text:
Crowdsourced images create DIY Street View
While cruising through photos from around the world on Flickr, Jan Erik Solem, a former mathematics professor from Sweden, wondered if all those pictures could be stitched together into a navigable photo map.
The result is Mapillary, a company that applies artificial intelligence to crowdsourced street-level photos to create intelligent, navigable imagery of communities around the globe. Users take photos using the Mapillary app, then load them into the company's database where they will be connected with others' pictures and combined into a street-level photo view.
Mapillary provides apps for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, together with tools for using action cameras like GoPro and Garmin Virb. It also provides a set of application programming interfaces so that others can use the photos and the data for their own applications. The company offers commercial solutions as well, including private repositories, that give an organization access to the full Mapillary service in a closed environment.
The company's genesis was motivated more by Solem's fascination with photographs and maps than by any desire for a geospatial application, said Janine Yoong, Mapillary's business development director. However, Mapillary has turned out to be much more than that. Two capabilities, in fact, make it particularly well suited for public-sector applications.
First, it's an open, hybrid environment that can save agencies money by combining freely available crowdsourced pictures with high-res professional imagery and even LIDAR scans to generate integrated visual environments of a community, a facility or a tourist attraction, for example. The only requirement of the imagery, Yoong said, is that it have GPS coordinates.
The accuracy of the geospatial data will, of course, depend on the source of the imagery. With an iPhone, Yoong said, the accuracy will "wander anywhere from 2 meters to 30 meters, if you are in an urban canyon area." Those organizations that use iPhone imagery, she said, are usually more interested getting fresh pictures posted than in accurate location data. And organizations that use professional imagery can use Mapillary for measuring the heights of buildings, for example.
"The imagery is, indeed, mixed," Yoong said. "For us, that is a feature -- that you can actually navigate within high-quality panoramic photos by professionals and then navigate over to a corner of the town taken by somebody with a micro cam on his bike."
The other capability that makes Mapillary attractive to government agencies is its ability to recognize features in the collected imagery. The first such tool offered by Mapillary is a street sign detection tool.
"You could have someone … drive around the county for a few hours, capture the arterial roads, come back to the office in the afternoon and upload the images" and have a [version of Google's] Street View, Yoong said. "And in another few hours, what you'll be able see on the map is the location of all the traffic signs," she said. "Not only that, what we can then do is tell you the lat-longs of all of those traffic signs."
According to Yoong, the system is also set up to accept community feedback. A community member might, for example, report that a sign was missed or mislabeled. Because Mapillary has editing tools, "we have hundreds of thousands of edits from our community to help make our traffic sign detectors better," she said.
Mapillary doesn't figure to stop at detecting traffic signs. The company recently opened a research lab in Graz, Austria, to expand its detection capabilities. "We're investing in more deep-learning efforts so that we can recognize more objects," Yoong said. "Things like manholes, street lights, fire hydrants, all the way to road conditions, guardrails, sidewalk cracks."
According to Yoong, the company worked with residents of Washington D.C. in a Department of Transportation effort to gather photos from commuters and cyclists to report on road hazards.
While Mapillary's current capabilities could help agencies perform infrastructure inventories, the additional intelligence would allow a public works department to spot infrastructure in need of maintenance or repair.
The key takeaway for government agencies, Yoong said, is that they may be able to crowdsource the pictures, rather than commission an expensive new collection of imagery. If the agency opts to use crowdsourced data they can build "a do-it-yourself Street View," she said.
Editor's note: This article was changed July 5 to clarify the company's work in the Washington, D.C., project and to include an image that was more representative of Mapillary's use in government.
Posted by Patrick Marshall on Jun 22, 2016 at 6:50 AM


text:
Q: Highlight a particular point in chart JS
I want to highlight a particular point in chartjs and I want x and y axis interception at the data points in chart js .
The point (753.17,126.52) should be high lightened with marker where the rest of the point should not high lightened in the line chart .
Below is the image I want to create a chart as the below .
<apex:page >
  <apex:includeScript value="{!$Resource.Chartjs}"/>
  <script language="JavaScript">
   window.onload = function displayLineChart() {
    var data = {
        labels: [669.426, 669.427,735.618,753.170,801.809],
        datasets: [
            {

                fillColor: "rgb(255,255,255)",
                strokeColor: "rgb(0,0,128,1.0)",
                pointColor: "rgba(176,196,222)",
                borderColor: "lightgreen",

                pointHighlightFill: "#fff",
                pointHighlightStroke: "rgba(220,220,220,1)",
                data: [0.00, 50, 100, 126.52, 200]
            },

        ]
    };
    var ctx = document.getElementById("lineChart").getContext("2d");
    var options = {

            scale: {
   ticks: {
      display: false
   }
}
            };
    var lineChart = new Chart(ctx).Line(data, {

    //Boolean - If we show the scale above the chart data
    scaleOverlay : false,

    //Boolean - If we want to override with a hard coded scale
    scaleOverride : false,

    //** Required if scaleOverride is true **
    //Number - The number of steps in a hard coded scale
    scaleSteps : null,
    //Number - The value jump in the hard coded scale
    scaleStepWidth : null,
    //Number - The scale starting value
    scaleStartValue : null,

    //String - Colour of the scale line
    scaleLineColor : "rgba(0,0,0,.1)",

    //Number - Pixel width of the scale line
    scaleLineWidth : 2,

    //Boolean - Whether to show labels on the scale
    scaleShowLabels : false,

    //Interpolated JS string - can access value
    scaleLabel : "<%=value%>",

    //String - Scale label font declaration for the scale label
    scaleFontFamily : "'Arial'",

    //Number - Scale label font size in pixels
    scaleFontSize : 12,

    //String - Scale label font weight style
    scaleFontStyle : "normal",

    //String - Scale label font colour
    scaleFontColor : "#666",

    ///Boolean - Whether grid lines are shown across the chart
    scaleShowGridLines : false,

    //String - Colour of the grid lines
    scaleGridLineColor : "rgba(0,0,0,.05)",

    //Number - Width of the grid lines
    scaleGridLineWidth : 1,

    //Boolean - Whether the line is curved between points
    bezierCurve : true,

    //Boolean - Whether to show a dot for each point
    pointDot : true,

    //Number - Radius of each point dot in pixels
    pointDotRadius : 5,

    //Number - Pixel width of point dot stroke
    pointDotStrokeWidth : 1,

    //Boolean - Whether to show a stroke for datasets
    datasetStroke : true,

    //Number - Pixel width of dataset stroke
    datasetStrokeWidth : 2,

    //Boolean - Whether to fill the dataset with a colour
    datasetFill : true,

    //Boolean - Whether to animate the chart
    animation : true,

    //Number - Number of animation steps
    animationSteps : 60,

    //String - Animation easing effect
    animationEasing : "easeOutQuart",

    //Function - Fires when the animation is complete
    onAnimationComplete : null

});
      lineChart.defaults.scale.gridLines.display

            = false;

  }
</script>
    <div class="box">
    <canvas id="lineChart" height="500" width="600"></canvas>
  </div>

</apex:page>

A: I've tested one possible solution with Chart.js version 2.8.0. It's based on it's Scriptable Option and on the excellent sample you can find here.
The example below is a simplified and executable html/js code you can test by running its snippet (the button below the code).
The key is the line radius : customRadius,, where customRadius refers to the function customRadius( context ) which is also in the code. That's because radius is a Scriptable Option.
The function tells the application to make the radius equals to 10 when the index is 3 (label 'd') or the value is equals or greater than 8.

let ctx = document.getElementById( 'actual_chart' );
  new Chart(
    ctx,
    {
      type   : 'line',
      data   : {
        labels  : [ 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e', 'f', 'g', 'h' ],
        datasets: [
          {
            data: [ 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 ]
          }
        ]
      },
      options: {
        legend  : {
          display: false
        },
        elements: {
          point: {
            radius : customRadius,
            display: true
          }
        }
      }
    } );

  function customRadius( context )
  {
    let index = context.dataIndex;
    let value = context.dataset.data[ index ];
    return index === 3 || value >= 8 ?
           10 :
           2;
  }
<!doctype html>
<html class="no-js" lang="">

<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <title>55468483</title>
  <meta name="description" content="">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/Chart.js/2.8.0/Chart.bundle.min.js"></script>
</head>

<body>
  <canvas id="actual_chart"></canvas>
</body>

</html>

The resulting chart is something like this:

You can find more details on the references in the first paragraph of this answer.
Please, let us know if it helped.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
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Home » Business » Death of World's Wealthiest Banker Thrusts Heirs Into Spotlight
Death of World's Wealthiest Banker Thrusts Heirs Into Spotlight
Joseph Safra became the world's richest banker by transforming a Brazilian lender into a global multibillion-dollar empire.
Now, after a long illness and death at 82, it falls to the next Safra generation.
What's at stake is a conglomerate which comprises Banco Safra SA, Safra National Bank of New York and Switzerland's J Safra Sarasin — firms with about $85 billion in banking assets. There's also a $2.3 billion real estate portfolio, that includes the Gherkin in London and 660 Madison Avenue in New York, a stake in banana company Chiquita Brands International and a 130-room mansion in Sao Paulo.
Together, his four children and widow stand to inherit a fortune estimated at around $17.6 billion, according to theBloomberg Billionaires Index.
The succession comes as the global pandemic has roiled markets and accelerated shifts that are upending traditional businesses, such as banking and real estate. Brazil has been particularly hard hit, with the world's second-highest number of Covid deaths. The Safras — famous for their cautious approach to business — also have to contend with competition from upstart firms and foreign banks over wealthy clients.
"Safra's importance in the financial system is smaller today then it once was. Other banks outgrew it," said Rafael Schiozer, a professor of Finance at Fundacao Getulio Vargas. "The family now faces challenges both in defining a strategy for its businesses and who will control them.
Safra "leaves a legacy that will be followed by many generations," according to a statement from Banco Safra on Thursday that said he died of natural causes. The bank didn't respond to a message seeking further comment.
The Safra dynasty traces its origins to the Ottoman Empire, when it financed camel-caravan traders, and has endured global and family crises.
Joseph Safra was born in 1938, in Beirut, Lebanon, to a Jewish banking clan with roots in Aleppo, Syria. His father, Jacob, moved the family to Brazil after World War II and Banco Safra was established in 1957. He and his brother Moise ran the Brazilian business, after their elder brother, Edmond, had broken off years before to build his own banks in Europe and New York.
Edmond, who later sold the business to HSBC Holdings Plc, died in 1999 as a victim of arson in Monaco.
In Brazil, Joseph and Moise grew the bank into one of Latin America's biggest, catering to the country's wealthiest people and most prominent companies. The business was known for its soundness, withstanding the many turbulences its home nation threw at it.
Jacob Safra famously said: "If you choose to sail upon the seas of banking, build your bank as you would your boat, with the strength to sail safely through any storm."
It also had misteps, including in 2009 after the group was linked to a feeder fund for Bernie Madoff, who orchestrated a $17.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Joseph and Moise split in the 2000s, when a falling out between the two led Joseph to create a rival lender across the street from his family's, J Safra, and started poaching clients. To end the dispute, Moise sold his share of the family business to Joseph in 2006 for a reported $2.5 billion and left the bank.
Joseph Safra, who had parkinson's disease, did make arrangements for his succession. His children Jacob, David, Alberto and Esther were all granted shares of the family's main asset, Banco Safra, last December, according to a regulatory filing. Two of his sons already have central roles within the group, with Jacob running the international side of the operations, while David oversees the Brazilian firm.
Joseph's middle son, Alberto, departed from the board of his family lender in 2019, due "exclusively to his personal intent of dedicating himself to another project with the family," according to a memo sent by Safra at the time. Alberto kept his stake at Grupo J. Safra and created ASA Investments. Joseph's daughter, Esther, is an educator and was never involved with the bank.
"Joseph, Moise and Edmond had their differences at their time, disagreeing on how to handle the business, and the next generation might have their disagreements too," said Rodrigo Marcatti, a former Safra employee who's now chief executive of Veedha Investimentos.
The younger Safras are already making their mark. The Brazilian unit, built to serve the wealthy and the nation's biggest firms, ventured into retail banking this year. In October it launched AgZero, a digital bank with no branches, while beefing up a digital investment platform under the SafraInvest brand. Notoriously low-profile, the lender has invested more on marketing.
There are also subtler changes. Last year, David was seated arm-in-arm with the rest of the nation's banking elite at a year-end luncheon hosted by the Brazilian federation of banks. At those sorts of events, Banco Safra was usually represented by a high-ranking executive, not a family member — Joseph was incredibly media shy, rarely gave interviews and avoided public events. David's presence was seen as a show of force within the firm.
"Safra was always a traditional bank, but being traditional doesn't mean it's not evolving," Schiozer said. "What differentiates it is that Safra is seen as safe, no one is afraid of doing businesses with it.
— With assistance by Cristiane Lucchesi
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Entangled in drug-running, Hannah Soar's life came to an abrupt crossroads at Leeds train station.
Preparing to step off her carriage as she approached the station, Hannah – loaded with cocaine – spotted two sniffer dogs on the platform.
It was a frightening, chaotic moment which skewed choices and bad decisions had led her to.
From a young age, Hannah could sense a feeling of emptiness. Unsettled, pretending to be someone she wasn't, getting into trouble at school, she knew she needed help, but didn't know who to ask or even what to ask for.
God, if you get me out of this situation, I'll never do this again.
Hope lit her path though in the form of her best friend who had begun to quietly attend church, with Hannah noticing refreshing, positive changes in her friend's behaviour.
The friend invited her along to a youth event, which Hannah attended with the sole intention of "destroying" the gathering.
The kindness of the youth leaders softened her though, with Hannah being struck by the fact they seemed to genuinely want to hang out with her.
It was at around this time that Hannah – battling to feed a £100-a-day cocaine habit – found herself facing two sniffer dogs, and a potential jail term, at Leeds train station.
Somehow, Hannah made it through and exited the platform with her packages unnoticed.
Knowing that she needed to make drastic changes, she soon entered women's addiction recovery centre, Benaiah, in the north east of Scotland.
In Benaiah, stripped of drink and drugs, Hannah got a sobering realisation of just how much damage her substance abuse had done.
"I couldn't look people in the eyes – all my confidence had gone. I looked like I didn't want to be there but the reality was that I was actually desperate to be there and to get the help that was on offer.
"As time went on I started to get more and more confident, growing into myself and finding out who I was as a person – discovering what I liked and didn't like – not allowing other people to sway me.
"I changed as a person massively and the key to the transformation was really opening up in my counselling sessions. I tried my best to make the most of evey hour I had in there.
"What I found was that whatever God brought up in my life in Teen Challenge, I had to deal with it. I knew I would never get the opportunity and time to self-care like that again.
I've learned to deal with things better now, walking day by day, going from strength to strength, truly enjoying life.
"After graduating the programme in 2015, I went on to study at Sheffield Hallam University, achieving a 1st Class BA Hons in Photography, and I now have my very own commercial photography business.
"Every day I use my photography skills to show off the best of people and businesses – kind of like what God does with us.


Grassroots-based soccer program built for 5-8 year olds. A stepping stone in young soccer players development to become students of the game. Players learn mechanics, technical skills, significance of dribbling and passing as well as the importance of working together as a team in order to achieve a common goal. Reach for the Stars with Sporting Stars!
SPRING 2 SESSIONS NOW ON SALE!
Beginners class where your soccer player will learn and build off of basic mechanics of dribbling and passing. Classes include novice technical activities and small-sided scrimmages.
Developmental class where your soccer player will learn and build off of basic technical skills of dribbling and passing in order to apply them in a team training and game environment. Classes include simple activities that progress each week with the goal of preparing soccer players to learn what to expect and how to behave in a true soccer training environment.
Advanced class where your soccer player will learn more complex concepts and continue building off of technical skills of dribbling and passing in order to apply them in a reality-based training and game environment. Classes will objectively progress to using these skills to achieve team objectives.
For more information on Sporting Stars or how to get your child involved, please contact Tyler McManus at tmcmanus@sportingkc.com.


text:
WhatsApp groups and group calls: here's a breakdown
June 24, 2018 •
Groups have become a staple of the mobile chat platform WhatsApp's offering, and regardless of whether you hate the functionality or love it, it has proven to be one of the platform's most popular features.
WhatsApp recently launched new features relating to group chats, and has also announced the introduction of group video calls, which will be implemented in the next few months.
Here is a breakdown of WhatsApp's new group chat features, as well as some information about how group video calls will work.
New WhatsApp groups features
WhatsApp groups introduced a number of new features in May of this year. These include:
Group catch up: If you've missed some messages in a group chat, you can search for the messages specifically addressed to you by tapping on a new @ button.
Participant search: If you're looking for a specific participant in a group chat, WhatsApp has made it easier by adding a search function that can be accessed on the info page of the group.
Admin permissions: Current group administrators will now be able to remove admin permissions of other group participants. Furthermore, group creators can no longer be removed from groups that they started.
Group description: WhatsApp has added a feature that allows people to add a short blurb which explains the group's topic or purpose, and where guidelines for the group can be put forward.
Admin control: Group administrators can now restrict who can change a group's icon, description and subject.
You won't necessarily notice all the changes to the groups immediately, as they have been seamlessly incorporated into the interface, but if you are the admin of a group, you'll be grateful for the additional features.
Group calling and video calling
Another new feature that has rolled out is group calling and video calling.
WhatsApp calling is a popular feature on the platform, but and until recently, calling was restricted to only allow two participants: the caller and the person that is being called. This is set to change with the new release, which is included in the latest update of the app for Android and iOS, with a version for Windows phone users is also in the pipeline. This is how it works:
To make a group call or video call, initiate it with one other participant as you usually would with a WhatsApp call. You will notice the option to "Add a participant" with an icon in the top right corner of the screen. Tap on this icon. This will open your contact list and give you the option to add participants from there.
The third participant will get a notification, which informs them that they are receiving a call. Participants can only be added one at a time, so another participant can only be added to the call once the previous participant has accepted.
At this stage, a maximum of four people will be able to participate in a group call or video call. People can only be added to the call by the person who initially started the call.
The addition of new features on the messaging platform comes after announcements made at Facebook's F8 2018 Conference, held in May of this year. WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in 2014, and is currently the most popular messaging app in the world.


Tiam 1 (Catalytic domain/ C-terminal domain) - Exalpha Biologicals inc.
Directional cell migration is essential for various physiological processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor invasion. In response to extracellular and cell adhesion signals, cells acquire a polarized morphology with a leading edge at their front and a trailing tail at the rear. This front-rear polarity is established along the directional axis, with signaling molecules, adhesions, and the cytoskeleton distributed asymmetrically. The signaling molecules that control polarity include the Rho family GTPases, including Rac1. The Rac exchange factor Tiam1 participates in polarized cell migration. Tiam1 binds to integrins through talin and regulates Rac1 activity and adhesion turnover for polarized migration. Tiam 1 contains a Dbl homology (DH) or RhoGEF domain which consists of an ~ 150 amino acid region that induces Rho family GTPases to displace GDP. This effectively activates the Rho GTPase by allowing GTP binding, which is in excess over GDP in the cell. The DH domain is invariably preceded by a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. While not absolutely required for catalysis of nucleotide exchange, the PH domain appears to greatly increase catalytic efficiency in many cases. Tiam1 (T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis inducing protein 1) was originally identified as an invasion-inducing gene. Thereafter several studies supported the suggestion that the Tiam1-Rac signaling pathway may be involved in the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.
Human Tiam1 (catalytic domain/ C-terminal domain) is an affinity purified rabbit polyclonal antiserum derived by injection of rabbits with a GST fusion protein with the C-terminal amino acids 904-1511 of Tiam 1. The antiserum was purified by affinity chromatography using the fusion protein coupled to glutathione agarose beads.
Each vial contains 100 µl affinity purified rabbit antiserum containing 0.09% sodium azide.
Formulation: Each vial contains 100 µl affinity purified rabbit antiserum containing 0.09% sodium azide.
Human Tiam1 (catalytic domain/ C-terminal domain) recognizes the C-terminal amino acids 904-1511 of Tiam 1 containing the DH-PH regions.
Human Tiam-1 (catalytic domain/ C-terminal domain) is suitable for immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry on frozen and paraffin-embedded tissues. Optimal antibody dilution should be determined by titration; recommended range is 1:100 – 1:200 for immunohistochemistry with avidin-biotinylated horseradish peroxidase complex (ABC) as detection reagent, and 1:100 – 1:1000 for immunoblotting applications.
1. Hordijk PL, ten Klooster JP, van der Kammen RA, Michiels F, Oomen LC, Collard JG. Inhibition of invasion of epithelial cells by Tiam1-Rac signaling. Science 1997;27:1464-1466.
2. Mertens AE, Rygiel TP, Olivo C, van der Kammen R, Collard JG. The Rac activator Tiam1 controls tight junction biogenesis in keratinocytes through binding to and activation of the Par polarity complex. J Cell Biol 2005;170:1029-1037.
3. Habets GG, Scholtes EH, Zuydgeest D, van der Kammen RA, Stam JC, Berns A, Collard JG. Identification of an invasion-inducing gene, Tiam-1, that encodes a protein with homology to GDP-GTP exchangers for Rho-like proteins. Cell 1994;77:537-549.
4. Lambert JM, Lambert QT, Reuther GW, Malliri A, Siderovski DP, Sondek J, Collard JG, Der CJ. Tiam1 mediates Ras activation of Rac by a PI(3)K-independent mechanism. Nat Cell Biol 2002;4:621-625.
5. Malliri A, van der Kammen RA, Clark K, van der Valk M, Michiels F, Collard JG. Mice deficient in the Rac activator Tiam1 are resistant to Ras-induced skin tumours. Nature 2002;417:867-871.
6. Wang S, Watanabe T, Matsuzawa K, Katsumi A, Kakeno M, Matsui T, Ye F, Sato K, Murase K, Sugiyama I, Kimura K, Mizoguchi A, Ginsberg MH, Collard JG, Kaibuchi K. Tiam1 interaction with the PAR complex promotes talin-mediated Rac1 activation during polarized cell migration. J Cell Biol 2012;199:331-345.


Northumbrian Water′s blockage reduction campaign and its mascot 'Dwaine Pipe′ has achieved national recognition at one of the UK′s most prestigious marketing awards.
The North East water firm′s Love your Drain campaign, spearheaded by the green drain pipe, scooped the top award at the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Marketing Excellence Awards last night (Thursday April 12, 2018).
The campaign, which helps to educate customers about what should and shouldn′t be put down the toilet and sink to help keep sewers clear, was crowned Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Jennie Collingwood, Head of Marketing, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our Love your drain campaign has been recognised with this national award.
"Our campaign mascot, Dwaine Pipe, who only eats toilet paper, pee and poo, was an instant hit with our customers. We use him to help us communicate a serious message in a light-hearted way.
"I′m very proud that the campaign is helping us to achieve significant benefits for both our customers and the environment, and this award is testament to that. Blockages can have devastating consequences so it′s in everyone′s interests to be responsible and develop good habits."
Attended by national organisations and marketing agencies, the Marketing Excellence Awards were held at London′s Grosvenor House Hotel and hosted by CIM, the world′s leading professional marketing body.
Northumbrian Water overcame competition from the likes of Allianz and Vodaphone, to be given the top spot for its unrivalled performance in delivering marketing excellence.
The firm was also shortlisted in another two categories: Best use of data and insight, for its Support Plus campaign; and best integrated campaign for its Clean, Clear and Great Tasting campaign.
Chris Daly, chief executive of CIM, said: "Professional marketing is a vital driver of business advantage - boosting commercial outcomes and growing talent. At a time when the return on investment and data protection rigour of marketers are under scrutiny, our winners demonstrate the value of creative marketing.
"I would like to offer my congratulations to all who made it to the finals; they reflect the very best in global marketing talent and our founding partner The Marketing Trust who help make these awards possible."
The CIM Marketing Excellence Awards have been running for nine years and recognise and reward brilliance in the field of marketing, celebrating the finest minds within the profession.


Villa Chepita has everything you could imagine and desire in this Aspen gateway. This ultra-modern estate will enchant and amaze you with 40-foot-high foyer and stunning 30-foot water wall and the open plan lifestyle living will make you entertain all your friends and family. In fact, given its generous proportions, Villa Chepita is spectacular high end, extreme quality, cozy and comfortable the ideal choice for those with large families or groups of friends coming together for the holidays.
Villa Chepita is a large, accommodating villa with both the landscape and interiors having a relaxing and inviting vibe. The large three floors, beautifully designed with -appointed entertaining spaces, 7 spacious bedrooms and luxury ultra-modern ensuite bathrooms. This ultra-modern estate has it all; a large commercial kitchen, media room, theater, bowling alley, saline lap pool, gym and sauna, wine room, and an unforgettable recreation room with billiards table, bar and arcade.
This villa also boasts large; panoramic windows showcase stunning views of Aspen Hills. Naturally, skiing is right outside the door. At over 19,000 square feet villa where you will most definitely stay again, this perfect mansion has everything you need for the ultimate Aspen escape. For more information or registration see; villazzo.com.


text:
State of Eritrea
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti ©David W Karr
Birding Eritrea
Eritrea is a wonderful birdwatching destination. Despite its small size and the relative scarcity of visiting birders, nearly 580 species have been recorded here. It shares nearly 20 of the prized Abyssinian 'endemics' with Ethiopia, including Wattled Ibis, Rouget's Rail, Ruppell's (Black) Chat, Ethiopian Oriole, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Banded Barbet, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, White-backed Black Tit and White-billed Starling.The country can be split into three basic ecoregions. To the east of the highlands are the hot, arid coastal plains stretching down to Djibouti in the south. The cooler, more fertile highlands split the country in two, reaching up to 3000m. Habitats here vary from the sub-tropical rainforest at Filfil Solomuna to the precipitous cliffs and gorges of the southern highlands. To the west of the highlands, the gently sloping plains of Gash Bark fall into the Sudan-Guinea biome, home to many species typical of Sahel savannah.
Eritrea also happens to lie on one of the major migration routes into Africa, guaranteeing excellent birdwatching in both spring and autumn, concentrated along the coastal plain, and the eastern escarpment edge of the highlands. Large numbers of raptors pass through Eritrea on their way to their wintering grounds in central and southern Africa. The country is poor, and bureaucracy is strict, but the people are kind and very friendly, and travelling within the permitted areas it is safe but do NOT venture off road or into other areas as there are still extensive minefields from the war. Crime is very low by African standards, as is street hassle. A good guide is necessary to get you to all the best locations and to help with the bureaucracy but in a week it is easily possible to visit the hotspots, see most of the endemics and take home about 200 species.
Key SpeciesMany Abyssinian endemcis can be found here. In the right habitat, Ruppell's (Black) Chat, Wattled Ibis, White-cheeked Turaco, Black-winged Lovebird, White-billed Starling, White-collared Pigeon, White-throated Seed-eater, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Banded Barbet, Ethiopian Oriole and Ethiopian Cisticola (C. Lugubris) are all common breeding species. Rarer, but still regularly recorded are White-winged Cliff Chat (Mocking Cliff Chat is common throughout the highlands), White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Thick-billed Raven and Blue Saw-wing (Psalidoprocne pristoptera). There are also a large number of near-endemics (birds which are native to the Horn of Africa): Erckel's Francolin, Blanford's Lark, White-headed (Cretschmar's) Babbler, White-rumped Babbler, Abyssinian Black Wheatear, Somali Starling, Swainson's Sparrow, Ruppell's Weaver, African Citril and Brown-rumped Seed-eater.Eritrea's extensive coastal mangrove forests are the only place in Africa where White-collared Kingfisher breeds, and a recent study* found that the Eritrean Red Sea islands are of international importance as breeding sites for a number of sea and shorebirds, including White-eyed Gull (33% of the world population), Crab Plover (20% of world population), Lesser Crested Tern, Brown Noddy, Eurasian Spoonbill, Brown Booby, Greater Crested Tern, White-cheeked Tern and Bridled Tern. The threatened Socotra Cormorant is also suspected to breed on the southern islands.*Dawit Semere et al. The Status of Breeding Seabirds and Waterbirds on the Eritrean Red Sea Islands; ABC Bulletin Vol. 15 No. 2, September 2008
Eritrea has plentiful raptor species (59 recorded). Lammergeier are still fairly frequent in the southern highlands, along with Ruppell's Vulture and Griffon Vulture (winter). Verreaux's Eagle, Tawny Eagle and Long-crested Eagle are resident, and large numbers of esp. Aquila eagle species can be found either on passage or throughout the winter, including Steppe Eagle, Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Wahlberg's Eagle. Significant numbers of these migrating species can be counted along the eastern escarpment of the Abyssinian highlands near Asmara, especially at the Asmara rubbish dump in February/March.The rocky uplands in Adi Keih and Senafe Sub Zobas are particularly good for Wheatears (11 species in Eritrea), Chats (10 species in Eritrea) and Rock Thrushes.
Travel permits for all the locations listed below can be obtained from the tourist office in Asmara. Remember that the Eritreans are not used to people birdwatching in their country, and there is a large military presence in some areas. Always ask before getting out your binoculars if in doubt! However, if you explain to most people what you are doing they are nearly always amenable and interested. In two years living in the country, I had very few problems and converted several Eritreans to the hobby!More on these sites and other locations can be found on the website Birdwatching in Eritrea
Adi Keih Sub Zoba:
Adi Keih Sub Zoba is excellent for Abyssinian endemics and highland specialities: Several sites near Adi Keih provide good birdwatching, especially for the Abyssinian endemics: Hawatsu: is on the road between Segeneiti and Adi Keih, 41km after Segeneiti, 9km before Adi Keih. There is a dam here which is productive for waders and other waterbirds for most of the year. Just upstream of the dam is a grassy pasture where Wattled Ibis often feed in the thickest grass. Also, near here on the other side of the road is a small valley (near the Eucalyptus copse, behind the few houses. Walk up this valley to find several of the Abyssinian endemic species in the copse of native trees that still survive in a small gorge here. Highlight species include: Wattled Ibis, White-billed Starling, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Banded Barbet, White-cheeked Turaco, Erckel's Francolin, Northern Paradise Flycatcher, Klaas's Cuckoo, Brown Woodland Warbler, Tacazze Sunbird, Ruppell's Robin Chat, Long-legged Buzzard (winter), Maccoa Duck, Verreaux's Eagle and Temminck's Courser on the plateau above the copse.Safira/Qohaito & Karibossa: Qohaito is famous for its Auxmite archaeological remains, but birdwatching is particularly good here too. There are some steep cliffs to the east where Ruppell's and Egyptian Vulture nest, and White-collared Pigeon roost, while Alpine and Mottled Swift hurtle past. Near the so-called 'Egyptian Tomb' is a steep valley where several other endemics can be found, including Ruppell's Black Chat, Black-winged Lovebird, Banded Barbet and the rare White-backed Black Tit. If you have time to drive further along the road to Karibossa, this village has quite a few native trees and is very good for the Abyssinian endemics, including Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Black-winged Lovebird, White-billed Starling, White-cheeked Turaco, Banded Barbet, White-collared Pigeon, Ruppell's Black Chat and White-throated Seed-eater. Other local delicacies include: Verreaux's Eagle Owl, Little Rock Thrush, African Olive Pigeon (newly discovered here), Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Brown-rumped Seed-eater, Slender-billed Starling, Erckel's Francolin, Lanner Falcon, Tawny Eagle, Ruppell's Vulture and Egyptian Vulture.
Asmara for the eastern escarpment and waterbirds at surrounding reservoirs:
The escarpment edge is often productive for migrating species, especially raptors. The best places to see them are easily accessed along the Massawa road. The Asmara rubbish dump can be smelt to the left side of the road as soon as you start descending from Asmara, just past the customs checkpoint. From October to December, and especially from February to March large numbers of Aquila eagles congregate here along with other raptors and lots of Hamadryas Baboons (seen best early morning). A little further along the road is Bar Durfo, less smelly but often with good views of raptors cruising on the thermals nearby. To find other migrant species, park on the Asmara side of the checkpoint, and explore the bushes along the escarpment edge just below the orthodox church nearby. Species here could include: Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Wahlberg's Eagle, Verreaux's Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Augur Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Common Kestrel, Abdim's Stork, Nyanza Swift, White-rumped Swift, Alpine Swift, Mottled Swift, White-rumped Babbler, Banded Barbet. Smaller migrants that are seen in spring and autumn include Common Cuckoo, Ortolan Bunting, Wryneck, Golden Oriole, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Bee-eater, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Isabelline Shrike, Whitethroat and several swallow species, including Red-rumped Swallow and House Martin.Several reservoirs (
Elabered for diversity and Hagaz for sub-Saharan savannah species:
Hagaz is the easiest town to get to in the western lowlands, and therefore is good for species associated with the Sudan-Guinea biome. Along the way, it is recommended that you stop off at the Elabered Agricultural Estate (between Asmara and Keren
Filfil for rainforest species and Abyssinian endemics:
Filfil is an amazing enigma in an otherwise fairly dry and sometimes barren country. There is extensive cloud rainforest here that benefits from the wet seasons of both the highlands and the lowlands, and attracts a lot of tropical forest species as well as several of the Abyssinian endemics higher up. It is sometimes called
Massawa and the Dahlak Islands for seabirds, shorebirds and coastal migrants:
The coastal town of Massawa is an incredible place to visit, for its history and architecture as much as for the birds. The best birdwatching sites are near the town, and include the small flats by the causeway to the mainland (at low tide), the beach at Gurgussum (10km north of Massawa), the shallow lagoons 4km north of Gurgussum and the mangrove forest on Green Island (boats can be hired from the Diving Centre or Mike's Boats in Massawa). South of Massawa towards Foro there is more extensive mangrove forest, where the rare White-collared Kingfisher breeds, although birdwatching is not permitted around the Hirgigo power station. Exploring the Dahlaks takes longer, although boats can easily be chartered through travel agents in Asmara (Explore is one) or through the Dive Centre or Mike's Boats in Massawa itself. 2 days are needed to visit the most interesting islands, and as well as the birds, there are plentiful dolphin species, dugong, leatherback turtle, whale shark and manta ray. Snorkelling and diving are both excellent here. Recommended islands include Dissei, Dahlak Kebir, Dahret and Dur ghella. Species at Gurgussum and the lagoons nearby include: Brown Booby, Pink-backed Pelican, Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Green-backed Heron, Western Reef Heron, Grey Heron, Goliath Heron, Abdim's Stork, Sacred Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, African Spoonbill, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Teal, Osprey, Common Kestrel, Crab Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Three-banded Plover, Kentish Plover, Mongolian Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Common Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Sooty Gull, White-eyed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Heuglin's Gull, Caspian Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Saunders's Tern, African Palm Swift, Crested Lark, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Black Wheatear, Graceful Prinia, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Isabelline Wheatear, House Crow and Village Weaver. Green Island species include occasional White-collared Kingfisher, Osprey, Yellow-billed Kite, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sooty Gull, Sacred Ibis (breeding), Brown Booby, Lesser Crested Tern, Greater Sand Plover, Pink-backed Pelican (breeding), House Crow, Kentish Plover, Curlew, Grey Plover, Crab Plover, Eurasian Spoonbill (breeding), Striated Heron, Purple Heron, Redshank, Ruddy Turnstone, Greater Flamingo, Western Reef Heron, Little Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Gull-billed Tern, Slender-billed Gull, Greater Crested Tern, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Heuglin's Gull, Caspian Tern, Dunlin, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Senegal Thick-knee, Saunder's Tern and Graceful Prinia,Species in the Dahlak Islands include Brown Booby, Pink-backed Pelican, Green-backed Heron, Western Reef Heron, Great White Egret, Greater Flamingo, Abdim's Stork, Osprey, Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Sooty Falcon, Arabian Bustard, Crab Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Sanderling, Little Stint, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sooty Gull, White-eyed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser-crested Tern, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Speckled Pigeon, African Collared Dove, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Somali Crow, Pied Crow, Blackstart, Common Fiscal and Southern Grey Shrike.
http://ibis.atwebpages.com/birdwatching_in_eritrea/index.htm
(As at August 2018)
(But there are at least 14 species are shared ONLY with Ethiopia)
Birds of Ethiopia & Eritrea
by John Ash & John Atkins | Christopher Helm | 2009 | Hardback | 463 pages, 16p colour photos and maps | ISBN: 9781408109793 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of the Horn of Africa
[Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and Socotra] | by Nigel Redman, Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe | Christopher Helm | 2011 | Paperback | 512 pages, 213 colour plates, 1000+ colour distribution maps, colour & b/w maps | ISBN: 9781408157350 Buy this book from NHBS.com
African Bird Club
Eritrea has a bird list of over 500 species but there has been little ornithological activity for some thirty or forty years. Sadly, long running disputes with Ethiopia and political instability have impacted habitat and species adversely as well as limiting opportunities for visiting birders. With little tourist infrastructure, Eritrea is likely to appeal to the more adventurous or pioneering birder. This small country can however be a rewarding destination for birders who in just a few days could see a substantial number of species, including many near endemics and regional endemics as well as countless passage migrants.
Dawid Berhane
P.O. Box 5368 - Asmara Eritrea - Mobile +2917 254230 dawitray1@gmail.com
1998 [03 March] - Mike Rogerson - with Ethiopia & Djibouti
The following trip report covers a 4 week period in "Abyssinia" (3 weeks in Ethiopia, 1 week in Eritrea and 24 hours in Djibouti). The trip was done alone, and for reasons of expense (hire car rates, especially 4WD vehicles, being very expensive in Ethiopia), apart from some cheap internal flights inside Ethiopia, public land transport was used throughout with the odd bit of hitch hiking. The trip, although primarily aimed at birding, did include several days heavily biased towards visits of Ethiopia's outstanding historical sites specifically around Gonder and Lalibela which can to some extent be combined with birding.
2005 [01 January] - Morten Brendstrup-Hansen
...Eritrea's elevation spans from well below sea level in the Dankalia (Danakil) depression to the 3018m of Eritrea's highest mountain, the Amba Soira. A considerable part of the country is more than2000 m above sea level. A prominent topographic feature is the escarpment that runs more or lessparallel to the Red Sea coast separating the central highland plateau from the narrow coastal plain.While the highland as well as the coastal plain are arid with sparse seasonal rainfall, much of theescarpment receives plenty of rain year round...
Hotels in Asmera
The many hotels, restaurants and pensions in Asmara cater to every price range and level of comfort
Birdwatching in Eritrea
Eritrea is not well known as a birdwatching destination. But it should be. Despite being one of the most 'underbirded' countries in Africa, it has an impressive checklist of over 560 species, which is increasing rapidly. Ethiopia is famous as one of the best birding destinations in the world. Most highly prized are its Abyssinian 'endemics', many of which are in fact shared with Eritrea, as the Abyssinian Highlands are split between the two countries…
Eritrea Species Checklist
his comprehensive checklist includes all the species reliably recorded in Eritrea. We have kept it as close as possible to the sequence used in the field guide that visiting birders are most likely to use: Redman, Stevenson and Fanshawe: Birds of the Horn of Africa (Christopher Helm, 2009), following the order and taxonomy given in the checklist at the back of the book
Eritrean Fauna
Eritrea's range of habitats is surprisingly diverse, and its birdlife is correspondingly rich. A total of 537 species of birds have been recorded, including the rare blue saw-wing
Seawater Farms Eritrea
In Eritrea, atmospheric scientist turned agricultural entrepreneur Carl Hodges developed a seawater farm which is an integrated multi-species complex system. This approach produces direct benefits in the form of protein and vegetable for local consumption and revenue generation; but importantly revitalises the environment and creates the enabling conditions for further economic activity.


As well as holding Social Events, our Ballroom is also used for Meetings and Conferences to Training Seminars and Team Build Residential stays.
It's ideal for a large conference or meetings and has an inbuilt high quality PA system, the room can be partitioned in two.
If you require a smaller meeting room our Library is ideal for max 20 people.


text:
Generative Gestaltung, auch Generatives Design, bezeichnet eine Entwurfsmethode in den verschiedenen Bereichen der Gestaltung (Kunst, Architektur, Kommunikationsdesign, Produktdesign).

Anwendung
Im Unterschied zu schon seit längerem etablierten Begriffen wie Generative Kunst oder Computerkunst umfasst Generative Gestaltung insbesondere auch Aufgabenstellungen aus Design, Architektur und Ingenieursdisziplinen. Hauptanwendungsgebiete im Bereich des Kommunikationsdesigns ist die Erstellung von Informationsgrafiken, Diagrammen oder flexiblen Erscheinungsbildern. In der Architektur wird Generative Gestaltung (dort auch häufig Computational Design genannt) hauptsächlich zur Formfindung und Simulation architektonischer Strukturen verwendet. In der technischen Produktentwicklung kann es zur Werkstoffauswahl, Konstruktion anhand weniger Anforderungen bzw. Eingangs- und Ausgangsparameter und Gewichtsreduzierung beitragen. Dies könne insbesondere in Paarung mit additiven Fertigungsverfahren bisher nicht in Erwägung gezogene Lösungen aufwerfen – die Begriffe (Generatives Design, Generative Fertigung) sind jedoch nicht zu verwechseln.

Wesentlich dabei ist, dass der Output – Bild, Sound, architektonisches Modell, Animation, … – durch ein Regelwerk, bzw. einen Algorithmus (üblicherweise in Form eines Computerprogramms) erzeugt wird, wodurch wesentlich Arbeitsschritte wie konstruktive Bemessungen jenseits der Auslegung entfallen. Auszeichnendes Element ist dabei zumeist auch die Visualisierung der technischen Optimierung.

Entwicklung
Dass Generative Gestaltung an Bedeutung zunimmt, liegt vor allem daran, dass neue Entwicklungsumgebungen (Processing, VVVV, Quarz Composer, OpenFrameworks, …) oder Scriptingmöglichkeiten (Rhinoscripting, Scriptographer, …) es mittlerweile auch Gestaltern mit wenig Programmiererfahrung vergleichsweise leicht machen, ihre Ideen auf diesem Gebiet umzusetzen.

Die 2022 vorgestellte Software Point-E von OpenAI ermöglicht die Generierung von 3D-Modellen auf Basis von Texteingaben.

Es ist zu erwarten, dass derartige Optimierungsprobleme durch den Einsatz von Quantencomputern einen Produktivitätszuwachs erzielen werden.

Siehe auch
 Computer-Aided Design
 Building Information Modeling

Literatur
 Hartmut Bohnacker, Benedikt Groß, Julia Laub, Claudius Lazzeroni (Hrsg.): Generative Gestaltung: Entwerfen, Programmieren, Visualisieren. Schmidt, Mainz 2009. ISBN 978-3-87439-759-9
 Benedikt Groß, Hartmut Bohnacker, Julia Laub, Claudius Lazzeroni, Joey Lee und Niels Poldervaart: Generative Gestaltung, Creative Coding im Web: entwerfen, programmieren und visualisieren mit Javascript und p5.js. Mainz 2018: Verlag Hermann Schmidt. ISBN 978-3-87439-902-9
 Casey Reas, Ben Fry: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists Second Edition. Boston 2014: MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-02828-8
 Gary William Flake: The Computational Beauty of Nature: Computer Explorations of Fractals, Chaos, Complex Systems, and Adaptation. MIT Press 1998, ISBN 978-0-262-56127-3
 John Maeda: Design by Numbers, MIT Press 2001, ISBN 978-0-262-63244-7
 Georg Nees: Generative Computergraphik, 1969
 Georg Trogemann, Jochen Viehoff: CodeArt. Eine elementare Einführung in die Programmierung als künstlerische Praktik. Springer, Wien 2004, ISBN 978-3-211-20438-2

Weblinks
 Generative Gestaltung – Homepage zum Buch Generative Gestaltung (Präsentation und ergänzende Inhalte zu den Auflagen von 2010 und 2018)

Einzelnachweise

Computergrafik

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Rather predictably – as predictable as his bid for the presidency was after he led the 2013 coup – Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi has been in recent months airing trial balloons on amending the 2013 constitution (supposed to be, in theory at least, a consensual text that brings together a variety of political factions, even it excluded the Muslim Brotherhood and others) to allow himself to become, like his predecessors, a president for life. Cue the protests from his defenders that these are ill-advised initiatives by his over-eager fans; but of course even if Sisi may not be as daring as pushing for such changes now, he is certain to do so after he wins what was supposed to be his second and last term in the 2018 presidential elections. You can expect him to reluctantly answer the popular cry for him to serve his country, sacrificing himself (he had been looking forward to quiet retirement, etc.) as countless other dictators have done so before him, from Sisi's friend Vladimir Putin to his arch-enemy Recep Tayyep Erdogan.
Arguably, Egyptian constitutional principles have been eroded to such an extent under Sisi that this is simply making official a de facto state of affairs. The symbolism of the formal change, however, is serious, as could be legal repercussions that further enshrine today's state of emergency into the constitution. It would further push the regime's opponents – not all cuddly revolutionary types, to be sure – into a zero-sum logic and amplify the rationale that all hope is lost. Putting term limits on the presidency was, after all, one of the few political gains made among the generally meager returns of the Egyptian uprising. It offers, even from today's bleak prospects, the possibility of an eventual change in leadership that might prevent the ossification of the regime (see Algeria today, Egypt under Mubarak, etc.) This is why even mild-mannered critics of the current Egyptian regime who supported the 2013 coup and Sisi's presidential bid are aghast at this turn of events. The piece below, penned by the founder of the Social Democratic Party, is a case in point.
Thanks to our friends at Industry Arabic for making this feature possible. Please check them out if you need your documents translated into Arabic, they do a great job with a quick turnaround.
We have heard the voices of regime mouthpieces – who have personally benefited from the current regime in the form of high-level positions and other privileges – calling for the constitution to be amended. The reason? To extend the president's term, possibly indefinitely. I would like to remind you that since 1952, none of Egypt's previous presidents have voluntarily left office. Mohammed Naguib was deposed in a coup, Abdel Nasser died after 18 years in power, Sadat was assassinated after 11 years in office, Mubarak was overthrown by revolution after 29 years of rule, and Morsi was deposed by the people and the army after just a one year. So why would Sisi enter this vicious cycle? Is there some logic in his thinking?
Some say that under dictatorial rule, every president carries out unconstitutional and illegal measures, such that if he ever leaves office, he and his cronies would face trial and retribution. Therefore, in such systems, the president only leaves by force or in death.
The regime's henchmen are the beneficiaries of this spectacle. They are the ones who adorn any president who undermines the constitution. Then they demand that he remain in office for life, not out of love for him, but out of love for themselves and their positions. Now, are there legal or popular challenges and problems to amending the constitution?
Lawmakers must remember what happened in the days of Mubarak when parliament tried to make controversial amendments to the constitution. That was after all one of the reasons for the end of Mubarak's rule. They must, no doubt, be cautious. Indeed, the skill, experience and intelligence of Fathi Sorour, the distinguished university professor and the brilliant lawyer, has no equal in the current parliamentary leadership.
The world has completely changed in the 21st century. It is true that terrorism in the Middle East has given the Egyptian regime broad freedom to act with US, European, Gulf, and Israeli support, but these things do not last forever. Moreover, such support bears a high cost that is now being paid for by Egypt's freedom to make its own decision. The time will come when the president will no longer be able to pay that price; the support will dry up, and with massive foreign and domestic debts, the situation will be an impossible one unless Egypt can maintain political cohesion and keep its people satisfied. The amendments will cause a new rift that will transform Tiran and Sanafir into a profound gulf, with the people on one side and the President on the other.
Extending the president's first term is legally impossible both in form and substance. The term is a legally binding contract between two parties – the people elected Sisi for 4 years, no more, no less. That cannot be changed with a law or a referendum or anything else, and any attempts at a referendum would be crazy.
The constitution contains an article that clearly states that it is not permissible to change the articles pertaining to election of the president. The wisdom behind that article is well-established, because all of Egypt's former presidents wanted to rule for life. Any change to this article would have the intention of keeping the president in office indefinitely. Egyptians want to see the day where a former president ends his term and leaves office: they want to experience rotation of power.
Any planned constitutional amendments that have received approval to appear on a constitutional referendum must first present a referendum to abolish the constitution, as this article cannot be amended. Abolishing the Constitution would also mean abolishing the legitimacy of June 30, the very basis on which the current president was elected. Then we would write a new constitution to the current leadership's liking before presenting it for referendum once again. Are you ready for two referendums in such a short time, followed by presidential elections, just to consolidate the president's stay in office?
Is the Egyptian regime capable of holding an honest referendum that gives everyone in the media the chance to speak their mind and then follow that up with presidential elections with the same level of transparency? Of course not. The media is almost completely nationalized and will not allow any competitor the opportunity to express his opinion or explain his point of view; it would just as soon assassinate him as let an opposition voice speak freely.
The regime believes itself to be quite strong, and in fact it is quite strong with considerable foreign aid, but there are severe internal weaknesses, including terrorism and the serious erosion of the economy caused by misguided policies and an unwillingness to listen to any other point of view, and due to the imprisonment of thousands, the shredding of the constitution and the law, chaos, and corruption. In such circumstances, we must reach an understanding with the people and agree upon a future policy in order to overcome our terrible problems, and not by drafting dangerous constitutional amendments that paralyze the country and put us in the middle of yet another mess.
Finally, I do not believe that this was [Speaker of Parliament Ali] Abdel Aal's idea or that of his colleagues because when one of them brought it up not too long ago, he was told to shut up and be silent. Please be careful, Egypt has 21 million angry young men with no permanent or regular work.
Please think a little and wait until next time, there is no need to be so reckless. Leave well enough alone!
Rise up, Egyptian! Egypt always calls on you!


The first use of analog tape in professional audio was heard by listeners on October 1, 1947, with the Philco Radio Time broadcast of Bing Crosby's 30 minute variety show. This was the beginning of Season Two, and it followed a search for better audio quality begun with Season One. Season One was recorded to acetate disks, but the sound quality was noticeably inferior to actual live broadcast, much to the disappointment of the audience and the broadcasters. The solution was found by using tape instead of disk recording (see below), and history was made.
There's understandable tape saturation distortion audible when levels get pushed hard on this first use of tape.
Before tape was part of the consumer's hi-fi system, and before tape was in the music recording studio, two German-made tape machines were put to use preparing Bing's show for broadcast.
They cut the show to both acetate and tape and did a comparison.
It was a success, as a Variety review the following week called it "a socko triumph" over the prior season's acetate format. I believe 'socko' is 1947-speak for really, really good.


text:
Watch the 2022 World Cup: TV Broadcast, Channels and Media Info
The launch of the Qatar 2022 World Cup is just around the corner. The world's greatest football nations are coming to Qatar to play in the World Cup, and many viewers are waiting for the competition to begin. Exceptionally, the opening match has been brought forward by one day and will be playe on 20 November 2022. The opening match will pit host nation Qatar against Ecuador.
This will be followe by the group matches and then the finals. The competition will end on 18 December, when the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup will be played. How to watch the 2022 World Cup on TV? Which channels are broadcasting the World Cup in France?
Watch the 2022 World Cup on TV: TV Broadcast, Channels and Media Info
What are the French team's matches?
When and where will the 2022 World Cup Final take place?
Where is the 2022 World Cup taking place?
The TV programme of the 2022 World Cup
Download and print the World Cup calendar
The printable PDF calendar of the 2022 World Cup can be downloade here.
On which channels can I watch the 2022 World Cup?
28 matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast free-to-air on TF1 (discover the matches broadcast by TF1). The pay-TV channel beIN Sports will broadcast the entire competition.
The matches can be streame on MyTF1 and MyCanal.
The French team will play its first group match on Tuesday 22 November 2022 at 8pm against Australia. The other group matches are on Saturday 26 November at 5pm against Denmark and on Wednesday 30 November at 4pm against Tunisia.
The 2022 World Cup Final will take place on 18 December 2022 at the Lusail Stadium, a purpose-built stadium in the city of Lusail, Qatar.
The 2022 Football World Cup will in Qatar. This is the first time Qatar has hosted the competition. The 2022 World Cup will be the 22nd edition. The competition will be playe in eight stadiums in four cities: Doha, Lusail, Al-Khor, Al-Rayyan, Umm Salal, Al Wakrah, Al-Shamal and Education City.
Qatar World Cup match schedule:
Qatar and France have a two-hour time difference. The first matches of the day will take place at 11am. Then the matches will be at 2pm, then 5pm and finally, the last matches of the day will be at 8pm French time.
Broadcasting schedules, official channels, find the TV program and the calendar of all the matches of the World Cup in Qatar.
Categories Sports Tags World Cup 2022
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on TV and Channel: where to follow the All matches
Netflix unveiled the first trailer for That '90s Show


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China questions NZ purity
By Kate Shuttleworth
China is questioning New Zealand's '100 per cent pure' brand as headlines worldwide bring attention to Fonterra's milk formula scandal.
"For a long time, New Zealand has marketed its products overseas as being '100 per cent pure', and this has been especially true of its dairy products," China's state-owned news agency, Xinhua said.
"However, Fonterra has had a series of problems and this is beginning to shake the confidence of some Chinese consumers in its '100 per cent pure' milk powder."
Karicare products from New Zealand have been banned in China since Sunday.
Headlines in Saudi Arabia have gone as far as saying, "Important warning: New Zealand Milk Kills Children in Saudi Arabia".
Some countries are looking to ban products that contain whey protein concentrate while others have banned all dairy products from New Zealand.
Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Malaysia were looking at bans, but Trade Minister Tim Groser said the precise nature of restrictions by those countries was unclear.
Russia has banned all dairy products from New Zealand, and Mr Groser said he would work with Russia over their ban.
"Ninety million dollars of this is butter and spreads and $2 million is milk powder. I've never heard anyone suggest for one nanosecond that butter could be possibly implicated in this."
Mr Groser raised the melamine poisoning of milk in 2008 and said it caused more serious short-term problems for New Zealand.
"Since then our dairy exports have tripled, so short-term it's not realistic to think we're not going to take a hit. But long-term depends on the relationships we've got and how quickly we respond and how professionally.
"It would be naive to think we were going to get away without a bloody nose," Mr Groser said.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has sent employees to work alongside Fonterra staff in New Zealand and Australia, following revelations that batches of whey protein had been contaminated.
Minister of Economic Development Steven Joyce said MPI wanted to ensure the problem was contained to a level they are satisfied with.
Prime Minister John Key said the Government was "deeply concerned" about the Fonterra scare.
Fonterra's chief executive Theo Spierings said the five month gap between traces of an often harmless bacteria being found in a batch of whey powder and the Aug public notification of a botulism risk was unavoidable.
Extensive testing was conducted to determine the exact type of bacteria, because there were more than 100 strains of clostridium and not all caused food safety risks, he said.
Mr Spierings apologised to New Zealand parents. "We understand the distress and level of anxiety.
"But we are operating 32 sites in New Zealand alone and this is a sanitation issue which should not happen, but human errors in life do happen and this is quite a severe consequence which we are trying to manage.
"The facts really are that 90 to 100 per cent [of the affected product] has been taken out [of the supply chain]."
No children had suffered adverse affects to date, Mr Spierings said.
additional reporting by Patrice Dougan, Kate Shuttleworth, BusinessDesk.


MSTzilla: After being eaten twice, it's time to put Crow to rest.
This cache is one of a 13 cache series celebrating my favorite television show, "Mystery Science Theater 3000." The first 12 in the series are stand alone letterbox hybrids that will contain a single number and letter combination that can be used to find the last, Bonus cache. You can do however many you'd like, but you'll need to do them all to get the lucky 13th. All caches are custom built and painted and contain a handmade stamp. I hope that you have as much fun finding them as I've had making them. As with all letterboxes, return the stamp to the container for all to use. Many of the containers could be a little fragile, so please take your time retrieving them.
"Mystery Science Theater 3000" or MST3k for short, aired from 1989-1999. It grew from a public access show on KTMA in Minnesota to a full production on both Comedy Central and the Sci-Fi Channel. Created by Joel Hodgson, it was a derivative of the old Buggs Bunny cartoons with silhouettes in front of the screen making fun of really bad movies. The show had a huge cult following during its' airing that still exists today thanks to the internet. As was suggested during many of the commercials, "Join us!"
This cache features Crow T. Robot (the T stands for "the" of course) Crow is one of the robots built by Joel Robinson for companionship on the "Satellite of Love." Unfortunately for Joel, Crow developed a personality of his own and there was no turning back. Crow's humor is a bit more crude at times, but the crew of the SOL couldn't get by without him. Originally voiced by Trace Beaulieu, he was taken over by Bill Corbett and later by Paul Chaplin. No matter the voice, Crow was always a wise guy who would seam aloof, but usually had some scheme working.
This cache is located on the RED trail in the Pawling Nature Preserve and could be found in winter as long as you could hike it. The hike will take you through some beautiful, typical, New England scenery. Round trip will be all of a couple of miles with a decent, but not too bad, elevation change. The trails can be muddy and wet much of the year, so hiking boots are recommended. The main parking lot is on Quaker Lake Rd which is a dirt road that can be rough. Take it easy and you should be fine even without 4wd. A short distance in from the parking there is an information kiosk that often has trail maps. If there are none, there is still a large map on the kiosk. There is a secondary approach if you use the parking and trailhead for "Psychiatric Overlook," but there is a significant elevation gain coming this way and there are no trail maps. The Appalachian Trail cuts through this preserve and there is no hunting allowed. The sign says no pets, but I always run into people with their dogs in here. I would say don't bring them to play it safe.


Technology has become so embedded into everyday life that it is difficult to detach from it, especially for younger generations who often lose valuable sleeping time because of 'being online'. ??night* aims to discourage phone use in bed and aid the process of drifting off to sleep.
??night* starts a soothing mood light when the phone is inserted, encouraging sleep whilst charging the phone. ??night* will react to the phone when a notification or message is received by flashing brightly and vibrating, disturbing the user, questioning whether the phone needs to be on or not.


IPL treatments are an ideal skin rejuvenation treatment for patients with active lifestyle because the procedure requires minimal downtime and has low risk of side effects.
Three pre-set modes tailor the wavelength spectrum, pulse width, and cooling to optimize treatments for superior clinical outcomes.
Large spot size results in fast, effective treatments.
Increased precision effectively decreases the number of treatments required.
Effective on the face, chest, arms and hands- virtually anywhere where sun damage shows.
How does Intense Pulsed Light Photo Facial work?
A broad spectrum of light is transmitted through a small, smooth, transparent handpiece which is gently placed over the skin. Cut-off filters in the handpiece change the wavelength range allowing it to be optimized for different applications and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the blood when treating vascular lesions or the melanin when treating pigmented lesions and damages them. The body's natural processes then remove the injured tissue giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.