text:
Weapons, Robotics, and Control Engineering
Joel M. Esposito, Ph.D.
Prof. Esposito
Roomba Matlab
Matlab Toolbox Intelitek Scobot
Systems Engineering Department
I wrote an article in Robotics and Automation Magazine on the current state of robotics education set to appear in the September 2017 issue.
I was interviewed by NPR's Global Journalist as part of an episode on robots in warfare. You can listen to me in the first 8 minutes. (May 2017)
Invited panelist "Maintaining your Research Program After Tenure", USNA Conference on Teaching and Learning. (May 2017)
Presented "Matrix Completion and Motion Planning" at the Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations on Robotics, San Francisco, CA. Watch the video of my talk here. (Dec. 2016)
Sabbatical at Columbia University (Fall of AY 2015-2016)
Release of Matlab Toolbox for the iRobot Create 2 (Summer 2015)
USNA Takes 4th place on the Advanced Autonomous Navigation Challenge Course at IGVC 2015 (Summer 2015)
USNA Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award (Spring 2015)
Invited panelist for the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency's discussion on the future of littoral combat (organized by the Center for Naval Analysis) Read my position paper. Summer 2014.
Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, 2002
M.S. University of Pennsylvania, 1999
B.S. Rutgers University, Magna Cum Laude 1997
Profile: Joel Esposito is a Professor in the System Engineering Department at the United States Naval Academy. He teaches courses in Robotics, Unmanned Vehicles, Computer Vision, Mechatronics, Feedback Control Systems and most recently undergraduate research methods. He is the recipient of the 2010 USNA Rauoff Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, and the 2015 Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award; a former editor-in-chief of ASEE's Computers in Education Journal; and a trained ABET Program Evaluator. His research focuses on the use of algorithmic and numerical tools for designing and analyzing mobile robot motion controllers, and has been supported by over $1 million in external funding. He is the author of over 50 peer reviewed articles, has appeared as a guest on NPR, and served on advisory panels for NSF, ONR, DoT, NASA, Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency. Prior to joining USNA in 2002, was a member of the GRASP Laboratory, working with Vijay Kumar. During those years he contributed to a variety of DARPA projects, participated in the development of a programming language (CHARON), and held visiting appointments at Lockheed Martin, Sandia National Laboratories and Boston University.
Academic Genealogy: Ferdinand Freudenstein --> Bernie Roth --> Kenneth Waldron --> Vijay Kumar --> Joel Esposito
About USNA: The Naval Academy is a STEM oriented 4 year undergraduate institution conferring the Bachelors of Science degree in a variety of accredited majors. Historically the Academy has maintained a faculty composed of 50 percent civilian academics and 50 percent rotational military officers. Students receive tuition waivers in exchange for a 5 year commitment to serve as an officer in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. The ABET Accredited Systems Engineering program is the among the most popular majors at the Academy. It is an applied feedback control systems major with upper level electives in embedded computing, communication systems and a four course concentration in robotics.
Below you will find a short description and sample publication for each of the topic areas I have worked in. See also my Research Statement and Publications.
Sample Based Motion Planning as a Compressed Sensing Problem (NEW): We are applying some of the latest optimization algorithms from the applied mathematics literature on compressed sensing to provide a theoretical foundation for why sampling based motion planning algorithms work so well in practice. This project is funded by ONR and joint with John Wright from Columbia University's Data Science Institute.
J.M. Esposito and J.N. Wright, "Matrix Completion as a postprocessing method for probablistic road maps", Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics, San Francisco, CA December 2016. Watch a video of the talk here.
High Speed Collision Avoidance for Unmanned Surface Vessels: We are investigating real-time, high fidelity collision avoidance algorithms for marine vessels. The algorithms will account for uncertainty in the vehicle's mass and drag coefficients, and produce high confidence collision free trajectories. This project is funded by ONR. Sample Publication:
J.M. Esposito and S. Noble, "Accounting for Parametric Uncertainty in Model Based Collision Avoidance," ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference, Palto Alto, CA October 2013
Cooperative Manipulation in Humans and Robots: We study how large groups of robots can work together to move big objects in concert, without relying on a centralized leader. Army ants transporting prey provide a proof of concept in nature. Our ultimate goal is to field a team of autonomous tug boats that can tow disabled ships. Watch our video documentary or see our publications below for details. This project was funded by ONR. Sample publication:
M.G. Feemster and J.M. Esposito, "Comprehensive framework for tracking control and thrust allocation for a highly over actuated autonomous surface vessel", Journal of Field Robotics: Special issue on the state of the art in marine autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, part 2, Volume 28, Issue 1, Pages 80-100, January 2011
Modeling Coverage Rates of Rapidly Exploring Random Trees: This popular robot motion planning algorithm can be used to vet complex control systems as well, by trying to find scenarios under which control software will fail -- exposing the bugs in the code. One of the goals of the project is to adapt the original algorithm for this purpose, and to predict the convergence rate of the algorithm. Here is a video of the algorithm discovering how an intruder can get past a team of robot security guards. Sample Publication:
J.M. Esposito, "Conditional Density Growth (CDG) Model: A simplified model of Rapidly Exploring Random Tree Growth", Robotica, Vol. 31 Issue 5, pages 733-746 August 2013
Motion Planning For Network Connectivity (OLD): Imagine a large swarm of mobile robots that have to exchange information to complete their task. Low power ad hoc wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and IR require that the sender and receiver are within a certain range of each other. In addition, signal strength improves if the sender and receiver maintain line of sight. These two constraints restrict how the entire group can move. VIDEO1, VIDEO2, Sample publication:
J.M. Esposito, "Maintaining wireless connectivity constraints for robot swarms in the presence of obstacles", Journal of Robotics, Volume 11, Pages 1-12, June 2011
Numerical Methods and Modeling Languages for Hybrid Systems (OLD): Many physical systems are controlled by software based embedded computers, giving rise to so called hybrid systems -- systems with both continuous and discrete time dynamics. I developed several numerical integration algorithms which can correctly and efficiently simulate such systems. The algorithms were incorporated into the CHARON programming language and development environment. Sample publication:
J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, "A State Event Detection Algorithm for Numerically Simulating Hybrid Systems with Model Singularities", ACM Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation, Volume 17, Issue 1, p. 1-22, January 2007
Sampling Based Motion Planning:
J.M. Esposito and J.N. Wright, "Matrix Completion as a postprocessing method for probabilistic road maps", Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics, San Francisco, CA December 2016. Talk
J.M. Esposito, "A simplified model of RRT coverage for kinematic system," IEEE/RSJ Intelligent Robots and Systems – Invited Semi-Plenary Session "50 years of Robot Motion Planning: Achievements and Emerging Approaches", p. 2192-2198, September 2011
J.W. Kim, J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, "RRT enhancements" International Journal of Robotics Research, Vol 15 Issue 12, p 1257-1272, Dec 2006
J. Kim, J.M. Esposito, and V. Kumar, "An RRT-Based Algorithm for Testing and Validating Multi-Robot Controllers" in Robotics: Science and Systems, Boston, MA, July 2005
J.M. Esposito and J. Kim, "Adaptive Sample Bias for Rapidly Exploring Random Trees with Application to Test Generation", American Control Conference, Portland, OR, June 2005.
J.M. Esposito, J. Kim, and V. Kumar "Adaptive RRT's for Validating Hybrid Robotic Control Systems", Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics, Zeist, Netherlands, July 2004.
C. Belta, J.M. Esposito, J. Kim and V. Kumar, "Computational Techniques for Analysis of Genetic Network Dynamics", International Journal of Robotics Research: Special Invited Issue on Robotics Techniques Applied to Computational Biology, 24(2-3) p 219-239, 2005
Swarm Cooperative Manipulation:
S.P. Parikh, J.M. Esposito and J. Searock, "The role of verbal communication in a two person, gross motion manipulation task", Journal of Human Computer Interaction, September 2014
S.P. Parikh, J.M. Esposito and J.M Searock, "Cooperative Manipulation: What can we learn from studying humans", AAAI Fall Symposium on Human Robot Interaction, p. 165-166, September 2010
J.M. Esposito, "Decentralized cooperative manipulation with a swarm of mobile robots: The approach problem", IEEE co-sponsored American Control Conference, p. 4762 - 4767 June 2010
J.M. Esposito. "Decentralized cooperative manipulation with a swarm of mobile robots", In IEEE/RSJ Intelligent Robot and Systems (IROS), pages 5333-5338, 2009.
J.M. Esposito. "Distributed grasp synthesis for swarm manipulation", In IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation, pages 1489-1494, 2008.
M.G. Feemster, J.M. Esposito, and E.T. Smith. Cooperative manipulation on the water. In IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation, pages 1501-1506, 2008.
J.M. Esposito, E.T. Smith, M.G. Feemster, "Autonomous Tugboat Swarms", Workshop on Swarming in Natural and Engineered Systems, Philadelphia, PA, May 2007
E.T. Smith, M.G. Feemster, and J.M. Esposito, "Swarm Manipulation of an Unactuated Surface Vessel", IEEE Southeastern Symposium on Systems Theory, March 2007, P. 16-20
M.G. Feemster, J.M. Esposito and J. Nicholson, "Manipulation of large objects by swarms of autonomous marine vehicles: Part I -- Rotation", Proceedings of the IEEE Southeastern Symposium on Systems Theory, p255-259, March 2006
Multi-Robot (Swarm) Coordination and Motion Planning:
J.M. Esposito and T.W. Dunbar, "Wireless constraints in swarm motion planning", IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, May 2006, p. 946-952 (SLIDES , VIDEO1, VIDEO2, from ICRA 2006)
J.M. Esposito, and M. Kim, "Using formal modeling with an automated analysis tool to design and parametrically analyze a multi-robot coordination protocol: a case study" , IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics: Part A, Systems. Vol 37, Issue 3, May 2007 Page(s): 285-297
R. Alur, A. Das, J.M. Esposito, R. Fierro, Y. Hur, G. Grudic, V. Kumar, I. Lee, J. P. Ostrowski, G. J. Pappas, J. Southall, J. Spletzer, and C. Taylor "A framework and architecture for multi-robot coordination.",International Journal of Robotics Research, Vol. 21, No.10-11, p. 977-995, Oct-Nov. 2002
J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, " A method for modifying closed-loop motion plans at runtime",International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Washington DC, 2002 Finalist for the Best Paper Award
J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, "A tutorial on mobile robot programming, using a Hybrid Systems framework", an invited paper for the Robot Programming Workshop, IEEE Intl. Conf. On Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2002), Washington, DC, May 2002
K. A. McIsaac, A. K. Das, J.M. Esposito, and James P. Ostrowski, "A hierarchical, modal approach to hybrid systems control of autonomous robots", Proceedings of IEEE/RSJ Intl. Conf. On Intelligent Robots and Systems, p1020-1025, v.2, November 2000
J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, "Closed loop motion plans for mobile robots", Proceedings of the IEEE Intl. Conf. On Robotics and Automation, p2777-2782, v 3, May 2000
Numerical Methods for Simulating Hybrid Systems:
J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, "An Asynchronous Integration and Event Detection Algorithm for Simulating Multi-Agent Hybrid Systems", ACM Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation, Vol. 14, No. 4, Oct. 2004: 363-388.
R. Alur, T. Dang, J.M. Esposito, Y. Hur, F. Ivancic, V. Kumar, I. Lee, P. Mishra, G. J. Pappas, and O. Sokolsky, "Hierarchical modeling and analysis of embedded systems" Proceedings of the IEEE,Vol. 91, No. 1, p.11-28, January 2003.
J.M. Esposito, G. Pappas, and V. Kumar, "Accurate event detection for hybrid systems", in Hybrid Systems: Computation and Control (HSCC2001), Lecture Notes in Computer Science, volume 2034, Springer, March 2001 p. 204-217.
J.M. Esposito and V. Kumar, "Efficient dynamic simulation of robotic systems with hierarchy", in IEEE Int. Conf. Robotics and Automation, , p. 2818-2823, v.3, May 2001.
J.M. Esposito, G. Pappas, and V. Kumar, "Multi-agent hybrid system simulation" Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, p78-785, v.1, Dec 2001.
J.M. Esposito, "Robots in Warfare", NPR's Global Journalist interview. First 8 minutes of show. May 2017.
J.M. Esposito, "Unmanned Vehicles Set to Disrupt U.S. Advantages in the Littoral", Foreign Technology and Expeditionary Futures, a CNA White Paper commission by the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency, Pages 1-6, December 2014
M. Graves and J.M. Esposito, "An Algorithm to Identify Docking Locations for Autonomous Surface Vessels from 3-D LiDAR Scans," IEEE Conference on Technologies for Practical Robot Applications, Boston, MA, April 2014
S.P. Parikh and J.M. Esposito, "Negative feedback for small capacitive touchscreen interfaces (NFTI): a usability study for data entry tasks", IEEE Transactions on Haptics: Special issue on consumer electronic, Volume 5, Issue 1, Pages 39-47, January-March 2012
Publications with Undergraduate Research Students at Regional Peer reviewed Conferences:
F.N. Bush and J.M. Esposito, "Vision-based lane detection for an autonomous ground vehicle: a comparative field test," IEEE Southeastern Symposium on System Theory, p. 35-39, March 2010
D. Ferris and J.M. Esposito, "Three Dimensional Environment Modeling through Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Techniques", IEEE Southeastern Symposium on System Theory, p. 257 – 262, March 2008
S.B. Winder and J.M. Esposito, "Modeling and Control of an Upper-Body Exoskeleton", IEEE Southeastern Symposium on Systems Theory, p. 263 – 268, March 2008
C. McCook, J.M. Esposito, "Flocking for Heterogeneous Robot Swarms: A Military Convoy Scenario", IEEE Southeastern Symposium on Systems Theory, p. 26-31, March 2007
E.T. Smith, M.G. Feemster, and J.M. Esposito, "Swarm Manipulation of an Unactuated Surface Vessel", IEEE Southeastern Symposium on Systems Theory, p. 16-20, March 2007
Courses Taught:
ES456: Autonomous Vehicles
ES450: Intro to Robotics
ES451: Mobile Robot Design
Pedagogical Articles:
J.M. Esposito, "The State of Robotics Education", Robotics and Automation Magazine, to appear in the September 2017 issue.
C. Wick, J.M. Esposito and K.A. Knowles, "The MATLAB Toolbox for the Intelitek Scorbot (MTIS): an open source educational robotics development library", American Society of Engineering Education's Annual Conference, p. 1189 – 1288, June 2011
Novel Approaches to Robotics Education - an Editorial, from ASEE's Computers in Education Journal
B.E. Bishop, J.M. Esposito, and J.P. Piepmeier, "Moving without wheels – teaching limbed locomotion", ASEE Computers in Education Journal, Special Issues on Novel Approaches to Robotics Education, Volume 20, Issue 3,Pages 41-52 September 2010
J.M. Esposito, M.G. Feemster, and J.M. Watkins, "Role of a Matlab real-time hardware interface within a systems modeling course", Proceedings of the America Society of Engineering Education, June 2004
J.M. Esposito, S. Avramov, R. DeMoyer and S. Parikh, "Promoting and assessing intuitive understanding in a junior-level modeling course", Proceedings of the America Society of Engineering Education, June 2005
University Service:
Co-Chair Departmental Mentoring Program: I run a mentoring program for junior faculty at my institution which includes on-on-one consultation, organizing discussion groups and speaking at workshops.
Admission Board: I am one small cog in the admissions process at USNA
Curriculum development: I have a keen interest in curricular affairs. For the last 5 years I have served on the Division of Engineering's curriculum committee which reviews proposed changes within the division's courses and degree programs. From 2009-2012 I also served on the university wide curriculum committee. In addition I chair a committee within my department which conducted a major review and revision of our own curriculum in Systems Engineering .
Previous Leadership Positions: At various times I have run our department's hiring committee, served as the liaison for undergraduate research, coordinated our accreditation efforts, served on the executive board of the faculty senate and as the at-large senator from the engineering division.
MTIC2: I wrote the Matlab Toolbox for the iRobot Create 2 which allows you to control your Create 2 Robot from Matlab.
MTIS: I wrote (with Carl Wick and Ken Knowles) the Matlab Toolbox for the IntelitekScorbot which allows you to control Intelitek's ER-4 Scorbot from Matlab.
Professional Societies: I am now involved with ABET. Prior to that, I was the editor in chief of ASEE's Computers in Education Journal, journal from 2009-2012. During that time I organized a special issue on robotics education. I was a member of the steering committee for NASA's Sample Return Centennial Challenge which was hosted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I organized an invited session at ICRA 2008 on cooperative manipulation and was an Associate Editor for IROS 2008.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Competition: I am the faculty adviser for Robo-Goat: the Naval Academy's entry into the AUVSI's Intelligent Unmanned Ground Vehicle Student Competition. Our First year at the competition (2009) we won the Rookie of The Year Award. In 2012 and 2013 we placed second in the autonomous navigation challenge out of 50 entries. See our vehicle in action here.
Past Service: At one time I also served on the Faculty Teaching and Service Award Committees, and was our departmental coordinator for Undergraduate Research. For years, I coordinated our efforts to recruit Systems Engineering majors and boost engineering enrollment and still maintain this Facebook site. I also run our annual "battle bots" style tournament called "Systems Ball".
Feel free to contact me with consulting, advisory, or speaking opportunities.
105 Maryland Ave.
esposito at usna edu
410 293 6135 (office)
Rickover Hall
Updated by
Joel Esposito
Page Last Updated: 2018/07/11


Welcome in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord!
Pastor Kevin walking the red carpet!
Some of my favorite stories in the Bible have to do with people living with tremendous amounts of tension. Whether it be Noah building an ark knowing that a great flood was about to come, Abraham debating with God about the future of a city and his own family, Moses denying God's job as a prophet and liberator of the captive people, Hanna's longing for the closeness of God in her own life, David and his wandering lust-filled eyes, Jeremiah's feeling of naivete and inexperience, Mary's fear of being exiled from her future husband and community of friends, or the disciples' sense of abandonment at the end of a long journey–the Bible is filled with stories of people living in tension.
This is true in the times we live as well. Some believe the end of the world is near; others live in constant fear of persecution. Violence and distress seems to be on the rise. We are struggling in religiously, politically, and socially turbulent times.
Thank God that God never abandoned those characters in the Bible, even in their worst moments–and God never abandons us either!
We are a small, homey congregation who knows that we are made up of characters from the Bible, both promoting a deeper sense of faith and also realizing we are far from perfect. As Lutherans, we believe that we are both saintly (loved by a God who looks past our shortfalls and calls us to make a big impact on the world) and that we also sin. It is by grace alone that God still calls us together to work past differences to find commonality, even and especially in this church.
We are a church filled with sinners, from the pastor to the whole congregation. And yet, it isn't our sin that is the focus, but rather our unending love for all people. Indeed, we are an inclusive church, calling people of all ages, walks of life, races, sexual orientations, abilities, or any other dividing block to come together to live in harmony by the power of the Holy Spirit and with the teachings of Jesus Christ. What is true for Lutherans is true for us: we do not judge but welcome God's diversity to move and change us as a whole.
Guests who visit our church often talk about how warm, friendly, and open an experience it is. Our mission is to promote God's unconditional love to all people. If you are looking for a place that isn't perfect but which loves nonetheless, I welcome you.
It might just be that whatever character in the Bible you align yourself with (whether you know it now or not) might just be God's next step for our church.
Pastor Kevin originally comes from the suburbs of Philadelphia. Working his way in both urban and suburban ministry, he was called to this church in May 2013. He has a degree in Elementary Education and a masters degree in Divinity. He is an advocate for people around the world and spent a year working at the United Nations. His mission is to deepen faith so that everyone knows the deep power of God's unconditional love. He lives in Patchogue Village with his husband, two cats, and two turtles.
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries profile of Pastor O'Hara.


text:
India: Infrastructure Policy Fund
Project Data Last Updated: 14/07/2019
IATI Identifier: GB-1-203908
To help the Government of India to improve the policy and regulatory framework, and to create financing solutions for infrastructure projects, including by leveraging foreign investment in infrastructure. This will lead to at least 8 Public Private Partenrship studies to enhance leveraging of private investment in the sector.
Status - Implementation
The current stage of the project, consistent with the International Aid Transparency Initiative's (IATI) classifications.
Project Spend
Project budget and spend to date, as per the amounts loaded in financial system(s), and for which procurement has been finalised.
Participating Organisation(s)
Accountable: Organisation responsible for oversight of the activity.
Extending: Organisation that manages the budget on behalf of the funding organisation.
Funding: Organisation which provides funds.
Implementing: Organisations implementing the activity.
Accountable: Department for International Development
Funding: Department for International Development
Implementing: International Monetary Fund
Location: India CSV
The country/countries/regions that benefit from this project.
Disclaimer: Country borders do not necessarily reflect the UK Government's official position.
Sectors groups as a percentage of country budgets according to the Development Assistance Committee's classifications.
A comparison of forecast spend and the total amount of money spent on the project to date.
Policy Marker(s)
ODA measures in relation to their realisation of OECD development policy objectives
Aid Targeting the Objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity: significant objective Aid Targeting the Objectives of the Framework Convention on Climate Change - Mitigation: significant objective Aid Targeting the Objectives of the Framework Convention on Climate Change - Adaptation: significant objective Aid Targeting the Objectives of the Convention to Combat Desertification: significant objective
Download IATI Data for GB-1-203908: JSON
Project data last updated on 14/07/2019

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


With over 10 years' experience, fully accredited and insured installers, PEG offer clients with unrivalled service at competitive prices.
My Ideal 30 Combi boiler is showing F2 (Flame Loss) Error Code and will not power up. Mains gas supply is working and condesate pipe is clear.
Current boiler: Ideal Icos, Faulty, located in the utility room. Install 1 month. Contact anytime.
Current Boiler: Main combi. 10 years old. Not working. Located in the kitchen, would like to keep in the same place. Replace within 1 month. Contact evenings.
Current Boiler: ideal isar, 9 years old. Working. Located in the kitchen , would like to discuss location. Replace 1 month . Contact: any time.
Current Boiler: Ideal. 20 years old. Working. Located in the bedroom, would like to keep in the same place. Replace asap. Contact evenings and weekends.


text:
OLPC XO laptops to be sold in Australia
Sarah Stokely
Feb 1, 2008, 4:51pm
There's been a lot of talk about the OLPC's cute little mesh networking laptop at Linux.conf.au this week. The foundation is taking its low-cost, robust laptop the XO to underprivileged kids around the world, but it's also funding its work by selling XO laptops to the public. The cool news from the LCA conference was that a local OLPC group is setting up in Australia to help get computers to kids across Australia. This means that we'll now have a local supplier to buy the XO laptop from. You can read the full story at The Open Source Report - but the group is so new that its website at www.olpc.org.au isn't live yet - check back in about 2 weeks.
Stephen Thorne Guest
Feb 1, 2008, 10:29pm
Yeah, sorry about the domain, we only just registered it and it takes a while for melbourneit to approve such things. Check back in a week.
Talk to Pia Waugh for some up to date information on the project.
jase @Jase
Feb 2, 2008, 12:09am
This could be very handy - nobody knows quite how Kevin07's own 'One Computer per Student' plan will work, schools could potentially take the money for a full scale laptop and buy OLPC laptops, and have change leftover for the infrastructure that the Labour plan doesn't seem to have considered.
James Downie Guest
How should I contact Pia? I would really like to get an update on this. There hasn't been any change on www.laptop.org.au or anything sent out on that mailing list.


Planning a Michigan Wedding with Pearls Events: Wedding Cakes - A Thing of the Past?
With the popularity of Amy Atlas-style sweet tables, wedding cakes may be taking a backseat to sweets for the first time, well, ever. Honestly, I cannot see wedding cake becoming a thing of the past. However, with couples personalizing their weddings more than ever, I am seeing couples skip a traditional wedding cake in lieu of something they love more - whether that is ice cream, pie, cookies, candy or something more unique.
These three modern, wedding cakes have all been featured on this blog over the past three years for one reason or another, and I still love the look of each one. If I were to get married in 2010, I'd order the same exact cake I did in 2007 - I loved our simple cake, and I've come to realize I'm more traditional than modern by a long shot!
What about you...are you having a traditional cake? Sweet table? Serving Grandma's homemade apple pies? I'd love to know what 2010-2011-2012 brides are planning on serving their guests!
I love the chandelier cake!!
I haven't been blogging for a while and came upon this - you wrote it just 5 days before I got married!
I made my own wedding cake, in the UK, and transported it to Israel, where Marc and I were married.
In Israel people don't have wedding cakes, so it was hard to find vendors, and frankly I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars when I could do it myself for virtually nothing, so I did, and it was a blast, and SUCH a funny story to recount! It's one of the things I loved the most about our wedding! Photo on my blog soon!
Here's the link, your post inspired me to talk cakes as well!
As ever, wonderful to see your site flourish! Stunning and beautiful!


what is the true name of ~~ in "~~/.inputrc"
"~~" is an artifact from the original phpWiki source for this page. phpWiki uses "~" as a formatting escape, so everywhere you see two of them together, the intent was to display only one. The new MediaWiki format doesn't use "~" this way, so you see two, where only one is intended -- that is probably what the "formatting is off" comment was intended to signify.
"~~/.inputrc" should have read "~/.inputrc", which is shorthand for "$HOME/.inputrc"; similarly for "~/.vimrc"


Many people drive under the influence all the time.
Drivers have a responsibility while drinking and driving.
DUI penalties need to be decreased and cause of conviction needs to be addressed, because people who are not criminals are going to jail, and enduring insurance fees even though these punishments have been shown to not decrease drinking and driving.
One common consequence of drunk driving is peer influences.
In essence, excessive consumption of alcohol poses considerable risks to the health and physical wellbeing of an individual. Drivers are usually at risk from the need to drive vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol consumption results in the reduction of cognitive abilities and functions of an individual. The driver lacks the ability to execute his or her driving skills as they are impaired by the alcohol in the body, which interferes with the rationality processes of the brain.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major health problem in the United States as it accounts for a high number of road fatalities; hence, there is a need for stricter drunk driving rules in the United States in order to reduce drunken driving fatalities.
Mixing drinking while driving can be deadly.
It is essential for governmental and related authorities to establish anti- drink and drive campaigns and policies, which could play a significant role in reduction, and curbing the surge of road related fatalities. Such policies could be enhanced by the presence of sobriety test on the road, in order to ensure that all motorists are compliant with the laws and regulations concerned with ensuring sobriety on the roads (Mendralla, & Grosshandler, 32).
MADD also focuses on underage drinking and of course includes any and all people, whether fathers, sisters, grandparents, neighbors and friends, who work to "stop drunk driving and support the victims of this violent crime" (MADD, 2014).
Article 1: an advertisement of a dog.
Drinking and driving is a serious crime in all fifty states.
Many people drink and drive without thinking about the consequences.
Thus, making it seem like it is acceptable to drink and drive.
Article #3 This article is a variation from the previous propaganda piece.
Current: Drunk Driving Persuasive Speech ..


text:
Le maire de San Diego () est la personne élue pour diriger la ville américaine de San Diego située dans l'État de Californie.

Liste des maires

Sandiego
maire de San Diego

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
import React from 'react'
import Icon from './svg'
const ButtonIcons = {
    bold: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcBold" />,
    preface: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcBook" />,
    dash: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcDash" />,
    header: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcHeader" />,
    blockquote: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcQuote" /> ,
    link: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcLink" />,
    picture: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcPicture" />,
    video: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcVideo" />,
    save: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcSave" />,
    enter: <Icon size={20} className="dbicon" name="IcEnter" />,
}

module.exports = {
    ButtonIcons: ButtonIcons
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Couric Urges Doctors to Talk to Patients About Colon Cancer
SAN DIEGO-"More awareness for colorectal cancer can save lives," Today Show anchor Katie Couric said via live satellite feed to attendees of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) plenary session, held during the Digestive Disease Week conference.
SAN DIEGO—"More awareness for colorectal cancer can save lives," Today Show anchor Katie Couric said via live satellite feed to attendees of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) plenary session, held during the Digestive Disease Week conference.
Ms. Couric, who lost her husband, Jay Monahan, to colon cancer 2 years ago, has become an activist in raising awareness of colorectal cancer. Along with her many segments on the Today Show, she has joined forces with Lilly Tartikoff and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to launch the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA).
She emphasized that awareness alone is not enough. Patients need to hear from their doctors about the need for colorectal cancer screening. She cited a Prevention Magazine study showing that 86% of US adults are aware of colorectal cancer, and a clear majority believe it is a disease that can be cured. "Unfortunately, only 4% of adults think it is likely they will develop the disease, even though it's the nation's second leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer," she said.
The most clear-cut call for action, Ms. Couric said, was the statistic from the survey that, even among members of high-risk populations—like blacks or people age 50 and older—patients don't recall their doctors having a conversation with them about the need for screening for colorectal cancer.
"That doesn't necessarily mean that general practice doctors aren't talking with their patients about colorectal cancer," she said. "It does clearly show that if they are talking with their patients about the disease, the patients aren't getting the message."
In fact, 75% said that their doctor has yet to speak with them about colo-rectal cancer. And nearly 70% of people with symptoms of colorectal cancer said that their doctor has not talked with them about the disease. Among blacks, 78% said the same, as did 56% of adults over age 50.
To try to close that gap, Ms. Couric announced a partnership between the NCCRA and the AGA to develop education programs for general practice physicians and primary care doctors to emphasize the need to talk to their patients about colorectal cancer screening. The Merck-sponsored program includes a physician education kit along with materials from other groups.
The biggest hurdle, she added, is embarrassment. "People are embarrassed about colons and rectums. . . . Even some physicians, who you would think have had more than enough exposure to body parts . . . seem to be embarrassed about discussing this disease, which occurs 'down there.' I hope that by working together we can convince the public and primary care physicians that we can't afford to let people die of embarrassment."


"I was thrilled thrilled to have this first opportunity to be an evangelist for PKS in the PRC!" says Chris.
First Graders are Community Planners!
Last week, our PKS first graders continued their discussion on "community." Students read the mini-book I Love My Community and used the Chinese names for libraries, parks, toy stores, restaurants, and soccer fields. The mini-book ended in an open-ended form that invited students to think about what other places could be added to a community to make it even better.
For Kyle, a clear highlight has been the Wonder Works project in 3rd grade. She found a topic (how to stop child mining) that she was really passionate about and pursued it independently. The support from the school and the community in this has also been terrific and has empowered her tremendously as she pursued this project.


An excess is also known as a deductible because it is 'deducted' from the value of the claim. Your excess is the portion of the insurance claim which you are responsible for paying. It is the first part of the loss claimed. The value of the excess is determined when you take the policy out. It can be changed a renewal.
Initio currently has 4 excess options to choose from – $400, $650, $1150, $2,000. When you choose a higher excess, the cost of your insurance will reduce.


Ref: sm1206: Manufacturer: Ajax: Model/Type: Model AJ-500 - Surface Grinders: Price (GBP): P.O.A : Details: There are many models of Ajax Surface Grinding Machines with working areas up to 3200 x 850mm.
Surface Grinding Machines Brochure - Ajax Machine Read more about auto, grinding, traverse, spindle, longitudinal and ajax.
Grinding Machines, Wheels & Equipment in Ajax, ON with reviews, maps, and contact information.
Whitby Precision . Whitby Precision is an owner-managed company providing precision grinding services to the aircraft, plastics, automotive, hydro and tooling industries.


It's tempting to avoid thinking about the worst, but it makes practical sense to make sure we've arranged for someone we trust to make legal decisions on our behalf if we're unable to make them ourselves.
Asking Carlsons' experienced London solicitors to draft a professionally-prepared Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) protects you and your family should you become incapacitated.
Lasting Powers of Attorney give you the reassurance of knowing someone will be able to make legal decisions on your behalf according to your precise wishes should you become incapacitated.
There are two different types of LPA – one for property and financial affairs and one for health and welfare. We can help with both.
You can appoint one or more adults whom you trust, either together or separately, to make important decisions for you. We can guide you through all your options and help you to complete and register the official forms.
If you need to manage the affairs of someone who no longer has the capacity to make decisions themselves, we can help you with your application for deputyship.


text:
Perfect Motion (Trade Paperback / Paperback)
By Lineen, Jono
Since our first ancestor rose up to place one foot in front of another, our desire to walk has produced fundamental changes in our bodies and minds. The importance of walking became apparent to Jono Lineen after the tragic death of his brother. Grief-stricken and adrift, he set o...ff on a 2700-kilometre solo trek across the Himalayas. He walked for months, until his legs ached and feet blistered, and by the end of the expedition something had changed in him. He was stronger; not just physically, but psychologically and emotionally. In Perfect Motion, Lineen investigates that transformation, and why walking and running have made us more creative, helped us learn, constructed our perception of time, built resilience and offered a narrative that helps us make sense of our lives. By weaving together his own remarkable personal stories with evolutionary research, psychology, neuroscience, anatomy and philosophy, Lineen reveals for the first time the powerful effect of simply going for a stroll. Walking is what we're made to do; it is our perfect motion.
999 In-stock at publisher; ships 7-14 working days
In-stock at publisher; ships 7-14 working days
Ebury Australia
General/trade
Jono Lineen was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the start of the 'Troubles'. He moved to Canada as a young boy and then spent almost 20 years travelling the world working as a forester, mountain guide, ski racer, humanitarian relief worker and writer. He is a curator at the National Museum of Australia. His books include River Trilogy, Into the Heart of the Himalayas and Perfect Motion.
Perfect Motion


Utilizing theory and empirical insights from psychology and behavioural economics, this paper examines individuals' cognitive and motivational barriers to adopting climate change adaptation and mitigation measures that increase consumer welfare. We explore various strategies that take into account the simplified decision-making processes used by individuals and resulting biases. We make these points by working through two examples: (1) investments in energy efficiency products and new technology and (2) adaptation measures to reduce property damage from future floods and hurricanes. In both cases there is a reluctance to undertake these measures due to high and certain upfront costs, delayed and probabilistic benefits, and behavioural biases related to this asymmetry. The use of choice architecture through framing and the use of default options coupled with short-term incentives and long-term contracts can encourage greater investment in these measures.
Support for this research comes from the National Science Foundation (SES-1061882 and SES-1062039); the Center for Climate and Energy Decision Making through a cooperative agreement between the National Science Foundation and Carnegie Mellon University (SES-0949710); the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) at the University of Southern California; the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions (CRED; NSF Cooperative Agreement SES-0345840 to Columbia University), and the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center. We thank the referees for helpful comments and Carol Heller for editorial assistance.
Mills, B.F., and Schleich, J. (2008). Why don't households see the light? Explaining the diffusion of compact fluorescent lamps. Working paper sustainability and innovation, No, S1/2008, http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0011-n-84564.


text:
Q: Entityframework with an existing database - navigation properties not working I have a set of Entities:
public class Board : EntityBase
{
    public ICollection<Slot> Slots { get; set; }
}

public class Slot : EntityBase
{
    public ICollection<Card> Cards { get; set; }

    public string Header { get; set; }

    public int BoardId { get; set; }
}

public class Card : EntityBase
{
    public string Description { get; set; }

    public string Title { get; set; }

    public int SlotId { get; set; }
}

And corresponding database tables:
CREATE TABLE Boards
(
    Id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    UserId INT NOT NULL,
    CONSTRAINT FK_Users_UserId FOREIGN KEY (UserId)
    REFERENCES Users(Id)
)

CREATE TABLE Slots
(
    Id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    Header NVARCHAR(MAX),
    BoardId INT NOT NULL,
    CONSTRAINT FK_Slots_BoardId FOREIGN KEY (BoardId)
    REFERENCES Boards(Id)
)

CREATE TABLE Cards
(
    Id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    Title NVARCHAR(MAX),
    Description NVARCHAR(MAX),
    SlotId INT NOT NULL,
    CONSTRAINT FK_Cards_SlotId FOREIGN KEY (SlotId)
    REFERENCES Slots(Id)
)

When attempting retrieving and instantiate a 'Board' from the database it's not populating the 'Slots' property. It seems that Entity framework is unable to recognise that there's a foreign key constraint. My understanding is that if the properties are not virtual they will be eager loaded, please correct me if i'm wrong.
Is there something that I'm missing / need to setup to make navigation properties work?
The calling code:
Context.Boards.Find(id);

My DbContext:
public class SampleContext : DbContext, IUnitOfWork
{
    public SampleContext() : base("name=SampleApplication") { }

    public void Save()
    {
        SaveChanges();
    }

    public DbSet<Board> Boards { get; set; }
    public DbSet<Card> Cards { get; set; }
    public DbSet<Slot> Slots { get; set; }
}

I have made the navigation properties virtual and loaded as follows, this is now working:
public Board GetBoard(int id)
{
    var board = Context.Boards.Find(id);

    Context.Entry(board)
        .Collection(b => b.Slots)
        .Load();

    return board;
}

A: You must make navigation properties virtual for EF proxy to be able to override it.
And you're wrong about non-virtual properties to be eager loaded. They do not. You must load them explicitly with Include methods. Read here about it: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/data/jj574232.aspx

A: Eager loading does not happen automatically like lazy loading does when you include the virtual keyword.  You will need to use the Include() method
so something like
var graph = context.Boards.Include("Slots");
foreach(var board in graph)
{
   Console.Writeline("Slot value {0}",board.Slots);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Em2a Studios is a Mesa, AZ based Graphic Arts & Creation Studio and home of EmaCartoon.com: A Webcomic of Art & Life. Specializing in laser engraving and vinyl decals, we make a variety of miscellaneous geekery items, and are available for commission, wholesale, and prototyping.
View my portfolios or check out my webcomic!


Manufacturing is the process of turning raw materials into goods. Closely linked to engineering, it covers a wide range of sectors and careers, with the UK manufacturing industry alone contributing 6.7 trillion to the global economy.
Food and drink employs more than 400,000 workers in the UK, and is the country's largest manufacturing sector. The remaining sectors include engineering, construction, electronics, chemicals, energy, textiles, metalworking, plastics, transport and telecommunications.
With such a range of sectors and roles on offer, it is one of the most profitable and diverse industries for new graduates today.
Manufacturing is a vital industry for most companies. Major companies include Nestle, Toyota, Ford, Apple, Cardinal Health, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, ThyssenKrupp, Bosch, Sony, PepsiCo, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Saint-Gobain, Kraft Foods, Hoffman-La Roche, LG Electronics, Coca-Cola, Continental, Kia Motors, Christina Dior, Tyson Foods, Michelin, Fujifilm, Danone and International Paper.
The qualifications and degree required varies from role to role. Generally, you will need a good degree in a related discipline, although some roles may focus more heavily on practical skills, creativity and experience than qualifications. In addition to your degree, every employer will be looking for skills relevant to the role, which may include communication and interpersonal skills, excellent organisation, time management, problem solving and presentation skills, as well as technical knowledge and creativity. Work experience or an internship in a field or company related to the sector you wish to enter will also be beneficial.
Manufacturing is an excellent field for non-graduates, as there are a wide range of roles that do not require a degree, as well as internships and apprenticeships. For many positions, you may require GCSEs, A-Levels or an HND (Higher National Diploma) or NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). As with graduate roles, employers will also be looking for existing work experience and a range of skills, including communication skills, creativity, problem-solving, time management and interpersonal skills.
In addition to apprenticeships or internships, you may also benefit from on-the-job training sponsored or supported by your employer, although this depends on the role and sector you wish to enter, as well as the company itself.
The average starting salary depends on the role and company in question. For example, the average starting salary for a sign writer might be £18,000 - £24,000 per year. For a trainee steel erector it can be from £14,000 - £19,000, increasing to £20,000 - £28,000 after qualifying. A meat process worker would start at circa £12,500 per year, while a junior product designer would start at £17,000 - £25,000. Your salary will increase in most roles with time and experience, with some senior roles, such as senior product designer, earning up to £60,000 per year, and some senior engineering manufacturing roles earning far more.
Many of the non-technical roles in manufacturing have a low starting salary compared to other industries, and some tasks can be repetitive. Other downsides vary depending on the role in question.
With such a wide variety of roles, sectors and companies involved in manufacturing, there is a career that will suit almost every graduate. If you're keen to be involved in one of the largest and most profitable employments in the UK, and have the creative, technical or practical skills required for your chosen field, it could be the career for you. Visit our Manufacturing forum forum for more information.


text:
I am a member of Townsend 11, a collective of eleven Northern California writers (including one who's been living in Barcelona for several years) who meet monthly in a converted brick warehouse on Townsend Street in San Francisco.
If you like the adventures published in Travelers' Tales, Lonely Planet, and other creative anthologies, you'll enjoy our bundle of thought-provoking stories. We aim to share stories that enlighten, entertain, and inspire. Our work is an eclectic mix that has been widely published in major magazines, newspapers, and books, and has earned numerous awards. We have published three eBook anthologies.
Larry Habegger, executive editor of the award-winning Travelers' Tales books, spearheads the group, and in 2011, he had this to say about our group's history, enthusiasm, and dedication:
Seven years now the core members of this group and I have been meeting to share and discuss our work. We started with straight travel essays and over time explored many genres, from memoir to humor to young-adult fiction to literary fiction. And we are exploring them still.
Townsend 11′s authors are: Jennifer Baljko, Carol Beddo, Jacqueline Collins, John Dalton, Larry Habegger, Dana Hill, Barbara Robertson, Bonnie Smetts, Jacqueline Yau, Bill Zarchy, and Y.J. Zhu.
Our books:
Our debut volume, No Fixed Destination: Eleven Stories of Life, Love, Travel, will take you down the Nile, behind the curtains of the airline industry, and through the chill of the Ethiopian rainy season. You'll read about finding summer love and the price that comes with it, passing yourself off as your mother, trying to train a chicken, racing a motorcycle on the world's most demanding endurance course in China's Taklamakan Desert, and much more.
In our second book, No Set Boundaries: Eleven Stories of Life, Travel, Misadventure, you can witness a Catalan ritual in Barcelona, shop the Italian way, freeze on an English beach, deal with prejudice in Ethiopia, backpack down a frightening road in Cambodia, rest in a California garden, and glide along on a French canal. You'll learn about a bent zucchini that's not a vegetable, try to help lost travelers, break a leg on a mountain trail, and dash through an ancient city in India.
In our third outing, No Definite Plans: Eleven Stories of Laughter, Love, Travel, you can learn how to hold it while rafting the Amazon, have an animated dream, witness a unique spectacle in a French cathedral, visit a women's only sanctum in Morocco, and head for home in the Midwest. You will contemplate an emperor's curiosity, discover the unexpected aftermath of adventure, and confront the inevitability of aging. And, in our first fiction offerings, you'll meet unforgettable characters in China and India and ponder the generation gap in modern language.
About Townsend 11 | Purchase for Kindle | Purchase on Smashbooks | Purchase for Nook


Following the announcement of Sanoma's full-year results earlier today, I'm pleased to share with you that Sanoma Learning delivered a good performance in 2014. Thank you to our customers for your trust in us, and thank you to our people for your contribution in making this happen!
We engaged with about 10 million pupils and 1 million teachers across Northern Europe, helping pupils to develop their talents and teachers to excel as professionals. We looked ahead and invested heavily to strengthen our position as a leader in the digital transformation. We created some new opportunities in big emerging markets, like China. And we built new teams to lead Sanoma Learning into the future.
Sales of digital and services grew by about 15%, to more than € 50m for the first time in our history, underpinning top-line organic sales growth of 1%. Our profitability was strong with a margin of 17.6%, excluding non-recurring items but including heavy investments in the future. Around half of our business now plays on digital or multi-channel format, making us maybe continental Europe's biggest EdTech company in K-12 education today!
Malmberg in The Netherlands launched five major initiatives in primary, secondary & vocational education and in testing & assessment, giving us a strong position in the market and leading to good sales growth.
Nowa Era is executing a new strategy to address the legislative changes in Poland. Under these challenging circumstances we still delivered organic growth. Amongst others, the new exam preparation offering was a big success.
At Sanoma Pro, we built a new and digitally skilled team that has developed a multi-channel strategy to drive our transformation in preparation for the new curriculum in 2016 in Finland.
Van In in Belgium once again delivered top line sales growth, driven by a strong performance in primary education (supported by our winning gamified exercise platform, Bingel) and is now building a solution for differentiated learning in secondary education.
At Sanoma Utbildning we took big steps with our digital transformation strategy and are preparing ourselves for the next generation in Sweden.
Looking internationally, Young Digital Planet realised four deals bigger than € 1m in emerging markets, planting seeds the seeds for future growth.
Digital is going to be very important for the future of education in all of our markets. We will invest strongly in new multi-channel offerings and our capabilities (such as the co-development program) to bring them to the market, so that we go a step further in helping teachers to excel as professionals and pupils to get the best possible learning outcomes.
We intend to make use of our reputation as leader in the world's best performing education systems and a frontrunner on the digital transformation and will strive to establish a partnership with a local player in an emerging market to boost our opportunities for growth.
And last but not least, we intend to stay in robust financial and operational health, by winning in the market and taking care of the costs as we do it.
I'm proud of our people at Sanoma Learning! I want to thank you again for your good and hard work and look forward to working together with you this year. Respect!
This entry was posted in Belgium, Digital, Education, Financial Results, Innovation, Learning, Learning Outcomes, Poland, Sanoma, Sanoma Learning, Sanoma Pro, Sweden, The Netherlands, Young Digital Planet and tagged Education, Financial Results 2014, Learning, Malmberg, Nowa Era, Sanoma, Sanoma Learning, Sanoma Pro, Sanoma Utbildning, Van In, Young Digital Planet on 05/02/2015 by johnrichardmartin.
The second half of January is an exciting and important part of our annual calendar since there are some key shows which gives us a good opportunity to share the latest developments and discuss them with our customers. There are three things I'd like to share with you from last week which I believe are important for our customers and hence also for our own digital transformation.
Our Finnish subsidiary and market leader Sanoma Pro was an exhibitor at Educa2015 last week and announced our latest innovations. The Finnish market is going through a critical period prior to the upcoming major curriculum renewal and we are keen to show leadership in the market through a future-oriented and competitive offering that will help teachers to excel as professionals and pupils to learn. Three innovations in particular were well-received.
Firstly, all of our courses will be available digitally in line with the roll out of the new curricula (2015-2017). Secondly, we will be launching the highly successful gamified learning platform Bingel in Finland later this year. (Check out the video). This platform is currently used by 75% of pupils in primary education in Flanders and on average each pupil has done more than 1000 exercises on Bingel since it was launched. Thirdly, we announced the upcoming launch of our new digital ABC book which we hope and expect will be well-appreciated by pupils, teachers and parents alike. Go Pro!
Our international subsidiary YDP was once again an exhibitor at BETT in London, the world's leading learning technology show. Every year their stand is buzzing and this year was no exception. We arranged a breakout session where I spoke about Sanoma Learning's vision on the digital transformation of education and as a case study Jan Trubac (Agemsoft) and Jan Machaj (Edulab) from Slovakia gave an inspiring presentation about how they are successfully working with YDP in bringing digital learning to Slovakian schools.
About 70 executives joined us from leading local players across the globe (from South East Asia to South America) and we had an inspiring and engaging discussion. There's a world of opportunity out there! We're looking forward to engaging with some of these potential new partners further in working out how we can develop some of these opportunities together. Go YDP!
Next week Malmberg will be exhibiting at the gigantic NOT in The Netherlands. This week we announced the results into the research into the impact of our new Early Reading course Lijn 3.
The conclusion of the research was that that the reading performance of pupils using this course were significantly better than the national average. Furthermore, 94% of teachers would recommend Lijn 3 to other teachers and they rated it 8.2/10 on average. I believe this research is highly relevant for two reasons. Firstly, we are now starting to evidence the impact that our courses have on learning, which we have hardly done in the past. Secondly, the impact is very positive, which is great news! Go Malmberg!
I love it when our people are out there with customers, working out how we can help them to make a positive impact. This is what matters. Respect!
This entry was posted in Edtech, Education, Innovation, Learning, Learning Outcomes, Sanoma Learning, Teaching, The Netherlands, Young Digital Planet and tagged BETT, Edtech, Educa, Education, Innovation, Learning, Learning Impact, Learning Outcomes, Malmberg, NOT, Sanoma Learning, Sanoma Pro, Young Digital Planet on 25/01/2015 by johnrichardmartin.


Bring the relaxing tones and feeling of a small waterfall to your bathroom vanity area with this specialty fixture. Created especially for a vessel sink, the high faucet features an open spout that will tumble water into the sink below. A single water control lever is camouflaged cleverly at the side.


text:
Q: Eclipse @author tag refactoring over project I have completed a project with my author tag as UserA (Default naming by eclipse as my desktop user is named "UserA")
Therefore over the classes in my whole project, the author is "UserA"
Is there a way to change this name in the classes that have already been completed?
I know you can change the name so that new classes will adhere to the new name, but what about older classes already created.

A: Do a File Search with the Replace.. option
You can get to the File Search wizard by choosing Search->File... from the Eclipse top menu
In the dialog box, you'll want something similar to these parameters:
Containing text: @author UserA
File name patterns (separated by comma): *.java
Then click the Replace... button instead of Search
It will perform the search and then prompt you for the replacement text once the search is completed. Use something like @author UserB as your replacement text.


text:
Home[20 Questions] Sansa Rayne
[20 Questions] Sansa Rayne
HB January 10, 2018
New Jersey! Home of great diners, bad drivers and frequent buses to New York.
Are you a morning person, or a night person?
Night person, definitely.
What is your favorite season or holiday?
Winter - I love cold weather and watching it snow.
What are three things that you would put on your Bucket List?
I want to do a cross-country road trip going to great restaurants and strange landmarks; I want to have something I wrote get made into a movie or TV show; and if commercial spaceflight becomes possible in my lifetime...
Why did you choose to write for the genre that you do?
I love writing characters who are strong in the face of horrific circumstances, characters who cope with being different and who find beauty in being themselves.
What are three things that you always keep handy at all times?
My phone, a pen and a water bottle.
What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
Believe it or not, most people I know don't know how deeply into BDSM I am.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Threw up in front of all my friends at a party once - like really really bad. And I hadn't even been drinking!
Who are three women in time, real or imaginary, worth looking up to? Why?
I have a thing for badass women, so:
Mariya Oktyabrskaya - avenged her husband's death by buying a tank and using it to kill Nazis on the front lines.
Harriet Tubman - for fighting the injustice of slavery, and for the Union army.
Princess Leia - courageous, rebellious and also compassionate.
What do you put on your pizza?
Anything but olives or jalapenos.
What is your biggest baddest guilty pleasure?
Ben & Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie. Whole pint.
Do you believe in Ghosts? Aliens? Big Foot?
Aliens, definitely. Space is big. I don't know about ghosts for sure, but I've had some experiences I can't explain.
So, the Moon Landing, did it actually happen?
Of course it did.
What is one food, or drink, that you could NEVER give up?
Burgers.
What was the hardest scene, or book, for you to write?
Break-ups. They're always so sad. Even when I know things will be alright in the end, I feel terrible having my characters say and do hurtful things to each other.
What is your most favorite quote or lyric?
It's a fairly new favorite, but from the song "Feel It Still" is the great line "Your love is an abyss for my heart to eclipse"
Do you sing in the shower?
If the right song comes on the radio, you bet!
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
Basket of fried shrimp and crab cakes - because I'm allergic to shellfish now and I miss them very much.
Are you a Clutter Queen or a Neat Freak?
Definite Clutter Queen. I have stuff around everywhere.
Be permanently transported 200 years into the future, or be permanently transported 200 years into the past?
200 years into the future! I'd love to see where the world ends up in the future.
Looking Forward...
What are you currently working on?
I'm outlining my next books! I've got a 2-part series I'd like to write next.
What other plans do you have with your writing?
I have many ideas for books - not all of them dark romance! I want to write everything from crime to science fiction.
When is you next book possibly going to release?
Hahaha I wish I could say. I hope not too long!
More About Sansa Rayne!
Author of dark, romantic fiction - suspenseful, twisted and hot as hell. Sansa (who has also written under the name Sasha Rich) likes stories that find beauty in horror - every metal chain has a silver lining.
Sansa lives in upstate New York, and is a fan of cold, wintry days that justify staying inside and reading a good book.
For a taste of Sansa's fiction, read a free story:
https://instafreebie.com/free/67bT5
Check Out Her Books!
#SansaRayne


Fastigiate or columnar ginkgo forms have been available in commerce for over 100 years. Nurseries often sell these forms under several different labels including Ginkgo biloba forma fastigiata, G. b. fastigiata or G. b. 'Fastigiata'. These fastigiate forms (fastigiate meaning upward branching) typically grow 30-50' tall with upright, narrowly conical habits that are just slightly broader at the base. 'Fastigiata' is an all-male cultivar. Leaves turn a uniform golden yellow in autumn (spectacular when backlit by early morning or late afternoon sun) and persist for several weeks. When the leaves do drop, they drop rapidly, forming a golden carpet around the tree.
Fastigiate forms provide excellent vertical accent and are generally valued for their ability to fit into small horizontal spaces. Excellent choice for a variety of uses, however, including lawn tree or street tree. Also effective in city parks or near commercial buildings. May be grown as a tall screen in somewhat the same manner as lombardy poplars.


text:
Calcutta Premier Division A
CFL 2019: Antonio Vicuna - I am excited to live the Kolkata Derby experience
5:09 PM GMT 30/08/2019
Antonio 'Kibu' Vicuna called East Bengal's Jaime Santos Colado as one of the best foreign players in Indian football at the moment...
Antonio Vicuna will be up against his compatriot Alejandro Menendez on Sunday in his maiden Kolkata Derby as the giants of Indian football lock horns on Sunday in the 2019 Calcutta Football League (CFL).
Still, at a nascent stage of his stay in Kolkata, Vicuna is just two months has been able to grasp the importance and sentiments of this high impact clash.
Speaking about the game, the Mohun Bagan coach said, "Derby is a very important match for the city and the fans. I am excited to live this experience. This is a match which all the players want to play and coaches want to lead. I hope we have a good game."
Afcon 2019: Jordan Ayew congratulates 10-man Ghana for holding 11-man Benin
Afcon 2019: A draw against Benin is reasonable after red card - Ghana coach Appiah
Afcon 2019: Ghana could have lost against Benin - Jonathan Mensah
Paintsil: Black Stars can't afford to lose shape in the Afcon
Kibu Vicuna and Alejandro are poles apart when it comes to training modules. While the East Bengal boss prefers to keep everything in the dark, Vicuna follows his idol Marcelo Bielsa and keeps his tactics open, according to the former CF Gava coach.
On the training process, Kibu said, "Every coach has different plans, different style. Some coaches like (Marcelo) Bielsa shows everyone his plans before the match. In Spain it is true most coaches close their training. I have nothing to hide. Normally our training is open. But this is just about the style of a particular coach."
Vicuna mentioned that Jaime Santos Colado is East Bengal coach's main weapon but mentioned that they have other good players in their arsenal.
"Jaime is a very good player. He is one of the best foreign players in Indian football. He will be a very important player if he plays. But they have other very good players. We also have good players so I think it will be a spectacle on Sunday.
"It will be eleven versus eleven. They have a good midfield and a team that's true. But we also have a good team. I will not discuss my tactics," said the Bagan coach.
Sharing Alejandro's sentiment about poor scheduling of the match, Vicuna suggested, "The conditions are hard and hot. They are not the best to play football. If it would have been in the evening it would have been best for the players as they are the main characters."


text:
2022 AWARD NOMINEE
Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year 2022
Jayli Wolf , Wild Whisper
Jayli Wolf is an Anishinaabe / Cree, LGBTQ+ artist born in Creston, B.C. Wolf released a solo EP entitled "Wild Whisper" about her personal history. Single "Child Of The Government" exhibits her family's experience during the Sixties Scoop, where the Canadian Government and Catholic Church were responsible for taking or "scooping" more than 20,000 First Nation, Métis, and Inuit children from their families and communities in the 1950-90s The children were placed in foster homes or adopted (some even sold) into non-Indigenous families across Canada and beyond. Along with the loss of cultural identity, the government changed some children's true ethnicity on file. Many experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Wolf's father was one of these children.
The single arrived alongside short film that was directed by Wolf herself. The short film won 'Best Music Video' at Venice Shorts and the single hit #1 on CBC and Indigenous Music Countdown charts. Wolf landed on the cover of Spotify+Amazon's Indigenous playlists and Yonge and Dundas Square billboards. The EP has received critical acclaim in VOGUE global, Rolling Stone, NYLON, Them, Ones To Watch and also resulted in viral TikTok videos where people shared their families' experience in the Sixties Scoop.
Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year
Presented by Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Wild Whisper
Alt Eden*Fontana North


We wanted to make beer and create a space to show that love to the world. Our place has plenty of room for people to hang out and enjoy one another, some super fresh beer and some really tasty food. Urban Roots started when Rob and Peter decided it was time to open the brewery they'd been dreaming of for a long long time. They wanted a place where they could express their love for the industry they've been a part of for so long. With Urban Roots they hope to pay homage to all of the wonderful people they have met on their journey. People that showed them amazing beer and maybe more importantly showed them a good time.


NCCF's community grantmaking program supports the work of charitable organizations serving the communities within our statewide network of affiliate foundations.
Our network of local affiliates is organized by region. View a map of our affiliate network here. Each region is led by a regional director who supports the affiliate boards of advisors' community leadership, including facilitation of the community grantmaking program.
Grant decisions are made by the affiliate's board members. We're committed to the local knowledge and expertise that our advisory board members bring to responding to the needs of the community through their grantmaking.
The community grantmaking program funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that include education, human services, basic needs, arts, historical preservation, health, recreation, youth development, environment and animal welfare.
The information on eligibility and restrictions below applies to all community grantmaking from our network of local affiliate foundations.
Religious entities, including churches, congregations and other houses of worship, and/or faith-based organizations whose core functions/operations promote a specific religious doctrine or are restricted to members of a particular faith may apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs to benefit the community-at-large, but they may not apply for general operating support. See restrictions below.
Only those organizations that serve the counties within our affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within our network, that organization may complete a separate application for each of those affiliates.
Prior to completing an application, it is important for interested applicants to learn about the grantmaking of the community program to which they are applying. Affiliate boards may also seek applications for certain target areas, capacity building, organizations with operating budgets within a specified range, or for other permissions and restrictions. The amounts of grant awards also vary widely across programs.
View the dates of all NCCF affiliate foundation cycles, either chronologically or in alphabetical order below. Please note that all cycles end at NOON on the closing date.
Affiliate grantmaking decisions are made on varying timelines. Contact the NCCF regional director for the affiliate to which you are applying to find out specific information on when decisions will be made.
View answers to frequently asked questions about the community grantmaking program here.
Preview a sample of the application here. Please note that this sample may be updated if changes to the application occur.
NCCF offers publicity tools for grant recipients to raise community awareness. We recommend every grantee take advantage of this valuable opportunity to tell the story of their work. Learn more about our publicity tools.
To apply, select the county below that your nonprofit organization serves.


text:
Difference between revisions of "Iteration"
From CS 61A Wiki
[checked revision] [checked revision]
Cem (Talk | contribs)
(Created page with "Iteration is the process of repeatedly executing a part of the code that is engulfed inside an iterative statement block. Quite frequently we feel the need to execute a part o...")
Axis (Talk | contribs)
m (copyedit)
Iteration is the process of repeatedly executing a part of the code that is engulfed inside an iterative statement block. Quite frequently we feel the need to execute a part of the code multiple times and computers are very good at repeating identical or similar tasks thus only through repeated execution of statements do we unlock the full potential of computers. Also when writing code, instead of unnecessarily repeating ourselves by writing the same lines of code over and over again in multiple parts of our program, we can simply put that part of the code inside a loop. Almost every programming languages (including [[Python]]) offers multiple ways to create a loop to iterate over a part of a code.
'''Iteration''' is the process of repeatedly executing a block of code. Quite frequently we feel the need to execute a part of the code multiple times and computers are very good at repeating identical or similar tasks thus only through repeated execution of statements do we unlock the full potential of computers. Also when writing code, instead of unnecessarily repeating ourselves by writing the same lines of code over and over again in multiple parts of our program, we can simply put that part of the code inside a loop. Almost every programming languages (including [[Python]]) offers multiple ways to create a loop to iterate over a part of a code.
==The '''while''' statement==
==while statement==
The simplest form of iteration is by using a while statement block. While statement contains an expression header and a suite of expressions.
The simplest form of iteration is by using a while [[statement]] block. A while statement contains an expression header and a suite of expressions:
<syntaxhighlight lang="python">
while <expression>:
<suite>
while <expression>:
To execute a while statement:
:<suite>
# execute the header expression.
# if it is True, execute the suite of expressions and return to step 1.
To execute a while clause:
#Execute the header expression.
#If it is True execute the suite of expressions then return to step 1.
This where you should be careful. The entire suite of expressions is evaluated before we return and check the header expression again. A while statement executes its suite until the header expression evaluates to a False value. Then it stops and computer continues executing the remaining parts of the program after the while statement block. If a while statement doesn't stop it is called an '''infinite loop'''. In the Python interpreter press <Control>-C to terminate the execution.
===Example: First 10 fibonacci numbers===
Lets assume that one day Rohin wanted to challenge Andrew; so he asks Andrew to find a way to write out first 10 fibonacci numbers. Now fibonacci sequence is a special mathematical sequence where every other number is created by adding previous two numbers. Andrew knows that fibonacci sequence starts with 1 1 2 however lets assume that he doesn't know the rest. So he creates this logic. If he starts with first two values of fibonacci sequence he can add those two numbers to create the third number and then add the 3rd and 2nd number to create the 4th and then 4th and 3rd to create the 5th and '''so forth'''. He realizes that Rohin gave Andrew an '''iterative process''' and he can use his '''while''' statement. He writes:
Let's assume that one day Rohin wanted to challenge Andrew; so he asks Andrew to find a way to write out first 10 fibonacci numbers. Now fibonacci sequence is a special mathematical sequence where every other number is created by adding previous two numbers. Andrew knows that fibonacci sequence starts with 1 1 2 however lets assume that he doesn't know the rest. So he creates this logic. If he starts with first two values of fibonacci sequence he can add those two numbers to create the third number and then add the 3rd and 2nd number to create the 4th and then 4th and 3rd to create the 5th and '''so forth'''. He realizes that Rohin gave Andrew an '''iterative process''' and he can use his '''while''' statement. He writes:
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" highlight=6>
i = 10
Iteration is the process of repeatedly executing a block of code. Quite frequently we feel the need to execute a part of the code multiple times and computers are very good at repeating identical or similar tasks thus only through repeated execution of statements do we unlock the full potential of computers. Also when writing code, instead of unnecessarily repeating ourselves by writing the same lines of code over and over again in multiple parts of our program, we can simply put that part of the code inside a loop. Almost every programming languages (including Python) offers multiple ways to create a loop to iterate over a part of a code.
1 while statement
1.1 Example: First 10 fibonacci numbers
2 The for statement
The simplest form of iteration is by using a while statement block. A while statement contains an expression header and a suite of expressions:
To execute a while statement:
execute the header expression.
if it is True, execute the suite of expressions and return to step 1.
This where you should be careful. The entire suite of expressions is evaluated before we return and check the header expression again. A while statement executes its suite until the header expression evaluates to a False value. Then it stops and computer continues executing the remaining parts of the program after the while statement block. If a while statement doesn't stop it is called an infinite loop. In the Python interpreter press <Control>-C to terminate the execution.
Example: First 10 fibonacci numbers
Let's assume that one day Rohin wanted to challenge Andrew; so he asks Andrew to find a way to write out first 10 fibonacci numbers. Now fibonacci sequence is a special mathematical sequence where every other number is created by adding previous two numbers. Andrew knows that fibonacci sequence starts with 1 1 2 however lets assume that he doesn't know the rest. So he creates this logic. If he starts with first two values of fibonacci sequence he can add those two numbers to create the third number and then add the 3rd and 2nd number to create the 4th and then 4th and 3rd to create the 5th and so forth. He realizes that Rohin gave Andrew an iterative process and he can use his while statement. He writes:
previous = 0
current = 1
while i > 0:
previous, current = current, previous + current
i = i - 1    print(previous)
Remember in the assignment previous, current = current, previous + current the key thing is that before any assignment is made to previous or current first we evaluate the right part and then make the assignment. In here first thing on the right is current, and then we add previous and current and then make previous the current and finally make current the new added value. Another key thing is emphasized in the highlighted part where we decrement the value of i to make the while loop stop when it executes 10 times. Andrew gives his result to Rohin and renders him speechless.
The for statement
https://docs.python.org/2/reference/compound_stmts.html#while
http://composingprograms.com/pages/15-control.html
https://docs.python.org/2/reference/compound_stmts.html#for
Retrieved from "https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~shidi/cs61a/w/index.php?title=Iteration&oldid=355"
About CS 61A Wiki


Made a workshop stand to get the most room in my workshop, bike takes up slightly less space as it is upright, but is easy to move around for flexible work areas too.
Were I doing another one (and I might for the RC36) I'd go thickwall bent ali tube, and try for twin pillars on the rear for better stability.
This hammer was built for a viking themed party where we also put down a time capsule, to be dug up in 30 years.
Also made for the occasion were some bearded axes, a shield, and a sculpted hammer.
The center was hammer beaten to a dome shape using the hammer below.
The bearded axes were plasma cut then welded to some pipe with very large fillets, ground, blued, and sharpened.
Standard bluing technique, add a smidge of corrosion resistance, while making it a pretty blue color.
The handle was welded to the 'cover' plate, which is bolted to the bottom of the hammer's head. Final weight is around 12kg, size is 200x200x400mm. The symbols on the side were bolted on, creating a nice contrast to the blued parts.
Last summer I changed the transmission in my E36 328 BMW, the auto box had a jerky shift, and I prefer manual anyway. When it was out, naturally I had to take it apart, and found it way too cool to simply send to the scrapper.
After some tinkering I stretched out a few parts, cut up some other, so it offered better visibility into the internals, but the gears were still enmeshed and clutch packs still able to function (with a much reduced activation pressure). Also labelled the clutches and fluid routing to them, this thing is very mechanically complex and just some beautiful engineering.
This thing has to function in some form,so it can be best appreciated. Obviously this means oil, and this means leaks. A fishtank style coffee table makes perfect sense to house it, displaying the gearbox, while keeping in the oil!
Tripped over the other half of the toqure converter, made a thing by welding bits together, not sure what it is, it spins though.
A Lithophane is a peice of translucent material into which is carved a 3d image. The deeper the carving (or machining), the thinner the material and more light gets through.
The same lithophane with no light passing through.
With careful selection, the images used can look good when not lit as well, lighter background and darker main features let it 'pop' out in 3d.
In this case they are in wooden frames, backlit by a panel of 360leds each.
This powered lightbox style brings out the detail just as much as sunlight, but in a slightly warmer tone.
The lithophanes were machined on my CNC mill, using a 0.5mm stepover and 2mm diameter ball end mill, running at 600mm/minute it takes a while. The material is soft enough, and cuts cool enough that almost no supervision is required.
Saw this done on the TheBackyardScientist's youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdpQo3tRPLY and gave it a go myself. Not having to worry about filming, I just just put the water beads in a plastic trash can (with a bit of aluminium plate at the bottom to stop it melting through).
Step one is get a little furnace going.
I made one from a steel bucket and a mixture of cement/sand/lime, with refractory cement applied around the inside.
Unfortunately I didn't leave enough space for a self drawing burner, so I just stuck a hair dryer on it and force feed propane that way.
It doesn't take too long to melt, once it gets warmed up. I have a 500ml and a 1500ml crucible, just simple steel ones since the furnace will not get hot enough to melt these.
Step two is set up the water beads (actually step one since they take a few days to swell from a 2mm ball to a 25mm one).
I found it worked a lot better when the water was drained out as it slowed the passage of the aluminium. However, this required the setup be hosed down straight after the pour so the beads don't cook and smoke.
Reasonably quick pour seemed to work the best for longer pieces, while a slow pour made them more shallow.
Cleaning them couild be trick, might see how they weather for a bit. Possibly try and acid wash or beadblast.
The first of many, and I started with the biggest ones. Anyone else who wants to contribute is more than welcome.
After having an OpenCart webstore for a number of years, I've finally got around to putting up some webby stuff to show off some of the projects I've done, just for fun. Although I still expect to use this part of the site to show some clearance sales, or promoting some commercial projects.
It might take some time to get the major projects up, which will be put up as pages, rather than posts. Things like my electric bike, my cnc mill, my cylonbros are all here!


text:
Everything's Bigger After Texas: Famous Debuts at SXSW
Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 | 5 min read
The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals have become a cultural phenomenon, with countless artists getting their start at the annual gathering. The Festivals bring together top emerging creatives and give them a platform to find their audiences.
Having the power to bring unknown names to the masses has been one of the main draws of SXSW, which is held annually in Austin, Texas in mid-March. With decades-worth of new artists breaking through the noise at SXSW, it makes sense that a number of household names owe their fame – in large part, at least – to the event.
We've rounded up some examples of genres, platforms, and artists that found their big breaks at SXSW.
A New Film Genre
You might be familiar with Mumblecore movies now, but the genre is relatively new to the film industry. It's typified by low-budgets, unknown actors, and a focus on the daily doldrums of young adults.
But did you know that Mumblecore has its roots at SXSW?
While the first recognized mumblecore film, Funny Ha Ha, was produced in 2002, the genre itself wasn't established until 2005, when SXSW began screening a number of films in this category. Andrew Bujalski is generally considered the father of Mumblecore, having directed Funny Ha Ha.
New Social Platforms
It's hard to imagine a time before Twitter, and yet the social network — and social media in general — are still recent additions to the overall media landscape.
In fact, Twitter was first introduced to the masses at SXSW Interactive in 2007. Two years later, we met Foursquare at the same venue.
Shortly after its introduction, Twitter managed to break 60,000 tweets shared on the platform. It was a milestone then, but a drop in the bucket compared to the 500 million tweets now sent each day (that's 6,000 tweets every second!). It's safe to say that the $11,000 Twitter spent on its conference booth back in 2007 was well worth the investment.
While SXSW is more well known as a music and entertainment showcase, the event draws people from a very wide range of sectors. The next big thing isn't always a music or film phenomenon — new ideas, technologies, and sectors are also discovered each year at SXSW.
Up-and-Coming Musicians Who Hit It Big
But, speaking of music, there have been many, many musicians who've hit it big thanks to SXSW performances. We're not going to list them all here, but there are two in particular who reached mega-stardom as a result of the Festival.
Way back in 2001, a teen-aged Katy Hudson was getting her start as a Christian rock singer and songwriter. While her music got great reviews, her albums drew dismal sales and she was dropped from two different record labels in those early years.
By 2008, Hudson had adopted a new moniker, taking her mother's maiden name and re-introducing herself as Katy Perry on the SXSW stage. She veered far away from Christian rock and rose to be the colorful pop star we know today.
Another singer who found international stardom thanks to the SXSW Festival was Amy Winehouse. While she already had a strong following in the UK, her music hadn't made it across the pond until her 2007 SXSW showing.
Though her SXSW debut was met with mixed reviews (not everyone appreciated her signature look), her vocal talent was hard to ignore. Winehouse struck the right cords with listeners, leading to several Billboard top hits, including a Top 10 Hit with her infamous song, "Rehab." It's hard to imagine what her career would look like today, but we'd like to think that she'd continue to turn heads as the worldwide phenomenon she was.
Things to Expect at SXSW 2019
The 2019 SXSW Music Festival line-up promises a diverse mix of talent across genres. Attendees can expect to hear new sounds and see some familiar faces. With more than 2,000 Showcasing Artists slotted to perform, there will be no shortage of of music options at the Festival.
And as always, the SXSW will feature much more than emerging musicians and art. Conference Tracks range from Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies, to Style & Retail, to Experiential Storytelling, to Cannabusiness, and more.
The Trade Show portion of SXSW 2019 will feature a Discovery Stage, Startup Village with small businesses in a range of sectors, a VR/AR experience, and more. Visitors will be immersed in the latest technologies while learning about the next breakthroughs in business and research.
Based on what we've seen from previous festivals, we can expect breakout stars across all industries. And as for Sprinklr, we'll be bringing the love.
The Sprinklr Way
Follow the Sprinklr Way at SXSW 2019
By Rebecca Benison
Rebecca is a New York-based writer and editor with a background that spans digital media and PR. She's well-versed in a wide range of topics, including science and technology, manufacturing, sustainability, global affairs, and more. Her favorite assignments usually involve NASA.
The Winning Culture Playbook: A 7-Step Roadmap to Success
#PanteneOppa: Learning from Steve Aoki's Viral Moment


Business meeting can appear a determinative at decision-making on cooperation. In most cases after visit on production the agreement on cooperation consists. Business meeting with partners is real possibility to expand the market possibilities, to enter into agreements with strategic partners and преставать your company in the best light.
At direct meeting with your partner you can discuss all details and conclude the agreement. Personal contact will allow to settle all formalities and to minimise possible risks.
Trip abroad always expensive pleasure. In case the trip is not organised properly, it can appear much more expensive. Involving in the organisation of a trip of skilled professionals you show care and good resolves before the partner.
Our company will organise business a partner trip on your production, journey and residing, and services of the guide of the translator which ably and competently will help to find common language.


You can rest assured that you're in good hands any time you visit D & a Auto Sales. Our enthusiastic sales colleagues are educated and here to assist you in seeking the best car and payment for you. You'll find a large selection of cars to select from, we also have vehicles to suit any budget. D & a Auto Sales has become Searcy's best spot to go for a used car. No matter what you might need, D & a Auto Sales can assist you in finding any vehicle. Be sure to drop by D & a Auto Sales of Searcy at 185 Smith Rd, Searcy, Arkansas 72143 when you are searching for a used car.


Chanthaburi is a town about 260km South East of Bangkok. It is a well know location to buy gems of all shapes and sizes as this is a major cutting centre for South East Asia. First impressions might lead you to believe that Chanthaburi is just another town in eastern Thailand. There are Buddhist temples and traditional Thai houses, while the narrow streets are alive with the normal sound of market vendors selling fruits, vegetables, animals and… minerals.
Wait what? Make no mistake, inconspicuous Chanthaburi is the "Gem Capital" of South East Asia.
So I grab a taxi from Bangkok for the 3.5 hour long trip. The taxi costs around $80 USD and is by far the best way to travel. There are buses that leave from Bangkok but they can take up to 5 – 6 hours because they have to stop in so many places to pick people up along the way.
Once we get to Chanthaburi we check into a hotel that is very close to the Gem market. The next morning we are off to the market to see what we can find and to get a feel for the place. It is best to approach the first day with the mindset that the first day is just to get a feel for prices and quality. Try and not jump at the first thing that walks through the door, even if it is a good deal.
Chanthaburi is a very old town with a long gemstone history. The town was built because of the abundance of incredible Sapphire and Ruby that ran along the river. Chanthaburi gained its gemstone reputation as early as 1407 when the intrepid Chinese traveller Ma Huan wrote of a special place near Chanthaburi where hundreds of families sold bright clear Rubies. In 1868 the famous French explorer Henri Mouhot said, "precious stones of good quality are found in the mountains around Chanthaburi." Expect to see many Sapphire and Rubies because of this fact.
Once the mines started to become exhausted, the local business men established international connections to import rough gemstones into Chanthaburi for cutting and selling. Chanthaburi already had a reputation with the international gem community, so the town grew from a major source of fine Sapphires and Rubies, to a global gem hub.
The Assistant – The assistant is a Gem brokers representative in charge of promoting fair-trading. They provide all legal guidance for the transactions, and assists buyers in their dealings with the brokers.
Trading Office – The owners of these establishments usually guarantee all of the items purchased by the buyer and personally checks each gem before payment is made.
When you choose a buying office, the first thing to do is let all the runners outside know what you want to buy. The assistant will approach and ask what gems in particular you are looking for. They will then write this in Thai, and post it on the window above your head. Now sit back and wait for runners to come to you.
Within a couple of minutes there were 5 or so runners around my table. All showing Rubies, Sapphire, Zircon, Garnet, Topaz and Tourmaline. Almost every commercial stone was shown to me within the first 5 minutes. The runners recognise regular buyers, so when someone new comes along, they test the waters to see if the new buyer, in this case me, knows what they are doing. They bring synthetics, treated stones and real stones with inflated prices. It takes a while, but eventually everyone gets the feeling that you know what you are talking about. This is why I said before that the first day should not be a buying day, but a knowledge day.
Once you do start buying, the process is fairly simple. A runner comes in, displays the stones they have. The buyer looks at them, asks the price to be displayed on the calculator, and then begins negotiations if interested. If someone offers the stone at 500 baht/ct, and the buyer counter offers 400 baht/ct, and if this is within the range that the owner of the stone has told the runner is acceptable, the exchange will happen there and then. If however the value is below what the owner has specified, 2 things happen.
The runner will then go back to the owner and ask if the price you have offered is acceptable. If you pick a few stones out of the parcel, the owner has no way of knowing which stones you have selected, because they are wrapped in paper and cannot be ripped open. The owner has to make the judgement on if they want to sell the stones or not.
If the owner accepts, the paper parcel is returned, opened and checked, and then the exchange takes place. If the paper has been tempered with or undone, the sale is void.
At the end of the day, the assistant makes up the invoice and calculates the total. The owner of the trading office gets paid by the owners of stones, depending on how much they sell. This cost is already factored into the price of the stone.
So that's Chanthaburi. A very interesting place to visit. The atmosphere is amazing and there are plenty of shops and museums for tourists to look at. Would I recommend a tourist with no knowledge of gems to go buying in Chanthaburi? No I wouldn't. But it is an amazing insight into the world of gem buying.
This entry was posted in Gemstone Information and tagged #gemstones, #ruby, #sapphire, #thailand.


text:
Q: Which of "I'd rather it be/were you" is/are correct? Which of these is correct and why?

*

*I'd rather it be you.

*I'd rather it were you.

A: Both are correct, and they mean different things.
"I'd rather it were you" means that it already is someone else, or assuredly is going to be someone else ("the decision has been made", "the results are in"), and my preference for you isn't expected to change anything.
"My travel partner is Dwight. I'd rather it were you."
"I'd rather it be you" means we are discussing something uncertain - an uncertain future, a tentative plan, a hypothesis, a set of critically incomplete information - and it includes the idea of "it" being someone other than you. It implies nothing either way about whether my preference for you could change things, but it does imply a possibility that it might yet end up being you.
"It seems the boss is planning to pair me up with Dwight. I'd rather it be you."

A: It's a good question. Both are correct. The first is much more formal sounding these days.
In English there is no true future tense. We can use "will" or we can use present tense. Thus,
"I hope you go tomorrow." (present expressing future)
or
"I hope you will go tomorrow. ('will' expressing future)
When you introduce 'rather' you also add the English subjunctive. You can see the tenses used by adding a sub-clause.
"I'd rather it be you that goes tomorrow." (present subjunctive)
"I'd rather it were you that went tomorrow."  (past subjunctive)

A: Both seem to be correct whereas I'd rather it be you seem a little bit off use rather than another. I'd rather it were you is just the same construction as I wish I were you which nowadays can be replaced by I wish I was you.

A: "I'd rather it be you" sounds American to me, British rarely uses the subjunctive anymore. "I'd rather it was you" would sound the most idiomatic.


Whether you're taking McCarthy English now or just visiting to recharge lit/grammar swag, this is the place for you.
Note that there are specific pages for seniors and freshmen. On the menu above, you will find buttons for: English 12 and English 9. Choose accordingly.