Good timing is sometimes everything. Bad timing is, too. We first caught sight of Andy Stephens' 1992 Ford Explorer at a desert cleanup event in Barstow, California. The Explorer was a clean prerunner, still sporting its original square-style grille, and still powered by the factory 4.0 OHV V-6. Hoping to schedule a photo shoot, yours truly placed a call a few weeks later. Too late: The dust was newly settling from a major Sawzall session. "I just finished cutting it up for a major rebuild," Andy disclosed. We decided to keep in touch and possibly shoot the truck later on.
By pulling the powertrain and slicing the sheet metal, Andy had cleared the way for bigger and better components—a bigger engine, longer-stroke shocks, bigger tires, and a full-race rollcage. The leaf-sprung rear suspension was going by the wayside, too, and would be replaced with a long-travel linked rear suspension.
The 1992 Ford Explorer was primed for a major performance infusion. It was also on the edge of a giant abyss. Have you ever bit off more than you could chew? Many would-be truck builders do exactly that. Big plans lead to a big teardown, which leads to big-time frustration when time, cash, and motivation run short. The anticlimactic end comes when the project gets parted out.
Working in his garage after hours, Andy plugged away. Time was divided between the truck and his wife and son. Done right, this balancing act results in a completed truck and a happy, supportive family. Done wrong, everyone's angry and the truck gets parted out, or the truck gets completed and the family gets parted out, not good!
Andy did it right. Three years after the Sawzall session, the rebuilt 1992 Ford Explorer was a reality, and his family was harmoniously intact. Andy emailed an update, saying the rebuild was complete and the Explorer was functional again. Confession time: I was a slacker about responding to the email.
About a month later, we happened to park next to each other at Milestone MX Park. Andy was there with his son, getting a newly acquired KTM 65SX dialed in. I was attempting to storm the Vet track on my KX125. Coincidence? More like a second chance served up on a silver platter. It was meant to be.
Fourteen-inch stroke Radflo coilover and bypass shocks yield 19 inches of clean, limit-strapped wheel travel.
The depth and breadth of the rebuild is astonishing. The factory frame is still there, as is the Explorer's body shell and front doors. Virtually everything else was re-worked, ditched, or replaced. A less-tenacious builder would have parted out the project six months in.
The 4.0 OHV V-6 is long gone, replaced by a well-built Ford 302 V-8. The front suspension is a stronger, longer-legged version of its former self. Out back, you'll find a custom three-link rear suspension system that uses BTF trailing arms and Radflo shocks. A bow-to-stern rollcage connects it all.
Were all the late nights worth it? That can only be answered from inside the 'cage. Andy's Explorer flies far and lands smooth. It erases nasty whoop sections and plasters smiles firmly on faces. Yes, it was worth it.
Got big plans? It's good to aim high, but it's criminally easy to slice off a bigger build than you're equipped to complete. Andy's skills and determination meant that the rebuild was never Mission Impossible. There is, however, no doubt it was Mission Difficult. Now, it's Mission Accomplished.
Thirty-seven-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A's bring fullsize performance to this midsize Explorer. Without the sheet metal surgery and oversized fiberglass fenders, they'd never fit. Bigger tires mean smaller holes, though there's a point of diminishing returns if you go too big.
Rear suspension: Three-link with BTF trailing arms, upper wishbone built by Andy Stephens, 14-inch-stroke 2.5-inch diameter Radflo coilovers, 16-inch-stroke 2.5-inch diameter Radflo bypass shocks, 4-inch stroke Radflo bumpstops.


text:
76 Ukrainians return home following detainee exchange
The exchange of detainees between Ukraine and Russia has ended at the Mayorske entry and exit checkpoint in the Donetsk region, Ukraine's Presidential Office has reported on Facebook.
"The mutual release of detained persons is over. Seventy-six of our people are safe in Ukraine-controlled territory," the report reads.
According to preliminary data from Ukrainian Ombudsman Liudmyla Denisova, 80 Ukrainian captives were to be released.
She did not rule out that the number of people could change.
On December 23, during a videoconference of the Trilateral Contact Group, an agreement was reached on the mutual release of detained persons by the end of the year, as stipulated by the conclusions of the Normandy Four summit in Paris on December 9.
Five former Berkut police officers – Pavlo Abroskin, Serhiy Zinchenko, Oleksandr Marynchenko, Serhiy Tamtura and Oleh Yanishevsky - were included in the prisoner swap list.
They are charged with abuse of power, unlawful handling of weapons, premeditated murder and causing bodily harm to Maidan activists.
On December 28, 2019, Kyiv Court of Appeal ruled to change the measures of restraint for five former employees of the Berkut special police force in the Maidan killings case to personal recognizance.
Serhiy Shypilov, chief of surgical clinic at Kharkiv Hospital
OSCE chair to visit Donbas
Ukrainian president commemorates Donetsk airport defenders

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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You may give to HMI in general or support any of our specific research programs.
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Naming opportunities will enable you to include your name in the history and background of cutting-edge research and the discovery of new medicines.


text:
The Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station () is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station  south of Liyang in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. Preliminary construction began in 2002 and major works started in May 2011. The first unit of the power station was commissioned in 2017, the power station will have an installed capacity of 1,500 MW.

As a pumped-storage scheme, the power station shifts water between an upper and a lower reservoir. During periods of low energy demand, when electricity is cheap, the power plant can pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper. When energy demand is high, water is released back down to the power station to produce electricity. The power station will contain six 250 MW reversible Francis pump-turbines which serve to both pump water and generate electricity. The upper reservoir will be formed by a  tall concrete-face rock-fill dam and withhold  of water. Of that capacity,  is active (or usable) storage for power generation. The lower reservoir will be formed adjacent to the Shahe Reservoir with a series of dikes. The power station will generation an estimated 2.007 billion kWh annually and consume 2.676 billion kWh when pumping. Although the power station will consume more energy than it will produce, it is economical because pumping occurs when electricity is cheaper.

See also

List of pumped-storage hydroelectric power stations

References

Dams in China
Hydroelectric power stations in Jiangsu
Concrete-face rock-fill dams
Pumped-storage hydroelectric power stations in China

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


If you're looking for quick and convenient car hire from Agen La Garenne Airport, you can always trust Sixt %u2013 as one of Europe's market leaders, we offer an unrivalled fleet of premium rental cars. As you would expect, our car hire at Agen La Garenne Airport offers a choice to suit a range of needs and budgets, from economical and dependable smaller models to larger estates. And if you're searching for something special, take a look at our choice of 4x4s, sports cars and convertibles, as well as trucks and vans. Please be aware that we can only guarantee the car category booked, rather than a specific make or model although if you prefer an automatic, hybrid or diesel, you can request this when booking. Of course, car rental from Agen La Garenne wouldn't be complete without a choice of extras, so you can customise your trip. Booster, child and baby seats are all available to make sure that younger travellers enjoy the ride, additional driver options help you to share the driving, and a Sat Nav helps to take the hassle out of wayfinding on unfamiliar roads. For further reassurance, we give you the choice of additional cover, including roadside assistance and personal accident protection. And if your car hire from Agen La Garenne Airport is the start of a ski break in the Pyrenees, we can offer snow chains and ski racks too.
Agen La Garenne Airport %u2013 also known by the IATA code AGF %u2013 is conveniently located a mere 3km from the city centre. We will be pleased to meet you at the airport: all we need is the number of your flight, and confirmation of your address and card number, together with your mobile and email details so we can get in touch. With car hire from Agen La Garenne Airport, it's all part of the Sixt service.
Many regions of France consider themselves the home of good food and drink. The city's claims to fame include wines enjoyed since Roman times, artisan chocolates and the famous stuffed prunes that were Napoleon's favourite luxury. A walk through the old town can soon become a tasting tour! Highlights at the Museum of Fine Art include Goya's self-portrait and paintings by Sisley and Corot. But car rental from Agen La Garenne Airport gives you the freedom to explore further afield. For a change of pace, children will love the water rides and rollercoasters of Walibi amusement park. It's only a short drive west, so it's close enough for a proper day out.


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Tag: Ascot races
Pyledriver Drives Out Opposition in The King George at Ascot
Trophy for The Winning Owner of the King George The race was first run in 1951 after it was an amalgamation of two races, the first was the King George Vi Stakes, a race over two miles which was first run in 1946. The second race was to celebrate and commemorate The King's wife, Queen
History to be Made at Ascot with Enable – but with so few runners?
This weekend sees the sixty-ninth running of The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. There are a few horse races every year throughout the world which are truly 'iconic', and this race is one of them. Even if you have absolutely no interest in horse racing, this race run over 1 ½


An alphabet book for children that emphasizes Pagan concepts.
A Pagan Book of ABCs 3.2 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 41 reviews.
Is excatly what it says ABC Book but instead of saying a is for apple, b is for boy, etc. it replaces 'everyday' things with things like the elements, 8 sabbats of the wheel year, etc.
SpiritRane: If you are a youngin or a just starting out Pagan than this book is pretty helpful for Pagan terminology, or if you just eant to lean more about a different religion.
K if this book is supposed to be for little kids well its terribly hard to understand. Its even hard for me to understand!!!!! I thought i was pretty good though.
Horrible! Its really hard to understand.
It was cool for little kids but my kids are to old for it.


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Q: Define key when buffer is read-only I'm trying to use the keys "n" and "p" the same way as "C-n" and "C-p" when my buffer is read-only (yes, I'm lazy).
I use this code in my .emacs file :
(when buffer-read-only (local-set-key "n" 'next-line))
(when buffer-read-only (local-set-key "p" 'previous-line))

which is working when the buffer is automatically set as read-only (i.e. like within w3m) but it seems it doesn't work when I run C-x C-q (toggle-read-only). It keeps saying
Buffer is read-only: #<buffer buffername>

and I have no idea of how this could work otherwise...

A: Your key definitions are evaluated during load of .emacs, whereas you want them evaluated each time a read-only file is visited, and each time toggle-read-only is executed. Furthermore, you want them undone whenever a buffer is made read-write again.
Instead of implementing all that, you can make use of the fact that Emacs already supports automatic activation of view-mode in read-only buffers. All you need to do is enable that functionality, and define your keys in view-mode-map:
(setq view-read-only t)     ; enter view-mode for read-only files
(define-key view-mode-map "n" 'next-line)
(define-key view-mode-map "p" 'previous-line)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Хидросферата (от гръцки: ὕδωρ – вода) е съвкупността от всички води на Земята – океани, морета, реки, езера, язовири, блата, ледници, подземни води, водата в атмосферата. Тя покрива 71% от площта на Земята. Ресурсите от прясна вода в хидросферата са не повече от 2,52% от общия обем на хидросферата. Основни характеристики на хидросферата са:

1) Тя е прекъсната геосфера, като водните обекти са разположени дискретно (прекъснато) по земната повърхност

2) Характеризира се с непрекъснато движение, тъй като водите постоянно преминават от едно агрегатно състояние в друго (Воден кръговрат).

Водите в хидросферата се делят на няколко групи.

1) Води на световния океан

 --> заемат по-голямата част от повърхността на нашата планета

 --> разположени са най-вече в Южното полукълбо, като заемат 81% от неговата площ

 --> солени води

2) Води в ледниците

 --> имат обем 24 хил. км3

 --> най-много от тях са разположени в Гренландия, а по-малка част – в планинските ледници и в ледниците в моретата.

 --> пресни води

 --> съставляват 68% от пресните води на планетата

3) Подземни води

 --> имат обем 24 хил. км3

 --> 10% от тях са пресни, като съставят 30% от пресните води на планетата

 --> някои от тях са с по-голяма минерализация, което ги прави по-солени.

4) Езерни води

 --> на Земята има 10 млн. езера, като 147 от тях са по-големи

 --> 44 от по-големите езера се намират в Азия, 28 – в Европа

 --> пресни води

5) Блатни води

 --> пресни води

 --> разпространени са в северните части на Северна Америка, Азия и Европа

6) Речни води

 --> обем – 2 млн. км3

 --> пресни води

7) Води в атмосферата

 --> под формата на водни пари

8) Води в почвите

Земята е единствената планета в Слънчевата система, на която има вода в течно агрегатно състояние. Тя покрива 71% от повърхността на Земята (97,5% от водата е солена и 2,5% – сладководна). Около 67,8% от прясната вода се намира във формата на лед в ледниците. На земната повърхност в епохата, която живеем сега са обособени четири океана и седем континента. Земната орбита, вулканичната дейност, гравитация, парников ефект, магнитно поле и богата на кислород атмосфера заедно създават подходящи условия за съществуването на вода в три агрегатни състояния на земната повърхност.

Земята се намира на такова разстояние от Слънцето, че при отсъствието на естествен парников ефект (създаван главно от водни пари и въглероден диоксид), температурата на повърхността на планетата би била под 0 градуса и всичката вода би замръзнала. Палеонтологични доказателства сочат, че преди милиарди години е имало период, в които естественият парников ефект на Земята е бил нарушен и океаните са били напълно замръзнали за период от 10 до 100 милиона години.

На други планети, като Венера например, водните пари в атмосферата са разрушени от слънчевата ултравиолетова радиация, поради което водородът е постоянно йонизиран и отнасян в междупланетното пространство от слънчевия вятър. Този ефект е бавен, но необратим, и с негова помощ учените обясняват липсата на вода на Венера. При отсъствието на водород кислородът реагира с повърхностния материал на планетата.

Високо в земната стратосфера тънкият слой озон поглъща почти изцяло ултравиолетовата радиация, идваща от Слънцето, като по този начин значително намалява йонизиращия ефект на радиацията върху водните пари. Озонът може да бъде получен само при наличието на свободен кислород в атмосферата и следователно е зависим от биосферата. Магнитното поле на Земята също помага, като блокира голяма част от слънчевия вятър (Виж йоносфера).

Вулканичните изригвания допринасят за освобождаването на допълнителни количества водна пара и въглероден диоксид в атмосферата. Земната тектоника позволява водата и въглеродният диоксид в атмосферата да се рециклират обратно в мантията под формата на скали като варовик. Според съвременни изчисления цялото количество вода, което се съдържа в мантията, е около 10 пъти по-голямо от водата в световните океани. Общата маса на хидросферата (вода на повърхността на Земята) се изчислява на 1,4×1021 kg или 0,023% от общата маса на Земята.

Строеж на Земята


A complete antique French ceramic floor with its original triple laid full size and half size border tiles reclaimed from the reception room of a house dated 1910-1920 in the north eastern suburb of Bondy, Paris.
The total surface area is 16m2 / 170 sq ft.
Of a geometric theme, the principal 14.5cm square field tile, in a palette of dove grey, charcoal, off-white and mid-blue tessellates to form an alternating star linked design in one corner and an interlocking blue square in the other. The borders take from the same palette with the double-laid small border also using the same star theme. 8 border corner tiles for the small borders and 4 for the large borders are available.
The floor has cleaned very well, as the high resolution photographs of a random section show; the ceramic is of excellent quality, colours are consistent and strong and aside the occasional edge nibbles and small chips on a small number of tiles expected of a floor over 80 years old it is in excellent condition. Being ceramic, the 15mm thick tiles can be laid with under-floor heating systems as they are superb retainers and distributors of heat and given that they are a highly fired tile they are impervious to high summer and sub-zero winter temperatures and can therefore be laid inside or outside of the home. The ceramic is fine and dense and the tiles do not need sealing once laid as a regular wash it all that is needed to retain their beauty.
Large borders – 80 plus 4 corners – 1.76m2 / 19 sq ft or 12.2 linear metres / 40 linear ft.
Small borders – 160 plus 8 corners – 1.76m2 / 19 sq ft or 24.4 linear metres / 80 linear ft.
If you have any questions regarding our +/- 16m2+ / 170 sq ft+ antique ceramic geometric floor with triple borders c.1910-1920, simply complete the short form below and we'll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.


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text:
Billy-lès-Chanceaux és un municipi francès, situat al departament de la Costa d'Or i a la regió de Borgonya - Franc Comtat. L'any 2007 tenia 81 habitants.

Demografia

Població
El 2007 la població de fet de Billy-lès-Chanceaux era de 81 persones. Hi havia 32 famílies, de les quals 12 eren unipersonals (4 homes vivint sols i 8 dones vivint soles), 8 parelles sense fills, 8 parelles amb fills i 4 famílies monoparentals amb fills.

La població ha evolucionat segons el següent gràfic:

Habitants censats

Habitatges
El 2007 hi havia 59 habitatges, 36 eren l'habitatge principal de la família, 19 eren segones residències i 4 estaven desocupats. 56 eren cases i 3 eren apartaments. Dels 36 habitatges principals, 25 estaven ocupats pels seus propietaris, 6 estaven llogats i ocupats pels llogaters i 4 estaven cedits a títol gratuït; 2 tenien una cambra, 3 en tenien dues, 6 en tenien tres, 5 en tenien quatre i 19 en tenien cinc o més. 25 habitatges disposaven pel capbaix d'una plaça de pàrquing. A 16 habitatges hi havia un automòbil i a 16 n'hi havia dos o més.

Piràmide de població
La piràmide de població per edats i sexe el 2009 era:

Economia
El 2007 la població en edat de treballar era de 51 persones, 39 eren actives i 12 eren inactives. De les 39 persones actives 38 estaven ocupades (20 homes i 18 dones) i 1 aturada (1 home). De les 12 persones inactives 4 estaven jubilades, 5 estaven estudiant i 3 estaven classificades com a «altres inactius».

Activitats econòmiques
Dels 4 establiments que hi havia el 2007, 1 era d'una empresa de fabricació d'elements pel transport, 1 d'una empresa de fabricació d'altres productes industrials i 2 d'empreses de serveis.

L'any 2000 a Billy-lès-Chanceaux hi havia 6 explotacions agrícoles.

Poblacions més properes
El següent diagrama mostra les poblacions més properes.

Referències

 Résumé statistique Fitxa resum de dades estadístiques de Billy-lès-Chanceaux a l'INSEE.
 Évolution et structure de la population Fitxa amb el detall de dades de Billy-lès-Chanceaux a l'INSEE
 France par commune  Dades detallades de tots els municipis de França accessibles a partir del mapa.

Municipis de la Costa d'Or


text:
Spike Lee Is Directing a Hip-Hop 'Romeo and Juliet' Called 'Prince of Cats'
It's based on Ron Wimberly's graphic novel of the same name
By Sarah Murphy
Spike Lee has signed on to helm a film adaptation of Ron Wimberly's graphic novel Prince of Cats (itself a reinterpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet).
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee's adaptation will be a hip-hop version of the classic tale, set in the 1980s in Da People's Republic of Brooklyn.
The story will be told through the lens of Tybalt (cousin to Juliet) and his Capulet family.
In addition to duelling the Montague family with underground swordfighting, there will also be battles involving DJing, emceeing, breakdancing and graffiti.
The script was written by Lee, Wimberly and Selwyn Seyfu Hinds.
Lakeith Stanfield was initially slated to star in the film, but he is no longer attached to the project.
Lee's last film to be released was the Oscar-nominated BlacKkKlansman. He also recently shot a film called Da 5 Bloods, which is currently in post-production.
More Spike Lee
Quentin Tarantino Is Turning 'Bounty Law' into an Actual TV Show
Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is doing quite well for itself this awards season, so it makes sense the director would wa...


Carry out you own home office? Will your desks look like a indivisible bomb struck it, spreading paper all around you? Is very area protected with paper? Will the newspapers do the job spill out coming from your children's desk drawers and on to the floors? May you even find your desk to work with it?
If this applies to you or even probably or perhaps a tiny bit to any of the concerns you need to remain down (probably after you have drawn in a couch out of some other space, your job seat becoming protected with papers), and put together a decide to organize your office desk.
Grab the documents littered on your own desk and begin to arrange them into piles. First of all organize all of them according to type. Nevertheless type of newspaper should certainly be placed in the same heap electronic. g. circulars, characters, responds (copies) and leaflets. Next, type within just these things for night out relevancy. Place the the majority of current on top of the heap and the oldest at the bottom. Toss, right away, those people who are in the wrong room and also have nothing to carry out with your paperwork.
Once you have carried out this, start to discard. Dispose of those circulars and pamphlets that will be not current or relevant. Throw aside products long past the due or expiration date. Anything that includes nothing to do with the genuine job or perhaps near future tasks and strategies need to be junked.
Place these types of tidy heaps apart, unless of course your processing case and in and out packaging are free, and begin the children's desk storage, applying the same approach.
Once you are through sorting the paper do the job, you will certainly have considerably reduced the quantity of excess paper on the workplace. It now could be back up to you to choose just how to record them.
Current work, quick projects need to be near available. They happen to be best left in a file on your table on a to-do, current or perhaps in field. Other tasks, correspondence, brochures and material should be placed in a record curio cabinet. These kinds of carry out not include to get situated directly next to you. They can be across the room or over the hall. Provided that all that unneeded paper documents is normally certainly not on your workdesk.
Presently there ought to certainly be low overabundance of in your receptionist counter. The just project or perhaps job noticeable has to be the only you you are currently doing work on. This will likely keep you along with your brain focused and your workdesk tidy.
In your desk, buy the various other elements. Place within reach of each additional things that belong mutually. All the computer system parts and requirements need to be located around each other. Phone should become on the family table inside easy reach. Pens, markers, pencils and other writing implements should be put in a box within desk, the sole ones around the desk? t surface getting the kinds required for the project or at present found in use. Newspaper clips, small rubber bands and other extra items need not end up being in the desk compartments. Keep these people and extra printing photos newspaper, varieties, business cards and related materials in a not open cabinet or perhaps very clear cheap box. Perform not, however , forget to title them plainly.
Any time you unquestionably must experience a multitude of paper-related paraphernalia keep I just a big t a minimum and within the confines of the counter. The only conditions will be whenever you have something of in children's desk storage units, resting unobtrusively about top of some type of computer, counter or part table.
Bear in mind when organizing the office very low purpose? a functional goal. Every part of newspaper you put to their surface counters its target. Do certainly not let that! Keep the newspaper chaos in order. Package right away with material in your in box, mailing it off by, in the event not ahead of the due time. If you can not support your self, whenever you are actually a organic clutterer, pressure yourself to have baby guidelines. Stay down weekly or in a set in place time, and pare, pare, pare. This will help to you maintain a tidier, if even now slightly, disorganized desk.


text:
Q: Suitable TeX variant to create custom invoice and letter templates Which TeX variant should I use to most easily create a custom invoice and a custom letter template?
I have a design for the invoice that I would like to implement exactly using a suitable TeX related system. It involves different fields at specific positions on the paper, a logo at a specific position, and a field with continuous text (the specification of the invoice) that has to be correctly word-wrapped. There are also some graphic lines at specified positions. The invoice will be in A4 format and must be able to accept at least different European alphabets/languages.
The letter also has a similar look and requirements.
I have used plain LaTeX in the past and I have also read a bit about the very many different systems and variants that are available, but it is confusing to try get an overview of what they can do.
Are anyone aware of what system I should have a look at to most easily create such templates? Also, it would be great if there was a tutorial available for creating such custom templates.
I'll try to make myself a bit more clear. My very basic understanding of TeX et. al. is that Donald Knuth wrote TeX as a very low level typesetting language. To make it a bit more manageable, Leslie Lamport started LaTeX which I understand to be a sort of macros defined for TeX to make it more comfortable/productive. However, my understanding is that in LaTeX, you are more or less constrained to the templates that you get. You can change some things but it seems to be quite static.
What I want to do is to set up a very detailed template comprising graphic elements such as lines and boxes that should appear at exactly specified places on the page. Then some of the boxes I would like to fill with text that should be typeset by some TeX engine.
Perhaps I have got it all wrong and this is already possible in LaTeX?
From the answers so far, it seems that perhaps LuaTeX could be a good bet considering the language requirements. However, can I do the above detailed graphical configuration of the page in Lua? If so, what constructs should I use and are you aware of anyone who did something similar and wrote a blog post or tutorial for it?

A: I think there is some confusion here.
I am guessing that by different 'variants', you mean different engines. If you want to use LaTeX, you might be wondering whether to use the traditional TeX engine (so LaTeX), pdfTeX (so pdfLaTeX), XeTeX (so XeLaTeX) or LuaTeX (so LuaLaTeX). This choice has relatively minor implications for how you write the template and mark-up the document. The main differences here would be that for LaTeX or pdfLaTeX, you'd probably want to use
\documentclass[lang1,lang2,lang3,a4paper]{class}
\usepackage{babel}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}

whereas if you use XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX, you would want something like
\documentclass[lang1,lang2,lang3,a4paper]{class}
\usepackage{babel}
%\usepackage{polyglossia}% alternative to babel
\usepackage{fontspec}

XeLaTeX and LuaLaTeX both allow you to use system fonts, whereas you are limited to TeX fonts if you use the other two engines. Moreover, Xe/LuaLaTeX both support UTF8 input by default and generally have better support for a wider range of unicode characters than LaTeX or pdfLaTeX, even when using the utf8 option to inputenc. pdfLaTeX still has the best support for microtype, if that is an issue, though there is some support for both XeLaTeX and, especially, LuaLaTeX.
As far as specifying the layout of the document is concerned, it otherwise really makes very little difference which engine you use. Indeed, you should be able to switch between one engine and another in most cases simply by switching from/to inputenc/fontenc and fontspec.
If, on the other hand, you are wondering whether to use LaTeX or something else, you might be trying to decide between, say, plain TeX, LaTeX and ConTeXt. This choice would have much more significant implications for how you write the template and mark-up the document. If you are familiar with LaTeX, however, you will probably be more comfortable using that unless you have a particular appetite for learning a whole new system of commands.


text:
require 'spec_helper'
require 'timeout'

describe Merb::Cache::CacheMixin do
  before(:all) do
    Merb::Cache.stores.clear
    Thread.current[:'merb-cache'] = nil

    Merb::Cache.register(:default, DummyStore)
    @dummy = Merb::Cache[:default]
  end

  describe ".cache!" do
    it "should add a before filter for all actions" do
      class CacheAllActionsBeforeCallController < Merb::Controller
        self.should_receive(:before).with(:_cache_before, :with =>{})

        cache!
      end
    end

    it "should add an after filter for all actions" do
      class CacheAllActionsAfterCallController < Merb::Controller
        self.should_receive(:after).with(:_cache_after, :with =>{})

        cache!
      end
    end
  end

  describe ".cache" do
    it "should call .cache_action with each method symbol" do
      class CacheActionsCallController < Merb::Controller
        actions = [:first, :second, :third]

        actions.each do |action|
          self.should_receive(:cache_action).with(action)
        end

        cache *actions
      end
    end

    it "should call .cache_action with the method symbol and conditions hash" do
      class CacheActionConditionsController < Merb::Controller
        self.should_receive(:cache_action).with(:action, :conditions => :hash)

        cache :action, :conditions => :hash
      end
    end
  end

  describe ".cache_action" do
    it "should add the before filter for only the action" do
      class CacheActionBeforeController < Merb::Controller
        self.should_receive(:before).with("_cache_action_before", :with => [{}], :only => :action)

        cache_action(:action)
      end
    end

    it "should add the after filter for only the action" do
      class CacheActionAfterController < Merb::Controller
        self.should_receive(:after).with("_cache_action_after", :with => [{}], :only => :action)

        cache_action(:action)
      end
    end
  end

  before(:each) do
    class TestController < Merb::Controller; def index; "Hello"; end end
    @controller = dispatch_to(TestController, :index)
  end

  describe "#_lookup_store" do
    it "should use the :store entry from the conditions hash" do
      @controller._lookup_store(:store => :foo_store).should == :foo_store
    end

    it "should use the :stores entry from the conditions hash" do
      @controller._lookup_store(:stores => [:foo_store, :bar_store]).should == [:foo_store, :bar_store]
    end

    it "should default store name if none is supplied in the conditions hash" do
      @controller._lookup_store.should == Merb::Cache.default_store_name
    end

    it "should request the default_cache_store" do
      @controller.should_receive(:default_cache_store).and_return(Merb::Cache.default_store_name)
      @controller._lookup_store
    end
  end

  describe "#_parameters_and_conditions" do
    it "should remove the :params entry from the conditions hash" do
      @controller._parameters_and_conditions(:params => [:foo, :bar]).last.should_not have_key(:params)
    end

    it "should remove the :store entry from the conditions hash" do
      @controller._parameters_and_conditions(:store => :foo_store).last.should_not have_key(:store)
    end

    it "should remove the :stores entry from the conditions hash" do
      @controller._parameters_and_conditions(:stores => [:foo_store, :bar_store]).last.should_not have_key(:stores)
    end

    it "should keep an :expires_in entry in the conditions hash" do
      @controller._parameters_and_conditions(:expire_in => 10).last.should have_key(:expire_in)
    end

    it "should move the :params entry to the parameters array" do
      @controller._parameters_and_conditions(:params => :foo).first.should have_key(:foo)
    end
  end

  describe "#skip_cache!" do
    it "should set @_skip_cache = true" do
      lambda { @controller.skip_cache! }.should change { @controller.instance_variable_get(:@_skip_cache) }.to(true)
    end
  end

  describe "force_cache!" do
    class AController < Merb::Controller

      cache :start

      def start
        "START"
      end
    end

    before(:each) do
      @mock_store = mock("store").as_null_object
      Merb::Cache.stub!(:[]).and_return(@mock_store)
      @mock_store.stub!(:read).and_return("CACHED")
    end

    it "should try to hit the cache if force_cache is not set" do
      @mock_store.should_receive(:read).and_return("CACHED")
      controller = dispatch_to(AController, :start)
      controller.body.should == "CACHED"
    end

    it "should not try to hit the cache if force_cache is set" do
      @mock_store.should_not_receive(:read)
      controller = dispatch_to(AController, :start){|c| c.force_cache!}
      controller.body.should == "START"
    end
  end

  describe "#eager_cache" do
    before(:each) do
      Object.send(:remove_const, :EagerCacher) if defined?(EagerCacher)

      class EagerCacher < Merb::Controller
        def index
          "index"
        end
      end
    end

    it "should accept a block with an arity of 1" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {|params|}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error
    end

    it "should accept a block with an arity greater than 1" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {|params, env|}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error
    end

    it "should accept a block with an arity of -1" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {|*args|}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error
    end

    it "should accept a block with an arity of 0" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {||}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error
    end

    it "should allow the block to return nil" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error
    end

    it "should allow the block to return a params hash" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {|params| params.merge(:foo => :bar)}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error(ArgumentError)
    end

    it "should allow the block to return a Merb::Request object" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {|params| build_request('/')}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error(ArgumentError)
    end

    it "should allow the block to return a Merb::Controller object" do
      class EagerCacher
        eager_cache(:index) {|params, env| EagerCacher.new(env)}
      end

      lambda { dispatch_to(EagerCacher, :index) }.should_not raise_error(ArgumentError)
    end
  end

  describe "eager_cache (Instance Method)" do
    class HasRun
      cattr_accessor :has_run
    end

    def dispatch_and_wait(*args)
      @controller = nil
      Timeout.timeout(2) do
        until HasRun.has_run do
          @controller ||= dispatch_to(*args){ |c|
            yield c if block_given?
          }
        end
      end
      @controller
    end

    class MyController < Merb::Controller
      after nil, :only => :start do
        eager_cache :stop
      end

      def start
        "START"
      end

      def stop
        "STOP"
      end

      def inline_call
        eager_cache :stop
      end
    end

    before(:each) do
      HasRun.has_run = false
    end

    after(:each) do
      HasRun.has_run = false
    end

    it "should run the stop action from a new instance as an after filter" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      dispatch_and_wait(MyController, :start) do |c|
        MyController.should_receive(:new).and_return(new_controller)
        new_controller.should_receive(:stop).and_return(HasRun.has_run = true)
      end
    end

    it "should run the stop action from a new instance called inline" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      dispatch_and_wait(MyController, :inline_call) do |c|
        MyController.should_receive(:new).and_return(new_controller)
        new_controller.should_receive(:stop).and_return(HasRun.has_run = true)
      end
    end

    it "should not run the stop action if the _set_skip_cache is set to true" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      dispatch_and_wait(MyController, :start) do |c|
        MyController.stub!(:new).and_return(new_controller)
        c.skip_cache!
        new_controller.should_not_receive(:stop)
        HasRun.has_run = true
      end
    end

    it "should set the cache to be forced" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      dispatch_and_wait(MyController, :start) do |c|
        MyController.should_receive(:new).and_return(new_controller)
        new_controller.should_receive(:force_cache!)
        new_controller.should_receive(:stop).and_return(HasRun.has_run = true)
      end
    end
  end

  describe "#fetch_partial" do
    it "should pass the template argument to the partial method" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      new_controller.should_receive(:partial).with(:foo, {})
      new_controller.stub!(:concat)

      new_controller.fetch_partial(:foo)
    end

    it "should pass the options to the partial method " do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      new_controller.should_receive(:partial).with(:foo, :bar => :baz)
      new_controller.stub!(:concat)

      new_controller.fetch_partial(:foo, :bar => :baz)
    end

    it "should contain only alpha-numeric characters in the template key" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      new_controller.stub!(:partial)
      new_controller.stub!(:concat)

      @dummy.should_receive(:fetch).and_return do |template_key, opts, conditions, block|
        template_key.should =~ /^(?:[a-zA-Z0-9_\/\.-])+/
      end

      new_controller.fetch_partial('path/to/foo')
    end
  end

  describe "#fetch_fragment" do
    it "should include the filename that defines the fragment proc in the fragment key" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      new_controller.stub!(:concat)

      @dummy.should_receive(:fetch).and_return do |fragment_key, opts, conditions, block|
        fragment_key.should include(__FILE__)
      end

      new_controller.fetch_fragment {}
    end

    it "should include the line number that defines the fragment proc in the fragment key" do
      new_controller = MyController.new(fake_request)
      new_controller.stub!(:concat)

      @dummy.should_receive(:fetch).and_return do |fragment_key, opts, conditions, block|
        fragment_key.should =~ %r{[\d+]}
      end

      new_controller.fetch_fragment {}
    end
  end

  describe ".build_request" do
    it "should create a CacheRequest" do
      Merb::Controller.build_request({}).class.should == Merb::Cache::CacheRequest
    end

    it "should use nil if the path is not supplied" do
      Merb::Controller.build_request({}).path.should be_nil
    end

    it "should allow the params to be specified" do
      Merb::Controller.build_request(:foo => :bar).params[:foo].should == :bar
    end

    it "should allow the env to be specified" do
      Merb::Controller.build_request({}, :foo => :bar).env[:foo].should == :bar
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I listen to sports radio. I am a guy. I like sports. Ergo, I listen to sports radio.
One of my favorites is Colin Cowherd, host of "The Herd" on ESPN radio. It comes on at 9am in Houston. I love Colin because he's the frat guy who you think at first is just listened to because he's funny and says things other folks won't say. But the more you listen, the you more you realize that he's smarter than that first impression you had of him. Oh, he's still the frat guy being funny, but now you realize, "hey, this guy's take on things ends up panning out pretty often." The key to that is a lot of practical wisdom, which Colin offers regularly.
So, today I was on my way to meet a colleague for lunch when I heard Colin sounding off a little in response to emails and text messages upset with him for not talking about the current winning streak our NBA team, the Rockets are on, which I think is tied for second all-time at 20 straight games.
He said he does topics, not news. If we want to hear the current state of the streak, check the news. But he is going to cover "topics," that is, items that have plenty of intriguing questions, possibilities, and story lines that continue to stick with us after the initial news story fades away—stuff with potentially ongoing significance, a "second gear." The original event and its initial reporting is plenty, according to this view. What comes next? How intriguing are the implications? What possibilities arise from this? These are the questions for a story with a "second gear" to it.
1. What, if anything, does this distinction between "news" and "topics" and its assessment of conversation have to say about our practice of preaching and teaching the gospel? I wonder if we are attuned to hearing the difference in regular discourse. How, if at all, might we appropriate this concept to the way we preach and communicate?
2. Is this not related to the spread of the gospel and the ongoing theological project of the Church that continues to this day? The original witnesses and writers had been personally encountered the risen Christ and so were working out the implications of that event in communities that gathered for worship, study, and service in the world. Talk about a "second gear" to the story. Jesus died, was buried, and then resurrected from the grave and later ascended into heaven. Yes, implications indeed. Continuing significance–check! Everything was changing and there was plenty to talk through and work out. There still is.
This all makes me think of the difference between issues and rhetoric in political campaigns. Rhetoric is the reason why incumbents enjoy a better than 90% re-election rate; issues are the reason why the approval rating for the Congress is in the cellar. Somehow, it just does not mesh.
Thanks for the comment, Michael. Interesting connection to the world of politics–a place as rife with various and sundry types of communication as any.


text:
Q: OutOfMemoryException when loading a big file I would like to get some help on an Exception I'm receiving.
I'm compiling in C# 4.7.2
I've got a potentially big file that I need to load in order to call a webservice with the file content. But loading this file eventually throws an OutOfMemoryException.
I can't change the webservice I'm calling.
I would like to keep using the JsonWriter as this is the only way I found avoiding another OutOfMemoryException when writing the json into my request.
My code :
// loading my file content
var fileContent = File.ReadAllText(path); // OutOfMemoryException throws here.

// Creating a httpWebRequest to post my file's content in a webservice
// myHttpWebRequest is of HttpWebRequest type

// I'm using the StreamWriter and JsonWriter in order to avoid throwing an OutOfMemoryException in the Json serialization when using a personalized object or a JObject with the ToString() method.
using (StreamWriter requestWriter = new StreamWriter(myHttpWebRequest.GetRequestStream(), new UTF8Encoding()))
using (JsonWriter writer = new JsonTextWriter(requestWriter))
{
    writer.Formatting = Newtonsoft.Json.Formatting.Indented;
    writer.WriteStartObject();
    writer.WritePropertyName("fileContent");
    writer.WriteValue(fileContent);
    // writing other properties and values in here
    writer.WriteEndObject();
}

// after this code there is no need of my file content anymore

By looking at different topics, I guess I need to do a File.ReadAllLines in order not to load the entire content in memory. The problem here is that I don't know how I can write it into the JsonWriter without loading the full string ?
I guess a way would be to get rid of JsonWriter, use a StringWriter and create the Json manually, but I wish I could avoid that because of code readibility.


Availability: Usually ships in 2-4 business days.
FREE SHIPPING: Regular ground and freight to the contiguous 48 United States. Some exclusions apply.
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This Mexican Talavera water glass is a refreshing splash of color for your kitchen decor. Talavera is dishwasher and oven safe. All of our Mexican Talavera dishes and serving pieces are handmade and hand painted by Mexico's talented potters.
Traditional Assortment: The design shown is of the Traditional Talavera style. Ordered items will be chosen from our current assortment of available colors and designs. The water glasses you receive will likely be different than pictured here.


Disposable shoe covers provide protection from hazardous and noxious particulates and liquids. Style features airflow permeability to protect against heat build-up. Ideal for painting, staining, and refinishing. One size fits all. Machine washable. Drip dry on hanger or tumble dry on low heat.


Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Joe Ganim and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security today activated the city's cold weather protocol. This means all Bridgeport public library branches and senior centers as well as the Greater Bridgeport Transit Terminal will be open during the day as warming centers. Anyone in need of shelter, during the frigid temperatures expected to impact the region, can utilize the facilities listed below.


People are not perfect. People make the things we use. Therefore those things we use will not be perfect.
To be more succinct, your software and hardware probably have bugs in them. They probably have a lot of bugs. Prepare for that, no matter how great your software or hardware vendor is or what they might say about the security of their products or their track record.
It's best to look at your systems as the flawed, imperfect and insecure things they probably are. If you start with this assumption, the task at hand can seem daunting. But don't fear! You've made it this far in life, and real life is no more certain, perfect, or secure than the computing world is. In nature, there is no such thing as total security. That concept does not exist. There is only risk management. Sometimes you crawl out of your hole to seek food, and something else eats you; other times you stay in your hole and starve; and other times, most of the time, you leave your hole, you find food, purpose, enjoyment, and everything turns out fine. It's balancing those risks, threats, and rewards that defines life.
With computers it's no different. Sometimes you have to take greater risks with your Information Technology systems to reach a new customer, to link with an important vendor, or to simply operate your business. If you have systems attached to the Internet, then you are taking a risk.


Rust in peace? Not likely!
More and more historical vehicle enthusiasts are looking to transform their classic cars, results from a recent auction suggest.
Last weekend's inaugural Practical Classics Restoration Show (April 12-13) showcased the biggest-ever collection of 'barn finds' offered at a single auction.
Silverstone Auctions hit an all-time high sales rate of 85% in its £1million total sale at Birmingham's NEC.
Footman James were also on hand, sponsoring the popular Classic Car ER (Emergency Room) and offering guidance for restoration newcomers. The area provided a "doctor's surgery" of important sector experts who gave tips through masterclasses, talks, panel discussions and practical demonstrations.
Arthur Daley's 1981 Daimler Sovereign Saloon, as seen in TV show Minder, made for a nice little earner, selling for £15,525 - while the original Eastenders Morris milk float earned a top bid of £2,300.
A French 1962 Facel Vega HK500 restoration project led the way at the barn find auction with a price of £64,400.
British classics also featured strongly with buyers prepared to pay through the rusty roof.
A magnificent 1958 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe went for double its original lower estimate. It fetched a premium inclusive total of £62,100 after being found recently in Sicily.
Bidders from across the globe battled it out to secure an uncommon 1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage, which eventually went for a premium-inclusive £51,175. Fellow DBS barn find, a 1970 V8 Series I, fetched £49,450.
Meanwhile, an enthusiast paid £17,940 for an incredibly low mileage 1983 Fiat X19 Bertone.
A 1939 Lagonda V12 Hooper two-door saloon earmarked for auction was unusually bought in a substantial six figure pre-auction deal.
Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said: "If ever proof was needed for the enduring appeal of the barn find then surely these results are it".
Silverstone Auctions' Restoration Show sale results and future events can be found at www.silverstoneauctions.com.


Obsidian revealed The Outer Worlds fan kit which includes cosplay references, ringtones, wallpapers(for both desktop and mobile), and more.
Download the fan kit here.
Obsidian Entertainment revealed their plan to announce new title at The Game Awards by tweeting "anyone else getting those ads on https://www.obsidian.net ???".
Of course, it is not an "ads" so it won't get blocked by adblockers.


If you wish to contact any of the SPP officers or Committee members please use the email links below.
The Shepherd Park Plaza Civic Club Board meets on the first Wednesday of every month in Board members' homes. If you would like more information about attending a meeting, please contact our hospitality Co-Chair Shannon Zierau. Due to limited space in private homes, advance notice is appreciated. In addition, there are two general meetings per year in which all residents of Shepherd Park Plaza are invited to attend. These meetings are posted on this website on the Home page.


text:
How people are helping the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire
Rosie Fitzmaurice
Sandwiches are handed out to local residents close to a fire that has engulfed the 24-storey tower block.
Victoria Jones/PA Images
Londoners have flocked to help some of those affected by the devastating Grenfell Tower blaze in West London, which has left at least six dead, more than 50 injured, and many without homes.
Jamie Oliver said on Instagram this morning that he will offer free food at his Jamie's Italian restaurant at the Westfield shopping centre, which is around the corner from the tower.
He said: "To any of the 100's of FAMILIES effected by this terrible fire at Grenfell Tower Notting hill today, You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my Jamies Italian team."
"[...]this is for victims of the fire our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all big love jamie x x x x "
Mosques, temples and churches located nearby Grenfell Tower have opened their doors to start collecting things that might be needed by those affected by the fire in the coming days.
Jack Hardy/PA Images
Some of the centres have reportedly been overwhelmed by donations from locals wanting to help.
A list of some of the closeby collection spots is below.
A JustGiving page has also been set up to try and raise £1,000,000 to h elp the families of Grenfell Tower, who have been devastated by the fire which has destroyed their homes.
Below, relief fund buckets are also being handed around.
People have been gathering clothes, toys and toiletries at the nearby St Clements Church for the residents of the tower, many of whom are just in their pyjamas.
Members of the Sikh community from Ealing Gurdwara are understood to have been at Grenfell Tower since 5am handing out food and water.
Collections are also being made at the local Rugby club.
On Facebook, users were also spreading the word of what, how, and where people could donate clothes too, by copying and pasting the same posts on their newsfeeds:
Talk Talk said it has opened up its office to anyone in need of a cup of tea or just a place to rest.
Some individuals have just opened up there homes for shelter or a cup of tea for those in need.
More: Grenfell Tower Fire London


text:
Q: Simultaneous equations to solve unknown exponents Solved the following simultaneous equations for $a$ and $b$:
(1)
$$a + 2b = 2\\3a + b = 10$$
$$3a + 6b = 6\\3a + b = 10$$
$$5b = -4$$
$$b = \frac{-4}{5}\\a = \frac{18}{5}$$
(2)
How do we use the answers/information in (1) to solve the following equations for $x$ and $y$?
$$2^{x+2y} = 2^{20}\\5^{5x+y} = 25^{x+50}$$
In general how do these types of equations relate?

A: No worries, here is the answer for your corrected question.
$$2^{x+2y} = 2^{20} \; \; (i)$$
$$5^{5x+y} = 25^{x+50} \; \; (ii)$$
As the bases are the same, from the first equation we can derive that $x+2y=20$, so $x=20-2y$. Now we can sub this into equation $ii$
$$5^{5(20-2y)+y} = 25^{(20-2y)+50}$$
$$5^{100-9y} = 25^{70-2y}$$
We also need to recognize that $25 = 5^2$, and that $(a^m)^n=a^{mn}$, so:
$$5^{100-9y} = 5^{140-4y}$$
As both sides have the same base we only need to consider the exponents:
$$100-9y=140-4y$$
I'll let you take it from here...

A: Note that $25^{x+50}=(5^2)^{x+50}=5^{2x+100}$ so the system can be written as
$$2^{x+2y} = 2^{20}\\5^{5x+y} = 5^{2x+100}$$
or
$$2^{x+2y} = 2^{20}\\5^{3x+y} = 5^{100}$$
and comparing exponents we obtain
$$x+2y=20$$
$$3x+y=100$$
This is very similar to the system
$$a + 2b = 2\\3a + b = 10$$
but the RHS is multiplied by $10$. So multiplying by $10$ we have
$$10a + 2(10b) =x+2y= 20\\3(10a) + 10b =3x+y= 100$$
where $x=10a$ and $y=10b$ and you have already found $a$ and $b$.


My name is Richard C. Arceneaux, Sr. I have been in the ministry a total of 40 having been licensed in 1971 and ordained in 1975. My education in the counseling field was done at Therapon Institute, New Orleans, LA. My general education was accomplished through Emmaus Bible College, New Orleans Theological Seminary, and Koinonia Bible College, all in the Greater New Orleans area.
I have a total of 100 actual classroom hours of training and am recertified annually to keep up my certifications. I am also a life member of United Association of Christian Counselors as well as a member in good standing with Association of Biblical Counselors. That membership is renewed annually.
I am 66 years old and am presently living in Meadville, Mississippi where I am the pastor of Outreach Ministries For the Lord Chapel. I am Southern Baptist but do not have the word "Baptist" in our church name so that everyone will feel welcome regardless of their religious background. I maintain an office in my home as well as at the church.
I am married to a wonderful woman who supports my ministry 100%. I believe that a minister's job is only as easy as his mate allows it to be and mine supports my ministry in that manner. This is my second marriage. My first wife and I were married 36 years when she passed on in 2006.
We lost our 20 year-old son in 1991 in a boating accident and, as a result, I became the New Orleans chapter leader of Compassionate Friends, a support group of parents who have lost children. In that capacity, I was able to counsel folks who had lost children.
I have also written three books (not published yet-in the process)dealing with the death of children. I believe that my expertise in the counseling field is heightened because of my compassion and desire to help others through Christ to find comfort and answers to their everyday problems.
or by phone at 601-807-1755 (cell) or 601-384-3170 (office) or 601-532-7007 (church).
I would like more information on becoming part of this network.
Nice to hear from you…Counselors listed have read and agreed to the statement of faith listed on the site and incorporate biblical principles into their counseling practice. If this fits for you, you will need to send me a unique article of 250 to 500 words (i.e. not cut and pasted from your own site) and a professional looking JPG picture of yourself that I can upload to your page.


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Adobe Tags Preview For Software Trials - InternetNews.
Preview Systems has announced that Adobe Systems is utilizing its virtual packaging technology for distributing trial versions of Adobe GoLive software and Adobe LiveMotion software content creation and animation tools for the Web.
Preview Systems' virtual packaging technology, which protects both Mac and Windows versions of software, will let Adobe customers to try full versions of Adobe GoLive 5.0 and Adobe Live Motion 1.0 for 30 days. Adobe customers have the option to buy Adobe GoLive anytime during the trial period.
"Preview Systems' secure digital goods commerce platform enhances our ability to extend value and convenience to customers who purchase online at Adobe.com," said Jim Stephens, senior vice president, E-Business, Adobe Systems. "This technology allows us to deliver integral product solutions to both existing and new customers."
Adobe is including the trial versions of Adobe GoLive and Adobe LiveMotion as a bonus CD in 750,000 special packages of Photoshop 6.0 and upgrades to customers in the United States and Europe. Adobe Photoshop 6.0 buyers can take advantage of a limited time offer to purchase GoLive 5.0 for $99 until March 1, 2001. Customers can also purchase a perpetual license for Adobe GoLive by downloading a special key from www.adobe.com.
"Electronic software distribution gives a leading publisher such as Adobe a cost-effective way to reach new users," said Vincent Pluvinage, CEO of Preview Systems. "We're excited to be working with Adobe on this initiative."


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E.J. Dionne Jr.
E.J. Dionne Jr. | We're polarized, fragmented at the same time. Trump likes that.
WASHINGTON -- Why would President Trump's hard-core defenders think that the best way to defend a floundering leader is to hurl repulsive dual loyalty charges at a decorated Army combat...
E.J. Dionne Jr. | Sorry, but Thursday's debate is about electability
WASHINGTON -- It has become a habit to scold Democratic voters who say that electability is their standard in deciding whom to support for their party's presidential nomination. Forecasts made...
Remembering the point of Labor Day | E.J. Dionne
It was known as the "Treaty of Detroit," but it did not end a shooting war. In 1950, Walter Reuther, the legendary leader of the United Auto Workers union, and...
The high cost of our 'Age of Impunity'
Our conversations about the global retreat of democracy usually highlight its impact on those in relatively well-off nations with long-established traditions of free elections, free speech and a free media....
Moderate Democrats own their mistakes
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., argued that Democrats need to pay far more attention to rural America if they ever want to take back the Senate. Sen....
Congress is right to subpoena the Mueller report. It shouldn't have had to.
The House Judiciary Committee should not have had to vote Wednesday to subpoena special counsel Robert Mueller's report. It should already have been sent to Congress. The fact that the...
E.J.Dionne Jr. | There's nothing 'moderate' about caving in to Trump
This must be the last shutdown, ever. No politicians should be able to wreck government and inflict suffering on its employees as a form of brute force to get their...
E.J. Dionne Jr. | Speaking autocrat to autocrat: Trump and his Prince
Critics of President Trump are regularly accused of exaggerating his corruption, his predilection toward autocratic rule, and his affection for dictators. They are told that their apprehension about the threat...
E.J. Dionne Jr.: Steve Bannon and the fall of 'populism'
Is President Trump a populist or a corporatist?Is he appealing to white supremacists as a form of political opportunism — or because, deep down, he sympathizes with their views? Is...
E.J. Dionne Jr.: How the British right went wrong
Britain's election was a catastrophe for Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May and a personal vindication for Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party's left-wing leader.It was also the revenge of the young,...


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"If the level of talent and creativity on these four releases is any indication, it's going to be a great year for discovering new vocal talent from south of the border. Among this quartet of singers (Rosa Passos, Gabriela Anders, Maria Márquez and Ana Caram), Venezuela's Maria Márquez gets the nod on Nature's Princess (Adventure Music) for a genuinely fresh approach to her program of self-penned works and infrequently heard regional fare from Mexico and Puerto Rico. Long known as one of Venezuela's top jazz vocalists, Márquez here explores tunes that radiate folkloric qualities while being rendered with elegant chamber jazz flourishes.
But just when the listener settles into a comfort zone, she comes along with an incredibly hip update of "Besame Mucho", the bolero classic rendered with a walking bass, combo organ, electric guitar and- believe it or not- sousaphone. The wide-ranging orchestrations feature strings, woodwind instruments, brass, and a generous mix of percussion and mallet instruments.
If Márquez's voice were a tropical beverage, it would be rum of a dense amber tone, with hints of chocolate and tobacco on the palate, taken straight up."
— Mark Holston- Jazziz – January 2005
NextINK 19Next


1mm Thick High Quality Brushed Finish Stainless Steel.
The 1mm thickness has stronger structure, which makes it outstanding from other range hoods, no shaking noise, more durable.
Enhanced folded edges will not cut your hands, but also provide stable structure.
All surface is brushed finish which gives a modern look and easy to clean.
Stainless steel baffle filters are adapted the concept from commercial baffle air filters, the grease is contained inside the filter trays, no oil cup needed.
They function by forcing grease-filled air to quickly change direction twice as "N" character while it rises through the filter. Because the grease droplets cannot change direction as rapidly as the air carrying them, they end up condensing to the filter trays.
4-speed blue-lighted soft touch electronic buttons.
This is much better than the noisy mechanical push buttons. Also no annoying "beep" sound while pressing on the buttons.
Venting Type: 3-1/4″ x 10″ rectangle TOP or REAR vent exhaust.
2 Motors rotate at different rotation to push the air to vent out.
2 of 1.5W energy efficient cold bright LED Lights are bright enough to cover the whole cooktop.
Noise levels: 49dB / 51dB / 57dB / 62dB.
Note: Damper is NOT included and NOT recommended to be installed directly on the top of the range hood due to high noise from the damper.
SUPER SLIM 6″ HIGH, 1mm THICK – under cabinet or wall mounted, high quality 1 mm thick stainless steel with brush finishing. Perfectly fit under the 12″ deep standard cabinet; provide slick style and powerful performance.
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4 SPEEDS POWERFUL OPERATION WITH LED LIGHTS – 4 speeds (Quiet, I, II, III up to 900 CFM), blue-lighted soft touch electronic buttons with 2 of 1.5W energy saving cold bright LED lights. 2 motors rotate oppositely. Power rating: 120V/60Hz, 110W Min /150W Max. Power cord with plug is included.
2 DISHWASHER SAFE BAFFLE FILTERS, 3 MINUTES AUTO SHUT OFF – Dishwasher safe commercial style stainless steel baffle air filters. The oil is contained in the baffle filters, no oil holders needed. 3 minutes timer delayed auto shut off to vent the leftover smoke after done cooking.


John, an American came to visit his old Malaysian pals Johari, Samy and Ah Beng in Kuala Lumpur. After dinner, John asked them if they took pride in their skin colour ie if they were proud of being Malay, Chinese and Indian and why. All of them answered in the affirmative and give their reasons.
After that they all asked John if he is proud to be a white man. To their surprise, John said no because he never chose to be a white man. He was born white without any of his effort. He further added that he was only proud to be a good man and useful citizen of USA.
Ya! Then Johari , Samy and Ah Beng came to their senses, they must all make an effort to be good useful Malaysians. HIDUP Malaysia.


Oyster lovers can now enjoy can enjoy the pick of Australia's best rock, flat and black-lipped oysters at the newly opened Champagne and Oyster Bar at The Atlantic at Crown Melbourne.
Open until 1am, seven nights a week, Champagne and Oyster Bar centres around the thrill of oyster serving seasonal stand outs that include varieties such as the sweet St Helen's Moulting Bay, the salty Coffin Bay, the creamy Dunalley shucked to order. Menu staples include oyster shots, the classic Kilpatrick and chef Donovan Cooke's tempura oyster.
Oysters are accompanied with chilled Friend & Burrell Superior Osetra Caviar by the spoon and an extensive menu of champagnes, beers and wines, including preferred champagne Laurent Perrier.
Champagne and Oyster Bar executive chef, Donovan Cooke has created a bar menu that includes hot snacks like yakitori skewers, tempura soft shell crab with jalapeño ponzu and the classic Atlantic seafood chowder.
"I wanted to stick with exceptional ingredients, simply and quickly prepared to order. That is the heart of a great bar experience," said Donovan.
Informal bar and table seating, along with a flaming purple banquette for larger groups have been designed to cater for groups of all sizes and is all complete with in-house DJs and a VIP private room.
Positioned to take in the Yarra River views, the bar oversees an intriguing series of illuminated steps that lead down into The Den, a subterranean New York style bar devised for any combination of nightcap and late-night rendezvous.
"Start with oysters upstairs and see what happens downstairs," said Hatem Saleh, managing director of the Atlantic Group of Companies advising guests wanting to experience the new bar.
For those who want to add a flair to turn that often-bland turkey stuffing into a special treat on Thanksgiving Day, Grand Central Oyster Bar executive chef Sandy Ingber offers Oyster Stuffing for "Turkey-Day." Chef Ingber also recommends Bay Scallops Scampi as an appetizer for the Thanksgiving Day feast, and that recipe is also below, as well.
1) Dry cut bread cubes overnight or toast in a low temp oven until crisp. Melt ½ the butter in a medium skillet. Add onions and celery, cooking until onions are translucent about 5 minutes. Add garlic, sage, thyme and nutmeg; cook for 30 seconds more.
2) Combine cooked vegetables with bread cubes, parsley, stock, milk and eggs, mixing gently. Fold in Oysters. Season with salt and pepper. This stuffing can be made up to 2 days in advance. If not stuffing into poultry for roasting, transfer mixture to a large oiled baking dish, dot surface with pats of remaining butter. Take a piece of wax paper and lightly oil both sides and place of top of stuffing. Bake in a 350 degree oven until crisp on top and stuffing temperature reaches 160 degrees.
This stuffing can keep refrigerated for 2 to 3 days. First remove oysters then transfer stuffing to a microwaveable dish and reheat in microwave to 140 degrees. Add oysters back in to dish a microwave for 1 more minute. Serve immediately.
-Place 2/3 of the scampi butter in a large saute pan over high heat and melt.
-Add in bay scallops and cook for about 1 minute, moving them around in the pan.
-Sizzle with the white wine and cook for just another minute more.
-Serve over hot spaghetti squash and garnish with fresh arugula.
-Cut 1 large Spaghetti Squash in half the long ways.
-Remove seeds with a spoon.
Water to fill up about ½ inch on sides.
-Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until skin feels soft.
will be hot, but you don't want the squash to absorb the water on pan.
-Gently use a fork to separate the strands of spaghetti squash.
Special thanks to John C. for providing the information above.


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Ayer Limau is a state constituency in Malacca, Malaysia, that has been represented in the Malacca State Legislative Assembly. The state constituency was first contested in 2004 and is mandated to return a single Assemblyman to the Malacca State Legislative Assembly under the first-past-the-post voting system. , the State Assemblyman for Ayer Limau is Hameed Mytheen Kunju Bahseer from United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which is part of the state's ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN).

Definition
The Ayer Limau constituency contains the polling districts of Sungai Siput, Sungai Jerneh, Ramuan China Kechil, FELCRA Ramuan China Kechil, Ramuan China Besar, Kampung Lekok and Kampung Pinang.

Demographics

History

Polling districts
According to the gazette issued on 31 October 2022, the Ayer Limau constituency has a total of 7 polling districts.

Representation history

Election results

References

Malacca state constituencies


Former independent counsel Ken Starr writes in his new memoir that he considered — but ultimately abandoned — the idea of perjury charges against then-first lady Hillary Clinton after her "preposterous" deposition with investigators in 1995.
"I was upset over Mrs. Clinton's performance, and was even considering bringing the matter before the Washington grand jury for possible indictment on perjury," Starr wrote in "Contempt: A Memoir of the Clinton Investigation," which hits bookshelves Tuesday.
Fox News obtained an advance copy of the book. In it, Starr recounts a Jan. 22, 1995, deposition with both then-President Bill Clinton and the first lady about the suicide of White House adviser Vince Foster and other issues stemming from the Whitewater land deal investigation.
The first lady, though, was a different story.
But Starr suggested he eventually decided against pursuing criminal charges against Hillary Clinton because it would have been hard to prove she lied.
A spokesman for Hillary Clinton did not immediately return a request for comment.
"We just did not have the evidence to bring those charges," he said.
Publishers are billing Starr's book as the first time he has given his full and candid perspective on the investigation that dug into the Monica Lewinsky scandal and led to then-President Bill Clinton's impeachment.
"The trooper's highly specific details suggested that the tales were not made up," Starr wrote.
"A former beauty pageant queen, the trooper told me, had been Bill Clinton's guest," Starr writes.
At another point in the book, Starr said, "Vince Foster's death haunted me," as he recalled investigating the suicide of the longtime Clinton associate that spurred conspiracy theories.
"In many ways, I was a lot like him: serious about the law, conscientious, and loyal to a fault. Foster had been needled by the media, which I knew all too well could be brutal, especially for someone not used to the public eye," Starr wrote of Foster.
Starr told Carlson that the death of Foster still resonates with him.


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Me Myself & Him
By Chris Tebbetts
Hardcover Ebook
Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and A. S. King's Still Life with Tornado, this story of parallel time lines cleverly explores how our choices can change and shape us--as well as the ways in which choices don't change the core of our being at all.
When Chris Schweitzer takes a hit of whippets and passes out face first on the cement, his nose isn't the only thing that changes forever. Instead of staying home with his friends for the last summer after high school, he's shipped off to live with his famous physicist but royal jerk of a father to prove he can "play by the rules" before Dad will pay for college.
Or . . . not.
In an alternate time line, Chris's parents remain blissfully ignorant about the accident, and life at home goes back to normal--until it doesn't. A new spark between his two best (straight) friends quickly turns Chris into a (gay) third wheel, and even worse, the truth about the whippets incident starts to unravel. As his summer explodes into a million messy pieces, Chris wonders how else things might have gone. Is it possible to be jealous of another version of yourself in an alternate reality that doesn't even exist?
With musings on fate, religion, parallel universes, and the best way to eat a cinnamon roll, Me Myself & Him examines how what we consider to be true is really just one part of the much (much) bigger picture.
"Wildly ingenious,...altogether, the novel's a winner in this and any other universe."-Booklist, Starred Review
"Tebbetts creates entertaining dual narratives...[and] enjoyable Easter eggs."-Publishers Weekly
"An engaging story that examines love, relationships, and the different paths one's life can take...[perfect] for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli's What if It's Us, Bill Konigsberg's The Music of What Happens, and Robyn Schneider's The Beginning of Everything."--SLJ
10 Reasons Why Paperbacks Are Honestly the Best
The Toolbox Every Reader Needs on a Long Trip
While part of you is excited to get to your destination, as a reader there's another part of you dreading the trip. To help you out, we put together a list items every reader could use to make such experiences much easier to enjoy.
How to Rock Thanksgiving Dinner (Book Nerd Style!)
12:30?
The last thing I remember is sucking down a lungful of gas and closing my eyes. My friend Wexler tells me that I set down the cartridge, stood up again, paused like I wasn't going anywhere, and then fell over, almost slow motion, like a tree going down, until I landed face-first on the cement.
All of that's blank in my memory.
When I woke up, if that's what you can call it, the first thing I saw were these yellow and blue streaks, moving away from me like paint running down a windshield. On the other side of that, I saw one of Wexler's black Keens, the ones he wore at the restaurant, but just one of them, right there in front of my face.
"Hang on, man. You're going to be okay. I called the ambulance. It's okay."
It wasn't, though. I could see the shoe, and I heard Wexler's voice, but they weren't, at that time, Wexler's shoe and Wexler's voice. They were just shoe and voice. I had no idea where I was, or how I'd gotten there, or why everything was sideways.
The first thing that kind of made sense was the sound of the siren. I knew it was an ambulance. That was good. At least I knew something.
And then there were all these people. EMTs and police. More shoes.
A cop kneeled down next to me. It was starting to come together.
"What's your name, son?"
I tried to answer, but everything came out g, l, a, and r. "Glaaarh . . . gharr . . ."
"Your name?"
The first words I actually managed were "I'm having . . . trouble . . . speaking."
He just shrugged and took his lack of grasp for the obvious somewhere else. I heard Wexler giving them my information. Then they put a big thick collar around my neck and lifted me onto a stretcher.
The back of the ambulance was like this lit portal with night all around it, and I slid right in. My face didn't hurt. I don't know why, it just didn't. I thought the collar was a bit much, but someone took my hand away when I tried to loosen it.
And then we were moving.
I'd always wanted to ride in an ambulance. It was on the list with helicopter, glider, and, yes, fire truck, so I couldn't help at least noticing that it was happening. The whole thing was so much like a movie or TV show that reality kind of got drowned out. "Riding in an ambulance" was all front and center. "I am so screwed" wouldn't show up for another forty-five minutes or so.
At the emergency room, they wheeled me right in. A doctor came into the bay where they had stuck me and felt around on my face. When she got to my nose, she made this sympathetic kind of sucking sound.
"What happened to you?" she said.
"Well . . ." I didn't know how to tell her anything but the truth. "I did a hit of nitrous oxide and passed out on the cement." My voice was really small, like if I barely said it, it would barely be true. "Does my mom have to know about that?"
"You're eighteen," she said, with the same kind of tone she might use to say You're a dumbass kid in every respect but the law. "That part's up to you."
I'm not sure how the standard exam is supposed to go in these situations, but I'm pretty sure I got the discount package after that. She gave me another quick once-over, said something about X-rays, and left.
I lay there alone for a while, and the shame started to creep in, but also a dose of aggravation with myself. Why couldn't I have just said I fell down on the cement?


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Home » Feds: More PPP Loan Fraud Charges Are Coming
Ethics & CorruptionRisk
Feds: More PPP Loan Fraud Charges Are Coming
Scott Van Voorhis
KEYWORDS Fraud Investigations / Paycheck Protection Program
Federal officials have charged five small contractors with fraud related to loans obtained from a key COVID-19 small business rescue program—and more charges are likely as investigators dig deeper into the financial records of companies that took the funds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rabin, speaking to reporters on Sept. 10, said that 57 defendants in all industries had been charged, and he pledged to continue to root out fraud by recipients of some of the $500 billion distributed so far.
Distributed by the US Small Business Administration to employers who said they would use most of the money to keep staff on their payrolls, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a key element in the federal pandemic support for the economy.
Construction-related companies were the most numerous borrowers under the program, but so far only a handful of small firms have been charged.
One of them is Florida roofer Casey Crowther, who allegedly spent nearly $700,000 of the funds to buy a 40-ft-long pleasure boat. Federal officials claim Crowther made a false statement to a financial institution in his application for just under $2.1 million in funding for his roofing business, Target Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.
Crowther pledged in his loan application to use the money to make payroll, pay rent and utilities and meet other business expenses, but within days of receiving it, he allegedly bought a new catamaran for about $689,417 that he registered in his name, claimed U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez in a press release.
Crowther also allegedly transferred $100,000 to the bank account of a former stakeholder of his Fort Myers-based company who resigned more than six months ago. A company spokesman declined to comment at this time.
Contractor associations lobbied to make terms as friendly as possible for members. Although the final list of companies that used approved loans remains unknown, based on the long list of firms approved, tens and possibly hundreds of thousands of jobs were likely saved.
Recent Articles by Scott Van Voorhis
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh Is Tapped as U.S. Labor Secretary
Industry Groups Worry Massachusetts Climate Bill Could Derail Development
Boston Construction Bands With Health Care to Fight COVID-19
Scott Van Voorhis writes regularly for ENR about risk management, insurance, and the Canadian engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors. He launched his own freelance writing business in 2008 after nearly two decades as a reporter and business columnist for the Boston Herald, Boston Business Journal and The Eagle-Tribune.
Roofer Charged With PPP Fraud Says Boat Buy With Loan Is Legal
PPP Loan Fraud Investigators Charge Several Small Contractors
What Fraud Charges Reveal About Rescue Loans and a Fast-Growing Florida Roofer


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Since 2008, CT's Tuition Increases at Public Universities Nearly $2,000, Ranks 28th
The rate of tuition increases at Connecticut's public colleges and universities between 2008 and 2015 ranks Connecticut 28th in the nation, with an increase of 22.8 percent, or just under $2,000 per student. The tuition increases in Arizona, Hawaii, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida and California, all exceeding 60 percent, were highest in the nation. Overall, since the 2007-8 academic year, average annual tuition has increased 29 percent, or just over $2,000 nationally, according to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. On average, states are spending 20 percent or less in 2015 than they did in 2008. Connecticut is spending 16.7 percent less.
Published tuition -- the "sticker price" -- at public four-year institutions rose in 34 states over the past year, but only modestly. But since the 2007-08 school year, average annual published tuition has risen by $2,068 nationally, or 29 percent, above the rate of inflation.
The share of students graduating from public universities with debt has risen, according to the Center's analysis. Between the 2007-08 and 2012-13 school years, the share of students graduating from a public four-year institution with debt rose from 55 to 59 percent. At the same time, the average amount of debt held by the average bachelor's degree recipient with loans at a public four-year institution grew 16 percent -- from $22,000 to $25,600 (in 2013 dollars).
Forty-seven states -- all except Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming -- are spending less per student in the 2014-15 school year than they did at the start of the recession. Connecticut ranks 34th on the list of states spending below pre-recession levels at 16.7 percent less. The most dramatic drop is in Arizona (47%), Louisiana (42%), South Carolina (38%), and Alabama and Pennsylvania (36%). The analysis compares state spending in 2008 and 2015.
UConn plans a 6.5 percent increase in tuition and fees next year; the Board of Regents for Higher Education has approved a 4.8 percent increase for students attending the four regional state universities. The state legislature approved legislation this year that would have added two students to the UConn Board of Trustees, in part to give students a strong voice in recognition of the increasing percentage of tuition that is now paid by students. The plan was vetoed by Gov. Malloy. The total in-state undergraduate cost of attending UConn, including tuition, room and board, will be about $25,500 in 2015-2016, up from about $24,500, according to published reports.
The Center's study found that over the past year, as states have started to restore funding for public higher education, tuition hikes have been much smaller than in recent years. Just seven states -- Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Virginia, and Mississippi -- raised tuition by more than $300, after inflation.
The change in average tuition at public four-year colleges, adjusted for inflation, between fiscal years 2008 and 2014 placed Connecticut in the middle of the states, ranking 25th with an increase of $1,695. The largest increase was in Arizona ($4,493) and the laws in Montana ($253).
Go Ask ALICE – Child Care Front and ...
Start-Up Business Accelerator ...


text:
Armed teacher bills spark debate in Alabama House committee
Brian Lyman
If there was one thing supporters and opponents of armed teacher proposals could agree on Wednesday, it was that school safety requires many different approaches.
But the key difference was whether guns, as supporters said, would provide a last line of defense in districts that have few resources to fall upon, or — as opponents said — would be an ineffective measure that could end up doing more harm than good.
"We know that we're not afraid of guns," said Eric Mackey, executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, which opposed the measures. "We are afraid of some guns in the hands of some people in today's society."
More:Long list of artists, activists coming to Montgomery for memorial, museum opening
Supporters and opponents of the proposals debated their merits in about two hours of public hearings before the House Public Safety and Homeland Security committee Wednesday morning.
The first bill, sponsored by Rep. Allen Farley, R-McCalla, would allow superintendents to form volunteer school security forces, which could be a mix of law enforcement, teachers, and personnel. The second and more controversial bill, sponsored by Rep. Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville, would allow teachers who go through training to carry weapons in schools.
Both men stressed that the proposals were not mandates and that if they pass, local superintendents will be able to opt out or prevent guns from entering their schools.
"This does not tell a school what you have to do," Farley, a retired police officer, said. "This gives a school an option. If you don't have the resources if nothing else is working ... you might have the option."
As filed, Ainsworth's bill would allow teachers who go through 40 hours of law enforcement training and requalify for training each year. The district would have to keep confidential records of armed teachers in their schools. Ainsworth said he will offer a change that would allow an opt-out for schools.
"This is what the issue gets down to," Ainsworth told the committee. "How do we stop a gunman when they get in the school?"
That was the question supporters of the proposals had as well, many of whom said an armed teacher would be a last line of defense. The shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14, where a gunman killed 17 people, were on the minds of many.
"How can a teacher protect their students if they only have their body to put between themselves and their shooter?" said Elaine Little of Pelham, the widow of a Birmingham police sergeant.
Much of the discussion had a subtext of inadequate funding for public education in Alabama. Farley said his bill was for the "have-not" school districts that might not be able to pay for security upgrades or personnel. Jason Barnett, the superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, echoed that argument, calling the measure "one tool" while pleading for additional money from legislators.
But most educators who attended the meeting were against the bills. Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk said he did not want the ability to give teachers guns in any context, saying just having the option would put pressure on him to do something he did not think would improve school safety. He also urged legislators to go through active shooter training.
"Until you've done it, and if you're not law enforcement, you don't know what you're asking people to do," he said.
Renee Summers, an English teacher at LAMP in Montgomery, said the presence of guns at her campus would change how she does her job.
"Knowing there's a gun or four or five or 10 on campus, that interferes with my ability to deal with students the way they need to be," she said.
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Opponents of the bills also stressed the need for prevention, with some calling for increased security or red flag laws that would allow the confiscation of firearms from those who pose a threat to themselves or others. Lissa Tucker, director of governmental relations for the Alabama Association of School Boards, said many schools need improved locks and panic buttons.
"We've spent a lot of time talking about the last line of defense," she said. "A lot more has to be talked about the first line of defense, because we're not there yet."
The committee did not vote on Farley or Ainsworth's proposals Wednesday, but a vote could come at a scheduled meeting Thursday morning.
The committee members themselves appeared divided over the proposals. Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Birmingham, the chairman of the committee, seemed supportive of Ainsworth's idea.
"It's unfortunate we're talking about this," he said. "I would rather have somebody in there who has proper training and access immediately to stop the threat."
Rep. Isaac Whorton, R-Valley, said the proposals could help poorer schools in his district.
"These other defense mechanisms are great but my schools can't afford biometric safes," he said. "We can't afford it."
But others weren't so sure. Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, cited examples of teachers accidentally firing their weapons in class, harming students. She also raised questions about the liability costs for schools that went this route.
"My question: Will they be able to afford it?" she asked.
Rep. Harry Shiver, R-Bay Minette, a retired school teacher and coach, said "teachers are not trained for shooting guns."
"We've got to study it more and see how we can do it," he said. "I don't think giving guns to teachers is going to be solving it."
Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper, a retired police chief, said she was torn over the measure, saying it would help to have someone in a school trained to confront an assailant, but also noting teachers often have specific duties in those situations.
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"Teachers already have a very designated and specific role at the moment there is a disaster at a school, whether that is bad weather or an active shooter or a building on fire," she said. "They have a responsibility for the children in their charge."
Legislative leaders have been cautious about gun bills filed after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings. Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this month announced the creation of a council that she said would vet the proposals and report recommendations by April 30, about a month after the Legislature is expected to leave for the year.
While House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, has suggested the possibility of developing an omnibus approach incorporating different proposals, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, has made clear his preference for waiting to address the issue next year. But Treadaway said school safety was a priority and expressed hope some form of legislation could pass before the Legislature adjourns.
Democrats have put their own proposals forward, including bills to age the age limit for purchase of long rifles and allowing red flag orders from judges on firearms. Those bills were not in committee Wednesday. Treadaway said he still believed there was time to pass them.


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Fortnite Players Found A Way To Glitch Under The Map (And Keep Killing)
A few days ago, Fortnite players discovered a glitch in the Fatal Fields area of the map that allowed them to slip under the game world and blast everyone else with impunity.
You can see it in action in the footage below captured by Spoderman Gg: players are able to disappear underneath the game map itself, and while down there can not only see everyone else in the game (who can't see them, since the ground is in the way), but shoot them as well.
It's quickly become known as the Fatal Fields Glitch, though there are reports of players being able to do it in Salty Springs as well.
As cool as it looks, and as easy as the kills are, it's also cheating. Before correcting the exploit, Epic warned players to report anyone they find taking advantage of Fortnite's great underworld:
We are aware of this exploit and working towards a fix. Until then please report any players you see abusing this. There are two ways of doing this. The first and most effective way is by opening a ticket here and providing any information you have.
The alternative way is by clicking the "Feedback" button and then using the "Player" tab to provide their username and what you're reporting them for. Players caught abusing this exploit will have action taken against their accounts.
They eventually fixed the exploit, and in terms of account action will be "looking at each case and our own analytics" before taking "appropriate action."
Success! The underground map exploit has been fixed and all wormholes leading to the underworld have been removed. For players who were reported, we are looking at each case and our own analytics and we'll take appropriate action. Get out there and have some fun in the sun!
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) January 15, 2018
scarnon @scarnon
Don't know why people even both to do this in a game where people watch you once you've killed them
Managed to bust a few cheaters in this way just the other night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOZvdWG1_qk
Such a great game but these kinda gamers wanna go and exploit all they can!
thatteemo @thatteemo
Pretty quick turn around to fix an exploit. Props to Epic


Standardized tests are one tool in the teaching toolbox. Testing students allows us to get a snapshot of how well they are learning and how well teachers are reaching kids. In high school, these tests give colleges an indication of how well a student learns and retains information.
Make sure they get at least 8 hours of good sleep the night before.
Make sure they get a good balanced breakfast with protein, fruits and grains.
Send a water bottle and snack (if your teacher allows).
Give your child positive thoughts and words of encouragement.