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Manac est une entreprise canadienne concentrant ses activités dans la conception et fabrication de semi-remorques.

Manac est le plus important fabricant au Canada et l'un des plus importants fabricants de remorques spécialisées en Amérique du Nordet occupe le  rang des fabricants de semi-remorques en Amérique du Nord.

Manac se distingue pour sa spécialisation de divers produits et en offre plus de 125 sous les marques de commerce Manac, CPS, Peerless, Darkwing, UltraPlate, Ultravan, Liddell Canada, Alutrec et Cobra. L'entreprise a été fondée en raison d'approvisionnement pour Canam Steel Works (maintenant Groupe Canam), une compagnie sous opération du fondateur, Marcel Dutil . Son siège social est situé à Saint-Georges, Québec dans la région de la  Beauce, et possède des usines à Laurier-Station, Québec, Val-des-Sources, Québec, Penticton, Colombie Britannique et Oran, Missouri.

Historique

En 1966 la compagnie est fondée par Marcel Dutil. Il doit répondre aux demandes croissantes de remorques pour livrer les produits d'aciers de Canam Steel Works qui était situé à Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce. Le délai de livraison pour les remorques en 1966 était de plus de 6 mois, alors il décida de fabriquer des remorques dans un garage attenant à l'usine de Saint-Gédéon et fera ensuite les touches finales des unités dans sa grange arrière familiale à Saint-Georges. Durant la production d'unités pour Canam plusieurs petits transporteurs de la région commencent à prendre note de la rapidité de livraisons des semi-remorques Manac et commencent à enregistrer des commandes. La production de Manac durant ces premières années fut seulement des remorques à plateau et fera que 11 unités durant la première année.
En 1972, Manac fait l'acquisition des Aciers Canam. Avec cette acquisition le Groupe Canam Manac voit le jour. Manac aura son tout premier bureau de ventes, pièces et service à Boucherville en 1974, à côté de l'usine de tablier métallique de Canam. Les premiers fourgons en plastiques renforcés de fibres de verre Manac voient le jour en 1977 et en 1982, le premier fourgon en acier galvanisé (galvanisation) est née dans l'entreprise.

Manac est derrière la concurrence et commence la production de ses premiers fourgons en aluminium en 1986. Trois ans plus tard, l'entreprise commence sa réputation spécialisé avec la lancée de deux produits innovateurs : des plates-formes à rideaux latéraux et des semi-remorques à copeaux avec murs en acier.

Les premières plates-formes en acier et aluminium (Combo) sont fabriquées chez Manac en 1991 et en 1994, Manac voit une occasion d'expansion à Orangeville, Ontario. Manac acquiert une usine de  pieds carrés pour sa production de fourgons à la norme.

En 2000, Manac lance un nouveau produit: la plate-forme 100 % aluminium et acquiert la division canadienne de Kalyn-Siebert, qui inclut une usine de  pieds carrés  à Trois-Rivières, Québec ainsi que la marque de commerce Fabrex. Un nouveau bureau de vente et centre de service ouvre ses portes à Mississauga, Ontario (maintenant à Etobicoke, Ontario).

En 2002 Manac poursuit son expansion dans le marché américain avec l'achat des actifs de CPS trailers Inc. à Oran, Missouri.

Le Groupe Canam Manac se divise en 2004 en raison de la décision de Canam voulant se concentrer sur la fabrication de composantes. Manac voit le jour en tant qu'entreprise privée.

L'ouverture de sa deuxième usine américaine voit le jour à Kennett en 2007 et, en 2009, à la suite de la crise économique mondiale des années 2008 et suivantes Manac fait l'acquisition de la propriété intellectuelle et des actifs de Trailmobile Canada, puis en 2011 des fardiers Liddell Canada.

Manac est le seul fabricant de semi-remorques en Amérique du Nord qui réussit en 2012 tous les essais de collision à 50 km/h dans un pare-chocs réalisés par l'Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) des États-Unis. En 2013,Manac devient une entreprise publique et ses actions se transigent à la Bourse de Toronto (TSX :MA).

Manac voit en 2014 une occasion dans l'ouest canadien et annonce l'acquisition de Peerless Limited de McCoy Corporation, un fabricant de semi-remorques spécialisées. En 2015, l'entreprise quitte la Bourse de Toronto et redevient privée. En 2016, elle fête son cinquantième anniversaire.

Le 31 août 2018, Manac fait l'acquisition d'Alutrec Inc., fabricant spécialisé en conception et production de semi-remorques en aluminium de Laurier-Station, Québec. Alutrec offre une gamme de produits dans le segment des plateformes en aluminium qui est complémentaire à celle qu'offre Manac.

En novembre 2019, Manac complète l'acquisition de Cobra Trailers, une filiale de Rush Truck Centres of Canada spécialisée dans la conception et la fabrication de bennes basculantes en aluminium..

Marques de produits

CPS
Les semi-remorques CPS fut acquis par Manac en 2002. La marque de commerce CPS Dump Trailers fut lancée dans les 1980 dans le but d'aider l'industrie de la construction et d'agriculture avec leur besoin de semi-remorques. Manac utilise la marque de commerce CPS seulement aux États-Unis et fabrique les produits dans l'usine d'Oran, Missouri. La marque CPS on comme produits les suivants:
 Bennes basculantes de recyclage
 Bennes basculantes en demi-cercle
 Bennes basculantes légère
 Remorques à déchargement Central
 Remorques légères à déchargement central
 Semi-remorques à trémie

Lidell Canada
En 2011 Manac fait l'acquisition de la propriété intellectuelle des fardiers Liddell Canada qui était propriété des Remorques Nordic. Liddell Canada est une division de fardiers produite dans l'usine de Saint-Georges, Québec. Liddell Canada se différencie des autres fardiers dans le cas que les produits Liddell sont de hautes gammes et visés pour les fardiers spécialisés.

Peerless
En 2014, Manac acquiert  Peerless Limited de Penticton en Colombie-Britannique. Peerless concoit et fabrique des remorques et châssis hautement spécialisés destinés aux industries du pétrole, gaz, exploitation minière, forestière et de construction. La compagnie Peerless utilise la marque Scona aux États-Unis.

Trailmobile
En 2009, Manac fait l'acquisition de la propriété intellectuelle de Trailmobile Canada. Trailmobile Trailer LLC était originellement un géant Américain dans la production de semi-remorques pour plus de 100 ans qui on fait faillite en 2001 mais leur opérations Canadiennes se sont poursuivies durant 8 ans. Trailmobile était une compagnie américaine pionnière dans les semi-remorques modernes, étant responsable de plus de  durant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. Manac utilise la marque Trailmobile pour vendre ses fourgons dans le marché américain étant donné que la marque Trailmobile est un nom beaucoup plus reconnu aux États-Unis.

Notes et références

Entreprise de transport ayant son siège au Québec
Entreprise de fabrication ayant son siège au Québec
Constructeur de camions

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The Wellensteyn classic "Arosa" with hood. Cuddly voluminous fleece makes it a favorite piece for every situation, whether on long summer evenings, to undergo on the coldest days or during sports. The curved microfleece inserts in the front and back give it a very beautiful feminine shape. Discreet piped side slots can be closed by zipper. The hood is adjustable in two directions. Dolce Vita has two inside pockets that can comfortably accommodate a smartphone. It is easy to clean and machine washable at 30 ° C, but must not be treated with fabric softener or dry-cleaned.


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Quick Answer: Hotels in india?
1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udipur The Oberoi Udaivilas is one of the most luxurious hotels in entire India. It's located at the historical land of Udaipur Rajasthan which shows the traditional beauty of forts, palaces & monuments.
1 Is there any 7 star hotel in India?
3 Which is biggest hotel in India?
4 Is Oyo banned in India?
5 How many 7 star hotels are in India?
6 Is Burj Khalifa a 7 star hotel?
7 Which is the No 1 hotel in the world?
8 Which is the costliest hotel in India?
9 What are the 5 stars for hotels?
10 Which city in India has most 5 star hotels?
11 Where is world's largest hotel?
12 Who is the owner of Taj Hotel?
13 Do police check Oyo rooms?
14 Is Oyo a failure?
15 Is Oyo Chinese company?
Is there any 7 star hotel in India?
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad Labelled as the only 7 – star hotel in India , the Taj Falaknuma Palace was built in 1884 and was once owned by the Nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad, who was the world's richest man at the time.
The only so called 6 – star is a new resort that is coming up in Chennai on Mount Road. Aman's resorts in India (Aman-i-Khas in Ranthambhore, Aman Bagh near Jaipur and Aman Resorts Delhi) are priced high but they don't call themselves 6 – star .
Which is biggest hotel in India?
The ITC Grand Chola is a 5-star luxury hotel in Chennai, India . It is the third largest hotel in India after Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel and Grand Hyatt, both in Mumbai. ITC Grand Chola Hotel .
You might be interested: Question: Plus size models india?
ITC Grand Chola
Owner ITC Hotels
Management ITC Welcomgroup
Height 49 m (161 ft)
Is Oyo banned in India?
Delhi High Court: Call For Oyo Strike Is Illegal In a clear verdict against the Hotel Associations, the vacation Bench of Justice Jayant Nath has said that such boycott calls are illegal, and Hotel Association must stop them.
How many 7 star hotels are in India?
Although there is no official 7 – star rated hotel in India , check out the following super-premium luxury hotels in India that fit our bill of a 7 – star property.
Is Burj Khalifa a 7 star hotel?
Measuring 321m, the hotel was opening in 1999 and was designed to resemble a ship's sail. Reportedly the world's only 7 star hotel , Burj Al Arab offers the ultimate in luxury featuring a 180m tall atrium, a fleet of white Rolls Royce cars, dancing fountains and touches of gold leave everywhere.
Which is the No 1 hotel in the world?
1 . Mardan Palace, Turkey. Mardan Palace is a luxury hotel based in Lara, Antalya with a reported cost of approximately $1.4 billion. With over 560 hotel rooms, it is commonly known as Europe's most expensive luxury resort.
Which is the costliest hotel in India?
15 Most Expensive Hotels in India Rambagh Palace, Jaipur . Taj Lake Palace , Udaipur. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur. Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur. The Leela Palace , New Delhi. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. The Oberoi Rajvilas , Jaipur.
What are the 5 stars for hotels?
5 Star Hotel Criteria Standalone concierge staff available at least 16 hours a day. A high staff-to-room ratio—ideally above 2.5. Multilingual staff. 24-hour reception, room service, valet parking, butler, doorman. Nightly turndown. Daily housekeeping that is also available upon request at any time.
You might be interested: Question: Western Gats India?
Which city in India has most 5 star hotels?
Delhi tops global list of cities with best value 5-star hotels.
Where is world's largest hotel?
First World Hotel – The Largest Hotel In The World. This is the Las Vegas of Asia. It is the world's largest hotel with 7,351 rooms in two colorful towers. Located in the Genting Highlands in the Titiwangsa Mountains near lush tropical rainforest far away from the city.
Who is the owner of Taj Hotel?
Do police check Oyo rooms?
Do Police Raids OYO Rooms But the chance of police raid in OYO Rooms is less than 1%. And any police raids that you have heard of are mainly in because of the hotel or because of neighboring people who had problems with the hotel's operation and had complained about it.
Is Oyo a failure?
The unit economics of Oyo is under stress. 4.5x increase in consolidated revenues for the year ended March 2019 with widening 7x increase in losses to $335 million makes for a botched-up story.
Is Oyo Chinese company?
Ritesh Agarwal made OYO , China's largest hotel chain and he did so by operating OYO as a Chinese company . OYO is present in over 337 cities and has 500,000 rooms in China . In FY19, OYO China contributed to $307 million or 32.3% of OYO's global revenue.
Family guy road to india?
Nissan Altima India Price?
FAQ: India Polluted River?

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«Мунда́ка-упаниша́да» (, ) или «Мундакопанишад» (, ) — ведийский текст на санскрите, одна из одиннадцати Упанишад канона мукхья, к которому принадлежат наиболее древние Упанишады, прокомментированные Шанкарой. «Мундака-упанишада» ассоциируется с «Атхарва-ведой» и в каноне муктика из 108 основных Упанишад стоит на пятом месте.

«Мундака-упанишада» состоит из 64 мантр — это одна из так называемых «мантра-упанишад». Однако, как и другие Упанишады этой категории и в отличие от многих мантр, «Мундака-упанишада» не предназначалась для использования в проведении яджн. Основным предназначением Упанишад является обучение знанию о Брахмане, которое невозможно обрести ни проведением яджн, ни поклонением (упасаной). Возможно, название этой Упанишады произошло от слова мунда, которое в переводе означает «бритая голова». Подразумевается, что для того, кто окажется способным постичь смысл этой Упанишады, все иллюзии и ложные представления материального мира будут сбриты, подобно волосам. «Мундака-упанишада» является первым текстом, в котором перечисляются шесть Веданг.

В начале этой Упанишады утверждается, что творец Вселенной Брахма поведал её своему сыну Атхарве, тот передал её Ангирасу, который, в свою очередь, передал это знание Шаунаке. Эта Упанишада представляет собой диалог между Ангирасом и Шаунакой.

Примечания

Ссылки

 Мундака-упанишада
 Мундака-упанишада на санскрите

Упанишады
Мукхья Упанишады


Perfect Summer Picnic Fare | SAVEUR.
While summer is still upon us you should take the opportunity to get out and go on a nice picnic for the day. All you need is to pack up your supplies, grab a blanket and try out some of these great picnic fare recipes from Saveur and you will have everything you need to have a fun summer picnic that you will always remember. If it's too hot or rainy, plan a picnic indoors and have some fun! Check it out!


Exercise is important, but sometimes it feels like an awful lot of effort to head down to the gym or bust out the equipment from the back of the garage. Luckily there is some great exercise you can do without having to pay a monthly fee or pay for expensive equipment: running. The problem is that running out in the world is a little bit more difficult than running on a treadmill. You can't exactly look down and see how fast you're going, or how far you've gone.
Thankfully your smartphone has all the tools you need to keep track of your run and your overall progress. All you need is an app that can put everything together. If you're struggling to find the one that's right for you, take a look at what we consider to be the best running apps out there.
An iOS excclusive, Runmeter has a really nice, clean and user-friendly interface, strong feature set and works well. There are plenty of training plans to get you sorted for all sorts of different exercises, as well as the option to design some of your own.. What really sets it apart, though, is how Runmeter helps you understand all the statistics that are generated during your workout sessions. It turns everything into a myriad of graphs, charts, and colourful diagrams to ensure that you're not stucking wondering what the heck is going on once you're done. To top everything off there are a bunch of audio cues to keep you in the loop mid-workout, and the option to compete against your past self.
Most running apps are all about you and working on your performance, but CharityMiles is rather different. Rather than clocking all of the little details like steps, calories burned, or pacing, it solely focuses on how far you've run. Why? Because for every mile you run, walk, or cycle you're actually earning a small amount of money for charity. So it's like a fun run that you can do anytime you feel like it.
One of the best designed apps on our list, thanks to the orange hue and contrasting colour choices. Strava is really focused on the social aspect of things, and much of the content you're delivered revolves around you competing with others and sharing your stats. All the usual additions are here, like keeping track of your stats, setting personal goals, joining challenges, as well as support for external heart rate monitors.
While some of the apps look to consider cyclists, Runtastic focuses solely on runners and joggers with its excellent GPS route tracker and personal training features. There's a voice coach for a bit of extra mid-run motiviation, along with detailed maps so you don't end up running in the middle of nowhere. What's also interesting is that everything can be set automatically pause when you stop your exercise, so it won't keep tracking you when you pop into the newsagent for a mid-run treat. On top of all that it has an integrated music player that lets you boot up a 'power song' when you begin to lag – giving you that extra kick to get over the finish line.
Another favourite of the running community, Runkeeper has been going for nearly as long as Apple's App Store and throughout the years it has seen a tremendous number of features added in. The stats on your activities that it produces are detailed and you're notified when you reach, or break, a goal. Heart rate monitors are supported, and it has a useful (or annoying) feature that sends you clever audio cues to pace yourself during a run. There are plenty of social features for those of you who enjoy sharing your running experiences and achievments with friends.
The hub for all your running data analysis, MapMyRun features support for 600 different types of workouts and uses GPS to accurately track the important data from your run. Everything from your pace, route, distance, distance and elevation are all monitored, while other devices like Jawbone's Up and Misfit's Shine can also feed information to the app. The app is free, though you can cough up £23 for a yearly MVP membership which ditches the ads and lets you access extra features, like audio coaching and personal training plans.
Everyone needs some extra fitness motivation from time to time, and what better way to get yourself going than using rewards as an incentive? Earthmiles is a rewards scheme for meeting certain fitness goals, and everytime you do so you'll earn yourself exclusive offers from companies that deal with health, fitness, wellness, sports, and so on. Some of the rewards net you free stuff, others are discounts on things you can buy. Earthmiles integrates with a lot of major fitness and running apps, so that means no hassle of having to switch to a new system.
While some of us are happy enough to just track steps and gander at our run stats, others prefer a more encouraging approach. That's where Pear Fitness comes in. It's packed full of audio workouts (some even from Olympic athletes and coaches), which gives you access to personalised regimes and real time verbal coaching. That's basically someone shouting in your ear to pick up the pace, which we all need from time to time. It'll also track your steps, calories burned and tally up your workouts like the best of them.
Jawbone makes some of the best fitness bands out, but this new app ditches the need for a dedicated wearable. Instead it uses the sensors in your phone to track movement. It also syncs up with Jawbone wearables just in case you want a more in depth look into how your runs and workouts are going. You've got all the regular features too, like calorie counting, diet tracking, targets, sleep tracking, and coaching features.
Easily one of the top dogs in the massively growing running app space and one of the most fully featured. Track any outdoor sport, from running and cycling, to just plain old walking. Endmondo keeps an eye on duration, distance and speed, as well as telling you how many calories you've worked off. It's not just about the app itself either, because Endomondo can sync up with a number of wearable fitness trackers and heart-rate monitors to give you a closer look at what's going on.
If you're still looking for more, you can take out a yearly subscription to Endomondo Premium where you'll get weather updates on your routes, heart rate zones, personalised workouts, no ads, and extra motivational features.
Positioning itself as a unique fitness app, PUMATREC keeps track of the distance run, speed, calories burned and even weather to produce a score at the end of each run. Why a score? It condenses your run down into an easy to track/remember number that you can keep a note of and try to beat the next time around, a little bit like the scoring system on arcade games. PUMATRAC looks at everything from the weather you run in, music that keeps you going, and how much you share your successes in order to fine tune your in-app experience. Plus, if you're stuck for places to run it has a big list of the best places to go in your local area.
Famed for its running gear, it's no surprise really that super-brand Nike also went into the app game. Nike+ Run Club uses GPS and the accelerometer to keep a track of your movements, putting you head-to-head with others. Power Song can give you a boost if your enthusiasm is falling – a feature we always like. On top of all that, it also comes with built-in guidance and training to help you meet all of your goals.
The best part, though? It's all 100% free. No subscription and no pesky in-app purchases.


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Working-crime directive
Ann Mahon's staggering complacency about the EU working-time directive (HSJ People, pages 36-37, 11 December 2003) deserves a response. On 1 August, the 'new NHS' will begin to unravel, as small to medium-sized acute hospital trusts find it increasingly impossible to maintain a 24hour medical service.
The initial reduction of junior doctors' hours from 72 to 58 hours, and then further to 48, will involve a massive drop in clinical productivity. Some of this work can be taken by specially trained nurses and paramedics, but it is clear a good share will fall to consultants, with a further adverse affect on their productivity.
A more serious long-term problem is that the workingtime directive spells the end of UK-style training, under which doctors become consultants.
This has been under threat from several initiatives in the last decade but the workingtime directive is by far the most serious. In some specialties, the effect is more serious than in others. In surgery, for example, specialist registrars must not be denied access to the practical experience they need.
Ms Mahon makes no reference to growing evidence that many senior consultant physicians are putting in a retirement date of 31 July 2004. For older, and therefore more focused and specialised, physicians to be told suddenly they have total medical responsibility for their hospital at night, without junior cover, is proving too much.Also, some of them remain unconvinced by the offer of a specially trained nursing support worker.All these developments reinforce the fact that 31 March 2007 (full pension day under the new contract) will be a date of a mass desertion from the 'New NHS'.
Ms Mahon gives away the unreality of the pilot by reporting that several pilot sites feel they should have consulted medical trainees and consultants! She condemns negative attitudes and asks for clinical leaders to be identified, around whom positive attitudes can be formed. It shows how much the 'thought police' have taken over the NHS when genuine warnings of clinical disaster can be dismissed as a negative attitude.
The final irony is that, at a recent conference with senior European surgeons, English surgeons asked their continental colleagues how they managed to operate the working-time directive. The answer was that they did not even try. The legislation was almost universally ignored, even in Germany. In Spain, there was no attempt at implementation whatsoever.
Doctors in training obtained posts on the basis of mutually beneficial 'understandings'.
Professor Roger Dyson Councillor Essex county council


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MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN SECURES JROTC AMENDMENT IN PASSAGE OF NDAA
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement today after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included an amendment that would allow 8th graders to participate in Junior Reserve Officers' Training…
MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN STATEMENT ON SCOTUS RULINGS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn issued the following statement on two significant Supreme Court rulings today: "The future of our nation's democracy was at the forefront of today's U.S. Supreme Court rulings. "The ruling in…
MALONEY, CLYBURN INTRODUCE NONPROFIT RELIEF ACT OF 2019
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today introduced the Nonprofit Relief Act of 2019 to repeal provisions of the 2017 Republican tax law that are hurting nonprofit organizations. "Nonprofits are one of our nation's most…
SENATOR WARREN, HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CANCEL STUDENT LOAN DEBT FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Representative James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Majority Whip, today announced they will introduce bicameral legislation to eliminate up…
MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN STATEMENT ON SPECIAL COUNSEL BOB MUELLER'S REMARKS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement on Special Counsel Bob Mueller's remarks: "I commend Bob Mueller for his service. He did the work he was asked to do as thoroughly as…
CLYBURN APPLAUDS SMITHSONIAN APPOINTMENT FOR LONNIE BUNCH
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today issued the following statement on the appointment of Lonnie Bunch, III as the Secretary of the Smithsonian: "I am pleased by today's historic announcement that Lonnie Bunch has been…
MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN FLOOR STATEMENT ON STRENGTHENING HEALTHCARE AND LOWERING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COST
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 987 Strengthening Healthcare and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs. Below are his remarks, as prepared for delivery: "Today, I stand for…
HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP JAMES E. CLYBURN LAUNCHES TASK FORCE ON RURAL BROADBAND
WASHINGTON, DC – Today House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn launched a new House Task Force on Rural Broadband to provide coordination and leadership to end the rural-digital divide. The Task Force will work to advance solutions to ensure all…
Majority Whip Clyburn Statement In Response To Special Counsel Mueller's Report
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to Special Counsel Mueller's report: "The report released today is a reminder that this is about an attack on our elections by a…
Clyburn Mourns The Passing Of Ernest "Fritz" Hollings
"America has lost a one of a kind statesman. Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans. "I have been…
Clyburn and Booker Introduce Sweeping Anti-Poverty Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a sweeping anti-poverty bill to better target federal grant dollars to high-poverty urban, rural, and tribal communities. The bill, titled An…
Clyburn and Sanders Introduce Bill to Expand Community Health Centers
WASHINGTON, March 28 – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced legislation Thursday to extend and expand funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. If Congress doesn't act by September…


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Period of Certification for SWaM-certified Businesses (language only)
Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
Page 104, after line 48, insert:
G. Notwithstanding §§ 7VAC10-21-310, 7VAC10-21-320, or 7VAC10-21-330 of the Virginia Administrative Code, or any other provision of law, any business certified on or after July 1, 2017, by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity or the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business, shall be certified for a period of five years unless (i) the certification is revoked before the end of the five-year period, (ii) the business ceases operation, or (iii) the business no longer qualifies as a small, women- or minority-owned business."
(This amendment extends the period of certification for small, women-owned, or minority-owned (SWaM) businesses from three years to five years.)
Reenrolled
Governor's Recommendations
Governor's Veto Explanation
Keeper of the Rolls' Explanation
Economic Development Services (53400) $7,667,752
Minority Business Enterprise Procurement Reporting and Coordination (53406) FY2017 $544,350 FY2018 $544,350
Minority Business Enterprise Outreach (53407) FY2017 $1,113,982 FY2018 $1,114,090
Minority Business Enterprise Certification (53414) FY2017 $430,155 FY2018 $430,155
Business Information Services (53418) FY2017 $1,522,619
$1,442,619 FY2018 $1,522,619
Administrative Services (53422) FY2017 $769,636
$722,427 FY2018 $769,835
Financial Services for Economic Development (53423) FY2017 $3,287,010
General FY2017 $5,166,421
Special FY2017 $801,201 FY2018 $801,201
Commonwealth Transportation FY2017 $1,535,130 FY2018 $1,535,238
Trust and Agency FY2017 $100,000 FY2018 $100,000
Dedicated Special Revenue FY2017 $65,000 FY2018 $65,000
Authority: Title 2.2, Chapters 16.1 and 22, Code of Virginia.
A. The Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, in conjunction with the Department of General Services, the Virginia Employment Commission, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, is authorized to conduct analyses of the availability of minority business enterprises in Virginia and the utilization of such businesses by the Commonwealth of Virginia, localities, or private industry in the acquisition of goods and services. The department also is authorized to receive and accept from the United States government, or any agency thereof, and from any other source, private or public, any and all gifts, grants, allotments, bequests or devises of any nature that would assist the department in conducting such analyses or otherwise strengthen its services to minority business enterprises. The Director, Department of Planning and Budget, is authorized to establish a nongeneral fund appropriation for the purposes of expending revenues that may be received for this effort.
B.1. Out of the amounts in this Item, $629,981 the first year and $629,981 the second year from the general fund shall be deposited to the Small Business Jobs Grant Fund is hereby appropriated for payment of grants pursuant to § 2.2-1615, Code of Virginia.
2. By April 1 of each year, the department shall report to the Governor and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade the expenditures of the Small Business Jobs Grant Fund and anticipated needs for small business development in order to monitor the effective use of these funds.
C. Out of the amounts in this Item, $1,000,000950,000 the first year and $1,000,000819,753 the second year from the general fund shall be deposited to the Small Business Investment Grant Fund pursuant to § 2.2-1616, Code of Virginia. The department shall aggressively market the program and shall report to the Governor and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade on the status of the program by November 1 of each year.
D. Out of the amounts in this Item, $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided to support the Business One-Stop Program.
E.1. Out of the amounts in this Item, $163,690 from the general fund and $966,201 from nongeneral funds the first year and $163,690 from the general fund and $966,201 from nongeneral funds the second year shall be provided for the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority. The general fund amount shall be used to support operating expenses of the authority.
2. To meet changing financing needs of small businesses, the Executive Director, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, with the approval of the Director, Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, may transfer moneys between funds managed by the authority. These include the Virginia Small Business Growth Fund (§ 2.2-2310, Code of Virginia); the Virginia Export Fund (§ 2.2-2309, Code of Virginia); and the Insurance or Guarantee Fund (§ 2.2-2290, Code of Virginia). The Executive Director, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, shall report, by fund, the transfers made by January 1 of each year to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees.
3. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority is authorized to insure additional loans for eligible small businesses, pursuant to § 2.2-2290, Code of Virginia, up to an aggregate amount not to exceed four times the principal amount in the Insurance or Guarantee Fund, or up to an aggregate amount of $15,000,000. In the event that the authority is called upon to pay on guaranties of loans of more than 10 percent of the aggregate amount of all outstanding insured loans, the authority shall not insure any further loans and shall immediately notify the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees. Pursuant to § 4-1.03 of this act, the Director, Department of Planning and Budget, is authorized to transfer a sum sufficient to the Insurance or Guarantee Fund in the event the amount in the fund falls below the amount needed to honor any guarantee.
4. For the I-95 HOV/HOT Lanes project as evidenced by the Comprehensive Agreement approved pursuant to the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995, the maximum fee and/or premium charged by the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority pursuant to §§ 2.2-2285 and 2.2-2291, Code of Virginia, for acting as the conduit issuer for any bond financing is not to exceed $25,000 per annum.
F. The Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity shall include employment services organizations within the development and operation of any state procurement program or program goal and targets for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses consistent with requirements in the Code of Virginia requiring the Department to certify employment service organizations.


Even though agriculture is an essential part of human civilization, did you know that it is also a major contributor to environmental damage?
Farming was designed to provide us our basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and medication to enhance our civilization. However, intense farming and unsustainable farming methods can be damaging to our environment and are a threat to our existence. Because of this, implementing sustainable methods of farming is necessary to ensure the least amount of impact on the environment.
Agriculture is one of the oldest practices of human civilization. It goes back to the days when we started to transition from being hunters and gatherers to food producers and growers. Agriculture was meant to sustain and enhance human civilization, allowing people to stay in one place and build a civilization around a fertile land with a suitable environment and abundant resources.
Growing food comes with a price tag.
Does animal farming impact the environment?
When we grow food for ourselves, we use a huge amount of resources. We generally use land, water, air, soil, fuel, power and chemicals in order to grow crops and raise animals on our fields. As a result, a large number of forests are being cut down, fuel is burned and water is wasted. All this resource wastage impacts the environment.
Many farmers use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and so on for controlling animal health and pasture management. In other words, there is a huge array of resources involved with agriculture that can impact the globe.
A new study shows that livestock production may have a bigger impact on the planet than anything else. Farms are also one of the major contributors of greenhouse gases. They produce several of the greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. According to fao.org, the FAO ( Food and Agriculture Organization) estimates that 18% of human-caused greenhouse gases are from animal farms.
Using our resources efficiently and managing our farms can minimize global impacts and reduce greenhouse gases.
There are several factors involved with farming that may influence the amount of greenhouse gases and environmental impacts of farming. Factors like how you feed your animals, manage your pasture and manage your soil can all affect the environment.
Efficient use of natural resources and organic farming methods will make the least impact on the environment. A wide range of factors needs to be taken into account to maximize production and minimize waste.
It is estimated that 70% of all agricultural land is used for livestock farming. There is a huge number of animals being raised on these farms and they emit several greenhouse gases. Additional land and resources are also needed to grow animal feed. Imagine the impact that more sustainable practices could have.
It is important that we understand what causes global impacts and how to minimize our affect on the environment. We must manage all of our resources and use them efficiently.
It is possible to grow food and raise animals using sustainable and organic methods, without the use of toxic chemicals and with minimum pollution.
The purpose of agriculture was to sustain and enhance human civilization on the globe. That is exactly what we should all aim to do.


text:
President Parlosan: "SCJ's resolution necessary to remove parliamentary immunity"
Fanny Carolina Salinas Fernandez, President of the Central American Parliament (Parlasen), pointed out that the Supreme Court's decision was first necessary to remove the parliamentary opposition presented by the agency.
Salinas Fernandez, who visited the Republican Senate on Thursday, was questioned about how to remove the immune system, following which the Brad Front party said it would file a request to continue removing the offer from the former president of the Republic, Danilo Medina.
"The issue has to go through the Supreme Court first and then Parlasen comes. We have no resolution at this time and no order has come from any Supreme Court," he commented.
In that sense, he reiterated that every country needs an internal process first, and then the demand must be met.
During his visit to the Senate of the Republic, Salinas Fernண்டndez met with the Speaker of this Legislature, Eduardo Estrella, with whom Parlasen discussed the possibility of presenting legislative initiatives.
To this end, he pointed out, a constitutional reform would encourage Parlasen representatives to put forward initiatives.
"Many of the topics we are dealing with are the issue of relations and now a constitutional reform is gaining momentum because it is very important for Parlacen to have the initiative of the Dominican Representatives Act, which is one of the reasons we are here," he said.
On the other hand, he described the country-maintained vaccination campaign as "successful".
"I congratulate the Dominican Republic on the successful conduct of the vaccination campaign. We have an analysis of how the vaccination program is developed in each country and the Dominican Republic is one of the most vaccinated populations. "
See also On December 13, 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured by the United States
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Last night, at a BBQ on the west side, Jack said there were three crucial components to being happy: The first is an optimistic perspective on life. Second, being part of a strong social network. Third... well, Jack couldn't remember the third. But I think it's slow-cooked pork ribs.
Did you know that Bertrand Russell wrote a self-help book? It's not bad.
It's also funny when those things that you never thought would make you happy unexpectedly do. That's the best.
You should read http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0393310213 ("The Pursuit of Unhappiness" by behavioural scientist Paul Watzlawick), if you're into self-help books;this one is really really good. It illustrates how to satisfy yourself by seeking unhappiness. Quite clever, I think.


text:
Q: Why this code isn't inserting data into database? This is my registration form I am using both javascript and php for validating form, javascript code works well in showing validation error messages however somethings wrong with php code,when javascript is disabled php code should show form validation error messages by refrshing page on form submit,but no error messages appear and no data is inserted. On clicking submit, page is reloaded but even form does not appear.
<?php
 error_reporting('E_ALL ^ E_NOTICE');
 if(isset($_POST['reg'])){
 $fn = ucfirst($_POST['fname']);
 $ln = ucfirst($_POST['lname']);
 $un = $_POST['username'];
 $em = $_POST['email'];
 $pswd = $_POST['password'];
 $d= date("Y-m-d");
if (strlen($fn) < 2 || strlen($fn) > 15) {
$error =  "First name must be 2 to 15 characters long";
 }
elseif (strlen($ln) < 2 || strlen($ln) > 15) {
$error =  "Last name must be 2 to 15 characters long";
}
elseif($em==""){
$error =  "Email cannot be empty";
}
elseif (!filter_var($email, FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL)) {
$er = "Invalid email format";
}
elseif($pswd==""){
$error =  "Fill your password";
}
elseif($pswd!=$pswd2){
$error =  "Password and Confirm password do no match";
}
else{

$pswd = password_hash($pswd, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);
$stmt = $db->prepare("INSERT INTO table1 (username,firstname,lastname,email,password) VALUES (:username,:firstname,:lastname,:email,:password)");
$stmt->execute(array(':username'=>$un,':firstname'=>$fn,':lastname'=>$ln,':email'=>$em,':password'=>$pswd));
}
if ($stmt->rowCount() == 1) {
 header("Location:login.php");
}
else {
echo "Error occured please try again.";
}
}
?>

<form action="" method="post">
<input type="text" name="fname" id="fn" placeholder="First Name"/>

<input type="text" name="lname" id="ln"  placeholder="Last Name"/>

<input type="text" name="username" id="un" placeholder="Username" class="username" />

<input type="email" name="email" id="em" placeholder="Email"/>

<input type="password" name="password" id="pswd" placeholder="Password"/>

<input type="password" name="password2" id="pswd2" placeholder="Confirm Password"/>

<input type="submit" id="submit" name="reg" value="Create an Account">

<?php echo $error ?>

</form>

A: You should echo $error not $er

<?php echo $error; ?>

A: You are doing a mistake:
$stmt->execute(array(':username'=>$un,':firstname'=>$fn,':lastname'=>$ln,':email'=>$em,':password'=>$pswd));

You should use 'username' instead of ':username'. like this:
$stmt->execute(array('username'=>$un,'firstname'=>$fn,'lastname'=>$ln,'email'=>$em,'password'=>$pswd));

A: There are a few inconsistencies in your code.
At the beginnig you assign $_POST['email'] to $em, but later you validate against a variable named $email, which doesn't exist at this point.
$em = $_POST['email'];
.
.
.
elseif (!filter_var($email, FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL)) {
    $er = "Invalid email format"; //should maybe be $error
}

Then there is the password-validation:
elseif($pswd!=$pswd2){
    $error =  "Password and Confirm password do no match";
}

$pswd2 has never been defined in your code.
$stmt ist defined in the else-block of your validation, but you use it for getting the row-count after the validation. So, if any of your if-statements is true, this will cause an error.
It would be better if you change that part of your code to this:
else{
    $pswd = password_hash($pswd, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);
    $stmt = $db->prepare("INSERT INTO table1 (username,firstname,lastname,email,password) VALUES (:username,:firstname,:lastname,:email,:password)");
    $stmt->execute(array(':username'=>$un,':firstname'=>$fn,':lastname'=>$ln,':email'=>$em,':password'=>$pswd));

    if ($stmt->rowCount() == 1) {
        header("Location:login.php");
    }
    else {
        echo "Error occured please try again.";
    }
}

After all it seems like you haven't error reporting activatet.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


We had a lovely day out in Maldon today at the Bikes and Barges event down on the Quayside. There were plenty of shiny machines to photograph, great company, sunny weather and fun people to watch.
Photographically it was also very productive. I was able to chat to two more strangers for my project, #29 Tony and #30 Ross. There were mono details which caught my eye and the latest 50 @ 50 (2013) #26, as well as the best picture of Day #2008.
Notes: Another bit of automotive detail today. This time the fancy paint job on a motorbike at the Bikes & Barges event in Maldon.
Notes: I found this automotive abstract this afternoon while out on a walk around Galleywood with my 50mm lens. It's an obvious cousin to its slightly more in-your-face relative found on Day #898.
There was bound to be rain this evening as we had a photowalk in Maldon planned. Hey ho. The pub wasn't so bad after all! I managed to make a few pictures before we retreated to the sanctuary of The Jolly Sailor, including a new 50@50 image #24. This view of the bar very nearly made it for Day #2005.


There appears to be quite a time during which lessons are presented to some people, or maybe they are tests. I'm not sure that J D Arthur ever understood the lessons he was given fully, but at a more superficial level he did and it was this tenuous grasp that helped him to move on…………..
About a week later, I decided to smoke again. I loaded two pipes with Mazatecan leaf, as I'd done previously. I was expecting another plunge into madness and had no expectations. After smoking, I began feeling the same disorientation - the same feeling of fighting for control; I began to see, as well as feel, the same '50s motif – the same cartoonish images.
This time, however, something was just slightly different. It seemed as if there were some type of link with my last excursion. It was as if, rather than starting out with a new series of inexplicable images, I was somehow picking up where I'd left off. There was an odd sense of continuation. There seemed to be something interesting about the experience this time - it felt a bit less threatening, less foreign. There was almost an element of humour, as if I were being told that I didn't need to be taking things so seriously. There were also, on some level that was totally unknown to me, various images that seemed to parody my holding on to the ordinary world. The mechanism of this parody eludes description; it was more like a complex of feelings reminiscent of the fever dreams that claim one's mind during illness, than an actual scene viewed with the eyes. This, in itself, was an interesting phenomenon. It was almost as if I were being chided, on some level, for my state of mind.
After smoking one bowl, the effects were instantaneous, immediately, I saw a symmetrical flower, perhaps eight pointed, which opened into the other world, as I sensed the Presence of beings, simultaneously. The immediacy of the change was startling. There was quite a bit of disorientation. I sensed that there was someone there. Suddenly, I encountered a male about forty or fifty years old with a black moustache. He appeared to be Mexican. It occurred to me that he might somehow be connected with the salvia I had just smoked - possibly a farmer or some sort of guardian of the plants. He was laughing good naturedly at my growing predicament - l could not remember who I was or from where I'd come. I knew that I had another life somewhere but couldn't remember anything about it. I couldn't remember whether I was an adult or a child and was quite disoriented.
This loss of memory came on very rapidly, since moments before, I d been aware that I d smoked salvia and what salvia was. I wasn't actually aware of the point at which this amnesic state began, but only when I attempted to recollect did I notice my dilemma.
Suddenly, a very raucous parade, complete with marching band, flags, and a bass drum engulfed me. This was also so bizarrely out of context that I felt even more bewildered. The parade came from my right. After a moment of horrifying confusion, I realized that the parade was a prank performed by an old man who also appeared off to my right. He was older than the first and very thin. He had evidently concocted the parade as a way of teasing me about my amnesic predicament.
Just then, two young girls entered the scene. They were about eleven years old, possibly twins, and were evidently daughters of the Mexican. They had black hair pulled back into buns and were wearing skirts and black shoes. They were also laughing, aware of my situation, and teasing me. One of them, as a way of describing my inability to remember where I was from, began joking. She said something, which on some level I found precise and hilarious, and I attempted to repeat what she had said.
When I began to speak, I was unable to form the words. At the same time, I realized that it was a language that I couldn't speak. Evidently, to demonstrate my anxiety about my loss of memory, she leaped down and put her foot into a crevice in the floor - which was not flat, but looked organic, like a living being. I noticed that I was standing, perhaps ankle deep in this crevice. This somehow was meant to demonstrate my predicament. They were all laughing good-naturedly at me, including the old man, who apparently was the uncle of the girls.
Shortly after this, the scene began to lose its intensity and slowly began to slip away. There was an image of a cloth slowly descending - as when someone is making a bed and the airborne sheet slowly comes to rest on the mattress. It was at this point that I began to remember who I was, along with some of the details of my other life.


Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the final grand slam of the year, as Andy Murray takes on Denis Istomin in the fourth round.
Murray continues the defence of his title on Arthur Ashe Stadium against world No 65 Denis Istomin, of Uzbekistan, and is looking to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows for the third consecutive year.
4:50pm: Murray not at his best there but his typical fight and determination in tricky conditions gets him through that one. The defending champion will have to step it up against world No 10 Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarter-finals on Thursday. We'll be back then for more game-by-game coverage so join us then.
Mike Dickson: Sometimes when you see a shank like that you wonder whether things are meant to be. They all count.
Mike Dickson: Istomin went five sets in his last match and you would think that has to tell at some point. Done a lot of running.
Mike Dickson: That should be that, but one is loathe to say that in this match. A struggle for Murray but he's getting there. Another toilet break for Istomin, these are becoming a total joke.
Mike Dickson: As Wawrinka breaks so does Murray after a titanic game. Had got very frustrated with himself but was at his stubborn best there. Will that be the game that cracks the Uzbek?
Mike Dickson: Much better from Murray who takes that in 32 minutes. He's actually only leading 66 points to 58 indicating he has not run away with it yet.
Mike Dickson with a score update from the match on Louis Armstrong: Murray seems to have heard that wake up call. Moving better. Wawrinka a set all and 5-4 up v Berdych.
Mike Dickson: There has been a slight tightness about Murray in first sets all week, but that was a surprising expression of it from 5-4 up in the tiebreak. Very rare to see a double then unforced error from him like that.
And he takes it as Murray steps in to hit the backhand and hits it out. Istomin a set up.
Big moment for Istomin as Murray nets and the Uzbek has a set point on his serve.
Someone shouts out from the crowd which interrupts Murray before his first serve and he then double faults.
Murray looks to draw the error by keeping the ball in play but Istomin decides to go for it and he fires a forehand winner down the line. Murray with two serves, though, for the opening set.
Murray ahead with a mini-break as Istomin nets with the backhand slice.
Istomin hits long... but he challenges and the ball is shown by Hawk-Eye to have clipped the line. The point is replayed and Istomin nets an attempted forehand winner.
Murray gets lucky as a framed backhand is kept in by the wind and Istomin's forehand hits the ground before it even reaches the net.
Great touch at the net from Murray with the drop volley which Istomin has no chance of chasing down.
Murray comes forward to attack the short return and Istomin's attempted pass goes long.
First mini-break to Istomin as Murray nets with the backhand.
Murray goes long with the backhand.
Mike Dickson's eardrums are receiving a battering courtside: The humidity of the past week has completely gone and it's deceptively windy. Nice start from Denis, some loud changeover entertainment.
Mike Dickson: Arthur Ashe Stadium has witnessed more than its share of one-sided slaughters in this tournament and two today involving Djokovic and Serena Williams. The crowd will be wanting their money's worth but again Murray will be looking to get the job done as efficiently impossible. Istomin is underrated, but you would think there is not enough in his armoury to cause an upset here.
1:35am: Some of you may wonder who Denis Istomin is so here you are: the 27-year-old from Uzbekistan is currently ranked No 65 in the world and has played Murray once before in Brisbane earlier this year, pushing the Brit close before losing 6-4, 7-6. Istomin is coached by his mother - more here by Mike Dickson on that particular piece of information.
1:30am: It's another late one as Andy Murray takes to the court to face Denis Istomin in the last 16. Slightly earlier than he perhaps expected after Serena Williams beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-0, 6-0 in just 52 minutes. Ouch.


According to reports released by the World Health Organization in Beijing on November 6, Global Adult Tobacco Survey (referred to as "GATS") data show that more than half of women of childbearing age are often exposed to passive smoking. The GATS survey results from the WHO in China and the United States Center for Disease Control showed that more than 50% of Chinese women of childbearing age often inhale secondhand smoke in the workplace. In the home, passive smoking is more serious, with nearly three-quarters of the rural women exposed to smoking at home, while more than half of urban women are exposed to smoking at home.The data also show that among 14 developing countries, China's 15-49year-old female passive smoking rate is highest. Lan Ruiming, WHO representative in China, said, "for women of childbearing age, passive smoking can harm reproductive health, such as the emergence of symptoms of pregnancy complications, premature fetus and infant death."


text:
The Dust of Death
September 1, 2018 September 19, 2018 Posted in book review, cultureTagged 1960's, authority issues, book review, counterculture, dust of death, Experimentalism, optimistic humanism, os guinness, philosophy, review of the dust of death by os guinness, the sixties, utopian mindset, violence
Can one decade or generation have as much affect on a culture or nation as the 1960's?
Os Guinness wrote his book, The Dust of Death: The Sixties Counterculture and How it Changed America, just after living through the counter-cultural revolution of the 1960's. Guinness charts with a socio-philosophical bent the journey of a generation, from the erosion of Christianity to the failure of the counterculture to provide an effective alternative to faith. The author calls for another "way" for the Western world, one of which combines conviction with compassion and deep spirituality.
Guinness himself writes an adequate description of his book in the Preface on the 1960's,
"What we were witnessing … was the gradual disillusionment of a generation, even of a culture. Ideals had grown so distant they were barely distinguishable from illusions. Meaning had become a mirage. Eager minds, soaring beyond facts to a super-freedom of fantasy, had plunged earthwards. Even resolute action, which seemed to have rolled the stone almost to the top of the hill, paused for breath only to watch the stone roll backwards…. Beneath the efforts of a generation lay dust. Subsequent events and a closer inquiry, far from contradicting this suspicion, have served only to confirm it. The examination of this suspicion and the charting of an alternative is the burden of this book."
Although the book was written about a decade that dates back almost 50 years now, the content is still current as we are continuing to live out the consequences of the sixties.
The book has several themes it unfolds such as: humanism, authority issues, violence, drugs, eastern religions and the occult. I would have liked if the book explored more on the themes of the sexual revolution, rise of postmodernism and the spirit of entitlement that also came out of the sixties.
The influence of humanistic philosophy.
Humanism is just one facet of the Western culture,
"Western culture has been marked by a distinct slowing of momentum, or more accurately, by a decline in purposefulness and an increase in cultural introspection. The convergence of three cultural trends has created this vacuum in thought and effective action…the erosion of the Christian basis of Western culture…the failure of optimistic humanism…the failure of the sixties' counterculture." p.18
Humanism has it's roots into a cultural change 500 years ago,
"The legacy of the Renaissance is humanism, then the contribution of the Enlightenment is paganism." p.21
Humanism is an idea, but it fails in reality.
"Optimistic humanism appeals to the highest of human aspirations, but it ignores the full reality of human aberrations." p.32
A utopian mindset.
The Western culture has moved to a utopian mindset that tries to adopt anything,
"When people cease to believe in God, they do not believe in nothing; they believe in anything. Cheapness and confusion will be the religious climate of the next years…faddish faith can be as dangerous as false faith." p.67
Authority Issues.
One can look at the sixties and say that is was a time of rebellion against authority. Yet it was a populous shifting the authoritative hat,
"A revolution is certainly the most authoritarian thing there is; it is the art whereby one part of the population imposes its will on the other part…without authoritarian means no revolution would be successful." p.148
Violence breeds more violence.
The chapter on violence was the most disturbing, but also the most revealing chapter of the book. What was shocking was to embrace the fact that America had a violent beginning,
"A resort to violence as the American way of life. From the killing of the red people and the enslaving of the black people down to the assassinations, such violence is a reoccurring theme. The only time excepted was the fifty years after the Civil War." pp.168-169
This has made violence one of our marks,
"When they begin by viewing violence as 'normal' they soon slide into viewing it a 'necessary' and then as 'legitimate'." p.158
As you look at the nonsensical violence that happens in American and the West it is plain to see how this mindset plays out. Violence is frighteningly accepted in media and movies. Look at the school shootings and massacres that happen. It is breed out of this acceptance of violence. As Guinness states how younger generations are taught,
"The school authority does not represent order so much as repression, as it is a system where the boys are taught to 'fight' in sports, army training, and the Chapel religion fight the good fight of faith. Thus the eventual violence in response is justified. It is not crisis but catharsis, an assertion and discovery of freedom from repression." p.157
A statement from John McCain's lasts statement to the nation,
"We are citizens of the world's greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history. We have acquired great wealth and power in the process. We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been."
Guinness sees no justification for violence,
"For the Christian, a single human being made in the image of God is unique. Therefore violence can never be justified. Its pragmatic usefulness cannot be calculated in terms of individual lives, whether by a murder or by scenario scientists plating strategies of future wars in terms of mega-deaths. Violence has a dark record. It corrupts the best of ends and brutalizes the bravest ideals." p.178
However, Guinness does believe there is a justification for "force",
"Provided that there is a legitimate basis for its use and a vigilant precaution against its overreaction in practice, a qualified use of force is not only necessary but justifiable. Within Christian framework there is the possibility of truth, justice, and authority that are not arbitrary, relativistic, or mystifying. Thus an important distinction between force and violence is possible. Force, on the one hand, is the controlling discipline of truth, justice and authority in action. Violence, on the other hand, can come from one of three directions—from the maintenance of authority without a legitimate basis, from the contravention of a legitimate authority, or from the injustice of a legitimate overreacting as it deals with opposition or violation. Overreaction in the name of truth too easily becomes the ugly horror of violence once again." p.180
"Provided that there is no compliance with the violent and no condoning of the violence, a qualified understanding of violence is both necessary and justifiable. To a limited extent violence is effective in unmasking hypocrisy, liberating the oppressed, and judging the oppressor." p.183
Experimentalism.
Experience often minimizes God,
"Meaning is no longer what God means about himself to human beings, but rather what human beings mean as they search for God and express themselves in human terms." p.318
We live in a culture that maximizing experiences,
"If the intellect cannot handle God, who is known only in encounter or crisis, then truth—in other words, the grounds for trustworthiness—is totally subjective, outside the area of conceptual knowledge or words. The depth of trust depends on the depth of the experience…In a day of spiritual counterfeits and confusion, there is no way to know whether what we are experiencing is God, an "angel of light," an acid trip or a theologian's hoax." pp.340-341
Our church culture has also watered down truth,
"The net effect of all these movements—liberalism, extreme fundamentalism, ecumenism, Pentecostalism—has been to devalue truth, blur the uniqueness of the Christian faith, and leave historic Christian faith shorn of its greatest strength—its claim to be true." p.321
The need for falsification or testing our faith is necessary,
"For the Christian the validity of the principle of falsification is welcomed as a genuine test of the integrity of faith." p.341
At the end of the day Christians believe the Book is from God,
"The Christian faith is not even true because the Bible says so, but rather because God who is the ultimate screen of truth has said so." p.343
"The Christian view of the universe stresses two points of fundamental importance—its reality and its rationality, both stemming from who God is and the nature of his creative work." p.346
"Serious attention to the Christian view shows its sensitive understanding of human aspirations—by virtue of their creation in the image of God—balanced by a realistic recognition of their alienation." p.348
In conclusion, Guinness reflects on the failure of optimistic humanism and the counterculture,
"After the erosion of Christian culture, post-Christian people have turned from the truth of God. But they still twist uncomfortably, holding what they need of truth to be human beings while denying what they dislike of truth in favour of their own chosen premises. Some search for social justice but to their shame exchange the Galilean carpenter for the bourgeois scribbler in the British Museum. Some seek for escape from suffering but miss the Man of Sorrows and follow shadowy avatars to the Nirvanic no man's land; others, looking for an exit from it all, miss the clarion call to freedom, "I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life" stumble along a road that leads nowhere, dusty with death. Often, the logic of modern premises is hellish. But then ultimately Hell is nothing less than the truth known too late." p.358
"The sixties was supremely a generation of talkers an travelers. An epitaph for the counterculture might well read: When all is said and done, much more will have been said than done." p.360
Another Way—the Third Way.
What is need is a Third Race,
"What is needed is nothing short of reformation and revival in the church, a rediscovery of the truth of God by his people and a renewal of the life of God within his people." p.362
"The Christian life is not just difficult; it is impossible. But it is exactly here than humanism leaves off and the Christian faith begins. That is also why only this uniquely 'impossible' faith—with a God who is, with an incarnation what is earthy and historical, with a salvation that is at cross-purposes with human nature, with a resurrection that blasts apart the finality of death—is able to provide an alternative to the sifting, settling dust of death and through a new birth open the way to new life." p.367
There is an offer of a Third Way which "holds the promise of realism without despair, involvement without frustration, hope without romanticism." p.19
Guinness calls prophetically for "a third way". The basis and the subsequent life-style outworking of the Christian position is wholly different than the other two groupings (optimistic humanism and counterculture). With humanism floundering on the rocks of its own faulty basis and the counterculture suffering with severe loss of idealism. Christians at this point in history have a unique opportunity to step into the gap.
"Such a Third Way will not be easy. It will be lonely. Sometimes Christians must have the courage to stand with the Establishment, speaking boldly to the radicals and pointing out the destructive and counterproductive nature of their violence. At other times they will stand with cobelligerents with the radicals in their outrage and just demands for redress." p.189
"The Christian stands back and affirms the higher way." p.188
The third way is a clear call to radical Christian discipleship and the need for Christians to live out the reality of the Kingdom of God. It calls for Christians to develop a biblical world-view and to act into society rather than react as so often has been the case.
"Deep and long-lasting change is not brought about by revolution but by reconciliation and reconstruction." p.191
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Os Guinness is a thinker. His book causes you to think. He was really taken an era, a culture, and boiled down it's fallacies. It is helpful to take a step back and consider the forest as Guinness does rather than continuing to smell the flowers.
The book helps you to grasp the thinking or mindset of a culture, a people who have forsaken God. It is as if you step into their mind and process decisions with them. This is the cultural mindset I grew up in.
As I read through the book I felt a bit of shame and anger at the decisions my parents and grandparents generation had made. I realize they aren't entirely to blame. They were following the course of their parents and grandparents too. However, the book wasn't simply a critic of went wrong, it offers a hope to get right. The Third Way. This is the way I want to live which is really against the grain of culture, but that can bring a culture away from its inevitable demise or destruction. There is hope for light, rather than doom and gloom.
The Dust of Death is a well-written and weighty. One should read it several times to soak it in. A quick peek is not recommended. Guinness packs a massive amount of cultural information and philosophical critique in this work. Those with limited background in philosophy, culture analysis, and theology might find it boring and abstruse. But those who can appreciate philosophy and social analysis will benefit. One who wants to understand the impact of 1960s culture on the modern world-view should read this work.
The Dust of Death is a must read for anyone who wishes to be aware of what is happening around him and gives a basis for the church (i.e. the people of God) to be in the world what God has called them to be. This book has great impact on those who serve in today's world such as pastors, teachers, professors, leaders, and missionaries. The book helps you to know how to reach people birthed out of the sixties, a decade that still has rippled affects on today's world.
Distorted God-images
Matthew: Follow the King


text:
Burglar steals Christmas presents, more from St. Paul apartment in broad daylight
Police are investigating a holiday burglary at a St. Paul apartment over the weekend where the thief took wrapped presents from under a Christmas tree, as well as important documents including Social Security cards and a checkbook, FOX 9 reports.
The victims, Tom Yang and Dee Xiong, said when they arrived home Saturday afternoon, they found their Christmas tree on the ground and ornaments scattered everywhere. In all, the couple said they had about $2,000 worth of presents stolen.
Xiong said they've been having to spend a lot of time away from their home since they're caring for her father, who suffered a stroke.
In addition to the loss of the gifts, as well as a 40-inch television, Yang and Xiong are now tasked with calling banks and credit bureaus to avoid becoming victims of identity theft.
Officials say identity theft is also on the rise online, NBC News reported. Experts tell the network that shoppers are more vulnerable now because the holiday season is a hectic time of the year and people tend to be more distracted.
As for the burglary in St. Paul, it isn't the first one to take place in the broad daylight.
In Edina, a security camera recently caught a holiday Grinch stealing delivered packages from a porch, and the victims are not alone. Police nationwide said there has been a rise in thefts from porches, NBC's "Today" show said.
Essentially, people need to be alert no matter where they are during the holiday season. Police told FOX 9 that the season is also prime time for thieves who search store parking lots, looking for presents in people's cars to steal.
[preserve]KMSP-TV[/preserve]
newsNewsburglarySt. Paul
Burglar smashes through brick wall of St. Paul store, steals $50,000 of merchandise
Cheese burglar: Man charged with breaking in, stealing cheese
Grinch strikes again. Protect your presents if you can!
Video: Home security camera shows burglars break into Anoka apartment
St. Paul cops' cardboard drop-off is 'huge success,' helps prevent burglaries
St. Paul family heartbroken after burglar kills their dog
The suspect broke into the home, stole items and shot the dog.
4 people now charged in death of St. Paul mother Sarah Wierstad
St. Paul woman charged after allegedly stealing passport to travel to Syria


text:
Applications @ UCSD Guardian
The Guardian is the University of California at San Diego's award-winning independent student newspaper, published by UCSD students for the UCSD community. We publish Mondays during the regular academic year, with the exception of summer session, university holidays and final examinations. The Guardian is a student-run organization funded by advertising sales. We hire on a rolling basis and are always accepting applications. Inquire about openings with the appropriate editor or send any general questions you may have to editor@ucsdguardian.org.
Currently Seeking:
Writers (News, Features, Opinion, Lifestyle, Arts & Entertainment, Sports)
Copy readers
Designers/Page Layout
Illustrators (staff illustrators, cartoonists, etc)
Ad Reps (Guardian Office Assistant STDT-3 on Port Triton, Job ID 784137)
Newspaper Assistant (Guardian Newspaper Assistant STDT-3 on Port Triton, Job ID 784135)
We accept editorial applications throughout the year on a rolling basis and business positions only when advertised. For business positions not listed under current openings, we may retain your application for future openings. For all work-related inquiries, please email editor@ucsdguardian.org.
We accept applications on a rolling basis during the academic year, and positions may be filled at any time without notice. Please note that you must be eligible to work in the U.S., a registered student at UC San Diego, and pay UC registration fees for each quarter working at the Guardian. All entry-level positions are unpaid unless denoted otherwise. Editors are paid a weekly stipend and advertising representatives are paid on a commission model. Distributors are paid hourly.
Editorial Positions
The editorial side puts together the paper that brings you the news — editors, writers, photographers, print layout designers, illustrators/cartoonists and copy readers. All editorial positions are unpaid.
News: The news section reports on the most important and controversial issues on campus, in San Diego and across California. Writers will connect with esteemed professors, famous alumni, Nobel Prize recipients, notable political figures and even Emmy award-winning filmmakers. Writers will receive training in journalistic writing so prior news writing experience is encouraged, but not required. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/xu9dLksp9z4jFz2i1
Opinion: Opinion writers keep tabs on what's happening and give their opinions and thoughts on what's relevant on and around campus. Writers will gain experience forming a coherent and concise argument with the opportunity to write their own personalized column. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/xyX2e6LPpnZuKlwQ2
Features: The Features section writes long-form, investigative articles on issues and individuals relevant to UCSD students. Writers will build experience and a portfolio in long-form journalism and develop their own voice as a writer. This section allows writers to take their time as articles are assigned weeks in advance. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/Kwey7S2B4LesWf252
Arts and Entertainment: Arts and Entertainment gets in free to early screenings of films and plays and interview directors, screenwriters, actors and musicians. The section is ideal for anyone with a passion for any form of media and a desire to connect students to those media. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/4QOzyvNAirCtcMEf1
Lifestyle: Lifestyle is a magazine-style section, which means there's room for personality and experimentation. Writers focus on the student experience with the freedom to explore and build a relationship with the San Diego area. Lifestyle is perfect for the creative writer looking to express themselves and connect to a community. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/f7F69dfc90sLyLsi1
Sports: Writers for the Sports section can follow a sport they are passionate about while getting free tickets and court-side seats to games and matches. The Sports section reports on local sports, offers their own commentary in a column, and covers events in athletics worldwide. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/TVb9Al8tjNhwY7Yj1
Copy: Copy readers review content from all editorial sections of the publication. Readers will get a holistic feel for the content that all other sections create while receiving training in editing, formatting, and writing. This section requires only a small time commitment so it is the perfect place to start for those who are not sure which section to join. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/PZuHr1hPaXZxNmhZ2
Design: Hires for this section will work with a team of experienced designers to develop the physical layout of the paper. Designers gain valuable experience in both newspaper and magazine design while building a portfolio for future jobs. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/IIDtJ38GspounRoT2
Art: The art team works as a group to create the best visual product for the physical edition of the newspaper. Artists collaborate with other sections to produce unique pieces of art to accompany that week's content. Artists have the freedom to practice a variety of styles while building a portfolio to show to future jobs. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/dZNVDRV6qAQOd8bI3
Photography: The photography section covers a diverse range of content to provide photos for every section of the publication. Photographers can collaborate with other sections to produce content that will accompany articles, or they can create their own projects using photos to highlight people and issues in the UCSD community. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/NMOzRyoSrhEdm9u62
Multimedia: The multimedia team produces a broad array of content from live reporting to podcasts and anything in between. Videographers, photographers, audio engineers, and sound editors work with staffers from other sections to diversify the content that the publication produces. This section is an ideal way to improve production skills across formatting while building a portfolio for future jobs. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/1P8ti2aTaI6lt4zl1
Data Visualization: Data visualization is a flexible section that collaborates with other sections to produce informative and interactive graphics. Staffers for this section will aggregate and interpret large data sets to support other sections and to do their own investigative reporting. Experience will data science or coding is encourage but not required. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/vm09utEL68qCQzEx1
Marketing: The marketing team manages the social media and the event planning for the Guardian. A position on this team is ideal for someone looking to gain media experience while working to build the Guardian's online presence. The ideal candidate will have a background in event planning, as well as leadership and communication skills. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/lmYbAeEEz5sD2TYj1
Advertising: The Advertising team is our liaison to the local community. Advertising representatives will work under the direction of the Advertising Director to build the Guardian brand and sell advertising to clients. The ad rep will be expected to meet deadlines, attend meetings as necessary, work in a team environment, contribute ideas, and deal with clients in a professional and cordial manner. Fundraising and event planning experience strongly preferred but not required. The application can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/QdUAYdv4qnrV3bkl2
Webmaster (PDF): The webmaster will work with the Advertising Director and Editor to update and maintain the website. Experience in HTML and CMS software is encouraged, but not required.
Driver/Distributor: Responsible for distributing the newspaper across campus using an electric cart, as well as updating and maintaining newsstand visibility. Additional related duties may be assigned. Availability for a continuous four-hour block of time on either Monday or Thursday mornings is required, preferably beginning at 8 a.m. A valid driver's license and ability to lift loads of reasonable weight is also required. For more information, email editor@ucsdguardian.org.
3 thoughts on "Applications"
Jiaqi Liu says:
Dear Mr./Ms.,
I am Jiaqi, a PhD student in sociology at UCSD. I am interested in applying for the position of a photographer. But I wonder if graduate students are eligible to apply.
I worked as a student journalist for several years in college and won the honorary title of "Top 10 Student Journalist" in my college. I am also a part-time photographer. For my selected photography works, please see my personal website: https://sites.google.com/ucsd.edu/jiaqi-liu/photography
I look forward to the pleasure of hearing from you. Thank you very much.
Jiaqi
Pingback: We're Hiring! | UCSD Guardian
Pingback: Now Hiring Videographers! | UCSD Guardian


text:
Characterizing sediment sources by non-negative matrix factorization of detrital geochronological data
Joel E Saylor, K. E. Sundell, G. R. Sharman
This paper explores an inverse approach to the problem of characterizing sediment sources' ("source" samples) age distributions based on samples from a particular depocenter ("sink" samples) using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). It also outlines a method to determine the optimal number of sources to factorize from a set of sink samples (i.e., the optimum factorization rank). We demonstrate the power of this method by generating sink samples as random mixtures of known sources, factorizing them, and recovering the number of known sources, their age distributions, and the weighting functions used to generate the sink samples. Sensitivity testing indicates that similarity between factorized and known sources is positively correlated to 1) the number of sink samples, 2) the dissimilarity among sink samples, and 3) sink sample size. Specifically, the algorithm yields consistent, close similarity between factorized and known sources when the number of sink samples is more than ∼3 times the number of source samples, sink data sets are internally dissimilar (cross-correlation coefficient range >0.3, Kuiper V value range >0.35), and sink samples are well-characterized (>150–225 data points). However, similarity between known and factorized sources can be maintained while decreasing some of these variables if other variables are increased. Factorization of three empirical detrital zircon U–Pb data sets from the Book Cliffs, the Grand Canyon, and the Gulf of Mexico yields plausible source age distributions and weights. Factorization of the Book Cliffs data set yields five sources very similar to those recently independently proposed as the primary sources for Book Cliffs strata; confirming the utility of the NMF approach. The Grand Canyon data set exemplifies two general considerations when applying the NMF algorithm. First, although the NMF algorithm is able to identify source age distribution, additional geological details are required to discriminate between primary or recycled sources. Second, the NMF algorithm will identify the most basic elements of the mixed sink samples and so may subdivide sources that are themselves heterogeneous mixtures of more basic elements into those basic elements. Finally, application to a large Gulf of Mexico data set highlights the increased contribution from Appalachian sources during Cretaceous and Holocene time, potentially attributable to drainage reorganization. Although the algorithm reproduces known sources and yields reasonable sources for empirical data sets, inversions are inherently non-unique. Consequently, the results of NMF and their interpretations should be evaluated in light of independent geological evidence. The NMF algorithm is provided both as MATLAB code and a stand-alone graphical user interface for Windows and macOS (.exe and.app) along with all data sets discussed in this contribution.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.044
age structure
Grand Canyon (AZ)
depocenter
Application programs
Book Cliffs
low rank approximation
mixture modeling
Saylor, J. E., Sundell, K. E., & Sharman, G. R. (2019). Characterizing sediment sources by non-negative matrix factorization of detrital geochronological data. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 512, 46-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.044
Characterizing sediment sources by non-negative matrix factorization of detrital geochronological data. / Saylor, Joel E; Sundell, K. E.; Sharman, G. R.
In: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 512, 15.04.2019, p. 46-58.
Saylor, JE, Sundell, KE & Sharman, GR 2019, 'Characterizing sediment sources by non-negative matrix factorization of detrital geochronological data', Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 512, pp. 46-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.044
Saylor JE, Sundell KE, Sharman GR. Characterizing sediment sources by non-negative matrix factorization of detrital geochronological data. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 2019 Apr 15;512:46-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.044
Saylor, Joel E ; Sundell, K. E. ; Sharman, G. R. / Characterizing sediment sources by non-negative matrix factorization of detrital geochronological data. In: Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 2019 ; Vol. 512. pp. 46-58.
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abstract = "This paper explores an inverse approach to the problem of characterizing sediment sources' ("source" samples) age distributions based on samples from a particular depocenter ("sink" samples) using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). It also outlines a method to determine the optimal number of sources to factorize from a set of sink samples (i.e., the optimum factorization rank). We demonstrate the power of this method by generating sink samples as random mixtures of known sources, factorizing them, and recovering the number of known sources, their age distributions, and the weighting functions used to generate the sink samples. Sensitivity testing indicates that similarity between factorized and known sources is positively correlated to 1) the number of sink samples, 2) the dissimilarity among sink samples, and 3) sink sample size. Specifically, the algorithm yields consistent, close similarity between factorized and known sources when the number of sink samples is more than ∼3 times the number of source samples, sink data sets are internally dissimilar (cross-correlation coefficient range >0.3, Kuiper V value range >0.35), and sink samples are well-characterized (>150–225 data points). However, similarity between known and factorized sources can be maintained while decreasing some of these variables if other variables are increased. Factorization of three empirical detrital zircon U–Pb data sets from the Book Cliffs, the Grand Canyon, and the Gulf of Mexico yields plausible source age distributions and weights. Factorization of the Book Cliffs data set yields five sources very similar to those recently independently proposed as the primary sources for Book Cliffs strata; confirming the utility of the NMF approach. The Grand Canyon data set exemplifies two general considerations when applying the NMF algorithm. First, although the NMF algorithm is able to identify source age distribution, additional geological details are required to discriminate between primary or recycled sources. Second, the NMF algorithm will identify the most basic elements of the mixed sink samples and so may subdivide sources that are themselves heterogeneous mixtures of more basic elements into those basic elements. Finally, application to a large Gulf of Mexico data set highlights the increased contribution from Appalachian sources during Cretaceous and Holocene time, potentially attributable to drainage reorganization. Although the algorithm reproduces known sources and yields reasonable sources for empirical data sets, inversions are inherently non-unique. Consequently, the results of NMF and their interpretations should be evaluated in light of independent geological evidence. The NMF algorithm is provided both as MATLAB code and a stand-alone graphical user interface for Windows and macOS (.exe and.app) along with all data sets discussed in this contribution.",
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N2 - This paper explores an inverse approach to the problem of characterizing sediment sources' ("source" samples) age distributions based on samples from a particular depocenter ("sink" samples) using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). It also outlines a method to determine the optimal number of sources to factorize from a set of sink samples (i.e., the optimum factorization rank). We demonstrate the power of this method by generating sink samples as random mixtures of known sources, factorizing them, and recovering the number of known sources, their age distributions, and the weighting functions used to generate the sink samples. Sensitivity testing indicates that similarity between factorized and known sources is positively correlated to 1) the number of sink samples, 2) the dissimilarity among sink samples, and 3) sink sample size. Specifically, the algorithm yields consistent, close similarity between factorized and known sources when the number of sink samples is more than ∼3 times the number of source samples, sink data sets are internally dissimilar (cross-correlation coefficient range >0.3, Kuiper V value range >0.35), and sink samples are well-characterized (>150–225 data points). However, similarity between known and factorized sources can be maintained while decreasing some of these variables if other variables are increased. Factorization of three empirical detrital zircon U–Pb data sets from the Book Cliffs, the Grand Canyon, and the Gulf of Mexico yields plausible source age distributions and weights. Factorization of the Book Cliffs data set yields five sources very similar to those recently independently proposed as the primary sources for Book Cliffs strata; confirming the utility of the NMF approach. The Grand Canyon data set exemplifies two general considerations when applying the NMF algorithm. First, although the NMF algorithm is able to identify source age distribution, additional geological details are required to discriminate between primary or recycled sources. Second, the NMF algorithm will identify the most basic elements of the mixed sink samples and so may subdivide sources that are themselves heterogeneous mixtures of more basic elements into those basic elements. Finally, application to a large Gulf of Mexico data set highlights the increased contribution from Appalachian sources during Cretaceous and Holocene time, potentially attributable to drainage reorganization. Although the algorithm reproduces known sources and yields reasonable sources for empirical data sets, inversions are inherently non-unique. Consequently, the results of NMF and their interpretations should be evaluated in light of independent geological evidence. The NMF algorithm is provided both as MATLAB code and a stand-alone graphical user interface for Windows and macOS (.exe and.app) along with all data sets discussed in this contribution.
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KW - mixture modeling
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DO - 10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.044
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10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.044