For the second consecutive season, Real Madrid and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens will go head to head for a playoff series that promises to deliver unmissable drama as the reigning champ takes on a team in red-hot form – especially considering the rich recent history between the teams.
Rudy's stunner to exert psychological impact?
Game 1 of this mouth-watering series will be the second time that Madrid and Panathinaikos go head to head in the last month. And their last matchup, in Athens in Round 29 of the regular season, was a thrilling encounter which saw Panathinaikos race to a huge early advantage, 32-14 at the end of the first quarter, before the Spanish side launched a spectacular comeback culminating with Rudy Fernandez's miraculous game-winning three-pointer on the final buzzer.
As the teams meet again, the psychological impact of Rudy's stunning deep strike could be considerable. That hard-to-take defeat – which at the time jeopardized the Greens' advancing into the playoffs – was the only loss suffered by Panathinaikos in the final eight weeks of the season. Being haunted by such a recent memory of blowing a big lead will be difficult for the Greek team to escape. "If we couldn't beat Madrid then, when will we ever be able to do it?" is a question Panathinaikos players will be determined to avoid entering their thinking as they travel to Madrid for the start of the series, but it will be a hard one to ignore.
Conversely, of course, Madrid can take comfort in the knowledge that it was still able to beat Panathinaikos even after trailing by 20 points on the road in the hostile environment of Olympic Sports Center Athens. The prospect of facing Panathinaikos, even when it has won seven of its last eight games, holds no fear for this Madrid team and the deeper effects of Rudy's game-winner could extend well beyond simply deciding the outcome of one game in Round 29. Also lurking in the mental background is the fact that the teams also met in last season's playoffs when Madrid recovered from a 95-67 battering in Athens in Game 1 to claim a road victory in Game 2 before finishing the job back on its home floor. The psychological edge appears to be with Los Blancos.
On the subject of miraculous game-winners, Panathinaikos also enjoyed one of those in the closing weeks of the regular season; Nick Calathes banked in a crazy game-winner at CSKA Moscow in Round 26 to secure a 77-78 victory, which many regard as a key turning point in the Greek champs' entire season. That night's hero is also coming directly off a stupendous performance in the final game of the regular season, a playoff-clinching victory over Buducnost VOLI Podgorica which saw the experienced point guard record the first triple-double in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague since 2006.
With his game-winner at CSKA and that 11-points, 12-assist, 18-point display adding to a series of outstanding contributions over the last few weeks, Calathes is in the best form of his career right now and looks more than ready to rise to the challenge of guiding his team back to the Final Four after an absence of six years. After leading the Greens in scoring (12.3 points per game), rebounding (4.5 rpg), assists (8.9 apg) and steals (1.7 spg) during the regular season, it's impossible to overstate the importance of Calathes to the Panathinaikos cause. If he maintains his recent form, his team will clearly take some stopping, but Madrid will perhaps attempt to focus on another statistical "achievement" of Calathes: with 3.1 turnovers per game, he lost possession more often than any other player during the regular season (his total of 94 turnovers was followed by Vasilije Micic of Anadolu Efes Istanbul with 86).
Exactly how Madrid will attempt to minimize the influence of Calathes remains to be seen; perhaps by working hard to close down his passing options; perhaps by double-teaming him; perhaps by forcing him into three-point shots (he made only 25.8% of attempts from beyond the arc this season). But one thing is for sure: Calathes will have a lot of the ball in this series and how effectively he uses it will be a major factor in the outcome.
Like Calathes at Panathinaikos, Madrid also has its own charismatic and gifted veteran leader in the backcourt in the form of Sergio Llull... but he has been sidelined by a hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least the first two games of the series. The absence of Llull will be a major blow for Madrid to overcome and will undoubtedly require Klemen Prepelic to step up considerably from his season averages of 3.6 points and 1.8 assists in 9 minutes on the floor. Prepelic certainly does not lack big-game experience after playing a starring role in Slovenia's triumph at the 2017 EuroBasket (he had 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the victory in the final against Serbia), but his experience of taking a lead role in Madrid colors is severely limited and establishing a connection with his teammates in such an intense atmosphere will be a major challenge.
Perhaps more so than Prepelic, however, Llull's injury is a big opportunity for Facundo Campazzo to prove that he can carry the team on his shoulders. Over the last couple of years, the mercurial Argentine has delivered some solid numbers in a secondary role behind first Luka Doncic and then Llull, but now he is facing a completely different set of demands as the main man. He has the talent to flourish in that position, but the mental burden will be a new one for Campazzo and he will have to be ready to accept the onerous responsibility of leading the reigning champ into battle.
Of the eight head coaches in this season's playoffs, four are former EuroLeague champions (Zeljko Obradovic, Pablo Laso, Dimitris Itoudis and Svetislav Pesic) and three others (Ergin Ataman, Sarunas Jasikevicius and Velimir Perasovic) have been to the Final Four before. In fact, three of them have won the title as a player, too (Perasovic, Pesic and Saras). There is only one coach not mentioned here and he is a Basketball Hall of Fame member, Rick Pitino.
The 66-year-old tactician has seemingly seen it all, but this will not only be Coach Pitino's first time in the EuroLeague playoffs, it will also be his first time coaching in a playoff scenario since 1989 when he was with New York in the NBA! The vast majority of Pitino's career was in the college game, where all post-season games – whether in conference tournaments or the NCAA Championship – are of the win-or-go-home variety.
Anyone who cast aspersions on Pitino's sideline abilities got their answers in March and April as Panathinaikos won seven of eight games to not only claim a playoff spot, but to storm into sixth place. It may have taken him time to learn and adjust to EuroLeague basketball and to teach his squad what he wants from them, but there is no doubting that the Panathinaikos team of the end of the season is a much more dangerous squad than the team he inherited initially. That said, the playoffs are a different beast. A best-of-five series that starts with two games in 48 hours forces coaches and players to make adjustments and to make them quickly. Pitino has done it before, but it's been a while and this time he's getting his team ready to face the defending champs.
His counterpart, two-time champion Pablo Laso, is making his seventh straight playoff appearance and he has won six series to date. When it comes to this format, Laso has a decisive advantage. However, anyone who has doubted Pitino thus far has been forced to eat his words. These two very different and very successful coaches will play a major role in how this series shakes out.


The City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council welcomes nominations from the community for its 2019 Matilda Martinez Garcia Leadership Award. Each year the award recognizes a person or organization that has made extraordinary contributions to the betterment of Hillsborough County's Hispanic community. The recipient of the award will be recognized at the 19th Annual Latinos Unidos Luncheon on May 8, 2019, at Armature Works in Tampa.
Established in 2013, the award honors the late Matilda Martinez Garcia, a respected community leader and charter member of the Council, which was founded by then-mayor Bob Martinez in 1983. Past recipients of the award include Ms. Martinez Garcia, Mr. Rafael Martinez Ybor, Mr. Tony Morejon and the late Dr. Luz Paredes Lono.
To nominate an individual or organization for the Matilda Martinez Garcia Leadership Award, please fill out the online form at https://www.tampagov.net/hispanic-advisory-council Complete the form outlining the nature and breadth of the nominee's contributions and include two letters supporting the nomination. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 8th, 2019.


text:
I monti Phetchabun (in lingua thai: ทิวเขาเพชรบูรณ์, in RTGS: Thio Khao Phetchabun) sono un sistema montuoso della Thailandia. Sono formati da due catene parallele che si estendono in direzione nord-sud, con la valle del fiume Pa Sak che le divide.

Geografia

Le due catene hanno circa la stessa lunghezza, la occidentale è il prolungamento di quella dei monti di Luang Prabang, mentre la orientale costituisce lo spartiacque tra il bacino idrografico del fiume Chao Phraya della Thailandia Centrale e quello dei fiumi dell'altopiano di Korat, nella Thailandia del Nordest, detta anche Isan. Le catene montuose prendono il nome dalla città di Phetchabun, situata nella zona occidentale del sistema.

La vetta più alta è il Phu Man Khao, che raggiunge i 1820 metri s.l.m. e che fa parte del Parco Nazionale Phu Hin Rong Kla, nella parte nord del sistema montuoso. Altre montagne importanti sono Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang e Phu Ruea. Verso sud, la catena occidentale degrada nella pianura centrale thailandese, mentre quella orientale si unisce alla catena dei monti Dong Phaya Yen, assieme ai quali forma il confine naturale occidentale dell'Isan.

I monti Phetchabun sono formati da roccia calcarea mista ad ardesia e ad arenaria. Meno frequente è la roccia magmatica, presente con granito, basalto e porfido.

Caratteristiche del sistema sono le strane conformazioni di alcune delle sue rocce e la massiccia presenza dei fiori chiamati Curcuma alismatifolia (in italiano: tulipano siamese, in thai: ดอกกระเจียว, in RTGS: dok krachiao), che crescono spontaneamente.

Storia
Fino a pochi decenni fa, solo la linea ferroviaria Bangkok - Khorat ed un'autostrada attraversavano il sistema montuoso che comprende i monti Phetchabun e i Dong Phaya Yen. Prima della costruzione della ferrovia, all'inizio del XX secolo, la separazione tra l'Isan e la Thailandia centrale era più marcata.

Nel periodo compreso tra il 1968 ed il 1982, i monti Phetchabun furono una roccaforte della guerriglia armata del Partito Comunista della Thailandia. Diverse furono le imboscate e i rastrellamenti eseguiti nella zona, fino a quando la guerriglia fu estirpata da reparti dell'Esercito Thailandese.

Parchi nazionali
Diversi sono i parchi nazionali ed altre aree protette presenti nei monti Phetchabun, che dal 2005 sono candidati per l'ammissione tra i Patrimoni dell'umanità dell'UNESCO.

Di seguito, la lista delle principali aree protette dei monti Phetchabun:
Parco Nazionale Nam Nao
Parco Nazionale Pa Hin Ngam, che si estende sul versante dell'altopiano di Korat.
Parco Nazionale Phu Hin Rong Kla
Parco Nazionale Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
Parco Nazionale Phu Kradung
Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
Parco Nazionale Thung Salaeng Luang

Note

Collegamenti esterni

Phetchabun
Phetchabun
Sud-est asiatico

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Thank you for visiting my re-election website. As I conclude my second term as Elyria's Mayor and seek my third, it is an honor to serve the caring citizens, visitors and workforce of our historic river and rail city. Continuing the tremendous success of our 200th birthday, we are building momentum, working together, and using our proud past and pioneering spirit to shape Elyria's rebirth.
With the help of caring citizens, an energized City Council, new organizational partners, and volunteers who are second to none – Elyria is on the rise. But our work is not done. And that is why I am seeking a third term as your Mayor. Working together we have already taken many proactive steps to re-position Elyria for success. No, we are not yet where we want to be, but we are making great strides and your continued support and votes are needed and appreciated to keep Elyria moving in the right direction.
In all, there is over $400 million of investment happening in Elyria right now!
Take a look around and you'll see the evidence everywhere. Elyria is in the process of building all new state-of-the-art public schools and a new stadium and complex. Our Elyria Public Library system will be constructing a new main library and will be refurbishing other library facilities. Cascade and Elywood parks, the jewels of the Western Reserve, are being completely revitalized thanks to a new lease agreement/partnership between the City of Elyria and the Lorain County MetroParks. Moreover, the City of Elyria and my administration have spear-headed many projects outlined below that are changing our community for the better.
New business incentives, business-friendly policies, and a new Elyria Community Improvement Corporation are creating new jobs as businesses expand and relocate to Elyria. Just since 2017, 10 new businesses have moved into Elyria and expansions are taking place currently at five major industries. Of note: Amware has taken over both the former Riddell and 3M buildings, and Perry Fiberglass has taken over the former Moen building. Expansions are underway with Nelson Stud Welding, Dura-Line Corp., MultiLink Inc., Ridge Tool, Elyria Plastics, and several others.
Elyria Works Now, the City's new workforce development program, is helping Elyria residents gain access to higher-paying manufacturing jobs – and helping Elyria manufacturers fill entry-level positions. The program provides participants with connectivity, support, education, training, and access to employers who have committed to hiring goals, family-friendly practices. And working with community partners to remove barriers to employment.
Street, road, bridge and sewer improvements have become a focus of the Brinda administration – with over $74 million in current projects to be completed over the next two years. Upon completion, residents can look forward to far less basement flooding and better street conditions.
Park improvements abound, with a new lease agreement with the Lorain County MetroParks improving Cascade and Elywood parks, two new spray parks at West and South parks, and other improvements at the North Park Ice Arena and East Park trails.
Downtown Elyria is undergoing a revitalization with new streetscapes, new lighting and a new fountain; a new Arts District and Pioneer Plaza Marketplace; new downtown core streets; and private investment and development in nine buildings that will feature restaurants and entertainment, office space, the arts, apartments and more. The newly established Elyria Arts Council and Art Works Gallery now houses over 30 working artists. A County renovation of the courthouse and hopefully return of passenger rail downtown will add to the renaissance.
The Midway Mall area has been improved with a $23 million highway reconfiguration that widened SR57, removed the 49th Street Bridge, and opened additional property for development. So far this investment has prompted a new hotel, a new powers sports company in the former Macy's, a new fashion warehouse in the former Office Max, a new national automotive parts retail and distribution center in the former Walmart to come in 2019, and a new commercial development to come in 2019 at the former site of the 49th Street Bridge.
Neighborhoods are improving with over 300 blighted residential properties demolished as of 2018, an expansive road repavement program, and the expansion and support of Community Block Watches.
The burned out former General Industries property has been cleaned up and will serve as a site for business expansion in 2019 thanks to funds leveraged from JobsOhio by the new Elyria Community Improvement Corporation.
Safety and addressing the opioid epidemic are priorities with reinstitution of the Narcotics and Neighborhood Impact Unit, reinstitution of the Downtown Foot Patrol, investment in the police department, and new partnerships with local addiction recovery agencies and organization to help address the root cause of the problem. Moreover, the Elyria Police Department has taken on the tall order of voluntarily adopting national standards and best practices through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies that has made Elyria one of the premiere municipal law enforcement agencies in Ohio and the United States. Only 7 percent of all law enforcement organizations are CALEA certified. Likewise, the Elyria Fire Department (EFD) achieved state accreditation for Emergency Management Services education, allowing the city to be more self-reliant and reduce training costs. A new Joint Quality Improvement Board has been created with EFD, LifeCare Ambulance and University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center to maximize coordination of emergency services delivery, monitoring of care and direct performance improvement measures.
To date over $2.5 million in cost-saving efficiencies have been identified and implemented through a voluntary performance audit and careful internal oversight. Examples include consolidation of the Elyria Health Department with the Lorain County Health District, the new lease agreement with the Lorain County MetroParks for the revitalization and maintenance of Cascade and Elywood parks, department consolidations, energy conservation programs, and the reduction of longevity benefits. All city employees have gone through customer service training, a new city software system is replacing 13 antiquated software platforms and is improving work, billing and communication processes, and a new Human Resources Department and preve ntative measures like a focus on employee wellness is resulting in lower healthcare costs.
The return of quality life programming through philanthropic support and volunteerism is creating a sense of pride and family activities with fireworks, concerts, camps, holiday lights, festivals, art shows and more. Through the Mayor's Office on Volunteer Engagement (MOVE) over 400 volunteers work to better the city annually through Pride Day, community gardens, and support for the city's many events and activities.
Regular dialogue and communication with residents is key as the City holds quarterly Community Dialogue Sessions, and offers current information through its website, the Mayor's Blog, Cable Channel 1025, The Elyria Citizens Facebook account, and through Instagram @CityOfElyriaOhio.
Thank you in advance for your past support and your current consideration. I humbly request your vote on or before May 7, 2019.
Holly Brinda is NOT a career politician. Holly worked for 30 years before she became Mayor and came to the position as a seasoned and successful administrator and organizational advancement professional with over 30 years of management, planning, development, marketing and public engagement experience in private business, K-12 and higher public education, government and non-profit organizations. Holly thinks and manages openly and strategically and is considered by many as a caring and compassionate leader and skilled facilitator and motivator. She is competent and comfortable in all the key functions of managing critical processes in large organizations and has executed all of these functions in her career experiences.
Holly Understands the Big Picture. Organizations engage Holly when they want someone capable of understanding the big picture and developing the processes and resources necessary to advance the mission and vision. Several of her past career associations have involved launching strategic planning initiatives, executing campaigns for major capital building projects, implementing quality improvements, launching new programs, and counseling existing programs facing significant challenges.
Holly's Family is Her Greatest Achievement: A fourth generation Elyrian, Holly met her husband Greg in 1980 at her first job out of college at the Elyria-Lorain Broadcasting Company, where Greg was a reporter and Holly was a copywriter. Love blossomed. A year later they were married. Holly and Greg have four grown children, including 35-year-old twin sons Matthew and Nicholas, daughter Marielle, 32, and daughter Rachel, 29. Their grown children are all college graduates; one from The Ohio State University, two from Miami University of Ohio, and one from Columbia College of Chicago.
Matthew is an English teacher at Elyria High School. Nick is a microbiologist in Sydney, Australia where he lives with his wife Laura, an industrial engineer. Marielle is an editor for Vin Di Bona Productions in Hollywood. And Rachel is an associate at Chase Morgan Bank in Columbus. Greg, Holly's husband of 36 years, is the "Dean of Sports", Cleveland's longest running sports radio talk show host and can be heard on WTAM 1100. Holly enjoys being Mayor, visiting her children, and caring for her St. Bernard mix Juno and her many cats.


The Mets look to complete a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins Wednesday night (6:10 p.m., SNY).
The New York Mets look to complete a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins Wednesday night (6:10 p.m., SNY).
Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom (1-0, 0.00) takes the hill for New York, while Miami will have Trevor Richards (0-0, 1.50).
The Mets (4-1) held on to beat the Marlins (2-4) Tuesday night, 6-5.


MELVILLE, N.Y., October 15, 2018 – With the monochrome laser A4 MFP market continuing to show growth year-over-year in the 45-69 page-per-minute (ppm) market*, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduces the imageRUNNER ADVANCE 715iF II Series. This series fits a need in the market for small business or workgroups that desire office solutions that are easy to use and can help maximize productivity.
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 1, 2018 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a new suite of enhancements to its PRISMAprepare software. The new version 7 of PRISMAprepare software is a powerful all-in-one make-ready solution that is designed to accelerate document preparation from composition through production, to help print providers reduce their turnaround times and operational costs through reduction of make-ready steps.


text:
.class public interface abstract Lmf/org/w3c/dom/svg/SVGFEFuncBElement;
.super Ljava/lang/Object;
.source "SVGFEFuncBElement.java"

# interfaces
.implements Lmf/org/w3c/dom/svg/SVGComponentTransferFunctionElement;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: How can I use a BufferedReader to read only new lines from logcat, and ignore all previous logcat lines So, I am attempting to use a bufferReader to read logcat from an android device. As "logcat -c" does not always work to clear the log, I want to start the reader and then drop the current output and start reading only new lines. How can I do this?
Each time I start the process  the entire logcat output is captured, I only want the current lines being produced at the time of me starting the reader.
So when I do this:
        ProcessBuilder pb = new ProcessBuilder("adb", "logcat", "-v", "threadtime", "-b", "all");
        pb.redirectErrorStream(true);
        Process p = pb.start();

        BufferedReader reader =
                new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(p.getInputStream()));
        String line = null;
        while ( (line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
            result += line + "\n";
        }

The entire log is captured, as adb logcat will give you the entire log, all previous lines are in the buffer and there are no options to clear the queue. I attempted to use mark and reset, but that does not seem to work. The result string always has the previous lines from logcat that occurred before I started the reader.
Anyone know how I can write this so only new lines are read, and previous are dropped?

EDIT: When I try this, with mark and reset, the output string still contains logcat lines from an hour ago, it needs to start from now. My understanding is that mark and set are for going back in the buffer, which I do not want to do. I want to read only new lines from logcat, over adb, not the previous lines.
    ProcessBuilder pb = new ProcessBuilder("adb", "logcat", "-v", "threadtime", "-b", "all");
    pb.redirectErrorStream(true);
    Process p = pb.start();

    BufferedReader reader =
            new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(p.getInputStream()));
    reader.mark(0);
    reader.reset();
    String line = null;
    while ( (line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
        result += line + "\n";
    }

EDIT #2: I did come up with a "temp" solution, by using logcats -T option to grab only logs from a certain timestamp and on. However this solution requires that my PC and my android device times are in sync. It would be nice to have a better solution that did not have this time sync requirement.
So if anyone has one, that would be great. Here is my temp solution:
        DateFormat dateFormat = new SimpleDateFormat("MM-dd HH:mm:ss.mmm");
        Date date = new Date();
        String dateString = dateFormat.format(date);

        ProcessBuilder pb = new ProcessBuilder(
                "adb", "-s", deviceID, "logcat", "-v", "threadtime", "-b", "all", "-T", dateString);
        pb.redirectErrorStream(true);
        p = pb.start();
        BufferedReader reader =
            new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(p.getInputStream()));
        String line = null;
        while ( (line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
            result += line + "\n";
        }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Many of our loyal customers rely on us for all their fleet maintenance needs. Once registered to the Fleet Enterprises website you'll have immediate access to Fleet Enterprises state-of-the-art and totally unique set of service and tools, designed to help you ensure your fleet is always well-maintained and safety-compliant. Once you are on-line, you can request services (both reoccurring and one-time) plus view invoices and FHWA and photo reports. It's all designed to provide you everything you need to monitor your fleet maintenance needs and activities — right at your fingertips!
I know your office may not get much recognition for all the work you do for Landstar.
All the folks here thank your team for the hard work, extra time and effort necessary in order to help us through this AP issue. I appreciate your diligence and understanding.
Your office ALWAYS goes over and above for Landstar while being very pleasant and cordial.
All Fleet personnel treat Landstar like a customer should be treated, no excuses, just results.
It is very rare for a vendor to adjust their business to meet the customer's needs. Fleet is the benchmark for others to follow.
Please forward this on to your team.


Funding supports communities promoting healthy weight and nutrition among Native youth.
SANTA ANA PUEBLO, NEW MEXICO – Through its national grantmaking program, the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation recently awarded nearly $400,000 to six tribal communities and Native-led organizations in Minnesota, Oregon and South Dakota to support their respective efforts is improving Native youth nutrition education, access to healthy foods and increased physical activity.
The 18-month Community Action Grants (CAG) of $65,000 each were awarded to three existing CAG grantees and three new recipients to support their community-based approaches in addressing systemic and environmentalbarriers that may include policies and procedures on sugar-sweetened beverages; access to fresh produce; and safe walking and playing spaces.
Minneapolis American Indian Center also in Minnesota to expand access to and involvement in physical activities for Native youth through their Native youth coalition.
Native American Youth and Family Center in Oregon to increase physical activity through indigenous curriculum and community-wide games, and identify policy opportunities to increase healthy food access.
Community Action Grant recipients will participate in cohort gatherings with other grantees to share, learn and inspire one another. Grant recipients will also participate in the NB3 Foundation's Healthy Kids! Healthy Futures! National Conference where they will connect with a larger movement of organizations and tribes engaged in Native American children's health.
The Notah Begay III Foundation is a respected organization that invests in evidence-based, community-driven, culturally relevant programs that promote healthy weight, physical activity and healthy nutrition. Learn more about the NB3 Foundation's grantmaking program at:www.nb3foundation.org.


text:
est le quatrième album de la chanteuse anglaise Natasha Bedingfield. Il est sorti le  aux États-Unis.

Liste des titres
 Little too mush
 All I need feat. Kevin Rudolf
 Strip me
 Neon lights
 Weightless
 Can't fall down
 Try
 Touch
 Run-run-run
 Break thru
 No Mozart
 Recover
 Weightless (less is more version)

Notes et références

Liens externes
  Fiche et critique sur Allmusic
  Fiche sur Discogs

Album musical sorti en 2010
Album produit par J.R. Rotem
Album de Natasha Bedingfield


text:
Tropical Cyclone Debbie has caused severe damage to the Proserpine Council Chambers on Main Street, with several parts of the building's roof caved in and extensive water damage during the event.
Residents are advised the building is currently not accessible to the public, with extensive damage to the foyer and Customer Services area.
From Monday 3 April, Customer Services will be located at the Proserpine Library.
Some areas of the Proserpine Council Chamber building are safe, including the Disaster Coordination Centre, where staff have been working around the clock over the past week in partnership with Fire and Emergency Services personnel, the SES, Queensland Police, Ergon, Ambulance Services and the Australian Defense Force.
Most Council staff will be working from other locations around the region until the building is completely accessible and safe again.
The Cannonvale Library will remain closed until further notice, pending further assessment of the building.
The Bowen Council Chambers suffered some minor damage however staff will be able to access the building as normal from Monday 3 April.
In the meantime, if you have any concerns or enquiries please contact Council on (07) 4945 0200 or email info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
⇐PreviousSaturday Community Update on Services for Airlie Beach and surroundsNext⇒Whitsunday Regional Council will suspend direct debit rate payments for one month

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Tyngsborough 7, Oxford 0
Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Oxford
Senior Sean Engel struck out eight and improved to 3-0 and Anthony Marsilio was 2 for 3 with a solo homer and two runs as the visiting Tigers (3-1) blanked the Pirates (7-2) in the semifinals of the Oxford High Tournament. Tyngsboro plays Littleton at 2 p.m. Thursday in the final, while Oxford faces Sutton in the consolation game at 11 a.m.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Tyngsborough 1 0 5 0 0 0 1 7 7 1
Oxford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3
TYN — Sean Engel and Andy Savard
OXF — Dennis Sneade, Stephen Lemieux (3), Jared Chisholm (7) and James Sheehan
Updated: Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 7:39 p.m.


text:
Das Fort-Tejon-Erdbeben (engl. Fort Tejon earthquake), das sich am 9. Januar 1857 ereignete, gilt als das stärkste Erdbeben, das den US-Bundesstaat Kalifornien erschütterte. Es wird auf eine Stärke von 7,9 geschätzt. In seiner Stärke gilt es damit als dem San-Francisco-Erdbeben von 1906 vergleichbar. Es ereignete sich entlang der San-Andreas-Verwerfung auf einer Länge von 362 Kilometern zwischen Parkfield und San Bernardino. Die beiden Platten, die entlang dieser Störung aufeinandertreffen, verschoben sich während dieses Bebens um bis zu neun Meter.

Kalifornien war im Jahre 1857 noch sehr dünn besiedelt. Anders als etwa beim New-Madrid-Erdbeben von 1811 gibt es kaum Überlieferungen von Personen, die dieses Erdbeben erlebten. Aus diesem Grund ist es auch lediglich unter Seismologen bekannt. Sein Epizentrum lag nach heutigem Forschungsstand nahe der kleinen kalifornischen Siedlung Parkfield. Seinen Namen erhielt es jedoch, weil das Armeelager Fort Tejon, das am Tejon-Pass lag, dieses meldete.

Nur ein Todesfall wurde als Folge des Erdbebens bekannt. Die Person starb beim Einsturz eines aus Lehmziegeln gebauten Hauses auf der Reed's Ranch in Gorman, sehr nahe an der Verwerfung. Die meisten Gebäude in Fort Tejon wurden schwer beschädigt und mehrere Menschen verletzt. Einige Gebäude in Los Angeles wurden zerstört, aber keine größeren Schäden gemeldet. In Ventura fiel das Dach von der Mission und der Glockenturm brach zusammen. Durch Bodenverflüssigung entstanden Risse im sumpfigen Boden in Los Angeles und in der Nähe von Oxnard.

Weblinks
 Fort Tejon, California. 1857 01 09 16:24 UTC Magnitude 7.9, Largest Earthquake in California. Historic Earthquakes, United States Geological Survey. Informationsangebot zum Erdbeben (englisch)
 Informationsangebot zum Erdbeben (Southern California Earthquake Data Center)
 Informationsangebot zum Erdbeben (California Digital Library)

Erdbeben in Nordamerika
Geschichte der Vereinigten Staaten (1849–1865)
Geschichte von Kalifornien
Geschichte (Los Angeles)
Katastrophe 1857
Geologie (Vereinigte Staaten)


text:
Q: Unit length vectors that sum to zero Let's say we have a collection of $n$ vectors in $\mathbb{R}^2$ where $n$ is odd.  Suppose each vector has unit length and that the sum of the vectors is zero.  Is it necessarily true that the vectors will correspond to the vertices of a regular $n$-gon?

A: Hint: Take an equilateral triangle, with centre at the origin, vertices at unit distance from the origin, and one of the vertices at $(1,0)$. Rotate it counterclockwise about the origin a little. We have $3$ vectors whose sum is $0$. Add to this collection the vectors $(1,0)$ and $(-1,0)$.

A: $$(1,0),\ (0,1),\ (-\frac12,\frac{\sqrt3}2),\ (-\frac12,-\frac{\sqrt3}2),\ (0,-1)$$


my creative space: Memory Maze's Blog Hop!
A very pretty card Victoria.Love that yellow chippy .
Красивая открытка! Такие цвета завораживающие!!! Интересный прием по декору чипборда, обязательно попробую!!!
The colours in your card are lovely and bright and the chipboard really sets it off.
Вика, красивый прием и открытка!
Such a bright and cheery card. Beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful project and techniques.
Love how simple this card is, but still pure eye candy. The bright colors makes this card pop, and matching the chipboard piece with the yellow flowers is perfect. TFS!
Beautiful card...thank you for sharing your inspiration!!


text:
Teen charged with murder, terrorism in Michigan school shooting as death toll rises to 4
MLB owners lock out players amid league's 1st work stoppage since 1995
charged,
Michigan,
rises,
shooting,
A 15-year-old boy was charged Wednesday with murder, terrorism and other counts for a shooting that killed four fellow students and injured others at Michigan's Oxford High School.
Charges against Ethan Crumbley were announced Wednesday, a few hours after authorities reported the death of a fourth teen from the school in southeastern Michigan. Crumbley is charged as an adult with one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder and seven counts assault with intent to murder.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald did not reveal a possible motive for Tuesday's shooting at Oxford High School, which is located in a community of about 22,000 people roughly 48 kilometres north of Detroit. However, she said prosecutors are "confident" they can show the crime was premeditated.
"There is a mountain of digital evidence. Videotape, social media — all digital evidence possible," she said.
Suspect's father bought gun
Deputies rushed to the school around lunchtime and arrested the suspect in a hallway within minutes. He put his hands in the air as deputies approached, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said late Tuesday at a news conference.
The boy's father had bought the 9-mm Sig Sauer used in the shooting on Friday, Bouchard said. He did not know why the man bought the semi-automatic handgun, which his son had been posting pictures of and practising shooting, Bouchard said.
The four students killed were identified as: 16-year-old Tate Myre, 14-year-old Hana St. Juliana, 17-year-old Madisyn Baldwin and 17-year-old Justin Shilling, who died Wednesday.
People bring flowers to a makeshift memorial outside of Oxford High School on Wednesday. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Myre died in a patrol car as a deputy tried to get him to an emergency room, Bouchard said.
A teacher who received a graze wound to the shoulder has left the hospital, but seven students ranging in age from 14 to 17 remained hospitalized through the night with gunshot wounds, he said.
The gun the boy was carrying had seven more rounds of ammo in it when he surrendered, Bouchard said.
Undersheriff Mike McCabe said the student's parents advised their son not to talk to investigators. Police must seek permission from a juvenile's parents or guardian to speak with them, he added.
An Oakland County sheriff's deputy hugs family members of a student in the parking lot of Oxford High School on Wednesday. (Paul Sancya/The Associated Press)
After the attack, authorities learned of social media posts about threats of a shooting at the roughly 1,700-student school. The sheriff stressed how crucial it is for such tips to be sent to authorities, while also cautioning against spreading social media rumours before a full investigation.
McCabe downplayed the significance of a situation in early November when a deer's head was thrown off the school roof, which he said was "absolutely unrelated" to the shooting. The incident prompted school administrators to post two letters to parents on the school's website, saying they were responding to rumours of a threat against the school but had found none.
WATCH | Senators' Josh Norris shaken by school shooting in hometown: Ottawa Senators player shaken by school shooting in hometownOttawa Senators forward Josh Norris spoke about the school shooting in his hometown of Oxford, Mich., which left several students dead. 0:53
Bouchard said the student in custody in the shooting had no previous run-ins with his department, and he was not aware of any disciplinary history at school.
"That's part of our investigation, to determine what happened prior to this event, and if some signs were missed, how were they missed and why," he said.
The district said in a statement that all schools would be closed for the rest of the week.
Vigil for victims
Isabel Flores, a 15-year-old ninth grader, told Detroit television station WJBK that she and other students heard gunshots and saw another student bleeding from the face. They then ran from the area through the rear of the school, she said.
A concerned parent, Robin Redding, said her son, Treshan Bryant, stayed home Tuesday after hearing threats of a possible shooting. "This couldn't be just random," she said.
Bryant, who is in Grade 12, said he had heard vague threats "for a long time now" about plans for a shooting.
Aiden Watson, who was injured at Oxford High School, attends a vigil with his mother at LakePoint Community Church in Oxford, Mich., on Tuesday. (Paul Sancya/The Associated Press)
At a vigil Tuesday night at LakePoint Community Church in Oxford, Leeann Dersa choked back tears as she hugged friends and neighbours. Dersa has lived nearly all of her 73 years in the community. Her grandchildren attended the high school.
"Scared us all something terrible. It's awful," Dersa said of the shooting.
Pastor Jesse Holt said news of the shooting flooded in to him and his wife, including texts from some of the 20 to 25 students who are among the 400-member congregation.
"Some were very scared, hiding under their desks and texting us, 'We're safe, we're OK. We heard gunshots, but we're OK.' They were trying to calm us. At least that's how it felt," he said.
B.C. study links low river flows with lower chinook salmon productivity
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government continues to assess options for 24…


We depart from South Luangwa today and journey through to Chipata where we spend the afternoon unwinding. Zambia is authentically African, with lush, subtropical plant life.
With a population of approximately 75,000, Chipata is the eastern province of Zambia's capital. Previously known as Fort Jameson, Chipata is situated close to the Malawian border, on the highway that joins the capitals – Lilongwe and Lusaka. As we journey from Lilongwe to Chipata, Malawi, you will notice a constant stream of people and transport carrying in supplies that are not always available in African areas. You will also spot vibrant fruit and vegetable markets as well as a surprising amount of ornate mosques due to the enormous community of Islamic Indians.


text:
Q: JSON response shows as true↵ with wrong length I am new to AJAX and making a simple login system with AJAX and PHP. My JSON response shows as true↵ with length 6. Where is the problem, and how can I solve it?
AJAX
$('document').ready(function() {
  $("#login-form").on("submit", (function(e) {
    e.preventDefault();
    var data = $("#login-form").serialize();

    $.ajax({
      type: 'POST',
      url: 'login-response.php',
      data: data,

      success: function(response) {
        console.log(response.length);

        if (response == true) {
          $("#btn-login").html('   Signing In ...');
          setTimeout(' window.location.href = "demo.php"; ', 4000);
        } else {
          $("#error").fadeIn(1000, function() {
            $("#error").html('
    ' + response + ' !
');
            $("#btn-login").html('   Sign In');
          });
        }
      }
    });
  }));
});

login-response.php
session_start();
$user_email = $_POST['user_email'];
$user_password = $_POST['password'];

if ($user_email == 'admin' && $user_password == '123') {
    $_SESSION['user_session'] = $user_email;
    echo json_encode(true);
}
else {
    echo "email or password does not exist."; // wrong details
}

A: As per my comment: json_encode(true) will not return a valid JSON. Instead, you will want to encode an array of sorts. There are many ways to do it, but one way is to simply encode an array that is ['success' => true], in other words:
session_start();
$user_email = $_POST['user_email'];
$user_password = $_POST['password'];

if ($user_email == 'admin' && $user_password == '123') {
    $_SESSION['user_session'] = $user_email;
    echo json_encode(array('success' => true));
}
else {
    echo json_encode(array('success' => false, 'message' => 'email or password does not exist.'));
}

Note that you should also encode your failure message, because your jQuery expects to receive something in JSON.
Once you receive this response in your jQuery logic, you can simply check if the response has a success object with the value of true, i.e.:
$.ajax({
    type: 'POST',
    url: 'login-response.php',
    data: data,
    dataType: 'json'
})
.done(function(response) {
    if (response.success) {
        $("#btn-login").html('   Signing In ...');
        setTimeout(' window.location.href = "demo.php"; ', 4000);
    } else {
        $("#error").fadeIn(1000, function() {
            // Your error message is accessible via `response.message`
            $("#error").html('
    ' + response.message + ' !
');
            $("#btn-login").html('   Sign In');
        });
    }
});

Some notes:

*

*Request status is accessible via response.success. Of course, depending on personal preference, you may have alternatives in returning exit status, such as using an exit code (0 indicates ok, anything other than 0 means an error)

*Your failure response message will be accessible via response.message
p/s: Remember that the jqXHR.success method is deprecated! Use jqXHR.done() instead ;)


Even without a tablet computer zooming in Windows 8 can be useful. This tutorial is going to show you how to zoom windows 8.
First, make sure that you are in the Metro view of Windows 8. If you are in Desktop view you can return by pressing the "Windows" button on your keyboard. At the bottom right hand of the screen locate the small square button with a dash inside it. Click this and you will get a zoomed out view of your Metro interface.
You can return to the normal view by zooming in, simply click on any of the colored squares that represent your applications. Alternatively, you can zoom in and out by holding the "Control" key on your keyboard and using the scroll wheel on your mouse.
If you want to change the zoom of text and icons in the more traditional "Desktop" view of Windows 8 you need to navigate to "Desktop". Right click anywhere on the desktop background and click on the "Screen resolution" option.
In the window that appears click on "Make text and other items larger or smaller". New options will appear and you will be able to "Change the size of all items". Select the size you want and click "Apply". You will be told you will have to sign out for the changes to apply. This is how to zoom windows 8in both Metro and Desktop views.


text:
Q: What is this Audio DJ Header on my motherboard? I have a very old Motherboard based PC that I had assembled sometime in 2004. I don't use it anymore but it still works just fine. Socket 'A'  Biostar M7NCG 400 board.
Its manual shows a header called JDJ1. Audio DJ Header. Five pins on the connector. However there's no further information in the manual.
I am curious what this header was meant for?  In my little experience with hardware boards, I have not seen it again on any other board.
What external device it would connect to?
Here's pin out and a snapshot from the manual.

Google search did not yield any meaningful results.

A: I contacted Biostar Technical support and here's what they have to say.
As per them, this header is reserved for use by the manufacturer. This is not meant for any user level operations.
As a result they have not disclosed any further information on the same. Here's a snapshot of my interaction.

Answered just for reference, in case anyone else ever has a similar query.


The author William Ury is a master negotiator, public speaker, and a trained anthropologist. Over the past three decades, he has mediated in conflicts ranging from coal strikes to boardroom battles to civil wars around the world. He was the part of the team, mediated the 1962 Cuban nuclear missile crisis, which had 99% possibility of becoming a nuclear world war 3 (thanks to Che Guevara - my hero) just to site an example for his credibility.
I still remember the two words which I said to my client in a conference call, during a heated discussion and a whole bunch of bitter stories afterward. There were better negotiators in my team who backed me up, otherwise, I would have been with a different organization now. Nevertheless, it's a practical lesson. The master reveals his secrets to all of us. Maybe I should have read him well before. Guys, trust my words. Read him right away.
I will try to give the excerpts from this book. Every day we find ourselves in situations in which we need to say 'No' to people on whom we depend. When our No is confronted, all of us fall into one of these three A's.
Accommodate - We say YES when we want to say NO.
Avoid - We say nothing at all.
First Yes - expresses your interests, uncover your needs, interests, values and reach down to the core of what you stand for. It's internally focused.
No - asserts your power. This is something that you want to be changed. Ury proposes a variety of techniques to make your No, a very positive one.
Second Yes - an invitation to the others to come to an agreement that satisfies your interests as well as saves the others face. Basically, you need to build a golden bridge to connect the canyon that your NO may create. Its externally focused on others.
Ury explains these in detail with lots of real-world situations. He guides us way from preparing, delivering and following-through our Positive NO. Lots of techniques like Going to Balcony, Name the Game, Use of I-statement, we-statements, the-statements, the acceptance speech test etc. and tips to say NO effectively are explained in detail which will make sure that a mutually beneficial agreement is reached.
I would recommend this book to everyone. Five stars !!!


text:
A Single Brain Scan Could Be Enough to Detect Alzheimer's Disease, Suggests New Research
Alzheimer's disease — the most common form of dementia — involves symptoms like memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language.
By Edited by Gadgets 360 Newsdesk | Updated: 21 June 2022 11:23 IST
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Robina Weermeijer
Data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative was used to test the approach on brain scans
Research suggests Alzheimer's disease could be detected at an early stage
Detecting Alzheimer's currently involves taking a number of tests
The research focused on brain regions not associated with Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease may soon be detected using a single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, according to UK researchers. Getting tested for Alzheimer's disease — the most common form of dementia — can involve taking a painstaking number of tests and scans, along with several memory and cognitive tests. The study focussed on the regions of the brain which were traditionally not associated with Alzheimer's and could help open new avenues for the detection of the disease at an early stage.
The research was undertaken by a team at Imperial College London. Machine learning technology is used to look at structural features within the brain. Researchers have focussed on the regions of the brain which were traditionally not associated with Alzheimer's, like the cerebellum and the ventral diencephalon, a technique that made it easier to detect the disease. .
The study, published in Nature Portfolio Journal, opened new horizons for the detection of Alzheimer's at an early stage. Until now, weeks of tests were required to identify the disease. The tests would be used to check for protein deposits in the brain and shrinkage of the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain linked to memory. Now, the research suggests that a single MRI brain scan taken on a standard 1.5 Tesla machine can help detect it. This technology is present in most hospitals and hence, the approach becomes more accessible.
Study Looks at 'Poisonous Flowers' as Root Cause of Alzheimer's Disease
For the test, researchers divided the brain into 115 regions and allocated 660 different features like size, shape, and texture to examine each region. They used an algorithm used to classify cancer tumours and adapted it to their purpose. Specific changes to any of the features in the brain were detected by the algorithm to suggest Alzheimer's disease.
Human Brains Are Hotter Than Previously Believed, Finds Study
A Look at Individual Differences in Brain Anatomy and ASD Symptoms
Researchers have used data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and tested their approach on brain scans from over 400 patients with early and later-stage Alzheimer's disease. They also studied healthy controls and patients with other neurological conditions like frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson's disease. Researchers also evaluated the novel approach with over 80 patients undergoing diagnosis for Alzheimer's at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. In 98 per cent of cases, the new system could detect Alzheimer's. In 79 percent of cases, the test successfully differentiated between the early and late stages of the disease.
Is PS Plus better than Xbox Game Pass now? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
Further reading: Alzheimers Disease, MRI Scan, MRI, Dementia, Human Brain, Health
Oppo Pad Air India Launch Expected Soon as Tablet Gets BIS Certification: Report
BTC Continues to Trade Lowly Despite Small Gains, Most Altcoins Show Signs of Recovery
Neural 'Poisonous Flowers' Could Be the Primary Cause of Alzheimer's Disease, Says New Study
Hong Kong Researchers Develop Blood Test That Can Detect Alzheimer's Disease Quickly and Accurately
Alzheimer's Vaccine AADvac1 Shows Promising Results in Phase II Clinical Trials
New Alzheimer's Disease Drug Shows Anti-Ageing Properties: Study
Insight Into How Memories Are Made Could Herald Alzheimer's Treatments
50 हजार साल में पहली बार पृथ्‍वी के करीब आ रहा हरा धूमकेतु, इस दिन देख सकेंगे
MIUI 14 Update for Xiaomi 11T, Poco F4 Is Here: How to Download
Redmi Smart Band 2 Launched Globally at This Price: Details
Google Photos for Pixel Devices Gets New HDR and Dynamic Filters
Google Podcasts Reportedly Updated with Auto-Download, Queues, More
WhatsApp Banned Around 37 Lakh User Accounts in India in December 2022


Acknowledged worldwide as one of the most remarkable artists working today, El Anatsui's meticulously constructed assemblages examine the complex histories of post-colonial Africa and the issues of consumption, waste and the environment.
The first solo exhibition in a New York museum by the artist El Anatsui will feature over 30 primarily large-scale works in metal and wood that transform appropriated objects into site-specific sculptures. Anatsui converts found materials into a new type of media that lies between the bounds of sculpture and painting.


Legal Transcriptionist WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK FOR US? We hire legal transcriptionists who have the flexibility of scheduling their own hours to fit their lifestyles, and work around career and family demands. We provide transcription services for hundreds of clients, so the ideal candidate will need to quickly demonstrate the ability to transcribe dictation in varying degrees of difficulty, including heavy regional accents, rapid speaking, and some distorted audio, and background noise. We require excellent skills and high quality work product of our team members, and consider only applicants with a minimum of three years legal transcription experience, as well as the following: Minimum 60 wpm typing speed (initial typing test is required) Excellent command of English language and legal terminology Independent contractors will need the following transcription equipment/software, as well: Reliable computer with recent version of Java and Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher Email account Current versions of MS Word and Word Perfect DSL or other high speed Internet connection Transcription equipment (Wave foot pedal and good headphones) To Become A Member: Please visit mommyjobsonline.com and click on Join Now and select the Transcription WAH Job Bank Registry to become a member to get connected with this client. Please email us your resume after you register with your qualifications and work history. Please reference agent id code MJOLGEN on your registration submission. Please feel free to consult with us if you have further job related questions about our company at 14054186160.
Get Palm Coast Legal jobs via email.


If you're an entrepreneur with a product or a service that you're not sure how to promote, watch this quick 20-minute training video to find the 12 pieces you need to put in your promotion toolkit.
I'll show you how we create high-converting promotional campaigns in just 2-3 weeks... from scratch!
A series of 30+ copy-and-paste templates for you to use in your promotional efforts. Just add your branding, your voice, and you'll have a complete promotional strategy for your product or service in less than 30 days.


Parsippany, New Jersey based Mortgage Broker Patrick J Cunningham reveals 3 things you should watch out for when shopping for home-finance products on the Internet.
Anyone who's even remotely interested in shopping for a home loan has probably paid attention to all those commercials on TV touting the ease of using any of a variety of Internet services to compare mortgage offers from the comfort of your home. You may even have tried a couple of them yourself. But Patrick J Cunningham, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist® with Residential Home Funding Corporation, says Parsipanny, New Jersey residents need to watch out when trying to use the Internet to do the heavy lifting for them.
So, what's the solution? Use the Internet to educate yourself and then work with a real human being. You may not have thought about "old-fashioned" methods of finding the best deal, such as working with a mortgage broker. "But for anyone who values a real person sitting down with you and working through the process, there's no better option," says Cunningham.
Parsipanny, New Jersey - based mortgage expert Patrick J Cunningham specializes in providing information to New Jersey residents that allows them to make informed decisions about their mortgage financing options and learn the insider secrets that can save them thousands of dollars over the life of their loan.
Patrick J Cunningham is available for interviews and will welcome all your mortgage related questions.


text:
jQuery(document).ready(function() {

  // Prepare for setup the datatable.
  var dataTableOptions = {
    "sAjaxSource": sAjaxSource,
    "fnInitComplete" : function() {
      initPageSelect();
    },
    "bAutoWidth": false,
    "bSort": true,
    "aoColumnDefs": [
      { "bSortable": false, "aTargets": [9, 10] },  // turn off sorting
      { "sClass": "center", "aTargets": [6, 7, 8] }
    ],
    "aoColumns": [
        { "sWidth": "2%"},      // Id
        { "sWidth": "15%"},     // Application
        { "sWidth": "15%"},     // Run Group Name
        { "sWidth": "9%"},      // Run Group Restriction
        { "sWidth": "10%"},     // Run Interval Style
        { "sWidth": "4%"},      // Run Interval
        { "sWidth": "5%"},      // Run Group Quantum
        { "sWidth": "5%"},      // Run Group Limit
        { "sWidth": "5%"},      // Enqueue Backlogs
        { "sWidth": "10%"},     // Affinities
        { "sWidth": "10%"}      // Prerequesites
    ],
    "fnServerData": function ( sSource, aoData, fnCallback ) {
      _.each(jQuery('.datatable_variable').serializeArray(), function(dv) { aoData.push(dv); });
      jQuery.getJSON( sSource, aoData, function (json) {
        fnCallback(json);
        initPaging();
        addTitles();
      });
    },
    "fnRowCallback": function( nRow, aData, iDisplayIndex, iDisplayIndexFull ) {
      colorizationDisabled(nRow, aData);
      return nRow;
    },
    "sDom": "Rlfrtip"
  };

  // Setup the datatable
  jQuery('#datatable').addDataTable(dataTableOptions);

  jQuery(document).delegate('.enqueue', "click", function(){
    var answer = confirm("Adding application as a job on the queue?");
    if (!answer) {
      return false;
    }
    jQuery.post(postSource, { "historical_job[application_id]": jQuery(this).attr('id') }, function(data) {
      if (data.success) {
        jQuery("
Congratulations, a Job " + data.title + " was added!
").
                appendTo('#flash_message').slideDown().delay(5000).slideUp();
        jQuery('#datatable').dataTable().fnDraw();
      }
      else {
        jQuery("
Sorry, \'" +  data.title + "\' cannot add a Job to the queue right now!
").
                appendTo('#flash_message').slideDown().delay(5000).slideUp();
        jQuery('#datatable').dataTable().fnDraw();
      }
    });
  });
});

function colorizationDisabled(nRow, aData) {
  if (aData[11] == false) {
    jQuery(nRow).addClass('deleted_or_hidden');
  }
}


Enjoy an energetic and challenging workout in the comfort of home with the Revolution Cycle Pro II. It features an innovative tension knob that allows for full control of both the flywheel and the difficulty level, from beginner to advanced. The machine boasts the feel of a road bike, with adjustable forward-positioned handlebars and racing-style pedals; but unlike road bikes, the flywheel does not continue to spin if the rider stops pedaling.
You can pedal forward or backward during your workout, and even make adjustments in saddle position and handlebar height mid-exercise. A two-way adjustable seat post allows for a more complete and versatile routine, so you get the most out of every workout. From Phoenix Health & Fitness.
Measures approximately 47" x 24" x 42-1/2"
Phoenix Health & Fitness 98623 Revolution Exercise Bike Pro I is rated 4.5 out of 5 by 15.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cam2005 from Awesome! Super easy to assemble! Strong bike very easy to move around once assembled on any surface. Love this bike very easy to use. So glad we bought this plus the easy payments helped.
Rated 4 out of 5 by shonny from Ouch I love the bike but I can't sit at all due to the seat . I bought one but not much difference ...I want to sit down as I can ride longer .If anyone has one and it works well please let me know what kind and where to get it ... otherwise my boyfriend says it's got to go if not used often ,it would be a shame because it's very sturdy and solid bike .
Rated 4 out of 5 by DLR9309 from So Far So Good! I like this bike. It is sturdier than those at my local fitness center, and I don't have to trek to classes in inclement weather! Set up was easy until we tried to put on the left pedal. It just would not attach and we thought the threading was defective -- as it turned out the left pedal had to be attached by turning in the opposite direction. It is counter intuitive. My husband thinks it creates a situation wherein it will continually tighten itself through the pedaling action. I don't know ... maybe? Perhaps the manufacturer should amend the directions. All that aside, I am very happy with this purchase.
Rated 2 out of 5 by sexyshopper from It Would be great if... Nice bike and it would be great if it had a left pedal. I put the bike together and the pedals were going on last. I cut open the package and there was only one pedal. I looked through everything and there was no left pedal. My package was delayed due to a train derailment so maybe that's why it has a part missing? I'm going to call the manufacturer to see if they can send me my pedal. Shipping this back will be cumbersome but I can't keep it with no pedal. I can't use it. Quality control needs to improve!
Rated 5 out of 5 by The PopPop from Great Item This exercise bike is great. It performs great. Easy set up. And is worth more than the price.
Rated 5 out of 5 by msmh from This bike ROCKS!!! I recently purchased this bike base on the other reviews and took a chance and boy I am completely blown away! This bike rocks! Delivery time actually came earlier than expected and the UPS guy was nice enough to help me with the box (its heavy like 125 lbs) no damage. The assembly was very easy and I did it myself in no time. The body of the bike came already assembled so that helped alot. Since I'm a first time spin cycler I purchased some accessories on amazon - gel seat cover, padded bike shorts, bike floor mat, universal IPad holder for bike and spin cycle DVD for beginners. The accessories do make a big difference and I'm on my way to a tone bod! I highly recommend this bike as its very reasonable in price and well made. I'm a happy customer! Thanks QVC for the easy payment as well!
Rated 5 out of 5 by bat4 from Great workout bike!! I received my bike and as stated, very easy to put a few parts together but most of the bike was together. Loved that part! Very solid and heavy! I am so pleased with my purchase! I have Spin DVDs to spin with and absolutely love my workouts! This bike is 5 stars for me! I definitely recommend this Awesome Bike!!


text:
@interface GCInvite : GCResource{

}

-(GCChute*)chute;
-(GCUser*)invited_by;

-(BOOL)accept;
-(void)acceptInBackgroundWithResponseBlock:(GCBoolBlock)boolBlock;
-(BOOL)decline;
-(void)declineInBackgroundWithResponseBlock:(GCBoolBlock)boolBlock;

@end


Most humble Martin de Porres, whose burning charity embraced not only thy needy brethren, but also the very animals of the field, splendid example of charity, we hail and invoke thee! From that high throne which thou dost occupy, deign to listen to the supplications of thy needy brethren that, by imitating thy virtues, we may live contended in that state in which God has placed us, and, carrying our cross with strength and courage, we may follow in the footsteps of our Blessed Redeemer and His most afflicted mother, to reach at last the Kingdom of Heaven through the merits of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
O God, Who hast given us in Thy Humble Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, the model of all virtue and perfection, grant to us the virtue of humility. We think so little of Thee because we are so full of self. We cannot love Thee more until humility shows us our own nothingness and makes us rejoice in our complete dependence upon Thee. Thou hast given to the world a glorious apostle of humility, Saint Martin de Porres. Guide us by his example and strengthen us through his intercessions in our efforts to conform our hearts to the humble Heart of Thy Crucified Son. Renew, O Lord, in these days, when pride and forgetfulness of Thee are so widespread, the wonders which Thou didst perform through Thy humble servant, Martin de Porres, during his lifetime. We pray that all the world may know of Saint Martin and of the surpassing value of the virtue of humility. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.


text:
Ирьё Линко (; , , , Великое княжество Финляндское, Российская империя — , , Финляндия) — финский гимнаст, бронзовый призёр летних Олимпийских игр 1908.

На Играх 1908 в Лондоне участвовал в командном первенстве, в котором его сборная заняла третье место.

Ссылки
 Ирьё Линко на sports-reference.com

Бронзовые призёры летних Олимпийских игр 1908 года
Гимнасты Финляндии
Гимнасты на летних Олимпийских играх 1908 года


Now that the air has started to clear from last week's battlefield of authorial misdeeds, it seems altogether fitting that a Web site known as the Smoking Gun (www.thesmokinggun.com) played such an important role in this latest episode of the truth wars. Anyone who dares to tangle with real events in print these days is well advised to take cover. Someone may well be coming after you, checking the facts and checking them twice.
James Frey, who was nailed by the Smoking Gun for exaggerations and misrepresentations in his best-selling memoir "A Million Little Pieces," is one of two fresh victims. The other is JT LeRoy, an elusive, demimonde wunderkind who played a teasing game of hide-and-seek about his past and his identity in his books and public appearances. Press reports in New York Magazine, the New York Times and elsewhere claim he is the literary invention of a middle-aged woman and a bewigged impersonator.
Hands have been wringing steadily about all this. Doesn't truth matter anymore? Can you believe anything you read? What's with the awful blond wig? And so on.
Frey has come under especially intense scrutiny, even as he fessed up (under heavy media pressure) to some of the liberties he took in retailing his hardscrabble life as an addict and his brushes with the law. Among other things, it seems, Frey did not in fact spend three months in jail after a 1990s rehab stint, as he wrote. Even the dental work he described has come into question.
With sales of more than 2 million copies last year -- the book received talk show host Oprah Winfrey's lucrative blessing -- "A Million Little Pieces" is not just a nonfiction hit. It's the publishing equivalent of a gushing oil well. It's no wonder, then, that Frey is in everybody's crosshairs. Lying is one thing. Lying and making a lot of money doing it may be just too much to take.
Fellow memoirist Mary Karr ("The Liars' Club"), writing in the New York Times, excoriated Frey for disingenuously blurring the line between fact and fiction and for ducking behind the shield of memory's interpretive license. Karr characterized Frey's faux memoir as "a fairy tale, where events were seemingly concocted with impunity."
Times columnist Maureen Dowd, who has just taken some knocks for her own recent combustive nonfiction book "Are Men Necessary? When Sexes Collide," zinged Winfrey for heralding Frey's "message of redemption" in a telephone call to "Larry King Live." The beleaguered Frey was on the show at the time in his own defense. Dowd compared Winfrey to Scott McClellan, George W. Bush's prevaricating White House press secretary.
LeRoy, by contrast, has taken a decidedly lighter cudgeling. Viewed more as a prankster than a menace to Western literature, this evanescent author seems to be skating by under the radar. Even the writer's own Web site (www.jtleroy.com) is gamely playing along. "The JT LeRoy's hard at work on the next novel," reads a caption under a vintage photograph of an enormous pool of anonymous typists. One can't help wondering if LeRoy would have come in for more heat as a best-selling author, like Frey, than as the cultish curiosity he/she is.
Whatever their motives or multiple agendas, the critics and pundits are quite right to express concern about works of nonfiction that do not represent what they claim to represent. The written word is in enough trouble, with risk-averse book publishers, a celebrity-obsessed magazine culture and widespread mistrust of the mainstream press in the wake of assorted fabrications and plagiarism cases. A phonied-up memoir is only a symbol for more urgent issues.
Solid, reliably sourced reporting, commentary and discourse, after all, still lies at the heart of an open and open-minded society. At a time when the federal government seems bent on wiretapping private citizens' conversations, planting paid-for stories in the foreign press and compelling journalists back home to unmask anonymous sources, that principle deserves particular attention.
Tens of millions of Americans -- more all the time -- now construct their own identities on Internet blogs, posts, chat rooms and the teenage haven of MySpace.com. Ten years into a diet of reality television and ever more absorbing video games, the public has grown accustomed to life as an ongoing, invented scenario. Actual televised images of the war in Iraq (from the privileged and perhaps inherently compromised perspective of embedded reporters and camera crews) compete with a fictional version of the war in the TV series "Over There." Is everybody keeping this straight?
Movies ("Munich," "Syriana," "Capote," "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Walk the Line") are increasingly dependent on real-world sources for material that is then subject to dramatic heightening, emphases and alteration. In a parallel development, documentaries ("Fahrenheit 9/11," "Super Size Me," "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price," "Capturing the Friedmans,"") openly declare either their ideological slants or invoke a prevailing climate of uncertainty and ambivalence.
Fiction, as Jon Carroll pointed out in a recent column, continues to lose book-selling market share to nonfiction (once you leave "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling and a few other heavy-selling novelists out of the equation). One of the fascinating, telling twists to the "Million Little Pieces" dustup is the fact that the manuscript was first circulated -- and rejected -- as a novel. Only when Frey and his agent repackaged it as a memoir did the book make it into print and attract Oprah's adoring gaze. "Creative nonfiction," now widely taught in college and university writing programs, is the current genre of choice. Frey, as he and others have argued, was simply employing a license with the truth that's already in common use.
It's not hard to make a case that the consequences of all this are troubling. As fabrication and manufactured reality occupy more and more space in our collective consciousness, as truthiness stands in for truthfulness, cynicism can't be far behind. Of course scientists like Hwang Woo Suk will falsify their research. Of course athletes will take performance-enhancing drugs. Of course the administration will lie or dissemble about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. Of course members of Congress will trade their votes and their honor for a handout from lobbyist Jack Abramoff. It's all about improvisation and keeping up appearances.
But then again, maybe people are a whole lot more sly and better at this game than that. Among the great pleasures and promises of 21st century life is our own self-awareness, our media-tutored sensibility about a mediated age. Technology has taught us to be wary of technology. TV warns us against itself. Writers, filmmakers and visual artists revel in the ambiguities and imprecision of their own work. We can happily submit to a con now -- whether it's reality TV, fiction packaged as nonfiction or a fraud dressed up as truthiness -- and know we're doing it. That's not to say we can't be had. But now, if it happens, we can't say we didn't see it coming.


Don't feel shameless, have confidence in your work. You don't have to beg, just put it out there and ask. Eventually people join. At least that is what I've found. Get involved in those LinkedIn groups I told you about. It helps to have support.
We are already following each other on Twitter, but this got my attention and I retweeted your tweet about this blog post!
Thanks Gail. I think a lot of it is how I was raised. Be humble and don't brag. I'm having to relearn what the precocious child in me had no problem doing.
RT'g is a great way to promote each other and I need to be better about getting on Twitter and doing just that.


Geoscience is the study of the Earth and includes the fields of geology, geophysics and environmental science. Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, landslides and plate tectonics are some of the things that geoscientists investigate and try to understand. Saint Louis University's Bachelor's of Science in Geophysics is offered through its Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
Geophysics is a more quantitative and instrument-oriented discipline that investigates the Earth's internal structure and processes by studying seismic waves and variations in the planet's magnetic and gravitational fields, as well as its rotation.
Students have access to the Saint Louis University Earthquake Center. The Earthquake Center is part of both a regional network that monitors the New Madrid seismic zone and a global network to monitor seismicity around the world. SLU is also home to the Global Geodynamics Project, which records the Earth's gravity field at a number of worldwide stations and maintains standards for the deployment of all superconducting gravimeters.
Students in the geophysics program are given a firm foundation in solid Earth science taking courses in mineralogy, petrology (the study of rocks) and structural geology. Upper-level geophysics courses, with an emphasis on seismology, build on this foundation and ensure students are well prepared for graduate school or work in industry.
Students in the department may have the opportunity for part-time work assisting faculty members with their research. Such jobs expose students to various aspects of science, as well as provide them with some income. Other part-time jobs may also be available elsewhere in the University. The City of St. Louis provides opportunities for science-related volunteer work in places such as the Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo.
Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 GPA in their earth and atmospheric science courses and required related credits (biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer sciences, physics, etc.) by the conclusion of their freshman year. Students that fall below a 2.00 GPA will be placed on probation. If a student fails to obtain at least a 2.0 GPA in their major courses and required related credits by the conclusion of their sophomore year they will not be allowed to continue in the program.
In freshman and sophomore years, credits for general electives should be used to take mathematics courses that may be required for the upper-level math and earth and atmospheric science courses. It is recommended that general electives in junior and senior years be taken in other upper-level earth and atmospheric science or science courses in consultation with advisor.


Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on the business entities that have tax returns – or extensions -- to be filed this week, and options for changing the legal entities of your business.
Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on how anyone who owes the IRS over $51k could have their passports locked up so they can't leave the country.
Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on how the new tax law limits commission sales people expense deductions, plus the relative impact of employee benefit credits.
Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to report that the IRS is allowing disaster victims – fires, hurricanes, etc. – to extend their tax filing dates for many weeks without penalty or interest.
Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the things you can do before the last tax filing date to impact that year's return, including making changes for three years, and extending the child-care credit.


Nestled in the heart of Station 2, Boracay Balcony Inn is an ideal spot from which to discover Boracay Island. Situated only from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.
Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Boracay Balcony Inn is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. To name a few of the hotel's facilities, there are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, printer, Wi-Fi in public areas, airport transfer, bicycle rental.
6 rooms spread over floors provide a warm and pleasant home away from home. Modern comforts such as towels, clothes rack, mirror, linens, internet access – wireless can be found in selected rooms. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. Boracay Balcony Inn is an ideal place of stay for travelers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Boracay Island.
2. As you leave either Ports, IT IS IMPORTANT that you contact us at any of the numbers below so that we can send an attendant to meet you at the respective drop-off/meet-up point.


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Battlefield 2042 is Playing it Dangerous
The Battlefield 2042 beta has officially ended so how well does it hold up? Here's the good, the bad, and the worrying
Rory Norris
Source: EA.
After eagerly awaiting the official announcement and trailers I couldn't wait to dive in during the early access period. But how does Battlefield's latest offering hold up after finally getting our hands on a beta build? Could it be the definitive Battlefield experience we've all been waiting for, a tragic retread of old ground, or a push in the wrong direction? Well, so far it's a bit of everything. Here's the good, the bad, and the worrying.
Gunplay
Let's start off with the thing you'll be doing the most — shooting. Battlefield has long been known for its excellent gunplay and that remains the same in 2042. Weapons feel punchy and responsive with each trigger pull unleashing a powerful blast of recoil that needs to be controlled. Close range fights are frantic scrambles to let loose the first accurate volley of bullets while fights at range are more calculated, having to account for bullet velocity and recoil.
There's also significant variation in your arsenal. While the available firepower in the open beta was limited we were able to wield at least one firearm per category: submachine gun, assault rifle, light machine gun, marksman rifle, sniper, and shotgun/utility. Each weapon type felt distinct from one another, with submachine guns being too unruly for anything beyond arms reach but making up for it by being incredibly deadly at close range. Likewise, assault rifles are versatile in offering effective damage at medium range while being able to compete in close range if you're accurate.
While each category felt distinct, not all seem equal, at least with the slim offerings of weapons available in the beta. Assault rifles were king, featuring the most reliable damage at all ranges whilst also being the easiest to control. The LCMG light machine gun and the DM7 marksman rifle almost always seemed to lose out against an assault rifle. More concerning in 2042, however, was the sniper rifles, or at least the one sniper we could use. Sniping typically feels excellent in Battlefield, particularly once you master bullet velocity. Strangely, snipers in 2042 seem to have taken a big hit.
They're much harder to use than normal with bullet velocity markedly reduced, which is odd considering the increased movement speed and map size. Perhaps this is the case for snipers in general (not just the SWS-10) and it was done to limit the dominance of snipers. Yet, such a change also makes them significantly less satisfying to use. For longer ranges I much preferred the DM7 marksman rifle or even an assault rifle over the SWS-10 sniper rifle.
Nevertheless, gunplay still feels great in 2042 and I can't wait to try out all the weaponry and attachments that will be available in the full game. Thankfully, any balance issues that persist from the beta are relatively simple changes, not great foundational issues like some other aspects are.
The first major issue is the movement system which seems to have had a strangely staggering downgrade. Say what you will about Battlefield V but the movement is undoubtedly the best in the series. Movement feels realistic yet still fluid, with slick animations for vaulting, sliding, and even laying prone on your back. These improvements are gone from 2042 and it only serves to hurt the experience.
Movement in 2042 looks and feels incredibly clunky, which is problematic considering how much movement you'll be doing on such huge maps. Friction apparently doesn't exist in 2042 since your soldier can slide at high speed for long distances, especially when paired with a Titanfall 2 style 'bunny-hop' (although it should be noted that DICE has since commented that they are aware of this and actively working on the issue). Leaning and peaking around cover has vanished too, which again only serves to hurt firefights.
Overall, 2042's movement feels like a complete reversal of V. While that game may not have been too popular with fans of the series, the movement changes from previous entries were a huge step up that should not have been left in the dust. I can only hope that these features are in the full game but it's worrying that they were absent from the beta.
Battlefield 2042 does, however, seek to innovate on past iterations in the franchise. This comes primarily in the form of the Plus System and vehicle air-drops. Thankfully, these new systems are an improvement for the series overall.
The 'Plus System'. Source: EA.
The Plus System lets players customise their weapon attachments on the go, in a style similar to Crysis. Given the increased map size this change seems almost necessary since you'll frequently be going from close-range engagements in storage buildings to medium and long-range engagements in the huge, largely exposed areas between objectives.
The new Plus System is the perfect answer to the frequent engagement switch-ups. Moving into a claustrophobic tunnel system? Equip a red-dot sight and suppressor. Running across a sprawling field or runway? Try a long-range optic, heavy barrel, and foregrip. The versatility and adaptability that this system provides are excellent and I made frequent use of it as I waged war across the battlefield.
There were some issues with the system, such as it being quicker to swap magazine types than to reload, but these can be resolved if they haven't been already. A simple delay on switching, or more preferably a quick animation would fix this issue of quick-swapping mid firefight.
Likewise, the ability to call in a vehicle air-drop is a great new addition. As with the Plus System, vehicle drops are an answer to the increased map size. Having to hunt for a vehicle to get you from one side of the map to the other would be a chore but now you can simply press a button and airdrop a jeep to your position. It's nothing flashy or all that exciting but it certainly is convenient.
A 'Ranger'. Source: EA.
There are also 'vehicles' you can call in beyond simple transport. In the beta there was a cute robot dog with a not-so-cute gun for a head that was featured in trailers. This robo-dog, called a Ranger, will join you on your warring adventures and lay down gunfire against your opponents. You could also call in a tank to help hold down objectives with some heavy armour and firepower.
This may sound like it could get a little out of hand but thankfully there are limitations on the number of certain vehicles available to each team at any given point. You won't see a whole squad calling in tanks all at once. This is more of a convenience tool than anything else but it's certainly a welcome one and it combats the age-old Battlefield experience of waiting in the menus for a vehicle or running a marathon.
The map 'Orbital', available in the beta. Source: EA.
I've spoken a lot about the increased map sizes in 2042 so let's take a deeper dive into Orbital, the one map available to us during the beta. Orbital is undoubtedly stunning with its rolling green hills and huge space rocket facilities, but does it play well? It's hard to say. Orbital has some excellent pockets of action taking place, especially around the rocket launch platform and radio station objectives but the space in-between is often underutilised. There were definitely cases of intense action in the hills and greenery between areas of the map but engagements were often limited to the specific objective area.
I'd also like to touch on destructibility here, or more accurately the absence of it. Besides certain walls of buildings and creating craters, there's little in the way of destruction. Gone are the days of Bad Company 2 where players could completely demolish buildings if they so wished, dynamically changing the cover available. Instead, we're to play by DICE's strict rules. Hopefully, the other maps will have greater destructibility since it's a core pillar of the Battlefield experience that has been increasingly ignored in recent entries.
Overall I enjoyed Orbital but I feel like another map would really have showcased the Battlefield experience better, like Hourglass which is set to feature large open areas alongside an urban metropolis. I am, however, concerned about map size in general. Orbital is one of the smaller maps in 2042, but if Orbital suffers from wasted space and distinct pockets of action that lasts all game, how will bigger maps fare?
Specialist Webster MacKay. Source: EA.
Now let's get onto perhaps the most controversial aspect of 2042 — Specialists. Broadly, Specialists replace the traditional four classes of Battlefield (Assault, Support, Medic, and Recon) in favour of distinct soldiers with abilities unique to them. For instance, MacKay has a grappling hook, Boris has a sentry turret, and Falck has a healing syringe pistol. These are items that only these characters have access to, giving each one a unique feel and position on the battlefield. This new system, however, is a multi-faceted issue that has had a destructive impact on many aspects of the Battlefield experience, so let's break it down.
1: Specialists replace the old gadget and weapon systems
In prior Battlefield's players could choose two gadgets alongside a primary and secondary weapon, with their options being defined by their class. Broadly, Engineers had SMGs, anti-tank gadgets, and repair tools; Medics had assault rifles, healing and reviving capabilities; Support had LMGs, ammo bags, and utility gadgets; and Recon had snipers and gadgets to help scout the battlefield.
Each class had a distinct and clear role with several options for players to refine their playstyle. Specialists, on the other hand, replace this two gadget system with a Specialist ability (like the aforementioned grappling hook for MacKay) and a free gadget slot, as well as making all weapon types available at all times. This means that players can fill basically any role but not very well and leads to significant balance issues. If you only have one gadget slot, why would you choose a repair tool over a medical bag to heal yourself?
2: Specialists break teamwork
Because the traditional, clearly defined classes no longer exist, teamwork has suffered greatly. In prior games, if you saw a Support you knew they would have the power to help you out. Likewise, if there was an enemy tank giving you grief it was easy to tell how many Engineers were around to help take it down. This is no longer possible in 2042, at least in its current form. By looking at a friendly MacKay you can't tell if they have C4 or an ammo bag to refill your supplies. Without knowing at a glance what tools your teammates and squad-mates have with them it's near impossible to work as a coherent team.
The same applies to the enemies. Does my opponent have a medical bag to quickly heal behind cover or do they have an AA missile? This would decide whether I would rush them or not. Does that person dressed in a ghillie suit have a sniper or a shotgun? There's no way of knowing in 2042 which has a significant knock-on effect during gameplay.
Specialist Irish Graves, who you may recognise from BF4. Source: EA.
3: Specialists make quick readability impossible
There is no visual difference between a friendly and an enemy Specialist. Both have the exact same outfit in the same colour. I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this and maybe you've even seen clips of people not realising they're surrounded by enemies. The only visual indicator of what team a player is on is a small icon above their head which is often very delayed in actually appearing. All too often have I wasted precious bullets unloading into someone just in case they were an enemy because had I hesitated to wait for the icon, I would have been dead already.
Thankfully, this should be an easy fix, but one that really needs to happen. While having faction-specific outfits for each Specialist would require a great deal of work, a simple fix would be to recolour the outfits depending on factions. The US team would potentially feature tans and greens while the Russians would feature greys and blues. This is, after all, how it worked in previous Battlefield games but it's completely absent from 2042.
4: Specialists are unbalanced
This one is particularly important for gameplay diversity, as we've seen in the beta, players are heavily favouring Specialists that help them be a one-person army. MacKay and his grappling hook is dominating the battlefield while Casper's scout drone and Falck's healing syringe are nowhere to be seen.
Again, perhaps this is just the case because of the limited selection of Specialists available in the beta but without the traditional class system, it seems as though lone-ranger kits are the way to go.
A showcase of bugs from the beta. Source: GameSpot.
All in all, the Specialist system sacrifices a lot to achieve this idea of a unique and memorable character, something it arguably fails to achieve. But, even if it did, is it worth it? I'd say it's not, as I much prefer the class system over Specialists because your team is more inclined to work together. That teamwork is fostered by the extra gadget slots and pre-defined archetypes of Medic, Support, Engineer, and so on.
Glitches and Performance
Last, but certainly not least, are the array of bugs, missing features, and performance issues that have plagued the beta. First, it should be noted that the beta build is a few months old according to the developers. Still, this beta was perhaps more broken than any other Battlefield beta before it, and Battlefield also has a history of broken launches. With these two factors combined 2042 could be a mess at launch, to put it mildly.
Let's start with the glitches. There were an array of basic visual glitches which appeared very frequently such as parachutes staying open once you'd touched the ground, giving your position away like a glowing neon sign above your head. Another prominent issue included the Plus System taking attachments off when modifying your loadout. These are simple bugs that will likely be fixed at launch if they haven't already, and they weren't all that concerning on an individual basis. But they become more worrying when you realise just how many bugs there are, alongside some terrible performance issues that made it nearly unplayable for some. Again, this is likely to be improved by launch, but one wonders exactly how much improvement those fixes will create.
A video collating the multitude of missing features in 2042. Source: Battle Zone.
What stood out to me more were significant missing features, like being unable to see if there were teammates nearby who could revive, or the simple ability to open the map overlay. Furthermore, the long-time staple of the communication wheel was nowhere to be seen. Peeking around cover is gone. As mentioned earlier, the movement improvements of Battlefield V are gone. The great Attrition and Fortification systems of V are also gone, and the list goes on.
Similarly, the UI is poorly designed, often being distracting and at times unreadable, which strangely enough is the exact opposite of V. Where are these features? By this point, these features should be baked into Battlefield. It feels as though 2042 was built in a vacuum, without learning from any of the past entries in the series.
Lastly, performance was pretty poor across the board, whether you had a high-end graphics card or not, due to frequent stuttering and hitches. Pair with this terrible net-code and hit registration and you've got yourself an experience that is often telling you to give up and walk away. The same can be said for the last-gen console version which has low-quality textures, particularly on debris and destroyed vehicles.
Sound, which is usually superb in Battlefield games, is similarly lacking with many sounds feeling dull and incomplete, such as helicopters that constantly sound like they're idling even when they roar past you. You'd expect a war zone with 128 players and an armada of vehicles to have gunfire and explosions ringing out across the map but 2042 is eerily quiet. Perhaps I've just been spoilt by the incredible sound design of Hunt: Showdown but much of the audio in Battlefield 2042 just feels flat, with explosions thankfully being a great exception.
Missing features, extensive bugs, and terrible performance all paint a poor picture of the game's upcoming launch. While I'd like to happily accept the reasoning that 'this is a beta', Battlefield has a history of launching in a broken state and this beta is perhaps the buggiest Battlefield experience I've had to date, even worse than Battlefield 3's beta. I do believe many of these issues will be resolved if they haven't been in recent builds, but this is a message to err on the side of caution.
'Discarded' Map. Source: Steam.
I had very high hopes following the reveal of 2042 that this would be the definitive Battlefield experience. One that learned from the past, even from the games that may not have been so popular, and pushed the series forward. After playing the beta I still have hopes of this because there are glimpses of an excellent game here but it seems marred by bad decisions, bugs, and performance issues. If the beta is anything to go by, then Battlefield 2042 needs lots more work and I'd argue for another delay unless DICE can resolve these issues in time for launch. If you were thinking about pre-ordering, I would suggest waiting to see how the game lands on launch. I would love more than anything to be proved wrong and for Battlefield 2042 to launch in great condition and provide that Battlefield experience fans have been waiting for.
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on the Battlefield 2042 open beta. If you had the chance to play it then I'd love to hear your thoughts, particularly on the topic of Specialists and map design. I'd also be happy to answer any questions if you didn't have the chance to dive in!
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