text:
Identifying information, Matching information, Reading, Yes No Not Given
THE WORLD IS OUR OYSTER | IELTS Academic Reading Sample Question
Identifying information
THE WORLD IS OUR OYSTER
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-11 which are based on Reading Passage below.
A. Independent travel is on the increase and while package holidays which offer an all-inclusive price for transport, accommodation and often even food are financially attractive to many, according to tourism analyst Thomas Cooper, an increasing number of people now prefer a less-tailored holiday and the freedom to make spur of the moment decisions and changes to their intended plan.
B. Internet-based information sites about backpacking destinations are prolific and publications aimed at independent travellers on a budget exist for almost every destination imaginable. Some people, particularly first-time backpackers, may elect to travel with a friend or acquaintance; however, a large percentage of backpackers travel alone, assured by the knowledge that they are likely to meet, with ease, a number of like-minded individuals throughout their journey and staying in their backpacker accommodation. Alan Park, who has travelled extensively through Europe, Australasia and several other parts of the globe, says most accommodation establishments aimed at the backpacker market are designed with communal kitchens, dormitories and entertainment areas which lend themselves to allowing residents to socialize with ease and quickly breakdown barriers with strangers that may usually exist in day to day life.
C. Many backpackers of European origin are attracted to the Southern Hemisphere, Australia being a major destination of choice. Cooper attributes this high level of interest to the possibilities of legal working holiday visas for many nationalities and consequent short-term work opportunities making extended travel financially feasible, in addition to the attractive climate and outback appeal. Australia also has the reputation of being a relatively safe destination, with a warm and jovial population and its size and contrast between locations is alluring to many. University student Rebecca Thompson, who has just returned from a twelve month overseas trip, says that the cosmopolitan and modern nature of Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne contrasted with the rugged outback appeal of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, or the marine paradise of the Great Barrier Reef offer sufficient variation to attract a wide base of visitors. Sydney based travel consultant Brad Connor advises that it is also possible to obtain bargain deals on internal flights within this massive island when purchasing an international ticket, highly recommended, he says, for those who do not have the luxury of a long length of time, in order to ensure that key spots can be visited.
D. Equal in popularity to Australia, for the backpacking market is South East Asia and Rebecca Thompson says that, in her experience, the majority of travellers on extended trips to Australasia also include a visit to one or more South East Asia destinations in their itinerary. Thailand, in particular, has a long tourism history and well-established service industry. It is often considered one of the more accessible Asian destinations for the novice European backpacker due to its reasonable prices, large volume of Western visitors and well established backpacker trails. Brian Johnson, who is currently employed by the British Consulate in Bangkok, believes that the welcoming nature and level of English spoken by Thais involved in the tourism industry has also impacted positively on the destination's overseas image. Thai food is delicious and now fairly familiar to those outside the country and while precautions such as drinking bottled water and washing of fruit and vegetables should be practiced, generally standards of accommodation and restaurants are high. Thomas Cooper says Thailand's attractions are wide ranging, encompassing idyllic beaches, an insight into Buddhist culture and impressive ancient temples, mountain trekking, a vibrant nightlife and for bargain hunters bustling night markets and bazaars.
E. South East Asia neighbour, Vietnam, alongside its rapidly developing economy has also over recent years established a solid tourism industry, the majority of visitors entering and exiting by plane via its urban centres Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) in the south and Hanoi in the north. Vietnam offers incredible vistas and contrasts of rugged mountain areas, lush green rice paddies, crystal clear waters and dense forest areas. Alan Park, who spent a month travelling independently around the country, says bus and rail networks allow visitors to travel from centre to centre relatively inexpensively, though he does not recommend these forms of transport to visitors on a short time-frame as the pace is unhurried.
F. The list of potentially safe and enjoyable backpacking destinations is endless. Technology and transport developments over recent time have resulted in more areas of the world becoming increasingly accessible, it is now possible to keep in regular contact with friends and family back home via email or even mobile phone, providing added reassurance to those concerned about travelling and their worried parents. Brian Johnson says friends, family and acquaintances who have previously travelled to the destination of choice are a useful source of first-hand advice and information and Simon Hartwell of the Backpackers Association adds travellers are advised to ensure that they are aware of visa requirements for their destination and are urged to seek medical advice regarding any necessary vaccinations or medical precautions. It is always wise to be as well informed as possible prior to embarking on a trip.
G. The youth of today are undoubtedly becoming more adventurous, which Hartwell ascribes to higher disposable income in the developed world than were available to previous generations and also the fact that we can more easily familiarise ourselves with the unknown via the internet and other communication methods. Many travellers, particularly experienced backpackers, are keen to experience more obscure destinations well off the well-trodden backpacker trail.
Match each statement with the correct person.
Write the correct answer A-D in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.
1) Opportunities to fund expenses through casual work increase the volume of visitors to a particular destination.
2) Attitude to the tourism industry of the local people has had a positive impact on visitor numbers.
3) Diverse attractions mean a destination is able to appeal to a wider range of people.
4) Motivations for different approaches to travel by different generations.
A. Simon Hartwell
B. Brian Johnson
C. Thomas Cooper
D. Rebecca Thompson
Do the following statements agree with the views given in Reading Passage?
In boxes 5 – 8 on your answer sheet write
YES if the statement agrees with the views given
NO if the statement contradicts the views given
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say
5) Interaction with others is generally more difficult when travelling alone than in normal life situations.
6) Travelling by plane to other domestic destinations in Australia is cheaper than other forms of transport.
7) Train travel in Vietnam can be too time-consuming for short visits.
8) Experienced backpackers rarely travel to destinations such as Australia.
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
9) Vietnam – tourism industry growing as is its __________________.
10) Thailand – certain _______________ are advisable – e.g. wash fruit.
11) Australia – Great Barrier Reef can be described as a _________________.
Paragraph C: 'Cooper attributes this high level of interest to the possibilities of legal working holiday visas for many nationalities and consequent short-term work opportunities making extended travel financially feasible'
Paragraph D: 'Brian Johnson, who is currently employed by the British Consulate in Bangkok, believes that the welcoming nature and level of English spoken by Thais involved in the tourism industry has also impacted positively on the destination's overseas image՛
Paragraph C: 'Rebecca Thompson, who has just returned from a twelve-month overseas trip, says that the cosmopolitan and modern nature of Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne contrasted with the rugged outback appeal of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, or the marine paradise of the Great Barrier Reef offer sufficient variation to attract a wide base of visitors.'
Paragraph G: The youth of today are undoubtedly becoming more adventurous, which Hartwell ascribes to higher disposable income in the developed world than were available to previous generations and also the fact that we can more easily familiarise ourselves with the unknown via the internet and other communication methods'
Paragraph B: 'Alan Park, who has travelled extensively through Europe, Australasia and several other parts of the globe, says most accommodation establishments aimed at the backpacker market are designed with communal kitchens, dormitories and entertainment areas which lend themselves to allowing residents to socialize with ease and quickly breakdown barriers with strangers that may usually exist in day to day life.'
Paragraph C: 'Brad Connor advises that it is also possible to obtain bargain deals on internal flights within this massive island when purchasing an international ticket, highly recommended' NO MENTION IS MADE OF WHETHER IT IS CHEAPER THAN ANY OTHER FORM OF TRANSPORT
Paragraph E: '…bus and rail networks allow visitors to travel from centre to centre relatively inexpensively, though he does not recommend these forms of transport to visitors on a short time-frame as the pace is unhurried'
Paragraph G: 'Many travellers, particularly experienced backpackers, are keen to experience more obscure destinations well off the well-trodden backpacker trail.' DOES NOT ACTUALLY SAY THAT THEY DO NOT CO TO AUSTRALIA
9) economy
Paragraph E: Vietnam, alongside its rapidly developing economy has also over recent years established a solid tourism industry'
10) precautions
Paragraph D: '…precautions such as drinking bottled water and washing of fruit and vegetables should be practiced
11) marine paradise
Paragraph C: '…cosmopolitan and modern nature of Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne contrasted with the rugged outback appeal of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, or the marine paradise of the Great Barrier Reef'
Want to Download THE WORLD IS OUR OYSTER? | IELTS Academic Reading Sample Question with answers pdf
Download: THE WORLD IS OUR OYSTER IELTS Question with answers pdf
FUELING THE FUTURE | IELTS Academic Reading Sample Question
GENEALOGY | IELTS Academic Reading Sample Question


The year is 1995. Your client, one of the very first business reviews websites, has just announced a product update via Business Wire. Your team pitches out the news, and the client wants to know if your agency secured any coverage. Google and Yahoo! search don't exist yet, so you grab scissors and tape and begin cutting out individual articles from a pile of newspapers. Two hours in, and you haven't even started photocopying the clips. You certainly haven't tackled the fundamental question: how successful were our PR efforts?
The public relations industry has come a long way since Blanc & Otus began working with tech companies in 1985. Tasks that once required an afternoon and more than a little patience can now be done in minutes. Technology platforms that outsource social media monitoring, coverage tracking and report generation have cut down tedious time investments by a sizable margin. Yet upon closer examination, it is clear that modern public relations agencies, even those serving cutting-edge tech clients, have not properly equipped themselves with the information technology of tomorrow: big data, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence.
Collecting real-time information on our client and audience is easier than ever. Low-cost social media tracking tools like Twitter Archiver export refreshingly candid opinions directly from target customers and key influencers. Communications professionals should also take note how Facebook and Google obsessively track user behavior on their platforms. Understanding how long users spend on a client's site, what pages they visit and what keywords and campaigns attract reader attention, can add untold value to PR strategy. Coordinating data collection with a client's internal sales and marketing teams promises not only richer datasets, but also more precise success metrics and goal setting across silos.
Analytics is a fancy term that simply means applying statistics to data; all that gathered information isn't useful unless you can carve insights from it. Analytics can be invaluable to communication companies, supporting targeted messaging, realistic tracking and campaign goals, and accurate reporting. With the right data set and an applied understanding of statistical analysis, agency insights need only be limited by the creativity of our questions – a long way from scissors and tape.
From catching fraudsters in banking to automating claims processing in insurance, artificial intelligence is disrupting industries at every turn. Why not PR? While communications writ large lacks the same quality and quantity of data found in other industries, coordinated efforts to collect and anatomize data across clients can support increasingly sophisticated AI algorithms for better predictive modeling.
Whether AI will outsource and eventually automate public relations jobs or improve job performance comes down to agency capacity to leverage existing data and carve out a corner of the growing value chain.
The agency that invests in data coordination, analytical capacity and artificial intelligence today will be best positioned to capitalize on the tech breakthroughs of tomorrow. In today's marketplace, standing still is not an option.


text:
Q: Swift UITextField: Create a dynamically decrease UITextField Frame in autolayout I am using Custom Cell in UITableView. And the basic model of the cell is as follows.

I would like to have the dashed line dynamically deformed according to the size of the Menu Name box in this cell. So I wrote the following code:
menuField.frame.size.width = getWidth(text: menuField.text!)
            menuField.layoutIfNeeded()
            dotLine.layoutIfNeeded()

func getWidth(text: String) -> CGFloat {
        let txtField = UITextField(frame: .zero)
        txtField.text = text
        txtField.sizeToFit()
        return txtField.frame.size.width
    }

This worked very well. Only increase if only! If the Menu Name Frame is reduced below the currently set size, the size remains unchanged.

As you can see from the image above, I need to make not only the size of the dotted line increase but also the shrinkage. I do not know what my problem is. Please help me!

A: You don't need any of code you wrote, autolayout does this for you. Just set autolayout like this:
Dash is constraint with your value
- MenuTextField - Dotted line - Price -

A: I have solved my problem. First, I added the width dimension Constraints of the Menu Text Box and imported it into the IBOutlet variable.
@IBOutlet weak var menuWidth: NSLayoutConstraint!

And I changed the value of the variable according to the text length.
menuWidth.constant = getWidth(text: menuField.text!)

This method is not yet fully functional. But it works the way I want.
Also thanks to Robert Dresler who answered me :) Thanks!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
LETTER FROM JUAN MANUEL SANTOS TO JOE BIDEN: A VACCINATION FOR ALL OF HUMANITY
Posted on April 22, 2021 by Hope Hague
By Juan Manuel Santos/ Special to EL ESPECTADOR, April 17, 2021
https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/politica/carta-de-juan-manuel-santos-a-joe-biden-una-vacuna-para-la-humanidad/
The former President of Colombia, together with 175 world leaders, including Nobel Prize winners and heads of state from every continent, all are asking the President of the United States to intercede for a global immunization against the pandemic.
The great challenges define the legacy of a leader. President Obama, for example, directed the rescue of the economy after the world financial crisis. Chancellor Merkel led the acceptance of refugees fleeing from wars, when few were willing to do it. Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid in South Africa, and he made peace with his lifelong adversaries, as we have done in Colombia.
Right now President Biden carries not just one challenge on his shoulders, but several that are of great magnitude. One hundred days have not yet passed in his administration and it's the world's good fortune that we are seeing a good example of his leadership. He has taken internal actions to control the pandemic, works to achieve progressive corporate taxes, and has made global efforts to fight climate change.
However, the most urgent test, which requires effort and leadership of the international community, is to put an end to the pandemic. We should be ashamed of the state of the global vaccination plan: 86% of all of the doses of vaccine have been sent to the rich countries, with only 0.1% for the countries with low incomes. The majority of poor countries are confronting the possibility of waiting at least until 2024 to have their population immunized. Some may never reach that point.
There are more than enough leaders in the world that are taking appropriate measures to conquer the pandemic within their own frontiers. But the end of the pandemic can't be achieved individually. Covid-19, at any location, is a threat to all of humanity. As has been said so often, no one is safe until all of us are safe. And conquering this virus inevitably depends on the leadership of the United States.
For that reason, together with 175 world leaders, among them Nobel Prize winners and heads of state from every continent, I now ask President Biden to play the role that only he can play: increase the world supply of doses of safe and effective vaccines, and give the people of the whole planet the opportunity to wake up to a world that is free of the virus.
We are asking President Biden to support a temporary extension by the World Trade Organization (OMC in Spanish) of the intellectual property regulations on vaccines and technologies that fight Covid-19. This measure, combined with leadership by the United States in the transfer of technology through the World Health Organization, and a globally coordinated investment in the distribution of the capacity for the manufacture, would permit the world to produce billions more vaccinations, particularly in the developing world, so that we can conquer this virus everywhere as soon as possible.
Nobody should take this call lightly. Everyone believes in the power of market competition. We also recognize the role of intellectual property laws to stimulate innovation, one of the motors of economic and technological progress, including, of course, progress in the production of medications. But in this case the intellectual property system has turned into an impediment to obtaining the results that are required, and it should not be protected at all costs.
This unprecedented pandemic, which has killed more than three million people, has brought billions of people into poverty and it also threatens us with deadly new outbreaks; it demands measures that are also unprecedented.
The support that is limited to rich countries by the protection of intellectual property is generating great frustration—and much outrage—because it keeps the rest of the world from using the available capacity, or even from augmenting it, to manufacture the vaccines that are needed. Let's be clear: taking the side of the pharmaceutical monopolies in a pandemic allows many more people to die, when they could be saved. It's that simple.
The global solutions that are based on donations or that support the very limited COVAX initiative are useful, but far from being sufficient. What is really needed is having qualified manufacturers all over the world that are able to produce vaccines against Covid-19.
It's in times like this that we need strategically directed government action. After all, it's the governments that have financed the development of the vaccines against Covid-19. A temporary extension until the virus can be eliminated would be a pragmatic and effective global solution. It's encouraging that the Biden administration is considering support for the extension proposal that South Africa, India, and other countries have proposed to the WTO. We hope that the other countries will unite to push this initiative forward.
Supporting an action of this kind to make the vaccine available to everyone everywhere—a real vaccination for all humanity—would make the United States and the rest of the world safer and more prosperous. And it would help prevent the development of new variants of Covid-19. That would threaten even those who have already been vaccinated.
It also makes sense from the economic point of view. According to recent data, the current inequality in the distribution of the vaccines could cost approximately USD $9.2 billion in global economic losses. The United States could lose up to USD $1.3 billion of gross domestic product and USD $2,700 per person in 2021, which is USD $1,300 more than the recent check that every US citizen received as help from the government.
An exemption from the WTO rule, permitting every country to produce vaccines, and a coordinated investment for their manufacture, would be more than a great gesture of solidarity, very necessary in a world that is so globalized. The whole developed world would do well to follow that path. In fact, this is a great opportunity for the United States to recover its global leadership, so absent and so necessary in recent times. The countries and the citizens of the whole world will never forget where the oldest democracy in the world stood in this hour of need.
I have had the privilege of working closely with President Biden, as Vice President and earlier when he was a Senator, and he has always been a tireless defender of peace and security. The world is fortunate to have him in the White House now. Together with other world leaders, we ask him to take the urgent steps that are needed to put an end to this pandemic. That would be one of his great legacies.
This entry was posted in News and tagged Colombia, global vaccination plan, Juan Manuel Santos, Letter to Joe Biden, pandemic. Bookmark the permalink.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
slime mold love
slime mold
noun Any of various eukaryotic organisms of the class Dictyostelia that exist as free-living amoeboid cells in the soil and under certain conditions aggregate into a mass that develops into a stalked sporangium.
noun Any of various eukaryotic organisms of the class Myxogastria (formerly Myxomycetes) that develop from amoeboid cells into a large multinucleate plasmodium that produces stalked sporangia.
noun A common name for fungi of the group Myxomycetes (which see for characterization). See also Mycetozoa, Æthalium, plasmodium, 3.
noun An unusual fungus-like protist of the phylum Myxomycota or the class Myxomycetes, having a stage of growth in which it comprises a naked noncellular multinucleate mass of creeping protoplasm having characteristics of both plants and animals; it also has a propagative phase in which it develops fruiting bodies bearing spores; it is sometimes classified as a protist. It is called also acellular slime mold.
noun Any of several remarkable amoebalike organisms of the phylum Acrasiomycota, mostly terrestrial, having a fruiting phase resembling that of the acellular slime molds, but being cellular and nucleate throughout their life cycle; called also cellular slime mold. The most studied species is Dictyostelium discoideum. In their feeding phase, they live like amoebae as individual cells, engulfing bacteria as a prime food source. When the food source diminishes, they begin to aggregate, swarming together to form clumps which may move toward heat and light, so as to reach the surface of the ground; they then differentiate into a form with spores contained within a sporangium resting on a stalk. When the spores are carried to another location with adequate food supplies, the spores may germinate to resume the life cycle. The phase of aggregation appears to be initiated by release of cyclic AMP, serving as a signal between the individual cells. The formation of the fruiting body has some similarities to differentiation in multicellular organisms, but the mechanisms are still under study. Some biologists object to the classification of Dictyostelium as a slime mold, as it is neither a mold nor slimy.
noun Any of various primitive organisms, a naked mass or protoplasm, of the phylum Acrasiomycota
noun a naked mass of protoplasm having characteristics of both plants and animals; sometimes classified as protoctists
Other words for 'slime%20mold'
acellular slime mold
cellular slime mold
myxomycete
plasmodial slime mold
true slime mold


text:
This is a list of the German Media Control Top100 Singles Chart number-ones of 1968.

See also
List of number-one hits (Germany)

References
 Ehnert, Günter (1999). HIT BILANZ Deutsche Chart Singles 1956-1980.
 German Singles Chart Archives from 1956
 Media Control Chart Archives from 1960

1968 in West Germany
1968 record charts
1968

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The Slave Lords are dead, yet one survives! Journey to a lost monastery to end the vile threat once and for all. This 1st Edition AD&D™ adventure for characters of levels 6–9 can be run as a standalone scenario or as a sequel to the classic "A" series adventures. It also includes 4th Edition conversion notes.
Yeah you read that right, a new 1st Edition module. Having played the 2nd Edition Slavers, (Already a sequel to the original A series) I'm curious to see how The Last Slave Lord fits into Greyhawk continuity. And most importantly, which Slave Lord is it? Stay tuned.
Welcome back Greyhawk fans! It's been a great story and we've finally arrived at the last page of our Castle Greyhawk graphic novel. Specially congratulations go out to Scott Casper for writing and directing this first chapter. You can also view this next to last episode HERE, courtesy of Maldin's Greyhawk.
Artist's Commentary: Drawing the whole castle from a distance was quite a blast. I can now proudly claim I've illustrated both the old school Gygaxian castle and the more recent three tower version of Greyhawk Ruins. I'm now looking forward to Scott's next chapter. My only teaser is the next chapter will continue to build upon our protagonist's careers and will introduce a new character or two along the way. Vague enough? Good.
There's only been a couple new articles over at Canonfire! this May and both are by the sagacious Rasgon who is known for his scholarly Greyhawk work as well as his outerplanar knowledge at Planewalker. Rasgon's two most recent additions are both religious topics.
"Being a survey of the development of religious traditions and holy texts among the Flan, Oeridian, Suloise, and Baklunish peoples."
"This is a near-universal myth found in the stories of countless races and peoples, for all that it is often banned as blasphemous (for example, the penalty for retelling it in the Pale is ten lashings). The identity of the Creator varies depending on the faith of the teller - it has been, in various versions, Lendor, Istus, Rao, Corellon Larethian, Gruumsh, Moradin, Annam, Io, and Pholtus. Sometimes the Creator is nameless, or referred to by a title such as the Nameless One, the Maker, or the First Cause. Many in the Flanaess profess agnosticism on the question of who originally made all things; there are so many conflicting tales on the subject that this often seems the safest path. The identity of Ralishaz never varies, though his appearance often does."
Check these two articles out and more from Rasgon.
Hola Greyhawk fans! I'm afraid I got behind (as usual) in promoting the latest page, thirty-four of our long running Castle Greyhawk graphic novel. Follow the link to read bonus material by visionary author Scott Casper. You can also view this next to last episode HERE, courtesy of Maldin's Greyhawk.
Artist's Commentary: The first chapter is near complete, one more page to go. But stay tuned there will be more Castle Greyhawk in the coming months! Our trio returns to the ruined surface seen over a dozen pages ago, but from a different angle. Gotta love architecture and perspective. Scott has given me such a workout on so many aspects of comic art that my style has been evolving along the way. It's been a great time and a clear change of pace from the sequential comic strip art in my old Greyhawk Comic. My goal for chapter two is a more consistent look and feel. Wish us luck!
Here's a funny comic that was brought to my attention about Mordenkainen and Elminster. I've jabbed at these two in comic form more than once before, so this one from d20monkey brings back good memories. And it also has Bigby to boot!
Thanks to Stone Kobold for finding this.
Anna Meyer is at it again with her colorfully descriptive map of the Yeomanry. There's a lot going on in this map and Anna leaves no stone (or tunnel) unturned. You can read about and download this map from her site HERE. Also if you look closely at the fringe of the map to the south you'll spot Melkot, an interesting town and castle of certain repute.
What has me most excited is that her next map will be on the Hold of the Sea Princes which has a lot of source material behind it and has been the primary location for most of my campaigns over the last couple years. If it's researched half as well as the rest of her atlas it should still be epic. Keep up the good work Anna!
This is as much a reminder for myself as it is promoting the annual pilgrimage to Indy for others. I tend to favor seminars and panels over actual gaming events. Also, is anyone out there going to be attending this year? I'll surely be organizing a get-together this year if so. More on that later. For more info on Gencon event registration check out this news article at Wizards.
Extra: Get in the mood for Gencon and listen to our most recent podcast on the subject at Gamerstable!
I saw this news item over at the blog Troll Dens. Here is a link to the original article. Apparently Warner Brothers is involved but I'm not sure if that's something to get excited about. Is it too soon for another shot at a D&D feature film or is it high time to ride the wave made by The Hobbit?
One of the most charming things about some of the old school dungeon crawls TSR made was the illustrations that came with them for players to see. These handouts helped the players better visualize places like the Tomb of Horrors. Now available at Wizards is downloads for the art from the "S series" modules. You won't need a D&DI subscription to download these art booklets either. Enjoy!
I cannot get enough of these clever, extremely detailed comic homages to the classic dungeon crawl modules of Greyhawk. The latest at Wizards is The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth Walkthrough Map. Check it out and if you're new to these maps you can hit the back button at the end to see the previous installments!


The third Earl Stanhope (1753-1816) is credited with designing the first all-iron printing press which separated the screw from the spindle and bar. However, it should be noted that Wilhelm Haas, a Swiss mechanic, was the very first to use cast iron for the main frame or staple. Earl Stanhope saw improvements and so, in 1800, he set about to bring his press to market.
Stanhope never patented his idea. Although various reports indicate that there was some bad blood between the Swiss Haas and the Earl Stanhope, nothing seemed to prevent the building of the press. Robert Walker was an English ironsmith, and it was he who was engaged by Stanhope to build the first presses. Arguably, there was quite a bit of negative press as the initial machines were installed. Hansard, the well-known English commentator, seemed to take a delight in exposing various design errors.
Stanhope's press continued with the screw but by using levers he was able to produce magnificent print and, most importantly, much more impressional strength than wood. This was to be a watershed moment in the world of the printing machine. As we know today, the Stanhope was the beginning of the end for wooden presses of all sorts. The rarest machines bare both Stanhope's and Walker's names (Invenit for Stanhope and Fecit for Walker).
Widely accepted, it is said that Koenig himself shipped one back to Germany. Several "copies" were made in Germany and also in France, Holland, Sweden and Italy. The machine was modified, adapted and altered. All at the pleasure of the builders themselves. Our machine, baring the brass nameplate of French type house S. Berthier & Durey, may actually be from another maker as we noticed holes for a different size plate when restoring the machine. There seems to be no information that identifies Berthier & Durey as a machine maker. But, it does have the same platen fastening aggregates as does Gaveaux - another successful Stanhope copyist.
Based on the way the machine was built and the finish, we estimate our press to be built circa 1840 - 1850. Research is still ongoing. Simply put - a printing history museum should have a Stanhope even if it's a European copy.


The concept of health monitors has been around for a long period of time. The first wearable heart rate monitors were available to athletes in 1981. Followed by the original fitness trackers in the 1990's which were wrist-sized bicycle computers and could measure the speed, duration and distance of your workout.
However, fitness trackers as we know them today didn't arrive until much later. In 2006 Nike and Apple combined to launch the Nike+iPod sports kit where a small transmitter would be inserted into your shoe and could track the distance and pace of your walk or run. Then, in 2009, FitBit launched their first product which clipped to the waist.
The Polar A370 can give you your own personalised daily activity goal to help motivate you to keep moving throughout the day. The "smart calorie" feature keeps track of the calories you burn throughout the day and can go into specifics about calories burnt during each training session. By measuring your heart rate continuously through the Polar H10 heart sensor and the 24/7 tracking ability, in theory, the fitness tracker can give an accurate and reliable reading.
Available in 6 colours (black, white, pink, blue, orange, green) and in two sizes the fitness tracker can be suited to anyone. The Polar Sleep PlusTM feature tracks your sleep can give information on the length and quality of your sleep, it can even tell you when your sleep is interrupted.
The downsides of the tracker are that even though you can connect with your phone allowing you to receive calls, messages and notifications on your wrist. The band is not fitted with a GPS meaning to keep track of the routes you take you will need to have your phone with you. The battery is also less powerful than other similar trackers on the market as it can only last 2 days when all the features are switched on.
The TomTom Runner 3 has GPS tracking feature allows you to upload and follow a specific a route you would like to take whilst out on a walk or run, or you can run wherever you like as you can rely on the TomTom Runner 3 to get you back home. The map is simple in design with a zoom feature rather than a full navigation map that you may find on a sat nav.
The battery is very convenient as it can last three weeks when worn every day without GPS enabled and 11 hours with GPS on. The watch is waterproof, with even a feature for swimming as it can tally lengths, strokes and total distance.
This fitness tracker is geared more towards sports rather than everyday fitness tracking. So if you are looking for a fitness tracker to beat your last run time, to wear on a bike ride to give you directions the TomTom 3 is perfect. Whereas if you are wanting a fitness tracker to keep track of your steps and sleep patterns this may not be that suited to you.
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a low-key fitness tracker. Compared to other fitness trackers designed for runners it is much smaller and slimmer, and on first appearances, looks like a normal watch.
The fitness tracker can accurately track the distance you have ran and presents it on an easy to use app. The app displays heart rate, steps, intensity minutes, stress level, calories and the amount of time you have slept.
Unlike other fitness trackers, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 has heart rate zones, which is the range of your heart's bpm. For example when training you may work at 70% also known as Maximum Heart Rate. The battery in this fitness tracker is average, lasting up to 7 days when used daily. However, with GPS enabled the tracker can last up to 13 hours.
The iFit Axis HR features 3 optical heart rate sensors. These monitor different pulse points on your wrist meaning you can view your heart rate at any time of the day.
The fitness tracker comes with the MoveReady technology included, this is used to automatically detect when you alter your movement patterns. The waterproof fitness tracker can last for around five days when in constant use.
Suited perfectly to those wanting to keep track of their fitness on a day-to-day basis, the iFit Axis can log the number of calories you consume during the day as well as your net calories. This is perfect for those wanting all their fitness information in one place rather than using an alternate app.
With an upgrade, you can have access to the Coach app, which can send you personalised recommendations based on activities you should do, exercise, nutrition and sleep. The app takes into account your goals, body metrics and daily activity in order to do this.
What may seem like an unusual brand when it comes to not just fitness trackers but technology in general, Superdry produces what is actually, a good quality fitness tracker.
The band can track steps, distance, calories, sleep cycles and there is even an app (Superdry Sport) which allows you to set daily targets and to keep track of your progress. The tracker is water resistant up to 3ATM.
The silicone tracker, available in bright orange, pink, green or black is bound to be an eye-catching accessory, ideal for the fashion conscious or those just wanting to make a statement.
As one of the lowest price fitness trackers on this list, it is impressive that this fitness tracker can do more or less everything an expensive fitness track can at a much more affordable price.
Offering months of battery life, a step tracker, sleep monitors, updates on fitness, cross training or run coaching the Moov Now is sure to have you covered. The only downside of the Moov Now is that in order to see your data and keep track of your progress you will need to look at your phone at Moov's app.
The app offers various exercises you can complete and even offers useful hints such as when doing sit-ups, to imagine there is an app under your chin.
The tracker itself is a plastic disc sitting under a rubber strap. The only time you have to use the actual tracker is when you want to start an exercise or sync your stats. This can be done by simply pressing the small button on top.
It is light in weight which makes it convenient to wear on a day-to-day basis and especially when exercising such as boxing or swimming and also jogging as when running the Moov Now will need to be worn on your ankle if you want an accurate reading.
The Polar M430 works with the Polar Flow website/app in order to give you access to running training programmes that can easily be adapted to suit your style even more. The tracker will not tell you the steps completed per day unless you search for them on the app. Instead, it will record the steps and put them towards your activity goal. This is as the tracker is aimed at runners therefore everyday steps aren't an important factor.
Polar is well known for their accurate heart rate monitoring straps. Their accurate readings are carried into the Polar M430. One stand out feature is that you can lock your desired heart rate zone so that when exercising the watch will buzz if you move out of the zone making sure you are getting the most of your workout.
Unlike some fitness trackers, when measuring sleep the M430 will not differentiate between deep and light sleep. Also due to the bulkiness of the watch, it is not too comfortable to wear in bed. Therefore, if you are looking for a fitness tracker that you aren't planning to take off (except when charging), you may want to look at something else.
The Misfit ray is an attractive minimalist fitness tracker. The band is an aluminium cylinder available in the colours carbon black or rose gold. The plastic strap is mounted inside the cylinder which can give the device a masculine feel despite being a bracelet.
Different to other trackers, the Misfit Ray runs on three 393 disposable cells rather than rechargeable batteries that are a highly popular way of making fitness trackers work. These disposable cells can last up to six months meaning you won't have to think about changing them very often.
The Misfit Ray offers basic features including steps, distance travelled and calories burned. Although when compared to the more high-tech fitness trackers this isn't impressive the Misfit Ray is amazingly accurate.
The Misfit app that pairs with the Ray is simple and easy to use. It will give you information such as the progress you have made towards your daily goal, calories burned, steps taken and the number of sleep hours had. This app can be paired with apps such as MyFitnessPal that allow you to keep track of calories consumed and calories burnt at the same time. Meaning, if you are looking for a fitness tracker simply to lose weight, this could be a great choice.
Fitbit is a highly popular brand of fitness trackers. In the current day chances are you know at least one person who wears one on a regular basis. With the black and white screen that displays the time and date when at home, can be activated by simply turning/holding up your wrist. The screen then displays information such as steps, heart rate, distance travelled, calories burnt and active minutes on that particular day. It will also give you a notification when getting a message/call on your phone.
The Fitbit is paired with the Fitbit app to give you an easy to read review of your day. From miles travelled, calories burnt to the number of floors you have climbed in total, the app is a great way to get an idea of what you have managed to achieve.
Simple to use, sleek design and comfortable to wear the Fitbit Alta is perfect for those looking to simply increase their daily fitness activity in a simple way rather than going to the gym.
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is lightweight and affordable. It can monitor distance, time, pace, heart rate when you're running, walking, biking, sleeping and even swimming as it is water resistant up to 164 feet. An advanced feature of the fitness tracker is the ability to measure V02 max which is the amount of oxygen the body can process.
The fitness tracker can also work as a smartwatch, giving you notifications when you receive texts or phone calls, displaying a calendar, the weather and even the option to control the music playing on your phone. The tracker can connect to Connect IQ where your data is put into easy to read graphs and charts. The watch face itself is completely customisable which is perfect if you are wanting to use it as both a smartwatch and fitness tracker.
The battery of the fitness tracker can last up to 11 hours, with some users being able to make it last longer.
To conclude, the best fitness tracker 2018 is different to everyone. This is as some people buy fitness trackers as a way to try and increase their steps as a simple way to lose weight. Whereas others, who are more serious athletes will invest in fitness trackers in order to beat their goals, keep track of their progress and continuously improve.
In our opinion, if wanting a simple fitness tracker to keep track of hours slept, steps completed and distance travelled, both the Fitbit Alta and the Misfit Ray can be perfectly suited to you. This is as they do exactly that, in a simple, easy to understand way.
Whereas if you're looking for a fitness tracker somewhat more advanced the TomTom Runner 3 could be a good choice, not only does it offer a very useful GPS for when you leave the house, it also looks stylish and can last up to three weeks when GPS is turned off.
Most fitness trackers in 2018 measure motion by using a 3-axis accelerometer. This can track movement in every direction you travel. Some trackers also include a gyroscope to measure orientation and rotation, useful when wearing on your wrist. In order to measure your pulse some fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Charge 2, uses optical sensors which shine lights on your skin. The light from the sensors lights up your capillaries which then allows another sensor to measure the blood being pumped around your body.
There is always going to be speculation about how accurate fitness trackers are. Can they really count your steps or does moving your arm up and down count? These are the sort of questions that can put people off fitness trackers. As in most things, different makes of fitness trackers will have different thresholds, meaning there's a good chance if you wore two different makes on each hand you will get two different readings.
However, it's not just steps where fitness trackers can make you sceptical about accuracy. When monitoring your sleep fitness, trackers will detect your wrist movements whilst you are sleeping and then use them to guess your sleep. Fitness trackers are by no means experts at polysomnography, the art of measuring your brain activity when you're sleeping, often done by psychologists in labs.
How do I get data from the fitness tracker?
Most brands of fitness tracker offer an app. You will need to connect your fitness tracker, via Bluetooth, to the app on your smartphone/computer. Once connected you will be able to access all the information your fitness tracker offers, right at your fingertips!
Will I have to wear the fitness tracker all the time?
To get data that accurately represents your day you will need to wear your fitness tracker throughout the day. Most fitness trackers are to some degree waterproof. This means you won't even have to worry about taking it off in the shower. However, if wearing one all day puts you off, there are apps available that can monitor information such as your steps but this means you will need to have your phone with you at all times. This is also much less accurate.


text:
Q: How to exclude unrelated data when using inner join in SQL Server? I have 2 tables in hand.
Table_A contains the Sales Date, fruit type, quantity sold and total price.
Table_B contains the Unit Price of different type of fruit at different time period.
Table_A:
Sales_Date    Fruit     Quantity  Total_Price
20200515      Apple        2          4
20200601      Apple        4          10
20200601      Banana       4          7.2
20200606      Orange       6          7.8

Table B:
Fruit      Valid_Price_From     Valid_Price_To     Unit_Price
Apple         20200301            20200531          2.0
Banana        20200301            20200531          1.5
Orange        20200301            20200531          1.0
Apple         20200601            20200831          2.5
Banana        20200601            20200831          1.8
Orange        20200601            20200831          1.3

I'm required to form a table C combining sales related info with Unit Price which is valid within that period with this format.
Table C:
Sales_Date      Fruit      Quantity     Unit_Price    Total_Price
20200515        Apple         2             2             4
20200601        Apple         4            2.5            10
20200601        Banana        4            1.8            7.2
20200606        Orange        6            1.3            7.8

The first query that I used was
select A.Sales_Date, A.Fruit, A.Quantity, B.Unit_Price, A.Total Price
from table_A A
inner join
table_B B on A.Fruit=B.Fruit

But I got an error when joining these 2 tables.
I guess it is caused by there are 2 types of Unit Price (valid in different periods) for each type of fruit. Then, I tried to compare the Sales_Date with the Valid_Price_From and Valid_Price_To
The second query that I used was:
select A.Sales_Date, A.Fruit, A.Quantity, B.Unit_Price, A.Total Price
from table_A A
inner join
table_B B on A.Fruit=B.Fruit
where A.Sales_Date > B.Valid_Price_From and A.Sales_Date < B.Valid_Price_To

But it didn't work properly as well.
May I know how should I construct my inner join query to get the desired output as shown in Table C?

A: Your date comparisons are not correct in your query:
select A.Sales_Date, A.Fruit, A.Quantity, B.Unit_Price, A.Total_Price
from table_A A inner join
     table_B B
     on A.Fruit = B.Fruit and
        A.Sales_Date >= B.Valid_Price_From and
        A.Sales_Date <= B.Valid_Price_To;

In other words, you are not including the beginning and end dates, but your data model suggests that you do want to include them.
If you are concerned about filtering out rows with no matches -- well, you might need to fix your data.  But you can keep then using left join instead of inner join.


Signed By Jimmy Palmiotti. Artist Jimmy Palmiotti is signing a limited number of this awesome first issue for DYNAMIC FORCES Inc.! Each signed copy will numbered and sealed with a DF Holo-Foil Sticker and includes a number certificate of authenticity!


text:
Home > Blog > 8 Bad Habits That Could Burn Your House Down
8 Bad Habits That Could Burn Your House Down
Fire safety is a hot-button topic (pun intended) — and rightly so. During a recent five-year study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to 1,000 home fires every day, on average. That's 42 every hour, causing roughly $228 in damage each second.
"The majority of home fires can be prevented by taking some very simple steps," says Lorraine Carli of the NFPA. Start today by considering all of the little things you do that can put you at big risk.
1. Crowding appliances together
"When you don't leave space around electrical appliances, you're not allowing the heat they generate to dissipate," says Rachel Rothman, Technical Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet — rather than using extension cords or power strips to clump them in the same area — according to Carli. "More than one heat-producing appliance in an outlet at a time risks overloading the wiring, putting you at risk for an electrical fire.
Another safety tip: "Sign up to get recall notices on your major appliances at Recalls.gov, " advises Rothman. "Every now and again products are recalled that have been found to be potentially dangerous due to overheating."
2. Walking away from food cooking in the kitchen
Cooking (chiefly, unattended cooking) is by far the leading cause of home fires. "It only takes a few seconds for abandoned cooking to catch fire," says Carli. Frying is the riskiest, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. You may want to avoid the technique on Thanksgiving: it's the top day for home cooking fires.
3. Daisy-chaining extension cords
"Connecting cords overloads them, which can cause a short circuit that can result in a fire," says Carli, noting that extension cords are only meant to be a temporary solution. "If you need more outlets, seek a qualified electrician to install some."
And never assume that your power strip has built-in surge protection. "In general, power strips are not designed to regulate power flow or block surges," says Rothman. Plugs that do not have a UL, CSA-US or ETL-US mark should be avoided.
4. Making do with damaged or worn out cords
Using compromised cords can cause electric shock as well as increase your fire risk if heat from the wires comes in contact with anything that can burn, says Carli, who recommends replacing any cords doubt. As Bruce Springsteen sings, "you can't start a fire without a spark." And in less than 30 seconds, the USFA reveals, "a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire."
5. Leaving home with an electrical appliance running
"You should never have an appliance on that is not properly tended to, especially if leaving the house," says Rothman. The exception? Crockpots. "They're OK," says Carli, noting that "the food does not get hot enough or boil to cause a big fire concern."
6. Ignoring the lint that needs to be cleaned out from the dryer
According to the USFA, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause $35 million in property loss. Thirty-four percent of those blazes were caused because the homeowner didn't clean the dryer. "Lint that collects on the filter, around the drum, and in the vents, can catch fire from the heat of the dryer," says Carli. "Without cleaning, the lint builds up and then the heat can't escape." Clean your lint filter regularly, but also check your dryer hose for list clogs at least once a year.
7. Leaving a lit candle unattended
It sounds simple but bears repeating considering how much damage even a single votive can do. "Candles can be blown over or knocked over by pets," says Carli. "Use sturdy holders and extinguish them when you leave the room."
8. Putting off cleaning the chimney
"Creosote, the oily substance that builds up when you burn things in your fireplace, is a leading cause of chimney fires," says Carli. "Have chimneys inspected on a yearly basis and cleaned as needed." But never toss fireplace ashes in the trash before they're 100 percent cool (and that could take a few days). Rothman advises, "Put water on the ashes to make sure they are really out."
From: Good Housekeeping
Posted 8:00 AM


text:
iPhone 4G and iPad 4G Lands on Sprint. Sort of.
By Taimur Asad | March 21st, 2010
Sprint has launched a new advertising campaign which pokes fun at AT&T iPhone users who are limited to slow-3G speeds on the so called "the nation's fastest 3G network". The ad in question shows off the new Overdrive 4G Mobile hotspot which can be used with the iPhone and the upcoming iPad with 4G broadband speed where the speed averages about 3 to 4 Mbps.
Here is what is in the video which features Matt and his mate Steve.
"My friend Steve's iPhone is cool, but it's limited to AT&T's 3G speeds," Matt says. "So I'm going to use the Overdrive 4G mobile hotspot to make it up to ten times faster. And while that's happening, I'm going to enjoy this tasty snack," at which point Matt pulls out an apple(fruit) and takes a bite. Steve connects to the Sprint 4G WiFi network on his iPhone and quickly begins streaming a music video which leads him to exclaim, "Whoa. Done." The ad ends with Matt asking, "What can you do with 4G?" before the narrator chimes in, "Whatever you do, do it up to ten times faster than 3G with 4G from Sprint."
If you are interested in getting Sprint 4G, you can get more details including pricing at http://www.sprint.com/4G. [via The Readers Eye and BGR]
Next Generation iPhone 4G to Feature LED Camera Flash?
iPhone 4G to Feature Magic Mouse like Touch Sensitive Case?
WWDC 2010: Apple to Announce Next Generation iPhone 4G on June 28?
You can follow me on twitter or join our facebook fanpage to keep yourself updated on all the latest iPhone releases.


On Wednesday, Rockford's Discovery Center Museum announced it will be a part of the ninth annual Blue Star Museums, along with more than 2,000 museums across the nation, and will be offering free entry to active military members and their families this summer.
Between Memorial Day, May 28 and Labor Day, September 3, 2018, active duty military personnel and up to five family members will be provided with free admission to Discovery Center. This free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card(CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve,U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps.
The Blue Star Museums initiative aims to help military families spend time together and "create special memories" in the midst of moving to different duty points across the country or when a parent returns home from deployment.
I think it's awesome that the Discovery Center takes part in this program, and I encourage all active military families to take advantage of it.


Thou shalt not drink red wine and work on your novel. No matter how smart you think you are.
Ha ha. Seriously. I made a great dinner with good friends and had three glasses of wine or more. But, when you drink, that is the worst time to write. Of course, now the angry wine gods are making my stomach pay, and not in flirty lap dances, but in acidic nasty ways.
The ideas will have to wait.
I have been reading The Fireman and paying really close attention to how much Joe Hill does not over narrate. I just have to keep reminding myself that the important thing is to finish my draft AND THEN, AND ONLY THEN, make it pretty.
We all need to have a little vino now and then. One glass, all afternoon!


text:
Trains from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar
Barrow-upon-Soar
Home Destinations Barrow-upon-Soar Trains from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar
Trains to Barrow-upon-Soar run up to 1 times per hour from Attleborough.
Train journey information from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar
How much is a train ticket from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar?
Take the train from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar from just £32.60 one-way based on a return fare. Plan your journey online to see the cheapest train tickets to Barrow-upon-Soar for your chosen travel times.
How long does it take to travel from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar by train?
The average journey time from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar takes 4 hours 4 minutes. Journey times may be slightly longer at weekends and on Bank Holidays. Check journey times on your travel dates with our online journey planner or download a timetable.
How many trains a day are there from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar?
There are up to 16 trains per day from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar.
Are there any direct trains from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar?
No, it's not possible to get a direct train between Attleborough and Barrow-upon-Soar. Find the fastest route with our online journey planner.
What time is the first train from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar?
The first train leaves at 06:09 from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar. Buy your tickets in advance online or from our app and avoid rushing on the day.
What time is the last train from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar?
The last train from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar leaves at 18:10.
Can I book assistance for my journey from Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar?
Yes, we offer Passenger Assist services at the station and on-board between Attleborough and Barrow-upon-Soar. We recommend booking at least 12 hours before you travel. You can book assistance online or by calling our Passenger Assist team on 08000 11 33 23.
More trains from Attleborough
Attleborough to Market Harborough
Attleborough to Ambergate
Attleborough to Sleaford
Attleborough to Gainsborough Lea Road
Attleborough to Melton Mowbray
More trains from Barrow-upon-Soar
Barrow-upon-Soar to Long Eaton
Barrow-upon-Soar to Derby
Barrow-upon-Soar to Alfreton
Barrow-upon-Soar to Whitton (London)
Barrow-upon-Soar to Warrington Central
Collingham to Matlock Bath
Dronfield to Peterborough
Thurgarton to Gainsborough Lea Road
Longton to Long Eaton
Ambergate to Hathersage
More tickets types between Attleborough to Barrow-upon-Soar