text:
Decision To Close Residences Strongly Welcomed
By: Office of the Children's Commissioner
Published: Thu 1 Jul 2021 01:32 PM
The Children's Commissioner and Assistant Māori Commissioner are welcoming, and relieved by, the decision of Oranga Tamariki to commit to the phased closure of Care and Protection institutional residences.
"This could not come quickly enough. At long last this signals the ditching of an old-fashioned model that, along with orphanages and borstals has no place in the 21st century," Commissioner Becroft says.
"Our office, including skilled staff who regularly monitor these places and talk with mokopuna there, are overjoyed that their repeated calls for action have finally been heard.
"The concerns raised in the newsroom video are not new and are well-known to both us and to Oranga Tamariki.
"As the statutory monitor of Oranga Tamariki we frequently hear from children about excessive force, including overzealous restraint that has led to cuts, scratches, carpet burns and bruising.
"We have raised these concerns repeatedly in our reports to Oranga Tamariki, including our strong recommendation since 2017 that Care and Protection residences be closed.
"While we strongly welcome the actions announced today, we can't help feel it is very sad for tamariki in the care of the state that it has taken this long to commit to change," Commissioner Becroft says.
Assistant Māori Commissioner Glenis Philip-Barbara says it's the wellbeing of these mokopuna that we all now should be focussing on.
"At time of chaos like this, the utmost care needs to be taken to ensure the wellbeing of mokopuna already living in residences, and their whānau, is kept paramount.
"This is not a time for worrying about cost, it's a time to spend everything necessary to keep them safe and with whānau.
"Looking to the future, we need to listen to what mokopuna and whānau say they want -loving care in the community with people they trust, close to home."
Commissioner Becroft said the Office has asked a number of questions of Oranga Tamariki about today's events, including where the children affected by the immediate closure will be placed, and will require immediate wraparound services for them and their whānau.
We have also requested additional specific information from Oranga tamariki relating to restraints and other serious incidents, and grievances relating to all residences. We will also be closely monitoring what supports are in place for affected tamariki and their whānau.
"It's important to recognise that there are some staff who work in these places who are committed to their work and passionate about bringing about change in the lives of young people.
The time has come, however, for a new way, a new vision and at its centre it must be by Māori for Māori approaches with shared governance and leadership with hapū, iwi and Māori NGOs," Commissioner Becroft says.
Ms Philip-Barbara adds "That will require the Government to transfer power and resources to where it's needed for mokopuna to ensure they receive the care and support they need, from their whānau and community."


text:
Q: How to test PDF generated with PDFbox I write a class that read pdf template and add some lines like:
List<PdfTextLine> textLines = pdfBankActPage.getTextLines();
    if (textLines != null) {
        for (PdfTextLine textLine : textLines) {
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My util class to store one-line info:
public class PdfTextLine {

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What is common approach how to test, that PDF was generated correct?

A: Since your question is lacking detail it is difficult to answer.
There are different possibilities to verify that your content was added:

*

*Extract the text from the PDF and check whether your text is in there
PDFTextStripper stripper = new PDFTextStripper();
stripper.setStartPage(pageNumber);
stripper.setEndPage(pageNumber);
stripper.setAddMoreFormatting(false);
String text = stripper.getText(this.document);

*Use a library like pdfcompare (which itself uses Pdfbox) to compare the pdf visually...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


After beginning with a stoppage-time loss at Watford, Brendan Rodgers has steered Leicester to back-to-back wins in the Premier League and they will looking to finish the season well.
Bournemouth were denied a second successive victory by a fine strike from former player Matt Ritchie in a 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle before the international break.
We like a home win and over 2.5 goals at 3/2 as our opening Leicester vs Bournemouth prediction.
Leicester's prospects of building on their 3-1 home win over Fulham appeared to suffer a huge blow when Harry Maguire saw red for a professional foul in only the fourth minute at Burnley.
But a fine free-kick by James Maddison put the Foxes ahead and, after Dwight McNeil had levelled, Wes Morgan – brought on after Maguire's dismissal – headed a 90th-minute winner at a wet and windy Turf Moor.
Rodgers has made a good start to life with the Foxes, overseeing two wins from three matches, and Morgan thinks the former Liverpool and Celtic boss can make Leicester "a force to be reckoned with".
Morgan appeared headed for the exit door at the King Power Stadium this summer until the Northern Irishman replaced Claude Puel and said he wanted the veteran defender to stay.
The defender said: "The gaffer's been brilliant. He's spoken to me. He likes experienced players. I've been at the club a long time and he made it clear he wants me around – I'm on the gaffer's side!
The Foxes sit third in the both teams scored table with 65 per cent of their matches ending that way, so looking at the Leicester vs Bournemouth odds, a home win and both teams to score at 11/5 has obvious appeal.
Leicester defender Harry Maguire will serve a one-match ban. Wes Morgan is likely to replace him, although Caglar Soyuncu is also an option.
While Bournemouth are not mathematically safe, a 10-point cushion over the bottom three with seven games to go should mean they avoid any nervous moments during the run-in.
Having lost four out of five, a 2-0 win at Huddersfield stopped the rot before two Josh King goals, one from the penalty spot, handed them a 2-1 lead against Newcastle after Salomon Rondon's opener.
But Ritchie smashed home a stoppage-time leveller to ensure a share of the spoils, with manager Eddie Howe conceding a late equaliser to a former player was a bitter pill to swallow.
He said: "It's bizarre how football can find these stories, really.
The Cherries either win (4) or lose (11) away from home, winning just one of their last 10 on the road, so we will complete our Leicester vs Bournemouth betting tips by going for a 2-1 home win at 15/2 in the correct score market.
Last Bournemouth line-up: Boruc, Ake, Daniels, Clyne, Mepham, Lerma, Ibe, Brooks, Fraser, Wilson, King.
Bournemouth will continue to monitor Junior Stanislas, Adam Smith and Dan Gosling.


If Akothee and Vera Sidika were chickens, then the former would have been a traditional indigenous chicken while the latter would have been an exotic breed – this according to Kenyans on social media.
Naughty Kenyans shared a photo of Vera Sidika and Akothee in which the two ladies were described as different breed of chickens.
Akothee responded by asking her critics to focus their energy on something constructive like paying Chinese loans back. She however accepted that she is a traditional chicken.
Mbona kuku ni kuku tu? Hata ulaya bado ni chicken aka kuku, heshimu kuku WEWE? Just Settle for kuku of your taste, mbona kelele mingi?


• 800ml (27fl. oz) of flittered, mineralised rainwater with Apple cider vinegar or lemon, plus some fresh ginger and turmeric, often with a pinch of salt for electrolytes.
This rehydration and alkalising of the cells also activates the internal organs like a good kick start.
• Approximately 600ml (20fl. oz) of freshly pressed veggie juice.
This nutrient dense food in liquid form stripped of its natural fibre is instantly absorbed and beats any vitamin supplement you could waste money on.
• Approximately 700ml (23fl. oz) of vegan smoothie.
This is filled with salad greens, bananas and activated nuts and seeds. This comes with the fibre so that any healthy fructose (yes healthy sugars) are slowly absorbed. This is already a superfood without having to pay for exorbitant powdered superfood products. That being said, I do often add things like raw cacao, maca root, sprouted rice protein powder.
Those three stages of healthy liquids give me enough energy and sustenance to last until mid-late afternoon when I eat my first solid meal.
I've been doing vegan smoothies daily for 20 years and juices daily for 15 years, so if you'd like specific recipes and what their benefits are, let me know.
I was wondering which of the kids was going to say something like that. Hehe.
Great that you're diet is about 90% raw veg. That's quite hard to achieve for most.
Yes, exercise after water, but before juice or smoothie is a great order of things.


text:
Mike Batlogg
Mike serves in KPMG's National Office as a Director in Risk Management Policy and Enterprise Risk since 2022 to support the design and implementation of the firm's enterprise risk management program. A primary focus includes generating and delivering high-quality enterprise risk management reporting to the firm's Management Committee and Board of Directors in order to enhance the understanding, mitigation, and monitoring of the firm's greatest risks.
From 2013 to 2022, Mike served as an Enterprise Risk Officer in the Office of the Chief Risk Officer at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He led the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management at the SEC by designing and operationalizing the requisite analysis, infrastructure, reporting, and governance structures.
Before becoming a public servant, Mike advised financial service organizations in the area of economic and business analytics at Booz Allen Hamilton for four years. Prior to this, Mike worked in the field of international foreign direct investment at the World Bank – MIGA, U.S. Development Finance Corporation (formerly Overseas Private Investment Corporation), U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Embassy in Bern Switzerland, and Deutsche Bank. As a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow from 2008-2009, Mike lived in Germany to work on national cross-border investment policy. He received his undergraduate degrees from Rutgers University and has an MA in International Trade and Investment Policy from the Elliott School for International Affairs and an MBA in International Business from the George Washington University School of Business.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


For lunch todaty how about Morris's mouse a rama buffet? Oh for the big Valentines duble date with Rufus and Gina Alexander I thot we'd go to Catemerils, the bistro owned by Emeril LaGassees Cat, Chef Chat. Luv, Lukey the Greatly Girthed One.
Gettin my Glad Rags ready, shinin up my dancin shoes I got a big hot Mama she chased away my blues. I picked some Dogwood blossoms an Cattails just fur you Germie.
Lukey, you sweep me off my paws!! (that is, if I could be lifted up). I just can't wait for V-day!! How about fresh caught crab for lunch today?
Oh yeah Maryland stuffed crabs,,yummo. With Mussels ND CLAMS AND SCALLOPS AND HUSH PUPPIES.
Five days and counting, until valentine's day!! I think I want rodent souffle today!
Pigeon Pot Pie I think for me with a saucer of heavy cream and some candied bugs.
meeeeooooowww! Lukey, I'm hungry, and fresh out of food ideas! You got any??
Yeah but we shud eat a little lite today becawse of the big duble date tomorrow wif Gina Alexander and brother Rufus. So how about oh i dunno some rabbit stew maybe? Whatcha think bowt that?
Rabbit stew sounds awesome! I need to make sure I get a foot!! I can't wait until tomorrow!!! I got myself a new pink dress!!!
Thanks lukey. And here is a dozen squirrels on a stick for you! I luv you!
It's okay Lukey. You and purrpaw take all the time you need. I will always be here waiting for you! I will talk to you monday!!!
well I got an answer but It didnt seem to make much sense to me unless this posts. Well we will see.
I'm so confused now. I cant find it on other meows and purrs but that sez that iz where we iz. if we dont find it soon we may starve!!! Or lose a pound or 2 which iz as bad.
Ah ha!!! here we are!!! Lukey, I think we should think about spain......all of those yummy spanish dishes, whatdya think???
If you gourmet -- or just like to eat -- Catsters haven't been following the meals and adventures in this thread, you really should go back and check a few pages for a good read! And more fun -- Germie and Lukey are asking for suggestions and even more fun up in "Party Time."
Hey, Lukey, Guess what! I was born right there in Medfofd Oregon! But I bet they don't have Ray's Pizza there!


Razer Arctosa - Should I Remove It?
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British pharmaceutical firm Mission Therapeutics will test its potent, selective USP30-targeted inhibitors in stem cell-derived Parkinson's disease models, as part of research funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF).
Cells maintain healthy mitochondria — the cell's power generators — by degrading damaged mitochondria in a process known as mitophagy. Defective mitophagy has been linked to Parkinson's disease. USP30, a deubiquitinase (DUB) located in the mitochondria, has been shown to control mitophagy under normal conditions. However, in neurons affected by Parkinson's, altered USP30 signaling can lead to the toxic accumulation of mitochondria, which damages neuronal cells.
Mission Therapeutics has developed potent, selective inhibitors of USP30 and is exploring their potential for treating both Parkinson's and cancer. Working with a research group led by University of Oxford Professor Richard Wade-Martins, the company will now test its USP30 inhibitors in induced pluripotent stem sells (iPSC) derived from patients with sporadic and familial Parkinson's.
Neither the foundation nor the university disclosed the amount of MJFF's grant.
Parkinson's is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. No test or biomarker capable of identifying Parkinson's is currently available, so the misdiagnosis rate can be substantially high. Recent estimates indicate that the disease affects nearly one million Americans, and more than five million people worldwide.
Tagged grant, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Mission Therapeutics, mitophagy, USP30-targeted inhibitors.


text:
ANALYSIS: Foreign policy views of the leading candidates unknown or all-too-known
In the estimation of Stephen Walt, writing in Foreign Policy, the 2016 presidential race is down to five candidates: Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump (in alphabetical order). -- What would it would it mean for foreign policy if one of them is elected? -- "A Clinton foreign policy will look a lot like Barack Obama's, but with a decidedly more hawkish edge."[1] -- "A Ted Cruz presidency would probably make George W. Bush-style 'unilateralism' seem like a Quaker meeting." -- "Rubio is the only candidate who seems to have fully embraced the discredited PNAC worldview." -- "It's hard to know how [Bernie Sanders] would deal with any of the big-ticket items on the foreign-policy agenda or by what means he'd implement whatever goals he eventually comes up with." -- As for Trump, "we have no idea what Trump's foreign policy would be." -- But "no president gets to run foreign policy on their own, and the things they say in a campaign often bear little resemblance to what they end up doing in office." ...
BACKGROUND: Saudi Arabia's oil war is not going well
Syria is not only a civil war, a religious war, and a proxy war, it is now also an important factor in an oil war instigated in 2014 by Saudi Arabia. -- U.S. mainstream media were slow to call attention to this development, but that Saudi Arabia's decision to drive down the price of oil is an "oil war" was noted in the New York Post in Dec. 2014 by Ralph Peters the retired lieutenant colonel who became (in)famous in 2006 when he proposed redrawing the map of the Middle East in Armed Forces Journal. -- According to Peters, Saudi Arabia was "doing what the Obama administration lacked the guts to do: It's smacking down our enemies," viz. Iran and Russia.[1] -- A few months later, though, Berlin-based Leonid Bershidsky argued that Saudi Arabia's price war was aimed principally at the North American fracking industry.[2] -- A Pakistani journalist observed that Saudi Arabia was in danger of falling into a trap of its own making. -- Saudi Arabia's effort to sustain its budget expenditures in the face of steeply declining oil revenues risks bankrupting the country: "[I]nstead of driving producers of expensive oil from the market and feasting on a recovery in oil prices, the expected addition of Iranian oil to the market will knock prices down further."[3] -- A few weeks later, after Russia intervened militarily in Syria, Bershidsky argued that Saudi Arabia's oil price war was now aimed Russia, and the world could therefore expect "a more active shoving match between the world's two biggest oil exporters, which already are at odds over the Syrian conflict. . . . if the Chinese economy continues performing worse than expected, that market may become too small for the Russians and the Saudis. -- Both economies are oil-dependent and retaining market share is a matter of survival."[4] -- Blogger Tyler Durden also believes that the price war was not going well for Saudi Arabia: "the kingdom is literally going broke as the budget deficit is set to come in at an astounding 20% of GDP and the current account plunges into the red as well. -- As for the Russians, not only did they not abandon their support for Assad, they in fact struck up a closer alliance with Iran, whose oil supply threatens to add to the global deflationary supply glut once sanctions are fully lifted."[5] -- Thus the Saudi oil war has been "a miserable failure thus far." -- Last week, however, the London Telegraph reported that "Saudi Arabia has vowed to continue flooding the global market with oil despite the collapse in Brent prices to a 12-year low, insisting that it will not cut output until Russia and other non-OPEC countries agree to share the burden." -- Saudi Arabia, it seems, is still intent on "flushing out rivals."[6] -- But if a piece published Saturday by Global Research is to be believed, the Saudi regime is more likely to be flushed out first.[7] ...
BACKGROUND: Summary of Hersh's critique of Obama's Syria policy
Seymour Hersh mounted an attack on Barack Obama's anti-Assad, pro-Erdogan Syria policy last month with a long, detailed article on the website of the London Review of Books. -- (The piece also appears in the Jan. 7, 2016, number of that exceptionally intelligent publication.) -- The assertions of the article have been judged to be beyond the pale by U.S. mainstream media and all but blacked out, for reasons that will be obvious from this brief... -- SUMMARY: Hersh reports that the Pentagon concluded in 2013 that Obama's decision to aid so-called "moderate" Syrian rebels in their effort to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was in fact "arming extremists" and decided to do something about it without informing Obama.[1] -- "The Joint Chiefs felt that a direct challenge to Obama's policy would have 'had a zero chance of success.' -- So in the autumn of 2013 they decided to take steps against the extremists without going through political channels, by providing U.S. intelligence to the militaries of other nations, on the understanding that it would be passed on to the Syrian army and used against the common enemy, Jabhat al-Nusra and Islamic State." -- In addition, the Joint Chiefs found a way to downgrade the quality of weapons being shipped to Syrian rebels covertly (Hersh notes in passing, by the way, that Ambassador Christopher Stevens was in Benghazi to help organize the gun-running when he was killed in Sept. 2012, another datum that is unacceptable to U.S. mainstream media). -- Hersh also demonstrated at some length that the Joint Chiefs are far from sharing Obama's (and the U.S. mainstream media's) anti-Russian views. -- Hersh's chief source in this piece is an unnamed "former senior adviser to the Joint Chiefs." -- He has other sources as well: "Imad Moustapha, now Syria's ambassador to China, . . dean of the I.T. faculty at the University of Damascus, and a close aide of Assad's," an unnamed "Washington foreign affairs analyst," and Christina Lin, "a scholar who dealt with Chinese issues a decade ago while serving in the Pentagon under Donald Rumsfeld." -- They told Hersh that Chinese-Turkish tensions are rising because Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is helping Muslim Uyghur fighters get to Syria to fight for the Islamic State, and Chinese leaders believe it likely they will later return to wage a separatist campaign in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in western China. -- Hersh also interviewed U.S. Army Gen. (ret.) Michael Flynn, the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency who was canned by President Obama for, according to Hersh, telling the truth about Syria and supporting cooperation with Russia, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii 2nd), a member of the House Armed Services Committee who is publicly taking the same position....
BACKGROUND: Appointment in Samarra
ANALYSIS: Saudi Arabia's US PR machine in action after mass execution
TRANSLATION: Riyadh and Tehran spiraling toward abyss of war (Le Monde)
NEWS: Saudi executions & fallout guarantee further mayhem in Mideast
NEWS: Unit's 14th loss points up US military's inadequate approach to suicide among vets
TRANSLATION: France's state of emergency is no shield for democracy (G. Agamben)
NEWS: US forces in Libya revealed in bizarre incident
TRANSLATION: Why half the French public doesn't bother to vote
TRANSLATION: Hollande's proposal for constitutional reform is a political maneuver
ANALYSIS: Simplistic to see Paris attacks as consequence of systemic exclusion


Private Jet Charter Atlanta - Hopefully this info has provided some pointers and tricks on the way to even be a wise traveler. Throughout this time you truly really need to be on the lookout and your wits for you to keep traveling safe and smooth. Look list prior to taking off even though these smart tips with post in topic Private Jet Charter Atlanta inside your.


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Hibs sign Garry O'Connor's son to first professional deal among new youth intake
The teenager is hoping to follow in his dad's footsteps after agreeing terms with the Leith club
(Image: Hibernian FC)
Hibernian have signed Josh O'Connor, son of former Easter Road favourite Garry, to his first professional contract.
The 16-year-old put pen to paper on a deal with the club before the turn of the year after reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea and Rangers.
He has now been officially unveiled as one of the Leith side's latest batch of youth professionals starting at their East Mains training ground this year.
Posting on Twitter, he wrote: "Happy to sign for the club I support and love."
Dad Garry scored 75 times in more than 200 games for the club across two spells.
O'Connor is joined by the son of another former professional, Robbie Hamilton - whose dad Jim represented Hearts - in inking a professional deal, while Scotland youth international Murray Johnson has also officially signed on after training with the first team as a 15-year-old in the summer.
Fellow Scotland under-17 prospect Jacob Blaney, midfielder Murray Aiken have been given squad numbers after agreeing their deals while Jack Brydon and Connor Young, on loan at Lowland League side Civil Service Strollers, have signed professional contracts for the first time.
Hibs sporting director Graeme Mathie said: "It's great to announce the boys' first professional contracts - it's been a different start to their journey due to COVID but all have shown a great maturity to adapt to the challenges which can only help them on their journey.
"Good to have them all on board."
Raging Edinburgh residents report multiple break-in bids amid 'lock your doors' warning
CrimeMultiple people in the area have reported someone trying to enter their home on Sunday (January 17)


I'm seeing a problem with IDEA editor in IU-96.1121. If I bring another application into the foreground, it is causing the IDEA editor to reparse the sourcefile each time.
This is 100% reproducible for me. Windows 2008 R2 x64, JDK 1.6.0_20, IU-96.1121.
I have captured a cpu snapshot and filed a youtrack.
IDEA-58558 [performance] Overlapping some other app over IDEA's editor panel is triggering a complete reparse of the source file!


This book attempts a major re-assessment of social skills training. Dryden Social Skills Training from a Rational-emotive perspective. Following the success of the Routledge Revivals programme, this time encompassing a vast range from across the Behavioural Sciences, Psychology Revivals draws upon a distinguished catalogue of imprints and authors associated with both Routledge and Psychology Press, restoring to print books by some of the most influential scholars of the last 120 years. Dryden Social Skills Training from a Rational-emotive perspective. Edward Craighead Cognition and Social Inadequacy: Relevance in Clinical Populations 9 Geoff Shepherd Assessment of Cognitions in Social Skills Training 10 W.
All orders get full access to our online order status tracking service, allowing you to view realtime order progress. Table of Contents Contributors Part 1: Theory and Research Peter Trower Introduction and Review 1 James P. This book attempts a major re-assessment of social skills training. However, in evaluating social skills training, many investigators found that skills did not endure and generalise. It examines the underlying paradigms, which are shown to be fundamentally behaviourist. However, in evaluating social skills training, many investigators found that skills did not endure and generalise.
Such paradigms, it is argued, severely constrain the aims and method of current types of training. Scheier A Control-theory Approach to Behaviour, and Some Implications for Social Skills Training 6 Mary M. This book attempts a major re-assessment of social skills training. It examines the underlying paradigms, which are shown to be fundamentally behaviourist. Originally published in 1984, one of the few facts that emerged clearly in the beleaguered field of psychology and mental health at the time was the extent of poor social skills in psychiatric patients, the mentally handicapped and problem adolescents.
Grunberger Social Skills Training: A Critique and a Rapprochement 2 Peter Trower A Radical Critique and Reformulation: From Organism to Agent 3 Rom Harre Public-collective Psychological Processes and Social Skills 4 Richard Wessler Cognitive-social Psychological Theories and Social Skills 5 Charles S. This new model is developed in both theoretical and practical ways in the main body of the book and should, even today, be of great interest to all those involved with social skills training. Orders to international addresses are dispatched from the United Kingdom. Grunberger Social Skills Training: A Critique and a Rapprochement 2 Peter Trower A Radical Critique and Reformulation: From Organism to Agent 3 Rom Harre Public-collective Psychological Processes and Social Skills 4 Richard Wessler Cognitive-social Psychological Theories and Social Skills 5 Charles S. If you are interested in Revivals in the Humanities and Social Sciences, please visit www.
As a result, during the 1970s, social skills training — espoused as a form of behaviour therapy — seemed to offer great promise, based on the notion that social skills, like any other skills, are learnt and can be taught if lacking. Contributors Part 1: Theory and Research Peter Trower Introduction and Review 1 James P. However, in evaluating social skills training, many investigators found that skills did not endure and generalise. Condition: Brand new, Format: Hardcover, Language: English See More. Originally published in 1984, one of the few facts that emerged clearly in the beleaguered field of psychology and mental health at the time was the extent of poor social skills in psychiatric patients, the mentally handicapped and problem adolescents. Scheier A Control-theory Approach to Behaviour, and Some Implications for Social Skills Training 6 Mary M. It examines the underlying paradigms, which are shown to be fundamentally behaviourist.
Such paradigms, it is argued, severely constrain the aims and method of current types of training. Such paradigms, it is argued, severely constrain the aims and method of current types of training. This new model is developed in both theoretical and practical ways in the main body of the book and should, even today, be of great interest to all those involved with social skills training. Dryden Social Skills Assessment from A Rational-emotive Perspective 11 W. We do not have product details beyond that contained within this listing.
Please note that first editions are rarely first printings. This new model is developed in both theoretical and practical ways in the main body of the book and should, even today, be of great interest to all those involved with social skills training. Index About the Series Psychology Revivals is an initiative aiming to re-issue a wealth of academic works which have long been unavailable. . Due to our listings requiring immediate PayPal payment, we cannot combine postage costs across different items.
As a result, during the 1970s, social skills training — espoused as a form of behaviour therapy — seemed to offer great promise, based on the notion that social skills, like any other skills, are learnt and can be taught if lacking. As a result, during the 1970s, social skills training - espoused as a form of behaviour therapy - seemed to offer great promise, based on the notion that social skills, like any other skills, are learnt and can be taught if lacking. Edward Craighead Cognition and Social Inadequacy: Relevance in Clinical Populations 9 Geoff Shepherd Assessment of Cognitions in Social Skills Training 10 W. Dryden Social Skills Assessment from A Rational-emotive Perspective 11 W. . . .


Human love and God's love are different. Human love often says, 'I'll love you as long as you meet my expectations, agree with my politics, attend my church, or fit into my social circle.' God's love says, 'I love you just as you are'. Basically, human love is often conditional while God's love is unconditional. God didn't wait for us to become worthy before loving us. 'God showed his great love…by sending Christ to die…while we were still sinners.' Jesus showed us a new standard for love. He said, 'Now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you' (John 13:34 NLT); 'Love your neighbour as yourself' (Matthew 22:39 NIVUK); 'Love…without hoping to get anything back' (Luke 6:35 NCV). Loving others God's way often requires sacrifice. It goes against what we naturally want to do. Pastor Bill Hybels said: 'When I set about the task of loving, I usually end up giving instead of receiving. Love inevitably costs me the three commodities most precious to me – my time, my energy, and my money…When you're concerned about the well-being of others, you usually have to sacrifice.' It's also harder to show God's love to others when we don't believe that He loves us. But the Bible tells us that nothing can separate us from His love (have a read of Romans 8:37-39). When we accept God's love for us, and believe that He can't love us any more or any less than He does in this moment, then loving others becomes a natural response. The Bible says: 'We love because he first loved us' (1 John 4:19 NIV). Our love for others flows from His love for us.
Find as many Bible verses as you can about God's love for you. Choose a few of them to reflect on throughout the day.


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text:
\section{Introduction}

The response of materials to electromagnetic fields has been the
subject of studies for many years, both for reasons of fundamental interest
and for technological applications. The discovery of topological
insulators (TIs) and related classes
of materials in recent years has generated interest
in the Chern-Simons axion (CSA) coupling, which makes an isotropic
contribution $\alpha^{CS}$ to the magnetoelectric response tensor
of the material.  This coupling is conventionally expressed in
terms of a dimensionless parameter $\theta$ defined via
\begin{equation}
\alpha_{ij}^\textrm{CS}=\dfrac{\theta e^2}{2\pi h} \delta_{ij},
\label{eq:CS_theta}
\end{equation}
where $\theta$ is determined by the band structure of the insulator
via an integral over the Brillouin zone (BZ) of a Chern-Simons
3-form according to
\begin{equation}
\theta=-\dfrac{1}{4\pi} \int d^3k \,
\epsilon^{ijk}\,\textrm{Tr}[A_i \partial_j A_k- i\dfrac{2}{3}A_i A_j A_k].
\label{eq:theta}
\end{equation}
Here $A^{nm}_i=i\langle u_{n} \vert \partial_i \vert u_{m}
\rangle$ is the Berry connection (or non-Abelian gauge field)
in Cartesian direction $i$, where $u_n(\mathbf{k})$ is the periodic
part of the Bloch function of the $n$'th occupied band, and the
trace is over occupied bands.

The ground-state properties of a band insulator are
invariant under any gauge transformation, that is, any unitary
transformation $U_{nn'}(\mathbf{k})$
that mixes only the occupied bands.
It can be shown that an arbitrary gauge transformation either
leaves the 3-form integral in \equ{theta} unchanged or else shifts
it by exactly $2\pi$ times an integer.  Thus, $\theta$ is best regarded
as a phase angle that is only well-defined modulo $2\pi$.
As a consequence, the presence of either time reversal (TR) or inversion
(either of which flips the sign of $\theta$) requires $\theta$ to be
quantized to an integer multiple of $\pi$, with an odd/even value
corresponding to an odd/even strong $Z_2$ topological
index of a TR-invariant 3D insulator.\cite{essin-prl09, qi-prb08}
One way to understand the ambiguity of $\theta$ modulo $2\pi$,
which corresponds to an ambiguity of $\alpha^\textrm{CS}$
modulo $e^2/h$, is to realize that the magnetoelectric coupling
is related to the surface anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) by
$\sigma =(\theta/2\pi+C)e^2/h$.
Thus while $\theta$ can be calculated from the bulk band
structure, the measurable magnetoelectric response can
be changed by a quantum if a layer with non-zero Chern
number is attached to the surface of material, changing
the effective value of $\theta$ by $2\pi$.

An interesting consequence of this $2\pi$ ambiguity is
that if an insulator is allowed to evolve adiabatically around
a closed loop in the space of parameters determining the
crystal Hamiltonian, with the gap remaining open,
then the fact that the system returns to the initial physical
state means that $\theta$ must either return to its
original value or change by an integer multiple of $2\pi$,
where the integer $C^{(2)}$ is known as a ``second Chern number.''
This possibility of ``pumping $\theta$ by $2\pi$''
has been discussed and demonstrated for some theoretical
models,\cite{essin-prl09,qi-prb08} but the characteristic
behaviors of a system undergoing such an adiabatic loop have
largely remained unexplored.

Recently, we have shown that the hybrid Wannier representation
can be a useful and insightful tool for computing topological
indices and inspecting the topological properties of 3D
insulators.\cite{taheri-prb14}
In this approach, the occupied-state wavefunctions are transformed
into a maximally-localized Wannier representation in one chosen
Cartesian direction, while remaining Bloch-like in the orthogonal
directions.  The resulting hybrid Wannier functions (HWFs)
inherit the topological character of the insulator, and plots of
their Wannier charge centers (WCCs) over the 2D BZ (``Wannier
sheets'') were shown to provide a useful means of visualizing
the topological properties of insulators, allowing to discriminate
immediately between normal, strong topological, weak topological,
crystalline topological, and related
states.\cite{taheri-prb14,soluyanov-prb11,Alexandradinata-arx12,Alexandradinata-arx14}

With these motivations, we ask what happens if an adiabatic
cycle that pumps $\theta$ by $2\pi$ is viewed from the point of
view of the HWF representation.  How do the WCC sheets evolve?
Is there a characteristic behavior of this evolution of the WCC
sheets that signals the presence of a non-trivial cycle (i.e.,
a non-zero second Chern number)?  We find that there is indeed
such a characteristic behavior.  Specifically, we show that quanta
$e^2/h$ of Berry curvature are passed from one WCC sheet to the next
in a series of isolated band-touching events, in such a way that
one quantum of Berry curvature is pumped by an entire lattice
vector by the close of the cycle.  We illustrate this amusing and
instructive result via numerical calculations on a 3D spinor
tight-binding model and discuss its implications.

We begin with a brief review of the construction of the hybrid
Wannier representation.  We choose a special direction, here $\hat{z}$,
along which the Wannier transformation is carried out, so that
the HWFs are localized in $z$ while remaining Bloch-like in the
other two directions.\cite{sgiarovello-prb01,marzari-prb97}
Explicitly,
\begin{equation}
\vert W_{ln}(k_x,k_y)\rangle =
\dfrac{c}{2\pi}\int dk_z
e^{i\mathbf{k}\cdot ({\mathbf{r}} -lc
\hat{z})} \vert u_{n,\mathbf{k}} \rangle,
\label{eq:hwf}
\end{equation}
where $l$ is a layer index and $c$ is the lattice constant
along $\hat{z}$. In general, there is a $U(N)$ gauge freedom
in choosing the $N$ representatives of the occupied space,
$\vert \tilde{u}_{n,\mathbf{k}} \rangle=\sum_m U_{nm}
\vert u_{m,\mathbf{k}} \rangle$, but there is a unique
gauge that minimizes the spread functional of the
WFs along $\hat{z}$.\cite{marzari-prb97}
These maximally localized HWFs and their WCCs
$\bar{z}_n(k_x,k_y)=
\langle W_{n0}\vert z \vert W_{n0} \rangle$
can be constructed using standard methods.\cite{marzari-prb97,wu-prl06}

For a 2D insulator the WCCs can be plotted as curves $\bar{z}_n$
vs.\ $k_\perp$ in a 1D projected BZ,\cite{soluyanov-prb11,yu-prb11}
while for a 3D insulator they can be visualized as sheets plotted
over the 2D projected BZ. In previous work\cite{taheri-prb14}
we have shown that these WCC sheets provide an insightful
characterization of the topological character of the insulator
in question, allowing one to see how electrons are adiabatically
pumped along $\hat{z}$ as $k_x$ and $k_y$ are varied.
For example, in a 2D Chern insulator
the WCCs shift by one or more lattice constants
along $z$ as $k_x$ evolves across the projected BZ,
pumping units of charge along that direction. This extra charge
is removed from the edge as the edge band crosses the Fermi energy.
Time reversal invariant (TRI) insulators have zero Chern numbers
but are characterized by $Z_2$ topological indices that are also
reflected in the structure of WCC sheets.
For example, a 3D TRI insulator is characterized by one strong
and three weak $Z_2$ indices, which can be
determined by examining how the WCC sheets connect along TRI
lines in the projected BZ for different Wannierization
directions.\cite{taheri-prb14}

It is also of interest to consider the behavior of the
WCC sheets as the crystal Hamiltonian is carried adiabatically
around a loop defined by some cyclic parameter $\alpha$
corresponding, e.g., to some combination of
atomic displacements and/or external fields. A celebrated
result of Thouless\cite{Thouless-prb83}
is that this results in quantized adiabatic charge transport, i.e.,
the pumping of exactly one electron per unit cell by a lattice
vector ${\bf R}$ during the cycle.  Normally ${\bf R}\!=\!\mathbf{0}$,
but for example if ${\bf R}=c\hat{z}$ this corresponds to the pumping
of one electron by one period along $z$ during the cycle
(a first Chern number of $C\!=\!1$), i.e., a change
in electric polarization $\Delta P_z=-e/A_{\rm cell}$ with $A_{\rm
cell}$ the projected unit cell area.

Let us see how this evolution occurs from the viewpoint of the HWF
representation.  Intuitively, we expect each WCC sheet to drift
along $z$ with increasing $\alpha$ such that it replaces the one
above it, and is replaced by the one below it, at the end of the
cycle.  We begin by defining Berry potentials ``living on the
sheets'' representation as
\begin{equation}
A_{x,ln,l'm}=\langle W_{ln} \vert i\partial_x \vert W_{l'm} \rangle \,,
\label{eq:Axdef}
\end{equation}
and similarly for $A_y$.  These are functions of $(k_x,k_y)$ and also
matrices in the space of sheet labels $ln$ (the $n^{\rm th}$ sheet in
cell $l$ along $z$).  The corresponding Berry potentials in the Bloch
representation are then just
\begin{eqnarray}
&& A_{x,nm}(\textbf{k})=\sum_l e^{ik_zlc}A_{x,0n,lm}(k_x,k_y) \,,
\label{eq:AjAj}\\
&& A_{z,nm}(\textbf{k})=\bar{z}_n(k_x,k_y)\,\delta_{nm} \,.
\label{eq:Azz}
\end{eqnarray}
Plugging into the Berry-phase formula for the electronic contribution
$P_j=-e(2\pi)^{-3} \sum_n\int d^3k\,A_{jn}(\textbf{k})$,
we find
\begin{eqnarray}
&&P_j=\frac{-e}{(2\pi)^2c}\sum_n\int d^2k\;A_{j,0n,0n}(k_x,k_y) \,,
\label{eq:Pj}\\
&&P_z=\frac{-e}{(2\pi)^2c}\sum_n\int d^2k\;\bar{z}_n(k_x,k_y) \,,
\label{eq:Pz}
\end{eqnarray}
where $j=\{x,y\}$ in Eq.~(\ref{eq:Pj}).  For the case of a parametric
loop that pumps electrons along $z$, the change $\Delta P_z=-e/A_{\rm cell}$
would occur via the gradual migration of the $\bar{z}(k_x,k_y)$ along the
$+\hat{z}$ direction, with a relabeling of sheets required at the
end of the loop.

Now we again consider an adiabatic cycle in a
3D insulator, but instead of resulting in the pumping of charge,
we examine the case where it results in the pumping of the
CSA coupling, increasing $\theta$ by $2\pi N$
where $N$ is a nonzero integer (second Chern number $C^{(2)}=N$).
This corresponds to a pumping of Berry curvature, instead of
electric charge, along $z$ during the adiabatic cycle.
For this purpose
we now extend the above discussion by defining a Berry curvature
on the WCC sheets as
$\Omega_{xy,ln,l'm}(k_x,k_y)=
  i\langle\partial_x W_{ln}\vert \partial_y W_{l'm}\rangle
 -i\langle\partial_y W_{ln}\vert \partial_x W_{l'm}\rangle$.
The relation to the Berry curvature in the Bloch representation
is similar to that for $A$ in \equ{AjAj}, namely
\begin{equation}
\Omega_{xy,nm}(\textbf{k})=\sum_l e^{ik_zlc}\Omega_{xy,0n,lm}(k_x,k_y) \,.
\label{eq:OO}
\end{equation}
The intrinsic AHC $\sigma_{yx}$ of the
crystal is just given by integrating the trace of $\Omega_{xy}$
in the Bloch representation over the 3D BZ, and this is easily shown
to be equal to
$(e^2/hc)\sum_n C_n$ where $C_n$ is the Chern number of the $n^{\rm th}$
sheet in the home unit cell, given by
$C_n=(2\pi)^{-1}\int d^2k \, \Omega_{xy,0n,0n}$. We shall exclude
quantum anomalous Hall insulators from our discussion here, so
we can assume that $\sum_nC_n=0$, but importantly the individual
$C_n$ can be nonzero.

We now address the central issue of this Letter, namely, how to
represent the CSA coupling $\theta$ in the HWF representation.
Starting from \equ{theta}, this can be written as
\begin{equation}
\theta=\theta_{z\Omega}+\theta_{\Delta xy}
\label{eq:theta-sum}
\end{equation}
where
\begin{equation}
\theta_{z\Omega}= - \frac{1}{2\pi}\int d^3k\, \textrm{Tr}[A_z\Omega_{xy}] \,,
\label{eq:theta_zo_3d}
\end{equation}
\vspace{-0.4cm}
\begin{equation}
\theta_{\Delta xy}=- \frac{1}{2\pi}\int d^3k\,
  \textrm{Tr}[A_y \partial_z A_x-iA_z[A_x,A_y]]
\label{eq:theta_dxy_3d} \,.
\end{equation}
Performing the $k_z$ integrals with the aid of Eqs.~(\ref{eq:AjAj}),
(\ref{eq:Azz}) and (\ref{eq:OO}), these are expressed in the HWF
representation as
\begin{equation}
\theta_{z\Omega}=-\frac{1}{c}\int d^2k\sum_n \bar{z}_n \, \Omega_{xy,0n,0n} \,,
\label{eq:theta_zo}
\end{equation}
\vspace{-0.4cm}
\begin{equation}
\theta_{\Delta xy}=\frac{i}{c}\int d^2k\sum_{lmn} (\bar{z}_{lm}-\bar{z}_{0n})
  A_{x,0n,lm}A_{y,lm,0n} \,,
\label{eq:theta_dxy}
\end{equation}
where $\bar{z}_{lm}=lc+\bar{z}_m$.
In deriving \equ{theta_dxy} we have used that
\begin{equation}
\dfrac{c}{2\pi} \int dk_z \textrm{Tr}[A_y \partial_z A_x]=\sum_l \sum_{nm}
(ilc)A_{x,0n,lm}A_{y,lm,0n} \,.
\label{eq:theta_ydx}
\end{equation}
Eqs.~(\ref{eq:theta-sum}) and (\ref{eq:theta_zo}-\ref{eq:theta_dxy})
constitute a major result of the present work.
Note that the integrands in Eqs.~(\ref{eq:theta_zo}-\ref{eq:theta_dxy})
are gauge-invariant in the Bloch directions, i.e., unchanged under
a phase twist $\exp(i\varphi_n(k_x,k_y))$.

Of primary concern to us here is the
``Berry curvature dipole'' term $\theta_{z\Omega}$ in
\equ{theta_zo}, which describes
the extent to which concentrations of positive and negative Berry
curvature on the WCC sheets, given by $\Omega_{xy,0n,0n}(k_x,k_y)$,
are displaced from one another along the $\hat{z}$ direction as given by
$\bar{z}_n(k_x,k_y)$.
Note that $\theta_{z\Omega}$ is shifted by $-2\pi C_n$
if the choice of WCC sheets comprising the home unit
cell is changed so as to shift some $\bar{z}_n$ by $c$.
The $\theta_{z\Omega}$ term is therefore the one
that has the $2\pi$ ambiguity, and
we shall see that it is responsible for the pumping of CSA coupling
in a non-trivial adiabatic cycle.
The second term $\theta_{\Delta xy}$, given by \equ{theta_dxy},
is a kind of intersheet contribution to $\theta$, in which the
$z$-separation between sheets at $(k_x,k_y)$ is coupled to the
off-diagonal (inter-sheet) matrix elements of the Berry potentials.
There is no $2\pi$ ambiguity associated with
this term, and as we shall see, it typically remains small
even when $\theta$ is at or near $\pi$.  We regard it as a
non-topological correction term that is needed for quantitative
accuracy but does not otherwise play a role in understanding
the topology of an insulator or the evolution of its CSA
coupling.

We now illustrate the concepts introduced above in the context of
a simple tight-binding model.
Following Essin
\textit{et al.},\cite{essin-prl09} we start with the Fu-Kane-Mele (FKM)
model,\cite{fu-prl07} which is a four-band model of
$s$ orbitals on a diamond lattice with spin-orbit interaction,
\begin{equation}
H_\textrm{FKM}=\sum_{<ij>}t(\textbf{e}_{ij})\,c_i^\dagger c_j + i
\lambda_{\rm so}
\sum_{\ll ij \gg} c_i^\dagger \textbf{s} \cdot
( \textbf{d}_{ij}^1 \times \textbf{d}_{ij}^2) c_j \, .
\label{eq:3d-km}
\end{equation}
The first term is a sum over first-neighbor hoppings, where
$\textbf{e}_{ij}$ is the bond vector, while the second term
involves second-neighbor hops in which vectors
$\textbf{d}_{ij}^{1,2}$ describe the two
first-neighbor bonds that make up the second-neighbor hop.
We take the cubic lattice constant to be unity.
In the original FKM model $t(\textbf{e}_{ij})=t_0$ independent of
hopping direction, but following Ref.~\onlinecite{essin-prl09} we
take $t(\textbf{e}_{ij})=t_0(3+\delta)$ for the bond along
(111) and $t_0$ for the other three bonds.
We set the first-neighbor and spin-dependent second-neighbor
hoppings to $t_0=1$ and $\lambda_{\rm so}=1$ respectively, and
assume two bands are occupied.

Starting from cubic symmetry at $\delta=-2$, where there
are gap closures at the high-symmetry $X$ points,
the symmetry is lowered and the gap is opened as $\delta$ is
varied, allowing trivial, weak, and strong topological phases to
be accessed.\cite{taheri-prb14}
The strong topological and trivial phases are separated from
each other by a band touching at the $\Gamma$ point
when $\delta=0$.
Again following Essin \textit{et al.}\cite{essin-prl09} we add a staggered
Zeeman field $h$, and define an adiabatic loop parametrized by
$\delta(\alpha)=m\,\cos(\alpha)$
and $h(\alpha)=m\,\sin(\alpha)$ where $\alpha$ runs from 0 to $2\pi$,
such that the system remains insulating on the loop and $\theta$ is
pumped by $2\pi$.
The HWF representation is constructed with $\hat{z}$
along the (111) direction, parallel to the bond with altered
hopping strength.

\begin{figure}
\includegraphics[width=3.4in]{a.ps}
\caption{\label{fig:bzpump}
The two WCC sheets of the half-filled FKM model, and one set
of periodic images, at four stages
$\alpha=(0,\,3\pi/4,\,\pi,\,5\pi/4)$ along the parametric cycle
(clockwise from upper left).
Blue and red colors show positive and negative values
of Berry curvature $\Omega_z$ on the sheets.
The Chern numbers associated with the individual
WCC sheets are shown for those cases where sheets do not touch.}
\end{figure}

The WCC sheets derived from the two occupied bands in the FKM model
are shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:bzpump}, where one pair of sheets
and one copy of their periodic images along $\hat{z}$ are shown
for some points around the adiabatic loop. The evolution of the
Wannier sheet positions
at the four TRI points, namely at $\Gamma$ and at the three equivalent
$M$ points, is plotted in Fig.~\ref{fig:curvature_pump}.

\begin{figure}
\includegraphics[width=2.9in]{mg.ps}
\caption{\label{fig:curvature_pump}
The WCCs at the (a) $M$-point and (b) $\Gamma$-point
as they evolve around the adiabatic loop.
Blue and red colors show positive and negative values
of Berry curvature at these points.}
\end{figure}

The system has TR symmetry at $\alpha\!=\!0$ and
$\pi$, where the system is $Z_2$-even and $Z_2$-odd respectively,
and where the WCC sheets pair up at the four TRI-points
due to Kramers degeneracy.\cite{taheri-prb14}
In the normal phase at $\alpha\!=\!0$ this results in a pair of sheets
connected by Dirac points at all four TRI momenta, and each pair is
well separated from its neighbors along $\hat{z}$.  As $\alpha$
increases, the Dirac crossings are gapped and the sheets begin
to separate.  At the three $M$ points the separation
between the pair remains quite small, and the same sheets touch
again at $\alpha\!=\!\pi$, as is obvious from
Fig.~\ref{fig:curvature_pump}(a).  At the $\Gamma$ point, however, the
behavior is much more interesting; the sheets separate strongly
and eventually reconnect with their neighbors from the next unit
cell along $\hat{z}$ when $\alpha\!=\!\pi$.  The swapping of
partners at an odd number of the TRI points (here, only at $\Gamma$)
is characteristic of the strong topological ($Z_2$-odd) phase at
$\alpha\!=\!\pi$.  Note, however, that the WCC sheets, taken together,
have no net displacement along the $\hat{z}$ direction, so no charge
is pumped.

Now we ask what happens to the CSA coupling $\theta$ during this cycle,
and to do this we inspect the Berry curvature $\Omega_{xy}$ on the
sheets. This is represented by the color-scale shading
in Figs.~\ref{fig:bzpump} and \ref{fig:curvature_pump}.
Recall that the evolution of $\theta$
is expected to be reflected in the behavior of the $\theta_{x\Omega}$
term as given by Eq.~(\ref{eq:theta_zo}).  We immediately see
that the behavior near the $M$ points is uninteresting; positive
and negative Berry curvature contributions separate slightly at
first, but they then reverse and recross, and never give a large
contribution to $\theta_{z\Omega}$.

Near $\Gamma$, however,
the story is strikingly different.  A
negative
(red) increment of Berry curvature is transported along $+\hat{z}$ while a
positive (blue) contribution is carried along $-\hat{z}$ as $\alpha$ evolves
from 0 to $\pi$.
For small and positive $\alpha$ we intuitively
expect that the total Berry curvature near $\Gamma$ in the
top and bottom sheets (at $\bar{z}_2$ and $\bar{z}_1$)
should be $-\pi$ and $\pi$ respectively,
characteristic of a weakly gapped Dirac point. Thus the contribution
to the Berry curvature dipole term $\theta_{z\Omega}$ from the vicinity
of $\Gamma$, which is approximately
$\pi(\bar{z}_2(0,0)-\bar{z}_1(0,0))/c$, grows gradually as $\alpha$
increases and the sheets get further apart at $\Gamma$.  As
$\alpha\rightarrow\pi$ the separation between the sheets at $\Gamma$
approaches a full lattice constant $c$ and the contribution to
$\theta_{z\Omega}$ approaches $\pi$.  This expectation is confirmed in
Fig.~\ref{fig:theta}, where we plot the evolution of $\theta$
\textit{vs.}\ $\alpha$, and also its two individual contributions
$\theta_{z\Omega}$ and $\theta_{\Delta xy}$, as computed from
Eqs.~(\ref{eq:theta_zo}-\ref{eq:theta_dxy}).
Compared to $\theta_{z\Omega}$, the non-topological $\theta_{\Delta xy}$
term is almost negligible everywhere around
the adiabatic loop, with the possible exception of the vicinity of
the $Z_2$-odd phase where it reverses suddenly, as a result of the
WCC sheets from adjacent layers coming close to each other at
the $\Gamma$-point.

\begin{figure}
\includegraphics[width=2.9in]{theta12.ps}
\caption{\label{fig:theta}
The CSA coupling $\theta(\alpha)$, and the contributions of the
topological term $\theta_{z\Omega}$ and the correction term
$\theta_{\Delta xy}$, for the FKM model as it evolves around the
adiabatic loop.}
\end{figure}

As $\alpha$ passes through $\pi$ there is a Dirac touching at $\Gamma$
between sheet 2 in the home cell and sheet $1$ in the cell above,
with a hand-off of $-2\pi$
units of Berry curvature (or a Chern number of $-1$) from the former
to the latter, and with the concentration of Berry curvature near
$\Gamma$ in band 2 switching from $-\pi$ to $\pi$.
A direct evaluation of \equ{theta_zo} would show $\theta_{z\Omega}$
and $\theta$ dropping discontinuously by $2\pi$ as
$\alpha$ crosses through $\pi$, but we make use of the gauge freedom
to apply a $2\pi$ shift of $\theta$ to impose physical continuity
when drawing the curves in Fig.~\ref{fig:theta}.

Of course, here we have illustrated the behavior of just one model
system, and we have found that the pumping of $\theta$ by $2\pi$
is accomplished by a series of touching events between WCC sheets,
such that one Chern number of Berry curvature is handed off to the
neighboring sheet with each touching.  But having seen this, it is
now clear in retrospect that {\it any cycle that pumps $\theta$ by
$2\pi$ must involve such a sequence of touching events.} For, if these
events did not occur, the CSA coupling could not be passed along by
a lattice vector during the cycle.  Incidentally, this observation
also explains why a non-trivial $\theta$ pumping cycle is impossible
in a system with a single occupied band, since in this case the WCC
sheets are always separated by $c\hat{z}$ and can never touch.

One can also consider the corresponding evolution of the Berry
curvatures and Chern transfers for finite slabs, where the bulk
of the slab undergoes the same cyclic evolution.  If the surface
Hamiltonian could be constantly readjusted so as to remain insulating,
the net result at the end of the cycle would be to change the
surface AHC by $\pm e^2/h$ at the bottom
and top surfaces of the slab respectively.  In the more common case
that the surface returns to its initial state at the end of the
cycle, the AHC must return to itself too, so the slab is topologically
required to have a metallic surface phase over some interval of
$\alpha$, such that the extra Chern number can be removed.
The existence of such surface states can be an experimental signature
characterizing any adiabatic loop with non-zero second Chern number.

In summary, we have demonstrated that an analysis of the WCC sheets
as defined in the HWF representation, which had previously been shown to
be useful for identifying and visualizing the topological
properties of non-trivial insulating phases, also provides an
insightful characterization of a non-trivial parametric loop
characterized by a second Chern number.  By defining Berry connections
and curvatures associated with the WCC sheets, we have derived
a new formula for the CSA axion coupling $\theta$, emphasizing that
it is naturally decomposed into a topological Berry curvature dipole
term and a non-topological correction term.  We showed that the
WCCs exhibit a non-trivial zigzag behavior as a function of the
loop parameter.  However, unlike for a Chern or $Z_2$-odd insulator,
this zigzag evolution of the WCCs describes not the pumping of
charge, but the pumping of layer Berry curvature defined in terms
of the HWFs.  In our formulation the $2\pi$ ambiguity of $\theta$
is readily evident when some sheets have non-zero Chern numbers,
in which case a different assignment of sheets to the home unit
cell can shift $\theta$ by $2\pi$,
and the link to the surface anomalous Hall conductivity becomes more
direct.  We also speculate that Eqs.~(\ref{eq:theta_zo}-\ref{eq:theta_dxy})
may provide a more efficient practical means of computing $\theta$
than those used previously, since there is no need to establish a smooth
gauge in the 3D Brillouin zone.
In any case, we believe that our extended development of the HWF
representation should prove broadly useful in characterizing
the adiabatic evolution of topological materials and their
magnetoelectric properties.

This work was supported by NSF Grant DMR-14-08838, and was
inspired in part by preliminary calculations of Sinisa Coh.
We thank Ivo Souza for useful discussions.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


At 165g these are not particularly light carbon bars. There are many modern wide carbon flat bars that are under 100g. I'm hoping that these slightly heavier bars will have more of a margin for error.
This stem is available in 8 degree rise in lengths of 70, 80, 90, 100, 105, 110 and 120mm for both 25.4mm and oversize 31.8mm handlebars.


text:
Surrounded Southern Minnesota Man Calls In Bomb Threat At A School
Paul Shea Published: October 7, 2021
blinow61
The Albert Lea Police Department wasn't thrown off the scent of a wanted man after a bomb threat was called into a nearby school this morning. The man, who was ultimately arrested on outstanding warrants after barricading himself inside a residence, confessed to police after being arrested that he indeed was behind the bomb threat.
According to the Albert Lea Police Department:
This morning at 10:41 a.m. the Albert Lea Police Department had determined that Anthony Jerome Woodraska, 33 years of age from Walters, MN was in a residence in the 800 Block of Third Ave South. Woodraska was wanted for numerous theft-related charges and a warrant from another county. Woodraska barricaded himself in the residence and was refusing officers' requests to come out of the residence. Officers continued to negotiate with Woodraska.
At 11:15 a.m. Lakeview School received a report of a bomb in the building. The school was immediately evacuated and emergency responders were dispatched. At 11:25 a.m. negotiations with Woodraska were successful and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Soon after Woodraska admitted that he called in the bomb threat in hopes that the police would leave. Woodraska was transported to the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center and booked in on the warrant and charges related to the theft and bomb threat.
The Albert Lea Police Department was assisted by Albert Lea Fire & Rescue and the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office.
According to the Anderson Law Firm, "Under Minnesota law, terroristic threat penalties are usually invoked for death threats or bomb threats. Calling in a bomb threat, whether real or fake, is a felony that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. An indirect communication of such nature, for example, when a person hints that a bomb may be present in a building but does not take direct personal responsibility, is also considered a terroristic threat and carries a slightly lower penalty of imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to $3,000."
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Source: Surrounded Southern Minnesota Man Calls In Bomb Threat At A School
Filed Under: Albert Lea Minnesota, Freeborn County Minnesota
Categories: Lifestyle, Local News


Our liveaboard service offers its guests to stay on board for one or more nights. This allows time to travel to more distant dive sites.
Snorkel with crocodiles and swim with sharks in Jardines de la Reina in Cuba! A once in a lifetime trip!
Ahhh. Cabo Pulmo. We believe this is the best diving in the Sea of Cortez. Bull sharks. Big fish. Giant schools of fish. Coral reefs. Humpback whales in season through mid-January, and much more!
Bahía de los Ángeles is a small fishing village of 1000 people that lies nestled between the rugged Sierra San Borja Mountains and the sparkling water of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). Every summer up to 220 whale sharks gather at the south end of this bay.


text:
Q: Fastest way to solve $x^3\equiv x \pmod{105}$ $$x^3\equiv x \pmod{105}$$
I'm trying to solve this equation. Here's what I tried so far:
$$x^3\equiv x \pmod{105} \iff x^2\equiv 1 \pmod{105}$$
Then, applying the Chinese remainder theorem, I got the system:
$$\cases{x^2 \equiv 1 \pmod{5}\\x^2 \equiv 1 \pmod{7}\\x^2 \equiv 1 \pmod{3}}$$
With the following solutions:
$$\cases{x \equiv \pm1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv \pm1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv \pm1 \pmod{3}}$$
At this point, I think I need to pretty much solve these eight systems:
$$\cases{x \equiv 1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{3}}
\cases{x \equiv 1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{3}}
\cases{x \equiv 1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{3}}
\cases{x \equiv -1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{3}}$$$$
\cases{x \equiv -1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{3}}
\cases{x \equiv -1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv 1 \pmod{3}}
\cases{x \equiv 1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{3}}
\cases{x \equiv -1 \pmod{5}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{7}\\x \equiv -1 \pmod{3}}$$
Here's how I solved the first one:
Considering the first two equations, we get:
$$x=5k+1=7h+1$$ from which $k = 7+7y, h = 5+5y$, with $y \in \mathbb{Z}$. Therefore, $$x=36+35y\iff x\equiv1\pmod{35}$$
Adding in the third equation, we have that $36+35y = 1+3 w$, from which $x = 1281 + 35w \iff x \equiv1\pmod{105}$.
However, this one seems like a really tedious method as I'd have to do the same calculations for seven more systems. Is there anything I'm missing? Is there a faster way to do this?

A: Hint $ $ It's always true mod $3,\,$ so by CRT we need only combine all roots $\{0,\pm1\}$ mod $5$ and $7,\,$ and $\,x\equiv a\pmod{\!5},\,x\equiv b\pmod{\!7}\!\iff\! x\equiv b+14(b-a)\pmod{\!35}.\,$ For $\,a,b\in \{0,\pm1\}$ this yields $\,x\equiv \pm \{0,1,6,14,15\}\pmod{\!35}$

A: As $x^3-x=(x-1)x(x+1)$ is a product of three consecutive integers
$3$ must divide $x^3-x$
So, we need $$x^3\equiv x\pmod{5\cdot7}$$
If $(x-1)x(x+1)\equiv0\pmod 5$
$\implies x\equiv0\ \ \ \ (1), x\equiv-1\ \ \ \ (2), x\equiv1\pmod5\ \ \ \ (3)$
Similarly,  $x\equiv0\ \ \ \ (4), x\equiv-1\ \ \ \ (5), x\equiv1\pmod7\ \ \ \ (6)$
Now apply  CRT  on $(1),(4); (1),(5);(1),(6);(2),(4); (2),(5);(2),(6)$


There is a popular practice in business to help people prioritize their work. Employees are asked – what can we stop doing – what can we keep doing – what can we start doing? Among other things, it's meant to weed out activities that take time but which would not be missed if they were stopped. And it is meant to help people manage their often heavy workloads so that energy, time, and resources are devoted to doing the right things in the right way to be successful. Interestingly enough, people often find it hard to let go of things that they have become so accustomed to doing. So how do you start to stop? Over the month of August, we've been looking at the Art of Rest – understanding what it is, and the many physical and emotional benefits associated with it. Join us as we close this series with a focus on why it's important to Start to Stop.


Nuna Pipa Car Seat Base - EcoBaby Gear, Inc.
Safety is number one when it comes to first purchases for your newborn. A car seat is a must. The PIPA made by Nuna provides safety that doesn't compromise style. The steel stability leg on the base helps to minimize forward rotation during impact, up to 90%. Also aircraft certified for travel. Read more about this amazing car seat. http://www.nuna.eu/USA/pipa - It comes in four colors, Indigo, berry, graphite, and night.


The Mellieha Bay Hotel is in the picturesque village of Mellieha in the northern part of Malta. Situated opposite of Ghadira Bay, one of Malta's most popular and largest sandy beach. This is an oportunity to enjoy the beach all day long. The Mellieha Bay Hotel is near other attractions in the area, such as the Ghadira Nature Reserve. This nature sight is situated within walking distance from the Hotel. If travelling with children, you must visit Popeye Village, located 10 minutes away by car. Other popular beaches in the area which would be worthwhile a visit are Paradise Bay and Golden Sands. The Hotel's proximity to the Gozo ferry, makes it easy for you to cross over to Malta's sister island.
The Mellieha Bay Hotel has 313 rooms and each room has a balcony enjoying the magnificent sea views. The rooms are clean and spacious, making sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. The Hotel rooms can accommodate single or twin occupancy however interconnection rooms are available. All rooms are air conditioned, have a satellite TV, mini bar (stocked upon requested) and tea and coffee making facilities. If you are travelling with children and require a cot, make sure to inform the Hotel and they will make it available.
The Hotel also caters for its small guests. It has two children's play area and two children's splash pools, table tennis and other indoor games. The restaurant has made sure that their menus also cater for children. During the busy months, the Hotel has organized various activities to keep children of all ages entertained. The Mellieha Bay Hotel has also set up entertainment for the parents and couples staying at the Hotel, both during the day and in the evening.
The Mellieha Bay Hotel offers various dining options for its guests. The main restaurant which overlooks Ghadira Bay, offers buffet style dining. During the summer months, full use of the terrace is made by hosting a BBQ for dinner. Whether you prefer staying by the pool or on the water's edge, the Hotel has made sure that one is served with light snacks, drinks and cocktails. If you prefer sipping a cocktail with live entertainment, then the Limelight Lounge is the place for you. Another place to have a light snack is the Lobby Café. Here you can enjoy a drink and a snack whilst planning your day ahead.
The Hotel offers other facilities, apart from the traditional pool and fitness center. The Hotel has pools tables and table tennis and bowling green. If you are a water sports enthusiast, the hotel offers a water sports center and scuba diving school.
The Mellieha Bay Hotel offers many facilities that makes your stay memorable. With the entertainment and facilities offered there is almost no need to leave the Hotel. Proximity to other entertainment facilities and public transport makes it easy for you to visit the Maltese Island with tranquility. Staying at the Mellieha Bay Hotel, is synonymous with fun and yet relaxation. Your stay will be memorable and truly a relaxing holiday.


Searching for a soothing Thanksgiving Day email template? Pick any of those offered below, customize it down, and indulge the customers with soothing newsletters.
Thanksgiving Day is one of the best holidays ever; it is filled with love, peace, gratitude to God, everyone, and everything. You are supposed to try to set the holiday spirit in your newsletters. Consequently, Thanksgiving Day email templates should be festive, heart-warming, soothing, charming, etc. Remind the customers that the holiday is coming.
As we can guess, Thanksgiving email design matters more than even generous value proposition.
A banner is the first thing your customers see when opening an email. Stripo enables you to place a wish over it. Apply any of the available decorative fonts to wrap in your texts and wishes. The great thing about it is that any text placed on a banner will be considered by all email clients as a part of an image — thus, it will be shown correctly.
Another way to make your Thanksgiving newsletter templates warming is inserting a video. This can be a video of you and all your team saying how grateful you are to your customers. Of course, if you are. On the web, you can hardly find an example. This means you will be one of the pioneers who send videos to their subscribers on this day.
You can do it in two different ways: either insert a link to the video located on Youtube or embed it into your Thanksgiving HTML email template.
For some reason, Black Friday, which is famous for its sales, comes the next day after Thanksgiving. So, you should be prepared for this event, as well.
You may want to introduce a big number of your products' items in free Thanksgiving newsletter templates prior to the Big sales day. Here, our smart-elements will be of great use. You configure them once, pick parameters you want to display next to the items' images; save these blocks to your personal contact library at Stripo editor. And at any time you need to display a wide range of products once again, you simply insert new links into these blocks, and the system will automatically replace all these parameters with new proper ones. Congratulate your customers on this day with sweet, tender email newsletters. Let them feel loved and cherished.


text:
module Gitlab
  module Ci
    module Pipeline
      module Chain
        module Helpers
          def error(message, config_error: false)
            if config_error && command.save_incompleted
              pipeline.yaml_errors = message
              pipeline.drop!(:config_error)
            end

            pipeline.errors.add(:base, message)
          end
        end
      end
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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text:
Range Rover Sport with Meridian Sound
As much fun as it was zooming around in the Jaguar F-Type—which appeared on the cover of our last issue and which is also equipped with a magnificent audio system from Meridian—the visceral experience of driving with the top and gas pedal down made it difficult to concentrate on anything but the sound of the engine. For this writer, the roar of a big V-8 always trumps whatever tunes are playing.
But the new Range Rover Sport is an entirely different animal. With a cockpit nearly as quiet as that of a Bentley, the Sport makes for the perfect spot to take advantage of what the Meridian system can deliver. It's a $1,950 option that you should not be without.
Joining some of motoring's most noteworthy journalists, we sit through a presentation that an outsider might think is comprised of a bunch of unlikely tourists being pitched on the idea of vacation time-shares. It's awfully quiet in the room as Range Rover's best and brightest share all the techie bits about what makes this new Sport model even more Range Rover-y. They also make a point to tell us that the Sport is backordered for months—which seems to impress the highly enthusiastic audience.
The design brief concentrates on the Sport's ability to deliver more off-road capability than Range Rover loyalists might be used to, as well as more boulevard-friendly cruising abilities for those pursuing more civil driving (i.e. Kim Kardashian and the country-club crowd). The new Sport is nearly 800 pounds lighter than the model it replaces, which becomes immediately apparent at the gas pump. Friends with the departing model tell me that they struggle to get 12 mpg; the new model will deliver close to 20 mpg in mixed driving environments—a major improvement.
But this enhanced performance is not just due to weight loss; it also comes from higher efficiency in all areas, from the engine management to the new and improved transmission, combined with better software controlling the drivetrain.
Just Get the V-8
While I truly preferred the supercharged V-6 power plant in the Jaguar F-Type—feeling that it was more lithe overall and hardly worth the gas-mileage penalty for the 0.5-second quicker 0-to-60-mph time of the V-8 version—the exact opposite is true with the Range Rover Sport. The 1-to-2-mpg penalty you'll pay for the big motor is a small price to pay for the posh feel that accompanies it. The 6-cylinder car feels fine at cruising speed, but when it's necessary to overtake the car next to you, the weaker engine's struggle is apparent in the cabin, feeling somewhat labored, whereas the V-8 version jumps ahead effortlessly.
And while the extra horsepower of the V-8 only shaves about 0.5 seconds from the 0-to-60 time in the Jag, it delivers a nearly 2-second quicker time in the Range Rover. Again, it's more about the way the power is delivered than the power itself. You never think about the engine in the V-8 model, as it should be in a luxury ride like this.
Both the V-6 and V-8 engines are based on the ones used in the Jaguar, yet in the Range Rover they are tuned more for maximum torque and a broader response curve, which benefits a wider range of driving experiences. You aren't going to be burning rubber when the tires are knee-deep in mud anyway—what you want is smooth, torque-heavy power delivery so you can leap out of the slimy spots with ease. Yet, where the V-6 feels fine most of the time, when you put the pedal down, you still feel the engine. By comparison, the V-8 has an effortlessness of power delivery that just seems oh so much more in keeping with the sporty ethos.
That's what the Range Rover Sport delivers: No matter how steep a hill we chose to climb or how slippery the conditions, this damn thing does not get stuck—ever. As a neophyte to off-roading (though I've ridden my share of dirt bikes through hellish conditions), I'm flabbergasted at the capabilities of this 5000-pound vehicle, which can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat—something that the Porsche Boxster in my garage cannot accomplish.
If there was ever a vehicle that can do damn near everything, the Range Rover Sport is it. Now, if we could only have the 35-mpg turbo diesel model that our European neighbors enjoy…
The Ultimate Mobile Concert Hall
Thanks to 1,700 watts and 29 speakers, all tailored to the Range Rover's interior environment, there is no better way to take the music to the street, or wherever. Most of our test vehicles have the standard Meridian system, which is no slouch, and adds $1,995 to the sticker. For all but the most die-hard music fans, this should suffice, but if you want to rock while you're rolling, you need the top-of-the-line Meridian Signature Audio Enhancement Package, which adds $4,995 to the MSRP—a small price to pay to be a major player.
And rock it does. Thanks to all of the DSP modeling performed by Meridian, an expert in this technology, each one of those 29 speakers is custom tuned to the Sport's luxurious cabin. Cranking up the new Nine Inch Nails album Hesitation Marks conveys the sheer industrial energy present on this disc, and even at near maximum volume, nothing in the Sport's cabin rattles or makes any kind of mechanical noise.
Next up, it's classic Scorpions—Love at First Sting. It might be a little bit out of character for this proper British vehicle to be blasting "Rock You Like a Hurricane," but again the Meridian system delivers the goods, providing maximum SPL and minimum distortion. Seriously, this system can generate major sound pressure, so we'll leave it up to you to establish your own definitions of reasonable and prudent while behind the wheel.
Because this is a surround-sound setup, those with 5.1-channel DVD-Audio discs can take full advantage of that functionality. The 1990s classic Toy Matinee is a ton of fun on this system, with vocals seeming to come up from between the front seats and with sprinkles of synthesizer fills coming from all over the cabin—brilliant!
You Know You Want It
I come away spoiled from my time spent with the Range Rover Sport equipped with the Meridian sound system—any other SUV now disappoints. I've driven them all and they pale in comparison. Nothing else has the versatility, the reputation or the panache. Granted, the Range Rover Sport may not be for everyone, but if I were writing a check for seventy large, this would be in my driveway in a heartbeat. - Jeff Dorgay
www.rangerover.com
www.meridian-audio.com
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text:
Home » Columns » For Queen and Country by Sherri Matthews
For Queen and Country by Sherri Matthews
On a warm July day in 1977, the Queen came to Ipswich for her Silver Jubilee. My friend, Helen, and I, had left school the year before in that long, hot summer of '76. Now we were stuffed like sardines on Ipswich High Street, waiting hours for a glimpse of her.
The Royal Cavalcade arrived at last. Prince Philip, hands clasped behind his back, came over first. Then came the Queen, resplendent in yellow and her sunshine smile. My Kodak Instamatic at my eye, finger hovering above the button… Snap. The woman in front of me leapt up to wave, giving me a wonderful close-up of her pink, feathery hat, the Queen's a flash of yellow in the background.
Though one among several warm memories I share with Helen – bonded since flute recital at middle school in Stowmarket at thirteen – I admit I found the Royal Family a bit stuffy, uninspiring. Yes, it was exciting to see the Queen so close, and as close as I ever would again, but I took her for granted. She was always there, all my life.
Up until then, my brief and passing interest in the Royals came by way of an assigned school project for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in Wales. It was 1969, he was twenty-one. I was ten. Beneath various cut-out newspaper and magazine photos which I pasted into a scrapbook, I wrote my summary in blue, felt-tip pen. Like a news reporter. Pens and paper and glue and scrapbooks were some of my favourite things. I look back now to 1969. It was also the year my parents split up, when we left our home in Surrey for Suffolk, a million miles away. Another planet. Yet I vividly recall the sense of empowerment and achievement that project gave me, immersing myself into something creative.
But The Royals? Back then? Not so much.
And then came Princess Diana and everything changed.
Through the divorces and the scandals, and accusations and tragedy to follow, the Queen was a constant presence through seventy years of reign, when bunting and street parties decorated the land for her glorious Platinum jubilee. After two years and counting of a global pandemic, 2022 has not seen the end of it. But it's also a year to get back out there and live. Though life, as we know, is never without its triumphs and disasters. In early July, the Foo Fighters concert my wonderful family had surprised me with was cancelled. Tragedy struck with the shock death of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins.
We kept our Airbnb reservation in London as planned, not wanting to miss a chance to spend time together. And as it turned out, I ended up going to a Guns 'n' Roses gig with my sons, but that's another story for another time. On Saturday, we took a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. Random, but it's something we'd always wanted to do.
Almost 1,000 years of that history is retained within the walls and ancient flagstones of Westminster Hall. Plaques inscribed with dates of trials of the likes of Guy Fawkes and Thomas Moore (executed by King Henry VIII) mark the very spot where they took place.
And where, centuries later, the Queen's father, King George VI, lay in state after his death in 1952.
The tour took us through the House of Commons and House of Lords and back outside, a stunning view of Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben. In the summer sun, it gleamed as clean as I've ever seen it and no scaffolding. After what felt like a long time away, this iconic London sighting imbued a measure of hope for recovery for my country.
We returned home on Sunday. On Monday, our government collapsed. Boris was fired. But more importantly to me, The Foo Fighters had announced a tribute concert for Taylor Hawkins. And there I was in London again with my family on September 2nd, watching Dave Grohl play at Wembley to a crowd of 80,000 fans and counting.
On September 5th, we got our new Prime Minister. Two days later, she had her first audience with the Queen in Balmoral. On September 8th, our beloved Queen died.
Our nation entered a period of mourning. I, along with millions, watched as processions and vigils and honour guards marched to our collective, final goodbye to our Dear Lady. There she rested, Lying in State, in Westminster Hall, just as her father and mother had done before her. And for four days and nights, thousands upon thousands filed past, paying their respects.
Thank you for your service, Ma'am.
Our country remains in political and economic crisis, and since starting this article, we have yet another new Prime Minister. But God Bless the Queen, I say. And God Save the King.
My mother remembers watching the Queen's coronation in 1953. My grandfather purchased the family's first television set to watch it, inviting all the neighbours. Mum was sixteen. But for everyone younger than 70, we've never witnessed such a momentous and historical time such as this.
All those decades ago when I did my school project, the very idea of Mum and I watching the Queen's state funeral together in 2022 was so far from our thoughts to be impossible to contemplate. It gave me pause when Charles was proclaimed King Charles III on my birthday. He had a long wait.
Today, Mum struggles with cognitive impairment, but she remembers that scrap book of my school-girl write-ups of a young Prince of Wales. She still has it, she's sure, somewhere in her loft. Apparently, I got a gold star.
Sherri's non-fiction, flash fiction and poetry are published in magazines, anthologies and online at her blog. As a young mum of three, she emigrated from the UK to California and stayed for twenty years. Today she lives in England's West Country with her family and two black cats. She is working hard to bring her debut memoir to publication.
By Charli Mills in Columns on November 26, 2022 .
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D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
I enjoyed this Sherri. For me, as a kid, the queen was the lady on the Canadian coins, caribou, beaver and such on the other side. You're right, it seems it's always been Queen Elizabeth and always would be, even as we all got older. Even as we all saw so much change. I was surprised how surprised I was at her passing, given her age. Her death (and her life!) are a marker for us all, and your essay highlights that very well.
Sherri Matthews says:
Thank you for reading, Dee. Just my reflections on this summer swirling around my head at the time of writing. I think a great many of us were surprised at how sudden it all was with the Queen's passing. End of an era, truly.
suespitulnik says:
Sherri,
Thank you for sharing and putting the 70 years in perspective. The Queen was an amazing lady.
I hope your new Prime Minister can hold things together and improve your economy.
I'm waiting for your memoir.
Hi Sue, and I hope so too. Thank you for reading, you are music to my ears.
So lovely to catch up with you again, Sherri! What a roller coaster is life! Sending hugs to you and Mum.
Thank you for the hugs, Jo. A roller coaster for sure…
robbiesinspiration says:
Hi Sheree, an interesting walk through your memories. The UK has some problems, but so does everywhere else. Many countries have far worse issues but the UK's get more media attention and coverage for various reasons. Keep your chin up, the UK has always been there and it always will be there.
Thanks, Robbie. I wonder what media attention is given abroad to the true nature of the UK's problems? I can only comment from my own perspective and experience here. But having once lived in another country for 20 years, I do know that those perspectives can differ wildly.
Yes, perspectives can differ with media coverage. What I have read and heard mainly revolves around the increasing cost of living, energy crisis, and the fact that the UK is officially in a recession. The USA and Europe are having similar problems with high costs of food and energy. Here in South Africa, millions of people live in shacks made of corrugated iron with only one room. They use communal chemical toilets provided by government if they are lucky, some only have long drop toilets. These squatter camps also have communal taps for water. South Africa is also having continuous power outages called load shedding. Wealthier people have generators and battery systems, but the poor just go without power for hours, sometimes days. That being said, life is a lot worse for people living in neighbouring Zimbabwe or in war-torn countries. The world is a difficult place at the moment.
We took that same Houses of Parliament tour a few years ago. I so wanted to join the queue that snaked along Westminster Hall, but alas knew I could not stand for all those hours.
I would have loved to also, Stevie. The logistics made it impossible for me at the time to get up there, etc.. So moving, nothing like it in our lifetime. A fascinating tour, isn't it?
It is. One day we'll go back and do that tour again, I think.
A fascinating tour, isn't it? Same, but family logistics made it impossible for me at the time. So moving, nothing like it in our lifetime.
A fascinating tour isn't it? Same here, family logistics made it impossible for me at the time to get up to London. So moving, nothing like it in our lifetime. Thank you for reading, Stevie.
Gary A Wilson says:
A wonderful read Sherri.
You know perspectives like this are a mystery to us here in the US, so I really enjoyed seeing this through your eyes.
I sorta understood the value of the recently passed queen, but of her first born, him I don't get and hope he steps up to deserve the title somehow.
Thank you for reading, Gary. I know exactly what you mean, having once lived in the US for 20 years. I do think it's so valuable sharing our different perspectives, so often, I find, they come with surprises. And we learn a lot that way. I hope the same for our new King. Strange times in more ways than one.
It's lovely to see you here, Sherri, and read this tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and your new monarch King Charles III. As for you, the Queen was a constant in my life. It was difficult to imagine life without her, and it seem to have come so quickly at the end. Her reign will remain the longest for decades, maybe centuries to come. Her son's reign must be brief in comparison, and his son's too. What an amazing era in which we live.
Ah Norah, lovely to see you, too! I haven't blogged this whole year, crazy. What a reign for our Queen, unmatched and unparalleled in her steadfastness and sacrifice to duty. May it live on through our King and to Prince William.
Indeed. The expectations are high. 🙂
Hi Charli, many thanks for hosting me again, it's been wonderful to be back at the Ranch after too long. But often or little, so long as we keep riding then we're in okay shape, right? Lovely to chat with old friends here, done me good.