(Loveland, CO) – Only 2 weeks since it opened its doors to the public and Drätz Brewing Company already is the 2nd place winner of Gnarly Barley's People's Choice Award for 2018.
Losing only by 2 votes from eventual winner Rally King Brewing of Fort Collins, the brewery provided a glimpse of its tasting room in its soft opening last July 20 followed by a Grand Opening Weekend Celebration on July 27 & 28. A week later, it joined 20+ breweries at the Gnarly Barley Brew Fest at The Ranch, Larimer County's Events Complex in Loveland, CO in August 4.
Specializing in American, German and Belgian style ales and lager, it's tasting room will have 8 regular craft beers on tap as well as limited edition experimental specialty and seasonal beers. One of its regular beers is the leading crowd favorite KD Kölsch, a mild German Ale with a light body, pale color and a slightly assertive hop bitterness. Fermented in ale yeast then finished with lagering, its unique style results in a light easy drinking pale that finishes crisp and clean.
It's limited edition experimental beer was introduced just a week ago with the RAW Ale Series. Raw beer, gruit as it was called in the middle ages, is brewed without boiling the wort. Drätz Brewing's RAW Ale series is a variation of the ancient brewing method of creating gruit, increasing the overall body and creating a significantly hazy beer.
RAW Pineapple & Rosemary Saison is the first of this limited edition series. With the blend of fresh rosemary and pineapple, it creates a crisp and refreshing drink that accentuates the sweet smell of the farm after a long day of work.
Along with its beers, Drätz Brewing Company also launched the Drätz Gran Can, it is a 64 oz can that is resealable, recyclable, chills faster and keeps beer cold longer.
The brewery is inspired by the family history of it's Founder and CEO Kerry Drake, thus several beers are named after family members starting from Josias Drätz. Born in 1656 in Amsterdam, Holland, (a region and former province on the western coast of the Netherlands) Josias Drätz had immigrated to the colony of New Amsterdam which we now know of Manhattan, New York. Shortly after arriving in New Amsterdam, England had won the Anglo Dutch war and started moving English settlers into the Dutch colony. To avoid harassment from the English moving into the settlement, Josias started to search for another name to sound less Dutch. The Drätz name was eventually dropped and changed to Drake (which the family goes by today).
Depot, off the busy Highway 34 that runs through the heart of Loveland.
https://dratzbrewing.com/ or like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


Holiday Universal Inc. has admitted to discriminating against blacks who sought membership in its chain of health spas in five U.S. metropolitan areas, including Baltimore, and agreed to pay $9.5 million in damages and to give free memberships to blacks who were turned away or overcharged for membership.
At a hearing yesterday in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, Judge Joseph C. Howard said he would decide tomorrow whether to accept the proposed settlement, which would end a case originally filed in December 1988 and scheduled to go to trial last Monday.
"I've heard enough now, I think, to call off the jury," Judge Howard said.
According to Joseph M. Sellers, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys from the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights under Law, Holiday says in the proposed decree that it regrets discrimination took place at about 50 clubs in Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore.
The proposed consent decree also says that management of Holiday's parent company, Bally Manufacturing Corp., blames previous management for the discrimination, which it condemns.
The company further says it is committing itself to full compliance with the civil rights laws and to hiring a civil rights director, and it promises to discipline employees who discriminate.
Beyond that, Mr. Sellers said, the settlement commits Bally to extend provisions of the settlement to another 250 health clubs that it operates under various names throughout the United States, even though the parent company wasn't a defendant in the lawsuit.
Mr. Sellers said the discriminatory practices were revealed in pretrial interviews with 60 to 70 employees who said they had been told to keep blacks out of the clubs. Two vice presidents and three district managers have been subsequently fired, he said.
The company admits in the settlement that some blacks, although accepted as members, were limited to certain clubs in black neighborhoods, quoted much higher rates, denied financing and forced to pay cash for fewer benefits. For example, Mr. Sellers said, blacks might be told to pay several thousand dollars up front while whites received financing for up to 36 months for $25 down.
Typical of the cases cited was that of Gregory A. Kernan of Gaithersburg, a 37-year-old assistant chief of maintenance and development for the Prince George's County Department of Recreation and Parks, who was the first plaintiff listed in the lawsuit.
He recalled yesterday that he answered a late-night TV advertisement for a Holiday spa in Rockville, but "when I showed up for my appointment, -- it was three years ago yesterday -- I waited a half an hour or more and no one came out. Others with appointments went in, all white."
After further waiting, he said he was told to come back the next day, when the same thing happened. He tried to call for an appointment for two more weeks, he said, then dropped it.
"Obviously, they didn't want me as a member," he said. "I thought at that time that it was mostly discourtesy."
When he found out about the lawsuit, he said, he became the lead defendant because "I have a 7-year-old daughter. I know what my parents went through in the '20s, the '30s, the '40s and what I went through in the '60s and '70s -- and I was determined that things will be different for her."
In other cases cited, black applicants were similarly discouraged from pursuing membership by being required to make appointments to tour a spa, then being kept waiting as whites were ushered in. Often, they were given a brief tour or none, a sales pitch that offered fewer features and facilities, and membership options at prices higher than the general rate.
Employees told of being instructed in these techniques at regional sales meetings, and of making notations on sign-in books and salesmen's work sheets, such as "DNWAM" -- for "do not want as member" -- or "$," "M," "50" and "8," all designations for African-American applicants, according to W. Scott Blackmer, a plaintiffs attorney.
A former manager in Atlanta gave a pretrial statement telling of a visit from a now-departed vice president who complained that the club was too dark.
When the manager assured him that it had been repainted and was well-lighted, the executive "used a racial epithet to say there were too many blacks in the club," said plaintiffs attorney Mark J. Leimkuhler of Washington.
No testers were used in preparing the lawsuit, the lawyers said, but they will be used to make sure any agreement is kept.
About 1,300 people have contacted the lawyers thus far, Mr. Sellers said, and about 2,000 are expected to eventually be eligible for damages. The settlement is to be advertised, with a deadline of May 30 for claims by anyone who may have suffered discrimination from Dec. 12, 1985, through Feb. 27, 1991.
Payments would begin with $3.5 million March 30, and continue at $1.5 million a year through March 1995. The 16 plaintiffs named as representatives in the class action would each receive $10,000 for their extra efforts; the others would get $2,500 to $3,000, depending upon the final number of victims.
About one-third of the settlement would go for lawyers' fees and court costs.


The inside of the church is stunning! We happened upon it while a mass was still on. Beautiful music.. we just sat at the back and enjoyed it!
Beautiful old church, amazing character, beautiful statues, stain glass windows are wonderful. Bishop Sherlock celebrated this wonderful feast day and his homily fantastic Thanks for celebrating a wonderful feast day with us.
This type of cathedral is very rare in Ontario. It reminds me of St. Peter's in Rome; just not as ornate. It is well maintained and a perfect spot for reflection and meditation. I visit it often.
spiritual sanctuary with a beautiful architectural background.. very well kept garden. always a nice place for a mass.
This church is next to a park we were stretching our legs in. The church itself is very nostalgic and grand. The doors were open for visitors to view.
Beautiful church adjoined by Victoria Park. Stop in and take look if you are in the area. Parking can be tricky to find, but we found free street parking a few blocks a way on Central Ave (opposite the church). Easy walk to the church.
The Basilica in London is beautiful! Be sure to take a moment to read the plaque outside of the church detailing the history of it.
Get quick answers from St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica London staff and past visitors.
Can you take pictures inside the Cathedral?
Can you go in anytime to look at the church or do you have to call?
Most days St.Peter's is open until 5 -> 6pm for anyone to visit. It is a truly beautiful Cathedral Basilica.


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Our list of games like Aven Colony will help you choose the right game to play next and enjoy every second of it.
Explore the alien planet of Aven Prime with its vast deserts, jungles, and tundra. Take charge of mankind's first extrasolar colony where you will expand them from humble beginnings to massive sprawling metropolises. Survive differing biomes and their bizarre alien inhabitants. Manage every aspect of your colony to ensure success.


text:
Outsider wins GOP nomination for Oklahoma governor
By Reid Wilson - 08/28/18 09:34 PM EDT
© Facebook: Kevin Stitt
Mortgage broker Kevin Stitt will be the Republican nominee for governor of Oklahoma after winning a tough-fought runoff Tuesday, outlasting several more experienced politicians in his first run for public office.
Stitt took 55 percent of the vote, with 79 percent of precincts reporting late Tuesday. Former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett (R) took 45 percent of the vote. The Associated Press called the race for Stitt.
Cornett led a crowded field of Republicans in the June primary with 29 percent of the vote. Stitt took 24 percent, edging out Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb (R), who finished third.
Stitt will now face Drew Edmondson, the Democratic nominee who served four terms as the state's attorney general, and Libertarian candidate Chris Powell.
Edmondson represents perhaps the strongest candidate Democrats could have fielded, though he will remain an underdog in a state President Trump Donald TrumpIran convicts American businessman on spying charge: report DC, state capitals see few issues, heavy security amid protest worries Pardon-seekers have paid Trump allies tens of thousands to lobby president: NYT MORE won by 36 percentage points in 2016.
Gov. Mary Fallin (R) is term-limited.
Though Oklahoma is deeply conservative, the state has a long history of electing conservative Democrats. Since 1971, five of the state's eight governors have been Democrats, including Fallin's predecessor, Brad Henry.
Tags Donald Trump

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Takeaways from No. 17 Georgia's historic win at No. 2 NC State
Monica Holland
RALEIGH — Georgia's women's basketball team traveled to face No. 2 NC State on Thursday with a No. 17 ranking and an 8-1 record with its lone blemish a one-point loss to another solid ACC squad in Georgia Tech.
The Bulldogs came away with a clutch overtime victory, dealing the Wolfpack its only loss since a season-opening stumble against No. 1 South Carolina. It was Georgia's first road win over a Top 2-team in program history.
Here are three takeaways from Georgia's 82-80 overtime win at NC State:
Sarah Ashlee Barker is clutch
After NC State's Kai Crutchfield made a free throw to put the Wolfpack (10-1) up 75-72 with 3 seconds remaining in regulation, most people inside Reynolds Coliseum were celebrating.
It was premature.
After a timeout, Sarah Ashlee Barker shook her defender just enough to launch a 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining, and swish.
The shot sent the game to overtime and silenced a hungry home crowd that had watched the Wolfpack rally from a 12-point halftime deficit.
Barker also made back-to-back 3-pointers to open the fourth quarter and erase a five-point Wolfpack lead.
Jenna Staiti is one of the best post players in the country
Georgia's 6-foot-4 graduate senior Jenna Staiti finished with a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds with three 3-pointers.
Matching up against NC State's All-American post Elissa Cunane when she wasn't in foul trouble, Staiti had her way. She shot 57.1 percent and blocked six shots, outperforming her season averages of 12.9 points and 8.0 rebounds entering the game.
Her ability to hit from long range stretched NC State's defense and her fade to the basket when the Pack's post player fronted resulted in several second-half scores.
Georgia women can challenge top teams
A historic win for the program, Georgia's victory at NC State showed resilience and toughness down the stretch that should build confidence for a squad that is looking to go further than last season's SEC championship appearance and second-round exit in the NCAA tournament.
The Wolfpack earned its No. 2 ranking with wins over then-No. 2 Maryland and No. 6 Indiana, avenging last season's Sweet 16 loss to the Hoosiers on their home court.
Getting a win at NC State, especially one in which the Bulldogs were pushed so hard, proves their place among the nation's elite.


text:
Coronavirus Pandemic: UPSA Management calls for calm as preventive measures are put in place
The Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra has called for calm and vigilance as the institution puts in place precautionary measures against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ghana, on March 12, 2020, recorded its first cases of COVID-19, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In line with global preventive measures and in response to the call by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana for citizens to take precautionary measures, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Charles Barnor, in a statement to the University community, has called for the de-densification of all public places on campus.
He said all public events and social gatherings on campus have been suspended until further notice. "Except for lectures, all events that require massing have been put on hold till further notice," he directed.
Lecturers have also been directed to mount lecture notes and other teaching-learning materials on the University's Learning Management System for the subsequent weeks. He explained that this is to ensure continuity in the academic calendar in the event of any unforeseen circumstance in the future.
Professor Barnor further announced that all lifts in monumental buildings have been shut down with immediate effect as part of safety measures.
He assured the safety of all students, staff and visitors on campus and revealed that the Director of Health Services will soon issue further safety and preventive measures.
The Pro-VC called on all and sundry to bear with the University as these stringent measures are enforced to avert any mishap.
"Please bear with us at this moment as we take preventive measures to ensure our campus is safe," he said. "Your safety is our concern."
International Women's Day 2020 marked
UPSA begins examination online


text:
Q: Pack rectangular objects of different sizes in a fixed size rectangle If this has been asked before, please help me find it, I have scoured Math.stackexchange and have found quite similar questions but not exactly what I am looking for.
I have a rectangular space.
I also have a number of rectangle objects.
I want to find an algorithm that will try to fit all the objects in the rectangle and if this is not possible I want to know that so that I can show an error message.
This is for a computer program that I am working with to place images on a sheet of paper so that I can print them. The idea is to waste as little paper as possible.
Edit: Found this one which was a very interesting read: http://cgi.csc.liv.ac.uk/~epa/surveyhtml.html
Makes me realise that there really is not a simple answer  to this problem

A: I have bad news.
Even a restricted problem where the  space to fit  has height $2$ and have to be filled tightly, objects are distinct rectangles of height $1$ and integer lengths, and in the placement all rectangles are axially aligned, is $NP$-hard. This is because it is equivalent to the Set Partition Problem. This problem takes as an input a set $S$ of natural numbers and the question is whether it can be partitioned into two sets $A$ and $S\setminus A$ such that $\sum_{x\in A} x=\sum_{x\in S\setminus A}$. It is $NP$-Complete (see, for instance, [N]).
When rotations and translation are allowed, the problem is strongly NP-hard and it is even not known whether it is in NP, because it is complicated to encode rotations efficiently (see [D, Sec. 2.2]).
References
[D] 6.890. Class 2 Scribe Notes. Notetakers: Jason Ku, Chelsea Voss Instructor: Erik Demaine 2014-09-09.
[N] Marvin Nakayama. *CS 341: Foundations of Computer Science II. Homework 13 Solutions.

A: If you have control over your paper size and dimensions, then you can find a solution to your problem here: http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/210979/Fast-optimizing-rectangle-packing-algorithm-for-bu where they figure out the minimum area rectangle that can be packed with all the smaller rectangles (i.e. minimum wasted space). If you don't have control over the size/dimensions of your paper, then you can still run that algorithm and if the minimum area surrounding rectangle has area greater than your paper area, you can report that there is no solution for your paper size. Similarly, if the minimum area rectangle found fits inside your paper size, then you can use the solution found.
Probably an even better strategy is to run that algorithm with one additional smaller rectangle to pack, which is very very thin and has length equal to the larger of your two paper dimensions. Then the minimum area surrounding rectangle will probably have one side length equal to that large paper dimension, and you can just test to see if the other dimension of the minimum area surrounding rectangle is smaller or larger than your smaller paper dimension when you remove the extra thin rectangle from the packing.

A: The proposed task is a two-dimensional version of the "knapsack problem", so it requires a "greedy" selector algorithm that uses some sorting criteria.
You can offer, for example, the following sorting criteria:
1) total area (use for the upper left corner of the area)
2) the largest linear size;
3) the ratio of the larger side to the smaller (more elongated rectangles should be placed close to the edges of the area).
The number of objects placed is small, so the issues of theoretical optimality should not be major.
Good luck!

A: Check out my solution here:
https://github.com/avaneev/areafitter
It's a finished algorithm for practical uses, but it can be also used to answer your question: if the algorithm produces more than 1 output rectangle/image then your source set of rectangle does not fit a single bigger output rectangle.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Note for publishers from Publishers Weekly: "Needed: Information on adult trade titles (new titles only; no reprints!) being published in all general trade formats (hardcover, trade paper, mass market, audio, e-book) between Feb 1, 2014, and July 31, 2014 and children's trade titles (new titles only; no reprints) being published within the same time span—Feb. 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014. Publishers are invited to enter their data online at publishersweekly.com/spring2014submissions." Deadline: December 9, 2013.
Minnesota Monthly magazine is looking for an Editorial Assistant and for a Style Editor.
Columbia University (New York) is looking for an Editorial Assistant to work on Columbia College Today.


text:
Waterbury Hospital Optimizes ED Metrics with TeamHealth Partnership
Facility: Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury, CT
Patient Volumes: 55,000 Annual ED Visits
TeamHealth Service: Emergency Medicine Staffing
Like many hospitals in New England, Waterbury Hospital had long used outside agencies to staff and manage the physicians practicing in its emergency department (ED). In 2015, the hospital's executive team determined that the contracting group they were using for the ED was not performing well. Two areas where the group's performance fell short were recruiting and retaining high quality ED providers, and engaging with the entire medical staff of the hospital to enhance throughput and improve ED quality metrics.
Waterbury Hospital chose TeamHealth as its ED staffing partner. Mark Holtz, chief operating officer of Greater Waterbury Health Network, parent company of Waterbury Hospital, had seen the results TeamHealth achieved at a previous ED and felt confident that a similar win-win situation could be realized at Waterbury Hospital.
"The hospital chose TeamHealth because we felt they had the resources, track record and wherewithal to help achieve what we wanted to achieve in the ED," says Holtz. "The one component in this engagement that was missing is the spirit of partnership with TeamHealth. The Emergency Department can't function as an island. It has to operate within the larger context of the broader hospital to deliver high quality, efficient and highly satisfying care to our patients. TeamHealth's experience and resources have enabled us to change the culture in the ED and we're hoping that change spreads across the organization."
A key concept in the change culture is the universal understanding of all stakeholders that the ED is the hospital's front door. "This philosophy of interconnectedness, what someone in the ED does has an impact both across and up and down the organization and what we do as a leader affects the ED, will help us achieve and sustain the culture change we desire," he says.
One of the biggest challenges Waterbury Hospital's ED faced was the growing percentage of patients leaving without being seen that stemmed from long waits and numerous barriers to moving patients through the system and out of the ED to a bed or home. This key metric has seen tremendous improvement, falling from around 4.5% to less than 1%. Overall length of stay has declined 71 minutes from 270 down to 199 minutes, well ahead of the ED's goal of 250 minutes. Another key ED metric, door-to-provider time, has been reduced to 13 minutes from 57 minutes. Holtz says the ED Performance Improvement Team examined every process that impacted throughput.
"The biggest takeaway from our partnership with TeamHealth is that you can plant seeds, but you have to have fertile ground," says Holtz. "Senior leadership has the willingness to make the kind of change that will lead to the positive improvement that will make everyone's job easier and improve the patient experience. We are all in the boat with TeamHealth, going in the same direction."
For more information on TeamHealth services please email businessdevelopment@teamhealth.com or call 800.818.1498.
For the full case study please click Download below.
Download Gate
Facility Name*


As those days grow shorter and the nights get crisper, the thoughts of many Aussie families turn to bathing and showering on those cold winter mornings.
When the time comes, you want to be sure that you and your loved ones have the best possible system to satisfy your hot water needs - not to mention saving you money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions along the way.
Many Aussies will think that hot water systems are a choice between gas or electricity. However, like solar water heating the heat pump hot water system is a new and efficient development in the hot water sector.
Read on to find out more about heat pump hot water systems.
Are you looking for an energy efficient way to heat water?
Heat pumps can help you to both save money and the environment by drawing the sun's heat from the air, and transfer it to heat the water in the storage tank. Contact Australian Hot Water to see if a heat pump water heater is a suitable choice for your property.
Australian Hot Water serve you from locations throughout Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle.
Heat pump water heaters can either be purchased as integrated units with build-in water storage tanks, or as an add-on that can be retrofitted to an existing water heater tank. Australian Hot Water is able to help you determine if a heat pump water system is a suitable and cost-effective option for your property.
It is worth noting that the initial investment from installing a heat pump water system is recouped more quickly in larger households. Government rebates to assist with the purchase cost may also be available for some households.
How do heat pump water heaters work?
Heat pump water heaters use a small amount of electricity to move heat from one place to another, rather than generating heat directly. To heat water, a heat pump works like a refrigerator in reverse. There are different types of heat pump systems but the most common type are when the evaporator absorbs whatever heat energy is available from the air and vaporises the refrigerant. This vapour is then compressed raising its pressure and temperature. Cold water from the storage tank is now pumped through the evaporator heat exchanger with the now heated water returning back to the storage cylinder.
Compared to a conventional electric water heater, a heat pump is more energy efficient and draws less power. Some units can also provide air conditioning or residential ventilation.
Is a heat pump hot water system right for you?
The technology for heat pump water heating might seem revolutionary, but you have seen it before - in your fridge.
Heat pump water systems work like a refrigerator in reverse, absorbing heat from the air and vaporising the refrigerant which is then compressed. The water runs through a network of pipes then the hot water is stored for you to use.
Heat pump hot water systems sound pretty futuristic, but they will actually save you cash in the long run. They are far more energy efficient than traditional electric water tanks and produce a significantly lower amount of greenhouse gases.
New devices may be comparatively more expensive, but these prices go down over time.
Better yet, there's no need to rush out and buy a heat pump system and throw your old one away. Some heat pump systems can be retrofitted to an existing water tank although with rebates available it is more cost effective to convert the complete water heater over to this type of product.
The most obvious benefit is savings on your electricity bill and reducing your environmental impact - two important factors for any modern family. Many families who seek to reduce their environmental impact but cannot use other means such as solar systems have installed heat pump hot water.
These systems can also be installed almost anywhere, meaning you don't need to be on a gas line or have access to regular LPG canisters.
At Australian Hot Water we know everything there is to know about hot water, so get in touch today to discuss your options and find out of a heat pump hot water system is right for you.
To discuss if a heat pump is a suitable water heating option for your needs, call Australian Hot Water today. We have service centres and showrooms in Alexandria, Belmore, Caringbah, Eastwood, Leumeah, Moorebank, Mona Vale, Seven Hills, Fyshwick in Canberra, and Cardiff in Newcastle. We also have licensed agents in Melbourne, Gold Coast and Adelaide.


1. The appellant is a citizen of Afghanistan born in 1997. He appealed against a decision of the respondent made on 6 June 2016 to refuse his claim for asylum.
2. The crux of his claim is that he was born and grew up in Baghlan Province. His father had worked for the Taliban but the appellant had not seen him for many years. The government drove the Taliban out of his area and then set up a local police force called the Arbakian. These local police harassed local families and kidnapped, particularly, young people and would threaten and beat them whilst questioning them.
3. The appellant was kidnapped by them on two occasions and was mistreated in their detention.
4. A month before leaving Afghanistan a government official was killed in the appellant's village and the appellant was once again kidnapped and accused of concealing information about the attack.
5. On returning home injured the appellant's mother took him to his uncle's house and it was then decided he should leave the country.
6. His fear is of the Taliban and of this local police force, the Arbakian.
7. The respondent did not believe the appellant's historical account.
9. Following a hearing at Taylor House on 12 May 2017 Judge of the First-tier Tribunal Cooper found as follows: first, it was "reasonably likely that [the appellant] was indeed detained and ill-treated on a number of occasions by the Arbakian police in his home area, on suspicion of helping the Taliban" .
10. Second, it was "reasonably likely that his mother decided to take him to his uncle, who in turn decided that it was not safe for him to remain there, because of similar treatment of young people by the Arbakian police in his own village, and who consequently arranged to have him taken out of the country by an agent" .
11. Third, it was "reasonably likely that in 2012 the appellant was subject to persecution by the Arbakian police on the basis of an imputed political opinion, namely, supporting the Taliban" .
12. Fourth, it was "reasonably likely that if the appellant was to return to his home area in Afghanistan, he could be at risk of persecution on the same basis as before" .
13. Finally, he found that "As it is clear that the Arbakia militia operate, in principle, with the blessing of the government of Afghanistan, it follows that the appellant would not be able to look to the government for protection." Thus, the judge concluded "the appellant has a well founded fear of persecution in his home area" .
14. The judge, however, then went on to dismiss the appeal on the basis that internal relocation to Kabul was reasonable for the appellant.
15. The appellant sought permission to appeal on that point. At the error of law hearing before me on 12 December 2017 the respondent conceded that the decision showed error in the consideration of internal relocation. Specifically, that the First-tier Tribunal failed to have regard to background material relied on by the appellant in respect of Article 15(c) risk and internal relocation which might justify departing from the country guidance.
16. The parties were aware at that time that a new country guidance case addressing precisely these issues was in the process of being determined and the case was therefore adjourned to the first available date after the release of AS (Safety of Kabul) Afghanistan CG  UKUT 118 which was promulgated in March 2018.
17. The credibility findings as set out above were preserved and the only issue for the Upper Tribunal was internal relocation to Kabul.
18. The last hearing of this matter on 16 May 2018 was adjourned in order for medical evidence to be obtained. It had become apparent that the appellant was suffering from mental health problems and that a medico-legal report was necessary.
19. Thus, the matter came before me again on 24 October 2018.
20. Lodged for the hearing was a bundle containing statements by the appellant (dated 27 July 2018) and his brother (7 August 2018), an expert report by Dr Guistozzi (5 August 2018) and a psychiatric report by Dr Sinha BSc, MB ChB, MRCGP (18 October 2018). Mr Clarke lodged two items entitled "response to an information request" on "psychiatric treatment" (6 April 2017) and "psychotherapy and psychiatry" (18 June 2018); also, a short WHO note headed "Depression a leading cause of ill health and disability: fighting stigma is key to recovery" (9 April 2017).
21. The appellant did not give evidence. However, I heard brief evidence from the appellant's brother, HA. He adopted his statement. In cross-examination he said he had come to the UK three or four years ago via an agent. An uncle had paid. He had been given a phone number for the agent in Afghanistan but had lost it. A member of the Afghan community in Birmingham had told him in April 2017 that his mother had been killed. He had not used this man to try and contact his uncle; perhaps his brother, the appellant, had tried to do so.
22. In submissions, Mr Clarke sought to rely on the refusal letter (dated 6 June 2016). He said the brother HA lacked credibility. It was implausible that they would not have contact details; cash had been paid to get them to the UK. Nor was it clear why contacts in the community had not been used to try and contact family in Afghanistan. It was notable that the Birmingham contact had not attended or given a statement. It was an attempt to distance themselves from a support network in Afghanistan.
23. Turning to the reports, Mr Clarke commented first on that by Dr Sinha. It was clear the appellant has vulnerabilities. However, if it is the case that he has a support network in Afghanistan such would help mitigate such vulnerabilities.
24. Mr Clarke questioned whether the medical report was sufficiently robust. There had only been one examination. Also, it was noteworthy that in his screening interview he was reported as being healthy. Further, if his symptoms were the result of being detained, he was not at risk of being detained in Afghanistan on return.
25. As for Dr Guistozzi's report Mr Clarke noted that the Tribunal in AS had made criticisms of him particularly about "black lists." Also, his report for this case was predicated on profile and the risk of round ups. In the appellant's case he does not have a political profile and there has been no evidence of round ups since 2013. In addition, Dr Guistozzi's comment that the appellant had likely been targeted because of his family background had not been his evidence. He had not seen his father since 2001. Mr Clarke noted further that some of Dr Guistozzi's citations were elderly and his conclusions based on minimal sources. There was a lack of information from human rights groups or NGO's. Looked at overall his report was inadequate.
26. Ms Harris sought essentially to rely on her detailed written submissions (24 October 2018). Whilst it was correct to state that that there had been some criticism of Dr Giustozzi in AS much of his evidence was accepted; his report merited significant weight in particular his detailed analysis of mental health provision in Afghanistan. Although it is clear there is some provision it is inadequate to the demands upon it. Also, it would require the appellant to seek to access it. His unwillingness to do so in the UK did not bode well for him if returned particularly in light of the stigma attached to mental health. Such would also hinder him in other aspects of his life such as trying to get work and accommodation.
27. In SSHD v AH (Sudan) and Ors (2007) UKHL 49 it was stated that the test to determine whether internal relocation was available was the test set out in Januzi v SSHD (2006) UKHL 5, namely that the decision maker should decide whether, taking account of all relevant circumstances pertaining to the claimant and his country it would be reasonable to expect him to relocate or whether it would be unduly harsh to expect him to do so. The test was one of great generality. In applying the test enquiry had to be directed to the situation of the particular claimant; very little was excluded from consideration other than the standard of rights protection which a claimant would enjoy in the country where protection was sought. Baroness Hale said that all the circumstances of the case had to be assessed holistically, with specific refence to personal circumstances including past persecution or fear thereof, psychological or health conditions, family and social situations and survival capacities, in the context of the conditions in the place of relocation, including basic human rights, security and socio economic conditions, and access to health care facilities: all with a view to determining the impact on the claimant of settling in the proposed place of relocation and whether the claimant could live a relatively normal life without undue hardship.
28. In considering this matter I look first at the Country Guidance in AS.
(i) Age, including the age at which a person left Afghanistan.
(ii) Nature and quality of connections to Kabul and/or Afghanistan.
(iii) Physical and mental health.
(iv) Language, education and vocation and skills.
231.	We consider age as a relevant factor given that we have not seen any reason or evidential basis to depart from the specific guidance given in AA (unattended children) Afghanistan CG  UKUT 00016, which was supported in evidence before us as to greater risk to or vulnerability of minors. There is no bright line rule at the age of 18 when a person in the United Kingdom is considered to be an adult (there are different views as to becoming an adult and in particular as to achieving manhood in Afghan society which is not specifically linked to age but more to marital status) where such issues fall away overnight but are more likely to gradually diminish.
232.	We also consider the age at which a person left Afghanistan to be relevant as to whether this included their formative years. It is reasonable to infer that the older a person is when they leave, the more likely they are to be familiar with, for example, employment opportunities and living independently.
233.	Although we find that it is reasonable for a person without a support network or specific connections in Kabul or elsewhere in Afghanistan to internally relocate to Kabul, a person will be in a more advantageous position if they do have such connections depending on where they are, the financial resources of such people and their status/connections. We have in mind that the availability of a support network may counter a particular vulnerability of an individual on return.
234.	In our conclusions, we refer throughout to a single male in good health as this is the primary group of people under consideration in this appeal and reflects the position of this particular appellant. It is uncontroversial that a person who is in good health or fit and able is likely to have better employment prospects particularly given the availability of low or unskilled jobs involving manual labour in Kabul. We were not provided with any specific evidence of the likely impact of poor physical or mental health on the safety or reasonableness of internal relocation to Kabul but consider it reasonable to infer that this could be relevant to the issue and the specific situation of the individual would need to be carefully considered."
30. In this case there are, as indicated, two reports before me, a medico-legal report by Dr Sinha and the country report by Dr Guistozzi.
32. There is also a letter dated 23 October 2018 from his Probation Service Officer, Ms Johnson (the appellant having been sentenced to 10 months custody in January 2018 for failing to provide a specimen.) She refers to an assessment made on 17 October 2018 by their Senior Assistant Psychologist who said of the appellant: "? it is clear that [he] is suffering with symptoms of PTSD and bereavement. He disclosed witnessing and experiencing severe trauma in Afghanistan ? He also reported that he has not dealt with the loss of his mother in April 2017 ?" It was evident to the Probation Service Officer that he had recently self-harmed. She considered that he needed to be sectioned due to his mental health state. He refused to go to his GP or hospital.
33. At paragraphs  and  of his report under "Mental State Examination" Dr Sinha finds that the appellant shows symptoms of "severe depressive disorder" and currently meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Under "Opinion" (from ) he goes on to confirm at  that the appellant has a "cluster of symptoms indicating a severe depressive disorder" and that  a "diagnosis of depressive disorder is clinically compatible with [appellant's] history of kidnapping, mistreatment, sexual abuse, having to flee the country in fear and his mother dying." He observes that the clinical picture is that his level of depression is "severe."
34. And at  that he has "trauma related symptoms, and meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD."
35. Further,  noting that the appellant had reported suicidal thoughts, the doctor gives the opinion that he "could potentially develop further significant risk of suicide if he felt certain that he was going to be returned to Afghanistan." At , "[he] has the following factors which are important in assessing risk of suicide and which are recognised as increasing a patient's suicide risk: i. "[he] has a clinical picture of depressive disorder and PTSD, ii [he] has expressed hopelessness about his future. Research on hopelessness has identified hopeless thoughts as the biggest risk factor in predicting suicidal behaviour in individuals with depression."
36. Dr Sinha concludes in this section  that the appellant's "stated history is a medically plausible explanation of his current mental state."
37. In further analysis the doctor finds scars to be "consistent" or "highly consistent" with his account of being mistreated in Afghanistan.
38. Dr Sinha also gives reasons [81-82] for concluding that the appellant was not feigning or exaggerating his psychological symptoms or distress.
39. In comments under "Risk on Return"  the doctor is concerned that if faced with removal or is removed his "subjective fear of being persecuted would be 're-traumatising' and could exacerbate his depression and PTSD." He needs  "ongoing assessment, pharmacological and psychological treatment for his depression."
40. Dr Sinha concludes with his "Summary"  that the appellant's diagnosis is of "severe depressive episode and PTSD" and that his psychological state needs monitoring because if his 'stressors' increase his symptoms are likely to worsen and could exacerbate his depression and PTSD.
41. I see no reason why I cannot rely on Dr Sinha's analysis and conclusions. I find, accordingly, that the appellant has the significant mental health problems indicated. His concerns are, as indicated, given support by the letter of the Senior Assistant Psychologist and the frank comments made a few days later by the Probation Service Officer, Ms Johnson.
42. I would add for the sake of completeness that I find no significance that the appellant did not mention health problems in a screening interview. That brief "screening interview for children" took place in September 2012 when the appellant was aged 15. There was one question asking if he had any medical conditions or disabilities (3.1) to which he said he did not apart from when he was travelling when he got "nightmares and scared at night." As a child who had only arrived in the UK a few weeks before, such a response to a single question on the matter in a brief interview, I find to be wholly understandable.
43. Dr Sinha did not comment on the availability and accessibility of healthcare in Afghanistan as it fell outside his field of expertise.
45. At  The cost of living in Kabul is several times more than the cost in the provinces. Unskilled work is the most widely available employment but due to the massive unemployment rates of 35-56%, the appellant's chances of getting work will depend upon his physical strength.
46. A significant amount of the report concerns healthcare. At  "[the appellant] would not receive a level of mental health care even remotely comparable to what he could receive in the UK. Outside a few cities, the provision of mental health care in Afghanistan is almost non-existent ? In 2012 the Kabul health hospital still only has 60 places, although the number of psychiatrists operating there has gone up to 6 (from 2 in 2010). Plans to expand facilities with the building of new hospitals were never implemented?by 2017 the number of partially trained doctors [in mental health care] had gone up from 70 to 101"
47. At  "If we consider that according to the World Health Organisation as of 2010 about 60% of Afghans suffer from various forms of mental health problems, it is obvious that the chances of having access to care for the average Afghan patient with mental health conditions are slim indeed."
48. Dr Giustozzi goes on to explain the difficulties with obtaining medications and to point out that particular therapies for PTSD will not be available outside of the only mental health hospital in the country.
49. At  "Individuals will be considered by the Afghan health service for mental health care assistance if they present themselves to a clinic or hospital of their own will or are brought there by their relatives ? It will not be the case, therefore, of the health service proactively reaching out to [appellant] and he will need to actively seek medical health care. His needs will be assessed against those of the large number of people who suffer from mental health conditions ? It is unlikely that he would then receive more than cursory attention by the medical staff at the country's only mental health hospital."
50. At  "One additional risk would be for [appellant] to suffer marginalisation; people would tend to avoid him if it was evident that he suffers from mental health problems, a fact which would compound his difficulties in seeking accommodation and employment."
51. At  "Individuals with symptoms of mental illness are therefore likely to suffer discrimination and face increased difficulties obtaining accommodation, employment and jobs in a new area. An attempted suicide could also lead to internment and/or discrimination as suicide is looked upon very negatively in all Muslim countries."
52. I do not find the two brief Home Office responses to information requests greatly to assist. They appear to confirm that while there are psychiatric facilities in Kabul, the more recent (18 June 2018) stating one centre offers treatment for PTSD, and there is inpatient treatment by a psychiatrist at a public facility attached to the university and that various medicines are available, such does not take away from the clear evidence of very limited facilities for the very many in need.
53. I see no reason why I should not attach significant weight to Dr Guistozzi's evidence on these matters.
54. In line with the relevant factors identified in AS I find: the appellant is now 21 years old but in September 2012 when he arrived he was only 15 years old. He is by definition, a "vulnerable adult" in terms of the Joint Presidential Guidance Note No 2 of 2010. In terms of AS this is relevant because it means that he is less likely to have been familiar with employment opportunities in Afghanistan and he had not been living independently there (per AS at ). He has limited education and does not appear to have vocational skills.
55. On the issue of a support network there I found the evidence of his brother to be not wholly satisfactory, there being a vagueness as to how and through whom he learned of their mother's death in 2017. However, having noted both Dr Sinha's comments (at ) and those of the Senior Assistant Psychologist's referred to in Ms Johnson's letter, namely, that the effect of bereavement following the death of his mother was an additional factor in the appellant's mental health problems, I am prepared to accept that the evidence on this matter was reasonably likely to be true. Also, that the whereabouts of the uncle are unknown. The consequence is a lack of a support network such that he is likely to have increased difficulty in finding accommodation and employment initially.
56. Also, he is likely to be significantly hindered by his mental health problems, not only personally but because of the social stigma referred to by Dr Guistozzi. That there is such is also evident from the WHO article dated April 2017, lodged by Mr Clarke, headed "Depression a leading cause of ill health and disability: fighting stigma is key to recovery." It states that according to recent WHO estimates "more than a million Afghans suffer from depressive disorders while over 1.2 million suffer from anxiety disorders. Actual figures are likely to be much higher."
57. That article goes on to state that the "Ministry of Public Health has recently trained over 700 professional psychological counsellors and 101 specialised mental health doctors. Of these, 300 are currently in government-run health centres while the others are working for different health NGO's." The Minister adds that they "need to fight the stigma and discrimination associated with depression and other mental health problems and ensure all people have access when they need it." Whilst the figures (as Mr Clarke pointed out) appear to update and improve somewhat those older figures given by Dr Giustozzi, it is, nonetheless, apparent that the problems of provision for mental health and the stigma surrounding it remain enormous.
58. Whatever the availability of mental health care in Kabul, Dr Sinha states (at ) that the appellant's subjective fear of returning to Afghanistan means that even if there is treatment to access, his fear is likely to exacerbate his depression and PTSD symptoms to the extent that the effectiveness of any psychological treatment would be interfered with. Dr Guistozzi points to the difficulty of the person concerned needing to be the one approaching the health care professionals for assistance. In that regard I note the appellant's unwillingness, despite his clear ill health (including that observed most recently by Ms Johnson, the Probation Service Officer which led her to the view that he should be sectioned) to approach the medical authorities in the UK for help.
59. For the reasons stated, looking at the totality of the evidence in respect of this individual, I consider that it would be unreasonable or unduly harsh for the appellant to relocate to Kabul.
60. The appeal, accordingly, succeeds.
An anonymity order is made. Unless and until a tribunal or court directs otherwise, the appellant is granted anonymity. Failure to comply with this order could lead to contempt of court proceedings.


As child I found peace in the flow of the ocean. Fishing, snorkeling and surfing along the shoreline of South Africa I dream't of the wonders that lay beyond the waves.
After finishing an honors diploma in Journalism I traveled extensively in terrestrial realms for a few years before finding my way back to the ocean. For the last 7 years I have worked as cameraman and ocean guide for one of the most ambitious private diving and conservation operations in the Indian Ocean.
The privilege of getting to experience pristine environments and unique big animal encounters has strengthened my drive to use visual media as a tool for environmental advocacy.
Humanity is at a crossroads, either we reclaim with our position as guardians of the earth or further loose connection with ourselves, our fellow humans and the natural world.
My greatest ambition is to inspire a renewed connection between humans and nature.
I have experience shooting with numerous topside and underwater camera systems including Red Epic/Dragon/Helium, Sony FS7/EX3, 360VR Rigs and various DSLRS, DJI Drones, Gimbals, Action cam, Fincam, Towcam and shooting from helicopters.
From shoot to edit, grade and 4k delivery I have handled all stages of workflow.
Apt with whatever tool is needed to get the shot or discover a new adventure I am a qualified Yacht/ Small boat Skipper, DMT Medic, IMCA Class IV SCUBA and Inspiration Re-breather diver.
From SUPs and float rigs to fast RIBS, helicopters a 65m Expedition ship I have used a variety of platforms to create unforgettable experiences and striking visual content.
Please connect to work together.


text:
Dimension announces his debut live show
Dimension has announced his debut live show DIMENSION LIVE, which will take place at London's Electric Brixton on 5th October 2019. Having sold out all previous headline shows, including fabric and E1 in London, 2019 looks set to be a defining year for Dimension as he embarks on his busiest summer tour yet, culminating in his biggest UK headline show to date at the prestigious Electric Brixton in October.
DIMENSION LIVE will give fans an immersive and powerful sensory experience that combines gothic and modernistic themes, in a way that Drum & Bass has never been seen before. Fans can sign up now for pre-sale access here. Further details on the show will be revealed soon. Limited pre-sale tickets go live at 10 am on Wednesday 19th June, with general sale tickets available from 10 am on Thursday 20th June.
Dimension's new single 'Devotion' is out now. The track, featuring Cameron Hayes, rapidly picked up midweek Annie Mac support alongside BBC Radio 1 plays from Danny Howard (covering for Annie Mac), Phil Taggart's Hype Chart and Rene LaVice; and numerous Spotify Playlist additions. Continuing to break new ground for a new era of drum & bass, Dimension's last single 'Desire' (with Sub Focus) spent 9 weeks on Radio 1's playlist, amassing over 20 million streams to date. It was Dimension's fifth Hottest Record with Annie Mac.
Last month he performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend, alongside previous collaborators Sub Focus and Wilkinson. This summer Dimension will tour worldwide including Australia and New Zealand, North America and a return to Ibiza for another Amnesia residency at Together. Other notable appearances include Glastonbury (new Arcadia structure), Reading & Leeds, Creamfields, EDC Las Vegas, Audioriver, Dreambeach, and Beats For Love.
Dimension's combination of seemingly effortless musicality and production prowess first caught the attention of producers and DJs such as Andy C, Sub Focus, Chase & Status as well as Skrillex and deadmau5. The 27-year-old Brit is a unique electronic music artist, defined by a gothic aesthetic in his imagery and artwork, he's part of a new wave of breakthrough dance music stars who've ascended rising star status and look set to dominate the next decade.
Echowaves powered by Exit Festival returns to Georgia with Nina Kraviz, Rødhåd, Ben Klock, Dax J and more
Legends In The Park announces PUSH (LIVE) as special guest
Claptone has announced the launch of an all-new superhero-style comic book portraying the mysterious DJ and. Continue reading
There is no doubt that Sandrien is part of the reason the Amsterdam scene is enjoying such a moment in the. Continue reading


text:
Today is the 19th anniversary of the day we can never forget. September 11, 2001 was a defining moment for the new millennium. It was a defining moment in American history. That Tuesday morning in Lower Manhattan changed everything. 343 firefighters were lost that day. As Americans ran away in fear from the devastation, they ran straight into it. That's what they did. That's what they do.
September 11, 2001 was a day that brought our nation, and much of the world, together. It forced people to reassess things. It was the day that changed our lives forever. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day. They were fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters; They were family members. One of them was a friend of mine. I'm certainly not alone there.
With your permission, I'd like to share some thoughts. This is a day that always gives me pause. I find myself reflective of anything and everything. I was living in New York in 2001, but was overseas in September. I was on the first international flight that landed in America, once the airspace reopened. The security line at Heathrow took nearly 4 hours. Nobody complained. Nobody cared. It's just unfortunate that priorities often only get wakeup calls and reality checks after tragedy. I suspect that's human nature. We live in a busy, fast-moving world. Unfortunately, the togetherness formed 19 years ago didn't last long.
2020 is also a defining moment for America and the world. The divide continues to widen. Our nation is perhaps as divided as ever. At least next to our Civil War. The political landscape reflects it. The economic environment reflects it. The social movements reflect it. This isn't new. There have been some extremely dark periods in our storied history. Our nation has dealt with many issues, and each time, it's come out better and stronger. America is far from perfect. It never claimed to be. We certainly face serious challenges today. There's a lack of trust and a great deal of anger. Fortunately, it's all very fixable. Maintaining a clear perspective and understanding other perspectives is critical. We're going through the process. There are many similarities in history.
From the very beginning, this Great American Experiment was no guarantee. Our Founding Fathers knew that plain as day. A true Democracy had never been done before. But fearing the alternative, they gave it a shot. This American experiment, a mere 244 years old, needs work and collaboration. It requires vision, tolerance and patience. It is a cause greater than one's self. Jefferson accurately declared what Americans really wished. It was Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That's one cherished gift. From the pen in Baltimore Harbor held by Francis Scott Key, came the heroic sound that binds us; O Say Can You See. The experiment had its greatest test within its first 100 years. Abraham Lincoln, with the weight of the nation felt down to the core, was able to keep it together after saying Four Score. Two World Wars. A Great Depression. The bombing at Pearl. Lady Liberty proved time and again that she's quite a girl. The experiment continued. It was nowhere near complete. More progress required it was deemed. More progress came when Dr. King shared his Dream.
America is fighting again. This fight is within. It's been called a fight for our soul. Sure, America is far from perfect, but there's no place better on Earth. People have raced to the safety of our shores for centuries, fleeing hardship in search of a better life. Our Constitution was written with the goal of forming a more perfect union, understanding that perfection is never achieved, but the constant pursuit of perfection is how greatness is realized. It's always a work in progress. I will always remember this: Thomas Edison said he never failed, he just found 10,000 ways that won't work. That's genius.
The response to the Coronavirus could have been it; That moment where political, social, racial and economic divides got set aside for a greater purpose. This was a moment to unite as a nation. We declared war on the invisible enemy. But instead of coming together, it drove us further apart. The virus has exposed nearly every vulnerability our nation has. There seems to be a lack of respect throughout our society. Respect is more than a word. It's a way of life. We Americans don't always agree. Debates and disagreements are very healthy and ultimately make things better. We're a melting pot for a reason, and that makes us better.
So often in life, we lose sight of what's really important and take things for granted. People don't truly appreciate them until tragedy hits. We can't sweat the small stuff. But we can't turn a blind eye either. Small stuff can easily lead to big stuff, and quickly. The September 11th attacks were a very dark day in our nation's history. It was also a reminder of how special our nation is and how we can't let hate and anger infect the American spirit.
Collaboration and compromise are negative words in Washington. Our society has become fixated on short-term solutions and instant gratification. There is very little long-term thinking and planning. This is certainly a challenge for investors, who are constantly looking for long-term opportunities for growth, but are very mindful of the short-term risks and issues we face daily. We Americans are in this together, hoping to enrich the lives of our families, friends and neighbors. Despite all the problems and issues out there, the American way still has no peer. When it comes down to it, that's everything.
As a Market professional, a business owner, and an employer, it is so discouraging to see the constant politicking and perennial gridlock in Washington. As a student of American history and more importantly, as a parent, what makes things worse is the anger and divisiveness found 24/7 on social media and cable news. The anonymity and lack of consequence for digital insults is completely out of hand. It's like a virus itself within our national community. The "Us versus Them" attitude has permeated our nation's culture to the point that we have Americans claiming they love America but have a clear dislike for fellow Americans. It's everywhere. Lost is the fact that these are real human beings with their own dreams and aspirations.
The Human element seems to be fraying. It seems to be a byproduct of the Digital Economy. I don't need to tell you how everything has become so political. The greatest attention seems to be congregating around data, sound bites, and talking points. The loudest voice doesn't always win. It's as if the internet has become a crutch for true knowledge and understanding. It can bring out the best of us. But it also brings out the worst.
The good news is, it is never too late! As Winston Churchill famously said, "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing, after exhausting all of the alternatives." That is by far my favorite among so many Churchill lines. He's absolutely right. And this is another moment.
Listening is like a superpower, when properly used. These ears we have on the side of our head can do wonders to help connect our hearts with our brains. When I met with Ian Bremmer, he said something really interesting and profound. Well, he said a lot of interesting things, but this one, in particular, stood out. He said if you're not listening to people you disagree with or dislike, you're doing it wrong. I believe he is absolutely right. Relationships can come from anywhere. They often start with Hello.
Have a nice weekend. Let's make sure we always let our loved ones know how much they mean to us. Let's also remember how important firefighters and first responders are. They're true American heroes.
Thank you for reading my thoughts on this significant September day. I hope it had a similar impact on you to read it as it did for me to write it.
PS Big Thanks to Carol in Santa Monica for providing this photo.


The eternal flame is located in the Acadian Memorial Garden, along with the Coat of Arms Mosaics and the Deportation Cross.
The Eternal Flame symbolizes the ability of a culture to rekindle itself despite great hardship. The flame rises from the center of a polished granite oval in the Acadian Memorial garden. The stone's surface is inscribed with an outline of the Atlantic rim marked with the major settlement sites of the Acadian refugees. An inscription on the apron reads, Un peuple sans passé est un peuple sans futur. (A people without a past are a people without a future.) The flame is sponsored by the Louisiana Jaycees.
The Eternal Flame inspired our "Acadian Descent" pin. Order yours and wear it in memory of an Acadian ancestor.


text:
Q: php data classes? I've learned most of my OOP practices from C#, and coded php primarily in MVC but without custom objects for data types (user information and such I primarily stored in associative arrays).  I'm wanting to take what I've learned in C# (making structs, or data classes basically, to store specific types of data, such as a user record, or say an article's information) into php.  This is so I can know exactly what data values to expect (because they're defined fields, instead of just added to an array), allowing a bit more abstraction between controller and view.
Is there a certain way to do this in php, and in the MVC design pattern specifically?  I am curious where I should put the definitions of these new "data types."
Or am I just thinking about this in the wrong way, and there is a better way to do it?
EDIT:
A C# example of what I'm trying to accomplish:
class program1
{
    public void main ()
    {
        Article randomArticle = getArticle (); //instead of returning an object array, it returns a defined data type with predefined fields, so I don't need to guess what's there and what isn't
        Console.WriteLine(randomArticle.title);
        Console.ReadLine();
    }
    public Article getArticle ()
    {
        return new Article("Sometitle", "SomeContent");
    }
}
struct Article
{
    public Title {get; private set;}
    public Content {get; private set;}

    public Article (string title, string content)
    {
        this.Title = title;
        this.Content = content;
    }
}

(idk if the above actually would compile, but it gives you the gist of what I'm attempting to do in PHP)

A: PHP is free of any logic you would like to implement. IMO, Ensuring data-types leads to a field of validations. I want you to check few terms, that will give you everything required.

*

*Type Casting/ Juggling [docs here]
Casting is probably fastest way to stop unwanted input. The casts allowed are:

*

*(int), (integer) - cast to integer

*(bool), (boolean) - cast to boolean

*(float), (double), (real) - cast to float

*(string) - cast to string

*(array) - cast to array

*(object) - cast to object

*(unset) - cast to NULL (PHP 5)

*PHP Filters
PHP has a function filter_var (http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.filter-var.php) will helps you to compare a data type
var_dump(filter_var('bob@example.com', FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL));
var_dump(filter_var('http://example.com', FILTER_VALIDATE_URL, FILTER_FLAG_PATH_REQUIRED));

*PHP inbuild() functions
They are many functions in php, which can help you check the data types

*

*is_array(): checks array

*is_integer(): Check integer

*is_object(): Check objects

*is_float(): Checks Floating point number

*ctype_digit(): Checks Integer

and many more

*Regex Validation
You will be able to find many resources on this on the internet.

Other Resources

*

*http://net.tutsplus.com/tutorials/php/sanitize-and-validate-data-with-php-filters/

*http://www.phpro.org/tutorials/PHP-Type-Casting.html

Update
Your above method might turn into something like this
public function Article($title, $content) {
    if(is_string($title)) { $this -> title = $title; }
    if(is_string($content)) { $this -> content = $content; }
}

A: In PHP, you are free to write your own systems that accomplish MVC. Instead of rolling your own to start, though, I suggest looking into using an existing system. There's a huge ecosphere of us php types, and a long history. By some opinions, PHP is more well-established than a younger and faster evolving C#. It's also simpler, which is nice.  Specifically, though: CakePHP is one I'd recommend. Drupal is more robust. And there's always Zend. Advantage of going Zend is the end-to-end solution from the editor to the server optimization and security.
p.s. c# is more mvvm
EDIT: code example
class Article {

    protected $_title;
    protected $_content;

    public function setTitle( $title ) {
        $this->_title = $title;
    }
    public function setContent( $content ) {
        $this->_content = $content;
    }

    public function getTitle() {
        return $this->_title;
    }
    public function getContent() {
        return $this->_content;
    }

    /* magic not advisable; a technically valid technique, though it can lead to problems
    public function __get( $property ) {
        switch( $property ) {
            case 'title': return $this->_title; break;
            case 'content': return $this->_content; break;
            default: break;
        }
    }
    */

}


nRapt is a startup in the streaming media space with a focus on arts and cultural organizations and performances.
The leadership of the company approached us to rapidly develop a logo for the organization.
We worked in close consultation with the client to understand their vision for the platform and developed a flexible brand system that allows for rapid visualization, animation, a dynamic color palette and a contemporary, vibrant identity.


text:
Evermore - Alyson Noel
Summary: The first book in Alyson Noel's extraordinary new Immortals series. Enter an enchanting new world, where true love never dies...After a horrible accident claims the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom can see people's auras, hear their thoughts, and know someones entire life story by touching them. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities, she has been branded a freak at her new high school--but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste.
Damen is gorgeous, exotic, and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head--wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can peer straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. And she has no idea just who he really is--or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is that she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him. (Photo from www.alysonnoel.com - Summary from back cover)
My Review: Before I begin my review I would like to apologize for my extended absence. I had what can only be described as severe reviewers block. It's the truth, seriously. I truly harrowing experience.
Back to Evermore..
Ever Bloom is cursed, or so she thinks. When a tragic accident claims the lives of not only her parents, but her younger sister and golden retriever, Ever wakes up to discover she can hear peoples thoughts. In a high school full of preppy cheerleaders and jocks who have branded her a "freak", she chooses to bed down with a hoodie and a blaring ipod to survive her days. On her return to her Aunt's house, with whom she was placed after the accident, she spends afternoons talking to her dead sister and immersing herself in blame for her family's death.
Isolating herself with her only two friends (a Gothic wanna be and a homosexual thespian), Ever's world is turned upside down when Damen walks into her art class and for the first time the thoughts swirling around in her head are quieted.
The story is typical, especially in the wake of the Twilight rage, but Evermore stands on it's own. Noel dares to take us where Meyer did not. Exploring the world of teenage sexuality and the pressure that these "freaks" are put under each day at the hands of fellow classmates. Not to mention a bout of severe alcohol abuse, and teenage tattooing.
As Ever and Damen continue on their journey they encounter obstacles that are (quite literally) not of this world. I found myself slightly enchanted by the world the the author created. I sympathized with Ever and her situation at school. But mostly (I am only slightly embarrassed to say), Evermore gave me that zing. That first kiss, butterflies in your stomach feeling that you get when your are indulging yourself in a teenage romance novel. Come on, you and I both know there was a time before kids and husbands where just a look from a cute boy set our hearts to pounding. It is a fun feeling and I believe that is why these books are such a popular genre.
Sidenote: Although these novels received some criticism for there similarities to the Twilight series, I am going to go ahead and say what I have been thinking which is that yes the similar plot line is there, but in my opinion Noel showcases more writing talent with her first two novels in her Immortal series. It is strictly my OPINION, please don't bombard me with hate mail......)
My Rating: 4 Stars. I would say this novel is appropriate for 14 plus years of age.
Sum it up: A good guilty pleasure.
Also reviewed by Mindy.
Posted by Kim R.
Labels: *Past Reviewers, Romantic, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
I've heard not so great reviews about this book and I hate how people compare other books to "the next Twilight" (even though I am/was a Twilight fan). This has been in my TBR pile for a few years now lol, maybe I should pull it out and give it a try. My sister in law has been begging me to read it already lol!
MindySue said...
I think this just goes to show that people can have dramatically different opinions in regards to books. Kim really liked it. I really didn't. Let us know which side of the fence you fall on!
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Home Politics Dem Chair Gets Major Blowback for Warnings on Speaker Election
Dem Chair Gets Major Blowback for Warnings on Speaker Election
Del. Darryl Barnes (D-Prince George's), chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines
Maryland Democratic Party Chair Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has received major pushback from some Democratic elected officials following her warning Wednesday to members of the House of Delegates not to enter into an alliance with Republicans during next week's vote for a new House speaker. Rockeymoore Cummings also suggested that there would be consequences for elected Democrats who do not enthusiastically embrace party nominees.
Some Democratic officials and activists applauded Rockeymoore Cummings' warning – echoing her sentiment that Democrats do not want to be associated with "the party of Trump" when it comes to selecting a replacement for the late Speaker Michael E. Busch (D), who died on April 7.
That seemed like a direct message to the supporters of House Economic Matters Chair Dereck E. Davis (D-Prince George's), one of three Democratic candidates for speaker, who may be the beneficiary of a 42-vote bloc of Republicans at the May 1 House session. A candidate will need 71 votes to be elected speaker.
The other declared candidates are House Appropriations Chair Maggie L. McIntosh (D-Baltimore City), who is believed to have more commitments than any of the other candidates in the Democratic caucus, and Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County).
But several other Democrats excoriated Rockeymoore Cummings, saying she was overstepping her bounds and trying to put her thumb on the scale in the speaker election.
Del. Darryl Barnes (D-Prince George's), chair of the Legislative Black Caucus – who represents the same district as Davis – was especially harsh in his assessment, accusing Rockeymoore Cummings of "bullying."
In a letter to Rockeymoore Cummings, he noted that the black caucus, which has 45 members in the 141-member House, has been loyal to the Democratic Party and Democratic ideals. And he accused Rockeymoore Cummings – who is black – of interfering with an African-American lawmaker's potential to make history.
"Although we have made tremendous strides as African-Americans, we have not realized our potential in the Democrat Party yet," Barnes wrote. "If not now, when?"
He also asserted that House Democrats "may have to break tradition to break the glass ceiling. It is distressing that our party leaders chose to threaten our members with punishments for being bold enough to do something different to get historic results."
In fact, all three candidates for speaker would make history: Jones is also African-American, and McIntosh is openly lesbian. The presiding officers of Maryland's legislative chambers have always been white males.
State Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D), who is often at odds with party leaders, called Rockeymoore Cummings' message "a preposterous strategy, poorly executed, at the worst possible time."
Franchot, who served in the House from 1987 to 2007, said the institution "is in dire need of modernization and reform" and that party leaders should work to empower rank-and-file members.
"We need a Speaker who will lead his or her chamber with transparency and inclusion, in accordance with the new politics of this new day," Franchot wrote on Facebook.
"What we do not need are marching orders, threats of retaliation and other antique relics of 20th century machine politics from our party chairwoman. It's corrosive to our system and it does nothing to help us grow the Democratic Party – which is why Maya was elected in the first place."
Also noteworthy was a missive that Del. Eric Bromwell (D-Baltimore County), Davis' vice chair on the Economic Matters Committee, wrote Thursday to Rockeymoore Cummings. He implied that party leaders may be out of touch with certain districts in the state – even some represented by Democrats – and sought to reassure Rockeymoore Cummings that the House will be "in very good hands" regardless of who wins next Wednesday's election. Here is Bromwell's memo, in full:
Good morning Mrs. Rockeymoore Cummings,
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eric Bromwell and I am a 17-year veteran on the Maryland House of Delegates. We have never met.
Having received your letter last night, I felt the need to respond this morning, as I disagree with some of your statements. And since I am one of the 140 members who has a vote for the next Speaker of the House of Delegates, I want to add a different perspective.
I appreciate that in your role as Chairman of the Democratic Party for the State of Maryland, that you "make sure that the Party's infrastructure and operations are solid, so the public is informed, inspired, and activated to vote for Democrats and so Democratic candidates can win elections and serve the people effectively."
Del. Eric Bromwell (D-Baltimore County)
As one of those candidates who has won a seat in the House of Delegates, I want to thank you for the work that you do. I believe this past election to be the most organized we have ever had in Maryland, and I certainly appreciated the overwhelming help from my fellow Democrats. In what is arguably the most contested district in the State of Maryland, we were able to gain another seat in the House, something rare in District 8. The last time that occurred was in 2006, but we lost that seat again in 2010.
My colleagues in the Senate and House of Delegates who came to help us knock on doors and canvass our entire district both surprised and encouraged Senator Kathy Klausmeier and me. Our colleagues understood that many of the doors they would be knocking were Democrats and Republicans, and in many instances, they asked us if there were any issues we would rather not address. You see, our colleagues in the General Assembly understood that District 8, and others like it, may have a 2-1 Democrat registration, but they are very moderate compared to the voters of Baltimore City or Montgomery County for example.
Ben Jealous' campaign chose not to come to our district, as I feel they understood that swaying those moderate Democrats would be difficult. In the end, they were correct. A popular moderate Republican Governor was able to win our district easily, despite us picking up a seat in the House and holding off a very strong candidate for Senate. At the same time, we were a driving force in helping get Johnny O Jr., an east side candidate, elected Baltimore County Executive. His opponent Al Redmer had even represented District 8 in the House of Delegates and is quite popular in the area.
When you refer to elected officials who, "took cues from certain Democratic officials who refused to publicly support the Democratic gubernatorial nominee," I would ask, who took cues from whom? Were we expected to campaign for someone who had no interest in campaigning in our District? Or even on the east side of our County? I don't think so. I would point to our success in almost adding a third seat as proof that we chose the right path in District 8. I will be clear, neither Senator Klausmeier and I ever endorsed Larry Hogan.
Furthermore, we gained enough seats in the House of Delegates that a veto-proof majority barley even requires a vote to be whipped. But in doing so, our tent got a little bigger. I ask that you not forget that fact. As Democrats we share many values, but we also recognize that there are differences within our party.
You stated, "a Democratic Speaker who rises to the position because of Republican support will be beholden to Republicans, their agenda and their values. This outcome would not only hurt the Democratic Party, it would diminish the power of Democratic legislators and their ability to represent the values and the will of Democratic voters across a range of important issues."
I again disagree with this statement. I disagree because of the assumption that if a Speaker is not elected among the Democrats, then that Speaker is beholden to Republican support. As Chairman of the Baltimore County Delegation, I was elected four years in a row with unanimous support. Every Chairman of our County Delegation since has also won with unanimous support. In Baltimore County, we not only recognize that we must work with the minority party, but we are EXPECTED to do so. District 8 elects Democrats and Republicans, so my job is to get along for the greater good of the District, County, and State.
When Marriage Equality was debated in Maryland (hardly a Republican initiative), we passed the bill by two votes. I believe that if the vote were to take place today, we would see in pass by an overwhelming majority. But that was not the case back then. We passed that legislation because we had two Republicans join Democrats to pass the bill. We had a veto-proof majority back then as well (and a Democrat Governor), but it still took two Republican votes to pass it, and I was proud to stand with them and my Democrat colleagues as a co-sponsor.
Finally, I want to address the portion of your letter that essentially threatens us as Democrat members of the House of Delegates. It is easy to make threats when you are trying to influence the vote of members of the House of Delegates, especially when we have so many devoted freshman legislators who may take those threats to heart. But as a veteran, I have been threatened like this before. Despite such threats, I have earned everything I have achieved in my career in the House of Delegates, including the honor of serving as Vice Chairman of Health and Government Operations and Economic Matters.
No matter who wins the election for Speaker, we will be in very good hands. All three of the candidates have a tremendous appreciation for their fellow Democrats in the House of Delegates. I know that they will work hard to provide resources for their members, no matter how the election turns out. If the Party's stance is that you are with us or you are against us, then that is unfortunate. But in that scenario, I would offer this: I am one of 140 votes on the House floor. I hope every member takes this vote seriously and chooses the person they feel will make the best Speaker of the House of Delegates. I also hope every member does their best to block out all the threats and outside noise, realizing that they can vote for whomever they want to be Speaker. That FLOOR vote is yours and yours alone, and should not be dictated to you by anyone or anything.
In my 17 years here, I have served more years under a Republican Governor than a Democrat Governor. Yes, we are a very blue State, but we must also understand that there are millions of Marylanders who may not agree with us 100% of the time. To immediately shut out those members and jurisdictions who have sent Delegates to Annapolis to represent them would be a mistake. We already have a veto-proof majority. We win every time on the floor, so what is wrong with having an honest debate? What is the worst that could happen, especially when we will again vote for our Speaker in January of 2020?
I truly hope the next Speaker of the House learned from Speaker Mike Busch. As a true Speaker, Mike Busch always included the minority party in the debate. He made sure that every member was treated fairly, and that everyone's vote was recorded. I don't know why we would change that, since I believe it is what separates us from the politics of Washington DC. We are the People's House.
Adrienne Jones
Darryl Barnes
Dereck Davis
Eric Bromwell
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings
Mike Busch
Peter Franchot
Co-founder and Editor Josh Kurtz is the leading chronicler of Maryland politics and government. He began covering the State House in 1995 for The Gazette newspapers, and has been writing about state and local politics ever since. He later became an editor at Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper, and spent eight years at E&E News, an online subscription-only publisher of news websites covering energy and environmental issues. For seven of those years, he led a staff of 20 reporters at E&E Daily, which covers energy and environmental policy on Capitol Hill and in national politics. For 6 1/2 years he wrote a weekly column on state politics for Center Maryland and has written for several other Maryland publications as well. Kurtz has given speeches and appeared on TV and radio shows about Maryland politics through the years.
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