text:
Jennifer is the co-founder and CEO of Momosa Publishing LLC, publisher of the Mommy MD Guides books, and more!
Jennifer is the "mom next door," navigating the challenges of motherhood by making the most of fabulous tips she's learned from her own doctors, family, and friends to parent her sons, 12-year-old Tyler and 10-year-old Austin.
Jennifer is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of publishing experience. She has contributed to more than 150 books and published more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles.
Jennifer proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army for four years, including one year working directly for the three Commanding Generals of I Corps and Fort Lewis, Washington.
After that, Jennifer worked for seven years on staff at Rodale before launching her own editorial services business, Bright Communications LLC, in 2004.
She can be reached at jenniferreich@momosapublishing.com.


Nestled at the end of a private drive this two-story estate blends a traditional exterior with a spacious transitional interior. Encompassing five bedrooms five full and one half bathrooms this grand residence is positioned on a 1.47-acre home site includes recent updates and spans more than 7200 square feet with gorgeous water views. A marble entryway leads you through the threshold to an open formal dining room and a two-story great room with a coffered ceiling and oversized sliding glass doors that frame the expansive outdoor living area. The rear of the home features limitless entertaining options including a spacious covered lanai with retractable screens summer kitchen with GE monogram grill and hood a wood fireplace and a pool and spa that overlooks tranquil water views. The custom kitchen offers a sizable casual dining area and premium appliances by Dacor Miele and GE Monogram. Its prime location within the home offers easy access to the great room dining room butler's pantry and a walk-in pantry. The left wing of the home is devoted to the master suite and showcases new carpet and window treatments as well as a master bathroom centered on a one-of-a-kind raised Jacuzzi tub with glass-tile detailing dual vanities a glass walk-in shower and an impressive walk-in closet. The second floor includes three additional en suite bedrooms and a large loft complete with a wet bar and mini fridge.


If you have a paid Acquia Cloud Professional subscription, you can create a new application in your subscription. You must be an Owner or Administrator to create a new application using the Acquia Cloud interface. You can also create an Acquia Cloud Free subscription at any time.
If you have an Acquia Cloud Enterprise subscription, contact Acquia Support to create a new application.
The number of applications you can create in your subscription depends on your subscription level. For more information, see Acquia Cloud Pricing.
Sign in to Acquia Cloud.
On the Applications page, click Add Application.
The Add Application page opens.
Select Add a new application to an existing eligible subscription and select the subscription the new application must belong to. As an alternative, you can create a new paid or free Acquia Cloud subscription.
Enter the Application name for your new application.
Don't forget to set up SSH access so you can log in to your server using the command line.


For longer than he's willing to admit, Mat's been fascinated with crafting, stitching and designing leather goods. As a boy tirelessly tinkering on his family's sewing machine, Mat scrutinised every stitch, finessed all functionality and sketched thousands of different designs.
The seamlessly integrated flexi-mag closure is strong enough to keep your cash & cards secure yet has no effect on your cards. The two card slots face inwards and are backed with a 3-way stretch fabric that comfortably allows 4 cards per slot.
Customs officials want to see your passport out of its book jacket cover, so why keep it in one?
We have kept things as slim as possible with this passport, boarding pass and ID card wallet.
Ideal for all camera weights and doubles as a sleek Fey-Fob.
This is the most remarkable wallet you'll ever own, timeless and also unusual.


This is a free introductory class with resources to learn Hawaiian and to learn more about the Niuolahiki program, the ʻAha Pūnana Leo and the Hawaiian language movement in general.
Follow steps 1-3 of the 4 Easy Steps to enroll, but instead of making a payment via PayPal, simply click on the "Papa Hoʻolauna (Free Introductory Class)" link, log in and enter the enrollment key below when prompted (see image below) and you're in the class!
Create a free account, self-enroll and give it a try today!


Design2e has added two new engineers and a Building Information Modelling expert to the team as the business has recently relocated into the heart of Birmingham.
They are Zhuogen Xu and Ted Guo, both 28 and from China, and 47-year-old Tony Martin from Bromsgrove.
Zhuogen split his studies between China and Birmingham to complete his undergraduate course before moving to University College London, graduating in 2015.
He went on to study French and Architecture before finding a job as a structural engineer at a Birmingham practice.
Zhuogen, who has previously specialised in steel structures, said he decided to make the move to Design2e for the fresh challenge.
He said: "I met with Dave Tyson (managing director) and Janet Tyson (HR & operations director) and they talked me through the projects that are ongoing and upcoming. It all sounded very interesting and challenging, which was just what I was looking for.
Zhuogen is currently working on the Nautical Club, a 15-storey student accommodation block.
Ted, meanwhile, worked in Bristol with another consultancy after graduating with a Masters in Structural Engineering from Imperial College London two-and-a-half years ago.
He said: "I was looking for new environment and a new challenge. With all the development going on in Birmingham at the moment, it seems like a fantastic place to work.
Ted is currently working on Constitution Hill, a seven-storey building in Birmingham, as well as developing a new automatic calculating system for concrete structures.
Tony has been appointed by Design2e as an experienced Building Information Modelling expert.
He will examine where the business' processes can be streamlined to produce further efficiencies.
"I was working as a technician in 2007 when I was introduced to Revit, and that gave me an awareness of BIM," said Tony.
"I subsequently completed a Masters module in Integrated Project Delivery and Lean Production, which has brought me to this point in my career.
Wayne Holt, executive director at Design2e, welcomed the trio on board.
He said: "We are always looking for the best and brightest talent as we continue our structured growth.
"These three design engineers bring with them experience, knowledge and enthusiasm which will be invaluable as we continue on existing projects and embark on new ones.
Design2e, which was recently named as an NCE100 company for 2018, has a high level of expertise, ranging from structural design, civil engineering and infrastructure design.
The business has just under 35 staff.


text:
<?php
// This file is part of Moodle - http://moodle.org/
//
// Moodle is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
// (at your option) any later version.
//
// Moodle is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
// GNU General Public License for more details.
//
// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
// along with Moodle.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.

require_once('../config.php');
require_once('lib.php');
require_once('grouping_form.php');

/// get url variables
$courseid = optional_param('courseid', 0, PARAM_INT);
$id       = optional_param('id', 0, PARAM_INT);
$delete   = optional_param('delete', 0, PARAM_BOOL);
$confirm  = optional_param('confirm', 0, PARAM_BOOL);

$url = new moodle_url('/group/grouping.php');
if ($id) {
    $url->param('id', $id);
    if (!$grouping = $DB->get_record('groupings', array('id'=>$id))) {
        print_error('invalidgroupid');
    }
    $grouping->description = clean_text($grouping->description);
    if (empty($courseid)) {
        $courseid = $grouping->courseid;
    } else if ($courseid != $grouping->courseid) {
        print_error('invalidcourseid');
    } else {
        $url->param('courseid', $courseid);
    }

    if (!$course = $DB->get_record('course', array('id'=>$courseid))) {
        print_error('invalidcourseid');
    }

} else {
    $url->param('courseid', $courseid);
    if (!$course = $DB->get_record('course', array('id'=>$courseid))) {
        print_error('invalidcourseid');
    }
    $grouping = new stdClass();
    $grouping->courseid = $course->id;
}

$PAGE->set_url($url);

require_login($course);
$context = context_course::instance($course->id);
require_capability('moodle/course:managegroups', $context);

$strgroupings = get_string('groupings', 'group');
$PAGE->set_title($strgroupings);
$PAGE->set_heading($course->fullname. ': '.$strgroupings);
$PAGE->set_pagelayout('admin');
navigation_node::override_active_url(new moodle_url('/group/index.php', array('id' => $course->id)));

$returnurl = $CFG->wwwroot.'/group/groupings.php?id='.$course->id;

if ($id and $delete) {
    if (!empty($grouping->idnumber) && !has_capability('moodle/course:changeidnumber', $context)) {
        print_error('groupinghasidnumber', '', '', $grouping->name);
    }
    if (!$confirm) {
        $PAGE->set_title(get_string('deletegrouping', 'group'));
        $PAGE->set_heading($course->fullname. ': '. get_string('deletegrouping', 'group'));
        echo $OUTPUT->header();
        $optionsyes = array('id'=>$id, 'delete'=>1, 'courseid'=>$courseid, 'sesskey'=>sesskey(), 'confirm'=>1);
        $optionsno  = array('id'=>$courseid);
        $formcontinue = new single_button(new moodle_url('grouping.php', $optionsyes), get_string('yes'), 'get');
        $formcancel = new single_button(new moodle_url('groupings.php', $optionsno), get_string('no'), 'get');
        echo $OUTPUT->confirm(get_string('deletegroupingconfirm', 'group', $grouping->name), $formcontinue, $formcancel);
        echo $OUTPUT->footer();
        die;

    } else if (confirm_sesskey()){
        if (groups_delete_grouping($id)) {
            redirect($returnurl);
        } else {
            print_error('erroreditgrouping', 'group', $returnurl);
        }
    }
}

// Prepare the description editor: We do support files for grouping descriptions
$editoroptions = array('maxfiles'=>EDITOR_UNLIMITED_FILES, 'maxbytes'=>$course->maxbytes, 'trust'=>true, 'context'=>$context, 'noclean'=>true);
if (!empty($grouping->id)) {
    $grouping = file_prepare_standard_editor($grouping, 'description', $editoroptions, $context, 'grouping', 'description', $grouping->id);
} else {
    $grouping = file_prepare_standard_editor($grouping, 'description', $editoroptions, $context, 'grouping', 'description', null);
}

/// First create the form
$editform = new grouping_form(null, compact('editoroptions'));
$editform->set_data($grouping);

if ($editform->is_cancelled()) {
    redirect($returnurl);

} elseif ($data = $editform->get_data()) {
    $success = true;
    if (!has_capability('moodle/course:changeidnumber', $context)) {
        // Remove the idnumber if the user doesn't have permission to modify it
        unset($data->idnumber);
    }

    if ($data->id) {
        groups_update_grouping($data, $editoroptions);
    } else {
        groups_create_grouping($data, $editoroptions);
    }

    redirect($returnurl);

}

$strparticipants = get_string('participants');
if ($id) {
    $strheading = get_string('editgroupingsettings', 'group');
} else {
    $strheading = get_string('creategrouping', 'group');
}

$PAGE->navbar->add($strparticipants, new moodle_url('/user/index.php', array('id'=>$courseid)));
$PAGE->navbar->add($strgroupings, new moodle_url('/group/groupings.php', array('id'=>$courseid)));
$PAGE->navbar->add($strheading);

/// Print header
echo $OUTPUT->header();
echo $OUTPUT->heading($strheading);
$editform->display();
echo $OUTPUT->footer();

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
'Chicago P.D.' 9×15 Review: "Gone"
Home » 'Chicago P.D.' 9×15 Review: "Gone"
Chicago P.D. 9×15 "Gone" is an intense, heartbreaking episode that hits you where it hurts and keeps on hitting you, in a way that makes you wonder if you can even continue taking the hits. But Kim Burgess is taking them, and Adam Ruzek is taking them, so you have to.
The episode is, ostensibly, about the Burzek family. But it's also about the larger family this unit hasn't always shown us it is, and yet, that this episode manages to show without going overboard and without taking time away from the people at the center of this — Kim and Adam. It's a brilliant episode in that regard, with great visuals and amazing performances, that keep you on the edge of your seat.
It is a particularly great episode for Kim Burgess, one that shows the kind of human she is. This isn't about who she is as a cop, but who she is as a person, as a mother, as a partner. Because Kim Burgess starts the episode shattered. She's panicking, and she's breaking down. But she pulls it together, because she's a mother. And she demands the same of Adam, because he's a father. And he's her partner. Her support system.
CHICAGO P.D. — "Gone" Episode 915 — Pictured: Patrick John Flueger as Adam Ruzek — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)
This thing Kim and Adam are going through, it's a parent's worst nightmare. I don't blame Adam for losing it because one never knows how one would react in such a situation. Could you keep your cool? I'm not sure I could. Adam hasn't ever been known for that, after all. But I relate so much more to Kim in this hour, to the way she's breaking apart but still moving, because that's what her kid needs her to do. Even if that leads her to say words I'm not sure she means, because she's trying to take control. She's trying to protect her daughter.
But perhaps the most important plot point of the episode has to do with the Burzek relationship, or with the family they've created. Because it's a tenuous thing; it always has been. In many ways, they've always been a family, they've always been partners, and they have always loved each other. Basically from the beginning. They've just had trouble putting all that together. And it feels like in this episode, it all breaks.
Not because Kim puts her kid above Adam, though she does. But because Kim makes it clear Makayla is her kid, not Adam's. Despite saying our kid over and over in this hour, and despite the fact that yes, Adam wasn't exactly rational when he was arguing with Kim, the words "my daughter" feel like a slap in the face to him, and in that moment at the end, he can't keep pretending anymore. He can't keep playing house.
CHICAGO P.D. — "Gone" Episode 915 — Pictured: Marina Squerciati as Kim Burgess — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)
In a way, though, perhaps this is what needed to happen. Maybe they were too comfortable in the status quo. Maybe they needed to break so they can be remade again, into something better. Makayla is their daughter. But for her to truly be that, there needs to be more than this living-together-without-definition. And it needs to be that way not just for their sake, but for Makayla's too.
Kim and Adam being together, it wouldn't be a leap of faith at this point. They know each other. Good and bad. The part of her that doesn't trust Adam and reacts the way she did this hour, and the part of Adam that doesn't think straight when his loved ones are on the line, those are not surprises. These are just things that have been hidden, obscured by the happy life they've been leading, that happy life that was never sustainable because it had no foundation.
Whatever Adam and Kim build from this, they have to build it with both eyes open. They have to choose it. And they have to put a name to it. Otherwise, they'll just keep inadvertently hurting each other, and in the process, hurting Makayla. You put your kid first, right? Well, it's time they truly did that.
Things I think I think:
This is going to be a rough hour.
Hand in arm killed me.
The way this whole thing is shot, with Kim sort of in and out …it was so good, and so real.
"She's our kid. OUR KID."
Jay pulling Adam back while Hailey did the same to Kim was A LOT.
Isn't it hilarious when Voight lectures people on rules?
And then DOESN'T FOLLOW THROUGH in the way he needs to protect his people.
Generally in awe of Kim Burgess, but even more this episode. How is she still functional? How does she have it in her to comfort Adam? How was she breaking and then put herself back together?
"You hold on, because I need you to hold on."
A lot of subtle Kim/Hailey in this episode, and I love it.
Kevin's "I got you," got ME.
The "she's my daughter" hurt me as much as it hurt Adam.
When Voight has to get in the middle of your fight, that's when you know you've hit rock bottom.
When Makayla called Kim mom, my heart grew three sizes.
I was worried about Mak there for a minute, I'm not gonna lie. I'm glad she's okay.
Makayla Burgess Ruzek future anyone?
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago P.D. 9×15 "Gone"? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago P.D. airs Wednesdays on NBC.
Tags Chicago P.D. Marina Squerciati NBC Patrick Flueger
Lawyer. Writer. Columnist. Geek. Eternal optimist. Fangirl since the dawn of time. Hates the color yellow, olives and cigarettes. Has a recurring nightmare where she's forced to choose between sports and books. Falls in love with fictional characters.
'Legacies' 4×12 Photos: "Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost"
'Chicago Fire' 10x15 Review: "The Missing Piece"
This was a very balanced review for a heartbreaking, terror filled episode. There is plenty of blame for what they said and did to go around, but they were in their worst hour (among many worst hours). They will have to talk and talk often. I think there was a little foreshadowing in that conversation with Kim's choice of story to read—I think that those words weren't for Makayla, but for Adam, about still trusting Adam and wanting him to be a part of this whatever. But you're right, undefined may no longer cut it for them
'Chicago P.D.' 10×13 Preview: "The Ghost in You"
'Saturday Night Live' Should Have Leslie Knope & April Ludgate Host Forever

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Magnetic Sensor Systems warrants its products for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery, to be free from defects in workmanship and material, under normal use and service. This warranty applies solely to parameters covered in published specifications. The purchaser must notify Magnetic Sensor Systems, in writing, of such defects, and return the product intact. Purchaser's right under this warranty shall consist solely of requiring Magnetic Sensor Systems to repair or in Magnetic Sensor Systems' sole discretion, replace, FOB Magnetic Sensor Systems, any item received within said one year period, and determined by Magnetic Sensor Systems to be defective. This warranty shall not apply to any product which has been altered or repaired outside of Magnetic Sensor Systems, or which has been subject to misuse, accident, negligence, or improper wiring or installation by others. Magnetic Sensor Systems assumes no risk or liability for results of the use of products purchased from it, in combination with any mechanical, electrical or electronic components, circuits, assemblies, systems or any other material or substances, or unsuitability of any product for use in any circuit or assembly or environment. This warranty constitutes the sole and exclusive remedy of the purchaser and the exclusive liability of Magnetic Sensor Systems, and is in lieu of any and all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Magnetic Sensor Systems be liable or responsible for other special, direct, incidental or consequential damages.
The performance data contained in this bulletin is based on reliable laboratory tests, and all prices, data, dimensions and tolerances have been thoroughly checked to minimize possible errors. However, Magnetic Sensor Systems cannot assume responsibility or liability for errors, omissions, misunderstandings, or inconsistencies. The users should perform their own tests and evaluations to determine the suitability of the products for their intended uses.
Magnetic Sensor Systems' products are not intended for use in any manner where human life or safety is at risk and are not intended for life support equipment.
Magnetic Sensor Systems reserves the right to change designs and/or specifications without notice.


People resist being persuaded. They fast-forward through commercials. They say, "No, thank you; I'm just looking" when the sale associate asks if they need help to buy—even if two minutes later they ask for help.
The vast majority of people (88 percent) report that they break their New Year's resolutions before the end of January. And those resolutions are changes that people themselves decide to make––to get physically fit, get out of debt, get organized.
Clearly, your clients and coworkers are wary of spin. So when you MUST break through that protective barrier to persuade someone to change their mind or behavior, you have to communicate with intention.
My book What MORE Can I Say? Why Communication Fails and What to Do About It outlines nine laws to move people to action. The law of "Specificity Versus Generalization" is foundational when it comes to persuasion.
Your clients, your staff, and your peers consider random communication coming to them an intrusion. Daily messages on social media, network news, and email blasts by their very nature have to be generic. Result: People skim, scan, or tune out altogether.
Both of the following comments have one thing in common: They are used in multiple scenarios––with varied meanings.
"It's our policy. That's the best I can do." In the midst of supplier negotiations, this ultimatum typically brings the situation to a halt––unless the other party really has no other options. And rarely is that the case.
Such statements anger people, cause them to dig in their heels, and stall action. For a more positive response, use concrete, straightforward language. Acknowledge specific issues or difficulties to be resolved. Explain specifically what you're doing to investigate behind the scenes. State specific action steps you plan to take or that you want others to take.
People distrust what they don't understand. Much of what is written today in corporate America and by governmental agencies is not intended to inform people. It is written to protect the organization providing the information.
Take pharmaceutical studies for example. Strip the disclosures and doublespeak, and what they say is, "We are not sure how and why this new medicine works for some individuals. We don't know what the implications and complications may be in the future. Take it at your own risk. We are not responsible for what may happen to you." But if they made that statement so clearly and boldly, nobody would use the medicine without further testing.
Double-speak persists as a protective shield. But gobbledygook also limits your personal influence and power in a distinctive way: distrust.
That's not the same as making things look easy. Promise people that changing will be easy, and they will think you're either a liar, incompetent, or crazy. When you're trying to influence people to make a change, they need to consider a specific request and make the commitment. Otherwise, you'll have a "yes" answer and a "no" on the follow-through.
But that said, some things really are easy. Why make them unnecessarily difficult simply by the way you communicate them?
Whether creating an image for your LinkedIn group, sending email, drafting a client proposal, or soliciting gifts from donors, break the action you want down into clear, doable steps. Provide the necessary details to take the action without the other person having to play detective and make unnecessary calls and send extra emails.
Make subject lines useful, specific, concrete.
Provide informative headlines for easy scanning within a document.
Emphasize details by using blank space, bolding, and color for later reference and recall.
Imagine how time-consuming and difficult the task of reading this blog would have seemed had there been no headings, no list, and only a few long paragraphs.
Persuading someone to change their mind or behavior in and of itself is difficult. To be influential, make your message relevant and your action specific.
Dianna Booher is the bestselling author of 46 books, published in 26 languages, with nearly 4 million copies sold. She works with organizational leaders to increase their effectiveness through clear communication and executive presence. He latest books include "What More Can I Say?: Why Communication Fails and What to Do About It"; "Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader"; and "Communicate with Confidence". For more information, please visit www.booherresearch.com and www.whatmorecanisaythebook.com.


Advanced smoke cutting BreakthroughTM BT3 LED firefighter right angle light with an orange exterior. Features FoxFury's smoke piercing SMO-KUT technology. The 700 torch lumen BT3 is an invaluable lighting tool for wildland and structural firefighting and rescue applications. This powerful spotlight is better at illuminating a larger area downrange (than the BT2). Has extra thick body to better resist fire / heat.


text:
Elise Bartels (geborene Bicker; * 13. Mai 1880 in Hildesheim; † 25. Oktober 1925 in Berlin) war eine deutsche sozialdemokratische Politikerin.

Leben
Bartels besuchte die Volks- und Mittelschule und machte anschließend eine Lehre in der Textilindustrie. Sie war als Dienstmädchen und als Fabrikarbeiterin tätig, ehe sie 1901 heiratete. Mit ihrem Mann hatte sie zwei Kinder, und Elise Bartels wurde Hausfrau. Im Jahr 1908 trat sie der SPD und 1915 den freien Gewerkschaften bei. Sie war aktiv in der Jugendbewegung und während des Ersten Weltkrieges in der Fürsorge tätig. Im Jahr 1920 war sie Mitbegründerin und erste Vorsitzende (bis 1922) der Arbeiterwohlfahrt in Hildesheim. Zwischen 1919 und 1925 war sie Stadtverordnete in Hildesheim. Von 1922 bis 1925 gehörte Bartels dem zentralen Parteiausschuss der SPD an. Von August 1922 bis zu ihrem Tod an einer Embolie war sie Mitglied des Deutschen Reichstages.

Ehrungen, Sonstiges
In Hildesheim ist eine Straße und ein Kindergarten nach ihr benannt worden.

Für Bartels rückte Otto Grotewohl (1949 bis 1964 Ministerpräsident der DDR) in den Reichstag nach.

Literatur
 Joachim Raffert: Elise Bartels, die Hildesheimerin im Deutschen Reichstag. Arbeiterin, Hausfrau, Abgeordnete. In: Hildesheimer Jahrbuch. Band 67, 1995, , S. 211–256.

Weblinks

 Elise Bartels bei frauenORTE Niedersachsen

Reichstagsabgeordneter (Weimarer Republik)
SPD-Mitglied
AWO-Funktionär
Geehrte des Projekts Frauenorte
Deutscher
Geboren 1880
Gestorben 1925
Frau

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Archive for the 'Romance Novels' Category
Precise But Distracting
I've recently noticed an odd trend in mass-market fiction–a tendency toward distractingly precise description. Believing that lively words will necessarily enliven their prose, some authors are liberally sprinkling their writing with words that are, admittedly, precise but that are also misleading to the reader. These words sometimes have the wrong connotations, or they simply offer far too much distracting detail.
At Beaumont Hardy, I fully support authors' efforts to create vivid descriptions for their readers. However, description cannot exist for its own sake. It must serve the larger purpose of enhancing both plot and character. When description becomes so specific that it pulls the reader from the story, it may be time for an edit.
The following sentences illustrate the kind of precision I believe distracts a reader, instead of enlivening the story.
1. Fear scraped at her insides.
I see variations of this sentence in many current thrillers. "Scraped" is a wonderfully descriptive word, but it doesn't seem particularly relevant to fear or to its effects. Does fear really scrape? I argue that a reader will stop to wonder what internal scraping feels like and whether this scraping is more characteristic of something other than fear–like a corrosive acid. This kind of reader distraction can destroy any plot suspense the author hopes to create.
2. His gaze collided with hers.
The notion of a collision is effective, in certain narrative situations, but it seems unrelated to the actual process of making eye contact. Readers all recognize the power of eye contact and the shock of an unexpected gaze. However, readers might have trouble imagining one look colliding with another one. Once again, readers are pulled from the story into irrelevant thoughts about ricocheting lines of sight and violently clashing eye contact–not what the writer wants at a moment of interpersonal tension.
3. The little girl launched herself into her mother's arms.
"Launch" is an excellent descriptive verb, and it can clearly describe various actions. However, in this particular sentence, it conveys an action the writer might not have intended. Instead of suggesting a warm maternal moment, the word "launch" suggests the sudden movement of a projectile or the violent motion of a lion encountering an injured gazelle. It also connotes a long-distance leap more characteristic of a cheetah or an Olympic athlete than a little girl. Because of its violently athletic connotations, the precision of the term leads, I think, to more distraction than it does description.
4. The maiden gnawed at her muffin nervously.
Like launching, gnawing has very precise connotations, many of them rodent-related. Using the word "gnaw" to describe the relatively pleasant actions of a nice young woman seems incongruous and confusing. The reader may struggle with images of vermin, momentarily forgetting the trajectory of the story or the personality of the character.
5. "Get in the car," the gentleman snarled.
Snarling is a very precise activity and one usually attributed to beasts of prey. When an author uses a word like "snarled," instead of a more ordinary word like "said," he or she must acknowledge the connotations of the word and consider whether these connotations are appropriate. In the case of the snarling gentleman, the author risks the temporary distraction of a reader who envisions werewolves or lions, instead of the fully human hero.
Accurate description is an art that I wholeheartedly support at Beaumont Hardy Editing. However, I recommend whittling away the kind of description that makes the wrong connotations and only serves to distract the reader.
If you have any concerns about your own descriptive passages and would like an expert opinion about them, please send them to me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Tags:description, descriptive paragraph
Posted in Descriptive Paragraphs, Descriptive Passages, Fiction, Romance Novels | 1 Comment »
Go, NaNoWriMo
It's that time of year again. The leaves are turning, wool sweaters are appealing again, and writers everywhere wonder whether to do NaNoWriMo. Each November, the NaNoWriMo organization encourages aspiring writers to celebrate its National Novel Writing Month and pen a 50,000-word novel between November 1 and 30. Word count (or its equivalent page length) is the only goal of NaNoWriMo; the quality of the resulting novel is immaterial.
In the decade of its existence, NaNoWriMo has become both remarkably popular and intriguingly controversial. The NaNoWriMo website indicates that almost 120,000 writers participated in NaNoWriMo 2008. Among them were 12,683 NaNoWriMo winners–those who successfully reached the 50,000-word goal by the November 30 deadline. NaNoWriMo's detractors take issue with the organization's definition of "winning." They criticize NaNoWriMo for encouraging people to write merely for the sake of putting 50,000 words to paper and accuse the project of contributing both to the proliferation of bad writing and to the underappreciation of the novel as a true art form. NaNoWriMo, critics say, encourages to write those who otherwise have no interest in writing. NaNoWriMo's emphasis on sheer word quantity leaves no room for genius.
I support the NaNoWriMo project, not for its success in generating enormous quantities of "finished" text, but for its success in generating sizable rough drafts, ready for editing. At Beaumont Hardy, I have long encouraged the writing of what I call the "terrible rough draft"–a piece of writing that exists solely for the purpose of productive subsequent editing. In the case of NaNoWriMo, I argue that the 50,000 words are merely one triumphant stop on a longer continuum that will involve a massive edit, another draft and, perhaps, several later edits. These edits and drafts, time-consuming though they may be, tend to become more and more engrossing, as authors refine their ideas, familiarize themselves with their characters, and feel the fullness of their own plots.
NaNoWriMo, I think, should not be an end in itself. Instead, it should be the first stage of a writer's long and productive relationship with a rough draft. I salute those who choose to do NaNoWriMo this year and wish them happy editing of the 50,000 words they write.
Tags:After NaNoWriMo, Editing NaNoWriMo, NaNoWriMo
Posted in Romance Novels | No Comments »
Learning from the Rough Draft, Part 2
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
My last two postings have focused on the value of a complete first draft—one that records the writer's every fleeting thought during the writing process. The first-draft-writing period is not the time for whittling away text and paring down ideas. That winnowing process will happen later, during an edit. The first draft should be filled with glorious excess—all possible characters, descriptions and ideas—because some of these will be good enough to survive until the final draft.
The following is an unedited description from a rough draft. Its author wrote a longer Regency romance, from which I extracted this paragraph. Below the description is the same passage with bracketed, italicized and underlined editorial comments to indicate the author's thought process in a later edit of the rough draft.
Something about the room—maybe its scent—made Drusilla think of wealth. She had known wealth like that before, back when she was secretary to the Viscount. At that time/in those days she had perched on a velvet chair in front of a carved, inlaid walnut desk, her plume poised over the thick parchment as she waited for the words to flow from the Viscount's honeyed lips. She would smell the thick, perfumed air exhaled by the hothouse peonies on the exquisite Turkish side tables. The Viscount's footsteps thudded dully/sounded thick and soft on the hand-tied/hand-knotted wool rugs that ran the full length of the room. His letter opener gleamed in the sunlight that spilled creamily over his wooden desk. The Viscount paced like a sleek panther among his solid objects/in his expensive jungle/in his wood-paneled jungle.
Drusilla Now, Drusilla looked around the chamber in which she found herself./Now, Drusilla found herself in the chamber of the Duke of Ashton. Filled with French furniture and marble appointments, it exuded the air of wealth she had first noticed. However, the chamber lacked the sense of danger—albeit, mother-of-pearl-inlaid danger—she had known in the Viscount's quarters.
The following is the same passage with the author's bracketed thoughts.
Something about the room—maybe its scent—made Drusilla think of wealth. [Change this sentence to "The fragrant room made Drusilla think of wealth."] She had known wealth like that before, [Change to "She had known that kind of wealth."] back when she was secretary to the Viscount. [Cut the word "back" before "when she was secretary."] At that time/in those days [Keep "In those days."] she had perched on a velvet chair [Change "chair" to "stool."] in front of a carved, inlaid [Cut "inlaid."] walnut desk, her plume poised over the thick parchment as she waited for the words to flow from the Viscount's honeyed lips [Change "words to flow from the Viscount's honeyed lips" to "the Viscount's dictation"]. She would smell the thick, perfumed air exhaled by the hothouse peonies on the exquisite Turkish side tables. [Change this sentence from passive to active: "As the Viscount spoke, the peonies on the Turkish side tables exhaled their hothouse perfume." ] The Viscount's footsteps thudded dully/sounded thick and soft [Would the adjectives "thick" and "soft" ever apply to the dashing Viscount? Change this description to "footsteps thudded heavily."]on the hand-tied/hand-knotted ["hand knotted"] wool rugs ["carpets," not "rugs"] that ran the full length of the room. His letter opener gleamed in [What about "seemed to slice through?"] the sunlight that spilled creamily over his wooden desk. The Viscount paced like a sleek panther among his solid objects/in his expensive jungle/in his wood-paneled jungle ["in his wood-paneled jungle"].
Drusilla Now, Drusilla looked around the chamber in which she found herself./ Now, Drusilla found herself in the chamber of the Duke of Ashton. [Change to "Now, Drusilla found herself in the Baron's private office." The Viscount should have the higher peerage rank.] Filled with French furniture and marble appointments, it exuded the air of wealth she had first noticed [Change to "an air of wealth that had, at first, reminded her of the Viscount"]. However, [Change "However" to "She realized now that."] the chamber lacked the sense of danger—albeit, [Cut the comma.]mother-of-pearl-inlaid danger—she had known in the Viscount's quarters.
After this first edit, the draft reads something like the following. (The story will go through more edits before its final draft.)
The fragrant room made Drusilla think of wealth. She had known that kind of wealth when she was secretary to the Viscount. In those days, she had perched on a velvet stool in front of a carved walnut desk, her plume poised over the thick parchment as she waited for the Viscount's dictation. As the Viscount spoke, the peonies on the Turkish side tables exhaled their hothouse perfume. The Viscount's footsteps thudded heavily on the hand-knotted wool carpets that ran the full length of the room. His letter opener seemed to slice through the sunlight that spilled creamily over his wooden desk. The Viscount paced like a sleek panther in his wood-paneled jungle.
Now, Drusilla found herself in the Baron's private study. Filled with French furniture and marble appointments, it exuded an air of wealth that had, at first, reminded her of the Viscount. She realized now that the room lacked the sense of danger—albeit mother-of-pearl-inlaid danger—she had known in the Viscount's quarters.
Please send me your thoughts and comments about this rough draft. I would love to hear from you.
Tags:regency romance editing, romance novel editing, rough draft editing, writing rough draft
Emotion: How Much is Too Much?
When describing a scene of extreme anguish or emotion, many writers want to convey every nuance of feeling directly to the reader. This attempt at literal emotional transcription can sometimes result in an overabundance of adverbs and adjectives—wordiness, in general. Often, the best way to convey extreme emotion is to under-describe it, taking the old "less-is-more" adage to heart.
The following is an unedited piece of text that tends to shroud the emotion in unnecessary wording. Below the unedited version is my edit of the same text. My editorial comments are at the bottom of this post.
"I never wanted to marry you," Maurice said blandly, buttering his toast as though he hadn't dropped an earth-shattering bomb on me, destroying everything I once held dear in my life.
"What?" I said quietly, not really sure how to react. This was the worst comment anyone had ever made to me, and I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry or tear my hair out in desperation. The room seemed to get smaller, and I had trouble filling my lungs with air. I felt like I was on the verge of fainting, but I also felt like a surge of electricity had shot through me and like I was suddenly bursting with rage or shock. I wanted to throw dishes at Maurice or sit quietly and sob.
"You heard me," he said—arrogantly, I thought. "Never once did I really want to marry you." He folded his napkin meticulously and put it neatly by his plate, lining up his fork as well.
I thought he must be joking. I looked around frantically for a calendar, thinking it must be April Fool's Day. My head was spinning, and I wasn't able to focus.
"So why did you—marry me?" I asked foolishly. I couldn't think of anything more logical to say.
Maurice stood up from the table, quietly smoothing the hair over his temples. He always worried that his hair stuck out around his ears. He really was vain, I thought to myself. I felt my insides go cold and then hot, and I thought I would be sick. We had been married for eleven years, and I had thought we were blissfully happy—well, not blissfully, but happy.
"I thought we were happy," I said, knowing how hollow those words must sound and feeling my throat close over them as I uttered them.
"Maybe you were," he said chillingly. "I have to go to work," he added, advancing toward the door as though it were any other day.
After editing, the passage reads as follows:
"I never wanted to marry you," Maurice said blandly, buttering his toast.
"What?" I was not really sure how to react. The room seemed to get smaller, and I had trouble filling my lungs with air.
"You heard me," he said. "Never once did I really want to marry you." He folded his napkin and put it by his plate, lining up his fork as well.
I thought he must be joking. "So why did you—marry me?" I asked foolishly.
Maurice stood up from the table, quietly smoothing the hair over his temples. He always worried that his hair stuck out around his ears.
"Maybe you were," he said. "I have to go to work," he added, as though it were any other day.
Here is the passage with my editing marks visible. My comments to the author are in brackets and italicized. The portions I cut appear with a strike-through, and the portions I added are underlined. (In a normal Word document with "Track Changes," my editing marks are in red, and my comments are in their own separate section, not inserted into the text.)
"I never wanted to marry you," Maurice said blandly, buttering his toast as though he hadn't dropped an earth-shattering bomb on me, destroying everything I once held dear in my life. [The word "blandly" and Maurice's act of buttering his toast sufficiently indicate that he is acting as though nothing has happened. The reader will understand that his comment is earth-shattering without the narrator having to mention this fact.]
"What?" I said quietly, was not really sure how to react. [Could the narrator say something other than "What"? If she made a slightly more irrelevant comment, you could show the reader her uncertainty. I eliminated "said" to avoid repeating it.] This was the worst comment anyone had ever made to me, and I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry or tear my hair out in desperation. The room seemed to get smaller, and I had trouble filling my lungs with air. I felt like I was on the verge of fainting, but I also felt like a surge of electricity had shot through me and like I was suddenly bursting with rage or shock. I wanted to throw dishes at Maurice or sit quietly and sob. [Your descriptions of this moment are very vivid, but using fewer of them gives the moment more impact. The sentence about the room getting smaller seems to encompass the ideas of the others and very graphically demonstrates the narrator's emotion.]
"You heard me," he said—arrogantly, I thought. [The adverb is unnecessary. Maurice's spare language sufficiently indicates his arrogance and emotional distance. In addition, the narrator seems too upset to be able to assess Maurice's true emotions.] "Never once did I really want to marry you." He folded his napkin meticulously and put it neatly by his plate, lining up his fork as well. [The adverbs are colorful, but your pared-down words convey Maurice's cold emotion very well.]
I thought he must be joking. I looked around frantically for a calendar, thinking it must be April Fool's Day. My head was spinning, and I wasn't able to focus. [Would the narrator really look for a calendar at this moment? Saying "I thought he must be joking" in the next sentence is sufficient, I think, to convey her sense of unreality.]
I thought he must be joking. "So why did you—marry me?" I asked foolishly. I couldn't think of anything more logical to say. ["Foolishly" is sufficient to show that the narrator wishes she could think of something better to say.]
Maurice stood up from the table, quietly smoothing the hair over his temples. He always worried that his hair stuck out around his ears. He really was vain, I thought to myself. I felt my insides go cold and then hot, and I thought I would be sick. We had been married for eleven years, and I had thought we were blissfully happy—well, not blissfully, but happy. ["He really was vain" is not particularly necessary. The reader will see Maurice's vanity when he stands smoothing his hair at this moment of great crisis.]
"Maybe you were," he said chillingly. ["Chillingly" feels unnecessary. Maurice's unfeeling sentence is enough to convey this idea.] "I have to go to work," he added, advancing toward the door as though it were any other day.
[Please send me your comments about this Sample Edit. To submit your own work for a free edit–and inclusion in a posting on this blog–please write to me at jane@beaumonthardy.com.]
Tags:Emotion, Show. Don't Tell., writing emotion
Posted in Emotion, Romance Novels | No Comments »


text:
Tuesday, July 14 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Dynamic Duo: Meet the Maestro with Diplomatico Master Distiller Tito Cordero at French 75
French 75 Featuring Diplomatico Rum
Kick of your Tales of the Cocktail® with Tito Cordero, Diplomatico Ron Maestro and two time winner of Distiller of the Year at the Golden Rum Barrel Awards, to explore one of the most awarded rums in the world both neat and in cocktails crafted by French 75's own Chris Hannah paired with Leo Robitschek of the NOMAD in New York.
Rum Diplomático was established in 1959 out of a partnership between Venezuela's best rum distilleries and Seagram's International, and its Reserva Exclusiva formed part of their "Rare Rums of The Carribean" collection. After Seagram's sold the distilleries back to its Venezuela distillers and operators, Rum Diplomático continued to build on its past success. The Rum Diplomático distilleries were the first in Venezuela to be certified with ISO 14001 in recognition of its environmental initiatives. In 2014, Drinks International revealed that Rum Diplomático is the #1 Trending Rum in America's Hottest Bars.
Chris Hannah
Leo Robitschek
A native of Venezuela, Leo began his career in hospitality while attending the University of Miami. Shortly after graduating he moved to New York City where he developed an appreciation for a well-crafted cocktail using seasonal ingredients and a diverse array of spirits. He quickly... Read More →
Tito Cordero
Maestro Ronero, Rum Diplomatico
A chemical engineer born in Venezuela, Tito Cordero graduated from the Polytechnic University of Barquisimento. Tito joined DUSA in 1988 and has been working with Diplomático since its creation. Through the years he has acquired the experience and expertise necessary to fulfill his... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2015 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Arnaud's French 75 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Dining & Drinking, Dynamic Duo
Accessibility Open to the Public. Cocktails for Purchase


text:
Mountains anxious for early winter
By Stephen Wall | stwall@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Winter wonderland will have to wait.
Hoping to open this week, Mountain High resort fired up its snow-making machines on Sunday night. It was the earliest the Wrightwood resort made snow in its 67-year history.
But after the one-night cold spell, Mother Nature didn't cooperate.
Warmer temperatures returned, and the resort had to put off the opening a few more days.
"We'll see what next week brings," said John McColly, Mountain High's director of marketing. "If we had one night with temperatures in the teens, we would have been open."
Mountain High wanted to open a beginner trail at the bottom of the east resort, where it is colder than at the top of the mountain, McColly said.
An official with a rival resort didn't think much of Mountain High's attempt at an early start to the skiing and snowboarding season.
"This time of year, it's truly more of a stunt than anything," said Chris Riddle, director of marketing at Big Bear Mountain Resorts, which includes Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. "It's going to warm up and it's going to melt the snow. You've wasted the water and wasted the energy."
Riddle said he couldn't imagine any scenario "when we would actually start making snow in October without at least a substantial natural snowfall around it."
Bear Mountain and Snow Summit usually open in mid to late November, although they have opened as early as Halloween on rare occasions, Riddle said.
Riddle is hoping this year is more of a treat than a trick for the resorts. An El Nino winter is expected to produce more rain and snow than usual, helping to boost business in a down economy.
"Having an above average snowfall could offset the economic uncertainties," he said. "There's nothing better than a good snowfall to get everybody excited."
McColly denied that the attempt at an early opening was a publicity stunt.
"Our thought was that if it we could get open for a couple days, we would do a special thing for our season pass holders," he said. "I don't think anybody expected we would stay open constantly."
Roger Vieau, marketing supervisor for Snow Valley Mountain Resort near Running Springs, said that resorts always have a friendly competition to see which one opens first.
"Opening first is a big publicity kind of thing," he said. "You're the first to have snow on the ground and the first one to have skiers and snowboarders to make money."
Like the other resorts, Snow Valley hasn't set an opening date.
Cody Clemmons, a 31-year-old snowboarding buff from Rancho Cucamonga, is anxious to hit the slopes.
"We usually have to commute all the way to Mammoth until the resorts down here open," Clemmons said. "That would be a pretty big deal if we could open here before Halloween."
Stephen Wall | Editor


A healthy blend of enriching proactives and essential fatty acids to boost skin needing additional nourishment and special treatment. Immortelle and sea buckthorn help to restore what time can take away. Resting and rejuvenation go hand-in-hand. In the evening when we rest, we heal. Let the natural healing begin – naturally.
A healthy blend of enriching proactives and essential fatty acids to boost skin needing additional nourishment and special treatment. Immortelle and sea buckthorn help to restore what time can take away. Resting and rejuvenation go hand-in-hand. In the evening when we rest, we heal. Let the natural healing begin - naturally.
Our Restoring Night Serum is proudly on the USA Love List's Best Non Toxic Facial Oils to use and made in the USA.
Protection for your skin doesn't need to feel heavy to work. This serum packs an extra boost for dry skin or skin that needs a bit more attention, whether from sensitivities or from lack of moisture. Every drop in this special little bottle counts and is a natural step towards achieving your best skin and restoring your skin's vitality and glow. This serum has added healing proactives for dry or skin needing extra pampering. Redness diminishes, irritation subsides, and smooth, nourished skin is revealed.
This Restoring Night Serum comforts redness, irritation, and Rosacea, and will help to calm irritations and promote healing naturally. Clear and healthy skin in need of nourishment will also love the benefits of this special formulation. This serum nourishes the skin gently and deeply and has ingredients that naturally mimic Retin-A, without the side effects of flaky skin and sun sensitivity. Immortelle and sea buckthorn berry oil are partners working together to balance the skin. They strengthen cells, reduce any scarring and irritation, and allow the inflammatory cycle to stop so healing can begin. Sea buckthorn works both internally and externally to heal imbalances and inflammation of the skin. The Immortelle brings a natural way to help skin heal and rejuvenate itself. It has been used in Europe for many years and is therapeutically effective at speeding the healing of tired skin and reducing inflammation and upset.
Healthy skin that has a naturally slowed oil production, and any skin that is prone to being sensitive or busy with itching, rashes, or other irritation, can benefit.
A. Yes. Your hands, neck, chest, and anywhere you have skin needing pampering will love you for it.


text:
ALICE VACHSS
attorney, author, consultant & lecturer
"One of America's toughest prosecutors …" —PARADE, 1989
Alice Vachss, JD, is the former Chief of the Special Victims Bureau of the Queens (NYC) District Attorney's Office. During her tenure, she tried more than 100 felony cases to verdict, including rape, child sexual assault, elder abuse, domestic violence, cult abuse, and homicide. Under her leadership, the Special Victims Bureau innovated new approaches and techniques in sex-crimes prosecution which ranged from trail-blazing the use of DNA evidence in New York courts, to firing the first shots in the still-current battle to modernize statutes of limitations for sexual assault. Ms. Vachss is the author of Sex Crimes (Random House, 1993), a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. That book coined the term "collaborator" to describe those within the criminal-justice system who provide aid and comfort to perpetrators.
Before assuming leadership of the Special Victims Bureau, Ms. Vachss was a VISTA volunteer, a counselor in a maximum-security prison for violent youth, and a trial attorney in New York City's Legal Aid Criminal Defense Division. After publication of her book she specialized in such areas as campus sexual assault, elder sexual abuse, civil legal response to violence against women and, more recently, she returned to sex crimes prosecution. Her latter experiences lead her to write a sequel to her book. Both the original and the sequel have been released as an e-book entitled Sex Crimes: Then and Now.
Ms. Vachss continues to lecture and consult, nationally and internationally, and is the author of numerous articles, including "All Rape Is Real Rape" (New York Times Op-Ed). She now heads Pay What It Costs Publishing, LLC, a small press specializing in non-fiction solutions to violence e-books.
Alice Vachss' Sex Crimes on HBO's "True Detectives"


30/05/2013 · Tagged with: Mathrubhumi Thozhilvartha Free Download, Thozhilvartha Facebook, Thozhilvartha Free Download, thozhilvartha in malayalam, Thozhilvartha In Malayalam Latest, Thozhilvartha Malayalam News, thozhilvartha malayalam online, Thozhilvartha Malayalam Weekly, Thozhilvartha May 213 . Advertisements. Leave a comment. Mathrubhumi Thozhilvartha Epaper …... Hi, There you can download APK file "Ecuavisa" for LG Zone 4 free, apk file version is 1.02 to download to your LG Zone 4 just click this button.
Book is not very useful. For an education compilation book too many errors. Not worth purchasing. It will cause you to make more mistakes during any written exams.... Description. Wink Technology Solutions is the creator of the app that can be found in the News & Magazines category. Over 1K users downloaded and installed Mathrubhumi Sportsmasika and its most recent update was on July 9, 2015.
Mathrubhumi Thozhilvartha LDC Fact File 2018 published by Mathrubhumi Books, is an authentic collection for all Kerala PSC exams, including LD Clerk exam.
Download Mathrubhumi Yathra apk 4.8.3 and all version history for Android. First published in 2008, Mathrubhumi Yathra is devoted to travelers.
Get the installation package of Thozhilvartha 4.7.4 that is absolutely free and take a look at users' reviews on Droid Informer. The app can be launched flawlessly on Android 3.0 and above. This application is totally safe to download. Wink Technology Solutions is the developer of the tool that can be found in the News & Magazines category.


text:
require 'spec_helper'

describe Category do
  subject(:category) { Fabricate.build(:category) }
  it { should be_valid }

  it { should validate_presence_of(:full_name) }
  it { should ensure_length_of(:description).is_at_most(360) }

  it { should have_many(:categorizations).dependent(:destroy) }
  it { should have_many(:repos).through(:categorizations) }

  it { should have_many(:language_classifications).dependent(:destroy) }
  it { should have_many(:languages).through(:language_classifications) }

  it { should have_many(:link_relationships).dependent(:destroy) }
  it { should have_many(:links).through(:link_relationships) }

  it { should have_many(:category_relationships).dependent(:destroy) }
  it { should have_many(:related_categories).through(:category_relationships) }

  it { should have_many(:reverse_category_relationships).dependent(:destroy) }
  it { should have_many(:reverse_related_categories).through(:reverse_category_relationships) }

  it { should have_many(:service_categorizations).dependent(:destroy) }
  it { should have_many(:services).through(:service_categorizations) }

  it "has a friendly id using the full_name" do
    category.save
    expect(category.to_param).to eq(category.full_name.parameterize)
  end

  it "preserves a history of slugs" do
    category.full_name = "Old name (Ruby)"
    category.save
    old_slug = category.slug

    category.full_name = "New name (Ruby)"
    category.save
    new_slug = category.slug

    expect(new_slug).to_not eq(old_slug)
    expect(Category.find(old_slug)).to eq(category)
    expect(Category.find(new_slug)).to eq(category)
  end

  describe "named scopes" do
    describe ".order_by_score" do
      it "returns categories ordered by score" do
        expect(Category.order_by_score.to_sql).to match(/ORDER BY categories.score DESC/)
      end
    end

    describe ".order_by_name" do
      it "returns categories ordered by full_name" do
        expect(Category.order_by_name.to_sql).to match(/ORDER BY categories.full_name ASC/)
      end
    end

    describe ".ids_and_full_names" do
      it "selects only relevant fields" do
        expect(Category.ids_and_full_names.to_sql).to match(/SELECT id, full_name FROM \"categories\"/)
      end

      it "orders categories by score" do
        expect(Category.ids_and_full_names.to_sql).to match(/ORDER BY categories.score DESC/)
      end
    end

    describe ".ids_and_full_names_without(category)" do
      before { category.save }

      it "selects only relevant fields" do
        expect(Category.ids_and_full_names_without(category).to_sql).to match(/SELECT id, full_name FROM \"categories\"/)
      end

      it "orders categories by score" do
        expect(Category.ids_and_full_names_without(category).to_sql).to match(/ORDER BY categories.score DESC/)
      end

      it "excludes the given category" do
        expect(Category.ids_and_full_names_without(category)).to_not include(category)
      end
    end

    describe ".featured(count)" do
      it "returns only featured categories" do
        category = Fabricate(:category, featured: true)
        Fabricate(:category)
        expect(Category.featured(2)).to eq([category])
      end

      it "returns the specified number of categories" do
        2.times { Fabricate(:category, featured: true) }
        expect(Category.featured(1)).to have(1).item
      end

      it "randomizes the categories and order" do
        5.times { Fabricate(:category, featured: true) }
        featured_one = Category.featured(3)
        featured_two = Category.featured(3)
        expect(featured_one).to_not eq(featured_two)
      end
    end
  end

  describe "#stars" do
    it "returns the stars count" do
      category.stars = 100
      expect(category.stars).to eq(100)
    end

    it "returns 0 when missing" do
      expect(category.stars).to eq(0)
    end
  end

  describe "#score" do
    it "returns the score" do
      category.score = 100
      expect(category.score).to eq(100)
    end

    it "returns 0 when missing" do
      expect(category.score).to eq(0)
    end
  end

  describe "#similar_categories" do
    let(:related_category) { Fabricate(:category) }
    let(:reverse_related_category) { Fabricate(:category) }

    before do
      category.related_categories << related_category
      category.reverse_related_categories << reverse_related_category
    end

    it "returns all similar categories, regardless of direction of association" do
      expect(category.similar_categories).to match_array([related_category, reverse_related_category])
    end
  end

  describe "#extended_links" do
    let(:repo) { Fabricate(:repo) }
    let(:link) { Fabricate(:link) }
    let(:link_via_repo) { Fabricate(:link) }

    before do
      category.repos << repo
      category.links << link
      repo.links     << link_via_repo
      category.save
    end

    it "returns links of the category and it's associated repos" do
      expect(category.extended_links).to match_array([link, link_via_repo])
    end
  end

  describe "#save" do
    let(:category) { Fabricate(:category, full_name: "Category (Ruby/UnknownLanguage)") }
    let(:repo)     { Fabricate(:repo, stars: 100, score: 200) }

    before do
      Fabricate(:language, name: 'Ruby')

      category.repos << repo
      category.save
    end

    it "assigns stars from repos" do
      expect(category.stars).to eq 100
    end

    it "assigns score from repos" do
      expect(category.score).to eq(repo.score)
    end

    it "assigns known languages from full_name" do
      expect(category.languages.map(&:name)).to match_array %w(Ruby)
    end
  end

  describe "#assign_languages before saving" do
    before do
      web = Fabricate(:language, name: 'Web')
      Fabricate(:language, name: 'Ruby', parent: web )

      mobile = Fabricate(:language, name: 'Mobile')
      Fabricate(:language, name: 'iOS', parent: mobile)
    end

    let!(:category) { Fabricate(:category, full_name: "Category(Web/Mobile)") }

    it "assigns additional web languages if language 'Web' is assigned" do
      expect(category.languages.map(&:name)).to include('Ruby')
    end

    it "assigns additional mobile languages if language 'Mobile' is assigned" do
      expect(category.languages.map(&:name)).to include('iOS')
    end
  end

  describe ".expire_all" do
    it "expires all categories" do
      Timecop.freeze
      category = Fabricate(:category, created_at: 1.day.ago, updated_at: 1.day.ago)
      Category.expire_all
      expect(category.reload.updated_at).to eq(Time.current)
      Timecop.return
    end
  end

  describe "#expire_repos" do
    it "expires associated repos" do
      Timecop.freeze
      category.repos.expects(:update_all).with(updated_at: Time.current)
      category.send(:expire_repos)
      Timecop.return
    end
  end

  describe "#expire_languages" do
    it "expires associated languages" do
      Timecop.freeze
      category.languages.expects(:update_all).with(updated_at: Time.current)
      category.send(:expire_languages)
      Timecop.return
    end
  end
end


text:
Electric car brand Venturi celebrates 20th year
Twenty years ago, when Gildo Pastor first acquired the French firm Venturi and made the decision to switch to building electric cars, no one thought he'd succeed. Boy, were they wrong.
In 2000, the fledgling electric car movement was not taken very seriously by the big car makers. They believed it was a passing fancy, some fleeting whim that would fizzle out in time.
Monegasque entrepreneur Gildo Pastor, a lifelong car enthusiast, had other thoughts. A full decade before the rest of the automotive world, he began using the available technology to build a series of electric vehicles, each more innovative than the last.
Since 2004, he has rolled out 10 exceptionally-performing lines, among them the Venturi Buckeye Bullet, the fastest and most powerful electric vehicle in the world, which still holds undefeated speed records, the last being a staggering 549km/h in 2016.
Venturi VBB-3 in Los Angeles (2007) Credit: B. Hathaway
He also collaborated with French car maker Citroën on their Berlingo line, and created the first team entered into Formula E competition, ROKiT Racing. ROKiT is poised for a great 2020 season with drivers Eduardo Mortara and Felipe Massa, using the latest in technology from Mercedes.
The celebrate the company's 20th anniversary, the year will be marked with three standout events. The first is a world speed record attempt by the company's Voxan electric motorbike, and the second is the delivery of an electric car to scientists doing research at the South Pole, aptly named the Antarctica, which can withstand temperatures of -50ºC. Finally, the company will be moving into its new headquarters, on the ground floor of the Gildo Pastor Centre in Fontvieille, giving the company expanded workspaces and offices.
"20 years on, it is looking ahead that interests me," said Gildo Pastor. "I am thirsty to learn, to discover and to undertake as if I just started my journey. This 20th anniversary allows me to look briefly in the rear view mirror. At our level, we have contributed to accelerating the development of the electric vehicle sector by offering our expertise to a few big names. With them, my approach has always been one of reaching out and collaborating in the service of innovation. From the history of Venturi, I also remember the victories, the moments of joy and the immense pride. I already love them so much, the next 20 years."
Top photo: Gildo Pastor and Sacha Lakic (2008)


The broker type is also an important consideration point when choosing a broker. Essentially, brokers can be grouped into two major groups: advisory brokers and execution-only brokers.
Advisory brokers are registered by the corresponding regulatory body to provide advisory services on investments. While this may sound attractive at first, traders should know that there is no free lunch in the market. Advisory brokers charge for their services, usually significantly more than brokers which don't provide investment advice.
Execution-only brokers have the sole purpose to route your order to the market and execute your trade. They don't provide investment advice, which is why they're called execution-only brokers. These brokers have considerably lower transaction costs compared to advisory brokers and traders have to perform their own analysis. If you want to become a full-time trader, we strongly recommend to go with an execution-only broker and do your own market analysis. Only through trials, mistakes and experience – and through learning via an online financial trading courses – will you be able to become a consistently profitable trader.
Brokers can also be grouped by the way they execute your orders. In this regard, the main types of brokers are dealing desk (DD) and no-dealing desk (NDD) brokers.
Dealing desk brokers are also known as market makers, as they're the entity that creates the market for their traders. In other words, DD-brokers take the opposite side of your trade – if you're buying, they're selling to you, and vice-versa. Obviously, this creates a conflict of interest between the broker and its customers.
No-dealing desk brokers, on the other hand, route your orders to internal and external liquidity pools and match your trade with the best available price. They'll first look inside their own liquidity pool, made up from orders from other traders, and match your order with an adequate counter-order from another trader. In case there's no counter-order in their internal liquidity pool, NDD-brokers will pass your order to external liquidity providers and execute your trade.


text:
package ipam

import (
	"context"
	"fmt"
	"sort"
	"time"

	"github.com/cilium/cilium/pkg/controller"
	ipamTypes "github.com/cilium/cilium/pkg/ipam/types"
	v2 "github.com/cilium/cilium/pkg/k8s/apis/cilium.io/v2"
	"github.com/cilium/cilium/pkg/lock"
	"github.com/cilium/cilium/pkg/trigger"

	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
	"golang.org/x/sync/semaphore"
)

// CiliumNodeGetterUpdater defines the interface used to interact with the k8s
// apiserver to retrieve and update the CiliumNode custom resource
type CiliumNodeGetterUpdater interface {
	Create(node *v2.CiliumNode) (*v2.CiliumNode, error)
	Update(origResource, newResource *v2.CiliumNode) (*v2.CiliumNode, error)
	UpdateStatus(origResource, newResource *v2.CiliumNode) (*v2.CiliumNode, error)
	Get(name string) (*v2.CiliumNode, error)
	Delete(name string) error
}

// NodeOperations is the interface an IPAM implementation must provide in order
// to provide IP allocation for a node. The structure implementing this API
// *must* be aware of the node connected to this implementation. This is
// achieved by considering the node context provided in
// AllocationImplementation.CreateNode() function and returning a
// NodeOperations implementation which performs operations in the context of
// that node.
type NodeOperations interface {
	// UpdateNode is called when an update to the CiliumNode is received.
	UpdatedNode(obj *v2.CiliumNode)

	// PopulateStatusFields is called to give the implementation a chance
	// to populate any implementation specific fields in CiliumNode.Status.
	PopulateStatusFields(resource *v2.CiliumNode)

	// CreateInterface is called to create a new interface. This is only
	// done if PrepareIPAllocation indicates that no more IPs are available
	// (AllocationAction.AvailableForAllocation == 0) for allocation but
	// interfaces are available for creation
	// (AllocationAction.AvailableInterfaces > 0). This function must
	// create the interface *and* allocate up to
	// AllocationAction.MaxIPsToAllocate.
	CreateInterface(ctx context.Context, allocation *AllocationAction, scopedLog *logrus.Entry) (int, string, error)

	// ResyncInterfacesAndIPs is called to synchronize the latest list of
	// interfaces and IPs associated with the node. This function is called
	// sparingly as this information is kept in sync based on the success
	// of the functions AllocateIPs(), ReleaseIPs() and CreateInterface().
	ResyncInterfacesAndIPs(ctx context.Context, scopedLog *logrus.Entry) (ipamTypes.AllocationMap, error)

	// PrepareIPAllocation is called to calculate the number of IPs that
	// can be allocated on the node and whether a new network interface
	// must be attached to the node.
	PrepareIPAllocation(scopedLog *logrus.Entry) (*AllocationAction, error)

	// AllocateIPs is called after invoking PrepareIPAllocation and needs
	// to perform the actual allocation.
	AllocateIPs(ctx context.Context, allocation *AllocationAction) error

	// PrepareIPRelease is called to calculate whether any IP excess needs
	// to be resolved. It behaves identical to PrepareIPAllocation but
	// indicates a need to release IPs.
	PrepareIPRelease(excessIPs int, scopedLog *logrus.Entry) *ReleaseAction

	// ReleaseIPs is called after invoking PrepareIPRelease and needs to
	// perform the release of IPs.
	ReleaseIPs(ctx context.Context, release *ReleaseAction) error

	// GetMaximumAllocatableIPv4 returns the maximum amount of IPv4 addresses
	// that can be allocated to the instance
	GetMaximumAllocatableIPv4() int

	// GetMinimumAllocatableIPv4 returns the minimum amount of IPv4 addresses that
	// must be allocated to the instance.
	GetMinimumAllocatableIPv4() int
}

// AllocationImplementation is the interface an implementation must provide.
// Other than NodeOperations, this implementation is not related to a node
// specifically.
type AllocationImplementation interface {
	// CreateNode is called when the IPAM layer has learned about a new
	// node which requires IPAM services. This function must return a
	// NodeOperations implementation which will render IPAM services to the
	// node context provided.
	CreateNode(obj *v2.CiliumNode, node *Node) NodeOperations

	// GetPoolQuota is called to retrieve the remaining IP addresses in all
	// IP pools known to the IPAM implementation.
	GetPoolQuota() ipamTypes.PoolQuotaMap

	// Resync is called periodically to give the IPAM implementation a
	// chance to resync its own state with external APIs or systems. It is
	// also called when the IPAM layer detects that state got out of sync.
	Resync(ctx context.Context) time.Time
}

// MetricsAPI represents the metrics being maintained by a NodeManager
type MetricsAPI interface {
	IncAllocationAttempt(status, subnetID string)
	AddIPAllocation(subnetID string, allocated int64)
	AddIPRelease(subnetID string, released int64)
	SetAllocatedIPs(typ string, allocated int)
	SetAvailableInterfaces(available int)
	SetAvailableIPsPerSubnet(subnetID string, availabilityZone string, available int)
	SetNodes(category string, nodes int)
	IncResyncCount()
	PoolMaintainerTrigger() trigger.MetricsObserver
	K8sSyncTrigger() trigger.MetricsObserver
	ResyncTrigger() trigger.MetricsObserver
}

// nodeMap is a mapping of node names to ENI nodes
type nodeMap map[string]*Node

// NodeManager manages all nodes with ENIs
type NodeManager struct {
	mutex              lock.RWMutex
	nodes              nodeMap
	instancesAPI       AllocationImplementation
	k8sAPI             CiliumNodeGetterUpdater
	metricsAPI         MetricsAPI
	resyncTrigger      *trigger.Trigger
	parallelWorkers    int64
	releaseExcessIPs   bool
	stableInstancesAPI bool
}

// NewNodeManager returns a new NodeManager
func NewNodeManager(instancesAPI AllocationImplementation, k8sAPI CiliumNodeGetterUpdater, metrics MetricsAPI, parallelWorkers int64, releaseExcessIPs bool) (*NodeManager, error) {
	if parallelWorkers < 1 {
		parallelWorkers = 1
	}

	mngr := &NodeManager{
		nodes:            nodeMap{},
		instancesAPI:     instancesAPI,
		k8sAPI:           k8sAPI,
		metricsAPI:       metrics,
		parallelWorkers:  parallelWorkers,
		releaseExcessIPs: releaseExcessIPs,
	}

	resyncTrigger, err := trigger.NewTrigger(trigger.Parameters{
		Name:            "ipam-node-manager-resync",
		MinInterval:     10 * time.Millisecond,
		MetricsObserver: metrics.ResyncTrigger(),
		TriggerFunc: func(reasons []string) {
			if syncTime, ok := mngr.instancesAPIResync(context.TODO()); ok {
				mngr.Resync(context.TODO(), syncTime)
			}
		},
	})
	if err != nil {
		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unable to initialize resync trigger: %s", err)
	}

	mngr.resyncTrigger = resyncTrigger
	// Assume readiness, the initial blocking resync in Start() will update
	// the readiness
	mngr.SetInstancesAPIReadiness(true)

	return mngr, nil
}

func (n *NodeManager) instancesAPIResync(ctx context.Context) (time.Time, bool) {
	syncTime := n.instancesAPI.Resync(ctx)
	success := !syncTime.IsZero()
	n.SetInstancesAPIReadiness(success)
	return syncTime, success
}

// Start kicks of the NodeManager by performing the initial state
// synchronization and starting the background sync go routine
func (n *NodeManager) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
	// Trigger the initial resync in a blocking manner
	if _, ok := n.instancesAPIResync(ctx); !ok {
		return fmt.Errorf("Initial synchronization with instances API failed")
	}

	// Start an interval based  background resync for safety, it will
	// synchronize the state regularly and resolve eventual deficit if the
	// event driven trigger fails, and also release excess IP addresses
	// if release-excess-ips is enabled
	go func() {
		mngr := controller.NewManager()
		mngr.UpdateController("ipam-node-interval-refresh",
			controller.ControllerParams{
				RunInterval: time.Minute,
				DoFunc: func(ctx context.Context) error {
					if syncTime, ok := n.instancesAPIResync(ctx); ok {
						n.Resync(ctx, syncTime)
					}
					return nil
				},
			})
	}()

	return nil
}

// SetInstancesAPIReadiness sets the readiness state of the instances API
func (n *NodeManager) SetInstancesAPIReadiness(ready bool) {
	n.mutex.Lock()
	n.stableInstancesAPI = ready
	n.mutex.Unlock()
}

// InstancesAPIIsReady returns true if the instances API is stable and ready
func (n *NodeManager) InstancesAPIIsReady() bool {
	n.mutex.Lock()
	defer n.mutex.Unlock()
	return n.stableInstancesAPI
}

// GetNames returns the list of all node names
func (n *NodeManager) GetNames() (allNodeNames []string) {
	n.mutex.RLock()
	defer n.mutex.RUnlock()

	allNodeNames = make([]string, 0, len(n.nodes))

	for name := range n.nodes {
		allNodeNames = append(allNodeNames, name)
	}

	return
}

func (n *NodeManager) Create(resource *v2.CiliumNode) bool {
	return n.Update(resource)
}

// Update is called whenever a CiliumNode resource has been updated in the
// Kubernetes apiserver
func (n *NodeManager) Update(resource *v2.CiliumNode) (nodeSynced bool) {
	nodeSynced = true
	n.mutex.Lock()
	node, ok := n.nodes[resource.Name]
	defer func() {
		n.mutex.Unlock()
		if nodeSynced {
			nodeSynced = node.UpdatedResource(resource)
		}
	}()
	if !ok {
		node = &Node{
			name:    resource.Name,
			manager: n,
		}

		node.ops = n.instancesAPI.CreateNode(resource, node)

		poolMaintainer, err := trigger.NewTrigger(trigger.Parameters{
			Name:            fmt.Sprintf("ipam-pool-maintainer-%s", resource.Name),
			MinInterval:     10 * time.Millisecond,
			MetricsObserver: n.metricsAPI.PoolMaintainerTrigger(),
			TriggerFunc: func(reasons []string) {
				if err := node.MaintainIPPool(context.TODO()); err != nil {
					node.logger().WithError(err).Warning("Unable to maintain ip pool of node")
				}
			},
		})
		if err != nil {
			node.logger().WithError(err).Error("Unable to create pool-maintainer trigger")
			return false
		}

		retry, err := trigger.NewTrigger(trigger.Parameters{
			Name:        fmt.Sprintf("ipam-pool-maintainer-%s-retry", resource.Name),
			MinInterval: time.Minute, // large minimal interval to not retry too often
			TriggerFunc: func(reasons []string) { poolMaintainer.Trigger() },
		})
		if err != nil {
			node.logger().WithError(err).Error("Unable to create pool-maintainer-retry trigger")
			return false
		}
		node.retry = retry

		k8sSync, err := trigger.NewTrigger(trigger.Parameters{
			Name:            fmt.Sprintf("ipam-node-k8s-sync-%s", resource.Name),
			MinInterval:     10 * time.Millisecond,
			MetricsObserver: n.metricsAPI.K8sSyncTrigger(),
			TriggerFunc: func(reasons []string) {
				node.syncToAPIServer()
			},
		})
		if err != nil {
			poolMaintainer.Shutdown()
			node.logger().WithError(err).Error("Unable to create k8s-sync trigger")
			return false
		}

		node.poolMaintainer = poolMaintainer
		node.k8sSync = k8sSync
		n.nodes[node.name] = node

		log.WithField(fieldName, resource.Name).Info("Discovered new CiliumNode custom resource")
	}

	return
}

// Delete is called after a CiliumNode resource has been deleted via the
// Kubernetes apiserver
func (n *NodeManager) Delete(nodeName string) {
	n.mutex.Lock()
	if node, ok := n.nodes[nodeName]; ok {
		if node.poolMaintainer != nil {
			node.poolMaintainer.Shutdown()
		}
		if node.k8sSync != nil {
			node.k8sSync.Shutdown()
		}
	}

	delete(n.nodes, nodeName)
	n.mutex.Unlock()
}

// Get returns the node with the given name
func (n *NodeManager) Get(nodeName string) *Node {
	n.mutex.RLock()
	node := n.nodes[nodeName]
	n.mutex.RUnlock()
	return node
}

// GetNodesByIPWatermark returns all nodes that require addresses to be
// allocated or released, sorted by the number of addresses needed to be operated
// in descending order. Number of addresses to be released is negative value
// so that nodes with IP deficit are resolved first
func (n *NodeManager) GetNodesByIPWatermark() []*Node {
	n.mutex.RLock()
	list := make([]*Node, len(n.nodes))
	index := 0
	for _, node := range n.nodes {
		list[index] = node
		index++
	}
	n.mutex.RUnlock()

	sort.Slice(list, func(i, j int) bool {
		valuei := list[i].GetNeededAddresses()
		valuej := list[j].GetNeededAddresses()
		// Number of addresses to be released is negative value,
		// nodes with more excess addresses are released earlier
		if valuei < 0 && valuej < 0 {
			return valuei < valuej
		}
		return valuei > valuej
	})

	return list
}

type resyncStats struct {
	mutex               lock.Mutex
	totalUsed           int
	totalAvailable      int
	totalNeeded         int
	remainingInterfaces int
	nodes               int
	nodesAtCapacity     int
	nodesInDeficit      int
}

func (n *NodeManager) resyncNode(ctx context.Context, node *Node, stats *resyncStats, syncTime time.Time) {
	node.updateLastResync(syncTime)
	node.recalculate()
	allocationNeeded := node.allocationNeeded()
	releaseNeeded := node.releaseNeeded()
	if allocationNeeded || releaseNeeded {
		node.requirePoolMaintenance()
		node.poolMaintainer.Trigger()
	}

	nodeStats := node.Stats()

	stats.mutex.Lock()
	stats.totalUsed += nodeStats.UsedIPs
	availableOnNode := nodeStats.AvailableIPs - nodeStats.UsedIPs
	stats.totalAvailable += availableOnNode
	stats.totalNeeded += nodeStats.NeededIPs
	stats.remainingInterfaces += nodeStats.RemainingInterfaces
	stats.nodes++

	if allocationNeeded {
		stats.nodesInDeficit++
	}

	if nodeStats.RemainingInterfaces == 0 && availableOnNode == 0 {
		stats.nodesAtCapacity++
	}

	stats.mutex.Unlock()

	node.k8sSync.Trigger()
}

// Resync will attend all nodes and resolves IP deficits. The order of
// attendance is defined by the number of IPs needed to reach the configured
// watermarks. Any updates to the node resource are synchronized to the
// Kubernetes apiserver.
func (n *NodeManager) Resync(ctx context.Context, syncTime time.Time) {
	n.metricsAPI.IncResyncCount()

	stats := resyncStats{}
	sem := semaphore.NewWeighted(n.parallelWorkers)

	for _, node := range n.GetNodesByIPWatermark() {
		err := sem.Acquire(ctx, 1)
		if err != nil {
			continue
		}
		go func(node *Node, stats *resyncStats) {
			n.resyncNode(ctx, node, stats, syncTime)
			sem.Release(1)
		}(node, &stats)
	}

	// Acquire the full semaphore, this requires all go routines to
	// complete and thus blocks until all nodes are synced
	sem.Acquire(ctx, n.parallelWorkers)

	n.metricsAPI.SetAllocatedIPs("used", stats.totalUsed)
	n.metricsAPI.SetAllocatedIPs("available", stats.totalAvailable)
	n.metricsAPI.SetAllocatedIPs("needed", stats.totalNeeded)
	n.metricsAPI.SetAvailableInterfaces(stats.remainingInterfaces)
	n.metricsAPI.SetNodes("total", stats.nodes)
	n.metricsAPI.SetNodes("in-deficit", stats.nodesInDeficit)
	n.metricsAPI.SetNodes("at-capacity", stats.nodesAtCapacity)

	for poolID, quota := range n.instancesAPI.GetPoolQuota() {
		n.metricsAPI.SetAvailableIPsPerSubnet(string(poolID), quota.AvailabilityZone, quota.AvailableIPs)
	}
}


text:
Appapillai Amirthalingam
Gayantha Karunathilaka
Kumari Jayawardena
Maithripala Sirisena
Murugesu Alalasundaram
Percy Mahendra Rajapaksa
Rohana Wijeweera
Sarath Fonseka
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Gunadasa Amarasekara
Vijita Fernando
Sri Log
News Articles about Sri Lanka
Business Economy
Fortifying friendly relations between Sri Lanka and China
Posted on December 18, 2011 by jamal	Leave a comment
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre:
By Shanika SRIYANANDA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda
Rajapaksa theatre on Friday
How can a father describe his happiness on the day his son followed
his footsteps? It is a priceless gift from a son to a father and who
else can be proud of a son's achievement, other than his parents? On
December 15, President Mahinda Rajapaksa was unable to express how happy
he was. His charming smile and warm hug for his Loku putha showed it
all. More than the young Parliamentarian Lakshman Namal Rajapaksa being
exuberant over the achievement, the happiness it brought to his
thaththa, the moment he took oaths as a lawyer was immeasurable.
It reminded the President of the day he took oaths as a lawyer and he
was spellbound. His eyes filled with immense love and he expressed how
happy he was. It is yet another day that a dream of President Rajapaksa
became a reality.
At an auspicious time MP Rajapaksa took oaths as an attorney-at-law
before a three-judge Supreme Court Bench, comprising Chief Justice Dr.
Shirani A. Bandaranayake, Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga and Justice
Suresh Chandra. Like the mothers in the rest of the world, his mother,
First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who is always behind her three young
sons, silently enjoyed the happiness of her elderst son's achievement.
The event was witnessed by his two brothers Yoshitha and Rohitha,
uncles Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya
Rajapaksa and Cabinet Ministers at the ceremonial sitting of the Supreme
Court. After taking oaths, he got the blessings of his parents, who were
seated in the front row of the Ceremonial Court premises and he
worshipped them.
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre
President Mahinda Rjapaksa congratulating his son MP Namal
Rajapaksa after taking oaths
The 'Lotus Pond' bloomed with flowers. Beautifully illuminated in a
pond, the Lotus, which showed its glamour was gifted by the Chinese
people, who are long-standing friends of Sri Lanka. "The tragedy that
was staged in our motherland for thirty years is now over.
The era of woe and grief is over. An era of a revival of theatre has
come", said President Rajapaksa at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday
afternoon of the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, which is the
largest in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. Constructed with expertise
from China at a cost of Rs.3.08 billion, and gifted by the People's
Republic of China, the Theatre was opened by President and Zhang
Meiying, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference of the People's Republic of
China. The seven-storied open theatre modelled after the Nelum Pokuna
(Lotus Pond) in Polonnaruwa is a gift from China to fortify friendly
relations between the two countries.
The Theatre houses three galleries enabling to host three
performances simultaneously and an open air theatre on the top floor.
The main spectators' gallery can seat 1,288 people. The three-tier
movable stage operated electrically can even accommodate a motor vehicle
on stage and is equipped with ultra-modern equipment and hi-tech audio
and video technology.
It will have facilities to conduct educational and research
activities. "If a theatre like this had been constructed several decades
ago, a large number of artistic productions might have been possible.
A great citizen does not simply emerge. Such a personality needs to
entail the potential for delight and wisdom", he said while expressing
his gratitude to the Government of China for gifting this Theatre to Sri
Lanka with the purpose of improving the imaginative power,
self-confidence and self-discipline of the nation's children.
He called attention to the physical and spiritual development among
people and said it would help build a generation who can withstand any
challenge in the future. Perception and self-discipline are integral
parts of spiritual development. The country created the Samadhi Buddha
statue in Anuradhapura when the Chinese were building the Great Wall.
When China introduced printing technology to the world, Sri Lanka began
writing Dhamma books," he said.
The President also spoke about the Rubber-Rice Pact which was signed
between Sri Lanka and China in the 1950s.
He said the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall and the
Supreme Court complex, symbolise the everlasting friendship between the
two countries. "China always stands by Sri Lanka in times of need." He
said the support extended by China to protect the country's sovereignty,
independence, and honour is immense.
He recollected how Chinese leaders promised support for the
Hambantota Harbour Project, Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Project and
the Performing Arts Theatre during his maiden visit to China as
The people of Sri Lanka have been waiting for these projects, he
said. He thanked the government and the people of China for gifting this
theatre to Sri Lankans.
"If this type of theatre was built some time back, a number of high
quality artistic creations could have evolved. Sri Lanka is engaged in a
mission to construct ports, airports and power plants to ensure that
people receive all facilities," he said. The President, who met
representatives of traders and farmers unions held at Temple Trees on
Wednesday had taken action to temporarily suspend the newly introduced
system in transporting fruits and vegetables in plastic crates for a
month. This new regulation introduced in transportation of fresh produce
caused islandwide protests.
Govi Upahara 2011
Addressing 'Mahaweli Govi Upahara – 2011', the annual Mahaweli farmer
felicitation ceremony recognise the contribution made by Mahaweli
farmers to the country's prosperity and economy.
President Rajapaksa said the local farmer community in Sri Lanka
could successfully face the challenges of a global food crisis.
Explaining the decisions taken by the government to uplift the living
standards of farmers and the agricultural sector, the President said
local farmers contribute to fulfil food necessities of Sri Lankans
amidst various hardships. He said the government spends more than Rs.50
billion per year on a fertiliser subsidy as the government considers it
as an investment.
In particular, the contribution of Mahaweli farmers to agricultural
development in the country deserves special mention, said President
Mahinda Rajapaksa. In one era, some questioned as to why agriculture was
necessary, and during that time, suggestions were made to fill up paddy
fields, erect buildings and establish industries, he said adding that no
money was allocated to irrigation development.
He said that 'the Mahaweli Authority' which comes under his purview
was not only concentrating on assisting farmers to boost their
agricultural production, but was also looking to boost the moral and
spiritual uplift of the people in the Mahaweli region. He pointed out
that the Mahinda Chinthana does not concentrate only on a person's
physical development but also on spiritual and morale uplift. He said
that the Mahaweli Authority will also be working towards helping farmers
to get rid of alcohol and tobacco use as well as other abuses.
The construction of the first container terminal of the Colombo South
harbour under the project on the expansion of the Colombo harbour was
inaugurated by President Rajapaksa on Friday. The terminal will be the
first of the four 1200-metre long container terminals of the port. Each
of these terminals will have the capacity of 2.4 million TEUs. The
construction of the initial 600 metres of the terminal will be completed
by 2014, says the Ports Authority.
The rest of the construction will be completed in November 2016.
Colombo South Harbour will be located west of the present south-west
Breakwater in an area of approximately 600 hectares.
The proposed harbour will have four terminals of over 1,200m in
length each to accommodate three berths with depths of 18m and provision
to deepen to 23m to accommodate deeper draft vessels in future.
More about this:
Sri Lankan President to open state-of-the-art theater built by China Dec 03, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to declare open the newly constructed National Performance Theatre...
SLCJF to hold 2nd China Education Exhibition in Colombo Sri Lanka-China Journalists' Forum (SLCJF) has made all arrangements to hold the second consecutive China Education Exhibition –...
Sri Lanka President returns from a successful visit to China Aug 13, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the country early Saturday morning, after a successful...
Sri Lanka to celebrate 50 years of cultural relations with Japan July 27, Colombo: The Embassy of Japan is to launch a 'Japanese Cultural Month' from 5th of August...
Sri Lanka President arrives in China on an official visit Aug 09, Beijing: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing early Tuesday...
Categories: Agriculture
Tags: Agriculture
« Sri Lanka to promote tea brand in key markets
Sri Lanka's Litro Gas earns two billion rupees profit during first year of operation »
Sri Lanka Classified
Post free no sign up easy to post. Sell your products property or find a Job today
Click Here to advertise free
Sri Log Articles
Sri Lanka News, Sri Lanka Articles, Sri Lanka Tourism
Dubai Blog
Dubai Desert Safari
Dusit Hotels
Exalogics Web Hosting and Domians
Exotic Abu Dhabi Tours
Exotic Dubai Tours
Exotic Italy Travel
Taj Mahal Hotels


❶At Our Site, you can find everything you need to submit successfully papers and get higher marks. Get Hours of Free Time!
Buy Research Paper that Makes You Confident No one wants to deal with a service that is going to deliver poor content or the paper that has nothing in common with the paper you need to hand in. Thus, hesmatcchfet.cf has a set of guarantees to make you sure that our assistance is fully client-oriented.


text:
Spring Statement fails to properly tackle soaring living costs
Money and tax, Ukraine, Coronavirus in Scotland, Energy, Economy
Finance Secretary responds to UK Government plans.
The UK Government has not delivered the support and help that families and businesses need today, according to Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.
Responding to the Spring Statement, Ms Forbes said the Chancellor failed to help thousands of worried households facing poverty as a result of soaring energy bills and a cost of living crisis.
In 2018/19, the Scottish Government introduced a more progressive approach to tax, including a 19% starter rate band below the basic rate, ensuring those who can afford to pay a little more do so.
Ms Forbes said:
"The Spring Statement has failed to address the biggest challenges facing households today. With soaring energy bills and a cost of living crisis, the Chancellor has not used his Spring Statement sufficiently to provide lifeline support that could prevent households facing fuel poverty.
"The Scottish Government is providing a further £10 million to continue our Fuel Insecurity Fund into 2022-23, which supports people struggling with their energy bills. Most powers relating to the energy markets remain reserved and Scottish Ministers have repeatedly called for the UK Government to urgently take further action to support households - including a reduction in VAT on household energy bills and support for those on low incomes.
"We are doing all we can to tackle the cost of living crisis - including doubling the Scottish Child Payment from £10 per week per eligible child to £20 next month. The UK Government should have followed our lead and matched the 6% uprate on social security benefits which the Scottish Government is adding to eight of the benefits we deliver. The Chancellor failed to match that commitment which could have provided lifeline support to thousands of households.
"On taxation, we have already acted to introduce a 19% starter rate of income tax below the basic rate, in line with our commitment to progressive taxation, which makes Scotland the fairest taxed part of the UK. We will continue to take that approach when we set taxation policy in future budgets."
In her letter to the Chancellor, the Finance Secretary called for the UK Government to deliver:
more targeted funding to business sectors directly affected by the Ukraine conflict
relief to business on National Insurance contributions
the removal of VAT from energy efficient and zero emission heat equipment and products
greater powers for the Scottish Government to implement flexible working, to get more people into jobs
increased benefits at a higher rate, closer to inflation
removal/reduction of VAT on household energy bills
two extra Cold Weather Payments – one immediately and another in winter 2022-23 when energy bills will have risen again
The Scottish Government will set out its plans on income tax and tax policies in future budgets. There are currently no changes to income tax rates or bands.


Contemporary Editions presents a new series of limited edition prints marrying the world of interiors and design with contemporary Australian art. We invite interior designers, stylists and creatives into the studios of some of Australia's most prominent artists. Together, they select an artwork to be reproduced for contemporary editions.
'I love John's eccentric sense of colour and form and they way he manipulates both to achieve new perspectives. His work feels architectural ... [and] activates the environment they are placed into. I have used his work in several projects - both residential and commercial - and it never ceases to surprise ... dynamic punches of colour and distinct sculptural forms ... invigorate the spaces they inhabit.
David Flack is the director of Flack Studio, an interior architecture and design practice based in Melbourne.
Hamish Guthrie is the director of Hecker Guthrie a multi-disciplinary design practice based in Melbourne.
'When I first saw Robert's work it made me stop in my tracks and go in close, and once in I felt immediately consoled by their inherent intimacy but also the lather he seems to get himself into getting the job done. Peaceful yet frenetic he manages to be able to accurately map the mood of his subjects, not just their profiles or appearances. And it's this energy I love, along with the obvious deep appreciation he has for women. Over the years I have seen the work hung in many different interiors – and noticed their potency. They stand out in amongst a full salon hang as dignified as they do as the only piece in reduced minimal house'.
Megan Morton is one of Australia's best-known stylists. She has written three books on the topic and her work has featured in Australian and international design magazines.