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How are investors handling their portfolios as recession threatens the UK?
Giles Coghlan
The UK stands on the brink of recession, leading investors in the country to revert to their safe-haven assets.
Conservative leadership hopefuls Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have yet to convince investors in the UK that they have an economic plan to save the country from recession. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
The next few months will be critical to the UK's economy as countries around the world begin to experience the impact of a global economic slowdown. As a result, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England recently voted by eight to one to raise interest rates by 0.5 percentage points to tackle inflation, which is currently at 10.1%, despite a forecast for 2023 of 0% growth, and a rising cost of living.
Recent revisions to economic projections indicate that the UK faces an extremely challenging future. The country's GDP is expected to decline by more than 2% later in 2022, according to current policy predictions. Meanwhile, in 2023, the US and the eurozone can look forward to respective projected growth of 1.5% and 1.7%.
Causes of the UK's economic slowdown
The UK's rising household costs are a big contributor to inflation, which is accelerating the economy's slide into a recession. The crisis in Ukraine has only made things worse, partly due to supply systems that are collapsing from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, it is more expensive to transport fuel and food, which elevates their prices. As a result, both consumers and businesses have less purchasing power, reducing the flow of money and effectively stalling the economy.
As a result, central banks have been compelled to act decisively, hence the Bank of England's record rise of interest rates at the beginning of 2022 – a desperate bid to combat inflation. According to a recent study conducted on behalf of HYCM, however, it seems that half of investors are concerned that these steps won't be sufficient in reducing inflation and might even impede economic recovery. As these steps are likely to have the greatest impact on their portfolios, this response from investors is not unexpected.
Investors and traders are also keeping an eye on the political factors that may have an impact on the long-term health of the economy. Due to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's departure and the accompanying Tory leadership campaign, virtually no monetary or economic policy has been developed in the past few months to address the current financial environment. Therefore, the policies of the new prime minister, Liz Truss, will determine the economic outlook and future of the UK.
In this regard, investors appear to have had a slight preference for the defeated Rishi Sunak, with 36% of those surveyed stating that they had hoped he would become the next prime minister. According to the aforementioned HYCM survey, fewer people (31%) supported the victorious Truss, while more than one-third (33%) were undecided. Truss has pledged to review the Bank of England's mandate, contending that the existing strategy for combatting inflation will severely restrict growth. Thus, investors who are eager to maintain the current status quo appeared to be leaning in Sunak's direction, as he felt that the Bank of England's mandate should remain in place.
The response from investors so far
Economic policy undoubtedly characterised the Truss versus Sunak debate among Tory members and the general public. In spite of some obvious support for each side, a recession will happen in 2022, according to 62% of respondents, regardless of the winner of the leadership race. As a result, it is obvious that investors have little faith in the economy or the ability of a new prime minister to reverse direction and avert the slump.
To corroborate this assessment, when asked about how they were managing their portfolios, an additional 56% of investors acknowledged that they were 'risk-averse'. Indeed, since investors' purchasing power has theoretically decreased due to inflation, many will be looking to reduce risk in the coming months. As a result, it is likely that investors will steer clear of speculative risk assets or investments with little liquidity and instead pivot to safe-haven assets such as gold for protection.
For example, investors' interest in cryptocurrencies has decreased since the first quarter of the year, with 33% of respondents saying that they intend to reduce their holdings. This percentage was only 11% in the first three months of 2022. Yet, when recent market crashes and the extraordinarily unpredictable character of the crypto markets are taken into consideration, this is largely unsurprising. This demonstrates that cryptocurrency, despite previously being viewed as a viable alternative to gold as a hedge against inflation, may not provide investors with the protection they desire.
At the same time, compared with Q1's figures, 44% more investors aim to cut back on their investments into luxury assets such as classic vehicles. Certainly, selling off these kinds of assets amid the cost of living crisis could help with ongoing bills. Moreover, investors are avoiding private equity businesses in an effort to lower their risk, with 35% stating that they will cut their shares, a big increase from Q1's figure of 11%.
By contrast, almost one in five (19%) investors are looking to increase their investments into stocks and shares in the coming year, making them the most popular asset despite the negative impact that decreasing consumer spending may have on many companies' profitability. This is a 5% increase on Q1 and illustrates the fact that many investors are attempting to 'buy the dip' and profit from the future recovery of the markets.
Certainly, safe-haven investments continue to be desirable. Due to their reputation for low volatility and consistent returns, these investments, like real estate and precious metals, are typically employed by investors during a recession. Thus, 14% of investors anticipate that they will strengthen their real estate holdings in the coming year, while another 12% wish to switch their holdings to gold and other precious metals due to their proficiency for holding or growing in value.
Investors will undoubtedly be alarmed by warnings of an imminent recession, despite the fact that it is difficult to predict exactly how the coming months may play out. Even if the current economic situation still offers some opportunities, investors must keep in mind that reducing risk will be crucial for the rest of 2022 and probably well into 2023. To prepare for further downturn, investors should develop a plan that is best suited to their own portfolio circumstances.
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Tencel, a regenerated cellulosic fibre is synthesised by an environmental friendly process. It can be dyed by the same dye types as recommended for other cellulosic fibres. The behaviour of reactive dyes on Tencel woven fabric varies with the type and the density of woven fabric. The highly crystalline Tencel fibre is less easy to dye uniformly by the continuous dyeing methods because of the short time of contact between the dye and fibre. The purpose of this work is to investigate the influences of weave structure on dyeing of standard Tencel fabric using reactive dyes applied by continuous dyeing methods. Programmes are developed using Matlab software to measure the fabric porosity and uniformity of fibre coloration (UFC) in the yarns of the woven fabric. UFC is also measured subjectively. Firstly, fabrics of four different weave structures (plain, 2/1, 3/1, 5/1 twill fabric) are studied. The visual depth and UFC standard deviation values is highest for the 2/1 twill fabric, gradually reducing towards the 5/1 twill fabric. Secondly, nine plain weave fabrics of different fabric densities are dyed using different padding procedures - a liquor temperature of 40⁰C with a 1 min dwell time and with a 5 min dwell time, and liquor at room temperature without any dwell time. The padded fabrics are then fixed by pad-steam, pad-dry-steam, pad-batch and pad-dry-thermosol continuous dyeing processes. To improve colour depth the plain weave fabrics are given a caustic pre-treatment and their dyeing characteristics are compared with untreated fabrics. The causticised fabrics are dyed using the same padding procedures, for comparison. The optimum dyeing procedure is found to be padding with a dwell time of 1 min in liquor at 40⁰C after caustic pre-treatment to achieve the highest visual depth, dye uptake, and uniformity of fibre coloration. The fibrillation tendency of the Tencel plain weave fabrics is also reduced using this procedure. Numerical relationships are established to enable the prediction of dyeing properties such as colour strength, UFC for fabrics of different weave structures, applied by the various continuous dyeing processes.


Waterproof, breathable and reliable on mountain tours and climbs: the Masao Light HS Pants also feature an adjustable elasticated waist cord.
A drawstring on the leg hems allows you to adjust the pants ideally to your needs. When your next mountain adventure calls, the Masao Light HS Pants will be ready.


Casa Zoilita is located in one of the main streets of the city. Near Hotel América and shops. The house with colonial style is a nice place for tourists. They have three bedrooms with private bathroom each one. The house has a big living room for those tourists who want to enjoy a delicious meal at the house.
Don't lost the opportunity to enjoy their typical cuban meals. The owners are very polite and nice. They will make you feel at home.
Address: Jesús María (Padre Valencia) No. 31 entre San Esteban (Oscar Primelles) y Callejuela. Camagüey 70100. Cuba.
Sending this form you will be in contact with the owner of Casa Zoilita within minutes.


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EEAS > 总部 > The Liberia Moment: Remarks by Ambassador Cavé
The Liberia Moment: Remarks by Ambassador Cavé
Remarks by H.E. Hélène Cavé, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Liberia on the occasion of The Liberia Moment: New Vision for Development in Liberia, Friday 23 March 2018
Your Excellency George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia,
Your Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
All protocol observed.
The Liberia Moment. There are certain phrases associated with the word "moment": we talk about "taking a moment" to pause and reflect; but also about "seizing the moment" to take decisive action. Today is an opportunity to do both.
First, we must take a moment - "Take time" as the Liberians say – to reflect on what has been achieved in the 14 years since UNMIL first arrived in Liberia.
UNMIL is undeniably a success story for international peacekeeping and the men and women who have served under its mandate can be proud of their contribution to the security and stability that Liberia now enjoys. On behalf of the EU, allow me to thank SRSG Zarif and his team.
However, the fact that UNMIL has now finished its mandate here is also a testament to the efforts of Liberians, to turn their backs on conflict and follow the path of democracy and respect for the rule of law. This was demonstrated very clearly in last year's successful electoral process.
The subtitle for today's event is "New Vision for Development in Liberia", so we are here mainly to look forward. Today is the start of a process that will result in a new National Development Agenda. It will in turn guide the interventions of Liberia's international partners, including the European Union and its Member States.
From the perspective of the European Union and our Member States, we will continue to have a strong partnership with the new government after the departure of UNMIL. We welcome the intention expressed by President Weah in his inaugural speech to further strengthen the relationship with the European Union. The European Union's Global Strategy adopted in 2016 recognises the inter-connections between Europe and other regions, particularly Africa, which is our closest continental neighbour.
In Liberia, the integrated approach fostered by the Global Strategy is reflected in regular political and policy dialogue at various levels, covering both bilateral matters and regional and global issues of shared concern. The European Union and its Member States are not just one of Liberia's most important development partners, we are Liberia's biggest export market. We have entered into bilateral trade agreements which deliver economic benefits to both sides from the sustainable management of Liberia's forests and fisheries.
There is great potential for further European investment in Liberia and we welcome the President's commitment to improving the business environment for both domestic and foreign companies.
The overall envelope of the EU in Liberia is around 350 million euros (around 430 million USD) while a number of EU Member States also have their own cooperation programmes, in particular those present in Liberia.
EU Cooperation is based on the 2017 European Consensus on Development, which aligns the Union's development policy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on the "five Ps": people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership, with poverty eradication as the primary objective.
The EU-Liberia National Indicative Programme 2014-2020 strongly matches with the four pillars of the current administration's pro-poor agenda. For example, one of our focal sectors is Education, which is a pro-poor priority and we have developed a 20 million euro Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
The European Union gives part of the development assistance to Liberia in the form of direct grants to the national budget, so called budget support. However, policies should be in place to ensure macro-economic stability, increase domestic revenue collection and to allocate the national budget in a way that reflects Liberia's own development priorities.
The international community is committed to supporting Liberia in achieving its development objectives, but the nature and the impact of that support depends on the policies and actions adopted by the Liberian government – and as under the Liberian Constitution the Government consists of three separate branches so I am pleased that the Legislature is a part of our discussions here today.
This brings me to the second opportunity that is provided by the current "Liberia Moment". While transition can provide a moment to reflect, it also provides an opportunity to break with old habits and establish new ones. Agreeing the details of the National Development Agenda may be an ongoing process, but I believe now is the time to "seize the moment" and agree on the principles under which the government of Liberia will work with international partners to deliver that Agenda as effectively as possible.
I just want now to highlight one important area that I am sure will form a part of our continuing discussions: gender. We trust that the new Government will continue, in the steps of former President Johnson Sirleaf to take positive steps to give women and girls the opportunity to compete on an equal footing with their male counterparts. In this regard, I am proud to announce that Liberia has been selected to participate in the Spotlight Initiative. This newly launched EU-UN partnership will provide dedicated large-scale resources for intensified and focused action to address violence against women and girls in various areas.
Sustainable development is a continuous process, just as the maintenance of peace and stability it requires continual vigilance. But in any process there are key moments that can have a disproportionate influence on the overall outcome: moments when opportunities are either taken or missed. All of us here today share a commitment to the people of Liberia, to give them a better future. The Liberia Moment is a chance to establish the conditions under which that commitment can be fulfilled.
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冲突预防、和平建设和调解
发展与合作 — 欧洲援助
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Team Europe supports Africa's COVID-19 response with 1.4 million test kits donated by Germany and delivered by the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge
HR/VP Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner Janez Lenarčič to visit Ethiopia
OINT STATEMENT on the December 8 Mid-Term Senatorial Election and Constitutional Referendum in Liberia by the United Nations in Liberia, ECOWAS, Embassies of Member States of the African Union, the Delegation of the European Union and the Embassies of the The United Nations in Liberia, ECOWAS, Embassies of Member States of the African Union, the EU Delegation and the Embassies of the EU Member States (France, Germany, Ireland, and Sweden), the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Embassy of the United States
EU announces call for proposals to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls and other vulnerable adolescents in AfricaEmpowering vulnerable adolescents in Africa: the EU launches a €30.5 million call for proposals to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls and other vulnerable adolescents in Africa in the framework of the intra-ACP Programme to strengthen health systems for
EU Sierra Leone marks climate diplomacy week with Beach Clean Up and a competition to identify best alternatives to single use plastics On Saturday morning 10 October, over 300 participants joined us on the Lumley and Aberdeen beaches of Freetown for our annual #EUBeachCleanup ocean-activism action. Due to COVID restrictions, the event was organised at 5 separate locations. Our energized EU staff was joined by the diplomatic
EU, ECOWAS, IOM Provide Protective Equipment for Immigration and Border Officials The EU, through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has handed over personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja, in the framework of its "Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa" (FMM West Africa), jointly funded by
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Trump to Skip Summit of the Americas Run by Globalists, Marxists
With globalists, Marxists, and other shady characters from across the region coming together in Lima, Peru, to advance globalism at the Summit of the Americas, at least one prominent leader will be staying home: U.S. President Donald Trump.
With globalists, Marxists, and other shady characters from across the region coming together in Lima, Peru, to advance globalism at the Summit of the Americas, at least one prominent leader will be staying home: U.S. President Donald Trump. Officially, the president's decision to avoid the summit involves "Syria" and "developments around the world." But across Latin America and beyond, outraged establishment voices are howling and pointing to alleged nefarious motives.
Unfortunately, Vice President Mike Pence, who does not appear to share Trump's general hostility to globalist schemes and pseudo-"free trade" regimes, will be attending and leading the U.S. government team at this week's summit, organized under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS). While Trump has appointed a respected conservative as the U.S. ambassador to OAS, the threat posed to U.S. sovereignty remains serious, critics say.
In a statement this week, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the news. "President Trump will not attend the 8th Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru or travel to Bogota, Colombia as originally scheduled," she said. "At the President's request, the Vice President will travel in his stead. The President will remain in the United States to oversee the American response to Syria and to monitor developments around the world." Sources quoted in the press also said no significant NAFTA announcements were expected in Lima.
The Summit of the Americas, which takes place every three years, brings together government leaders from more than 30 OAS member states. Globalists from establishment organs such as the Brookings Institution, sounding detached from reality, claimed Trump was "afraid" of meeting Latin American leaders. Other analysts claimed Trump's decision not to attend reduces expectations surrounding the summit. Some anti-communist Cubans praised the decision, saying it ensured that Trump would not appear in a photo with the mass-murdering dictator oppressing their homeland.
Far-left members of Congress were especially upset. "The hemisphere is facing serious challenges, including the crisis in Venezuela, and the U.S. void will be deeply felt," complained globalist Congressman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), adding that Trump was "ceding U.S. leadership" of the Americas. "Unfortunately, today's announcement should come as no surprise from an administration whose policy toward the region begins with building a wall between our country and our southern neighbors. I urge the president to reconsider his shortsighted decision."
Among the topics on the summit agenda, according to OAS statements and news reports, is supposedly "tackling corruption," which would be quite a difficult feat considering the level of corruption permeating the organization and its largely corrupt member governments, most of which are run by communists, socialists, or fellow travelers. Also on the "to do" list is "dealing" with Venezuela, as if foreign countries and governments have not only the right, but the duty, to sort out that nation's problems.
Of course, international organizations — very much including the OAS and the United Nations, which routinely praise Venezuela's murderous Socialist dictatorship for its failed Big Government programs — have been a key part of the problem all along. Indeed, the UN even helped disarm Venezuela's civilian population, facilitating the regime's oppression in addition to the explosion in murder and violence. Both the OAS and the UN also happen to be filled with allies of the Maduro regime.
Fortunately for patriots concerned about the steady erosion of U.S. sovereignty and the perpetual squandering of American money on globalist organizations and schemes, Trump's absence means major moves from the Summit of the Americas are unlikely. The new U.S. Ambassador to OAS, Florida Representative Carlos Trujillo (Republican), is known to anti-communist Cubans he represents in South Florida as a conservative who campaigned strongly for Trump and supports his general agenda of protecting U.S. sovereignty and putting America First.
However, Vice President Pence has a long and consistent record of supporting globalist "free trade" schemes that undermine American independence and self-government. While he is not formally involved with establishment outfits such as the global government-promoting Council on Foreign Relations, he has proudly supported NAFTA, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and more. He has also consistently voted to fund the dictators club known as the UN, and has been an ardent proponent of U.S. intervention overseas. Even on border security, immigration, and amnesty, Pence has a record that has often been at odds with the policy positions that got Trump elected.
And it is clear that the OAS and the establishment behind it have big plans to assault self-government and nation-states. Research Associate Christian Gomez with The John Birch Society, a grassroots organization that supports national sovereignty and individual liberty as opposed to globalism and socialism or communism, highlighted the threat in a statement: "Organized like a regionalized version of the United Nations for the Western Hemisphere nations in North, South, and Central America as well as the Caribbean, the OAS is the most promising of the globalists' entangling alliances for the development of a future Union of the Americas, in much the same way that the Treaty of Rome and the European Economic Community led to development of the modern European Union."
"What the proposed FTAAP (Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific) is to APEC, is what the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) was to the OAS," continued Gomez. "Like both the United Nations and NAFTA, the Organization of American States is yet another example of an existing entangling alliance that represents a serious threat to U.S. national sovereignty and independence. This threat was most visible when its leaders pushed for the so-called Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), essentially a super-NAFTA that would have encompassed all of North, Central, and South America and serve as the potential forerunner for a future Western Hemispheric Union akin to that of the European Union."
In 2004, Gomez said, the Birch Society launched an action project dubbed "Activate Congress: STOP the FTAA." "Through the diligent work of our informed and active members, we successfully helped thwart that would-be leviathan," he explained. "The best way to preserve our nation's sovereignty and keep our independence is to steer clear of entangling alliances like the Summit of the Americas and to Get US Out of the OAS." Gomez encouraged patriotic Americans who love freedom and self-government to take action through JBS projects working to expose sovereignty-stealing schemes such as NAFTA and the FTAA.
Already, the OAS meddles extensively in what have traditionally been national matters. For instance, just this month, the outfit announced that it would be "strengthening the electoral process" in Paraguay while "monitoring" the nation's presidential elections. "The objective of any electoral observation mission is to contribute to the strengthening of the electoral processes in the continent, promoting integrity, impartiality, transparency, and reliability," claimed OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, an open-borders globalist who first came to prominence as an ambassador to Communist China and later as foreign minister in the regime of Marxist Uruguayan President José Mujica.
Almagro, despite some minor and obligatory criticism of atrocities perpetrated by the Socialist regime enslaving Venezuela, comes from a deeply troubling background. In fact, the radical pro-abortion zealot entered into high politics as the right-hand man of Mujica, a former communist terrorist with the Tupamaros before becoming a politician. Mujica was also a key figure within the Marxist Latin American network known as the Foro de São Paulo, founded by mass murdering Communist dictator Fidel Castro, the Communist Sandinistas, and disgraced Brazilian communist leader Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva. Today, despite pretending to become more moderate, Almagro continues to advance the so-called "Pink Tide" across Latin America.
Before Almagro, the OAS was led by another Socialist Party operative involved in the Marxist FSP network, José Miguel Insulza — a darling of Latin American communists and shady groups funded by statist billionaire George Soros such as the "Washington Office on Latin America." And before Insulza, the top post at OAS was held by globalist Luigi Einaudi, a member of the establishment swamp known as the Council on Foreign Relations, whose members and leaders played a crucial role bringing brutal Communist tyrant Castro to power. Indeed, the CFR's brazen links to communist and subversive forces across Latin America are barely even concealed anymore. The CFR continues to promote the OAS and practically every other regional outfit to subvert sovereignty.
Today, the OAS continues its efforts to create an international union of the Americas, a scheme first advanced by South American revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar who dreamed of a "league" that had a common military and a supranational parliament. "The Organization of American States is the world's oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States," the OAS boasts on its webpage, referring to a summit that took place in the late 1800s. "That meeting approved the establishment of the International Union of American Republics, and the stage was set for the weaving of a web of provisions and institutions that came to be known as the inter-American system, the oldest international institutional system."
"Today, the OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere," the site continues, boasting of its efforts to spread its ideology and agenda across the region. "The Organization uses a four-pronged approach to effectively implement its essential purposes, based on its main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development."
Despite getting most of its funding from U.S. taxpayers, even the principles upon which the OAS is founded are at odds with those of the United States. For instance, in 2001, OAS members signed the "Inter-American Democratic Charter" which absurdly claimed that American states have a "right to democracy" and an "obligation to promote and defend it."
Aside from the fact that states cannot have "rights," contrast that OAS sentiment with the guarantees provided in the U.S. Constitution. "The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government," explains Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution. Indeed, that document was created by men such as James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," who argued in The Federalist, No. 10 that "democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property." That is why he preferred a republican form of government based on the rule of law to secure people's God-given rights.
Of course, as this magazine has documented extensively, OAS is merely one of many supranational organizations used by globalists, communists, and others to undermine national sovereignty and individual liberty in the region. Among the others is the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), a Beijing-backed scheme founded by Castro and friends that excludes the United States and Canada. Another key outfit is the Union of South American States (UNASUR or UNASUL), a regional government controlled by FSP-aligned socialists and communists that has already created a South American "parliament" and is working on expanding further. Other regional integration schemes include MERCOSUR, the openly Marxist ALBA founded by late Venezuelan tyrant Hugo Chávez, and the "Pacific Alliance," which purports to be for more market-friendly nations.
With the establishment outrage about Trump's decision to skip the OAS meeting, it appears that the president has done the right thing. Unfortunately, though, even without him there, it is possible that globalists, communists, and international bureaucrats could advance new attacks on national sovereignty amid the global push to "regionalize" governance toward a "New World Order."
America's Founding Fathers wisely warned against U.S. involvement in "entangling alliances" such as the OAS, NAFTA, the UN, and the growing array of international outfits seeking to subvert U.S. sovereignty. They also warned about going abroad "seeking monsters to destroy." Trump articulated similar "America First" talking points on the campaign trail. Americans would do well to heed the founders' advice by urging their representatives to quit meddling in other countries, and to quit allowing foreigners to meddle in America.
Photo: AP Images
Alex Newman, a foreign correspondent for The New American, is normally based in Europe but grew up in Latin America. Follow him on Twitter @ALEXNEWMAN_JOU or on Facebook. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Parker Ito
A. Knowles / R. Tiravanija
Ken Lum / Hubert Damisch
Sean Micka
Slavs and Tatars Love Letters
LOVE LETTERS #1 - BASEL ART FAIR 2013 — 1 of 2
THREE STAR BOOKS AT ART BASEL 2013 — 2 of 2
Close Index
Edition of 3 copies
Accompanied by a numbered certificated wax-sealed by the artists
Format: 250 x 250 cm - 98.43 x 98.43 in.
Wool, yarn, metal support beam
Way back in the days of Art & Language, Guerilla Art Action Group, the Red Herring, and Red Crayola, political activism and fine art were fused in dry little pamphlets, clangy rock music tapes sold for a few bucks, and a kind of art production that said "we know how to make art but we won't." Some of the Conceptlers painted better than others, but all of them, all of them, came out of art school. Picasso and not Breshnev were their secret Leitfäden, and an aesthetics of this time has still to be written.
Oh, times have changed.
With a mix of high and low registers, ribald humour and esoteric discourse, Long Legged Linguistics aims to tell the voluptuous account of alphabet politics in the former Soviet Union and former Eastern Block [sic] through the unlikely perspective of mercenary sexuality. The first installment of Long Legged Linguistics, Slavs and Tatars' Love Letters - the book - (forthcoming in 2013) explores notions of gender, power, and resistance amongst [sic] others through cases of linguistic submission and empowerment, namely [sic].
Love Letters (wool, yarn, 2013) takes an original Mayakovsky drawing and features several failed attempts to assign Cyrillic letters or graphemes to sounds or phonemes (from Polish to Abkhaz, Moldovan to Tajik) that did not previously exist in a Cyrillic alphabet.
Way back in the days of Art & Language, Guerilla Art Action Group, the Red Herring, and Red Crayola, political activism and fine art were fused in dry little pamphlets, clangy rock music tapes sold for a few bucks, and a kind of art production that said "we know how to make art but we won't." Some of the Conceptlers painted better than others, but all of them, all of them, came out of art school. Picasso and not Breshnev were their secret Leitfäden, and an aesthetics of this time has still to be written. Oh, times have changed. With a mix of high and low registers, ribald humour and esoteric discourse, Long Legged Linguistics aims to tell the voluptuous account of alphabet politics in the former Soviet Union and former Eastern Block through the unlikely perspective of mercenary sexuality. The first installment of Long Legged Linguistics, Slavs and Tatars' Love Letters - the book - (forthcoming in 2013) explores notions of gender, power, and resistance amongst others through cases of linguistic submission and empowerment, namely. Love Letters (wool, yarn, 2013) takes an original Mayakovsky drawing and features several failed attempts to assign Cyrillic letters or graphemes to sounds or phonemes (from Polish to Abkhaz, Moldovan to Tajik) that did not previously exist in a Cyrillic alphabet.


redthirst » Thu Apr 04, 2013 1:56 pm wrote: Only in NYC and Cali, right?
Not entirely sure, I didn't do very much looking but I think they are illegal everywhere once the Obama Gun Bill passes.
iirc a ton of restrictions got taken out of the bill.
How much longer until pg218 for the default ppp users?
redthirst » Thu Apr 04, 2013 2:03 pm wrote: A magazine isn't a firearm, though - you can buy them on eBay.
@Tom we're on page 169.
Are you allowed to sell kinder eggs at MTGS ?
Blackhound » Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:05 pm wrote: Are you allowed to sell kinder eggs at MTGS ?


Samsung just a few days ago made the production & selling of Galaxy J3 Prime all over the world & Galaxy J3 Prime is the most recent addition of device to this series. Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime is another awesome, classy gem with respect to specifications and make. There is tiny difference b.w the recently released Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime and the other phones of the same series. But, in this mobile you'd unleash the huge 16GB of ROM in place of 16 GB surprisingly quantity of Accessable memory is also boosted up to 1.5GB.
Inclusion of such Accessable memory modification in Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime has improved the criterion of the root variant & now you will see this outstanding cellphone where you can store more data and you can run Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime more conveniently because of its more RAM. Dimensions of the phone are which makes the design look more beautiful while the weight of the device is grams which is a bit heavy.
Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime blueprints are super cool and this time the Tech giant brought about the better specifications as compared to its competitors. External Appearance of this latest Galaxy J3 Prime by Samsung is also modified and this time antenna footprints are being drawn on on the inside instead of top and right while the speaker is also moved towards the left side. Back cover of Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime is detachable that's why both SIM slots and external micro SD card slot is planted on the rockers. Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime is running on the latest OS ver which is Android 7.1 Nougat while on top of company's own user interface is embedded which includes many handy features. Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime has 5.0 inches super AMOLED capacitive display with the resolution of the device is 720 x 1280. Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime LCD is covered by Corning Gorilla Glass.


Just like every appliance in your home, your furnace has a limited life expectancy, even if you take really good care of it. The average life expectancy of a well-cared-for furnace is about 18 years. However, Energy Star recommends that you replace any furnace over 15 years old with a more energy efficient one. An ENERGY STAR rated furnace can save you money on your utilities and are 15% more energy efficient than other models.
Living in Texas means you probably don't use your heater that often, but it's still important to keep track of the bill. If you notice that your heating bill is creeping upwards year over year, it's a sign that you need a new furnace. Installing a new furnace will save you money on your energy bill in the long run.
Have you been calling your HVAC specialist frequently over the last few years? This is probably a sign that you would be better off just putting that repair money towards a new furnace. When you continuously need repairs, it just isn't worth the money anymore.
These are just three of the warning signs that it is time for a new furnace. In our next post, we will talk about three more signs. When you need a new furnace, contact the experts at Air On Time AC by calling us at 281.883.9972.


text:
using namespace SideCar;
using namespace SideCar::IO;
using namespace SideCar::Messages;

class Message : public Header {
public:
    using Ref = boost::shared_ptr<Message>;

    static const MetaTypeInfo& GetMetaTypeInfo();

    static Ref Make(const std::string& value)
    {
        Ref ref(new Message(value));
        return ref;
    }

    static Header::Ref Loader(ACE_InputCDR& cdr)
    {
        Ref ref(new Message(cdr));
        return ref;
    }

    const std::string& getValue() const { return value_; }

    ACE_InputCDR& load(ACE_InputCDR& cdr)
    {
        cdr >> value_;
        return cdr;
    }

    ACE_OutputCDR& write(ACE_OutputCDR& cdr) const
    {
        cdr << value_;
        return cdr;
    }

private:
    Message(ACE_InputCDR& cdr) : Header(GetMetaTypeInfo()), value_("") { load(cdr); }

    Message(const std::string& value) : Header("test", GetMetaTypeInfo()), value_(value) {}

    std::string value_;

    static MetaTypeInfo metaTypeInfo_;
};

MetaTypeInfo Message::metaTypeInfo_(MetaTypeInfo::Value::kUnassigned, "Invalid", &Message::Loader, 0);

const MetaTypeInfo&
Message::GetMetaTypeInfo()
{
    return metaTypeInfo_;
}

struct Test : public UnitTest::TestObj {
    Test() : TestObj("MessageManager") {}

    void test();
};

void
Test::test()
{
    Logger::Log::Root().setPriorityLimit(Logger::Priority::kDebug);

    std::string big(1024 * 16, '!');
    Message::Ref ref(Message::Make(big));
    assertEqual(1, ref.use_count());

    MessageManager mm(ref);

    assertEqual(2, ref.use_count());
    assertTrue(mm.hasNativeMessageType(Message::GetMetaTypeInfo().getKey()));
    assertTrue(mm.hasNative());
    assertEqual(MessageManager::kMetaData, mm.getMessageType());

    ACE_Message_Block* encoded = mm.getEncoded();
    assertEqual(2, ref.use_count());
    assertEqual(2, encoded->data_block()->reference_count());

    ACE_Message_Block* another = mm.getEncoded();
    assertEqual(2, ref.use_count());
    assertEqual(3, another->data_block()->reference_count());

    assertEqual(encoded->data_block(), another->data_block());

    encoded->release();
    assertEqual(2, another->data_block()->reference_count());
    another->release();

    assertEqual(2, ref.use_count());

    {
        MessageManager mm2(ref);
        assertEqual(3, ref.use_count());
        assertTrue(mm2.hasNative());
        assertFalse(mm2.hasEncoded());
    }

    assertEqual(2, ref.use_count());

    std::vector<ACE_Message_Block*> blocks_;
    for (int count = 0; count < 5000; ++count) { blocks_.push_back(MessageManager::MakeMessageBlock(1024)); }

    for (int count = 0; count < 5000; ++count) { blocks_[count]->release(); }

    // !!! Uncomment to see debug messages even if all tests above succeed. assertFalse(true);
}

int
main(int argc, const char* argv[])
{
    return Test().mainRun();
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
6 "Off-the-Beaten-Path" Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest
Hannah Ettema | 07.31.2017
For many hikers, an important feature of an escape into the wilderness is the feeling of isolation and separation from crowds. This can be difficult in a popular national forest, such as the White Mountain National Forest. For anyone who finds peak weekend hiking to resemble a wilderness highway more than a wilderness trail, we've highlighted six "off-the-beaten-path" trails in the White Mountain National Forest. So enjoy!
Lincoln Brook Trail: North End
As the only approach trail to Owl's Head mountain, the southern portion of the Lincoln Brook Trail is an absolute must for every hiker attempting to complete the iconic 4,000 footers of the White Mountain National Forest. However, the northern end of the trail gets much less traffic. Here the trail is thin, muddy, technical, and indistinct. The trail weaves past marshes, along small streams, and through a section of the White Moutain National Forest that is easily one of the "deepest" in the woods.
Mountain Pond Loop Trail
This pondside stroll sports a uniquely high beauty-to-effort ratio and may be desirable for hikers with young children. The 2.7-mile loop around Mountain Pond boasts almost no elevation change whatsoever, provides beautiful views of the nearby Doublehead Mountains, and is far enough from development and paved roads that moose, bear, and loon sightings are frequent. For those looking for a quick afternoon escape from the mayhem, this loop is certainly worth the trek.
Moat Mountain Trail: North End
This trail traverses the iconic Moat Range, which is clearly visible from downtown North Conway, the heart of the Mount Washington Valley. The Moat Mountain Trail climbs on less-than-shoulder-width trails before traversing North, Middle and South Moat on a stunning ridgeline. Also, the Moat Mountains' unique geography make them an ideal location for finding smoky quartz crystals, so keep an eye out!
Black Angel Trail
For hikers looking for isolation and solitude, this may be the kingpin. Nestled into the Wild River Wilderness, the Black Angel Trail ventures into territory unknown by hikers focused on the 48 4,000 footers or the iconic presidentials. No blazes on the trails, no cell-phone service, no heavy foot traffic, high potential for wildlife sightings and what may be the best fall foliage you see in your entire life make the Black Angel Trail an absolute must!
Coppermine Trail
The Coppermine Trail earns a spot on this list primarily because of its geographically isolated location west of Cannon Mountain on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest on route 116. This is a small, pleasant hike with just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain that leads to a beautiful pool below Bridal Veil Falls that makes this trail the perfect destination for a hot summer's day. Better yet, turn it into an overnight adventure by staying at the Coppermine Shelter at the trail's terminus!
Mount Tremont Trail
This trail is best for those who can best appreciate the beauty in simplicity. This trail takes you to the small, ledgy summit of Mount Tremont. The trail has no official intersections, so the only people to be found on the trail are those specifically looking to climb the unassuming mountain dwarfed by nearby Carrigain and gaze upon the simple beauty of Sawyer Pond nestled in the valley below.
For more incredible adventures in the White Mountains National Forest, keep scrolling down to the Featured Adventures!
Mount Carrigain via Signal Ridge
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Stephanie Graudons
Mount Starr King + Mount Waumbek
Mount Chocorua via Liberty Trail
Lonesome Lake via Basin Cascade + Cascade Brook Trails
Franconia Notch State Park
Eric Adsit
Pemi Trail
Lonesome Lake Trail
Boulder Loop Trail
Cait Bourgault
Mount Madison
Want to learn more about our National Forests? The National Forest Foundation promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities, and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org
More content from National Forest Foundation
16 Camping Dos and Don'ts
Hannah Ettema
Nine Tips to Enjoy the Night Sky on National Forests
Five Reasons Wildlife Appreciate National Forests


Alexander Photography - Kampala, Kampala, Uganda - Mikolo.com!
Am professional photographer Modeling / Fashion / Events / Wedding photographer Whatsapp me on +256704789170 Follow me instagram - Alexander photography Traveller photographer Book Now your shoot.
Gustavo Weds Miana 2016 Short Film - Alexander Photography Ug.


text:
Q: laravel and json array I am using laravel 5.3 and angularjs
I submit json from my angularjs like below
{"grc":{"id":1},"floatingGrcs":[{"days":"10","units":"100"},{"days":"20","units":"200"}]}

I accept this array from my laravel controller like below
public function store(Request $request)
{
   //how to extract $request object in here
}

I don't know how to extract submitted json array in laravel controller

A: You can use standard json_decode():
public function store(Request $request)
{
    $data = json_decode($request->someJson);
}

You can look at all available data with dd($request->all());

A: The common-case is that there is no need to post json-encoded data through Angular.
To submit something with Angular, you should use, for example:
$http.post('api/something', {"grc":{"id":1},"floatingGrcs": [..]})

And then there is no need to decode json on the Laravel side:
public function store(Request $request)
{
   $request->all();     // to get all fields
   $request->grc->id;   // to get a specific field
}

A: I got answer with below code. But i am not sure
$params = json_decode(file_get_contents('php://input'), TRUE);

is this above line of code secure or not.
public function store()
    {

        $params = json_decode(file_get_contents('php://input'), TRUE);

        foreach ($params as $key => $value)
        {
            if($key == "grc")
            {
                $grc_id = $value["id"];
            }
            elseif($key == "floatingGrcs")
            {
                foreach ($value as $floating)
                {
                    $days = $floating["days"];

                }
            }

        }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
NTS Insight (Jul 2013) | Cyberwarfare: Logged and Loaded, but Wither Asia?
Elina Noor
Cyber operations could have as devastating an impact on populations as conventional military weapons. With militaries already in the process of developing cyberwarfare as a means of battle, there is an urgent need for policymakers to understand this new realm and develop norms and rules to govern it. In this respect, the developing world has lagged behind the developed world. With more and more countries wiring their infrastructure to cyberspace, however, the developing world cannot afford to be left out of the international discussion on cyberwarfare. This NTS Insight discusses how the developing world can build capacity in this area.
Cyber operations could have as devastating an impact on populations as conventional military weapons. With militaries already in the process of develop ...


text:
Turkmenistan Prints
Photos from this series can be purchased as Open Edition Prints directly from this gallery by clicking the "Buy" button. Please read more in the "Open Edition Prints - General Information" section of the website https://www.pavelgospodinov.com/ Open-Edition-Prints-General-Information), accessible from the menu. The images can also be licensed for editorial or commercial purposes - more information under "Licensing" https://www.pavelgospodinov.com/Licensing), accessible via the menu. Of course, you can also contact me at any time: pavel.gospodinov@me.com
The Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) in Gobi desert, Mongolia against a clear blue sky
The Flaming Cliffs, Gobi desert, Mongolia; July 16, 2015; The Flaming Cliffs site, also known as Bayanzag, is a region of the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, in which important fossil finds have been made. The area is most famous for yielding the first discovery of dinosaur eggs. It is illegal to remove fossils from the area without appropriate permits.
The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat against a blue sky, Turkmenistan
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; May 14, 2016; The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat against a blue sky, Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque or Gypjak Mosque, constructed by the French company Bouygues, was built in the home town of President Saparmurat Niyazov. It opened on October 22, 2004 and was built by Niyazov with a mausoleum in preparation for his death. Niyazov died two years later, and was buried in the mausoleum on December 24, 2006.
Group of tourists visiting the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; May 14, 2016; Group of tourists visiting the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque or Gypjak Mosque, constructed by the French company Bouygues, was built in the home town of President Saparmurat Niyazov. It opened on October 22, 2004 and was built by Niyazov with a mausoleum in preparation for his death. Niyazov died two years later, and was buried in the mausoleum on December 24, 2006.
Woman on the stairs in front of the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Black and white photography
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; May 14, 2016; Woman on the stairs in front of the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Black and white photography. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque or Gypjak Mosque, constructed by the French company Bouygues, was built in the home town of President Saparmurat Niyazov. It opened on October 22, 2004 and was built by Niyazov with a mausoleum in preparation for his death. Niyazov died two years later, and was buried in the mausoleum on December 24, 2006.
The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; May 14, 2016; Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque or Gypjak Mosque, constructed by the French company Bouygues, was built in the home town of President Saparmurat Niyazov. It opened on October 22, 2004 and was built by Niyazov with a mausoleum in preparation for his death. Niyazov died two years later, and was buried in the mausoleum on December 24, 2006.
Man walking nearby the burning Darvaza gas crater at sunset, Turkmenistan
The Darvaza gas crater, the village of Derweze, Turkmenistan; May 15, 2016; Man walking nearby the burning Darvaza gas crater at sunset, Turkmenistan. The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a natural gas field collapsed into a cavern located in the middle of the Karakum Desert. Geologists intentionally set it on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas, and it is thought to have been burning continuously since 1971.
Tourists visiting the burning Darvaza gas crater at sunset, Turkmenistan
The Darvaza gas crater, the village of Derweze, Turkmenistan; May 15, 2016; Tourists visiting the burning Darvaza gas crater at sunset, Turkmenistan. The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a natural gas field collapsed into a cavern located in the middle of the Karakum Desert. Geologists intentionally set it on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas, and it is thought to have been burning continuously since 1971.
The Darvaza gas crater, the village of Derweze, Turkmenistan; May 15, 2016; The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a natural gas field collapsed into a cavern located in the middle of the Karakum Desert. Geologists intentionally set it on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas, and it is thought to have been burning continuously since 1971.
Close-up of the burning Darvaza gas crater at night, Turkmenistan


Baalath (Jos 19:44; Josephus, Ant. 8:6, 1) is regarded by Lieut. Conder (Tent Work? ii, 334) as identical with the present ruins at the village of Bel'ain, seven miles east of Jimzu, and ten west of Beitin, a position to which Tristram accedes (Bible Places, p. 51), although he elsewhere ('ibid. p. 198) adopts Van de Velde's location at Deir Balut.


The new development will feature 55 residences, situated a short distance from the Broadway Station MBTA.
Situated on an approximately 10,183 square-foot triangular parcel in the West Broadway neighborhood, the proposed project contemplates the improvement and revitalization of an underutilized surface parking lot property site at 21-35 West Second Street.
In its place will be a new six-story mixed-use building with 55 residential units, approximately 2,600 square-feet of ground-floor retail space, and an innovative building-managed car share service for residents, in an appropriately designed building along with related improvements in landscaping, site design and pedestrian access that is consistent with the character of the surrounding community.
Residences at 21-35 West 2nd Street are currently planned to comprise of 30 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units and 30 three-bedroom units.
The project will revitalize this underutilized property site with a building aesthetic appropriate in scale, massing and design for this section of the West Broadway neighborhood.
In planning the project, great care was given to designing a building that responds to the site's triangular shape. The saw tooth massing generously provides over 1,600 square-feet of private property to the public realm and provides critical space to add street trees and other landscaping to what would otherwise be narrow and not pedestrian friendly sidewalks.
Get the first notice as residences at 21-35 West 2nd Street hit the market by signing up for a property alert on www.BostonRealEstate.com.


Centrally located in a quiet court stands this gorgeous, architecturally designed, custom built home approximately 11 years young.
With timeless appeal, this award winning design home, constructed by a master builder and set on approximately 789m2, with 6 star energy rating is within an easy walk of the local schools, kindergartens, shopping centre and public transport.
The master suite is ideally located on the ground level along with the open plan kitchen, dining, living and a study or fourth bedroom plus formal lounge/theatre room. The kitchen with its stunning granite benchtops, European appliances and copious amounts of storage overlooks the main living area which has a breathtaking light well above, ensuring an abundance of natural light into this spacious family area.
Majestic hardwood stairs lead us up from the front entry where the living space provides views of the You Yangs, two of the bedrooms, main bathroom and large walk-in linen.


text:
News & EventsToggle Section Navigation
Home / News & Events
Scholarships Offer a Gateway for Students to Further Explore Their Interests
Jocelyn Landwehr
While history is a core passion for each of these students, they're also interested in other disciplines, like anthropology, creative writing, political science, and sociology.
They reflect on how these interests developed through classes, learning abroad, and opportunities to pursue scholarships and other awards.
Embracing the Unknown
Dana Queen's variety of earned scholarships have allowed her to develop her deep interest in history. Additionally, Queen's learning abroad experience in York, England taught her to embrace the unknown. Now in her last semester, she looks forward to finishing her degrees in history and anthropology.
Scholarship Supports an Aspiring Writer
Majoring in history and English and minoring in creative writing, Lily Hart talks about the importance that scholarships have played in her educational journey. Further, her involvement in the Family History Club on campus has been revolutionary in developing her writing and presentation skills. Believing that writing and history stem from great developments of communication, Hart looks forward to publishing some of her own history pieces one day.
Scholarships Open Up the World
Lara Schueth first explored her interest in history when she began taking classes that were focused on regions other than the US and Europe. Schueth has been awarded both the Talle Family Scholarship and the Barbara Newsome Liberal Arts Internship Award. These accolades have allowed Schueth to flourish not only in her studies but also in her volunteer work for a number of political campaigns.
A Chance to Challenge Herself
Senior Niamh McIntosh-Yee is a double major in history and political science. A recipient of the Wolfberg Scholarship through the political science department, McIntosh-Yee discusses the invigorating feeling of being recognized after putting in so much hard work. She looks forward to gaining real-world experience in her field and possibly pursuing the public policy graduate program.
This story was written by an undergraduate student in CLAgency. Meet the team.
Share this story via e-mail Share this story on Facebook Share this story on Twitter Share this story on Google Plus Share this story on Linkedin
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1110 Heller Hall


Agile tools are not only there for software development teams. Many companies and business units have assumed agile toolsets and methodologies if they seemed to be a good fit for their workflows. I don't need to tell you a lot about software collaboration and project management tools out there though. Maybe we could think about "hardware" instead? Today I want to tell you about PATboard, a Dutch company that wants to sell physical agile and lean tools.
What is it that PATboard has to offer?
The primary focus of PATboard does not actually seem to be about actual boards. They are providing their customers with either magnetic sets or sets intended for use on glass. The main difference here is that the magnetic ones stick only to metal surfaces but the glass-version of the product sticks to all flat surfaces.
Related story: What Does an IT Project Manager Do?
PATboard is not just selling the sets, bits, and pieces though. They are selling an experience of haptic collaboration. Writing things down with a pen, slapping it on the wall, moving things around as you plan the project and deliverables, all of this is quite enjoyable and can usually motivate teams more than dragging and dropping virtual cards around on a digital kanban board.
The cons of such a physical solution are quickly pointed out. Any physical agile working tool to visualize project management tasks are only visible locally. While there is a strong motivation to touch physical things to interact with them and progress the action items towards the "done" lane, it could only be done on site, it's not synchronized into any digital format and not visible to remote staff.
This is not a problem per se but it has to be pointed out along with all the positive sides of the PATboard solution. The other things I wasn't happy about is the pricing. The full Scrum board magnets set for instance will cost you $211.44 for 137 items. The glass version of the same set will cost you $223.88 for 135 items. It's certainly not the same experience but you could buy a lot of sticky notes for that budget.
PATboard had an interesting idea and I am sure that their solution has a niche market full of people who are looking for exactly such a product but it might not be a good solution for 100% of agile project practitioners and that is okay. If you would like to see more of their products and options, make sure to pay them a visit or check their storefront on Amazon.
What do you think about the PATboard solution for providing a physical scrum or kanban board? Do the pros outweigh the cons? Is it worth the price? Let us know of your opinion below in the comments!
Photo credit: All materials shown are owned by PATboard and were provided to us for press usage.


Dream become a reality. Three Primate Habituation Experiences – all day trek (4-hours) with a Mountain Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which Lonely Planet called one of the best Unusual Honeymoon Destinations.
Spend All-day with the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and a 5-hours with the Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Add on top of that the abundant wildlife of Queen Elizabeth Park, the Western Rift Valley, the Virunga Volcanoes, the Explosion Craters and Crater Lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance plus you relax and Chill Out along Lake Kivu in Rwanda. Add the romantic surprises that we have for you in store along your celebratory journey.
This Safari can be a moderately or budget priced safari but you would not have the same comforts as described.
Airport, which is relatively Visitor Friendly with minimal hassle for tourists as they enter East Africa. From the time that you land to entering the arrivals area takes about 45 minutes.
Our driver-guide will meet you with a Kabiza Wilderness Safaris sign and after welcoming you to Uganda, drive you to the 2 Friends Beach Hotel. This upmarket Hotel is a short distance from Entebbe Airport along Lake Victoria.
Here we have one of the Terrace Rooms reserved for you with a great view of the Lake. There is a swimming pool for you to enjoy while here. It is just a great all around hotel with high ratings, sit along the beach or besides the pool with a cool drink, have some of our delicious Pineapple or Mangoes.
The Hotel is a great, romantic place to begin your African Honeymoon in Uganda, from the service to the food, wine list and refreshment served here. Add on top of that great views of Lake Victoria, a sandy beach, a night sky filled stars over the lake, along with electric lightning in the distance.
This is a great hotel, for your first night in Africa and in its Pearl – Uganda.
Lodge. An upmarket Lodge overlooking two, pristine Crater Lakes, views of the Rwenzori Mountains of the moon, a great swimming pool, personal, private cottages, that are exquisitely furnished and include original artwork.
The Lodge from decor to meals is and African – European Fusion that you will find delightful and the perfect honeymoon lodge.
You can walk down to the dock on the lake, take a boat ride. Take a walk around and near the lodge.
You will the lodge, the setting, the service, the meals and the attention that is given even to the small details.
This is a highly rated lodge by past clients.
board walks made of planks to stay above the water.
If you are a Birding enthusiast, this is a must place for you to visit, one of the birds most see here is the large blue Turaco. During the afternoon you can often see chimpanzees who come to forage here from Kibale Forest, but also other monkeys.
You can also see the rare semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelope here which has webbed toes to help it get around swamp areas such as in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
Your guide is from the local community of Bigodi who are the wetland caretakers which includes the protection of it and the wildlife found here. This is a 3 hour hike. boots, long sleeved shirts, long trousers, a hat and a daypack to put your things including one liter of bottled water.
An early breakfast and your Chimpanzee Habituation Experience with researchers, trackers, your guide is about to begin. This is being with the chimpanzees for the day and takes a bit of planning on your part.
You will need a daypack, a packed lunch from the lodge, two liters of water, some snacks as dried fruit that you can buy in Uganda, waterproof hiking boots, long-trousers, long-sleeved shirt, light rain-jacket, a hat.
Such clothing is for protection from getting scratched on branches, protecting from insects and staying comfortable in the rainforest.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience lasts all day until the late afternoon, however there is much to see as you see the Chimpanzees, other primates, birds and mammals that are found in Kibale Forest.
Breakfast and we take the 2-hour plus drive to Queen Elizabeth Park and before checking into Lodge of your choice we take the scenic Explosion Crater Drive – with its craters and Lakes, stunning views at the highest point in the park.
We check in by lunchtime at the Kasenyi Safari Camp, this is a small, intimate camp with only 4 spacious tented cottages, bathrooms are in the rear of the tent. You have a deck in front of the tent with views of the Kasenyi Plains, a crater lake and probably more wildlife visitors than most other lodges in Uganda including lions, elephants, buffaloes and antelopes.
This is an excellent lodge for you to experience the wild of Africa including the sounds of the night. Meals served consist of local fruit and vegetables, beef from the famous what Westerners would refer to as Watusi Cattle (Ankole) which is the lowest cholesterol beef in the world, yet tender, free-range chickens, and freshly caught Tilapia Fish.
fternoon Game Drive on the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth Park where you have some excellent opportunities to see Lions, Leopards,Elephant Herds, Buffaloes, antelopes while slowly moving down a game track with a Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger on board along with your driver guide.
Each game drive is about 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours in length, you have a pop-up roof for best wildlife viewing while on a game drive.
After Dinner you venture onto the Kasenyi Plains for a nocturnal Game Drive where you often see predators on the prowl. This is an a special vehicle equipped with spotlights ford the occasion.
Breakfast and a morning game drive – game drive can before or after breakfast. Dawn is at 6:30 am and is one of the best time for wildlife viewing.
Options: Hot Air Balloon Safari over Queen Elizabeth Park with a bush breakfast after the Hot Air Balloon Ride where you see the wildlife from above plus the Rwenzori Mountains, Explosion Craters and more.
another option is the Lion Tracking Research with the Uganda Carnivore project where you take part in the research of collared Lions in the northern area of the park.
During the afternoon is the highlight of any safari to Queen Elizabeth Park – the Kazinga Channel Boat Safari. This is a two-hour boat ride with wildlife, birds, reptiles along the way.
art of Queen Elizabeth Park to track the famous Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha who sleep most of the days in the trees.
The Tree-Climbing Lion tracking is done on a game drive and afterwards it is lunch time at the Savannah Resort, before we continue the journey to the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Check into the upmarket Gorilla Safari Lodge using one of the deluxe cottages with sitting area, a fire place, bathroom. It gets chilly here at night due to the elevation. A hot water bottle is offered to guests at night to warm your feet when you go to sleep.
The lodge overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the surrounding countryside. Excellent meals are served here that you will find a delight and quite tasty.
Breakfast and the big day of spending four hours with the Gorillas has come. You will need a daypack, packed lunch, light rain jacket, walking stick can be obtained and it is advised that you do so, waterproof hiking boots, good socks, long-sleeved shirt and long trousers, gardening gloves to pull yourself up on branches, hat and two liters of water.
This will be certainly be a most eventful time for you on this one of the day's of your life – being four hours with the Mountain Gorillas in Rushaga.
After your Gorilla habituation Experience, we take the short drive to Lake Mutanda where you can check into the upmarket Chameleon Hill Lodge, high on a ridge overlooking Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes that ring the lake.
elves), a luxury lodge in vibrant colors that reflect the Chameleon name. Each cottage is comfortably furnished and has quality beds. You have a great view of the lake and the volcanoes in front of you.
The meals and the service are excellent here and you have easy access to Mgahinga Gorilla Park where you will be going in the morning for the Golden Habituation Experience.
Both motorized and traditional boat rides can be taken here including private sundowner cruises.
This is a great, one of a kind lodge that you will long remember after you return home.
Breakfast and off to nearby Mgahinga Gorilla Park where it is your last Primate Habituation Experience with the endangered Golden Monkeys of the Virunga Volcanoes.
What you wear, should be similar to Gorilla Habituation Experience including a packed lunch and two liters of water. You will go with researchers on an upward climb toward the Bamboo Forests where the Golden Monkeys have their habitat.
Out of all the groups of primates, the golden monkeys are the liveliest of them, you will find the jumping over, making noise all around you, wherever you turn, there they are.
It takes about two years to habituate any primate group and that includes the Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga Gorilla Park, The Golden Monkey habituation experience will take most of the day, but an enjoyable day it will be for you, not only surrounded by the golden monkeys but also the stunning scenery found at Mghahinga Gorilla Park and the Virunga Volcanoes.
Early Breakast and we cross into Rwanda and head toward the scenic Lake Kivu for a day of relaxation and chilling out after three Primate Habituation Experiences in Uganda.
We reach the Lake Kivu where you check into the lodge you have chosen.
There is a large swimming pool and many water – related activities that can be done while here, or just read a book and enjoy the day.
In the afternoon continue taking in the most pleasant climate of Lake Kivu. You can take an optional boat ride, sail, or take a walk into town. Simply enjoy the free day without an itinerary.
Try two of the Rwandan delicacies, the local Sardine from the Lake called Sambaza which is a delicious fried snack, or a brochette stick with goat, beef, chicken, fish or vegetables. You will enjoy both.
The 10 Day Ultimate Primate -Wildlife Honeymoon Safari in Uganda-Rwanda comes to an end. Breakfast and we leave for Kigali after lunch – depending on your departure time from Kigali airport.
Safari includes all permits, all lodging, Toyota Land-Cruiser, all food, bottled water in vehicle, but not alcohol at lodges or tips.


Life started for S.A.M.i as a cart pusher (it will take two to make one mower).
After stripping these down, I think I have some good parts to work with.
They came with motor controllers, built in RC units which will need to be modified or replaced, and 36v chargers. They had lead acid batteries in them, but they are mostly toast. The axles are limited slip differential just like on the family car. The motor is a 36v 2.5A motor that is direct into the axle.
My plan is to mount two motor/axles side by side on the original chassis which will allow for the zero turn skid style steer. Which is now done.
Ok, it looks kind of funny now, but hopefully as the project progresses it will look less goofy.
I have to attach �anti-spin� plates to the inboard hub of each axle to eliminate the "slip" from the limited slip axle. That will be the next step. Then I can �re-hub� the outside hubs for larger tires.
After that it is on to building the rails for hanging the mowing deck � complete with a gas vertical shaft engine that will spin two blades. After that it is just a matter of working out the bugs with the RC and learning a lot about programming.
Hopefully in the end it will look like an actual zero turn mower � minus the seat of course. Then I will be able to add the "brains" and sensors to get S.A.M.i "thinking" for him/her self.
Since I started the project, I have found out that it may be July before I get any quality time back in the workshop. I will keep updating though as progress is made.
Where does the 2.5A come from? Is that really stalled, or average operating, or ...? It seems like a really low number for something designed to move that much weight that quickly.
I had the same thought, but didn't do the math.
How does one acquire cart pushers! That does seem like something useful.
And big bots are cool!
It could be no-load current too.
Sienna, I see 'em out there at auction. It's the freight that kills ya!
Update the sticker says 3.5a. Once hooked up I can determine for myself.
I haven't chosen a "brain" or an operating system yet. Everybody feel free to persuade me to use their favorite!
PicoITX running Windows XP. There. I said it.
If you were an experienced software engineer, I'd say "PicoITX running Linux". But dang this C# stuff with aftermarket libraries is pretty darned awesome.
I'm not an experienced software engineer, and I run and use Linux. :veryhappy: All this talk about C#.. Mono and Portable.Net might be worth looking into.. Hmmmm..
Downside is loading the aftermarket libraries just isn't likely to happen in many cases. I haven't seen anyone get Roborealm working on Linux yet?
So, something like this (http://www.logicsupply.com/products/artigo) is a good idea?
I have to admit that the XP sounds good to get started. Just how steep is the Linux learning curve?
Yup. I've recommended LogicSupply to a few people now, and so far all have been more than happy with 'em.
It's not the linux learning curve that's high (imho), it's the tools learning curve. Windows has much more drag-and-drop and simpler IDE type tools. As well as things like RoboRealm (roborealm.com) that are ready to go out-of-the-box.
Top of my list so far!
That looks tremendous! A lot of potential there. Is the background the yard that you intend to mow? If so you need to deal with a steep grade and a lot of interesting obstacles.
Have you looked at commercial robot lawnmovers? We have one by Friendly Robotics (http://www.friendlyrobotics.com/) that we bought years ago (long enough that our model is no longer featured on their front page). I case you haven't, let me just describe how it works to give you some ideas.
There is wire that defines the perimeter of the lawn area which carries a signal that the robot can sense. We just staked it down one afternoon and over a few months the lawn grew over it. Because I've had to dig it up a few times to repair breaks I know that it has migrated naturally right down to the base of the sod. It has an electronic compass for orientation and a circle of bump switches completes its sensors.
On activation it mows around the perimeter by following the wire. Once it detects that it has turned a complete circle it starts mowing the interior. It does this by zigzagging from one wire to another, going backwards and then repeating at a different angles for a fixed amount of time. Here's their movie (http://www.friendlyrobotics.com/video/robomow-mowing_method.mpeg).
We love the stupid thing. Even when it gets stuck and calls for help, the robot lifestyle is still better than doing things youself.
depending on speed, we had one of those invisible fence collars for our cats. They mostly just ran through it though.
Most of what is visible in the background is the neighbors back pasture. But I have portions of my yard that are as steep. I don�t expect S.A.M.i to handle the steep grades, that will be the next one. But I have lots of yard (a few acres) that isn�t steep. None of it is flat however, and I understand the commercial mowers like the Robomow doesn�t handle the not flat yards well.
The wire perimeter is cool, but how about a laser fence instead? No trenching to worry about.
That's an awesome start, Ooops!
Will you have adjustable blade heights and terrain sensing? (I've always wanted to work on topo sensing...)The wire perimeter is cool, but how about a laser fence instead? No trenching to worry about.
Deck height will need to be adjustable. My plan at this point is to attach it so that it can first be manually adjusted and later adjusted �on the fly� . I haven�t considered what will be he best way to adjust it �on the fly� although I have a few thoughts. The trick will be to do the initial installation so that it can be easily adapted later.
The wire perimeter would seem mostly fool proof, however as I mentioned before, lots of yard to mow, so lots of yard = lots of wire= lots of wire burying. Also, it wouldn�t be easy to use on a friends yard, or to demo/test it on a football field or other large field in need of mowing. I gather the laser fence would be easier on the back, but slow setup in new areas?
So, without enough knowledge or experience to draw any firm conclusions my first thought would be to start with a compass and GPS, and work in a laser beacon � I envision something like a laser level � rotating laser on a tripod. But with the topography being so (for the lack of a better word) hilly, I am not sure how that would work without having more than one, or moving the one, once a particular area is done. Which wouldn�t work well for me having to drag it around.
I also had a rather abstract thought on the spectrometry (wow is that really a word? and is it the right one?) of the sap from the cut grass. I am not sure if the cut grass would reflect light differently, or for how long, but you would think that it is possible that it might and that a sensor could be utilized for telling where the grass has been cut and where it hasn�t. That would sure be an improvement to efficiency.
Once again, any and all suggestions are appreciated!
One idea I had been toying with was vision, although I don't know how well that would work with your hardware configuration. A camera hanging over the front of the mower and pointed straight down would be able to see what's ahead as well as to the left and right. Since the ground is parallel to the camera and there is limited parallax it might not be hard to create an algorithm that could distinguish grass from everything else. Edging would follow the edge of the not-grass area, and mowing the interior could go back and forth across the grass area. You could also track your absolute position for mapping purposes by computing the motion vector by auto-correlation, like an optical mouse.
In my imagination, I see a laser on a stake/pole at the border, and a mirror at each virtual fence corner, also on a stake. The laser is pointed so that it hits and bounces from each mirror in series. You could create non-regular-polygons that way too.
Well, after weeks and weeks of looking at the "pile" of parts I finally found a few hours to get some work done.
I had left off needing to eliminate the limited slip differentials of the two axles which will provide for tank style steering. Then it would be time to test drive.
I had ordered a big 36v 80amp motor controller and was itching to see S.A.M.i run around the yard on RC. So, after a few more hours than expected (somehow it always takes longer than you think it should originally) the "slip eliminators" were installed and nothing left to do but wire it up and go for a spin. Unfortunately by now it is after dark Saturday night and I will have to postpone the test run until Sunday.
I suspect that the board had a problem right out of the box, I double checked, triple checked, and then checked again that everything was setup correctly. On about the third pass through the "instructions" on the board I noticed that there was a note for voltages above 36v and to move the J7 jumper to the HV pins. ... "ooops!!!"
I don't think that the two volts over the limit should have fried the board. Will wait and see what the board Mfg says. If two volts are that critical then there should be a very large sticker on the controller itself, and the jumper should be in a baggy and not installed from the Mfg.
So, I will wait patiently for another controller and start thinking about how to install the mower deck.
I am all about the real controllers for obvious reasons!!!
I just figured since I had that one I would test drive it.
In retrospect, it is probably a blessing that it didn't work. I had SAMi on the ground and would have been running him without any type of fail safe. I think next time I will jack him up off the ground and get real comfortable with the RC range before turning him loose. I would guess that with the twin axles and steel construction he weighs 325+Lbs. That would leave a mark if it hit something. And or worse, if it decided to go down the hill, I would have to drag or trailer him back up.
SAMi update ... Motor controller back and repaired. Thank you motor controller guys!!!
Librab, thank you for asking:) Yes, at the moment I am distracted by TRAMP, along with the 6,832 things on my "to do" list. Hopefully, TRAMP will come to completion soon, and I can get back to SAMI and my Bioloid. I do have the new/repaired motor controller, and will slide it in when the opportunity arises.
This was run using RC, which will be the main form of control during the "build phase". I still aspire to autonomous control, but will be patient in implementing.
The RS80D motor controller isn't working on the higher voltage (36v+), so this is run at 24v which at the end of the day isn't all bad, maybe a blessing in disguise. You take a 250+++ lb robot and run it a full power during the initial R&D and a small "oops" could easily turn into a call to the insurance adjuster, or worse.
At some point I will have to get some closer pictures of the modifications so far, but I wanted to see if they worked before documenting. Not to mention they are not clean or painted ... don't want to post ugly close-up pictures.
Soooo, is there a contest for the BIGGEST bot?
I'd say that was pretty darned successful for a first test of a 'bot approaching 300lbs! I have one of those motor/gearboxes (thanks!) and just one of those things is near 85 back-breaking pounds!
Isn't that why you had kids?
Awesome ooops, your work is coming on great, What size tires will you eventually fit?
Unfortunately, since I had to swap hubs, I didn't have an exact measurement for the wheel offset and was left to guess at what would most likely fit. Let's just say I was close but no cigar:( I did go for a tire/wheel combo, and may be able to keep the tires (22x11.00x8) and swap the wheels for some with a much shorter offset?
Since Northern tool is about an hour away, I can only hope to get back there soon???
Needless to say I am bumming!!!
Or swap out the hubs' lugs for longer units, and throw in a spacer. Unless I read that backwards.
I very seriously considered this, but opted to go for a bit smaller tire - 20x7x8 as pictured.
still this is almost twice as tall and twice as wide. So, not a bad compromise, now I am just waiting on the brown truck to show up.
Finally I had the chance to install the new tires! Wow, it looks better and it is a lot faster now. Pretty much doubled the gear ratio to the ground so even at the 24v it is fast. I am thinking with the addition of the mowing deck, and gas engine that it might slow down a bit. Hopefully given the chance this weekend I can get some new pictures and video.
Too cold to shoot video outside this weekend. So here are some stills to show off the ground clearance.
Also, there is a closer view of the anti- anti-slip device.
Those are more like boom-lift tires! ROFL!
You need to put some Rancho's on there and jack that puppy up! It needs a gun-rack! Bwahahahahaha!
WOW!!!! Do u plan on cutting grass in the snow haha. Can't wait for the video.
Now you're cooking with gas! She's shaping up nicely. Is the mowing deck going to use a gas motor?
As soon as I get a break in weather, and can get outside to weld, I hope to get the mower deck going, then can shift to the engine. All that following some test runs in it's current condition.
Looks like this is shaping up to a pretty fun project. I had a thought concerning automated deck height for your mower. My thought was a lightweight roller that was free floating on rods. Placed in front of your mower deck it would move vertically based on any changes in terrain. If the roller moves beyond the tolerances you set, the deck height could be adjusted. The "roller" could be as simple as some 3" diameter PVC. Attach rail from a linear actuator(sp?) to your vertical rod and set a gear on the stationary piece and you'll get a consistant reading of the height based from gear revolutions. Hope this helps.
Scumm, welcome to the forum.
I like your thoughts:) I had originally thought of a proximity switch to control height, and then IR and sonar, or a mix of all but they all have such a specific area that they "look at" that I am unconvinced that even with a group of strategically placed sensors and software averaging, that a mechanical (dumb system) wouldn't be a better alternative.
Thanks for the suggestion, it will get serious consideration since the deck is the next step.
My bud tells me that a lot of lawnmowers have a floating deck. This could be a simple solution as well.


This was a vintage black and white drawing that I use with permission from The Graphics Fairy. I used Paint Shop Pro to paint the pretty shaded pink to the roses and the green to the leaves. I also used duplicate layer to crop rosebuds and added more to the original image.


My Boyfriend Hates Makeup: Zoya Sweet: Is It Spring Yet?
I am READY FOR SPRING. I'll probably say that about 5,205 more times before the spring thaw, so I am sorry in advance for that. Here is a nice, just pretty color, perfect creme, no muss no fuss mani.
This is Sweet by Zoya, and indeed it is, very sweet. This also goes with the pink theme of the week.
This is three coats. Zoya has a great creme formula with an average dry time. I neeeeeeded three coats of this, though, the polish was surprisingly sheer.
You can find Zoya on it's standalone site: Zoya.com. And, by the way, I used A Girl Obsessed's topcoat, Magpie Shine. Click HERE for the AGO etsy store!


A report describing local air quality conditions, including air quality monitoring data, emission inventories, lists of significant source categories, attainment status and designations, and applicable State and Federal air quality plans and transportation plans.
A summary of local, district, State, and Federal policies, programs, and regulations that may improve air quality in the city or county.
Goals, policies, and objectives that may improve air quality.
Feasible implementation measures designed to carry out those goals, policies, and objectives.