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The Ice Cyclone
by Harold M. Sherman
The Ice Cyclone was published in Sherman's collection of adventure stories, Down the Ice, and other Winter Sport Stories , published in 1932. We feature it in our collection of Winter Sports Stories.
Oxford University vs. Switzerland hockey game, 1922
"You can't play hockey and you never could!"
"Yes, that's so. You're just a fancy skater but your figure eights don't do you any good in a game."
Rand Downey, right wing on the Kirkwood High six, was boiling mad. This fellow, Frederick, the Great, Barker, had finally gotten so on his nerves as to cause him to explode. The idea of Coach Howard putting this impossible person on the team at left wing, replacing the veteran Don Keith who was out with a sprained ankle! What did Coach want to do—throw the whole team off its stride and right before the big game with Melville?
"It's true I haven't played much hockey," the slenderly built Frederick was replying. "You must remember, old boy, I didn't come out for the team—I was ... er ... pressed into service when the ... er ... expediency arose."
Frederick was like that. Big words, stilted sentences, haughty, superior manner. He didn't have a close friend in the school; kept pretty much to himself; played a lone hand when it came to sports. Track and ice skating had seemed to be his two favorite athletic diversions. In his peculiarly aloof way he had stepped out and won the two-twenty and four-forty, setting county records for both events. On the ice, Frederick had exhibited a brand of fancy skating which had astounded the natives.
"I should be able to skate," he had said, after winning the cup with ease. "My folks spent a couple years in Canada and, you know, babies are born with skates on their feet up there."
It had been Coach Howard's idea that the conversion of Frederick, the Great, Barker into a hockey player, would add amazing strength to the team. Strangely enough, the newcomer to Kirkwood had not been enthusiastic about the thoughts of playing.
"Ice skating is a game of grace and beauty of movement," had been his explanation. "I just don't see anything to this rough and tumble business."
But the old appeal "for the honor and glory of the school" had won Frederick over. He had readily agreed to Coach Howard's declaration that Kirkwood High possessed few really good skaters although he was not so sure that his addition to the team would have the bolstering effect predicted.
"I'll do the best I can," had been his promise.
"You'll be a whiz," the coach had encouraged. "A man as fast on his feet as you? Why, say—when you get this hockey game in your blood, you'll burn up the ice!"
Thus far, however, Frederick's participation had only succeeded in burning up his fellow players. Rand Downey, who had to play opposite him on the other wing, had reasons to be the most upset.
"I'd like to ask," flared Rand, "how's it come you've always picked soft sports to excel in?"
"What do you mean—'soft'?" Frederick's expression was one of hurt surprise.
"No physical conflict ... no bumping up against a real opponent ... like in football or baseball or—hockey?"
"Competition of that sort doesn't interest me," stated Frederick frankly, a flush creeping into his cheeks.
"You mean," taunted Rand, bent on driving home his thrust, "that you'd rather not mix it with anybody ... you're afraid of getting your hair mussed or a punch in the eye or your nose rubbed in the dirt."
Fellow players glared at their new team member, obviously in support of Rand's accusation.
"I admit," answered Frederick, unblinkingly, "such things do not appeal to me."
The fellow's absolute candor was amazing. Rand had deliberately set out to antagonize him and here he was, quietly agreeing to everything. Apparently Frederick, who came by his title "the Great" through this air of superiority, could not be fussed nor aroused. He made no pretense of that which he was not and indicated quite plainly that he felt entitled to his views on sport.
"I suppose you know, then," fired Rand, as a last broadside, "that you play hockey like a lady!"
"Worse than that!" broke in Steve Lucas, captain and center. "It would be different, Fred, if you weren't such a good skater ... but there's no excuse for the way you're side-stepping and skating in circles and dropping the puck at the blue line instead of trying to go through the defense. There's a certain color that applies to guys who pull what you've been pulling. We wouldn't care only we'd give our skates to beat Melville this year."
"And a fat chance we've got with Don Keith out," ranted Bill Stewart, stocky right defense. "He was the spark plug of our team. All you've done is fill us up with carbon!"
"I'm sorry," was the new team member's comment as he unfastened his skates and stepped off the rink. "But why jump me about this? I suggest you take your story to the coach. Any time he wants me to leave the team, I'll be delighted."
Fellow players groaned helplessly as Frederick, the Great, Barker walked off, head high.
"He's a conundrum, that bird!" declared Rand. "You'd think he didn't have any fight in him."
"He doesn't when it comes to sports like this," said Bill. "You hit the nail on the head when you razzed him about not wanting to mix it. I can understand now why he's steered clear of us fellows. He's against anything boisterous."
"He's grooming himself to be one of those gentleman sportsmen," twitted Steve, "whose pictures you see in the rotogravure section of newspapers, sitting on a horse, dressed in a polo cap; or else stretched out on a country club veranda, in golf togs. The pictures look swell but most of 'em don't mean any thing."
"He's a grand guy," summed up Rand. "I have to hand it to him for one thing. He's sure satisfied with himself. If I'd bawled any of you birds out the way I did him, I'd have started a free-for-all. He's got the spunk of a caterpillar."
"Coach certainly won't leave him in the line-up after today's game," reassured goal tender Chub Roland. "We were lucky not to lose. Fred spent about the whole time dodging collisions with the enemy. I think he only went down once. He's a fancy skater all right. He did some of the fanciest shifting I ever saw. Never used his body to block once ... tried to do it all with his stick. I yelled to him once to get in front of his man but he acted like he thought it wouldn't be the gentlemanly thing to do. Too bad he has to be such a lemon. I still think if we could get him steamed up about something—he might surprise us."
"Not that baby!" scoffed Rand. "He's got chronic cold feet. You'll never see him make a showing where he's got to swap bumps with someone else. He says himself that's not his idea of sport. Personally, I wouldn't get any kick out of running races or making fancy doodads on the ice. I'd just as soon take up crocheting."
The Kirkwood ice hockey squad laughed. It had been a hard, tense season with little opportunity to relax against an unusually high brand of competition. That Kirkwood had managed to remain a contender for the state interscholastic ice hockey championship, despite the absence of dependable spares, had been due to the heroic effort of the original six and the excellent guidance of Coach Howard. His latest move, however, in recruiting Frederick, the Great, as a hockey player, had appeared a psychological mistake, affecting as it had, the team's morale. Even sporting accounts of the game were none too complimentary.
"Fred Barker, playing his third game at left wing for Kirkwood," said the Daily Eagle, "still left much to be desired. Making allowance for the fact that ice hockey is new to the champion fancy skater, Barker, in the judgment of this sports writer, should be entering more into the spirit of the game and teaming up better with his mates. Time and again, on capturing the puck, he seemed at a loss as to what to do with it, taking some pretty turns about the ice which promised much but produced nothing. Coach Howard still seems of the opinion that Barker is going to fill Don Keith's skating shoes but, on the basis of his performance today, he will have to come along rapidly to even approach Don's stellar ability. Keith-to-Downey-to-Keith used to be the pass combination which brought scores for Kirkwood. Either that or the reverse: Downey-to-Keith-to-Downey with the resultant shot for goal. But Kirkwood has lost her scoring punch, temporarily at least—a punch she sorely needs in the coming battle against Melville, a sextet possessing such defensive power that not a goal has been scored against her the entire season!"
"I suppose you read the papers," was Coach Howard's greeting to Frederick, the Great, Barker on calling him aside at the next practice session.
"Yes, sir," Frederick replied, in a disinterested tone.
"That being the case, it saves me breath," said the coach. "The accounts of your playing were fairly accurate."
"I thought so myself," agreed Frederick.
"But you can do better than this. Why, man—you haven't begun to let yourself out yet! I've seen your fancy skating exhibitions and I know what you can do—your daring leaps and whirls. That airplane dive, as you call it, is one of the most hairbreadth things I've ever seen on skates."
Frederick's face spread into a slow smile.
"That isn't bad, is it?"
"Bad? It's simply great. But why can't you transmit a bit of that dash into hockey? You're doing some nice straight skating but that reckless abandon isn't there. I believe in you, Fred, or I wouldn't have urged you to play, against your own inclination."
The champion fancy skater dug the point of his skate into the ice.
"I know that," he said, with his first show of feeling, "but I can't help it, coach—I'm doing the best I can."
Coach Howard eyed the new left wing shrewdly.
"You're just kidding yourself, Fred," he said, pointedly. "There's something troubling you, boy. It's been troubling you for a long, long while and it's time you were getting it off your chest. Come clean—what is it?"
A hurt expression came into Frederick's face which he ordinarily kept well masked beneath the external attitude of indifference.
"You wouldn't understand if I told you," he returned, huskily.
"Perhaps I would."
"How could you when I don't really understand myself? All I know is that I've never had a desire for direct competitive sport. It dates back to the days when I was sickly and my parents discouraged me from taking part in the games and bucking up against the stronger fellows. I was disappointed, of course, and it sort of killed something inside me."
"You can get it back," reassured Coach Howard. "Give yourself a chance."
Frederick shook his head, sorrowfully. "Since I couldn't go in for the sports other fellows were playing, I developed the habit of staying off by myself. That hasn't helped me, either. I guess I've been too retrospective. There's such a word, isn't there?"
The coach smiled, sympathetically. "I think so—but I've been so busy with my present that I haven't had time to look backward. You shouldn't let the past have such a hold on you, Fred—snap out of this! You're missing half the fun in sport!"
Frederick nodded, ruefully. "I'd give a lot to be able to get enthused," he confessed. "When I see the kick the other fellows get out of playing, I know something must be wrong with me. All my athletic development has been individual and team play has left me cold. You want to know what hockey seems like to me? It's just a series of cracked heads and shins and so many knockdowns."
Coach Howard laughed. "It's because you haven't thrown yourself into the game ... haven't caught the spirit of it," he insisted.
"I guess I haven't," Frederick conceded. "As an individualist, I'm impressed with the fact that, in hockey, skating is secondary to the game and I get no particular thrill out of chasing a puck and banging at it with a stick. Neither can I see any necessity for letting myself be bumped to the ice if I can possibly help it. For that reason, some of the fellows are insinuating that I'm yellow. I hope you don't think that?"
"Frankly," said Coach Howard, "you're one fellow I can't catalogue. You've got me astraddle a fence."
"Well, I feel better for talking with you," said the champion fancy skater. "I've never opened up like this before. No one's seemed to care...."
"No one's cared because you haven't seemed to care what they were doing," explained the coach. "They won't warm up to you until you warm up to them—that's only natural."
Frederick swallowed, miserably. "Then I really don't know what I can do about it," he said, hoarsely. "I'm so used to doing things by myself that I don't feel at home with other fellows. I guess you'd better call it 'quits', Coach. I wouldn't want to lose the Melville game for you ... almost anyone would be better in there than me ... no matter how good a skater I am...."
"Nonsense!" decided Coach Howard. "This game means the championship—but if it meant a chance for you to win out over yourself, I'd rather play for that. You're going to discover one of these times, Fred, that you need hockey much more than hockey needs you and when you do—well, you'll be a different fellow!"
All of Kirkwood sat on the anxious seat the day of the Melville game. It was biting cold and clear and the rink was in the fastest condition of the season. There could be no complaint of the day or of the ice. The only cause for concern was the Kirkwood team which had played uncertain hockey since the loss of Don Keith. But Coach Howard had been keeping a surprise up his sleeve for the fans. Don's sprained ankle was well enough for him to play a part of the game, properly taped. When he reported for duty before the contest and told his overjoyed comrades that he had been working out secretly for the past three days, the old morale returned. The feeling of apprehension over Frederick, the Great, Barker vanished at once; in fact, Kirkwood's new left wing was left completely out of the demonstration, sitting quietly on a bench in the corner of the locker room.
"I'm glad to see you back, Keith," he welcomed, when Kirkwood's veteran, limping slightly, came back to his locker.
"Glad to be back," Keith rejoined, eyes gleaming. "We've got to take that chesty outfit today. Can you imagine their not even being scored on all year? Have to watch out for their crack centre, Scotty Lathrom. He's the backbone of their offense and defense ... one of the best poke-checkers in the game!"
"We'll lay for him all right," promised right wing Rand Downey. "Boy, it seems like old times again. We've got the winning combination now!"
Frederick, marveling at the revival of spirit, studied the fellow who was responsible for it. Don Keith possessed, in addition to a sturdy physique, a radiant, aggressive personality. He commanded attention and inspired others to follow his leadership. Noting this, Frederick envied Don Keith sincerely.
"If you can't feel a thing," he said to himself, consolingly, "you can't be a part of it."
Coach Howard, as the team left the locker room for the rink, patted Frederick on the back.
"I'll be using you to relieve Don," he informed. "So be ready to go in there and tear loose!"
Frederick smiled, ironically. He knew he'd be regarded as doing his bit today if he merely helped hold the fort until Don should get his "breathers" and go charging back into the fray. Perhaps it was just as well. He'd only consented to play hockey as a duty to the school and, this way, whatever the outcome of the game, no one could hold him directly responsible.
Don Keith received a tremendous ovation from home town supporters as he skated on the ice. Frederick joined the secondary forward wall and practiced pass work. The Melville team flashed by, a rugged looking outfit.
"Where's this Frederick, the Great, person?" a voice suddenly shrilled.
Frederick looked about, surprised, and found himself confronted by Melville's grinning star, Scotty Lathrom.
"So you're the champion fancy skater, eh?" Scotty accosted, in a loud voice which attracted the attention of the crowd. "Well, I've been waiting to meet you, brother, because I've worked out a few gyrations I'd like to see you duplicate!"
Frederick stared at his unexpected challenger, coldly. What was this Scotty Lathrom trying to do—get his goat—or make him look foolish before the fans?
"If you thought you were so good," he replied, quietly, "why didn't you enter the fancy skating competition?"
"I'm going to next year," announced Scotty. "And I'm going to pull some stuff they never saw before. Look at this one!"
Melville's crack hockey player spun about on the sides of his skates and went into a roll.
"That's easy," said Frederick, and followed suit, reproducing the roll with an even more polished finish.
"But that's not all of it!" Scotty called, and rolled to the side, doing a surprise handspring, picking up the roll again, then going into another handspring, alternating from side to side and with a cadence that was pretty to watch. "There you are!" he cried, as the crowd applauded.
Frederick felt the competitive urge well up within him. He forgot for the moment that this meeting between Kirkwood and Melville was essentially for the playing of hockey. Here was an individual who dared meeting him on his own ground—who defied the ice skating champion! The stunt that Scotty had pulled was a new variation, one in which Frederick was not practiced, but the crowd had begun yelling for him to repeat the trick as Scotty stood by, banteringly.
"I guess that stumps you, doesn't it?" taunted Melville's crack centre.
Rand Downey, with other members of Kirkwood's team, watched the developments with great interest and no little amusement.
"Frederick, the Great's in a hotbox now," chuckled Rand. "If he refuses to try to duplicate Scotty's stunt, he admits he's licked; and if he tries it and flops, he's just as bad off! Serves the old boy right. Scotty's hitting him in the only place where he can be hurt!"
Deadly serious and grimly determined, Frederick skated off across the ice, whirled and came back in a series of rolls. Twice it seemed as though he was about to go into a handspring but checked himself and continued on. It was obvious that the maneuver was a new one to him and that he was feeling his way before actually attempting the stunt. Scotty winked at fellow team mates.
"Stumped on the very first one," he said, in a loud voice, "and I've got plenty of others!"
But Frederick, with confidence in his own ability, was not admitting that he could not duplicate Scotty's performance. He suddenly left his feet on a lunge to the side, struck the ice on his hands and attempted the handspring. He was off balance, however, and succeeded only in throwing himself, joltingly.
"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Scotty. "She's not as simple as she looks, is she?"
Frederick, red of face, got to his feet, painfully. He immediately tried again with similar embarrassing results.
"Here's an easier one," cried Scotty, as the crowd murmured its hilarity at the impromptu skating match.
"Look—he's written his name 'Scotty'!" exclaimed an amazed spectator as Melville's star finished his complicated twistings and turnings. "Marvelous!"
"Let's see you write your name!" called Scotty.
"You think you're clever!" flashed a greatly chagrined Frederick. "I'll show you...!"
But the referee's whistle screeched, announcing time for the starting of the game.
"Just a second!" Frederick pleaded as he turned toward the referee.
"Off the ice!" waved the referee, "all you fellows who aren't in the opening line-up!"
"Well, see you again some time!" razzed Scotty.
A thoroughly upset fancy skating champion found his way to the bench and slumped down upon it. He had not cared what might be thought of him as a hockey player but to be humiliated on his own rink in his own sport ... this was terrible!
It was half way through a blistering first period before Coach Howard sent Frederick in, along with two other spares, to replace Kirkwood's regular forward wall. The score was nothing to nothing and the hot pace of the battle had the crowd on edge.
"Hello—if here isn't Frederick, the Great!" kidded Scotty. "Here's hoping he's as good a hockey player as he is a fancy skater! If he is, it'll be duck soup!"
Frederick glared. This Scotty had the habit of 'riding' his opponents, all those who let themselves be 'ridden'. And Frederick was taking the bait nicely.
"You'll never get past centre ice!" Scotty predicted, as Frederick captured the puck a few seconds later.
Kirkwood's substitute left wing said nothing but skated back around his own cage and came out on the other side with a burst of speed. He put more behind his drive than he had ever displayed in a game and the crowd cheered hopefully. At mid-ice a crafty Scotty waited, grinning as he saw his own left wing force Frederick toward the centre, away from the sideboards.
"He's my meat!" muttered Melville's star, and hooked out his stick as Frederick tried desperately to pass him. The crook of the stick stole the puck so cleanly from Frederick that he did not realize it was gone for several flashing strides. When he did pull up short, it was to hear the crowd roaring as Scotty, on a scintillating dash into Kirkwood territory, had fired a shot at goal-keeper Chub Roland. Chub fended the puck off with his stick but Scotty, following up, clubbed the disc viciously and sent it flying past Chub into the net for the first goal of the game!
"There, Freddy!" taunted Scotty, as the Melville stands went crazy with joy. "That's how to play hockey!"
A hot retort was on the tip of Frederick, the Great's tongue when Coach Howard hastily threw his regular forward wall back into the game.
The first period ended with Melville leading, one to nothing, and Rand Downey, whose contempt for the fancy skater exceeded that of his team mates, had certain things to say to Frederick in the locker room.
"You let that baby talk you out of a score," he branded. "He got you so up in the air you didn't know whether you had a puck or an egg at the end of your stick."
"He won't get the puck away from me again!" Frederick replied.
"He won't have to," snapped Rand. "All that Melville bunch has to make is one goal to win their games. Here we are, playing our fool heads off and you...!"
"Oh, shut up!"
Kirkwood's right wing stared at Frederick unbelievingly.
"I said shut up!" repeated Frederick, a look in his eyes that Rand had never seen before.
Fellow team mates gasped their amazement. Was Frederick actually commencing to come to life?
"How's your ankle?" the coach asked Don Keith, concernedly.
"Holding up okay," answered Kirkwood's veteran. "That Melville defense is the toughest I ever went up against. We never got a puck near their cage this period. They broke up practically every formation at mid-ice. And that guy Scotty is seemingly in every play! Fred wasn't to blame for that score.... Scotty went through the entire team...!"
The second period was a torrid repetition of the first except that neither six was able to score. Frederick twice got in the battle for three minutes each, renewing his feud with Scotty but accomplishing nothing. Instructions were to play defensive hockey while the spares were in. Should Melville jam through another goal, Kirkwood's every chance would be gone. Now there was a glimmering possibility of a tie resulting could Kirkwood get the puck past goalie Pete Hardy who was fighting to establish a season's record of not having been scored upon.
"My ankle begins to feel lame," Don admitted during the intermission between the second and last period. "Come on, boys—let's give 'em everything we've got. I'd like to take the grin off that Scotty's face!"
"So would I!" echoed a voice, impulsively.
Team members glanced about, questioningly. The voice belonged to Don's understudy, the champion fancy skater. Frederick appeared self-conscious and a bit confused as attention focused upon him.
"You ought to feel like taking Scotty's grin off," rapped Rand, mercilessly, "you're the guy who put it on him!"
"I know it," answered Frederick, lamely, "but...!"
"Aw, razzberries!" exploded Rand. "We've had enough of you already!"
A tired but grim Kirkwood six skated out on the ice to resume hostilities in the third period. Melville, deciding to coast in on the one goal lead, threw up a stiffer defense than ever. As the minutes crawled along, the one goal advantage grew mountainous. Don Keith, handicapped as he was by the weak ankle, had played a stellar game but even his presence in the line-up had failed to penetrate the Melville goal. The visitors were just too good. Hats off to the greatest team a state high school had ever produced!
"Oh, oh—Don is out!" A sympathetic murmur went the rounds as Kirkwood's right wing was helped to the sidelines.
"Go after 'em, Freddy!" Don called to the man who was to substitute for him, as Frederick got up from the bench, peeling off his sweater. "Don't let that Scotty kid you! He'd like to make a monkey out of everybody if he could!"
"I know," Frederick shot back. "I've got a score to settle with him!"
Certain fans could not suppress a groan as Frederick, the Great, took Don Keith's place. But these certain fans had no way of knowing, at the moment, that something had snapped inside the champion fancy skater—a something that had been holding him back for years. First evidence of the change was a collision which took place at mid-ice between party of the first part and one Scotty Lathrom who became party of the second part, and quite the most worsted party, inasmuch as he did a backward somersault following the impact while the party of the first part simply rebounded and set off into Melville territory at a blazing pace.
"Yea, Frederick!" shrieked astonished Kirkwood rooters, as the fellow who had never shown any fighting spirit in a hockey match, zig-zagged through to within fifteen feet of the Melville cage and blazed away. His shot was accurate, a startled Melville goalie warding it off with his chest pad. Frederick became lost the next instant in a slashing pile-up in front of the Melville cage as he threw himself after the puck, trying madly to get his stick on it again and to drive it into the net for a score. It was the first time during the game that Kirkwood had gotten deep within Melville territory and Frederick's feat was immediately heartening to his fellow players.
"Face-off!" cried the referee, diving into the mêlée and separating Scotty and Frederick, both of whom had fallen over the puck.
"You're not mad are you?" joshed Scotty, and grinned.
As the puck was dropped between them, Scotty knocked the puck to the side. It whanged against the sideboards with Frederick again in furious pursuit. He bumped shoulders with Melville's solidly built right defense and sat down suddenly but was up in an instant and trailing the defense man who had set off down the ice. Frederick was using his speed and his natural skating wizardry now as he glided around from behind, crouched low, hooked the puck away from the defense man, sent up a shower of ice as he swerved and did an about-face. Most of the Melville team was ahead of him as he cut back toward the Melville goal amid the wildest sort of clamor. A pop-eyed Rand Downey came sliding in from nowhere, pounding his stick on the ice.
"Shoot it to me!" he yelled, "to me!"
And Frederick shot, scooting the puck across the ice on a perfect pass.
Almost at once, Rand was covered, so that he stopped short and swung to the side.
"Right back at you!" he shouted, and backhanded the puck on a sizzling drive.
"Holy cats!" screamed Kirkwood's veteran right wing, dancing about on his injured ankle. "Who said Freddy couldn't play hockey? The guy's gone goofy! He's a whiz! Look at him spear that puck, will you? And look at him dodge in there—right on top of the goalie! Oh! Oh!... A perfect feint! He's pulled the goalie out of his cage and there goes his shot!... It's IN.... Man alive! Freddy's the first to put a puck inside that Melville net!!!... Oh, am I glad I had to leave the game?... Oh, this is wonderful!... Look at Scotty!... Where's that grin now, Scotty?... Tied the old score, didn't we?... How much time, somebody?... Three minutes?... You will kid that baby about his fancy skating, will you?... Well, how was that for a fancy exhibition?"
On the ice, Rand Downey put an arm around the fellow he had cussed, and cried his apology. Team members clapped a fussed Frederick on the back. He knew what team spirit meant now ... knew why fellows fought shoulder to shoulder to try to win for each other ... knew what real comradeship felt like for the first time in his life. And knew it simply because he had been wounded to the quick by an opponent who had thought to have some fun at his expense. Thwarted at answering Scotty's fancy skating challenge, Frederick's only way of getting back at him had been through direct competition. And now he was finding what a thrill actual combat really was! That backward flip-flop that Scotty had taken as a result of their meeting head-on had done Frederick a world of good!
"I'm not through with you yet!" the fancy skating champion told Melville's star centre as the puck went back to be faced off in the centre circle.
Melville team mates glumly consulted one another. It was a shock to have been scored upon since no other opponent had been able to turn the trick. But this Frederick, the whoever he was, would be a marked man from now on! They'd bottle him up and put the cork in.
The puck had scarcely been put back in play than the cyclone struck Melville. It was twisting and turning, taking a zigzag course over the ice, threatening, receding, and threatening again, as a goalie crouched in the mouth of the cage like a Kansas farmer in a storm cellar, afraid any moment that a little round, black object might blow into the net and take the game with it! Such an exhibition of skating and stick handling had never been witnessed as Kirkwood's substitute left wing put on for the edification of the crowd and one Scotty Lathrom in particular. But Melville, fighting desperately to stand off this tempestuous one-man attack, stopped a stream of shots at the goal, fired either by Frederick or one of his team mates who had been placed in an advantageous position due to his whizzing passwork.
"Half a minute to play—looks like an overtime game!" shouted someone.
A terrific mix-up occurred at centre ice. The cyclone went down, curling up in a heap and with most of the wind taken out of it. Rand Downey grabbed a dazed Frederick up and set him on his feet. The referee's whistle screeched. It looked like someone was going to be penalized but the official called no foul as Scotty separated himself from the tangle and stood swayingly on his feet to face a rival who had shaken Melville's defense to its foundations.
"I still think you're a rotten fancy skater!" he taunted.
But it was Frederick now who did the grinning. And it was Frederick who got the puck on the next face-off, blazing it down the ice on an attempted long shot for goal. The shot was blocked, however, by the Melville left defense but he was set upon almost instantly by Rand Downey and Steve Lucas and Bill Stewart—Kirkwood sending a formation of four into Melville territory in a last second effort to score. So furious was the onslaught, players on both sides went to the ice. In the mêlée the puck was hit into the open between the struggling group and the Melville cage. Scotty and Frederick, near centre ice, set out in a race for the disc. The heaving mass of players blocked the direct path, so Scotty veered to go around it.
"Man, oh man—look at Frederick, will you?..." gasped Don Keith. "He's heading straight for that gang on the ice. He must be going to pull his airplane dive in order to beat Scotty to the puck ... hey! There he goes...!"
Leaving his feet in a spectacular dive through space, Frederick, the Great, Barker, cleared the heads and forms of mates and foemen, arms outstretched, to land on his chest and go sliding across the ice, skimming directly in front of Scotty who catapulted over him and went skidding into the sideboards. Raking out his stick as he slid along, never for one instant having taken his eyes off the puck, the champion fancy skater made connections, clipping the disc so that it upended and rolled, skimming the leg of Melville's desperate goalie as it bounced over and into a corner of the net.
At the sound of the timer's gun, Don Keith deliriously hugged Coach Howard and Kirkwood rooters did unaccountable things. They tried mainly to get down on the ice and capture a fellow who had written hockey history with his skates and who was now jabbering about writing something else for the especial benefit of a crestfallen Scotty Lathrom who was sitting dazedly where he had fallen, propped up against the sideboards and staring unbelievingly at the final score which read: Kirkwood, 2; Melville, 1.
"Stick around!" cried the champion fancy skater. "See if you can duplicate this!"
And, despite the furious pace he had just undergone, Kirkwood's substitute left wing started a series of intricate maneuvers which held spectators spellbound. Melville team members stopped to look on, Scotty crawling to his feet that he might see the better. Finishing with a flourish, the skater bowed mockingly in the direction of his opponents as he pointed to the lines he had etched into the scarred ice.
Everyone strained their eyes for a moment, then a great shout went up and Melville team members made a hurried rush for the clubhouse, Scotty leading the way. And well he might, for Melville's star centre had already seen more than enough of the figure who had left his now undisputed autograph on the ice:
Frederick, the Great....
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Abraham Sandler, the C&MA's missionary consultant for Jewish Ministries, is working to bring together a team of 15 people for an August street-witnessing campaign called Awake O Israel. Training is August 18–20, with the plan for the team to be on the streets August 22–26 passing out tracts and witnessing to Jewish people.
Recently, Sandler saw two Jewish persons come to faith in the Messiah. He has been witnessing to one man since last December, and at their meeting in June, the man prayed to receive Jesus as Messiah and Savior. Another man has been coming to Bible studies Sandler leads, and last month, he, too, came to faith in Christ.


I am honored to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in this timely and important discussion on the Global Economic and Financial Crisis. At the outset let me thank H.E. the President, for his initiative in convening this meeting at a time when the global financial and economic crisis seriously threatens the livelihood and well being of millions of people all over the world. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his efforts in this regard. In order to prevent lasting damage, particularly to developing countries, we must maintain focus and resources on the development agenda, particularly for those countries in a special situation, we should improve and encourage both North-South and South-South partnerships, and we must improve the quality of aid and accountability.
The international community is facing the most severe financial and economic crisis of the past several decades. And it is those least responsible for it, the poorest among us, particularly women and children, who are hit the hardest.
The global financial crisis exacerbates other already severe problems: of energy, environment and food that particularly affect the developing countries of the South. Already poor countries are becoming even more mired in poverty.
been hit severely by this crisis and will find it difficult to implement its National Development Strategy and achieve its MDGs and other IADGs without intensified international support. Moreover the impact of the insecurity caused by the Taliban in parts of Afghanistan combined with several recent natural disasters has increased the need for additional resources for humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of displaced and vulnerable people. Afghanistan and other countries in a special situation need additional funds and resources for social protection, food security and human development.
We are at a critical juncture that requires rapid, decisive and coordinated action. To defuse this crisis, to address the causes of the crisis and to prevent similar crises in the future, we all have to work together to prevent the current tenuous situation from becoming a social and human disaster with implications for the lives of millions of impoverished people, the implementation of the MDGs, political stability and peace.
Afghanistan believes that the United Nations is in a position to play an important role in coordinating international co-operation towards solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character. We encourage our international colleagues to make sure that UN development agencies are fully resourced so that they can increase their technical and financial assistance to the governments of LDCs, LLDCs and other countries with special needs. The Government of Afghanistan also supports the Secretary General's High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis in connection with international efforts on setting-up a Global Partnership on Agriculture and Food Security.
Afghanistan also sees the necessity and potential of North-South collaboration, in addition to cooperation between countries in the South. We have an active and crucial partnership with our regional neighbors, and also with the international community as a whole, and we can testify to the value in different sorts of partnerships. Cooperation can be best accomplished through improving the operations of international and regional institutions, supporting international and regional cooperation, and increasing the effectiveness of international and regional efforts in recipient countries.
donor agencies to adhere to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in order to ensure national ownership in the development process.
Lack of donor coordination, incomplete reporting, lack of transparency and unpredictable aid are all challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure the best use of our money. And particularly now, at a time of limited resources, it is important that donors prioritize the efficiency, accountability, and the principle of national ownership.
The Government of Afghanistan considers the substantive and comprehensive reform of the international economic and financial institutions to be a matter of urgency. This sort of crisis must not occur again.
Afghanistan joins all developing countries and reiterates their call for an early, successful and development-oriented conclusion of the Doha round of trade negotiations that places the needs of developing countries at its highest priority. Afghanistan also supports the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration to implement duty-free and quota-free access for LDCs.
Afghanistan trusts that the outcome of this important historic Conference will reduce the suffering of millions of vulnerable people all over the world and will protect the world from future crisis.


Private Guided Tours: Adult groups and educational programs for students or scouts are available for a fee. All tours are tailored for group needs, educational standards, and interests. Tours require advanced reservations. To arrange educational programs or tours of city-owned historic buildings email Susan.gray@fairfaxva.gov or call 703.385.8415.
Historic Walking Tours: Historic Fairfax City, Inc. (HFCI) walking tours of Old Town Fairfax for 2019 will be held on Saturdays June 8, August 10, September 14. The tours start at 10 am in front of the Historic Fairfax Courthouse located at 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia, weather permitting and last about 90 minutes. Free parking is across the street in the Bank of America parking lot. Call 703.385.8414 for reservations. For more information on HFCI please click here.
The city has published a free self-guided walking tour brochure, "Courting History," that provides a brief history of the city and noteworthy buildings in the Old Town Fairfax Historic District. This brochure is available from the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main Street, or call 703.385.8414. See Map of History.
Programs are held at 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. Unless otherwise noted, programs are held at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main Street. Free (unless otherwise noted). Check back to find out about additional programs planned throughout the year. Information: 703.385.8414.
"The Original Weights and Measures of Fairfax County" - 2 p.m.
See one of the oldest and most complete sets of weights and measures on display at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, then learn about their use and history from Gretchen Bulova, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. The weights and measures are currently on display at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center through December 2019.
and "The Washington Home of the Philippine Suffrage Movement" - 3 p.m.
Keep your seats but move forward in time from the eighteenth to the twentieth century for a short talk and exhibit tour with Titchie G. Carandang-Tiongson and Erwin R. Tiongson, project directors of the Philippines on the Potomac DC (POPDC). FREE.
Sunday, May 12--Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center -2 p.m.
"Images of Motherhood" – Using excerpts from the writings of three women with Fairfax connections --Julia Ford, Antonia Ford Willard, and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett—Curator Susan Inskeep Gray will explore the thoughts of these mothers.
Sunday, November 10--Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center - 2 p.m.
Dr. Gregg D. Kimball, Director of Public Services and Outreach at the Library of Virginia, will trace the musical legacy of prohibition through spoken narrative, period images, and live and recorded music. Feel free to sing along!
Program Series are free and held at 2 p.m. on Saturdays (unless otherwise noted) at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, 3610 Old Lee Highway. 703.591.0560.
"100th Anniversary of Fairfax World War I Soldiers: Men and Women"
City of Fairfax Office of Historic Resources Curator Susan Gray for "The Life of Kitty B. Pozer: World War I Ambulance Driver"
Explore nineteenth-century life in Fairfax with living history presentations, exhibits, and historic tours. Meet a scientist, a tavern keeper, and Civil War soldiers. See African-American food ways demonstration. Practice doing your own laundry and and play period games. Explore nineteenth-century life in Fairfax with living history presentations, exhibits, and historic tours. Enjoy period music and dance, family activities, tours of the Historic Blenheim House and its CIvil War Union soldier graffiti. Pony rides and wagon rides. Soldier drills and medicine. $5/Adults * $3/Youth 3-12 * Free/ 2 and under.
Free parking and Fairfax High School with free shuttle buses to site.
Saturday, May 18 --Historic Blenheim - 2 p.m.
"The Eleventh Corps at Chancellorsville: A Reappraisal"
A mired viewpoint held by Civil War buffs is of the Eleventh Army Corps at Chancellorsville throwing down their guns and running away during a surprise attack by Stonewall Jackson. The event colored the reputation of the corps, and especially its many soldiers of German ancestry, with the label of cowardice. Based on his newly published history of the Eleventh corps, Jim Pula will present a new interpretation that is quite different and as one reviewer said, "stands conventional wisdom on his head."
Book sales and signing will be offered after the presentation.
Saturday, June 22 --Historic Blenheim - 2 p.m.
Frank Stringfellow became famous or infamous--depending on which side you were on--as a noted confederate spy and Scout during the Civil War. However, his life took many unexpected twists and turns. Local historian Eric Buckland will follow him from being thought to be too small for the military to earning a reputation as "the most dangerous man in the Confederacy," through his post-war achievements.
Saturday, July 27 --Historic Blenheim - 2 p.m.
"Virginia Waterways and the Underground Railroad"
Enslaved Virginians sought freedom from the time they were first brought to the Jamestown Colony in 1619. Acts of self-emancipation were aided by Virginia's waterways, which became part of the network of the Underground Railroad in the years before the Civil War. Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander of Norfolk State University will discuss theses often successful attempts and the watermen willing to help escaped slaves.
Saturday, August 24 -- Historic Blenheim - 2 p.m.
"Col. Sharpe and the Creation of the Bureau of Military Information"
Lecturer Jim Anderson will tell the story of how the story of how Sharpe went about creating the Bureau of Military Intelligence and formulating professional intelligence practices. It also will assess the impact of the BMI on the military campaigns that led to the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Historic Blenheim, September 28, 2019 - 2 p.m.
"The Consummate Citizen-Soldier: Charles Russell Lowell, Jr."
Local historian Jim Lewis will talk about Charles Russell Lowell, Jr, who was born into a privileged family in Boston but took a different route by enlisting in the American CIvil War where he emerged as one of the Union cavalry's exceptional battlefield commanders. Learn of his army career, the love story with his eventual wife, Josephine Shaw and his time spent in nearby Vienna.
Historic Blenheim, October 26, 2019 - 2 p.m.
"The Nameless and Faceless of the Civil War." Author Lisa Samia will read from her collection of 28 poems and 28 essays on the historical representations of Civil War events and everyday soldiers through the narrative of poetry.
"Beneath the Paint: Civil War Graffiti Symposium" --Speakers and topics include: Kim O'Connell, the history of Civil War Graffiti; Conservator Chris Mills, the technical side of graffiti conservation; and Conservator Kirsten Travers Moffitt, graffiti investigation and conservation at Historic Blenheim. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Civil War Graffiti Trail.
New Virginians, a traveling exhibition from the Library of Virginia, December 16, 2019 – January 25, 2020.


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Lisbon & around
Porto & The North
Braganca
Things to do in Silves
The charming town on Silves, on the banks of the River Arade makes a good destination for those visitors to The Algarve who want to see something of the "real" Portugal and learn more about the area's turbulent past. With its narrow, cobbled streets and hilltop castle, the walled town centre has a distinct Medieval feel to it. It's easy to spend half a day here, enjoying the ambience in one of the bustling cafes on the climb up to the castle, from where you can take in some awe-inspiring views over the orange and lemon groves below.
Silves Archeology Museum
Silves's small Archaeological Museum contains an astonishingly well-preserved Moorish well, together with archaeological findings dating right back to prehistoric times.
Opened in 1990, the Municipal Museum of Archeology of Silves is built...
Silves Cathedral
Silves' Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Silves) was built in the 13th century on the site of the Moorish Grand Mosque, just beneath the castle. Although much of the building was destroyed by the...
Silves Castle
Situated overlooking the town below Silves Castle is considered the best preserved of the Moorish castle in Portugal
Slide & Splash is one of the Algarve's biggest and best water parks featuring a selection of water flumes, chutes, pools and aquatic fun that should appeal to all ages. Established in 1986 the park has grown to fill its sizeable site with fun...
Aqualand Algarve
Aqualand is one of Europe's largest outdoor water parks and features a range of chutes and slides suitable for all ages.
The park is home to several notable rides suitable for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. The "Kamikaze" is the...
Nossa Senhora da Conceição - Portimão
The Roman Catholic church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception) is Portimão's main parish church and still plays an active role in the heart of the local community.
The original...
Portimão Museum
Portimao's award-winning museum opened in 2008 and is a good place to come to learn more of what life would have been like for those who lived in the locality throughout the ages. The site was once a fish canning factory, and the main focus is...
Fort of Santa Catarina
The fort of Santa Catarina was built in 17th century on the site of a 15th century defensive structure and chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It was one of the various forts built around this time to protect the...
Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a genuine theme. Centered on an old iron ore mine the park provides an an entertaining view of the workings of the mine along with a range of fun activities in the surrounding park.
On the heritage...
Promoting conservation, environmental education and FUN! Zoomarine combines an important message with hands on shows and a huge water park.
Located just a few kilometers from Albufeira, here you can see presentations with the parks animals...
Palaces and Historic Houses
Theme Parks & Family
Silves travel guide »
Silves is an attractive town with a rich history built on the banks of the River Arade. The river was navigable in historical times and represented an important link between the hinterland and the coast. The town, which is...
Thing to do in Silves
Silves Accommodation
Silves Beaches
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The term 'CEPF' or 'us' or 'we' refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is CEPF, European Forestry House, Rue du Luxembourg 66, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. Our company registration number is BE0843537239. The term 'you' refers to the user or viewer of our website.


With only a thousand rhinos left in all of Kenya, preserving them is critical. The country has seen a loss of 100 rhinos over the last 3 years. But active strategies and a strong political will lend optimism to the plight of Kenya's rhinos.
"In order to combat wildlife crime, we have strengthened policies and legal frameworks, increased law enforcement capacity, and developed effective judicial systems," said Wakhungu.
In addition to the government's stance, the private sector is also stepping up efforts.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, has announced "a step forward in saving Kenya's rhino habitat". The Mutara Conservancy, along the northern border of OPC, will add 20,000 acres of grassland and essential habitat to not only rhinos, but lions, giraffes, and the endangered wild dogs among others.
"As the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa we are rapidly reaching our carrying capacity. Consequently, in support of national objectives, we will need to secure new habitat in future as our rhino populations expand. We hope that in time the Mutara Conservancy can be used to supply these requirements," said Richard Vigne, CEO of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Previously, in Sept, the internationally recognized Unesco World Heritage Site, Lewa Conservancy and neighboring Borana also announced a major merger between the two to benefit the black rhino population. Removing the fence separating the reserves creates 93,000 acres of jointly managed secure habitat.
On peut plus rire sur le theatre (Les Rhinoceros) de E. Ionesco! d'ailleurs il n'etais pas du tout "branche" question millieu!


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How to Improve FM Antenna Reception
Fix interference on FM radio
Here's how to improve FM radio reception at home if you're getting a lot of static or interference when you tune in to your favorite stations.
Causes of Poor FM Radio Reception
A few reasons can cause poor radio reception. The following factors play a role in how clearly the signal comes in:
Distance: You may be too far from a station transmitter to receive a good signal. If you're too close to a transmitter, the signal may overpower your radio.
Stationary obstacles: Radio signals can be affected by physical obstacles such as hills, buildings, and trees. Some home construction materials, such as stucco, concrete, aluminum siding, metal roofs, foil-lined ducts, and solar panels limit the effectiveness of indoor antennas. Since FM radio transmissions require line-of-sight reception, the curvature of the Earth can also block reception at very long distances.
Moving or intermittent obstacles: Interference from certain types of electrical equipment, cell towers, and airplanes can affect FM radio reception. Interference can also occur when station frequencies are too close together.
Multipath interference: If you live in a valley or an urban area with tall buildings, signals can bounce about and reach the antenna at different times, resulting in noise distortion.
Antenna type: If you have a directional antenna, it may not receive signals from multiple transmitter locations. On the other hand, if you have a multi-directional antenna, interference is more likely.
Shared antenna: If you have more than one radio connected to the same antenna via a splitter, the signal will lose strength.
FM tuner sensitivity: Sensitivity is how well a radio tuner can receive radio signals of varying strength.
Since FM radio frequencies are located between VHF TV channels 6 and 7, you can use either a dedicated FM antenna or a VHF TV antenna to receive FM radio signals.
How to Fix Poor FM Radio Reception
Try these steps to improve your radio reception:
Remove any obstacles you can. Make sure your antenna has as close to a line-of-sight view of the radio station transmitter as possible. Keep large objects out of the way to avoid blocking the signal.
Check and replace antenna connections. Make sure antenna and radio connections are secure. Check for brittleness and fraying. If you have an outdoor antenna, cables can get worn when exposed to the elements or chewed on by pets or wild animals.
Make sure the antenna connection terminals aren't rusted. If possible, check the entire length of the cable for breaks or cuts. If worn, replace with new cables, preferably 18AWG RG6 cables as they are durable and you won't have any bandwidth issues. Cable prices vary depending on brand and length, starting at just a few dollars for a three-or-six foot length.
Onkyo and RCA
Run a frequency scan. If you have a stereo or home theater receiver, run a new frequency or tuning scan. As the scan proceeds, it will stop at every station that it receives. This process allows you to mark your favorite stations via presets.
Switch from stereo to mono. FM Radio stations often transmit both mono and stereo signals. Although stereo signals sound better, they are weaker than mono signals. Depending on the station's transmission power and distance, you may be able to receive a stable mono signal, so switch your radio tuner to mono and see if that helps.
Move your antenna: If you have an indoor antenna, place it near a window as high as possible to avoid interference from materials used in wall construction. Keep in mind that the signal may be weakened if the length of the cable that goes from the antenna to the radio tuner is too long.
If you have an FM radio that doesn't provide an external antenna connection, place the radio near a window with an unobstructed view in the direction of the station transmitter.
Use a signal amplifier: You can place a signal amplifier (aka signal booster) between the antenna and your receiver or radio to boost the signal. Just connect the cable coming from the antenna to the input of the amplifier. and then connect the output to your radio or receivers' antenna input. You need to plug in the amplifier for it to work.
Photo from Amazon
Since FM signals occupy the frequency space between TV channels six and seven, you can use either a dedicated FM or a TV signal booster.
Use a distribution amplifier, or use a separate antenna for each radio: If you have more than one radio, you should have a separate antenna for each. A more practical solution, however, is to use a distribution amplifier. Connect the main feed from the antenna to the input on the amplifier, and then connect the outputs of the amplifier to your radios.
You can use a TV distribution amplifier for FM. In fact, you can use any combination of outputs for either TV or FM distribution.
Get a signal attenuator: If you are too close to a radio transmitter, an attenuator can be used to reduce the strength of the signal. The most common type is a small inline unit that goes between the antenna and your radio with a fixed amount of reduced gain (i.e. 3 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB). The hard part is figuring out how much gain reduction you need. An attenuator that has a continuous adjustment allows you to set the amount of gain that may be needed for different stations.
Attenuators are sometimes built into antennas and signal amplifiers. The same attenuators used for VHF TV reception can be used for FM reception.
Use a rotor: If you have an outdoor antenna and receive radio signals from several directions, you can add a rotor to re-position your antenna as needed. However, this solution is expensive, with prices for a complete kit ranging from about $100 to $200 or more.
Get a new antenna. Switching from an indoor to an outdoor antenna can greatly improve FM reception. If you have a directional antenna, try switching to an omnidirectional antenna, or vice versa. Directional antennas can pick up stations from farther away, but omnidirectional antennas work well for closer stations.
Antenna prices vary widely and can range from less than $10 for a basic indoor antenna to over one hundred dollars for a long-range outdoor model. Don't assume that the antenna range listed or advertised for your antenna is accurate. Ratings may be based on optimum conditions.
Consider Cable FM Service
Most cable services include FM radio stations as part of their channel offerings. If you are having problems using an FM antenna, you may be able to access radio stations from your cable box.
If available, there are two ways to set it up:
If your cable box is connected to your TV via HDMI, use the RF output to connect your box to your FM radio, stereo, or home theater receiver.
If your cable is connected to your TV via RF connection, split the RF cable coming out of your cable box, sending one feed to your TV the other to your radio, stereo, or home theater receiver.
More information about How to Improve FM Antenna Reception
Photo from AmazonSince FM signals occupy the frequency space between TV channels six and seven, you can use either a dedicated FM or a TV signal booster.
Channel MasterYou can use a TV distribution amplifier for FM. In fact, you can use any combination of outputs for either TV or FM distribution.
Photo from AmazonAttenuators are sometimes built into antennas and signal amplifiers. The same attenuators used for VHF TV reception can be used for FM reception.
#Improve #Antenna #Reception
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Pizza party: Emma is 5!
This adorable pizza party was thrown by my wonderful friend Sara for her daughter, Emma. To set the scene, Sara used the pizza party theme from my shop, including invitations, water labels, and printables. The party was so cute – I'm obsessed with the pizza cake and pizza cookies!
Sara hung a printable banner at the entrance to the pizza parlour.
Emma's personalized water bottle labels are from Chickabug.
Sara set out pizza sticker games from Oriental Trading to keep the kids busy as guests were arriving.
The kids took a tour to see the pizza oven!
Then they rolled out their pizza dough with mini rolling pins, which they later took home as favors.
These pizza cookies are the BEST! They're paired with printable favor tags from Chickabug.
where did you get the pizza cookies?
Sorry, I'm not sure where Sara got the cookies - it must have been a local bakery.


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Stargun Music - 1st Anniversary Celebration and Heavy Planet Interview
Two guys with the same love for great rock music we all share have found a way to make rock and roll their vocation, which in turn makes this great music the focal point of their lives due to the establishment and success of their rock music label Stargun Music. Determination, vision, imagination, tenacity, and passion . . . especially passion . . . all played a role in Ross Diamond and Jeremy Lawson enjoying a successful start to Stargun Music where the first year has seen new band signings, new album releases, and recognition as a quality source for quality heavy rock n' roll. Ross and Jeremy take us through their humble beginnings in the followed interview conducted by Nuclear Dog.
The awesome dudes from Stargun Music, Jeremy and Ross, have prize giveaways for some of you who are celebrating with us at Heavy Planet. Immediately following the interview is a set of trivia questions in which you have a chance to win a signed vinyl copy of "All Too Human", advanced releases of SADA's debut on the Stargun Music label, copies of Denizen, or copies of "Sonic Titans". Be the first to correctly answer the trivia questions proffered at the interview's conclusion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heavy Planet:
Can you take us through the beginning of the label?
- Who was involved in the startup?
- What was it that made you want to start your own label?
- What did it take to get going with the label?
- Who was/were the first band(s) signed?
Originally Stargun Music was put together to be a rock band community sharing and review site where bands would upload their music and listen to others music, rating songs, and leaving reviews in exchange for having their own music listened to and reviewed. The website never even launched, it was riddled with bugs and it had totally exhausted our budget and enthusiasm, so we buried it. A couple of weeks or maybe a few months later, Ross had the idea of launching a label instead.
It had always been a pipe dream of mine, and after we knocked the original website on the head, I threw it out there as a suggestion and we were both like, okay this could be do-able! I had done a bit of writing for some magazines and blogs and found it hard work, to be honest, so I have total respect for what you guys at Heavy Planet do. We're both creative guys but wanted to be directly involved in working/collaborating with bands.
I suppose the reason for wanting to do any of it was just because we love rock music and thought it would be fun to be involved with loads of bands making records.
The next thing was, without anything to back us up, how do we get bands interested in working with us? That's when I thought a compilation would be a good idea for our first record. It would show people the type of music we are into and would be a reasonably quick way to get our first album under our belt.
That compilation album, "Sonic Titans", was a stellar effort, to be sure. I know it introduced me to several new bands from the UK such as Trippy Wicked, Steak, and, of course, Enos. All of them, as well as "Sonic Titans", have been reviewed on the Heavy Planet site. (Sonic Titans review)
After you got underway, what was the plan for moving forward?
The plan was that people would take us seriously after the release of "SONIC TITANS", and that we would come across as a label that bands would want to work with. The plan worked! Shortly after the compilation got released ENOS, who featured on the album, got in touch to say they were ready to start recording their next album and would we want to get involved! Hells yes we did! Absolute no-brainer, we love ENOS and the album they produced, "ALL TOO HUMAN" really is stunning. It blew all expectations we had out the water! Then DENIZEN got in touch and before you know it we were naturally moving forward.
I didn't think too much about a plan or strategy from day one. I just knew I wanted to put out this album idea Ross had thought of and that was enough work to be getting on with. I've been involved in so many creative projects and business projects, I know that sometimes too much planning and strategy can get in the way of just getting on with it.
Who are the current acts on the label?
Well I consider all the great bands from Sonic Titans as Stargun collaborators and on the label in a sense, but officially signed to the label are ENOS, French punk rockers DENIZEN, heavy rockers SADA and most recently MOTHER CORONA.
That is a fantastic starting point for your label as each one of those bands are quality rockers. Well done.
"Sonic Titans" was going to be my next line of inquiry in fact, so, despite the subject already having been broached I will ask my questions anyway, in case there is more to learn about that crucuial point in time when you were working hard to establish your product.
When I first listened to "Sonic Titans" I thought all the bands on the compilation were Stargun bands outright. It wasn't until much later I learned differently.
- How were you able to get all those terrific bands to contribute to your compilation?
- How would you rate the compilation album in terms of helping the label out in the first year of operation?
Like I said in a previous question, it helped us massively in getting people and bands to take notice of us so it 100% worked in that sense. Also it was a great way of learning the ins and outs of producing a record without having one sole band's artistry at stake, so for our first project it took a bit pressure off for that reason. As for the bands that actually feature on the compilation, they are all bands we really dig in the scene at the moment. It was important that they were hard working bands who do a lot for themselves. It was hard to choose the final 12 as there were quite a few bands we wanted to include but we didn't want to make the album too long. All the bands were really into it as its another platform for promotion for them. We are still hugely grateful to all those bands getting involved.
You've recently announced the signing of a new band, SADA. What can you tell us about them?
Soooooo excited about this album!! These guys were making waves about 7 years ago!! They shared a stage with ORANGE GOBLIN and OBIAT and many other cool bands. KERRANG called them the "future kings of stoner metal!" But they called it a day before ever releasing a full length record. I got in touch with them about the possibility of releasing their material, because I thought these guys were truly awesome. I never really expected to hear anything, but we did and they were very much interested and now boom! the album should be out in June. SADA are officially back together and have already started gigging again! We saw them live the other week, and they are, without a doubt, balls-out heavy stoner rock!
In simple terms I would say I am a huge Clutch and Five Horse Johnson fan, and I think other fans of those bands will be absolutely blown away by SADA.
Right on! Exactly what Jeremy said. I think fans of Halfway To Gone, The Atomic Bitchwax and even proper metal-heads are going to dig SADA.
Wow! That kind of excitement certainly has me anticipating the release of SADA's first full length album, under the Stargun Music label to boot!
Any more signings on their way that you can mention?
Well I just mentioned MOTHER CORONA, they're our most recent signing. We saw them live in our home town and I can honestly say they were one of the most exciting live bands we've seen! Dave Oglesby, the drummer and vocalist, had so much energy on stage we knew straight away we wanted to work with these boys. Their self released first album "Cosmic Dust" was very well received and is a great record so I have no doubt that the new one will be even more awesome. I believe they're hitting the studio in May this year so it won't be out until later this year.
That will be two major releases in 2013, following closely on the heels of your first band release last December of Enos' "All Too Human". It appears as if the momentum created by "Sonic Titans" has strongly carried through this first year of operation with what will end up being the release of three very strong albums.
What are your expectations for year two? Will it be more difficult than the first year, or do you feel the momentum you have will continue?
I think it will be both easier because we have this great momentum, but also harder because "All Too Human" by Enos was so well received the bar has been set quite high.
How far ahead have you been able to look and to plan for Stargun Music?
Being independent and completely self-financed, the budget is incredibly tight so we can literally only plan one project at a time to be perfectly honest. We do have a small hit-list of bands we would like to work with and if we can, at the very least, release say 3 records a year that would be pretty awesome!
What kind of stuff are you guys working on other than simply signing bands? I notice on your Facebook page a DVD for Enos. Stuff like that.
Well, full credit to Enos, they organised the shoot for the DVD themselves. We have pencilled in a few projects including video shoots, but I've felt that due to time constraints it should always be our priority to focus on the albums.
I really want to do a Stargun Music Showcase, which would get all the bands together for a show, and for that to become an annual thing. Like Jeremy said, definitely want to do some music videos as well.
It appears to me that you focus on communicating with the world via Facebook and possibly Twitter as opposed to through your website. Is that fair to say? Or am I reading too much into it?
That is spot on. Due to having limited time and full schedules we keep posting short but current updates to Facebook and probably update the website every 4-6 weeks. I do use Twitter reluctantly but that said it has led to some cool introductions to guys like Joe's Pedals (custom guitar pedal maker) and a few others.
You guys work closely with artist extraordinaire, Alex von Wieding. How did that relationship form?
Alex has done the artwork for some of my favourite albums. He was quite literally the first name I mentioned for SONIC TITANS. We genuinely thought it would be a long shot but we emailed and he was really enthusiastic! It helped that he was really into a lot of the bands that featured on SONIC TITANS. Alex has been a massive support for us. He doesn't just do the artwork, he gets fully submerged into the whole project.
Are there any other album artists you work with or plan to work with?
Artwork decisions are made with the bands so they might lead us in another direction at some point. The thing is, Alex basically has god-like illustrative power and he's a really decent guy, so I'd always be happy to work with him.
Jeremy, Ross, thank you very much for your time and your thoughtful and enlightening answers. Your enthusiasm and hard work not only pay off in terms of your company, the newly awesome label Stargun Music,
Ross Diamond, Jeremy Lawson
STARGUN MUSIC - SWAG EMPORIUM
As previously mentioned the prizes listed below are available to the select few who correctly, and quickly, answer the stupefying trivia questions we've conjured up to stump our awesome fans of fuzz. Be the first, or in some cases, among the first to send correct responses to the following email address:
gunnerkee19@gmail.com
Be sure to include your name and postal mailing address in the email. Failure to do so regardless of correctness or timeliness of response will result in no swag.
Prize #1 - Signed copy of "All Too Human", with autographs from the members of Enos. 1 prize available to the first correct answer.
Trivia Question:
1. What is the basis, or storyline, for Enos' "All Too Human"?
Prize #2 - Advanced CD copy of "All Hail the Beef Lords" by SADA. Three copies available to the first three correct answers.
2. How long has Stargun Music's mission statement of 'dedicated to the preservation of heavy rock n' roll' been in effect?
Prize #3 - CD copy of Denizen's "Whispering Wild Stories". Five copies available to the first five correct answers.
3. Who was the first band signed to the Stargun Music label?
Prize #4 - CD copy of the compilation album "Sonic Titans". Five copies available to the first five correct answers.
4. Who is the latest band to sign with Stargun Music?
Again, send correct answers and your postal mailing address to gunnerkee19@gmail.com. Prizes will be dispatched in as timely a manner as is feasible.
Stay tuned tomorrow to HeavyPlanet.net as we continue the celebration of Stargun Music's first anniversary with another interview and trivia question / prize package. The second interview will be with the incredible rock n' roll artist Alex von Wieding.
In the meantime, enjoy the music from Stargun Music's awesome compilation album "Sonic Titans"
"SONIC TITANS"
Sonic Titans by Various Artists
facebook || bandcamp || twitter || website
Posted by Nuclear_Dog at 4:20:00 AM
Labels: blues rock, Denizen, doom, enos, fuzz, grunge, guitar, heavy rock, Mother Corona, new label, record label, retro rock, SADA, Sonic Titans, Stargun Music, stoner
Zac April 30, 2013 at 11:24 AM
Awesome guys, excellent label and a great interview! Well done Nuclear Dog!
Music Evolved Collection May 1, 2013 at 10:08 AM
I had no idea. Thanks for sharing. This is excellent.


text:
Home » Business » Russia to pilot digital ruble prototype in 2021
Russia to pilot digital ruble prototype in 2021
Business 17 March 2021
Russia's central bank intends on launching a digital ruble prototype this year, its deputy chairman has recently revealed. The bank announced its central bank digital currency plans in 2020, causing rifts within the banking sector. It now intends to launch the prototype as development continues into the next year.
Alexey Zabotkin, the deputy chairman of the Bank of Russia, confirmed the news at an event recently hosted by the Russian Economic School. He said the bank wants to give the citizens an opportunity to test the digital ruble, even though it won't support real-time transactions initially.
"Next year, based on that prototype and any additional developments needed, we will start testing it," the regulator stated, as local news outlet Prime reports. He added, "But it won't allow us to process real transactions yet."
The bank first announced its digital ruble venture in mid-October of 2020. "A digital ruble can make payments faster, simpler and safer," it stated on its consultation paper. It further cited the reduction of costs and promotion of competition among financial institutions as other advantages of the CBDC.
The proposed digital ruble has caused a rift between the commercial banks and the industry regulator. The banks have expressed concern that the CBDC would put them in direct competition with the central bank. They also pointed to the centralized nature of the CBDC as a potential risk for users in the long term.
However, as the deputy governor revealed in additional comments to CoinDesk, the digital ruble has received overwhelming support, noting that 83% of the respondents they polled fully support the digital currency.
Zabotkin added that the central bank will monitor the CBDC's progress before deciding on the next course of actions.
"We're keeping on with the plan we earlier revealed. At this point, we're in the process of developing the design of the digital ruble, which will be public and discussed with the market participants. The decision on the launch will be made next year based on testing results."
For the Russian banking industry, the digital ruble is bad news. According to Anatoly Popov, the deputy chair at Sberbank, the CBDC "would juxtapose banks and the Bank of Russia, and instead of the further development we'll have a competition."
Sberbank, the largest bank in Russia, has already started exploring alternatives. As it revealed in December, it's exploring its own token and a digital assets trading platform. Such a token would, however, be illegal under the current Russian laws. The country doesn't recognize any digital token, including Bitcoin, as legal tender.
To learn more about central bank digital currencies and some of the design decisions that need to be considered when creating and launching it, read nChain's CBDC playbook.
See also: CoinGeek Live panel, The Future of Banking, Financial Products & Blockchain
https://youtu.be/er4nBgCzdeA
Video can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The Future of Banking, Financial Products & Blockchain | CGLive (https://youtu.be/er4nBgCzdeA)
Bank of Russia
digital ruble


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FullSpeed Automotive® Elevates Ron Stilwell to President of Franchising Amid 31% Unit Count Growth in 2022
Grease Monkey Franchising, LLC
Greenwood Village, CO – FullSpeed Automotive, one of the nation's largest franchisors and operators of automotive aftermarket repair facilities, home to flagship brands Grease Monkey®, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service®, and Kwik Kar, announces the appointment of Ron Stilwell as President of Franchising.
Previously serving as Chief Development Officer for FullSpeed Automotive, Stilwell has played a significant role helping grow unit count by 31% in 2022 to-date. This is credited to a strong franchise development strategy, strategic mergers and acquisitions, and by implementing proven systems that will continue to lead to exponential growth as FullSpeed aims to achieve its growth goal of 1,000 units by the end of 2023.
As President of Franchising, Stilwell will oversee all aspects of FullSpeed Automotive's franchise side of the business, including the entire operations department, development, training, purchasing, and licensing for Kwik Kar, and more.
"My goals are to work closely with our franchise community to understand their challenges and opportunities to help meet their success goals," said Stilwell. "As I step into this role, I look forward to working on more state-of-the-art technology enhancements that will help reduce labor and make operations more efficient – all with the guest experience in mind. By doing so, we'll maximize unit-level profitability and create opportunity for franchisees to confidently grow the number of units in their portfolio."
This news comes on the heels of the recent appointment of Rob Lynch as CEO earlier this year. Lynch has brought a fresh, revitalizing approach to the business, and implemented several enhancements to the executive team, including elevating Stilwell to President of Franchising. With 35 years of franchise industry experience, Stilwell brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to FullSpeed's next era of growth.
"FullSpeed Automotive is building a team of best-in-class leaders to elevate and fuel growth," said Lynch. "The future is bright as we build on the strength of our flagship brands and expand our presence through strategic franchise partnerships and industry acquisitions. This is an exciting chapter in our organization's growth story, and with Stilwell leading the charge, I'm confident in the direction we're headed."
In 2022, FullSpeed bands have grown from 703 units to over 900 company, franchised, and licensed units. FullSpeed also recently unveiled its highly anticipated new store models. The 'Store of the Future' models will use all-new technology, hone in on the customer-experience, and create an environment the industry has not yet seen before
FullSpeed Automotive is looking to bring on qualified and engaged individuals seeking single, multi-unit, and conversion opportunities. When franchisees invest with FullSpeed Automotive brands, they're investing in an organization with a strong culture, solid systems, and proven business models backed with 70+ years of experience in providing quality car care in the industry. FullSpeed Automotive's acquisition strategy has also played a key role in nationwide expansion and remains a strong business focal point for growth.
For more information, visit fullspeedautomotive.com or call 800-364-0352.
About FullSpeed Automotive®
FullSpeed Automotive® is among the nation's largest franchisors and operators of automotive aftermarket repair facilities and home to flagship brands Grease Monkey®, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service®, and Kwik Kar. FullSpeed Brands offers oil changes, tire sales and rotations, brake services, car washes, and other ancillary services through multiple brand formats that target several desirable segments of the service market. The company's strategic geographic footprint of 900 -plus franchised and company-owned locations provide density in high growth markets. In 2022, both Grease Monkey and SpeeDee were included in Entrepreneur's prestigious Franchise 500 ranking. FullSpeed is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. For more information, go to www.fullspeedautomotive.com.
About Grease Monkey®
Founded in 1978 and part the FullSpeed Automotive® family of brands, Grease Monkey has over 40 years of expertise in oil changes and automotive maintenance. There are over 490 Grease Monkey auto centers in the United States and international locations in Mexico, South America, China, and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Grease Monkey was named to Entrepreneur's Fastest-Growing Franchises list as well as included in the prestigious Franchise 500 ranking for the sixth consecutive year. Grease Monkey is also proud to have received the VetFran 5‐Star rating demonstrating its extraordinary commitment to "provide access and opportunities in franchising to our Nation's Veterans and their Spouses." For more information, go to www.greasemonkeyfranchise.com.
About SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service
Founded in 1980, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service is a franchise-based full-service automotive care company headquartered in Greenwood Village, CO. SpeeDee is a subsidiary of FullSpeed Automotive®. There are over 200 SpeeDee auto centers located throughout the United States and Mexico. In 2022, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service was included in Entrepreneur's prestigious Franchise 500 ranking for the fourth consecutive year. SpeeDee is also proud to have received the VetFran 5‐Star rating demonstrating its extraordinary commitment to "provide access and opportunities in franchising to our Nation's Veterans and their Spouses." For more information, visit www.speedeeoilfranchise.com.


Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
I had two VIP tickets to For King & Country last night, but I couldn't find anyone to go with me. All plans with family and friends fell through, right up until the time I arrived at the venue.
This was perfectly fine because I actually go to a lot of concerts and conferences by myself. Sometimes, it's like I'm on a date with the Lord, there to have a special time of instruction or worship – just for me.
One of my best friends, Pam, was at the concert with her daughter, Lauren, who happens to be one of my daughter's best friends (we had tried to plan it all together).
Lauren was in a Bible study with me for about seven years and was often at my house through middle and high school with my oldest daughter, Morgan.
Now, they are sophomores in different colleges, and I feel like I haven't seen her since they graduated high school.
Pam insisted that Lauren come and sit with me on the second row for much of the concert because Lauren loves For King & Country!
The ironic thing is, I've always loved her like my own daughter and didn't realize how much I had deeply missed her until we were standing together, worshipping the Lord, laughing and taking selfies.
It was an a-mazing concert. We had a blast!
In true Keysha fashion, all of this has little to do with my story title, except to make the point that none of us knew the opening act to For King & Country.
I recently learned that I have some temporary, decreased hearing loss in both ears, so I like to watch TV with closed captioning, and I like song lyrics on the screen at church.
When I'm hearing a new song for the first time, I don't always understand all of the words, but I did on most of this one, Stand in Your Love.
This blog was born from a time when I was not able to stand physically or spiritually.
But, now I know that I can Stand in Your Love.
There are certain words and phrases in songs and scripture that will always catch my attention – especially when they relate to my personal testimony.
I took notice when I also heard the word, "fear" (see related posts below).
After looking up the lyrics, the first three lines perfectly fit with my story, and so does the rest!
When I stand in Your love!
Oh, I won't be shaken, no, I won't be shaken!
There's power in Your name, power in Your name!
Whether it be from anxiety, depression, identity crisis, or a number of other conditions…one of the root causes is always that we fear something.
However, there is no fear in love! Not God's love – real love – not like the kind the world tries to sell you!
Does the Bible not say, "Do not fear," over 300 times?
People, we are not living like David the shepherd boy who went before Goliath with some stones and a sling.
He KNEW who his God was!
He KNEW he could stand in His power!
He KNEW his God loved Israel.
He KNEW that giant would crumble under the great I AM.
You cannot live with one foot in the world and one in heaven.
That's a house divided. You will not stand that way very long.
Are we standing with God, or are we lingering with the world?
Stand completely and firmly in His Love.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.
Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Exodus 14:13 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.


text:
Chanel Ditches Exotic Animal Skins From Their Collections
If 2018 can be commended for something, it's the rise of cruelty-free fashions. Labels like Coach, Versace, Gucci, Tom Ford, Jean Paul-Gaultier, John Galliano, the whole of London Fashion Week, have promised to go fur free. And, just now, Chanel has taken it up a notch by discontinuing the use of exotic animal skins in their future products.
On the banned list are crocodile, lizard, snake and stingray as well as furs — which Chanel's president Bruno Pavlovsky says the house already uses very little of.
According to WWD, Pavlovsky pinned this decision on the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult to source skins that meet the house's quality and ethical standards, so instead it will focus its research and development on textiles and leathers generated by "agri-food" industries.
"We did it because it's in the air, but it's not an air people imposed to us. It's a free choice," Pavlovsky said. A good choice.
Image: @chanelofficial


Lian Peng Bak Kut Teh Restaurant boasts the traditional Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh– clear, peppery soup with fresh pork ribs – as well as other side dishes. Also try the Braised Duck & Braised Pork Trotters. Each braised dish is slow-cooked with a secret blend of herbs and spices for the most flavourful, tender meat.


On Christmas Eve, the Paranoid Android team took the wraps off their very first release of its AOSPA4+ ROM, which of course features Android 4.4 KitKat onboard.
The ROM itself seems to work very well, but keep in mind that this is an early release and therefore is missing quite a few PA features such as Halo, Pie and the Hybrid engine. Of course we can expect these features to be added back into the mix in future ROM releases.
As for device support, the ROM will work with the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012/2013) and the Nexus 10. The PA team plans to release a build for the Oppo N1 in the near future as well.
For more details on the latest PA ROM, you'll want to head here. To download the ROM for yourself, be sure to head to their official download portal.
Has anyone tried this build yet, if so – what do you think so far?


text:
package com.harreke.easyapp.easynetwork.okhttp;

import android.content.Context;
import android.os.Handler;
import android.os.Message;
import android.support.annotation.NonNull;

import com.harreke.easyapp.network.IRequestCallback;
import com.harreke.easyapp.network.RequestBuilder;
import com.harreke.easyapp.network.executor.BinaryExecutor;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.Map;

import okhttp3.Call;
import okhttp3.Callback;
import okhttp3.FormBody;
import okhttp3.Headers;
import okhttp3.RequestBody;
import okhttp3.Response;

/**
 由huoqisheng于2016/7/4创建
 */
public class OkHttpBinaryExecutor extends BinaryExecutor {
    private static final int FAILURE = -1;
    private static final int SUCCESS = 0;
    private Call mCall;
    private Handler mHandler = new Handler(new Handler.Callback() {
        @Override
        public boolean handleMessage(Message message) {
            IRequestCallback<byte[]> requestCallback = getRequestCallback();
            if (requestCallback == null) {
                destroy();
                return false;
            }
            if (message.what == SUCCESS) {
                requestCallback.onSuccess((byte[]) message.obj);
            } else {
                requestCallback.onFailure();
            }
            destroy();
            return true;
        }
    });
    private Callback mCallback = new Callback() {
        @Override
        public void onFailure(Call call, IOException e) {
            Message message = mHandler.obtainMessage();
            message.what = FAILURE;
            message.sendToTarget();
        }

        @Override
        public void onResponse(Call call, Response response) throws IOException {
            Message message = mHandler.obtainMessage();
            message.what = SUCCESS;
            message.obj = response.body().bytes();
            message.sendToTarget();
            response.body().close();
        }
    };

    @Override
    public void cancel() {
        if (mCall != null) {
            mCall.cancel();
            mCall = null;
        }
    }

    @Override
    public void execute(@NonNull Context context) {
        cancel();
        RequestBuilder requestBuilder = getRequestBuilder();
        if (requestBuilder == null) {
            return;
        }
        String requestUrl = requestBuilder.getUrl();
        if (requestUrl == null) {
            return;
        }
        Headers headers = getHeaders(requestBuilder);
        RequestBody requestBody = getRequestBody(requestBuilder);
        mCall = OkHttpClientHelper.getInstance().call(requestUrl, headers, requestBody);
        mCall.enqueue(mCallback);
    }

    private Headers getHeaders(RequestBuilder requestBuilder) {
        if (!requestBuilder.hasHeader()) {
            return null;
        }
        Headers.Builder builder = new Headers.Builder();
        Map<String, String> headerMap = requestBuilder.getHeader();
        for (Map.Entry<String, String> header : headerMap.entrySet()) {
            builder.add(header.getKey(), header.getValue());
        }
        return builder.build();
    }

    private RequestBody getRequestBody(RequestBuilder requestBuilder) {
        FormBody.Builder builder = new FormBody.Builder();
        Map<String, String> bodyMap = requestBuilder.getBody();
        for (Map.Entry<String, String> body : bodyMap.entrySet()) {
            builder.add(body.getKey(), body.getValue());
        }
        return builder.build();
    }

    @Override
    public boolean isExecuting() {
        return mCall != null && !mCall.isCanceled();
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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