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by Pine Bluff Commercial | January 14, 2022 at 2:45 a.m.
Editor's Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Arsenal conducts tests
Personnel from the Pine Bluff Arsenal's Directorate of Engineering and Technology will be conducting testing of items Friday. Residents living close to the Arsenal should not be alarmed if they hear noise and see smoke coming from the facility, according to a news release.
UAPB students perform in ASC concert
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host ART WORKS Presents: Sound of the Pride, featuring students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14. The concert program will be in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS, 627 S. Main St. It is open to ages 16 and older. UAPB Studio students will perform a "tiny desk"-style concert as part of their fundraiser series with instructor Damon Tolbert as host. The campaign benefits UAPB's Sound Recording and Technology Department. Community members are invited to sing in an open-mic setting. ASC will raffle door prizes including art by glassmith James Hayes and a CD featuring work by Tolbert. Entry into the event is $5 for ASC members and $10 for nonmembers.
Covid leads courthouse to close
The Jefferson County Courthouse closed due to the pandemic surge. The courthouse will be closed to the public to be deep sanitized and to protect employees and the public, according to a news release. Details: JeffersonCountyAR.gov.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those in need from 9-11 a.m. Jan. 15. Pickup will be done in a drive-thru setting in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks. State ID's are required to receive one box per family, according to a news release. The church's Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry is the sponsor. To support this effort, people may mail financial contributions to St. John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601, or electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff. To volunteer, people may contact Pearl Matlock at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net. The Rev. Cecil L. Williams Jr. is the pastor.
Center to give away winter clothes
Lula Mae's Day Center Inc. will give away winter coats and clothes at the Family Community Development Corp., 1001 Palm St., on Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon or until supplies are gone. The purpose is to help keep the community warm, according to a news release. Shaneka Hamilton is Lula Mae's executive director. Details: (870) 345-9596.
ASC plans Pinch Pot Pottery Workshop
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will present a Pinch Pot Pottery Workshop with instructor Troy DeBill, a fine arts teacher and EAST Initiative facilitator for White Hall Middle School. She will host the workshop from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Participants will learn pinch pot techniques to create unique vessels. The workshop is for ages 13 and older. No experience is necessary. The cost is $55 for ASC members, $65 for nonmembers, and $40 for ASC Flex Pay. For more information, contact ASC Programs Coordinator Rhodes Daigle at rdaigle@asc701.org or call 870-395-7059. To register, visit asc701.org/adult-classes.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 15
ASC hosts auditions for Robin Hood production
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host auditions for "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 15-16, at the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at ASC, 701 S. Main St. Auditions are by appointment only. ASC invites community members ages 10 and older to sign up. For more information and to register for auditions, visit asc701.org/auditions. Performance dates are scheduled for Friday through Sunday, March 11-13. "This frantically funny, Monty Python-esque retelling of the classic 'Robin Hood' tale, written by Mary Lynn Dobson, is a jaunt through Sherwood Forest you won't soon forget," according to a news release. Script selections will be available during the audition. To request a selection earlier, contact Theater Programs Manager Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org.
Amos Chapel to honor MLK
Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1307 W. 16th Ave., will observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16. Amos Chapel's worship service will feature the youth department presentations on "How Dr. King inspires Me." Guests will include praise dancers, Marie and the Girls; saxophonist, Darnell Cannward; and King's "I Have a Dream Speech" by the Rev. Marcus Morton. The general public is invited to attend. Masks are required. MLK Day is Monday, Jan. 17.
Jefferson County Historical Society to meet
The Jefferson County Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Historical Museum, 201 E. Fourth Ave., according to a news release. Timothy G. Nutt, director of the Historical Research Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Little Rock, will be the guest speaker. His talk will be on the history of Jefferson County's Catholic churches. The public is invited to attend the meeting. Masks and other covid-19 precautions will be required at the meeting. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Details: Jefferson County Historical Society, (870) 541-5402.
KingFest Celebration set
Although the annual parade was canceled, the 38th annual PBICVR Original KingFest Celebration (OKFC) will be held. The national virtual Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock will be held from noon Sunday, Jan. 16, through 12:10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, when the the Martin Luther King Day of Service begins. Two Pine Bluff pastors will be among speakers Sunday: Josue Martinez of Pine Bluff First Assembly of God and Leon Jones Sr. of Good Faith/Carr United Methodist Church. Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock can be viewed Jan. 16 at www.400yaahc.gov.
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 16
One Pine Bluff Praying services set
One Pine Bluff Praying Together services are held at area churches in the months with five Sundays, according to a city spokesman. The community is invited to attend services from 6-7 p.m. Sundays on the following dates: Jan. 16 – Family Church, Pine Bluff campus, 2309 S. Poplar St.; Jan. 23 – Grace Evangelical Church, 4210 E. Ohio St.; and Jan. 30 – Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church – 2008 Vaugine St. For details or to host a service, contact Mary Liddell at (870) 643-2383 or Marylddll@yahoo.com.
Agencies to close on MLK Day
Several agencies will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17: Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices, Jefferson County and related offices, Altheimer City Hall, White Hall City Hall, The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System, Liberty Utilities and state offices. The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas offices will be closed, however SEAT (Southeast Arkansas Transportation) will take patients to their cancer and dialysis treatments.
House of Bread opens pantry
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 500 S. Main St., will open its food pantry Jan. 17 from 1-2 p.m. or until all food boxes are gone. Only one box per household will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Everyone is required to wear a mask, according to a news release. All clients must fill out new intake forms for 2022. Everyone must bring proof of address (utility bills and driver's license.) People won't receive food boxes if they don't have the information required, according to the release.
Through Monday, Jan. 17
UAPB accepts youth entires for snack recipe contest
Pine Bluff youth, ages 5-18, are invited to submit original snack recipes for the 2022 Snack Recipe Contest. Entries must be received by Jan. 17. The event is sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Programs, according to a news release. Recipe judging will be based on originality, creativity and nutritional value. The first-place prize is a $100 gift card, the second-place prize is a $75 gift card, and the third-place prize is a $50 gift card. Each entrant is required to fill out an entry form and must submit the original recipe and a photo by email to Teresa Henson, Extension specialist-nutrition outreach coordinator, at hensont@uapb.edu or to Teki Hunt, Extension specialist-director of 4-H Youth Development Programs, at huntjimenezt@uapb.edu. For entry forms or details, contact Henson or Hunt.
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18
Ivy Center announces plans
The Ivy Center for Education Inc. will host the following events: Jan. 18 – 6-7 p.m. – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quiz Bowl Competition will be held virtually on Zoom. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Seventh through 12th graders are invited to participate. A study guide will be emailed upon request. Jan. 25 – 10 a.m. – Ivy Center Board Members and the UAMS South Central representative will speak to Pine Bluff High School students about "Let's Talk About Excellence!" (Covid rules will be in place at this in-person presentation.) For more information including the Zoom link information, go the Ivy Center for Education's Facebook page or send an email to mattie1908@gmail.com.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Free health screenings set
A free community-wide health screening event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation in partnership with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas Minority Health Commission, the city of Pine Bluff, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will participate in the event, according to a news release. The minority health commission will provide various screenings including those for blood pressure, glucose, A1C, cholesterol, BMI (Body mass index), oxygen/pulse and HIV. The prostate cancer foundation will provide a non-invasive blood test for the prostate specific antigen (PSA).
SEA concert group hosts performances
The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association 2021-22 season returns to live events at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Fine Arts Center. The association will host Tuba Skinny on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. and the Little Mermaid, the annual musical, will be held March 7-12 with 13 shows at the center. Details: https://searkconcert.org or Facebook.
ASC to host CrEATe Lab cooking series
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., to host its CrEATe Lab nutritious cooking series with eight new sessions. Students ages 10-17 will learn with Faith Anaya, owner of Little Rock cooking school Kids Cook! Class runs from 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12. The cost is $35 for all eight sessions. CrEATe Lab includes hands-on cooking, gardening and shopping. For more information, contact ASC Education Programs Manager Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375. To register visit, asc701.org/create-lab. This event is sponsored by the Arkansas Out of School Network.
Applications for 2022 Governor's School open
Student applications are open for the 2022 Arkansas Governor's School. The deadline to apply is Jan. 24. Arkansas Tech University at Russellville will host the 43rd AGS July 5 through Aug. 1, according to a news release. AGS serves approximately 400 students during the summer before their senior year in high school. Eligible students interested in attending should inquire with their school counselors about the nomination process. Information is also available at www.atu.edu/ags by sending an e-mail to ags@atu.edu.
Blue & You Fitness Challenge deadline set
The community is invited to join Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Department of Health in building a healthier Arkansas through the 2022 Blue and You Fitness Challenge. The team registration deadline is Jan. 24. Individuals can then join a team Feb. 1-28. During the challenge, participants will log their daily activity in the Wellable app to earn points for their team or sync fitness devices and allow it upload the data for them. The Blue & You Fitness Challenge runs from March 1 through May 31, according to a news release. Details: https://blueandyoufitnesschallenge-ark.com/
Little Rock VA sets next virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock Veterans Affairs Regional Office will hold its monthly virtual claims clinic for veterans from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 27. To reserve a time to speak with a VA benefits representative, participants should call (501) 370-3829 before 5 p.m. Jan. 26, according to a news release. For details about VA's benefits, go to http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Lt. Governor to speak at GOP meeting
Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin will be the guest speaker for the next meeting of the Jefferson County Republican Committee. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at Larry's Pizza, 4900 Dollarway Road, at White Hall, according to a news release from David L. Singer, county GOP chairman.
The Links to host virtual session
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. invites the community to its Preparing Our Community for Success virtual series, according to a news release. The final session will be 7 p.m. Jan. 27: Preparing for the Business World. The Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/94423877911?pwd=Q0ExQ2N5WTRDeHNLTlFkWDh6OW9GUT09 with meeting ID: 944 2387 7911 and passcode: 692876. To call, dial by location to +1 646 558 8656 US (New York.)
Parole Board meeting set
The Arkansas Parole Board will meet at 9 a.m. Jan. 27 in the Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium, 1302 Pike Ave., Suite B149, at North Little Rock. The full calendar of hearings and meetings can be found on the board's website under Meeting Information and Hearings & Board Schedule. Details: https://doc.arkansas.gov/parole-board/meeting-information/hearings-board-schedule/ or (501) 682-3850.
Through Friday, Jan. 28
White Hall Library sets art deadline
The White Hall Library is seeking submissions for its Tiny Art Show. Participants must return their work to the library by Jan. 28 to be part of the show which runs through February. All art will be returned to the artist, according to a news release. Details: Ellen Bauer, White Hall Library branch manager, (870) 247-5064.
Small Works art on display
The Arkansas Arts Council will host the 2022 Small Works on Paper touring artists exhibition at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center at Little Rock through Jan. 28. The display features 28 artists, including Rashawn Penister of Pine Bluff and Crystal Jennings of Rison, according to a news release. Details: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-programs/small-works-on-paper.
City to host New Year's cleanup
The community is invited to participate in the Pine Bluff 2022 New Year Community Cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 29. Participants should meet at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 8 a.m. to receive supplies and sign up for clean-up sites. Volunteers will also need to provide their own transportation to the sites throughout the city. The cleanup is an effort to start the new year out right with a cleaner city, according to a news release. Details: mayor's office, (870) 730-2004.
Through Saturday, Jan. 29
ASC hosts exhibition Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting "Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas by Virmarie DePoyster," a portrait exhibition. DePoyster is a bilingual Puerto Rican artist interested in bringing communities together through art. This exhibition will run through Jan. 29.
USDA/1890 scholars program application deadline set
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 National Scholars Program is Jan. 31, said Belinda Demmings Bell, USDA liaison for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor's degree, books and the cost of room and board. During the summer, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency. Details: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.
Thursday, Feb. 10
Waterfowler Hall of Fame postpones ceremony
The Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame will host its induction ceremony at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Chenal Country Club at Little Rock. The event benefits the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie at Stuttgart, which houses the Hall of Fame. The ceremony will highlight honorees from the classes of 2020 and 2021, according to a news release. Details: grandprairiemuseum.com or waterfowlerhof.com.
Friday, Feb. 11
Alphas to host Valentine fundraising gala
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation (SEAJF) annual Valentine Scholarship Fundraiser gala will be held at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend. The colors will be all black with a touch of gold. This fundraiser will include a catered meal by First Class Catering/James Rice and dancing, according to a news release. Organizers will follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual tickets are $40 each or a table of 10 for $400. Sponsorships are: Jewel level $5,000; Yellow Rose level $2,500; Old Gold level $1,000; and Black level $400. Donations to the SEAJF are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks should be payable by Feb. 4 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, or Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Gregory Murray at (870) 550-4281.
Through Tuesday, Feb. 15
Blue & You accepts grant applications
Schools, universities, government agencies and nonprofit groups around the state could receive funds to further their work. The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is accepting applications for mini grants. Agencies can request up to $2,000. The foundation is updating the mini grant program to focus on supporting organizations battling food insecurity, implementing public health initiatives in schools or needing emergency response equipment, according to a news release. Applications for 2022 grants should be submitted to the Blue and You Foundation by Feb. 15. To submit an application or for details visit https://blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Jefferson Regional Foundation sets ball
Jefferson Regional Foundation is planning the Winter Wonderland Ball 2022 for Feb. 19. The event will feature live entertainment, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Tickets are $250. For ticket and sponsorship information, interested people may contact Laura Beth Shaner, foundation development officer, at (870) 541-7210.
Through Monday, Feb. 28
Arsenal to conduct prescribed burns
The Arkansas Forestry Division will be conducting multiple prescribed and controlled burns at the Pine Bluff Arsenal now until the end of February, depending on the weather. The local community should not be alarmed if they see large plumes of smoke coming from the Arsenal, according to a news release. All controlled burns will be conducted by specially-trained and equipped crews skilled at fire management operations, according to the release.
Through Tuesday, March 1
Virtual Beginning Farmer Classes set
The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF) will present a new round of Beginning Farmer Classes virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 1. Class times are 6-8:30 p.m. Each course costs $10 and will be presented via Zoom. The classes were redesigned to highlight the practices of successful farmers and offer learning activities with information from local service providers and regional farmers, according to a news release. CAFF is a center of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. To register, visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uada.edu/classes/.
Ag Hall of Fame plans ceremony
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame rescheduled its induction ceremony from Aug. 20 due to safety concerns surrounding the increase in covid-19 cases in Arkansas. The induction ceremony is now scheduled for March 4, 2022, according to a news release. The new class includes: Long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage; Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years; the late Russell Roy Reynolds, director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years; retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville; former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila; and Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co. Details: www.arfb.com.
Through Friday, March 4
Zeta Phi Beta seeks scholarship applicants
Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. seeks applicants for two scholarships. The sorority will provide a $1,000 to a young woman enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a $500 scholarship to a young woman enrolled at Southeast Arkansas College, according to a news release. An applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average. The application, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation on the letter writer's official letterhead, may be emailed to epilonzz.pb@gmail.com and/or mailed to P.O. Box 1161, Pine Bluff, AR 71613, by March 4. Details: Mary Liddell at marylddll@yahoo.com or call (870) 643-2383.
Through Saturday, March 5
'Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle' exhibit open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host "Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle," an exhibition featuring work from its permanent collection, through March 5, according to a news release. The exhibit was curated by Torri Richardson, the center's curatorial intern and 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This exhibition will show southern lifestyle from various viewpoints.
Tension and Protection exhibit open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will showcase an exhibit, "Tension and Protection: Textile Work by Suzannah Schreckhise" in the International Paper Gallery through March 5, according to a news release. This exhibition features Schreckhise's textile work, combining her crochet series and her ongoing mask series, "Breath." Schreckhise is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Fayetteville.
Chamber reschedules annual dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce rescheduled its annual dinner to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The date was changed from Feb. 3 due to concerns over increased covid-19 cases, according to the Chamber newsletter. Former White Hall Bulldog football Coach Bobby Bolding will be the special guest speaker. Tickets are $60 each. The Chamber is still selling sponsorships for this event. Details: Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Sunday, May 1
Ministry group seeks applicants for free home repairs
Ozark Mission Project (OMP), a non-profit ministry of the United Methodist Church (UMC,) will conduct free minor home repairs for people in need in the summer of 2022. Projects include painting, yard work, building wheelchair ramps or making other minor repairs. People who need this assistance should submit an application for the free projects. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2022, according to a news release. The group will be stationed at Pine Bluff at First United Methodist Church and work projects July 18-21. Applications and details can be found at ozarkmissionproject.org.
Chamber to host Business Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce rescheduled its Business Expo for May 5, 2022. Because of rising covid infections, the Chamber postponed the expo that was previously set for Aug. 19, 2021. Due to the fact the expo was postponed as a precautionary measure, the Chamber is reserving participants' booth payments and/or sponsorships for the 2022 event and holding their spots for them, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Jennifer Kline at the Chamber, (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Inside dining set at Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., returned to inside dining Jan. 3 for fully vaccinated people only. Fully vaccinated means a person has had both shots (of Pfizer or Moderna) and the booster or one shot (Johnson & Johnson) and booster, according to a news release Those entering the building must show their ID and vaccination cards. Take-out lunches will still be provided to unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or people without proper documentation for a limited time. Details: Pat Tate, Neighbor to Neighbor executive director, (870) 534-2883.
Salvation Army Auxiliary hosts fundraiser
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary won't hold its annual Christmas Luncheon and Festival of Tables, but will accept donations for the local Salvation Army, which provides food, shelter, socialization opportunities, spiritual enrichment and other services. The festivities were canceled in 2020-21 because of covid-19, according to a news release. Checks should be made payable to the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary and delivered to the Salvation Army Corps headquarters at 501 E. 12th Ave. or mailed to Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, P.O. Box 8209, Pine Bluff, AR, 71611. Details: Salvation Army, (870) 534-0504.
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Neighbor to Neighbor open 5 days a week
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., has reopened five days a week. The agency will be open Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. For the sake of safety, Neighbor to Neighbor will continue serving to-go lunches at the door from noon to 1 p.m. and are available to anyone who is hungry. Masks are required to enter the building and hand sanitizer will be available at the door, according to a news release. New clients or those seeking assistance with bills or medications should call (870) 534-2883 for an appointment.
Unity Christian Fellowship offers free financial classes
Unity Christian Fellowship Church (UCFC), 2712 S. Bay St., invites the community to its free Small Business and Personal Financial Education classes at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Recent subjects included "The Importance of Having a Financial Plan" and "Financial Literacy," according to Stuff in the Bluff website. "You cannot afford to miss out on these life-changing classes. We are practicing social distancing and will have hand sanitizer wipes available," according to the site. Anthony Armstrong is the senior pastor. Details: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182.
Print Headline: Calendar2 01-14-22


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Posted by michchick71 under Out of Reservations, Out of Reservations Chapter 61
Please, don't die of shock! Yes, it's another chapter! McBeta says I ought to give a slight warning there is some squiffy off-stage behavior by one (gee, I wonder who?) of the Bennet sisters. Next chapter sees Wickham & New York & some trouble for ODC. Thanks to McBeta and the cheer squad of awesome JAFF ladies (and gents!) who have gently reminded me I've left ODC hanging for far too long. Thanks for your patience and encouraging notes and comments. They mean more than I can say. Thanks.
*Chapter Sixty-One*
If Henry Reynolds noticed anything amiss about his boss over breakfast, such as the poorly hidden red bruise upon his neck, he wisely said nothing. As he hungrily ate one of the omelets that Liz had graciously prepared for them, Henry could not help but notice how happy the couple who sat across from him appeared. While Liz had appeared to be everything lovely yesterday, today she simply radiated unmistakable joy and the change of demeanor in his employer was even more dramatic. Having worked for Darcy for a number of years, Henry could honestly say that he was only aware of William Darcy ever having expressed two expressions: a dour, all-business look and one of such severe displeasure that you prayed would never be directed at you. Henry found the changes this holiday had brought about to be astonishing, to say the least.
Will had whispered something in Liz's ear which Henry noticed caused her to blush and giggle. Feeling as though he was interloping, Henry made to stand and remove himself to the living room when his movement caught Liz's attention.
Sitting up straight, Liz directed her full attention to her guest and implored, "Please, Henry, forgive us. We've been abominably rude this morning." She elbowed Will and said, "Don't you agree, Sweetheart?"
"What?" Will rubbed his side. Liz really has the boniest elbows! "That hurt!"
Liz nudged him, much gentler this time, and repeated herself. "I asked if you agree with me that we've been terribly rude in ignoring poor Henry this morning."
Will had honestly been so focused on Liz, it honestly hadn't registered that Reynolds was sitting right in front of him. "We have. Sorry. You will, of course, forgive us, won't you?"
The last thing Henry wished was to make them uncomfortable or feel that they need censure their actions around him. "Of course, Mr. Darcy. Think nothing of it." He then smiled and added, "Pretend as if I am not even here."
Will laughed. "I think, since that is precisely what we just apologized for, I believe we've already proven how adept we are at that very thing."
Will's levity seemed to change the dynamic of the table and soon all three were now engrossed in conversation. Liz would soon leave and be gone most of the day while the gentlemen would stay back and work on their latest acquisition. Henry and Will volunteered for kitchen clean-up so that Liz wouldn't be late for class. Once Liz left and the morning dishes were taken care of, Henry and Will sat down to tackle the sticking points of the Axiom deal.
"The problem is that it's not publicly known who this largest shareholder of theirs is," explained Henry. "And no one we've sent to investigate the matter has been able to turn anything up either. This, if you don't mind me saying so, is the biggest problem with this whole thing. We already are assured of at least half the votes going our way, but this unknown… this unknown could be anybody!"
Will was nowhere near concerned as Henry. "There has to be some record of the shareholder, somewhere."
"But that is precisely the problem- there isn't! It could be Mafia, or even worse! We've checked the records, I've looked through them personally and every vote attributed to these stocks has been made anonymously through a proxy. This is the problem with privately held companies, we cannot tell who is privately holding them!"
Will began to understand his assistant's frustration. "And, of course, the proxy is likely from a law firm or some such and cannot speak because of client privileges. Do I have the right of it?"
"Exactly so!"
"Damn." Will closed his eyes for a moment to visualize their options. "Have legal look into writing a clause into the prospectus that would release us from any legal liabilities of the shareholders."
"Is that even possible?" Henry questioned.
Darcy, in frustration, spoke harshly. "How the hell should I know? I said we should have legal look into it. I'm not a bloody lawyer now, am I?"
Henry shook his head while biting his tongue to keep from smiling. This was the man whom he'd worked for all these years. It was somewhat of a relief to know William Darcy hadn't gone entirely soft.
Across the river, Liz was in her office preparing for her first class when her cell rang. Smiling, she answered, "How's my favorite sister named Catherine?"
"Hilarious. No, really. You should give up the whole physics thing and get a Comedy Central special."
"Glad you enjoyed it. Now, really, how are you?"
"We're not even home yet! At this rate, I'm beginning to wonder if Daddy ever intends to get us home."
Liz wasn't surprised. Her father was nothing if not stubborn. "Where are you?"
"Some backwater hell-hole in New Mexico. This place doesn't even have a Mickey D's! What American town doesn't have a Mickey D's?"
"Or un-American for that matter. Even China has McDonald's. Did you call for some other reason besides to complain?"
"Not really. I escaped while Daddy is checking the oil on the truck to call you. You and JJ are the only sane ones in this family. Mimi won't shut the hell up about how superior she is and LiLi is even more obnoxious than ever. She's been, like, way worse than normal. Last night, at the hotel, she Googled Will and I can only tell you that our sister is the most disgusting girl in the universe to be forced to share a room with."
Liz sighed. "Do I even want to know why you're telling me this?"
"But you're going to tell me anyways, aren't you?"
"Just so you know what you're up against. LiLi is, like, such a ho! There are, like, a zillion pics on Google of that sex-god you're with. She looked him up and… well, let's just say that she was more than enjoying the sight of him. It was totally gross and she wasn't even quiet about it."
"Eww! Thank you for that lovely mental image. Why did I need to know that?"
"Duh! Because, like I already said," Cathy spoke to Liz as though she were a dim-witted child, "there are, like, a zillion pics on Google of that sex-god you're with. If a moron like LiLi is getting off on your man, I imagine there are lots more girls doing it too! Seriously, I wouldn't want the pressure. I love you, Liz, but you're batting way out of your league! There are fan sites devoted to your fiancé! It's really creepy."
William's plea to not Google him suddenly came back to her in a flash. She decided to be stoic for her sister and deal with the rest when she got home. "What's that matter to me? I've got the real man, not the fantasy."
"So you're cool, then?"
Liz thought about it and laughed. "No, I'm not cool by any means. If fact, I'm kinda furious, but, honestly, it's not like there's anything I can do about it. So long as Carrie quits stalking Will, I'm a happy camper."
"Good. So, is that offer to stay at your place while I interview still good?"
"Yes, of course it is. I love you, Cathy, and getting as far away as possible from the circus is the best thing in the world for you."
"Love you, too! I'll call you with my schedule as soon as I confirm my interviews."
"I'll go ahead and send you a key."
"You're my favorite elder paternally-related sister."
"I'm your only elder paternally-related sister."
Cathy giggled. In the background, Liz could hear her father calling out for her sister. "Well, Daddy's yelling for me, so I gotta go. I love you, Liz!"
"Love you, too. Talk to you soon."
The computer at her desk seemed to taunt her. Liz pushed aside the strong urge to Google those photos of Will. She was certain she would not like what she found and knew there was still had a long day ahead of her. With all the resolve Liz could muster, she ignored the internet, gathered up her notes and made her way to her first class of the day.
After a long day of teaching and working with her advisor, she headed home. Tonight, instead of finding her beloved and Henry playing games, they were pouring over various papers and contracts laid out over their workspace. Liz had come in quietly and hadn't been noticed by them, so she took this opportune moment to observe Will at work. His face was studious and his whole manner was different. Will seemed very natural and it was something of a revelation to see her fiancé in his element. She listened to him enumerate to Henry the plan for the trip to New York. I can just see it now! We'll have children and instead of just saying 'no', he'll say no and then count off at least three reasons why the answer is 'no'. God, I love this man!
Liz, still lost in her musings, hadn't noticed that it had gone quiet or that Will had quietly stepped behind her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when he reached his arms around her waist and planted a kiss just below her ear.
"Are you trying to frighten me to death?" Liz asked after turning to lightly smack his chest.
He sheepishly grinned. "I should hope you know that would be the last thing in the world I would wish. Are my kisses so very frightening then?"
Liz opened her arms and they embraced. "Not at all. I think you're well-aware that I find your kisses wholly opposite of frightening."
"Is that a fact, Love?"
"Undeniably."
In response for her answer, she was then granted one of those kisses.
When Will's stomach began to grumble, Liz noticed Henry was nowhere in sight. "Where's your shadow?"
"Henry? He buggered off to his room when I came over to you. He said call him if we need his help getting dinner ready."
Will's stomach growled again, causing Liz to giggle. "I believe someone's a little hungry. Come on, I think we can manage without him."
Liz and Will made dinner together, each amazed by how easily they had fallen into a domestic routine. It was reassuring to know that they could share more together than just passion. When dinner was ready, they ate every bit of the potato-chip tuna casserole and Henry, feeling more at home now, offered to do the dishes since he was more familiar with the kitchen and where everything went.
That evening, Liz drove them around town, pointing out things that they might spend some time later seeing. She informed them that they were also close to Plymouth, taunting them about wanting to see the scene of the crime.
Will quipped, "Very funny, Love. Treasonous colonists, the lot of you."
Liz shot back, "Tyrannical imperialists, the lot of you."
Henry, from the backseat, asked, "Do you two ever give it a rest?"
The answer was a resounding, unified, "No!"
They toured the city for a short while longer and then returned to Liz's building where she was happy to introduce her newest guest to her favorite doorman.
Guillermo Kelly greeted Liz with a huge smile and a warm greeting. "Good evening to you Miss Gardiner. You, too, Mr. Darcy. Now, Miss Gardiner, how's that paper of yours comin'?"
Darcy only nodded his greeting but Liz grinned at her doorman. "Guillermo, good evening to you as well! My paper is coming along very well. I present my defense next week and, with a little bit of luck, I'll receive my doctorate."
"Aw, no! A great lady like you doesn't need any luck, Miss Gardiner." He then eyed Henry and said, "Is this that other guy you was telling me about?"
Liz had forgotten about Henry again. She was more than a little appalled by how easy it had become for her to do so. She wondered if it was the result of Darcy rubbing off on her, her absentmindedness with the end of school or that he was simply just forgettable. No matter the reason, she decided to make a more concerted effort to show Henry he was appreciated and not forgotten. "Yes, Guillermo, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Henry Reynolds. Henry will be staying with us for some time."
Guillermo sized Henry up in a way that left him feeling that he'd been found wanting. "Pleasure's all mine."
Henry swallowed hard. The doorman reminded him of a disapproving father judging his daughter's date. All he could manage to say was, "Thank you."
Liz gently swatted Guillermo's arm. "Now cut that out! What is it with you ex-cops acting all tough all the time? Play nice with Henry and William or…" She thought over a suitable punishment and continued, "Or I'll rat you out to McKenna."
He tried to gauge if she was serious in her threat. Guillermo didn't think so, but he wasn't entirely sure. "Nah, you wouldn't go do that, or would you?"
Liz leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "You know I would in a heartbeat. Besides, I owe McKenna a call anyway."
"Seems I owes you boys an apology on account of what might have been some, ah, less than polite behavior. You boys need anything, anything at all whilst you're 'ere… I'm your guy."
Will spoke for both he and Henry. "Thank you. We appreciate the obvious care you take in watching out for Miss Gardiner." Will silently added, and that's my job now!
They said good-night and on the way upstairs Liz explained more about her over-protective doorman. Guillermo Kelly was a burly hulk of a man. A retired cop, he'd originally intended to while away his retirement years travelling around the country with his wife. All their lives had been spent in sacrifice for their family. The Kelly kids were all finally grown now, with families and kids of their own. Kathleen Kelly had been wrapping up her final year of teaching, greatly anticipating retirement when she began having severe migraines. When the pain refused to lessen, even with medication, the neurologist ordered some tests which found several brain tumors. Guillermo spent the final six months of his wife's life seeing to her every comfort. After losing his wife, he lost all desire to travel but found he needed to do something with his time.
It was Guillermo's eldest daughter McKenna that suggested being a doorman. When she'd been searching the want-ads for a secretarial position for herself, she had come across the ad which appeared to meet all her dearest father's needs. All of the Kelly children had watched helplessly as their father sank further and further into depression as he mourned their mother. Once McKenna and her brothers cajoled their dad into taking the position, they saw an almost immediate change in him. He now had a reason to get up in the morning and go out to face the world. He began to view the residents in the building as an extended family of sorts. Being forced to have lots of daily contact had helped Guillermo's grief to slowly lessen over the last four years. He grew to love his job and couldn't imagine anywhere else he'd rather be each day.
Generally, the people who lived in the building were nice enough. The high rise was definitely considered upscale and, of course, there were some tenants who thought a lowly doorman was beneath their notice- but the majority of polite tenants outweighed the minority of snobbish ones. Of all the tenants he'd known over the years, his favorite was Elisabeth Gardiner and he had often told her so. Each day as he opened the door for her, he was greeted with a cheerful greeting and the most brilliant of smiles. Guillermo worried about her, alone all the time in the city, as if she were his own daughter. He had treated her like a member of his family and Liz, in turn, could do no less for him.
"So," Liz's tale had come to an end just as they arrived at her door, "you two will have to excuse Guillermo if he appears a little rough around the edges, but really and truly, he is a good man."
Will turned to Henry and said, "See? What did I tell you? Minions. She continuously collects all sorts of people to serve as her servants and they all do it happily. You and I, we never stood a chance."
Liz scoffed at Will's persistence in this notion but before she could refute him, he kissed her cheek, then whispered, "You cannot deny it and you bloody well know it."
Henry, feeling bold, chimed in, "I, for one, am happy to be one of your minions, Liz."
They all shared a laugh and proceeded to wind down for the night.
Friday had gone much the same as Thursday had. Liz, on the advice of her advisor, turned in her final draft of her thesis and vowed not to fret any more over it. Will and Henry worked with legal to redraw their prospectus for the Axiom acquisition to address any unforeseen complications that might arise. In the end, they had five different proposals at the ready.
Liz treated them both to dinner at No. 9 Park that evening and Will, though he enjoyed his meal immensely, was slightly disappointed. The food was exquisite and the atmosphere elegant, but he'd grown rather fond of casual dining and eating simple meals at home with Liz. Will was greatly surprised to find he preferred it. Perhaps when they got home to London and he could show her all his favorite haunts things would change, but he didn't think so. The most important thing, the key ingredient for Will to truly enjoy his meal was that he broke bread with Liz. So long as she was there with him, he no longer cared where or on what he dined.
After dinner, Liz took them to walk around the Christmas trees, which were now lit, on Boston Common. There were over eighty lighted trees throughout the Common and Boston Garden and even Will had to admit it looked pretty impressive.
"I still prefer a Chicago Christmas," Liz waved her hand towards the trees, "but Boston has its moments, too." She then explained how there was a very special tree amongst the others and proceeded to lead them to it.
"This is the Halifax Christmas Tree," she stated as if that alone was enough to impress them.
"Halifax? Nova Scotia?" Henry asked.
"Indeed. Back in December of 1917, there was a real disaster, an explosion, of a munitions ship- this was during the war- in Halifax Harbor. If I remember right, it was a French munitions ship that crashed into a Norwegian ship. Almost two-thousand people were killed and over nine-thousand were injured. The explosion even caused a twenty-foot tsunami wave which came through the harbor and tore into the city, causing even more damage and fire. Boston responded, very quickly and generously, to help out and, in gratitude, Halifax, well, Nova Scotia, really, sends a gigantic tree here every year. They've been doing it for years."
Henry watched her explain all this with a look of awe plastered on his face. Will noted this and smiled, informing Henry that there was nothing unusual at all about this. Will said with pride, "Henry, I'm certain within a month of living in London, Liz will know things about the history of the place that lifelong Londoners never even took the trouble to know. She's bloody genius, my Liz"
Liz demurred, but continued explaining history and trivia about the different sights on their way home.
Saturday after breakfast, Henry announced he was going off on his own to explore and pleaded that Will and Liz need not worry about him, that he would be just fine on his own. Will let Henry go only after a few minute's conference where he had his assistant help with reservations for something special for that evening.
Will felt awful about having to leave so soon for New York. Though he knew it was only a short distance and he wouldn't be gone long, Will hated the idea of being apart from Liz for any length of time at all. In an attempt to make it up to her, he had made reservations at a restaurant he's heard her mention to Henry and he had purchased tickets to the Nutcracker which was being performed at the Opera House.
Getting ready for dinner, Will was pleased with the additional clothing selections Georgie had sent. Taking his chances that she wasn't out past her ten o'clock curfew, he rang his sister.
"Wills!" Georgie practically squealed. "Is this my long-lost brother who never calls anymore?"
Have I really been neglecting her? Bollocks! "It is. I wished to thank you for having such excellent taste and putting up with your pain-in-the-arse brother with such angelic patience."
"You're welcome. How's Reynolds getting on?"
"Fine. He blends in so well that sometimes it's hard to remember he's there."
"Hmm, that, or you're too distracted by thoughts of shagging your fiancé, and you're just using this blending nonsense as an excuse for being rude."
"Georgiana Darcy! Watch your language, young lady!"
"I'm only telling the truth. It's not like I said you were fu…"
He quickly cut her off. "Georgie! That's enough! Remember my recently weakened physical state and please refrain from giving me a heart attack, if you would!"
"You're no fun anymore, Wills!"
Just then, Elizabeth walked into the bedroom, fresh from the shower.
"Liz," Will drew her attention, "Georgie says I'm no fun anymore. Would you mind telling her she's mistaken?"
Taking the phone from his hand, she said, "Hello Georgie, how are you?"
"I'm fab. How's Wills treating you? What are you doing tonight?"
"Your brother is the soul of discretion and hasn't told me a thing. He has a scheme he's cooked up and, based on my knowledge of his last grand scheme, I'm not going to complain. Will's mouthing at me and making lots of hand gestures now and wants me to tell you that, yes, he is a lot of fun."
"There's a big difference between fun and sweet. He's definitely sweet when he wants to be, but you need to make sure he does something fun. He acts way older than his age most of the time and it's not like he's really ancient or anything."
Liz watched appreciatively as Will straightened his tie. "No, definitely not ancient. I need to finish getting ready for whatever Will has planned, so I'm going to give you back to him now, okay?"
"Okay. Liz?"
"Yeah, Georgie?"
"I'm glad Wills has you. He seems happier and I can't wait to see the two of you together."
"Thank you, Georgie. If I'm allowed to be a little selfish, then I'm glad Will has me, too."
Georgie was giggling when she handed the phone back to Will and disappeared into her closet.
"I really like her. You seem to have done well picking me out a sister, Wills."
Will chuckled. "Yes, because that was my main motivation in all this. Getting Georgiana a sister."
"Yeah, whatever. The how and why doesn't concern me. Just be happy."
"And don't do anything to screw this up. You think too much about things and start to make big deals out of stupid stuff. Don't be William Darcy, CEO… be Wills, nice guy and brother to the most awesome Georgiana."
"Making it all about you, are we now?"
"Because it is! Now spill it! What are your plans for tonight for sweeping her off her feet?"
"Dinner at a posh restaurant she likes and the ballet."
"Sounds nice. Well done, Wills! I'm going to go off to Bedfordshire now, but please, don't wait so long to ring next time or, so help me, I'll fly there myself!"
"Completely unnecessary. I've bought a plane. I'll have it Monday."
"You're too funny." She yawned and used her tiredness as her reason to go. "I love you, Wills. Talk to you soon."
"I love you, too, Georgie. I will call by Monday at the latest, I promise."
They then said good-bye and hung up just in time for Will to witness Liz's entrance to the room. She twirled around so that he could see the full effect of her dress she was wearing.
She needlessly asked, "Does this meet with your approval, then?" It was a silly question, for Will's approval was clearly marked by the look of adoration on his face.
It took a moment for him to recover his wits. "You are stunningly beautiful, Love."
"It's only fair, since you are so devastatingly handsome."
"Quite the mutual admiration society we have here. Are you ready, Love?"
"For anything."
Will had hired a car. He didn't want to spoil his plans by having Liz drive and he didn't wish to get lost when they had tickets and reservations awaiting them. They had a lovely dinner at Scampo in the Liberty Hotel. Liz was impressed that he remembered her mentioning it. He then took the tickets out of his jacket and Liz's surprise was complete. She enjoyed the ballet immensely. Since Liz was happy, Will was happy.
On the way home, she told him about when she was little, she remembered seeing the Nutcracker with her mother and how she hadn't seen a live performance of it since. "Thank you for that. You are the most thoughtful man who ever lived."
"No, please… do not make me out to be something I am not. I am simply a man in love who likes to do things for the woman who means everything to him."
"How is it possible, I wonder? Every time I think I cannot possibly love you any more than I do, you say or do something and I realize I love you even more. William," she leaned over to kiss him, "I love you so very much."
They were home within five minutes and Henry Reynolds found he had to fend for himself all day Sunday, since Will and Liz never seemed to emerge, even once, from her room.
~previous chapter~
~next chapter~

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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By Paul Craig on July 27, 2021 in Blog, General, Media News
London – 27 July 2021
This morning saw the opening preview presentation for this years Sundance Film Festival London 2021. Although the festival normally runs from Thursday to Sunday night, today was a chance to get to know the selection of films, shorts programs and masterclasses that will engage and delight lovers of independent cinma and maybe make us feel a little more cofatable about going to the cinema.
This year is an in person event (hence the move from it usual May slot) and three of the feature films and the opening night film will be 'touring' the UK at select cinemas across the country throught the festival.
After an opening speach from Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London and Head of the British Film Commission reminding us not to lose faith and that the UK film sector is as strong as ever espcially in the areas of production, we were given a run down of the festival and the films from festival producer Mia Bays who also currently runs the amazing "Birds Eye View" and Clare Binns, Joint Managing Director of Picturehouse Cinemas.
With an exciting selection of films this year it is hard to make recomendations but I know that the opening night film 'The Sparks Brothers' by Edgar Wright, closing night film '@Zola' and documentry 'Writing With Fire' are high up there on the list. Other stand outs included 'Censor', 'The Nest' and the HBO purchased doc 'In The Same Breath' which will not be shown in cinemas after the festival so this weekend is a great chance to catch this groundbreaking exspose on the large screen.
I will blog over the next few days with news and views so do stay posted for more from the festival.
2011 cinema independent film Sundance Film Festival London


The CHAOS lab at Princeton University was initiated by the research team of Forrest Meggers, an assistant professor jointly appointed in the School of Architecture and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment and affiliated faculty in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The acronym CHAOS stands for Cooling and Heating for Architecturally Optimized Systems. It also refers to the lab's interest in the flow not only of energy in heating and cooling, but also the associated entropy (chaos) generation and how the quantification through exergy analysis can help optimize building systems. The entropy generation of heat transfer is increased by having large temperature gradients driving the heat exchange (remember, heat transfer only occurs from high temperature to a low temperature). This causes losses in potential of the energy, even if the raw quantity of energy is saved (i.e., a furnace that puts 95% of its heat quantity into the building is still generating a lot of entropy, causing loss of a lot of potential exergy by taking the high quality of a 1000-degree flame and using it create a low-quality 70 degree room).
Moving heat into and out of buildings has historically been done in brute-force ways that ignored the losses caused by the high temperature differences. By leveraging the architectural design of surfaces and mass in building, we can uncover opportunities for system integration that provide additional flexibility in the spaces and volumes created in the architecture, while also minimizing the chaos generated by the systems heat transfer processes.
Meggers' lecture is sponsored by the Department of Architecture and Shive-Hattery Architecture + Engineering.


Dedicated Servers can be useful for a multitude of different reasons. For example, you can use your idle server for setting up your data synchronisation services, virtual private networks, and more.
If you are in the market for a firewall but your budget won't allow for the hardware or commercial software firewall, consider that there are other open-source alternatives such as SmoothWall and Sophos, some of which are said to be just as useful as some industrial applications.
You can use your dedicated server or virtual private server to host your website, a blog, a forum, a wiki, and so much more. Hosting your site has many advantages, such as lack of forced advertising, increased overall speed, and an unparalleled level of control. Although it is technically possible to set up your server for web page hosting, you will most likely run into issues for high bandwidth usage if you have a tremendous amount of traffic as well as decreased reliability. Learn how to host your website with WordPress directly or how to host a blog with Blogger.
Using a dedicated server or virtual private server, you can choose to host your web analytics server. Web analytics is vital to understanding your customer base and improving the effectiveness of your website. It is a common alternative to depending on services such as Google Analytics. If you aren't satisfied with Google Analytics, you can opt to use a service like Piwik for a feature-rich web analytics tool including many features of Analytics such as real-time analytics, visitor tracking, referrer analysis, and even geolocation.
Voice over Internet Protocol also referred to as VoIP, is a form of communication that utilises the internet as a transmission medium by sending sound over the internet network. Using VoIP is becoming more common among businesses as they want to use their networks to ensure they have more control and higher voice quality than a traditional phone system can provide. A typical example of Voice over Internet Protocol is Skype. You can also read about what VoIP can do for your business.
Setting up your Dedicated Server or Virtual Private server to host your VoIP service is simple. There are many tutorials on how to set up your VoIP system. There are many services you can use on your dedicated server or virtual private server to host your Voice over Internet Protocol such as Mumble, TeamSpeak, and Ventrilo.
If you play multiplayer video games, you're familiar with how game servers work. Using a dedicated server, you can host your multiplayer lobbies and dedicated game servers with minimal downtown and optimal speed. There are plenty of tutorials on how to set up dedicated servers for common games like Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and Arma 3.


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Apple, Amazon end 'app store' lawsuit
Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc have ended their lawsuit over who has the right to use the "app store" name, clearing the way for both companies to use it.
U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, on Tuesday ordered that the case be dismissed at the companies' request, averting a trial that had been scheduled for August 19.
This came after Apple issued to Amazon a covenant not to sue over the online retailer's use of the term, eliminating the need for Amazon to pursue a counterclaim seeking permission.
Apple began selling applications for mobile devices via its App Store service in July 2008. Amazon launched Amazon Appstore for Android in March 2011. Apple began the lawsuit that month.
"We no longer see a need to pursue our case," Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said. "With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favorite apps."
Martin Glick, a lawyer for Amazon, said in an interview, "This was a decision by Apple to unilaterally abandon the case, and leave Amazon free to use 'appstore.'"
"We're gratified that the court has conclusively dismissed this case," Amazon spokeswoman Mary Osako said. "We look forward to continuing our focus on delivering the best possible appstore experience to customers and developers."
In its lawsuit alleging trademark violations and false advertising, Apple accused Amazon of misusing the "app store" name in connection with the sales of apps for Android devices and the Kindle Fire, a tablet that competes with Apple's iPad.
Amazon countered that the term "app store" had become so generic that using it would not mislead customers.
It said in a court filing that even Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook had used the term generically, in discussing "the number of app stores out there," while his predecessor Steve Jobs had talked about the "four app stores on Android." - Reuters
Labels: trademark


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Julietta Curenton
STERLING SILVER ELITE FLUTE
Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY USA
Known for her "bold and dramatically characterized playing" (Dallas Morning News), "great artistic sense" and "tone that draws in one's ear with sounds and ideas that simply cannot be resisted," (Philadelphia Inquirer) Julietta Curenton has established herself as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player.
Curenton's keen interest in the intersection of the Classical, Jazz and Gospel genres won her the prestigious Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia Career Advancement Award. Additional awards include Premiere Prix at the Journées de les Harpes Competition in Arles, France and prizes in the National Flute Association young artist competition, New York Flute Club young artist competition and Astral Artists' national auditions.
Ms. Curenton has made several solo guest appearances with The National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Temple University Orchestra, The Kennedy Center Institute Orchestra and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra and has participated in music festivals spanning the globe including the Shanghai Contemporary Music Festival, Beijing Modern Music Festival, Philadephia Chamber Music Society, Chamber Music Northwest, Dallas Chamber Music Society, Mostly Mozart Festival of Lincoln Center, among others.
Ms. Curenton's solo pursuits include commissioning women and african-american composers to write new, innovative and accessible works for the flute some of which have been featured on New York's WQXR Young Artists Showcase and Philadelphia's WRTI's Performance Studio. Curenton's highly anticipated debut album entitled "FOLK" is forthcoming the summer of 2020.
Curenton can also be heard on the groundbreaking Grammy nominated jazz album of Miguel Zenon entitled "Alma Adentro", Esperanza Spalding's Grammy Award winning album "Twelve Little Spells" and the Smithsonian Folkways "Praise The Lord" album among her musical family.
Ms. Curenton is currently the solo principal player of the acclaimed Soulful Symphony – Baltimore based ensemble acclaimed for its performances of classical, jazz, gospel and popular music. Curenton has collaborated extensively with acclaimed groups such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Imani Winds, The Ritz Chamber Players, Baltimore Symphony, American Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony. Highlights of the 2019-2020 season include a tour of Canada and several cities throughout Germany with the internationally acclaimed Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
An alumna of The Academy – a ground-breaking educational program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and The Weill Music Institute (Ensemble ACJW) – Curenton has performed in halls across the globe including Carnegie Halls' Weill Music Hall and Zankel Hall, Nagoya Aichi Arts Center, Fukuoka Symphony Hall, Kawasaki Muza Hall, Suntory Hall, Osaka Symphony Hall, and Shanghai Symphony Hall.
Visit her website www.jcurenton.com
A CHILD THEME FOR DIVI BY THE DESIGN SPACE CO


Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!
The ACBS office will be closed December 24th-January 1st. During the holiday break, you may contact staff using the website contact form, https://acbs.org/contact-us/. On behalf of the ACBS Board of Directors and Staff, Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!


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I have been monitoring the Jan-Feb 2009 Victorian bushfires from NSW and have turned my attention to the bushfire management in a natural area - Wilsons Promontory. I note satellite observations of the fire with concern showing the lighting ignition on the east coast started 9th February, but had almost extinguished itself by the 13th. Then a wind change drove it out of control. A week later it has burnt out 22,000 hectares (almost 50% of our precious 50,000ha Prom)!
While the Country Fire Authority (CFA) has paid special attention to non-imminent bushfire risks to rather distant private property. The CFA says "the fire does not currently pose a threat to the Yanakie community." Backburning the Prom is given as the only bushfire response strategy. So do we interpret this as a noncommittal response by the CFA for the Prom - that is since no human lives or private property are at threat, the CFA's bushfire response is to just 'monitor' the fire and put out the spot fires threatening private property to the north?
I interpret this bushfire management by Victoria's CFA as one that respects only human life and property, but does not rate the natural asset values of fauna and flora habitat of the Prom with any respect.
The CFA reports read as though CFA policy for active and damaging bushfires in important conservation areas is to wait for rain, but otherwise 'let it burn'.
I interpret this bushfire management by Victoria's CFA as one that respects only human life and property, but does not rate the natural asset values of fauna and flora habitat of the Prom with any respect. It seems at best an opportunity for de-facto hazard reduction that it would normally not get permission to do, and at worst an inconvenient distraction for CFA crews.
So why do we have a CFA? Professional fire brigades are expensive, whereas volunteers are cheap is the political answer!
On this basis, it is overdue for the CFA to be incorporated within the urban fire brigade structure. While this initial structural change won't save Victoria's vast tracts of wildlife habitat in the short term, it will sure will remove the false premise to the community that the CFA respects and defends natural wildlife habitats.
What does Victorian Government's Department of Sustainability and Environment have to say for itself? It is charged with the Promontory's protection.
During the summer of 1995 there were major fires, including a very large one in the Enfield Forest outside Ballarat. There was comment at time over the obvious turf battles between CFA and what is now DSE. They each had very different ideas as to how major forest fire should be fought and by whom. At that time there were sufficient large bodies of water about to sustain the operations of waterbombing aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotor. In the debate that followed the fires it became clear that the large waterbombers ( Canadair ) routinely used in Canada, Spain, France and America and available in Australia on demand were deemed too expensive to fly out and have on standby here during our fire season. Its a pity. They are perfect for conditions such as those at the Prom this summer. They can pick up 6000 litres of water in 10 seconds, even in a choppy surface up to 1.5 meters, and dump it in a long line across a fire front, with very quick backup times. Even though Elvis is effective, the sheer volume of water that can be quickly dropped by these aircraft would have had the Prom fire, and perhaps several others near large bodies of water out long before now, It does really seem that the natural bushland is a very second best to more urban rural areas, and consequently frequently left to burn in a barely controlled manner. We need to dig deeper if we are to be seen as serious about fire threat.
I'd like to read more and have an article about these waterbombing craft and the turf-battles, Les. How about writing one for us?
As a Victorian, environmentalist and occasional visitor to Wilson's Prom I rejoice when parts of the prom go up in flames. Because the regeneration of native plants that follows will improve biodiversity and provide new grazing for the local marsupials.
The only regret I have that burning of small patches does not take place on a more regular basis so that bushfires are not quite so wide spread when they go through.
The dominant EVC of Wilsons Prom is 'heath land' and fire has been an integral and essential part of heath land ecology since long before Europeans arrived in Australia and even long before Eucalypts dominated our landscape.
I do not share the irrational and out dated Victorian English abhorrence of fire in the Australian landscapes that many contributors to this blog site seem to have.
If fire is good then why are native animals becoming scarcer?
As a Victorian, environmentalist and past visitor to Wilson's Prom I find it hard to rejoice when faunal habitat burns in such vast areas as to clearly kill and mame, else displace ground dwelling mammals from their home range, remove food sources, remove protective cover, open the bush up to feral predation, increased sunlight, etc, etc.
I often hear this theoretical justification about fire being good for the bush. The naive perception is that from a distance the bush grows back. But up close the fire resistant flora moreso than fire sensitive flora and fauna (does this not suggest less biodiversity). If more biodiversity, then how many decades does it take to replicate the pre-fire ecosystem's biodiversity? What happens to the fauna in the meantime? Which species of fauna are indeed fire resistant? The problem is that some justify this 'fire is good' theory without hard quantifiable biological and zoological investigative research to support it.
Of the recorded 30 odd species of native terrestrial mammals in the park (Long-nosed Potoroo, Swamp Antechinus, White-footed Dunnart, Broad-toothed Rat, Feather-tailed Glider and Eastern Pygmy-possum, as well as the more familiar kangaroos, koalas and wombats) what were the numbers before then after the 1995 fires, then before and after the current 2009 fires?
A rational approach should be based on rational evidence, not assumptions on what was the landcape may have looked like and the assumed fire frequency before 1788. Can anyone provide that evidence and prove that fire is good for fauna?
Why was he allowed to stay in the job?
The animals that live in the burned area have no-where to go. The place is surrounded by farmland and sea.
Has anyone been there lately? Hardly any animals to see, even at night.
It makes me %^#)(* angry!
Could you do a better job?
The original subject of this post was "OK smart ar$e". This appeared on the front page of the web site. This aggravating title was totally inappropriate for and would obviously put off the kind of people we want to attract to this site whilst attracting trolls. Any more such posts won't be tolerated. - JS.
It makes me %^#)(* angry!"
Let's see you go and do a better job!
I would enjoy seeing you naivity about the Australian bush lead you to spectacular failure as Parks Ranger for Wilsons Prom.
There are many reasons why many of our marsupials are under threat of extinction.
The biggest contributor is undoubtedly habitat destruction to make way for urban developments and agricultural land. Foxes, rabits and cats no doubt play a major role in threatening many of them. But many of the endangered species may well even be able to withstand the onslaught of these feral animals if it were not for the second biggest threat to their surivial - the termination of mosaic burning by the former aboriginal inhabitants of this land.
In fact almost all the marsupials that have gone extinct did so in a few desert environments soon after the aboriginal inhabitants left their land in the 1960s and ceased their fire stick farming. No doubt grazing and ferral animals would have reduced their numbers prior to the aborigines leaving their land.
There may be considerable debate necessary on how best to carry out environmental burning given our rather different economic and culural systems, and it may indeed prove difficult to meld the needs of European inhabitants with the needs of the local ecosystems.
But all credible land managers and members of the conservation movement with practical exposure to Australian ecosystems universally agree that burning is necessary, apart from in a few fire sensitive ecosystems like rainforests.
"Of the recorded 30 odd species of native terrestrial mammals in the park (Long-nosed Potoroo, Swamp Antechinus, White-footed Dunnart, Broad-toothed Rat, Feather-tailed Glider and Eastern Pygmy-possum, as well as the more familiar kangaroos, koalas and wombats) what were the numbers before then after the 1995 fires, then before and after the current 2009 fires?"
That would mostly likely due to the fact that previous bushfires were not the only issue for wild life. During that time there has also been massive land clearing for urban developments to feed the property speculation boom.
Any burning programs will have to take account of that so that the size of the mosaic pattern is appropriate for the size of the remaining forests etc. There is not much point deliberately buring an entire forest in one go, containing koalas, if that forest is surrounded by suburbia.
But one thing is for sure. If appropriate burning is not done then natural bushfire will sooner or later wipe out the forest and take the local koalas with it.
A new scientific paper published in the CSIRO journal Wildlife Research by Michael Clarke, an associate professor in the department of zoology at La Trobe University, suggests the answer to both questions is: we do not know. What we do know is a lot of precious wild places are set on fire, in large part to keep happy those householders whose kitchen windows look out on gum trees. Clarke says it is reasonable for land management agencies to try to limit the negative effects of large fires, but we need to be confident our fire prevention methods work. And just as importantly, we need to be sure they do not lead to irreversible damage to native wildlife and habitat. He argues we need to show some humility, and writes: "The capacity of management agencies to control widespread wildfires ignited by multiple lightning strikes in drought conditions on days of extreme fire danger is going to be similar to their capacity to control cyclones." In other words, sometimes we can do zip.
An annual burn conducted each year on Montague Island, near Narooma on the NSW far South Coast, highlights the absurdity of the current public policy free-for-all, much of which is extraordinarily primitive. In 2001 park rangers burnt a patch of the devastating weed kikuyu on the island. The following night a southerly blew up, the fire reignited and a few penguins were incinerated. It was a stuff-up that caused a media outcry: because cute penguins were burnt, the National Parks and Wildlife Service was also charcoaled. Every year since there has been a deliberate burn on Montague, part of a program to return the island to native vegetation. Each one has been a circus - with teams of staff, vets, the RSPCA, ambulances, boats and helicopters - all because no one wants any more dead penguins.
In the coming decades, native plants and animals will face enough problems - most significantly from human-induced climate chaos - without having to dodge armies of public servants armed with lighters. Guesswork and winter smoke are not enough to protect our towns and assets now, and the risk of bushfires increases with the rise in carbon dioxide.
This piece was first published in the SMH, 08/09/08 as "Hazard Reduction Burning: ecological or pathological?"
"A new scientific paper published in the CSIRO journal Wildlife Research by Michael Clarke, an associate professor in the department of zoology at La Trobe University, suggests the answer to both questions is: we do not know. What we do know is a lot of precious wild places are set on fire, in large part to keep happy those householders whose kitchen windows look out on gum trees. Clarke says it is reasonable for land management agencies to try to limit the negative effects of large fires, but we need to be confident our fire prevention methods work. And just as importantly, we need to be sure they do not lead to irreversible damage to native wildlife and habitat. He argues we need to show some humility, and writes: "The capacity of management agencies to control widespread wildfires ignited by multiple lightning strikes in drought conditions on days of extreme fire danger is going to be similar to their capacity to control cyclones." In other words, sometimes we can do zip."
There is considerable debate to be had on how often environmental / fuel reduction burns should be carried out. There seems as though there is a deficit of appropriate expertise among some DSE staff. And fire stick farming cannot be exactly as the aborigines carried out due to our massive alteration of the landscape since then.
But the debate on WHETHER they should be carried out is OVER.
You consistently fail to take on board that the WORST hit areas in the fires were those which were burned back many times and logged and relogged and thinned. Picking and choosing bits to suit your prejudices out of a larger article is not helpful to knowledge. Neither is repeatedly posting abusive comments. No other correspondent on Candobetter is handing out abuse; why do you feel that you should be an exception to this? Why blog on an alternative publication when you are entirely happy with the propaganda peddled by the Murdoch and Fairfax Press? If you think a debate is over, why the big fuss? Play the ball, not the man, Mr Boyles, or expect your account to be suspended. On the other hand, read with an open mind and respond with an open heart and we may all learn something.
Well Sheila perhaps you are right after all.
Perhaps I should cease investing my time and energy into arguing with a bunch of loopy environmentalists who are largely ignored by the conservation mainstream any way.
Will remove my email address from the subscription so that I am no longer aggrevated by your idiotic postings.
If you are a genuine environmentalist and sincerely believe that we are a "bunch of loopy environmentalists" (which I would have thought was an oxymoron, anyway) then you are wasting your time here.
If, however, you change your mind and decide to continue with your participation in this discussion, then I ask that you refrain from using any abusive or insulting language from now on.
Most of us cop enough of that on a number of other online forums and certainly don't need any more of it here.
Also, I expect people to debate fairly.
If we see, for example, repetition of previously stated points without acknowledgement of subsequent countering arguments, we reserve the right to either delete the offending posts or move them elsewhere in order to preserve the usefulness of this discussion to ourselves and to other people.
Your comment is self-contradictory and contradicts the material from Michael Clarke that you cite. My own impression is that you are a troll. Whether or not you really are here simply to make a nuisance of yourself, you are being a nuisance at a time and on a subject of deep concern in Victoria. I am therefore blocking your access as a contributor.
After contacting Michael Clarke of the Latrobe Uni Zoology Department he stated that his studies are intended to back a zero burn policy contrary to the way some of you have attempted to misrepresent his studies.
science or just wishful thinking?
Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
Abstract. Ecological fire management in Australia is often built on an assumption that meeting the needs of plant species will automatically meet the needs of animal species. However, the scarcity of ecological data on the needs of fauna in relation to fire undermines the confidence managers should place in current popular frameworks for planning ecological burning. Such frameworks are built almost entirely around the goal of maintaining plant community diversity. They provide little guidance to managers regarding the characteristics of desirable 'mosaics' (e.g. patch size, connectivity or composition of age-since-burnt classes) or the timing of fires in relation to faunal population trends linked to other cycles (e.g. El Niño events). Claims by agencies of adopting an adaptive management approach ('learning by doing') to cope with a dearth of knowledge are credible only if monitoring and evaluation are carried out and future actions are modified in light of new evidence. Much monitoring of fauna is of such a small scale and short duration that the statistical likelihood of detecting a positive or negative effect of the management regime is minute. Such shortcomings will only be overcome through broad-scale and/or long-term studies of fauna. The funding for such research is unlikely to be forthcoming if fire ecologists and land managers convey the impression that the current data are adequate for the implementation of the current planning frameworks.
merely re-states what I have been constantly stating. I.E. That environmental burning regimes need to be tailored to EVC, local site and weather conditions, species specific conservation requirements, etc, etc.
"regarding the characteristics of desirable 'mosaics' (e.g. patch size, connectivity or composition of age-since-burnt classes)"
This is referring to deliberately lit back burning operations but what is ripping through the prom is a natural bushfire that was ignited by lightening.
We do not have the resources or water to extinguish the number and extent of natural fires occuring at present.
But if environmental burning was carried out on a 10 - 15 year cycle at a few thousand hectares at a time (50000/15), or what ever was agreed to be appropriate for the prom heath lands, then perhaps these lightening ignited fires would be considerably less damgaing to wildlife when they did occur.
By the way there have already been reports of some native grasses re-sprouting at Kinglake and of a few Kangaroos or wallabies starting to sniff around for fresh sprouts.
Studies on fire ecology in Australia are plentiful and have produced a lot of knowledge on fauna responses. I guess what is important to consider is the fire regime rather than individual fire events (like the 2009 fires). Studies on fire regimes (a fire history including differences in severity, season and frequency) are still a little limited due to fires only being mapped effectively for around the past 30 years and also the infrequency of fires in certain vegetation types. The important component of the fire regime for biodiversity conservation would be the frequency as if fires become too frequent biodiversity loss will occur due to an inability of obligate seeder species to set sufficient seed or in the case of fauna, non mobile species that breed slowly getting 'hit for six' too frequently.
There are a number of studies that have occurred throughout Australia on fauna recovery post fire yet unfortunately control impact studies (where monitoring had occurred before and after wildfire) are a little scarce. One of the most famous studies have occurred in the heathland of Nadgee Nature Reserve since the early 1970s by Dan Lunney, Harry Recher and other associates with monitoring mainly concentrating on small mammal populations. The area experienced a high severity wildfire in 1972 (2 years into the study) and a low severity wildfire in 1980 with no fires since. Small mammals have been continuously sampled on the site since 1972 and their population trends are summarised by Recher et al in the current issue of Wildlife Research. While undertaking his PhD at the Myall Lakes in northern NSW, Barry Fox's study site experienced a wildfire thus presenting a nice opportunity to document small mammal recovery post fire (documented in papers in the early 1980s with one in Ecology in 1982 if my memory serves rightly). The conclusion to these studies from infrequent high intensity wildfires in heathlands (ie 'flammable environments') is that populations of common species such as Brown Antechinus/ Agile Antechinus and Bush Rat/ Swamp Rat peak at around 7 years post fire and decline thereafter. Having said that several 'threatened' rodent species (New Holland Mouse and Eastern Chestnut Mouse) reach a maximum population density within 2-3 years post fire and decline thereafter and are probably threatened by infrequent fire. Several reviews on small mammal fire ecology have been completed, for example Liz Sutherland and Chris Dickman in Wildlife Research around 1999/00 but I would also have a look at Peter Catling's critisism/ critique of frequent hazard reduction burning in the 1st edition of The Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna (ed D Lunney, published by the RZS NSW).
More importantly I suppose for the victorian Mountain Ash/ Alpine Ash/ Messmate forests and fire recovery a great deal of work has documented the requirement of these communities of infrequent high severity fire (ie crown fire) to regeneration (ie to stop them becoming rainforests). Dave Ashton completed a PhD around Kinglake in around 1964 and Malcolm Gill (CSIRO) has worked extensively on the ecology of Alpine Ash. Anyway back to fauna responses. Brendan Mackey, David Lindenmayer and associates published a book by CSIRO publishing in around 2001/02 called Wildlife, fire and future climate based on fire ecology of Mountain Ash. This book might be out of print but good uni and TAFE libraries should have a copy. It contains details of modelling of mountain ash hollow dynamics post fire and lots on the leadbeater's possum, a bit of a conservation paradigm as it requires hollows but also Acacia in the understorey thus fire events are good but also bad. There have been a number of studies in Mountain Ash and other recently burnt vegetation types, for example one in Wildlife Research by van der Ree and Loyn (from around 2000) that compared Greater Glider and Small Eared Possum abundance among sites last burned in 1939 in comparison to those last burned in 1983. There were more Greater Gliders in 1939 sites yet due to a lack of fire severity work I wouldnt conclude anything further on it.
So I guess in conclusion with fires there are winners and their are losers. Certain species are sensitive to frequent fire while others relish frequent fire. Unfortunately we cant cater to all species with single fire regimes and at best we can probably only cater to species that are easiest to monitor, represent the greatest ecological importance or are flagship species (ie cute and cuddly).
"The Wilsons Promontory Cathedral Range fire is 23,763 hectares this morning. There are 74 fire fighters and support staff working day shift on the fire.
The focus today remains on preparation for the "spike day" in the FFDI (Forest Fire Danger Index) predicated for tomorrow. A "spike day" is the day the escalation in the fire danger index reaches the highest rating caused by predicted higher temperatures and changing winds.
Fire is still active in many locations across the Wilsons Promontory Cathedral fire. Even though calmer conditions have slowed down fire behaviour over the past few days there are numerous hot spots across the fire ground. A number of these spots have been located near Entrance Rd, Squeaky Beach, Mt Oberon and the airport.
The fires is slowly moving in a north easterly direction on the Yanakie Isthums and is burning in the Silver Swamp area. The back burn on the Promontory Rd is holding and crews are actively blacking out and consolidating the edge of this control line.
Preparations for protection of Tidal River are progressing well with Biddles Track a fallback option if fire threatens the settlement.
The fire has almost reached the tip of the north east section of the park.
The weather today is predicted to be around 21 degrees with winds from the north-east this morning turning easterly later.
Crews will work on all sectors of the fire concentrating on using hand tools to break up and black out burning material and patrol control lines."
"Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 (free call)"
There was, unfortunately, nothing to tell us about measures taken to assist animals in their terrible ordeal. Anyone with news please comment here.


Terrestrial microbial decomposer communities thrive on a wide range of organic matter types that rarely ever meet their elemental demands in terms of C, N and P (and other nutrients). The stoichiometric imbalance between microbial communities and their organic substrates generally decreases from wood to leaf litter and further topsoil and subsoil organic matter. Microbial communities can respond to these imbalances in four ways: first, they adapt their biomass composition toward their resource in a non-homeostatic behavior. Such changes are, however, only moderate, and occur mainly because of changes in microbial community structure and less so due to cellular storage of elements in excess. Second, microbial communities can mobilize resources that meet their elemental demand by producing specific extracellular enzymes, which, in turn, is restricted by the C and N requirement for enzyme production itself. Third, microbes can regulate their element use efficiencies (ratio of element invested in growth over total element uptake), such that they release elements in excess depending on their demand (e.g., respiration and N mineralization). Fourth, diazotrophic bacteria and saprotrophic fungi may trigger the input of external N and P to decomposer communities. Theoretical considerations show that adjustments in element use efficiencies may be the most important mechanism by which microbes regulate their biomass stoichiometry. This framework allows for integrating and linking microbial adaptation to resource imbalances to ecosystem-scale fluxes across scales and eosystems.


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text:
package org.nd4j.linalg.api.ndarray;

import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
import org.junit.runners.Parameterized;
import org.nd4j.linalg.BaseNd4jTest;
import org.nd4j.linalg.factory.Nd4j;
import org.nd4j.linalg.factory.Nd4jBackend;
import org.nd4j.linalg.indexing.NDArrayIndex;

import java.io.*;

import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;

/**
 * Created by Alex on 28/04/2016.
 */
@RunWith(Parameterized.class)
public class TestSerialization extends BaseNd4jTest {

    public TestSerialization(Nd4jBackend backend) {
        super(backend);
    }

    @Test
    public void testSerializationFullArrayNd4jWriteRead() throws Exception {
        int length = 100;
        INDArray arr = Nd4j.linspace(1,length,length).reshape('c',10,10);

        ByteArrayOutputStream baos = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
        try(DataOutputStream dos = new DataOutputStream(baos)){
            Nd4j.write(arr,dos);
        }
        byte[] bytes = baos.toByteArray();

        INDArray arr2;
        try( DataInputStream dis = new DataInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(bytes))){
            arr2 = Nd4j.read(dis);
        }

        assertEquals(arr,arr2);
    }

    @Test
    public void testSerializationFullArrayJava() throws Exception {
        int length = 100;
        INDArray arr = Nd4j.linspace(1,length,length).reshape('c',10,10);

        ByteArrayOutputStream baos = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
        try(ObjectOutputStream oos = new ObjectOutputStream(baos)){
            oos.writeObject(arr);
        }
        byte[] bytes = baos.toByteArray();

        INDArray arr2;
        try( ObjectInputStream ois = new ObjectInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(bytes))){
            arr2 = (INDArray) ois.readObject();
        }

        assertEquals(arr,arr2);
    }

    @Test
    public void testSerializationOnViewsNd4jWriteRead() throws Exception {
        int length = 100;
        INDArray arr = Nd4j.linspace(1,length,length).reshape('c',10,10);

        INDArray sub = arr.get(NDArrayIndex.interval(5,10), NDArrayIndex.interval(5,10));

        ByteArrayOutputStream baos = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
        try(DataOutputStream dos = new DataOutputStream(baos)){
            Nd4j.write(sub,dos);
        }
        byte[] bytes = baos.toByteArray();

        INDArray arr2;
        try( DataInputStream dis = new DataInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(bytes))){
            arr2 = Nd4j.read(dis);
        }

        assertEquals(sub,arr2);
    }

    @Test
    public void testSerializationOnViewsJava() throws Exception {
        int length = 100;
        INDArray arr = Nd4j.linspace(1,length,length).reshape('c',10,10);

        INDArray sub = arr.get(NDArrayIndex.interval(5,10), NDArrayIndex.interval(5,10));

        ByteArrayOutputStream baos = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
        try(ObjectOutputStream oos = new ObjectOutputStream(baos)){
            oos.writeObject(sub);
        }
        byte[] bytes = baos.toByteArray();

        INDArray arr2;
        try( ObjectInputStream ois = new ObjectInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(bytes))){
            arr2 = (INDArray) ois.readObject();
        }

        assertEquals(sub,arr2);
    }

    @Override
    public char ordering() {
        return 'c';
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
package seedu.emeraldo.storage;

import seedu.emeraldo.commons.core.LogsCenter;
import seedu.emeraldo.commons.exceptions.DataConversionException;
import seedu.emeraldo.commons.util.FileUtil;
import seedu.emeraldo.model.UserPrefs;

import java.io.File;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.Optional;
import java.util.logging.Logger;

/**
 * A class to access UserPrefs stored in the hard disk as a json file
 */
public class JsonUserPrefsStorage implements UserPrefsStorage{

    private static final Logger logger = LogsCenter.getLogger(JsonUserPrefsStorage.class);

    private String filePath;

    public JsonUserPrefsStorage(String filePath){
        this.filePath = filePath;
    }

    @Override
    public Optional<UserPrefs> readUserPrefs() throws DataConversionException, IOException {
        return readUserPrefs(filePath);
    }

    @Override
    public void saveUserPrefs(UserPrefs userPrefs) throws IOException {
        saveUserPrefs(userPrefs, filePath);
    }

    /**
     * Similar to {@link #readUserPrefs()}
     * @param prefsFilePath location of the data. Cannot be null.
     * @throws DataConversionException if the file format is not as expected.
     */
    public Optional<UserPrefs> readUserPrefs(String prefsFilePath) throws DataConversionException {
        assert prefsFilePath != null;

        File prefsFile = new File(prefsFilePath);

        if (!prefsFile.exists()) {
            logger.info("Prefs file "  + prefsFile + " not found");
            return Optional.empty();
        }

        UserPrefs prefs;

        try {
            prefs = FileUtil.deserializeObjectFromJsonFile(prefsFile, UserPrefs.class);
        } catch (IOException e) {
            logger.warning("Error reading from prefs file " + prefsFile + ": " + e);
            throw new DataConversionException(e);
        }

        return Optional.of(prefs);
    }

    /**
     * Similar to {@link #saveUserPrefs(UserPrefs)}
     * @param prefsFilePath location of the data. Cannot be null.
     */
    public void saveUserPrefs(UserPrefs userPrefs, String prefsFilePath) throws IOException {
        assert userPrefs != null;
        assert prefsFilePath != null;

        FileUtil.serializeObjectToJsonFile(new File(prefsFilePath), userPrefs);
    }
}