Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp has called for a rally next Thursday night in opposition to the controversial joint checkpoint bill, which is likely to have been passed by that time.
In an unprecedented move, Legislative Council President Andrew Leung set an upper limit of 36 hours for the final debate on the bill relating to the upcoming high-speed rail link. The democrats raised an adjournment motion but it was rejected. On Thursday, Leung had to suspend the meeting following protests against him for stopping lawmakers from speaking at the second reading debate.
The pro-democracy camp, as well as the Hong Kong Bar Association, have said the bill was unconstitutional as Hong Kong is set to effectively give up its jurisdiction across a quarter of the West Kowloon terminus, where immigration and customs procedures will be performed by mainland law enforcement agents.
Tanya Chan (front row centre). Photo: Facebook/"Co-location" Concern Group.
Article 18 of the city's mini-constitution stipulates that Chinese laws cannot be implemented in Hong Kong except those listed in Annex III, such as the national flag and emblem laws.
Civic Party lawmaker Tanya Chan, who leads a group opposing the bill, said the bill's passage by the legislature does not mean an end to their battle.
"We will continue monitoring it – we will observe if there will be mainland law enforcement agents exercising their powers across the border," she said.
She added that the group will also continue monitoring the rail link's operational and financial situations.
A rally will be held on June 14 at the Legislative Council protest area from 7pm.
Express Rail train. Photo: inmediahk.net.
The Hong Kong government signed an agreement over the mechanism with the Guangdong government last November. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress then approved the agreement the following month.
LegCo President Andrew Leung said on Monday that any amendments proposed by the democrats which were not in line with the agreement would not be approved.
He urged students to join the rally next week.


WOW!!! What a price drop!!
I was just looking on the Saks website and noticed this bag in the sales section.
I read the title of this thread and was all excited.. but that bag is just not exciting. Boo..
That is a nice discount . . .that bag is not for me though.
Makes me realize what the mark-up is on most of these bags we buy!!
That is sooooo true SuzyZ. I have been feeling very guilty about this bag obession and the cost of it lately. I told myself that Once I pick up my gucci this afternoon I will be done for a LOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG time.
I can see why there is such a price drop. They are probably going to have to give that thing away.
It proves to show that what is one person's trash is another's treasure. Someone bought that bag! It's no longer there!
'Fess up! Who did it?!
i agree. They'll probably pay someone to just take it.


Tetris, one of those game history icons. Sonic, Lara, Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Tetris. There are some games even the oldies will know of, it was twenty eight years ago that I first found joy in stacking Tetrominoes, Christmas of 1990 was spent with a weighty original Gameboy in my hands and the incessant tinkling of Tetris blocks dropping into place rattling through my ears.
It's 2018 now and Tetris just about took the world by storm again.
Tetris Effect is a bold and vivid re-imagining of the classic, since those Gameboy days I have held and played various versions of the game with little interest. Tetris Effect is here to change all that, it is obviously a title made with love, a colourful journey through evocative visuals and emotive soundtracks.
In a time where we are constantly fed the next big thing, grander visions, larger worlds it is so refreshing to be brought back to earth with a game that closed out the eighties perfectly. The back end may be bigger than a Sydney fireworks display, but the core gameplay remains. Tetris when it is at its best falls into the 'minutes to learn, years to master' category. There are extras and enhancement, for its part we should call them 'Effects' and they are all well considered. Adding to the depth of the core game with more challenging gameplay Effects have certainly earned their place, but finding your rhythm in the classic game and wading through a speeding tide of falling blocks has not felt this slick in a couple of decades.
Not forgetting that the themed stages are dressed beautifully, particle effects are used to stunning levels as the game takes you from a windblown desert to a nautical setting. The stage designs are the dressing that makes the game look good, they also raise the bar once you slip on the PSVR unit and get surrounded by flowing graphics, wispy particle animations and thumping patterns. However, you barely get a chance to stop and smell the flowers when things get crazy, so the dressing becomes ambience which notably adds to the experience, but isn't something you can stop and take a good look at.
The meat of Tetris Effect is in Journey mode, working your way through a series of stages all grouped in sets of levels. The goal is to clear the set in one go, but while failing may kill your grand score there is little penalty for playing out the missing level of the set to get through. Again they are beautifully themed and each have their own spin to throw at you, mostly being a challenge to overcome, some throwing a controller smashing frustration at you. This is usually due to a burst of speed either during the stage or at the end, just when you think you have it in the bag and then it starts raining Tetrominoes.
That said, no matter how frustrating a level may be, you still come back to try it again and again and again until you can move on.
Aside from the Journey, there are a number of Effects modes, basically custom games of Tetris to play and find your favourite. There will no doubt be obsessional gamers born for this mode, picking their favourite discipline and sticking with it purely for global bragging rights on the scoreboard. Modes range from insanely fast 'Ultra', to 'Marathon' runs at 150 lines and my current favourite 'Purify' which is all about clearing lines and scoring by taking out odd coloured blocks.
There will also be a meta-game in Effects mode where players will get to play in a Weekend Ritual on a specific mode, if the community reaches a given score then they will be awarded special Avatars. A mild attraction, but still worth a look. The Avatars have their own place in eta scheme of things too, outside of the game you get to see your Avatar floating around a model of the Earth and by skimming around this planet you can see where all the games of Tetris are currently being played, along with some colour indication as to the type of game being preferred. The game may not have any multiplayer and I'd argue that it doesn't need it, but it does give you a nice way to see that you are not alone in this Tetris universe.
Its a great package, stunning visuals and a soundtrack that can soothe one moment and pump up your blood pressure the next. Not forgetting that however gorgeous it looks in 2D, you simply cannot go past the game inside a PSVR unit. Possibly the most focused way to play.


Right after taking a class on Photoshop at a Geek Girl Tech Conference this weekend I was challenged with some questions about today's media: Are they to blame for the fact that so many girls have image issues today?
I agree that technology's ability to correct figure flaws and imperfections can cause a girl to question her own beauty, but in reality, she would do that with or without perfect images on the magazine covers.
Should the media change the way they treat their models and torment their prospective buyers? Yea, probably, but I do not expect that they will be doing so anytime soon. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised that if in the near future there are very few live models. It is far too easy to digitize the pictures they want! Perhaps this will relieve some of the stress models go through in trying to keep their figures fine and their skin clear. If the photographer doesn't like the size of her thighs he can easily "liquefy" them or just overlap a her legs with a stock photo.
As far as the self-esteem of our female culture, it seems to me that is working itself out, too. I mean, maybe we could get them to run a campaign like they did back in the day with cigarettes by placing the Surgeon General's warning on all edited pictures (after all, most smokers go outside to light up now). It could read: "Ladies, do not compare yourself to this model, she is actually overweight, has a large nose and is covered in cellulite and acne, just like you." It may enlighten some like the "before" pictures did for my tech class. But it seems to me that the next generation is very skeptical about believing anything they see anyway–they know how Photoshop works.
My favorite question was: If models didn't exist, would girls still have low self-esteem and poor body image?
My answer: Well, Eve did.
Personally, I think the promiscuity in the media is far more of an issue than the perfection is. But that's another topic for an other time (see my blog on Olympian Beauty for my opinion on that matter).


text:
Triple-A International League
Charlotte at Ottawa, susp. rain
Double-A Eastern League
Bowie 9, New Hampshire 1: The host Baysox (38-35) torched former Severna Park High standout Josh Banks for nine runs in three innings, preserving a split of a four-game series with the Fisher Cats (38-33). Banks, a first-team All-Metro performer in 2000, fell to 0-2 after allowing nine hits and two home runs. Brian Forystek earned the win for Bowie.
Single-A Carolina League
Frederick idle
Single-A South Atlantic League
Hagerstown 5, Lakewood 3: Jason Columbus came within a double of hitting for the cycle, helping the host Suns (1-2) get their first win of the second half and avoid a sweep by the Blueclaws (2-1).
Lake County at Delmarva
Single-A New York-Penn League
Jamestown 15, Aberdeen 6: Three players homered for the Jammers, who beat the Ironbirds (4-3) to improve to 3-4.
Charlotte at Ottawa (DH), 6:05 p.m.
Bowie at Akron, 7:05 p.m.
Potomac at Frederick, 7:05 p.m.
Delmarva at Lakewood, 7:05 p.m.
Hagerstown at Lake County, 7:05 p.m.
Jamestown at Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Jitters over a federal investigation of Westlands Water District bled over into the proposed delta tunnel project Thursday as a bond rating agency placed a negative watch on a $29.8-million bond helping to fund the controversial water diversion plan.
Fitch Ratings took that cautious step back because Westlands is the sole guarantor of a 2013 bond issued by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, which operates significant portions of the federal water project in the western San Joaquin Valley.
Westlands is one of 29 members of that authority, which controls more than 3 million acre-feet of water in the western San Joaquin Valley and in San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
"They were issued with 100% Westlands backing," Fitch analyst Teri Wenck said of the water authority bonds. The rating firm has made clear that any change in the financial evaluation of Westlands would affect the rating of bonds issued by the water authority, she added.
The move comes a day after Westlands reached a $125,000 settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission over accounting procedures that the SEC said exaggerated the district's ability to cover its annual debt payments. The district altered its revenue ledgers to meet a threshold for a high bond rating so it would not have to raise rates for some of the wealthiest growers in the state, regulators said.
Westland's general manager, Thomas W. Birmingham, joked during a 2010 board meeting that the adjustments amounted to "a little Enron accounting," a reference to the massive fraud that caused the 2001 collapse of that Houston energy and commodities company, according to the SEC.
But it may cost Westlands much more. Fitch's negative watch extends to six other Westland bonds amounting to $193.6 million, plus the $29.8-million bond for the tunnel project.
If Fitch takes further action to downgrade the bonds' underlying AA ratings, it could affect the district's cost of borrowing as well as the market for the bonds.
The authority and its members have been fighting delta water restrictions aimed at protecting the state's fisheries, and have pushed for diversion tunnels that would shunt Sacramento River water around the ecologically fragile estuary system.
Critics of the tunnel project don't believe that growers will be able to shoulder the cost, an argument they say has been bolstered by Westland's questionable accounting practices.
Westland spokesman Johnny Amaral said the district would have no public comment until it consulted with its bond advisor. An officials for the water authority did not return calls for comment Thursday. On Wednesday, a district statement said the accounting procedures at issue were approved by an independent auditor.
At issue was a "debt service coverage ratio," a measure of the district's ability to collect enough revenue to meet or exceed its annual debt obligations. Because of the district's "extraordinary accounting procedures," that figure was 10 times higher than it would have been using conventional accounting procedures, the SEC said.
That calculation obscured expenses incurred because of water cutbacks prompted by the state's drought and allowed the district to avoid raising rates for its clients, which include some of the biggest agricultural companies in the state, according to regulators. Westland received only 10% of its contracted allotment from the Central Valley Project in 2009, and 45% in 2010.
A public agency governed by landowners within its borders, Westlands had operating revenue of more than $120 million in 2014. It contracts with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for taxpayer-subsidized irrigation supplies, which it sells to growers.


"The Trump Administration is committed to advancing technological development and conducting research and development (R&D) to ensure national security, grow the economy, create well-paying jobs, and improve the lives of Americans across this great nation," the 12-page report states.
Among the achievements are various developments in artificial intelligence and autonomy, biomedical innovation, government IT modernization, opioid epidemic response, STEM education and more.
For example, removing barriers to testing and integrating drones was a key piece of Trump's tech policy in year one. One of the first events OSTP hosted was a forum on drones and other emerging tech during the White House's "tech week" in July. Then, in October, Trump signed a presidential memorandum aimed at encouraging the FAA to streamline the drone testing process.
The president also set up the Office of American Innovation and the American Technology Council, two internal bodies tasked with providing executive leadership to the ongoing government IT modernization saga. The OSTP report takes care to note that President Trump signed the Modernizing Government Technology Act into law and mentions the General Services Administration's forthcoming IT centers of excellence as well.
The report touts the administration's commitment to science and technology based on its federal research and development budget requests. While it is true that the president has requested an increased amount for R&D, it is also worth noting that in the fiscal 2019 request not all federal agencies are equal winners, and some, like the National Institute of Standards and Technology, could even take a cut should the budget be passed as-is.
The report also states that OSTP currently has a "robust" staff of over 50. However, after more than one year of the Trump administration, OSTP still lacks a director (or even a nomination for a director). Michael Kratsios, the office's deputy CTO, continues to be a de-facto leader. The celebratory report, though, does not address this issue.
"OSTP looks forward to continuing to advocate for American scientists and technologists in the year ahead, and working together to ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in technological innovation and scientific discovery," it concludes.


Bug sweep services can be used for a multitude of reasons. From business dealings or the hi-tech cheats in the casinos, Las Vegas is the one place where people try finding information, and you have the ones who wish to prevent any information leaking.
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When we conduct a full sweep of a hotel room or a conference room, our highly skilled detection teams make use of the best counter surveillance equipment available. No elements are left unchecked, and we check everything that could contain listening devices.
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Communications – telephones, internet connection sockets, intercoms, speakers and power cables.
With both a hotel bug sweep and a conference hall sweep, these are sealed until the client arrives or the meeting begins.
Private Investigators Of Las Vegas can continually monitor an area for outside interference that would indicate someone is listening using electronic surveillance equipment. As cellular based eavesdropping devices are cheap, corporations and high-profile clients are under continual threats.
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Los Angeles – October 2, 2017 – On October 4, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET, LAC Group Senior Director of Content Management Operations Phil Spiegel will kick off a webinar for the Center for Research Libraries' session "The Digital News Environment and Marketplace," where he will offer an exclusive look at how he and his colleagues at LAC Group work around the clock to find, keep, protect and serve up broadcast news assets for one of America's top news organizations.
Moderating the webinar panel will be Bernard Reilly, president of the Chicago-based CRL, an international consortium of university, college, and independent research libraries. Also joining the panel will be Evan Sandhaus, executive director of Knowledge and Metadata Management at The New York Times, who will highlight how his news organization organizes and delivers electronic content across multiple platforms.
To register for your front-row seat inside American's online news machine, click here.


"...Ask Frankenstein. Ask the Wolfman. There is no more tragic moment in a..."
"...On a blustery, cold Sunday at HOPE Market, the aroma and smoke draw you toward Ben Runkle's booth...."
"...The Fantastic Fest second wave is here, and bigger than..."
"...The Hollow708 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown, 512/868-3300 Lunch: Tue.-Sat., 11am-2pm;..."
"...Chioggia (striped) beets are in season in March, and the recent freezes have done little to hurt them, as..."
"...The past millennium has witnessed profound changes in the ways..."
"...Coleman, Paul Stacey and Frank Mills. Loosely based on the real-life misadventures of Great Britain's notorious Graham Young, Benjamin..."
"...There are a lot of people who will tell you..."
"...The Zip Top Kickstarter campaign has already raised $1 million..."
"...Maybe it's the general end of the world vibes, but fermentation is..."
"...After five-plus years interning, proofreading, minding the news desk, and now heading up the Screens and..."
"...You heard about it here - hopefully - and other places: QueerBomb vs. traditional Pride...."
"..."It's not about how beer and food pair together," says Jake Maddux, founder of East Austin's upcoming restaurant,..."
"...It is the last weekend of 2013, so this is your chance..."
Will a new culinary concept keep the venerable eatery in step?
"...established itself as Austin's premiere fine dining venue in the Seventies, offering one of the city's first chef-driven, blackboard..."
"...event put on by Big Night Catering. It was the third in a series of dinners hosted by catering..."
"...Sitting across the table from Dr. Paige Schilt, who's dressed in a..."
"...to describe an activity humans have participated in since the beginning of their existence as a trend, but here..."
"...Austin almost 24 years ago, he believed food was the answer. He doesn't think that anymore...."
"...Though the financially beleaguered annual food and wine celebration is significantly..."
"...On the rainy evening of April 20, HAAM is served. The..."
"...On so many fronts the pain inflicted by religious strictures. (As so well put..."
Austin looks for recovery after the dot-com bust.
"...smart, we could have saved time by simply running the above haiku in place of the Chronicle news section..."
Aquarelle brings to the Austin dining scene a studied elegance and a decidedly Old World taste for unrestrained luxury, Chronicle Cuisines writer Rachel Feit writes. But it is still a young restaurant.
"...Culinary anthropology is becoming a trendy topic among academics these days. And why not? After all, food is an..."
"...and a slightly softer texture. On any given day, the Royal Jelly crew is concocting a new brine to..."


Jump City's Colorful Fun House Jumpy House!
Strong colors brighten your children's bounce house party. Jump City promotes healthy activity and safe jumping disguised as entertainment. It is so much fun to see their delight when guests see these bright happy units. Call today to book your TX bounce house rental for a child you love! This bounce house will keep your children entertained for hours on end! This jump house is one product in a fantastic line of bright airy jump houses delivered to Plano, Dallas, Frisco and other Texas Cities, like YOURS.


So there I was ... staring into the fridge at leftover chicken breasts and zucchini from previous recipes, and no idea what to do with them.
Oh, yeah, that package of soy wrappers I bought like the day after Passover, when just about anything chometz looks absolutely wonderful, thinking I would use it for something in the near future.
"What in heaven's name is a soy wrapper?" you might be thinking at this point. Well, Dear Reader, a soy wrapper is the soy equivalent to the seaweed layer in sushi. In other word, land plant-based, rather than water plant-based.
"Near future" eventually became the other night. Soy wrappers ... I could finally use them up as well as the chicken! Yay! Another two-fer!
Elephant Ears and Zucchini Muffins are in my freezer, waiting to be defrosted for guests to dig into this weekend. But it seemed unfair to allow them only two choices. So when I happened upon bamitbach and her post about Blueberry Buns, there, staring at me, was the perfect third choice. Sweet blueberries, gently swaddled in a challah bun. I was gaining weight just reading the post.
These are the blueberries after 10 minutes. They were supposed to macerate (cook-speak for soften) for only 5. But as a disclaimer, the blueberries were partially defrosted. Maybe it would have combined better if they were fresh. Or totally defrosted. In any event, a lot of sugar was left behind in the dish, yet the blueberries managed to gel nicely during the baking and cooling process anyway.
Sometimes I don't know why I bother to conjure up (or look up or clip out or down load) new recipes ... theHubby and Sons would be happy with pasta 7 times a week (no, really 14 times a week, with the other 7 meals cold cereal and milk). Remember The Far Side, that one-panel cartoon? There was one that sums up how my guys feel about food. I would link to it, but sadly there is no place on the intertubes that show the particular comic (legally, anyway). I don't have it in front of me, but here is how I recall it: two dogs are sitting in the kitchen watching their human prepare their dinner. One dog says to the other, "Oh, boy! Dog food again!"
If you read yesterday's post, you know that this coming weekend houseguests will be destroying visiting my humble abode. Serving only one type of snack is just wrong.
Allowing a humongous zucchini to compost in my fridge is also very wrong. Well, you know what they say -- when life gives you zucchini, make zucchini muffins! Woo-hoo! Two problems solved!
Oh, yeah, the muffins. The original recipe uses butter, but I've made the parve alternative a number of times, and no one has ever noticed or complained. Of course no one ever did ... they were too busy stuffing their faces with these tender jobbies to make anything but yummy noises.
This coming weekend, my house will be descended upon by a massive horde (definition: anything over 1 guest is a horde by me) in anticipation of olderChild's engagement party. I don't have to do any cooking for the party since it's at my MIL's house and the entire soiree will be catered, but I do have to feed a snack or two to the 4 guests staying at my house. Plus dinner.
This past Thursday, a fellow library co-worker handed me one of our latest acquisitions, The Kosher Bakerby Paula Shoyer,just before itwas about to hit our new book section.
Ohboyohboyohboy! O frabjus day! Easy to make parve goodies!
Oooh, Elephant Ears! Only 3 ingredients if you don't count the dusting flour! Woo-hoo!


text:
Q: Is $y=5 $ a plane in $\Bbb{R}^3$? I suppose it depends on how you define the variance on $x$ and $z$, but this question seems simple to me: yes.
If $P(x,y,z)$ is the set of all points $x, y, z$ such that $y=5$, it seems clear that y=5 is a plane.
The only reason I ask is because I was challenged in vector analysis that this indeed is not a plane but all points in $\Bbb{R}^3$. Almost everyone in there agreed with our professor (who I enjoy), so I call on others to please prove me wrong or right.
I graphed 'y=5 plane' on wolframalpha and it indeed was a plane to no surprise to me, but perhaps there is a way of defining it that would allow for all $\Bbb{R}^3$, who knows.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
U.S. jury reaches verdict in trial of 'El Chapo' Guzman – court official
NEW YORK, Feb 12 (Reuters) - A U.S. jury has reached a verdict in the drug-trafficking trial of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, a court official said on Tuesday.
Guzman, 61, is charged with 10 criminal counts, including drug trafficking and engaging in a criminal enterprise as leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel Editing by Alistair Bell)


text:
namespace crashpad {

#define HANDLE_EINTR_IF_EQ(x, val)                             \
  ({                                                           \
    decltype(x) eintr_wrapper_result;                          \
    do {                                                       \
      eintr_wrapper_result = (x);                              \
    } while (eintr_wrapper_result == (val) && errno == EINTR); \
    eintr_wrapper_result;                                      \
  })

DirectoryReader::DirectoryReader() : dir_() {}

DirectoryReader::~DirectoryReader() {}

bool DirectoryReader::Open(const base::FilePath& path) {
  dir_.reset(HANDLE_EINTR_IF_EQ(opendir(path.value().c_str()), nullptr));
  if (!dir_.is_valid()) {
    PLOG(ERROR) << "opendir";
    return false;
  }
  return true;
}

DirectoryReader::Result DirectoryReader::NextFile(base::FilePath* filename) {
  DCHECK(dir_.is_valid());

  errno = 0;
  dirent* entry = HANDLE_EINTR_IF_EQ(readdir(dir_.get()), nullptr);
  if (!entry) {
    if (errno) {
      PLOG(ERROR) << "readdir";
      return Result::kError;
    } else {
      return Result::kNoMoreFiles;
    }
  }

  if (strcmp(entry->d_name, ".") == 0 || strcmp(entry->d_name, "..") == 0) {
    return NextFile(filename);
  }

  *filename = base::FilePath(entry->d_name);
  return Result::kSuccess;
}

int DirectoryReader::DirectoryFD() {
  DCHECK(dir_.is_valid());
  int rv = dirfd(dir_.get());
  if (rv < 0) {
    PLOG(ERROR) << "dirfd";
  }
  return rv;
}

}  // namespace crashpad

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I kind of skipped all my recaps. Not intentionally though. Shortly after the wedding we moved, I've been in the midst of a large career change that requires grad school/certification so my bloggy motivation in all realms is minimal. But alas, I'll get my recaps/vendor reviews out there. I already did our rehearsal dinner, so here's the ladies getting ready. So I'm going to try - by Valentine's Day (2/12 to be exact which will be our five month anniversary) to have all my recaps/vendor reviews up.
I got my hair did at Bang Salon in the Verizon Center - it was incredibly convenient, inexpensive and all the girls could get their hair done at the same time. It took about two hours - we were back to the hotel by noonish, grabbed a small lunch (I was intent on eating because I had heard horror stories about brides who forgot to eat and passed out during their ceremonies - hear that brides? EAT LUNCH) and then began to get ready.
I should also note, that it was just before getting our hair done that I had one of my few bridezilla moments. We were waiting for a few of the girls to get coffee at Dunkins on 7th street near the verizon center - and i found (as a life long new englander and thus dunkins fiend) that Dunkin's down in DC are notoriously horrrible with service, that morning was no different. We had been waiting for close to twenty minutes for three bagels and three coffees while people ahead of us kept getting their food, so I slammed my hand down and demanded some service because damnit, it was my wedding day and they were making us late for a hair appointment. I'm pretty sure I shocked even myself, however, I wouldn't have been so rash had my step-mother and mother not gotten into an argument before then. I knew that was inevitable but I had hoped that my mother would bite her tongue for my sake, unfortunately that was not the case.
Next up? See my husband getting ready - they had bow-ties, and the first go round? They all put the bow-ties on upside down. Whoops?
I love the shot of the dress; how did you light this? Natural light?


text:
Q: Class 'cassandra_ColumnPath' not found in i follow step by step installation which can be find https://wiki.fourkitchens.com/display/PF/Using+Cassandra+with+PHP on Centos 5.6 machine
and i got this error in apache log
[Fri Aug 26 14:20:20 2011] [error] [client 192.168.1.67] PHP Fatal error:  Class 'cassandra_ColumnPath' not found in /var/www/html/test.php on line 29
anyone have any ideas?
PHP 5.2.10 (cli) (built: Nov 13 2009 11:44:05)
Copyright (c) 1997-2009 The PHP Group
Zend Engine v2.2.0, Copyright (c) 1998-2009 Zend Technologies
apache-cassandra-0.8.4
thrift-0.7.0

A: As the bottom of that post suggests, you really need to use a high-level client that builds on top of what Thrift generates.  Otherwise, it's a slow and painful process.
I recommend looking at:

*

*phpcassa (Disclosure: I maintain this library)

*SimpleCassie (I can't vouch for how well it works, but it seems fine.)

Both of these libraries bundle the Thrift generated code, so you don't even have to worry about setting that part up.


ALERT: Come to a rehearsal of Gettin' The Band Back Together.
The usual folks who attend run-thrus before a show packs up from the rehearsal hall and heads to tech are designers, marketers, staff members, etc.
Most of these people have seen the show before, making it hard for a creative team to get a real sense of how the show is playing.
And the last run-thrus in a rehearsal hall could absolutely be the most important of all, because it's the last time to tinker and tweak before tech (hard to institute changes when scenery is moving around you and lights are focusing on you).
That's why I decided to open up our last two run-thrus in the rehearsal room for Gettin' The Band Back Together to the public! Next Friday and Saturday, up to 100 real, live theatergoers (maybe even you) will get to sit with me and the rest of the team and see what we've been cookin' up. Your response will help us put the frosting on this cake of a show since we're now less than a month before previews.
And I figure, by doing this (and why you should consider something similar on your shows), I'll get at least one or TWO previews ahead in terms of any changes we want to make. And that's priceless.
So . . . want to come?
Here's a link to sign up to enter to be one of the few, the proud . . . the test audience.
I'm interested to know how you will elicit feedback from the audience about what they think needs tweaking and changing….


text:
Bloom to sell international rights to CIA thriller Unlocked
Bloom has introduced international buyers here to the upcoming Michael Apted thriller starring Michael Douglas, Orlando Bloom and Noomi Rapace.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin on November 3 on the story of a CIA interrogator who races to thwart a biological warfare attack on London after she unwittingly gives information to terrorists. Peter O'Brien wrote the screenplay.
Lorenzo DiBonaventura produces Unlocked alongside Georgina Townsley and Erik Howsam. Silver Reel will finance and produce alongside DiBonaventura. CAA represents US rights.
Last week Bloom, led by Ken Kao and Walton, boarded Shane Black's detective thriller The Nice Guys starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, with Warner Bros will distribute in the US on June 17, 2016.
The slate includes Gus Van Sant's The Sea Of Trees starring Matthew McConaughey and Naomi Watts, currently in production.
"I am delighted to introduce this fresh, smart European thriller to buyers in Toronto," said Bloom's Alex Walton.
"With three major studio movies in production, Noomi Rapace is becoming one of the hottest female international stars working today. When you add Michael Apted, Michael Douglas and Orlando Bloom you have a commercial package that I am confident will draw strong interest."


Do you like trees? Did you use to climb on top of the biggest branch when you were little?
This was one of my favourite games when I was a little girl!
After days of rain, the sun has finally decided it was time to put an end to this endless hide and seek game.
So I decided to go out and take some photos of trees. Even in the Winter there is something so noble about them.
The rays of the sun looked like gold covering the bark.
Then the reflection of the sun seemed like little drops of silver shining in the light. The ground had so much to drink that it decided to spit out all that it couldn't swallow.
Look!!! It looks like pieces of a photo.
So I rushed back home to find out.
One of the little girls already appears on a photo previously found.
I wonder how many more photos are out there?
Oh, I am so curious to know their story, I can hardly wait! Such sweet looking little girls. I have to tell you that I am in love with your desk- I know it's off topic, but....swooooon! It is beautiful!!
Now, you have me intrigued. I have got to know more, Patricia!
And I see why we are friends, I loved trees so much as a child and would climb to the highest point.
I can't wait to see if more photos will turn up and what their stories might be. The little girls look so sweet, I just want to hug them!
climbing trees was one of my favortite pastimes as a child. i love trees in everyway. and your dolls are so adorable. can't wait to read more about solange et marie !
Love trees and am lucky to be surrounded with them :).
Tes photos des arbres sont superbes.
Fantastic!! Reading these installments is sooo much fun!
Et au passage, t'as vraiment de belles photos !
The third photo of the tree is gorgeous. I liked them all, but loved that one best.
OWOH 2011! Her we go!!!


text:
IBM Corp.'s new cash balance pension plan faces possible scrutiny by...
IBM Corp.'s new cash balance pension plan faces possible scrutiny by the Labor Department and the EEOC. Hundreds of IBM plan participants complained to the Labor Department after Big Blue converted its traditional defined benefit plan to a cash balance plan July 1. As a result, officials there have begun collecting preliminary information to determine whether to launch a full-blown investigation. And, a group of older IBM employees is expected to file an age discrimination complaint this month with the EEOC, said Christopher G. Mackaronis, an employment discrimination lawyer at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd. Mr. Mackaronis expects to be hired by the group. EEOC Commissioner Ida Castro "is very interested in the issue (of age discrimination and cash balance plans) and has begun to look at it,'' said Reginald Welch, a spokesman. He said EEOC officials have met with numerous "external stakeholders'' including lawmakers, plaintiffs' lawyers and advocacy groups, on the issue.
A Labor Department spokeswoman declined to discuss if the agency is investigating the IBM pension plan, although a senior department official has said privately the agency is interested in such an investigation.


Power went out around 9 a.m. for most of those customers. DTE estimates power restoration by 3:30 p.m. The cause of the outage is under investigation.
East of the Saline River, just about all city residents are without power. The power outage extends to the south, almost as far as Stony Creek Drive and to the east as far as Platt Road.
There are also two areas without power north of Bennett Street, centered around Ann Arbor Street and Maple Road and stretching into Lodi Township, affecting residents as far north as Travis Pointe and Stonebridge.
A fourth neighborhood, along Pleasant Lake Road just east of Ann-Arbor Saline Road, has been without power since 4 p.m. Friday.


text:
Villa Agencies OLD
St. Martin/St. Maarten Events, Calendar
Copyright © John Smith, All Rights Reserved.
Dutch, French and West Indian cultures have come together on this one small island. Several museums trace the history of the area from the island's original Indian inhabitants through the development of sugar cane plantations and rum production.
Carnival, with its parades, costumes and dancing is celebrated as a pre-Lenten festival on the French side, culminating on Ash Wednesday each year. On the Dutch side, Carnival is held after Easter, offering visitors a second opportunity to enjoy the usual island-style merrymaking.
Numerous poets, playwrights and writers reside in St. Martin / St. Maarten, drawing upon the history and culture of this and other nearby islands for their inspiration. Art galleries offer painting, sculpture and lithography by talented local artists and immigrés. Much of their work reflects the natural beauty of the island and its people.
The island's local culture is diverse and well-developed, enjoying contributions from the French, Dutch, and other European nations as well as from the African and east Indian roots of many of its citizens. Colorful festivals are held throughout the year and performances of traditional music and dance are regularly scheduled. Art galleries, museums and fascinating historical sites abound. A general guide to many annual events appears below. For specific dates and details, contact the island's Tourist Offices.
ST. MARTIN / ST. MAARTEN HOLIDAYS and SPECIAL EVENTS
On Public Holidays, government offices, banks, and most businesses are closed.
New Year's Day (Public Holiday)
Tuesdays in Grand-Case. Mid-January to mid-April. Food, music and local arts & crafts take over the main street from 18:00 - 22:00 each Tuesday evening.
Women's International Tennis Tournament is held annually at the Alberic Richards Stadium.
Salsa Festival. First annual dance event at the Radisson Blue Resort.
Carnival on the French side. Begins in early January on the French side and continues through the culmination of Carnival on Ash Wednesday each year. Various activities; contact Tourist Office for details.
Artist's Corner. This exhibition in the lobby of the community hall in Marigot showcases the work of local artists. Two exhibitions are held each month, September through June, and each begins with an opportunity to meet the featured artist.
FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL (dates vary each year with the Easter Holiday)
Carnival on the French side. 5 days of parties, parades and costumed revelers in the streets, culminating on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras in the US).
Ash Wednesday. Culmination of Carnival, with final parade and Burning of King Carnival, Vival, on a funeral pyre.
Easter Monday. Day after Easter. Public Holiday.
We Agree with Culture. Annual agricultural fair at Garden of Bellevue honors Caribbean folklore, culture, and arts through a variety of activities. Free.
Thursdays on the Marina. Beginning the first Thursday in February at the Port La Royale Marina in Marigot. Live music, fashion shows, various entertainment, arts & crafts all day and into the evening.
Arrowroot Jollification. A two day festival held in Colombier the last weekend of February. Attendees participate in the traditional process harvesting and processing of arrowroot (cassava), a staple of island cuisine. Juices and soups available throughout the day.
Heineken Regatta. First weekend in March. Hundreds of participants spend a long weekend enjoying world class entertainment and competition between racing sailboats from around the world. Since 1980, one of the island's biggest events has become one of the Caribbean's largest regattas. Billed as "Serious Fun" for all!
Week-End Art Lovers. The island's painters, sculptors and other artisans host open houses and gallery shows that allow for interaction between art lovers and art creators.
Thursdays on the Marina. Port La Royale Marina in Marigot. Live music, fashion shows, various entertainment, arts & crafts, all day and into the evening.
Carnival on the Dutch Side. Running throughout April, with parades and events on the streets of Phillipsburg. Check with the Tourist Office for schedule and details.
Queen's Birthday. April 30. Public Holiday on the Dutch and French sides of the island.
Labor Day. Public Holiday on May 1
Victory in Europe Day. Public Holiday on May 8
Ascension Thursday. Public Holiday. Date varies.
Fish Day. Fish is celebrated and prepared in many ways in the village of Cul-de-Sac. Entertainment.
EcoTourism Days. Leisure activity and nature discovery organizations gather for two days in the Bellevue area to celebrate St. Martin's land and water sports. Food and entertainment.
Fête du Nautisme / Water Sports Festival. Free boat rides and festival celebrating the sea and what it offers in terms of leisure, sports and economic activities. Fort Louis marina.
International Meeting of St. Martin. This event brings the Caribbean track and field season to a close each year. High level competition features the best athletes from the islands.
QuickSilver King of the Groms. An international qualifying competition for young surfers.
Black Heritage Week / Emancipation Day. May 27. A week-long celebration around May 27, commemorating the abolition of slavery in St. Martin. Programs in Marigot, St. Louis and Colombier.
The Billfish Tournament. Annual game fishing competition held for several days each June, sponsored by the International Fishing Federations. Professional fishermen from the Caribbean and Europe compete. Numerous events.
Music Festival. A weekend celebration of local and world music by amateurs and professionals on the waterfront in Marigot. Free.
Colombier Day. First Sunday of July. Honors historical figures and the community's cultural heritage. Includes a unique "most beautiful ram goat" contest.
Fête Nationale / Bastille Day. Public Holiday on July 14. Pageants, parades, fireworks, sports and cultural events.
Victor Schoelcher Day. Public Holiday on July 21. Honors abolitionist and French parliamentarian Victor Schoelcher who led the campaign against slavery.
Fête de Grand-Case. Held in conjunction with Victor Schoelcher Day. Religious and military ceremonies, canoe and boat races between St. Martin and Anguilla, bicycle race, traditional games and musical entertainment.
St. Maarten Summerfest Concerts.
Assumption Day. Public Holiday. August 15
Sandy-Ground Festival. Held on Assumption day; celebrates traditional games, music and cuisine.
August Film Festival. Free open air movies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Program travels to different towns each weekend of the month.
World Tourism Day. Organized around a central theme each year, this annual event is held on both sides of the island each September 27 as a tribute to world tourism.
Fête de la Cuisine. A week-long celebration of food and wine.
All Saints Day. Public Holiday. November 1
Armistice Day. Public Holiday. Parades. November 11
St. Martin / St. Maarten Day. November 11. Celebrates Columbus' discovery of St. Martin / Maarten in 1493. Official ceremonies alternate between French and Dutch sides of the island annually. Music, dance, and other entertainment throughout the island.
St. Martin Calypso Show. Local groups celebrate calypso music in the village of French Quarter.
Concordia Cup. Annual competition between the French and Dutch sides' golfers. Mullet Bay.
Art Lovers Exhibition. Three day exhibit in mid-November at the Radisson Blu Resort.
Beaujolais Nouveau. Annual wine tasting event in bars and restaurants to celebrate the release of this young wine on the third Thursday in November.
La Course de l'Alliance. This three day regatta is held annually to strengthen the alliance among St. Martin / St. Maarten, St. Barth, and Anguilla. Contact St. Maarten Yacht Club for details.
Sip & Chat Friday. An evening kick-off to the Christmas season organized by the St. Martin Tourist Office. Traditional music and food on the Marigot waterfront.
Caribbean Nations MX Cup. Motocross competitors from numerous islands compete annually for the Caribbean's most prestigious MX prizes.
Maison du Père Noël / Christmas House. A private residence in Cripple Gate on the French side features spectacular holiday lights and decorations. The public is welcome to enjoy the displays and caroling. Refreshments available. Open every evening from 18:00 to 21:00, December 1 - January 15.
Christmas Serenades. Every Tuesday and Friday evening in December, local groups perform holiday songs of the season on the streets in various communities.
Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus. Originated in St. Martin over 20 years ago, this annual beauty pageant draws entrants from all over the Caribbean region each December for several days of events culminating in selection of the year's winner.
A Traditional Christmas at the Tourist Office. The St. Martin Tourist Office located on Route de Sandy Ground invites you to enjoy traditional holiday music and food. Experience local cultural experience on two days (usually the Fridays prior to Christmas) at the Tourist Office. On the island, phone 0590 87 57 21 for details.
Various Christmas Events. If you'll be in St. Martin / St. Maarten during December, there are numerous opportunities to celebrate Christmas island-style, including The Christmas Village and a lighted floats parade in Grand-Case; the Howell Center celebration in Marigot; the Marigot Christmas Folies with parades, giant puppets, music and holiday markets; shop window competition in Marigot; and the SOS Radio Station Christmas Party in Marigot, which offers an opportunity to taste traditional holiday dishes, among others. Contact the St. Martin / St. Maarten Tourist Offices for details.
Christmas Day. December 25. Public Holiday
Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre / New Year's Eve celebrations, including fireworks on the Marigot waterfront. December 31
Photo © 2002-2013 Gerald Hill / Used by Permission.


Using technology to communicate and connect is one of the keys to global competence. Today, Homa Sabet Tavangar shares ways to effectively use Twitter in the classroom.
I met my co-author on Twitter. We hit it off in a series of 140-character communications, where we realized we shared similar values, a vision of bringing global education into classrooms, and that our expertise was complementary. We never met until our book was 90 percent complete, almost two years later. Thanks to Twitter, we found each other and started a fruitful working relationship—and friendship!
Stories like that of Becky and I are becoming more common, as educators are finding supportive colleagues regardless of their locations, and building strong Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) to infuse fresh ideas into their teaching practice. With teacher discussions using hashtags like #kinderchat, #5thchat, #edtech, #globaled and many, many more, relying on a community of active educators isn't limited to the walls of your building or district boundaries.
Classrooms can also go global with Twitter. Try one or more of these 12 ideas to tweet your way around the world (or close to home) with your students.
Engage parents: Tweet relevant projects or news from your classroom and allow parents to follow back and instantly comment.
Go to the Primary Source: Follow relevant experts and hashtags such as experts at NASA, favorite authors, scientists, or historians. Try to engage them in short conversations by tagging them (@theirname) with a question—you never know who might respond!
Start a Movement: Create your own hashtag. Let other schools know about it, and follow as it grows.
Follow Current Events: Many schools followed the #26Acts hashtag, that urged citizens to do 26 random acts of kindness after the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting that took 26 lives. Following a hashtag lets students in on the ground level of important movements.
Gather Real-World Data: Post a question ("What will you do for New Years?" or "What is your weather today?") and follow the data on a map such as //twittermap.appspot.com/.
Locate Your Followers: If you ask your PLN (Personal Learning Network) for their locations, check them on Google Earth and see who is in the farthest and nearest classroom, what their terrain is, where the nearby cities are, etc. Here's an example of a 4th grade class doing geoTweeting.
Poll Your Followers: Use twtpoll.com to ask opinions on Twitter. Create a poll and graph responses as they come in from your followers.
Recommend Books: Write short summaries (microblogs) of books read by students in class, and keep them all in one place by tweeting them from a single account. Some classes also live tweet a book as they read it together. When finished, compile the tweets together to tell the story.
Sync the Class Blog to Twitter: Widgets (an application or tool to help users) on most blog platforms help to automatically tweet updated blog posts, so parents and other followers are notified when a new post is up.
Collaborate to Tell a Story: Tweet a story with another school (or group of classes) and take turns adding to the plot. Use Storify.com or Twitterfall.com to put together the coherent story at the end. Here's an example of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Tweeted by @grade1 and edited in storify.com.
Update Parents: Live tweet field trips for parents or children home sick, including photos.
¿Hablas español? In a language classroom, follow tweets in the target language. Create a community of language teachers who agree to tweet once a week about recent projects or happenings in their class or town.
Summer offers a great time to set up an account, learn the basics of Twitter use, start reaching out to fellow educators, and explore the world in 140 characters or less. If you've already started, please share how you have used Twitter in your classroom!
Homa Sabet Tavangar is author of Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be at Home in the World and The Global Education Toolkit for Elementary Learners.
Follow Homa and Asia Society on Twitter.


Now is the time to have your orders in to tree nurseries for bare root trees in the spring.
We will be planting a significant number of trees around the property in 2016, but here is the list of trees pre-ordered for addition to our Phase 1 Food Forest. Hopefully these encourage you to get some trees ordered for your property this winter!
We've got several additional apples, paw paws and stone fruits. We are also planting Antonovka root stock for future grafting.
A detailed understanding of your lands contour is critical to sustainable use of water. We have been doing significant research lately on low-cost methods to obtain highly detailed contour maps of land.
Below is a contour map generated last week of Six Hands Farm. It has 1 meter contour lines on top of an elevation gradient, which makes it easy to identify features of the property. More or less detail can be provided, including deep-zooms into specific areas of interest, based on requirements. (Click image to view larger size).
The data used to generate this map is accurate to around 5cm, it varies in accuracy a bit more in areas of high foliage/tree cover where is is harder to determine the actual ground elevation.
This data was captured via an aerial drone following an automated set of waypoints at 165ft altitude using a 12mp camera. The total capture time for ~55 acres was under 25 minutes. Lower altitudes can be used for higher accuracy.
Processing of the data was done using a variety of commercial and open source tools, and takes about 24 hours.
The low cost of these captures makes this data accessible to most land owners. In a consulting setting this capture could be done for less than $1000 with a two day turnaround.
Today we pressure canned 20 pounds of freshly picked San Marzano tomatoes. These are wonderful tomatoes for canning as they peel easily and contain far less seeds than most other varietals.
20 pounds of tomatoes yielded 8 quart jars, with no added liquid.
I process them in what I call 'semi-crushed' form. After peeling and slicing them I crush them lightly to release enough juice for the canning process, while still leaving many large chunks. They are the perfect consistency for using in soups, sauces or chili and will break down quickly when cooked.
These are peeled by briefly blanching and moving to an ice bath, after which the peelings can be rubbed off quickly.
They are brought to a boil for 5 minutes, and added to quart jars which contain 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, then put into the All American canner for 15 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.
You can look up the cooking time details here.
You might be asking why acid must be added to canned tomatoes if you are using a pressure canner. The answer is simple – You can cook them without adding acid if you want to do a standard low-acid vegetable canning cook time of 40 minutes. This long cook time would destroy the texture and nutrient value of your tomatoes though, which is why most recipes you'll see choose to compromise a shorter cook time with the addition of acid.
Early this morning the latest addition to the farm arrived. Thirteen white layer ducks from Metzer farms. These are a version of the Metzer 300 Hybrid, and are prolific egg layers.
The little girls were placed into their brooder where they'll stay for the next couple weeks. They are eating a wonderful corn free, GMO free, soy free, organic feed manufactured locally.
We'll keep getting pictures and videos out as we complete construction on their home and migrate them outside.
So you are starting a one acre food forest on a semi-arid zone 6 property. What do you plant?
Well, lets go through the items we decided to plant, working our way from the canopy to the soil surface.
Planted as seedlings. True American Chestnuts from blight-free stands in Washington.
All planted as as bare root trees on Antanovka root stock.
Bare root trees on Lovell root stock.
Bare root on Gisela root stock.
Bare root on Marianna root stock.
Significant numbers planted from rooted cuttings to help with early establishment. Already growing very well. Sourced inexpensively on Ebay.
Hardy evergreen shrub with tart edible berries. Historically native to the area.
Compact high-producing commercial variety from Scotland.
Another Scottish variety which is later blooming.
We don't expect much success with the blueberries until the the forest is more established due to soil acidity issues, but we've planted quite a few and we'll see how they do.
Most trees were planted inside tubes of hardware cloth fastened with zip ties. The hardware cloth tubes go several inches into the ground to help reduce vole, deer and rabbit damage. It is a significant amount of work to create all of the hardware cloth tubes, so inexpensive and abundant rooted cuttings were left unprotected. You can also see here the 3/4inch drip irrigation tubes run along each swale. 5gph drip fittings are attached near trees, and misters are placed periodically to help with growth of herbaceous plants on the swale.
Abundant wildlife is one of the great aspects of living in the country. Today we discovered some baby rabbits (Mountain Cottontail's) had made a home in the workshop.
The clovers and Alfalfa were innoculated, and everything was mixed together in 5-gallon buckets. It was then broadcast around the entire food forest area, as well as other areas on the property.


text:
Q: Hibernate can't instantiate id generator in Spring project with multiple data sources I have a Spring project using Hibernate with two data sources (db2 and sql-server).
As soon as I add
@GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.SEQUENCE, generator = "SOME_SEQ")
to a column field in my entity class, I get a BeanCreationException when creating the sql-server EntityManagerFactory because org.hibernate.dialect.SQLServerDialect doesn't support sequences. The only place this entity is being used, though, is in a DAO that uses a db2 EntityManagerFactory which is using the appropriate dialect.
What am I missing?

A: Try it with GenerationType=AUTO instead of GenerationType=SEQUENCE.
@GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.AUTO, generator = "SOME_SEQ")

With AUTO hibernate uses the best fitting generation strategy, which is sequences for some databases and autoincrement for others.
(N. B.: I never use annotations but I use mapping files. There <generator class="native"> works well for different database types. GenerationType=AUTO should be the same for annotations.)

A: Even I faced the same issue and solved it by adding the following option to the JPA persistence-unit configuration
 <exclude-unlisted-classes>true</exclude-unlisted-classes>

This option forces the JPA provider to only scan the listed classes instead of the whole surrounding jar, etc.
So it now looks like -
<persistence-unit name="MSSQLBackedPersistenceUnit" transaction-type="JTA">
    <provider>org.hibernate.ejb.HibernatePersistence</provider>
    <jta-data-source>java:/jdbc/MSSQLServerDS</jta-data-source>

    <class>com.example.app.domain.MyEntity</class>
    <exclude-unlisted-classes>true</exclude-unlisted-classes>

    <properties>
        <property name="hibernate.dialect" value="org.hibernate.dialect.SQLServer2008Dialect" />
        <property name="hibernate.show_sql" value="true" />
    </properties>
</persistence-unit>


Tuareg Leather and Brass Tcherot Amulet, decorated with a several raised buttons, from Mauritania.
A nice size for a focal pendant, substantial and very handsome. 75mm at top. 35mm at center narrow point.105 mm from top to very tip of bottom.
Tcherot typically contain small objects with amulet properties and carefully folded magical formulas as well as verses from the Koran, all designed to protect and strengthen the wearer or to ensure her fertility. A Tuareg girl receives her first Tcherot from her mother at the age of seventeen. (from the book "African Beads, Jewels of a Continent" by Evelyn Simak).


Julia began her ministry call to chaplaincy in 1996. Fifteen of those years serving in the Dane County Jail with women in worship and spiritual care brought her into contact with women who needed support as they return to their families and communities from incarceration. Backyard Mosaic Women's Project was a response to that need beginning at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in 2004. She served the congregation and South Madison neighborhood for 10 years as coordinator of the PromiseKids program, a unique after-school program that creatively combines spirituality and the arts with the family-style meal. The Backyard Mosaic Women's Project was then invited to St. John's Lutheran Church in 2010. Julia is an artist with a special love for fiberarts, especially weaving. Her Doctor of Ministry thesis at United Theological Seminary included a body of woven garments reflecting spiritual themes of beauty and redemption. She offers Wisdom Weaving; A Spiritual Care Practice.


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What fruit and vegetables are in season in July in Italy
By Eleonora BaldwinJuly 3, 2015March 18th, 2016No Comments
Here's our monthly appointment with fruit & vegetable seasonality! Check out our brand new list of what fruit and vegetables are in season in July in Italy.
Even though Italians have cooking and eating seasonal produce in their DNA, lately mass distribution and globalization have confused these annually, natural guidelines, making the calendar distinction in our shopping bag a little fuzzy.
Aubergine or eggplant are at peak season between May and September. Whether slender, speckled and striped, or bulbous, glossy, deep purple zepplin-like, Melanzane are a staple in southern Italian cuisine. Eggplant's mildly smoky flavor and flesh that's spongy when raw but soft and meaty when cooked, lends itself to a large number of very popular Mediterranean dishes, like Eggplant Parmesan for example, in which the aubergine slices are fried and then layered with tomato sauce, cubed mozzarella and fresh basil, dusted with grated Parmigiano and then baked in the oven.
Arugula (Rocket)
Strong and peppery, with leaves boasting a slight 'bite' to them, arugula (or rocket) is the perfect addition to a mixed green salad. If you see 'rucola' or 'rughetta' for sale on the market stall, grab it while you can –– fresh, organic arugula is in season only between July and September.
The sweet, strong aroma and flavor of basil is synonymous of Mediterranean. There are three main local types of basil that are at their best between June and September: sweet, with large, curly green leaves; Ligurian, with small leaves and a peppery undertones; and purple, whose dark leaves have a milder flavor. Basil lends itself to many recipes where it is not just an enhancer, but rather plays a starring role as an actual ingredient: pounded in a pestle and mortar (or blitzed in a food processor) with garlic, pine nuts, pecorino and olive oil to make pesto; torn fresh into tomato-based pasta sauces; combined with sliced mozzarella di bufala and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil for classic Caprese salad; beaten into softened butter, then melted over steaks, roast chicken, or crushed boiled new potatoes… the employments are endless.
Beans are the cheapest, most rendering legumes found in Italian kitchens. The world-known pasta e fagioli soup is a peasant dish, made with leftover bits of pasta and common borlotti beans (a cousin of pinto beans). Ribollita, another Tuscan chunky soup cannot be complete without cannellini (white beans). Fresh beans start appearing in Italian markets from end of June through August.
Up to the Middle Ages, all carrots were purple! The orange variety was first developed in 16th-century Netherlands by patriotic growers who bred it in tribute to king William I of Orange. Available in Italy at its best between June and October, carrots are some of the most versatile root vegetables around, thanks to their sweet flavor, which means they can be used raw or cooked, in both sweet or savory dishes. Particularly tender and sweet, young, thin carrots are best purchased with their feathery greens still attached.
In season in Italy between July and September, cukes are cucurbits, which means they're from the same family as the melon, zucchini and squash. Usually more than 90% water, cetrioli originated in India, cultivated for at least 3,000 years, and probably introduced to other parts of Europe by the Greeks or Romans. These are reported to have used cucumbers to treat scorpion bites, bad eyesight, and to scare away mice. Available July to September.
Finocchio's typical bulb is delightful eaten raw, with a texture that is crisp and the flavor assertive and aniseedy; while when cooked, fennel bulbs taste sweeter and the texture is softer. Available May to December, the fronds of the fennel bulb are also a welcome aromatic addition to Sicilian pasta dishes and other Mediterranean preparations.
Part of the lily, or 'alium' family, of which onions are also a member, aglio (garlic) is one of the most indispensable ingredients around, and plays a pivotal role in Mediterranean cuisine. Dried and assembled in braids, garlic is available all year round, but fresh garlic appears in Italian markets between June and October. Bulbs are composed of many individual cloves enclosed in a thin papery white, mauve or purple skin. The flavor is fiery, pungent and crunchy when raw, as it cooks it becomes more mellow and creamy. Sauteéd in olive oil, garlic is used as a flavor punch in many recipes, sauces, stews and meat roasts. Rub a raw, peeled clove on toasted slices of homestyle bread and drizzle with cold-pressed olive oil with a dash of sea salt for the ultimate bruschetta experience.
I know what you're thinking: "I can open a bag of frozen haricots any time of year" but what a pity it would be to miss out on the fantastic flavor of in-season green beans! Green beans, also known as string beans, or snap beans are now in season, and are a delicious summer legume with an impressive antioxidant capacity. Along with other beans in general these purportedly derived from a common ancestor that originated in Peru. From there, they spread throughout South and Central America by migrating native tribes, and were introduced into Europe around the 16th century by Spanish explorers returning from their voyages to the New Worlds.
Lettuce is available all year round in a vast number of types, either crisp or floppy, but the peak happens between May and September. It is mainly eaten raw in salads, though Italians add lettuce to soups or braise it as a side dish. Among the most commonly available lettuces in Italy during winter are curly endive (Frisée), Escarole endive, and Catalogna endive (in Rome called puntarelle). Springtime instead brings Romaine, Cappuccina (head lettuce) and Iceberg.
Mint is at its peak from May to September. Look for bright green, perky leaves that aren't wilting. There are several types of mint, each with its own subtle difference in flavor and appearance. The most popular type is spearmint, with its pointy, serrated leaves and a familiar refreshing taste. Peppermint has longer, darker leaves and a stronger flavor and is popular in desserts and confectionary. In Italy, and Rome in particular, mentuccia (a wild-growing variety known as calamint, nepetella, or Emperor's mint) is commonly added to braised artichokes, frittata or tripe.
Fresh peas are at their peak between May and November. As is the case with all types of legume, they are best eaten just-picked, either raw in salads or braised in butter with pancetta and shallots. A recent "pea guacamole" controversy has put peas in the wrong limelight…
The bitter, earthy flavor of spinaci is distinctive and particularly complements dairy products and eggs. Available between April and December, the milder, young leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, while the older ones are usually cooked (spinach has one of the shortest cooking times of all vegetables – two minutes max!). Watch out, since it also reduces dramatically in volume during cooking.
Available all year round, but best from July through to early November, Swiss chard is also known as just plain chard, and has large, fleshy, tender deep green leaves and thick, crisp stalks. Although they're unrelated, chard is similar to spinach, but with a stronger, more assertive flavor. Different types of chard have different colored ribs – some are white, some are a golden orange and some are red (called ruby or rhubarb chard) – there's even rainbow chard, but there's very little difference in taste between these.
Taccole (Runner beans or Mange tout)
Spring flat beans locally called Taccole are legumes, stronger in flavor and coarser in texture than green beans, they are also much longer and are in season between May and August. Italians blanche taccole and then cook them with onions and tomato sauce until tender.
The number of tomato varieties run into the thousands, and they vary in size from the huge 'cuore di bue' (ox-heart) to tiny 'datterino' tomatoes. As summer progresses, new varieties of tomatoes continue ripen on the vine, so now be looking out for the oblong San Marzano, or the egg-shaped vesuviani and other local heirloom varieties. Most pomodori have a sweet, gently tangy flavor and are sensational both raw and cooked.
Turnip greens
Baby turnips – whose peak season in Italy is July and August – are the size of large radishes and have a sweet, delicate taste (while winter turnips are more pungent and peppery). Turnip leaves or 'greens' are eaten boiled, steamed or stir-fried. This is a slightly bitter green that has long been popular in Italy. Each Italian region calls these leafy greens in a different way. In the Naples area they're named friarielli, in Tuscany, rapini. In Rome, they're broccoletti and in Puglia, cime di rapa.
Zucchine (Courgettes)
Zucchini are at their best from June until September. The best variety is the ribbed "romane" which when young and just-picked, come topped with a beautiful, orange edible flower. Stuff courgette blossoms with mozzarella or ricotta and a suspicion of oil-packed anchovy, dip in light batter and deep fry; or toss them in olive oil until just wilted, then stir through pasta. Zucchini flowers don't last so buy and cook them on the same day. They go well with mild cheese like mozzarella or ricotta, crispy pancetta, pasta, as topping for pizza… the list goes on.
Apricots herald stone fruit season, and we couldn't be happier! Available in Italy between June and August, albicocche are fragrant, with a soft, velvety skin that ranges from pale yellow to deep orange, tinged with a rosy blush and sometimes tiny sexy freckles. Inside there's a large kernel that will fall out easily if the flesh is ripe. Apricots need a warm climate to thrive, but their nutrients and anti-oxidant powers remain intact even when the fruit is dried.
Available from the end of July to mid-October, blackberries locally called more [MOH reh] in Italian, are wonderfully juicy, bursting with vitamin C and great eaten raw (straight from the hedge!). They can be also cooked in coulis and pies. Look for plump, shiny, tender berries, with none that are mushy or moldy. If you buy a punnet, check that the underside isn't stained – that means the lower level of berries has been crushed.
At their peak in mid-July, cherries are one of the delights of the warmer months. Much loved for their succulent texture, addictive flavor and gorgeous good looks, their juicy flesh can be sweet or sour, depending on which of the hundreds of varieties they are. Some of the best local ones are visciole, dark, sour and wild variety that is used in tarts, pies, crumbles and sauces, and employed along with ricotta in the Roman delight crostata di visciole.
Although not juicy, the fig is an incredibly sensuous and luscious fruit, with a delicate aroma and sweet flavor. Originally from Asia, figs are now grown across the Mediterranean and there are hundreds of different varieties, grouped into four main colors: white, green, red and purple/black. At their peak in Italy between August to early September, markets are already displaying early green varieties, perfect addition to pizza bianca and prosciutto sandwiches!
Loquat
Locally called nespole, loquats grow in clusters on evergreen trees between May and September. The loquat fruits are oval, 1-inch long, with a smooth or downy, orange skin. The succulent, tangy flesh is orange and sweet and contains 3-4 large, slippery seeds at the core. The thin skin can be peeled off easily if the fruit is ripe, and the flavor is a mixture of peach, citrus and mild mango. Tip: the uglier, more battered these fruits look, the better they taste!
The key to purchasing a good quality melon is to find one that is ripe, which is sometimes a challenge because oftentimes they are picked while still unripe. There are many clues that you can look for to find a melon that is ripe, a reliable one is smelling the bottom of the cantaloupe (also called the blossom end, opposite from the stem end where the vine was attached). Unripe cantaloupes are likely to have a very faint smell, or no smell at all. Ripe cantaloupes on the other hand, are likely to have that spectacular cantaloupe aroma. To enjoy melon beyond the marriage with silken slices of prosciutto, you can purée the cantaloupe pulp along with peeled soft peaches to make a refreshing seasonal cold soup. Or you can slice melons in half horizontally, scoop out seeds and use each half as a container in which to serve fruit salad splashed with ruby port.
Available through September, nectarines are the smooth-skinned variety of peach native to China, similarly flavored to peaches with slightly more acidity. The flesh can be light pink, yellow or white and is delicate and sweet. Nectarines are high in vitamins A, B, and C, and are lower in calories than peaches.
There are few fruits that come in such a panorama of colors as the juicy sweet tasting plum. Plum season in Italy extends from late June peaking in August. Like all stone fruit, plums are relatives of the peach, nectarine and the almond, so not easily tolearted by people who suffer from nut allergy. The European plum is thought to have been discovered around 2000 years ago, originating in the area near the Caspian Sea. Even in ancient Roman times, there were already over 300 varieties of European plums! Favorite Italian varieties are the oblong purple cosce di monaca (nun's thighs) and the tiny, round and green Regina Claudia. Plums are a very good source of vitamin C, hey are also a good source of vitamin K, copper, dietary fiber, and potassium.
Available from June to September, raspberries have a wonderfully intense, sweet taste, and many consider them to be the finest flavored of all the 'frutti di bosco' berries. As raspberries are very delicate, try not to wash them (if organic – or better, self foraged in the wild – there's nothing to wash away). Just pick off any bits of stalk or leaf and serve with cream or gelato.
Strawberries, among all other fruits, are the perfect example of how season and territory dramatically tilt the flavor scale. Available in Italy between May and September, strawberries are now a year-round fruit, thanks to imports from warmer climates. However, the varieties grown for export tend to be chosen for their ability to withstand transportation, rather than for their texture or flavor. The result is less tender berries with an unremarkable taste.
Thought to have originated in Africa, watermelon's crisp, sweet flesh is phenomenally juicy and refreshing, and an Italian summer staple. There's a saying in Rome on cocomero's flesh, that goes, "magni, bevi e te lavi 'a faccia" –– describing how the fruit allows you to simultaneously eat, drink and wash your face. Watermelon is great cut into wedges, chopped and added to fruit salads, which can be added with crumbled ricotta salata and mint for an original twist.
What fruits and vegetables are in season where you live?
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In today's post, I will examine the first mythical ORIGINAL ancestor in and discuss "Prebiotic Molecular Evolution" then move on to "Chemical Evolution" and "Stellar Evolution" and finally step all the way back to the first nanosecond in the life of the entire universe and describe "Cosmic Evolution" in some detail.
I suppose it would be easier for my detractors if I were to passively consent to endlessly repeat myself, isolating my side of the main argument only to very finite details of the Darwinist religion here-and-there, those minuscule items of data with which my opponents have more than a passing familiarity. Then, those tiny little shreds of insignificant points could be held up as straw men amidst the multitude of monolithic refutations I can present, have presented, and will continue to present. Those little nothing straw men could then be ceremonially burned in effigy for the satisfaction of the lemmings, and the spiritually immature Darwinist detractor could then leave the field feeling victorious and even, dare I say, a bit self-righteous.
In today's post, I will examine the modern Darwinist beliefs and begin to step all the way back to the first second in the life of the entire universe.
In plain English, micro-evolution is what happens when, say for example, corn pollinates and makes slightly different corn in the next generation of … corn. Or when dogs interbreed and make a different breed of dog. Or when human beings have human babies. In other words, it isn't even evolution. It is simply modification within kind, also called change within kind, also called variation within kind.


text:
New Black Panther Movie Touted As Cultural Milestone, Box Office Hit
Jack Xiong February 20, 2018
With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97%, audiences are loving Marvel's new Black Panther movie and critics call it a cultural milestone.
Like last year's Wonder Woman, the new Black Panther movie is breaking barriers for previously underrepresented groups in the superhero film genre. It's also proving its worth on critical and commercial merit alone. Is this a preview of more groundbreaking films to come?
The new film directed by Ryan Coogler is the story of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who, after his father's death, becomes king of Wakanda, an African country that hides the fact it's the most technologically advanced nation in the world. The new ruler has to defend his throne from both internal and external threats, including villain Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).
The film is based on the Marvel comic book character created by Stan Lee and his colleague Jack Kirby in 1966, a time when African-Americans were battling for civil rights.
New Black Panther movie breaks ground and opens doors.
The film has been aptly touted as a cultural milestone even before its wide release to theaters on February 16: it's a major film that explores what it means to be black, centered on a black superhero, featuring a mostly black cast, and helmed by a black director.
Hype for the film swept the nation prior to its release, with teachers planning on taking entire classes to see it, and Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer announcing that she'd buy out a movie theater for viewers who otherwise could not afford to see the film.
"Having studied at Howard (a historically black university in Washington, D.C.) and having various different experiences within our culture, I knew it was an opportunity to pull from real things, real achievements, real African culture and place it in this movie to make it real," Boseman, the star of the film, said. "If anybody believes that Africa didn't have an empire, didn't have architecture, didn't have art, didn't have science, you see it in this movie."
Co-star Michael B. Jordan told CNN the movie is "super important" and "impactful for our culture moving forward."
"It's humbling and very surreal that this is a major introduction, almost a reintroduction of black fantasy, sci-fi, mythology, for the generation growing up," Jordan said. "I can't wait for Halloween to see everyone dressing up as the Dora Milaje (the female special forces in the film), Black Panther and Killmonger (the super villain Jordan portrays)."
Although there have been a slew of black superheroes in pop culture recently—including Marvel's Luke Cage for Netflix, the Blade movies and currently the CW's Black Lightning, Black Panther has reached unheard of heights, financially and critically.
Black Panther hits it big on opening weekend.
Its domestic opening weekend of $192 million was the fifteenth-highest of all-time and also set the record for biggest debut by an African American director. The movie broke Fandango's pre-sale ticket record for Marvel Cinematic Universe films in its first 24 hours, one previously held by 2016's Captain America: Civil War.
It currently has a a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which was the best approval rating for a live-action superhero film, beating The Dark Knight and Iron Man (both 94%, released in 2008).
The film is bound to have crossover appeal beyond comic book fans as well. "It's going to bring in a lot of people who don't even really go to comic-book movies," says Jamie Broadnax, editor in chief and creator of the online community BlackGirlNerds.com. "They're going to see themselves reflected in a huge way that they just haven't been able to see before."
Gil Robertson, co-founder and president of the African American Film Critics Association, said: "The black community is certainly bursting at the seams for this film to be released. It's a gate-opener opportunity for other black-centered projects."
"Just imagine the impact it's going to have on the lives of children from every background to have a major tent-pole film with a black lead," Robertson said. "That in and of itself just speaks to how far we've come in terms of equal opportunity and representation in cinema. I couldn't be more thrilled about that."
Reginald Hudlin worked on Black Panther as a comic book and animated series, and said it's inevitable that the new Black Panther movie will create opportunities, as Wonder Woman has.
"It's really a natural extension," he told Vulture. "There are so many superhero characters. If you don't diversify, then the market kind of eats itself."
The film has an all-star cast that includes: Chadwick Boseman as the title character; the actor has portrayed the likes of Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall. Michael B. Jordan of The Wire, Creed and Fantastic Four stars as the movie's primary antagonist. Academy Award winners Forest Whitaker and Lupita Nyong'o, Academy Award nominees Angela Bassett and Daniel Kaluuya, and the Emmy award-winning star of NBC's critically-acclaimed This is Us, Sterling K. Brown, are prominently featured in Black Panther.
Black Panther is in theaters now.
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by Jack Xiong, Citizen Truth

New Black Panther Movie Touted As Cultural Milestone, Box Office Hit

by Jack Xiong, Citizen Truth
February 20, 2018

With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97%, audiences are loving Marvel's new Black Panther movie and critics call it a cultural milestone.

Like last year's Wonder Woman, the new Black Panther movie is breaking barriers for previously underrepresented groups in the superhero film genre. It's also proving its worth on critical and commercial merit alone. Is this a preview of more groundbreaking films to come?

The new film directed by Ryan Coogler is the story of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who, after his father's death, becomes king of Wakanda, an African country that hides the fact it's the most technologically advanced nation in the world. The new ruler has to defend his throne from both internal and external threats, including villain Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).

The film is based on the Marvel comic book character created by Stan Lee and his colleague Jack Kirby in 1966, a time when African-Americans were battling for civil rights.

New Black Panther movie breaks ground and opens doors.

The film has been aptly touted as a cultural milestone even before its wide release to theaters on February 16: it's a major film that explores what it means to be black, centered on a black superhero, featuring a mostly black cast, and helmed by a black director.

Hype for the film swept the nation prior to its release, with teachers planning on taking entire classes to see it, and Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer announcing that she'd buy out a movie theater for viewers who otherwise could not afford to see the film.

"Having studied at Howard (a historically black university in Washington, D.C.) and having various different experiences within our culture, I knew it was an opportunity to pull from real things, real achievements, real African culture and place it in this movie to make it real," Boseman, the star of the film, said. "If anybody believes that Africa didn't have an empire, didn't have architecture, didn't have art, didn't have science, you see it in this movie."

Co-star Michael B. Jordan told CNN the movie is "super important" and "impactful for our culture moving forward."

"It's humbling and very surreal that this is a major introduction, almost a reintroduction of black fantasy, sci-fi, mythology, for the generation growing up," Jordan said. "I can't wait for Halloween to see everyone dressing up as the Dora Milaje (the female special forces in the film), Black Panther and Killmonger (the super villain Jordan portrays)."

Although there have been a slew of black superheroes in pop culture recently—including Marvel's Luke Cage for Netflix, the Blade movies and currently the CW's Black Lightning, Black Panther has reached unheard of heights, financially and critically.

Black Panther hits it big on opening weekend.

Its domestic opening weekend of $192 million was the fifteenth-highest of all-time and also set the record for biggest debut by an African American director. The movie broke Fandango's pre-sale ticket record for Marvel Cinematic Universe films in its first 24 hours, one previously held by 2016's Captain America: Civil War.

It currently has a a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which was the best approval rating for a live-action superhero film, beating The Dark Knight and Iron Man (both 94%, released in 2008).

The film is bound to have crossover appeal beyond comic book fans as well. "It's going to bring in a lot of people who don't even really go to comic-book movies," says Jamie Broadnax, editor in chief and creator of the online community BlackGirlNerds.com. "They're going to see themselves reflected in a huge way that they just haven't been able to see before."

Gil Robertson, co-founder and president of the African American Film Critics Association, said: "The black community is certainly bursting at the seams for this film to be released. It's a gate-opener opportunity for other black-centered projects."

"Just imagine the impact it's going to have on the lives of children from every background to have a major tent-pole film with a black lead," Robertson said. "That in and of itself just speaks to how far we've come in terms of equal opportunity and representation in cinema. I couldn't be more thrilled about that."

Reginald Hudlin worked on Black Panther as a comic book and animated series, and said it's inevitable that the new Black Panther movie will create opportunities, as Wonder Woman has.

"It's really a natural extension," he told Vulture. "There are so many superhero characters. If you don't diversify, then the market kind of eats itself."

The film has an all-star cast that includes: Chadwick Boseman as the title character; the actor has portrayed the likes of Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall. Michael B. Jordan of The Wire, Creed and Fantastic Four stars as the movie's primary antagonist. Academy Award winners Forest Whitaker and Lupita Nyong'o, Academy Award nominees Angela Bassett and Daniel Kaluuya, and the Emmy award-winning star of NBC's critically-acclaimed This is Us, Sterling K. Brown, are prominently featured in Black Panther.

Black Panther is in theaters now.

Related:

New TV Series, "The Chi", To Tackle The Complexity That Is Chicago

TV Show's New "Apology Race" Features Global Race to Apologize For Trump

This article first appeared on Citizen Truth and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.


Literature References: Orally active antimycotic structurally related to ketoconazole, q.v. Prepn: J. Heeres, L. J. J. Backx, EP 6711; eidem, US 4267179 (1980, 1981 both to Janssen); J. Heeres et al., J. Med. Chem. 27, 894 (1984). In vitro activity: A. Espinel-Ingroff et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 26, 5 (1984). HPLC determn in biological samples: R. Woestenborghs et al., J. Chromatogr. 413, 332 (1987). Symposium on pharmacology and clinical efficacy: Rev. Infect. Dis. 9, Suppl 1, S1-S152 (1987). Toxicity data: H. Van Cauteren et al., ibid. S43. Review of clinical pharmacokinetics: J. Heykants et al., Mycoses 32, Suppl 1, 67-87 (1989); of clinical efficacy in dermatophytosis: P. De Doncker, G. Cauwenbergh, Br. J. Clin. Pract. Suppl. 71, 118-122 (1990). Review: A. M. Sugar, Curr. Clin. Top. Infect. Dis. 13, 74-98 (1993).
Properties: Crystals from toluene, mp 166.2°. pKa 3.7. Lipophilic; partition coefficient (n-octanol/aq buffer of pH 8.1): 5.66. Practically insol in water and dil acidic solns. LD50 (14 day) in mice, rats, dogs (mg/kg): >320, >320, >200 orally (Van Cauteren).