text:
What Kids In Portland Public Schools Learn About Thanksgiving: 'War Crimes' And Racism
Eighth-graders in the Antifa epicenter have the notion drummed into them that Thanksgiving really is a celebration of the genocide of the Indians by greedy capitalist Europeans.
By Mary Grabar
Pity the poor child in Portland, Oregon, schools. While many still think of Thanksgiving as a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate our multicultural heritage over a festive meal, eighth-graders in the Antifa epicenter have the notion drummed into them that Thanksgiving really is a celebration of the genocide of the Indians by greedy capitalist Europeans.
The district's celebration of Native American Heritage Month in November is intended to, in the words of the National Congress of American Indians, "celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people," as well as to "educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges."
One would expect a positive curriculum that delves into the diversity of the more than 570 federally recognized tribes, especially those in Oregon. As a second-grader in Rochester, New York, I remember eagerly learning about the Seneca Indians, a people who had lived in the very same place where I walked to school, with numerous families living in one "long house." My instruction gave me an appreciation for the region's history and for a people who lived there long before I did.
Today, in Portland, all eighth-graders are assigned Marxist Howard Zinn's "A Young People's History of the United States," the simplified version of his phenomenally influential "A People's History of the United States."
Rebecca Stefoff adapted Zinn's book from the original version, with sentences, in my opinion, at the third-grade level. It makes a cartoonish presentation of myriad people groups from the Bahamas and South America to New Mexico and New England. They are falsely oversimplified as universally peace-loving, Mother Earth-respecting, generous, and welcoming. All Indian tribes are lumped together as a mass of childlike people oppressed by the greedy capitalist explorers and settlers.
Stereotyping Everybody Involved
The stereotyping begins with the presentation of the "Arawak" Indians that Columbus encounters in the Bahamas. The same material is in the young people's version, along with Zinn's plagiarism and misleading selective quotations, which I document in my book, "Debunking Howard Zinn: Exposing the Fake History That Turned a Generation against America." It uses material plagiarized from a short paperback screed written for high school students by Zinn's radical anti-Vietnam War comrade and novelist Hans Koning.
Through Stefoff, Zinn describes the Arawaks as being "like the Indians on the American mainland"; all "believed in hospitality and sharing." But Columbus was "hungry for money," so "as soon as he arrived in the islands, he seized some Arawaks by force so that he could get information from them," namely, the answer to "Where is the gold?" As a result, the Europeans enslaved, tortured, and executed the Arawaks to extinction.
Columbus's landing was "the start of the history of the Europeans in the Americas. It was a history of conquest, slavery, and death." As he does in the original version, Zinn speaks directly to the young reader, informing him of his position as a historian who will present the hidden ugly side of American history, telling "the story of the discovery of America from the point of view of the Arawaks" and of the Constitution "from the point of view of the slaves," and on. Columbus is not the heroic explorer earlier historian Samuel Eliot Morison presented him as, but a genocidaire.
Deleting Columbus's Pro-Native Statements
In the young people's version, the same things are left out in Zinn's transposition of Koning's text that make up the first five pages, including critical passages from Columbus's diary that indicate he warned his men to "take nothing from the people without giving something in exchange" and (in a set of ellipses for two pages of deleted material) his view of the Indians as "a people who can be made free and converted to our Holy Faith more by love than by force."
Eighth-graders read, "The tragedy of Columbus and the Arawaks happened over and over again. Spanish conquerors Herman Cortés and Francisco Pizarro destroyed the Aztecs of Mexico and the Incas of South America. When English settlers reached Virginia and Massachusetts, they did the same thing to the Indians they met."
The Aztecs and Incas serve to implicate the English settlers as part of the capitalist European imperialist pattern. What is left out is the fact that Cortés was welcomed as a liberator by the tribes, especially the Tlaxcalans, who had been persecuted by the Aztecs for more than 100 years. Cortés could not have defeated the Aztecs without the help of the 50,000 Indians who joined him.
The Pequot War is attributed to the colonists "wanting the land" of southern Connecticut and Rhode Island. While admitting "massacres took place on both sides," Zinn and Stefoff write, "The English used a form of warfare that Cortés had used in Mexico. To fill the enemy with terror, they attacked civilians, people who were not warriors. They set fire to wigwams, and as the Indians ran out to escape the flames, the English cut them to bits with their swords."
Of course, the use of fire as "a form of warfare" was practiced by Indians long before Europeans came. It was used by the Tuscaroras and their allies against colonists in 1711, and in other attacks. The name Pequot, from pekawatawog, means "the destroyers," a trait they displayed in the Pequot War. As I also point out, American Indians served in both World Wars, with deserved pride in their fighting abilities.
Indigenous Peoples Can Do No Wrong
In the "Young People's History," the Indians are described as superior human beings in every respect, down to treating their children better than did the Europeans because they shunned corporal punishment and imbued children "with independence and courage."
The Iroquois, "the most powerful of the northeastern tribes," shared land and food, and "the work of farming and hunting. . . . Women were important and respected . . . , and the sexes shared power. Children were taught to be independent. Not only the Iroquois but other Indian tribes behaved in similar ways." Overall, the Indians "lived in greater equality than people in Europe did."
Actually, Iroquois was the name of a confederacy of five tribes: Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca. The confederacy was established between 1450 and 1500 to "unite and pacify the infighting Iroquois and to gain strength in numbers in order to resist the opposition of Huron- and Algonquian-speaking neighbors."
To add to the year-long immersion in Zinn are lessons from the Zinn Education Project, recommended for students as young as fifth-graders, on Columbus and the Cherokee Removal. ZEP even offers lessons for first- and second-graders, for example, on red-lining in Portland.
Never Talk about Any Native-Settler Cooperation
The school district provides other resources on its Native American Heritage Month website, including no-no's in teaching about Thanksgiving. In a provided video, a Native American teacher instructs educators to never ever tell students that Pilgrims and Native Americans "helped each other."
Making headdresses and headbands, or dressing up, is "cultural appropriation." Creating Native American names and spirit animals is not "culturally sensitive." Even coloring bows and arrows is forbidden, as is singing "Ten Little Indian Boys." One of the resources she recommends is the notorious Southern Poverty Law Center's curriculum, "Teaching Tolerance."
Another recommended resource is a video produced by Teen Vogue featuring six girls somberly seated behind a table laden with a traditional Thanksgiving feast. They discuss "the real history of Thanksgiving" as a celebration of deaths of entire villages and "war crimes" as dramatic music plays. They describe what they are "thankful" for—their "culture" and being born "indigenous." As the music comes to a doomsday crescendo, the six angrily overturn the table and declare, "Happy Thanksgiving, America."
So when grandma asks the 13-year-old grandchild what she has been learning in school during "Native Heritage Month" she will likely hear a lecture about Columbus's genocide, the Pilgrims' "war crimes," and the "cultural appropriation" of the squash casserole. Let us hope this teen will not overturn the Thanksgiving table.
Mary Grabar, the author of "Debunking Howard Zinn," earned her PhD from the University of Georgia and taught college English for 20 years. She is now a resident fellow at the Alexander Hamilton Institute for the Study of Western Civilization in Clinton, New York. Her writing can be found at DissidentProf.com and at marygrabar.com.
Photo William Verelst / Wikimedia
A People's History of the United States American history Christopher Columbus curriculum holidays Howard Zinn Native American Heritage Month Native Americans Portland public schools textbooks Thanksgiving U.S. History Washington state


Many people say Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November. I disagree. If there is any day of the year on which to give thanks, it is September 26th.
Today is the 27th anniversary of when Stanislav Petrov chose not to destroy the world. When an early warning system reported the Americans had launched ICBMs, Petrov told his superiors it was a malfunction. Had he decided incorrectly, the Soviets would have launched their nukes, causing the United States to actually launch their nukes. Billions would have died.
I am continually amazed by how few know about this incident. The average person could probably tell you the latest celebrity gossip or which team won some sporting competition, but ask them who prevented a gigadeath event and they wouldn't have a clue.
Lieutenant Colonel Petrov, your name isn't as famous as it should be, but thank you nonetheless. The gratitude owed to you simply cannot be conveyed.


text:
Journal: 8 Most Under Appreciated Group B Cars
8 Most Under Appreciated Group B Cars
By Michael Banovsky
To me, "under-appreciated" is a machine that never lived up to its full potential. In racing, that test is really easy: did it win? Group B winners are a group rightfully worthy of our praise, but what about their often-forgotten competition?
As categories go, Group B was both broad and popular, consuming several manufacturers in doing all-out battle in international motorsport. No corner of the world was left untouched; the big Bs raced at Le Mans, the Paris-Dakar, and became art. Because of the incredible pace of development, huge technological advances, and the realities of how race cars gestate, however, there were several vehicles developed that never saw success. There were some that saw limited running, or crashed out, or were neutered by regulations.
Group B rules were designed to accommodate different vehicles from previous categories, so it's important to note that many oddball cars were run under Group B rules but may have not been designed for the series. May seem like a small distinction, but it's the difference between a Peugeot 504 pickup truck and Ford RS200.
The record books rightfully salute the winners, and in Group B, those cars are well-known. So what about the outliers?
FIA Homologation no.: None; not enough were built
You should know, right away, that Group B wasn't just for rally cars. No, its rules set was adopted by several series' for both rally and sports car racing. The 959 (and later 961) were geared toward circuits, and would have competed against the BMW M1 and Ferrari 288 GTO. The M1 did rally, actually, and did pretty well, but the 961 couldn't catch a break.
Its debut at the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans was promising, finishing 7th overall; when run in North America at Daytona it suffered dangerous tire failures, and its second Le Mans ended in a crash-caused barbecue. Porsche still has the car, of course, and shows it from time to time.
FIA Homologation no.: B279
It's not a good sign when a manufacturer conceives, designs, tests, builds, races, and sells a car—before trying to buy them all back again. Citroën did just that, when its hugely impressive BX 4TC fell well short of expectations. In racing, it arrived too late and simply wasn't fast enough: its engine was underpowered and the hydropneumatic suspension had a difficult time coping with all that weight slung out beyond the front tires.
As groupbrally.com notes, "The BX 4TC competed in one World Rally Championship rally, suffered three mechanical failures, was rolled back onto the boat, and was never seen again in competition". Around 60 road cars were sold, before their owners were asked to kindly, uh, have them crushed. Some did, some didn't—if you find one, buy it, then give us a call…
Toyota Celica Twincam Turbo TA 64
Front engine, rear-wheel-drive, rally car…in the '80s? While we don't think of Toyota as being behind the times, when it came to Group B, its approach (until its very successful campaigns in Group A and WRC) was to build a quick-but-strong car. Simple. Robust. It won its second race at the Ivory Coast in 1983, becoming somewhat of a specialist in longer-distance African rallies. As groupbrally.com notes, "The Celica won no less than six rallies in Africa, including three consecutive Safari rallies in Kenya from 1984 to 1986…making it the undisputed king of the desert during the Group B era".
So why don't you have one for hooning around in the desert?
Mazda Rally Team Europe RX-7
FIA Homologation no.: B255, B289
There wasn't an official Group B effort from Mazda, instead, the Belgium-based Mazda Rally Team Europe took it upon itself to have the RX-7 homologated as a proper rally car. If you could have watched it race at any event, the one to be at would have been the 1985 Acropolis Rally in Greece, where it finished third with driver Ingvar Carlsson and co-driver Benny Melander, less than a minute behind the winning Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Evolution 2 piloted by Timo Salonen.
Obligatory, right? This car seems to be on so many of these lists, and the subject of so many magazine features, that I wonder how tired MG Metro 6R4 fans are of reading that the car had a normally-aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine with 400 horsepower, was screwed together by Williams Grand Prix Engineering, and it still didn't see much success.
FIA Homologation no.: B220, B236, and B241
In Italy, Michelotto developed a few 308 GTBs into rally cars—and saw some outright success, too. In Sicily, the cars were very fast against the competition and scored outright wins. The car was never going to be a world contender, or developed into a more advanced, quattro-fighting machine—Ferrari's focus on the faster, road racing-focused 288 GTO sealed the 308 GTB's fate.
Still, it's worth planning your Sicilian holiday around a local rally, where it's very likely one of these cars will be sliding sideways around the island's narrow roads.
Ford RS1700T
FIA Homologation no.: None; remained a prototype
Remember that one time in the early '80s when Ford decided to fit a 1,778-cc turbocharged 4-cylinder Cosworth engine into a three-door, rear drive hatchback? You know, the one with more than 300 horsepower? No? As the car was being developed, Ford realized rear-drive was a losing proposition and cancelled the project.
Reports say hundreds of body panels, transaxles, engines, and various other components were made—and ready—before the project was cancelled. As an interesting footnote, in addition to a few race versions, one of the road-going RS1700T prototypes survives, rightfully, with M-Sport.
Nissan 240 RS
Did you know that the 240 RS is the first (and only) Group B car raced-and-won-in by the late Colin McRae? The 240 RS is a proper Group B car, and was actually made in a limited number—box flares and all. Like its competition from Opel, Toyota, and others, Nissan kept the car rear-drive.
It was wildly unlike its competition underhood, however, with the FJ24 engine: a 2.4-litre, normally-aspirated, carbureted…and still was developed up to 277 horsepower. Over two years, its best finish was a 2nd overall—just not good enough.
Which Group B car do you feel is the most under-appreciated?
Images courtesy of their respective manufactueres & by James Mann courtesy of RM Sotheby's, wheelsage.org
Tags Citroen/	Ferrari/	Ford/	Group B/	Mazda/	MG/	Nissan/	Porsche/	Toyota
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Martin Bohacek
I believe you forgot the Skoda 130LR – an underdog that even won a rally!
Per Eldh
Please – stop the mixing of RACING Group B with RALLY Group B.. They're virtually two completely different things!
Also Mazda RX7, Renault 5Turbo etc etc are really Group 4 cars, re-classed in Group B.
The Group B "monsters" were only 6 (six!)
SportQuattro
Peugeot 205 T16
Citroen BX 4TC
Lonefurrow
The 6R4 won several rounds of the '86 British Rally Championship in the hands of Jimmy McRae and David Llewellyn (the champion, Mark Lovell, didn't win a single round in his RS200), as well as leading and scoring a podium on it's WRC debut in the hands of Tony Pond (RAC '85), so I wouldn't say that it was that unsuccessful.
Brandon Strickland
What? No Toyota 222D. That's a group B AW11 MR2
jolocho
It didn't make it to race day, so rather than under appreciated it was never appreciated. And since it was a prototype, it would've been a Group S car. Oh, what could have been.
Didn't Mitsubishi have GroupB Starion? Crazy as it may be, I distinctively recall seeing Daihatsu Charade GroupB car, too.
De Dion
How about the Lada VFTS or the later Lada EVA
Group B was the last time sports cars were also rally cars. Every once in a while we see a RWD car that's about to compete, but nothing happens. The Toyota GT86 is eligible for R3 class in WRC3, but I have yet to see an entry.
And as much as I love the RX-7 in rally form, it was actually just under one hour behind the Puegeot 205. That's just how dominant 4WD is on the loose stuff.
Colin McRae might have raced a 240RS but he also used a 6R4 as a course car on the Colin McRae stages rally (and others rallies as well I think). The car is for sale on ebay at the moment (no affiliation) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-Metro-6R4-Ex-Colin-McRae-/282121672666?hash=item41afc317da:g:NtwAAOSwhOdXoan0

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Steven Parker ist der Name folgender Personen:

* Steven Parker (Footballspieler, 1956) (* 1956), US-amerikanischer American-Football-Spieler
 Steven Parker (Footballspieler, 1959) (* 1959), US-amerikanischer American-Football-Spieler
 Steven Parker (Footballspieler, 1995) (* 1995), US-amerikanischer American-Football-Spieler
 Steven Parker (Kameramann), US-amerikanischer Kameramann
 Steven Christopher Parker (* 1989), US-amerikanischer Schauspieler

Siehe auch:
 Stephen Parker (* 1955), britischer Sprachwissenschaftler

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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While MS doesn't directly affect the joints, it can undermine the nerves and muscles that support them.
Climbing the stairs with weak or numb legs can be risky for those with MS.
Luckily, I had hold of both banisters of the stairs this morning.
I looked down at my legs and feet, as they weren't sending up much in the way of sensory signals. You know the feeling: I know that they are there, but they are as much deadweight as they are active participants in the day's activities.
As I watched myself take each deliberate and labored step, my right leg (yes, the "good one") did a wobbly dance that I'd not choreographed and for which there was no soundtrack beyond my bass-baritone grunting with every step in the incline.
It was sickening to see in the same way (but to a lesser extent) as it was to see the Washington Redskins player Joe Theismann's leg bend the wrong way — and oh so very far the wrong way — during a November football game in 1985.
I grabbed the handrail as tightly as I might with my multiple sclerosis (MS)–affected left hand and leaned into the right side for proper support. My semi-numb right leg swerved beneath most of my weight. It was as if I were looking at an earthquake video of a bridge undulating as tectonic plates shift.
Like a child's jump rope or an oscilloscope's display, my leg seemed to be moving in long, flowing waves from hip to foot and back up again. My grip tightened and, with focus and intention, I was able to turn around and dismount the stairs before any damage was done.
It got me thinking about how many secondary (and tertiary) effects we may experience because of our weakening nerve signals to muscles.
If I'd not been holding the banisters, I would surely have done major damage to my knee. Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage can only do so much in keeping a joint safe when MS calls, as it did this morning.
I fall enough with MS and, thank goodness, I've not done too much damage in the falling nor in the getting back up. When I do think of the mild injuries I've incurred because of MS falls, they are usually bruises or the strain of a few muscles from trying to stay upright when the tumble was inevitable.
I'd hadn't much thought of the wrenching of a knee (or other joint). I guess that's because most of my falls seem to be frontward while I'm moving or attempting to move forward. Because I was going up the stairs and placing weight directly down, this would have been a fall that tore soft tissue, in addition to what a likely tumble down the stairs may have caused.
Lesson learned. Hold the handrails and mind your knees, Trevis. You'll miss them when they're gone.
I offer my near-miss as warning to those of you who also know the wobble of limbs due to our common condition.


text:
Artificial IntelligenceCloudGovernment & Public SectorMobility
Hashtag Trending – Elon Musk gets DC Hyperloop approval, world's biggest SSD Drive, Google AI can predict heart disease
Alex Radu
Elon Musk is one step closer to an East Coast Hyperloop, Samsung has revealed the world's largest solid state drive, and Google AI is getting closer to being able to predict heart disease.
From Linkedin – We are now one step closer to a Hyperloop that will take travelers between New York City and Washington D.C. in just 29 minutes. Elon Musk announced this week that The Boring Company has received an early, and vague, building permit from the D.C. government that allows for some preparatory and excavation work at a fenced-off parking lot that could become a station in a potential New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC Hyperloop. While this is a welcome first step for those excited for an East Coast Hyperloop, it is just the beginning. DC's Mayor visited the Boring Company in California earlier this month to see exactly how this Hyperloop tunneling would work, and according to DC's Department of Transportation, the government is still trying to figure out what permits the Boring Company would need to cut under city roads and other public spaces.
From Reddit – Samsung has revealed the world's largest solid state drive that can hold a ridiculous 30 terabytes of storage. This is the most storage that has ever been crammed into the 2.5-inch form factor, and it supposedly hold up to 5,700 full HD movies or about 500 days of non-stop video. While you won't be seeing a 30 terabyte SSD in a laptop or computer anytime soon, now that Samsung has the format figured out, it plans to expand the lineup later this year to include six more SSDs that range from 15.36 terabytes to 800 gigabytes.
And from Reddit once more – Google has apparently developed an artificial intelligence algorithm that can assess someone's risk of heart disease just by looking at their retinas. The software, which is developed through its health-tech subsidiary Verily, analyzes data such as an individual's age, blood pressure, and whether they smoke to assess risk. It would then analyze the features, patterns, colors, values, and shapes of a person's eye. According to Google and Verily scientists, the rear interior wall of the eye, called the fundus, has blood vessels that reflect the body's overall health. So far, Google's AI was able to assess with 70 per accuracy if a person had experienced a cardiovascular event in the past five years, compared to the current method of using blood tests called SCORE that have a 72 per cent successful prediction rate.
That's what's trending today. Hashtag Trending is produced by IT World Canada. Today's episode is brought to you by SAS, the world leader in advanced analytics and Official Analytics Partner of the Canadian Olympic Team.
is a Video Producer for IT World Canada. When not writing or making videos about the tech industry, you can find him reading, watching TV/movies, or watching the Lakers rebuild with one eye open.
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Like other Office applications, Access offers many options you can set to control the way the program looks and functions. There are not as many options available in Access as in some of the other Office applications, but the ones that are available control a wide range of features.
This chapter examines the settings you are most likely to want to change and how to use them.


"In this day and age, it's becoming harder to find high-quality service. We knew we had found it with Spectrum when our contractors recommended Mark to paint our newly finished basement. A season later, we had Larry and Mark back to paint the exterior of our house and they've been painting the neighborhood ever since. Years later our house still looks beautiful. We won't use anyone else."
"We had the opportunity to observe Spectrum's work ethic when they painted our neighbor's house four years ago. We were very impressed with their attention to detail; Larry, Mark and their crew paint each house as if it is their own. My husband and I knew we wanted that kind of personal touch for our home and so we called Spectrum last spring; in fact, they were the only quote we got! They did a beautiful job and were so easy to work with; I always felt comfortable having them around. With Spectrum you feel like your friends are painting your house."
"At Deluxe Corporation, we insist on delivering the right products, quality and services to our customers. And when it comes to our image, to our community neighbors and our employees, it has to be top notch. That's why we never compromise when it comes to the kinds of performance painting products and coatings that Spectrum Wallcovering delivers. When it has to be right, be it quality, cost, or meeting schedule, we always turn to Spectrum to get the job done. Whether the job is industrial sized, or a remodel, the attention to detail is always there."
"Spectrum Wall Covering has been a key subcontractor for our business for the last 10 years. Our company has been in business for 25 years at which time we have relied on our reputation to be our advertising. Without contractors like Spectrum Wall Covering & Painting working with us, we would not have the reputation we have today - which is quality work, clean, courteous & helpful employees."
Peter Pelletier, President Pelletier Brothers Inc.


Short animated film, on domestic violence.
I was approached by Interfilm in Berlin who requested permission for 'Big Bag' to be screened with a live band performing a sound track of their own to an audience of 800. Klangschneider is a sound collective that uses instruments and diverse technical equipments to produce sounds and music. Here is the result. The beginning is missing, but you get the idea..


text:
from __future__ import print_function
import os
import re
import argparse
from .imgtool_lib import keys
from .imgtool_lib import image
from .imgtool_lib import version
import sys

sign_bin_size_re = re.compile(r"^\s*RE_SIGN_BIN_SIZE\s*=\s*(.*)")
image_load_address_re = re.compile(r"^\s*RE_IMAGE_LOAD_ADDRESS\s*=\s*(.*)")

def find_load_address(args):
    load_address_re = re.compile(r"^#define\sIMAGE_LOAD_ADDRESS\s+(0x[0-9a-fA-F]+)")

    if os.path.isabs(args.layout):
            configFile = args.layout
    else:
        scriptsDir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
        configFile = os.path.join(scriptsDir, args.layout)

    ramLoadAddress = None
    with open(configFile, 'r') as flash_layout_file:
        for line in flash_layout_file:
            m = load_address_re.match(line)
            if m is not None:
                ramLoadAddress = int(m.group(1), 0)
                print("**[INFO]** Writing load address from the macro in "
                      "flash_layout.h to the image header.. "
                       + hex(ramLoadAddress)
                       + " (dec. " + str(ramLoadAddress) + ")")
                break
    return ramLoadAddress

# Returns the last version number if present, or None if not
def get_last_version(path):
    if (os.path.isfile(path) == False): # Version file not present
        return None
    else: # Version file is present, check it has a valid number inside it
        with open(path, "r") as oldFile:
            fileContents = oldFile.read()
            if version.version_re.match(fileContents): # number is valid
                return version.decode_version(fileContents)
            else:
                return None

def next_version_number(args, defaultVersion, path):
    newVersion = None
    versionProvided = False
    if (version.compare(args.version, defaultVersion) == 0): # Default version
        lastVersion = get_last_version(path)
        if (lastVersion is not None):
            newVersion = version.increment_build_num(lastVersion)
        else:
            newVersion = version.increment_build_num(defaultVersion)
    else: # Version number has been explicitly provided (not using the default)
        versionProvided = True
        newVersion = args.version
    versionString = "{a}.{b}.{c}+{d}".format(
                    a=str(newVersion.major),
                    b=str(newVersion.minor),
                    c=str(newVersion.revision),
                    d=str(newVersion.build)
    )
    if not versionProvided:
        with open(path, "w") as newFile:
            newFile.write(versionString)
    print("**[INFO]** Image version number set to " + versionString)
    return newVersion

def gen_rsa2048(args):
    keys.RSAutil.generate().export_private(args.key)

def gen_rsa3072(args):
    keys.RSAutil.generate(key_size=3072).export_private(args.key)

keygens = {
        'rsa-2048': gen_rsa2048,
        'rsa-3072': gen_rsa3072, }

def do_keygen(args):
    if args.type not in keygens:
        msg = "Unexpected key type: {}".format(args.type)
        raise argparse.ArgumentTypeError(msg)
    keygens[args.type](args)

def do_getpub(args):
    key = keys.load(args.key)
    if args.lang == 'c':
        key.emit_c()
    else:
        msg = "Unsupported language, valid are: c"
        raise argparse.ArgumentTypeError(msg)

def do_sign(args):
    if args.rsa_pkcs1_15:
        keys.sign_rsa_pss = False

    version_num = next_version_number(args,
                                      version.decode_version("0"),
                                      "lastVerNum.txt")

    if args.security_counter is None:
        # Security counter has not been explicitly provided,
        # generate it from the version number
        args.security_counter = ((version_num.major << 24)
                                 + (version_num.minor << 16)
                                 + version_num.revision)

    if "_s.c" in args.layout:
        sw_type = "SPE"
    elif "_ns.c" in args.layout:
        sw_type = "NSPE"
    else:
        sw_type = "NSPE_SPE"

    pad_size = args.pad
    img = image.Image.load(args.infile,
                           version=version_num,
                           header_size=args.header_size,
                           security_cnt=args.security_counter,
                           included_header=args.included_header,
                           pad=pad_size)
    key = keys.load(args.key, args.public_key_format) if args.key else None
    ram_load_address = find_load_address(args)
    img.sign(sw_type, key, ram_load_address, args.dependencies)

    if pad_size:
        img.pad_to(pad_size, args.align)

    img.save(args.outfile)

subcmds = {
        'keygen': do_keygen,
        'getpub': do_getpub,
        'sign': do_sign, }

def get_dependencies(text):
    if text is not None:
        versions = []
        images = re.findall(r"\((\d+)", text)
        if len(images) == 0:
            msg = "Image dependency format is invalid: {}".format(text)
            raise argparse.ArgumentTypeError(msg)
        raw_versions = re.findall(r",\s*([0-9.+]+)\)", text)
        if len(images) != len(raw_versions):
            msg = '''There's a mismatch between the number of dependency images
            and versions in: {}'''.format(text)
            raise argparse.ArgumentTypeError(msg)
        for raw_version in raw_versions:
            try:
                versions.append(version.decode_version(raw_version))
            except ValueError as e:
                print(e)
        dependencies = dict()
        dependencies[image.DEP_IMAGES_KEY] = images
        dependencies[image.DEP_VERSIONS_KEY] = versions
        return dependencies

def alignment_value(text):
    value = int(text)
    if value not in [1, 2, 4, 8]:
        msg = "{} must be one of 1, 2, 4 or 8".format(value)
        raise argparse.ArgumentTypeError(msg)
    return value

def intparse(text):
    """Parse a command line argument as an integer.

    Accepts 0x and other prefixes to allow other bases to be used."""
    return int(text, 0)

def args():
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
    subs = parser.add_subparsers(help='subcommand help', dest='subcmd')

    keygenp = subs.add_parser('keygen', help='Generate pub/private keypair')
    keygenp.add_argument('-k', '--key', metavar='filename', required=True)
    keygenp.add_argument('-t', '--type', metavar='type',
                         choices=keygens.keys(), required=True)

    getpub = subs.add_parser('getpub', help='Get public key from keypair')
    getpub.add_argument('-k', '--key', metavar='filename', required=True)
    getpub.add_argument('-l', '--lang', metavar='lang', default='c')

    sign = subs.add_parser('sign', help='Sign an image with a private key')
    sign.add_argument('-l', '--layout', required=True,
                      help='Location of the file that contains preprocessed macros')
    sign.add_argument('-k', '--key', metavar='filename')
    sign.add_argument("-K", "--public-key-format",
                      help='In what format to add the public key to the image manifest: full or hash',
                      metavar='pub_key_format', choices=['full', 'hash'], default='hash')
    sign.add_argument("--align", type=alignment_value, required=True)
    sign.add_argument("-v", "--version", type=version.decode_version,
                      default="0.0.0+0")
    sign.add_argument("-d", "--dependencies", type=get_dependencies,
                      required=False, help='''Add dependence on another image,
                      format: "(<image_ID>,<image_version>), ... "''')
    sign.add_argument("-s", "--security-counter", type=intparse,
                      help='Specify explicitly the security counter value')
    sign.add_argument("-H", "--header-size", type=intparse, required=True)
    sign.add_argument("--included-header", default=False, action='store_true',
                      help='Image has gap for header')
    sign.add_argument("--rsa-pkcs1-15",
                      help='Use old PKCS#1 v1.5 signature algorithm',
                      default=False, action='store_true')
    sign.add_argument("infile")
    sign.add_argument("outfile")

    args = parser.parse_args()
    if args.subcmd is None:
        print('Must specify a subcommand', file=sys.stderr)
        sys.exit(1)

    subcmds[args.subcmd](args)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    args()


Now that the Apple Watch bandwagon has reached its tipping point, the tech-loving masses are looking at the rest of the smartwatch field with a more objective outlook.
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text:
Martin de Gruchy
From A Biographical Dictionary of Jersey, by George Balleine
Martin de Gruchy (1666-1720) was the first Notary Public in Jersey. The only son of Martin de Gruchy, Centenier of St Lawrence and Rachel de Carteret, daughter of Helier, of La Hougue, Attorney-General, he was born in 1666, and baptized in St Lawrence Church on 8 July, his grandfather being his godfather.
His father died when he was two years old, and he was brought up by Jurat Philippe Payn, of Grouville, his mother's second husband. In 1680 the latter obtained for him a grant from the Don Baudains, which enabled him to go to Gloucester Hall, Oxford. He returned to Jersey and became an Ecrivain.
In 1685 he married Sara Le Gallais, daughter of Jean, in the Town Church, and they firent leurs regards in St Lawrence Church, so the Register of that Church informs us, on the following Sunday. This refers to the custom of newly married couples making their first appearance in the Church of the parish in which they were going to live, wearing their wedding clothes.
He soon moved to St Helier and there he became the father of nine children: Rachel (1687- ), Jeanne (1600- ), Elisabeth (1692- ), Martin (1694- ), Jean (1696- ), Philippe (1699- ), who became Rector of St Lawrence, Elie (1702- ), Anne (1704- ), Florence (1705- ).
In 1698 he was elected Procureur du Bien Public of St Helier. Notaries, though now appointed by the Lord Chancellor, were then licensed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In May 1701 De Gruchy obtained from him a faculty creating him a Tabellion and Notary Public. This he duly registered in the Ecclesiastical Court. Jersey had hitherto known nothing of Notaries, and in May 1703 the Royal Court decided that such an office "tended to diminish the rights of the Bailiff and the authority of the Court", and forbad De Gruchy to practise.
In The Groans it is alleged:
"Durell, the Lieut-Bailiff, resenting a suit which de Gruchy had brought against his eldest son, stirred up the spirit of the Bailiff".
De Gruchy appealed to the Privy Council, and, while waiting for his case to be heard, practised as a Notary in London. In May 1705 the Council ordered that the prohibition of the Court should be repealed, "and the said Martin de Gruchy permitted to execute his faculty with the same liberty that he might do in this Kingdom".
He returned to Jersey, and got this registered both in the Ecclesiastical and the Royal Courts. In the same year he was appointed Greffier of the Ecclesiastical Court.
In 1707 his quarrel with the Bailiff flared up once more. "Having offered to Sir Charles De Carteret, Bailiff, and to the Jurats in Court a cause about some appurtenances of his notarial practice, wherein the Bailiff thought himself concerned as being apprehensive it might be a diminishment of some of his perquisites, Sir Charles rejected the cause, and at the same time charged de Gruchy with an accusation about pretended defamatory words, gestures, and insinuations, which he alleged de Gruchy had spoken and acted against him.
Sir Charles publicly declared that they consisted that in private conferences Gruchy had called him His Excellency, and in discoursing of him with his friends he said was "rough as a veal pie". The actual charge, as recorded in the Court Rolls, was that he had "maliciously uttered many insults and defamatory words, both during the session of the Court and elsewhere, against the honour of the said Charles de Carteret, holding up to ridicule his administration of justice by gestures and shocking words and perverse insinuations". The Groans continues the story:
"Gruchy having had occasion to go over to Guernsey, as soon as he was absent, they condemned him without jury or witnesses to beg upon his knees pardon of God, the Queen, the Bench, and de Carteret, and he was further condemned to an unlimited fine. The matter being brought to her Majesty in Council, it was transmitted to the said Magistrates; yet five or six months after it had been served upon them they attempted to assess the fine to 150 livres tournois. By Her Majesty's Order in Council of 30 December 1708 Gruchy was admitted to appeal".
He seems now to have decided to leave Jersey, for he did not prosecute his appeal, but settled in London as a Notary, and there he died in 1720. He may have been the author of the anonymous attack on Sir Charles de Carteret, published in 1709, Groans of the Inhabitants of the Island of Jersey by a Well-Wisher to his Country.
Retrieved from "http://theislandwiki.org/index.php/Martin_de_Gruchy"


BCTF has been really busy and a great show for us once again this year! The new seaside inspired work has gone down a storm with new and existing customers. It was great to catch up with our customers and to meet lots of new people and get lots of new customers. Keep an eye on our website for the new work.


Are you looking for an inspiring and positive company? Are you wanting to work with smart, creative and collaborative colleagues? At Cisco Meraki, we're on track to be the most successful acquisition in Cisco's history (and certainly the most fun). Our office makes working here pretty special too – located in the heights of central London with an outstanding view of the city skyline, we're a short walk away from bustling areas like Shoreditch and Liverpool street. We offer privately catered lunches every single day plus you can help yourself free of charge to our fully stocked kitchen at all times – from freshly squeezed orange juice and a huge array of fruit, to salads, salamis and cheese. If you're looking for a company that really commits, how about our complimentary weekly yoga classes, sports societies, games room, or organised family days so you can bring your children into work? But what truly makes Meraki special are the people – people who keep the culture strong and make working here exciting, meaningful, and rewarding.
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text:
Q: How do I prove $\sqrt{y+c+b} + \sqrt{x+c+b} \geq \sqrt{y+x+c} + \sqrt{c+2b}$ I keep trying different combinations for $y,x,b$ and $c$, and I found that the inequality $\sqrt{y+c+b} + \sqrt{x+c+b} \geq \sqrt{y+x+c} + \sqrt{c+2b}$, $\forall$ $y \geq x \geq b>0, c \geq b$ is always true (millions of combinations actually).
I have been working on this these days and I did not found a formal proof. I would be grateful if someone can provide me any hint or help.

A: By squaring both sides, we find that the inequality is equivalent to
$$(x + y + 2b + 2c) + 2\sqrt{(y+c+b)(x+c+b)} \geq (x + y + 2b + 2c) + 2\sqrt{(y+x+c)(c+2b)}.$$
So, we just need to show that
$$(y+c+b)(x+c+b) \geq (y+x+c)(c+2b).$$
To prove that, simply expand both sides, then cancel out the terms to get
$$xy +  b^2 \geq bx + by.$$
This is equivalent to
$$(x-b)(y-b) \geq 0,$$
which is clearly true because we are given that $x \geq b$ and $y \geq b$.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


When the Paris Agreement came into effect in November, the global focus on climate change policies was decried as a vital step towards reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. In light of recent uncertainty as to the involvement of the United States in the Paris Agreement, and growing health concerns over pollution in UK cities, new research has highlighted the true cost of these polluted environments.
A map created by The Eco Experts has revealed the "most toxic countries in the world." The data was compiled and cross-referenced to take into account a number of factors including the number of deaths caused by air pollution and overall carbon dioxide emissions. The results are intended to be an indication of the dangers to the environment and population of the 135 countries involved in the study.
The maps show that Middle-Eastern oil-rich countries dominate the top ten spaces on the list. Saudi Arabia is recorded as being the most toxic, with the highest recorded air pollution on the list. The UK ranks 81st for toxicity, behind countries such as Germany and the United States, however, it is listed as having the 37th highest carbon dioxide emissions.
This data coincides with London's pollution levels reaching a five-year high last month, and London boroughs such as Camden and Westminster reaching ten out of ten on the air pollution index.
John Whitling of The Eco Experts said that the map is a way of "naming and shaming the worst offenders around the world" and highlighting the risks associated with high levels of pollution.


Well, it's been about ten years, but I'm finally obsessed with a new song by Ayumi Hamasaki again.
The stage is where I belong. It's the only place I really, truly exist. I don't know anything else. There's no point in worrying about what lies ahead. I will keep listening, even if I can't hear. I will keep moving, evening if I can't move. I'm not looking for sympathy or pity. I will hold my head high and keep going forward until my last breath.
While Ayumi's formula of a gentle opening comprised of dripping piano keys juxtaposed with a harsher pop-rock chorus is nothing groundbreaking (she's been recycling it for about a decade now), the context of this single's release reveals a whole new layer of heartbreaking tragedy to the 'words' of this song and the tears on its album art.
There's truly no artist as dedicated to her craft as Ayumi Hamasaki continues to be.
Previous Post Previous post: SheBOPS Hub #2 feat. Vallkyrie, Chloe Lilac, Fí, Yashae, RABBII plus more!


text:
David Eugene Walker Sr
February 16, 1959 - August 13, 2020
David Eugene Walker Sr. was born February 16, 1959, and passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020, after a long history of health issues. David loved his family and friends with all of his heart. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family. He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Brown and Henrietta Walker, and Kayla Hebson. He is survived by his wife, Linda G Walker, and their Children: Tony Davis (Dana), David Jr, William, Tiffany (Will), Jennifer, and Jeremy (Charlene). Mr. Walker is also survived by His Grandchildren: Bryce, Landin, Darin, Josh, Ethan, Davey, Skylar, Koby, Sebastian, and Kaleigh Grace, By his brothers: Ray, Tom, John, and Larry, sisters Elizabeth, Elaine, and Kitty, and by a number of nieces and nephews.
David Eugene Walker Sr. was born February 16, 1959, and passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020, after a long history of health issues. David loved his family and friends with all of his heart. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared... View Obituary & Service Information
The family of David Eugene Walker Sr created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories.
David Eugene Walker Sr. was born February 16, 1959, and passed...
Send flowers to the Walker family.


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text:
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Inter.
Nigerian white collar crime : hearing before the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourth Congress, second session, September 11, 1996 online
. (page 1 of 8)
Online Library → United States. Congress. House. Committee on Inter → Nigerian white collar crime : hearing before the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourth Congress, second session, September 11, 1996 → online text (page 1 of 8)
'^ NIGERIAN WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Y 4. IN 8/ 16: N 56
Higerian White Collir Crine* Hearin. ..
hlhJAKlNG
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA
COMMITTEE ON
HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED FOURTH CONGRESS
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
'/if
^//;;
*-"='So,
/o=
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
3&-318CC WASHINGTON : 1997
For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Sales Office, Washington, DC 20402
,iy\ NIGERIAN WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Y4.IN8/16:N56
Nigerian Uhite Collar Crine^ Hearin...
*^W*/A/ /,».."'/;
■^ > I.:
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York, Chairman
WILLIAM F. GOODLING, Pennsylvania
JAMES A. LEACH. Iowa
TOBY ROTH, Wisconsin
HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois
DOUG BEREUTER, NAraska
CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey
DAN BURTON, Indiana
JAN MEYERS, Kansas
ELTON GALLEGLY, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida
CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina
DANA ROHRABACHER, California
DONALD A. MANZULLO, Illinois
EDWARD R. ROYCE, California
PETER T. KING, New York
JAY KIM, California
SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas
DAVID FUNDERBURK, North Carolina
STEVEN J. CHABOT, Ohio
MARSHALL "MARK" SANFORD, South
MATT SALMON, Arizona
AMO HOUGHTON, New York
TOM CAMBBELL, California
JON FOX, Pennsylvania
Richard J. Garon, Chief of Staff
Michael H. Van Dusen, Minority Chief of Staff
LEE H. HAMILTON, Indiana
SAM GEJDENSON, Connecticut
TOM LANTOS, California
ROBERT G. TORRICELLI, New Jersey
HOWARD L. BERMAN, California
GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York
HARRY JOHNSTON, Florida
ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American
MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ, California
DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey
ROBERT E. ANDREWS, New Jersey
ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio
CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia
ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Florida
ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN, Maryland
JAMES P. MORAN, Virginia
VICTOR O. FRAZER, Virgin Islands (Ind.)
CHARLIE ROSE, North Carolina
PAT DANNER, Missouri
EARL HILLIARD, Alabama
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida, Chairperson
STEVEN J. CHABOT. Ohio
TOM CAMPBELL, California
Mauricio J. TamakGO, Subcommittee Staff Director
Phi UP Christenson, Deputy Staff Director
David Adams. Democratic Professional Staff Member
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York
VICTOR O. FRAZER, Virgin Islands
The Honorable Mark Richard, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Depart-
ment of Justice 4
S.A. Michael Stenger, Special Agent in Charge, Financial Crimes Division,
U.S. Secret Service 6
The Honorable Jonathan Winer, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Inter-
national Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State 8
Ms. Sally Miller, Office of Africa, International Trade Administration, Depart-
ment of Commerce 10
Prepared statements:
Hon. Tom Campbell 21
Hon. Mark Richard 22
SA. Michael Stenger 29
Hon. Jonathan Winer 43
Ms. SaUy Miller 49
Other material:
Letters to U.S. victims from Nigerian nationals involved in 4-1-9 fraud ... 70
NIGERIAN WHITE COLLAR CRIME
House of Representatives,
Subcommittee on Africa,
Committee on International Relations,
Washington, DC.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 2 p.m. in room
2172, Raybum House Office Building, Hon. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(chairwoman of the subcommittee) presiding.
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. The subcommittee will come to order. Thank
you for joining us today. There are several meetings going on
today, including the Congressional Black Caucus, which several of
our members belong to. As soon as they are done with that, they
will join us.
We apologize for the sparse attendance, but many of the mem-
bers' staff are with us, taking notes and following the meeting. We
thank the witnesses for joining us today and we especially thank
the audience for joining us as we discuss this very important issue.
When formulating or implementing U.S. foreign policy, we always
try to strike a delicate balance between the overall objectives of
promoting democracy and respect for human rights with specific
U.S. security concerns.
We must always be conscious of our role in the international po-
litical arena and within the international community of nations,
but most importantly we must always be focused on safeguarding
U.S. interests and protecting the rights of our citizens. That is why
we are here today.
This subcommittee has had and will continue to have numerous
hearings on the issues affecting the people of Nigeria and the
daunting challenges that they confront as they struggle toward an-
other attempt at democracy. We have also held forums to establish
the correlation between Nigeria's internal situation and its effect
on U.S. security interests — both domestic and foreign.
Nonetheless, it can be argued that corruption in this West Afri-
can nation is certainly one of the more serious problems threaten-
ing, not only the future of Nigerian democracy, but also U.S. do-
mestic and international interests.
We are, therefore, here today in our role as public servants, as
guardians of the people of the United States, to delve into how this
system of corruption has gone beyond the boundaries of Nigeria
and is directly victimizing U.S. citizens. We are here to delve into
how U.S. entrepreneurs have fallen prey to Nigerian advance fee
fraud losing millions of dollars, as well as endangering their lives
in the interim, when they are convinced by these criminals to trav-
el to Nigeria to complete the transactions.
Nigerian advanced fee fraud is known internationally as "4-1-9"
fraud after the section of the Nigerian penal code which addresses
fraud schemes. It manifests itself in seven distinct fraudulent busi-
ness proposals. These are: disbursement of money from wills; con-
tract fraud (C.O.D. of goods and services); purchase of real estate;
conversion of hard currency; transfer of funds from over invoiced
contracts; and sale of crude oil at below market prices.
Of these, the most prevalent and successful is the fund transfer
scam, which our witnesses will explain in detail during their testi-
mony.
In all instances, however, the goal of the scam artist is to delude
the target of their scheme into believing that he is being drawn
into a very lucrative arrangement. The intended victims are reas-
sured several times as the scheme unfolds, to ensure that they will
willingly contribute a large sum of money to secure the deal when
it is threatened, and it will be. As will be discussed, the underlying
theme to all the schemes is their elaborate nature. There usually
is a con-within-the-con or two phases to the fraud, one being the
original proposal to the intended victim and the second layer being
the threat to the venture.
In all instances, doubts or questions from target victims about
the arrangement are allayed by the use of forged or false docu-
ments bearing seemingly official Nigerian Government letterhead
and seals, as well as false letters of credit, payment schedules and
bank drafts.
The dramatic increase in Nigerian advance fee fraud has been at-
tributed to numerous factors as diverse as the schemes themselves.
However, the indisputable facts are, as will be confirmed by our
witnesses, that it is an extremely profitable illicit endeavor
grossing hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This must be
stopped. The fact is that the welfare of too many communities and
the fortunes of too many families and groups are at stake.
Fortunately, the U.S. Government has recognized the threat
f)Osed by Nigerian advance fee fraud schemes and the intricate il-
icit infrastructure it has created, a network spilling over into nu-
merous other illegal activities also of grave concern to the United
States. The United States is addressing the problem from an inter-
agency perspective in the hope that a coordinated approach will re-
sult in a comprehensive assessment and solution to the problem.
Here to further educate us on the intricacies of Nigerian advance
fee fraud schemes are representatives of the Department of Com-
merce, Department of Justice, U.S. Secret Service, and the Depart-
ment of State. We thank them all for being with us today.
I would like to note that this meeting was brought to our atten-
tion by Congressman Campbell. He has contributed much to put-
ting this hearing together. He is a true asset to our subcommittee.
I would like to recognize Congressman Campbell for opening state-
ments. Tom.
Mr. Campbell. Thank you. Madam Chair, it is a very important
subject that we pursue today and it wouldn't have happened but
for you. Thank you for your kindness. I just want to take the occa-
sion to say publicly what a fine chair you have been of our sub-
committee and I look forward to serving with you in the sub-
committee on years to come.
The issue was first brought to my attention by colleagues, finends
in the business world in Silicon Valley. Some of them had been vic-
tims of this fraud. I represent Silicon Valley and I brought it to the
attention of Chair Ros-Lehtinen.
The concern of a scam this complex is not only are there victims
in the United States, but also it would be implications of our rela-
tions with Nigeria and potentially an impediment toward stepping
toward a friendlier and better relationship with Nigeria as that be-
comes possible.
Last, by way of introduction, I would like, Madam Chair, to
make my entire statement part of the record and also a couple of
examples of letters received by constituents indicating the fraud in-
volved. They permitted me to share it and thereby perhaps achieve
the object of this hearing as a warning to others who might poten-
tially be a victim of this fraud.
Thank you. Madam Chair. I desist accepting the personal note of
seeing my friend and colleague, Mark Richard. I served with Mark
in 1981 when I was working for the Deputy Attorney General and
Mark was running down criminals then. Since then he has contin-
ued to run down criminals. I have become a politician. I will leave
the implications there.
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Thank you so much, Tom. Without further
delay, I would like to introduce our panelists for today's hearing.
First, we will hear from Mr. Mark Richard, who currently serves
as Deputy Assistant Attorney General overseeing the Justice De-
partment's Office of International Affairs, International Security,
Terrorism and Violent Crime Sections, as well as the Office of Spe-
cial Investigations. At Justice's Criminal Division since graduating
from law school in 1967, Mr. Richard's extensive experience in the
field includes, although is not limited to, having served as: Deputy
Assistant Attorney General for International Law Enforcement; As-
sistant to the Attorney General (or AG) for Criminal Law Enforce-
ment; Deputy Assistant AG for Internal Security and International
Law Enforcement; Deputy Assistant AG for General Litigation and
International Law Enforcement; as Chief of the Department of Jus-
tice's Fraud Section; and as Executive Director of the Attorney
General's White Collar Crime Committee. He has received numer-
ous accolades in recognition of his service, dedication, and out-
standing performance.
He will be followed by Special Agent Michael Stenger. Agent
Stenger is the Special Agent in Charge of the Financial Crimes Di-
vision of the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for the over-
sight, direction and coordination of domestic and international
criminal investigations involving, among others: financial institu-
tion fraud; West African, Asian, Russian and other organized
crime; electronic funds transfer fraud and other electronic crimes;
and money laundering.
Agent Stenger serves as the U.S. Secret Service representative
on the U.S. Treasury Department's Undercover Advisory Board and
the Technical Security Division Investigations Working Group. He
is a 20-year veteran of the Secret Service having served in Newark,
New York City and Washington, DC in protective, investigative
and staff assignments.
We will then hear from Jonathan Winer, who is Deputy Assist-
ant Secretary of State for Law Enforcement and Crime in the Bu-
reau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. In this ca-
pacity, he has represented the United States as head of delegation
to the P-8 Group on Crime; the Crime Commission; as chief State
Department representative to the Financial Action Task Force and
at difficult meetings of the European Union on 'Third Pillar" and
law enforcement issues. From 1985 through 1993, Mr. Winer
served as counsel to U.S. Senator John Kerry. Prior to his tenure
in the Senate, he served as counsel to the Lieutenant Governor of
Massachusetts, staffing the Governor's Anti-Crime Council. We
welcome you today.
The final witness for today's hearing is Sally Miller, director of
the Office of Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Ms. Mil-
ler's service to the Commerce Department extends over 26 years
where she has served in various capacities including as: director for
the Central and Southern Africa Division; as policy coordinator for
the Asia-Africa Division, Office of Country Marketing; regional
marketing manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Office of International
Marketing; Eastern/Southern Africa Desk Officer also in the Office
of International Marketing; and as forward planner in the Develop-
ing Countries Promotion Staff. As our other witnesses, Ms. Miller
has an impressive and extensive list of accomplishments.
We thank all of our witnesses for being here today. We look for-
ward to your testimony. Before we proceed, I would like to first rec-
ognize Congressman Hastings, who has just joined us.
Mr. Hastings. Thank you, Madam Chairlady. I welcome the wit-
nesses and thank you for holding this hearing. In the interest of
time, I will forego any opening statement. Madam Chair.
Ms. Ros-LEHTiNfEN. Thank you so much. Congressman Payne, I
know you have the caucus going on and we thank you for taking
time to come. If you would like to make some statements...
Mr. Payne. I, too, will, first of all, thank you for calling this very
important hearing today and commend you for the interest that
you have shown in the continent and the number of hearings you
had. I, too, will just yield back my time to hear from our distin-
guished guests and panelists and look forward to interacting with
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Thank you so much. Congressman. Mr. Rich-
ard.
STATEMENT OF MARK M. RICHARD, DEPUTY ASSISTANT AT-
TORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; SA. MICHAEL
STENGER, SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE, FINANCIAL CRIMES
DIVISION, U.S. SECRET SERVICE; JONATHAN WINER, DEPUTY
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL NAR-
COTICS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT
OF STATE AND SALLY MILLER, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF AFRI-
CA, INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPART-
MENT OF COMMERCE
Mr. Richard. Thank you so much, Madam Chairwoman, and
members of your committee. With your permission, I would like to
submit for the record my written prepared remarks and merely
summarize them at this point if that is agreeable with you.
Ms. Ros-Lehtenen. Of course, no problem.
Mr. Richard. I am very pleased to be here to testify about a very
significant subject dealing with the growing problem in the United
States of responding to white collar crime as well as drug traffick-
ing offenses, which are being perpetrated by Nigerians offered from
the safety of Nigeria itself.
Let me preface my remarks by acknowledging that while there
are believed to be over 90,000 Nigerians in this country, the vast
majority are law-abiding and making significant contributions to
American society. Nevertheless, crime perpetrated by a segment of
Nigerians is, in fact, becoming a growing problem to law enforce-
ment in this Nation and around the world.
We find that Nigerian nationals are, in fact, involved in per-
petrating a variety of financial and other crimes directed against
U.S. citizens and businesses. As you mentioned in your opening re-
marks, these crimes include credit card insurance and bank frauds.
And as you indicated, of particular concern is the fraud scheme
that has historically been appearing with frequency and regularity
involving the fast fee and letter frauds commonly referred to as 4-
1-9 schemes.
A common 4-1-9 scheme emanates from Nigeria and has been
seen and manifested itself in a deluge of letters sent through the
mail and by fax proposing fictitious business opportunities, most of
which are in fact just a ruse.
The letters, which are the opening solicitation in a crude but ef-
fective advance fee scheme, offer to share a percentage of a very
large sum of money with the recipient. The sender often represents
himself to be an official of the Nigerian Government and claims
that he and his associates have obtained these funds from the Ni-
gerian Government by over invoicing a contract, for example, or
even by embezzling money from government accounts or otherwise.
In return for the recipient's assistance for identifying bank ac-
counts outside of Nigeria to which the money can be deposited, the
recipient is promised a percentage of the funds.
Many recipients merely throw these letters away or provide them
to law enforcement. We have obtained tens of thousands of these
solicitation letters from victims and potential victims, although I
must admit we believe we are only seeing a small portion of the
total number of letters sent to this country.
If the recipient does, in fact, respond to the solicitation letter he
will be asked to send money to his new Nigerian confederates to
facilitate the promised transfer to his bank accounts. If the victim
provides these funds, he may be contacted by what appears to be
another organization frequently located in the United States which
claims to be a clearinghouse for the Central Bank of Nigeria, for
example, the representative of which will request the victim to pro-
vide additional funds to complete the transfer.
These clearinghouses are just another step in the fraud scheme
and they are often operated by a confederate of the original con
Let me try to briefly articulate some of the problems law enforce-
ment has encountered in dealing and responding to this problem.
At this time, law enforcement has no way of actually determining
the true number of these letters that enter into the United States
nor do we have, in my judgment, a very solid data base concerning
the total losses attributed to these schemes. As difficult as it is to
determine the true number of solicitation letters entering the Unit-
ed States, it is difficult to ascertain the actual number of victims.
Often victims are reluctant or frightened to come forward.
In some instances, despite their losses victims may refuse to be-
lieve that they have in fact been defrauded. Nevertheless, based on
our experience in this area and the outlines provided by the Secret
Service, we have definite belief that losses are, in fact, very signifi-
cant and range in the area from $10,000 to well over $4.5 million
per victim.
Moreover, the cases that are brought to our attention are ex-
tremely difficult to investigate and prosecute. Even in cases where
the victims are willing to cooperate, the perpetrators are frequently
located in Nigeria and employed with fictitious identities. We may
indict defendants under certain names that they use to defraud.
Nevertheless, we discover that they have committed offenses using
aliases and they are masters at obtaining financial records and
other fictitious documents to mask their true identity and make it
extremely difficult for law enforcement to track them.
The United States has treaties and legal assistance relationships
with many foreign jurisdictions, but at times prosecutors can make
official requests for specific assistance. Money is often wire-trans-
ferred out of the bank that we have identified into the victim's
hands and we are left essentially attempting to chase funds from
country to country. The laundering of these funds causes extremely
difficult problems for law enforcement.
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. If you could conclude your remarks, Mr.
Richard? Thank you.
Mr. Richard. Let me just also point out a disturbing trend
among some of these Nigerian groups that have been operating in
the white collar crime area: we do see indications of overlap with
narcotics trafficking and other forms of crime which impose their
own set of problems for law enforcement and the community in
We are working, as you indicated, in an attempt to develop and
maximize our effectiveness on an interagency basis and I am sure
my colleagues here will describe that in greater detail during the
course of their testimony. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Richard appears in the appen-
dix.]
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Thank you so much. We have enjoyed work-
ing with your son, Dan, on the Cuba issue. Send him our best.
Thank you. We would like to now hear from Mr. Stenger of the
Secret Service.
STATEMENT OF SA. MICHAEL STENGER, SPECIAL AGENT IN
CHARGE, FINANCIAL CRIMES DIVISION, U.S. SECRET SERVICE
Mr. Stenger. Thank you for the opportunity to address the com-
mittee. I would like to ask that my full statement be submitted in
the record.
Ms. Ros-Lehtenen. We will put them all in the record. That will
be fine.
Mr. Stenger. I would like to make a note that with me today
is Jim Caldwell. He is one of the agents that works for me. He has
recently just returned from an operation in Nigeria. The Secret
Service distinguishes between structured traditional organized
crime now commonly referred to as organized criminal enterprises.
Many of these groups do not follow prior patterns associated with
organized crime in relation to structure. However, these groups do
support themselves internally through national association while
externally creating cells for criminal enterprises on a domestic and
international scale. An example of this would be the Nigerian
groups which we speak to today.
In 1984, after the Secret Service received additional jurisdic-
tional responsibility for credit card and false identification, we
began to engage the Nigerian criminal element on a regular basis.
We found that Nigerian criminals are heavily involved in the man-
ufacture and use of false identification.
Through the use of false identification many are entering the
United States illegally and have proven adept at developing com-
plex schemes to systematically defraud financial institutions. In fis-
cal year 1992, the Congress of the United States appropriated
funds to the Secret Service which were earmarked for a Nigerian
task force initiative. They have taken a proactive approach to the
Nigerian organized crime problem by establishing and maintaining
task forces throughout the United States whose main focus is the
investigation of financial frauds committed by Nigerian nationals
and their accomplices.
These task forces include representatives from Customs, Postal
Inspection, Immigration, DEA, INS, bank investigators as well as
numerous local, county, and State police agencies. This diverse
membership is indicative of the number of fraudulent activities
being perpetrated by Nigerian criminals. Nigerian criminal sellers
have become expert in their many fields of endeavors. In short,
they do their homework on financial systems and identify weak-
nesses that allow them fraudulent access to enormous sums of
money. These attacks are often the result of careful planning, pre-
cise execution and ultimately take advantage of financial systems
designed to be consumer- or customer-friendly.
Since 1990, Nigerian advance fee fraud has emerged as one of
Using the text of ebook Nigerian white collar crime : hearing before the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourth Congress, second session, September 11, 1996 by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Inter active link like:
read the ebook Nigerian white collar crime : hearing before the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourth Congress, second session, September


text:
U.S.New-Home Sales "Unexpectedly" Fell to Record Low
Editor's Note: Why is everything "unexpected"???
By Bob Willis
Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Sales of new homes in the U.S. unexpectedly fell in January to the lowest level on record, a sign that an extension of a government tax credit may not be enough to rekindle demand.
Purchases declined 11 percent to an annual pace of 309,000, below the lowest forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of economists, from a 348,000 pace, figures from the Commerce Department showed today in Washington. The median sales price dropped 2.4 percent from January 2009 and the supply of unsold homes increased.
The report underscores Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke's comments today that the economy is in a "nascent" recovery still requiring low interest rates. Homebuilders face competition from foreclosed properties that have driven down prices at the same time companies are reluctant to create jobs.
"The foreclosure flow is robbing demand from the new-homes market and that process seems to be strengthening," said Julia Coronado, a senior economist at BNP Paribas in New York, "The new-homes market just can't get off the floor. If new homes suffer, construction suffers and jobs suffer."
Sales were projected to climb to a 354,000 annual pace from an originally reported 342,000 rate in December, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of 72 economists. Forecasts ranged from 325,000 to 386,000.
Stocks trimmed gains after the report, with the Standard & Poor's 500 Index rising 0.2 percent to 1,097.27 at 10:13 a.m. in New York.
Three Regions Drop
Three of the four U.S. regions showed declines in new-home sales last month, led by a 35 percent plunge in the Northeast. Purchases fell 12 percent in the West and 9.5 percent in the South. They rose 2.1 percent in the Midwest.
The median price of a new home in the U.S. decreased to $203,500 in January, the lowest since December 2003, from $208,600 in the same month last year.
The supply of homes at the current sales rate increased to 9.1 months' worth, the highest since May 2009.
Housing, the industry that spawned the sub-prime mortgage meltdown and triggered the worst recession in seven decades, appeared to be recovering in 2009 after a three-year decline.
Purchases of new homes have declined from an all-time high of 1.39 million reached in July 2005. They have declined 6.1 percent from January 2009.
New-home purchases, which account for about 6 percent of the market, are considered a leading indicator because they are based on contract signings. Sales of previously owned homes, which make up the remainder, are compiled from closings and reflect contracts signed weeks or months earlier.
Rising Foreclosures
Rising foreclosures are the main threat to a sustained housing recovery. A record 3 million U.S. homes will be repossessed by lenders this year as unemployment and depressed home values leave borrowers unable to make their house payment or sell, according to a RealtyTrac Inc. forecast last month. Last year there were 2.82 million foreclosures, the most since the Irvine, California-based company began compiling data in 2005.
The lack of jobs is another hurdle. Consumer confidence in February fell to its lowest level since April 2009 and a gauge of current conditions declined to the lowest level in 27 years on concerns about the labor market and the economy, the Conference Board reported yesterday.
Bernanke told Congress today that there are "tentative" signs of stabilization in the labor market, including fewer job cuts, a rise in factory employment and stronger demand for temporary help.
Job Market 'Weak'
"Notwithstanding these positive signs, the job market remains quite weak, with the unemployment rate near 10 percent and job openings scarce," Bernanke said in testimony to the House Financial Services Committee.
Economists surveyed by Bloomberg at the beginning of this month forecast unemployment this year will average 9.8 percent, just a percentage point below the historic post-war peak of 10.8 percent reached in November 1982.
The end of Fed purchases of mortgage-backed securities, aimed at keeping borrowing costs low, represents another challenge for the housing industry. The program is scheduled to expire at the end of March.
'Years to Recover'
"The housing market took several years to recover, following the downturn of the late 1980s and early 1990s," Robert Toll, chief executive officer of Toll Brothers Inc., said in a statement today.
Toll Brothers, the largest U.S. luxury-home builder, said its first-quarter loss narrowed. The Horsham, Pennsylvania-based company's new orders almost doubled in the three months ended Jan. 31 as the housing market showed signs of stabilizing.
To contact the report on this story: Bob Willis in Washington at bwillis@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: February 24, 2010 10:18 EST
BlogReal Estate Investing
construction,Foreclosure,Government,home sales,lenders,mortgage,survey


At Polam Hall we strive to offer a unique combination of relatively small class sizes, innovative teaching, and outstanding pastoral care – all delivered within a happy, caring atmosphere.
We put considerable emphasis on numeracy and literacy and have an impressive track record in producing confident, able and articulate students who go on to make their mark at university and in the world of work.
We aim to provide a broad-based, enriching education that focuses on acquiring knowledge and skills, at the same time enhancing personal attributes.
Every student is regarded as an individual with something valuable to offer; not just a statistic on a list of exam results. Our examination results are good, and they matter to us greatly, but we do not let them detract from our firm belief that education is as much about preparing our students for life and creating confident and well-balanced citizens, as it is about academic attainment. Our pupils enjoy a diverse and dynamic curriculum.
Helping to achieve this, Polam Hall has an exciting extra-curricular programme where students are able to thrive through sport, music and drama, and we run the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and a Combined Cadet Force, amongst other groups. We also have a popular and long-established house system which provides our older students with leadership roles and specific areas of responsibility, developing all the positive aspects of self-identity, self-purpose and shared participation.


I just have a hundred hours of pcars2 on ps4 but love it and gonna receive soon my pc (i7800/1080ti) to go vr. Meanwhile I'm looking for some useful third-party apps that I'll have to install.
I'm thinking of course of Crewchief, and then vrHive for post race analysis.
you have a Vive, so this Dash could bee interesting for you.
sorry, you wrote vrHive, i overread that as Vive ( HTC Vive).
I remember having read about a lil software to help map keys from the wheel and button box, like something2key, and can't find it back, does that ring a bell?
Just out of curiosity: what such 3rd party dashes in VR are for?
we needed such while playing on monitors because dash was too small to be readable (or covered by steering wheel). But once we are in VR I can see original dash which provides all needed information in realistic way.
Voice attack is a handy app. It does what it says basically and playing in VR I found very helpful because now I can use less buttons and playing VR that's defintely a + .
I actually made a Starter quick reference sheet for it over here: http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?61156-Made-a-Voice-control-mod-quick-reference-sheet-you-might-find-useful&p=1478470#post1478470.
How those widgets react on light changes? do those objects remain bright at night (I mean lit by external diffused light) or they managed somehow seamless composition with emvironment?
The app "screens" remain as bright as they woudl on your computer screen as in effect that is waht you ar elooking at - they are not affected by the game at all.
The interesting thing is you can put them anywhere in the virtual environment so I tested yesterday with an app and had the screen at 90 degrees (by my right shoulder ) . I couldn't see the screen unless I moved my head to look out of the window and slightly behind. This way it didn't interfere with my vision but was there if I needed it.
Just FYI oculus rift does work with openvr in fact it's the headset I used during the vr development in DashPanel.
Can just be a bit tricky getting some games to use openvr over the rift sdk!
For pcars right click the exe and go to properties then set Run this program in compatibility mode for: to Windows 7 to force it to use OpenVR.
I just used http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?54342-RS-Dash-(pCars-Dash-successor)-companion-telemetry-app with the beta 2 version of Oculus as another window in the VR environment - worked fine . Has the window sat above the car just out of normal eye vision and was able to look up and see the information with no issues. As long as the app runs on the same pc as the VR it works a treat.
can you give a step by step exercise how you do that. Tried it, but was not successful.
Edited my post and added the link, after i found it and got the system working.


You love bubbly, right? And you probably love oysters, fried chicken, or both, right? Then come on over to Swirl Wine Bar & Market on Thurs 4/13 for all of the above!
Bubblyothèque will be working with James Moises to bring you a selection of Champagne and sparkling wines from Bizou Wine Buzz that will pair perfectly with fresh oysters from Two Girls One Shuck and McHardy's Chicken & Fixin'.
$55 gets you the delicious food and a whole lot of wine (20+). Try them all to figure out which ones go best with which food.
Tickets required - see link below. Don't miss this one!
Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.


text:
The Wallace Foundation / News and Media / Press Releases / Wallace Foundation Offices Closed Temporarily in Wake of Hurricane Sandy
Wallace Foundation Offices Closed Temporarily in Wake of Hurricane Sandy
Lucas Held
NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 31, 2012) – In light of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in the tri-state area and beyond, The Wallace Foundation offices will remain temporarily closed during the week of Oct. 28.
The foundation expects to reopen its office on Monday, Nov. 5.
The staff of the foundation extends its condolences to the families of those who lost lives in the storm. We join in extending thanks to emergency workers and volunteers who are working to keep residents safe and restore vital services.
Wallace in the News
New RAND Report Identifies Policy Levers States Can Use to Promote School Leadership https://www.wallacefoundation.org/News-and-Media/press-releases/Pages/New-RAND-Report-Identifies-Policy-Levers-States-Can-Use-to-Promote-School-Leadership.aspx New RAND Report Identifies Policy Levers States Can Use to Promote School Leadership New RAND Report Identifies Policy Levers States Can Use to Promote School Leadership 2020-11-17T05:00:00Z
The Wallace Foundation Names Thomas P. Lenehan as Chief Investment Officer https://www.wallacefoundation.org/News-and-Media/press-releases/Pages/The-Wallace-Foundation-Names-Thomas-P-Lenehan-as-Chief-Investment-Officer.aspx The Wallace Foundation Names Thomas P. Lenehan as Chief Investment Officer The Wallace Foundation Names Thomas P. Lenehan as Chief Investment Officer 2020-11-02T05:00:00Z


A blog about upcoming Bollywood Film Brothers 2015 Box Office Collection, Brothers Film Reviews, Brothers Film Ratings, Brothers Film 1st Day Collection and more.
We live in an age where everything is rapidly getting digitized. In such a scenario, organizations should use tools that enable rapid digitization and quick processing. E signature solutions are such tools.
Beyond the job responsibilities, deadlines, salaries, and appraisals, it is really the benefits that an organization offers its employees that show them how much its cares about their well-being outside of the simple normal employee-employer relationship.
In the previous edition of this post, we spoke about employee benefits and some popular benefits that can serve to make your organization an employee favorite.
In the 1980s.; mo I Love Lucy ved affection n love Many Japanese school uniforms Dark blue color similar to The Flash the Japanese Acids are chemical compounds that Anthropologists have discovered that fear NBC " method and system: The jury "Law & amp; Order: Trial by Jury Syndicated 9 "24 Hour" 24 2002 Hell on Wheels Season 5 dvd release -2008 2001- nbc 2 "


The Katrina Comparison : Blog Of The Nation The Katrina comparison: Can you compare the responses to Hurricane Katrina and the California Wildfires?
That didn't take long... the Katrina-California wildfire comparisons are all over the blogs, and a lot of people are angry.
Leadership plays a roll... but I think attitude, particularly as regards the residents plays a bigger role.
It's all race and class-based, and it's also pathetically narrow and simple-minded.
And there are plenty who say any comparison is just wrong, that it's apples and oranges. It goes back and forth like that. And fair or not, the comparisons and critiques of those comparisons continue to come up. On the show today, we'll talk with a blogger about what people are saying, and ask you: is there any comparison, are the comparisons fair?


text:
The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Antwerp
Traditional flemish architecture in Belgium | © leoks/Shutterstock
Antwerp is a bustling city where no one ever gets bored. Around every corner is something that will excite, surprise, amaze or move any visitor. Making a selection of what to do and see when you're in town is never easy, but here's the cream of the crop in Antwerp.
't Eilandje
Having been a neglected and discarded neighborhood only a few years ago, 't Eilandje is now the hotspot for hipsters and artsy folk. Although the gaudy yachts might not be for everyone, the small harbor is a pleasant place to dream about stormy seas and faraway adventures. Towering above the entire neighborhood and a must visit for every Antwerp lover is the MAS museum; a landmark between the city and its port, this brand new museum tells the story of Antwerp and its inhabitants. The view from the roof is breathtaking on a clear and sunny day, and those who dare to look down can spot a beautiful artwork from renowned Belgian painter Luc Tuymans hidden somewhere on the museum site itself.
Address: 1 Hanzestedenplaats, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium +32 3 338 44 00
MAS | © littlewormy/Shutterstock
Fashion Museum MoMu
Save Place
If Vogue Magazine is the bible of fashion, Antwerp is fashion's Garden of Eden. The city has always inspired young designers and its Fashion Academy has brought forth some of the biggest names on the Milan and New York catwalks. That's why the MoMu is the ultimate fashion experience, with a permanent exhibition on the history of fashion and the Antwerp Six, and temporary exhibitions held frequently. Every self-respecting fashionista should pay this museum a visit.
28 Nationalestraat, Antwerpen Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, 2000, Belgium
Summer Of Antwerp
The Summer of Antwerp is one big feast that lasts over two months every summer. On several locations across the city, from rooftops and hangars to parks and upgraded industrial areas, concerts, theater performances and circus shows are organized. Movie nights along the river Scheldt and innumerable parties light up the summer nights. Drink cocktails in the exotic chill-out spot Zomerbar, dance in the Zomerfabriek and stay at the Nulsterrenpension. This 'zero-star pension' provides a once-in-a lifetime experience, located in an abandoned gas factory and equipped with second-hand beds and furniture.
Café De Muze
World famous and located in Antwerp city, this jazz café has been hot and happening ever since 1964. Café De Muze represents everything the city stands for; artists and forgotten writers, up and coming musicians and those who have already made it. Only in De Muze can you find this wonderful blend of people that is so characteristic of the city itself. At least three times a week there is a music gig during which up and coming bands test their jazzy beats on the public.
Address: 15 Melkmarkt, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Jazz Club | © pointbreak/Shutterstock
Extra City Kunsthal
Extra City is off the beaten track, but entirely worth being on this list. Art adepts will love this place; Extra City Kunsthal is a platform for the production, presentation and debate of contemporary art and there are exhibitions, performances and talks going on all the time. The venue is located in a former industrial launderette and accommodates artist studios, ateliers for art students, a cool bar and a cinema space. It's totally hip and arty, and visitors will feel inspired from the moment they set foot in the building.
Address: 31 Eikelstraat, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium +32 3 677 16 55
Red Star Line Museum
Red Star Line Museum | © trabantos/Shutterstock
The Red Star Line Museum is definitely one of the coolest museums in Antwerp, and Belgium for that matter. Very interactive and perfect for children, this museum invites its visitors on a journey in the footsteps of the millions of emigrants who sailed from Europe to America in the 1800s. Beautiful old pictures, well made videos and emotional testimonials all in the historic sheds of the legendary shipping company itself. It is a wonderful and special museum which tells a story to which everyone can relate; a story that is still important to tell in our time. It is a story of dreams, disappointment and hope for a better life. This museum raises empathy and understanding for refugees all around the world, past and present.
3 Montevideostraat, Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, 2000, Belgium
Red Star Line Museum © trabantos/Shutterstock
The Kloosterstraat
This narrow and always pleasantly crowded street in the south of the city is a favorite route for flaneurs with a soft spot for antiques. Numerous minuscule stores filled with old furniture, collector's items and retro gadgets make for long and slow afternoons in the sun. You can find anything you want here and everything you never knew you wanted. After digging through all the knick-knacks, a well deserved fresh beer is to be found in every bar along the street.
Address: Kloosterstraat, Antwerp, Belgium
Ampere nightclub
Nightclub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Fast Food, $$$
Cocktails | © Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
Nightclub Ampere is worth mentioning for the raving party animals among us. Not only is it located right underneath the tracks of Antwerp Central Station, it is also the first eco-club in Belgium. The dancers' body heat is captured and used to warm the building, and the dance floor generates energy when danced upon which is then recycled into electricity, which used for lights and sound. The heat produced by 1000 people can generate energy for a full week, which makes Ampere almost entirely self-sufficient. The music played here is mostly house and techno, mixed with regular live performances. So if you're a green techno lover, this place will make for an unforgettable party.
21 Simonsstraat, Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, 2018, Belgium
Cinema Cartoon's
Cinema, Movie Theater
If you're stuck in Antwerp on a rainy day, Cartoon's is the city's smallest cinema and the coziest alternative to any other indoor activity. It distinguishes itself from other cinemas by programming mostly arthouse and indie films, and by not selling popcorn or nachos. In the evening you can descend to the basement bar to enjoy live music by local bands.
4 Kaasstraat, Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, 2000, Belgium
Translating to the House of Rubens, this small museum is located in the former studio and home of one of the most famous Flemish painters of all time. Peter Paul Rubens lived in the 17th century and created some of the most beautiful altarpieces, portraits and landscapes in a specific baroque style. The Rubenshuis itself is a masterpiece of architecture and the walls of the building are adorned with an impressive selection of Rubens' artwork and paintings, including his very own self-portrait.
Address: 9-11 Wapper, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium +32 3 201 15 55
Rubenshuis ©yanugkelid/Shutterstock
These recommendations were updated on February 15, 2017 to keep your travel plans fresh.


text:
Q: Is it possible to pass the elements of a list as arguments of one function call in C#? I am writing a bot designed to interact with an online game. I am using a function called "Send" which is defined like so:
public void Send(string type, params object[] parameters);

"Send" is a function which can have a variable number of arguments, thanks to the params keyword. If I am storing these arguments in a List<object>, can I pass this list of arguments to the function without having to write different code for each possible number of arguments?
I know that if that params keyword wasn't there I could just pass the whole list as one argument using List<T>.ToArray(), but the Send function is defined in a preprepared library which I can't alter.

A: Small explanation:
var myList = new List<object>() { 1, "foo", "bar"};

Send(type, myList.ToArray());         //this will invoke: void Send(string, object, object, object);
Send(type, (object)myList.ToArray()); //this will invoke: void Send(string, object);
Send(type, myList);                   //this will invoke: void Send(string, object);

So if you want your list to be considered as params - you can invoke ToArray(), if you want it to be considered as single parameter - just cast it to object.

A:
but the Send function is defined in a preprepared library which I can't alter.

You could define an extension method,
// Where Lib is the type that contains the Send method.
public static class MyExtensions
{
    public static void Send(this Lib lib, string type, int obj)
    {
        lib.Send(type, obj);
    }

    public static void Send(this Lib lib, string type, List<object> objs)
    {
        lib.Send(type, objs.ToArray());
    }

    // Other overloads
}

Then you use it just like it was built into the library to being with,
var lib = new Lib();
lib.Send(type, 1) // Call Send(this Lib lib, string type, int obj)