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World News Observer
AmericaAmerica General
Trump denies reports to confront hurricanes with nuclear bombs
By Zubair Yaqoob
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WorldRobert Frank - January 16, 2021 0
Azerbaijan to start vaccinating citizens from next Monday
The doses of the Chinese anti-corona virus vaccine will be transported first to Turkey, where they will be examined...
AM-PoliticsRobert Frank - January 14, 2021 0
Adam Schiff: Donald Trump must be removed
Adam Schiff, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in the US House of Representatives, affirmed that they continue to defend...
AsiaHailey Warner - January 14, 2021 0
Indonesia proposed a budget of 1.5 billion dollars for Chinese Sinovac vaccine
Indonesia has proposed a budget of 20.9 trillion rupees ($ 1.49 billion) to buy the Coronavirus vaccine from Sinovac,...
Zubair Yaqoob
The author has diversified experience in investigative journalism. He is Chief content editor at wnobserver.com He can be reached at: [email protected]
US President Donald Trump on Friday denied a report that he had proposed confronting hurricanes that could hit the United States with nuclear bombs, calling them "fake news."
Read also: Trump proposes a nuclear bomb drop to block hurricane
Trump, in a tweet on the social networking site Twitter that, "The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous" adding: " I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!"
The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!
For his part, the White House declined to comment on the report, but a senior official in the US administration said that "President Trump did not mean anything bad."
Axios reporter Jonathan Swan responded to Trump's denial by tweeting that he stands by "every word in the story."
I stand by every word in the story. He said this in at least two meetings during the first year and a bit of the presidency, and one of the conversations was memorialized. https://t.co/5qs8o1k4QS
— Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan) August 26, 2019
As You Likee: Express more, Create more with Likee's In-App Features
Ammar Muzzaffar - January 14, 2021 0
The online short videos platform is rapidly becoming the content production application of choice for hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis to showcase their creativity,...
AM-Politics
Robert Frank - January 14, 2021 0
Adam Schiff, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in the US House of Representatives, affirmed that they continue to defend the democracy of the United...
Hailey Warner - January 14, 2021 0
Indonesia has proposed a budget of 20.9 trillion rupees ($ 1.49 billion) to buy the Coronavirus vaccine from Sinovac, the Indonesian health minister said...
IFN declares SBP as top central bank for promoting Islamic finance
Zubair Yaqoob - January 13, 2021 0
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been voted as the Best Central Bank in promoting Islamic finance for the fourth time by a poll...
AM-Politics Robert Frank - January 14, 2021 0
Biden: Congressional riots will help unify the country after the terror that everyone felt
AM-Politics Robert Frank - January 9, 2021 0
US President-elect Joe Biden stated that he believed that the violent siege of the Capitol made it easy to unify the country, because Americans...
Survey: Majority of Americans want to impeach Trump immediately
AM-General Robert Frank - January 9, 2021 0
A Reuters Ipsos poll said 57 percent of Americans want President Donald Trump to be removed from office immediately after he encouraged a protest...
US House of Representatives: We are ready to go ahead with impeachment measures
Assistant Speaker of the US House of Representatives Catherine Clark announced that Democrats in the US House of Representatives are ready to go ahead...
© World News Observer - 2019 | All rights reserved.


The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will donate $10,000 to UC Irvine for its development of a solar stove that allows people to cook without carbon emissions.
The grant to the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UCI is one of more than 80 awards the foundation announced Wednesday, according to a news release. The awards are being given to institutions that foster forward-thinking solutions to persistent global issues.
The stored-energy solar stove, which permits carbon-free cooking indoors and at night, was designed by a group of senior mechanical engineering students at UCI.
The stove reduces deforestation, labor time and safety concerns for women who leave their villages to gather firewood, but also pollutes indoor air far less than the traditional cooking methods currently used in developing nations, the release stated.
"The students developed a working model that uses a solar collector to concentrate sunlight on an energy storage device, which consists of an insulated box filled with potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate," the release stated.
In three hours of sunlight, the stove stores enough energy to provide a stable heat source indoors or after sunset with a temperature high enough to cook and bake foods like bread and rice.
The money will help students as they continue to improve the design of the project, which still has a few kinks to be worked out, according to the release.
"We cooked up two batches of bacon easily, but by the third, the bacon didn't fully cook," said student Lineker Phuong. "The temperature of our cooking surface decreased gradually even while the temperature inside the box stayed constant throughout the cooking experiment."


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Category: Performances
Telling Their Story: The 204th Army Band
The 204th Army Band will present a free concert at the Ives Auditorium Friday, July 19 at 7:00pm. Their theme this year is "Telling Their Story," so we thought we would share a bit of their story here. The History
Tribute Sundays Salute the Best of the Best
As we cruise toward our third year of events at the Ives Auditorium, we decided to take a step back and create a new series, "Tribute Sundays." Held at 2:00 pm on select Sunday afternoons, Tribute Sundays' concerts pay homage
Catching Up with Monroe Crossing—Bluegrass in Bloomington
Named in honor of Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass Music," Monroe Crossing has been delighting audiences and making new fans for 19 years. Over the years, they have won the "Bluegrass Album of the Year" award (2003) from the
Celebrate the Holidays at the Ives
Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center is excited to announce five family-friendly shows guaranteed to make your holiday season bright. So sit back and learn more about our three musical treats, two entertaining variety shows and a children's play. Musical Treats for
Barbary Coast Dixieland Band Embarks on Farewell Tour
After more than 50 years of entertaining, the band known as the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show Band is mounting their farewell tour in 2018. Don't miss a chance to see the group that got its start near the river in
New Musical Highlights Sinatra's Early Career
In March 2018, a new original musical theatre show premiered at the Ives and played into May 2018 (including a special Mother's Day performance). The show was a Sidekick Theatre production titled, From Ava to Eternity: The Life & Music
Giving the Gift of Christmastide: Billy McLaughlin & SimpleGifts
Lucky individuals who snag tickets for either of the two December 19, 2017 performances of "Christmastide" at the Ives Auditorium are in for a rare treat. Not only do they get to hear a talented pianist, Phil Thompson, but also
Heritage Center Featured in Performance Video
The Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center became one of the stars… … of a performance video produced by Mad Love Pics for Elevé Performing Arts Center. The Heritage Center has served as home to Elevé's recitals — a perfect fit for

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Frank Hutchison (March 20, 1897 – November 9, 1945) was an American early country blues and Piedmont blues musician and songwriter. Okeh Records promotional materials referred to him as "The Pride of West Virginia," and he is thought to be the first non-African American musician to record in the country blues idiom. Hutchison was best known as a slide guitar player, where he held the guitar in his lap and used a pen knife as a slide.

Biography
Born in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States, and moving to Logan County when he was young, Hutchison   cut several tracks for Okeh Records. He worked as a coal miner at various coal mines in Logan County, West Virginia, both before and after his career as a recording artist. His exposure to Appalachian music came at an early age because his grandfather played fiddle and banjo in Logan before he died in 1903 in a mining accident. In 1904, the railroad first came into Logan County and exposed Hutchison to African-American blues and pre-blues. Hutchison is said to have walked with a limp, possibly as a result of a mining accident.

Between 1926 and 1929, Hutchison recorded forty-one sides for Okeh, of which nine were unissued. Three of the issued sides and three of the unissued were recorded with Sherman Lawson, a Logan County fiddler; others featured Hutchison's guitar, harmonica and voice. Hutchison also performed in the "Okeh Medicine Show," released by Okeh in 1929.

Some years after his recording career had ended and after he left the Logan County coal mines, Hutchison and his wife operated a store in Lake, West Virginia, where he also served as postmaster. His family lived above the store. The store burned down, Hutchison lost everything and reportedly developed alcohol problems after that. He worked as a riverboat entertainer on the Ohio River and eventually moved to Columbus, Ohio.

He died in 1945 at a Dayton, Ohio hospital, of liver disease, aged 48. He is buried in a hillside family cemetery in Lake, West Virginia.

Hutchison is considered to be one of the finest performers of the "white country blues" genre of early folk music. One of his more famous recordings is "The Train That Carried My Girl From Town." His recording of "Stackalee" was included in Harry Smith's 1952 Anthology of American Folk Music, and influenced a number of musicians during the 1950s and 1960s folk revival. Hutchison's songs have been covered by or have influenced Doc Watson, John Fahey, Bob Dylan, Mike Seeger, Roscoe Holcomb, Cowboy Copas, Frank Fairfield, Chris Smither, and Charlie Parr.  He was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of fame in 2018.

Original discography

References

Bibliography

External links

1890s births
1945 deaths
American country guitarists
American male guitarists
Piedmont blues musicians
American blues singers
American blues guitarists
Slide guitarists
American blues harmonica players
Country blues musicians
Singers from West Virginia
Songwriters from West Virginia
People from Logan County, West Virginia
Deaths from liver disease
American country harmonica players
20th-century American singers
20th-century American guitarists
Guitarists from West Virginia
20th-century American male singers
American male songwriters

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Most recent version of Basic Stamp editor/development system from Parallax Inc.
Installation, editing a BASIC stamp program, connecting to BASIC stamp & running the program (requires linking of serial port described in a previous user post, Jul. 2010).
Help editor (Floating point division by zero). But help files can be opened in a web browser.


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Leave Young & Restless' 'Teriah' Alone — Here's the Familiar Face With Whom Noah *Should* Be Being Paired
It's not rocket science, people. Let's right the course!
Ever since The Young and the Restless recast Noah with the appealing Rory Gibson and had the character start making googly eyes at ex-girlfriend Tessa, viewers have been saying, "No. Just no."
But, despite the fact that Tessa dumped Noah for his sister, despite the fact that she's a lesbian, despite the fact that they didn't have some grand love affair like "Shick" or "Phick," and despite the fact that the audience is audibly groaning, the show has kept barreling down this path. Why? Beats us. Maybe the powers that be can't figure out how to redirect. We can, though.
More: Melody Thomas Scott's $6M sale
If it were up to us — why is it never?!? — we'd bring to Genoa City a recast Zoe Buckingham (since Kiara Barnes now calls Fantasy Island home) and let the Bold & Beautiful model turn Noah's head. Let her become the muse for Chelsea and Chloe's next fashion venture, and while working in chilly Wisconsin, keep warm with the world's loneliest hottie.
We're not suggesting that just to stick a fork in the Noah/Tessa story, either. Our idea makes sense. He was hurt by Tessa and (eye roll) still can't seem to get over her. Zoe was hurt by Carter and (despite the shrug with which she left her soap) probably still thinks about him from time to time. So it would be only natural for them to commiserate and, in so doing, discover that they were wasting their time thinking about the past when they had in front of them such an appealing present — and maybe even future?
Suddenly, Noah would be transformed from a mopeypants to sexytime. Zoe would get back a groove that honestly she never had on Bold & Beautiful. And as an added bonus, she'd have a built-in bestie in fellow L.A. transplant Sally, a gal who knows a thing or two about paying dearly for her mistakes.
What do you think? Wouldn't this pairing be a lot friskier and more fun than Noah Debbie Downering all over "Teriah" and their engagement? On your way to the comments, stop off at the below photo gallery that climbs the twisted branches of the Newman family tree.

All of life is a chess game to the great and powerful Victor Newman — and make no mistake, the tycoon plays to win. Whether in business or in love, the erstwhile Christian Miller is always plotting his next move, putting his conquests in checkmake before they even realize they're in check.

Though Victor has broken up and made up with wife Nikki Reed more times than we can count, there's no question about the fact that, from the moment he saw her stripping on the stage of The Bayou, she was his endgame.

In 2003, Victor along with his son Nick confronted a dying Albert Miller. Father to Victor and Matt, he abandoned his family and never looked back. This eventually resulted in Matt and Victor being placed in an orphanage by their mother. Nick and Victor flew to Canada to see the dying Albert, and it was a hostile confrontation.

Dorothy McGuire appeared as Victor's mother Cora Miller in 1984. Cora left her sons Christian (Victor) and Matt at an orphanage because she was unable to provide them with food after their father abandoned them. She promised to return but never did. In June of 1984, Victor located her and learned she was dying. Victor brought her to the ranch to spend her final days there. She was able to meet her granddaughter Victoria before passing away in August 1984.

After being abandoned in an orphanage by their mother Cora, Victor ran away as a teenager to make his mark in the world. He went on to become a billionaire, starting from nothing and eventually launching Newman Enterprises. In 1983, he and his brother Matt were finally reunited. Victor's wife Nikki tried to set Matt up with Ashley Abbott, who had designs on Victor. He left town in 1985 and returned briefly in 2003 and 2018. Matt most recently returned to celebrate Victor's 40th anniversary at Newman Enterprises.

Victoria is Victor and Nikki's older child. Over the years, she, like all of Victor's children, has butted heads with him. She has worked for Newman Enterprises off and on over the years, even serving and CEO. Victor appointed her as his successor upon retiring… until half brother Adam swooped in with a blackmail attempt to try and seize control. Now Victoria holds the reins so tightly, they'll never again slip out of her hands.

Victor was relatively quick to welcome into the Newman family Victoria's latest husband, Ashland Locke. It made sense, though. The guy has a sketchy-as-hell history, but he's not Billy Boy Abbott, and in Victor's book, that's a big plus.

Like his older sister, Nick has battled with his father for years. He too has served his time at Newman Enterprises in a variety of positions, but has also created his own companies, including the magazine Restless Style and the company Dark Horse. He has previously been disowned his father, even attacked by him, and in retaliation, Nick tormented Victor as the specter of JT Hellstrom. Nick and his father are currently on good-ish terms. For now…

Of all Victor's children, he and Adam have the rockiest relationship. Adam grew up on his mother Hope Adams' farm in Kansas never knowing Victor was his father. He is considered the black sheep of the family, constantly butting heads with his siblings as well as Victor. He only entered the Newman family as an adult in 2008 after his mother's death. Most recently, he plotted to poison his father, but Victor learned of his plan and faked his own death. He later tried to seize control of Newman through blackmail, believing Victor killed AJ Montalvo, but it was a young Adam who did so to protect his mother Hope. In short, it's complicated.

Image: Howard Wise

Abby Newman is Victor's daughter with his ex, Ashley Abbott. She, too, has a strained relationship with Dad, who she's tried to sue a number of times. She also gained notoriety in the media as the Naked Heiress. Like her siblings, she's served in some capacity at Newman but has also worked at her mother's family company, Jabot, and briefly with her brother Nick at Dark Horse. More recently, she entered the restaurant business with Society and the hotel business with the Grand Phoenix (though she was forced out of that lobby by Nick's ex, Phyllis).

No one in Genoa City has married into the Newman family more than Sharon Collins. If she wasn't tying the knot with true love Nick, she was getting hitched to Adam. Just for good measure, she also wed Victor a couple of times and said "I do" to Nikki's son, Dylan McAvoy. Matt, she's gotta be coming for you next!

Cassie Newman was Sharon's daughter with Frank Barritt. A teenage Sharon gave Cassie up as she couldn't care for her, and years later, once married to Nick, they found and adopted her. Tragically, she died as a teenager. When Daniel Romalotti was too drunk to drive, an inexperienced Cassie took the wheel and was involved in an automobile accident. As she died, she predicted another child for Sharon. Mom would later learn she'd had twins, and Mariah was stolen at birth by cult leader Ian Ward. Got all that?

As fiery as her gorgeous red hair, Mariah fit right in in the Newman family from the start — by which we mean that she's great at making waves. First, she threw herself at Nick, then she made off with half brother Noah's girlfriend, Tessa Porter.

Noah is Nick's son with Sharon. He had a hard childhood, what with his sister Cassie's death, his parents' divorce and getting recast all the time. As a teen, he rebelled against his parents. He went on to become a musician, a bartender and manager at The Underground. After the bar burned down, Noah began managing Top of the Tower for Victor before eventually leaving town. He's had a strained relationship with both Nick and Victor, and once accidentally backed over Billy Abbott. But who hasn't wanted to "accidentally" do that?

Summer is the daughter of Nick and his ex, Phyllis Summers. She is one of the many victims of crazy Sheila Carter, who kidnapped her as an infant along with Fenmore Baldwin. At one point, her paternity was called into question when Sharon tampered with DNA tests making it appear she was Jack Abbott's daughter — which was especially awkward, considering her passion for his son, her now-husband Kyle.

Reed Hellstrom is the son of Victoria and JT Hellstrom. In 2010, he moved to Washington, DC, with his father and new stepmother, Mackenzie Browning. He returned as a teenager in 2016 as an aspiring musician. He was thrilled when his parents reunited, only later to learn JT had become abusive towards Victoria, which eventually was revealed to be due to a brain tumor. He was further shocked to learn Nikki had believed she had killed JT while protecting her daughter from him, and along with Sharon and Phyllis, buried his father's body to cover up the crime. JT returned alive and haunted the women. Sensibly, Reed left town to focus on his music education.

Faith Newman is the daughter of Sharon and Nick. Her birth was prophesized by her sister Cassie on her deathbed. Shortly after Faith came into the world, Adam Newman stole her from Sharon, who was in a mental institution (it happens), and gave her to Ashley Abbott, who was also in the same institution (told ya it happens). Ashley had miscarried her daughter with Victor after Adam scared her into a tumble down the stairs. So he then gaslighted her into believing she had followed through with her pregnancy and gave her Sharon and Nick's daughter. Eventually, Nick and Sharon learned the truth, and Faith was returned to her actual mom and dad for a whole different kind of drama.

Connor is Adam's son with Chelsea Lawson. Chelsea initially claimed that Dylan McAvoy was the father, but Adam eventually discovered the truth. After Adam's supposed death, Chelsea raised Connor with Nick, with whom she fell in love. However, after Chelsea's schemes caught up with her, she fled town with Connor. She eventually returned, and Adam was revealed to be alive. Connor finally met his biological father and schemed to break Nick and Chelsea up and reunite his parents. He succeeded — but only up to a point. Will he try, try again? He wouldn't be a Newman if he didn't!

Katie is Victoria's daughter with Billy. However, when she was born, Victoria did not know if Billy or Stitch Rayburn, who she had a fling with, was the father. Johnny Abbott is Billy and Chelsea's son. She allowed Victoria to adopt him shortly after his birth. Chelsea, who was hired by Victor to break up Victoria and Billy, drugged and seduced Billy, resulting in the pregnancy.

Christian is the biological son of Adam and Sage Warner, and the legal son of Nick. Sage claimed Nick was the father at birth, and Adam kept the secret. Nick was told his son Christian had died shortly after birth, but in reality, he was given to Sharon and Dylan, and Sharon, suffering from bipolar disorder, was convinced by her doctors that she had given birth to the boy she named Sullivan "Sully" McAvoy. In time, Nick learned the truth. When Adam returned from the dead, he and Nick fought over custody of the child, but in the end, Nick regained custody of the boy he had raised since birth.

The latest addition to the Newman family is baby Bowie Dominic, the son born to Abby and husband Chance Chancellor with a little lotta help from Mariah and Devon Hamilton. Sometimes the tot looks like a blanket, nothing more, but that's just a cute game he likes to play.

B&B Noah Newman Y&R Zoe Buckingham
Young & Restless Preview: Move Over Adam Because There Is a New Man in Chelsea's Life
After Suffering a Heartbreak, Young & Restless' Melissa Ordway Spends a Day Full of Things That Are 'Good for the Soul'
Posted 46 mins ago


Stronger than steel and Kevlar®.
Genetic engineering can be both wildly fascinating and wildly frightening. Researchers have known for a long time that spider silk is one of the strongest substances on earth, but it couldn't easily be manufactured on a mass scale. Sounds like a job for science!
In the past few years, genetic engineers have successfully added a small portion of a spider's genetic material to a group of goats so that they can produce silk as a component of their milk! This opens the door to endless possibilities for new super-strength materials. Check out this segment produced by PBS/Nova for a clearer understanding.


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Will Smith >
Will Smith's Marriage Is "Great" Despite Rumours Of Infidelity
By Elinor Cosgrave in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 08 November 2013
Follow Will Smith
Will Smith Jada Pinkett-Smith Willow Smith Trey Smith Jaden Smith Margot Robbie
Will Smith's marriage is not suffering amidst rumours of his infidelity. His 16-year marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith is still "great," according to sources speaking to an US entertainment website.
Will Smith's marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith is still intact and the rumours of infidelity are entirely unfounded, according to sources speaking to a US entertainment website. Smith was photographed in poses many believe show he is more than friends with 23-year-old Australian actress Margot Robbie.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith are doing "great" despite rumours.
The two were photographed in a photo booth set up for the wrap party of their upcoming film Focus. The photographs show the two joking around, lifting their tops and posing at the camera. The whole situation has been taken out of context and a number of media outlets have used the photographs as evidence of Smith's alleged infidelity. However, sources speaking to Us Weekly, have said Smith and Robbie are "not hooking up." Another source has stated the photographs were taken in "a photo booth on set that the producers got for everyone. It was the last day of filming and everyone was taking pictures. They were just goofing around. Will is just like that. There's nothing more to it."
Hayden Panettiere and Charlize Theron face off wearing @JoesJeans in @Star_News 's 'Double Takes' this week! pic.twitter.com/gkjZGOAi9a
— laChambre PR (@laChambrePR) November 6, 2013
45-year-old Smith has been married to Jada for sixteen years and they couple have two children together, Willow and Jaden. Smith has a son, Trey, from a previous marriage. It seems their relationship is still "great" and has not been affected by rumours of infidelity.
Smith and Robbie appear together in Focus, a film about an experienced grafter (Smith) who decides to take an apprentice (Robbie.) According to IMDb, their relationship becomes more complicated when they come romantically involved. There is no release date for the upcoming comedy, although it is expected to be released next year.
Margot Robbie co-stars in Focus with Will Smith.
Will Smith made Bad Boys sequel for fans
Will Smith kept lyrics clean for grandma
Will Smith was 'insecure' over Jada Pinkett Smith's friendship with Tupac
Will Smith wasn't 'happy' with Men in Black sequel
Will Smith's family has a sugar craving gene
Will Smith's advice to Mena Massoud
Will Smith launches second Bel Air Athletics collection
Will Smith films his colonoscopy to raise awareness
Will Smith has precancerous polyp removed during colonoscopy
Will Smith wants to fight homelessness
Will Smith dreams of making Marlon Brando movie
Will Smith on 'gigantic generation gap' with him and his kids
Will Smith more 'fearful' now
Will Smith's Fresh Prince clothing collection
Movies and Trailers
Collateral Beauty Movie Review
Dramas exploring the nature of death and the true meaning of life are always in...
Collateral Beauty Trailer
Love, time and death connect every single human being on earth, we long for love,...
Suicide Squad Movie Review
DC Comics' villains team up for an overcrowded action movie that never quite finds its...
Suicide Squad Trailer
The Suicide Squad was formed by Amanda Waller, the head of Belle Reve Penitentiary and...
When there's nowhere left to turn, the bad guys might just turn out to be...
Concussion Trailer
Dr. Bennet Omalu is a pathologist who loves his job and, in many ways, the...
Suicide Squad - Comic Con First Look Trailer
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Focus Movie Review
A very odd blend of caper action, dark drama and romantic comedy, this slickly made...
Focus Trailer
While sitting at the bar of a hotel lobby one night, a man catches a...
Annie Movie Review
A solid cast bodes well for this unnecessary remake of the 1982 movie (based on...
Nicky Spurgeon is a genius when it comes to his work as a con man...
Winter's Tale Movie Review
The fact that this magical romance has been retitled A New York Winter's Tale in...
Winter's Tale Trailer
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Cypher Raige is a renowned military general who finds himself and his frightened 13-year-old son...


The Cuisipro Stainless Steel Spray Pump makes it easy to control exactly how much oil you want to add to salads or other foods.
Homemade salad dressing is where it's at. The simple combination of oil and vinegar is easy to manage and the resulting dressing is completely customizable from the ground up. Just add some herbs, garlic, and a little citrus, and suddenly you have a fresh, high-quality salad dressing that is tuned to your appetite. No matter how delicious your dressing may be, the final product still needs to find its way actually on to your greenery.
The Cuisipro Stainless Steel Spray Pump lets you control exactly how much dressing you put on your salad, or on just about anything else. With the ability to control a fine mist of oil and/or vinegar, the nonaerosol spray pump makes it easy to let natural flavors shine through. Simply prime by pumping down on the cap, and then spray to mist. Other than salads, the spray pump can be used as a flavored cooking spray or simply used to enhance the flavor of meat, fish, or vegetables.
The 8-ounce spray pump helps to control the exact amount of fat you wish to add to your foods. With the ability to add dried herbs directly in the chamber, the spray pump offers an easy-to-use vessel for storing and dispensing homemade dressing. When finished, the spray pump is easily cleaned with a little water and vinegar.


Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do you yearn for a getaway from the hustle and bustle and put some excitement into your life? Do you hope to visit the places that have been aired over National Geographic Explorer and experience it for yourself? If your answer is yes to these questions, then adventure travel is just the thing for you!
Ok, so you've decided that you want an adventure holiday. This leads you to the next question ? what type of adventure holiday do you want? There is just so much variety and different perceptions of the word "Adventure" that people have come up with all sorts of activities to define this word. For example, there's the nerve-wrenching bungee jumping sport with locations available to do this all over the world. If you are into water adventures, then white-water rafting may just be right for you. For mountain climbers, they can scale any mountain in the world, each providing the mountain climber distinctive challenges and excitement.
On the other hand, some people may consider watching a cultural parade in an exotic country as an adventure. For example, the annual carnival at Tobago offers an opportunity for visitors to join into their celebrations of street parties and multi-colored parades. Perhaps a cruise to Alaska to watch seals and whales is an adventure to some, while others may prefer a hot air balloon ride amongst the clouds. Those with an archeological spirit within them, may desire to visit the ruins of Anchor Wat or the Pyramids of Kulkulcan and call that an adventure.
Well, the possibilities are just endless. And the definitions are wider. In the end, as long as you had a good time, experienced a great getaway and have opened your eyes to new sights and sounds, your objectives would then have already been met.
Once you have made your decision on your destination and activity, the next step that you need to take is to gather as much information as you can on your destination. Things like health warnings, local hazards, visas and weather conditions are just some of the few things that you need to take note of. It would be advisable to join a forum to get to know others who have gone to the same location and have done the same thing, in order to get advice beforehand on things that you need to watch out for.
If your trip requires physical exertion, for example activities like mountain climbing, trekking, whitewater rafting or even bungee jumping; you will need to get yourself physically ready. Cross-training and focused exercise is advisable so that you don't break down or sustain unnecessary injury during the course of your trip. Also, get a medical check-up before you go, to ensure a clean bill of health and fitness before you embark.
Loreal Oliver is an advanturous traveller and preety crazy too. He travels extensively around the world since the age of 17 years and never gets tired. There is few places unexplored by him and he is always ready for another venture. He loves Photography and reading.


The 16th annual IA Summit gets underway in the beautiful city of Minneapolis. We'll have the heating cranked up and bobble hats standing by.
Computing legend Ted Nelson delivers his opening address.
IA folk hero Jorge Arango takes to the stage.


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Q: How to make a proper binding adapter for 2 way data binding in Android I am attempting to make a page in my Android app that allows the user to enter a Float value in an EditText and binds that value to my view model. Here is my code for my current binding adapter:
import android.text.SpannableStringBuilder
import android.widget.EditText
import androidx.databinding.BindingAdapter
import androidx.databinding.InverseBindingAdapter

@BindingAdapter("android:text")
fun setText(view: EditText, value: Float?) {
    view.text = value?.let { SpannableStringBuilder(value.toString()) } ?: SpannableStringBuilder("")
}

@InverseBindingAdapter(attribute = "android:text", event = "android:textAttrChanged")
fun getTextString(view: EditText): Float? {
    val editTextString: String? = view.text?.toString()
    return if(editTextString == null || editTextString == "") 0.0f else editTextString.toString().toFloat()
}

Here is the code that I have for my EditText in my layout file:
<com.google.android.material.textfield.TextInputLayout
            android:id="@+id/amount_edit_text_outer"
            style="@style/Widget.MaterialComponents.TextInputLayout.OutlinedBox"
            android:layout_width="@dimen/edit_text_width"
            android:layout_height="@dimen/edit_text_height"
            android:layout_gravity="center"
            android:hint="@string/edit_text_hint"
            app:layout_constraintBottom_toTopOf="@+id/fab"
            app:layout_constraintEnd_toEndOf="parent"
            app:layout_constraintStart_toStartOf="parent"
            app:layout_constraintTop_toTopOf="parent">

            <com.google.android.material.textfield.TextInputEditText
                android:id="@+id/amount_edit_text_inner"
                android:layout_width="match_parent"
                android:layout_height="match_parent"
                android:text="@={viewmodel.liveAmount$app_debug}"
                android:inputType="numberDecimal" />

        </com.google.android.material.textfield.TextInputLayout>

Finally, my view model live data variable looks like this:
internal val liveAmount = MutableLiveData<Float>(0.0f)

I should also add that when I run this code on my phone, it allows me to enter the first number in the EditText and nothing else. Furthermore, the keyboard does not go away unless I kill the app. Any questions or comments are welcome. Thank you all for any help!

A: Try changing this:
@InverseBindingAdapter(attribute = "android:text", event = "android:textAttrChanged")

to:
@InverseBindingAdapter(attribute = "android:text")

And add this other method:
// This notifies the data binding system that the attribute value has changed.
@BindingAdapter("android:textAttrChanged")
fun setTextChangedListener(editText: TextInputEditText, listener: InverseBindingListener) {
    editText.addTextChangedListener(object: TextWatcher{

        override fun beforeTextChanged(s: CharSequence?, start: Int, count: Int, after: Int) {
        }

        override fun onTextChanged(s: CharSequence?, start: Int, before: Int, count: Int) {
        }

        override fun afterTextChanged(s: Editable?) {
            listener.onChange()
        }
    })
}

This is not tested, but it should work or at least be close. See here for other similar examples:
https://github.com/gavingt/upcoming-games/blob/adc8b7e67b1e05d7bc9ac6247b82cfa93a43a26f/app/src/main/java/com/gavinsappcreations/upcominggames/utilities/BindingAdapters.kt#L324

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
home : news and events : news : Homecoming and Family Weekend 2017
Get your orange out and your game face on—Buffalo State is celebrating Homecoming and Family Weekend 2017, October 23–28.
Homecoming provides a rare opportunity for the entire campus community to come together to celebrate.
"This year's theme is Celebrating Our Stripes, which speaks to the distinction of our students," said Brian Dubenion, interim director of Student Life and chair of the Homecoming Committee. "We have seen an increase in the number of student organizations signed up to participate and are extremely excited for our GLO Dance Party on Saturday as the proceeds will benefit those affected by the recent hurricanes."
With other fun-filled activities like a pep rally, lip sync competition, parade, and Bengals' football game, Homecoming offers something for everyone. A full week of events and competitions has been planned.
Homecoming Highlights
Homecoming Kickoff – Campbell Student Union Lobby
Kick off Homecoming in style with special performances, music, free food, giveaways, and the introduction of the Bengal Royal Court. New this year: A chicken wing eating competition for students.
Music Alumni Homecoming Recital - Ciminelli Concert Hall
Singers and instrumentalists from Buffalo State's Music Department will perform in Ciminelli Recital Hall at Rockwell Hall. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance. The recital is free for the public and will be followed by a wine-and-cheese reception. Register by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, for the reception.
Lip-sync competition and Bengals Night Out - Campbell Student Union
Starts with the lip-sync competition in the Social Hall followed by Bengals Night Out (formerly Union Bash) with giveaways, a photo booth, candy stations, airbrush tattoos, and more from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Bengal Spirit Day/Pep Rally - The Plaza (Outside of the Campbell Student Union)
Take part in this traditional event and get psyched for Homecoming weekend. Students will enjoy a free barbecue lunch sponsored by the United Students Government, music, face painting, giveaways, and more.
Alumni Lecture - Bulger Communication Center South (lecture) and lobby (reception)
Join Buffalo State's own Porsha Ari Coaxum, '11, for a conversation with Young Alumnus Achievement Award Recipient and graduate of the Public Communication program, Krista (Wierzbicki) Todd, '04, vice president of Global Communications for Logitech, Inc. Register by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, for talk and reception.
Bengal Royalty Showcase (semi-formal) - Campbell Student Union, Social Hall
Enjoy an evening full of entertainment, elegance, and excitement! The Royal Court will compete to determine who will ultimately be crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Contestants will participate in four categories: introduction, talent, Buffalo State trivia, and a question and answer session.
Car/Truck and Float Competition - Lot R3 (Outside of the Burchfield Penney Art Center)
Float decorating and set up at 1:30 p.m.
Homecoming Parade / Victory March
Starting at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, traveling through Elmwood Village and back to campus ending at The Plaza. A post-parade party will be held in The Plaza (Outside of the Campbell Student Union) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
STOMP - Step, Dance, and Stroll Competition - Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall
Many talented dance groups from Buffalo State and Western New York will compete on stage with host Haddy Had and music by DJ Wire. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 general admission (available at the Student Union and Rockwell Hall box offices).
Scholar and Donor Breakfast - Campbell Student Union, Social Hall
Scholarship recipients, donors, and families will celebrate Buffalo State's scholars and their benefactors.
Bengals and Bagels - Science and Mathematics Complex Atrium
Family breakfast.
Food Truck Rodeo and Football Game Bengals Football vs. Brockport - Coyer Field
Watch the Bengals take on Brockport while enjoying food from some of Buffalo's favorite food trucks. At halftime, an announcement will be made for the Bengal Royalty, parade, and banner winners. A $5 ticket gets alumni, students, and the general public admission to the football and a $5-voucher for the food trucks. Tickets at the door are limited, so advanced registration is encouraged.
Men's Ice Hockey vs. Nichols - Ice Arena
For a $5-ticket, you receive game admission, a lunch catered by Wegmans, and alumni reception. Register by 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 23 for the reception.
50th Reunion Dinner, 414 Delaware Ave.
The Class of 1967 celebrates 50 years since graduation. For more information about the reunion dinner, call the Alumni Association at (716) 878-6001.
7:00-10:00 p.m.
GLO Black Light Dance Party – Campbell Student Union Social Hall
A benefit for hurricane relief with music from DJ Dee, Famous J, and DJ Myte. Tickets are $3 for Buffalo State students and $5 general admission (available at the Student Union and Rockwell Hall box offices).
Getting to campus.
Tagged as: Alumni, Community Engagement, Homecoming


Long before his days in the league, Paul George had a love for gaming and PlayStation. His connection began with the first-ever PlayStation in 1995, paving the way for his PG 2.5 inspired by the debut console. The iconic grey hue dominates the PG 2.5, alongside other unique details such as light-up tongues, the original four-color PlayStation logo and symbols as seen on the PlayStation's iconic controller.


text:
Food cravings among Brazilian population
Appetite. 2017 Jan 1;108:212-218. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.10.009. Epub 2016 Oct 6.
Anna Cecília Queiroz de Medeiros 1 , Lucia de Fatima Campos Pedrosa 2 , Maria Emilia Yamamoto 3
1 Laboratory of Evolution of the Human Behavior, Graduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil; Health Sciences College of Trairi, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Santa Cruz, Brazil. Electronic address: annacqm@yahoo.com.br.
2 Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil. Electronic address: lfcpedrosa@gmail.com.
3 Laboratory of Evolution of the Human Behavior, Graduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil. Electronic address: emiliayamamoto@gmail.com.
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.10.009
This study aimed to develop and validate a Brazilian version of the Food Craving Inventory (FCI-Br), adapted to the cultural-gastronomic context of Brazil, and to explore this behavior among adult Brazilians. The Study 1 population consisted of 453 adults from all regions of Brazil. Participants responded to a preliminary form of the instrument online. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an FCI-Br presenting 23 items and three factors: High Fat, Sweet Food and Traditional Meal. The FCI-Br overall reliability was considered adequate (α = 0.82), as were each of the sub-scales. The food items receiving higher average scores from the application of the instrument were chocolate (3.14 ± 1.28; women) and bread (2.94 ± 1.44, men). A significant association was observed between the specific-craving for Sweet Food and female respondents. Most participants reported experiencing more frequent episodes of food craving when alone (68.0%; n = 391) and during the afternoon (32.2%; n = 127) or evening (43.8%; n = 173) hours. Application of the FCI-Br in a population of 649 university students (Study 2) demonstrated a good adjustment of the model developed according to the Confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/gl = 2.82, CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.06). The current findings indicate that the FCI-Br has adequate psychometric properties to measure craving behavior with respect to specific food groups in the resident population of Brazil. The results of this study also shed light on the importance of considering the cultural diversity of a population when investigating eating behaviors.
Keywords: Brazilian; Eating behavior; Food cravings; Validation.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Craving*
Diet Surveys
Dietary Sugars
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Feeding Behavior / ethnology
Food Preferences* / ethnology
Models, Psychological*
Reproducibility of Results
Time Factors


text:
int main(int argc, char **argv) {
  std::string usage("Prints a CVRP solution in ePiX format.\n"
                    "See Google or-tools tutorials\n"
                    "Sample usage:\n\n");
  usage += argv[0];
  usage += " -instance_file=<TSPLIB file> -solution_file=<CVRP solution> > epix_file.xp\n\n";
  usage += " ./elaps -pdf epix_file.xp\n";

  google::SetUsageMessage(usage);
  google::ParseCommandLineFlags(&argc, &argv, true);

  if (FLAGS_instance_file != "" && FLAGS_solution_file != "") {
    operations_research::TSPLIBReader tsplib_reader(FLAGS_instance_file);
    operations_research::CVRPData cvrp_data(tsplib_reader);
    operations_research::CVRPSolution cvrp_sol(cvrp_data, FLAGS_solution_file);
    if (cvrp_sol.IsSolution()) {
      if (cvrp_data.IsVisualizable()) {
        operations_research::CVRPEpixData epix_data(cvrp_data);
        epix_data.PrintSolution(std::cout, cvrp_sol);
      } else {
        LG << "Solution is not visualizable!";
      }
    } else {
      LG << "Solution is NOT feasible...";
    }
  } else {
    std::cout << google::ProgramUsage();
    exit(-1);
  }
  return 0;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Recently identified PDF digital signature vulnerabilities
By Duff Johnson, Peter Wyatt
On February 25, 2019, researchers from Ruhr University Bochum and Hackmanit GmbH published pdf-insecurity.org, a detailed explanation of several vulnerabilities they had identified in PDF viewers and online validation services relevant to signature validation in digitally-signed PDF documents. The vulnerabilities are pertinent only to such digitally-signed documents, and not to PDF in general.
These vulnerabilities identified change an already digitally-signed PDF file in ways that should trigger software to consider the signature as invalid. PDF processors that don't fully implement current standards for PDF or digital signature validation, or attempt to accommodate malformed PDF files without fully considering the risks, can fail to spot these malicious changes.
In keeping with their good intentions, the researchers report that they notified a wide range of developers before publishing the details of these vulnerabilities and that patches were implemented before the research was disclosed. This post is intended to help ensure that the community is aware of the issue and to support all PDF developers in understanding how to identify and fix their software.
Use appropriate standards appropriately
The vulnerabilities identified in PDF software highlight the need for greater adoption of current standards and best practices in validating digital signatures. Following best practice is optimal, because it allows implementers to build highly capable and secure software without themselves becoming expert in every conceivable attack vector.
All these approaches rely on the tendency of PDF processors - especially interactive viewers - to accommodate malformed or broken PDF files. For marketplace reasons, it is admittedly very difficult for these developers to blindly refuse to process a PDF file that appears to include small syntax errors. But if they do choose to so process a file, then adequate measures - such as close adherence to relevant digital signature standards and a good understanding of secure software design - become vital.
PDF is a file format, not a digital signature implementation specification.
In their detailed report and paper, the researchers identified three types of vulnerabilities, briefly summarized in this article. They also propose a countermeasure algorithm.
Universal Signature Forgery (USF)
The researchers identified 24 vectors for tampering of the digital signature object within a PDF file which is then able to fool some signature verification algorithms.
It might seem that the inability to correctly read a fully valid digital signature object from a PDF file should be categorically treated as functionally equivalent to a missing or invalid signature, but it seems that not all implementations have taken this approach. As the researchers' state in the conclusion of their paper:
"...there can be merely programming mistakes that break the whole cryptography. In the case of USF, an unexpected missing of mandatory information leads to a valid signature."
MITIGATION: This approach does not work on processors that closely adhere to PAdES standards (the technical basis of the EU-wide eIDAS framework) combined with avoiding error tolerant behavior when validating PDF signature objects.
Source: pdf-insecurity.org
Incremental Saving Attack (ISA)
PDF technology includes the ability to incrementally save changes to a document. The four variants of this vulnerability leverage this feature to "trick" an unaware processor into excluding malicious update data from consideration of the signature. The result is that an apparently-valid signature is simply ignorant of the malicious changes and reports the digital signature as valid.
MITIGATION: This approach does not work on PAdES-conforming processors that ensure incremental saves are correctly accounted-for when validating digital signatures, a clear best practice, and that do not permit error tolerant behavior when processing PDF signature objects.
Signature Wrapping Attack (SWA)
The SWA introduces yet another way to work around the signature, by inserting a malicious xref table in concert with a ByteRange manipulation to fool a PDF processor into believing that the signature validates the newly added data. This approach also requires zero-padding bytes in the Contents parameter of original digitally-signed PDF file and results in malformed PDF. Nonetheless, many processors will process it anyhow.
MITIGATION: This approach does not work on processors that correctly implement PAdES standards for digital signatures.
A recipe, not a guide
PDF interfaces with many complex 3rd party technologies. For digital signatures, as in many other areas, the file format specification does not define implementation details. The ISO working group that develops PDF has consistently left such matters to the appropriate experts in other groups (i.e., those managing digital signature standards such as ETSI).
Nonetheless, from the PDF technology perspective, it's worth noting that:
PDF/A-2 and subsequent parts require that the ByteRange entry cover the entire document (excluding the signature).
PDF 2.0 explicitly aligns PDF technology with ETSI standards.
"The PDF specification"
On page 16, the researcher's report references Adobe's PDF 1.7, first published in 2006 as "the PDF specification":
"Specifying the algorithm in Listing 4.1 requires a change in the PDF specification which defines ByteRange as an optional parameter[? , Section 8.7]."
In fact, the ByteRange entry for digital signatures has always been required in all versions of the PDF specification. It's important to note that, based on the section number, the version of the PDF specification the researchers are referencing is PDF 1.7 (2006) or earlier. The research ignores the subsequent ISO standardized versions of this specification in 2008 (ISO 32000-1) and 2017 ISO 32000-2 (PDF 2.0).
As always in software development, the referencing of the most current applicable standards and industry best practices is crucial. As Munich-based PDFlib's Thomas Merz says:
"Identifying bugs in security-related software is always a good thing. However, the researchers don't take into account that the PAdES standards define additional requirements for PDF signatures on top of ISO 32000 to make signatures more secure.
For example, the PAdES standard (ETSI EN 319 142) explicitly mandates that the Contents and ByteRange entries must be present, and that "The ByteRange shall cover the entire file, including the Signature Dictionary but excluding the PDF Signature itself."
This clause thwarts the attacks if the signature validation follows the PAdES standards - which apparently wasn't the case for many validators."
In light of this research, and as best practice, implementers should always look to the latest PDF specifications (currently ISO 32000-2:2017), as well as review their error-tolerant behavior in any and all security-oriented algorithms.
The researchers acknowledge that many software publishers have already pro-actively updated their implementations to address the vulnerabilities described earlier. Security is of vital importance in the PDF ecosystem, and the response to this report demonstrates a dynamic, responsive industry.
Given the significance of digital signature validation in the workflows that use them, implementers must consider that developing or maintaining support for these features entails a responsibility to look beyond the PDF specification for wisdom in handling digital signatures.
The PDF Association hosts technical working group (TWG) forums for its members. These provide advice, support and expertise to help implementers fully understand and address technical concerns. Learn more about membership benefits, and consider joining the PDF Association.
Originally published on https://www.pdfa.org/
Duff Johnson is ISO Project co-Leader for ISO 32000 (the PDF specification) and Project Leader for ISO 14289 (PDF/UA). He also serves as Executive Director of the PDF Association.
Peter Wyatt is an independent technology consultant and developer/researcher who has been actively working on PDF technologies for more than 17 years. He represents Australia as both Head of Delegation and a Subject Matter Expert at all ISO committees that define PDF standards (ISO TC 171 and ISO TC 130).


1.) How public sector agencies and municipalities can use their contracts as potential prizes for the development of challenged-based solutions using private/general public and academic actors?
2.) How public sector agencies and municipalities can purchase crowd-sourced data?
3.) Is there a specific unit that deals with these questions and this area please?
The National Agency for Public Procurement does not work specifically with the issues your question concerns. However, if you would like to know more about these issues, I would recommend you to turn to Vinnova, another Swedish governmental institution. They promote sustainable growth by funding needs-driven research and stimulating collaborations between companies, universities, research institutes and the public sector. Vinnova is also the national contact agency for the EU framework program for research and innovation. You can find Vinnova's contact information here.
In general, both the EU Directive on Public Procurement as well as the Swedish Act for Public Procurement, encourage public authorities to make the best strategic use of public procurement to spur innovation. According to the directive, buying innovative products, works and services plays a key role in improving the efficiency and quality of public services while addressing major societal challenges. It contributes to achieving best value for public money as well as wider economic, environmental and societal benefits in terms of generating new ideas, translating them into innovative products and services and thus promoting sustainable economic growth (see recital 47 of the Directive).
For example, contracting authorities may use so called innovation partnership to spur innovation, (see article 31 and recital 49 of the Directive). Another way to use public contracts for the development of challenged-based solutions is by setting functional requirements. By doing so, the contracting authority may specify a need instead of a specific solution. Contracting authorities should also be encouraged to allow variants as often as possible (see recital 48 of the Directive).
Thank you kindly for a prompt and concise response.


Always good to see another Virginian in the group. My family is actually from Halifax Coumty, so that's even better! Keep up with the music, sounding good.
I liked your Hard Times/Jordan. You are making a really good start, take your time and articulate the notes.
Are you new to banjo altogether? I started straight in on a fretless banjo, and I'm curious about other people starting that way as well.
Yea, you've really got a good position. You are way ahead of me when I started...I was totally messed up. I never saw anybody do it, so I ended up with some habits that took a long winter of work to undo. Spend stime with the Converse combinations. They are a great help, and pick up where the Briggs' leaves off.
Hey, thank you very much. It is banjo #3, and the only one of the three that I have left. I had a 16" head, boucher style that a good friend of mine wanted before I had it finished. I told him I still want to get some pics of it.
I'll try to get something on video...I'll have to get my wife to help; I'm not too techy.
The head is calfskin; it's just a very translucent head. I'm waiting to expend some Gamut strings on it and replace the nylgut...should give it even more deep pop. Thanks again.


text:
Q: How to restrict products with 0 stock I woyld like to know how to restrict products without stock. So not being able to purchase.
public function getAddToCart(Request $request, $id)
{
    $product = Product::find($id); //se busca el producto
    $oldCart = Session::has('cart') ? Session::get('cart') : null;//Se verifica la sesión por si hay un carro en existencia
    $cart = new Cart($oldCart);//Se construye el carro de compras a partir de uno existente, de ser el caso
    $cart->add($product, $product->id);//Se añade el nuevo producto
    $product-> quantity = $product-> quantity-1; //Se resta una unidad al producto seleccionado
    $product->save(); //Se guarda el cambio realizado en la cantidad del producto

    $request->session()->put('cart', $cart);//se almacenan los datos en la sesión
    return redirect()->route('product.index');
}


text:
Q: OpenXML add new row to existing Excel file I've got lots of XLSX files and I need to append a new row after the last one in the file. I'm using OpenXML and so far I know how to open/create spreadsheet, but my search for adding new rows to existing files returned nothing. Any ideas ?

A: If you use OpenXML SDK 2.5 (Runtime) v4.0.30319 there is no Insert method, but one can use InsertAt instead as follows:
sheetData.InsertAt(new Row() { RowIndex = 0 }, 0);

A: If all you need to do is add a blank row to the end and you don't care if a row already exists at the row index, then the following should work for you:
    public static void InsertRow(WorksheetPart worksheetPart)
    {
        SheetData sheetData = worksheetPart.Worksheet.GetFirstChild<SheetData>();
        Row lastRow = sheetData.Elements<Row>().LastOrDefault();

        if (lastRow != null)
        {
            sheetData.InsertAfter(new Row() { RowIndex = (lastRow.RowIndex + 1) }, lastRow);
        }
        else
        {
            sheetData.Insert(new Row() { RowIndex = 0 });
        }
    }

For OpenXML SDK 2.5 (Runtime) v4.0.30319 there is no Insert method, thus use InsertAt as follows:
            ...
        }
        else
        {
            sheetData.InsertAt(new Row() { RowIndex = 0 }, 0);
        }
    }


Andreas Ronge released a new version of the JRuby library for Neo4j. The Neo4j.rb 0.3.0 release focuses on event handling, list support and lots of other things. The really big news this time is the REST API support contributed by Martin Kleppmann.
For more information about this release read the full changelog. There's also documentation to read and you can find out what's going on at the project page.


SOLD Over Asking in the 1st weekend! MULTIPLE OFFERS!! Amazing opportunity! 5 Bedroom house rancher with basement in the Heights plus Stunning View of Mount Baker!
Original hardwood flooring throughout the main, renovated kitchen with s/s appliances, granite counters with breakfast bar, maple Cabintry, double sink plus separate entrance off kitchen. Bathroom updated plus a completely finished renovated family room down and separate bedroom great for guests.
BONUS Mortgage helper or in-law suite option with separate entrance.
Close to Canada Games Pool, shopping, transit, schools and parks.


In this short note we rebut the claims made by Andrew Worsley. The author claims that 'the equations for gravity can be adapted by defining the equations for the curvature of space�time in terms of geodesics. Using these equations, we translate this curvature back into equations for an advanced Newtonian force of gravity.'� when, in reality he simply generates an ansatz that is falsified by existent experiments, experiments that the author is unaware of.


text:
Guess Links With Darren Romanelli for L.A. Capsule
The collaboration includes Tahitian-inspired shirts to be released later this month.
By Kari Hamanaka Plus Icon
Kari Hamanaka
Los Angeles Correspondent
Recent Articles by Kari Hamanaka
Who Killed Kitson?
Instagram's Head of Partnerships Talks All Things Pop Culture, Los Angeles
Revolve Ups Ante in Online Search
September 18, 2017, 11:07am
Darren Romanelli wearing a shirt from his latest collaboration with Guess Courtesy Photo
Darren Romanelli's latest collaboration with Guess features an L.A. story with holiday vibes.
"I grew up in L.A. in the Eighties so Guess was a big part of my youth. I think there [were] a few years in the mid-Eighties where I would wear Guess every day with my Jordans," Romanelli said, adding the shirts' exclusive sell at Fred Segal also made sense for a similar reason given the retailer's Los Angeles roots.
Romanelli, who also goes by DRx or Dr. Romanelli, is the founder of Los Angeles marketing firm StreetVirus and Pancake Epidemic, a cultural exchange of sorts aimed at bringing together creatives to talk ideas in a private space.
A mutual friend made the introduction between the L.A. denim company and Romanelli and from there the designer poured through the Guess archives. A collaboration between the two released earlier this year focused on cactus prints sold exclusively at the Cactus Store pop-up in New York.
"They had a bunch of incredible desert moments from the early Eighties," Romanelli said by way of explaining the basis for the capsule.
Romanelli said he's also experimenting with doing a mash-up of around 10 different prints from the Guess archives for another shirt style.
The upcoming capsule includes three styles retailing for $100 and is to be sold exclusively at Pancake Epidemic's space in the new Fred Segal opening later this month in West Hollywood.
"It felt similar to how I approach Pancake Epidemic," Romanelli said of the thinking behind opening a space within the retailer. "It really creates a destination for people to break bread, exchange ideas."
The idea for Pancake Epidemic was born about five years ago following the birth of Romanelli's second daughter. Travel was the source of much of his inspiration to run the agency, but a growing family made it a bit more difficult to get out.
"You're only as creative as you are inspired," Romanelli said.
Pancake Epidemic's original outpost takes up space above the International House of Pancakes in Los Angeles' Miracle Mile district.
"It's a safe haven for creatives and brands to get together, have coffee," Romanelli said. "It's to keep, at least from my perspective, a space that inspires me every day and inspires a portion of this creative community in L.A. that's somewhat segregated."
Pancake Epidemic also counts four locations in South Korea, but Romanelli doesn't see any significant expansion of the concept's physical presence.
"We're a small operation so we can only take on so much and I feel like we really want to knock this out of the park at Fred Segal," he said.
For More Los Angeles News in WWD:
Nike Mounts Digital Offensive Rooted in Direct
AAPE Goes to Fairfax for First U.S. Flagship
A New Generation at the House of Bijan Eyes $1B Valuation
Guess Inc


mid-14c., "the science of religion, study of God and his relationship to humanity," from Old French theologie "philosophical study of Christian doctrine; Scripture" (14c.), from Latin theologia, from Greek theologia "an account of the gods," from theologos "one discoursing on the gods," from theos "god" (from PIE root *dhes-, forming words for religious concepts) + -logos "treating of" (see -logy). Meaning "a particular system of theology" is from 1660s.


text:
Defendants' rights
Judicial cooperation and rule of law
Access to asylum
Borders and information systems
Artificial intelligence and big data
Unlawful profiling
What are fundamental rights ?
Title I: Dignity
1 - Human dignity
2 - Right to life
3 - Right to integrity of the person
4 - Prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
5 - Slavery / Forced Labour
Title II: Freedoms
6 - Right to liberty and security
7 - Respect for private and family life
8 - Protection of personal data
9 - Right to marry and right to found a family
10 - Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
11 - Freedom of expression and information
12 - Freedom of assembly and of association
13 - Freedom of the arts and sciences
14 - Right to education
15 - Freedom to choose an occupation and right to engage in work
16 - Freedom to conduct a business
17 - Right to property
18 - Right to asylum
19 - Protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition
Title III: Equality
20 - Equality before the law
21 - Non-discrimination
22 - Cultural, religious and linguistic diversity
23 - Equality between women and men
24 - The rights of the child
25 - The rights of the elderly
26 - Integration of persons with disabilities
Title IV: Solidarity
27 - Workers' right to information and consultation within the undertaking
28 - Right of collective bargaining and action
29 - Right of access to placement services
30 - Protection in the event of unjustified dismissal
31 - Fair and just working conditions
33 - Family and professional life
34 - Social security and social assistance
35 - Health care
36 - Access to services of general economic interest
37 - Environmental protection
38 - Consumer protection
Title V: Citizens' rights
39 - Right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament
40 - Right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal elections
41 - Right to good administration
42 - Right of access to documents
43 - European Ombudsman
44 - Right to petition
45 - Freedom of movement and of residence
46 - Diplomatic and consular protection
Title VI: Justice
47 - Right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial
48 - Presumption of innocence and right of defence
49 - Principles of legality and proportionality of criminal offences and penalties
50 - Right not to be tried or punished twice in criminal proceedings for the same criminal offence
Title VII: General provisions
51 - Field of application
52 - Scope and interpretation
53 - Level of protection
54 - Abuse of rights
EU institutions and other bodies
Member States of the EU
Civil society and the Fundamental Rights Platform
NHRIs, Equality Bodies and Ombudsperson Institutions
UN, OSCE and other international organisations
FRANET
CJEU Case C-5/19 / Judgment
"Оvergas Mrezhi" AD and "Balgarska gazova asotsiatsia" v Komisia za energiyno i vodno regulirane (KEVR)
Policy area
Deciding body type
Deciding body
Court (Tenth Chamber)
ECLI (European case law identifier)
ECLI:EU:C:2020:343
Article 36 - Access to services of general economic interest
Article 38 - Consumer protection
VIEW FULL CASE
Key facts of the case:
Reference for a preliminary ruling — Common rules for the internal market in natural gas — Directive 2009/73/EC — Article 3(1) to (3) and Article 41(16) — Public service obligations — Natural gas storage obligations for the purposes of ensuring the security and regularity of supply — National legislation providing that the financial burden of the public service obligations imposed on the natural gas undertakings is to be passed on to their customers — Conditions — Adoption of a legal act by a national regulatory authority imposing a public service obligation — Procedure — Articles 36 and 38 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Outcome of the case:
On those grounds, the Court (Tenth Chamber) hereby rules:
Article 3(1) to (3) of Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC, read in the light of Articles 36 and 38 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, must be interpreted as not precluding legislation of a Member State which provides that the costs associated with the natural gas storage obligations imposed on natural gas undertakings in order to ensure the security and regularity of natural gas supply in that Member State are to be borne entirely by those undertakings' customers, who may be private individuals, provided that that legislation pursues an objective of general economic interest, that it complies with the requirements of the principle of proportionality and that the public service obligations which it lays down are clearly defined, transparent, non-discriminatory, verifiable and guarantee equality of access for EU gas undertakings to national consumers.
Directive 2009/73 must be interpreted as not precluding legislation of a Member State which releases the regulatory authority of that Member State, within the meaning of that directive, from the obligation to comply with certain provisions of national legislation governing the procedure for the adoption of normative legal acts where it adopts an act imposing a public service obligation within the meaning of Article 3(2) of the directive, provided that the otherwise applicable national legislation ensures that that legal act complies with the substantive requirements of that provision and is fully reasoned, published while preserving the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information and amenable to judicial review.
Paragraphs referring to EU Charter
1) This request for a preliminary ruling concerns the interpretation of Articles 36 and 38 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ('the Charter') and of Article 3 of Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC (OJ 2009 L 211, p. 94).
3) Article 36 of the Charter, under the heading 'Access to services of general economic interest', provides:
'The Union recognises and respects access to services of general economic interest as provided for in national laws and practices, in accordance with the Treaties, in order to promote the social and territorial cohesion of the Union.'
4) Under Article 38 of the Charter, under the heading 'Consumer Protection':
'Union policies shall ensure a high level of consumer protection.'
41) In those circumstances, the Varhoven administrativen sad (Supreme Administrative Court) decided to stay the proceedings and to refer the following questions to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling:
'(1) Is a national measure such as the one at issue in the main proceedings, provided for in Article 35 of the [Energy Law] and set out in more detail in Article 11 of [Ordinance No 2/2013], according to which the entire financial burden associated with the public service obligations imposed on the energy companies is to be borne by customers, permissible under Articles 36 and 38 of the [Charter] and under Article 3 of [Directive 2009/73], considering that:
(a) the economic burden associated with the public service obligations does not affect all energy companies;
(b) the costs of the public service obligations are borne mainly by final customers, who are unable to contest them, even though they obtain natural gas from end suppliers at freely determined prices;
(c) there is no differentiation of the financial burden arising from the performance of the public service obligations which is borne by different types of customers;
(d) there is no time limitation for the application of this measure;
(e) the calculation of the value of the public service obligations is made on the basis of the costs accounting method according to a forecast model?
(2) Is a national legal provision such as Section 5 of the Transitional and Final Provisions of the Law on Normative Legal Acts, which releases the [Regulatory Commission] from the obligations of Articles 26 to 28 of [that law] and in particular from the obligations that exist when preparing the draft of a sub-statutory normative legal act to observe the principles of necessity, justification, foreseeability, transparency, coherence, subsidiarity, proportionality and stability, to hold a public hearing with citizens and legal persons, to publish the draft in advance together with the reasoning and to set out reasoning, including with regard to compatibility with EU law, permissible under Article 3 of Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC, in consideration of recitals 44 and 47 to 49 thereof?'
46) In the present case, the first question bears a clear relation to the purpose of the case in the main proceedings, since, by that question, the referring court wishes to ascertain whether the national provisions the legality of which have been challenged before it are compatible with the obligations which Article 3 of Directive 2009/73, read in the light of Articles 36 and 38 of the Charter, imposes on the Member States in the natural gas sector, and it does not appear that the problem which it raises is hypothetical. In addition, that court has, for that purpose, set out sufficient factual and legal material in order for the Court to give a useful answer to that question. Furthermore, even if the referring court's exposition of the applicable national law is inaccurate, it does not follow that the question which it refers is inadmissible.
51) In those circumstances, the referring court's first question must be construed as asking, in essence, whether Article 3(1) to (3) of Directive 2009/73, read in the light of Articles 36 and 38 of the Charter, must be interpreted as precluding legislation of a Member State which provides that the costs associated with the natural gas storage obligations imposed on natural gas undertakings in order to ensure the security and regularity of natural gas supply in that Member State are to be borne entirely by those undertakings' customers, who may be private individuals.
58) The interpretation of the condition relating to the pursuit of a general economic interest must furthermore take account of Article 14 TFEU, of Protocol (No 26) on services of general interest, annexed to the EU Treaty, as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon, and to the FEU Treaty, which expressly recognises the essential role and the wide discretion of the authorities of the Member States in providing, commissioning and organising services of general economic interest, and of the Charter, in particular Article 36 of the Charter on access to services of general economic interest (see, to that effect, judgment of 7 September 2016, ANODE, C‑121/15, EU:C:2016:637, paragraphs 40 and 41).
85) Furthermore, since the referring court also harbours doubts as to the permissibility of the requirement to pass on the costs at issue in the main proceedings as regards Article 3(3) of Directive 2009/73, on the basis that the national legislation at issue in the main proceedings has the effect of passing on the costs of the storage obligations to final consumers of natural gas, who are in part private individuals, irrespective of whether they are vulnerable consumers, it should be noted that Article 3(3) of that directive provides, inter alia, that Member States are to take appropriate measures to protect final customers and ensure that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers and ensure high levels of consumer protection, the latter of which is also referred to in Article 38 of the Charter.
88) In the light of all of the foregoing considerations, the answer to the first question referred is that Article 3(1) to (3) of Directive 2009/73, read in the light of Articles 36 and 38 of the Charter, must be interpreted as not precluding legislation of a Member State which provides that the costs associated with the natural gas storage obligations imposed on natural gas undertakings in order to ensure the security and regularity of natural gas supply in that Member State are to be borne entirely by those undertakings' customers, who may be private individuals, provided that that legislation pursues an objective of general economic interest, that it complies with the requirements of the principle of proportionality and that the public service obligations which it lays down are clearly defined, transparent, non-discriminatory, verifiable and guarantee equality of access for EU gas undertakings to national consumers.
101) Since these proceedings are, for the parties to the main proceedings, a step in the action pending before the national court, the decision on costs is a matter for that court. Costs incurred in submitting observations to the Court, other than the costs of those parties, are not recoverable.
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Are you ready for some deep discounts on all your favorite RV and tailgating products?
Then get ready for Amazon Prime Day 2019! It's like Black Friday in July!
Prime Day is a one (plus) day shopping event by everyone's online favorite retailer – Amazon.
A lot of people will put off summer shopping until Prime Day, just to catch all the bargains.
The cool thing is that other large retailers also try to get in on the craze by offering their own competing sales and deals. So it's a big win-win for shoppers like you and me.
Amazon Prime Day 2018 lasted for 36 hours. During that period, a lot of products (although not all) will be discounted, some with deep discounts. However, not all the products are discounted for the entirety of Prime Day. Some are limited deals, available only certain hours.
And many of the deals are limited on the number of items that they will sell. They may only offer 1,000 or 10,000 or some other limited quantity at the discounted price. So if you see a deal you like, you better jump on quick! There's no waiting once you find a good deal.
As we wait for Amazon Prime Day 2019, browse through Amazon's Gold Box Daily Deals. It's like Prime Day everyday!
To get ready for Prime Day, you'll need to be a member of Amazon Prime.
The biggest benefit of Amazon Prime is definitely the two day free shipping on over 100 million items. In many cities, you can get free same day or next day shipping on many items (not everything but whatever they stock in their local warehouses are going to be eligible).
The good news is that you get a 30 day free trial using this link.
Sign up for Amazon Prime Now!
Amazon Prime is more than just the free shipping though.
Amazon Lockers If you are traveling, you can have products delivered to a nearby Amazon Locker. I've used the Amazon Locker at Georgia Tech during tailgating season. Just pay attention to the delivery dates so you'll be there to pick up your orders. The Amazon Locker at GT (and many others places) is great for returning items too.
Amazon Delivery Day Another great feature for travelers. Schedule it so that all your packages will arrive on the same day. So as you order things, like say that busted sewer pipe one day and then the new spice rack another day, you can schedule the packages to arrive all on the day you get back from your trip. No packages sitting outside your house highlighting the fact that you aren't home.
Amazon Video Being out on the road, it's nice to have some entertainment options. Even when you are far from over-the-air digital television reception. When you are in town, download some movie and tv show options, including Amazon Prime Originals. Then when you are on the road or out in the boonies, you can still be entertained.
Thursday Night Football You can stream Thursday night NFL games as part of your Prime membership. That's worth the cost of admission, alone. Right?
Whole Foods If you are planning an epic tailgate, you need epic quality food. So you can go to Whole Foods. Prime members, using the Amazon app on their phone, get special discounts and deals in-store.
At the 2019 Atlanta NASCAR race, we did a low country boil with an oyster roast too. The savings on the oysters from Whole Foods alone paid for more than one third of this year's Prime membership.
Amazon Photos If you are anything like me, you take a lot of photos during your RV travels and your tailgates on your smartphone. Prime members get access to Amazon Photos, which lets you backup unlimited full resolution photos and 5 GB of video included in their membership. You can then share the photos with anyone. This gives you an automatic backup of your phone and lets you free up space to take more photos.
Want to know a (not so) secret?
Get the Amazon app on your smartphone.
Amazon will notify you when your wish list items go on sale!
And on Prime Day, you'll have special early access to certain deals through the app.
But wait until you sign up for Prime to download the app! Amazon will often send you an email with a discount code to save you an extra $5-20 to download, install, and order from the app! Who can say no to free money, right?
Another ongoing benefit of the Amazon app – the app will notify you when packages are delivered. Often even sending you photos of where they left the box. That's kind of cool, so you know when your Wheel Witness Dash Cam arrives!
If you are an avid Amazon shopper like me, then you might benefit from the Amazon Store Card.
The Amazon Store Card has no annual fee and 5% cash back on your Amazon purchases if you are a member of Amazon Prime.
The Amazon Store Card also has quite a few special sign on bonuses throughout the year. In March 2019, they are offering $40 in Amazon gift card credit after approval of your application.
And on Prime Day, you can get even more back! They'll up the cash back reward, to say 20%, on Prime Day. That's an extra savings!
But you'll need the Amazon Store Card setup before Prime Day, so apply now!
In 2018, Amazon sold over 300,000 of the 6 quart Instant Pots and 150,000 Lifestraws. You can bet either you or someone you know purchased one or both of those items since they are both so popular with the RV crowd.
Also popular were giant discounts on fitness trackers and smart watches, Samsung's Galaxy Note 8, and smart home devices.
As we get closer to Amazon Prime Day 2019, Amazon and manufacturers will start leaking some of the best deals.
I'll be on the lookout for the best deals for RVers and I'll post them here. So definitely bookmark this page and come back to check.


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Laura Sharman 05 December 2016
Thousands of council jobs at risk in Scotland
Scottish councils have been forced to cut 7,000 jobs in the past year due to £350m funding cuts, council chiefs have warned.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) also said that further cuts to local government funding next week will have 'severe' consequences for jobs across Scotland.
COSLA president, Cllr David O'Neill, said: 'There were 7,000 job losses arising from the £350m cut to Scottish councils last year. A further reduction in budget of similar proportions, on an already reduced base, will have even more severe consequences for job losses in councils and have a wider knock on effect for jobs within communities.
'We need to remember that services are delivered by these people – no people, no services to communities.
'The Scottish Government needs to remember that in many areas the council is the largest employer and therefore a cut in council jobs has a devastating knock on effect for people and local economies.'
Cllr O'Neill added that further funding cuts would force councils to 'disproportionately' reduce non-statutory services such as economic development.
Leader of Fife Council, cllr David Rose, said that if councils saw their budgets cut at a similar level to last year, it would result in 300 job losses at his council alone.
'David O'Neill is right, the Scottish Government has to be made aware of the wider ramifications of yet another substantial cut in funding for local government – a cut to local government is a cut to jobs and economic development,' he said.
#Job cuts #Economic growth
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Social media Q&A site Ask.fm wants to create a safe haven for today's youth, so the company launched Safety Center designed to provide information and to safely navigate services. The launch coincides with Safer Internet Day 2015, a global event held Feb. 10, dedicated to making the Internet safer.
Along with Ask.fm, the day is made possible with support from Facebook, Google, LifeLock, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Symantec, Trend Micro, Twitter and Yahoo.
Ask.fm, an Ask.com subsidiary, focuses on tips to protect kids as well as dealing with cyberbullies. Meanwhile, 52% of young people report being cyberbullied, and 25% of teenagers report that they have experienced repeated bullying via their cell phone or on the Internet, per NoBullying.com. The site also cites that among the young people who report cyberbullying incidents against them, 33% reported that their bullies issued online threats.
Catherine Teitelbaum, head of safety and trust at Ask.fm, wants to offer easy-to-read actionable information and research-based perspective on the complex issues teens face today, mainly how to protect themselves against cyberbullies, and how to remain safe online.
The Ask.fm Safety Center features research on product safety tools like how to turn off anonymous questions, blocking and reporting other users, and how to control public profiles. The Safety Center will also include a Safety Blog featuring insight from Ask.fm executives.
Facebook's Silicon Valley campus will host Safer Internet Day, coordinated by ConnectSafely, which provides resources aimed at helping Internet users make safer choices online. The event will feature Ask.fm digital safety leadership along with youth leaders, educators, policy makers, parents and peers from world-renowned technology brands to focus on strategies for creating a better, more positive Internet.
The group will live stream the event starting at 1:15 P.M. Pacific time.
1 comment about "Ask.fm, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo Participate In Safer Internet Day".
Taylor Enriquez from Arizona State University, February 9, 2015 at 11:01 p.m.
I love this article. I think this is an amazing idea that is way over due. I think that more internet cites should participate in internet safety day. I believe that this is a very efficient way to raise awareness and promote cyber safety. I feel that after this years event, this promotion will only grow for next year, and hopefully years after that. I like that you included the information on cyber bulling. I wish this was more advertised, because if it weren't for this article I would have never know this was going on. I will definitely be tuning into the live stream tomorrow.


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October-November 2019 | Articles
Unboxing a little happiness
For 25 years, the Rotary Shoebox Scheme has been putting smiles on the faces of children in Eastern Europe with gifts which can really make a difference.
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By Dave King
Published Date: October 1, 2019
Why should a child go hungry?
October-November 2019
Articles Features Regulars View All
Iasi is a university city in eastern Romania, close to the border with Moldova but which, even today, has huge pockets of poverty.
According to a World Bank report, more than 124 million people in the European Union – almost 25% of EU citizens – are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. And Romania ranks second in EU's poverty table, affecting 41.7% of the population.
That's the story today. The picture was even bleaker 25 years ago when Rotary clubs in north-west England began providing the children of Iasi with Christmas gifts.
That project has gradually snowballed into the Rotary Shoebox Scheme, a national project which is not only supported by Rotary clubs, but also by Rotaract, Interact, Inner Wheel, as well as schools, churches, companies and individuals.
Young boy with his gift from Rotary – a shoebox filled with presents.
Clive Gardiner, from Bolton Daybreak Rotary, explained that each year they dispatch 50,000 shoeboxes or gifts, not only to Romania, but to many different countries in central and eastern Europe – Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine and Albania.
And now, it's no longer children who are the recipients. He explained: "We have delivered to children and teenagers in orphanages, hospitals and also to street kids.
"We also deliver to adults who are in tuberculosis and Aids hospitals, as well as to disadvantaged families, women's refuges and to older folk in hostels who have no supporting families."
Rotary has no religious or political affiliations, and no leaflets are added to the boxes. This solves many problems with multi-cultural classrooms. We also operate all year, not just at Christmas."
The shoeboxes, containing a variety of gifts, are sent year-round. "Toys are especially useful all year round for birthday presents in the orphanages, homes and hospitals," added Clive.
The Rotary Shoebox Scheme focuses on four key areas; toys for boys and girls, teenagers up to the age of 18, household goods for older folk and families, and babies aged up to 12 months.
Flat pack boxes can be purchased through the website and delivered to the door. When the boxes have been filled, the Rotary Shoebox Scheme arranges to collect them before sending on to Eastern Europe. They ask for a £2 donation per box to cover transportation costs.
The items they found in the boxes were really useful and at the same time were occasions for joy, for excitement and happiness."
"We find the scheme is especially popular with schools, as the boxes are cheaper than competitors," added Clive.
The boxes reach their destination overland by lorry. The Rotary Shoebox Scheme uses the services of the International Aid Trust, a Christian charity which has a long association with Rotary in north-west England, and helps with both transportation and warehouse storage.
Volunteers gather whilst loading the shoeboxes to be shipped.
Distribution of the shoeboxes is based solely on humanitarian need and always made through known contacts.
There is also a close link with Hope and Homes for Children (HHC).
In a recent report, the charity noted: "The generous donation of shoeboxes allowed us to bring happiness to 1,199 children included in the HHC Romania programmes and to their families.
"The families were also happy and appreciated the gifts, as they were sometimes the only occasions when the children received toys or school supplies.
"As one of the adults in a family included in the prevention programme put it: 'It is so much fun and happiness in the house now, I wish I can have shoeboxes every day for my children. It is not the items themselves, it is the novelty, the surprise, the gift! Unfortunately, I cannot make such gifts, but you did it and thank you for that.'"
The Christian children's charity, Spurgeons, is another partner. The Rotary Shoebox Scheme has worked with it delivering to projects in western Romania, along with the International Aid Trust, which has children's homes in the Ukraine.
The boxes sent to Belarus are distributed by Chernobyl Aid UK to a variety of projects helping disadvantaged, and often young, people. And the Rotary Club of Iași 2000 is also a regular distributor to orphanages and children's homes in the area.
Clive admitted that the poorest countries they sent deliveries to were the Ukraine and Moldova, with poverty in both urban and rural areas. "We would like to send more boxes there," he said.
There is undoubtedly, still a strong need in urban and rural areas of Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. We would wish to extend our support, and reach areas not at present supplied by us, but to do that we need more boxes filled each year."
Clive continued: "In Moldova, our hard-working partners at Chisinau Rotary Club go through the complex procedures for customs clearance for the Rotary shoeboxes.
"The members then drive the length and breadth of the country delivering to people in greatest need.
"The Rotarians keep immaculate records and also involve their colleagues in the other three clubs in the country.
"A fifth club was chartered in June so they may become involved too.
"Romania has made significant progress in the time we have been delivering there, but rural poverty is still in great evidence.
"Our Rotary colleagues there, plus other trusted partners, make deliveries to families, kindergartens, schools, and charities providing accommodation and safety to children or adults.
"Two of those partners are using strategies which are succeeding in integrating the Roma communities with mainstream society. The key lies in educating Roma children.
For more information. visit the Rotary Shoebox Scheme website.
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Game #26 – Leafs @ Canucks: 7pm (EST)
2021-03-06 2021-03-06 by Jeff Williams
Home » Featured Post » Game #26 – Leafs @ Canucks: 7pm (EST)
It's been a bit of a roller coaster over the past week for the Leafs. After dominating the Edmonton Oiler by scores of 4-0, 3-0 and 6-1, they dropped a 3-1 decision to the Vancouver Canucks in what might be the very last area of concern for the team. That is, they don't often manage a good showing on the second half of a back-to-back when facing a rested team.
I think I'll offer a pass on that. It's not exactly a great way to go into a game and, because it isn't something that happens in the playoffs, it has little to do with the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
They get to show up to tonight's game rested and ready to go, so a different result will be expected.
There are no updates on the lineup at this time, however, I expect we could see the return of Travis Boyd and Frederik Andersen.
**UPDATE**
Keefe: Boyd in for Petan. Andersen starts in goal.
— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) March 6, 2021
In the meantime I'd like to take a moment to share my condolences to the Gretzky family. I wasn't lucky enough to meet Walter Gretzky, but those that were unanimously came away with praise.
RIP Mr. Gretzky.
"He has a heart of gold" 💛
Wayne Gretzky fondly remembers his dear old dad with a couple of funny stories, the utmost admiration and of course, a few tears ♥
Watch his full tribute: https://t.co/2CesN78ScX pic.twitter.com/OSFXKYN0D0
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) March 6, 2021
Game #25 – Leafs @ Canucks: 11am (UST)
Grading The Leafs at the Halfway Mark (almost)