text:
Distilling the entire library of the original PlayStation is no easy task, but someone has to do it. And while we wait to find out what the official full lineup for Sony's recently announced PlayStation Classic mini console is, IGN has a few suggestions for what should be included.
Sony has already revealed five of the 20 total games expected to launch with the PlayStation Classic — Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, Wild Arms, Jumping Flash, and Ridge Racer Type 4. That leaves 15 available slots for classic PlayStation experiences.
In this gallery, you'll find IGN's picks for what those 15 games should be, based on the nostalgic memories of various IGN staff members. First, some caveats:
You'll notice what seems like several very iconic PlayStation games omitted from our list. We took into account all officially announced or recently released remasters when making this list. So, yes, the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro trilogies are iconic mascot platformers, Resident Evil 1 & 2 ar
In spite of being the direct sequel to an MSX2 game that never made its way to the West, Metal Gear Solid put Hideo Kojima's tactical espionage stealth series on everyone's soliton radar, raising big red exclamation points over plenty of heads. An exhilarating blend of Hollywood action blockbuster spectacle, Japanese mecha anime style, and Kojima's special way of screwing with players, there's a reason so many people are clamoring for this classic to sneak into the PlayStation Classic's library. – Max Scoville
While Tony Hawk's Underground might be what many fans are most eager to return to, the legacy left by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is undeniable. Widely considered one of the best sports games of its time, THPS2 even stands as the highest-rated PlayStation game on Metacritic. Sadly, one of its most memorable elements could be what prevents it from appearing on the PlayStation Classic – the music. A mix of '90s punk rock and hip-hop, the playlist of licensed tunes from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 was the soundtrack to so many childhoods. The use of licensed songs is known to complicate video game re-releases, but even if they have to nix a few tracks, the chance to return to one of the best skateboarding games ever – especially in a time when we're sorely in need of a new one – is worth it. – Chloi Rad
The Silent Hill series is most famous for the second game's iconic Pyramid Head, and perhaps most recently popular for the doomed Silent Hills, but it all started back on the original PlayStation. The first Silent Hill was a shining example of doing a lot with very little. It paired the third-person fixed camera angles made iconic by Resident Evil with an eerie roaming camera, allowing it to occasionally play with perspective in new, unnerving ways. It turned common technical workarounds of the era, like the need to fade out faraway objects to obscure draw distance limitations, into tangible atmospheric elements – notably the town's iconic fog. It wasn't a "pretty" game by modern AAA standards, but it managed to set a mood that survival horror games have barely come close to matching two decades later. Silent Hill became an aesthetic, and its roots go all the way back to 1999. Beyond its visual achievements though, Silent Hill's bizarre cast, dark tale of occult conspiracy, and psychological horror still hold
While Final Fantasy VII is the entry most commonly associated with the original PlayStation, its fur-lined, leather-clad follow-up is just as deserving of praise. On top of the memorable characters and enthralling story to be expected from a Final Fantasy entry, VIII introduced plenty of new mechanics and an unprecedented level of realism, so it has no shortage of hardcore fans. If you need proof, just look at the reaction after Nintendo announced nine Final Fantasy titles that would be coming soon to Switch, noticeably leaving out poor FFVIII. – Max Scoville
Originally released in 1998, Parasite Eve is a horror game in which players attempt to stop a woman who can cause people to spontaneously combust by manipulating the mitochondria within their cells. Moody, atmospheric, and mysterious, Parasite Eve is one of the most bizarre and memorable cult horror classics on the original PlayStation. – Cassidee Moser
Cartoon platformers reigned supreme during the '90s, and Rayman arrived during its peak in 1995. It was the complete package, with an adorable protagonist, great music, beautiful art, and was a surprising anomaly as a successful 2D game on a 3D platform. Rayman's legacy has been strong, and his origins back in the early '90s are absolutely worth revisiting in a new format today. – Cassidee Moser
The original Chrono Trigger had you jumping between epochs, but its sequel Chrono Cross flings you across entire dimensions and back. Loosely tied to the first game, this story of death, betrayal, and fate allows you to recruit up to 45 different party members. You'll have to play the game multiple times to see everything, which is perfect, because the New Game+ mode not only complements Chrono Cross' overarching themes, but also opens up a dozen different endings. – Zachary Ryan
To call Vagrant Story an amalgamation might be too on the nose. Its incredible blend of dungeon crawling, crafting, and masterful art direction are all wrapped inside an incredible gothic storyline just this side of Metal Gear Solid. Perhaps Yasumi Matsuno's greatest and most ambitious game to date, this often-overlooked gem came right at the end of the PSX's life cycle and is more than deserving of a second chance on the PlayStation Classic. – Zachary Ryan
The second Legacy of Kain is a sprawling, engrossing epic worthy of returning to in its own right, but also has an important place in the both past and recent history of PlayStation. Amy Hennig served as director, producer, and writer on Soul Reaver, and of course went to serve as a writer and director on the Uncharted franchise. The throughline of PlayStation history is an important one to show, especially for newer audiences, and being able to represent that via this impressive action-adventure definitely earns it a spot on the Classic's list. – Jonathon Dornbush
Final Fantasy Tactics set the bar for grid-based strategy games at the time, and actually holds up fairly well by today's standards. It would make a strong addition to the Classic line-up because playing it makes it crystal clear just how many games have been inspired by it. There have been a few releases since its launch, including a version on mobile, but there's nothing quite like playing Tactics with its original art and UI. – Tom Marks
Often lost in the unpalatable polygonal porridge of mediocre PlayStation mascot platformers, Klonoa is an exceptionally designed, unapologetically challenging 2.5D platformer. It plays something like a sequel to Super Mario 2, with a core leaping/boosting mechanic that would feel familiar to anyone who's spent time playing this year's indie standout The Messenger. The charming pastoral levels start out deceptively simple, but Klonoa's difficulty and complexity gradually ramp up to a supremely satisfying threshold. It's the best pure platformer of its era, and its sublime mechanics are matched by a surprisingly touching, tragic, and melancholic story that stands in sharp contrast to its cute visual style. – Jared Petty
A massive cast of memorable characters combined with an epic and sweeping story make Suikoden 2 notoriously one of the very best console RPGs ever released. Sadly, it was not popular at launch in 1998, so now seems like the perfect time to bring Suikoden 2 back into the mainstream with the PlayStation Classic. – Cassidee Moser
Simply put, Symphony of the Night is one of the greatest games of all time. It's a perfect blend of old-school Castlevania action and RPG character building. It certainly doesn't hurt that Symphony showcases some of the greatest pixel art and fluid movement of any generation. Plus, completionists are rewarded with one of the most mind blowing that secrets to ever grace the PlayStation. – Zachary Ryan
One of the biggest things the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy got wrong was not also including the fan-favorite kart racer Crash Team Racing alongside the bandicoot's original three adventures. The beloved kart racer is one of the most fondly remembered of the genre, outside of Mario Kart, for good reason — its tight controls, fun courses, and wacky Crash charm all came together to make for a consistently exciting racing experience. In lieu of a modern remaster, it would be a delight for Crash fans to have this beloved racer back for a couple more laps. – Jonathon Dornbush
Bushido Blade is a brilliantly experimental and cinematic take on the iconic myth of the sword duel. It's a stripped down fighting game about landing one perfect strike, a showdown between two poised figures silhouetted against a bleeding sunrise. No life bars, no fireballs... in Bushido Blade, savage instant kills are the order of the day. Blows to limbs disable and slow the player, hits to vital organs usually drop them. It's an elegant, visceral game where dishonorable challengers throw dirt in opponents' eyes, limping warriors swipe savagely at the legs of enemies, and a single step is the difference between victory and defeat. An arsenal of distinctive weapons, diverse moves, and memorable fighters give players an extraordinary variety of ways to inflict death upon one another. There's really nothing else quite like Bushido Blade... even its sequel failed to comprehend the magic that made the original a treasure of the PlayStation era. – Jared Petty
15 Games We Want on PlayStation Classic


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Public Health England has just released its first report looking at the results of its madcap sugar reduction scheme. The idea is to reduce sugar content in most foods by 20 per cent by 2020. The first target was a five per cent reduction by 2017 but, as today's report shows, this has not happened.
It was never likely to happen. Instead, there has been a two per cent reduction across the eight categories that PHE is most interested in: biscuits, breakfast cereals, chocolate confectionery, ice cream/lollies, puddings, sweet spreads & sauces, sweet confectionery and yoghurts.
The sugar reduction scheme was introduced on the pretext of tackling the non-existent childhood obesity epidemic, but although PHE initially said they would be only targeting children's foods, they soon admitted that they would be targeting everything because, as they say in today's report...
As children eat a wide range of foods and not just those that are manufactured for or marketed to children, all foods in each category are included.
There was no reduction in sugar content for three of the eight categories and, in some cases, sugar reduction has been accompanied by calorie increases (see below). Great success!
The juicy stuff is tucked away in Appendix 4 of the report. That's where you can read the case studies sent in by the food companies. If you think your favourite snack has started to taste a bit funny, this is where you can find out what's been done to it in the name of 'public health'.
Similarly, if you suspect that your chocolate bar has been shrinking, head over to the appendix and find out. As I have said repeatedly, shrinkflation is all part of the Public Health England plan. Once they realised that you can't just take sugar our of chocolate and hope nobody notices, they actively encouraged the food industry to reduce portion sizes.
Here are some of the companies boasting about their miniaturisation work...
Shrinkflation has been variously blamed on Brexit, 'austerity' and the rising cost of raw ingredients. In fact, the price of sugar and cocoa have both fallen sharply since the referendum - the import sugar price reached a record low last year. The ONS noted that these prices had dropped when it looked at shrinkflation last year. It also noted that whilst shrinkflation can affect any product, sugary products seemed to be particularly heavily affected. It did not, alas, pick up on Public Health England's role in this.
Nor did the consumer organisation Which? realise that it was government policy to reduce product size when it complained two months ago about this apparent rip off:
Consumer group Which? accused manufacturers and supermarkets of misleading customers because they never announce the cut in pack sizes.
Ratula Chakraborty, a senior lecturer in business management at the University of East Anglia, said watchdogs such as the Competition and Markets Authority should require firms to give customers clear information when sizes are reduced.
'Regulatory intervention is needed to tackle shrinkflation,' she said. 'The CMA should require retailers to inform consumers when product sizes [are reduced] so they are not misled by these sneaky changes.'
A year earlier, the financial journalist Andreas Whittam Smith complained that reducing portion sizes without telling customers was a form of fraud:
There have been reports for some time that manufacturers of such household items as sugar, jam, syrups, chocolate and confectionery have been reducing the size of their products without making corresponding cuts in their prices. I say reports because this activity cannot easily be detected by the naked eye. Somebody has to tell us poor consumers that this shrinkage is going on because we cannot see it for ourselves. That is the nature of the fraud.
It is a fraud, isn't it? If the manufacturer of, say, your favourite jar of strawberry jam raised the price, you would most likely notice and then make a rational decision whether to pay up or do without the jam. But if instead the manufacturer reduces the quantity of jam and maintains the price, you probably won't be the least bit aware of what is going on – unless you study the small print on the label. In short, you have been had.
Indeed it is a form of fraud; a state-sanctioned fraud. The whole point of the 'health by stealth' approach is to not tell consumers what's going on. It would be amusing if, as Chakraborty suggested, the government introduced a 'regulatory intervention' to deal with a problem that is being fuelled by government policy.
Food companies need little incentive to shrink their products while keeping the price the same (if you look at Nestlé and Mars in the list above you'll see that they were frantically shrinking their products before the sugar reduction plan officially began - and before Brexit). But the government is now encouraging them to do it. Indeed, it is effectively compelling them to do it because that is the only realistic way of cutting sugar content in chocolate, confectionery and biscuits, which are the main sources of sugar (see below).
So that's two per cent down, eighteen per cent to go - and they've only got two years to do it. This bonkers idea needs to be knocked on the head before it does any more damage.
I put out a comment on this for the IEA earlier today:
"Public Health England issued their Soviet-style targets with no understanding of how food is made or what consumers want. A five per cent reduction in one year was always unrealistic because it takes longer than that to develop products, test them and create the manufacturing infrastructure. A 20 per cent reduction is unrealistic under any timeframe and leaves the manufacturers of many products with only one option: reduce the size of the product. We have started to see the rip-off of shrinkflation with chocolate bars and we will see much more of it in the years ahead.
Why is this quango systematically degrading the food supply? Consumers didn't ask for it, the electorate didn't vote for it and, when offered an artificially sweetened option, shoppers don't buy it."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Top 10 Money Excuses. Investment and savings advice in Coleraine Ballymoney Portrush Bushmills Co Antrim Co Londonderry Portstewart
Financial Planning, Investments, News, Retirement
People who make bad money decisions can often rationalise them. Here are 10 common excuses.
Human beings have an astounding facility for self-deception when it comes to their own money.
We tend to rationalise our own fears. So instead of just recognising how we feel and reflecting on the thoughts that creates, we cut out the middle man and construct the façade of a logical-sounding argument over a vague feeling.
These arguments are often elaborate short-term excuses that we use to justify behaviour that runs counter to our own long-term interests.
Here are 10 of them:
"I just want to wait till things become clearer".
It's understandable to feel unnerved by volatile markets. But waiting for volatility to "clear" before investing often results in missing the return that goes with the risk.
"I just can't take the risk anymore."
By focusing exclusively on the risk of losing money and paying a premium for safety, we can end up with insufficient funds to retire on. Avoiding risk also means missing the upside.
"I want to live today. Tomorrow can look after itself."
Often used to justify a reckless purchase. It's not either-or. You can live today AND mind your savings. You just need to keep to your budget.
"I don't care about capital gain. I just need the income."
Income is fine. But making income your sole focus can lead you down dangerous roads. Just ask anyone who invested in collateralised debt obligations.
"I want to get some of those losses back."
It's human nature to be emotionally attached to past bets, even the losing ones. But as the song says, you have to know when to fold 'em.
"But this stock/fund/strategy has been good to me."
We all have a tendency to hold on to winners too long. But without disciplined rebalancing, your portfolio can end up carrying much more risk than you bargained for.
"But the newspaper said…."
Investing by the headlines is like dressing based on yesterday's weather report. The news might be accurate, but the market usually has already reacted and moved on to worrying about something else.
"The guy at the bar/my uncle/my boss told me…"
The world is full of experts, many of them recycling stuff they've heard elsewhere. But even if their tips are right, this kind of advice rarely takes account of your circumstances.
"I just want certainty."
Wanting confidence in your investments is fine. But certainty? You can spend a lot of money trying to insure yourself against every possible outcome. It's cheaper to diversify.
"I'm too busy to think about this."
We often try to control things we can't change – like market and media noise – and neglect areas where our actions can make a difference – like costs. That's worth the effort.
Given how easy it is to pull the wool over our own eyes, it pays to seek out independent advice from someone who understands your needs and your circumstances and who keeps you to the promises you made to yourself in your most lucid moments.
Call it the 'no more excuses' strategy.
-Jim Parker, Vice President of Dimensional.
By David Gibson
Google


With Bank of Texas Payroll Cards, you can pay your employees safely and conveniently on their payroll card. It's cost-effective for you and convenient for them.
Building and running a successful business isn't easy, but Bank of Texas is with you on every step of the journey. Here are some tips and tricks that might help you along the way.


UNA @ townsquare is a fresh concept brought to the market by Nshama. The only master community with apartments in the entire area.
It carefully combines work and live atmosphere by providing a fantastic 7,000 sq ft lobby where one can work and play.
Company Profile: Goldenwave Properties is a full service boutique Dubai Real Estate company offering residential sales and lettings, commercial investments and leasing.


Keep your cars neat and clean from dust or any other wastewith the most versatile Mini Car Vaccum. It operates on 12 volts and can bedirectly connected to the car lighter socket. You can easily wash the filter ofthe vaccum without any hassle. The design of the vaccum is compact andlightweight and can be carried anywhere. The vaccum comes with vehicle poweradaptar and 60W rated input power. Buy this exclusive mini car vaccum fromDaraz.pk and clean your car carpets or car spaces where you cant reach out.


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#include <ignite/common/fixed_size_array.h>

#include "ignite/odbc/utility.h"
#include "ignite/odbc/config/connection_string_parser.h"
#include "ignite/odbc/system/odbc_constants.h"
#include "ignite/odbc/dsn_config.h"
#include "ignite/odbc/config/config_tools.h"

using namespace ignite::odbc::config;

#define BUFFER_SIZE (1024 * 1024)
#define CONFIG_FILE "ODBC.INI"

namespace ignite
{
    namespace odbc
    {
        void ThrowLastSetupError()
        {
            DWORD code;
            common::FixedSizeArray<char> msg(BUFFER_SIZE);

            SQLInstallerError(1, &code, msg.GetData(), msg.GetSize(), NULL);

            std::stringstream buf;

            buf << "Message: \"" << msg.GetData() << "\", Code: " << code;

            throw IgniteError(IgniteError::IGNITE_ERR_GENERIC, buf.str().c_str());
        }

        void WriteDsnString(const char* dsn, const char* key, const char* value)
        {
            if (!SQLWritePrivateProfileString(dsn, key, value, CONFIG_FILE))
                ThrowLastSetupError();
        }

        SettableValue<std::string> ReadDsnString(const char* dsn, const std::string& key, const std::string& dflt = "")
        {
            static const char* unique = "35a920dd-8837-43d2-a846-e01a2e7b5f84";

            SettableValue<std::string> val(dflt);

            common::FixedSizeArray<char> buf(BUFFER_SIZE);

            int ret = SQLGetPrivateProfileString(dsn, key.c_str(), unique, buf.GetData(), buf.GetSize(), CONFIG_FILE);

            if (ret > BUFFER_SIZE)
            {
                buf.Reset(ret + 1);

                ret = SQLGetPrivateProfileString(dsn, key.c_str(), unique, buf.GetData(), buf.GetSize(), CONFIG_FILE);
            }

            std::string res(buf.GetData());

            if (res != unique)
                val.SetValue(res);

            return val;
        }

        SettableValue<int32_t> ReadDsnInt(const char* dsn, const std::string& key, int32_t dflt = 0)
        {
            SettableValue<std::string> str = ReadDsnString(dsn, key, "");

            SettableValue<int32_t> res(dflt);

            if (str.IsSet())
                res.SetValue(common::LexicalCast<int, std::string>(str.GetValue()));

            return res;
        }

        SettableValue<bool> ReadDsnBool(const char* dsn, const std::string& key, bool dflt = false)
        {
            SettableValue<std::string> str = ReadDsnString(dsn, key, "");

            SettableValue<bool> res(dflt);

            if (str.IsSet())
                res.SetValue(str.GetValue() == "true");

            return res;
        }

        void ReadDsnConfiguration(const char* dsn, Configuration& config, diagnostic::DiagnosticRecordStorage* diag)
        {
            SettableValue<std::string> address = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::address);

            if (address.IsSet() && !config.IsAddressesSet())
            {
                std::vector<EndPoint> endPoints;

                ParseAddress(address.GetValue(), endPoints, diag);

                config.SetAddresses(endPoints);
            }

            SettableValue<std::string> server = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::server);

            if (server.IsSet() && !config.IsHostSet())
                config.SetHost(server.GetValue());

            SettableValue<int32_t> port = ReadDsnInt(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::port);

            if (port.IsSet() && !config.IsTcpPortSet())
                config.SetTcpPort(static_cast<uint16_t>(port.GetValue()));

            SettableValue<std::string> schema = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::schema);

            if (schema.IsSet() && !config.IsSchemaSet())
                config.SetSchema(schema.GetValue());

            SettableValue<bool> distributedJoins = ReadDsnBool(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::distributedJoins);

            if (distributedJoins.IsSet() && !config.IsDistributedJoinsSet())
                config.SetDistributedJoins(distributedJoins.GetValue());

            SettableValue<bool> enforceJoinOrder = ReadDsnBool(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::enforceJoinOrder);

            if (enforceJoinOrder.IsSet() && !config.IsEnforceJoinOrderSet())
                config.SetEnforceJoinOrder(enforceJoinOrder.GetValue());

            SettableValue<bool> replicatedOnly = ReadDsnBool(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::replicatedOnly);

            if (replicatedOnly.IsSet() && !config.IsReplicatedOnlySet())
                config.SetReplicatedOnly(replicatedOnly.GetValue());

            SettableValue<bool> collocated = ReadDsnBool(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::collocated);

            if (collocated.IsSet() && !config.IsCollocatedSet())
                config.SetCollocated(collocated.GetValue());

            SettableValue<bool> lazy = ReadDsnBool(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::lazy);

            if (lazy.IsSet() && !config.IsLazySet())
                config.SetLazy(lazy.GetValue());

            SettableValue<bool> skipReducerOnUpdate = ReadDsnBool(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::skipReducerOnUpdate);

            if (skipReducerOnUpdate.IsSet() && !config.IsSkipReducerOnUpdateSet())
                config.SetSkipReducerOnUpdate(skipReducerOnUpdate.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> versionStr = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::protocolVersion);

            if (versionStr.IsSet() && !config.IsProtocolVersionSet())
            {
                ProtocolVersion version = ProtocolVersion::FromString(versionStr.GetValue());

                if (!version.IsSupported())
                    version = Configuration::DefaultValue::protocolVersion;

                config.SetProtocolVersion(version);
            }

            SettableValue<int32_t> pageSize = ReadDsnInt(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::pageSize);

            if (pageSize.IsSet() && !config.IsPageSizeSet() && pageSize.GetValue() > 0)
                config.SetPageSize(pageSize.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> sslModeStr = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::sslMode);

            if (sslModeStr.IsSet() && !config.IsSslModeSet())
            {
                ssl::SslMode::Type sslMode = ssl::SslMode::FromString(sslModeStr.GetValue(), ssl::SslMode::DISABLE);

                config.SetSslMode(sslMode);
            }

            SettableValue<std::string> sslKeyFile = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::sslKeyFile);

            if (sslKeyFile.IsSet() && !config.IsSslKeyFileSet())
                config.SetSslKeyFile(sslKeyFile.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> sslCertFile = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::sslCertFile);

            if (sslCertFile.IsSet() && !config.IsSslCertFileSet())
                config.SetSslCertFile(sslCertFile.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> sslCaFile = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::sslCaFile);

            if (sslCaFile.IsSet() && !config.IsSslCaFileSet())
                config.SetSslCaFile(sslCaFile.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> user = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::user);

            if (user.IsSet() && !config.IsUserSet())
                config.SetUser(user.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> password = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::password);

            if (password.IsSet() && !config.IsPasswordSet())
                config.SetPassword(password.GetValue());

            SettableValue<std::string> nestedTxModeStr = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::nestedTxMode);

            if (nestedTxModeStr.IsSet() && !config.IsNestedTxModeSet())
                config.SetNestedTxMode(NestedTxMode::FromString(nestedTxModeStr.GetValue(), config.GetNestedTxMode()));

            SettableValue<std::string> engineModeStr = ReadDsnString(dsn, ConnectionStringParser::Key::engineMode);

            if (engineModeStr.IsSet() && !config.IsEngineModeSet())
                config.SetEngineMode(EngineMode::FromString(engineModeStr.GetValue(), config.GetEngineMode()));
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


First released in 2006 on Windows, Ys Origin is a prequel in the long running Ys series by Nihon Falcom. In 2012, the game received English localization and was released on Steam, and later on PS4 and Vita as a digital only game, in 2017. In August of that year, Limited Run Games published exclusive physical versions of the game for PS Vita, PS4 and PC. Aside form a regular edition, a collector's edition was available limited to 3000 copies per platform (6000 total).
The collector's edition comes in a large paper box adorned with a beautiful artwork of the Darm Tower. The title is embossed on the front and a coating technique called spot UV gives it an attractive sheen.
On the back is a short text providing some background story.
The annoying thing about this type of packaging is how hard it is to open without the lid getting folded, since the paper is pretty thin and fragile. It's a common issue with boxes made from this kind of material.
Inside is an inlay with the game, in this case the PlayStation Vita version. The game's protagonists, Yunica and Hugo are featured on the cover.
The game has a reversible cover as well, which is always nice. The alternative art shows the two protagonists looking at the tower in the distance.
Then there's an 72 page art book. Unfortunately it's not a hardcover book, but it does contain a nice amount of colorful artwork and it's fairly large compared to most art books that come with collector's editions.
There are three chapters: Character Illustrations, Opening Movie, and Illustration Gallery. The character illustrations makes up the main bulk.
Lastly, a poster is also included, showing Yunica and Hugo looking up at the tower. It's a nice poster, but as always with posters included with games, it has been folded to fit into the box. Not much they could've done about that, but it's still a bit of a shame.
In conclusion, a nice looking collector's edition. While it doesn't come with a ton of extras, what's included is pretty solid and the limited print run makes it a desired item for collectors and enthusiasts of physical games alike.


text:
Home Articles Light-Duty BYD and Nuro Manufacturing All-Electric Autonomous Delivery Vehicle
BYD and Nuro Manufacturing All-Electric Autonomous Delivery Vehicle
BYD Co. Ltd. is partnering with Nuro to begin producing the company's third-generation electric autonomous delivery vehicle.
The announcement follows Nuro's $600 million Series D funding round, which closed in Q4 2021 and was led by Tiger Global Management, with participation from other investors.
"BYD will leverage the manufacturing capacity of our Lancaster plant by finishing assembly of globally sourced hardware components to support Nuro and bring more jobs to the community," says Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD Co. Ltd. and president of BYD North America, "Together we will build this autonomous delivery vehicle, with the mutual goal of creating a safer environment on streets across the United States."
The vehicle will feature greater payload and new safety technologies. With twice the cargo volume of Nuro's current R2 model, the automotive production grade vehicle will also feature modular inserts to customize storage and new temperature-controlled compartments to keep goods warm or cool. Safety enhancements include an external airbag to further improve safety for pedestrians outside the vehicle, as well as a multi-modal sensing suite, including cameras, radars, lidar and thermal cameras, creating a redundant 360-degree view.
"BYD is one of the largest OEM networks of electric vehicles in the world, and we are thrilled to partner with them to help us move one step closer to scaled commercial operations," states Jiajun Zhu, Nuro's co-founder and CEO. "We look forward to transforming the hardware components of BYD's globally sourced electric vehicle platform into innovative autonomous vehicles capable of operating on public roads at our new facility here in America. Through our partnership with BYD, we plan to produce autonomous vehicles at scale that can improve road safety, air quality, and overall access to goods."
In this project, BYD is working with Nuro on vehicle development, and is responsible for vehicle manufacturing and initial vehicle testing. It will provide hardware like the Blade Battery, electric motors, electronic controls and displays for human-machine interaction. Nuro integrates technologies such as autonomous driving, control modules and sensors.
BYD will finish assembly of the hardware platform at its Lancaster plant in the United States using globally sourced components. Nuro will then complete the vehicle manufacturing process by installing and testing the autonomy systems that will make the platform capable of operation at the company's new facilities in southern Nevada.
BYD Co. Ltd.
electric autonomous delivery vehicle


text:
Weekly Roundup: People | News | Traveler Sentiment | Jobs
July 20, 2020 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment
Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation assumed the role of chair of Destinations International. The chair-elect is Gretchen Hall, president and CEO, CDME, of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. A full list of the new board of directors at Destinations International is found here.
John Lambeth, founder, president and CEO of Civitas, which specializes in developing unique funding strategies for tourism and travel promotion, has assumed the role of chair of the Destinations International Foundation. A full list of the Destinations International Foundation Board of Trustees is found here.
Congratulations to 81 additional people and places:
Destinations International 2020 Class of 30 Under 30;
Thirty-six newly awarded Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) recipients, the industry's highest individual achievement; and
Fifteen destinations that earned or renewed their Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal of recognition for the highest standards of industry excellence in performance and commitment.
Louisville Tourism is developing a Black Tourism Advisory Council led by Cleo Battle, COO. Much like the panel that was formed to help guide LGBTQ tourism initiatives, Louisville Tourism will be inviting members of the community to join the ongoing conversation about intentional inclusivity in the hospitality industry. The committee is being curated now with the first meeting to address systemic racism to improve Louisville's hospitality organizations and overall destination experience for visitors and residents.
Elena Blevins has been promoted to executive director of Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, succeeding Randy Newcomb who led the bureau for two decades. Belvins has held a variety of positions at the DMO since 2011, including marketing director and interim director.
In Louisiana, Experience Ruston has appointed Tori W. Davis as marketing director. Davis will succeed Amanda Carrier, who was named President & CEO of the convention and visitors bureau in March 2020.
In Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music has appointed Tuwisha D. Rogers-Simpson as VP of brand and partnerships, at the museum slated to open in September. Rogers-Simpson most recently served as vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Urban One, where she oversaw a dedicated team that was responsible for over $70 million in media revenue and partnership management with brands such as Walmart, AT&T, and Prudential.
Sir Richard Branson has welcomed Michael Colglazier, a Disney executive, as chief executive officer of Virgin Galactic as the space tourism company prepares for commercial service. A 30-year Disney veteran, he had most recently been president and managing director of Disney Parks International. Colglazier's Disney replacement has 29 years of Disney experience. Jill Estorino was previously EVP global marketing and sales, Disney Parks Experiences and Products.
Hear From Your Peers: A new video that emphasizes safety protocols and hygiene, while still featuring the sun and fun. See "San Diego's Safe Travelers Pledge" with six simple guidelines from San Diego Tourism Authority, narrated by Julie Coker, president & CEO.
CONSUMER SENTIMENT
Key findings to know from Destination Analysts' survey of American travelers during the week of July 20:
Travel morale remains depressed: A record 46.7% of American travelers now say they don't have any trip plans for the remainder of 2020.
Over two-thirds of American travelers plan to wear a face mask during trips and largely plan to practice other pandemic etiquette such as following social distancing guidelines.
When asked how they would feel if a destination they wanted to visit required visitors and residents to wear masks while in public, over two-thirds (67.4%) said that would make them happy.
Of the 9.5% that expressed unhappiness about a mask mandate, half said it would not keep them from visiting a place they otherwise wanted to visit.
Americans are exhibiting some signs of optimism as they look out at their travel future. Now, 16.0% say they expect to take more leisure trips in the next 12 months than they did in the previous year.
Another positive trend: 34.7% now say they will prioritize leisure travel in their budget and expected leisure travel spend for the next year is up to $2,721 from $2,361 six weeks ago.
Additional key findings in a survey of 1,000 adults fielded on July 15 comes from Longwoods International:
Travelers prefer destinations that require masks. 60% prefer destinations which require face masks in public, with 35% reporting they will ONLY visit destinations with mandatory face mask orders.
In contrast, only 9% of American travelers are less likely to visit a destination which requires face masks, with 3% refusing to visit destinations which require face masks
The ongoing official and media reports of spikes/surges of new cases of COVID-19 in a majority of states combined with several states and popular summer vacation destinations either pressing "pause" on or rolling back some re-opening phases continues to have an impact on travel sentiment by reversing many of the positive trends we have been seeing along key indicators over the past couple of months.
77% of travelers now report changing plans (up from 69% just one month ago).
The percentage of American travelers who feel safe traveling outside their community has fallen again to 38%, also a low since mid-May.
On the positive side, concern about the economy greatly impacting travel plans is still low at around 20%.
"You name it, this industry and its workers need it," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. In a July 17 letter, the association urged lawmakers to boost pandemic relief saying that "a new round of coronavirus-related economic closures" have made Americans "as wary as ever of traveling." The suggestions include previous proposals such as extending PPP through year-end, expanding PPP eligibility to DMOs, and providing grants to airports. The association is proposing a tax credit for travel expenses of up to $3,000 for a family of five. It also requests DMOs receive $10 billion in federal aid to promote "safe and healthy practices," such as educating Americans about mask use and businesses' efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, which U.S. Travel says would "help restore confidence in the safety of travel."
"Our asks of Congress are big because the problem is massive and is only growing right before our eyes." – Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association
Missouri wants to boost tourism in the state even during the Covid crisis. Rob Dixon, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, said a $15 million grant program will help DMOs like Visit KC promote attractions and safe ways to enjoy them. Funds come from the state's allocation from the federal CARES Act.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development said the state tourism office is planning to launch its own "Pursue Your Hominess" marketing campaign to encourage residents to travel in-state. The current tagline is "Pursue Your Happiness." Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that Pennsylvanians should quarantine for 14 days if they visit any of 19 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
In Oregon, Bend city councilors voted to require Visit Bend to publish a travel advisory asking visitors to stay away through Labor Day. Councilors are looking for a stronger statement than is currently displayed on the DMO website, which reads: "The Visit Bend team recognizes the impact of Coronavirus not just on a worldwide scale, but on our cherished community," in addition to a Covid-19 resources and best practices page. City Manager Eric King said hotels and lodging facilities will be strongly encouraged to refrain from book reservations for tourists, according to KTVZ news.
Former rivals JetBlue and American Airlines have formed a strategic partnership to take on Delta and United. The new partners will code-share, sell seats on each other's flights and share frequent flyer benefits. JetBlue will add more than 60 routes to its network with flights operated by American and American will add more than 130 routes operated by JetBlue.
Meantime, JetBlue will continue to block middle seats until at least September. American Airlines has rolled out a touchless bag check at 230 domestic airports. The airline is sending possible furlough letters to 25,000 employees for when federal CARES Act funds expire on October 1, company leadership told employees last week.
Huh? In an eyebrow-raising move, Icelandair announced they're laying off all flight attendants, with pilots taking on those duties from July 20. Legality, safety, and practicality be damned…?
The CDC says there's work to be done. Cruises will not operate in U.S. waters through at least Oct. 1, 2020. The CDC has extended its "No-Sail" order found here. Below, the latest statement from CLIA, the cruise line association.
Did you know? According to U.S. Coast Guard data, as of July 10, 2020, there are 67 ships in and around U.S. waters with 14,702 crew members onboard without pay, awaiting repatriation.
Canada has banned cruising through October 31 on ships carrying more than 100 passengers that offer overnight accommodation.
AH&LA updated their Stay Safe key guidelines for hotel guests to include mandatory wearing of face masks.
Safe Stay guidelines are regularly updated. They're created by an advisory council of hotel leaders in accordance with CDC best practices and are endorsed by all major hotel brands, associations in all 50 states and Canada.
Instagram plans to roll out its competitor to Beijing-based Tik Tok as an option for sharing short-form audio and video content. Already tested and debuted in India and Brazil, it will appear by mid-August in the US, according to Business Insider. It's called Reels and it will have a home inside of Instagram Stories.
Tripadvisor has sold eight media brands from its SmarterTravelMedia portfolio to Hopjump, a digital marketing company and provider of personalized travel recommendations and targeted travel content to US consumers. The media brands being acquired are: The media brands being acquired are: smartertravel.com, airfarewatchdog.com (and co.uk), bookingbuddy.com (and co.uk), onetime.com, oyster.com, familyvacationcritic.com, whattopack.com, and holidaywatchdog.com.
Ireland says sorry USA, but no to the green list. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney announced that the country will retain its requirement that visitors from the US self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. The list of countries where Americans may travel has shrunk, with most imposing negative test results, restrictions, quarantines, curfews, and/or specific Covid insurance.
Moreover, the U.S. State Department continues to advise U.S. residents to avoid all international travel via the Level 4 Advisory.
NEW JOB POSTINGS
In Alabama, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism is seeking an experienced CEO
Arkansas' second-largest city has a national search for a new executive director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotions Commission
Niagara Falls Tourism is hiring a digital marketing specialist
In Virginia, a communications manager at Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
In California, Destination Irvine is hiring a sales and marketing coordinator
In Arizona, the Town of Oro Valley is hiring a digital content specialist
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York is looking for a brand strategy manager
Development Counsellors International (DCI) requires a marketing research assistant for economic development & tourism in NYC.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of the international nonprofit organization, is seeking a CEO
In NYC, Food52 seeks a VP Content with deep digital media experience.
In NYC, the Museum of Ice Cream is hiring a senior director of acquisition marketing
Penn State University Law and the School of International Affairs seek a director of marketing and communications for both schools
➡ Plus, 34 job listings in last week's newsletter, found here.
Filed Under: Airlines, Career Corner, Careers, DMOs, Jobs, Jobs and News, People and Places, Tourism campaigns, Who You Know Tagged With: 30 Under 30, AH&LA, Al Hutchinson, Amanda Q. Carrier, American Airlines, CDC, CDME, Chris Thompson, Cleo Battle, CLIA, Destination Analysts, Disney Park, DMAP, Experience Ruston, Gretchen Hall, Icelandair, Instagram, Ireland, Jill Estorino, Julie Coker, Longwoods International, Louisville Tourism, Missouri Department of Economic Development, National Museum of African American Music, Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Reels, Richard Branson, Roger Dow, San Diego Tourism Authority, Simon Coveney, SmarterTravelMedia, Tori W. Davis, TripAdvisor, Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson, U.S. State Department, U.S. Travel Association, Visit Bend
Say What? 14 Million International Visitors to US Face Social Media Screening
April 3, 2018 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment
Nearly all applicants for a visa to enter the United States — an estimated 14.7 million people a year — will be asked to submit their social media user names for the past five years, under proposed rules that the State Department issued in late March.
This covers non-immigrant visas for business or pleasure from countries including Brazil, China, India and Mexico. User names on channels being requested are:
YouTube…and others
Filed Under: Big Data, News and Views, Social media Tagged With: international arrivals, international tourism, international visitors, U.S. State Department


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Unexpected DC Plans Are Announced By Warner Bros. Discovery For SDCC 2022
For this year's San Diego Comic-Con, which resumes its pre-pandemic structure in July, Warner Bros. Discovery has made some unexpected DC plans public
San Diego Comic-Con has always been, and always will be, one of the largest events in nerd culture. The comic book convention receives a never-ending supply of films, TV episodes, and other media each year from various studios and organizations. Due of the worldwide COVID-19 epidemic that occurred, 2019 marked the final time the 50-year-old event was attended in person.
Despite the fact that the pandemic is still ongoing, conditions have improved as a result of COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Comic-Con International is reviving the San Diego-based event this year. Even though everyone is looking forward to this event, studios are still carefully considering what they will send to the conference.
Team Avatar Jumps From Anime To Live Action As We Get A BTS Image Of Live-Action Gaang Together
DC will be present at Warner Bros.' booth at SDCC, but there is a catch. DC and Warner Bros. Discovery won't have their usual displays in the show halls for the first time ever. Two DC projects from Warner Bros. TV will attend the convention, one of which being the much awaited Netflix series The Sandman, which will have a sizable Hall H panel.
The first two episodes of Harley Quinn season 3 will also premiere there, while the DC animated movie Green Lantern: Beware My Power will have its world debut at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Warner Bros. TV will not send The Flash and Superman & Lois to San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, despite DC TV having some representation there. Stargirl season 3, which has concluded production and will have its premiere in the fall, will also not be attending. Whether DC Films will attend San Diego Comic-Con at all is still up in the air, according to THR. If Warner Bros. Discovery decides to bring any DC flicks to the event, movies like Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods may be potential possibilities for Hall H. Despite being held in person, it seems sense that Warner Bros. Discovery is not investing heavily in San Diego Comic-Con. Aside from the pandemic worries, the Warner Bros. and Discovery deal has only recently been completed. It is perhaps premature for the studio to commit its whole financial resources to anything as significant as Comic-Con at this time since there are so many changes taking place behind the scenes. The probable sale of The CW is probably a contributing reason in The Flash and Superman & Lois skipping San Diego Comic-Con. Superman & Lois season 3 and The Flash season 9 will both premiere in midseason of 2023, although production on both seasons won't begin until the following fall. Warner Bros. Discovery could have more information to share for San Diego Comic-Con 2022 in the upcoming weeks as DC Films' plans are still being finalized.
Source: THR


I am somewhat of a "nylonholic". Ever since I ventured into 3dprinting the endgame for me was printing large nylon objects successfully. The material properties, its strength while staying very light and flexible, its chemical resistance or its difficulty to print all made this material for me the ultimate goal. And so I printed a large volume of nylons. Very strong but very difficult to print blends, weaker but very printable blends and finally found the one that combines all the right material properties with printability.
Nylon is the family name for a whole range of synthetic polymers hence there is no "generic" nylon. Each polymer manufacturer has their own blend due to the specific material properties they want their nylon(s) to have. Some value lightweight above tensile strength, some durability over shrinkage etc etc.
Understanding what your printed object will need to do is therefore key in determining which nylon you want to use. A future article will address how to read and understand datasheets. And when using nylon for 3Dprinters there is a whole other layer of parameters that apply, how does it extrude, layer adhesion, warping, etc, but also the hygroscopic properties (how much moisture can it absorb or loose when drying) are very important for successful prints.
How to treat STYX-12 nylon pre and post printing?
Moisture is your best friend and your worst enemy when it comes to nylon.
While printing you need have your STYX-12 nylon as dry as possible as the moisture in the filament will heat up quick in the nozzle and create bubbles which is known as foaming. Layer adhesion and surface finish will be visibly impacted and even buckling of the filament at the feeder due to the increased head-pressure is possible. We have designed the STYX-12 to be as low hygroscopic as possible (3.5% gravimetric) without affecting printing behaviour. Typically 3Dprinted nylons can absorb between 1% and 9% moisture (10.000 to 90.000PPM) Recommendations: Put the STYX-12 in a warm air circulating oven or in a filament dryer at 60c for 24 hours. That will (most of the times) get enough moisture out of the filament to make good and strong prints.
How did we get to those conclusions?
I have access to a 12k euro PPM (Parts Per Million) moisture analysis tool called the Aquatrac. This tool measures the exact moisture content of any filament we put into it. We started out with a simple vase print after we measured the PPM of the STYX-12. We measured 3722 PPM (which is 0,37%) and the resulting print was … well … not good. Bad layer adhesion and foaming on all layers. This is simply not what you'd expect from a nylon.
* to be honest, a vase is also not what you'd normally print with nylon but for this demonstration it displayed the issues perfectly.
Then we put the Nylon in a Printdry filament dryer for 24 hours and reprinted the vase. The moisture content was around 1200 PPM. The result was significant. The results can be improved even more by drying it more, but if you dry the nylon too long you can and will ruin its printing capability. Recommendation: Dry the STYX-12 no longer than 48 hours @60c in the oven or filament dryers such as Printdry or you will ruin its printing capability.
Here is an example on how nylons hygroscopic data compare to other generic filaments.
But once we have printed the object, the tables turn. The best thing you can do after printing is to put the object into a bucket of water as the maximum material properties are achieved when the finished nylon print is as wet as possible. This is why at injection moulding factories the finished objects are immersed for a period of time into warm water. Recommendations: leave the printed object submerged in a bucket of water at room temperature for a few hours or preferably overnight and you will have the toughest object achievable.
How to deal with moisture in Nylon prints?
Like we said, all nylons are hygroscopic which means they like to absorb but also release moisture. There is a direct relation to time as the following image shows.
As is clearly visible here, moisture release is high in the first few hours and then levels off. This is also why getting a perfect dry nylon is almost not possible or even wanted as too dry of a nylon will not print easy.
Almost the same curve is applicable for moisture absorption. High absorption in the first 24 to 48 hours and then levels off as the filament saturates.
So keep that in mind when you do a nylon print. A soon as you take the spool out of the vacuum bag it starts to absorb moisture which can affect your prints. Filament dryers are designed exactly to combat this behaviour by drying the filament inside the housing and only exposing the filament to the environment moisture for the minimal amount of time possible when it enters the printer.


I am participating in the 2015 Ornament Exchange from My Pinadventures. I was paired with Chelc from Inside the Fox Den. After emailing back and forth and visiting her site, I took inspiration from her design. First I took her website logo and had it engraved on an ornament. It isn't really difficult to do. I transferred her logo into a vector based image and sent it to the engraving company (OK, my sister owns the laser engraving machine). So I hope that is a little surprise for her.
Since not everyone would be able to do the same, I created another ornament for her. This time taking inspiration from a wall she painted in her home.
I created a honeycomb/polygon shaped ornament out of paper. To begin, I took card stock in a soft grey and randomly stamped different colors onto the paper to give it some visual texture. Then I used my Cricut machine to cut out the polygon shapes, there are 20 of them.
To put the pieces together, they are gathered in groups of five.
As you continue around the form, it becomes a ball shape. When finished, it could be a decorative element on a table scape or hung from a tree.
If you would like the svg file to cut out and create your own ornament, it can be purchased below.
Once you've paid, you will be taken to a page where you can download the SVG file.


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'use strict';

//var util = require('util');


Purchasing a lace wig is an investment. As purchasing a home or a vehicle of a large amount, it is recommended and sometimes required to have insurance prior to its use. A 30 day lace wig insurance policy will protect you from level 1 repair.


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With Attorney General Eric Holder's departure from Washington, critics say Wall Street is losing someone who has essentially given the industry a pass on the excesses that led to the financial crisis. In another potential wrinkle for Wall Street, two of the leading candidates who could follow in Holder's footsteps both have a history of ruffling feathers in the financial industry.
Critics of Wall Street have slammed Holder for not prosecuting top executives during his time leading the Department of Justice. A Democratic operative who spoke to Business Insider about Holder's time as attorney general called his lack of financial industry prosecutions "bizarre," particularly in light of the fact "this administration entered office during the middle of the worst financial crisis since the great depression."
"He could not have been more of a disappointment in terms of dealing with the issues that led to the collapse of the financial markets and the global economy," the operative said of Holder. "He had an opportunity and, frankly, a responsibility to say there was a whole host of systemically illegal and improper behavior and to go after it."
Holder, whose office did not respond to a request for comment on this story from Business Insider, attempted to address this criticism at a congressional hearing last year. At the hearing, Holder argued it was dangerous to impose overly harsh penalties on leaders of financial institutions because it could have a negative impact on the economy.
"The size of some of these institutions becomes so large that it does become difficult for us to prosecute them when we are hit with indications that if you do prosecute, if you do bring a criminal charge, it will have a negative impact on the national economy," Holder said.
However, this explanation has not satisfied those who argue Holder has been far too soft on the financial industry. The Democratic operative who discussed the attorney general with Business Insider argued Holder's comments were a weak excuse for a "dereliction of duty."
"He, for some reason, believed that he was on the board of these banks and their long term stability was part of his job," said the operative. "For some bizarre reason, he said — it was on record — that he was considering the health of those financial institutions and the broader economy when he was considering those cases. And that was totally inappropriate and, frankly, a dereliction of duty."
Critics of Holder's perceived inaction with respect to Wall Street include elected officials of both parties. At a Senate hearing earlier this month Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) both questioned why the crisis led the DOJ to pursue settlements against financial institutions, but not criminal prosecutions against individual executives.
"No corporation can break the law unless the individual within that corporation broke the law," Warren said. "Not a single senior executive at these banks have been criminally prosecuted."
"Something's wrong with the Justice Department. People shouldn't be able to … buy their way out of culpability," Shelby added.
Holder served throughout President Barack Obama's time in the White House. The Democratic operative argued that, even if Obama chose to take a more gentle approach toward the financial industry, Holder had an obligation to take action.
"I believe the president has failed in this area ... but he is a policy maker the president so ... he does have broader economic considerations to make," the operative said, arguing Obama has a better excuse than Holder for being concerned about the health of financial institutions. "But it is not the Attorney General's job to consider those things when deciding who to prosecute or not or what remedies to pursue."
With Holder set to resign, those who hoped to see the DOJ get tougher on Wall Street might see signs the next attorney general could address their concerns.
According to many insiders, Labor Secretary Tom Perez is a frontrunner to get the nomination from Obama. In his morning political briefing Friday, analyst Greg Valliere of the Potomac Research Group argued Perez is the "is the logical pick" and noted "he's already been confirmed by the Senate." Another Democratic strategist who spoke to Business Insider said Perez's Dominican heritage was fueling rumors he would be Obama's choice to succeed Holder.
"People in Washington, people in the White House are buzzing that the president is favoring picking a Latino for the position of attorney general and, specifically, favoring picking Tom Perez," the strategist said.
The Democratic operative said Perez was the only potential pick they have heard credible chatter about.
"I'm hearing all Perez," they said.
These rumors might upset Wall Streeters who were unhappy with efforts Perez spearheaded at the Department of Labor to raise the minimum wage and require fiduciary duty.
"He's proved he's got consumers' back at the DOL and I guess, if you're Wall Street that might be a bad thing," said the strategist. "But if youre 99% of people, that's a good thing."
However, the Democratic strategist argued the financial industry has nothing to fear from Perez. They characterized him as a "consensus builder" who knew it was important to get "business behind him" on these potentially contentious issues. They also suggested he would have a similar approach to Holder.
"Perez is exceptionally close to Eric Holder and would probably adopt the same style," said the strategist.
Both of the Democrats who spoke to Business Insider argued Bharara's habit of ending up with his name in the headlines makes him an unlikely choice for Obama. However, the operative suggested Bharara's past experience as chief counsel to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York), who worked alongside Clinton during her time representing New York in the Senate, could make him her pick.
"Very clearly he's angling to be her attorney general," the operative said of Bharara and Clinton. "Obviously Chuck is a big fan. Obviously, Hillary is well-versed in doing things to keep Chuck happy rather than be harrassed and irritated, so I'd imagine he could be her choice."
However, despite Bharara's reputation for being tough on Wall Street, multiple Democrats who have previously talked to Business Insider about the possibility he could lead the DOJ under Clinton argued he has only prosecuted small targets rather than leading financial industry executives. The strategist who discussed Perez with Business Insider argued Bharara's record with regard to the Street is largely "superficial." The other operative suggested this might actually add to Bharara's appeal for Clinton.
"For Hillary, it could make sense," said the operative. "He would give the appearance of reform and aggression against big actors without actually carrying it out."
Overall, many critics on the left seem pessimistic the Department of Justice will ever really get tough on Wall Street.
"I don't think Wall Street has anything to fear from a Hillary Clinton administration," the operative said, adding, "The previous six years should make clear to Wall Street that they have nothing to fear at all."
The Early Frontrunner To Replace Eric Holder Is The Man Who Saved Obamacare
Al Sharpton Says He's Helping The White House Pick The Next Attorney General
Eric Holder Is Resigning As Attorney General


Many experimental proposals for noisy intermediate scale quantum devices involve training a parameterized quantum circuit with a classical optimization loop. Such hybrid quantum-classical algorithms are popular for applications in quantum simulation, optimization, and machine learning. Due to its simplicity and hardware efficiency, random circuits are often proposed as initial guesses for exploring the space of quantum states. We show that the exponential dimension of Hilbert space and the gradient estimation complexity make this choice unsuitable for hybrid quantum-classical algorithms run on more than a few qubits. Specifically, we show that for a wide class of reasonable parameterized quantum circuits, the probability that the gradient along any reasonable direction is non-zero to some fixed precision is exponentially small as a function of the number of qubits. We argue that this is related to the 2-design characteristic of random circuits, and that solutions to this problem must be studied.


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Invoking in Public
By John Rollefson October 16, 2006 No Comments
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd."
–Flannery O'Connor
The call came from our County Supervisor's office inquiring if I would be willing to "do the invocation" for an upcoming Los Angeles County Board meeting in mid-April. A quick glance at my appointment book confirmed that the date was the Tuesday after Easter, when I would still be in recovery mode from Holy Week. But since yet again my congregation had failed to book me on a cruise to Ensenada for a little R&R, I told the voice on the phone I'd be delighted to accept the invitation. She said she'd get back to me with the details.
Weeks passed, and from time to time as I came across the date in my calendar, I'd wonder briefly about just what I should do for the occasion. Finally, in mid-Lent, I heard from the supervisor's aide again, confirming the date and assuring me that a letter would be arriving shortly to fill me in on the details. In Good Friday's mail, twothirds of the way through my furious week of leading six services between Palm Sunday and Easter, a letter arrived on gold-embossed stationary. Attached was a second, hitherto unmentioned, sheet titled (in bold print) "GUIDELINES FOR INVOCATIONS BEFORE MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS."
Beginning with a thank you for my interest in giving the opening invocation, the "GUIDELINES" went on to say that, under constitutional law, "the government cannot prefer or promote a particular faith or belief over others, nor can it disparage any faith or belief." I nodded my head. Since the county cannot be viewed as being affiliated with any specific religious denomination, speakers were asked to "respect this neutrality" by observing "certain guidelines for invocations."
Then followed this paragraph that attempted to articulate these "GUIDELINES:"
In preparing your invocation, please keep in mind that you may not call upon or invoke names specific to a particular doctrine or denomination. For example, the California Court of Appeal, in a case challenging use of a prayer at a Burbank City Council meeting invoking the name "Jesus Christ," recently upheld a trial court judgment enjoining the City Council from "knowingly and intentionally allowing sectarian prayers at City Council meetings" and ordering the City to "advise anyone conducting a prayer as part of the City Council meeting that sectarian prayers are not permitted." However, it is not necessary to strip invocations of all religious or spiritual characteristics. Thus, invocations may be made in the form of a prayer and be inspirational in content, so long as these requirements are observed.
"Huh?" I wondered, more confused than enlightened by these "GUIDELINES." But the final sentence sounded an even more ominous and intimidating note: "Your voluntary participation indicates that you will abide by the guidelines."
I'm not a rookie pastor. I've said prayers before in public: in interfaith worship settings, while blessing a tree for a public Arbor Day commemoration, when pronouncing an invocation at a public university's commencement ceremony. But to the best of my memory, never had I been asked to pray for an official government meeting. Even before the County Board's "GUIDELINES" arrived, I had begun wondering whether a prayer was the right or appropriate thing for me to speak in such a setting. Well-schooled in the excesses, as well as the inanities, of the piety that parades under the banner of American civil religion, I decided that my own integrity as a pastor (who is also an American citizen) was urging me to explore what might be a new kind of invocation that intended both to abide by the "GUIDELINES" and to be faithful to my own calling as a Christian.
That April Tuesday dawned warm and sunny, and I found my way to the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors in good time. Assigned to me as my guide was a charming woman who told me she had worked for the County for nearly twenty-five years. Apparently, baby-sitting the visiting invokers each Tuesday morning was one of her duties. Los Angeles County, our politicians love to boast, is the most populous county in the U.S., with a population of over 10 million people (including 90,000 homeless), making it larger than 80% of the states of the Union. As we waited for a quorum of the Board to arrive, I noticed how the Hearing Room was filling with folks lobbying for various causes. I also noticed an entourage surrounding two bearded men in black-hooded robes, whom I took to be Orthodox priests. They were present, it turned out, to support an agenda item to endorse an official commemoration of the Armenian Holocaust. Once the quorum was reached, I was asked to step to the microphone to begin the meeting with my invocation. This is what I was moved to say:
Thank you for inviting me to give an opening invocation for today's meeting. Even before receiving your "GUIDELINES FOR INVOCATIONS," I'd decided that as a Christian, who is also an American citizen who strongly values the rights and protections articulated in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a prayer would not serve us well. Please know that I've already prayed for you and for the business that you Board members have to conduct and that my congregation regularly prays for its elected leaders that you might be given the wisdom and courage to pursue justice, peace, and the welfare of those you are elected to serve as leaders. Furthermore, I don't believe that I or any other religious leader has the power to "invoke" God in the sense of calling God's attention to what we're about. Rather, I believe that God is the One who calls us into the vocation of our everyday lives where we are each and all "called" to perform God's work in the contexts of our very specific responsibilities.
Looking out on the assembled throng, including the Supervisors and their staff, I could tell that at least I had their attention as some probably began to worry just what this guy at the microphone was about to say next. I continued:
You know that just two days ago we Christians of the Western tradition (I was aware of my Orthodox brothers in the room) celebrated Easter, the day that God raised Jesus from the grave where he had been laid following his execution by the political authorities of his day. Next Sunday in our churches many of us will hear this particular text that I think has relevance to the work you are all called to do as well as all of us who call ourselves Christians. This text from the fourth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles gives us a strong hint as to what it means to live in the light of the resurrection: "Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common…. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." This is a text, as some of you know, that became the inspiration of Karl Marx's (now I could feel the fidgeting of the crowd) famous "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need," a text that we can admit neither free market nor socialist societies have found easy to embody–for that matter, neither has the church itself. It remains for us the challenge of seeking the welfare of the city rather than merely ourselves and "our own," as the prophet Jeremiah urged. So, instead of a prayer, I'd like to read as inspiration for your important work a bit of a prophetic poem written by the poet/farmer Wendell Berry. It's titled "Manifesto" and articulates well, I think, what many of us think comes much closer to articulating genuine Christian values than what some today are claiming as such."
I then proceeded to share with them Berry's fine poem–a lyric set of thoughts that include the lines,
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
The poem concludes by saying,
Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
Practice resurrection.
"Thanks. It's been good to be with you," I concluded. And finally, giving the Board the prayer they'd invited me to give, I ended, "Blessings on your work!" Following this we all turned to face the stars and stripes, put our hands over our hearts, and were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by my fellow invitee, a retired vet who got us through "one nation, under God" alright but then stumbled over "indivisible" on our way to "with liberty and justice for all."
Driving back home to my noon appointment (a regular pick-up basketball game at the nearby county recreation center), I couldn't help but ponder both the possible impact and appropriateness of my "invocation." Had I performed the service I was invited to provide? Had I supplied the "inspiration" the Board desired? Had I abided by the "GUIDELINES" to which my "voluntary participation" had committed me? Had I been true to my own responsibilities as a citizen and to First Amendment protections? Had I been true to my own faith commitments as a Christian called to be a pastor? Had I been a witness (a "martyr" in Greek) to the Good News of Jesus Christ? And finally, had I lived up to my own exhortation to the County Board to "practice resurrection?"
Just as I was dropping off to sleep two nights later, I suddenly remembered that a tape of the County Board meeting was scheduled to be broadcast that same evening on public access television. Rushing downstairs, I turned on the TV to find the Board session being opened by a rather rumpled-looking, balding guy who took something less than four minutes not to say the opening invocation that the crowd seemed to be expecting. But for all my admitted lack of objectivity, I was satis- fied with, if not exactly gratified by, what I heard and saw. I was, I thought, practicing resurrection in my own way. After all, the Gospel is an "odd" truth that makes us free, even free from conventional "invoking."
John Rollefson is the pastor at Lutheran Church of the Master in west Los Angeles, California. In the past thirty years he has pastored congregations in San Francisco, Milwaukee, and Ann Arbor. John and his wife Ruth are the parents of two grown sons.
John Rollefson


This action was undertaken in the context of the Global Gateway project and of the EU-funded program "Civil Society Dialogue – Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture" in which NTLAB participated. The Global Gateway project was closely connected with the fact that Istanbul was proclaimed the 2010 European Capital of Culture. Therefore, besides promoting the EU-Turkey Civil Society Dialogue as such, one of the project´s main objectives was to foster the Turkish capital´s role as a cultural catalyst within emerging creative domains such as experimentation with mew media interfaces and techniques as well as art/science.
In the context of the Hybrid City symposium and the Global Gateway events that took place in Athens, a workshop titled "Codes of Disobedience & Dysfunctionality" was organised from the 28th until the 4th of March 2011. The workshop was directed by the British artist Martin Rieser, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of artists, researchers and postgraduate students, from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the University of Athens, the School of Architecture of the NT University of Athens and the Athens School of Fine Arts.
The work that was created after the completion of the workshop was presented at the premises National Museum of Contemporary Art, on the internet and in the center of the city (at Skoufa – Navarinou – Tzavela streets). From the 5th until the 25th of March the visitors of the museum and inhabitants of Athens were invited to follow the project's trail and discover the different parts of the project's narration. Special QR codes were placed in selected locations of the city and by scanning them with a mobile phone, access to the audiovisual material created during the workshop was provided to the audience. Combining elements of installation art, urban intervention, gaming and performance, "Codes of Disobedience & Dysfunctionality" reflects Rieser's long term practice on art and technology.


Gabon (; French pronunciation: ), officially the Gabonese Republic (French: République gabonaise ), is a sovereign state on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, Gabon is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo on the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west. It has an area of nearly 270,000 square kilometres (100,000 sq mi) and its population is estimated at 1.5 million people. Its capital and largest city is Libreville.
Low population density, abundant petroleum, and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the most prosperous countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the 4th highest HDI and the third highest GDP per capita (PPP) (after Equatorial Guinea and Botswana) in the region.
A map of West Africa in 1670.
In the 15th century, the first Europeans arrived. The nation's present name originates from "Gabão", Franceville, and was later colonial governor. Several Bantu groups lived in the area that is now Gabon when France officially occupied it in 1885.
Ghazvinian, John (2008). Untapped: The Scramble for Africa's Oil. Orlando: Harcourt.
Petringa, Maria (2006). Brazza, A Life for Africa. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.
Rich, Jeremy (2007). A Workman Is Worthy of His Meat: Food and Colonialism in the Gabon Estuary. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
Shaxson, Nicholas (2007). Poisoned Wells: The Dirty Politics of African Oil. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Warne, Sophie (2003). Bradt Travel Guide: Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe. Guilford, CT: Chalfont St. Peter.
Yates, Douglas A. (1996). The Rentier State in Africa: Oil Rent Dependency and Neo-colonialism in the Republic of Gabon. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press.
^ a b c d "Gabon". International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 2014-04-20.
^ a b c "2014 Human Development Report Summary". United Nations Development Programme. 2014. pp. 21–25. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae Background note: Gabon. U.S. Department of State (August 4, 2010). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ a b Goma, Yves Laurent (2011-01-26). "Gabon opposition leader declares himself president".
^ Conrad Ouellon. "Le Gabon". Tlfq.ulaval.ca. Retrieved 2010-06-27.
^ Duval Smith, Alex (9 October 2012). "Frosty relations with Hollande see Gabon break the French connection".
^ "Gabon to introduce English as second official language".
^ a b c International Religious Freedom Report 2007: Gabon. United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (September 14, 2007). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ "Gabon". 2005 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor (2006). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
Education is compulsory for children ages 6 to 16 under the Education Act. Most children in Gabon start their school lives by attending Nurseries or "Crèche", then Kindergarten known as "Jardins d'Enfants". At age 6, they are enrolled in Primary School, "École Primaire" which is made up of six grades. The next level is "École Secondaire", which is made up of seven grades. The planned graduation age is 19 years old. Those who graduate can apply for admission at institutions of Higher learning, including engineering schools or business schools.
Gabon's education system is regulated by two ministries: The Ministry of Education, in charge of pre-kindergarten through the last High School Grade, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovative Technologies, in charge of Universities and Higher Education and Professional Schools.
The HIV/AIDS prevalence is estimated to be 5.2% of the adult population (ages 15–49). As of 2009, approximately 46,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS. There were an estimated 2,400 deaths from AIDS in 2009 – down from 3,000 deaths in 2003.
In 2000, 70% of the population had access to safe drinking water and 21% had adequate sanitation. A comprehensive government health program treats such diseases as leprosy, sleeping sickness, malaria, filariasis, intestinal worms, and tuberculosis. Rates for immunization of children under the age of one were 97% for tuberculosis and 65% for polio. Immunization rates for DPT and measles were 37% and 56% respectively. Gabon has a domestic supply of pharmaceuticals from a large, modern factory in Libreville.
Most of the health services of Gabon are public, but there are some private institutions, of which the best known is the hospital established in 1913 in Lambaréné by Albert Schweitzer. Gabon's medical infrastructure is considered one of the best in West Africa. By 1985 there were 28 hospitals, 87 medical centers, and 312 infirmaries and dispensaries. As of 2004, there were an estimated 29 physicians per 100,000 people. Approximately 90% of the population had access to health care services.
L'Union in Libreville, the government-controlled daily newspaper, had an average daily circulation of 40,000 in 2002. The weekly Gabon d'Aujourdhui, is published by the Ministry of Communications. There are about nine privately owned periodicals which are either independent or affiliated with political parties. These publish in small numbers and are often delayed by financial constraints. The constitution of Gabon provides for free speech and a free press, and the government supports these rights. Several periodicals actively criticize the government and foreign publications are widely available.
Gabon also features internationally celebrated masks, such as the n'goltang (Fang) and the relicary figures of the Kota. Each group has its own set of masks used for various reasons. They are mostly used in traditional ceremonies such as marriage, birth and funerals. Traditionalists mainly work with rare local woods and other precious materials.
Gabonese music is lesser-known in comparison with regional giants like the La Rose Mbadou and Sylvain Avara, and the singer Oliver N'Goma. Imported rock and hip hop from the US and UK are popular in Gabon, as are rumba, makossa and soukous. Gabonese folk instruments include the obala, the ngombi, balafon and traditional drums.
Major religions practiced in Gabon include Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism), Bwiti, Islam, and indigenous animistic religion. Many persons practice elements of both Christianity and traditional indigenous religious beliefs. Approximately 73 percent of the population, including noncitizens, practice at least some elements of Christianity, including the syncretistic Bwiti; 12 percent practice Islam (of whom 80 to 90 percent are foreigners); 10 percent practice traditional indigenous religious beliefs exclusively; and 5 percent practice no religion or are atheists. Gabon's literacy rate is 88.4%.
Most ethnicities are spread throughout Gabon, leading to constant contact and interaction among the groups. Intermarriage between the ethnicities is quite common, helping reduce ethnic tensions. French, the language of its former colonial ruler, is a unifying force. The Democratic Party of Gabon (PDG)'s historical dominance also has served to unite various ethnicities and local interests into a larger whole. More than 10,000 native French live in Gabon, including an estimated 2,000 dual nationals. It is estimated that 80% of the country's population can speak French, and that 30% of Libreville residents are native speakers of the language. Nationally, 32% of the Gabonese people speak the Fang language as a mother tongue.
Almost all Gabonese are of Bantu origin, though Gabon has at least forty ethnic groups with diverse languages and cultures. The Fang are generally thought to be the largest, although recent census data seem to favor the Nzebi. Others include the Myene, Kota, Shira, Puru, and Kande. Ethnic boundaries are less sharply drawn in Gabon than elsewhere in Africa. There are also various Pygmy peoples: the Bongo, Kota, and Baka; the latter speak the only non-Bantu language in Gabon.
Gabon has a population that is estimated at 1,545,255. Historical and environmental factors caused Gabon's population to decline between 1900 and 1940. It has one of the lowest population densities of any country in Africa, and the fourth highest Human Development Index in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Many foreign and local observers have consistently lamented the lack of diversity in the Gabonese economy. Various factors have so far stymied additional industries—a small market of about 1 million people, dependence on French imports, inability to capitalize on regional markets, lack of entrepreneurial zeal among the Gabonese, and the fairly regular stream of oil "rent". Further investment in agricultural or tourism sectors is complicated by poor infrastructure. The small processing and service sectors that do exist are largely dominated by a few prominent local investors.
Gabon's oil revenues have given it a strong per capita GDP of $8,600, extremely high for the region. However the income distribution is skewed and social indicators show poor values. The richest 20% of the population earn over 90% of the income while about a third of the Gabonese population lives in poverty.
Graphical depiction of Gabon's export products, in 28 color-coded categories.
Gabon earned a poor reputation with the Paris Club and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the management of its debt and revenues. Successive IMF missions have criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items (in good years and bad), over-borrowing from the Central Bank, and slipping on the schedule for privatization and administrative reform. However, in September 2005, Gabon successfully concluded a 15-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF. Another 3-year Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF was approved in May 2007. Because of the financial crisis and social developments surrounding the death of President Omar Bongo and the elections, Gabon was unable to meet its economic goals under the Stand-By Arrangement in 2009. Negotiations with the IMF are ongoing.
Gabonese public expenditures from the years of significant oil revenues were not spent efficiently. Overspending on the Transgabonais railroad, the oil price shock of 1986, the CFA franc devaluation of 1994, and low oil prices in the late 1990s caused serious debt problems that still plague the country.
Gabon's economy is dominated by oil. Oil revenues comprise roughly 46% of the government's budget, 43% of gross domestic product (GDP), and 81% of exports. Oil production is now declining rapidly from its high point of 370,000 barrels per day in 1997. Some estimates suggest that Gabonese oil will be expended by 2025. In spite of the decreasing oil revenues, planning is only now beginning for an after-oil scenario. The Grondin Oil Field was discovered in 50 m water depths 40 km offshore, in 1971 and produces from the Batanga sandstones of Maastrichtian age forming an anticline salt structural trap which is about 2 km deep.
Natural resources include: petroleum, magnesium, iron, gold, uranium, and forests.
Gabon is also noted for efforts to preserve the natural environment. In 2002, President Omar Bongo Ondimba put Gabon firmly on the map as an important future ecotourism destination by designating roughly 10% of the nation's territory to be part of its national park system (with 13 parks in total), one of the largest proportions of nature parkland in the world. The National Agency for National Parks manages Gabon's national park system.
Gabon's largest river is the Ogooué which is 1200 km long. Gabon has three karst areas where there are hundreds of caves located in the dolomite and limestone rocks. Some of the caves include Grotte du Lastoursville, Grotte du Lebamba, Grotte du Bongolo, and Grotte du Kessipougou. Many caves have not been explored yet. A National Geographic Expedition visited the caves in the summer of 2008 to document them (Expedition Website).
Gabon is divided into nine provinces and further divided into 37 departments.
Gabon is a member of the United Nations Security Council for January 2010 through December 2011 and held the rotating presidency in March 2010.
In December 1999, through the mediation efforts of President Bongo, a peace accord was signed in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) between the government and most leaders of an armed rebellion. President Bongo was also involved in the continuing D.R.C. peace process, and played a role in mediating the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire. Gabonese armed forces were also an integral part of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) mission to the Central African Republic.
Since independence, Gabon has followed a nonaligned policy, advocating dialogue in international affairs and recognizing each side of divided countries. In inter-African affairs, Gabon espouses development by evolution rather than revolution and favors regulated free enterprise as the system most likely to promote rapid economic growth. Gabon played an important leadership role in the stability of Central Africa through involvement in mediation efforts in Chad, the Central African Republic, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.), and Burundi.
Gabon has a small, professional military of about 5,000 personnel, divided into army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and national police. Gabonese forces are oriented to the defense of the country and have not been trained for an offensive role. A 1,800-member guard provides security for the president.
In provisional results, the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) won 84 out of 120 parliamentary seats.
For administrative purposes, Gabon is divided into nine provinces, which are further divided into 36 prefectures and eight separate subprefectures. The president appoints the provincial governors, the prefects, and the subprefects.
In 1990, the government made major changes to Gabon's political system. A transitional constitution was drafted in May 1990 as an outgrowth of the national political conference in March–April and later revised by a constitutional committee. Among its provisions were a Western-style bill of rights, creation of a National Council of Democracy to oversee the guarantee of those rights, a governmental advisory board on economic and social issues, and an independent judiciary. After approval by the National Assembly, the PDG Central Committee, and the President, the Assembly unanimously adopted the constitution in March 1991. Multiparty legislative elections were held in 1990–91, despite the fact that opposition parties had not been declared formally legal. In spite of this, the elections produced the first representative, multiparty National Assembly. In January 1991, the Assembly passed by unanimous vote a law governing the legalization of opposition parties.
The country has a bicameral legislature with a National Assembly and Senate. The National Assembly has 120 deputies who are popularly elected for a 5-year term. The Senate is composed of 102 members who are elected by municipal councils and regional assemblies and serve for 6 years. The Senate was created in the 1990–1991 constitutional revision, although it was not brought into being until after the 1997 local elections. The President of the Senate is next in succession to the President.
Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, his wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama in 2014.
Facing a divided opposition, President Omar Bongo coasted to easy re-election in December 1998, with large majorities of the vote. While Bongo's major opponents rejected the outcome as fraudulent, some international observers characterized the results as representative despite many perceived irregularities, and there were none of the civil disturbances that followed the 1993 election. Peaceful though flawed legislative elections held in 2001–2002, which were boycotted by a number of smaller opposition parties and were widely criticized for their administrative weaknesses, produced a National Assembly almost completely dominated by the PDG and allied independents. In November 2005, President Omar Bongo was elected for his sixth term. He won re-election easily, but opponents claim that the balloting process was marred by irregularities. There were some instances of violence following the announcement of Omar Bongo's win, but Gabon generally remained peaceful.
Following President Omar Bongo's re-election in December 1993 with 51% of the vote, opposition candidates refused to validate the election results. Serious civil disturbances led to an agreement between the government and opposition factions to work toward a political settlement. These talks led to the Paris Accords in November 1994, under which several opposition figures were included in a government of national unity. This arrangement soon broke down, however, and the 1996 and 1997 legislative and municipal elections provided the background for renewed partisan politics. The PDG won a landslide victory in the legislative election, but several major cities, including Libreville, elected opposition mayors during the 1997 local election.


text:
Rudolf Paleček (28. března 1900 – ???) byl český a československý politik Komunistické strany Československa a poslanec Prozatímního Národního shromáždění.

Biografie
V letech 1945–1946 byl poslancem Prozatímního Národního shromáždění za KSČ. V parlamentu setrval do parlamentních voleb v roce 1946. Byl zástupcem Vyškovska. Pocházel z Blažovic.

Odkazy

Reference

Externí odkazy
 Rudolf Paleček v parlamentu

Českoslovenští politici české národnosti
Poslanci československého Národního shromáždění
Členové KSČ
Narození v roce 1900
Narození 28. března
Osoby s nejistým datem úmrtí
Muži

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


With the first day of summer on the horizon, you've probably being trying on some of those bikinis from last year. When the season closed out in September, you could have sworn that they looked better. What are some tips you can consider to look the best you can?
Let's begin here. Sometimes, bathing suits can withstand the test of time. However, when they are constantly exposed to harsh elements, such as chlorine and intense sunlight, they can start to fade. Head to the store and buy a new one. Be sure that it fits. Remember, you might need a different size for the top than for the bottom.
Since you have just a few days before your first dip in the pool or ocean, you definitely want to hit the gym. It's never too late to do some last-minute toning. You could take a quick run on orbit fitness treadmills,or just go for a jog around your neighborhood. Start off by walking; then, build up your stamina and endurance.
Shaving your legs as you're trying to race off to the beach or local pool can cause you to get some painful nix. Instead, let the professionals take care of the job for you. Now, you can just wake up in the morning, pack your bag and be on your way. Your legs will look silky smooth too.
Sometimes, girls pack on the makeup and do their hair all fancy when they are going to spend the day by the beach or pool. While some people might find this style attractive, most of them are going to think you look silly. Sure, if your skin really bothers you that much, some foundation and cover-up is okay. A full face of makeup is not.
Ultimately, when you exude confidence, people are going to think that you look better than if you did not. Slumping over and look shy, timid and afraid of your body does not help. Wear that bikini with style. Know what looks good on your body, buy a few suits that really accentuate your best features and rock your style.
Looking wonderful in a bikini or other bathing suit does not have to be a challenging process. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be the beauty of the beach in no time at all.


Proceeds from the Annual Gala support the faculty of Holy Spirit Prep in two ways: the Teachers' Continuing Education Fund (TCEF) and the Teachers' Children Tuition Assistance Fund (TCTAF). The TCEF supports the professional growth of teachers as they identify and pursue learning opportunities that will have the greatest impact on their practice, the academic lives of their students and on the HSP community. The TCTAF provides additional tuition assistance for the children of our teachers.


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text:
Euproctis semisignata is a moth of the family Erebidae first described by Francis Walker in 1865. It is found in India and Sri Lanka.

The caterpillar is a serious pest on coconut inflorescences.

References

Moths of Asia
Moths described in 1865