text:
A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children
Hannah L Brooke, Kirsten Corder, Andrew J Atkin, Esther M F van Sluijs
Norwich Epidemiology Centre
Background: Targeting specific time periods of the day or week may enhance physical activity (PA) interventions in youth. The most prudent time segments to target are currently unclear.
Objectives: To systematically review the literature describing differences in young people's objectively measured PA on weekdays vs. weekends, in school vs. out of school, weekends vs. out of school and lesson time vs. break time.
Methods: Electronic databases were searched for English-language, cross-sectional studies of school-aged children (4–18 years) reporting time-segment-specific accelerometer-measured PA from 01/1990 to 01/2013. We meta-analysed standardised mean differences (SMD) between time segments for mean accelerometer counts per minute (TPA) and minutes in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). SMD is reported in units of standard deviation; 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 represent small, moderate and large effects. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression (potential effect modifiers: age, sex and study setting).
Results: Of the 54 included studies, 37 were eligible for meta-analyses. Children were more active on weekdays than weekends [pooled SMD (95 % CI) TPA 0.14 (0.08; 0.20), MVPA 0.42 (0.35; 0.49)]. On school days, TPA was lower in school than out of school; however, marginally more MVPA was accumulated in school [TPA −0.24 (−0.40; −0.08), MVPA 0.17 (−0.03; 0.38)]. TPA was slightly lower on weekends than out of school on school days, but a greater absolute volume of MVPA was performed on weekends [TPA −0.10 (−0.19; −0.01), MVPA 1.02 (0.82; 1.23)]. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 73.3–96.3 %), with 20.3–53.1 % of variance between studies attributable to potential moderating factors.
Conclusions: School-aged children are more active on weekdays than weekend days. The outcome measure influences the conclusions for other comparisons. Findings support the tailoring of intervention strategies to specific time periods.
10.1007/s40279-014-0215-5Licence: CC BY
Published manuscript
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited.
Final published version, 767 KBLicence: CC BY
Brooke, H. L., Corder, K., Atkin, A. J., & van Sluijs, E. M. F. (2014). A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children. Sports Medicine, 44(10), 1427-1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0215-5
Brooke, Hannah L ; Corder, Kirsten ; Atkin, Andrew J ; van Sluijs, Esther M F. / A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children. In: Sports Medicine. 2014 ; Vol. 44, No. 10. pp. 1427-1438.
@article{db2ac68d4a7b4068929d7c34bcda1f30,
title = "A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children",
abstract = "Background: Targeting specific time periods of the day or week may enhance physical activity (PA) interventions in youth. The most prudent time segments to target are currently unclear. Objectives: To systematically review the literature describing differences in young people{\textquoteright}s objectively measured PA on weekdays vs. weekends, in school vs. out of school, weekends vs. out of school and lesson time vs. break time. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for English-language, cross-sectional studies of school-aged children (4–18 years) reporting time-segment-specific accelerometer-measured PA from 01/1990 to 01/2013. We meta-analysed standardised mean differences (SMD) between time segments for mean accelerometer counts per minute (TPA) and minutes in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). SMD is reported in units of standard deviation; 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 represent small, moderate and large effects. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression (potential effect modifiers: age, sex and study setting). Results: Of the 54 included studies, 37 were eligible for meta-analyses. Children were more active on weekdays than weekends [pooled SMD (95 % CI) TPA 0.14 (0.08; 0.20), MVPA 0.42 (0.35; 0.49)]. On school days, TPA was lower in school than out of school; however, marginally more MVPA was accumulated in school [TPA −0.24 (−0.40; −0.08), MVPA 0.17 (−0.03; 0.38)]. TPA was slightly lower on weekends than out of school on school days, but a greater absolute volume of MVPA was performed on weekends [TPA −0.10 (−0.19; −0.01), MVPA 1.02 (0.82; 1.23)]. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 73.3–96.3 %), with 20.3–53.1 % of variance between studies attributable to potential moderating factors. Conclusions: School-aged children are more active on weekdays than weekend days. The outcome measure influences the conclusions for other comparisons. Findings support the tailoring of intervention strategies to specific time periods.",
author = "Brooke, {Hannah L} and Kirsten Corder and Atkin, {Andrew J} and {van Sluijs}, {Esther M F}",
journal = "Sports Medicine",
Brooke, HL, Corder, K, Atkin, AJ & van Sluijs, EMF 2014, 'A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children', Sports Medicine, vol. 44, no. 10, pp. 1427-1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0215-5
A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children. / Brooke, Hannah L; Corder, Kirsten; Atkin, Andrew J; van Sluijs, Esther M F.
In: Sports Medicine, Vol. 44, No. 10, 10.2014, p. 1427-1438.
T1 - A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children
AU - Brooke, Hannah L
AU - Corder, Kirsten
AU - Atkin, Andrew J
AU - van Sluijs, Esther M F
N2 - Background: Targeting specific time periods of the day or week may enhance physical activity (PA) interventions in youth. The most prudent time segments to target are currently unclear. Objectives: To systematically review the literature describing differences in young people's objectively measured PA on weekdays vs. weekends, in school vs. out of school, weekends vs. out of school and lesson time vs. break time. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for English-language, cross-sectional studies of school-aged children (4–18 years) reporting time-segment-specific accelerometer-measured PA from 01/1990 to 01/2013. We meta-analysed standardised mean differences (SMD) between time segments for mean accelerometer counts per minute (TPA) and minutes in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). SMD is reported in units of standard deviation; 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 represent small, moderate and large effects. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression (potential effect modifiers: age, sex and study setting). Results: Of the 54 included studies, 37 were eligible for meta-analyses. Children were more active on weekdays than weekends [pooled SMD (95 % CI) TPA 0.14 (0.08; 0.20), MVPA 0.42 (0.35; 0.49)]. On school days, TPA was lower in school than out of school; however, marginally more MVPA was accumulated in school [TPA −0.24 (−0.40; −0.08), MVPA 0.17 (−0.03; 0.38)]. TPA was slightly lower on weekends than out of school on school days, but a greater absolute volume of MVPA was performed on weekends [TPA −0.10 (−0.19; −0.01), MVPA 1.02 (0.82; 1.23)]. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 73.3–96.3 %), with 20.3–53.1 % of variance between studies attributable to potential moderating factors. Conclusions: School-aged children are more active on weekdays than weekend days. The outcome measure influences the conclusions for other comparisons. Findings support the tailoring of intervention strategies to specific time periods.
AB - Background: Targeting specific time periods of the day or week may enhance physical activity (PA) interventions in youth. The most prudent time segments to target are currently unclear. Objectives: To systematically review the literature describing differences in young people's objectively measured PA on weekdays vs. weekends, in school vs. out of school, weekends vs. out of school and lesson time vs. break time. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for English-language, cross-sectional studies of school-aged children (4–18 years) reporting time-segment-specific accelerometer-measured PA from 01/1990 to 01/2013. We meta-analysed standardised mean differences (SMD) between time segments for mean accelerometer counts per minute (TPA) and minutes in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). SMD is reported in units of standard deviation; 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 represent small, moderate and large effects. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression (potential effect modifiers: age, sex and study setting). Results: Of the 54 included studies, 37 were eligible for meta-analyses. Children were more active on weekdays than weekends [pooled SMD (95 % CI) TPA 0.14 (0.08; 0.20), MVPA 0.42 (0.35; 0.49)]. On school days, TPA was lower in school than out of school; however, marginally more MVPA was accumulated in school [TPA −0.24 (−0.40; −0.08), MVPA 0.17 (−0.03; 0.38)]. TPA was slightly lower on weekends than out of school on school days, but a greater absolute volume of MVPA was performed on weekends [TPA −0.10 (−0.19; −0.01), MVPA 1.02 (0.82; 1.23)]. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 73.3–96.3 %), with 20.3–53.1 % of variance between studies attributable to potential moderating factors. Conclusions: School-aged children are more active on weekdays than weekend days. The outcome measure influences the conclusions for other comparisons. Findings support the tailoring of intervention strategies to specific time periods.
JO - Sports Medicine
JF - Sports Medicine
Brooke HL, Corder K, Atkin AJ, van Sluijs EMF. A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analyses of Within- and Between-Day Differences in Objectively Measured Physical Activity in School-Aged Children. Sports Medicine. 2014 Oct;44(10):1427-1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0215-5


text:
4:20 PM / August 2, 2016
Track of the Day: 'Desperado' by The Langley Schools Music Project
Reader Mike Kludt recommends a sweet and pathos-tinged rendition of a classic Eagles song:
This came to my attention years ago. It's from The Langley Schools Music Project, a compilation of 1976-77 recordings by a Canadian music teacher of elementary school kids singing contemporary pop songs. (Yes, you read that right. Look it up. It's a cute story ['Tis].)
It's a solo rendition by a young girl of "Desperado." She does a very nice job, but to me the key is to imagine that she's singing about her dad. This gives it an emotional edge that is almost startling to someone like me who remembers when the original came out and who frankly didn't give it much thought.
(Submit a cover via hello@. Track of the Day archive here. Pre-Notes archive here.)
Track of the Day: 'Just Like a Woman' by Richie Havens
Reader Barry Eisenberg recommends an artist known for his covers:
The one that comes to mind is Richie Havens' cover of "Just Like A Woman," and this live performance at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Celebration star tribute is as good as it comes.
Reason? Really? The feeling of it conveyed by his phrasing, the drama, the power of his simple rhythm work on the guitar, just a broken hearted, woebegone, it's over, it's over. And "I can't fit. I believe it's time for us to quit, and when we meet again, introduced as friends, PLEASE don't let on that you knew me when I was hungry and it was your world."
A more transformative version is embedded above, featuring Havens segueing from Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey" into the Dylan cover.
4:20 PM / July 19, 2016
Track of the Day: 'One Toke Over the Line' by Gail Farrell and Dick Dale
Reader Mike Kludt really lives up to the daily 4:20 p.m. timestamp for our Track of the Day feature:
I'm not sure I'd call these transformative, but they are eye-and-ear-catching. A friendly discussion of Bob Dylan led me to this: Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs playing a bluegrass version of Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 and 35." The sound is so completely different from Dylan's, yet you can see a similar mischievousness in their faces as they play. Hearing two veteran bluegrass performers sing "everybody must get stoned" is priceless.
While channel surfing recently, I happened upon that fount of surreal covers, The Lawrence Welk Show. There on my television were Gail Farrell and Dick Dale singing "One Toke Over The Line" [seen above]. At first I couldn't believe this snuck by Lawrence; perhaps the references to Jesus and Mary gave it cover as a spiritual. But I realized that despite the overt mention of marijuana use, it isn't really a pro-drug song; the main character is in pretty rough shape. (Seeing Myron Floren choke on the introduction is good for a chuckle, too.)
Track of the Day: 'Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime' by Beck
Caroline from Los Angeles—"a long-time reader, first-time poster"—writes:
Most people, like me, probably experienced Beck's "Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime" for the first time in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry's haunting sci-fi fable about the desperate things we do to pretend that awful things didn't happen. This fan video of the song is showing its age, but it's maybe kinda cool and appropriate that it's faded and blurry with time.
Beck did an unplugged version for some telethon or something, and it's powerful that way, too.
What surprised me was that Beck's version is a cover. The song started out as a 1983 synth-pop reverb-fest by an outfit called The Korgis. (Trivia note: James Warren said he wrote it in 10 to 15 minutes—it just came to him—and yet he we are.)
The Beck version was also used in the Omega episode of the short-lived Fox TV series Dollhouse, scoring the moment when Echo started to reclaim her identity. But Eternal Sunshine will probably be how most of us remember it, to the extent that it lasts in our imperfect memories.
Track of the Day: 'Cortez the Killer' by The Church
Sarah G. is a big fan of the cover series:
I've been following it intermittently for a while now, especially when I need a break from political coverage. It first caught my eye when you featured Richard Thompson, [who also sang] "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." I had just shared that video, again, on Facebook, and friends were certain that I had suggested it. But I digress.
Covers of songs—sometimes they are great, sometimes they are terrible. Pearl Jam has covered so many songs that I could spend all day just talking about and listening to their covers. Scrolling through the archive, I thought first of Jeff Buckley, which of course led me to think about I'm Your Fan, a compilation of Leonard Cohen covers by various artists. [CB: There's another compilation of Cohen covers, I'm Your Man, which I bought after seeing the 2005 documentary of the same name, and two of its best covers are Rufus Wainwright's "Chelsea Hotel #2" and Antony Hegarty's "If It Be Your Will."]
But I think I'll take this opportunity to show some love to The Church's album of covers from 1999, A Box of Birds. They cover the Monkees, the Beatles, Ultravox, and Neil Young, among others. I enjoyed the eclectic song selection and the hints at the band's sense of humor and fun. Some of the tracks are faithful to the originals, others are uniquely The Church. Here's their cover of Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer" in all of its trippy glory.
Track of the Day: 'Ho Hey' by Maddie and Daphne
A reader, Richard, lets the cynicism melt away:
I am the type of person that doesn't think TV soap operas are cool. I certainly disapprove of "kiddy country" acts. I also like to think that I don't go for over-produced, artfully designed to tug-at-your-heartstrings music or video.
But I love this video of two young girls singing a Lumineers song on an extremely soapy network TV show, Nashville. So sue me.
Track of the Day: 'Say My Name' by Ólafur Arnalds, Arnor Dan, and Douglas Dare
Amy Jones, the reader who sent the creepy cover of Blondie's "One Way or Another," serves up another great one:
After his 2013 album For Now I Am Winter, Bafta award-winning artist Ólafur Arnalds collaborated with vocalist Arnor Dan, with whom he also performed on the Broadchurch soundtrack. Most of Arnalds' music is classified as "neo-classical," and though Destiny's Child may seem a strange choice for such an artist, his cover of "Say My Name" emphasizes the desperation in the lyrics with slow, lush strings and somber acoustic piano.
Track of the Day: 'Don't Fear the Reaper' by Apollo 440
A reader in London, David Durant, takes out the cowbell but adds a lot more:
Without doubt, my favourite totally transformed cover song is Apollo 440's version of the classic Blue Oyster Cult 1976 hit "Don't Fear the Reaper." (The Bangles cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Hazy Shade of Winter" is also awesome, but Apollo 440 takes the crown here.) I love the way the timeless smoothness of Blue Oyster Cult's lyrics remains in place but is enhanced by the high energy of a rhythm section. This is what I want played at my funeral.
(Submit your own via hello@. Track of the Day archive here. Pre-Notes archive here.)
Track of the Day: 'One Way or Another' by Until the Ribbon Breaks
A reader in Mississippi, Amy Jones, recommends a cover that really brings out the creepiness of the lyrics:
An episode of the American drama series Stalker highlighted the cover of Blondie's hit in its fifth episode, though I first stumbled upon it via Spotify. I try not to look at my phone while driving, but I had to glance down to check if this was a cover of that old song I had never thought much about but dismissed as silly.
The band, Until the Ribbon Breaks, describes their style as one that "blends genres like electronic, pop, rock, and hip-hop … with a sharp alternative edge." Their cover of "One Way or Another" certainly fits that description, with soft beats underlying harmonies with just enough dissonance to be beautiful but interesting. My favorite covers are those that recast the lyrics in such a different light that the listener considers them in a new way, and this British band succeeds as their vocalist croons the old playful words with haunting conviction.
Debbie Harry was inspired to write the original song after her experience with a stalker. She told Entertainment Weekly:
I was actually stalked by a nutjob, so it came out of a not-so-friendly personal event. I tried to inject a little levity into it to make it more lighthearted. It was a survival mechanism.
Track of the Day: 'Let It Be' by Gladys Knight and the Pips
A reader in Pittsburgh, Josh, has a moving tribute to his friend:
I've been following your cover series and would like to contribute a favorite. In March, I lost my best friend Chris—far, far too young at only 36. In suburban Pittsburgh in the '90s, we were an unlikely pair. He was black, I was white, and about as physically and socially different as could be. In 10th grade, Chris joined the marching band, and playing together in the trumpet section, we became inseparable.
In band, you played a wide variety of genres and were exposed to many influences. Chris and I cultivated eclectic musical tastes, and in the pre-Napster/iTunes/Spotify days, when people defined identity by the contents of their CD binder, we could exchange any band or genre without shame. He blew my mind with a Prince record; I floored him with the White Album. It united us, and as we passed through the momentary catastrophes and tender triumphs of adolescence, we always had a soundtrack.
So my selection for this cover series is "Let It Be" by Gladys Knight and the Pips:
McCartney's sparse hymn is transformed by Gladys' soaring gospel performance and the call and response into an urgent demand. It almost seems as if the Pips' plaintive echoes are restraining her from ascending to another plane of existence.
The Beatles began by playing Motown songs, and after their explosion, Motown artists covered them frequently. This cover of "Let It Be" has been solace in my personal grief, but also as an echo of the troubled times in which it was written and recorded, and a tonic to the current unrest in our civic society. I know Chris loved this song, and I know he would agree.
4:20 PM / July 9, 2016
Track of the Day: 'The Weight' by Aretha Franklin
From reader Conor Murphy:
I nominate Aretha Franklin's cover of "The Weight" by The Band. Taking a song as moody and solemn as that and singing it the way she does transforms it in startling ways. Switching to a soul arrangement and foregoing the piano for horns creates an entirely new dynamic within the song, while the pure power and depth of her voice is almost overwhelming.
By the way, if you want to continue the Beatles covers, you could also use Franklin's "Eleanor Rigby," which is similarly incredible.
Track of the Day: 'We Can Work It Out' by Stevie Wonder
Reader John Maschoff ends a despairing week of national news on an optimistic note:
This version of "We Can Work It Out" so wonderfully injects the groovy funk and soul that Stevie Wonder has been creating for decades. It's a must-include on this list.
He follows up:
If you're looking for an extra lift for the weekend, might I impose and suggest an extra Stevie gem from the same album. So, so good.
Alex Brandon / AP
Peter Nicholas
With his attacks on Democratic women of color and his threats to undocumented immigrants, President Trump has only one small audience in mind.
A day after President Donald Trump tweeted that four women of color in Congress should go back to the countries "from which they came," a reporter asked him today if he's troubled at all that his comments have been called racist, and that white nationalists have found "common cause" with him "on that point."
"It doesn't concern me," the president replied, "because many people agree with me."
It's easy to read Trump's tweets or watch his public appearances and see someone who's filled with grievance and lashing out mindlessly in all directions. But Trump's actions over the past five days fit within the strategy he has mapped out for capturing a second term: mobilizing his conservative base by any means necessary, using the tools and trappings available only to a sitting president. And perhaps no comment from Trump sums up his approach quite so well as his justification that "many people" share his views. Who are these people? Trump doesn't say. But it seems clear he believes it's the people who voted him into office.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
/**
 * AsciiFilterTest.java
 *
 * @author thomasginter
 */
package gov.va.vinci.leo.tools;

/*
 * #%L
 * Leo
 * %%
 * Copyright (C) 2010 - 2014 Department of Veterans Affairs
 * %%
 * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
 * You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *      http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
 * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
 * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
 * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 * limitations under the License.
 * #L%
 */

import org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils;
import org.apache.commons.lang3.StringUtils;
import org.apache.commons.lang3.exception.ExceptionUtils;
import org.apache.log4j.Logger;
import org.junit.Before;
import org.junit.Test;

import java.io.File;
import java.io.FileInputStream;
import java.io.IOException;

import static org.junit.Assert.*;

/**
 *
 * @author Thomas Ginter
 */
public class AsciiFilterTest {

	public String TEST_FILE = "";
	public static String TEST_STRING = "bad";

	private static final Logger LOG = Logger.getLogger(LeoUtils.getRuntimeClass().toString());

    String rootDirectory = "";

	@Before
	public void setTestString() throws IOException {
        String path = new File(".").getCanonicalPath();
        if (!path.endsWith("core")) {
            rootDirectory = "core/";
        }
        TEST_FILE = rootDirectory + "src/test/resources/filterTest/utf8.txt";

        try {
			TEST_STRING = FileUtils.readFileToString(new File(rootDirectory + "src/test/resources/results/utf8toascii.txt"));
		} catch (Exception e) {
			TEST_STRING = "bad";
			LOG.warn("Unable to slurp up the utf8toascii.txt file for Conversion results:\n"
							+ ExceptionUtils.getStackTrace(e));
		}
		LOG.info("TEST_STRING: " + TEST_STRING);

	}//setTestString

	@Test
	public void testUnicodeStringInput() throws Exception {
		String text = FileUtils.readFileToString(new File(TEST_FILE), "UTF-8");
		assertTrue(StringUtils.isNotBlank(text));
		AsciiFilter af = new AsciiFilter();
		String filtered = af.filter(text);
		LOG.info("filtered: " + filtered);
		assertTrue(TEST_STRING.equals(filtered));
	}//testUnicodeStringInput method

	@Test
	public void testUnicodeReaderInput() throws Exception {
		FileInputStream fis = null;
		try {
			fis = new FileInputStream(TEST_FILE);
			assertNotNull(fis);
			AsciiFilter af = new AsciiFilter();
			String filtered = af.filter(fis);
			assertTrue(TEST_STRING.equals(filtered));
		} catch (Exception e) {
			fail("Exception thrown testing unicode filter, reader input:\n"
					+ ExceptionUtils.getStackTrace(e));
		} finally {
			if(fis != null)
				fis.close();
		}//finally
	}//testUnicodeReaderInput method

}//AsciiFilterTest class

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Skeppsklocka är en klocka med kläpp som används på båtar och fartyg. Skeppsklockan har från 1600-talet funnits på skepp, och än i dag beordras det i sjövägsreglerna att använda skeppsklockan för signalering vid ankarliggande i dimma. Klockkläppen manövreras med en klockstropp för att varna i dimma, eller på örlogsfartyg för att slå glas, det vill säga att ange tiden för besättningen inför vaktavlösning. De slås parvis.

Referenser

 Nautisk uppslagsbok.

Sjöfart
Klockor
Musikinstrument

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


My wife and I were planning to sell her parents house. We received a letter from Partners Direct Investments about buying the house. I have no idea how they even knew the house was vacant, but it turned out be a "blessing in disguise." I met with Jason and he looked over the house, did some paperwork, figuring, and offered us what I thought was a very fair price. I saved us a lot of headaches as they were going to do the remodeling, lawyer fees, closings cost, etc. We decided to go with Partners DIrect and are very glad we did. Everything they did was first class and very professional. They were always on time and easy to work with. We met with the lawyers and Jason and that meeting went extremely easy. We were supposed to meet at 2:00-we arrived at 1:35 and were gone by 1:50. They had all the paperwork ready, checks ready, and all we had to do was sign and leave. I never dreamed it could go so easily. If we ever decide to sell our house we will be sure to call Jason and Partners Direct.
I had to sell my home at one of the hardest times in my life. I called Birmingham Homebuyers and Jesse came out to look around and give me an offer. Not only did he take time out of his schedule to talk to me about my troubles, he sincerely offered his apologies and invited me and my kids to his church. Just a step further than he had to go, very caring and helped me during my tough decision. I was offered a good price and received my check rather quickly. I highly highly recommend this company.


The Indie Shape, spec'd and designed for the serious player! Light-medium weighted woods make it easy on the body, but hard on the tone! Fitted with the Intone M8 pickups, the carved mahogany body is contoured to maximize playability without sacrificing reliability or looks. Set up with the standard Grover Tuners, this guitar is meant to hold up to shows night after night.


text:
package org.zstack.test.network;

import org.junit.Before;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.zstack.core.cloudbus.CloudBus;
import org.zstack.core.componentloader.ComponentLoader;
import org.zstack.core.db.DatabaseFacade;
import org.zstack.test.Api;
import org.zstack.test.DBUtil;
import org.zstack.test.deployer.Deployer;

public class TestAttachL2NetworkToCluster {
    Deployer deployer;
    Api api;
    ComponentLoader loader;
    CloudBus bus;
    DatabaseFacade dbf;

    @Before
    public void setUp() throws Exception {
        DBUtil.reDeployDB();
        deployer = new Deployer("deployerXml/network/TestAttachL2NetworkToCluster.xml");
        deployer.build();
        api = deployer.getApi();
        loader = deployer.getComponentLoader();
        bus = loader.getComponent(CloudBus.class);
        dbf = loader.getComponent(DatabaseFacade.class);
    }

    @Test
    public void test() {
    }
}


text:
Deputy Education Minister to officially launch financial literacy TV programme CashVille Kidz 2
Deputy Education Minister, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching today launched the CashVille Kidz Season 2, an animated TV series, jointly produced by Maybank Foundation & MoneyTree (M) Sdn Bhd and approved as well as endorsed by the Ministry of Education. Present at the launch held at Menara Maybank included Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato' Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, Chairman of MoneyTree Malaysia, Dato' Nik Kamaruddin Ismail as well as over 80 students from various schools throughout Malaysia.
The TV programme was developed to educate as many students as possible about the importance of sound money management habits. Produced in 24-episodes, the animated series focuses on financial lessons that range from the importance of savings money to developing positive spending habits and making smart investments.
Speaking at the event, Tan Sri Dato' Megat Zaharuddin, said "CashVille Kidz is an animated television series that centres around financial literacy. Through this programme, we wanted to teach the young to use their money wisely. The concept of CashVille Kidz is about learning while having fun.Targeted at an audience of between 10-12 years old, CashVille Kidz aims to make the learning process fun.
Aired over Astro channel, the pilot CashVille Kidz series run earlier this year has reached out to over 1.5 million viewers, more than 10 times its initial target. Through additional on-the-ground activities, it has engaged over 50,000 students in 180 schools throughout Malaysia. Currently it enjoy a Facebook fan base of more than 135,000.
Arising from the success of CashVille Kidz, both Maybank & MoneyTree have expanded the initiative to include a Financial Literacy Challenge, a competition which is designed to test primary schools students on their mastery of financial planning skills.
During the initial stages of this programme, 180 schools were invited to take part in making learning about CashVille Kidz part of their extra-curriculum activity as well as participate in the Financial Literacy Challenge. To further engage students in this programme, several competitions were organised namely the State Level Project Presentation and the Zone Level Story Writing held from July to August 2013.
Prior to the launch of CashVille Kidz 2, YB Datuk Mary Yap witnessed the grand finale of the Financial Literacy Challenge rounds which saw 48 students from 12 schools
battle it out for the prizes worth a total RM20,000 cash. The winners later received their prizes from YB Datuk Mary at the lunch event.
"We are also planning to take Cashville Kidz now to a regional level to share our content with as many as possible. We believe children who participate in this programme will learn how to invest their money for a better future. This will then translate to a greater stability of the broader financial system and economy," said Tan Sri Megat.


Mimi Carter is the youngest member of the British showjumping team for London 2012.
Fiercely competitive and a brilliant rider, she's desperate to win an Olympic gold medal in front of her home crowd. But as injury threatens and an enigmatic old flame arrives back on the show jumping circuit, can she put her feelings to one side and realise her dream?
And can she win her man and a gold medal for her country – all in the same day?
This sparkling romantic novella mixes love, horses and the Olympic Games to create a story that is moving, funny and inspiring – and is sure to keep you hooked until the very last word.
It is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Jane Green and Jilly Cooper.
Emma Lee-Potter is a novelist and journalist. She has written three novels, Hard Copy, Moving On and Taking Sides, and is the author of House With No Name, a blog about life, books, teenagers and France.


text:
def print_results(result)
  printer = RubyProf::FlatPrinter.new(result)
  printer.print(STDOUT)

  STDOUT << "\n" * 2

  printer = RubyProf::GraphPrinter.new(result)
  printer.print(STDOUT)
end

def check_parent_times(method)
  return if method.parents.length == 0

  parents_self_time = method.parents.inject(0) do |sum, call_info|
    sum + call_info.self_time
  end

  assert_in_delta(method.self_time, parents_self_time, 0.01,
                  "Invalid parent times for method #{method.full_name}")

  parents_wait_time = method.parents.inject(0) do |sum, call_info|
    sum + call_info.wait_time
  end

  assert_in_delta(method.wait_time, parents_wait_time, 0.01, method.full_name)

  parents_children_time = method.parents.inject(0) do |sum, call_info|
    sum + call_info.children_time
  end

  assert_in_delta(method.children_time, parents_children_time, 0.01,
                  "Invalid child times for method #{method.full_name}")
end

def check_parent_calls(method)
  return if method.parents.length == 0

  parent_calls = method.parents.inject(0) do |sum, call_info|
    sum + call_info.called
  end

  assert_equal(method.called, parent_calls,
                  "Invalid parent calls for method #{method.full_name}")
end

def check_child_times(method)
  return if method.children.length == 0

  children_total_time = method.children.inject(0) do |sum, call_info|
    sum + call_info.total_time
  end

  assert_in_delta(method.children_time, children_total_time, 0.01,
                  "Invalid child time for method #{method.full_name}")
end


I am working on an ASP.NET web application where we are using the FCKEditor on a few of our pages. The editor seems to be working properly, but there is an issue with the toolbar buttons in both IE7 and 8. On page load, the buttons all appear to be white as opposed to the background-image of the toolbar (we are using the Office 2003 skin). The funny thing is that in IE8, when you zoom in a bit on the page, the image appears and everything appears to be normal. This does not happen with IE7 though.
Has anyone seen something similar to this and could give me a place to start looking for a solution?


Back in 2008, Miller Pipeline of Clermont saw the new-home construction market dying and the shale-oil industry taking off.
Executives of the business, owned by the Evansville-based gas utility Vectren, wanted in on the boom. Three years later, they acquired a 500-person firm in Minnesota that put them into North Dakota's Bakken formation in a big way.
Miller Pipeline has seen its head count grow from 1,700 to 3,600, partly because the company had so much work building pipes to gather gas and oil flowing from thousands of wells. The question now is whether Miller played too heavily into the shale boom.
Even if he's wrong, Miller has a solid fallback in his company's other growing business, which is worlds apart from fracking shale. Natural gas utilities across the country must replace thousands of miles of World War II-era pipes, a process that will cost billions and could take decades.
Vectren, though, is confident both lines of work will continue, and raised the 2015 revenue-growth forecast for its non-utility businesses from 10 percent to a range of 12 percent to 15 percent. Vectren doesn't break out earnings for Miller Pipeline alone, but it is by far the largest of the company's non-utility businesses.
Vectren's non-utility earnings grew in the third quarter ended Sept. 30 to $23.7 million, or 29 cents a share, up from $17.5 million, or 21 cents a share, in the prior year. Meanwhile, its utility group reported a slight drop in earnings.
Infrastructure services, the business for which Miller is Vectren's flagship, had a $625 million work backlog.
Most analysts are expecting capital spending around shale to decline along with oil prices, Morningstar utilities and energy analyst Charles Fishman said, but it's true that pipeline replacements will go on for the next 15 years or more.
Vectren itself is spending $650 million on pipe replacement in its territory across the middle of Indiana. Miller works for its parent company, as well as gas utilities across the country.
Pipeline safety was the focus of federal regulations passed in 2002 and 2006, but deadly explosions since those laws were passed brought more attention to the age and condition of the network.
In 2010, a 30-inch, high-pressure main in San Bruno, California, exploded and killed eight people. That prompted a third round of regulation, which expanded the federal government's enforcement powers and focused on the replacement of cast-iron pipes.
As recently as last year, a gas leak in East Harlem, New York, led to the explosion of two apartment buildings, killing eight people.
Utilities began pipeline replacement well before the San Bruno explosion, but regulators are still approving new programs. NIPSCO, for example, had a $700 million pipeline replacement plan approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in August.
Vectren's strategy seems to be to leave management teams in place. Banning has spent his 30-year career at Miller, which was acquired by a joint venture of Vectren and Duke Energy in 2001 and became wholly owned by Vectren in 2006.
The company was founded in Ohio in 1953 but moved to Indianapolis in 1961 after installing pipeline for the then-new town of Clermont. Miller stayed in the area with Citizens Energy Group as a major client.
Under Vectren's ownership, Miller has bought small family-owned pipeline companies in Indiana, Illinois and South Carolina to expand its geographic presence, which covers the Great Lakes, East Coast and South, Banning said.
"We can bring in some talent on how to grow the business, systems that help them grow the business and execute the business," he said.
The acquisitions give Miller access to new customer bases, as well as available, qualified labor, which is in short supply in the industry. Working on pipelines still involves standing in cold, muddy trenches in all kinds of weather. It's also a highly specialized and regulated industry.


text:
The Clue of the Twisted Candle
by Edgar Wallace
Previous Chapter Next Chapter
It was Mansus who found the second candle, a stouter affair. It lay underneath the bed. The telephone, which stood on a fairly large-sized table by the side of the bed, was overturned and the receiver was on the floor. By its side were two books, one being the "Balkan Question," by Villari, and the other "Travels and Politics in the Near East," by Miller. With them was a long, ivory paper-knife.
There was nothing else on the bedside-table save a silver cigarette box. T. X. drew on a pair of gloves and examined the bright surface for finger-prints, but a superficial view revealed no such clue.
"Open the window," said T. X., "the heat here is intolerable. Be very careful, Mansus. By the way, is the window fastened?"
"Very well fastened," said the superintendent after a careful scrutiny.
He pushed back the fastenings, lifted the window and as he did, a harsh bell rang in the basement.
"That is the burglar alarm, I suppose," said T. X.; "go down and stop that bell."
He addressed Fisher, who stood with a troubled face at the door. When he had disappeared T. X. gave a significant glance to one of the waiting officers and the man sauntered after the valet.
Fisher stopped the bell and came back to the hall and stood before the hall fire, a very troubled man. Near the fire was a big, oaken writing table and on this there lay a small envelope which he did not remember having seen before, though it might have been there for some time, for he had spent a greater portion of the evening in the kitchen with the cook.
He picked up the envelope, and, with a start, recognised that it was addressed to himself. He opened it and took out a card. There were only a few words written upon it, but they were sufficient to banish all the colour from his face and set his hands shaking. He took the envelope and card and flung them into the fire.
It so happened that, at that moment, Mansus had called from upstairs, and the officer, who had been told off to keep the valet under observation, ran up in answer to the summons. For a moment Fisher hesitated, then hatless and coatless as he was, he crept to the door, opened it, leaving it ajar behind him and darting down the steps, ran like a hare from the house.
The doctor, who came a little later, was cautious as to the hour of death.
"If you got your telephone message at 10.25, as you say, that was probably the hour he was killed," he said. "I could not tell within half an hour. Obviously the man who killed him gripped his throat with his left hand - there are the bruises on his neck - and stabbed him with the right."
It was at this time that the disappearance of Fisher was noticed, but the cross-examination of the terrified Mrs. Beale removed any doubt that T. X. had as to the man's guilt.
"You had better send out an 'All Stations' message and pull him in," said T. X. "He was with the cook from the moment the visitor left until a few minutes before we rang. Besides which it is obviously impossible for anybody to have got into this room or out again. Have you searched the dead man?"
Mansus produced a tray on which Kara's belongings had been disposed. The ordinary keys Mrs. Beale was able to identify. There were one or two which were beyond her. T. X. recognised one of these as the key of the safe, but two smaller keys baffled him not a little, and Mrs. Beale was at first unable to assist him.
"The only thing I can think of, sir," she said, "is the wine cellar."
"The wine cellar?" said T. X. slowly. "That must be - " he stopped.
The greater tragedy of the evening, with all its mystifying aspects had not banished from his mind the thought of the girl - that Belinda Mary, who had called upon him in her hour of danger as he divined. Perhaps - he descended into the kitchen and was brought face to face with the unpainted door.
"It looks more like a prison than a wine cellar," he said.
"That's what I've always thought, sir," said Mrs. Beale, "and sometimes I've had a horrible feeling of fear."
He cut short her loquacity by inserting one of the keys in the lock - it did not turn, but he had more success with the second. The lock snapped back easily and he pulled the door back. He found the inner door bolted top and bottom. The bolts slipped back in their well-oiled sockets without any effort. Evidently Kara used this place pretty frequently, thought T. X.
He pushed the door open and stopped with an exclamation of surprise. The cellar apartment was brilliantly lit - but it was unoccupied.
"This beats the band," said T. X.
He saw something on the table and lifted it up. It was a pair of long-bladed scissors and about the handle was wound a handkerchief. It was not this fact which startled him, but that the scissors' blades were dappled with blood and blood, too, was on the handkerchief. He unwound the flimsy piece of cambric and stared at the monogram "B. M. B."
He looked around. Nobody had seen the weapon and he dropped it in his overcoat pocket, and walked from the cellar to the kitchen where Mrs. Beale and Mansus awaited him.
"There is a lower cellar, is there not!" he asked in a strained voice.
"That was bricked up when Mr. Kara took the house," explained the woman.
"There is nothing more to look for here," he said.
He walked slowly up the stairs to the library, his mind in a whirl. That he, an accredited officer of police, sworn to the business of criminal detection, should attempt to screen one who was conceivably a criminal was inexplicable. But if the girl had committed this crime, how had she reached Kara's room and why had she returned to the locked cellar!
He sent for Mrs. Beale to interrogate her. She had heard nothing and she had been in the kitchen all the evening. One fact she did reveal, however, that Fisher had gone from the kitchen and had been absent a quarter of an hour and had returned a little agitated.
"Stay here," said T. X., and went down again to the cellar to make a further search.
"Probably there is some way out of this subterranean jail," he thought and a diligent search of the room soon revealed it.
He found the iron trap, pulled it open, and slipped down the stairs. He, too, was puzzled by the luxurious character of the vault. He passed from room to room and finally came to the inner chamber where a light was burning.
The light, as he discovered, proceeded from a small reading lamp which stood by the side of a small brass bedstead. The bed had recently been slept in, but there was no sign of any occupant. T. X. conducted a very careful search and had no difficulty in finding the bricked up door. Other exits there were none.
The floor was of wood block laid on concrete, the ventilation was excellent and in one of the recesses which had evidently held at so time or other, a large wine bin, there was a prefect electrical cooking plant. In a small larder were a number of baskets, bearing the name of a well-known caterer, one of them containing an excellent assortment of cold and potted meats, preserves, etc.
T. X. went back to the bedroom and took the little lamp from the table by the side of the bed and began a more careful examination. Presently he found traces of blood, and followed an irregular trail to the outer room. He 1ost it suddenly at the foot of stairs leading down from the upper cellar. Then he struck it again. He had reached the end of his electric cord and was now depending upon an electric torch he hid taken from his pocket.
There were indications of something heavy having been dragged across the room and he saw that it led to a small bathroom. He had made a cursory examination of this well-appointed apartment, and now he proceeded to make a close investigation and was well rewarded.
The bathroom was the only apartment which possess anything resembling a door - a two-fold screen and - as he pressed this back, he felt some thing which prevented its wider extension. He slipped into the room and flashed his lamp in the space behind the screen. There stiff in death with glazed eyes and lolling tongue lay a great gaunt dog, his yellow fangs exposed in a last grimace.
About the neck was a collar and attached to that, a few links of broken chain. T. X. mounted the steps thoughtfully and passed out to the kitchen.
Did Belinda Mary stab Kara or kill the dog? That she killed one hound or the other was certain. That she killed both was possible.
Return to the The Clue of the Twisted Candle Summary Return to the Edgar Wallace Library


text:
Q: Workaround to timeupdate event not firing on the video element in iOS or Android I'm finding that the timeupdate event does not fire on either Safari iOS or Android (2.2, if not others).  I've tried removing the controls attribute, as others have suggested that they absorb all  events, but with no luck.
Has anyone found a workaround for this?
Thanks.

A: It depends on what you were going to do with the event.
If you're simply looking to find out the current time, maybe set a timer to query for it when 'playing' is fired and remove it on 'paused'. Maybe also query on 'seeked'.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Le latin metal, ou metal sud-américain (), est un sous-genre musical de heavy metal aux origines, influences et à l'instrumentation typiquement latino-américaines comme des paroles en espagnol et des percussions latines.

Histoire
Le terme est utilisé pour la première fois par Robert Christgau, qui décrit la musique de Carlos Santana des années 1970 de , ce qui l'amènerait à être le premier précurseur du genre. Le latin metal émerge dans les années 1970 et 1980 dans certains pays d'Amérique du Sud, inspiré par les scènes heavy metal et heavy rock grandissantes en provenance d'Europe et des États-Unis. Il profite donc d'une  aux États-Unis dans les années 1990. Pendant les années 1990, les sociétés de disque profitent de la popularité de la pop latino, comme le démontrent la compilation Metalo des groupes du label Grita! Records, qui inclut des chansons d'Ill Niño et Puya, et des groupes des années 1990 comme Sepultura et Soulfly sont cités comme les pionniers du genre. Aux États-Unis, Ill Niño est probablement le groupe le mieux connu du genre ; leurs deux premiers albums les propulsent dans un succès commercial et leurs chansons sont fréquemment diffusées à la radio dans la région de San Antonio.

Notes et références

Genre de heavy metal


A grand total of 62 tractors ran. The route was a 17 mile circular course around Saval and some of the most spectacular countryside that South Down has to offer.
The tractors that took part in the run ranged from vintage to modern and many of the vintage tractors have been painstakingly restored while others are still a work in progress! It was all very well thought out which is a credit to all of the organisers.
Chairperson of the Saval VintageClub, Micheal Sands would like to thank all who came and participated on the day, all who supported with gifts and donations, a special mention to Trim Graphics who sponsored the signage for the event and Euro Spar for providing the refreshments at the event and thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make the event the great success that it was.


text:
Interview with Konrad Aderer: Telling a dramatic story through real-life experiences is a very powerful way to engage people in an issue
0 0 Panos Kotzathanasis Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Edit this post
We speak to Konrad Aderer about human rights, cinema, his career, the events at Tule Lake, and many other topics
Konrad Aderer lives and works in his native New York City as a field producer, videojournalist, and editor for NGOs, local TV, and nonprofits, including the UN and the ACLU. Since he established Life or Liberty (lifeorliberty.org), a nonprofit multimedia project, in 2002, much of his work has focused on immigrant communities coping with deportation and detention. He is also an actor and director, known for Resistance at Tule Lake (2017), Enemy Alien (2009) and Rising Up: The Alams (2005).
We speak to him about human rights, cinema, his career, the events at Tule Lake, and many other topics
You have been involved in immigrants' rights issues for quite some time. Why is that, and can you tell us a bit about lifeorliberty.org?
If you go to lifeorliberty.org, you'll see I got involved with the fight to free a Palestinian detainee named Farouk Abdel-Muthi. I produced a short to create awareness and involvement and a campaign to get him out, and eventually the story became my first feature documentary, "Enemy Alien."
I made a film about Shokriea Yaghi, whose husband was one of the first post-9/11 detainees. She was trying to get him back in the country after he had been detained, starved, and deported to Jordan without warning and that became "Life or Liberty." And that also became the title of my overall project. I saw that the government was handing us a false choice of choosing between our life or security and our civil liberties. Instead of life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness, they told us we could have life or liberty, but not both.
And "Rising Up the Alams" is about a Bangladeshi family fighting the deportation of the father following special registration post-9/11. My focus was not only to focus on resistance insea victimization but —how people more vulnerable than American citizens still resist against these policies of surveillance, arrest, and detention.
Do you think that cinema is obliged to deal with social and political issues, and how much impact do you think a film can have? Is the documentary, as a medium, the best way to highlight these issues?
Telling a dramatic story through real-life experiences is a very powerful way to engage people in an issue, rather than reading fragmented pieces of social media or articles. To sit and have a story unfold is still an effective way to galvanize people. The main point is to tell human stories but also to give people a sense of cause and effect in people's lives and what the impact is. That, to me, is how to get inside people's skin when they're faced with dire circumstances. When everything they've worked to build for decades and it's taken away and when they don't know if they're allowed to stay in the US or not, it's important to understand the choices people make as they're going through that.
You also work as editor, producer and cinematographer in TV and films. Can you tell us a bit about these capacities and how has your experience in other people's productions helped you with your films?
I didn't go to film school. I had some really good mentors and friends who had professional skills that helped me until I was able to be self-sufficient as a filmmaker. I learned a lot watching other filmmakers but mostly through doing my first feature, "Enemy Alien" where I started off not having any skills and ended up shooting, editing and writing it.
How did you decide to deal with the the Tule Lake camp and how did "Resistance at Tule Lake" came about? Is the main purpose of the documentary to raise awareness for these dark episodes in US history?
When I was making my first film "Enemy Alien" about a Palestinian activist Farouk, I was looking for a parallel in Japanese-American history. I found it in Tule Lake. Pretty much everything that he did: conduct hunger strikes, reason with his captors, fight illegal cases on base of constitutional principles—that's all the things that Japanese Americans did at Tule Lake. And they had the same kind of consequences—beating, torture, deportation, yet they still persisted, which is why I felt this story was invaluable to tell because it was so little-known.
The documentary implements a somewhat old fashioned style, with with the narration and the subsequent zoom-ins and zoom-outs of the various photographs appearing on screen. Why did you choose this style?
I wanted to immerse people in the visual experience of Tule Lake. As I worked with my amazing associate producer Natalie Shmuel we discovered a great volume of visual materials for the Tule Lake segregation center. I feel that immersing yourself in stills is a great way to contemplate the terrible beauty of a place that was built to incarcerate people in a natural setting, bounded by two very striking mountains that become like characters in the film. Stills are what have survived to show glimpses of the torture and mistreatment people experienced. Since sifting through an archive is not the same as experiencing a story, I wanted to immerse the viewer in the visual experience of this place, and the glimpses of state violence people were subjected to. It takes time to absorbe an image and I wanted to give the viewer a chance to, while hearing first-hand experiences of the people who lived through this.
One of the people speaking in the film states that, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese living in the US West Coast fell victims to propaganda, hysteria, and ignorance, with the government and the majority of citizens considering them potential enemies of the state. Do you find any justification for this attitude, considering what has happened in Pearl Harbor?. Of course I mean in terms of mentality not of the horrendous treatment Japanese Americans received.
The fear and hysteria following Pearl Harbor and 9/11 is a very understandable human reaction. But it's in times like this for which our constitution is written, to protect against overreactions and betrayals against fundamental principles of human rights. We don't need the Bill of Rights when everyone feels safe; we need them when people are inclined to feel threatened by an "other" or by a perceived enemy with a foreign face living in our midst. In my films, I try to give people a rational understanding of how the government betrays its ideals to satisfy this human reaction, and an emotional understanding of the price people pay when they become the targets of wartime hysteria.
Particularly during the last decade, the accusations against the Japanese for their acts in WWII have been very intense, especially regarding the concept of the "comfort women" and their general treatment of the people they have conquered. Do you find that justified?
There's no denying the Japanese government committed atrocities during WWII. However, the Japanese Americans did not play a role in that. So that's a separate issue from the mass incarceration, mistreatment, torture, and deportation of Japanese-American citizens and aliens during WWII.
What kind of films do you like to watch and can you name some of your favorite documentaries?
I take a lot of inspiration from narrative films as well as documentary films for my project. I like films that show how a powerful moral principle plays out through characters like Martin Scorsese's remake of "Cape Fear." "The Fog of War" by Errol Morris, gave me a lot of inspiration as far as style and the use of archival footage. I see my film as following in the footsteps of other documentaries on wartime incarceration like "Rabbit in the Moon" by Emiko Omori and "From a Silk Cocoon" by Satsuki Ina. I also got to know Linda Hattendorf while she was finishing her great documentary "The Cats of Mirikitani," which also touches on Tule Lake and learned a great deal from her.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to keep showing my film in Asian American communities but also engage Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities with screenings and call attention to what is happening now. We'll be having a public television broadcast presented by the Center for Asian American Media Spring 2018. Once I'm done putting good educational distribution in place for this film, I hope to flesh out my next project.
Interviews Japan Konrad Aderer Panos Kotzathanasis San Diego Asian Film Festival
Asian Film Vault: Interview with Konrad Aderer: Telling a dramatic story through real-life experiences is a very powerful way to engage people in an issue
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5qgILgcKB8/WQBJNtzHkjI/AAAAAAAALdw/OvT0lfv48KwOHenMURX1-3kg9o1jS8jBQCLcB/s320/1013902_10151726564428760_1963942016_n.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5qgILgcKB8/WQBJNtzHkjI/AAAAAAAALdw/OvT0lfv48KwOHenMURX1-3kg9o1jS8jBQCLcB/s72-c/1013902_10151726564428760_1963942016_n.jpg
http://www.asianfilmvault.com/2017/04/interview-with-konrad-aderer-telling.html


You don't have to get to the beach to enjoy a splash-about in the Cornish summer sun. Dinham Farm's heated pool is a great place to chill out with the kids.
Our heated swimming pool is perfect for those days or times when you don't wish to travel far, or you need to unwind or wear the children out for an hour. Long enough (36ft) and wide enough (18ft) to accommodate you all comfortably.
It is regularly cleaned and maintained to a very high standard. The swimming pool has the added safety feature of a fence around it, to ensure your little ones ( children or dogs! ) don't take an unexpected dip.
The atmosphere and pool temperature should be perfect for that touch of luxury whilst camping at Dinham Farm.


text:
Octavia vRS hatchback
Skoda Octavia hatchback (2005-2013)
"Classy, well built and comfortable to drive, the Golf-based Octavia makes a smashing family car for drivers seeking space and quality on a budget."
Masses of space
Comfortable over long distances
Noisy 1.9-litre diesel
Tacky fake wood trim
Value for money is at the core of the Octavia's appeal, but just because it's comparatively cheap, that doesn't mean it lacks desirability elsewhere. It's also a very well built car with a spacious interior and boot. An update in 2009 resulted in a redesigned front, an improved interior and the addition of new engines. The diesels are the best sellers, with the Greenline version being the most economical of the lot. The sportier vRS version is available with a choice of powerful petrol or diesel engines.
Good economy and affordable servicing costs
The newer TSI petrol engines boast good economy figures given their performance, but the economy champions are the TDI diesels. Skoda's GreenLine model offers 64.2mpg and emissions of 114g/km, and the regular 1.6 TDIs are almost as economical. The 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels use more fuel, as does the high-performance vRS with a petrol engine. Parts, servicing and insurance are quite affordable. The only potential downside is that resale values aren't as strong as some rivals – although that's improving for the Skoda brand in general now.
Good blend of performance and smoothness
Thanks to supple suspension and light, accurate steering, the Octavia is a fine long-distance cruiser. It soaks up bumps in the road well and there's plenty of grip on offer. Stability is impressive – for example, the car is unaffected by motorway crosswinds. The cheapest 1.4-litre petrol engine is impressive for its size, but the other TSI turbocharged petrol engines all offer a better blend of performance and smoothness. TDI diesels are the most popular. The vRS versions feature sportier suspension settings, which makes them less comfortable, although buyers will like their hot-hatch-rivalling power and acceleration.
One of the most comfortable cars in its class
The Octavia is one of the most comfortable cars in its class. The supportive seats may feel a little firm at first, but they prove to be excellent on longer journeys. The driver has plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment, so it's easy to find the ideal driving position. The rear seats are spacious, and offer plenty of head and legroom for passengers. Wind and road noise are average rather than class-leading. Most of the Octavia's engines are quiet, although the ageing 1.9 TDI diesel is noisy.
Very spacious, even for tall adults
There's a lot of room on offer inside the Octavia. It's more spacious than equally priced cars from other makers, and even six-foot tall adults should feel comfortable in the rear seats. Additionally, the Octavia's boot holds 585 litres with the car full of people or up to 1,455 litres with the rear seats folded. A small step with the seats folded and a high load lip the width of the opening do make access a bit tricky, but the space on offer for luggage is vast.
Reliable, but only four stars for safety
All modern Skodas are built using parts that are shared throughout the Volkswagen Group – and that includes Volkswagens, Audis, SEATs and even Bentleys. The Octavia finished third place overall in the 2010 Driver Power Survey, rating particularly well for build quality, although it was 23rd overall for reliability. The car scored only four stars in the Euro NCAP crash test, but is still reasonably safe.
Good value, but avoid basic S models
As the Octavia is larger and cheaper than its direct rivals, it's considered very good value for money. However, the cheapest S models lack standard kit. Basics such as an alarm and electric rear windows are extra. Also, many models don't have curtain airbags or electronic stability control as standard. Mid-level SE and Elegance-spec cars are best value.
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New Association to Be Launched in July, with Ei Kadokami at the Helm
Kei Yamada
A new organization called the Atomic Energy Association (ATENA) will be established on July 1, the purpose of which will be to mobilize the information and resources of the entire Japanese nuclear industry to achieve substantive safety improvements.
Since April, the Federation of Electric Power Companies (FEPC) and the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA) have taken the initiative in preparing for the organization's launch. There will be 19 initial members, including corporations (power companies and vendors) and various organizations.
At the organization's monthly press briefing on July 15, FEPC Chairman Satoru Katsuno (also president of the Chubu Electric Power Co.) introduced Ei Kadokami, special advisor to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), as the first chairman of ATENA.
Saying that he would exercise his leadership toward "raising nuclear safety to a higher level," Kadokami explained to the press the three roles of ATENA:
Promoting the introduction of effective safety measures through efforts by the entire nuclear industry, focused on common issues.
Engaging in dialogue with the regulatory authority and others for the common purpose of safety improvement.
Communicating with stakeholders.
A steering council will be established within ATENA consisting of executive-level personnel from its member organizations, which will identify themes that the entire nuclear industry will work on for safety improvement.
Working groups including experts and specialists will then examine those themes from a technological point of view, and refer them back to the steering council, which will then formulate its conclusions into "technical reports" that will be made public. It will evaluate the responses of nuclear operators annually, and those assessments will also be released to the public.
During his years as an engineer at MHI, Kadokami served as an on-site leader for safety measures for pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Based on his firm belief that manufacturers must work together to introduce new safety measures, he plans to utilize his experiences as an engineer to see that ATENA's activities take root across the industry.
Meanwhile, the Japan Nuclear Safety Institute (JANSI) held a regular general assembly on June 14 to approve organizational changes, naming William Edward Webster Jr.—previously executive advisor to JANSI and former vice president of the U.S. Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)—as chairman.
In addition, Hiromi Yamazaki, former representative director of JANSI, was named its new president and CEO. Presidents of the country's power companies were also named directors of JANSI, with the hope of increasing their involvement in its activities.
TAGS: FEPC, nuclear industry, safety culture
FEPC Declares for "Zero Emissions"
President Kobayakawa Addresses TEPCO Employees to Mark Tenth Anniversary of Fukushima Daiichi Accident
JAIF Releases Results of Fact-finding Survey of Japanese Nuclear Industry for Fiscal 2019: Some Effects Seen of COVID-19


Mini Pit Bull – Tiny Dancer – ADOPTED!!
Tiny Dancer was just rescued off of deathrow. We are so happy to have this little gem! She is such a special girl. She looks just like an American Pit Bull Terrier, but she is full grown and only a mere 25lbs! We lovingly call her our little "Pocket pit".
Dancer has a terrific personality. She is outgoing and a total snuggle bug. She gets along great with other dogs and is very well mannered. She would make an excellent companion for almost any home!


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The empowered energy consumer of the future – choice or confusion?
Nirmal Nair, Energy Theme Leader, Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland
The traditional roles of energy producer and energy consumer are beginning to change worldwide. "Smart Grid" technology, together with affordable energy generation and storage options, presents consumers with new opportunities to break their dependence on energy producers and distributors – but only if they can master the nuances of generation, storage, home energy management, electric vehicle charging, grid friendly device control, and so on. Just what does the future look like for a choice empowered consumer?
Dr. Nirmal Nair, a power systems engineer by training, leads the Energy research theme at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Engineering and directs the Power Systems Group which contributes to research, advice and advocacy on New Zealand's power systems and energy sustainability. His research interests include blackouts, electricity markets, smart grids, renewable energy integration and energy policy.
Noses, Buses and a Sailor's Foot – new ways to engage with Museum and Art Gallery collections
Simon Gould, curator
Staying relevant is no simple matter for museums, collections and galleries these days. Even a knockout collection displayed and interpreted with traditional methods doesn't seem to cut it any more. But if the exhibition is filled with touchscreens and Twitter channels, it's easy to ignore the objects themselves! Just what sort of experience do we want to have when we visit a Museum, anyway? Curator Simon Gould explores some exciting possibilities to make the objects, ideas and people that surround every collection more dynamic, participatory and relevant to new as well as existing audiences - just so long as the audience is willing to put a little work in...
Simon Gould has won several awards for his work at University College London, where he was Contemporary Projects Curator for UCL's Museums and Collections between 2008-2011. A natural fan of all things interdisciplinary, Simon helped to pioneer exciting new ways for the museums to reinterpret their collections, engage different audiences and generally to work in new and genuinely innovative ways.
Championing the Hauraki Gulf
Tim Higham, Manager, Hauraki Gulf Forum
The productive waters and islands network of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park are surrounded by a catchment of 1 million people, creating conservation success stories and challenges for resource managers. Join Hauraki Gulf Forum manager Tim Higham to discuss the significance of the Hauraki Gulf and the need for better, more integrated management. Can we protect the ecological diversity of the gulf when it also holds NZ's largest commercial port? Will restrictions on recreational activities and limits in the gulf prioritize economic interests over every day people? What kind of balance can we hope to achieve?
New Zealand at the Large Hadron Collider: What have we learned and where are we going?
Dr David Krofcheck
New Zealand is an active participant in the research at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland, on the world's largest particle and nuclear physics experiments. In 2010 the Large Hadron Collider began its main physics programme of smashing together protons in search of new particles and forces in the universe. What do we know now about our universe that we did not know in the pre-LHC era? What questions remain unanswered, and can we ever hope to answer them? We will discuss Hadrons-to-Higgs particles, and Z bosons-to-Zeptospace. The LHC is currently in Long Shutdown #1 until January 2015 for upgrades and maintenance of both the accelerator and the huge particle detectors.
Waiter! There's nanotechnology in my soup!
with Dr Michelle Dickinson, Senior Lecturer
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Nanotechnology seems to be sneaking into everything around us. We're told it's going to make the world a better place, but how much do we know about the use of nanotechnology in our day to day lives - should we be worried about the use of nanotechnology in our food, for instance? Michelle will uncover some of the mystery behind this new science called nanotechnology, and how much of what sounds like science fiction may already be science fact.
Michelle Dickinson is a nanotechnologist who has recently moved from a consulting position in industry to the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland. Her work involves the use of nanotechnology in medical and technology research. Michelle is also a science advisor for TV3 and a contributor to Green Ideas Magazine. Her passion is to encourage environmentally sustainable living through engineering design – when she is not in her research lab you can catch her cycling around the city, or tending to her permaculture garden.
Expert Session: The Ascent of Everest 1953
Join Sarah Hillary and Peter Cammell in this expert session as they recognise and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ascent of Everest by the 1953 British Team, and the lasting legacy left in Nepal by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Sarah Hillary, Principal Conservator at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki will share a personal perspective on her parents trip to Nepal in 1961.
When the going gets tough, should the tough get creative?!
Dr. Siouxsie Wiles from UoA and Infectious Thoughts on SciBlogs
While the current NZ government have certainly been increased spending on scientific research, success rates here are still in the single digits for healthcare research. When funding gets this tight, the decision makers tend to back their winning horses – established scientists with large groups. These are the 'silverbacks' of the science world as they like to be known. So what should younger scientists do in times like this? Should they give up on their careers or try new ways of fund their research? Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles explains why she thinks scientists should get creative!
Fat chance for a healthy weight: rethinking what it takes to stay in shape
Prof. Grant Schofield from AUT's Human Potential Centre
Despite understanding the causes and effects of being overweight, rates of obesity remain high and are higher than ever in children and young people. Isn't it just as easy as eating better and increasing exercise? Why doesn't what the experts say about healthy eating inspire us to change our habits? Is it possible that most of what we are telling people about health eating and weight loss is in fact harmful? Let's walkabout what the science says and what that means for staying in good shape.


I was first introduced to this man's genius performance as Scotty, an insecure gay guy with the BEST fashion sense who had a frustrated deep infatiuation with Mark Walberg's character Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights.
Aimee and I are both obsessed with Philip's awesome rant.
He was also brilliant in The Big Lebowski, Magnolia, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Doubt, Capote, 25th Hour and The Master. If you haven't seen these films, I highly recommend you do, Philip can go from weak to strong to vulnerable without effort, he was a great actor.
So my question is, why do the most talented people seem to be the most tormented ones? John Belushi, Chris Farley, and River Phoenix all died much too young from a heroin overdose. I hear politicians debating over marijuana usage but no one is talking about serious deadly drugs that destroy people daily. It makes me sad that someone is feeling so rotten inside they would risk death and choose to numb themselves with poison. I'm not even going to pretend I know anything about drugs, I've never done them and I don't know anything about them. I guess sad isn't the word, it feels tragic to me.
Welcome to the world bebe Veda!


Tibet Blue straight-tailored cafe valance features a pretty mandala pattern in shades of blue and white on 100% cotton fabric. The eclectic but subtle pattern works well with bohemian and shabby chic dining rooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms.
This item is made by hand, please allow for slight variations, dimensions are approximate +/- 1". Pattern placement varies. Hardware not included. Images & colors viewed online may display differently depending on device and settings; fabric swatches are available.


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Student Accommodation near London Metropolitan University
Private Studios Flats for Students
London Metropolitan University is situated on Holloway Road, which is one of the main roads passing through North London. It's famous for shopping, cafes and everything in between. Including great local amenities such as bakeries, supermarkets, post offices and banks.
The area is nicely tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Central London but is still within easy reach via Holloway Road and Upper Holloway stations.
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Our large studios in Euston are the perfect dwelling place for students wanting their own apartment in central London. You'll be a short walk from UCL, Regents Park, Tottenham Court Road and Kings Cross. The flats are en-suite and contain everything you need to start your London student life. The back garden will be a favourite on sunny summer days.
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Our medium-sized studios near Euston, London offer en-suite living for students. A popular student accommodation choice for many studying in nearby UCL and other universities, these flats offer comfort and privacy. You'll also have access to a back garden with seating areas, which we're sure you'll be using on many a sunny day.
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Our standard studios in Euston offer private accommodation for students in one of London's most central and well-connected neighbourhoods. With fast Wifi, equipped kitchens and smart layouts, the studios are popular with students from UCL and other nearby universities. The building's garden is there for you to use and enjoy and Regent's Park is also a short walk away.
Comfortable living with plenty of space. Our large studios in Bloomsbury face either the rear garden or a picturesque crescent-shaped park to the front of the building. If you're looking for en-suite student accommodation in central London, these apartments are hard to beat. You'll also have access to our award-winning roof garden.
En-suite, private student accommodation in the centre of London, our medium-sized studios in Bloomsbury offer a good mix between size, privacy and cost. You'll be a short walk from Kings Cross, the West End and institutions such as UCL and LSE. Enjoy fresh air with a public park and tennis courts in front of the building, and our award-winning roof garden to the back.
A place to call home in one of London's most cinematic neighbourhoods. You'll find everything that you need to get your study period in London off on the right foot. Our standard studios are popular with students looking for private accommodation in Bloomsbury. We're sure you'll also enjoy our award-winning roof garden and the public square on your doorstep.
(Please note: En-suite standards have sold out. The remaining standard options have access to private bathrooms located in the corridor.)
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The Internet has been around now for quite some time. In a nutshell, the internet is a group of autonomous and separate networks. Each of these networks operates with IP addresses and leverages BGP which is a Border Gateway Protocol. Through this system, any user on the internet is then able to connect with any other user even if they are not on the same network. However, to gain access to the greater network a user must either pay to connect through the traditional transit links or peer with other networks operating within the global framework. This brings us to the concept of network peering and why it is a vital part of our online platform.
Through network peering one internet network can join to another directly without the need to access common carriers such as Telia, Level3, GTT and the likes. This enables a more rapid throughput and efficient information exchange between the two networks. As well as this, there are no added on charges and no issue with linking to a third party network.
In contrast, a transit connection does require either the network operator or the user to pay for a cross-connect and carry the network traffic on their behalf. This is one of the greatest disadvantages of the more traditional approach.
To use IP peering, you need to make sure that an agreement is formed with other networks and that the connection can be set up between the two. There are a variety of ways peering can work. Through IP peering, there is an exchange of data between two ISPs and usually, the amount exchanged will be close to equal. Since the agreement is mutually beneficial there's no need to worry about changes or payments with this type of agreement, with the exception of cross-connects in such instances where the meeting point is an exchange for example. At ServerHub we've begun to invest heavily in IP peering. Why is this?
IP Peering provides a lot of benefits that you simply can not gain through the more typical option and we want to deliver the absolute best service possible to people who use our service. We believe that IP peering is the right step forward here.
One of the greatest benefits of IP peering is that it provides a higher level of control. The key factor to remember here is that through peering traffic remains at a local level. This is in direct contrast with a transit connection where instead data can travel through any path across the internet. This means it might not be the fastest or indeed the most efficient route and it can lead to a great variety of problems.
There could be latency or even packet loss and if this happens, then you, the client, will be left vulnerable to downtime of the transit provider. On the other hand, since we utilize peering, the route can quickly be adjusted. So, if there are individual segments experiencing problems with slowdown issues then these can be avoided completely. You get faster service and you won't need to worry about any server issues.
We have direct peering relationships with Large CDN and enterprises such as StackPath CDN (High Winds), Verizon EdgeCast, Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, CloudFlare. At ServerHub we can thus give you the edge and make sure that connection times to these companies and many more are lightning fast. How fast? Well, using our peer network, connection times can be kept under 1ms.
The reason that these connections can be so fast is due to the local set up between two peered networks. Furthermore, problems with saturation and congestion can also be avoided.
Congestion along the destination and source for networks can lower the experience for network users leading to what is ultimately a poor quality connection. With direct connections between networks, we can provide a guarantee of enough bandwidth for the best, most consistent performance.
This type of setup is beneficial if there are problems with disasters or any other outages that might impact data. Business owners are always worried about the issue of a disaster and how long it will take to complete a full recovery. With peering, we can make sure that there is a massive level of support from various different resources if this becomes an issue. So, a full disaster recovery plan can be put into action immediately and downtime can be minimized.
Our peer network also ensures that we can handle higher levels of traffic. If your business is experiencing higher volumes of traffic or is expanding rapidly, you don't want to run into any problems with performance. With our peering solution, even the highest amounts of traffic are distributed across a variety of different networks.
One of the biggest issues with transit links is the high level of dependence on more than one transit providers. With peer lending, this high rate of dependence can be greatly reduced. With IP peering we can strive for the most resilient and redundant network connectivity map as possible. This helps ensure that the network that our clients use is more reliable and is a greater transit service.
IP peering also provides a great level of cost savings when exploring ways to route traffic between individual networks. In one example an IP might be exchanging high levels of customer traffic with a second source. Sending traffic through a transit provider to another network is inefficient and expensive. Peering is a far more effective alternative where traffic can be handled at a shared facility and transit costs can be completely eliminated.
Beyond this IP peering will also improve the network ranking. It's crucial that you can show that your network is providing a better service and reaching a higher tier than others online. This will improve the perception of your network online and ensure you have a competitive edge. Using our peering solution, we can help you guarantee that this is exactly what happens.
We hope this provides some insight as to why we have invested in IP peering over traditional transit links. We aim to provide the best, fastest and most reliable service to our users while continuing to reduce costs and achieve greater efficiency levels. Due to the benefits available, we believe IP Peering is the way forward on the ServerHub Platform and will continue to develop peering relationships.


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10 Netflix films to satisfy your inner geek
Go on, just indulge.
You can stay in this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed lair for just £7
Happy ninja-ing!
Megan Fox is pregnant with baby number three
The actress filed for divorce from her husband last summer
Fred Armisen to play Krang in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequel
Pizza at the ready...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return to the big screen. Again
The first trailer for Turtle sequel Out Of The Shadows doesn't skimp on the action. Or shots of Megan Fox.
Megan Fox's sons have totally inherited her good looks...
We're in love with those big blue eyes.
A man took on a very small turtle and the turtle won
He filmed himself poking the tiny reptile's shell and waggling its tail.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles star Ernie Reyes Jr. hospitalised with kidney failure
Actor's condition is said to be severe
From He-Man to Rainbow Brite: 10 totally rad tattoos based on 80s cartoons
Ink-redible.
This has made our day: The Clangers are back in amazing new video
Witness the best ever blast from the past!
Serious bummer dude: One of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been killed off
Childhood. Ruined.
Amazon Prime Instant Video: New TV shows and movies for February 2015
A new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles adventure and the frightening Babadook are among the new additions.
18 films you won't believe are 25 years old
You were 12, it was a 15, so you asked a ouija board if you'd get in.
Win a Lenovo YOGA convertible laptop with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Win an amazing Lenovo YOGA 2 laptop with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – In Cinemas October 17!
It's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all the way as director Michael Bay confirms Transformers exit
Director Michael Bay has revealed that he will not be returning for Transformers 5.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie sequel confirmed and there's a release date
It only opened in the US last week, but a sequel to Michael Bay's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is already in the works.
Here's what your favourite film and TV shows look like when placed next to their Lego equivalents
It's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles star Megan Fox in Lego form
They say you're nobody until you get your own doll and now, actress Megan Fox has gone one better as she has got her own Lego character.
Paramount Pictures apologise for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 'skyscraper' poster
It came under fire for the poster, featuring a burning building alongside a September 11 release date.
Paramount Pictures swiftly delete Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles promo poster tweet featuring exploding skyscraper and a 9/11 release date
Paramount Pictures Australia came under fire when it tweeted the new promotional poster for the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film - it featured turtles falling from an exploding building and is due for release on September 11th.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles awesomeness just went up a notch with this pizza thrower
Here's another reason to get even more excited about the return of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the big screen - and it comes in the shape of pizza.
Jason Biggs replaced by Seth Green as voice of Leonardo on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been renewed for a fourth series, but one person who definitely won't be returning for it is Jason Biggs.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie: Meet Shredder
Turtle power just went up another gear with a picture of Shredder from the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live action movie hitting the internet.
The ultimate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 30th anniversary interview with voice actors Rob Paulsen and Greg Cipes
Exclusive. This may come as a shock, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles celebrates it's thirtieth anniversary this month.
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trailer has actual turtles in it
You've already seen the odd glimpse of Turtle power in the initial trailers for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot - but the latest trailer provides an even better look at the crimefighting quartet.


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Stephen Mayhew
Categories Explaining Biometrics | Voice Biometrics
Speaker, or voice, recognition is a biometric modality that uses an individual's voice for recognition purposes. (It is a different technology than "speech recognition", which recognizes words as they are articulated, which is not a biometric.) The speaker recognition process relies on features influenced by both the physical structure of an individual's vocal tract and the behavioral characteristics of the individual.
It is a popular choice for remote authentication due to the availability of devices for collecting speech samples (e. g., telephone network and computer microphones). Due to its ease of integration, speaker recognition is different from some other biometric methods in that speech samples are captured dynamically or over a period of time, such as a few seconds. Analysis occurs on a model in which changes over time are monitored, which is similar to other behavioral biometrics such as dynamic signature, gait, and keystroke recognition.
The physiological component of voice recognition is related to the physical shape of an individual's vocal tract, which consists of an airway and the soft tissue cavities from which vocal sounds originate. To produce speech, these components work in combination with the physical movement of the jaw, tongue, and larynx and resonances in the nasal passages. The acoustic patterns of speech come from the physical characteristics of the airways.
Motion of the mouth and pronunciations are the behavioral components of this biometric. There are two forms of speaker recognition: text dependent (constrained mode) and text independent (unconstrained mode).
In a system using "text dependent" speech, the individual presents either a fixed or prompted phrase that is programmed into the system and can improve performance especially with cooperative users.
A "text independent" system has no advance knowledge of the presenter's phrasing and is much more flexible in situations where the individual submitting the sample may be unaware of the collection or unwilling to cooperate, which presents a more difficult challenge.
Speech samples are waveforms with time on the horizontal axis and loudness on the vertical access. The speaker recognition system analyzes the frequency content of the speech and compares characteristics such as the quality, duration, intensity dynamics, and pitch of the signal.
In "text dependent" systems, during the collection or enrollment phase, the individual says a short word or phrase (utterance), typically captured using a microphone that can be as simple as a telephone. The voice sample is converted from an analog format to a digital format, the features of the individual's voice are extracted, and then a model is created. Most "text dependent" speaker verification systems use the concept of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), random based models that provide a statistical representation of the sounds produced by the individual. The HMM represents the underlying variations and temporal changes over time found in the speech states using the quality I duration / intensity dynamics / pitch characteristics mentioned above.
Another method is the Gaussian Mixture Model, a state-mapping model closely related to HMM, that is often used for unconstrained "text independent" applications. Like HMM, this method uses the voice to create a number of vector "states" representing the various sound forms, which are characteristic of the physiology and behavior of the individual.
These methods all compare the similarities and differences between the input voice and the stored voice "states" to produce a recognition decision. After enrollment, during the recognition phase, the same quality / duration / loudness / pitch features are extracted from the submitted sample and compared to the model of the claimed or hypothesized identity and to models from other speakers. The other-speaker (or "anti-speaker") models contain the "states" of a variety of individuals, not including that of the claimed or hypothesized identity. The input voice sample and enrolled models are compared to produce a "likelihood ratio," indicating the likelihood that the input sample came from the claimed or hypothesized speaker. If the voice input belongs to the identity claimed or hypothesized, the score will reflect the sample to be more similar to the claimed or hypothesized identity's model than to the "anti-speaker" model.
The seemingly easy implementation of speaker recognition systems contributes to the process major weakness and susceptibility to transmission channel and microphone variability and noise.
Systems can face problems when end users have enrolled on a clean landline phone and attempt verification using a noisy cellular phone. The inability to control the factors affecting the input system can significantly decrease performance. Speaker verification systems, except those using prompted phrases, are also susceptible to spoofing attacks through the use of recorded voice. Anti-spoofing measures that require the utterance of a specified and random word or phrase are being implemented to combat this weakness.
For example, a system may request a randomly generated phrase, to prevent an attack from a pre-recorded voice sample. The user cannot anticipate the random sample that will be required and therefore cannot successfully attempt a "playback" spoofing attack on the system.
Current research in the area of "text independent" speaker recognition is mainly focused on moving beyond the low-level spectral analysis previously discussed. Although the spectral level of information is still the driving force behind the recognitions, fusing higher-level characteristics with the low level spectral information is becoming a popular laboratory technique.
Speaker recognition characteristics such as rhythm, speed, modulation and intonation are based on personality type and parental influence; and semantics, idiolects, pronunciations and idiosyncrasies are related to birthplace, socio-economic status, and education level.
Higher-level characteristics can be combined with the underlying low-level spectral information to improve the performance of "text independent" speaker recognition systems.
Source: National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)
fraud | identity proofing | remote authentication | voice biometrics | voice recognition
3 Replies to "Explainer: Speaker Recognition"
SecurLinx says:
Explaining Voice Recognition at the @BiometricUpdate http://t.co/xRzZfKKA #Biometrics
Aadhaar says:
This is really a very smart technology.
It is very advanced technology. Even in India, Government is using biometric technique to implement aadhaar system which is same SSN in USA
Enhancing banking services with biometric authentication
Fingerprint sensor technology for safe and convenient card payments
The inevitable collision of identity proofing and authentication
Explainer: Facial Recognition
Explainer: Retinal Scan Technology
CCTV Cameras and Face ID Technologies Combining Security Measures to Serve and Protect
Explainer: What is a Biometric Screening?