C, Global Citizen – Expatriate, Migrant, International Business |
| by GMS | Comment
A comprehensive guide to the upcoming season, with cultural highlights, event listings and in-depth features.
Circulation 30 000 copies Hotels, airports Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo (VIP and business lounges), airlines (Aeroflot, Delta Airlines, KLM, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, S7, British Airways, UTair etc.), international companies, sport clubs and beauty salons, restaurants and café.
The Moscow Times – Chinese Edition: NEWSPAPER
Last year, according to Rosstat, more than 1 million Chinese visited Russia. There's no doubt, that China will remain the leader in the number of tourists this year.
It is expected that in comparison with 2016, this indicator will increase by 30%. It should also be noted that Moscow is one of the most popular shopping destinations for Chinese.
That's why Chinese print edition is so popular with Chinese in Russia and in November 2017 the Chinese
website www.themoscowtimes.com was launched.
Hotels, China Friendly hotels, airports Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo (VIP and business lounges), airlines (Aeroflot, Delta Airlines, KLM, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, S7, British Airways, UTair etc.), international companies, sport clubs and beauty salons, Intourist (sightseeing buses with guides).
The Moscow Times – WEBSITE
Posted in B2C, Global Citizen – Expatriate, Migrant |
"The Moscow Times is one of Russia's leading, independent English-language publication. Our mission is to provide foreigners and internationally oriented Russians with up to the minute news, engaging stories and well-researched journalism about the largest country on earth.
We pride ourselves on adhering to the highest journalistic standards. All editorial decisions are made independently by our newsroom team of editors and reporters, a practice that has been in place since the publication founding in 1992.
The views and opinions expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the position of The Moscow Times."
"We no longer have a print edition of The Moscow Times, (however there is The Moscow Times Chinese edition). But you can still find all of our issues on our website. PDF issues go back to 2001, while our archive contains nearly 130,000 articles dating back to 1994."
Moscow Times focuses on digital and grow its global online audience, especially in China. However it has also
re-established itself as a relevant platform for local expats, with quarterly guideson what to do and a series of community clubs, including TMT Talks and TMT Tours.
With visitors from countries as far apart as the United States, Australia and Russia, themoscowtimes.com is recognized worldwide as a reliable source of information on Russia.
In 2017 the website will expand its coverage, with a combination of fast news updates, in-depth news features and analysis. Also planned are a special World Cup 2018 section and a Chinese pilot version of the website.
The goal is two-fold: to maximize its global reach and also grow its domestic audience by establishing itself as a useful and interactive platform for expats.
Add to my Media
View my Media Enquiry Basket
The GMS Alliance
For more than two decades Global Media Sales has worked hand-in-hand with other sales representatives around the world to maximise reach and return for publishers. To achieve this it has developed and maintained long-standing relationships with numerous top quality sales companies to represent media in Canada, Europe, Japan, the Middle East, South East Asia and the USA. Between us we have shared expertise and supported one another for the benefit of those we serve.
In 2001 Global Media Sales decided to formalise this trading arrangement with the creation of the The GMS Alliance to establish a credible network of media representatives to co-operate in selling advertising space. From print, radio and TV to digital, data and lead generation, thanks to its alliance partners GMS has been able to respond to a vast array of briefs from clients and their media agencies, for both B2B and consumer campaigns, comprising off-line and on-line media, requiring country specific, pan-regional or international coverage.
Delivering personal service with International reach
Global Media Sales specialises in media serving people on the move and global industry. It represents the largest consumer portfolio of expatriate and migrant media in the world, as well as luxury lifestyle and international business. Its B2B portfolio focuses on architecture & building, bio-science and pharma, construction & mining, engineering and automation, food tech, ingredients and packaging, oil & gas and utilities. Visit ABOUT US to find out more.
The GMS Alliance partners specialise in travel & leisure, in-flight and airport, national and international news and technology.
The GMS Alliance network offers a pro-active, coordinated and responsive sales service through a single liaison point at its head office near London.
If you are a sales representative and would like to collaborate or a media owner seeking sales representation, then please CONTACT US here.
Copyright © 2017 Global Media Sales. All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Legal | Print Page

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Home News SG Politics Truth or Dare? Run the Gauntlet, Torch the Ashes, Raise the Phoenix
Truth or Dare? Run the Gauntlet, Torch the Ashes, Raise the Phoenix
Singapore's foremost political leader once famously stated [1]:
"What political party helps an opposition to come to power? Why should we not demolish them before they get started? Once they get started, it's more difficult to demolish them. If you are polite to me, I'm polite to you but I'll demolish your policy. It is the job of every government to do that if you want to stay in power."
The elder statesman has candidly explained that a ruling party which is in power would want to stay in power. One way to stay in power is to demolish opposition before they get started. For once they get started it is more difficult to demolish them.
Singapore's ruling party has stayed in power for over 50 years. So firm has the PAP's grip been that since the first post-independence general elections were held up to the 2011 general elections, there were never more than 4 elected Members of Parliament from the opposition. Currently, there are just 7 out of 87.
With respect, I do not agree that it is laudable for a ruling party to seek the demolition of opposition parties. When a political party wins the mandate to form the government, it takes on the responsibility of serving the nation. The ruling party must serve the nation in priority to its own interests.
Is it in the interest of Singapore to have weak opposition political parties and feeble civil society organisations? I do not think so. Allowing circulation of differing ideas and opinions will build a more robust nation, one which would have the full complement of solutions for its problems.
Systems to guarantee plurality in politics are entrenched in many democratic nations. For instance, in Germany, Sweden, Canada, Australia and other democracies, political parties are entitled to receive subsidies or cash grants from the government for their political activities. [2] Such government grants help to ensure the survival of political parties, their ability to play their part in the political process and the continuance of healthy competition for political office.
Laws and regulation are necessary but must not curb healthy political competition. Sad to say, we have many laws which have the adverse effect of stifling the activities and growth of opposition political parties and non-partisan civil society groups. One of which is the Political Donations Act (Act) [3].
According to the Elections Department [4], the Act seeks to prevent foreigners from interfering in Singapore's domestic politics through funding of candidates and political associations.
The Act imposes an onerous compliance regime on both the political association and its donors.
A political association is defined to include not just political parties, but also non-partisan groups like The Online Citizen (a socio-political website) and MARUAH (a non-governmental organisation).
An organisation which is deemed to be a political association can only receive donations from Permissible Donors.
A "Permissible Donor" is defined as a Singapore citizen not less than 21 years of age; or a Singapore-incorporated, Singapore-controlled company, the majority of whose directors and members are Singapore citizens and which carries on business wholly or mainly in Singapore.
Onus is on the political association to verify that the donor is a Permissible Donor before accepting the donation.
Hence, in order to comply with the Act, the political association has to request the donor for his NRIC and to give his personal details. In the case of a corporate donor, the political association would need to inquire or do checks on the company's business, directors and shareholders. All these inquiries are an intrusion on the donor's privacy and discourage the donor from making the donation.
Political associations can only accept less than $5,000 in anonymous donations per financial year. Any anonymous donation which will bring the total of anonymous donations beyond $5,000 in that financial year, will have to be returned or surrendered to the Registrar of Political Donations (Registrar).
If the political association receives a single donation of an amount not less than $10,000, or multiple donations from the same donor the aggregate of which is not less than $10,000 in a financial year, it must submit a Donation Report to the Registrar giving the name, identity number and the address of the donor and the date, value and description of the donation.
In addition, a donor who has made multiple small donations with an aggregate value of $10,000 or more to the same political association in a calendar year, is himself also required to submit a Donation Report and a Declaration Form to the Registrar. Failure to do so is an offence under the Act.
I am not clear how the requirement to report donations of $10,000 or more serves the stated aim of prohibiting foreign donations. It is clear though, that such a requirement makes donors wary of making other than small donations.
The Act is yet another hurdle for opposition parties, by making it difficult for them to raise funds for its activities.
It is a 'Hard Truth' that money is necessary for democratic politics. Political parties need funds for their activities. Lack of funds inhibits the activity and growth of the political party.
It is evident that the opposition cause has many supporters and well-wishers, and the numbers are growing.
If only some of the many supporters would be convinced to brave the gauntlet of making political donations, I believe that it would spark such a huge game-change, that the phoenix will rise from its ashes.
Then the promise we saw in the watershed general elections of 2011 will be allowed its fulfilment in 2016.
[1] "HARD TRUTHS TO KEEP SINGAPORE GOING" (2011) by Lee Kuan Yew, at page 82
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_subsidies ;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party_funding
[3] Cap. 236, enacted on 15 February 2001
[4] http://www.eld.gov.sg/registry.html
The author is the Secretary-General of the National Solidarity Party (NSP). This article was written in her personal capacity. She appeals to readers to consider making a donation to NSP. Click on this link to donate now: http://nsp.sg/donate/


The bouldering Near Vancouver Washington is pretty good. Larch Mountain is the go-to area for most bouldering aficionados who live in the Vancouver/Portland metro but a lot of other areas exist within a short drive of 'The Couve'. This post is about one of those areas that rests high above the Columbia not far from Larch.
Awhile back, when the weather was nice, and the mountains above the Columbia Gorge were not covered with snow, Jess, myself, and our good friends Megan, and Nate hiked to a bouldering area near Silver Star, high above Vancouver, Washington. The bouldering is pretty good despite a bit of a hike to get to the rock. The views are amazing and offer perches to gawk at St Helens, Mt Hood, Jefferson and even Rainier if you are lucky enough to see it peek its head out of the stuffy atmosphere behind Mount Saint Helens. We hit the trail after a bumpy drive up from the Washougal River just east of Vancouver. We had the trail to ourselves and a few deer. The hike in wanders through light pine forest that eventually gives way to tall, grassy, meadows that rustle with winds that travel far across the Cascades and eventually wander through the Columbia Gorge. After a gentle incline we reached the main boulders, a series of clean, grey monsters strewn across the landscape high above a grassy valley.
Jess and I on the warmups.
The first boulders we hit are a collection of box-sized boulders and a giant pinnacle that offer some really easy warmups and a few moderate classics. This area is a place that has been traveled by climbers before but has gone long forgotten and off the radar of anyone interested in bouldering: a trail gone cold and left way to more popular spots like Carver and nearby Larch Mountain. If this area were in downtown Portland it would be an after-work destination but due to its modest approach it leaves its faces without the remnants of chalk from long-ago visitors, with non-manicured topouts, and nothing but the sound of Eagles to keep you company. This area will never become a Carver, a Wychus Creek, have the following of the mighty Widgi Creek or Leavenworth, but the area has a unique characteristic that is unique to this part of Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.
The next boulder problem we did was located in a large, overhanging cave that hosts some pretty stout lines. One being Captain Cave Man, a problem that has seen only one ascent. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of local climbers who can repeat it, it's just out there away from civilization. Next to Captain Cave Man lies another hard line that starts very low and climbs thin crimps up a steep wall to a crux cross off tiny crimps and out to a blocky hold near the lip. You can continue to a really high topout but I opted for the wussy version that escapes to safe terrain out to the left.
Problem left of Captain Cave Man.
After dabbling with a lot more lines we decided to hike a way up along the ridge-line out to a few nice vistas. This weather will be back soon in the Northwest and days like this, with sunshine, good times and good friends will continue throughout the amazing Northwest summer. This spot is home to dozens of good problems in an amazing setting. It's cool in summer but not a place you want to visit in winter. In a few weeks this area will be climbable and you will probably see passers by hiking the nearby Silver Star trail. If you go plan on a 1.5 mile hike in that is pretty gentle with a few rocky sections and a slight incline.
I recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks as you are out in a wilderness area far from your car. The drive up isn't bad most of the year but is an issue in early spring and late fall if there is snow. A Northwest Cadillac (Subarea) is ideal for getting there but a Honda Civic can make it too.
Jess, Nate and Megan at Silver Star.
Hey Rob thanks for posting this. I will be sure to check this out.


Do you play a wind instrument or percussion? Join in and have much more fun than playing just for yourself!
Used to play your instrument in your home country but don't have it with you? We will be glad to help you get hold of an instrument while you are here in Aarhus.
Contact Anette Jensen (president), formand[at]tonica-aarhus.dk, phone: 2112 5599 or Ute Hahn, ute[at]tonica-aarhus.dk, phone: 5016 5017, or just come to the next rehearsal (see to the right).
Find many more up to date news in Danish on our Facebook page.
Find all homepage news here.


text:
Traveling to Japan? Here are some essential packing tips from the pros
Tamsin Wressell 11th Oct 2022 25 min read
There are two crucial elements to bear in mind for Japan, according to the adventure-loving Flash Pack team and an extended panel of seasoned travel pros, who've collectively been back and forth to the country many times.
First, less is more. This is the birthplace of the minimalist movement: hotels are small, toilets are compact and train travel is ubiquitous. You'll want to be light and nimble on your feet, so beware of overpacking.
Secondly, shopping in Japan is second to none. So, whether you're looking at electronic gadgets or indy boutiques, you can easily buy it on the move. But, if you're looking to come prepared, here's how to crack your case load…
Says Flash Pack's adventure planner Tino Roco
Packing light in Japan is a useful skill. The Metro, bullet trains and rail system are the default ways of navigating the country, so having luggage that's light and easy to carry helps. The area for suitcases can often be full and a lot of stations can become crowded, with less access to elevators or escalators.
"Uber and taxis are so expensive in Tokyo," says Flash Pack's resident adventure planner, Tino Roco. "You'll want to be able to move freely enough to navigate public transport".
Traveling with a small carry-on suitcase or backpack is really our top tip. But, if you'd rather not go light, Japan has a luggage-forwarding service that makes traveling even more of a breeze when you're criss-crossing the country.
"Buy a camera in Tokyo"
Says Flash Pack founder and former photojournalist Lee Thompson
"The vintage clothes scene is huge in Japan, so you'll want to have space as they have loads of second-hand clothes shops full of amazing stuff," adds Flash Pack co-founder Lee Thompson. Tokyo is at the helm of the vintage scene, with Shimokitazawa being an awesome neighbourhood for thrifting (as well as home to one of Tino's favourite bars, The 808).
The same can be said for not overpacking tech. Lee, a former photojournalist, says: "Don't take much tech with you – buy a camera in Tokyo. I saved around £200 on a Canon model purchasing it out there instead."
Jamie Lafferty, a contributing SOLO writer and roving photographer, who's visited all of Japan's 47 prefectures, adds: "Get a spare charger, a universal adapter and more memory cards than seems logical."
"DOWNLOAD YOUR CULTURE FIX"
Says Flash Pack CEO and co-founder Radha Vyas
"I totally agree that being shrewd with your luggage allowance in Japan is essential," says Flash Pack CEO Radha Vyas, who's visited Japan many times on research trips. "You don't want to be weighed down when you're hopping around the Shinkansen (high speed trains)," she adds.
Happily, some of the best things you can take don't weight anything at all. "For complete cultural immersion, download a translation app like Google Translate," says Radha "and a series like the Netflix documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, about senior sushi master, Jiro Ono. If that doesn't make you hungry for a Japan adventure, I don't know what will."
"Comfortable clothing is key"
Says Japan nerd and Flash Pack customer experience expert Andy Jackson
As a general rule, if you spot a tatami mat in the space you're stepping into, you'll need to take your shoes off. Many places including some ryokans (inns), temples and restaurants require you to remove footwear. However, it can be considered impolite to go completely barefoot.
For this reason, it's best to bring shoes that can easily slip off – matched with a respectable pair of non-holey socks. As the cities are quite walkable, make sure your shoes are comfortable, too.
A lot of dining is floor-based, as are tea ceremonies, so along with your appetite, bring smart clothes that are comfortable and allow flexibility for sitting on the floor. Some of the best places to eat can be found in unassuming places, so overall comfort is key. "Perfection is how I would describe Japan," says Andy Jackson, Flash Pack's self-proclaimed Japan nerd.
"You can walk into a Metro station and find a Michelin-star restaurant. You can't really find bad food — everyone takes such pride in what they're producing. Even in the 7/11s and Lawsons convenience store, the food and drink is weirdly great."
"Pack layers for Hokkaido in winter"
Says former Japan resident and Flash Pack adventure pro Henry Cheer
"If you're heading to the ski resorts – or to anywhere in Japan in the winter – it might sound obvious to say, but it's very cold." says Flash Pack adventure pro, Henry Cheer, who lived in the country for two years. "Like, windy, bone-chillingly cold."
So, what's on Henry's packing list? Thermals, base- and mid-layers, puffer jackets, windproof and water-resistant clothing, snow boots with good tread, a woolly hat, touch-screen gloves, hand warmers and a power pack, to start with.
"Bring a water bottle, too – the air is dry and with the heating inside, you'll shrivel up and need to keep hydrated," he adds. If you forget anything or get caught short, Japan's conbini (convenience stores) sell the winter basics.
On the other hand, Henry notes, that Japan's onsens (hot springs) traditionally don't allow for any clothing. Bringing a small towel and toiletries to thoroughly clean yourself beforehand is recommended. "For smaller more traditional onsens, don't get caught out without body wash. If you're not squeaky clean before you go in, you won't be making any friends, and products aren't always provided at the less touristy spots."
"Save space for sake in Kansai"
Says Japan-loving Flash Pack writer Tamsin Wressell
"I spent a few weeks exploring the Kansai region in the in the south of Japan's largest island, Honshu, and found that with all the beautiful mountains and forested hills of Tokushima, having decent hiking boots and a waterproof jacket were real saviours," says Tamsin Wressell, a Japan-loving writer for Flash Pack.
There's plenty of hiking routes through Kyoto, Tamba and Ayabe, including steep ones, so good-quality hiking poles could be your friend here. "There are also incredible sake distilleries in this area, so my final tip would be to leave room in your bag to bring plenty home."
Join Flash Pack on a group Japan adventure with like-minded travelers in their 30s and 40s.
Got a story or adventure that could inspire a solo traveler like you? Tag @flashpack on social or email [email protected] to be featured.
Images: Unsplash
How to get cheap flights: tips from Jack's Flight Club
By Andrew Dickens
Anna Brech 1st February 2023 25 min read
Kate Wills 31st January 2023 25 min read
Prathab Narenthiran 23rd January 2023 25 min read
Ben Akers 18th January 2023 25 min read


text:
Ольга Адольфовна Скорбященская — российский музыкальный критик и пианистка.

Родилась 25 апреля 1962 года в Днепропетровске (Украинская ССР). Окончила Ленинградскую консерваторию (1987). Доктор искусствоведения, профессор Санкт-Петербургской консерватории. Специалист по проблемам исполнения фортепианной академической музыки, особенно по вопросам интерпретации сочинений Роберта Шумана, Шарля Валантена Алькана, Адольфа фон Гензельта, Фридерика Шопена, Карла Марии фон Вебера и Ференца Листа. Автор предисловия к изданию «Двенадцати этюдов трансцендентного исполнения» Листа (СПб.: Композитор, 2006). Автор более ста музыкально-критических статей в российской периодике, в 1990-х — автор газет «Вечерний Петербург», «КоммерсантЪ». Как пианистка выступает в дуэте со своим мужем Константином Учителем; в репертуаре наибольший интерес представляют сочинения малоизвестных авторов XIX века (Шарль Валантен Алькан, Габриэль Форе, Адольф фон Гензельт), XX века (Михаил Мильнер, Юлий Энгель, Михаил Гнесин) и современных композиторов (Юрий Красавин, Леонид Десятников, Вениамин Смотров).

Ссылки
 Биографическая справка на сайте Центра изучения культуры СПбГУ
 О. Скорбященская. Гульдианство как миф // АудиоМагазин, № 3 (32), 2000.
 Дуэт Ольги Скорбященской и Константина Учителя выступает в США

Пианисты России
Музыкальные критики России
Академические музыканты России
Персоналии по алфавиту
Выпускники Санкт-Петербургской консерватории

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Are you looking for another vacation getaway? Definitely include West Palm Beach in your list and try out these top three activities.
You can begin exploring West Palm Beach by visiting its museums and watching various performances.
Norton Museum of Art holds businessman Ralph H. Norton's art collection. It has expanded and it now houses more than 7,000 works of art.
In your visit at this museum, you can wonder at geography along with exhibits that showcase European, America, and Chinese art. Moreover, you can watch various gospel, jazz, classical, and dance performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
The next thing you can do at West Palm Beach is to visit a zoo and wildlife sanctuary. These are ideal attractions for animal lovers. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has various animal exhibits, and it offers different interactive experiences with sloths, koalas, and tigers.
The zoo also has several kid and adult-centric events throughout the year. On the other hand, McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary features more than 170 animals such as lions, tigers, and more.
Lastly, travelers of West Palm Beach appreciate its beautiful surroundings through different attractions such as Mounts Botanical Garden and Okeeheelee Park. Mounts Botanical Garden has 18 beautiful gardens and landscaped spaces. It offers various flora ranging from jacaranda trees to herb plants.
There are also themed gardens such as butterfly and Mediterranean garden. Okeeheelee Park, on the other hand, is where you can find several miles of trails that offer various activities such as fishing, volleyball, tennis, and many more.
With all these fun and interesting activities to do at West Palm Beach, a day will not be enough for your tour. Instead of spending on hotel accommodations, staying in with a family you know in the place will be a great idea.
Extra rooms will not be a problem since twin rollaway bed with mattress provided by firms such as Baby Borrow Rental are available for rent here, and could perfectly serve as your beddings. Especially if you're travelling with your baby, rental on cribs and strollers are also available.
Do try out these activities and explore the wonders of West Palm Beach in your next vacation getaway.


text:
St. Cloud State survey shows state deeply divided over marriage amendment
A little more than 44 percent of respondents said they support an amendment to ban same-sex marriage, while just more than 47 percent say they oppose the move. The annual poll also found an overwhelming number of respondents blame the GOP for the state shutdown over the summer.
Poll shows both Constitutional amendments headed toward approval
A KSTP/Survey USA poll finds the marriage amendment favored by 50 percent of respondents and opposed by 43 percent. The amendment would have the Constitution define marriage as an opposite sex union. In addition, the voter ID amendment was backed by 62 percent and opposed by only half that number. It would require a photo ID to vote, among other election changes.
Minnesotans evenly split on marriage amendment
The results of a new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll show 46 percent of voters opposed to a ballot measure that would ban gay marriage in Minnesota, with 47 percent in favor of it. The gap has narrowed – a September survey said 43 percent would vote no and 50 percent yes.
Poll suggests more Minnesotans oppose constitutional marriage amendment
A new survey from Public Policy Polling shows 49 percent of respondents reject the proposed amendment that would define marriage as only being between one man and one woman. The poll indicates 43 percent favor the amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Four months ago, a PPP survey showed 48 percent supported the amendment and 44 percent opposed it. Minnesota voters will decide in November.
New poll shows Minnesotans evenly divided on both amendments
The marriage and voter ID amendments need the support of a majority of Minnesotans who vote in November to become part of the state Constitution. The latest poll shows the marriage amendment supported by 49 percent of respondents, while 51 percent back the voter ID measure.
Marriage amendment vote close; voter ID likely to pass
A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows the battle between supporters and opponents of a ballot measure that would ban gay marriage could result in the closest statewide race on Election Day. The survey shows 48 percent support the amendment that would define marriage as between a man and woman, and 47 percent oppose it.
Marriage amendment mobilizes faithful on both sides
Discussions about same-sex marriage have been playing out in faith communities for years, and the debate has grown louder in Minnesota as a vote looms on a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Catholics and evangelical churches strongly support it. On Thursday, more than 100 religious leaders who oppose it will hold a faith summit in Minneapolis.
Lynx star Augustus using national platform to fight marriage amendment
WNBA star Seimone Augustus has added her voice to those opposed to a Minnesota ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage, and she's becoming a more vocal high-profile supporter of equal rights for gays and lesbians, the Associated Press reports. The Lynx guard is currently playing in the WNBA finals and planning a wedding of her own to long-time partner LaTaya Varner.
Marriage amendment activists on both sides duel over children of gay couples
Internet celebrity Zach Wahls, the 21-year-old son of an Iowa same-sex couple, has been campaigning in Minnesota this week against the state ballot measure that would effectively ban gay marriage. Meanwhile, the pro-measure group Minnesota for Marriage has released a video that argues children of same-sex couples are more vulnerable than those raised by a mother and father.


McKinsey has found that high-skilled knowledge workers spend 28 per cent of their time at work dealing with email. To compound the overload, smartphones and BlackBerrys encourage us to check our... The problem of email overload in the workplace, the feeling of being overwhelmed by the constant flow of messages appearing in the inbox and the inability to manage the high volume of messages effectively, is a current area of research in the field of human–computer interaction.
One of the worst aspects of modern email behaviour is our tendency to cc every last person in email threads, no matter how tangentially relevant to or responsible for the topic of discussion.
How to manage email overload at work. Fed up with how to manage email overload at work, pointless meetings and stupid decisions? We hope you enjoy our story of why we started nooQ.
It's easy to suffer email overload with an Internet business. This is when you spend the majority of your "work time," answering pointless messages.


My column in the new issue of American Scientist is about the challenges of computing with very large numbers. The column ends with an open question, which I want to restate here as an invitation to commentary.
Any system of arithmetic in which numbers occupy a fixed amount of space can accommodate only a finite set of numbers. For example, if all numbers have to fit into a 32-bit register, then there are only 232 representable numbers. So here's the question: If our numbering system can represent only 4,294,967,296 distinct values, which 4,294,967,296 values should we choose to represent?
There is an obvious trade-off here between range and precision: To reach farther out on the number line, we have to leave wider gaps between successive representable numbers. But that's not the only choice to be made. We must also decide whether to sprinkle the numbers uniformly across the available range or to pack them densely in some regions while spreading them thinly elsewhere. I'm not at all sure what principles to adopt in trying to identify the best distribution of numbers.
To frame the question more clearly, I'd like to introduce a series of toy number systems. In each of these systems a number is represented by a block of six bits. There are 26=64 possible six-bit patterns, and so there can be no more than 64 distinct numbers. A function f(x) maps each bit pattern x to a number. Sometimes it's convenient to regard the bit patterns themselves as numbers, ordered in the obvious way, in which case f(x) is a function from numbers to numbers.
In the simplest case, f(x) is just the identity function, and so the bit patterns from 000000 through 111111 map into the counting numbers from 0 through 63. A slightly more general scheme allows f(x) to be a linear transformation, f(x)=ax+b, where the parameters a and b are constants. If a=1 and b=0 we again get the nonnegative counting numbers. If a=1 and b=–32, we have a range of integers from –32 to +31. With a=1/64 and b=0, the entire spectrum of numbers is packed into the interval [0,1). Numbers formed in this way are called fixed-point numbers, since there's an implied radix point at the same position in all the numbers. By adjusting the values of a and b, we can generate fixed-point numbers to cover any range, but they are always distributed uniformly across that range.
Floating-point numbers are not distributed uniformly; they are densest at the bottom of their range and grow sparse toward the outskirts of the number line. Specifically, the density of binary floating-point numbers is reduced by half at every integer power of 2. In the toy model, the gap between successive representable numbers is 1/16 in the range between 1/2 and 1, then 1/8 between 1 and 2, then 1/4 between 2 and 4, and so on. At the top of the range—beyond 64—the only numbers that exist are those divisible by 8.
The graph below compares the distribution of numbers in the four six-bit systems.
For fixed-point numbers the graph is necessarily a straight line, since the numbers are distributed at equal intervals. The floating-point graph is a jointed sequence of straight-line segments, with the slope doubling at every power of 2. The logarithmic numbers produce a smooth curve, concave-upward. (Again, this curve could be made to coincide with that of the floating-point numbers.) The level-index curve is also smooth but has an even more pronounced elbow or hockey-stick form.
Now it's the logarithmic system that yields a straight-line graph. The floating-point curve approximates a parallel straight line. The fixed-point graph is concave-downward, while the level-index curve is sigmoid.
By twiddling various knobs and dials, we could create a number system that would approximate any monotonic line or curve in this space, giving us fine-grained control over the distribution of numbers. For example, on the semilogarithmic graph a straight line of any positive slope can be generated by adjusting the base of the logarithmic number system or the radix of a floating-point system; a larger base or radix yields a steeper slope. The inflection of the level-index curve can be altered in the same way, by choosing different bases. If we wished, we could interpolate between the fixed-point curve and the logarithmic curve by creating number systems in which f(x) is some polynomial, such as x2. If we wanted a flatter curve than the fixed-point system, we could build numbers around a function such as f(x)=√2.
So many ways of counting! Let me count the ways.
And what about the level-index system, which skews the distribution even further, providing higher resolution in the neighborhood of 1 in exchange for a sparser population out in the boondocks? An argument in favor of this strategy is that overflow is a more serious failure than loss of precision; the choice is between a less-accurate answer and no answer at all. Level-index numbers grow so fast that they can effectively eliminate overflow: Although it's a finite system, you can't fall off the end of the number line.
One thing that I believe will last is floating point arithmetic. Of course, the details will change, and in particular, word lengths will continue their progression from 16 to 32 to 64 to 128 bits and beyond…. But I believe the two defining features of floating point arithmetic will persist: relative rather than absolute magnitudes, and rounding of all intermediate quantities. Outside the numerical community, some people feel that floating point arithmetic is an anachronism, a 1950s kludge that is destined to be cast aside as machines become more sophisticated. Computers may have been born as number crunchers, the feeling goes, but now that they are fast enough to do arbitrary symbolic manipulations, we must move to a higher plane. In truth, however, no amount of computer power will change the fact that most numerical problems cannot be solved symbolically. You have to make approximations, and floating-point arithmetic is the best general-purpose approximation idea ever devised.
At this point, predicting the continued survival of floating-point formats seems like a safe bet, if only because of the QWERTY factor—the system is deeply entrenched, and any replacement would have to overcome a great deal of inertia. But Trefethen's "two defining features of floating point arithmetic" are not actually unique to the floating-point system; logarithmic and level-index numbers (and doubtless others as well) also employ "relative magnitudes" and require "rounding of all intermediate quantities." It may well be that floating point is the best general-purpose approximation idea ever devised, but I'm not convinced that all the alternatives have been given serious evaluation.
Two further notes. Because of space constraints, my American Scientist column appeared with a painfully truncated bibliography. I have posted an ampler list of references here.
Also, would anyone like to have 10 million digits of pi on microfiche cards? While scrounging in my files for interesting lore on large numbers, I came upon a yellow envelope in which 10,015,000 digits of pi fill up nine fiche cards. The envelope bears the notation "rec'd from Y. Kanada, Univ. of Tokyo, 1983." The 10 million digits set a record back then, which I noted in a brief Scientific American news item. It seems a shame to destroy such a curious artifact; on the other hand, I can think of no earthly use for it.
Kanada's group has gone on to calculate more than a trillion digits of pi, but he didn't send me the 900,000 microfiche cards it would take to hold the listing.
- One interesting thing about floating point is that integers (within a certain size) can be precisely represented. Not sure if logarithmic or level index permits that.
- With logarithmic and floating point, you can specify the roundoff error as a percentage of the numeric magnitude. With level index, the error percentage increases with the magnitude.
- In C, float, double and long double values have limits of (approx) 10^30, 10^308, and 10^4900, respectively. For normal engineering calculations, overflows should rarely be a problem. In my experience, overflows are usually caused by software bugs, so I don't think level index will eliminate overflows.
The point about exact integer representation is a good one. In the present architectural generation, where floating-point adds, subtracts, and multiplies are as fast as or faster than integer ones, the difference between 64-bit doubles and 64-bit integers is hardly worth maintaining, and there are already some languages that don't bother with a separate integer datatype: Perl, Lua, Q (which has bignums but not fixnums), ….
If I had to predict what will succeed floating point, I would guess a system based on the Fast Fourier Transform because that seems to be where computer multiplication is heading.
There is a lot more to choosing a numeric representation system than how the representable values are distributed. Assuming the numbers are going to be involved in iterated calculation we will want to try and minimise the error in the rounded result.
From the implementation point of view minimising the number of transistors needed could be useful. The density of a representation is minimised by using base e, of which the nearest integer value is 3. Unfortunately implementing 3-valued logic in existing transistor technology would push power consumption well up through the stratosphere, so we have to use 2 as an approximation to e.
Some scientific/engineering calculations are predominantly multiple/divide (rather than add/subtract) so a logarithmic representation leads to faster instruction times (there are some dedicated FPGA based systems that use a logarithmic representation for this reason).
The trouble with your proposed number systems is that they are static. Any ideas on an adaptive numbering system that becomes denser around regions that frequently crop up during a calculation?
I guess I'm just a fossil from the paleolithic, but the idea of doing integer arithmetic with floating-point numbers gives me the willies. It feels like pounding nails with a fancy torque wrench. Floats are for things we measure, not for things we count.
At a deeper level, the issue isn't integers vs. floats but exact vs. inexact numbers. Thirty years ago Scheme formalized this distinction, providing 'exactness' as a property orthogonal to other aspects of numeric data type. But most of the world hasn't yet caught up with that idea.
There are proposals that would allow on-the-fly adjustments of the trade-off between range and precision. The basic idea is to change the allocation of bits to exponent and significand. As for altering the shape of the distribution–the balance between large and small numbers–I guess the most obvious way would be to change the base or radix of the system. If anyone has worked out the details of such a scheme, I don't know about it. The new IEEE floating-point standard calls for decimal as well as binary arithmetic, so I guess we'll be seeing a rudimentary version of this idea eventually.
I think the aesthetic argument is really a practical argument that is now past its sell-by date. I remember when machine integers were 12 bits and floats were 36 bits (on the PDP-8), and the FP hardware (if you had it, and didn't need to use the software emulator) could do 24-bit ints as well. In those days, machine integers had a huge speed win built in. Now they simply don't.
As for a + 1 > a, that's not an identity for any kind of fixed-size number representation. It may be annoying that a + 1 = a for sufficiently large a, but at least with floats we don't have to put up with the possibility of a + 1 << a.
Since a computer can theoretically deal with strings as long as one likes, e.g., the trillion digits of pi, why can't any integer be represented exactly. The trade-off is that it might take a while to add or multiply them.
Your work is so great that I've used it to kick off techncal papers of my own, and lessons I've taught in both university and high school.
Integers MAY have started for counting. But they are most seriously investigated in Number Theory. The connection to the physical world matters. For example, are there physical systems whose energy levels give you only the primes? The semiprimes? What is the biggest number which you can write in this cosmos on ANY imaginably device, given an upper limit to the number of baryons and leptons?
At a Theomathematical level, you are dealing with the fact that almost all real numbers cannot be described AT ALL.
I'm think that one interesting feature of such a system would be closure of the numbers in the system under addition and multiplication, in which case there is less rounding needed. For instance if you choose the set of numbers with only factors 2 and 3, it is closed under multiplication, and for addition of numbers with values in a 1:1,1:2,1:3 ratio, the result will still fall in the same set.
However, this complicates the problem of rounding, when it really occurs. For example, a number like 77 could be rounded to 72 or 81, and it is not clear which one should be chosen just from looking at the number. (in factored form to roughly show the difficulty, is 7*11 closer to (2^3)*(3^2) or 3^4?) On the other hand, rounding of numbers in the floating point system can be done (to adequate quality in a short time)by simple truncations, and it is only slightly harder for level-index.
Actually a more annoying problem with floating point is roundoff error. It's one of those things that can creep up on you.
So if some system were to replace conventional floating point, I think it should to a better job of handling roundoff.
PS, if nobody else wants the microfiche, I'll take it…. it intrigues me greatly.
exp(-lambda) * ( lambda^n) / n!
Doing this in the obvious way fails for n>170 or so, since n! overflows IEEE double precision (10^308). In queueing theory for large call centers, we often need n around 1000 or 2000 or even larger. There are ways around the problem, of course.
Oddly enough, I was thinking that an example of a bug would be taking the factorial of a large number. But it that really a bug? Factorials exist (in a mathematical sense) for big numbers, it's just that the computer can't always handle them.
However if someone showed me their code, and told me, "here I take the factorial of 1000," I would instantly recognize that as an overflow bug.
In my experience, most floating point bugs are due to the "small end" of things, like division by zero, taking the square root of a negative number, of cumulative roundoff error. However, every engineering company does different things, maybe I just never encountered a project where overflow bugs were likely.
I was curious how long it would take to print out 10 million digits. Printing the first 1,587, 301 integers took my computer 44 seconds.
I enjoyed the printed article, thank you!
As far as what numerical format wins, the included quote suggests a new constraint to be considered. I believe that whatever new format is considered, it must contain support for the (exact)positive integers.
Symbolic processing gets more common all the time and can be concise as well as exact, but many intermediate stages often involve arithmetic and other series, which can have very large, rational coefficients. Manipulation of these series assume that integers stay that way. Two tenths expressed as a decimal has no exact binary representation, unless BCD is employed. But a decimal number is already tainted with a hint of inexactness. An integer stands resolute! Why not take advantage of this as an error check while manipulating those coefficients in a "symbolic" expression?
I'll take the Pi microfiche if the museums and a previous poster pass.


text:
Posts Tagged /DII/
Richmond named Head Basketball Coach at DII Notre Dame College
Mark Richmond has been named as the men's basketball head coach at Notre Dame College (OH). He has arrived at NDC after spending two years as the men's basketball director of operations at Youngstown State where his responsibilities included the day-to-day operations, recruiting, skill development and academic performance of the team among many other duties. Prior
DIII DIRT: Arcadia set to name DII assistant as new Head Coach
I can confirm that Arcadia University will name Millersville University assistant Adam Van Zelst as their new head basketball coach. He will replace Justin Scott, who became an assistant at St. Joe's earlier in the spring. Last season was Van Zelst's first at MU – he had spent the previous eight seasons as an assistant
Hudiburg added to SNU Men's Basketball Staff
Head Coach Adam Bohac announced the addition of Andrew Hudiburg as Assistant Coach of the Southern Nazarene University men's basketball program. Hudiburg brings a great wealth of experience as Division I institutions while also a familiarity with the Oklahoma area. Hudiburg previously spent two seasons at North Texas as the Director of Scouting with the men's basketball program and
Holy Family Basketball Staff Update
Holy Family University Head Men's Basketball Coach Ryan Haigh has officially announced his coaching staff for the upcoming 2019-20 season. Haigh, in his first season as head coach, will be assisted by Willis Wareham, Chuck Ellis and Turhan Griffin. "I'm very excited to bring these three on as assistant coaches," said Haigh. "The wealth of
Cooper named Graduate Assistant at Southern Arkansas
Southern Arkansas Head Men's Basketball Coach Andy Sharpe has announced the hiring of Michael Cooper as a graduate assistant to the program for the upcoming 2019-20 season. Cooper, a native of Monticello, Minnesota, comes to Magnolia after spending the previous four years as a student assistant at Division II and fellow Central Region member Northern State of the Northern
Daily Dirt – 7/2/19
A few things as we get ready to roll into the 4th… I have heard that the leader to replace Damian Pitts as the head coach DIII Centenary University (NJ) is current assistant Jason Geleski. A longtime coach (who also spent ten years in the Army), Geleski has had a bunch of stops in the
Newberry tabs Taylor as new Head Basketball Coach
Newberry College Director of Athletics Ralph Patterson has selected Jason Taylor to serve as Newberry's 25th head men's basketball coach in program history. "We were looking for the 'total package,' and we couldn't be more pleased to have Jason lead our men's basketball program," Patterson said. "We were honored to receive more than 240
Butler joins Columbus State Basketball program as Assistant Coach
Columbus State University head men's basketball coach Robert Moore announced the hiring of Jalen Butler on Tuesday to be the assistant coach for the Cougar program. No stranger to the Peach Belt Conference, Butler arrives in Columbus from Georgia Southwestern after serving two years as an assistant coach. Prior, Butler was a two-year graduate assistant
Western Oregon Basketball Staff Update
Western Oregon University Head Men's Basketball Coach Wes Pifer filled out his coaching staff for the upcoming season as Jordan Jamestown will remain on the staff, while Bryan Fisher will join the staff as an assistant coach. "It's a great day for Western Oregon University basketball to be able to add two coaches of Jordan
Ryan named Head Basketball Coach at Wheeling Jesuit
Wheeling Jesuit University has tabbed Will Ryan as the 10th Head Men's Basketball Coach in program history, announced Monday by Director of Athletics Rudy Yovich. Ryan, who is the oldest son of College Basketball Hall of Famer and former University of Wisconsin Head Coach Bo Ryan, arrives in the northern panhandle after spending the past five


I am trying to rebuild the Mandelbrot example. I now have a very simple program that creates a mandelbrot fractal. I compare it with a simple (serial) and parallel (threaded) implementation I use forbenchmark results. The results are really great: my serial implementation runs in 2229ms, parallel: 432 ms and openCL in 9ms. An improvement with almost a factor 50!
To "dive" deep into a Mandelbrot fractal one needs doubles, else you reach too quickly the resolution of the floats. I noticed that the openCL solution used floats, while my NVidia GTX 1060 and the Intel core i7 920 both have a setting of cl_khr_fp64 = true. The Mandelbrot.cl kernel has a neat way of dealing with floats, making it dependent on the floating point setting. I set it explicitly to double but that did not help. I have listed the kernel below. In my java program I exclusive use double.
Anyone any idea how to have the kernel using double variables?
Hmm, not sure why that doesn't work. Are you really passing doubles into the kernel when you invoke it? If you were still passing floats as arguments, it would give the same results even with doubles used inside the kernel.
The compilation of the kernel crashes: no DOUBLE_FP detected (see the last lines below). That is strange because by explicitly declaring doubles, doubles are being used. I show you the compilation output of the program together with a list of all properties of the device for which the kernel was built. In this example it is the GTX 1060, but I have the same results when I choose the Intel core i7.
Are you setting "-D DOUBLE_FP" when you build the kernel? If not, it would show the behavior you describe.
Sorry for my late answer, I was just building a new (opencl enabled) computer. I had missed that part of kernel building. I added it and it works, sorry for having bothered on something that trivial and thanks for your patience!


text:
We use "cookies" to personalize the content and to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to browse this site, you give your consent for cookies to be used. Please read our "Cookie policy" for more further information.
MY CHOICE (0)
Offices and shops
STELLA BOYANA
5-STAR COMPLEX WITH 24-HOUR SERVICES
STELLA BOYANA is a 5-star complex with a special access, 24-hour services, and guaranteed maintenance getting far beyond the conventional. Behind the green belt of the complex you can take a rest as in an exclusive resort, and, if necessary, you can work with the communications, speed and efficiency typical of a megalopolis.
All homes, with increased clear height, fireplace, and incredible view towards the Vitosha Mountain, are spacious, functional, and easy to furnish. The raw materials, supplies and equipment are of the highest class, proven origin, low power consumption, and no harmful emissions. All of this makes dwelling healthy, easy and joyful.
INDOOR POOL, SAUNA AND STEAM BATH
The entrance to the indoor pool is through the garden of the complex, revealing an amazing panorama of the greenery in the warm months. The roof glazing ensures abundant daylight and a view of the classical rotunda towering at 20m above the warm and crystal clear water. The indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and the gym increase the opportunities of a healthy lifestyle.
PRIVATE PARK
Park with selected plants and special lighting, with care and flair from its entrance.
HARMONIZED ENVIRONMENT
The Stella Boyana Complex meets the high standards and new tendencies in modern architecture and design. The green park, the paths, and the view towards the Vitosha Mountain are not the only circumstances for the creation of harmonized living environment. Sixteen-pointed stars are placed on key spots in the complex as symbol of the complex, which integrates the universal rhythm, love and strong will. Another special active symbol in the architecture of the complex is the big seven-pointed star built in the flooring under the dome of the classical rotunda. The purpose of this star is to create balance and bring strong positive energy to the complex and also to activate the implementation processes. All architectural elements, portals and forms in the Stella Boyana Complex are designed in accordance with the feng shui principles for a balanced and charging environment.
Residential Building and Complex of the year for 2015
CHOOSE A BUILDING SEE MORE
HARMONIZED ENVIRONMENT SEE MORE
INTERIOR SEE MORE
SWIMMING-POOL SEE MORE
Boyana, 20 Daskal Stoyan Popandreev Str.
Realizations Estates Realizations Offices and shops
General terms and conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy
The Company About us The Team Awards


This "new" Daniel tune appears on the compilation CD "50 Minutes."
Danfan that I am, I'm neither crazy or rich enough to buy a CD for a 60 second tune, but I figured it's worth the $0.99 on iTunes.
Anyone else hear this? I don't know what to make of it. It's recorded as if it were one of the early cassettes, but there's something about his voice that makes me think it's not a vintage recording.


Get Your Music in Rotation on SiriusXM Radio Stations.
MusicOpps.com is pitching tracks for inclusion in SiriusXM playlists across North America. Music selected for rotation will be played across popular satellite radio channels with non-stop, commercial-free music. SiriusXM reaches over 33 Million subscribers in the U.S. and over 2.78 Million subscribers in Canada, servicing both English and French music.
MusicOpps.com has opened this opportunity and all industry connections to unrepresented, undiscovered artists as a way to be heard across the same custom radio outlets used by the majors without being signed. Keep your music in your control, keep your revenue, and gain visibility.
Rock, Alt Rock, Metal, Indie Rock/Pop, Dance, Electronic, DJ music, House, Trance, Alternative remixes, Urban remixes, Club remixes, radio-ready contemporary singles, Jazz/Standards, Classical, Latin/World Music, French/World, Adult Contemporary, Singer-Songwriter, Folk/Americana, Easy Listening, Christian, Country (modern and classic styles), Music/Fun for Kids, Love Songs, Light Rock, Soft Rock, 90's-style Grunge, Punk, Industrial, Progressive Rock, Ultra Lounge/Dance/Electronic, Hip-Hop, Rap, Trap, R&B and Chill-Out vibe.


He is associated to one confirmed burglary and at least two attempted burglaries in the North Hill area of Des Moines within the last two days.
Thus far, these burglary attempts have been around the Noon hours.
If you know who he is, or you have seen him in your neighborhood, you are asked to please call 911.


We are delighted with our new playground markings enabled by increased Sports Premium Funding and generous donations from our PTFA and Ford Pre-school. We had a special assembly this morning to celebrate and try them out. They include a fantastic football pitch, hopscotch, hundred square, snake, clock, compass and line up dots. They will be a great asset during playtime and lessons.


text:
lewis publishing company (publisher) (8)
clark, ricky (1)
e. & h.t. anthony (firm) (publisher) (1)
musee du louvre (paris, france) (1)
levin, h. (editor) (8)
terhune, albert wheaton (photographer) (2)
trulock, joseph (photographer) (1)
waldack, charles (photographer) (1)
edmonson county (ky.) (4)
mammoth cave (ky.) (4)
mammoth cave national park (ky.) (4)
bardstown road (louisville, ky.) (3)
hawthorne (louisville, ky.) (3)
kaw mendi (sierra leone) (1)
middletown (ky.) (1)
oberlin (ohio) (1)
legislators (4)
busts (1)
Description: 1841)
Curious sand-stone rock, excavated near the cave about 15 years since, and now to be seen in the hotel yard.
Hotels; Mammoth Cave Hotel (Ky.); Rocks
A large sandstone rock sits in the yard of the Mammoth Cave Hotel in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. The hotel, which sits within the boundaries of the Mammoth Cave National Park, was built by John Croghan in 1841 and destroyed by fire in 1916. The rock...
Pleasant Grove Presb. Church at Smyrna P.O. Photographed 1919.
Churches; Presbyterian churches; Architecture; Buildings
A single room church with light colored clapboard siding and a short bell tower steeple. According to the journals of Warren Kellar Frederick the original congregation was organized in 1841 by Rev. Samuel A. Noel and the Pleasant Grove Presbyterian...
Levin Cooper Sr.
Houses; Buildings; Dwellings; Architecture
A two story light colored house with three steeply pitched dormers with tall narrow windows on the second story. The first story has a central door that is covered by a triangular pediment portico. On the left side are two windows and on the right...
Arch. Dixon.
Lawyers; Legislators; Portraits
Archibald Dixon was born in Caswell County, North Carolina, in 1802. He moved with his parents to Henderson, Kentucky, in 1805. Educated in the local schools, he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1824. He established a practice in Henderson....
Young Gaul, front view.
Roman (ancient Italian style); Imperial (Roman)
Discovered in Reims (France). "This sculpture demonstrates the capacity of Roman artists to synthesize widely divergent influences and draw upon diverse styles. It shows that Roman art was capable of addressing very different concerns while still...
Eli H. Brown.
Lawyers; Portraits
Eli H. Brown was born in Meade County, Kentucky, in 1841. He was educated at the academy of Hawesville, Kentucky, in Hancock County, He read law with George W. Williams and in 1862 joined the Hancock County bar. Brown was soon elected City Judge...
Emmet Field.
Lawyers; Judges; Legal education; Teachers; Portraits
Emmet Field was born in Louisville in 1841. He was educated in Missouri, at Westminster College, and served in the 2d Missouri Cavalry of the Confederate army. He returned to Louisville in 1864, and the next year graduated from the law department...
Farmington, John and Lucy Speed home, Louisville, Kentucky, 1928.
Historic buildings; Architecture; Houses; Plantations
Exterior view of Farmington, the historic home of John and Lucy Speed, located at 3033 Bardstown Road in Louisville, Ky. The home features a set of stairs leading up to the front entrance, which is flanked by four columns and a small elevated front...
Supposed to have been built by John Speed, and this place was called Farmington, about 5 miles out on the Bardstown Road.
Houses; Dwellings; Architecture; Buildings; Historic buildings; Plantations
Front view of Farmington, a federal-style house built for John and Lucy Speed in 1815-16. The house, located at 3033 Bardstown Road in Louisville, KY, sat on the grounds of a large hemp plantation. The home features a set of stairs leading up to...
Humphrey Marshall.
Lawyers; Judges; Legislators; Portraits
Humphrey Marshall was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, in 1760. A soldier in the Virginia Revolutionary forces, he later moved to Kentucky in 1782 where he was admitted to the bar in Fayette County. He was a member of Kentucky House of...
Jas. S. Jackman.
John S. Jackman was born in 1841 in Carroll County, Kentucky. His education took place in the county of his birth, but was interrupted when he joined the Confederate army, enrolling in the Ninth Kentucky Infantry of the First Kentucky Brigade. He...
Hotel at Mammoth Cave Ky., 7.10.1907.
Hotels; Mammoth Cave Hotel (Ky.); Buildings; Trees
Mammoth Cave Hotel at Mammoth Cave National Park, built by John Croghan in 1841 and destroyed by fire in 1916. Hotel was 200 feet long with piazzas extending the whole length of the building and two buildings adjacent to each end which held a...
View of Mammoth Cave Hotel.
Hotels; Men; Women
Hotels; Mammoth Cave Hotel (Ky.); Buildings; Swings; Trees
On the grounds of Mammoth Cave Hotel at Mammoth Cave National Park. Possible view of the back of the hotel, built by John Croghan in 1841 and destroyed by fire in 1916. A long white building with individual porches and doors sits among trees and a...
Giles C. Hukenbeck of Louisville, Kentucky.
Portraits; Portrait photographs; Men; Vestments; Clergy; Missionaries
Portrait of Reverend Giles C. Hukenbeck of Louisville, Kentucky. He is wearing a gown with roped belt and dark-framed glasses. The photograph is marred with discolorations. Handwritten on back of image: Rev. Giles C. Hukenbeck, return to 1841 Deer...
Richard H. Menefee.
Richard Hickman Menefee was born in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky, in 1809. He attended the public schools and graduated from Transylvania University, in Lexington, Kentucky. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1830 and commenced...
Sarah Margru Kinson/Kaw Mendi/Oberlin, Ohio.
Green, Sarah Margru Kinson, -1858
Davis Tavern at one time at Middletown, was supposed to have been built about 1796, later owned by Luke Wetherby. Photo June 22, 1919.
Houses; Dwellings; Architecture; Buildings; Taverns (Inns); City & town halls
The Davis Tavern / Wetherby House located at 11803 Old Shelbyville Road in Middletown, Ky. A two story Federal style brick building with a covered porch supported by columns. A cornice extends across the front fa�ade and the building has two front...
Thos. Speed.
Thomas Speed was born in Bardstown, Kentucky, in 1841, and was educated at Centre and Hanover Colleges. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war Captain Speed studied law at the University of Michigan, and practiced in...


text:
package com.senla.autoservice.run;

import com.senla.autoservice.facade.Autoservice;
import com.senla.autoservice.ui.menu.MenuController;

public final class Start {

    public static void main(final String[] args) {
    	Autoservice.getInstance().Deserialize();
        final MenuController mc = new MenuController();
        mc.run();
        Autoservice.getInstance().Serialize();
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Try our free 15-day trial of Riva On-Premise.
Learn more about the latest features and user experience improvements for Riva On-Premise.
For more information, follow the links from these release notes or contact the Riva Success Team.
Salesforce automatically sends real-time calendar event and contact change notifications to the Riva connection account.
Riva can be configured to use the notifications to expedite the sync of Salesforce events and contacts to the email system.
For more information, see Riva Flow Actions.
Now, an improved attachment sync makes better use of the flexible permissions model of Chatter file libraries.
To enable the improved attachment sync, three advanced options need to be applied to the connection.
The contact list can be synced to an opportunity as secondary contacts.
This helps with tasks delegation, visibility of opportunity progress, or dividing ownership among the users.
To enable the functionality, an advanced option needs to be configured for the connection.
In the CRM Connection Edit window, the Include organization name in URL check box has been removed.
Reason: Riva automatically retrieves the organization name. If the name is required in the URL to connect with Dynamics CRM, Riva includes it in the URL.
Note: Pull notifications were already supported for Exchange and credentials-based Office 365 connections.
Obtaining change notifications from Office 365 can be up to 90% quicker than polling EWS for the changes.
For more information on Pull notifications, see Change notifications for Exchange UCD.
When the replies and subsequent emails of a conversation are automatically and successfully synced to the CRM, a second category is now assigned to them: "Implicitly processed".
The category is used as a reminder that the email was synced automatically.
The "Implicitly processed" category is applied to the email along with the "Processing complete!" category, which is applied to every successfully synced email.
Note: In your system, the category name "Processing complete!" may have been changed.
What is an onboarding chain?
A first sync or initial sync should normally occur only once for a user, because if some of the processes of a first sync are repeated, duplicates of existing entries may be created in the CRM or email client.
To prevent the accidental repetition of a first sync for a user, various first sync protection settings can be configured. For example, a setting causes the sync process to look for a hidden set of files inside a mailbox that indicate that the mailbox has already been synced. If those hidden files are found, a first sync is prevented.
If such a setting is in place, then when a user has been synced by the first policy of an onboarding chain and has been moved to the second policy in the chain, a first sync conflict would occur when the second policy executes. The sync process would discover the hidden set of files inside the user's mailbox and would prevent the first sync from occurring for that user in the second sync policy. The same issue could occur for any subsequent policy in the chain.
The workaround consists in configuring a first sync re-initialization option in the second sync policy and subsequent sync policies of an onboarding chain.
Start the Riva Manager application, In the right pane, double-click a policy to edit it.
In the CRM Connection Edit window that appears, sslect the Advanced Options tab.
In the right pane, select First Sync Re-Init.
In the window that appears, select a Type (= re-init option). For descriptions of the re-init options, see Re-initializaton options.
Background: If a syncing attendee makes a change to a meeting and is synced before the syncing organizer, the attendee's change overwrites the meeting.
Now, it is possible to configure Riva so that the organizer syncs before all the attendees. To attain that goal, the attendees' sync of the meeting is postponed by one cycle.
Note: If the organizer cannot be determined or is not synced by Riva, the attendees' sync of the meeting is not postponed.
Tip: This functionality works well with the pure or hybrid attendee modes.
The changed default behaviour applies only to sync policies created with Riva 2.4.52 or higher.
When executing sync policies created with previous versions of Riva, syncing a private shared appointment from the CRM always removes the attendee list and the contents from the synced appointment in the email system.
Now, by default, when executing sync policies created with Riva 2.4.52 or higher, the Riva sync does not remove the attendee list and contents from the synced appointment in the email system. It is possible to configure Riva 2.4.52 or higher to revert to the previous behaviour.
Background: In technical terms, the sync history is called metadata.
Normally, when a user is renamed, the metadata is remapped from the old name to the new name, and the old name is removed from the policy.
When a user is renamed with the new feature, the metadata is remapped from the old name to the new name, but the old name is retained — without increasing the license count.
For more information, see Rename user while retaining the old user name.
Previous default behaviour: Any of the attendees could unprivatize a privatized meeting, but it was possible to configure Riva to allow only the email-system attendee who privatized the meeting to unprivatize it.
New default behaviour: Only the email system attendee who privatized a meeting can unprivatize it. There is no need to configure Riva to achieve that result.
The "classic UI" is no longer supported. Its main menu bar was horizontal, across the top of the Riva Manager application.
The main menu bar is vertical, to the left of the Riva Manager.
There is less navigating than in the classic UI: the connections and sync policies are displayed on one page, in the right pane.
In the new UI, other improvements shall continue to be made, starting with this release.
This window groups the most commonly used settings designed to prevent the accidental initial sync of users.
Start the Riva Manager application. In the right pane, double-click the policy to edit it.
Select the Advanced Options tab, and then select Sync Protections.
The Certificate Update Tool has been renamed Certificate and AWS KMS Update Tool.
replacing AWS KMS encryption with a certificate or other AWS KMS encryption settings.
For more information, see Encrypting a Riva connection's credentials.
In previous versions, using the Riva Manager application was the only way to re-initialize users.
Now, it is possible to re-initialize users from a second location as well: the Remote Services tab of the Riva Service Monitor. Specifically, in the middle pane of the Remote Services tab, right-clicking Resolved Entities and selecting Reinitialize opens a window that is identical with the Re-initialize page in the Riva Manager application.
This tool is for the Client Engagement Team to assist you more effectively when they use directives to customize your Riva On-Premise system.


I'm talkin' flaaaaaaavoooooorrrr. As in harissa, that yummy, delicious and oh-so-versatile North African condiment. I will never understand, no matter how long I live, our very American fascination with ketchup. It's basically tomatoes, sugar and water. Bleh.
Harissa, on the other hand, is smoky, rich, layered and evocative. You can have it spicy or mild. Green or red. Out of a jar (gasp) … or homemade.
Yup. Das right. I make my own harissa for this amazing and delicious vegan recipe. Down with preservatives and added sugars! Doing it yourself means healthy. It means control. It means you make it the way YOU want it.
Roast the red bell pepper. It's going to take 45 minutes to an hour, so watch an episode of Supernatural and turn it every commercial. If you have a Firestick or are streaming, turn it every time Bobby says "Balls." Cuz no commercials. If it's an episode with no Bobby, you're probs going to have to set a timer. Anyhoo, the oven should be at 350° and you should turn it every 15 minutes or so until it is deeply roasted on all sides and totes soft on the inside.
Also, as soon as you put that thing in the oven, set a pot of water on to boil. When it comes to a boil, pause Supernatural. Go turn the red pepper, then put the chilis and sun-dried tomato in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them to cover, and let sit to soften while the red pepper continues roasting. 30 minutes or so.
The next time you go into the kitchen to turn the red bell pepper, put the seeds into a skillet and put them on the stove to toast over a medium-high heat. They won't take long, and it will smell heavenly. Remove them from the heat, turn the pepper again, and go back to Supernatural.
The final (whew) time you have to go into the kitchen, turn the pepper and drain the chilis. De-seed, peel, and de-stem things (unless you like it hothothot.) Grind the toasted seeds in a spice mill (or Ninja whatsit). Throw all the things in a blender or food processor and blend until it becomes a thick paste. Add olive oil as necessary and/or a bit of water. Any you have left over can be stored in the fridge for up to a month. Pour a layer of olive oil over the top when you store it.
We were making wraps, right? Right.
Remove the stems (if there are any) from the portobello caps. Rinse and pat dry. Put the harissa, 1 Tbsp of the olive oil, cumin and onion powder in a ziploc bag. Mix it up really well, then toss the mushrooms in there. Push out any extra air, then squish everything around so the mushrooms are good and coated. Set it aside to marinate for a while. Finish Supernatural if you haven't already.
After the mushrooms have gotten all flavorful, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook until they're heated through, turning frequently. Turn off the heat and let them just sit there and think about what they've done for a few minutes, then slice them sorta thin, but not toooo thin.


When town centre pubs closed between 3 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon, the club gradually became one of the favourite places to get a drink. This reached its height during the second world war when it was used by many, many service men - when one looks at the 'visitors' book it sometimes seems impossible to have so many people in the club at one time.
'Wood Street Club', as it became known, gained an unenviable reputation as a haunt of drunks, prostitutes and black-marketeers.


text:
What is the Taco Bell Film Festival? And who is behind it? An investigation
This rogue creative pursuit might be the best thing to happen in 2022.
Screenshot: Taco Bell Film Festival
There are no two words that catch my eye more quickly than "Taco Bell." Driving down the highway? A Taco Bell billboard will make me pull over. Strolling through the grocery store? I'll stare at those Taco Bell hot sauce bottles for hours. Playing Wordle? Listen, the word has to be either "tacos" or "bells" eventually, right? So of course, no mention of the beloved chain on Twitter, a platform on which I spend approximately 20 hours a day, would get past me. That's where I first heard of the Taco Bell Film Festival 2022.
@tbfilmfest is a modest account, with only 96 followers as of publication. The bio simply reads: "Taco Bell Film Festival 2022 presented by Delta Airlines — Live Más." At first glance, there's no reason to think this wouldn't be the inkling of an official Taco Bell sanctioned promotion, especially with recent news that the brand will be enlisting fans to create its next cinematic Nacho Fries ad, as reported by AdWeek. Even the first tweet that came across my timeline seemed pretty legit:
But soon after following the account to keep tabs, I had questions. First of all, it seemed unlikely that a film festival run by one of the biggest brands in the world would have a Gmail account for collecting submissions. Second, the next tweet sent with information about the festival was… extreme. "Discount Alert, For a limited time, Taco Bell Film Festival Premium Badges are available for $2300, which includes, VIP Access to Exclusive Zoom Calls With Industry Pros, Unlimited Streaming of most TBFF 2021 [sic] films, 50% OFF YOUR NEXT $2 BURRITO," it reads, with no link to any more information. And while a quick Google search did bring up a link to a blog on Taco Bell's website about "Living Más through film," the vibes were, well, very different.
The Taco Bell Film Festival 2022 isn't just another soulless fast food promotion. No, it appears to be so much more, something even better, some kind of rogue and zany creative project inspired by one of the most galvanizing fast food joints out there.
This isn't the first time Chalupas and Crunchwraps have influenced unauthorized art. Back in August 2019, The Taco Bell Quarterly literary magazine launched its first issue and has been going strong ever since. The mag's Twitter account is filled with advice for writers, hilarious quips, and lots and lots of digs at The Paris Review—@theparisreview on TikTok is actually a page for TBQ. Run by writer MM Carrigan, the literary magazine not only solicits submissions of all kinds, but pays artists for their work. The guidelines read:
We pay $50 per acceptance: stories, art, comics, multimedia, flash, poetry, nonfiction, whatever you got. Don't ask. The answer is Yes, send it.
Themes: trash discourse, capitalism, humanizing the hellscape, fast food joy, fast food depression, spooky gayness, scaring people with Baja Blast metaphors, sacks of sopping wet meat, work, sweat, sad pizza parties in the breakroom, love, sex, and more. The answer is Yes, send it.
The Taco Bell Film Festival 2022, on the other hand, has no real clear guidelines or direction besides a submission deadline, January 31, and an email, tacobellfilmfestival@gmail.com. "Do You Think You Have What It Takes To Make A Taco Bell Film?" one Tweet reads. "Do You Know What It Means To Make A Taco Bell Film?" The other TBFF2022 sites I could find—a Twitch page, an Instagram, and a sister Instagram for the Taco Bell Film Institute—left me with more questions than answers. I emailed those questions to the above Gmail account and could have never anticipated what I would get in return.
Whoever is behind this festival has a lot of time, a lot of resources, and a lot of archival Taco Bell footage at the ready. That much is clear in this 4:33 video that was customized just for me. (Other journalists who may have reached out, I need to know if you got a similar response or if I'm special.)
The video is worthy of its own Adult Swim special, with a man who in my later correspondence with TBFF is identified as "Banjo" answering my questions one by one, spliced together with close-ups of shredded cheese and clips of the "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" dog. Some answers that "Banjo" provides are more helpful than others, most specifically the detail that there will be an actual screening of the films on Twitch. (In a follow-up email I'm told that will take place February 25-27.)
Some answers may take a little bit more decoding. When I asked, "What does making a Taco Bell film mean to you?" Banjo replied, "Well Brianna, this is a question. A Taco Bell film means to me anything that a Taco Bell film is submitted to the festival of a Taco Bell submission. Now a Taco Bell? That's what a Taco Bell film means to YOU." The whole thing is, in a word, genius.
I tried to dig a little deeper to figure out the mastermind(s) behind the festival, looking into mutuals who follow or are followed by either social media account. A friend pointed out that the work seemed reminiscent of that of my downstairs neighbor who was indeed being followed by the account on Instagram, begging the question: Was this all actually happening literally under my nose? I texted them to see if they knew about the Taco Bell Film Festival, and they responded "HAHAHAH yes i do!!! wait that's hilarious."
My neighbor shared a story with me about someone who they met in LA a few years back, a man who was apparently outside the Venice Beach Taco Bell amazing crowds by accurately guessing people's orders, a man who always dreamed of being an action movie star, a man whose dad used to manage a Taco Bell that was eventually demolished and turned into a cineplex in the early aughts, which soured that man's view of the film industry. This film festival, my neighbor told me, was his way of reckoning with his complicated relationship with both Taco Bell and cinema.
After the harrowing tale all sunk in, my neighbor, also a comedian and performance artist and filmmaker, admitted to me that the whole story was a bit. "You actually know who's behind this don't you?" They gave me a mischievous grin and a shrug, telling me they couldn't say anything else.
I explicitly asked the person on the other end of the email address if they would reveal their identity. They responded only with the official description of Yum! Brands, Inc., Taco Bell's parent company.
I stopped digging there, deciding it's better actually to maintain the mystery. First of all, I'm no snitch. I'm even slightly nervous that running this piece at all will draw unwanted attention from the higher ups at Taco Bell, and I don't want to dox a fellow Cheesy Gordita Crunch lover. If I never find out who's actually behind this, then it can be anyone. Maybe it really is my downstairs neighbor, who's using our shared space to create this brilliant art. Maybe it's Banjo, hiding in plain sight as the fest's unofficial spokesperson. In each and every person on this Earth lives the potential to be the creator of the next great artistic Taco Bell pursuit, and that is a beautiful thing.
Submissions to the Taco Bell Film Festival 2022 are open through January 31, 2022, just email your video to tacobellfilmfestival@gmail.com. The festival will stream at Twitch.com/tacobellfilmfestival February 25-27. For more information keep an eye on @tbfilmfest on Twitter and @taco_bell_film_festival on Instagram.
Live Más in 2022.
Food NewsFeatures


text:
1THING: Madison Beer, Lukas Graham, and Grace Vanderwaal Share the One Thing They Do to Help the Planet
From cars to coffee, these are all a great place to start
It all starts with one thing.
From carpooling with Madison Beer to Lukas Forchhammer from Lukas Graham and his reusable coffee cup, it all starts with one thing to make a difference.
Related: Madison Beer Performs Backstage at the GRAMMY Awards: "I Feel Like I Finally Found My Sound"
"I drive all of my friends around, all the time. So there's no Ubering, there's no them going themselves. I'm always the designated driver who has 10 people in my car" says "Hurts Like Hell" singer Madison Beer. "That's what I do to help the planet."
While Beer cuts carbon emissions, Lennon Stella and more reuse water bottles and coffee cups to cut down on waste. Stella also recycles, just like Grace VanderWaal and her family. They know that not only does recycling save energy, but it also cuts down on air and water pollution.
Watch the full video above to find out how these artists and more do one thing to help the planet.


caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal antibody storage	Gentaur recommends for long therm storage to freeze at -24 C. For short time storage up to 30 days we suggest fridge storage at 1 to 10 C. Prevent multiple freeze taw cycles of caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal.
caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal storing antibdies	for longer storage periods of the caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal we recommend - 21C or lower and for short periods lees than 1 month we suggest +5C fridge temperatures.
caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal Human samples	80 % of the research is conducted on human samples. Gentaur suppliers human normal cells, cell lines, RNA extracts and lots of antibodies and elisa kit to Human proteins as well as caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal.
caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal mus musculus	murine caspase recruitment domain family. member 8 (CARD8) - Mouse monoclonal anti-human CARD8 antibody; N_A Monoclonal detects proteins from variouse species most likely human.