text:
Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Mini Ediciones Petit Verdot Amano Mini Ediciones Cabernet Franc The Owl & The Dust Devil
Finca Decero
Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina
Finca Decero has become recognized not only for having one of the highest quality vineyards in all of Mendoza, but also for catapulting into an elite group of the most highly regarded producers in Argentina. The wines all come from the single Finca Decero vineyard, and the winery's focus is entirely quality focused – the varietal Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignons they produce can easily be compared to wines selling for twice the price. These are serious wines that moreover showcase the best of Argentina: a beautiful mix of purity and elegance.
Decero, meaning 'from scratch', was born of a bare patch of land and a family's love affair with wine. Winemaking in Thomas Schmidheiny's family goes back to his grandparents in Switzerland and, just as Napa had inspired his mother Adda in the 1970s, so too did the Agrelo sub-appellation in Mendoza capture the heart and mind of Thomas when traveling over the Andes into Argentina 20 years later. In Agrelo, perhaps now considered the source of Argentina's finest red wines, Thomas instinctively knew that he had found the place to continue the family legacy and to handcraft wines whose allure would lie in being true to their origin. Once a desolate piece of land in the foothills of the Andes, absent of everything but shrubs, Finca Decero is now a one-of-a-kind vineyard where each vine is nurtured by hand and the winemaking is without compromise.
The estate has followed an 'amano', or 'by hand', approach that is sensitive to natural differences, sustainable, and human. Their philosophy is to tread lightly in an environment they have come to know intimately, almost inch-by-inch, and allow the unique natural attributes of the Remolinos vineyard and of Agrelo to shine through in the wines. The vineyard at the estate is named "Remolinos" after the tiny whirlwinds in the area that thread their way along the vines, keeping the grapes dry and in perfect condition. The 110 hectare estate was planted in 2000 to Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot (unusual for Argentine producers) and Tannat. All the Decero wines come from this single vineyard, all from hand-picked fruit.
A core intensity of red fruit flavors and lifted violet aromas remain the signature of Malbec from the estate's Remolinos Vineyard. This is exquisitely balanced by freshness of acidity and an elegant integration of French oak which adds complexity to the rich mid palate.
Finca Decero Malbec 2017 Case Card (93 W&S)
Agrelo is recognized for red varieties and while it has been acknowledged for its high-quality Malbec it has also become known as the source of some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon emanating from Argentina. The wine has a beautiful, full-bodied structure that comes across effortlessly due to the hallmark Decero refinement.
Mini Ediciones Petit Verdot
As the name suggests, Mini Ediciones are highly limited parcels of wine. From lesser known varieties, these wines are wholly expressive of the Remolinos Vineyard and represent an opportunity to taste a variety rarely seen in a pure form. In 2006, in recognition of its unique potential from the coarse, low vigor soils of our Remolinos Vineyard, the winery first selected a few exceptional barrels of wine to make a well-deserved Decero Mini Ediciones Petit Verdot.
Finca Decero Mini Ediciones Petit Verdot 2014 Tech Sheet (93 WE)
Decero Amano takes its name from the "Amano" or "by hand" approach. As the pinnacle of the winery's achievements each vintage, Decero Amano is a blend of the most distinctive parcels from the Remolinos Vineyard. The wine is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat: violet aromas emanate from the Malbec, red fruit flavors and structure of the Cabernet gives excellent length, while the jasmine perfumed Petit Verdot brings firm tannins as does the Tannat, which adds even more textural complexity.
Finca Decero Amano 2014 Tech Sheet (93 WA)
Mini Ediciones Cabernet Franc
Finca Decero's Mini Ediciones Cabernet Franc is one of the winery's three "rare varieties & limited edition" wines. The wine shows nuances of bell pepper, graphite and plum notes with fresh aromatics and taunt acidity resulting in a well-structured Cabernet Franc with great potential for aging.
Finca Decero Mini Ediciones Cabernet Franc 2017 Tech Sheet
The Owl & The Dust Devil
The Owl & The Dust Devil represents the wild side of Finca Decero, an exceptionally expressive and intense red blend that has as its core some of the specialties of Finca Decero. Its impact on the palate is matched by its groundbreaking Virtual Reality packaging.
Finca Decero The Owl & The Dust Devil 2015 Tech Sheet (92 JD)
Amano 2014: "A pure, elegant, incredibly balanced profile"
Jeb Dunnuck - The flagship cuvée is the 2014 Amano, comprised of 66% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot and Tannat, all from the Remolinos Vineyard and aged in new French oak. It has classic Malbec blue fruits as well as terrific minerality, notes of violets and peppery herbs, full-bodied richness, and a pure, elegant, incredibly balanced profile. This tour de force in Argentina Malbec should be snatched up by readers. It can be drunk today or cellaring for 7-8 years.
More on Finca Decero
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines – Finca Decero Malbec
June 22, 2018 - Finca Decero Malbec 2015 proudly stands as Wine #34 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2017. Rated 91 Points by WS and also noted as a "Smart Buy", this…
Juan Marcó
Having studied as an agricultural engineer in Mendoza, Juan's international outlook soon led him to complement his first degree with a Master of Science from UC Davis. After working in California for 5 years, Juan finally returned to his hometown of Mendoza in 2004.
With extensive management experience in winemaking, Juan joined Finca Decero as CEO & Head Winemaker in 2007 embracing owner Thomas Schmidheiny's vision for a sustainably farmed, world-class estate which is immaculately managed by hand from vine to barrel. As CEO & Winemaker and with a background in viticulture and winemaking, Juan oversees the production and the fine quality of Decero wines.
Juan's affinity with Thomas' vision goes beyond the everyday of Finca Decero. Juan sees an opportunity and the freedom to balance a social, climate and economic agenda to benefit the community. As such, throughout his time as CEO he has managed a business social responsibility program which has been instrumental in improving the education, health and welfare of the local community.
Stephanie Morton-Small
Experiencing wine at some of the greatest estates of France during time spent in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Aix-en-Provence was the seed from which Stephanie's career in wine grew. After graduating from University of London, time in the UK wine trade was fast followed by nearly a decade in international sales and marketing roles based in Australia and further consolidated by an MBA.
Having been a Director of a group of some of the finest and well-established wineries in Australia, Stephanie was attracted to moving away from the "established" to start something "from scratch". The long-term vision of Thomas Schmidheiny and the quality of every aspect of Finca Decero, from the ground up, formed a unique attraction which caused Stephanie to move to Argentina in 2007.
As Finca Decero's Chief Commercial Officer, Stephanie manages the full commercial side of Finca Decero and has consistently managed the business from start-up development, launch, to ongoing sales and marketing of all Finca Decero's wines including the most recent fly-away success of 'The Owl & The Dust Devil'. Through an exceptional network of importer and agency partners and having attracted an array of fine restaurants where most of the wines are sold, Finca Decero enjoys a positioning aligned with Thomas Schmidheiny's vision for a world class wine estate of Argentina.
Matias Cano
Born and bred in Mendoza, or "de pura cepa" as Matias likes to say; his father a respected winemaker of Mendoza and his brother also a viticulturist, Matias has soil in his hands and wine running through his veins. Having studied at the University Nacional de Cuyo renown for Agronomy, Matias has come to know Mendoza soils and especially Agrelo intimately and as such is amongst the most respected viticulturists of Mendoza.
Matias aspired to join Finca Decero for the perfect location at the highest area in Agrelo, for the opportunity to nurture varieties all uniquely suited to the site ranging from Malbec and Cabernet to the less common Tannat and Petit Verdot. Knowing that every single each grape undergoes the highest quality selection to get into any Decero wine, Matias relishes the challenge knowing the care and attention required by him and his team every single day.
The Owl & The Dust Devil Finca Decero
August 10, 2018 - Experience the story behind The Owl & The Dust Devil through this short animated film.
August 15, 2019 - Video Slideshow


text:
Mark Kermode gives I, Tonya 4/5 stars and says:
"Margot Robbie gives a perfect performance as the disgraced US figure skater Tonya Harding in this ferociously entertaining biopic. Like the jaw-dropping triple-axel jump that made champion figure skater Tonya Harding famous, Margot Robbie's performance in this satirical, postmodern tale of the disgraced star is a tour-de-force tornado that balances finely nuanced character development with impressively punchy physicality.
Amid the fallout of "the incident" that defined Harding's villainous legacy ("It's what you all came for, folks"), Steven Rogers's screenplay ensures that we never lose sight of her status as a survivor, someone seeking love and adoration in a world full of aggression, who habitually finds herself on the wrong end of a fist. It's no surprise that Harding (who later took up boxing) became a "totally American" folk icon, her story inspiring documentaries, dramas, a musical, even a rock opera. "People either love Tonya or they're not big fans," says Rawlinson, "just like people either love America or they're not big fans." Whatever your views on the US in general and Harding in particular, you'll leave this cheering for Margot Robbie. Bravo!"
With an 89% critics' score on Rotten Tomato; I, Tonya is our film for November.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Expanded Imperial Model offers vaulted ceilings with an open floor plan in the main living and dining area. Elegant arched doorway leads to an additional living area suitable for a den, a home office or craft room. The additional living area overlooks backyard gardens on a lovely corner lot. The oversized screened Lanai is located at the front entry. This property comes with a well and termite protection plan. Bedrooms are larger than average with walk in closet and linen closet and ample storage in guest bath. Master bath has garden tub and separate shower. This spacious home has low maintenance berber carpet and a designed functional kitchen. Scottish Highlands has a heated indoor Olympic sized pool and an outdoor pool, 2 meeting halls, library, billiards, pickle ball and more. HOA fee includes cable and sewer. Lots of Clubs and activities in peaceful setting. Two Hospitals are 10 minutes away as well as restaurants and shopping. Live the Florida lifestyle at an affordable price and make the move now!
Pet Restrictions: Dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, or which have been owned for more than one year, are permitted. They must always be leashed, and residents are responsible for cleaning up after their pet. Cats and other usual household pets are also permitted.


text:
package org.camunda.bpm.engine.cassandra.provider.query;

import org.camunda.bpm.engine.cassandra.provider.CassandraPersistenceSession;
import org.camunda.bpm.engine.cassandra.provider.serializer.CassandraSerializer;
import org.camunda.bpm.engine.cassandra.provider.table.ProcessDefinitionTableHandler;
import org.camunda.bpm.engine.impl.persistence.entity.ProcessDefinitionEntity;

import static com.datastax.driver.core.querybuilder.QueryBuilder.*;

import java.util.Map;

import com.datastax.driver.core.Row;
import com.datastax.driver.core.Session;

public class SelectLatestProcessDefinitionByKeyWithoutTenantIdQueryHandler implements SingleResultQueryHandler<ProcessDefinitionEntity> {

  public ProcessDefinitionEntity executeQuery(CassandraPersistenceSession session, Object parameter) {
    Session s = session.getSession();

    Map<String, String> parameterMap = (Map<String, String>) parameter;

    Row row = s.execute(select("id")
      .from(ProcessDefinitionTableHandler.TABLE_NAME_IDX_VERSION)
      .where(eq("key", parameterMap.get("processDefinitionKey")))
      .limit(1))
      .one();

    if(row == null) {
      return null;
    }

    String id = row.getString("id");

    Row result = s.execute(select()
        .all()
        .from(ProcessDefinitionTableHandler.TABLE_NAME)
        .where(eq("id", id)))
        .one();

    if(result == null) {
      return null;
    }

    CassandraSerializer<ProcessDefinitionEntity> serializer = session.getSerializer(ProcessDefinitionEntity.class);

    return serializer.read(result);

  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio.TestTools.UnitTesting;
using TypeMock.ArrangeActAssert;

using Nucleo.TestingTools;
using Nucleo.EventsManagement.Listeners;

namespace Nucleo.EventsManagement
{
	[TestClass]
	public class EventsRegistryTest
	{
		#region " Test Classes "

		protected class TargetEntityClass
		{
			public string Name { get; set; }
		}

		protected class TestEventSubscriptionAttribute : EventSubscriptionAttribute
		{
			public override string Name
			{
				get { return "Test"; }
			}

			public override Type SourceType
			{
				get { return typeof(TestEventSubscriptionAttribute); }
			}
		}

		protected class TestEventSubscription2Attribute : EventSubscriptionAttribute
		{
			public override string Name
			{
				get { return "Test2"; }
			}

			public override Type SourceType
			{
				get { return typeof(TestEventSubscription2Attribute); }
			}
		}

		[TestEventSubscription]
		[TestEventSubscription2]
		protected class TestAttributedSubscription
		{

		}

		protected class TestSubscription
		{
			public static readonly EventSubscription Changed = new EventSubscription(typeof(TestSubscription), "Changed");
			public static readonly EventSubscription Clicked = new EventSubscription(typeof(TestSubscription), "Clicked");
		}

		protected class TestReceiver : IEventReceiver
		{
			public int EventCount { get; set; }
			public object Source { get; set; }
			public IEventSubscription Subscription { get; set; }

			#region " Methods "

			public void ReceiveEventNotification(IEventSubscription subscription, object source)
			{
				this.EventCount++;
				this.Source = source;
				this.Subscription = subscription;
			}

			#endregion
		}

		#endregion

		#region " Tests "

		[TestMethod]
		public void PublishingEntityPushesEntityInstance()
		{
			//Arrange
			var subscribeCriteria = Isolate.Fake.Instance<EntityTypeListenerCriteria>(Members.CallOriginal, ConstructorWillBe.Ignored);
			Isolate.WhenCalled(() => subscribeCriteria.EntityType).WillReturn(typeof(TargetEntityClass));
			var publishCriteria = Isolate.Fake.Instance<EntityTypeListenerCriteria>(Members.CallOriginal, ConstructorWillBe.Ignored);
			Isolate.WhenCalled(() => publishCriteria.EntityType).WillReturn(typeof(TargetEntityClass));

			var registry = Isolate.Fake.Instance<EventsRegistry>(Members.CallOriginal, ConstructorWillBe.Ignored);
			bool success = false;
			registry.Subscribe(subscribeCriteria, (l) => { success = true; });

			//Act
			registry.Publish(new PublishedEventDetails(registry, publishCriteria));

			//Assert
			Assert.AreEqual(true, success);

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void PublishingWithNullCriteriaThrowsException()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();

			//Act

			//Assert
			ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (s) => { registry.Publish(default(PublishedEventDetails)); });
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void PublishingWithNullCriterionThrowsException()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();

			//Act

			//Assert
			ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (s) => { registry.Publish(default(IEnumerable<PublishedEventDetails>)); });
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void SubscribingToListenerAdds()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			var subscriber = Isolate.Fake.Instance<IEventSubscriber>();

			//Act
			registry.Subscribe(ListenerCriterion.EntityType<TargetEntityClass>(), subscriber);
			registry.Subscribe(ListenerCriterion.EntityType<TargetEntityClass>(), (l) => { });

			//Assert
			Assert.AreEqual(2, registry.SubscriptionCount);

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void SubscribingToMultipleListenerAdds()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			var subscriber = Isolate.Fake.Instance<IEventSubscriber>();

			//Act
			registry.Subscribe(new SubscriptionEventDetails[]
			{
				new SubscriptionEventDetails(ListenerCriterion.EntityType<TargetEntityClass>(), subscriber),
				new SubscriptionEventDetails(ListenerCriterion.EntityType<TargetEntityClass>(), (l) => { })
			});

			//Assert
			Assert.AreEqual(2, registry.SubscriptionCount);

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void SubscribingWithNullActionThrowsException()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			var criteria = Isolate.Fake.Instance<IListenerCriteria>();

			//Act

			//Assert
			ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (s) => { registry.Subscribe(criteria, default(Action<PublishedEventDetails>)); });

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void SubscribingWithNullCriteriaThrowsException()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			var subscriber = Isolate.Fake.Instance<IEventSubscriber>();

			//Act

			//Assert
			ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (s) => { registry.Subscribe(default(IListenerCriteria), subscriber); });

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		[
		TestMethod,
		ExpectedException(typeof(ArgumentNullException))
		]
		public void SubscribingWithCriteriasAndNullActionAssignsOK()
		{
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			var criteria = new IListenerCriteria[] { };

			registry.Subscribe(criteria.AsEnumerable(), default(Action<PublishedEventDetails>));
		}

		[
		TestMethod,
		ExpectedException(typeof(ArgumentNullException))
		]
		public void SubscribingWithNullCriteriasAndActionAssignsOK()
		{
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			registry.Subscribe(default(IEnumerable<IListenerCriteria>), (p) => { });
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void SubscribingWithNullSubscribersThrowsException()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();

			//Act

			//Assert
			ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (s) => { registry.Subscribe(default(IEnumerable<SubscriptionEventDetails>)); });

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		[TestMethod]
		public void SubscribingWithNullSubscriberThrowsException()
		{
			//Arrange
			var registry = new EventsRegistry();
			var criteria = Isolate.Fake.Instance<IListenerCriteria>();

			//Act

			//Assert
			ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (s) => { registry.Subscribe(criteria, default(IEventSubscriber)); });

			Isolate.CleanUp();
		}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void AddingEventListenersForEventsWithNullsThrowsException()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();
		//    var subscriptionFake = Isolate.Fake.Instance<EventSubscription>();

		//    //Act

		//    //Assert
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.AddEventListener(null, new TestReceiver()); });
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.AddEventListener(subscriptionFake, null); });

		//    Isolate.CleanUp();
		//}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void AddingEventListenersForTypesWithNullsThrowsException()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();

		//    //Act

		//    //Assert
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.AddEventListenerUsing(null, new TestReceiver()); });
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.AddEventListenerUsing(typeof(TestAttributedSubscription), null); });

		//    Isolate.CleanUp();
		//}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void FiringEventsForEventListenersWithNullsThrowsException()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();
		//    var subscriptionFake = Isolate.Fake.Instance<EventSubscription>();

		//    //Act

		//    //Assert
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.FireEvent(null, new object()); });
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.FireEvent(subscriptionFake, null); });

		//    Isolate.CleanUp();
		//}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void FiringEventsForTypesWithNullsThrowsException()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();
		//    var subscription = new TestAttributedSubscription();

		//    //Act

		//    //Assert
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.FireEventUsing(null, "Test"); });
		//    ExceptionTester.CheckException(true, (src) => { registry.FireEventUsing(subscription, null); });

		//    Isolate.CleanUp();
		//}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void SubscribingToObjectsEventThroughReflectionWorksOK()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();
		//    var testSubscription = new TestAttributedSubscription();
		//    var testReceiver = new TestReceiver();

		//    //Act
		//    registry.AddEventListenerUsing(typeof(TestAttributedSubscription), "Test", testReceiver);
		//    registry.FireEventUsing(testSubscription, "Test");

		//    //Assert
		//    Assert.IsNotNull(testReceiver.Subscription);
		//    Assert.IsInstanceOf<TestEventSubscriptionAttribute>(testReceiver.Subscription);
		//    Assert.AreEqual(testSubscription, testReceiver.Source);
		//}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void SubscribingToObjectsEventWorksOK()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();
		//    var testSubscription = new TestSubscription();
		//    var testReceiver = new TestReceiver();

		//    //Act
		//    registry.AddEventListener(TestSubscription.Clicked, testReceiver);
		//    registry.FireEvent(TestSubscription.Clicked, testSubscription);

		//    //Assert
		//    Assert.AreEqual(testSubscription, testReceiver.Source);
		//    Assert.AreEqual(TestSubscription.Clicked, testReceiver.Subscription);
		//}

		//[TestMethod]
		//public void SubscribingToObjectsMultipleEventsWorksOK()
		//{
		//    //Arrange
		//    var registry = new EventsRegistry();
		//    var testSubscription = new TestSubscription();
		//    var testReceiver = new TestReceiver();

		//    //Act
		//    registry.AddEventListener(TestSubscription.Clicked, testReceiver);
		//    registry.AddEventListener(TestSubscription.Changed, testReceiver);
		//    registry.FireEvent(TestSubscription.Clicked, testSubscription);
		//    registry.FireEvent(TestSubscription.Changed, testSubscription);

		//    //Assert
		//    Assert.AreEqual(2, testReceiver.EventCount);
		//    Assert.AreEqual(TestSubscription.Changed, testReceiver.Subscription);
		//}

		#endregion
	}
}


text:
Q: flutter embedding - Upgrading Pre 1.12 Android Projects Breaks Plugins While building my flutter project, I was forced to follow the instructions in this link https://github.com/flutter/flutter/wiki/Upgrading-pre-1.12-Android-projects for my shared_preferences package to work.
I followed the instructions there. Now my plugins seem to not work. for example signing with google throws this error: error MissingPluginException(No implementation found for method init on channel plugins.flutter.io/google_sign_in)
Similar errors happen with almost all of my plugins.
here is my flutter doctor -v logs
    • Flutter version 1.10.15-pre.404 at C:\src\flutter
    • Framework revision 9093cf15f6 (2 hours ago), 2019-11-04 22:30:16 -0500
    • Engine revision 7b968ff95f
    • Dart version 2.7.0

[!] Android toolchain - develop for Android devices (Android SDK version 29.0.1)
    • Android SDK at C:\Users\Ajmal Jalal\AppData\Local\Android\sdk
    • Android NDK location not configured (optional; useful for native profiling support)
    • Platform android-29, build-tools 29.0.1
    • Java binary at: C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio1\jre\bin\java
    • Java version OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_202-release-1483-b03)
    X Android license status unknown.
      Try re-installing or updating your Android SDK Manager.
      See https://developer.android.com/studio/#downloads or visit https://flutter.dev/setup/#android-setup for detailed instructions.

[√] Android Studio (version 3.5)
    • Android Studio at C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio1
    • Flutter plugin version 41.0.2
    • Dart plugin version 191.8593
    • Java version OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_202-release-1483-b03)

[√] VS Code (version 1.39.2)
    • VS Code at C:\Users\Ajmal Jalal\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code
    • Flutter extension version 3.5.1

[√] Connected device (1 available)
    • Android SDK built for x86 • emulator-5554 • android-x86 • Android 9 (API 28) (emulator)

! Doctor found issues in 1 category. ```

A: This question was answered here in flutter's github page, and the answer there resolved my issue:
https://github.com/flutter/flutter/issues/44161

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
Nicki Minaj's 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded' Leaks: Listen
Becky Bain | March 29, 2012 11:16 am
As with all anticipated albums in the modern world of music, Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded has surfaced online on Thursday (March 29) before its scheduled release date. The epic LP (22 tracks on the deluxe edition!) will officially drop on April 3, but that's not stopping the web from buzzing about Nicki's new collection of bombastic electro-pop anthems, gritty hip-hop cuts, mellow breathers and frenetic bangers. (Just look at Popdust, who is reviewing the album track by track.) Listen to five new songs ("HOV Lane", "Whip It", "Automatic", "Come On A Cone", "Young Forever" and "Fire Burns") below.
For her sophomore effort — a sequel of sorts to her 2010 debut — Nicki abides by the rules of sequels and made everything bigger, though not necessarily better. There are more beats per minute, more craziness, more calls to the dancefloor, more blush-worthy lines ("Put my dick in your face!" sings Nicki on "Come On A Cone" like a regular diva) and many more guest appearances (10 other MCs appear throughout the LP, including two drop-ins by Lil Wayne).
But what Nicki can't seem to understand, both here and in her recent performances and music videos, is that more isn't always more. It feels like Team Barbie bet on landing another "Super Bass" by throwing everything they could think of into the album, hoping that something would stick. But barely anything in the pot is all that satisfying. Nicki raps and sings a whole lot on Roman Reloaded, but she's rarely ever saying anything. And with all the attention she's got on her right now, we really wish she would.
Anyway, that's our first-listen take. Listen to these five surfaced tracks and decide for yourself.
[Unsurprisingly, it looks like some of the tracks have been taken down. We'll replace as soon as we find 'em!]
Nicki Minaj — "HOV Lane"
Nicki Minaj — "Whip It"
Nicki Minaj — "Automatic"
Nicki Minaj — "Come On A Cone"
Nicki Minaj – "Young Forever"
Nicki Minaj — "Fire Burns"
What do you think of Nicki Minaj's sophomore effort? Better than the original Pink Friday? Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.
Tags: Feature, Nicki Minaj


Australia declared Playing Elven for the first Test against India. Victorian Batsman Marcus will do Harris Debut. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was ignored while Peter Hands of Comb was given their place.
The first match of the series consisting of four Test matches between Australia and India will begin on Thursday. The Australian Playing XI squad captain Tim Pan, Marcus Harris, Aryon Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shawn Marsh, Peter Randsbach, Treasury Head, Stomach Cummade, Mitchell Stark, Josh Hazelwood and Nathan Lone.


text:
Q: Define a variable in Case statement at where clause I have created a SQL query that will run on a daily basis which will generate results based on the Days. For that, I have defined a variable in the where clause case statement to get the current day. Now when I run the query it shown an error stating Incorrect syntax near '='.
CASE
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Monday' then PriceH_strMonday = '`Y'
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Tuesday' then PriceH_strTuesday = 'Y'
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Wednesday' then 'PriceH_strWednesday = 'Y'
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Thursday' then 'PriceH_strThursday = 'Y'
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Friday' then 'PriceH_strFriday = 'Y'
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Saturday' then 'PriceH_strSaturday = 'Y'
when datename(dw,getdate()) = 'Sunday' then 'PriceH_strSunday = 'Y'
end

If the case statement runs on Monday, then the statement will set 'Y' on PriceH_strMonday, and then it will generate data fall under Monday items.
Kindly help me.

A: As I mentioned in the comments, SQL Server doesn't support Case (Switch) statements. I assume that the above is in the WHERE, in which case you shouldn't be trying to use a CASE expression either; just use AND and OR logic:
WHERE (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Monday' AND PriceH_strMonday = 'Y')
   OR (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Tuesday' AND PriceH_strTuesday = 'Y')
   OR (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Wednesday' AND PriceH_strWednesday = 'Y')
   OR (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Thursday' AND PriceH_strThursday = 'Y')
   OR (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Friday' AND PriceH_strFriday = 'Y')
   OR (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Saturday' AND PriceH_strSaturday = 'Y')
   OR (DATENAME(WEEKDAY,GETDATE()) = 'Sunday' AND PriceH_strSunday = 'Y')


text:
AHPDX
Thrupoint Podcast
Horizon at End Times Podcast
Political-Economy
Yemen Crisis and the Wheel of Contradiction
Sean Ongley
The Yemen Crisis only recently grabbed my attention during the usual morning routine of reading the news over breakfast. Lately, a story of violence, destruction, extremism, and political crisis breaks nearly everyday. Not only are there too many civil wars going on right now to cover, they tend to read like sports articles and analysis: just statistics detailing the offense and defense executed on the different sides. I'm still focused on Syria and Palestine, but Yemen has had enough compelling details that somehow don't add up. I had to carve out a couple days to research and digest the matter. Basically, something stinks and I want to know what's up.
When the news is called out blow-by-blow, it rarely gives any significance to history, and usually standing in one place, most reporters cannot keep up with all the moving parts. Before starting this article, I was only clear on the fact that Saudi Arabia's air campaign in Yemen was against a militant faction called The Houthis, who deposed President Hadi from office and palace some time early this year. Hadi fled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Houthis had staked claim over the government by controlling the capitol, Sanaa. Rumors of al-Qaida and Islamic State expanding their presence, thanks to the chaos of the scene, had been circulating.
There is a religious and tribal connection that can be traced back generations, even if the exterior of the conflict is a modern political one. There is of course a Shia muslim versus Sunni muslim conflict at play, with Shi'ite Houthis holding a majority in the north while Hadi comes from the Sunni south. Iran is majority Shia, Saudi Arabia is majority Sunni. Al-Qaida is Sunni and Houthi is Shia.
Both Houthi and Al-Qaida roots go back in Yemen as early as the fall of the Soviet Union and their occupation of Afghanistan in 1991.
Osama Bin Laden operated a training camp in Afghanistan and believed that Yemen had an important role to play in global jihad. His influence produced Islamic Jihad in Yemen, Army of Aden, and eventually al-Qaida in Yemen throughout the nineties, so that by September 11th, 2001, there was already a developing history of Yemeni attacks from Islamist militia against western nations.
Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi in Yemen
Hussein al-Houthi established the Believing Youth movement in 1992 to teach Zaidi Islam through school programs and summer camps. Teachings included lectures from Hassan Nasrallah, now Secretary General of the Lebanese political party with armed forces, Hezbollah. With 20,000 student attendees of the summer camps by 1995, there was a growing cult-like following in reverence of the al-Houthi family.
President of North Yemen throughout all of this is Ali Abdullah Saleh. He earned a vicious military career in the Yemen Arab Republic military from 1960 to 1980. By 1983, he was President and remained there until the Soviet-backed South Yemen collapsed with the disintegration of the U.S.S.R. He swiftly absorbed the whole of what is Yemen today and became the first President of the new unity government.
Southern secessionists threatened the rule of Saleh. He utilized jihadists from Afghanistan, the same as early al-Qaida groups in the early nineties, to squash insurgencies from Marxist secessionists. In 1994, a Vice President is appointed by the name of Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, for his military role in keeping the movement down. His role in the government becomes ceremonial.
President Saleh in 1990 giving a speech next to President George Bush at a time when Saleh supported Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.
Houthis were relatively quiet until anti-west sentiment developed after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. They got Saleh's attention as their numbers had grown and they had become increasingly militant. Without any particular provocation, members of the movement were arrested. Hussein al-Houthi did not wait to be arrested, so he started the first Houthi insurgency against Yemen in June 2004 and was killed on September 10th. Every year since, there has been some kind of offensive measure from the Houthi movement. By 2011, they played a meaningful role in the revolution that ousted Saleh.
That revolution was part of "The Arab Spring," which is an ongoing struggle. It has been a violent process but also led to international reforms and liberated many people from oppressive government rule. The nations still seeing great unrest are dealing with waves of humanitarian crises, civil war, and terrorism. The Yemeni Revolution has been one of the most unstable movements in the bunch. First, it left the old regime in place. Second, it was the failure of regional factions to form a respectable committee to support militant forces.
Water and Qat
One compelling aspect of the whole conflict is that Yemen is experiencing the greatest water crisis in the world. The prospect of Yemen being the first to run out of water has been rumored for many years, and yet, to this day, nothing is properly being done about it. Post-revolution reforms were met with a lack of political will from Hadi's government. Social instability is a massive distraction.
In a nation where 75% of men are addicted to a legal stimulant-narcotic known as qat, where food crops are being replaced by the demand for and profit from qat, where water drilling is unregulated, where nearly half the population is hungry, where cultivation of qat is estimated to be responsible for as much as half of the disappearing water table (6.5 feet per year), there is a country with a severely torn social fabric, whose people are reeling and desperate, as something is deeply corrupting the government.
For about one year after the revolution, Saleh remained President but essentially powerless. His successor, Hadi, was elected amidst unrest and instability. He was unopposed. By 2014, it seemed that his rule, though flawed, was likely to continue with reelection in 2015. This is when the Houthis started to dig in.
Houthi group prays during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Aug. 22, 2014. Image from Reuters.
What Led to Saudi Air Strikes
On January 22nd, Hadi was run out the Presidential Palace, resigning from office along with his entire cabinet, escaping to Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia took him as the President-in-exile. Abdel Malik al-Houthi became the first President of the Revolutionary Committee of Yemen.
Child Soldier in Sanaa, February 2015. Photo from The Intercept
Houthis rose to victory, building their control and support from the north, and in the summer of 2014, they descended upon the central capitol of Sanaa. But when they took the city by force and marked their territory like a gang, dissolving parliament and forming this farcical Revolutionary Committee, a considerable portion of the Yemeni public, Arab Gulf Cooperation Council, and United Nations called it an unwelcome coup d'tat.
It took about two months of failed peace talks mediated by United Nations for Saudi Arabia to intervene militarily. The UN condition was that Hadi would remain in office and his government would be restored. That is a difficult pill to swallow, so it is understandable that they would capitulate. February and March continued without the successful formation of a new government. Al-Qaida and Islamic State representatives continued to infiltrate the insecure nation, to fight the Houthi uprising and to thwart the return of Hadi's regime.
Rutgers Associate Professor of Middle East studies, Toby Jones, speaking on Democracy Now, points out that Yemen has been a fractured, troubled nation for longer than the Houthi insurgency. He acknowledged that the Houthis had accomplished nothing "but [to] kill a thousand Yemenis." Both politically and socially, they are stuck, but he stresses that they are one among many factions calling for political solutions while staging peaceful protests. He says:
The Houthis aren't the only ones who have put pressure on Sanaa's old central government. Pressure has come from the south, it's come from tribal confederations, all of whom have suggested that the political dialogue, the national discussion, about the post-Arab-uprising political rapprochement that was necessary, had been a deeply flawed process. The Houthis didn't call for war, and they coordinated closely with actors on the ground. They're the ones who were being attacked, even though they're the ones who have been calling for a political settlement to a deeply broken system all along. The fact that the Saudis have recast this in a language that the Houthis are the villains and the ones acting dangerously is remarkable.
Toby is not merely sympathetic; it is documented that Houthi protests in Sanaa were violently squashed with Yemeni security forces under Hadi, opening fire on protesting crowds.
With the claim that Iran was backing the Houthis, that they represented a threat to national security because of their control of a Saudi border region, and that militants had produced a humanitarian crisis, Saudi Arabia launched Operation Decisive Storm on March 25th. Toby points out that Houthis have no desire to invade Saudi borders, and that the humanitarian crisis happened in their backyard for more than a decade. "This is a place that has rapidly run out of water," Toby continues. "It has very little in the way of natural resources. The Saudis are just making a bad situation worse."
After Saudi Air Strikes
The mission of Decisive Storm was to degrade Houthi capability and was announced as a success on April 22nd. The following mission, Renewal of Hope, evolved immediately on the 23rd. In a personal narrative from Casey L. Coombs, an American journalist stuck in war-torn Sanaa and landlocked thanks to Saudi bombing, describes the desertion of a usually thriving city and the difficult circumstances of taking a commercial flight in an occupied nation where Saudi jets have bombed the airport. Shuttled around on a motor-bike taxi, he was unable to find a Western Union or other common services, and he points out,
The one market that appears unaffected — at least in terms of supply — is qat, the mildly narcotic plant that is almost universally chewed in Yemen. A qat dealer once told me that the qat is recession-proof — the qat markets are always up and running.
The story about Iran supporting the Houthis militarily has been published many times in numerous publications, yet the assertion is flawed. Beyond the possession of weapons traceable to Iran, there is no evidence of direct collusion as a proxy actor. Merely tracing arms to a weapons manufacturing nation is virtually irrelevant, and the double-standard glares when you look at al-Qaida or Islamic State weapons that are traceable to the United States. If this criteria holds true, then all the conspiracists are justified in accusing the U.S. of supporting The Islamic State.
Saudi Bombing Destruction, photo from BBC
It is however out in the open that the Saudi government helped keep in place a failing regime with Hadi as the head, keeping him surrounded by former President Saleh's family members.
April and May were characterized by failed ceasefire attempts and continued bombardment from the Saudi-led coalition, which included all Gulf-region nations and other allied countries. Accusations from the UN against the coalition have surfaced recently. Reports have circulated about the dropping of cluster bombs, an indiscriminate weapon of mass destruction. Al-Qaida continues to be targeted in the south by American drones, even as jets bombard their Houthi enemy.
On May 11th, Saleh announced his alliance with the Houthis after his home in Sanaa was bombed by the coalition, killing three guards while leaving him apparently unscathed. This lends all forces loyal to Saleh over to the Houthi cause, to engage in a desperate attempt at retaining power.
Revelations from Hani Mujahid
A former al-Qaida member and informant to Yemeni anti-terrorism units under Saleh has cast alarming accusations on the deposed President and his military between 2006 and 2011. Hani Mujahid provided information that could have thwarted two terrorist attacks, one targeting Spanish tourists, the other targeting an American Embassy.
That Saleh was both creating and controlling al-Qaida in Yemen through this U.S.-funded anti-terrorism program in order to continue receiving revenue is credible and supported by U.S. authorities. The post-revolution government that was backed by Saudi and U.S. diplomats left many of these military officials in place.
The Houthi coup which forced Hadi into exile points mostly to the political impossibility of reforming an old regime into a satisfactory democracy by using that same old regime. Yet this plan is what the international players are fighting for. The strongest question is, "Why?"
President Hadi in 2014
It is possible that Hadi is currently supported because during his three years of rule, he gradually reorganized the military with a certain obsession for cutting out the Saleh power hub. Interestingly, the work has continued in exile. Yesterday, following the Mujahid revelations, by Presidential Decree (in exile) Hadi relieved Brigadier Ammar Mohammed Abdullah Saleh (nephew of President Saleh) from his post in Ethiopia.
Hadi's presence is virtually by proxy, making few public appearances. His strategy has focused on international relations, unlike his predecessor, who could work with opposing factions in a masterfully sociopathic kind of way, but politically effective in dealing with homegrown issues. Hadi, as Vice President, and now President, cannot be disconnected from the corruption, from aiding al-Qaida. He pushes back against Saleh's rule, but not substantially. His relationship to real civilians is disconnected after 21 years at the top of Yemen's government.
Where The Wheel Turns Next
On June 3rd, peace talks were arranged for June 14th, in Geneva, moderated by the United Nations. This came after the deaths of at least 58 Yemenis under coalition bombing last week. The conflict has seen over 2000 related deaths, with many more injured, and half a million refugees since the start of the Houthi insurgency.
On the same day, Former Senator and Co-Chair of the 2002 House-Senate Joint Inquiry into 9/11, Bob Graham, called for the declassification of allegations concerning Saudi Arabia's financing of al-Qaida members which led to 9/11, declaring:
If the American people knew the full truth, I believe there would be an outrage that a country which alleges to be such an ally of ours has engaged in so many actions that have been so extremely negative towards the United States.
In Yemen, public support for a Houthi regime is simply vanishing, despite all the damage done by coalition air strikes. It is strange that Houthis would be willing to align with Saleh, the same man who had their leader killed. They might gain forces loyal to him, but they will lose public support.
That Saleh would turn against al-Qaida is not surprising considering that he used them to get on America's good side. When a Saudi air strike degrades Houthi territory and capability, al-Qaida is conveniently there to dig in.
Saleh intentionally manipulated America's War on Terror toward personal gain. Saudi Arabia did not commence air raids on this government. It was only when that government was removed that they stepped in, with America and allies at their back. If Houthis succeed, which is impossible, then Saleh will continue his power. If Hadi is put back into place, then a very similar situation will indeed continue, with al-Qaida targeting both Houthis and the regime.
This is a nation that needs to focus on social stability, food production, and water conservation. It can't do that with any of these factions. It could take years to build a government and the water crisis should have been handled years ago.
I am no more clear about who is running Yemen than anyone else, but if you trace the contradictions far enough, a pattern emerges. The wheel of this story turns all kinds of corners, but eventually it gets somewhere and parks.
Houthi Takeover
al-Qaida in Yemen
Believing Youth Movement
UN Peace Talks
Revolutionary Committee
Yemen to Run Out of Water
Hadi Water Inaction
IRIN News
Hadi Background
Toby Jones Opinion
Conflict Breakdown
Stuck in Sanaa
Casey L. Coombs, The Intercept
Saleh and Houthi
Saleh and al-Qaida
al-Qaida Informant Documentary
Hadi Relieves Ammar Saleh
Geneva Peace Talks
Bob Graham Announcement
ReportWar & Peace
Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadial-QaidaAli Abdullah SalehBob GrahamHussein al-HouthiIranIslamic StateSaudi ArabiaToby JonesYemen
Co-Founder of THRU Media. A background in non-profit, music, and radio preceded my ambitions here. Now, I aspire to produce new media and publish independent journalism at this site and beyond.
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text:
Bolata () is a small cove and Nature reserve located in the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.

Bolata is a locality located in the bay of the same name and is part of the Kaliakra Reserve. It is located in the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast near the village of Bulgarevo and near a former military station.

The area is a wetland of great importance for few rare plant and animal species. The sandy beach is of natural origin and is unique for scandalous shores in the Kaliakra area. A small river has created a narrow gorge and flows into the swamp "Bolata" (Lake Bolata) with an area of 23 ha, covered with a vast mass of reeds. The limestone rocks in the area should be red in color, creating iron oxides in the clay that fill their cracks. The bay is part of the Natura 2000 Kaliakra Complex protected area.

Bolata Cove

Bolata cove is located at the northern rocky coastline of the Bulgarian seaside. It is 3 km to the north of the Kaliakra headland. The nearest settlements are Bulgarevo village in about 5 km distance and the town of Kavarna in 13 km to the west.

The place represents a small cove with a semi-circular shape, featuring a sandy beach. All this is between a brick-colored high cliffs at the end of a rocky canyon. There is a very small river flowing into the sea.

This is the only approachable place where the sea can be reached for kilometers of cliffs spread out northwards and southwards.

History
In the caves around are found remnants of an ancient settlement dated as far back as 4th century B.C. In the area of Bolata was also found a Maltese cross which testify to the foreign trade relation of the Second Bulgarian Empire with the Republic of Venice and Genoa.

During the communist regime, on the right side of the canyon above the cove, there was built a top secret base. That's why few people knew about the place. There is some talk about a telephone cable that started from here and through the cove and sea connected leaders of Bulgaria and Soviet Union. The semi-abandoned buildings and a watch-tower can be seen nowadays on the plateau around Bolata.

The Reserve

In the sky of Bolata cove passes the so-called Via Pontica one of the main roads (north to south) of the migratory birds. Bolata is the only reserve in Bulgaria that includes sea area in its territory. Many interesting species make their nests here. Among them are:

Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula)
Grey heron (Ardea cinerea)

In the area of Kaliakra and Bolata can be often seen short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).

Of the herbaceous species, common ginger, bulbous meadow, common reed, other cereals, and others are found. Characteristic of the area are shrubs, cup-tufts, fights, jasmine shrubs and more.

Several species of amphibians and reptiles are found, such as protected species of Syrian garlic, brown toad, spiked turtle.

Above the lake passes Via Pontica, one of the largest airways of migratory birds throughout Europe. Therefore, nesting or passing waterfowl can be observed in the bay - a small water bull, a small diver, a tern, a large cormorant, a river tern, a white-tailed duck and other species of ducks and geese.

Cracks and niches are important habitats for bats and steppe mammals, which are typical for the area, white-bellied white-tooth, small white-tooth, common gray voles and more. Plain dolphin can be observed in the waters near the bay

Culture and tourism
Remains of an ancient settlement and evidence of life dating back to 400 BC have been found in the caves of Bolata, as well as the Maltese Cross - a testimony to the trade of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom with Venice and Genoa. Also discovered are stone circles, sacrificial stones, rock caves - dwellings. The beach is also widely known as a dive site. A steep path to the north ascends to the top of the rock wall, offering a view of the entire gorge.

Today the beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. It has fine sand and warm clean water. Behind the beach itself, however, the remnants of a once-public establishment and public toilet (which continues to be used today as a toilet) significantly spoil the experience. The human presence in this protected area has left a serious imprint on all sorts of junk.

Gallery

References

Bolata
Selo.bg

External links
Satellite Map - Bolata Cove

Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
Beaches of Bulgaria
Nature reserves in Bulgaria
Coves
Bays of Bulgaria
Landforms of Dobrich Province

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I experimented with different morning habits a lot. Why? The time before 7 am is probably the only time you have for yourself. Spend that time to invest in yourself and find the habit that work best for you.
Some people find routines to be boring while others will argue that routine is the best thing you can do for yourself. Whatever your opinion on this is, you have to admit that some well-balanced people share the same habits. Here are the top 10 morning habits of well-balanced people.
While everyone else is taking a nap on their train ride to work, you should be doing something useful. You can listen to audiobooks, writing..
Our mornings are the only time when our mind is completely clear to do things that matter the most.
You can spend just 3-10 minutes to read something positive and it will make your day. Try Brain Pickings or watch an inspirational video on YouTube. If you don't have time to look for videos on YouTube, why not trying Ted Talks? Anything you pick from there is amazing!
Don't spend hours picking up what to wear for the day. Even Mark Zuckerberg does this. When asked about that, he had an interesting reply, " I have to make as few decisions as possible except for the betterment of humanity".
If you want to be productive through the day, you need a healthy breakfast.
Find other ways to energize yourself, like cycling or yoga.
It strengthens your physical body and enlightens your mood.
Don't hop on the internet.
Well-balanced people don't surf social media or check their email first thing in the morning.
Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup and I hope you link up with our Pretty Pinterest Party too that starts Friday morning. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you found some great posts to visit this week!
I wake up every morning and WORK OUT – and my closet is VERY simple – VERYYYY simple, and generally wear the same thing every day, because that's not the most important thing in this world. It's very materialistic and that is just not me.


text:
Bureaucrats get half their decisions to refuse FOI requests wrong
Ronald MizenEconomics correspondent
Sep 30, 2021 – 5.00am
One in two decisions by federal government departments to block access to information are being overturned on review, as lawyers and transparency experts say the freedom of information system is broken.
Reviews by the independent Information Commissioner are taking years to decide, and the government has been accused of under-resourcing the Freedom of Information system and regularly failing to comply with lawful requests.
Lawyers and transparency experts say the Freedom of Information system is broken. Justin McManus
Independent Senator Rex Patrick said he would move to amend FOI laws when the Parliament returns, to streamline the review process and lighten the load on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Under the current system, FOI reviews must first be referred to the OAIC in a process that often takes several years. Those decisions can then be further appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Senator Patrick's amendments would require the OAIC to decide within 90 days if a matter should be referred directly to the AAT, and if a review takes longer than six months, automatically refer it to the tribunal.
"The only real place to get any significant gains is by reducing the time FOI reviews sit with the Information Commissioner," he said.
An analysis of OAIC decisions between 2016 and 2020 revealed an increasing number of cases where decisions were being either "set aside" or "set aside and substituted" compared with those being upheld.
'Tone from the top'
The analysis undertaken by The Australian Financial Review shows in 2016 58 per cent of OAIC reviews resulted in decisions to block access to documents being upheld, that decreased to 54 per cent in 2017, 48 per cent in 2018, 31 per cent in 2019 and 28 per cent in 2020.
Conversely, the number of decisions being either "set aside", "set aside and substituted" in part or in full increased from 28 per cent in 2016, to 35 per cent in 2017, 45 per cent in 2018, 64 per cent in 2019, and 56 per cent in 2020.
Since 2015-16, requests for FOI decisions to be reviewed by the OAIC have increased by 140 per cent from 510 to more than 1200.
Over roughly the same period, the number of exemptions claimed for cabinet documents for non-personal requests increased by 170 per cent, the so-called "deliberative process" exemption increased by 50 per cent, and the "certain operations of agencies" exemption increased by 30 per cent.
"The implementation of the law is of great concern," transparency expert Peter Timmins told a parliamentary inquiry this week.
Mr Timmins said he believed "tone from the top", from government ministers, was causing problems in the FOI system. "Public servants are pretty good at the tone at the top. Some public servants in particular don't interpret and apply the law in the correct manner," he said.
"I don't think there are any prizes for acting in accordance with the spirit and intent of the FOI legislation."
Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus went further, accusing the government of "systematically" abusing FOI laws.
"I don't think you can use language strongly enough for how this government has abused the FOI Act," Mr Dreyfus said, noting a recent trend of claiming documents ceased to exist when a minister changed portfolios.
The analysis does not include decisions that were varied by the OAIC. Many of those matters involved withdrawals of claims by either applicants or the department in addition to affirmations and changes to decisions.
Of the 376 access-refused decisions between 2016 and 2020, 39 were varied.
Ronald Mizen is economics correspondent for the Australian Financial Review based in Parliament House, Canberra. He writes on economics, politics and business. Email Ronald at ronald.mizen@afr.com
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Processed Foods…Are They All Bad?
Home » Featured » Processed Foods…Are They All Bad?
You can hardly go to the grocery store without buying processed foods, and buying fresh all the time isn't always feasible. Besides, some processed foods you can't buy fresh… like oatmeal, or flour. The point is… just because it's processed doesn't mean it's bad. Below we go through the basics of what processed food is and give a few example of good vs bad.
We usually think of processed foods as being bad. In truth, many of them are, but some types of processed foods are beneficial.
The most frequent processing methods are canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration, and aseptic processing. It isn't really the method of processing that makes some processed foods so bad – it's the ingredients used in those products. So processed foods made with healthful ingredients are fine for your diet – just avoid those that are high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium, or that have little nutritional value. Watch out for chemical processing too, as most common brands of fruit and vegetables have been exposed to growth hormones and other unnatural chemicals.
Milk is processed food because it's pasteurized to kill bacteria and homogenized to keep fats from separating. Low- and non-fat milk are good for most people who can digest the lactose (milk sugar).
Breakfast cereals are processed foods that can be good for you when they're made with 100-percent whole grain and fortified with additional nutrients.
Unfortunately, many breakfast cereals are made with too much sugar, and they're low in fiber. Read the nutrition label on the package, it will help you decide if the breakfast cereal is good or not.
Frozen foods are processed foods too. The best frozen foods are vegetables and fruits that don't contain any sauce, sugar or syrup.
Freezing preserves most vitamins and minerals and makes the food convenient to store, cook and eat all year round.
Fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial most of the time, but look out for the brands with added sugars or that are high in sodium. Some juices, like certain brands of orange juice, are fortified with calcium, which makes them even better.
Oatmeal, frozen fish and seafood (not fish stick or breaded varieties), canned salmon and tuna are healthful. Dried fruits, roasted nuts and seeds, and 100-percent whole grain bread are also examples of processed foods that are right for you.
Processed foods made with trans fats and large amounts of sodium and sugar aren't good for you. They're low in vitamins and minerals and eating too much of them is bad for your waistline and your health.
Try looking for recipes that don't need alot of packaged foods. Anything that grows, goes.
This is very helpful in clarifying that just because it's processed doesn't mean it's bad for you! The word processed always seemed negative to me. Ingredients are everything!!
What a good point! People have been using this method to keep food for the winter etc…for years and years. It's nice to hear something positive about processed food.


Among the single most important ideas in business is the sales funnel. Sales funnels can enhance your earnings online by automating your service. They offer a course of least resistance to growing as well as scaling your service on auto-pilot. But after hanging around with a few of the globe's finest online marketers, I can tell you with near assurance, not just exactly how sales funnels will certainly enable you to make more loan online, yet which details funnels you need to implement.
Now, if you're anything like me, you could be averse to specific funnels. For example, I'm never an ecommerce person, but I do understand that free-plus-shipping funnels are absolutely squashing it. Actually, just this previous week, while going to the Closing Table Mastermind with Perry Belcher and Roland Frasier, I obtained extra understanding into the appealing "tripwire" funnel, purportedly coined by Perry Belcher.
Nonetheless, Belcher really did not develop the idea. He attracted that from an old Columbia House advertisement that marketed 13 CDs or tapes for the large rate of $1.00. Remember it? But we all know that this alluring offer (aka tripwire) had way a lot more to it than simply the $1.00 price tag. Behind-the-scenes, there was a continuity program at the office. In Columbia House's' model, this was called unfavorable choice payment. That indicates, you instantly obtain routine month-to-month shipments (along with an expense) unless you specifically state or else.
So why is this so powerful and also what does it relate to sales funnels? In fact, what you'll observe is that Columbia House's sales funnel was fairly basic. You simply chose the CDs or tapes you desired for a dollar, then obtained a routine monthly delivery every month at a pre-defined price. They would continually bill you for those CDs or tapes every single month. There were variants of this deal also where you could get hold of 11 CDs or tapes for one penny then get the 12th complimentary.
In any case you take a look at it, these were all irresistible deals. This was also great to pass up. Yet what Columbia House and also other companies realized was that, although they would shed loan out of the gate, they would certainly, on average, with time, make money turn over first. And that is the power of the sales funnel. Before automation, this is how sales funnels worked. And, if you called in, you would get an online person efficiently walking you via the funnel.
The Columbia House instance uses deep understanding into the psychology of an offer that's tempting. By first identifying the lifetime worth of a consumer as well as their retention rate, Columbia House established that it can spend a certain amount of loan getting clients and also still be highly successful. That's basically what's done with sales funnels today. And also what truly makes those sales funnels so effective are tripwires.
Today, it's the tripwire that produces the alluring offer. Although Columbia House didn't rather have major up-sells or down-sells in their funnels, they produced a basic two step funnel that worked. It functioned because the tripwire was so alluring. It appealed deeply to the customer. Besides, just how can you resist an offer like that for 12 or 13 CDs or tapes for $1 or 1 cent when they were retailing at around $10 each at the time.
An additional powerful instance of this was via Sports Illustrated. In fact, Sports Illustrated was successfully on the decrease at the time it presented its cutting edge tripwire. There's something concerning substantial things that individuals simply get in touch with. Even when you're providing an electronic info item on the back end, by sweetening the handle a concrete great, you can quite actually send your conversions via the roof.
In the example of Sports Illustrated, take on your own back to 1990 when magazine membership rates were starting to leave. Because period, Sports Illustrated endured a 7% decline in their blood circulation in the first fifty percent of the year. Now, regardless of what they did, they were not able to obtain the subscription rates up. Even by using deep discount rates on memberships, consumers weren't grabbing it. And also, if they marked down too outstanding, it would affect their capability to get marketers paying costs prices without revealing that consumers were paying near to the complete cover price of the publication.
Sports Illustrated, owned by Time, Inc., had not been the only magazine that was enduring under the business's umbrella. Individuals magazine had additionally experienced a serious decline of 5%. Time, Inc., knew that it required to do something fast. So it began to provide a tripwire that consisted of sports bloopers on VHS. Nevertheless, the price was excessively high as well as there were just numerous bungles it might supply. So, they counted on the football phone as the brand-new tripwire.
Why the football phone? First, it interested the target audience. And, it was unique and amazing. Much more amazing than an uninteresting publication registration. The football-shaped phone principle was developed by Sports Illustrated's supervisor of flow at the time, Michael Loeb. Back then, advertising on cable television was also extremely affordable. And also, the phone, which was sourced from China, just cost a few bucks "landed". So it all made sense.
Loeb worked with the logistics of this offer for many months. However, that wasn't the only offer. They additionally devised an offer that consisted of a sneaker phone. If you'll think back to 1990-1991, it was both offers that were running virtually concurrently. Discuss an early-on split-test, right?
So, what were the outcomes of all this? Over 1 million new clients. That's right. And also those offers only ran for a restricted time. But it properly conserved the company. That's the power of a tripwire offer. It's a substantial item that gets individuals delighted concerning whatever else the core offer is. In fact, some people will only get what you're selling solely for the uniqueness of the tangible tripwire offer.
Sales funnels are among the single most powerful concepts in service today for an extremely particular factor. It's not just the example of the tripwire that's powerful. It's the entire kitty play dirty, so to speak. There are a lot of parts and also elements to what make a sales funnel work so well that I intended to break it down and also offer some more instances to give a deeper understanding to just how you can utilize them to enhance your revenue online.
Now, if you're not using a sales funnel today, or if you're simply discovering what a sales funnel is, after that there are a couple of means you can swiftly utilize this powerful concept in your service to create eruptive outcomes. Primarily, if you don't have a ClickFunnels account, go below and register for the 14-day free trial. Once you've arrangement your account, get a custom-made domain name and begin developing your funnel. If you require aid, watch a few of the on-boarding videos included with ClickFunnels.
It does not matter if you have an existing organisation or you're functioning to setup a new service, funnels are the trick to expanding and also scaling despite where you're starting from. Nevertheless, there are 5 particular methods you can make use of sales funnels to boost your income today. No matter what service you're in or what you're marketing, you can leverage these today, now, to develop explosive results.
At the Inner Circle mastermind today, Russell Brunson dissected the hook-story-offer method that comes before building the funnel. Can you develop a sales funnel prior to you have a hook and also a story? Yes. However you may have problem obtaining grip, specifically if you're competing in a red sea. Red seas are entrepreneur-infested waters contending for the very same swimming pool of clients, whereas blue seas are a location where few business owners are swimming in.
What does that inform you? Invest the time on the hook and the story. Yes, the deal is additionally essential. But it's the hook and also the story that's mosting likely to reel potential customers in. For example, Brunson utilized the story of fit-to-fat-to-fat owner, Drew Manning. Manning, that remained in excellent form, headed out there and also obtained a bunch of weight over a 6 month duration to much better understand what it feels like to be fat. Yet after that he headed out there and also lost all the weight.
That right there is an extraordinary hook and also story. It's unique. As well as, as a result of that, Manning has actually experienced a meteoric increase, despite the fact that his offer isn't that excellent. Yet when the hook as well as the tale is just so excellent, the offer is nearly unimportant. Successfully, you can sell nearly anything when the hook and the tale simply crush it. An additional instance is the story of Robert Allen who would certainly constantly claim he could be dropped in any type of city in the nation and also buy a house no loan down within 60 days. Which's specifically what he did. His brand name has done over a billion bucks in sales because of it.
Those are all terrific hooks and also stories. Without that, your offer will struggle. If you can develop a special method to create your hook and tale, the rest will form. Considering that there is a lot red ocean available, this is most likely one of the most vital points to make before you introduce any type of sales funnel.
Tripwires are fantastic low-barrier-of-entry items that make prospects take out their credit cards. Usually, these are too-good-to-pass-up items that are provided at an astounding rate. Just think of the tripwire provided by Columbia House or Sports Illustrated, as an example. Tripwires aid make it less complicated to obtain brand-new customers, and after that to rise them up your value ladder.
Anything that makes customer procurement harder, such as a high-priced services or product out of eviction, is going to make growing and also scaling your organisation more difficult. The fact is that it costs 5 times as a lot to attract a brand-new consumer as it does to maintain an existing one. That's why tripwires are so effective. They lower the barrier-of-entry right into your business. And also anything that can lower the barrier of entry is always excellent.
An additional wonderful means to introduce a sales funnel and also conveniently boost your earnings whatever company you remain in is via a lead magnet. The lead magnet needs to add genuine value. However it can be in different formats such as a PDF ebook, checklist, rip off sheet and so forth. After the download, you can provide an one-time deal. This implies a three-step funnel. You could additionally create an up-sell if they take the single offer and even a payment-plan down-sell if they deny it.
Why do a lead magnet with tons of value? Initially, you're setting yourself up as a specialist. If that material is truly workable, and also it adds a massive amount of worth to the prospect's life, after that they're mosting likely to perceive you as the authority. However it does something far more than that. It refers micro-commitments. The concept? Get a person to agree to do three small points for you and the 4th one is instantaneously a yes.
Among the most effective sales funnels you can construct is based around the webinar. Actually, it was the webinar that saved Brunson's organisation from bankruptcy a number of times. It was a mix and also culmination of knowledge that result in the excellent webinar script, which creates the basis for the supreme sales funnel. Several of it came from Jason Fladlien, while various other items came from elsewhere in Brunson's trip.
However, all that details combined into the format of an ideal webinar as well as funnel, has actually literally transformed the businesses of numerous entrepreneurs who've taken their expertise as well as monetized it with the exponential pressure of webinars. Developing a webinar is just one of the best paths to success with a sales funnel. Actually, the webinar funnel is fairly perhaps one of the most transformative funnel you could release for any type of organisation, brand-new or old.
An additional means to enhance your revenue with a sales funnel is to build a high-ticket training funnel that goes from application to telephone call to shut.
The application allows you to remove those that aren't serious. And, on the telephone call, you can seal the deal. Currently, this kind of sales funnel jobs if you have actually already had outcomes with customers. Otherwise, work for totally free up until you get results for people. After that, collect endorsements and make use of those as part of the pitch for the training.
Possibly one of the biggest and most preferred sales funnels nowadays is the free-plus-shipping offer funnel. It makes a great entry point right into any type of funnel by creating an one-time deal or up-sell after the offer, comparable to a tripwire funnel. However, the distinction right here is the power of words complimentary. Yes, tripwires, which are really low-priced products or services, function well. However there is genuine power in words totally free.
In fact, people will raise as well as down for a cost-free offer, even if they have to cover the delivery as well as handling, rather than taking an offer that they also need to pay a small amount of cash for.


Oh boy where did you get all these dove breasts? I wouldn't even know where to begin. Like I said you cook some of the most unique foods ever. Thanks for sharing. I've only eaten quail.
Whitewing doves are plentiful in deep South Texas. I have a great quail recipe. I was really proud of learning to debone them. I used a YouTube tutorial from Jaques Pepin.
I love wine in food. I bet I would love this. I've never eaten dove either but my grandpa speaks of catching and eating pigeons.


I like this photo of my daughter Emma playing in the playground at Alexandra Palace in London.
We had gone to Alley Pally for a paper craft fair in April 2012 because my wife Janice likes to make greetings cards, but both James and Emma get bored with commercial fairs so I took them to the Boating Lake and around the playground behind the building itself. This item of play equipment is a plastic wheel set at an angle to the ground which the children sit or lie on and try to spin it round. Once I saw them playing on it it became an ideal vehicle for getting one of my favorite type of pictures; using some part of the picture as a lead in to the subject.
I always find taking pictures of the children quite difficult. Because they are constantly running about it's difficult to pose them without making a picture which looks posed, and taking candid shots soon becomes a collection of snapshots. That's why I often try to find something to act as a lead in to the picture. It adds some compositional strength.
I think this shot gives the impression of movement and captures a bit of the fun they had. It was taken with a Canon S95 which I normally have with me to make sure I can get reasonable shots if a situation arises and I don't have my proper camera with me. Shot at f2 @ 1/1000, even at that aperture the depth of field is enough to make most of the background in focus as well. That's what you get with small sensor cameras.


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Rail travellers told to avoid the bank holiday weekend
Great Northern issues advice during upgrade work
Great Northern is "strongly advising" against rail travel over the August bank holiday weekend.
There will be no service on the line between Moorgate and Welwyn Garden City on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August, and a reduced service from Moorgate on bank holiday Monday 26 August.
This is because of a work by Network Rail to upgrade the East Coast Main Line. According to Great Northern the programme includes:
Renewing track, signalling and overhead wire equipment on the approach to London Kings Cross station. The track is being re-laid in a new layout, with a disused tunnel being reopened, allowing for six tracks into the station instead of the current four.
A new platform being built at Stevenage for the Hertford North-Stevenage trains (buses are replacing trains between Watton-at-Stone and Stevenage while construction takes place)
Relocating the control of signalling to Network Rail's operating centre in York
Further improvement works are taking place further north of Peterborough
Great Norther says there will need to be some temporary changes to train services during the upgrade, including:
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August (Bank holiday weekend)
Over the bank holiday weekend, track work will be taking place outside King's Cross station and between St Neots and Peterborough. Alongside these works, the signalling system will be turned off and part of the control relocated to Network Rail's operating centre in York, meaning no trains will be able to run.
No Great Northern or Thameslink services between London King's Cross / London St Pancras and Peterborough.
No Great Northern or Thameslink services between London King's Cross / London St Pancras and Cambridge.
No Great Northern service between Moorgate and Welwyn Garden City / Hertford North/Watton-at-Stone).
For essential travel a limited replacement bus service will be provided as shown on the map below. Tickets will be valid on the alternative bus and rail routes shown on the map.
London Kings Cross station will be closed. LNER trains will not run between Peterborough, Stevenage and London.
Great Northern trains will run between Cambridge and King's Lynn.
Bank Holiday Monday 26 August
Reduced service on Great Northern & Thameslink services to/from London King's Cross.
Reduced service on Great Northern services to/from Moorgate.
Reduced service on Thameslink services to/from St Pancras.
LNER, Hull Trains and Grand Central are also affected with reduced/retimed services.
For those wanting to travel to or from Brookmans Park or Welham Green on the bank holiday Monday 26 August you can check which trains are running on the Great Northern site. As you go through the process a warning notice pops up (see below).
Great Northern is carrying out a survey of rail travellers to try to find out what the public thinks about the work.
Posted on Friday, August 16, 2019
Labels: Brookmans Park Station, East Coast Main Line, Great Northern, Rail travel, Railways, Welham Green Station


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University Of California Will Bring Students Back To Campuses For Fall 2021 School YearCOVID-19 vaccines are being administered now to frontline healthcare workers, and could be available soon to students, staff and faculty, so UC says they are getting ready to welcome students back to its campuses.
University Of California No Longer Able To Use SAT, ACT Scores In Admissions, Judge RulesThe University of California system can no longer use ACT and SAT tests as a determinant for admissions, a superior court judge has ruled, handing a victory to students with disabilities.
University Of California Announces Plan To Phase Out Single-Use Plastics At All 10 Campuses By 2030Single-use plastic straw, utensils and stirrers will be eliminated by July 1, 2021 and replaced with compostable or reusable alternatives, with exceptions for accessibility needs.
Latino Students The Biggest Ethnic Group Of Incoming UC Freshman For First TimeEven as universities grapple with holding classes amid a pandemic, UC says it expects to increase its total 2020-21 resident enrollment by 1,600, on top of the more than 17,700 California-based students who have been enrolled since 2014-15.
UC System To Sue Over ICE Directive Forcing International Students To Take In-Person Classes Or Leave USHarvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have also filed lawsuits, and the University of Southern California said it was weighing its legal options.
Dr. Michael Drake Named UC System's First Black PresidentDr. Michael Drake succeeds Janet Napolitano, who had held the role since 2013.
UC Board Of Regents Votes In Favor Of Bringing Affirmative Action Back To College AdmissionsUniversity of California's Board of Regents unanimously endorsed a state constitutional amendment that would allow race and gender to be considered again in college admissions.
UC Eliminates ACT/SAT Requirement For Admissions Selection, Announces Plans For Replacement TestThe UC Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to suspend the SAT/ACT requirement for all freshman applicants through fall 2024.
University Of California Should Suspend SAT And ACT As Admissions Requirement, Napolitano SaysThe president of the 10-campus University of California system is recommending the suspension and possible elimination of the SAT and ACT as part of admissions requirements.
With Schools Closed By Coronavirus Outbreak, UC Temporarily Relaxes Enrollment RequirementsWith schools across the country shut down potentially until the end of the school year, the University of California is temporarily relaxing enrollment requirements.
University Of California Develops Own Test For Coronavirus With Results Within 24 HoursLabs at UC San Francisco, UCLA and UC San Diego are now offering the in-house COVID-19 tests, with UC Davis and Irvine next in line.
UC President Janet Napolitano To Step Down In 2020Napolitano made the announcement during a UC Board of Regents meeting at UCLA.
Bernie Sanders Appears At UCLA Rally For Thousands Of Striking WorkersSanders briefly spoke at a rally near the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, one of several such rallies taking place across the state.
California Legislature OKs Plan To Require Universities To Offer Medication AbortionsThe California Assembly has voted to require all public universities to offer medication abortions at their campus health centers.
UC System Decreases Tuition For First Time Since 1999A resident student will play about $12,570 in tuition and fees next year.


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Social Distancing Diaries: Easing the Isolation Through Online Gaming
Rediscovering video games has been a way to reconnect with friends, former colleagues, and even strangers during quarantine
By Tyler Tynes Apr 3, 2020, 6:20am EDT
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The sports and pop culture calendars have paused. The safest thing that you can do right now is stay inside. And millions of people are looking for creative ways to pass the time. The Ringer is here to help. We're starting a series called the Social Distancing Diaries, with our staff's ideas for finding comfort, joy, community, or distraction while doing your part to flatten the curve. In the coming weeks, we'll be diving into what we're passionate about and want others to discover—from bidets to buried treasure and everything in between.
The moment I knew it was getting to me was when I started watching professional bowling. For fun.
It felt aimless. But there I was: sinking into the black plush of my sofa, communicating with friends in a group chat, talking about the advanced analytics of the pins as if we were discussing our favorite teams in the Super Bowl. To say I was bored was an understatement. I was famished for fun, separated from my community, those who once lived with me, and whom I had taken for granted.
Panic over the COVID-19 pandemic had only just begun to engulf New York City, where I live, and my roommates had fled across state lines, returning to their hometowns. I was left by myself. The endless scrolling online would not help me. Unceasing anxiety crept through my body as minutes rolled into hours of silence. I needed to feel something to revive my spirit—I felt stale, like an old loaf sitting on a counter.
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I rediscovered the PlayStation I'd been ignoring for months, save for streaming a few episodes of the British reality show Love Island. When I turned it on and called up some of my favorite video games, the friends I was restricted from seeing were all there, shimmering icons and emoji flickering against a blue backdrop on my television.
Online gaming provides an odd comfort in the social distancing age. Usually, my apartment is a hub of activity: friendly gatherings before stretching our legs across Brooklyn, social drinking during sporting events, a haven for out-of-town friends and family. The social distancing measures implemented by city officials made my home a quiet and lonely place, but suddenly I felt reconnected, as though I'd been given a brief respite from the anxiety and fear that was consuming New Yorkers. It was a joy. It was an oasis. It was a virtual Valhalla on a 50-inch screen.
The people I needed most at the time were right in front of me. Over a microphone, a longtime friend told me he got engaged while on a walk with his fiancé as I was whipping his ass in a game of FIFA. Another buddy updated me on how he's handling work with the world in disarray as I ran up the score on him as Lamar Jackson during a Madden NFL session. Another friend and I talked about our sneaker collections as our guards crossed each other silly in NBA 2K. My need for communication and companionship had been boiled down to missions and simulations; clarity came through voice calls over Call of Duty. A stranger I played in the game's plunder party mode discussed the nation's policy options at a time of crisis.
This isn't to say I won every round—an old friend bragged online about beating me in FIFA. Once. The audacity. A former colleague smacked me up and down the hardwood with James Harden and Ja Morant in 2K and then talked a heap of shit via Instagram. I lost a few games to a friend in Madden, and he made sure to let me know about it. It was a whirlwind of angst and affirmation—I craved the competition with and the connection to the people who I needed most. It was a metronome of various emotions I had forgotten how to enjoy.
During our period of quarantine, I've been thinking about what this isolation does to the human condition. The author Henry Cloud believed that "there is a difference between solitude and isolation." "One," he said, "is connected and one isn't. Solitude replenishes, isolation diminishes." The South African cleric and activist Desmond Tutu once said that a person is a person only through the bridge of one's soul to others, that we "can't be human in isolation; you are human only in relationships." The author Orson Welles said that we are born alone, and often live alone, and die alone but, "only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone."
The walls of isolation, both mental and physical, that are imposed on us are not as solid as they seem. I've found that isolation can be a shared experience: the anxiety flares; the panic attacks; the self-doubt. We're all looking for ways to approximate the human connections that have been compromised during the quarantine. We cannot replicate physical touch, but we can re-create the quality time that can sustain us. It just so happens that I found my community in a black box, humming from the caramel desk in my bedroom, while I hold a joystick in my hands. The thrill returned to my body like a sensation, like I was a boy discovering happiness all over again.
Isolation is self-defeating—it's our connection to others that can make our souls sing, our lives flourish, our hearts beat a bit faster. Other people complicate our lives but also better our days, and life feels desolate without them—even if our current reality necessitates that we stay away from them.
Truly, none of us can be human in isolation—it eats away at what makes us who we are. The results are unbearably desolate. It's why I sought that touch, that feel, that humanity, through gaming with friends and strangers, even it happened virtually, through a screen.
On one of my first nights of gaming, I connected with someone I'd never met before, a journalism student at the University of Nebraska named Drake Keeler. He was stranded on campus for a few days before it was time for him to venture back home to Denver. We played each other with our favorite teams on FIFA—my guys from Manchester City and his from PSG. He wasn't much of a soccer fan. I wasn't much of a fan of losing. I whupped him good, except for the last bout, when he took a much-deserved victory lap.
He said he was at a DaBaby concert in Lincoln when news started to churn out about the virus sweeping the nation. He didn't really know what to do except bunker down in his dorm. We stopped playing and just talked for a while. For a few moments, I was there for him, and he for me. It was comforting. It was safe. It was without panic for the first time in what had been, for me, days. It was the feeling I had been searching for while cooped up in my home.
When it was time to depart, I told him I'd be here if he ever needed anything. He seemed to appreciate that. And I ended our time together the same way I have every conversation for what seemed like a month.
"Take care, man."
The Ringer's Social Distancing Diaries
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Easing the Social Distance Through Online Gaming
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