text:
package ca.exprofesso.guava.jcache;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.InputStream;
import java.net.URI;
import java.net.URISyntaxException;
import java.net.URL;
import java.util.Iterator;
import java.util.Map;
import java.util.Objects;
import java.util.Properties;
import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentHashMap;
import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentMap;

import javax.cache.CacheException;
import javax.cache.CacheManager;
import javax.cache.configuration.OptionalFeature;

public final class GuavaCachingProvider
    implements javax.cache.spi.CachingProvider
{
    private static final URI defaultUri;
    private static final Properties defaultProperties;

    static
    {
        URI uri = null;
        Properties properties = new Properties();

        try
        {
            URL url = GuavaCachingProvider.class.getResource("/cachebuilderspec.properties");

            if (url != null)
            {
                uri = url.toURI();

                try (InputStream is = url.openStream())
                {
                    properties.load(is);
                }
                catch (IOException e)
                {
                    throw new CacheException(e);
                }
            }
        }
        catch (URISyntaxException e)
        {
            throw new CacheException(e);
        }

        defaultUri = uri;
        defaultProperties = properties;
    }

    private final ConcurrentMap<Pair<URI, ClassLoader>, CacheManager> cacheManagers = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();

    public GuavaCachingProvider()
    {
    }

    @Override
    public CacheManager getCacheManager(URI uri, ClassLoader classLoader, Properties properties)
    {
        URI _uri = (uri != null) ? uri : getDefaultURI();
        ClassLoader _classLoader = (classLoader != null) ? classLoader : getDefaultClassLoader();
        Properties _properties = (properties != null) ? properties : new Properties();

        CacheManager newCacheManager = new GuavaCacheManager(_uri, _classLoader, _properties, this);

        CacheManager oldCacheManager = cacheManagers.putIfAbsent(new Pair<>(_uri, _classLoader), newCacheManager);

        if (oldCacheManager != null)
        {
            return oldCacheManager;
        }

        return newCacheManager;
    }

    @Override
    public ClassLoader getDefaultClassLoader()
    {
        return getClass().getClassLoader();
    }

    @Override
    public URI getDefaultURI()
    {
        return defaultUri;
    }

    @Override
    public Properties getDefaultProperties()
    {
        return defaultProperties;
    }

    @Override
    public CacheManager getCacheManager(URI uri, ClassLoader classLoader)
    {
        return getCacheManager(uri, classLoader, null);
    }

    @Override
    public CacheManager getCacheManager()
    {
        return getCacheManager(getDefaultURI(), getDefaultClassLoader(), getDefaultProperties());
    }

    @Override
    public void close()
    {
        Iterator<Map.Entry<Pair<URI, ClassLoader>, CacheManager>> i = cacheManagers.entrySet().iterator();

        while (i.hasNext())
        {
            Map.Entry<Pair<URI, ClassLoader>, CacheManager> entry = i.next();

            CacheManager cm = entry.getValue();

            if (cm != null && !cm.isClosed())
            {
                cm.close();
            }

            i.remove();
        }
    }

    @Override
    public void close(ClassLoader classLoader)
    {
        close(getDefaultURI(), classLoader);
    }

    @Override
    public void close(URI uri, ClassLoader classLoader)
    {
        CacheManager cm = cacheManagers.remove(new Pair<>(uri, classLoader));

        if (cm != null && !cm.isClosed())
        {
            cm.close();
        }
    }

    @Override
    public boolean isSupported(OptionalFeature optionalFeature)
    {
        return optionalFeature.equals(OptionalFeature.STORE_BY_REFERENCE);
    }

    protected void close(CacheManager cacheManager)
    {
        cacheManagers.remove(new Pair<>(cacheManager.getURI(), cacheManager.getClassLoader()));
    }

    private static class Pair<L, R>
    {
        private final L left;
        private final R right;

        public Pair(L left, R right)
        {
            this.left = left;
            this.right = right;
        }

        public L getLeft()
        {
            return left;
        }

        public R getRight()
        {
            return right;
        }

        @Override
        public int hashCode()
        {
            int hash = 3;

            hash = 61 * hash + Objects.hashCode(this.left);
            hash = 61 * hash + Objects.hashCode(this.right);

            return hash;
        }

        @Override
        public boolean equals(Object obj)
        {
            if (this == obj)
            {
                return true;
            }

            if (obj == null)
            {
                return false;
            }

            if (getClass() != obj.getClass())
            {
                return false;
            }

            final Pair<?, ?> other = (Pair<?, ?>) obj;

            if (!Objects.equals(this.left, other.left))
            {
                return false;
            }

            if (!Objects.equals(this.right, other.right))
            {
                return false;
            }

            return true;
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


You cannot detect with with Session.SynchronizeDirectories.
Thanks Martin for reply...and no, it's not only one file.
But I figured out a solution by using [FileTransferred] event, and check [CreationTime] property of the file transferred.
It seems that it will to the trick.


text:
Paddy Mulholland
Bombshell drops at 2019 SAG award nominations
Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie in Bombshell
The Screen Actors Guild has announced its 2019 award nominations, with the usual smattering of surprises. Totally absent, unfortunately, are female-directed and female-driven fare The Farewell and Little Women, and there are notable misses in Best Actor for several contenders such as Robert de Niro, Eddie Murphy, Jonathan Pryce and more!
Bombshell lands individual nods for all three of its leads plus an Ensemble mention - not necessarily obligatory for a triple-nominee in individual categories, as Marriage Story misses there, as does critics' ensemble fave Knives Out. On the bright side, however, Parasite pulls off an Ensemble nomination in surely one of the biggest SAG surprises they've thrown us in a long time. And with three nods each, Scarlett Johansson, Al Pacino and Margot Robbie are all the joint most-nominated actors of the year.
The 26th annual SAG Awards will take place on 19th of January in a live telecast ceremony.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Cynthia Erivo (Harriet)
Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story)
Lupita Nyong'o (Us)
Charlize Theron (Bombshell)
Renee Zellweger (Judy)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Christian Bale (Ford v. Ferrari)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood)
Adam Driver (Marriage Story)
Taron Egerton (Rocketman)
Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Laura Dern (Marriage Story)
Scarlett Johansson (Jojo Rabbit)
Nicole Kidman (Bombshell)
Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers)
Margot Robbie (Bombshell)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Jamie Foxx (Just Mercy)
Tom Hanks (A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood)
Al Pacino (The Irishman)
Joe Pesci (The Irishman)
Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast
Alfie Allen, Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Stephen Merchant, Sam Rockwell, Taika Waititi and Rebel Wilson (Jojo Rabbit)
Connie Britton, Allison Janney, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, Malcolm McDowell, Kate McKinnon, Margot Robbie and Charlize Theron (Bombshell)
Austin Butler, Julia Butters, Bruce Dern, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dakota Fanning, Emile Hirsch, Damian Lewis, Mike Moh, Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Luke Perry, Brad Pitt, Margaret Qualley and Margot Robbie (Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood)
Bobby Cannavale, Robert de Niro, Stephen Graham, Harvey Keitel, Al Pacino, Anna Paquin, Joe Pesci and Ray Romano (The Irishman)
Chang Hyae Jin, Cho Yeo Jeong, Choi Woo Shik, Jung Hyeon Jun, Jung Zi So, Lee Jung Eun, Lee Sun Kyun, Park Myung Hoon, Park So Dam and Song Kang Ho (Parasite)
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
Image credit: MovieStillsDB
Nominations announced for 2020 San Francisco critics awards
Nomadland wins 5 North Dakota Film Society awards
The Trial of the Chicago 7 wins Hawaii Film Critics Society Best Picture prize
screenonscreen@outlook.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


With graduation right around the corner, it's important for young grads to prepare for the "real world." Share these tips with those new grads close to you to help them graduate with confidence!
1. Cut the Expense Fat: Tell grads to take an honest look at their expenses, and they are likely to find several areas where they can shave off a few dollars and still live to tell about it. A few unnecessary extras here and there can add up, leaving them unable to accept lower-paying job opportunities with greater long-term potential than a position that pays more now.
2. Monitor Your ePersonality: Tell new grads to Google their name and see what comes up, and to review their profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Try to remove any inappropriate or workplace-unfriendly content. Tell them to be honest. If they know there is unflattering content posted about them online and they've tried to remove it without success, tell them to be upfront with recruiters or interviewers. Ensure that the interviewers know the information is not a true reflection of who they are and how they would perform as an employee.
3. Help Out Whenever Possible: Successful people are those who work hard, and go above and beyond whenever possible. No one ever got promoted or built a successful career by doing the bare minimum.
4. Become Financially Stable with Telhio: Telhio Credit Union offers an array of services for its members that would be helpful and beneficial to new grads!
- CREDIT CARDS: We have a full line of credit cards available for young adult and college students with free online account access and no annual fees that can help build or improve their credit rating.
- CAR LOANS: If your new grad is thinking of purchasing a new or used car, Telhio offers auto loans with flexible terms that will get them more for their money! Our auto loan rates are locked for 30 days after date of loan application and members can receive special pricing at any of our Preferred Partner Auto Dealers.
- PERSONAL LOANS: As a new grad, young adults may need to make purchases that seem financially out of reach for them. Telhio offers two types of personal loans to finance a variety of large purchases such as computers, appliances or furniture. For more information they can visit our website. For a limited time, Telhio is also offering a "Loan Ladder" promotion that provides rate discounts on multiple loans (see sidebar for details).
Thanks to CareerRookie.com for supplying some of these helpful tips!


text:
4.4 Time and Frequency
Questions about time
What are the present fields of research of the working groups?
4.01 Metrology for Functional Nanosystems
4.1 Photometry and Spectroradiometry
4.2 Imaging and Wave Optics
4.3 Quantum Optics and Unit of Length
4.41 Unit of Time
4.42 Dissemination of Time
4.43 Optical Clocks with Trapped Ions
4.44 Laser Nuclear Spectroscopy
4.5 Applied Radiometry
A new type of atomic clocks has been intensively investigated for more than 30 years – optical clocks. They also rely on an atomic transition as a reference, however, not in the microwave range, but in the optical spectral range. The oscillator used in these clocks is – correspondingly – a frequency-stabilized laser. By increasing the clock frequency by five orders of magnitude (from approx. 1010 Hz in a caesium clock to approx. 1015 Hz in an optical clock), considerable frequency stability and accuracy gains have been demonstrated. The short-term stability is improved due to the considerably higher number of oscillations per time unit. Enhanced accuracy is obtained because some of the disturbing external influences on the atom cause a characteristic shift of fixed magnitude which has, however, less influence at the higher frequency of the optical clock than for a clock operating in the microwave range. On short time scales, optical clocks are now more stable and accurate by about a factor of 100 than caesium fountain clocks. Based on a single trapped Ytterbium (171Yb+) ion, one of our groups has developed such an optical frequency standard which today is among the most accurate in the world.
Gamma spectroscopy has shown that the nucleus of Thorium (229Th) possesses an isomeric state at the unusually low excitation energy of 7.8 ± 0.5 eV. Light of the corresponding transition wavelength in the range of 160 nm can be produced by frequency upconversion of tunable lasers so that laser spectroscopy methods can be applied to a nuclear system for the first time. In one of our groups, high-resolution laser spectroscopy of the nuclear transition of 229Th using ions stored in a trap is thus pursued with a two-fold motivation: searches for "new physics" beyond the standard model and – not unexpected – even a new kind of ultra-precise atomic clock could be developed.
PD Dr. Ekkehard Peik
ekkehard.peik(at)ptb.de
Birgit Römer
birgit.roemer(at)ptb.de


I self published Upside Down Town which is a book about a small town where everyone walks on their hands. Everyone is perplexed about why they are so dizzy. A broke yogi moves to town only to shake things up with one pose that changes everything.


Is Teasing Or Backcombing Bad For My Hair?
Teasing or backcombing is most definitely harmful to hair. When a an undamaged) hair fibre is viewed under the high magnification of certain microscopes, you can see that the cuticle cells all point downwards. These cells are like hair's armor, protecting its core. Teasing or backcombing goes against the direction of the cuticle cells, so the action can create damaged hair or completely strip cuticle cells from the hair fibre . Rather than creating lift and volume through this damaging practice, hairstyling products can be a much less damaging alternative to backcombing.


In today�s environment, your company�s success depends on your ability to adapt to changes in the marketplace. Making and managing decisions in a timely manner can be the critical difference between your company�s success or failure.
From strategic planning to delivery-to-market, the Davis Management Group can provide the guidance required to grow your business, the right way.
Since 1989, the Davis Management Group has been helping clients crack the tough challenges; launching new products; establishing and managing sales channels; finding new markets for old products; even, on occasion, designing new products. At the center is the ability to understand our client�s products and markets, and to create one-of-a-kind business, sales and marketing strategies that increase sales and boost profits.
Copyright � 2001 Davis Management Group. All rights reserved.


text:
Benvenuto Cellini in the Guardian's top 10 concerts of the year
We're thrilled to have our production of Berlioz's Benvenuto Cellini at the BBC Proms feature in the Guardian's top 10 classical music events of 2019.
Bach weekend at the Barbican
A memorable weekend of Cantatas in London for Barbican's Bach weekend
Mozartwoche 2018 Reviews
John Eliot Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists performed at this year's Mozartwoche in Salzburg.
Berlin Musikfest 2017 - Monteverdi 450 Trilogy reviews
The English baroque soloists, whose ritornellos moulded themselves to the mood and intensity of the respective atmospheres… formed the most finely tuned patterns for this theatre.
Edinburgh International Festival, Usher Hall - Reviews
Yet another extraordinary evening of opera in the Usher Hall [...] Gardiner and his superb international cast then deliver the goods, with consummate style.
Prom 31: La Damnation de Faust - Reviews
'John Eliot Gardiner['s] Berlioz performances [...] have become Proms highlights, and this thrilling night was no exception.' - The Times, by Neil Fisher
Prom 25 (Late night): Bach & Schütz - Reviews
'There is no beating this team on top form.' - The Financial Times. Richard Fairman
Reveiws of L'Orfeo at Colston Hall
'Monteverdi's genius shone through at every turn in this vibrant, heartfelt performance...' - The Times, Rebecca Franks
More great reviews - L'incoronazione di Poppea at Colston Hall
'A crowning glory, you might say, to Gardiner's half-century association with Monteverdi' - The Times, Richard Morrison
Sensational 5-star reviews for 'Il ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria' at Colston Hall
'It already looks as if it will be the unmissable event of this Monteverdi year' - The Times, Rebecca Franks
Latest Reviews - Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria, Aix-en-Provence


text:
La Martiniere Principal Sunirmal Chakraborty charged with abetment to suicide: Rouvanjit Rawla case
Kolkata, Jan 31 (Calcutta Tube / IBNS) A Kolkata court on Monday said La Martiniere for Boys' principal Sunirmal Chakraborty, and three other teachers will be charged with abetment to suicide in the case of 13-year-old Rouvanjit Rawla.
On Friday, the sessions court concluded hearing of the petition filed by the principal.
"Facts speak for themselves. While we have been focusing on corporal punishment, this isn't the only case. I don't know if the new laws will strengthen the case, but they should help the children," Rawla's father Ajay told CNN-IBN news channel.
Earlier, on Nov 19, the court said Chakraborty will be accused of abetment to suicide.
In a significant step by the court, it decided that Chakraborty, who canned Rouvanjit which finally led to the boy killing himself, should be charged with abetment to suicide, media reports said.
The principal and three other teachers of La Martiniere for Boys were arrested on October three last year for the suicide of eighth-standard student Rouvanjit.
Complaints were filed against the teachers by the boy's father, Ajay Rawla.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has held the school responsible for the suicide of its student Rouvanjit Rawla and stated that the environment in the school was 'not suitable' for children.
Rouvanjit had hanged himself on February 12 this year and his parents have alleged that their son was driven to the extreme step after being repeatedly subjected to humiliation at the hands of the teachers at school.
The school's principal had confessed before Kolkata bishop Ashok Biswas – who heads the Church of North India that runs the school – of canning the child, earlier reports said.
He initially defended his action but under pressure from media and other organizations, he apologized for his action.
Tags: Crime, Kolkata
'Dabangg' sweeps Mirchi Music Awards
Preity Zinta celebrates 36th birthday


Compared to some of those Nioh and Dark Souls bosses, The Surge's first giant robot boss, PAX, is practically a defenseless kitty cat -- but for those not expecting the sudden ramp up in difficulty, it can be a frustrating experience resulting in a whole lot of returns to the med bay.
After battling tiny drones and whacko humans in combat rigs for the first portion of the game, PAX is a totally different kind of boss battle that will force you to rethink your normal tactics. Below we cover the simplest attack pattern for beating PAX and earning a nifty new weapon and achievement.
Before entering the junkyard arena where you fight PAX, you may want to equip a fast weapon -- or spend some upgrades on speed with your primary weapon -- as you can't get too many hits in before having to dodge away. It's still perfectly possible to take down PAX using a slower, more damaging weapon -- it can just be more challenging on the first few tries.
Once the battle has commenced, it's a much better idea to stay behind the giant mech than to fight from the front, as its easier to dodge most attacks from that vantage point.
He normally won't be able to hit you with those swords at all if you are positioned directly underneath or slightly behind him. If you have trouble getting behind this boss, run up to his front and dodge forward through his legs, rather than trying to run in a circle around him (which just gives him time to re-position or hit you with a sword strike or front kick).
While underneath or behind this nasty boss, the primary attack you have to watch out for has an obvious precursor. PAX raises either foot for a half second before dropping it down for a high powered stomp that sends you flying backward.
As long as you're paying attention to your stamina meter, it's easy to dodge backward out of the way of this basic attack. Later on in the battle, he'll do three stomps in a row that alternate between legs.
The front-facing kick, on the other hand, comes much quicker and is harder to avoid, requiring fast reflexes on a left- or right-side dodge. Be on the lookout for combination attacks that can take you out quickly, like getting knocked back by the leg stomp and then hit twice with sword strikes.
Now that you know what to avoid, it's time to start wailing on this boss' legs. Get two or three strikes in, then dodge out of the way of whatever attack is coming. You'll notice his health doesn't go down, but his energy meter does go up.
After a set amount of damage is inflicted (watch the orange bar on the bottom) PAX will mention "maximum subjugation" or "reboot initialized," launching into the air to fire a missile at you.
Here you want to run underneath him as fast as possible so he hits himself with the explosion, dropping to the ground on fire. This is your real chance to strike.
While in this state, you can get in some free swings on his unarmored front head portion, which is normally out of reach while PAX is standing up.
The missile is a surefire way to get this state. But if you get enough damage in on the legs through your normal weapon, you'll get an "overload mending in process" message and can run in to damage the head of this boss without having to use the missile process.
Repeat the process of striking quickly, dodging attacks, and using the missile to drop him until he finally goes down, netting you the PAX Imperator weapon and unlocking the PAX achievement.
First Boss Down -- Congratulations!
And that's all there is to beating the first boss in The Surge! Rejoice while you can because there are plenty of nastier bosses out there -- and you'll encounter them soon enough.
Let us know if you have any other strategies for taking down PAX in The Surge. If you're looking for more tips and strategies on The Surge, make sure to check out our guides here!


The Cavalry is a grassroots organization that is focused on issues where computer security intersect public safety and human life.
The areas of focus for The Cavalry are medical devices, automobiles, home electronics and public infrastructure.
To selectively improve visibility and awareness of these issues while preserving trust.
To inform decision-makers in public policy, manufacturing, oversight and customer organizations so they take smart risks.
To collaborate among all stakeholders, deal with concerns and find a common way forward where everyone wins.
To catalyze, amplify and demonstrate public good done by security research of consequence.
To promote systems thinking that examines interdependencies and externalities, not just pieces of the whole.
An overview of the way we see the world can be found in Josh Corman's TEDx Naperville talk: Swimming with Sharks.
In August, 2013 The Cavalry movement launched, calling on the participants at DEFCON and BSides Las Vegas to embody the leadership the security industry needs to provide. The community embraced the idea. Our discussion list has been very active and we have had a place at several of the premiere security conferences, such as Derbycon, Shmoocon, OWASP AppSec USA, BSides SF and RSA. Representatives from target stakeholders have come forward – publicly and privately – to support and help further the cause. The Cavalry has come at a time when its message is being well received. The movement started with a few and has grown to a few thousand who have heard the message and want to help.
The Cavalry is nothing without the contributions of those passionate about the cause. Our discussion list has hundreds of people who shape the direction and look of the group. The presentation audiences have provided valuable feedback to shape messaging and support to drive us forward. We are nothing without these people and they have our gratitude.
Many others are working with us in the background quietly and may be ready to publicly announce partnerships in the future.


text:
群馬大学(Gunma University) >
35 医学部 >
3503 群馬大学医療技術短期大学部 >
350301 群馬大学医療技術短期大学部紀要 >
第02巻 (1981) >
Title: Gel Electrophoresis, Gel Chromatography and Sedimentation Analysis of Histones and Protamines in the Presence of Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Hamana, Koei
Publisher: 群馬大学医療技術短期大学部
Citation: 群馬大学医療技術短期大学部紀要. 2, 165-177 (1982)
Abstract: Histones and protamines behaved as a monomeric form in 0.9M acetic acid. When gel electrophoresis was carried out in 0.9M acetic acid, the mobilities of calf H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 histones were decreased proportionaly to the helix content of the histones but the mobilities of calf H1 histone and fish protamines were not decreased by the addition of 6mM nonionic surfactant into the gel. Degree of the decreasing on the mobilities of four histones was also proportional to the molecular weight of the added nonionic surfactant. Structure of hydrophobic group of the surfactants was more affective than polyoxyethylene chain length of the surfactants. H2B, H3 and H4 histones aggregated in 0.05-0.1M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, while H1 and H2A histones behaved as a monomeric form. Nonionic surfactants bound to H2A histone but did not to H1 histone and to the aggregates of other histones in the buffer.
Appears in Collections: 第02巻 (1981)
KJ00004436675.pdf 1.05 MB Adobe PDF View/Open


text:
Fabulous Family Vacations Within 6 Hours of Philadelphia
United States Pennsylvania Philadelphia
All Philadelphia
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor.
Families living in the Philly area have a nice array of kid-friendly getaways within a day's drive, with reachable destinations stretching from New England to Virginia. These popular suggestions can all be reached in six hours or less based on the estimated drive time from Mapquest.
Dennis K. Johnson / Getty Images
Drive time: 1 hr, 40 mins
Talk about sweet. Hershey is a town where lampposts are shaped like Hershey's Kisses and the pervasive candy theme is just chocolate icing on the cake. The big draw is Hersheypark, whose impressive array of roller coasters make it one of the best theme parks on the East Coast.
Skytop Lodge: Skytop, PA
Courtesy of Skytop lodge
1 Skytop Lodge Rd #2, Skytop, PA 18357, USA
Drive time: 2 hrs, 15 mins
One of America's best all-inclusive resorts for families, the oh-so-grand Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains has been welcoming families since 1928.
There's a huge choice of activities, including zip lining, kayaking, archery, tennis, boating, biking, rock climbing, and hiking, plus an excellent supervised children's program, and golfers get a bonus that's virtually unheard of: unlimited greens fees.
Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz, NY
Fred Hsu / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561-2825, USA
The 251-room Mohonk Mountain House overlooks sprawling grounds containing a pristine lake, 85 miles of hiking trails, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, stables, and a grand lawn where families can watch movies in the open air. Kids ages 4 to 12 can participate in the award-winning children's program that includes guided nature walks, animal tracking, and fossil hunts.
Rocking Horse Ranch: Highland, NY
Courtesy of Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
600 US-44, Highland, NY 12528-2217, USA
Rocking Horse Ranch is a popular, extremely kid-centric dude ranch in the hinterland of the Hudson Valley. Besides the usual ranch activities such as horseback riding (kids must be at least 7 years old) and hay rides, there's an enormous wagonload of other fun things to do, such as rock climbing, archery, swimming, tennis, and more.
Chincoteague Island, VA
Bonnie Gruenberg/Wikimedia Commons
Accessible by boat or by car off Virginia's Eastern coast over the Route 175 bridge, this small and serene island is the gateway to the Assateague Island National Seashore—a nature refuge that is home of the herds of wild ponies made famous in the classic children's book Misty of Chincoteague.
Blue Ridge Parkway, VA and NC
Danita Delimont/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Built as part of the New Deal to create jobs during the Great Depression, the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway links the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks and crosses the Appalachian highlands between North Carolina and Virginia. With a top speed of 45 mph, the parkway's lazy pace lets you soak in the gorgeous scenery.
The Sagamore: Lake George, NY
Courtesy of The Sagamore
110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA
For families looking for a lake getaway that's luxurious yet completely family-friendly, The Sagamore is a wonderful choice on spectacular Lake George in the foothills of New York's Adirondack Mountains.
Route 7, VT
Alan Goodman/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Drive time: 5 hrs, 0 mins
Vermont is justifiably famous for its spectacular foliage season. Southern Vermont often gets overlooked as a foliage hub, but we heartily recommend a drive along Route 7, which cuts a gorgeous path north-south through charming towns such as Manchester and the rolling farmland of the Green Mountains.
rlischer / Pixabay
Virginia Beach is a huge summer resort town and the largest tourist destination in Virginia. Drawn by 20 miles of unbroken beachfront, families have always flocked here but in recent years the beach playground has gotten a facelift and a fresher, upgraded image.
Wintergreen Resort, VA
Courtesy of Wintergreen Resort
39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, VA 22958, USA
Known as a prime leaf-peeping destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the four-season Wintergreen Resort is located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers a slew of family activities on its 11,000 acres, including zip lining, tubing, and tackling the Discovery Ridge Adventure Center with its climbing wall and trampoline.
Woodstock Inn & Resort: Woodstock, VT
Woodstock Inn & Resort
14 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091-1283, USA
For families looking for a relaxing Vermont getaway with a host of family activities, the Woodstock Inn & Resort is an excellent upscale choice. This four-season resort where family time means games and hikes, farm visits, and afternoon cookies and cider.
Fab Family Vacations Within 6 Hours of NYC
Fun Mother-and-Daughter Getaway Ideas in the USA
A Day Away: Fab Family Vacations Within a 6 Hour Drive of Boston
Caesars Brookdale on the Lake
Fab Family Vacations Within 6 Hours of DC
New York Winter Resorts and Vacation Ideas
Top Places to Take Your Family on Vacation in the Northeast
Family Reunion Planning Resources by State
Great Family Getaways for Memorial Day Weekend
Best Places to Ski Near Washington, D.C.
The 9 Best Upstate New York Hotels of 2020
The 9 Best U.S. All-Inclusive Resorts of 2020
Top New York State Family Vacations From Lake Cabins to Luxe Resorts
15 Epic Fall Foliage Drives with Kids
Sensational Labor Day Weekend Getaways for Families
18 Places to Spend Your Christmas Vacation With Kids
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This is a site where Church goers can shop online in over 300 stores and a portion of their purchases will go to their Church. There are a few minor kinks we need to work out before we are 100%, but for the most part he is ready to go.
Albert set up a Zazzle account to order Blue Pew Gear….
We are in the heart of the Mid-West. Settled by Germans and Scotch-Irish. I've been searching for an authentic German restaraunt that serves my two favorite things… schnitzle and beer. I'd heard of just such a place… unfortunately… it was located in the heart of darkness… the town of Lincoln.
Lincoln is a sleepy little town… it made Shattuck fall right to sleep..
This is Anywhere, USA located along Route 66… with a vibrant town square. The people look normal… but don't forget we are deep behind enemy lines.
Shattuck and I stopped at a replica of the old circuit courthouse. This would have been where Lincoln tried cases and gave speeches for his eventual run for political office.
This is only a replica of the original courthouse. The original was purchased by Henry Ford and moved to Dearborn, MI to Ford's Greenfield Village. Henry Ford collected homes and buildings from across the country that he felt were historically significant and moved them to Greenfield Village. He purchased the Logan County Courthouse for $8,000.
Lincoln was a lawyer who traveled around on a Circuit. When court was in session here in the town of Postville (now Lincoln) in Logan County, IL; he would be there to represent his clients. All legal business was done on an semi-annual basis. The Circuit Court was held in the building that stood here.
Amazing… no formal education… no legal education…. Lincoln just decided to be a Lawyer… clerked for a while… and went to work. Then became President of the United State. At least one good thing came out of his Presidency… Thanksgiving Holiday.
Shattuck decided to sit where the opposing Lawyers would have sat during a trial upstairs in the old courthouse.
There were some Newspaper clippings from the Illinois Gazette from 1848… interesting reading. Maybe these Mid-Westerners have some wisdom to share.
Shattuck and I learned a lot on our travel to Lincoln. On our way home, we drove through miles and miles of corn fields. We were in the heart of our Nation's bread basket.
It occured to me that in my life time, we have exponentially increased the farmer's level of productivity through technological and agro genetic advancements. Then I was reminded of what the tour guide in the Logan County Courthouse said about the population during Lincoln's time. The entire County was only 2,500 people and now the town of Lincoln is 15,300. The level of productivity in the way of farming has allowed our Nation and the World grow to a massive population.
Question: What would happen if for one Year our abilities to grow food were cut by 1/4th? Maybe at this moment prices would be effected but there would be plenty of reserves. What would happen if the modern day equivalent of the potatoe famine were to take place?
Gold will definitely be the next bubble. Will food someday be one as well? These are the questions Shattuck asked on the drive home.
SHOW ME THE WAY BACK TO DIXIE!
Shattuck spent Thanksgiving in Springfield.
Shattuck stopped in St. Loius on his way to Thanksgiving to see Mary Kate.
He wasn't in the mood for a photo shoot.
Shattuck went to Rosedale last weekend to visit his Great Grandmother Nan.
He found the toy closet… how many generations of toys are in there? Shattuck's grandfather's toys, his father's toys and books, and now…. his toys. He went straight for the old phone… I wonder if he'll know why it doesn't have buttons.
Mrs. Lee Aylward stopped by to see Shattuck. Ben was in town over the weekend, but he had to fly back to Costa Rica for work.
Shattuck, Lale, Fletcher (Dog), Mintie (Dog II), and I all packed up and went to Cleveland, MS for the weekend to attend a wedding party for Brig Aylward. Surprisingly, Ben flew in from Costa Rica that morning for the party and flew out this morning.
Shattuck woke up and prepared for his breakfast… on the counter.
Shattuck Note-To-Self: When I grow up… buy banana flavored soap.
Last week, Shattuck joined up with a play group in 'My Big Back Yard'. He had fun playing with his friends Hunter Humphreys, Elizabeth Dunavant, and Kreider Tayloe.
Kreider wasn't very happy about sitting for a group photo… there are more fun things to do in life than sitting for a photo… there were things to play with… sand piles to dig… hills to climb. One can't be expected to sit for photos that eats up play time.
Break time… means… snack time.
Kreider found the big dog's house…. I wonder if the BIG DOG IS HOME!?!
There he is… Shattuck found the BIG DOG! He seems to be very nice.
Shattuck, Lale, and I met Jim Wang for dinner in Tug's in Harbor Town. Jim is in town for a little while before heading back to China. Lale and I talked about going to visit him… maybe Summer 2010.


This is so good event and good to know that lots of the country participates in this tournament. In this playoff match Hungarian man showing their skills and played very well. Overall, I love this tournament and going very smoothly.
Great article must read and get the victory over your opponent in the minesweeper game by detonating the mines faster than your challenger.


I cannot speak highly enough when it comes to GVI; without babbling on too much I was the epitome of a girly girl who rarely got her hands dirty, so when I revealed to my friends and family I was planning on volunteering on a remote island for two months, to say their reaction was surprised is an understatement. I'd put a lot time into researching any volunteering ideas I had beforehand, and I when it came to GVI I found every review to be bursting with positivity, and after reading comments and posts from GVI volunteers and staff the inspiration and enthusiasm was infectious! And my decision was made, which lead to me having the most amazing two months of my life, which I have every one at GVI to thank for. Especially the Seychelles staff - Dan, Alan and Cheryl who so effortlessly make sure every volunteer comes away with the fondest of memories! Working in The Seychelles is truly paradise, and although I took thousands of pictures none of them can quite capture how beautiful and unspoiled it really is. Aside from the idyllic beaches and island setting, I was initially drawn to variety within this program, mornings could be spent hiking to the top of the island, in search of the endemic Seychellois palm tree - Coco de Mer, and by the afternoon you could be hip deep in mud wading through the mangroves, spotting giant tortoises along the way! Curieuse brings you as close to nature as anyone could wish, I was lucky enough to be on the island for nesting season, this would involve early starts looking for tracks on the beach as well as excavating old nests. Excavating nests is certainly a messy job but one I found most rewarding, there are often stragglers stuck beneath rocks or roots who have been unable to leave the nest, but being able to release these hatchlings onto the sand and watch them charge their way to the sea is truly magical, and certainly is my best video on the GoPro to date! I enjoyed my time SO much on Curieuse I returned less than a year later to relive my volunteering experience all over again, the island never ceases to amaze me and every day feels like you're on a Planet Earth documentary! But my GVI journey didn't stop there, I now work for GVI in the Cape Town office, assisting volunteers who just like me wanted to embark on an adventure.


Registering is free and simple. The most important step is for you to forward a copy of your CV to us.
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12-year-old girl who was rushed to hospital with stomach pains gave birth to her baby, then doctors learn 'who the father is'!
Per reports, the little girl was taken to the hospital after she experienced stomach pains. Officials also said that she gave birth to her baby a short time later. The 12-year-old girl was just 11 years old when she was ra-ed in the family home. Prosecutor Buckley said the offending came to light when the girl was rushed to hospital in the early hours of the morning suffering with severe stomach pains. Within a couple of hours she had given birth. The court heard a midwife carefully asked the girl whether she had had se* and the youngster replied that she didn't know. When asked if she had consented she said she thought so but wasn't sure.
According to the court documents, the 12-year-old girl was reportedly ra-ed by her 14-year-old brother. The siblings were growing up in a dysfunctional home where the parents exercised little control and created a culture of secrecy and lies and where there were "blurred se-ual boundaries", per reports. The teenage father, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of statutory ra-e when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. Prosecutor Buckley said it was not clear whether the girl realised she was pregnant or not. She told a midwife she had not known but she was overheard telling other people in hospital that she had known.
The authorities became involved and the girl's brother was interviewed by police. He admitted to officers that he had his sibling had been wrestling downstairs on one occasion while their parents were out and they had then gone upstairs to wrestle on the bed as it was more comfortable. He said they had begun kissing before each removing their own clothes and then having se*. The prosecutor said there were no suggestions that any coercion or threats had been involved in the incident. In an impact statement which was read to court the girl said she didn't want to go home any more and just wanted to live the normal life of a girl her age and wanted her baby to have the best life.
The defendant's attorney said the background to the offending were the difficult and dysfunctional circumstances of the family unit where the mother and father created a culture of secrecy and lies. He said it was clear from the numerous reports before the court that the children had been subjected to a dysfunctional, neglectful, and potentially abusive upbringing where there was little in the way of parental control or guidance. The defendant is now living with foster parents, is responding well to their positive influence, and is remorseful. Judge Vosper made the teenager the subject of a two-year youth referral order with a supervision requirement and an activity requirement. The defendant will be a registered se* offender for 30 months. Dear readers, we are republishing this story amid recent reports that child se-ual abuse has surged in America during the pandemic.
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Nela Lass December 13, 2022


Bricks Crimpshrine Sleep, What's That?
This week we played music from the East Bay punk scene of the 80s/90s, especially bands who played at 924 Gilman.
This week we payed tribute one of my favorite musicians who unfortunately passed away this September, Grant Hart. He was Husker Du's drummer and co-songwriter, and he later went on to form the band Nova Mob and pursue a solo career.
That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate Mission of Burma vs.
Into – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
School – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
Floyd The Barber – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
Dive – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
Love Buzz – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
Spank Thru – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
Molly's Lips – Live at Pine Street Theater Nirvana Bleach – Deluxe Ed.
Corrupting My Better Half Harley Poe, Joe Whiteford In the Dark: Or, B-Movie Trash!


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Learn how to capture stunning colors in a variety of lighting conditions with our straight-forward, non-technical lessons.
How do I know if this tutorial is for me?
You have a basic knowledge of camera settings and filters.
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You want to use your camera settings and equipment to effectively capture stunning colors in your photographs.
You are a beginner landscape photographer. If you don't know how to use your camera in manual mode, you may want to find out more before you start this course.
You want to learn the basics. You'll get the most from this course if you have some knowledge of exposure, histograms, and basic focus settings.
You want in-depth explanations of how your filters work. In this course, we assume you have some knowledge of how each filter works and how it is used.
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Davenport, Sabraski, and O'Neil Snare Wild West Shootout Finale Wins
Jonathan Davenport claimed over $35,000 on Sunday night in the Dirt Track Bank Super Late Model finale by winning the $25,000 top prize in the Shaw Trucking 50 presented by Premier Waste Services feature as well as a $10,000 share of the Keyser Quarter Million Challenge for three wins in the miniseries. He also claimed the $3,000 division championship. Shane Sabraski picked up his second RHRSwag.com Truck Accessories X-Mod feature win of the week in the finale. Jake O'Neil made the [...]
Sanders, Carr, and Erb Register Second Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout Wins
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 16, 2021) - For the second consecutive night, a late-race slide job decided the outcome of the Dirt Track Bank Super Late Model feature and for the second consecutive night, fans were sent home pleased with the race they witnessed. Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., led all Super Late Model drivers in qualifying, blistering around FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway in 14.916 seconds. This marked the fifth different quick qualifier in as many nights, during [...]
Erb, Schill, and Peterson Land Round No. 4 Wild West Shootout Wins
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 15, 2021) - There are some nights where it is extremely difficult to put into words how good the racing was, or how a race transpired. Round four of the 15th Annual Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts was one of those nights. Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., continued to assert himself as the man to beat in the Dirt Track Bank Super Late Model division, presented by Black [...]
Davenport, Sanders, and Carr Cap WWS Night No. 3 with Wins
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January, 13, 2021) - The Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts has had a race scheduled on Wednesday night for as long as I can remember and the 15th annual edition is no different. The Wednesday night race is unique in that it is the only weeknight race not capped by a weekend and, historically, it has been an unpredictable "wild card" event. While this year's event may not [...]
Thornton Jr., Gallardo, and Sabraski Score Round No. 2 WWS Wins
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 10th, 2021) - In racing, sometimes there are "feel good" moments; The kind of moments that are borderline unbelievable, or storylines that seem made for a Hollywood movie. We may very well have witnessed a few moments just like that on Sunday, when the 15th annual Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts continued. Ricky Thornton Jr. on his way to his first-career Wild West Shootout win in the Dirt Track [...]
Davenport, Strand, and Berg Snare Wild West Shootout Opening Round Wins
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 9th, 2021) - The C&D Bonding green flag officially flew on the 15th annual Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O'Reilly parts on Saturday, featuring a staggering 171 total entries, across all three divisions. Tony Toste of Pismo Beach, Calif., led the way in group qualifying for the Dirt Track Bank Super Late Model division presented by Black Diamond Race Cars, speeding around the small 3/8th's mile FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway track [...]
Sheppard, Peterson & Estey Bank Wild West Shootout Finale Wins
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 19, 2020) - There's a common saying that nearly everyone has heard at least once before; "the cream always rises to the top". No words can more accurately describe how Sunday night's Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts finale unfolded. Skeeter Estey of Kelly Lake, Minn., took care of business in the RHRSwag.com Barnett Harley-Davidson X-Mod feature, Dustin Strand of Grand Forks, N.D., finished third in the Mesilla [...]
Round No. 5 2020 WWS Victories Claimed By Shirley, Leer & Estey
Round No. 5 Wild West Shootout Wins Scored by Shirley, Estey & Leer Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 18, 2020) - For the second time in as many years, a Dirt Track Bank Super Late Model driver has pulled into Hoker Trucking victory lane at least three times during the Wild West Shootout, earning them a piece of the Keyser Manufacturing Quarter-Million Challenge bonus money. I use the term "at least", as Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., still [...]
Shirley, Strand & Cain Streak To Victory Lane in Friday Night WWS Action
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 17, 2020) - The FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway track surface was worked to perfection on Friday night. Both fourth-row starters finished first and second after the 30-lap Dirt Track Bank Super Late Models feature presented by Black Diamond Race Cars, with Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., earning his second career Wild West Shootout feature victory and second of the week. Just like Wednesday, Friday's night's show started two hours later than the [...]
Sheppard, Mullens and Benson Headline WWS Round No. 3 Winner's List
Aaron Clay, SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (January 15, 2020) - On a night that also featured two first-time winners, Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill., became the first repeat winner of the 2020 Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts with a triumph in the Dirt Track Bank Super Late Models presented by Black Diamond Race Cars. After earning the $100 SportTruck RV and Screven Motor Speedway fast qualifier award earlier in the evening, sprinting around FK [...]
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We've prepared a new Premium Subscription option this year and are excited to announce some of the great partnerships that will be included. We'll be offering users Premium content in Profile Training and Workouts, plus more sweet improvements like cross-platform subscription and multi-rider capabilities for PC users.
As a Premium user, you will be able to ride HD videos from our partners – Real Life Videos and BikeLab. As the year goes the Premium routes library will continue to grow.
Thanks to our partnership with PainCave, you will be able to stream a collection of their well-structured video workouts. You will be able to choose from five different videos that range from 30 to 90 minutes. These PainCave videos are designed to improve your performance and up your motivation. The videos include footage from popular American stage races such as the Amgen Tour of California and USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
Official release of the premium subscription is expected in early November 2015.
Current subscribers get to try Premium first for free!
After 22nd October, all active PC subscribers will be rolled into the Premium subscription. You will be able to use all of the mentioned Premium content without any change in price. After the official release of the Premium subscription, you will be able to choose between the Premium or Standard service.
We are still working on adding the Premium subscription option to these devices. Expect more subscription options and details to become available in November.


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Q: Neo4j HA cluster - single instances block 8 instances form my Neo4j HA cluster (Neo4j version 2.1.2)
I perform benchmarks of the technology with news feed algorithms.
A single client concurrently executes 50 read(!) queries per instance, that target a server plugin deployed to all instances.
The benchmark starts after all instances did bootstrap the data from the master. Requests are distributed round-robin by the client.
If I use a cluster with 3 or 4 instances everything works just fine.
The load is spread uniformly across all instances (according to CPU load) and low request latencies are reached.
However, with 8 instances 2 of them immediately have high request latencies.
During 3 seconds they increase from 500ms to 10s and further increase with the benchmark duration, due to the high request rate.
CPU load of these instances is at maximum.
The remaining 6 instances now have low CPU load, because the client is still waiting for the pending requests.
If I don't fire requests against the 2 instances, the remaining 6 instances perform as expected.
If I change the order, the same instances are blocking, thus this is not related to the server id.
If I remove one of the instances from the cluster, the other is still blocking.
It seems that this is related to the specific instances, but the setup of all 8 instances is equal, since they are virtual machines.
The log files don't contain hints neither. All instances are marked as available in the master's console.log.
Any ideas what is causing this issue and how to solve it?
As a dirty fix I will start a cluster with 10 instances and just use 8 of them, but this isn't a nice solution.
edit:
I observed a similar behaviour due to the index creation on a node property.
The first request per node loads the index and waits 10s for it to become available, which is too less time in some cases.
I stopped the benchmark immediately. All nodes get a high CPU load and when the CPU became idle I simply restarted the Neo4j servers.
When they were up again, the index was available - in most cases.
Therefore this might an index related problem. What is the proper way to create indices in a HA cluster?

A: Oh sorry, didn't see your code? So the feed endpoint is called?
Perhaps a memory issue? the plugins are stateful so in case your Graphity-Instance keeps state it might eat up a lot of memory.
So please enable gc-logging and see if something comes up there.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Living Texas
#TXPlaylist Vol. 3, Lockdown Listening
by Leean Vargas on March 30, 2020 in Entertainment, Music, Living Texas,
With a lot more free time on your hands, (which I hope you've been washing) what better way to practice social distancing than to put in those earbuds and crank up the music? Whether Texas-raised or just Texas-friendly, these well-known artists have produced countless hits. Here's a compiled list of tunes that deserve some love and recognition.
1. Drake, "Chicago Freestyle"
I first heard "Chicago Freestyle" when it was released simultaneously with Drake's "When To Say When." As one of the most successful artists in the world, Drake continues to prove he has what it takes to remain at the top. (He just recently set a new record for most songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.) As a fan of nearly a decade, I'm inspired by his honesty and transparency in his music. With reflective lyrics, a catchy hook, and compelling beat, this song is clearly a hit, something Drake is no stranger to. On the track, Drake pays tribute to Eminem by referencing the song "Superman" with slightly changed lyrics. Even though this Toronto-based rapper isn't necessarily from Texas, he has expressed his deep love for the Lone Star State, specifically, Houston, Texas (where he first met Lil Wayne).
My favorite lyrics: "Maybe I'll love you one day, maybe we'll someday grow."
2. Megan Thee Stallion & Normani, "Diamonds"
Leave it to Megan Thee Stallion and Normani to embody women empowerment! I first heard "Diamonds" as the lead single off the Birds of Prey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). I personally love the catchy lyrics that immediately make you want to sing along. A line in the chorus reflects on the stars' southern roots, with Normani being from Atlanta, Georgia, eventually relocating to Houston, and Megan being from Bexar County, eventually relocating to Pearland, Texas.
My favorite lyrics: "Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Southern girl like me, I ain't afraid to catch a case."
3. The Weeknd, "After Hours" (the single)
The Weeknd continues to be one of my top favorite artists of all time. I first heard this Canadian's standout title track sitting in my car after work in San Marcos, Texas. The haunting melody, chilling tone and eerie production is genius in every way, reminiscent of styles seen in his old music, but at all means not comparable. His constant evolution perfectly exhibits The Weeknd's brand and what he represents, as a unique artist in his own lane. As a fan I can't stop listening. I'm also excited to see him on tour when he comes to San Antonio August 19.
My favorite lyrics: "Where are you now when I need you most? I'd give it all just to hold you close."
Jhené Aiko's third studio album "Chilombo" was released on March 6 featuring a range of artists including rappers Big Sean, Future, Ty Dolla $ign and Nas as well as R&B singers John Legend, Miguel and H.E.R.
Photo courtesy Jhené Aiko
4. Jhené Aiko ft H.E.R., "B.S."
Jhené Aiko is the epitome of living your best life peacefully and unproblematic. I first heard "B.S" off Jhené's third studio album "Chilombo." Lyrically the song is about bouncing back from a breakup. Featuring R&B singer H.E.R., the two respectively stunt on their exes. Empowering anyone else who can relate to remember that you're doing just fine without them. As a fan of this Californian who I would make an honorary Texan (if it were up to me!), I'm excited to see Jhené on her Magic Hour tour when she comes to Austin May 23.
My favorite lyrics: "I am on my own now, I am in control now. I need you to go now, I can fix my own crown."
5. Khalid & Disclosure, "Know Your Worth"
Straight from El Paso, Texas, Khalid continues to prove himself as a widely recognized figure in the pop world. In this electric R&B song, I really love the meaningful lyrics behind the catchy hook. The track encourages you to stay positive and not settle for anything less than what you deserve, a message everyone needs to hear at some point in their lives.
My favorite lyrics: "Find someone you know will put you first. Find someone who loves you at your worst."
6. Demi Lovato, "I Love Me"
I just recently hopped on the loving bandwagon for this song and I can easily understand why it's so popular. The powerful lyrics emphasize the importance of loving yourself, making it an empowering self-love anthem. Raised in Dallas, Texas, Demi Lovato has been through a lot in her lifetime. We've watched it unfold on the world stage, but regardless of what she went through, she came out on the other side and realized it is, in fact, greener. That is inspiring.
My favorite lyrics: "Why do I compare myself to everyone? And I always got my finger on the self-destruct. I wonder when I love me is enough."
7. Selena Gomez, "Feel Me"
"Feel Me" was originally an unofficial track first released by Selena Gomez online back in 2016. The Dallas-native first performed the song during her 2016 Revival Tour. The final version appeared on Gomez's deluxe studio album "Rare." The lyrics circle around how she hopes her memory and presence will stick with her past lover, even after they're no longer together. (Something most of us can relate to—well, at least I can.) I love supporting a fellow Texan who has gone on to become a megastar.
My favorite lyrics: "Every time your lips touch another, I want you to feel me."
8. Travis Scott, "Houstonfornication"
How could I not mention one of the most popular rappers in the world that dedicated a whole album to his hometown Houston, Texas? When it comes to rapping and producing, I admire the blood, sweat and tears Travis Scott puts into all his projects. Much like the rest of the album, the song revolves around Scott talking about his experiences in his hometown. (The title is also a reference to the popular song "Californication" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.) For all the ragers out there, it looks like we're going to have to keep Astroworld on repeat until Travis drops new music!
My favorite lyrics: "I might need me some ventilation, a little vacation, Houstonfornication."
Cover photo Gabe Raggio from Pixabay
Leean Vargas is an Editorial Assistant at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in Public Relations.
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The second large scale installation in the Falling Back to Earth exhibition by Cai Guo-Qiang is Head On.
Yes it is. It's 99 wolves with their pack mentality, flinging themselves into a glass wall in a blind leap of faith. Their resilience and repetitive behaviour in coming back for more seem not to serve them well. Unseen consequences. Yet still the rush towards the unknown. The artist comments that invisible barriers are "the hardest walls to destroy".
This is an installation that you can get close to, walk in and around and under the life size animals, and feel the fierce intent in the eyes of the wolves.
This work is called Heritage and is part of the Falling Back to Earth exhibition currently at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane. Cai Guo-Qiang is the artist with an impressive body of work involving fire, explosives and large-scale installations. He was the Director of Visual and Special Effects for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
There are 99 animals replicated here. All of them, predators and prey alike, are drinking together at the one waterhole. One single drop of water breaks the surface and the quiet every once in a while.
It's a pristine scene, almost utopian. If you are fortunate enough to be in the space with just the gallery staff for human company, this peaceful, reflective space holds almost restorative power.
Here are three Bush Stone-Curlews we met on Stradbroke Island. Also known as the Bush Thick-Knee, they are remarkable for being able to stand, sit and kneel. Here are a few individual and family portraits. The fourth photo in this series shows one of the curlews demonstrating the reverse kneel.
It will come as no surprise to some that I took thousands of photographs on the trip to the Kimberley last year. I'm scanning those pics to find those that didn't feature in the blog (mostly) and give them a treatment with Grungetastic. Here are seven of them, up to and including Halligan Bay at Lake Eyre.
Yesterday the wind was blowing at 20 knots, twice the rate it was today. The sea swell was around 1.4 metres as we set off to Platypus Bay to see humpback whales.
This map is from Queensland-Australia.com and is provided for my map-loving reader as a last indicator of where we are at the end of our 12 week adventure.
From the marina, it was nearly an hour before we were in the whales' rest and recreation area. The mothers certainly need the rest after giving birth to their calves and before heading back to Antarctic waters. Hervey Bay is where mother whales fatten up their 'small' ones with up to 200 litres of milk per day before heading back to their own food source of krill in the Southern Ocean.
I was hopeful of catching some magic shots of breaching and tail waving. Instead we were treated to mostly mother and calf pods. As the calves are feeding (and with 200 litres to consume it must be for a good portion of the day), they were the ones surfacing for a breather before the next drink. We saw the occasional mother near the surface. They apparently tend to stay underwater in either vertical or sideways position to feed their offspring. The males were even less obvious, although the hydrophone dropped in to the water indicated that they were around as pod escorts.
The large swell and the necessity to mostly hang on to the boat (and the camera) meant that today's shots were going to be hit or miss. This is the best of a blurry lot.
Charters Towers would not have existed were it not for the discovery of gold. We followed what you might call the supply chain story today which included a visit to the Venus Battery. It's here that miners took their ore to be smashed to bits, splashed with mercury and soaked in cyanide to get the very most out of it for their effort. Charters Towers is extremely hot in summer. This was a sweaty, noisy, dusty and chemically dangerous place for anyone to work.
Everything associated with gold digs was established in Charters Towers, including a Stock Exchange, countless banks and pubs, and what were euphemistically referred to as dance houses. The article from The Northern Miner of 12 February 1880 may provide some clues.
A stroll down Gill and Mosman Streets in Charters Towers will reveal some lovely surprises and details in the looking up and looking down. Beyond the commercial realities of current businesses in the town are the remnants of previous design including painted glass, lead light work, iron lace and pressed tin.


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Trade war fears: Stocks drop sharply again
By: Melissa Hudson Facebook | Twitter
Posted: Mar 2, 2018 11:14 AM EST
By Nathaniel Meyersohn
(CNN Money) -- President Trump says trade wars are good. Wall Street disagrees.
The Dow dropped more than 350 points on Friday after losing 420 points on Thursday. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 both sank 1%.
The sell-off began after Trump announced that his administration would impose a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum. Trump has not said whether some countries would be excluded from the tariffs.
For the market, "this really could be something new and worse than we have seen so far," said Brad McMillan, chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network.
Trump's announcement caught investors off guard and raised fears about a tit-for-tat retaliation from China and other major US trading partners.
Top American partners, including Canada, Germany, the European Union and Australia, all denounced the move. The World Trade Organization is "clearly concerned," director general Roberto Azevedo said. "The potential for escalation is real."
On Friday, Trump elevated concerns about a full-blown trade fight even further by tweeting that "trade wars are good, and easy to win." That helped bring down stocks for the second day in a row.
"Markets hate uncertainty and we still don't know exactly who and by how much these tariffs will impact trade," said Ryan Detrick, chief senior market strategist at LPL Financial.
Corporate America has warned that tariffs will harm the economy and the market.
Costs could soar for American companies that rely heavily on aluminum and steel produced overseas, such as auto and plane manufacturers and construction. Imports make up about a third of the steel American businesses use every year, and more than 90% of aluminum used here.
If the tariffs bring more expensive steel and aluminum, companies that rely on those materials may pass some of those costs to consumers. That raises the possibility inflation will creep up.
Fears about inflation and rising bond yields caused a surge in volatility last month, including two 1,000-point plunges, as the Dow suffered its biggest losses in two years.
On the other hand, McMillan said, if corporations decide to eat most of those higher costs, their profit will take a hit, hurting their stock prices.
Shares of Boeing dropped 3% on Friday. General Motors and Ford slipped. And Caterpillar lost 2%.
The tariffs caused yields on U.S. bonds to fall on Thursday as investors sought a haven from volatile stocks. Yields and prices move in opposite directions. The 10-year Treasury was back up slightly Friday, to 2.83%.
Domestic steel and aluminum manufactures are the winners from Trump's tariff announcement.
U.S. Steel and AK Steel soared 6% and 10%, respectively, on Thursday. Century Aluminum spiked 7% Thursday.
All three gave back some of those gains on Friday. McMillan attributed their losses to investors not reading too much into Trump's tweets.
"This has the potential to get worse, but there's a long way to go before we have a trade war," he said. "What Trump says and what he does are often two different things."
The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
A baby stroller sold at Target and Amazon was recalled because of a possible fall hazard
Puerto Rico emergency director fired for allegedly mishandling Hurricane Maria aid


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Sharks are currently threatened all over the world, and the general public does not enough about their behavior and evolution. For the past 12 years MCSI (Marine Conservation Science Institute) scientists have been studying the behavior and migratory patterns of eastern Pacific White Sharks by equipping them with SPOT and Pop-up Argos tags.
SPOT tags send a message to the Argos satellite system each time the shark fin comes out of the water. The satellite may then establish a precise location (within approximately 350 meters) and sends the data via e-mails to the scientists. Thanks to this technology, MCSI researchers receive daily updates on the exact locations of the tracked fish.
In parallel, scientists use pop-up tags that log temperature, depth and light intensity of the ocean. After a pre-programmed deployment period (up to 12 months), the tag releases from the fish, floats to the surface and uploads data to the Argos satellite system.
Thanks to the Argos tracking, scientists have been able to determine the migratory patterns of adult white sharks, as they move between mating aggregations, offshore feeding areas and coastal pupping sites.
They also discovered that adult male and female migratory patterns are very different, especially while sharks are offshore in the SOFA (shared offshore foraging area) area. These studies strive to identify habitats and regions that are essential for the survival of white sharks, while also determining when and where white sharks are most vulnerable.


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#2 ✎ 470 auceps OSP Contest 1 Contest Participant I participated in the first SmileBASIC Source OSP Contest! OSP Contest 2 Contest Participant I participated in the second SmileBASIC Source OSP Contest! OSP Contest 3 Contest Participant I participated in the third SmileBASIC Source OSP Contest!
I am now a head admin. I'm barely on this site, and honestly do not feel like I qualify to be one. I actually haven't even read the rules, considering they tend to be "use common sense". So, could somebody who's not a 15 year old rando boy be given this status?


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The Gallery's Acknowledgement of Country, and information on culturally sensitive and restricted content and the use of historic language in the collection can be found here.
Portrait of Peter Nicholson
gelatin silver photograph on paper	(sheet: 25.3 cm x 17.8 cm, image: 21.6 cm x 14.8 cm)
Peter Nicholson (b. 1950), poet and author, grew up in Sydney. He published his first volume of poetry and narrative, A Temporary Grace, in 1991. Several more collections of poetry and prose followed, including Such Sweet Thunder and A Dwelling Place (1997). Between 2005 and 2008 he wrote a column about poetry and culture for the blog 3 Quarks Daily, and in 2011 published the novella Hammerhead. His New & Selected Poems was published in 2012.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Peter Nicholson 2001
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.
Request a digital copy for publication
Artist and subject
David Moore (age 68 in 1995)
Peter Nicholson (age 45 in 1995)
Subject professions
Visual arts and crafts
Peter Nicholson (3 portraits)
Related portraits
(View all 114)
1. Portrait of Peter Nicholson, 1995. 2. Portrait of Peter Nicholson, 1995. 3. Semi self portrait, Hunter Valley, 1992 (printed 2000). 4. David Moore, Corio, Victoria, 1942 (printed 2000). All David Moore.
Permanent collection catalogue
Café and shop
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Painting mates
Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2011
Michael Desmond discusses Fred Williams' portraits of friends, artist Clifton Pugh, David Aspden and writer Stephen Murray-Smith, and the stylistic connections between his portraits and landscapes.
A Captured Moment
Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2001
The acquisition of David Moore's archive of portrait photographs for the National Portrait Gallery's collection.


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Largest number of corona deaths in six months in US on eve of Thanksgiving
The United States has recorded the highest number of corona deaths per day in six months, on the eve of Thanksgiving. According to data from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, more than 2,400 people died from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.
The US has suffered a total of 262,090 deaths so far as a result of the corona epidemic. At least 12.7 million people have already been infected with the lung virus. In absolute numbers, no other country has been hit so hard by the pandemic.
Earlier this month, the numbers of new infections per day in the US reached new records, as did the numbers of corona-related hospital admissions.
On the eve of the American holiday of Thanksgiving, fewer Americans now seemed to be on their way to family. In recent days, concerns in the US have increased due to images of busy airports.
In the past week, some million passengers a day traveled by plane, with the largest number last Sunday. Since the outbreak in March, it hasn't happened that so many people took a plane in one day within the US.
Joe Biden: 'Don't give in to fatigue'
President-elect Joe Biden, in his Thanksgiving speech, urged Americans to comply with the measures. "There is real hope, tangible hope. So hold on. Don't give in to the fatigue," said Biden. "You will get your lives back. Life will return to normal. It will. This will not last forever."
Top American immunologist Anthony Fauci had already called on Americans in mid-October to skip Thanksgiving this year. "Unfortunately, it is a risk if you meet with visitors from elsewhere," said the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "It's unfortunate because the Thanksgiving family gathering is an important part of the American tradition."
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States and Canada that traditionally gives thanks for the harvest, but now it is meant for all the good in life. Normally, the party, which in the US always falls on the fourth Thursday in November, is celebrated with the whole family and usually covers great distances.
Kevin Durant can still do it: NBA superstar scores 15 points for Brooklyn on return after serious injury
US gives green light for Pfizer vaccine, first shot within 24 hours


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The top 10 Le Mans races of all time
Autosport's sportscar expert goes through the archives, and back through his own memories, to pick out the most unforgettable races in the epic history of the Le Mans 24 Hours - featuring extended highlights clips of every race
By Gary Watkins
@gazzasportscars
Published on Saturday June 15th 2019
This was arguably the first fast and furious Le Mans. The distance record was broken and the Alfa Romeos in the top two positions finished on the same lap, a first in the short history of the 24 Hours.
Tazio Nuvolari, making his only appearance in the 24 Hours, and Raymond Sommer claimed Alfa Romeo's second consecutive victory, but they would have won by more in their 8C 2300MM but for a leaking fuel tank. They were two laps up at half distance when the problem struck.
A rivet had fallen out of the tank, the issue manifesting itself during an already long stop in the 13th hour during which repairs had been made to the off-side front wing. That allowed the 8C 2300 shared by Louis Chiron and Franco Cortese to move into the lead, with Luigi Chinetti and Philippe Varent de Gunsburg up to third in another of the Italian cars.
About Gary Watkins
Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 29th as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 70 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.
Gary, who also writes for Autoweek, Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.
More from Gary Watkins
How the 'moral winners' lost Le Mans For 23 hours of the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours, the #7 Toyota looked to be completely in control of the race. This is the full story of both why it had the edge and why it ended up defeated 1560729600 WEC
Le Mans 2019: The team by team guide The grand finale of the World Endurance Championship superseason is imminent. Here is our guide to the entire field, and our predictions for how they might all fare 1560556800 WEC
Why the LMP1 title destination is not a foregone conclusion The bookmakers have put long odds on the 2019/20 WEC superseason being taken away from the #8 Toyota driven by Alonso, Buemi and Nakajima. But the reality is that the title fight is tighter than they think 1560297600 WEC
How Vandoorne was re-educated for Le Mans Any driver making their Le Mans 24 Hours debut is required by the ACO to take a mandatory simulator course. This is how ex-McLaren Formula 1 driver and current Formula E racer Stoffel Vandoorne was introduced to the Circuit de la Sarthe 1559865600 WEC
Read more features by Gary Watkins. Start Your Free Trial


The Trump Administration has done everything in its power, to facilitate a reduction of business-related regulatory encumberments, in order to empower the economy to spread its wings and flourish. Democrats however, see it as a green light for business to run amuck in an open field, pointing to the fact that public companies borrowed $1.8 trillion in cheap Fed money earmarked for infrastructure, wage increases, and company expansion and instead spent $2.1 trillion on company stock buyback programs which inflate stock prices, but leave little for actual and substantial growth programs. Both sides were hoping for a clear and winning separation with mid-term elections, but the Republican loss of House control and Democrat failure to gain Senate control sets the stage for increased political stagnation, potentially resulting in less market enthusiasm, reduced dollar strength, and increased odds for recession.
Extremely low interest rates continue to fade, as the Fed continues its anti-inflation program, which will inhibit the stock market, at best, but could be the straw that breaks the back of this long-in-the-tooth bull market. Earnings are what business and the economy need, but yesterday's political draw may simply spell a slower course to recession. A clear Democratic victory would have led to an end of tax cuts, greater regulation, and a rapid stock market selloff. A clear Republican victory would have sent the market into a euphoric, but highly unsupported, buying frenzy. The draw all but insures a far more moderate outcome than either party was hoping for.
The stock market will probably remain very volatile, particularly in light of increasing interest rates and growing trade tensions with China. Compared to practically any other global economy, the U.S. economy is booming. The fact that most other world economies are battling decelerating growth is the dollar's greatest possible insurance policy. The big question for the U.S. economy now is, "Can we maintain the necessary level of economic activity, in order to counterbalance the lack of economic growth from the rest of the world?" The future of the dollar, as well as the U.S. economy has a lot riding on the answer to that question.
While the U.S. muddles through changes, as a result of mid-term elections, investor interest in alternative and safe haven investments has already and will continue to increase. Gold and other precious metals will quickly move to the front of the line. Andrew Hunter, U.S. Economist at Capital Economics said, "With Congress divided, Trump and Senate Republicans won't be able to make any major legislative changes without the approval of Democrats…This means that the Republicans' hopes for a second round of tax cuts are probably now dead in the water. That may explain the modest softening in the dollar and decline in Treasury yields this morning." As usual, American Bullion stands ready to assist with any and all physical precious metals needs. Call (800) 653-GOLD (4653) now!


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Go! Games Flash 1000 Piece Puzzle This puzzle features an awesome scene from The Flash! 1000 pieces is sure to present a fun challenge. 9781620215524 14.99 Calendars.com https://www.calendars.com/Flash-1000-Piece-Puzzle/prod201600025550/?
An awesome Flash graphic in 1000 pieces!
This puzzle features an awesome scene from The Flash! 1000 pieces is sure to present a fun challenge.


Tell us what you think about Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM, share your opinion with other people. Please make sure that your review focus on Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM. All the reviews are moderated and will be reviewed within two business days. Inappropriate reviews will not be posted.


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Reaching Consensus – The Risks and the Rewards
Eric Douglas
A consensus decision occurs when a group comes together and makes a decision that everyone agrees on. Consensus is often used to forge a sense of unanimity and goodwill. As a result, we often see teams and groups – even entire organizations – operating on the basis of consensus.
But despite its advantages, consensus has risks. Here are the main ones:
Faux Consensus
Consensus can result in a sense of false harmony. A group that is used to reaching consensus can stifle dissenting views – at the potential cost of reaching a more appropriate decision. For example, if the group is considering a new market or technology, the desire for consensus may mask deep reservations about the hidden costs. The result is faux consensus, which may surface later on in faltering support for implementation.
Loss of Agility
Trying to get everybody on the same page takes more time. Our rule of thumb is that true consensus typically takes at least twice as long as a consultative decision, in which a leader makes the call after gathering input from the affected parties. The time spent coming to a consensus could actually be spent implementing the decision and responding more quickly.
Inability to Make Tough Decisions
Consensus severely hampers the ability to make tough decisions. We worked with a law firm whose managing partner wanted to do everything by consensus. Key market opportunities were missed while internal wrangling went on and on. Competitors grabbed these opportunities. Over a five-year period, total partner income was stagnant in comparison to other law firms. Only when a new managing partner was named, one more willing to make tough calls, did the firm's fortunes change. The inability to make tough decisions is one of the biggest risks of over-reliance on consensus.
Eroded Trust
The expectation that decisions will be consensus-based can cause team members to feel deep distrust if the leader steps in, suspends the effort to build consensus and makes the call. This is one form of eroded trust. On the other hand, if people keep contrary views to themselves to avoid the appearance of conflict, not only does the quality of the decision suffer, so does the level of trust.
Loss of Talent
People grow up in a particular culture and learn the habits of that culture. When people are encouraged to avoid conflict, this tends to weed out more talented leaders who have a clearer eye about the risks and rewards of a given course of action.
When Are Consensus Decisions Appropriate?
Consensus decisions are sometimes necessary. For example, consensus is the best way to move forward when two or more independent organizations are trying to reach agreement. Consensus may also be useful when people share both responsibility and "veto" power.
But the lesson is this: Leaders shouldn't create a cultural expectation that every decision will be consensus based. Instead, a leader should build a culture of consultative decision-making, saying he or she will make the final call after hearing the views of the group. People can speak their minds freely knowing that consensus isn't the goal. This results in higher levels of trust in the team's ability to deal with conflicting views and still make decisions.
LRI's consulting is designed to achieve real, meaningful change for our clients.
Eric Douglas is the senior partner and founder of Leading Resources Inc., a consulting firm that focuses on developing high-performing organizations. For more than 20 years, Eric has successfully helped a wide array of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations achieve breakthroughs in performance. His new book The Leadership Equation helps leaders achieve strategic clarity, manage change effectively, and build a leadership culture.
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Prominent advocate for Hong Kong independence charged with unlawful assembly over June protest
by Holmes Chan 15:45, 19 December 2019 00:00, 1 April 2020
Police have begun to formally charge protesters over protests that took place in June, with a pro-independence activist and eight other people charged with unlawful assembly.
Wayne Chan, convenor of the Hong Kong Independence Union, was charged on Wednesday over clashes that took place in the early hours of June 10. Following a historic march on June 9 in opposition to the extradition law, some protesters and police clashed outside the Legislative Council complex in Admiralty.
Independence activist Wayne Chan Ka-kui. File photo: Holmes Chan/HKFP.
Police also charged seven men and one woman, aged between 20 and 34, for unlawful assembly in relation to the protests that day. The protesters were charged after the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau investigated their cases and sought legal advice, according to RTHK.
Chan and the other protesters will make their first court appearance at the Eastern Magistrates' Court on January 2.
On June 9, the Hong Kong Independence Union was among the groups that called on protesters to surround the legislature overnight. As violence broke out between protesters and police, some demonstrators hurled bottles while officers used batons and pepper spray against the crowd.
Some fleeing protesters were later cornered by police outside the Old Wan Chai Police Station, and police arrested 10 people in the vicinity of Gloucester Road in Wan Chai.
Photo: Kris Cheng/HKFP.
Under Hong Kong's colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, police permission must be sought for public assemblies and any gathering of three or more people acting in a "disorderly, intimidating, insulting or provocative" manner could be defined as an "unlawful assembly." Offenders may face three to five years in jail.
As of early December, more than 6,100 people have been arrested in relation to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, and almost 1,000 of them were prosecuted in court.
Hong Kong Free Press relies on direct reader support. Help safeguard independent journalism and press freedom as we invest more in freelancers, overtime, safety gear & insurance during this summer's protests. 10 ways to support us.
Tagged: Hong Kong Independence, Wayne Chan Ka-kui
Holmes Chan
Holmes Chan is a reporter at Hong Kong Free Press. He covers local news with a focus on law, politics, and social movements. He studied law and literature at the University of Hong Kong.
More by Holmes Chan


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The Hayseed Knight
A fully voice-acted VN about a buck failing to become a knight!
The Hayseed Knight is a fully voice acted visual novel where you'll join a ragtag band of misfits as they try to piece together the story of how Ader, a one-eyed farmboy with seemingly impossible dreams, becomes the most celebrated knight the kingdom of Acazhor has ever known.
This gorgeous, animated visual novel unravels in unexpected ways with a perfect blend of mystery, comedy and romance!
A ragtag band of misfits, a one-eyed deer, and the legend that awaits him.
A grand, mysterious tale – Come, traveller, and listen to the tale of Ader-sind of the Upperfield! The greatest knight the kingdom has ever known! The bravest! The most handsome! The… yeah, no, let's try this again.
Choose Ader's fate – Take care as you play, because your decisions throughout Ader's tale will ultimately impact his relationships and decide the outcome of his story.
Bursting with charisma – Every character you meet on your journey through Acazhor is fully voiced and overflowing with personality. Dodge prying questions from an enigmatic sorceress, scrape funds together for your next meal with a tune-deaf bard, engage in philosophical conversation with a giant tree man and more.
Beautiful illustration and animation – Closer to a cartoon than simply a visual novel, every scene in The Hayseed Knight is hand drawn and lovingly animated to truly bring the characters and world to life.
Passion project – Created primarily by one dedicated person over the last three years, The Hayseed Knight truly reflects the heart and soul poured into it.
Unique fantasy world – With deep lore and a history all of its own, the world of The Hayseed Knight extends much farther than this story and is ready for you to dive into using the in game encyclopedia.
Price: $14,95
Charismatic, colorful characters, in a story set on a unique world!
Drawing from Spanish XVIth century "picaresque novel", the story plays as a satire on knightly and courtly tropes, with a twist— the heroic protagonist is exchanged for a go-getter that lies his way into legends, never telling a whole truth.
The story switches POVs every chapter, focusing on the misadventures of Ader's friends as they deal with their own quests and worries.
Development for The Hayseed Knight started on August 2016, and has been on-going since.
A one person team, from art to writing, voiceover direction, animation and even sound design, Maxi or Sandra Molina (aka SandraMJdev) works full time on The Hayseed Knight, aiming to create an immersive story with beautiful artwork and memorable characters that even people who generally disregard Visual Novels will enjoy.
(If you want to learn more about me, my job, or how to contact me head over to the ABOUT page!)
Most of the external collaborations have been done with musicians and consultants, and they're all accredited in-game, no matter the duration of their work.
The only recurring staff other than the French translator is the voiceover cast, and it includes and has always welcomed voice actors of all levels of experience, as my aim from the very beginning was giving newcomers a chance to add a high-profile paid project to their resume so that they may have a boost in their careers and confidence.
Full cast: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10928036/
VLC Indie Summit Selection 2020
Most Awaited Games 2019
Kayane
Best Artistic Design
Women Make Games, 9th March, 2018
Best indie games 2017
Terebi Magazine, December 2017
"A project developed by a single young artist […] who managed to create a unique Visual Novel with its own personality which stands tall next to the most famous games in its genre."
Carlos Rodríguez -VOLTIO (Original article in Spanish)
"An intriguing story, filled with strange creatures and a vastly detailed lore […] with an unexpected twist that will keep you on your toes."
Benjamin 'Red' Beziat – Kayane (Original article in French)
"With colorful backgrounds and memorable designs […] This game breathes humor in its entirety, spinning a pseudo-romance that gives the plot an exciting kick."
Ysora – Koukyou Zen (Original article in Spanish)
"Reads more like a psychological dissertation than anything creative."
-A negative review
Twitter: @sandramjdev
Contact me through email
If you want to learn more about me, my job, or how to contact me head over to the ABOUT page!
GET THE GAME
Get it on Steam!
Try the demo on itch.io!
What is The Hayseed Knight?
Meet Ader
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