A 3.00 g sample of an alloy (containing only Pb and Sn) was dissolved in nitric acid (HNO3). Sulfuric acid was added to this solution, which precipitated 1.69 g of PbSO4 (RMM = 303.26 g/mol). Assuming that all of the lead (Atomic mass = 207.2 g/mol) was precipitated, what is the weight percentage of Sn in the sample?
Given 3.00-g sample of Alloy + Acid solution => 1.69-g PbSO₄ ppt.
Wt% Pb = (207.19/303.26)100% = 68.32 Wt% of PbSO₄ ppt wt.
Mass of Pb in ppt'd sample = 68.32% of 1.69-g = 0.6832(1.69-g) = 1.155-g Pb in ppt.
Mass of Sn in ppt'd sample = 1.69-g – 1.155-g = 0.5354-g Sn in ppt.


Pretty spring blooms in the middle of winter? Why, yes! I'll take them any time of the year, thank you ! :) These gorgeous banners are a tad bit over 6 inches long when printed out! :D I know! Exciting, right? They could be used in handmade cards, tags, embroidery hoop art, tea towels, scrappy art journaling, personal mix media collages, digital or traditional scrapbooking and.. you get the picture!
For more pretty girly images take a peek below!
YAY!!!!!! I have more pretty pretty pretty BANNERS!!!!! wohohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo you are so so sweet…the only bad things is that they are making me think of Spring and BABY it's cold here in NJ!!!! : ) Sending hugs and love!!!!!
Very sweet banners Keren! I love all of your creations. So fun. Thanks oodles!


The new design for the Steca Tarom 4545 Solar Charge Controller 48V 45A sets new standards in this power class. A graphic display informs the user about all important system data and enables configuration and adjustment of the controller to the specific requirements of the individual system. Numerous clever functions allow the user to adjust the controller to the particular features of the system in question. Thanks to the significantly improved state of charge determination, the system is optimally controlled and the batteries are protected. The Steca Tarom 4545 Solar Charge Controller 48V 45A is the ideal choice for larger systems.
The integrated data logger stores all important system data. Controller data can be read by the minute via an open Steca UART interface. As an option, an external temperature sensor can also be connected.
Two additional switching contacts can be freely configured as a timer, a night light function, to start generators or as surplus management. Up to six devices can be connected in parallel and communicate with one another via the StecaLink bus.


Thank you to everyone for attending our 2018 Country Week Trials.
The most common theme amongst the coaches was how hard the selections were this year with the amount of players trialling along with the high standards. We know there will be disappointment for those that were unsuccessful this year but we strongly encourage you all to not give in and come back next year for another try.
Congratulations to the following players who have made our 2018 Country Week teams. Remember talent may have got you into the team but now your attitude has to keep you there.
Daniel BAHR-PIKE, Jamie CARRINGTON, Archer GORDON, Jayden KOORTS, Isaiah LANCE, Caelen LAMBE, Xabi LAUNAY, Oliver MARSH, Aaron ORR, Ethan RAMM and Riley ROBERTSON.
Rémi da SILVA, Morgan DAVIS, Cohan HENSHALL, Sam JEFFERY, Zac JONES, Riley MARSH, Marlon MASTALERZ, Renoir NASH, Gilligan NEUNUEBEL, Liam PRETORIUS, Hector VOLVKERTS and Reuben WINTER.
Ellieyah DE KONING, Stella GLEESON, Ella MARWICK, Lumeah MASIH, Abi MATTHEWS, Valli MILNE, Rosie NICOLL, Matilda SHEPHERD, Ella SINCLAIR, Maggie SMIT, Cassie SWARBRICK and Emma WALKER.
Brodie ARMSTRONG, Wenzel CHARIS, Brad COPELAND, Keaton DEKKER, Taivian LEMBO, Mitchell MANERA, Levi MASIH, Callum OFFER, Justin OTWAY, Zen SHEPHERD, Itsuki TOMITA, Joshua TRACEY, Kalan VEALE, Darshan VEERAPPAN and Matthew WALMSLEY.
Edward BELL, Zachary CASH, Fergus COLLINS, Isaac DOBBE, Tully FRANKLIN, Harry KNOWLSON, Samuel McLEAN, Thomas MUSK, Escher NASH, Noah SHEEHY, Luca TRICHILO, Jordan WHITE, Xavier WOOD and Leif WRIGHT.
Iman ANDERSON, Tayah DALLIMORE, Melina FRANKLIN, Eloise GARLAND, Holly HOARE, Tabitha KENYON, Ava MALATA, Tayah MASTALERZ, Libby MORRIS, Mabel NASH, Megan ORR, Neve WAGNER, Keira WIEGELE and Lowana WINTER.
Nicholas BAHR-PIKE, Aramis da SILVA, Kyron FIGLIOMENI, Lavesh GAONEADRY, Cooper GLEESON, Michael JEFFERY, Daly KERR, Angus LATHAM, Colby LAW, Marley MASIH, Deacon MASTALERZ, Camryn McLEAN, Archie SMITH and Will SMITH.
Liam BRADSHAW, Deacon HOUGHTON, Callum JONES, James KNOWLSON, Ewan MAISEY, Davis MILNE, Liam MURDOCK, Kit NUTHALL, Fredrick OPUNI, Liam RUBIE-MAZZALI, Kyle TAYLOR, Oliver TRICHILO, Steven van BRAKEL, Charles WALTERS and PARKER WINGARD.
Molly BOWLES, Abby CARTER, Neave GARLAND, Maeve JOYCE-PIETE, Tavanna LEMBO, Charlotte MUSK, Ella NEUNUEBELL, Megan Sainty, Daisy SENIOR, Ellie SENIOR, Ebony THOMPSON, Amy WALKER, Zara WHOOLEY, Amber WILLIAMS and Lily-May WINTER.
Jordan ANDREOTTI, Mitchell ANDERSON, Michael BERG, Tom CARRINGTON, James FRANKLIN, Flynn GLADISH, Titan HAWKINS – PULS, Fahad JAFARI, Daniel LEE, Hamid NASERI, Angus PERCY-FRANKEN, Nathan THOMPSON, Deklan TURNOR, Matthew van BRAKEL and Jared WIEGELE.
Country Week is a competition that is held annually in Perth during the first week of the September/October School Holidays. The competition is held at UWA Sports Park, McGillivray Road, Mount Claremont. Generally, each team will play two games per day from Monday through to Thursday, with the finals taking place on the Friday, this being the final day of competition.


Founded at the beginning of reform and opening up, Nanshan Group has developed into a large-scale private joint-stock enterprise stably listed in the Top 500 Chinese Enterprises at present after over forty years of arduous struggle. Nowadays, it has over 40,000 employees, which ranked the 170th place in Top 500 Chinese Enterprises and the 71st place in Top 500 Enterprises in Chinese Manufacturing Industry by virtue of its comprehensive strength in 2018. At present, it has formed a development pattern led by aluminum industry,textiles and garments, real estate, finance, education, tourism, health, aviation, And the West Coast New Area. With the continuous expansion of industrial scale, Nanshan Group gradually forms a strategic layout centering on Longkou, spreading over the country and marching towards the world. At present, it has established branches or offices in such places as Beijing, Tianjin, Qingdao, Yantai, Hainan and Hong Kong, which has also established branches in many countries including America, Australia,Singapore,Italy,Indonesia,Germany, to move towards the international market and participate in the global competition.
The most distinctive feature of Nanshan"s industrial development is "highlighting the main business with chain operation; developing steadily to become stronger and more practical". Nanshan Aluminum is the only company which has a complete aluminum processing industry chain of the shortest distances including thermoelectricity, aluminum oxide, electrolytic aluminum, casting, aluminum profile/hot rolling-cold rolling-foil rolling/forging and pressing in the same region in the world, and the terminal products are widely used in such fields as aviation, ships, high-speed trains, electricity, autos and containers. In 1999, Nanshan Aluminum A Share (code: 600219 Nanshan Aluminum) was listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange.
The industrial chain of Textiles & Garments spreads cover such links as wool procurement, wool top processing, spinning dyeing and finishing, spinning fabrics, advanced garment processing and brand operation, making it an international leading production base of worsted and compact-spinning fabrics as well as an advanced production base of garments.
The west coast new area will lead new economic growth point with high-end development strategies.
Nanshan Finance is committed to establishing an all-license big financial layout in such fields as bank, security, insurance, leasing, equity investment, private equity and asset management.
Nanshan Education has a complete education and training system from kindergarten to university, in which Yantai Nanshan University is a private common undergraduate university approved by the Ministry of Education.
Nanshan Tourism has formed an integrated leisure vacation industry system integrating tourism and sightseeing, leisure and entertainment, star hotel group, high-end commerce as well as exhibition and conference services.
Nanshan Health is committed to building a health care industry system integrating medical care, health management, loving care and healthcare drugs.
Nanshan Aviation strives to build a comprehensive aviation industry group integrating air transportation, business flight, aviation education and aeronautical material manufacturing.
The capability of independent innovation is the key to the success of the industrial development of Nanshan. Nanshan Group has such technical research and development platforms as national enterprise technology center, academician workstation and postdoctoral workstation, which establishes the only "Aluminum Alloy Pressure Processing Engineering Technology Research Center" in the Chinese aluminum processing industry, and cooperates with research academies including Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials, Shandong University, Central South University, Northeastern University and Xi`an Polytechnic University to improve the technical innovation ability and transfer ratio of research achievements. Thereinto, Nanshan Aluminum and Nanshan Fabrics & Garments have undertaken technical research and development projects of the state or above the provincial level for many times, and a lot of achievements are in the international leading or advanced level. Nanshan ever won such technical awards as the First Prize of Shandong Technical Progress Award and Shandong Governor Quality Prize.
The development of Nanshan Group benefits from the reform and opening-up policy of the party and the state, the "loyal, responsible, hardworking and devoted" Nanshan spirit formed by the old generations of Nanshan entrepreneurs and the rules of conduct that "empty talk makes a botch while only hard work makes sense". While developing the economy, Nanshan Group never forgets to fulfill its social responsibilities and successively drives the villagers of 36 surrounding villages to realize common prosperity, realizing the transfer from villagers to citizens and villages to cities. Besides, Nanshan Group also establishes charitable mutual fund and education scholarship to help worker families and poor students in trouble, and actively participates in social public welfare career such as road construction, environmental protection, afforestation, disaster relief and donation, making active contributions to boosting the new urbanization construction, promoting the local economy and social development and other aspects. It has been granted such honorary titles as "National Civilized Village", "National Advanced Primary Party Organization", "National Small Town Construction Demonstration Area", "Meritorious Enterprise during 30 Years of Reform and Opening up in Shandong Province" and "The Most Socially Responsible Brand in Shandong Province".
"Good morality towards perfection, accumulated hills towards mountain". Nanshan Group will continue adhering to the "loyal, responsible, hardworking and devoted" enterprise spirit and take building the centenary Nanshan as the target to make new contributions to the economic construction of the state.


The Ibis Hotel Potsdamer Platz is close to the historic district of Berlin. The former border area with Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate almost runs through the hotel. It is an ideal location for discovering the eastern and western parts of the capital city.
Our modern rooms are air-conditioned and spacious. Guests can watch television, make phone calls or simply relax on the comfortable beds.
Many rooms have inexpensive Wi-Fi, just one of the services at our two star superior hotel.


A penny is worth 1 cent, a dime is worth 10 cents and a dollar is worth 100 cents.
How to add dollars, dimes and pennies.
Starting at this total, count up by tens for the number of dimes.
Example: How many cents are 7 dollars, 4 dimes and 3 pennies worth?


text:
Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341)
Posted on Last Updated: November 17, 2020 November 17, 2020 Author Levi D. Comment(0) 26502 Views
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) is a soldier that is part of the infantry.
0341 MOS operates mortars, which are muzzle-loading, high-angled weapons used to provide support for ground troops.
Marine Corps Mortarmen assist Light Armored Reconnaissance (LARS) LAR battalions, infantry squads, platoons, and companies to gain a favorable advantage out in the field of combat.
Learn more about what it takes to become a Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) including expected training, job requirements, duties, and civilian job outlook.
Education, Qualifications, and Training
Marine Corps Mortarmen (MOS 0341) are part of the weapons company and serve the larger infantry division. Image: Wikipedia
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) is considered an expert on both 60mm light mortars and 81mm medium mortars.
There is training for both weapons systems as a Mortarman also develops battlefield strategy and other procedures of what it takes to serve the Marines.
Are you interested in joining the Marine Corps as MOS 0341?
Here is the education, qualifications, and training you need to get considered for MOS 0341 Marine Corps Mortarman.
Related Article – Marine Corps Administrative Specialist (MOS 01111): Career Details
The U.S. Marines requires most new recruits to have a high school diploma with a few exceptions granted each year.
It also helps to have college credits, as the USMC reports many new recruits have at least 15 credits.
There is also an option to complete your GED, though the minimum standards on the ASVAB are higher for enlistment.
The Marine Corps has new recruits take a series of tests known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB tests to see what are your strongest points, which is helpful in determining a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Each Military Occupational Specialty, including MOS 0341, requires you to have minimum scores on the ASVAB.
Marine Corps Mortarmen are required to score General Technical (GT): 80 or higher on the ASVAB.
Your local Marine Corps recruiter can provide more information on how to prepare for the ASVAB.
The Marine Corps does not currently have a ton of prerequisites for becoming a Mortarman (MOS 0341).
The important thing is to complete the ASVAB and meet the minimum score on General Technical (GT).
Additionally, the Marines has physical fitness standards and grooming standards that you must meet for eligibility, as well as height and weight standards.
All Marine recruits must be citizens of the United States and meet age requirements.
There is also a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam that you must pass.
Training for the U.S. Marines begins with its notorious boot camp, a demanding basic combat course that lasts 13 weeks.
If you survive boot camp, you will begin to focus on your Military Occupational Specialty.
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) must complete the Mortarman Course at the School of Infantry.
There are two different infantry schools in the United States: Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, CA.
Related Article: List Of Marine Corps Bases In The US
A Marine Corps Mortarman also has the option of participating in the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP).
The training program provides active duty Marines, Navy, and Navy Reserves the opportunity to enhance their job skills while serving in the military.
You can participate in civilian apprenticeship opportunities while remaining in active duty in order to get considered for more challenging military assignments.
The military assignments could improve your monthly salary while serving in the Marines.
What does an Marine Corps Mortarman Do?
Mortarman (MOS 0341) provide indirect fire support for other Marines on the ground. Image: Marines.com
Marine Corps Mortarmen (MOS 0341) are responsible for the tactical employment of 60mm and 81mm mortar systems.
The purpose of mortars is to provide heavy indirect fire in support of other Marine platoons.
A Mortarman commonly supports LARS squads, LAR battalions, and infantry units.
The mortar team is technically part of the weapons platoon of the rile and LAR companies, as well as the weapons company of the infantry battalion.
Only non-commissioned officers work as assigned mortar gunners.
Related Article – Marine Corps Infantry Assault (MOS 0351): Career Details
Job Duties of 0341 MOS
According to the Marine Corps, the official job duties of a Mortarman (MOS 0341) include:
Employ a 60mm mortar section in support of company operations.
Employ an 81mm mortar section/platoon in support of battalion operations.
Fire standard missions as a mortar section/platoon.
Emplace a mortar section/platoon or assault squad.
Support an assault squad in support of offensive operations.
Support an assault squad in support of defensive operations.
Emplace an anti-armor squad and provide with offensive support.
Structure of USMC Mortar Platoons
The mortar platoon is part of the weapons company in the Marine Corps.
The structure of the platoon includes:
Headquarters Platoon: The platoon includes a commander, platoon sergeant, ammunition technician, and two ammunition men.
Mortar Sections: Two sections composed of 32 soldiers in each section.
Section Headquarters: The two sections are further divided into eight-man units. The section headquarters includes a section leader, two ammunition men, two forward observers, and four mortar squads.
Mortar Squads: The mortar squads include a squad leader, gunner, assistant gunner, and three ammunition men.
The Marine Corps reports that only about 38,000 new recruits enter the military branch each year.
Of that statistic many will consider serving their time as a Mortarman (MOS 0341).
Related Article – Marine Corps MOS List and ASVAB Scores: Details Of All 123 Jobs
Understanding Mortars
Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) operates a weapon system known as a mortar.
Mortars are an old-school type of weapon that has been used for hundreds of years, though current styles used by the Marines are far more modern.
However, the basic operation of mortars remains relatively comparable with a few basic working components.
The most notable difference between a mortar and other types of weapons in the 21st century is the system continues to remain muzzle loading.
Mortars have remains relevant for a reason.
They are excellent at providing indirect fire which the military defines as "aiming and firing a projectile without relying on a direct line of sight between the gun and its target".
USMC Types of Mortars
Weapons that utilize indirect fire have a larger kill radius with heavy artillery yet lack pure accuracy.
The Marine Corps relies on the actions of a Mortarman (MOS 0341) to support other ground units of the infantry.
The two types of mortars that the Marine Corps continue to use include:
M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar: The smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angled firing weapon is used for close-in support of ground troops. It weighs between 18-45 lbs. as the size varies based on configurations. Rounds weigh 4 lbs.
M252 81mm Medium Mortar: The smooth bore weapon is also muzzle-loading. It is used more for long-range indirect fire support. The M252 is much heavier at about 90 lbs. Each round weighs an additional 10 lbs.
Related Article – Marine Corps Tow Gunner (MOS 0352): Career Details
What does a Marine Corps Mortarman make?
Mortarman work a labor intensive yet fulfilling Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Image: Marines.com
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) determines soldiers' pay based on rank and years of service.
Therefore, you are not paid based on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
2022 Minimum Monthly Pay
E-1 Private Pvt $1,833.30
E-2 Private First Class PFC $2,054.70
E-3 Lance Corporal LCpl $2,160.60
E-4 Corporal Cpl $2,393.40
E-5 Sergeant Sgt $2,610.30
E-6 Staff Sergeant SSgt $2,849.40
E-7 Gunnery Sergeant GySgt $3,294.30
E-8 Master Sergeant MSgt $4,739.10
E-8 First Sergeant 1stSgt $4,739.10
E-9 Master Gunnery Sergeant MGySgt $5,789.10
E-9 Sergeant Major SgtMaj $5,789.10
E-9 Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps SgtMaj $5,789.10
The Marine Corps offers a fantastic benefits package in addition to a monthly salary:
Affordable Life Insurance
Special Pay
Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Education: Marines can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus annual stipend for living expenses.
Related Article: 13 Pros And Cons Of Joining The Marines
Job Reviews
There are a variety of reviews on job sites regarding what it is like to work as a Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341).
One job poster put it well in the fact that every soldier in the military has a different experience.
While there is no guarantee that you will like the lifestyle of a Marine, it definitely forms a relationship that is incomparable to any other type of career.
In addition to the strong culture and reputation of serving the U.S. Marines, you should also consider the excellent benefits package.
Civilian Job Opportunities
It is encouraged that Mortarman (MOS 0341) consider participating in the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) while serving the Marines.
USMAP is open to Marines, Navy, and Navy Reserves.
It is a good idea to receive additional job skills that will help you gain employment after leaving the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Department of Labor provides a Certificate of Completion to USMAP graduates.
The skills you learn both as a Mortarman and through the USMAP program can help you receive employment in a variety of civilian careers.
Many former MOS 0341 progress to work as police officers, security guards, or explosives workers.
Related Article: 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) provides indirect fire support for ground troops.
The Marine Corps relies on the skills of a Mortarman to help advance troops as well as provide support in defense operations.
The workload as a Marine Mortarman (MOS 0341) is demanding, and requires you to carry heavier weights than the rest of the platoon yet is very rewarding.
https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/NAVMC%203500_44A%20PT%205.pdf
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/U.S.-Marine-Corps/reviews?fjobtitle=Mortar+Specialist&fcountry=ALL
Levi D.
Levi served in the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator from 2007-2011. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Following the Iraq deployment, Levi was assigned to various detachments who travelled and worked around Southeast Asia. He is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country.
Latest posts by Levi D. (see all)
Marine Ranks and Basic Pay for 2022 - March 20, 2022
USMC Tattoo Policy Changes For 2022 & 2022 (15 Things To Know) - March 20, 2022
Marine FAST Teams: 5 Things You Need to Know - October 31, 2021
Tagged 0341 mos, marine corps mortarman, usmc mortarman
Benchmade Military Discount

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
describe Hbc::CLI::Search, :cask do
  before(:each) do
    allow(Tty).to receive(:width).and_return(0)
  end

  it "lists the available Casks that match the search term" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("local")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout.as_tty
      ==> Partial Matches
      local-caffeine
      local-transmission
    EOS
  end

  it "outputs a plain list when stdout is not a TTY" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("local")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout
      local-caffeine
      local-transmission
    EOS
  end

  it "returns matches even when online search failed" do
    allow(GitHub).to receive(:search_code).and_raise(GitHub::Error.new("reason"))
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("local")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout
      local-caffeine
      local-transmission
    EOS
    .and output(/^Warning: Error searching on GitHub: reason/).to_stderr
  end

  it "shows that there are no Casks matching a search term that did not result in anything" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("foo-bar-baz")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout.as_tty
      No Cask found for "foo-bar-baz".
    EOS
  end

  it "doesn't output anything to non-TTY stdout when there are no matches" do
    expect { Hbc::CLI::Search.run("foo-bar-baz") }
      .to not_to_output.to_stdout
      .and not_to_output.to_stderr
  end

  it "lists all Casks available offline with no search term" do
    allow(GitHub).to receive(:search_code).and_raise(GitHub::Error.new("reason"))
    expect { Hbc::CLI::Search.run }
      .to output(/local-caffeine/).to_stdout.as_tty
      .and not_to_output.to_stderr
  end

  it "ignores hyphens in search terms" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("lo-cal-caffeine")
    }.to output(/local-caffeine/).to_stdout.as_tty
  end

  it "ignores hyphens in Cask tokens" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("localcaffeine")
    }.to output(/local-caffeine/).to_stdout.as_tty
  end

  it "accepts multiple arguments" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("local caffeine")
    }.to output(/local-caffeine/).to_stdout.as_tty
  end

  it "accepts a regexp argument" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("/^local-c[a-z]ffeine$/")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout.as_tty
      ==> Regexp Matches
      local-caffeine
    EOS
  end

  it "returns both exact and partial matches" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("test-opera")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout.as_tty
      ==> Exact Match
      test-opera
      ==> Partial Matches
      test-opera-mail
    EOS
  end

  it "does not search the Tap name" do
    expect {
      Hbc::CLI::Search.run("caskroom")
    }.to output(<<-EOS.undent).to_stdout.as_tty
      No Cask found for "caskroom".
    EOS
  end

  it "doesn't highlight packages that aren't installed" do
    expect(Hbc::CLI::Search.highlight_installed("local-caffeine")).to eq("local-caffeine")
  end

  it "highlights installed packages" do
    Hbc::CLI::Install.run("local-caffeine")

    expect(Hbc::CLI::Search.highlight_installed("local-caffeine")).to eq(pretty_installed("local-caffeine"))
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


number An expression that resolves to an integer, specified as a number or a numeric string.
The RND function returns a random value between zero and the specified number, inclusive of zero but exclusive of number. Thus the available range of returned numbers is 0 through number-1.
If number is a fractional number it is truncated to its integer portion. If number is a negative number, a negative number is returned.
A number string value is parsed as a number until a non-numeric character is encountered. Thus "7dwarves" is parsed as 7. If number resolves to 1, 0, or -1, RND always returns 0. If number is a non-numeric string or the empty string (""), it is parsed as 0, and thus RND always returns 0.


Anna Sui's latest optical collection features elegant tortoise design with a spice of unique elements.
Rich handmade acetates, contrasting double laminate accents and matching temple tips can be found on frames AS 5022 and AS 5023. The continuous etched, inset pattern adds intricate detail highlighting Anna's signature rose-bud detailing in her latest runway collection.
You will also find Anna's signature purple interior accents (AS 5020) combined with a modified rectangular eye shape making this collection uniform, stylish…yet never the same.
The Anna Sui Optical collection incorporates the same fanciful details that have defined the brand since its inception including the signature rosebud, Anna's favourite butterfly motif and classic fretwork design. Anna herself has always been known for her signature eyewear style and loves incorporating sunglasses and opticals into her head to toe looks, both on and off the runway.
Arguably the most successful eyewear company to appear on the world stage in the past decade, Mondottica is a true world citizen. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the group was founded by a Canadian who runs the company with working shareholders from Germany, Britain, France, India and Australia. From humble beginnings, the company now has offices and operations in Hong Kong, London, Paris, Barcelona, Brussels, Venice, Moscow, New York and Sydney with distribution reach that spans all continents. For more information visit Mondotticausa.com or call (866) 666-3662.


text:
DuPont State Recreational Forest to post closing hours
Starting Nov. 2, DuPont State Recreational Forest will post hours of operation.
DuPont State Recreational Forest to post closing hours Starting Nov. 2, DuPont State Recreational Forest will post hours of operation. Check out this story on citizen-times.com: http://avlne.ws/1tINcjb
Karen Chávez, kchavez@citizen-times.com Published 1:17 p.m. ET Oct. 21, 2014 | Updated 1:17 p.m. ET Oct. 21, 2014
CEDAR MOUNTAIN -
For the first time, DuPont State Recreational Forest staff will institute hours of operation, starting on Sunday, Nov. 2. The forest will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Hikers walk along Triple Falls Trail in DuPont State Forest. The state forest will begin implementing operating hours. (Photo: John Coutlakis/Citizen-Times photo)
The more than 10,000-acre state forest lies on the border of Henderson and Transylvania counties, south of Asheville. Hours will be posted at each of the DSRF access areas: High Falls, Hooker Falls, Corn Mill Shoals, Fawn Lake, Lake Imaging and Guion Farm.
Only forest employees and authorized personnel will be allowed within the forest between closing and opening hours except under permit, said Brian Haines, spokesman with the National Forests in North Carolina.
DSRF will offer permits for legitimate use of the forest after hours, for activities such as stargazing, Haines said. Requests for permits may be submitted through the DSRF website or by email to afterhours.dsrf@ncagr.gov.
The volume of permits issued will be based on available staff resources and observed impacts to the forest. The permit will be free of charge and must be displayed on vehicles parking at access areas and various trail entrances. The after-hours permit will allow for up to four people to use the forest, as long as they remain in a group during the permitted activity.
The most current version of the DSRF after-hours policy can be found at http://ncforestservice.gov/dsrf/contacts.
There will be an introductory period between Nov. 2 and Jan. 1 in which the enforcement of the policy will be primarily through education and verbal warnings. After the introductory period, the N.C. Forest Service and local law enforcement will fully enforce the hours of operation. Violations can result in expulsion from the forest and a citation for a Class III misdemeanor.
"It has a lot more to do with safety than anything," Haines said. "In an emergency situation it gives us the ability to help those people out. There are no overnight campsites."
To learn more about DuPont State Recreational Forest, visit http://ncforestservice.gov or call the forest at 828-877-6527.
Read or Share this story: http://avlne.ws/1tINcjb


text:
Music >> Vinyl >> Country
Thorn In My Heart: The Work Ta
Kim Richey, Thorn In My Heart: The Work Tapes, is a raw, stripped down version of Kim Richey's critically acclaimed 2013 album, Thorn In My Heart. Before Kim records an album, she creates what she calls, "work tapes". These are acoustic, rough recordings of songs that she uses to help her band learn the songs before heading into the studio. They're early demos with just Kim or Kim and the co-writer of the song playing guitar and singing, campfire-like, to tape. Kim has decided to share these songs with her fans in a very limited edition vinyl package. The LP package includes work tape versions of all 12 songs that originally appeared on Thorn In My Heart. The LP jacket is housed in a wooden box. Included in the box is a 24-page booklet with lyrics and guitar tablature hand-written by Kim Richey, as well as photos from the Thorn In My Heart recording sessions. This box is limited to 300 copies.


text:
"choose life"
5 Lies Abortion Tells Us When It Is Legal
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen writes in Life Worth Living, "Nothing ever happens in the world that does not first happen…
5 Irrefutable Arguments in Defense of Life
Human life begins at the moment of conception; this is a scientific fact. Twenty-three chromosomes respectively from the mother and…
Can't Go to the March for Life? 5 Things You can Do To Stand For Life Right Now
Wthis promotional film for the March for Life produced by Blackstone Films is sure to build your passion and enthusiasm to…
What I Wish Nicki Minaj (and others) Knew About Abortion
Nicki Minaj is more than just a record-settingg female rapper and performer. Recently named one of Billborad.com's Top Ten Most…
Abortion, Euthanasia, Pornography, Violence… They All Start With a Gaze (Symbolic Video)
It's easy to criticize the crimes and tragedies of the world. They are there for all to see. But where…


Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd. engages in the provision of project design and management services. It operates through the following segments: Hotel Investments, Property Sales, Fee-based, and Head Office. The Hotel Investment segment engages in hotel and restaurant operations. The Property Sales segment includes hotel residences, property sales, and development project sales. The Fee-based segment comprises the management and operation of hotels, resorts, clubs, funds, spas, galleries, and other related services. The Head Office segment relates to expenses incurred by corporate office. Banyan Tree Holdings was founded by Kwon Ping Ho in 1984 and is headquartered in Singapore.


text:
package de.uni_potsdam.hpi.coheel.debugging

object ObjectSize {

	def main(args: Array[String]): Unit = {
		determineMemorySizeUsingInstrumentation()
	}

	private def determineMemorySizeUsingInstrumentation(): Unit = {
		// One can also determine the object size by instrumentation.
		// However, as this is more complicated (need to export a jar etc.)
		// and the method used above also provides good results this is
		// not used anymore.
		val a1 = new Array[Long](100)
		val a2 = new Array[Long](1000)
		val a3 = new Array[Byte](1000)
		println(ObjectSizeInstrumentation.getObjectSize(a1))
		println(ObjectSizeInstrumentation.getObjectSize(a2))
		println(ObjectSizeInstrumentation.getObjectSize(a3))
	}
}


text:
Silent Circle acquires Geeksphone´s stake in SGP, the company developing Blackphone
Geeksphone, the Spanish company founded in 2009 and dedicated to the design and manufacture of last generation smartphones, announced today an agreement to sell its 50% stake in SGP, a company cofounded in 2014 with Silent Circle that has developed Blackphone, a project based on security and data privacy in mobile environments. After the agreement, SGP will remain fully under Silent Circle control.
The transaction consideration remains confidential.
SGP will keep its Madrid offices to continue developing the Blackphone project. Javier Aguera, Geeksphone and SGP cofounder, will remain in the company as Blackphone´s Chief Scientist.
Geeksphone wishes the best for the Blackphone project, which is becoming a real revolution for the mobile industry.
The Spanish company will keep developing new and innovative mobile projects such as the recently announced wearable,Geeksme.
Labels: ilent Circle acquires Geeksphone´s stake in SGP, the company developing Blackphone


I'm just giddy that the show is hung. It feels like such a relief that all my pieces are on the wall (well most, some will be available for perusal on the table too). Here's a sneaky peeky of one of the walls and me.
It looks wonderful! I hope it goes brilliantly!


Cyrille, Verdeaux - "Nocturnes Digitales"
Cyrille Verdeaux is a French born musician who composes very mellow flowing pieces of what some people would call New Age music. He formed the band Clearlight many moons ago and they were the first French Progressive Rock band to sign to a major English Label. That was in 1975 and the label was Virgin. A debut album entitled Clearlight Symphony was soon released the same year and a second album Forever Blowing Bubbles was released in 1976. Many more albums were to follow and the list goes on, so Cyrille has been about and has learnt his trade well. He creates very atmospheric structures that are laden with mellow vibes.
His sound and composition style is similar to Mike Oldfield, but Cyrille Verdeaux I would say has a more electronic feel to his compositions than Mike Oldfield has, very haunting. There is an array of nice well-played keyboards on here. They are constructed with an almost classical style to them, and there is an air about them that stirs Ennio Morricone sort of emotions. It is a very good relaxation album. For did you know that this album was created to reharmonize your biorhythms and resynchronise the patterns of DNA? So you have been warned!
Also this CD is a CD-ROM so it has some Bio stuff and links to websites, etc. So it is a nice little package. I do not know if this is the same Nocturne Digitales that was released on an American label in 1980 or a different thing all together for I really do not know much about it. I can say that it creates a very enchanting feel and it motions through a lot of different phases. I personally like the first installment 'Wind Talks' which is the longest track on the CD at 10.08. It builds like an Ennio Morricone composition and has hints of a similar musical structure movement-wise. I like it.
Nocturne Digitales is a 66.28 journey, which is a very relaxing ride. It is made up of 9 tracks of varied lengths, and most have that sublime feel to them. The Keyboard work is stunning and the sound quality is produced to a very high standard. The cover is inspired by New Age stuff and it has a nice photograph and write-up of the Ankor Wat Temple in Cambodia, as well as the DNA patter. In all this is a mood creating CD by a very talented musician. Cyrille is dedicated to his work and has over twenty years experience in the ways of sound experimentation. So get hold of some of his stuff and decide for yourselves what you think.
For more information you can visit the Clearlight Music web site at: http://www.clearlight888music.com.
Contact via snail mail c/o Clearlight888 Music; 2022 Cliff Dr; PMB 189; Santa Barbara, CA 93109.


Piezo Technologies manufactures solutions-based custom and semi-custom high-performance ultrasonic transducers and sensors for medical and industrial applications. Although Piezo Technologies does not offer off-the-shelf products, we have a vast database of past ultrasonic transducer projects that can be used in many cases as a base for new semi-custom or modular products. To meet your unique needs, we may just need to alter the size, cabling, housing, etc. of a product previously produced.
This database of products, coupled with our many years of experience help reduce the cost and turnaround time of custom ultrasonic transducer products. In other cases, your needs may require a comprehensive engineering / development phase, and Piezo Technologies' personnel and resources are unmatched in new product development.
Whether your needs are for semi-custom, modular, or pure custom products, Piezo Technologies is committed to minimizing your costs and turnaround times, while producing the best ultrasonic transducers, sensors, and systems available.
Did you know Piezo Technologies provides Next Higher Assemblies (NHA's)? Take advantage of our technical knowledge and production capability to help you build your assemblies. Contact us to discuss the benefits.
Piezo Technologies also provides complete OEM contract assembly and manufacturing services. For more information or a project quote regarding ultrasonic transducers and sensors for medical and industrial applications, please contact us.


text:
Jewish scholar to speak at Temple Bat Yam
Al Goldberg
Temple Bat Yam, the congregation serving the Jewish communities of Lake Tahoe's South Shore, the Carson Valley and Carson City, will present a Scholar-in-Residence weekend Friday and Saturday, with internationally renowned Jewish scholar and rabbi, Michael Boyden of Israel.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend either or both evening programs, to be held at the temple building, 3260 Pioneer Trail, in South Lake Tahoe. There is no charge; donations are welcome but not required.
Rabbi Boyden is an internationally known expert and speaker throughout North America, Europe and Israel on the Middle East conflict and the development of progressive (Reform) Judaism in Israel and throughout the world. He speaks and writes on both the political situation in the Middle East and the struggles of the progressive movement in the Jewish State of Israel, where more religious streams of Judaism are much larger and control the government agenda.
Friday night he will lead Shabbat (Sabbath) services beginning at 7:30 p.m. and will deliver a sermon appropriate to his areas of expertise. Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m., Rabbi Boyden will conduct a series of programs beginning with an "Ask the Rabbi" Symposium, in which attendees can ask any question of interest. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a brief Havdalah service, which ends the Sabbath, followed by a lecture and discussion entitled, "Israel and the Face of Terror – A Challenge for our World."
Appetizers and beverages will be served Saturday evening. Desserts will be served following Friday night's service.
Rabbi Boyden recently formulated a public statement for the progressive (Reform) Jewish movement entitled, "Where we stand on Israel." It was endorsed by more than 130 Reform rabbis worldwide and has been adopted by the Board of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the organization serving Reform rabbis in the U.S. He is a frequent guest speaker at Jewish congregations and organizations in Europe and North America and regularly writes on the Middle East crisis and the development of Reform Judaism in Israel for the Jerusalem Post newspaper.
He is past president of the Israel Council of Progressive Rabbis and serves as Director of its National Rabbinic Court. In these capacities, he represents the Reform (progressive) movement on the Ne'Eman Commission established by the Israeli government to resolve the conversation crisis in Israel. He also is active in the Jewish agency established in Israel to prepare candidates for conversion, working in cooperation with the Orthodox and Conservative Jewish movements.
He has founded two progressive Reform temples in Israel which primarily serve the needs of Israeli immigrants from North America and other countries.
Anyone interested in more information may call B. Jane Lommel at (775) 782-8788 or (775) 782-4666 in Gardnerville, or the temple at (775) 588-9042.


Keep those K-9 paws warm!!
Happy Saturday everyone hope you are staying warm or cool depending on where you are! Today I want to check out the K-9 Paw Warmers!
On November 27th, Amaretto celebrated Thanksgiving with a few special random drop Paw Warmer Thanksgiving 2015 that were available for 24 hours on any kennel that was dropped.
The Peppermint and Spearmint Paw Warmers came from any breeding of 2015 Holiday Edition K-9s.
On April 8, 2016 until April 22, 2016 Amaretto sold the 2016 Spring Edition Animals!!! You could get a chance at the new Rose, Mango, Electric, and Seaspray Paw Warmer from any breeding of these Spring Edition K-9s!
On October 21, 2016 to November 4, 2016 Amaretto sold the 2016 Halloween Edition Whinny the Puppet! You could get a chance at the new Paw Warmer Candy Corn or Paw Warmer Spiderweb from any breeding of these 2016 Halloween Edition Whinny the Puppet k-9s!
On February 2, 2017 Amaretto celebrated Valentines day with Valentine's Edition Animals available at any Amaretto Location. From any breeding of these Valentines Edition K-9s you could get new Paw Warmer Red Heart and Purple Heart!
On April 14th, 2017 to April 28th, 2017 Amaretto celebrated 420 with the release of the 2017 Limited Edition "420" Pug! You could get a chance at the new Paw Warmer Chronic from any breeding of the 2017 Limited Edition "420" Pug!
On February 8,2018 Amaretto celebrate Mardi Gra with 2018 Mardi Gras Krewe of Amaretto K-9s! You could get the Paw Warmer Mardi Gras from any breeding of ther 2018 Mardi Gras Krewe of Amaretto Horses!
On Dec.4,2018 Amaretto released second round of Gacha K-9s! 2018 Gacha Edition Emoji K9s were hiding 3 different Paw Warmers Chuckle, Specs, and Oopsy Poopsy!
This trait DOES have the ability to pass!
So what are you waiting for pick out the ones you like best and add this awesome trait to your K-9s today!! Until next time this is Snookie hoping you have a great weekend and wishing you Happy Breeding!!


Police say a man has been charged after he allegedly drove his high-end sports car at 148 kilometres per hour in a school zone.
York Regional Police say the incident occurred on Sunday at about 8 p.m. in Vaughan, Ont.
Police say a patrol officer spotted a 2019 Aston Martin travelling at 148 kilometres per hour in a 40 kilometre per hour school zone.
They say the 31-year-old Vaughan, Ont., man has been charged with stunt driving, dangerous driving and speeding.
Police say the car will be impounded for a week.


text:
The Fabulous First Place Freedoms
PHILADELPHIA – The Freedoms continue their red-hot streak after winning their fourth straight match on Wednesday improving to 7-1 on the season. After getting revenge and defeating the Orange County Breakers 24-16 in last night's match-up, the Freedoms extend their winning streak to four games in a row. The third place San Diego Aviators visit Hagan Arena to take on the Freedoms in a special afternoon match, starting at promptly 12:00pm ETD.
About Freedoms
* The 7-1 Freedoms hold a game and a half lead over the 6-2 Washington Kastles, as they will meet tomorrow in Chicago at 7:00pm.
* Kevin and Fabrice Martin look to win their fourth straight match at Men's Doubles.
* Taylor Townsend continues to remain undefeated in Women's Singles, as she holds the league lead with seven wins and 35 games won.
* Kevin King has continued to be the closer of the Freedoms, being able to close out his last four singles matches with a league leading 34 games won.
Previewing Aviators
* The Aviators keep battling to remain in playoff contention, with a 5-3 record on the season.
* The Aviators were defeated by the Freedoms on July 16, by a score of 22-17.
* Women's Doubles partners Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Naomi Broady have found much success together, as they rank second in rankings just behind Townsend and Atawo.
* Marcus Willis leads the league in Men's Singles with a 28-18 record.
* Willis also leads the league in Men's Doubles with partner Marcin Matkowski.
The Freedoms continue their four-game home stand tomorrow against the Washington Kastles. The match will be held in Chicago for WTT Chicago presented by Magellan Corporation. The match will start at promptly 7:00pm! #ServingFreedom


Wrap it up, wrap it up! This style has a V neckline when wrapped around and tied at the waist, adjustable shoulder straps and it has a sweet frill hem. Style yours with statement earrings and gold bracelets!


Posted May 21, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Communication, News.
Our Twitter feed during the past month has included an opportunity for people to train as Relate counsellors.
We've announced extra funding for six months to support young people in the area who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.
Posted May 15, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Children and Young People, Communication, Schools, TalkTime.
Minds Alrite – a group of young people who have been working in partnership with Relate Bedfordshire & Luton – are running workshops in their first school this month at the start of their mental health awareness project.
Posted April 30, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Children and Young People, Communication, Parenting, Relationships.
Posted April 14, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Children and Young People, News.
Homeless young people or those at risk of becoming homeless in Luton are being offered additional funded support from this month.
Posted March 31, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Communication, Relationships.
Posted March 17, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Children and Young People, Communication, News, TalkTime.
Eight groups of young people from Bedfordshire pitched their social action campaign ideas, aimed to improve various issues across the county, to a room of 100 local business, education, public sector and charity professionals in March.
Posted March 10, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Communication.
Posted February 24, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Communication, Relationships.
Every year we get a reminder to take our cars in for an MOT to ensure that they're roadworthy. But what about our relationships? Do we need a reminder to check in with our partners, or should we just carry on until the wing mirrors fall off, and we can no longer see the relationship hazards coming our way?
Giving your relationship a regular tune-up can be an effective way to focus you on relationship niggles and nip them in the bud before they become major problems. It can help you to identify any underlying feelings that may be bubbling away, and take positive steps to work through them. It can also help to focus your mind on what's going well.
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to get your relationship back on the road.
Posted February 20, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, News.
Relate Bedfordshire and Luton had a private audience with the Prime Minister this morning. The meeting took place after Mr Cameron dropped into a coffee morning at St Cuthbert's Hall in Bedford.
Posted February 13, 2015 by Rebecca Silliker & filed under Articles, Communication, Relationships.
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, many couples may want to express their love with an extravagant gift or night out together. Despite this, there are growing fears about the expense at a time when Christmas bills may still need paying.


Dubai hopes to finalise $2.5 billion in fundraising for the 15km extension of its metro system this year, the chairman and director general of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has said.
Construction has already started on the project, which extends the Dubai Metro Red Line to the Expo 2020 site, Mattar al-Tayer told Reuters.
"I hope [funding will be finalised] before the end of this year as we've started construction," he said during an interview with the newswire, adding that the government had already made an advance payment of $165 million to a consortium of contractors.
The consortium includes France's Alstom, Spain's Acciona and Turkey's Gulermak.
Banking sources told Reuters that Dubai's Department of Finance, which is in charge of raising funds for the project, has been giving banks feedback on their bids for its financing. The sources declined to confirm whether banks had been mandated for the project as yet.
The Route 2020 project is worth a total of $2.9 billion, and is expected to run up $2.5 billion in debt. Of this amount, $1.5 billion will be backed by export credit agencies (ECAs), while the rest will come from a commercial loan, the sources added.
France's COFACE and Spain's CESCE are two of the agencies backing the financing, a source close to the situation has said. The commercial loan has a ten-year tenor, while the ECA-backed financing has a maturity of 18 years, the sources added.
Speaking to Big Project ME in September 2016, the RTA said that it has asked consortia to submit elective finance offers during the tender submission stage.
The finance department will then select the most suitable finance model to achieve the "present and future financial sustainability of the project".
Sources told Reuters that eight to ten international banks had submitted bids in September. These bids included pricing indications for the financing.
With the borrower being government-linked, the pricing of the facility will be determined by Dubai's ten-year credit default swaps (CDS), which are at about 210 basis points, according to Thompson Reuters data.
The commercial part of the financing is therefore likely to be priced between 200 and 230 basis points over the London interbank offered rate (Libor), while the ECA-backed financing is expected to be offered at about 150 basis points over Libor, another banking source explained.
AbdulMohsin Ibrahim Younes, CEO of the Rail Agency at the RTA, earlier told Big Project ME that the RTA has put in place governance and assessment principles for the Route 2020 project so as to ensure transparency and to achieve the best results.
These include clear-cut objectives and standards for the technical and financial assessment process during the tendering phase.
"These standards cover several parameters. The assessment process was based on the following: The project construction programme; the integration and linking of the systems with the existing lines of Dubai Metro; the station designs and modern project construction techniques, and finally, the rail technologies and systems that will be introduced to the project," he explained.
The tender attracted 10 consortia of major firms that specialised in the construction metro systems, Younes added. He pointed out that the bids were assessed through specialist committees, teams and international consultants, with 100 specialists from the RTA and the project consultants involved in the process.


Sketchnoting allows one to think in a different way and be much more attentive while listening to a speech. I wrote about my experience learning to sketchnote in a previous post; to sum it up, skechtnoting gave me serious headaches but once I let go of the fear of drawing, I started enjoying myself. I practiced some more by watching a bunch of UX speeches and wanted to share the result. Hope you'll enjoy!
Apple designer Tony Fadell explains how our brain trains us to become accustomed to certain problems, which prevents us from noticing problems and fixing them. He gives advice on "how to stay beginners", which Steve Jobs used to tell his staff.
My sketch : There are a lot of connecting ideas in the speech which I wanted to show this but I think the overall result is a bit too crowded.
Innovator Kes Sampanthar makes the case for motivational design, an approach that is based on neuroscience and calls for a cross-disciplinary approach.
My sketch: the speaker gave many interesting examples and complex information so I tried to only mention the key points of the speech.
Complex ideas are hard to draw. I chose to simplify the content.
In this really interesting speech, Columbia business professor Sheena Iyengar explains how to improving decision-making can help to better conduct user research.
My sketch: there was so much good content in this speech that it was hard to draw and select the info. I'm not sure if my sketch is very clear but I enjoyed making it.
WOW moment: CEOs take most of their decisions in less than 9 min and less than an hour. That's how important good decision-making skills are.
In this very short speech (5 min), executive and mentor Renny Glesson explains why a 404 page is a design opportunity.
My sketch: He's telling a story, and I wanted to do the same!
Don't forget about your 404 page when designing a website!
Psychologist Shawn Achor gives a comic performance while delivering his speech on the sciences of happiness. His science-based advice to improve well-being are easily applicable to your day-to-day life. If you want to laugh and learn something at the same time, watch it!
My sketch: The speaker used so many vivid examples that it was quite easy to illustrate his speech!
It only takes 2 minutes everyday to be happier!


Prior to spying this box on the shelves of a local TJ's, I wasn't aware of the existence of Israeli couscous. Regular couscous, yes. But I didn't know this other special version existed. Otherwise known as "pearl couscous" for it's shiny, spherical form, this type of couscous is popular in—you guessed it—Israel, where it is known as "ptitim."
And since I'm fond of celebrating my 1/16th or so Jewishness, as I've mentioned before, I decided this inexpensive box ($2) of grain/pasta was a suitable selection for my next misadventure in foodie-hackery.
I was about to heat up the saucepan on the stove top when Sonia stopped me and encouraged me to go tend to our animal friends while she did the cooking. I'm pretty sure that's a subtle commentary on my culinary abilities, but she insisted that she just felt like cooking. And wow. Not only did she cook the couscous properly with a bit of olive oil, but she made a whole lovely Mediterranean-themed meal, complete with cucumber salad, hummus, and meat, as shown in the pic to the right.
Strangely, I enjoyed this "Ben-Gurion rice" significantly more than any normal couscous I'd ever had, while Sonia expressed the reverse. I liked the larger size, chewier texture, and lightly nutty flavor of these, while I've always felt as if regular couscous were just a notch above seasoned sawdust. Sonia just prefers her couscous smaller and less chewy I guess. Or maybe she's just not as in touch with her inner-Jew.
It's cheap, shelf-stable, kosher, vegetarian, and relatively high in fiber. It's most definitely not gluten-free...and it's not exactly a party food by itself. But it goes great with vegetables, hummus, fish, or poultry. If you're looking for a wheat-based alternative to rice or regular couscous, I've gotta say, I'm a fan. Four stars from me. Three from Sonia.
My husband cooks up Israeli couscous with chopped peppers and pine nuts. So yummy!
I happened to have a box of this and made a salad with golden raisins, pistachios, and goat cheese.
Try toasting the couscous with olive oil a little salt and chopped garlic for a few minutes and then adding chicken broth instead of water. Gives it so much flavor.
I like cooking it with chopped up sausages or minced meat and spices.
Very good in soups or made as a salad!
I was so disappointed to see that TJ's has replaced their instant couscous with this. It was the only place in my town I could get the unflavored instant.
I had not eaten couscous in ages, but discovered a box of Whole Wheat Trader Joe's couscous at a petsit (as I eat whatever food is in the cabinets). It was extraordinairly easy to whip up - pouring boiling water into the couscous, and voila! A healthy grain to eat with whatever else I cooked up.
It's particularly handy when you do not have a stove or oven to cook on - which occurs when we stay at my husband's office in between petsits - that has neither, but does have a kitchen with a electric kettle.


Question #1: His own Lulav?
Question #2: Three-year old Tzitzis?
In the beginning of parshas Tolados, the Torah mentions the birth and upbringing of Yaakov and Eisav. In what many consider the most controversial passage in his commentary on Chumash, Rav Hirsch criticizes the education that Eisav received. This provides an opportunity to continue our discussion on some of the aspects of the mitzvos of chinuch that we began a few weeks ago.
"A minor who knows how to shake a lulav in the way that halachah requires is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of lulav; one old enough to put on a talis properly is obligated in tzitzis; if he is old enough to protect his tefillin, his father must purchase for him tefillin; when he knows how to talk, his father teaches him Torah and the Shma" (Sukkah 42a; see also Arachin 2b and Tosefta, Chagigah Chapter 1).
We see from the Gemara that we should begin teaching a child Torah and training him to observe mitzvos at the earliest age possible for him to perform the mitzvah correctly. One of the first lessons of mitzvas chinuch that we see here is that the mitzvah is not simply to demonstrate to a child a few times before his bar mitzvah how the mitzvah is performed. The mitzvah is to train him from when he begins to be able to perform the mitzvah properly, and we then begin to encourage him to observe the mitzvos. Thus, as soon as he begins to speak, we should have him recite pesukim. When old enough to wear a talis properly, we should train him in the mitzvah of tzitzis, and when old enough to perform the mitzvah of lulav properly, we should train him to observe that mitzvah.
When the Gemara mentions that a child should begin to observe mitzvos, it teaches that his father is obligated to purchase tefillin for his son, but it does not say that the father is required to buy either tzitzis or a lulav for his son. This implies that only in the case of tefillin is the father required to make a purchase, but not for the mitzvos of tzitzis or lulav. Why are tefillin different?
The answer is that someone cannot observe the mitzvah of tefillin properly without owning his own pair, and it is obvious that a child would not have the means with which to purchase tefillin. Therefore, the mitzvah of chinuch requires the boy's father to purchase a pair of tefillin for him.
However, Chazal did not require the father to purchase the four species or tzitzis for his son. Why not? In the case of the four species, the son should be able to perform the mitzvah by using his father's, and it is therefore unnecessary to require the father to purchase his son a set (Tosafos, Arachin 2b).
Regarding the mitzvah of tzitzis, Tosafos rules that, even for adults, Chazal did not require one to purchase a four-cornered garment in order to fulfill the mitzvah. Rather, someone wishing to wear a four-cornered garment is required to have tzitzis attached to it. In the days of Chazal, one did not purchase a garment with tzitzis, or even purchase tzitzis threads to place on a garment. Clothing was made at home, and tzitzis threads, which require being manufactured for the sake of fulfilling the mitzvah, were spun at home. Therefore, there was no requirement to purchase tzitzis for a child, but, that when the household provided all its members with home-made clothing, it provided the men-folk, including those under bar mitzvah, with four-cornered garments and spun tzitzis to attach to them (Tosafos, Arachin 2b).
The Gemara rules that when a child is old enough to "protect his tefillin," we should purchase for him a pair of tefillin. What does it mean that he is old enough to "protect his tefillin"? Some understand this to mean that he understands that he should not bring his tefillin into the bathroom (Rashi, Sukkah 42a). Others understand this to mean that he can keep a guf naki, meaning that he is old enough to be careful not to release flatulence while wearing tefillin, which is prohibited because of bizuy mitzvah, treating mitzvos with disdain (Rashi, Brachos 5b; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 37:2). There is obviously a major difference between these two approaches: A fairly young child can be entrusted not to bring tefillin into a bathroom, whereas someone considerably older may still have difficulty maintaining control and awareness to remove his tefillin when he feels that his stomach is somewhat unsettled.
Following the second approach mentioned above, which is the conclusion of the Shulchan Aruch, common practice today is that we do not have a child wear tefillin until he is almost the age of bar mitzvah. This is because we are concerned that he will be unable to keep a guf naki. Therefore, we wait until the child is almost the age that he is required min haTorah to wear tefillin, and only then do we train him how to wear tefillin.
At this point, let us address one of our opening questions.
This question needs to be dealt with as two different headings. The first topic is the prohibition of causing someone to violate a halachah. The second topic is understanding how the mitzvah of chinuch applies to the specific mitzvah of birkas kohanim. I will first discuss the topic of causing a minor kohen child to become tamei.
It is prohibited min haTorah to be the direct cause of a child violating a prohibition of the Torah (Yevamos 114a). For example, providing a child with non-kosher food or bringing a minor kohen into a house that contains tumas meis causes the child to violate what the Torah says. The Torah prohibits doing this, even when the child himself is too young to be responsible to fulfill the mitzvah and is not commanded to observe it. As a matter of fact, this law applies min hatorah even to a newborn (Magen Avraham 343:2). It also applies even when a child is, unfortunately, being raised in a non-observant way. Therefore, it is forbidden for someone who has a babysitting job to feed a Jewish child non-kosher food, or to serve non-kosher food to a Jewish child in a school cafeteria. Similarly, it is prohibited to dress a baby in a blanket or clothes made of shatnez (Shu"t Beis Yehudah, Yoreh Deah #45).
In the particular instance of causing a kohen to become tamei, there is an additional violation, specific to this mitzvah. The Rambam rules that it is forbidden for someone to make an adult kohen tamei and, at times, this may involve violating a prohibition min haTorah (Rambam, Hilchos Aveil 3:5). The Rambam rules: "If the kohen is unaware that what he did is forbidden, and the person who made him tamei knows that it is, then that person violates the lo saaseh. If the kohen knows that it is forbidden, then the other person violates only lifnei iveir lo sitein michshol, do not place a stumbling block before a blind person (Vayikra 19:14)." Chazal interpret this pasuk to mean that one may not give someone bad advice, nor cause him to violate a prohibition.
In a different article published in this column many years ago, I discussed at length the shaylos that exist concerning whether a kohen may visit a museum. (A copy of that article, entitled Finding a Compatible Place for an Extended Family Outing, is available on the website RabbiKaganoff.com.) Based on our current discussion, we are now aware that the same issues exist if I cause a kohen to enter a museum. Thus, taking a nephew who is a kohen on a family trip to a museum may involve the same halachic problem, and I should consult my rav or posek. Bringing our friend the kohen involves the same halachic issues, notwithstanding the fact that he, himself, has no concerns about the matter. As we saw above in the Rambam, it is actually a more serious problem for me when I know that the kohen is not concerned about the prohibition.
What if the child does it on his own?
The Gemara (Yevamos 113b-114a) relates that Rav Yitzchak bar Bisna lost the keys of the beis medrash in a reshus harabim, an area into and from which it is prohibited min haTorah to carry on Shabbos. Thus, there was no way to unlock the doors and use the beis medrash on Shabbos. Rabbi Pedas suggested that Rav Yitzchak bar Bisna bring some children to play in the area where the keys were lost, hoping that one of them might find the keys and bring them to the beis medrash. According to Rabbi Pedas, one is not obligated to prevent a child from violating a mitzvah of the Torah, provided that one does not ask or enable the child to do so. In other words, although it is prohibited to cause a child to violate a mitzvah, we have no obligation to prevent the child from violating a mitzvah, nor are we prohibited from placing a child in a place where he may choose to violate a mitzvah on his own.
The rishonim ask why the mitzvah of chinuch does not require preventing the child from violating Shabbos. Here I will present three widely-held approaches to answering this question.
One answer is that Rabbi Pedas' rule that we are not required to prevent children from choosing to violate prohibitions applies only when they are very young — meaning that the child is below the age of chinuch, when we are required to educate him about the mitzvah (Tosafos, Shabbos 121a, s.v. shema). Thus, Rav Yitzchak bar Bisna brought only fairly young children to play in the area where the keys were lost. It would be prohibited, according to this approach, to cause older children who understand that we do not carry on Shabbos to carry the keys in a reshus harabim. This approach is quoted by the Rema (Orach Chayim 343).
We are prohibited min haTorah from directly causing a child to violate a prohibition.
We are required miderabbanan to train a child to perform mitzvos.
There is no requirement at all to prevent a child from performing violations of the Torah that a child is doing on his own.
Is this approach not counterintuitive? In general, prohibitions are treated more strictly than positive mitzvos, and the punishments for violating them are usually more severe (Terumas Hadeshen #94). Why, in this instance, is the positive mitzvah being treated more stringently than the prohibition?
Some explain that the reason is because performance of a positive mitzvah usually requires more effort, and these mitzvos will be more difficult for him to observe when he becomes an adult. Therefore Chazal required the father to make certain that his child is habituated to perform mitzvos. They did not require chinuch on lo saaseh prohibitions, since they are passive (Terumas Hadeshen #94).
I promised that I would share with you three approaches to explain how Rabbi Pedas permitted placing children somewhere where they will likely end up performing melachah activity on Shabbos. Is there not a mitzvah of chinuch?
A third approach to answer this question understands that when Chazal introduced the mitzvah of chinuch, they obligated the father, but no one else, to train a child to perform mitzvos. Since other people have no obligation of training a child to perform mitzvos, they are permitted to place a child somewhere where he may, of his own volition, violate a prohibition (Tosafos Yeshanim, Yoma 82a; Rambam, Hilchos Maachalos Asuros 17:28). This last approach is the one followed by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 343:1), who writes: "If a child is eating non-kosher, beis din is not commanded to prevent him, but his father is commanded to rebuke him and prevent him." The Rema cites this opinion also.
Remember, as we taught above, that all opinions prohibit directing a child to violate a prohibition. What is permitted is placing him in a position where he will, of his own volition, violate a prohibited activity.
In conclusion, we are prohibited from causing a male child to become tamei from contact with a corpse. According to the conclusion of the Shulchan Aruch, you are not obligated to prevent a child from making himself tamei, unless the child in question is your son.
At this point, let us return to the question raised above: "I know that one must be very careful that a kohen, even an infant, does not become contaminated with the tumah of a meis. Yet I rarely see a child under bar mitzvah duchen. Is this consistent?" Now, that we have explained the background to the first part of the question, let us discuss the second part: Our questioner reports not seeing many minor kohanim perform the duchening.
The Mishnah (Megillah 24a) states that a child does not duchen, which Rashi explains is because it is not respectable for a congregation to have a child bless them. Our question is whether the Mishnah means that a child should never duchen, or does it mean that he should not duchen when he is unaccompanied by an adult kohen? The issue being debated is whether the lack of dignity for the tzibur is any time a child is blessing the congregation or only when he does so by himself.
This issue is the subject of a dispute among early rishonim. Rashi (Sukkah 42a) rules that a child should never duchen, whereas Tosafos contends that it is fine for a child to duchen, as long as he does so together with adult kohanim (Tosafos, Megillah 24a s.v. Ve'ein). According to the latter opinion, it would follow that there is a mitzvah to train a minor kohen to duchen, just as there is a mitzvah to train him to perform other mitzvos. However, according to Rashi, since Chazal ruled that it is not a kavod to have a child duchen, then, clearly, there is no mitzvah of chinuch to train him to duchen. There were many places in Europe where the custom was to follow Rashi in this law. This is why our questioner has rarely seen a minor duchen. However, this is by far not a universally held practice. I have been in many places where I have seen kohanim who are under bar mitzvah duchen alongside adult kohanim.
We now know that there are specific halachic rules directing us how to educate and train children in the observance of mitzvos, and also about our interactions that might cause an adult to violate a prohibition of the Torah. It is interesting to note that the only verse in the Torah that uses the word chinuch in relation to people is in parshas Lech Lecha, and there the verse refers to training and teaching adults to perform mitzvos. There the Torah teaches about Avraham that, in order to save his nephew Lot, vayarek es chanichav, literally, he emptied out those whom he had trained. As Rav Hirsch points out, the situation of saving Lot required Avraham to change direction from what he had been doing heretofore to develop his following to serve Hashem. Prior to this point, Avraham had taken his following, his disciples, and moved them away from civilization, into the mountains, so that they would not be influenced by the nearby social environment of Canaan, which was antithetical to proper values. Avraham's previous chinuch had involved isolationism to grow the spirituality of his students. At this moment, serving Hashem required Avraham to expose his following to improper mores, albeit only temporarily, for the sake of saving Lot.
Next Next post: Is Your Kesubah Kosher?


Instead of sharing her everyday diet and exercise regimen to getting back to pre-baby body, actress Zoe Saldana revealed how sorry she feels for mothers who desperately wish to quickly recover their former physique after giving birth.
"I've witnessed, throughout my years in this business, women who hide in a cave and don't come out until they're a size zero, and that is a very misleading message," Saldana said.
Saldana believed that women are pressured and getting mislead by women who regained their figures fast, giving them the message that they should do the same. "We're too busy thinking about our appearances and not really thinking about our mental health first as well," Saldana said. Saldana encouraged moms like her to take things easy and let their body go back to its normal figure and enjoy motherhood instead. "I feel bad for those women that get super desperate and want to bounce back three months after having a baby. Breastfeed. Stay home. Sleep. Your kid is only three months old! Like what are you going to the gym for? Catch up on f***ing reruns of some sort!" Saldana added. After giving birth to her twins, Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, last January 2015, Saldana lost weight but confessed "everything" still hurts and "feels uncomfortable".
But even though Saldana has already gone back to work, she's still taking a more relaxed approach to getting her body back.
According to Saldana, the painful process she went through and the post-pregnancy were all worth it.


text:
Princewill Omorogiuwa- Nigerian Entrepreneur, Creating a pan-African Education Solution.
Credit: www.simon-page.com
Credit: ke.linkedin.com
Princewill Omorogiuwa is the founder of Simon Page College of Marketing, a top-notch marketing training school, with branches in Ghana, Nairobi and Nigeria. Simon Page provides professional qualifications and postgraduate courses in marketing accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world's largest organisation for professional marketers.
Omorogiuwa worked previously in London training marketing professionals. While in the UK, Omorogiuwa was able to train about 3,000 students from 100 nationalities, most of whom eventually became high flyers in their different careers.
In Africa, he noticed that it's an entirely different ball game; many students studying for the qualification were performing poorly in their exams. As a result they often have to re-sit the exams which amounted to paying additional costs, while others gave up all together believing the exams were meant only for an exceptional class of students, hence missing out on the benefits of being a chartered marketer.
Burdened, Omoroguiwa considered the possibility of offering quality training back home, even though he knew what huge sacrifice would follow.
"By the time I left England I was being paid the equivalent of US$156 an hour. So I gave up a well-paid job because I knew I could scale this in Africa and build an education brand across many countries." He tells How we Made it in Africa.
He launched his first school in Ghana because he felt it was cost-effective and an easier market to operate when compared to his own country, Nigeria. And in two years, the college opened a campus in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos.
The young entrepreneur understands that these days, university degrees are just no longer enough and there remains a high demand for globally recognised professional qualifications among graduates in Africa. Most of them desire to stand out and be recognized in a highly competitive job market.
"Over the last two decades so many people in Africa have earned degrees, but often the quality is questionable. So people want to compete, they want to have that extra edge. They want a critical professional qualification that employers won't doubt, [and] they want to apply themselves better in their current work."
Like every other young entrepreneur, Omoroguiwa had his initial fears and challenges, but he chose not to dwell on them, instead he braced himself and took the risks he knew he needed to take.
Despite challenges, he continues to dream big and fly even higher. Currently, he has plans to open centers in Zambia, Botswana and Mauritius.
Credit: www.brandcrunch.com.ng
One thing is key in his pursuit for success…
"My utmost responsibility is growth, because through growth we can retain our top talent and also attract good calibre people to join us."
Princewill Omorogiuwa
First Caine Prize Winner Leila Aboulela & a Few Lessons We Can Learn From This Author
Are You Wasting Time, Killing Time, Using Time or Mastering Time?


text:
using System;
using System.Diagnostics;
using System.Drawing;

namespace PasswordTextBoxControl.Facades
{
    /// <summary>
    /// An abstraction of <see cref="System.Drawing.SolidBrush"/>.
    /// </summary>
    /// <remarks>Exists in order to make test assertions on usage of
    /// <see cref="System.Drawing.SolidBrush"/>.</remarks>
    public sealed class SolidBrush : ISolidBrush
    {
        private readonly System.Drawing.SolidBrush native;

        /// <summary>
        /// Instantiates a new <see cref="SolidBrush"/> with the specified
        /// <paramref name="color"/>.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="color">The desired value of
        /// <see cref="Color"/>.</param>
        public SolidBrush(Color color)
        {
            native = new System.Drawing.SolidBrush(color);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Finalizes the <see cref="SolidBrush"/>.
        /// </summary>
        ~SolidBrush()
        {
            Dispose(false);
            Debug.Fail($"{GetType().FullName} was not disposed!");
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// The <see cref="System.Drawing.Color"/> of the
        /// <see cref="SolidBrush"/>.
        /// </summary>
        public Color Color => native.Color;

        /// <summary>
        /// The <see cref="System.Drawing.SolidBrush"/> of which the
        /// <see cref="SolidBrush"/> is an abstraction.
        /// </summary>
        System.Drawing.SolidBrush ISolidBrush.Native => native;

        /// <summary>
        /// Disposes resources acquired by the <see cref="SolidBrush"/>.
        /// </summary>
        public void Dispose()
        {
            Dispose(true);
            GC.SuppressFinalize(this);
        }

        private void Dispose(bool disposing)
        {
            if (disposing)
            {
                native.Dispose();
            }
        }
    }
}


text:
whats-on, Lone Dove, Bec Parsons, photography review, Nishi Gallery, Lauren Devaney, Colorado, horses
Bec Parsons: Lone Dove. Nishi Gallery. Until December 21. Although she has 12,500 Instagram followers, I was not familiar with Australian photographer Bec Parsons prior to visiting this exhibition and researching her background on the internet. Parsons grew up in Burradoo in the NSW Southern Highlands and, like me, has loved taking photos since childhood. She is an accomplished fashion photographer, a favourite of the Australian fashion industry, her images having graced the covers and pages of most major fashion publications. Asked to describe her photography style, Parsons says, "I like to reduce things to their most basic and timeless elements". In an essay written for the exhibition catalogue, we read she "has built an international career around her sensitive negotiations of the ever-elusive space between photographer and muse. Her timeless, minimal aesthetic is highly regarded, and has seen her at the forefront of the resurgence of analogue photography in fashion. The photographer's output is considered to radiate with a rare collaborative dynamic." So, what is this exhibition about? Parsons joined young model and champion equestrienne Lauren Devaney, and her family, at the Music Meadows ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado. She was there with them twice - in summer and in winter - seeing Devaney in the context of both fast-paced rodeo competition and lonely ranch work amidst the dramatic landscape. The series pictures Devaney, her wider family, their horses and the uniquely American landscapes their lives occupy. This is the exhibition associated with Parsons' latest book, Lone Dove, which is available at the gallery. It switches between documentary and personal images, simultaneously offering both an intimate and a broad scope reading of what is, for most of us, a group of unusual lives. The exhibition seeks to challenge what it means to be a young woman, a model, a horsewoman, a sister and a daughter. Having never been any of those things, I needed to think hard about the story I was examining. The fact that none of the works are titled means nothing is added to the visual images we are viewing beyond what each of us see in them ourselves. I have limited experience of riding horses, as a child in several parts of rural Australia, and certainly not in rodeos or on a Colorado ranch. In fact, I've not seen the Colorado landscape other than in photographs. The closest I've been is to Nevada and Arizona, where the landscapes can also be dramatic. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the joy and challenges that accompany riding and have no doubt that exploring the great outdoors with your camera on horseback would be exhilarating. These images are diverse. They reveal aspects of the sweeping landscape and minor elements of the ranch. They show us something of Devaney doing a variety of things - on horseback with and without a saddle and lying nonchalantly in the grass. They show us a young man holding a rabbit before a magnificent landscape with snow-capped mountains and, in another shot, cradling a dog inside his jacket. We also see snow on the backs of horses standing under trees. One great joy for me is that the images are analogue, shot on film and exhibited as C-type (chromogenic or silver halide) prints. Most of us today shoot our images digitally and make inkjet prints of them - or no prints at all! So, when analogue work is exhibited that, in itself, is a reason to go and take a look. The 57 prints in the exhibition range in size from A5 to A0. The largest ones are very powerful; the smallest have an intimacy that draws the viewer in to look.
https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78bph913vqw18j1dk52r.jpg/r0_116_1772_1117_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg
December 11 2019 - 4:00AM
Bec Parsons' Lone Dove at Nishi Gallery documents life on a Colorado ranch
Brian Rope
Bec Parsons: Lone Dove. Nishi Gallery. Until December 21.
Although she has 12,500 Instagram followers, I was not familiar with Australian photographer Bec Parsons prior to visiting this exhibition and researching her background on the internet.
Bec Parsons, Untitled, in Lone Dove. Picture: Supplied
Parsons grew up in Burradoo in the NSW Southern Highlands and, like me, has loved taking photos since childhood. She is an accomplished fashion photographer, a favourite of the Australian fashion industry, her images having graced the covers and pages of most major fashion publications.
Asked to describe her photography style, Parsons says, "I like to reduce things to their most basic and timeless elements".
In an essay written for the exhibition catalogue, we read she "has built an international career around her sensitive negotiations of the ever-elusive space between photographer and muse.
Her timeless, minimal aesthetic is highly regarded, and has seen her at the forefront of the resurgence of analogue photography in fashion. The photographer's output is considered to radiate with a rare collaborative dynamic."
So, what is this exhibition about? Parsons joined young model and champion equestrienne Lauren Devaney, and her family, at the Music Meadows ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado.
She was there with them twice - in summer and in winter - seeing Devaney in the context of both fast-paced rodeo competition and lonely ranch work amidst the dramatic landscape.
The series pictures Devaney, her wider family, their horses and the uniquely American landscapes their lives occupy.
This is the exhibition associated with Parsons' latest book, Lone Dove, which is available at the gallery.
It switches between documentary and personal images, simultaneously offering both an intimate and a broad scope reading of what is, for most of us, a group of unusual lives.
The exhibition seeks to challenge what it means to be a young woman, a model, a horsewoman, a sister and a daughter.
Having never been any of those things, I needed to think hard about the story I was examining.
The fact that none of the works are titled means nothing is added to the visual images we are viewing beyond what each of us see in them ourselves.
I have limited experience of riding horses, as a child in several parts of rural Australia, and certainly not in rodeos or on a Colorado ranch. In fact, I've not seen the Colorado landscape other than in photographs.
The closest I've been is to Nevada and Arizona, where the landscapes can also be dramatic.
Nevertheless, I can appreciate the joy and challenges that accompany riding and have no doubt that exploring the great outdoors with your camera on horseback would be exhilarating.
These images are diverse. They reveal aspects of the sweeping landscape and minor elements of the ranch. They show us something of Devaney doing a variety of things - on horseback with and without a saddle and lying nonchalantly in the grass.
They show us a young man holding a rabbit before a magnificent landscape with snow-capped mountains and, in another shot, cradling a dog inside his jacket. We also see snow on the backs of horses standing under trees.
One great joy for me is that the images are analogue, shot on film and exhibited as C-type (chromogenic or silver halide) prints.
Most of us today shoot our images digitally and make inkjet prints of them - or no prints at all! So, when analogue work is exhibited that, in itself, is a reason to go and take a look.
The 57 prints in the exhibition range in size from A5 to A0. The largest ones are very powerful; the smallest have an intimacy that draws the viewer in to look.


text:
Reorganizing Government: Advice to the President from Renowned Transformation Agent James R. Locher III
WASHINGTON, DC – In last night's State of the Union address, President Obama put forth a powerful vision for the nation. Included in that vision was the important goal "to merge, consolidate and reorganize the federal government in a way that best serves the goal of a more competitive America." To successfully achieve this task we must transform our inefficient and ineffective national security system, the largest component of our broken government. Renowned government transformation agent and President and CEO of the Project on National Security Reform (PNSR), James R. Locher III, provides commentary on this issue here:
Like many Americans, I tuned in to watch the State of the Union Address last night. And beforehand, like most, I had several thoughts and anticipations on topics President Obama would choose to address. As the president and CEO of the Project on National Security Reform, I was pleased to see so many corresponding themes between the President's vision for America and ways in which PNSR can help to advance America toward that vision.
The President was absolutely right, "the world has changed," and we must change with it. On many levels, this has already occurred. Individuals all over the nation have adapted to the changing pace and order of the current times. However, to make this change on a larger scale – the scale of government – will require much more effort and coordination…and undoubtedly, government transformation.
At PNSR, we often describe transformation with words like "innovation" and "reinvention". Last night, the President chose these words as well.
He eloquently laid out the task ahead, and challenged us all with comments like:
"The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can't just stand still," and
"That's what Americans have done for over 200 years: reinvented ourselves."
In my opinion, the single most telling excerpt from the State of the Union Address, was the following:
"We shouldn't just give our people a government that's more affordable. We should give them a government that's more competent and more efficient. We can't win the future with a government of the past."
Our Declaration of Independence states, "governments are instituted among men to ensure these rights" (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). How can we ensure these basic principles with such an outdated government structure, the largest component of which is our national security system? From domestic natural disasters to foreign policy, from the economy to education, and from terrorism to national infrastructure, these are all parts of our national security. Government transformation starts with transformation of our national security system.
I believe the way ahead is straightforward. We need effective strategic management, prioritized investment, a unifying culture, adaptive structures, and comprehensive accountability and oversight. An improved national security system would equip our nation and government to manage and overcome the complex and interconnected security challenges of the 21st century.
The president has provided a more detailed vision for transforming the national security system in the National Security Strategy with twelve organizational goals paralleling PNSR's recommendations. PNSR has developed the specific steps that are necessary. What is needed now is the political will to make these imperative changes. It must be a bipartisan campaign with both branches having important roles. The president will need put action behind last night's words. PNSR and others are ready to help with bold intellectual, political, and implementation ideas. We can't win the future without transforming the national security system.
← Former Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, Convinced of the Need for National Security Transformation, Rejoins PNSR
Book launch: Two Wheels and Two Questions: A Journey through America in Search of Personal and National Identity, by PNSR Senior Associate Christopher Holshek →


text:
Canadian-Egyptian novelist Omar al-Akkad wins Giller Prize, one of the biggest in Canadian literature
After 23 years of living in Canada after leaving his home country of Egypt at the age of sixteen years…
Hindawi Foundation obtains e-publishing rights for Naguib Mahfouz's body of work in 2022
The Hindawi Foundation announced the details of its contract with the family of late international writer Naguib Mahfouz, to publish…
Sherif el Hotabiy sends first novel 'The Merchant' to Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace received a message for Queen Elizabeth II all the way from Egypt, but this time it had nothing…
Cairo International Book Fair received 1.7 million people
The 52nd session of the Cairo International Book Fair, which concluded on Thursday, received 1.7 million visitors. Sectors of the…
Cairo Book Fair receives 123,000 visitors on its 10th day after capacity restrictions loosen
The tenth day of the 52nd session of Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) witnessed 123,000 visitors in and around its…
Sherif El Hotabiy to release first novel 'The Merchant' at Cairo International Book Fair
Egypt's Sherif El Hotabiy will officially release the English language version first novel, titled "The Merchant", at the 52nd Cairo…
Spain participates in 52nd Cairo International Book Fair
The embassy of Spain announced on Wednesday the country's participation in the 52nd edition of the Cairo International Book Fair,…
Cairo International Book Fair kicks off June 30 to July 15
The Cairo International Book Fair will start its 52nd session on June 30 and will continue until July 15, after…
Egyptian judge and author recounts the history of the Human Fraternity Document in new book
"The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path – A Testimony to the Birth of Human Fraternity" was recently…
Diwan Bookstore recommends the best 10 books to read
Diwan Bookstore, Egypt's leading book seller, has recommended ten of the best-selling, best-reviewed books from around the world for readers…


OREGON® Cordless Tool System Whether you're a commercial landscaper or a hardworking homeowner who simply demands the best, the OREGON® 40V MAX* Cordless Tools, based on the premium OREGON® Lithium Ion battery platform, are ALWAYS READY with the power you need to get the job done. No matter which tool you're using, just pull the trigger and you have instant start with constant no-fade power and long run time. Cleaner, quieter and free from the hassles of gasoline or corded power, OREGON® Cordless Tools are engineered to work the way you want when you want.