text:
Twelve Days of Christmas: The e-Concert – 2019 Edition
Posted on December 25, 2019 by alphaheel
(Revised from Break It Down – 12/24/08, 12/22/10, 12/21/11, 12/26/12, 12/25/13, 12/23/15, 12/21/16, 12/26/17, and 12/26/18)
According to tradition, mine if no one else's, my Christmas post includes a complement of Songs of the Season. Today's issue will constitute the next edition in that tradition. It's Tuesday night, or in my personal time dimension, Blog Night. In keeping with what I do, let's make it so; Wednesday's coming! And for the record, it's actually Christmas Time in the City (and in and all over the country, for that matter). As incorporated in the title above, many purists celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas. This has been documented in song, book form, at least one movie, and in countless tales.
Here, as scheduled, is the blog. I hope you enjoy the blog/e-concert.
Merry Christmas to you! I know some of you are caught up in the whole "We Are The (Secular) World" trip; thus you substitute Holiday for Christmas in seasonal greetings. But that really shouldn't be a problem since the man we call President has brought Christmas back (wink-wink). But seriously though, in case you don't know, Christmas never went anywhere. In fact, a quick check back over the Obama years reveals…Christmas was a staple in his repertoire. (http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/-merry-christmas-never-left-the-white-house-824078915806). Of course, those innately curious enough to conduct the requisite etymological research know that the root derivation of holiday is "Holy Day;" but I digress; that is fodder for another day.
By the time you get around to this post, most, if not all of you will already have done whatever it is you do to observe and/or celebrate Christmas. But you know what, herein lies an opportunity to take one more moment, a time out if you will, before returning full tilt to your normal schedule.
As is my custom, I will not use this Christmas Season Post, if you will allow me to call it that, to challenge you to sort through the facts, be they esoteric or mundane. Not the election, or the economy, no wars, and absolutely no (further) references to our big-league President, who frequently focuses on tweeting and golfing (despite insisting that if elected, he wouldn't have time for the links). Hey, I won't even write out the I-word.
No, this is your time to take a break and leave all that behind. Notice, I did not say forget it, and I certainly would never ask that you pretend it doesn't exist. Just give yourself a break.
In the true spirit of keeping it simple for both you and me, I am reprising an amalgam of previous posts. In fact, not just any posts…posts from several Christmas' past. This is my ninth e-Christmas Concert. Two or three years ago I pressed the reset button on the Concert. Instead of simply providing 12 standards, I upped the ante and provided 24, 12 by female artists, and 12 by male artists. In that Christmas Day is Wednesday this year, delivery day, as it were, I'm going to roll those out again.
The English playwright and poet, William Congreve, in the opening line of his 1697 Play entitled "The Mourning Bride," asserted, "Music has Charms to soothe a savage Breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted Oak." I think Congreve was on to something. If indeed music is capable of enabling us to overcome our basest instincts, and in so doing, ennoble us to pursue our finer impulses, and then indeed, we should take more opportunities to render ourselves captivated by its magical spell. (By the way, it really is breast…not beast; caught you thinking, didn't I?)
So, I identified and pulled together an assortment of my favorite Christmas Standards by several of my favorite artists. This year's version includes a variation of the artistic olio I pulled together for your reading, viewing, and listening pleasure a number of years ago. Below, you will find hot links to YouTube video interpretations and two songs for each of the 12 Days of Christmas listed and included in today's Yuletide e-concert.
Eartha Kitt is known for having had many talents skills, and abilities, among them acting and singing. Last year I substituted her most popular Christmas song for "Nothing for Christmas." After a 1-year hiatus, I'm bringing back Santa Baby. As I've noted before, the song was born in 1953, and as I will this Sunday, it turned 65 this year. She slays (or if you're really in the Christmas spirit — sleighs) it. https://youtu.be/Mk_GmhD053E
Dianne Reeves is a Grammy-winning jazz artist who sings in the vein of Dinah Washington and Carmen McRae; a skilled lyricist and scat singer. She presents "Christmas Time is Here" as if it's her own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hInJstw1cGE
Vanessa Williams was the first black Miss America. She had a short and tumultuous reign. But cream rises to the top, and her talent ensured that losing her title was but a mere speed bump in a star-studded road. Her rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear" provides a glimpse of her musical flexibility and skill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKmvk0NJnzE
Lena Horne was a jazz musician whose career spanned over 70 years. She was also an actress, dancer, and civil rights activist. She demonstrates her vocal caliber in this version of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh8JZp_gnU4
Cassandra Wilson was born December 4, 1955. Her birthdate alone ensured that I included her on this list; '06! But that's not the only reason she made the cut. Her range includes blues, country, and folk music, as well as jazz. Moreover, she stuck the proverbial landing in her rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmAQzS5Zk7o
Toni Braxton is a lot of things: a talented songwriter, singer, pianist, record producer, actress, television personality, and philanthropist. She is known to be sexy, sultry, and an unpredictable reality show star. She's still best known for her music though, and her version of "Santa Please" will do absolutely nothing to change that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nFWiF_E_VQ
The Emotions are one of those classic Old School Girl Groups born in the 70's. Influenced greatly by Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire Fame, they continue to perform today. One of my favorite tunes by them is their version of "What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?" https://youtu.be/coO2E2v5RwE
Anita Baker released her first solo album in 1983. In 1986, she released "Rapture" and it was the dawn of her stardom. She is known for her trademark "husky" voice, and she is at her Christmas best in this version of "The Christmas Song." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHze40h13mc
Diana Ross and the Supremes were the "It" Group of Motown when Motown was the "It' place of Soul Music. The Supremes are America's most successful vocal group with 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Here they are with their 1965 rendition of "Silver Bells." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIJROwP4BnM
Ella Fitzgerald is jazz royalty. Frequently referred to as the First Lady of Song, the Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella, she was widely acclaimed for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, and intonation, as well as a horn-like improvisational ability. Virtually all scat singing is measured against her. Check out her version of "Sleigh Ride."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnEbRaFaqfg
Whitney Houston had a voice known worldwide. Her recordings accounted for nearly 200 million records sold. Her's was a clarion voice of our times. This version of "Joy To The World," taken from the movie, "The Preacher's Wife," is special, as was she. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYPpyTyPf6I
Ledisi (Anibade Young) is an R&B and jazz recording artist. Her first name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba. She was aptly named. Enjoy her rendering of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xMz5oGc8s1Q
Male Artists
James Brown was renowned for his energetic performances, which earned him another of his many titles, "Hardest working man in show business." His rendition of "Merry Christmas Baby" is not so up-tempo, but still a reminder that he had earned his chops the hard way, and that he was much more than just flash and dash. https://youtu.be/4VFZGRoZwB0
Donny Hathaway was a multifaceted soulful crooner and a product of Howard University who excelled in jazz, blues, soul and gospel music; an Alpha Man. He suffered from depression and died of suicide January 13, 1979 at 33 years old. He rendered this marvelous recording of "This Christmas. https://youtu.be/pj1mVUEHeUE
The O'Jays were formed in 1965 and have been a staple in Soul and R&B music ever since. They knock it out of the park with this version of "Christmas Just Ain't Christmas Anymore." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc4g1wsIA9g
The Temptations were a significant part of what made Motown, Motown, in the 60's and 70's. Their rendition of Silent Night lives on as a classic among classics as far as Christmas music goes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFc7STuQF0U
Al Green, soul singer, turned minister, soul singer-minister was at his most popular during the 70's. He puts his considerable talents to good use in this version of "I'll be Home for Christmas." https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cFyRwlR5YXk
El DeBarge was the central figure in the group known as DeBarge, which reached its zenith in the 80's. El was one of several members of the group who went on to fashion solo careers. He nails this version of "Christmas Without You." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xB6VD7fS8
Will Downing has been recording albums since 1988. I've seen him in concerts twice, including a couple of weeks ago, and I own most of his recorded music. He simply does not disappoint. This recording of The First Noel is no exception. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOQWKBIuk-I
Joe (Lewis Thomas) released his debut album in 1993. He has maintained a presence on the music scene ever since. His nuanced presentation of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is just another fine example of his limitless talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vbpsVILCvU
Jerry Butler, popularly known as the Ice Man, fitting for an Alpha, is a singer, songwriter, and musician (guitar, electric guitar, bass, piano, saxophone, and drums) who was the lead singer for the Impressions before going on to a solo career. He recorded this classic version of O Holy Night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0dR1Dk7Bu0
Luther Vandross was a musical icon. Period. End of story. He is one of my favorite musicians, and his treatment of "My Favorite Things" is certainly among my favorite Christmas songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6TRlV6MOOU
The Whispers hail from LA, and have been around since the 60's. They became members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003…for good reason. They got it like that. And they prove it with this version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbJ95aWUc_A
Kem (Owens) is an R&B/Soul singer who has made his uniquely fashioned mark on the music scene since 1999. He enlists Ledisi (Anibade Young), another single named musical star to create a fabulous rendition of "Be Mine For Christmas." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_8rVJ_ENaY
That's it, 24 artists and videos and/or songs. Add it all up and you get "Twelve Days Of Christmas: The e-Concert – 2019 Edition!" Enjoy it throughout the Season, and by all means, remember the Reason for the Season!
Bonus: It occurred to me that a concert thematically incorporating the Twelve Days of Christmas, without including a version of "Twelve Days of Christmas" is woefully incomplete. To wit, I doubled down by adding a 25thselection, "Twelve Days of Christmas," two versions, one by Natalie Cole, and an instrumental by Kenny Burrell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j5-SWXKhbM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_e35thJvVQ
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Days_of_Christmas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas_(song)
http://www.41051.com/xmaslyrics/twelvedays.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/real-twelve-days-of-christmas.html
https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Days-Christmas-Jan-Brett/dp/0698115694
https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/twelve-days-christmas.htm
http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html
https://www.vox.com/2015/12/25/10661878/12-days-of-christmas-explained
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twelve-days-of-christmas-debbie-macomber/1123237694
https://www.last.fm/music/The+Spinners/_/The+Twelve+Days+of+Christmas
https://www.zazzle.com/the+twelve+days+of+christmas+cards
https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2018/12/26/twelve-days-of-christmas-the-e-concert-2018-edition/
Slowly, Surely, Inexorably: Impeachment Is Upon Us
A week from now, most of us will be immersed in all things Christmas. But before we get there, we must navigate and traverse the here and now. While it won't have happened by the time I press the send button for this post, in a matter of hours, the U.S. House of Representatives will in all likelihood impeach Donald Trump.
In that regard, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 is a day that will live in infamy. Since George Washington became our nation's first President on April 30, 1789, in the 230 years that have since ensued, for just the third time a U.S. President will be forever linked with the I-word.
For our nation, it's indeed a sad day. Conversely, for anyone who cringed as Trump frequently referred to the media as the enemy of the people, for anyone who recoiled at his frequent taunts of fake news in response to multiple sourced reporting, for anyone repulsed by his 13K plus false and misleading statements since taking office, for anyone left despondent by his scathing, often relentless attacks on not just his political opponents, but on more than a few occasions, allies of our great nation, for anyone flummoxed by his accepting Vladimir Putin's views above those of our entire intelligence community, and for anyone distressed by his alleged wanton abuse of power and repeated efforts to cover it up…I suppose it could not happen to a nicer (read that more deserving) fellow.
Yesterday, as the impending proceeding wound down to its inevitable conclusion, resulting in the approval of the rules by which tomorrow's impeachment will be managed, Mr. Trump sent Speaker Pelosi a 6-page letter many observers viewed as a reflection of his being unhinged. I'm not persuaded by that opinion. Rather, I think Trump has repeatedly shown himself to be impulsive, while his advisers and body men have just as frequently demonstrated an inability, or an unwillingness, or both, to rein him in. To wit, left unchecked, and to his own devices, he has no proclivity whatsoever to filter himself, or to govern himself in a less tantrum-filled way. In other words, the letter was not so much an example of him being unhinged, as it was a depiction of what you get when you follow the strategic advice issued by a number of his handlers during his campaign; "Let Trump be Trump."
In the letter, Trump attacked Democrats as the "ones interfering with America's elections," and absurdly claimed he's being treated worse than defendants at the Salem Witch Trials (proceedings at which the accused were put to death without evidence). While there were a number of other whoppers included in Trump's 6-page epistle, they were almost all designed to play into a personal victimhood narrative, and recycled bromides to boot.
Impeachment rules and Trump's missive were not the only significant items to unfold yesterday. George Conway, he of Kellyanne Conway spouse fame, and a group of erstwhile conservative Republicans, who will now forever be known as never-Trumpers, deep statists, and RINOs, formed a Political Action Committee called Project Lincoln, aimed at ousting Donald Trump and the lawmakers that support him in 2020. Using Lincoln, our 16thPresident as their guide, they wrote an op-ed which compared contemporary America with the Lincoln age, a time when the leader had the task of saving the union and weaving the nation back together. They wrote, "Mr. Trump and his enablers have abandoned conservatism and longstanding Republican principles and replaced it with Trumpism. An empty faith led by a bogus prophet."
The group acknowledged that commitment to and achieving its goal may yield a Democratic majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Tim Murtaugh, Trump Campaign communications director, told Newsweek that the co-authors of the op-ed were part of the Washington, D.C. swamp. In TrumpWorld, such is the case for anyone that dares oppose Trump. One is either with them or one is the enemy, not just of Trump, but of the people.
That may be how Trump sees it, and also how his supporters, sycophants, and surrogates see it. But as of today, they likely will also see, "Slowly, Surely, Inexorably: Impeachment Is Upon Us!"
Consult the links below for more information on a variety of aspects relating to this post.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-s-conservative-critics-launch-pac-fight-re-election-n1103086
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-letter-to-pelosi-president-vents-about-impeachment-the-day-before-house-vote/
https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2019/12/18/slowly-surely-inexorably-impeachment-is-upon-us/
Another One: Just Add It To The List
According to the Washington Post, by August 12, 2019, Donald Trump had made more than 12K false and misleading claims. Mr. Trump's aversion to veracity is so legendary that a number of media outlets have shied away from calling them lies, but rather, false and misleading claims. That's impressive in and of itself, in a perverse sort of way.
I'll make this short and sweet. A couple of days ago, we were reminded, once again, of the preferred Trumpian communications style. Long ago, Trump himself, was apparently so enamored with his proficiency at dissembling that he gave the practice his own very special appellation. In a 1987 book that he authored, I won't promote it for him today, he called it truthful hyperbole. About the phenomenon, Trump is quoted in the book as saying, "I play to people's fantasies… People want to believe that something is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular. I call it truthful hyperbole. It's an innocent form of exaggeration."
Even as a private businessman, it's questionable whether Trump's exaggerations were innocent. They were almost certainly not harmless. His business practices, including truthful hyperbole contributed to numerous lawsuits, claims, and even bankruptcies. Many of his erstwhile employees reported they we underpaid, or not paid at all, stemming from his deceptions.
With such a predicate, it is no surprise Trump would claim President Obama wiretapped him, or that the FBI's Russia probe was a function of deep statists, never-Trumpers, and people trying to overthrow a duly elected government. In part due to Trump's claims, and at the direction of his number two go-fer (gotta get in line behind Rudy), Attorney General William Barr, the FBI's Inspector General Michael Horowitz opened a probe last year, that resulted in his team conducting over 100 interviews, and reviewing more than a million documents.
To quickly summarize, the investigation found clear fault, detailing 17 omissions and inaccuracies deemed to be significant in the Carter Page FISA applications. While he recommended rules changes, it is noteworthy, the report concluded the FBI followed existing rules. It also concluded there was sufficient evidence to prompt the investigation, that the FBI acted properly in doing so, and that Obama and the FBI did not spy on Trump's campaign. Guess who's "pizz'd?"
Count me at the front of the line of people neither shocked nor surprised by this. It's just "Another One: Add It To The List."
https://fox8.com/2019/12/09/start-of-fbi-russia-probe-was-justified-and-unbiased-but-investigation-had-significant-errors-inspector-general/
https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2019/12/11/another-one-just-add-it-to-the-list/
Slowly, Surely, Inexorably: Lindsey Got Next
Posted on December 4, 2019 by alphaheel
Lindsey Graham and Donald Trump have a relationship spiked with mercurial twists and turns. Graham defended John McCain after Trump dissed the then Arizona Senator, and went on to bash Trump, in turn Trump released Graham's cell phone number on live TV. Lindsey called Trump a jackass; Trump labeled Graham a "lightweight, and an idiot, and for the ultimate insulting body blow and two-fer, opined he (Graham) "seems to me not as bright as Rick Perry." But I digress.
The point of the preamble above is to affirm with full confidence, I expect the Palmetto Senator to be toting more water for Trump in the future. But for an instant anyway, he relocated an instinct to align himself with reason, research, and the weight of the entire U.S. intelligence community, instead of with the whims of a dude reported to have spoken and or tweeted over 13,000 false and misleading statements (otherwise known as lies) in less than three years (since ascending to the Office of President).
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post entitled "Slowly, Surely, Inexorably: It Will Happen!"
Today I'm following that up with a sequel. No need to put a number on it, as there will be more to come. I won't deign to write about all of them. There will be far too many for that. But rest assured, over time, individuals will be, at least on occasion, unable to resist the compulsion to act honorably, rationally, and common-sensically.
Yesterday, CNN reported that Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he is "1,000% confident" that Russia, not Ukraine, meddled in the 2016 US presidential election, breaking from President Donald Trump and others in his party who have pushed the discredited conspiracy theory.
He made those comments on Capitol Hill and reiterated them later in a CNN interview. Graham also said, "So as to the Ukraine, they had zero to do with the hacking of the DNC and the stealing of the emails. Whether or not people from the Ukraine met with DNC operatives, I don't know. All I've seen is press reports that no one has validated."
Despite their occasional tiffs, Senator Graham has been among Trump's most reliably devoted toadies, carrying water like Niagara Falls in a summer rainstorm. That he, in the midst of Trump's Ukraine ruse, not only acknowledged Russia as the culprit, but pegged his confidence level at 100% (times 10), is bound to attract Trump's attention, and undoubtedly, even more, his irritation. Perhaps with Trump on another continent, Graham was able to get his head out a certain orifice long enough to catch his breath and secure some much-needed brain oxygenation.
Who knows? For that matter, other than Trump, who even cares? Rest assured, he is not the first, and he most certainly will not be the last person to get reacquainted with his or her scruples and senses, and communicate accordingly…on the record. At the moment, what we know and can attest is, "Slowly, Surely, Inexorably: Lindsey Got Next!"
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/03/politics/lindsey-graham-russia-election-meddling-ukraine-conspiracy/index.html
https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2019/12/04/slowly-surely-inexorably-lindsey-got-next/


The ports are saw in opendaylight, but opendaylight don't see the ethernet cable connection between them.
Does someone knows what I have to do ?
With L2Switch, the topology discovery works, because it installs a flow that redirects LLDP packets to controller. But with VTN, there is no such mechanism and since VTN is not compatible with L2switch, I don't know what to do.. I tried setting manually a flow that redirects LLDP packets, but the two hosts in VTN don't ping if I configure them like this : https://wiki.opendaylight.org/view/OpenDaylightVirtualTenantNetwork%28VTN%29:VTNCoordinator:RestApi:HowtoconfigureL2NetworkwithSingleController so maybe there is something more to do than just add a flow that redirects LLDP packets to controller.
I found the solution to my problem. The only difference between mininet and my configuration was the Open vSwitch version. I tried to install the mininet version and everything worked fine.
So there is a bug in opendaylight (or in openvswitch) : Helium (first release, SR1, SR2 and SR3, I tried them all) doesn't work, for some reason, with Open vSwitch version 2.3.1 (but Hydrogen does). Instead, I had to install Open vSwitch version 2.0.2 in my switches to make my installation work.
I have seen this before and it was because the link learning process was not working. That happens via LLDP packets that the controller issues out of each port that it knows about. The controller also programs a flow in each switch to punt all LLDP packets the switch receives to the controller. So, when a packet-out sends the LLDP from one switch to the connected switch, the controller will get that LLDP and it can then know/learn that link.
verify that the switches are sending packet-ins for each received LLDP packet.
Thank you very much for your answer, it really helped me. The ports are recognized, and send LLDP packets when the switch is connected to the controller. But there is no flows to punt LLDP packets to controller : sudo ovs-ofctl dump-flows <switch name=""> -O OpenFlow13 OFPST_FLOW reply (OF1.3) (xid=0x2): Do you know how I could add one and the reason of such behavior ?
Could you try to capture the openflow traffic between the controller and the switch when you first connect? Part of that transaction should be to program the LLDP punt flows. Maybe the switch is rejecting them? you might find a clue in the vswitch logs. The flows should be programmed by default.
Ok I think I just found a solution to my problem. I found it by looking at the controller traffic like you said, it never wrote the flows. The thing is that I didn't installed either l2switch or VTN to set up my network. In mininet, this wasn't necessary for opendaylight to discover the network links, but in my case it seemed necessary. In mininet, when I s1 ovs-ofctl dump-flows "s1" there is no flows installed either, so mininet has a special mechanism to advertise its links that doesn't need the LLDP mechanism... I installed l2switch, and the flows are installed and the links are discovered correctly. Next step is to try it with VTN, but for now my question is solved. Thank you very much and have a nice evening !


TAB FLUGESIC -P. Flupirtine is used in treatment of musculo-skeletal pain, headache, nerve pain, post operative pain and pain during menstruation.
EVECARE SYRUP 200ML Asparagus (Shatavari) restores hormonal balance in women with fluctuating hormonal levels as a result of menstruation and menopause. It is also a popular herb that enhances fertility, and regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).


In 1846 at the age of 24, Tomás Avila Sanchez inherited Rancho La Cienega o Paso de La Tijera from his grandfather Vicente Sanchez, a powerful and cantankerous old Don from the Pueblo days, who twice served as mayor of Los Angeles during an illustrious, if not embattled, life in politics. Vicente Sanchez would receive a Mexican land grant for Rancho La Cienega o Paso de la Tijera from Governor Manuel Micheltorena in 1843, two years after Sanchez had hosted the governors inaugural ball at his palatial "downtown" adobe (currently the site of the Garnier Building).Cienega, the Spanish word for marsh, described the swampy grasslands that were often flooded by the volatile course of the L.A. River. Early Spanish explorers also referred to the land as Paso de la Tijera, believing the passageway to El Pueblo resembled an open pair of scissors. The 4,219 acres comprising the doubly named ranch are now known as Ladera Heights, Windsor Hills, Baldwin Hills, and Leimert Park.
Much like his grandfather, Tomás Sanchez dedicated his career to civic endeavors; early records list him as the city's tax collector in 1843, the first of many public offices he would come to occupy. At the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, Sanchez joined the Lanceros, a cavalry unit expert in spear-wielding combat. He fought alongside General Andres Pico in the infamous Battle of San Pasqual, 28 miles north of present day San Diego -- one of the bloodiest to be fought in Alta California, and one of the few in which Mexican forces defeated a superior U.S. military.
The war came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, also known by its more descriptive title: The Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits, and Settlement Between the United States of America and The Republic of Mexico. The agreement stated that the U.S. would honor the Mexican land grants of the Rancho years; nevertheless many Californios would be stripped of their properties, their appeals ignored by a victorious government that favored unhindered expansion.
On September 9 1850,California was awarded statehood. The Pueblo de Los Angeles (population: 1,160) underwent a vacuum of power -- lawlessness and violence were a daily reality. Oftentimes Sanchez joined vigilante groups in search of criminals and bandidos. Though Los Angeles was becoming home to a growing number of law-abiding families, farmers, and shopkeepers, the cultural milieu of the day also included clusters of failed miners, gamblers, and renegades -- the wild west had arrived, and the city soon boasted more than 400 gambling halls.
In 1855, Sanchez proved influential in the formation of Los Angeles' first police force: The City Guards. The guards saw plenty of action for a city of its size, reporting an average of one murder per day. Tensions amongst the Mexican Angelenos and the new influx of Anglo's were exacerbated by the passing of the Greaser Act (1855), an anti-Mexican law that was veiled as a crime deterrent.
Sanchez was respected by both populations, particularly esteemed by the new arrivals in search of a stable, if not uncontested, path to prosperity. According to historian Newmark Harris, Sanchez's frequent displays of "great physical prowess" against some of the most feared outlaws of the day earned him the post of County Supervisor, an office he held for three terms.
In 1860, at the age of 34, Sanchez became the first Mexican American to be elected as Sheriff of Los Angeles; he would be re-elected 7 consecutive years. The native son, by now a wealthy land baron and descendant of one of the city's original twelve families, was an unlikely candidate for such a dangerous job. During his tenure, Sanchez frequently engaged in gun battles with some of the most notorious outlaws of the day, delivering many of them to the unforgiving noose of justice.
Though Sanchez demonstrated great loyalty and devotion to his native city, he rarely felt the same about his adopted federal government. In 1859 he supported a bill, written by his friend and fellow veteran, General Andres Pico, that called for the secession of Southern California from the rest of the state, calling the new state Colorado. The bill was passed in California, but ignored by the federal government. At the outbreak of Civil War in 1861, Sanchez demonstrated his Confederate loyalty by helping to finance and arm a secessionist militia: The Los Angeles Mounted Rifles. Unionists kept a close eye on the Southern sympathizer, but Sanchez, ever the stealth politician, managed to quell his critics with his rigorous approach to the enforcement of the law.
Portrait of Tomás and friend John Wilson.
In company with some prominent Mexican politicians led by Tomás Sanchez, they loaded themselves into a stage and visited the corral; and once arrived there, those that could made such flowery stump speeches in the native language of the horde that, in fifteen minutes or twenty minutes, they had stampeded the whole band!
In 1875, Sanchez sold Rancho La Cienga o Paso de La Tijera to Workman's brother-in-law, F.P.F Temple. Sanchez never lived at Rancho La Cienega, preferring to build his home on property owned by his wife, Maria Sepulveda, also a product of wealthy Spanish settlers. Their home is now a historical monument in Glendale. Tomás Sanchez reached the end of his illustrious life cycle at the age of 56 in 1882. He was survived by his wife Maria, nineteen sons, and two daughters.
With the passage of time, the original adobe structures of Rancho La Cienega o Paso de La Tijera passed through many owners, and in the 1920s served as the club house to the Sunset Fields Golf Course. During the post-World War II demographic shifts of the region, the original Rancho's adobes went through the hands of new African American business owners; in 1973 the structures became home to their present day occupants: Consolidated Board of Realists of Southern California. This consortium of African American brokers and real estate agents would be crucial in defeating the unlawful attempts at denying African Americans a fair shot at property loans.


text:
Q: How to implement this function in MATLAB? I am using a book with a function I would like to use. However I don't think I am getting the correct values from my function.
Here is the instruction from the book:

Here is the function as I have created it in MATLAB:
function [ shortProbability ] = pShort( zkt, zktStar, short)

if zkt > zktStar
    shortProbability = 0;
else
    normalizer = 1/(1-exp(-short*zktStar));
    shortProbability = normalizer * (short * exp(-short*zkt));
end

end

The values I am plugging in are:
zkt = 0:1:100
zktStar = 50;
short = 0.01;

However my graph doesn't behave like the one which I am supposed to end up with, which is this:

I am getting this from the graph, which looks correct, however I don't think it is being normalized properly:

Can anyone help me to correct this function?

A: This is the exponential distribution. You can use EXPPDF and EXPCDF from the Statistics Toolbox:
normalizer = 1 ./ ( expcdf(zktStar,1/short) - expcdf(0,1/short) );
shortProbability = exppdf(zkt, 1/short) * normalizer;

and it should be equivalent to what you have...

This is what I get when I combine it with the graph from your previous question:

To confirm, we compute the area under each of the curves (close enough to 1):
>> trapz(zkt,hitProbabilty)
ans =
     1

>> trapz(zkt,shortProbability)
ans =
       1.0077

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This modest free standing shtender is our most affordable model with a box on top. Built from solid wood, African Walnut. The stand is strong and sturdy, but can easily break down and be reassembled. The top opens from above to access the storage on the inside and the door in front sets down to be used as a table for use in sitting position. Available in light or dark finish. Contact us for most updated availability.
This Shtender is currently available for sale and can be shipped out within days. You can choose from a Light, dark or mahogany finish when available, or pay the higher price for a custom finish. These shtenders are light and sturdy, for easy transportation and years of use. Bass Synagogue Furniture Jewish craftsmen build each prayer stand individually from the finest materials. We are proud to offer solid hardwood with strong, beautiful joinery, and durable finish. Quantity discounts available. Contact us for more information regarding the hardwood shtender or custom work to suit your needs, style, and budget requirements.


A US-Israeli test of a missile defense system today involved the launch of a long-range missile and speculation that a message is being sent to Syria and Russia over a possible attack.
This file photo, taken on Dec. 2, 2005, shows an Arrow missile being launched at an undisclosed location in Israel. Israel and the US conducted a joint missile test over the Mediterranean on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013, as President Obama campaigns for a US-led attack on Syria.
Israel and the United States carried out a missile test over the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday morning that was detected by Russian surveillance systems, adding to regional tension as President Obama campaigns for a US-led attack on Syria.
The launch of an eastward-bound missile from the Mediterranean was initially reported in Russian media, spooking financial markets as there was speculation that an attack on Syria had begun, Reuters reported. Both the US and Russia – one of the chief backers of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad – have been building up their presence in the Mediterranean, raising concern about a clash between superpowers.
"Tensions are high. Everybody is waiting for an American attack," says Ephraim Inbar, a political science professor at Bar Ilan University.
Israel's Defense Ministry eventually said that a Sparrow rocket had been fired to simulate a ballistic missile attack on the Jewish state to test the Arrow interceptor system. The Arrow – which wasn't fired Tuesday – has been developed to defend against long-range rockets primarily from Iran, a main patron of the Syrian regime.
Later on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to allude to the exercise as he spoke on Israel's missile defense systems at the inauguration of a high-tech park.
A spokesman for the prime minister declined to say if Mr. Netanyahu was referring to the test launch, or even if he was aware of it.
One Israeli expert said the incident could be seen as muscle-flexing by the US and Israel. Officials in Syria and Iran have threatened to attack Israel should the US decide to order reprisals for the alleged use of chemical weapons by the regime two weeks ago.
"You could say perhaps it's a show of strength to Syria and its Iranian ally – that Israel has a range of options at its disposal. And to place pressure on Assad and Iran that Israel takes [retaliation threats] seriously," says Meir Javedanfar, a lecturer on Iranian politics at the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center. "Through Israel, Obama is also possibly sending a message to Assad – that if the Congress doesn't approve an attack against Syria, then America might protect its interests in the region through Israel."
Over the weekend, Mr. Obama accused Syria of using chemical weapons and spoke in favor of using US military power to punish the regime. The test launch comes as the administration is trying to convince members of Congress to approve a resolution authorizing the president to order the attacks.
Arieh Herzog, a former Israeli missile defense director, says that the Sparrow missile is developed to simulate "the worst threats" in the region so Israel can hone the capabilities of the Arrow III missile interceptor. He speculated that the launch Tuesday was done at a considerably long range.
Mr. Herzog says that although the missile testing with the US is planned months in advance, they are sometimes postponed due to geopolitical tension. However, he denied the test was timed to send a message to Israel's enemies. "We need to develop the systems as fast as possible to get better defenses," he says.
A Russian peace mission to Washington over Syria?


text:
Allow Ads
HomepageUSNews
Texas Judge Reverses 'Save James' Decision, Gives Mom Who Wants 'Gender Transition' for Boy All Rights
Steve Warren
In the continuing legal saga of little James Younger, a Texas judge has now taken away the father's rights when it comes to his son's well-being.
LifeSite News reports without a proper hearing, a Dallas judge on Monday took away Jeffrey Younger's claim to his son's medical, psychological, and psychiatric care, giving that power solely to James' mother, Dr. Anne Georgulas.
As CBN News has extensively reported, little James is in the middle of a legal battle between his parents that made national headlines in 2019 after it was revealed the boy's mother intended to publicly gender-transition him into a girl against the father's wishes. Even the eight-year-old boy has reportedly been conflicted about the transition, too.
The #SaveJamesYounger hashtag went viral on Twitter last year as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), US Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Gov. Greg Abbott, and Attorney General Ken Paxton, commented on the young boy's case.
Monday's ruling by Judge Mary Brown reverses Judge Kim Cooks' October 2019 ruling that included both parents when making joint medical decisions for James and his brother Jude.
Georgulas now has the sole authority to enroll James in school as a girl named "Luna" and have him undergo transgender medical procedures. Court documents show Younger wanted to take both boys out of public school and homeschool them instead, according to LifeSite News.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FREE CBN NEWS APP
Click Here Get the App with Special Alerts on Breaking News and Top Stories
Georgulas' attorneys filed a motion to have Judge Cooks replaced in November of last year after Cooks shared a Facebook post in which she shared an article from The Dallas Morning News, writing: "The governor nor any legislature (sic) had any influence on the Court's Decision."
Georgulas' motion was granted and Cooks was removed from the case in December.
According to the "Save James" Facebook page, a page ran by individuals interested in the case, both Younger, Georgulas, and the boys will be required to attend family counseling that will cost Younger $5,000 a month, in addition to a $10,000 retainer by a counselor. Even though Younger will be required to pay for the counseling, he will not have a say in the counselor's selection.
Brown's ruling was made without the hearing that had been scheduled for Monday. The judge gave no explanation as to why she issued the order without a hearing.
A special evidentiary hearing is scheduled for September to review Brown's current orders, according to the "Save James" Facebook page.
We encourage readers who wish to comment on our material to do so through our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram accounts. God bless you and keep you in His truth.
Would you like resources to help you navigate the important issues in this article? Click on any of the topics below:
Health Prayer
Need prayer? We're available 24/7. Call (800) 700-7000 or request prayer.
Learn why Truth Matters at CBN News.
CBN Partners provide hope to those who are suffering! You can help bring hope today!
Bring Hope
Judge Removed in Case as TX Father Fights to Keep Ex from Turning Their 7-Year-Old Son into a Girl
TX Boy Whose Mother Wanted to Transition Him into a Girl, Now Attending School as a Boy
UPDATE: Texas Judge Rules Dad Will Have Say in Sex Change of 7-Year-Old Boy
'These Are Very Dark Times': Jury Rules Against TX Dad as Ex-Wife Tries to Turn Their Son into a Girl

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
HomeMoviesHow Many Home Alone Movies are There? Full list With Detail
How Many Home Alone Movies are There? Full list With Detail
Hello, friends in this article we are going to discuss Home Alone movies in which you will know How Many Home Alone Movies are There?
Home Alone is a 1990 American comedy film written and produced by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a Christmas vacation. Kevin must defend his home against two burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The film was a commercial success and has since become a holiday classic.
How Many Home Alone Movies are There?
Home Alone is a popular holiday comedy film franchise that began in 1990.
The franchise includes six films in total.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
The first film, simply titled Home Alone, was released in 1990 and directed by Chris Columbus.
The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas.
As Kevin navigates life on his own, he must also defend his home from burglars.
The second film in the franchise, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, was released in 1992.
This film follows Kevin as he accidentally ends up in New York City after getting on the wrong plane while trying to reunite with his family. Once again, Kevin must defend his home and himself from burglars.
The third film, Home Alone 3, was released in 1997 and stars Alex D.
Linz is a new character named Alex Pruitt.
Alex is left home alone when a group of criminals attempts to steal a top-secret computer chip that is hidden in a toy car in his possession.
The fourth film, Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House, was a made-for-TV movie that premiered on ABC in 2002.
This film stars Mike Weinberg as Kevin's cousin, who is left home alone when his family goes on vacation.
The fifth film, Home Alone: The Holiday Heist, is another made-for-TV movie that premiered on ABC Family in 2012.
The film stars Christian Martyn as Finn Baxter, who moves with his family to a new home in Maine, where he must defend himself and his home from burglars.
Home Sweet Home Alone is a 2021 American Christmas comedy film.
"Home Sweet Home Alone" stars Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Archie Yates, Aisling Bea, Kenan Thompson, Tim Simons, Pete Holmes, Devin Ratray, Ally Maki, and Chris Parnell.
The film is directed by Dan Mazer from a screenplay by Mikey Day & Streeter Seidell, a story by Mikey Day & Streeter Seidell and John Hughes based on a screenplay by John Hughes.
Overall, the Home Alone franchise includes six films, with the first two being the most well-known and successful. With a mix of comedy and adventure, the films are perfect for the holiday season and have become holiday classics for many families.
FAQ Related to Home Alone Movie
Which Home Alone is more popular?
The original Home Alone movie, released in 1990, is generally considered to be the most popular film in the series.
It was a huge commercial success, grossing over $476 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time at the time of its release.
The film also received positive reviews from critics and has since become a holiday classic. It's the one that started the franchise and it has a cult following.
Is Home Alone 1 or 2 better?
Home Alone 1 and 2 are both considered to be popular and well-liked films, but opinions on which one is better can vary.
Home Alone 1 is the original film, and it has become a holiday classic and a cultural touchstone. It was a huge commercial and critical success, grossing over $476 million worldwide, receiving positive reviews from critics, and earning two Academy Award nominations.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released in 1992, and it was also a commercial success, grossing over $358 million worldwide. It received generally positive reviews, and it was praised for its humor and the performances of the cast.
Both movies have their own unique charm and appeal, and which one is considered better is mostly a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the originality and nostalgia of the first one, while others enjoy the familiar yet new adventure of the second one.
Who are the 11 kids in Home Alone?
In the first Home Alone movie, there are 11 children who are part of the McCallister family. They are:
Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin)
Buzz McCallister (Devin Ratray)
Megan McCallister (Hillary Wolf)
Linnie McCallister (Roberta Michelucci)
Jeff McCallister (Jeremy Reign)
Rod McCallister (John Heard)
Peter McCallister (John Candy)
Kate McCallister (Catherine O'Hara)
Sondra McCallister (Gerry Bamman)
Fuller McCallister (Michael C. Maronna)
Tracy McCallister (Daisy McCrackin)
The cast also includes many other supporting actors and actresses who play minor roles as friends and family members of the McCallisters.
How old is Kevin in Home Alone 1?
In the first Home Alone movie, Kevin McCallister is eight years old. The character, played by Macaulay Culkin, is accidentally left behind by his family when they go on a Christmas vacation, and he must defend his home against two burglars. The movie follows Kevin's comedic and resourceful efforts to survive on his own.
Is Home Alone a hit or flop?
Home Alone is considered a huge commercial and critical success. The movie was released in 1990 and grossed over $476 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time at the time of its release. It was nominated for two Academy Awards and received positive reviews from critics, who praised the film for its humor and the performance of Macaulay Culkin as Kevin.
It's safe to say that Home Alone is not considered a flop by any measure, but a hit in every aspect.
So here I have given all the answers to How Many Home Alone Movies are There? if you still have any confusion, you can ask me without any hesitation on the contact us page or by direct mail.


She is the founder of Lunananda Yoga and Somatic Arts, and for three decades, has inspired many yoga practitioners to approach this path. He has trained and certified, under Yoga Alliance standards, yoga teachers for more than twenty years, with an emphasis on the development of a creative look towards the practitioner, providing them with observation and adaptation tools. The emphasis of her programs and workshops has always been to stimulate in each student an approach to inhabit their body and to discover the source of their own wisdom, to walk a path of physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Rosemary's main purpose as a teacher is to motivate practitioners to find in yoga a creative path, and in permanent evolution; a resource for balance, resilience, mental harmony and clarity of purpose.
After practicing for more than ten years, Victor felt the need to share what his teachers had taught him. He has practiced Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Krama and Restorative Yoga with Óscar Velázquez, Andrea Borbolla, Amado Cavazos, Jñana Dakini, Jorge Espinosa, among others. He took the teacher training of Maestros de Yoga Espacio, first generation of Mukta Yoga, Vinyasa Krama, LAIYLA Association of Yoga Instructors of Latin America, Vinyasa Yoga and specialized workshops of Iyengar Yoga. He is founder of the first manufacturer of yoga props in Mexico: Zsabot Yoga Props. "Yoga does not ask us to change, it only invites us to be ourselves, to be who you are is fine, you are OK, that is the first step on a long journey to happiness."


Along with phở, goulash, laksa, or bouillabaisse, Ramen is one of our favourites meal-soups in the world. This creamy, thick, and flavourful broth is an absolute winner of our hearts, and quite frankly the most effective medicine against serious hangovers.
If you don't eat pork or only had the instant just-add-hot-water ramen noodles, then I'm afraid you never really tasted ramen.
To help you sort it out and avoid an unfair "oh, well, I thought ramen would be better", we tested and compiled the list of our favourite ramen joints in central London, where you can find a bowl of authentic ramen (not listed in order of preference). If there are some we haven't tried yet, please share your recommendations in the comments section below!
Not the prettiest location, it is definitely worth a shot because Taro doesn't come with long, long queues like the other hip ramen joints in town. We tried the basic tonkotsu ramen and shoyu ramen, and some gyoza. They were good and remembered us about the usual ramen places you would find anywhere in Japan. The cooks were Japanese, too.
Extra: Gyoza were very good. Karaoke room blasting J-Pop hidden near the bathroom. No queue.
Another great joint located in Soho (and a few other branches across London), with excellent stuff. We had tonkotsu which was good, but their shoyu ramen (Tokyo style) was an absolute winner, really delicious and well-rounded. Definitely the best shoyu ramen we had in London. The noodles are made in the shop daily, and they were excellent. The gyoza were nice and crispy.
TOP: excellent beer list with London favourites (Beavertown, The Kernel). Their shoyu ramen was amazing. Real garlic to crush in your soup.
Excellent quality, the tonkotsu was definitely a win, full of flavour. They had quite a creative list of fun (but not so authentic) creations, like the Dracula ramen (with black garlic) or green tea noodles. We picked their sapporo Miso Ramen and Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu, both delicious and authentic.
TOP: Large choice from classic to quite experimental (Dracula ramen with black garlic anyone?) You can choose the firmness of the ramen. Real garlic to crush in your soup.
We went there at 6 pm on a Friday evening to avoid the massive queues. As they don't do gyoza, we started straight with ramen. We tried the classic tonkotsu, really creamy, loads of flavours, complex, with strong shiitake hints in the broth to bring out every ounce of umami. The spicy one was pure gold, even more flavourful, tasty, and funky.
TOP: loads of flavour, decent portions. More than decent sake list. Cool dudes serving. Real garlic to crush in your soup.
We didn't hear much about this place online, no raving reviews on social networks with the hour long queue outside, nothing. But we had to try it because we smelled authentic Japanese food from miles away. And it is great, their food is absolutely authentic, delicious, and fresh. They had an impressive list of Ramen, from classic shoyu or miso ramen, to the omnipresent tonkotsu & spicy (spicy with minced meat).
TOP: Almost the whole staff was Japanese. Authentic & delish soups, lovely selection of Japanese izakaya classics.
And you, which one is your favourite?


Mobile Connect France - Limited API gives access to Orange authentication allowing End-Users to authenticate and to use the service of your API Client, as defined in section 1 of the Orange APIs General Terms. Mobile Connect France - Limited API allows authenticating End-Users located in France only.
The Terms, as defined in section 1 of the Orange APIs General Terms, consist of (i) such Orange APIs General Terms and (ii) these Orange API Specific Terms for Mobile Connect France - Limited API. In case of any discrepancy between the Orange APIs General Terms and these Orange API Specific Terms, the latter shall prevail.
Mobile Connect France - Limited API is provided in Metropolitan France only.
To use Mobile Connect France - Limited API, You must ensure that End-Users has an Orange mobile subscription stated that the relevant access fees (including roaming fees or costs) are the liability of End-Users. You are informed that End-Users must have all necessary equipment, including a computer a smartphone or features phone, a modem or any other connection tool to enable them to be connected to the internet or mobile network.
No fee and no revenu-share amounts will be applied during the Terms period as defined in section "duration". Each Party bears its own costs.
Orange provides Mobile Connect France - limited API up to 1000 calls per month (iii) per MNO.
Orange will use its best efforts to provide Mobile Connect France - Limited API with reasonable care and skill. Orange will grant no guarantee or warranty with respect to Mobile Connect France - Limited API. In addition, Orange informs You that Mobile Connect France - Limited API may be subject to (i) suspension at any time for technical or operational reasons (in particular but not limited to maintenance operation) or (ii) removal for indefinite periods of time for any reasons or events that are not under the direct or indirect control of Orange.
- to perform identity federation.
When End-Users will first access the service of your API Client requiring the Mobile Connect France - Limited API, they must be authenticated by the Mobile Connect France - Limited API.
In some cases, End-Users will be authenticated implicitly or will be required to authenticate explicitly through the Orange authentication form.
When the authentication is valid, Mobile Connect France - Limited API displays a page called "Notice of Consent" corresponding to the "scope" requested. Through this Notice of Consent, the End-User, that has been authenticated by Orange, will have the choice to accept (or not) to grant access to his data provided through other APIs.
You may implement Identity federation using the "id token" and in particular the "sub" value, unique for an End-User.
Orange retains all right, title and interest in and to Intellectual Property Rights related to Mobile Connect France - Limited API and You are granted a limited right to use Mobile Connect France - Limited API.
You undertake to make available to End-Users, who have agreed to use Mobile Connect France - Limited API, any and all evidences to enable them to claim their rights and the terms of changing their consent to the use of Mobile Connect France - Limited API.
Orange will cease to authenticate any End-User using Mobile Connect France - Limited API, when such End-User chooses to be no longer authenticated by Orange and as soon as possible after receipt of such End-User's request by Orange and (if applicable) no later than the deadlines required by the relevant laws and regulations.
Authentication data are considered as personal data. You represent and warrant that You comply with the relevant laws and regulations (in particular but not limited to the process and retention) that apply to personal data and privacy with respect to End-Users using Mobile Connect France- Limited. You further represent and warrant that You will NOT store any authentication data, that Orange provides You with, beyond the time necessary for the use of the service of your API Client.
The ORANGE brand and any trademarks, brands or logos owned by Orange (the "Brands") are subject to exclusive rights and You are granted a limited right to use the Brands under section 13 of the Orange APIs General Terms. When Orange makes available, on Orange Developer website (developer.orange.com), (i) some rules with regard to, with no limitation, design, use of the Brands, (the "Design Rules") and (ii) some graphic resources (such as buttons, error messages, the Brands) (the "Graphic Resources"), You undertake to fully comply with such Design Rules and Graphic Resources.
Any non-compliance with section 13 of the Orange APIs General Terms, the Design Rules and/or the Graphic Resources may constitute a material breach of these Specific Terms. Therefore, Orange may either suspend these Specific Terms until You fully comply with the Design Rules and the Graphic Resources, or terminate these Specific Terms if You do not fully comply with the Design Rules and the Graphic Resources within a reasonable time.
Notwithstanding section 9 of the Orange APIs General Terms, Orange will inform You of the termination of Mobile Connect France - Limited API one-month in advance of the date of the termination, without prejudice of any claim for damages.
The Terms shall be effective as of the Terms Effective Date and shall be in force during 6 (six) months.


Choose your own type from the Brass Propellers-USA 176 series. Download our full product catalog.
Twin propeller passenger ships up to 1940 – cargo ships – Port tugboats – Pleasure yachts – motor sailors – classic fishing boats.


One of the features of the conference in Beijing was that all the members of the Executive Committee were allocated a volunteer to look after them, help guide them round the building and make sure they got to the various events.
The volunteer that I had was Hualei Yu who was graduating this year. Her collection was really interesting. She had worked photographing a number of homeless people, and had then gone on to design clothes, rather in the way in which Lucy Orta has done, where these clothes can manifest themselves into tents or various other protective garments to help them cope with the environment in which they are living. She also produced photographs, made videos and the work was shown to one of my favourite Bob Dylan tracks, Working Men's Blues. It was a really thought-provoking set of designs and showed how much across the world the issues of sustainability is a common thread that many students are concerned with. Her work also highlighted the issue of how we help support and design for people less fortunate than ourselves.


Up to 89% lower silicon carryover. The increased thermal stability of FOAMSTOP LCI antifoams results in less silicon (Si) being carried out of the drum into cracked coker products.
Extended hydrotreater catalyst life. Silicon is a known poison to hydrotreating catalysts. By reducing the amount of silicon being fed to hydrotreaters, the rate of poisoning is slowed and unit run lengths can be extended.
Longer coke drum cycles and longer asset life. More effective foam control enables reduced outage levels, greater fill rates, and longer drum cycles. Longer (and therefore fewer) drum cycles lead to a longer asset life for the coke drum itself.
Reduced operating expense via lower antifoam usage. Greater thermal stability of the antifoam results in greater persistency of the antifoam in the drum, so the refinery uses less antifoam overall.


The Reformed churches constitute one of the large and influential families of the historic Christian church. Taking their rise in the reformatory movements in German and French speaking Switzerland, they spread first of all to such neighboring countries as Germany, Hungary, France, the Netherlands and Great Britain and from there by means of colonization, migration and mission endeavor to the ends of the earth.
What, we may well ask, distinguishes these churches from the other branches of Christendom?
This question may not be an easy one to answer. For in these churches, too, there have been radical changes during the past four hundred years. The pages of history cite many examples of defection and deformation. However, in many places there are still groups which seek to maintain a vigorous loyalty to the creeds which are the expression of historic Calvinism at its best. Among such groups the Reformed faith still flourishes.
Many have sought to reduce historical Calvinism to one central and controlling principle.
Anyone reading the Reformed theologians will run across the covenant again and again. Sometimes it is set forth directly and positively; at other times it is referred to more indirectly in its relation to such doctrines as those of God's eternal counsel, the fall of man, the substitutionary atonement, the nature of and membership in the Christian church, the sacraments, and others.
A. Among the early reformers.
Although references to the covenant were made already by the early church fathers, this doctrine did not come to prominence until the days of the Protestant Reformation.
Already the first father of the Reformed churches. Ulrich Zwingli, mentioned God's covenant with man. In his long and often bitter controversies with the Anabaptists at Zurich he discussed among other subjects the nature and extent of the Covenant of Grace, defending the idea that the children of believers were members of the church as well as their parents.
John Calvin also emphasized it. He taught dearly the basic unity of the O ld and New Testaments on the basis of Leviticus 26: 12 and Gala tians 3: 16. Since Christ was the pledge of divine grace in both dispensations, the blessings of the Old Testament may not be regarded as merely earthly and temporal. Rather, they arc typical of the spiritual in heritance guaranteed by the work of Christ.
After Zwingli's untimely death his successor. Heinrich Bullinger. wrote' a monograph on the subject of the Covenant. He taught that the Covenant of Grace must be regarded as the restoration of the. bond of friendship between the two parties at variance because of sin, God and man. All the conditions were fulfilled by Christ. Thus for both dispensations there is really but one testament, one body of believers and one way of salvation.
B. Among the later Reformed theologians.
Since then a host of Reformed teachers and preachers have discussed and defended the covenant idea. Bucer on the basis of Jeremiah 31:31 spoke of the covenant as made by God with the elect. Musculus traced the covenant idea back to Noah's day, holding that Genesis 8:1 and 9;9 speak of a covenant made with all the earth. He stressed the promise of the Messiah as the essence of the covenant blessing in the Old Testament.
Ursinus moved in a double direction with the ideas of Musculus. He taught that God had revealed himself in both II Covenant of Nature (foedus naturale) and II Covenant of Grace (foedus gratiae). The former was made with Adam and promised eternal life in the way of obedience. However, during his long and fruitful life he devoted his attention largely to the latter. Olevianus, his co-worker, developed the idea in three successive works. A much more detailed presentation was given by F'ranciscus Junius. 10 whom we will refer again. In the days of the stormy controversies between Calvinists and Arminians in the Netherlands the doctrine. of the covenant received much attention. Later with the rise and spread of the Federal Theology of Council it was, again the storm-center of debate.
Another shcool of Reformed thought which stressed the covnenant arose in Great Britain among the Presbyterians and Congregationalists. Formerly it was though that the English merely followed the Dutch. Now, however, scholars are agreed that the two groups arose independently, proving a type of covenant theology takes shape wherever the Reformed faith is seriously studied and defended.
C. In the Reformed creeds.
The fruit of much of this theological reflection has cme to expression in the creeds. Although the chief elements are found in the earliest symbols, these come to fuller and more systematic expression in the later creedal writings.
Zwingli's Sixty Seven Articles or Conclusions of 1523, though never officially adopted by the churches, reflect the convictions of the time. Christ is presented as the leader and representative of his people who guarantee their salvation. The Basle Confession of 1534 stressed the organic relation of Adam to his descendants, thus teaching original sin which can be safeguarded only on the basis of the covenant idea. Both the First Helvetic Confession (1536) and the Second Helvetic Confession (1566) make direct and indirect references to it, as do also the official declaration and creeds affirmed by ministers and churches in East Friesland and Hungary.
The later Calvinists creeds make more pronounced references to the covenant. Mention should be make of the Gallican Confession of 1559, the Belgic Confession of 1561, the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563, and the Canons of Dort of 1618-19.
Still more prominent for the development of this doctrine are the utterances found in the Westminster Confession and the Catechisms. In the seventh chapter of the former it is affirmed that men could never have "any Fruition of him (that is, of God) as their Blessedness and Reward but by some voluntary Condescension on God's Part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant." This idea was further developed in connection with such doctrines as the transmission of Adam's guilt and pollution to all mankind, and suretyship of Christ, the relation of Old and New Testament, and the nature of membership in the church.
From all this it follows that Reformed people have always taken the covenant seriously. In many quarters it has occasioned lively discussion and heated debate, leading even to schisms in the churches. Thus to understand the Reformed faith it is essential to realize the importance of the covenant idea.
A. It guarantees a comprehensive and systematic presentation of Biblical truth.
The Reformed churches, more than any others, have escapeda one-sided and erroneous view of God's plan of salvation. Instead of teaching sacerdotal salvation, that is, salvation through the church, the priesthood and the sacraments, the Reformed insisted that salvation consists of covenant fellowship with God through the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ as head of the Covenant of Grace.
Likewise, they escaped the narrowness and individualism of the Anabaptists, because they insisted on God's purpose to restore the created order in the covenant with believers and their seed. Thus for them the gospel proclaimed basic principles for all of life. Yet they refused to exchange the gospel of personal salvation for a purely social and this-worldy message.
B. It maintained the unity of God's self-revelation in the Old and New Testaments.
Throughout church history, already since the days of Marcion (about 200 A.D.) the question of the relation the two testaments has vexed the churches. Too often one dispensation was stressed at the expense of the other. By insisting on the controlling concept of the covenant, the Reformed escaped the ever-present danger of separating the two dispensations and thus destroying the beautiful unity of God's Word.
C. It enabled these churches to understand the history of the nations in the light of God's eternal purpose.
Thus the Reformed churches have been able to work in the direction of an adequate philosophy of history on Biblical principles. The simple beginnings made by Irenaeus centuries ago were distorted by Augustine who stressed the place of the organized church of Rome at the expense of the organic relations of human life. Thus, too often, God's gracious purposes were forgotten in an effort to secure a dominant place for the church. From this defect the Protestant Reformation liberated men and cleared the ground for a more satisfying and Scriptural interpretation of the relation of God's people to the world.
D. It presented the believers with a spiritual and comprehensive view of their duty to God and men.
The Bible teaches us that we must not only believe, but also live to the glory of God. Thus the Reformed insisted that God was not satisfied with implicit obedience to the teachings of any church. Such an externalized morality undermines the principles of the Bible and destroys the possibility of living a full-orbed life to God's glory. On the basis of the covenant idea, the Reformed churches set forth the principles for all of life as it has been redeemed by Jesus Christ and restored to the service of God.
Many people seem to think that the covenant idea has little practical value for Christian living today. They argue that it has not afforded us a richer insight into the truths of the Bible and yielded the fruit of greater consecration to God's will. Too often, they claim, the debates have been far removed from the conerns of daily Christian conduct. In opposition to this mistaken notion we would cite one present-day problem which can only be fairly assessed and satisfactorily answered in the light of the teachings of the Bible of the covenant.
During the past few years we are witnessing what is being hailed everywhere as a revival of orthodox, evangelical Christianity. Since World War II the "Youth for Christ" movement has swept this country and invaded Europe. It was occasioned by the apparent helplessness of the churches to inspire the lives of young people with the gospel of Christ. Thus a new approach and new methods, somewhat in imitation of the old revivalism of the past two centuries, was deemed necessary.
In general, the Reformed churches have kept themselves aloof from this movement. This has been critisized by many. But this reserve ought not surprise anyone who knows what these churches teach. Although rejoicing in a seemingly renewed interest in the gospel among many, and without passing judgement on the final results, these churches are convinced that the new movement makes the serious error of regarding the extaordinary and unusual means of bringing the gospel, with a strong appeal to the will and emotions, as the proper method of propagating Christianity. Thus the God-ordained method which embraces the seed of believers in the covenant and requires their spiritual training of mind and heart has been ignored. It has no place for the children in the church before they publicly profess faith. It rejects the duty of the church to train children in the fear of the Lord. It ignores too much the necessity of a thorough knowledge of God's way of salvation.
Before Reformed Christians will be able in good faith to join hands with those who sponsor this and similar revival movements, it must be proved from Scripture that God's Covenant of Grace is outmoded for today. Until that can be unequivocally demonstrated, we can rightly expect that our Reformed people will cherish and defend and propagate their conviction that covenant friendship of God with believers and their children is the heart of the Christian gospel of salvation.
1. How do doctrines, also the doctrine of the covenant, arise and come to full expression in the life of the church?
2. In what way does unconditional obedience to the teachings of the church undermine true spirituality?
3. Why are doctrines necessary for the life of believers?
4. What is meant by the "individualism" of Anabaptism? Is it prevalent today?
5. What are some covenant duties to God, to fellow-believers, and to the world at large?
6. What is meant by covenant training? How is it practiced in and by the Reformed churches today?
7. Should our young people attend such meeting as "Youth for Christ", city-wide revivals sponsored by interdenominational co-operation? State your reasons.
8. How must we meet the arguments that our position is narrow-minded, unchristian and self-righteous?
Dr. Peter Y. DeJong is pastor of the Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids. Dr. DeJong is editor of Federation Messenger, orgain of the American Federation of Reformed Men's Societies, and a weekly contributor to The Banner. The Covenant Idea in New England Theology, Taking Heed to the Flock, Christian Life, and a brief manual on the history of the Christian Reformed denomination have appeared from his pen. Dr. DeJong will continue to write on the doctrine of the Covenant for Torch and Trumpet.


text: The kitchen appliance manufacturer Kenwood moved its entire operation from Woking to Havant in 1962 and has been a major employer in the town ever since. Our exhibition tells the story of Kenwood and the iconic products that helped spark a domestic revolution in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s. As part of this project we commissioned Millstream Productions to produce a documentary film to record the stories people had come forward with. The film (which you can see below) includes interviews with former and current employees, telling stories about their working and social lives at Kenwood and tracks the way the company has developed since it first arrived in New Lane more than half a century ago.


text:
Q: Program to overlay text on an image gives endless string errors I wrote a short program to overlay text on an image:
#include <opencv2/highgui/highgui.hpp>
#include <opencv2/imgproc/imgproc.hpp>
#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

void drawMM( const cv::Mat mm, std::string mCap ){
     //Input output windows
     cv::namedWindow( "Example2_5-out", cv::WINDOW_AUTOSIZE );
     //Input window
     cv::imshow( "Example2_5-in", mm );
     //The Holder of Output(Copyright 2009 Holders Series)
     cv::Mat out = mm.clone();
     //Smoothing
     cv::putText(out, mCap, cv::Point(40,200), cv::FONT_HERSHEY_PLAIN, 2.0, 255, 2);
     //Show the output image.
     cv::imshow( "Example2_5-out", out);
     //Wait.
     cv::waitKey( 0 );

}

void inStr(int argc, char* argv[]){

     if (argc == 1)
     {
         string st = "If your boyfriend dosn't know what this is.";
         cout << st << endl;
     }else{
         string st = argv[1];
         cout << st << endl;
     }
}

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
    string mT << inStr() << endl;
    cv::Mat img = cv::imread(argv[1]);
    drawMM(img, mT);
    return 0;
}

but no matter what I do, every time I try to compile it I get two errors:

*

*A unexpected token:

CMG--00.cpp:39:15: error: expected initialiser before '<<' token
     string mT << inStr() << endl;

*An undeclared scope:

CMG--00.cpp:41:17: error: 'mT' was not declared in this scope
     drawMM(img, mT);
Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

A: string mT << inStr() << endl;
There are a couple of things wrong with this line. First of all, you cannot use the operator<< here. If you want to create a variable, use string mT = inStr();
Also, your function inStrhas two parameters: argc and argv, just like your main function does. You have to pass these parameters to the function. This results in string mT = inStr(argc, argv);
The next problem is your inStrfunction: Instead of returning the string, you are using cout which prints something in the console. You have to adjust your inStr: Replace voidwith string and use return st; instead of your current cout.
I would suggest reading another tutorial since you seem to lack some basic understanding of the language.


As my kids get older, I'm looking for ways to help them take more responsibility. One area that they have been able to take over is packing their own lunches. Packing their lunches helps them learn about nutrition and takes one thing off my long mom to-do list (score!). Plus, when they pick what they are packing, they are more likely to eat it! That's a win win.
We usually make our lunches right after dinner, which means I'm in the kitchen and can keep an eye on what is getting put in the lunch boxes. I clear off a spot on the counter that is easy to reach, and place all the items that they can't get themselves on it. This includes things like the bread, which we keep on top of the fridge or the Sunbutter that is kept high in a cupboard. Wherever I can, though, I make sure that I have kid-friendly areas around our kitchen so they can easily get what they need.
We keep the juice boxes right outside the garage door on a low shelf so they can easily reach them. Our pantry has designated areas for granola bars and fruit cups and they can find crackers and other snack items on the shelves. They also know where the napkins and spoons are kept, should they need one based on what they packed, although they usually use the ones from their school cafeteria.
To incorporate fresh items in to their lunches, I try to prep fruits and vegetables on Sunday and have them ready to go in the refrigerator. I try to pick out what they like that are in season and they know to pack fresh items before those found in the pantry so they don't go bad. The fruit cups are the back up to fresh fruit but it's nice to know that we always have fruit on hand.
I like to use a Rubbermaid lunch box system, which helps guide them on what they should be packing. They know the largest compartment holds their sandwich and we've discussed portion sizes and nutrition guidelines with them so they understand there should be at least one fruit or veggie serving per lunch. These types of reusable packing containers are a really great way to help your kids succeed at packing their lunch.


Melksham were hosts to Supermarine for the return fixture at Oakfields after the Christmas break and were bonus point victors, with most of the scoring coming in the second half.
After a promising quick score from the home team with fly half Alistair Smith stepping the defenders for the first points of the day, scrum-half Callum Hurn added the extras. Despite this enterprising start, both teams failed to get any real consistency in their play for the remainder of the half, the visitors and home team pressure failing to complete and turn into points.
Following instructive words from coach Scott Simmons, the restart saw renewed momentum from the Melksham Forwards. Pressure culminated with No 8 Charlie Radcliffe going over for his first of the season. Five minutes later and building control, found the ball whipped out wide for winger Luke Cador to strike. Shortly after, his free running style was rewarded again for his second of the day and bonus point try, Hurn finding the mark for the conversion. In the driving seat now, Rory Mulgrew at his evasive best cut through to keep the scoreboard going. Cador gained his brace for the game with Hurn adding the extras. Supermarine fought hard throughout, snatching a late converted try from an intercepted pass to avoid the whitewash. The local game was sponsored by Colder Refrigeration Services Ltd. Ex-player and coach.


text:
Rivers Guber: Tonye Princewill Speaks On Governorship Election, Relationship Between Wike, Amaechi
Super User	Interviews 26 August 2019	 26 August 2019	 Hits: 1457
Tonye Princewill, former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, has said the Governor, Nyesom Wike used the 2019 governorship election in the state to teach Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation a lesson.
He said Wike and Amaechi's enemies taught the Minister a lesson and the state paid for it.
The APC chieftain stated this in an interview with select journalists, where he spoke on a number of national issues.
Princewill insisted that Amaechi's closeness with President Muhammadu Buhari and his refusal to "play" with some of his fellow leaders at the national level meant that his enemies became friends of Wike.
Read full interview below…
After the 2019 elections where the APC was excluded in Rivers state, are there efforts to carry out a comprehensive reconciliation among members and where does the party in the state stand ahead of 2023?
Anybody who wants to win, wants peace. Especially anyone who is not blinded by ambition. I know peace efforts were made before the elections and I suspect peace efforts will be made again soon. But it has to be initiated from outside in. That means it is the duty of the party to find a way to bring all sides back to the table. The national office in my opinion is best placed to midwife a genuine peace process. Disagreements are commonplace in politics. Friction is a function of interaction. So we await the party. Clearly as the dust begins to settle and Ministers are put in place, the need for a state by state reconciliation will come to the front burner.
I will say however that party disunity at the state level was not what lost us the election. It was disunity at the national level buoyed by a few in the judiciary and in INEC that were willing to use the guise of local issues to implement a plan hatched in Rivers State government house. We were naive to think that those threatened by Amaechi, were only in PDP. Now we know that was not the case. His unadulterated closeness to Buhari and his refusal to "play" with some of his fellow leaders at the national level meant that his enemies became Wike's friends. If an Amaechi without a state government is so influential, an Amaechi with a Rivers state government would be unstoppable. 2019 for us was about 2023, not 2019. Amaechi was taught a lesson and we in Rivers state paid for it, through no fault of our own.
Anybody weak enough, can be induced to be disunited. Our fault, was we underestimated how much Amaechi was hated within his own team. So at the federal level, we were really in government, but we were not in power. That lesson has been learnt and filed away for the history books.
The new cabinet is in place now. What agenda would you set for them and what are your expectations? Some say they may not give the administration the needed push to achieve the expected goal.
The agenda has been set by the President and so it's not for me to do that, but I would expect that it will be a more intense pace and higher targets. This President won an election with the media against him, the elite against him, ethnic bigots against him, religious zealots against him, the Generals against him and the West against him. At one point I suspected he even had some people in INEC against him. All he had going for him were his APC die hards and the masses. This victory is for them. That means he has to deliver on the things that are important to them. Jobs, an improved fight against corruption with several high profile convictions, improved power distribution, rail infrastructure networks and a further acknowledgment of industries outside of oil like agriculture, the creative sector and information technology.
As for the capacity of the cabinet to give the administration the needed push, I think it's the other way around. The administration from the top is the one doing the pushing. Buhari has his legacy to protect. Ministers have been given their marching orders and any who fall short will be denied the glory of their posts.
At the national level, the party seems to be fragmented along interest lines. There are those who feel your party, is losing its goodwill and that the party may not be in reckoning come 2023, particularly considering that the cult-like followership of President Buhari will no longer be there. How do you react to that?
It was the former British Prime Minister that said "A week is a long time in politics." That applies here too. My prediction is that there will be an alignment and realignment of interests leading up to the next elections. We see it all the time. It's nothing new. What may be new, is the President may sign into law a new electoral act that will introduce electronic voting. People will become more important to politicians if that is the case. In many states that has not been the case. Both the APC and the PDP will be affected by this and it means the possibility of a third force will become more likely.
I agree APC will need to begin to reflect on life after Buhari. Like I said earlier, it was Buhari that won that election, against all odds. So if he isn't there, it will be different. But if Buhari raises the hand of anyone, he or she already has a head start over the opposition. Buhari won't raise anyone's hand in 2023 unless he genuinely believes that such a person can do justice to Nigeria and take her to the promise land. It will be that person versus someone who can take us back to the days of sharing and I know, in the end, the progressives under whatever banner, will win again.
Amaechi is perceived in certain quarters as a stumbling block in Rivers APC and not a rallying point. He couldn't stomach Magnus Abe, Lulu Briggs and a few others who left the party for him because they alleged he imposed Tonye Cole. You are a strong force within. What is your take?
Thank you for that question. Let me start by saying, I am not a strong force, just a very stubborn politician who will not play politics as usual. I am easy to understand. My loyalty to party is not at the expense of my loyalty to my people. As long as my party respects my people, my party can have no problem with me. Who are my people? The youths, the vulnerable, the disabled, the masses, the Niger Deltans, the Ijaws, Rivers people and of course, the Kalabari Kingdom. Mess with any of these groups and you have messed with me. It is therefore impossible to impose where I am seated. I won't take it. Amaechi did not impose anyone on us, he did not even allow the writing of results at the ward, LGA and state congresses. He, like his father Buhari, became an extreme democrat. The amount of sincere consultations we did in Rivers state, impressed even a sceptic of our politics like me. I've been a victim of the popular will being reversed many times before and I can tell you, that didn't happen in Rivers state. Yes it's true Amaechi expressed an opinion as to Tonye Cole at the end, but he did so only after we gave him that option. I was one of the last to agree. But I know Amaechi has genuine love at the grassroots and the best way to fight the opposition was lining up behind one position, no matter whose ox was gored. Can I agree behind close doors and reject it publicly? No. I can not do that. We the leaders agreed on the process of choosing a candidate and we agreed on Tonye Cole – collectively. With respect to my brother, the distinguished Senator Magnus Abe, he jumped the gun and expressed an interest to contest very very early. Amaechi refused to endorse him, but he was left free to express his views and free to associate, including with Wike. He could never have won, so he ensured nobody won. I'm sure he is very happy about how he made his point. Wike owes a lot to him.
We are experiencing dwindling external reserves and the GDP isn't encouraging. In specific terms, what do you think should be done by the next cabinet to drive the economy, particularly from its mono cultural status?
There are a lot of things they can do sector by sector, but I think there are a few areas that I see quick wins. Improved agricultural output is already a priority and I expect that this Federal government will do even more. Same for infrastructure. We need more rail, roads, better ports and airports. Our refineries also need to be online and effective. Decades have passed without progress. That is no more.
But two areas are dear to me. The first is that I want the power sector to be a key target and I want to see it improved, especially at the level of distribution. It really should be a standalone ministry with someone who is prepared to fall on his sword. This issue frustrates me so much so I took time to study it. No matter how much we generate, we don't have the infrastructure to distribute more than 4,000 MW. The discos are a bottle neck and I now see why. The issue needs to be addressed. No excuses. Get back power and you give power to the people. You reduce their costs, you improve their quality of life, you attract manufacturing, you give them jobs, you light up their neighbourhoods and you reduce insecurity.
The next area for me is the creative industry, our music, our film, our comedians, our artists and our collective culture, popularly called the entertainment industry. This is the life blood of our youths and one of the largest employers of labour. I see that the CBN and BOI are doing a good job of recognizing them, but they need to do more and this has to be a serious and a directly supervised initiative by the executive under the ministry of information and culture and supported by justice. When I produced 76, it not only sold Nigerians to the world, it sold Nigeria, it sold Africa to the world. Sent out positive images. That is what Burna Boy, Davido, Genevieve, Mo Abudu and others are doing on a daily basis. Where therefore is the institutional support for them? The Obi of Onitsha once taught me that if you want to help people run, first help the ones who can already walk. Then you can help those who are crawling. One can not fly into flying. The creative sector has serious players. Men and women are putting their hard earned cash into the sector. They are worthy of our support.
Do these things well and see the economy begin to grow. It's not rocket science.
You have been around for long: a friend to Atiku, you worked with Tinubu in 2007 and you are one of Amaechi's confidants. Yet you are at home in the Villa. How have you been able to manage or negotiate around all these power blocks and tendencies in our polity?
I am a willing student and I did not join politics for what I can take. I joined for what I can give. Both Atiku and Asiwaju brought me up very well politically. Atiku gave me the opportunity to contest and allowed me a voice, Asiwaju stood by me and gave me the tools to fight for justice. They both handed me over to Amaechi even though they both denied it at the time. I now know why. Since then, we have been a team, even though his refusal to support me for Governor kept me away from him for a while. All politics is local and so in Rivers state, you are either with Wike or Amaechi. I've tried the third party option. It doesn't work. There is no way I can work with Wike. As for the villa and the Presidency, I believe in Buhari and I'm not alone. 90% of my LGA agreed with me. He got our votes. We rejected anything and everything associated with Wike and we have seen a man for the masses. I'm sure they see that in me.
With the problems that trailed APC's adoption of direct primaries in some states of the Federation, do you see it as a better method than indirect primaries?
If well managed, it can be a solution to many of our problems. It's expensive and it can be an invitation to violence, but if you can check that, I will forever be an advocate for it.
The Buhari administration has faced strong criticisms from Nigerians who feel he is not holding on to his campaign promises, especially in the area of fight against corruption. Would you not agree that the fight against corruption could be better fought?
Of course it could be better fought, there is room for improvement. I will be the first to agree with this. But let us not be fooled by those who think nothing is being done or no significant progress is being made. Critics are available like sand. I ignore them. What I listen our for are the constructive critics. They want to see more high profile convictions and fast tracking of cases and their wishes are being heard. I am reminded what a banker once told me. He said he can't make it impossible for people to steal money, what he can do is make it harder and harder for them.
From your arguments, it is obvious you consider the last governorship election in Rivers State as a sham but there are those who would argue that Governor Wike is solidly on the ground in that state and that he understands the politics better and has earned for himself the sobriquet, Mr. Project in Rivers. What is the chance that APC has with another 4 years of Wike?
INEC declared him Governor. So that is what he is until the Judiciary says otherwise or till his four year term expires or God takes control to the contrary. We all know it was a sham, it's not breaking news. What was a surprise was who and who were involved. But now we know. He is now planning to endorse Austin Opara as his successor because he has seen that cash is King. Anybody can be bought. The media, the police, the judiciary, the opposition and the youths. He knows our moral fibre is weak and that hunger has left many of us thinking with our stomachs and not our heads. We are here and watching. Let the buying begin. APC's chances depend on APC. If like in 2015 and 2019, you predicted a President without Rivers, that may not be the case going forward. We need candidates who are popular, grass-rooted and can appeal across party lines. At all levels. We can't afford a disgruntled electorate.
You're a southerner. Many people from that region have vehemently protested against federal government's proposed Ruga settlement for normadic herders. Where do you stand on this very sensitive national debate?
Yes I am a southerner, but I'm also a Nigerian and I would like to think I am fairly reasonable in my thinking. The position is that unless a state wants it, the settlement will not happen. The former Minister of Agriculture being from Benue state and being a farmer is reported to have maybe tried to establish one without the permission of the state. That action has since been stopped in its tracks. So what's the fuss? How many ways can you say No? I think that the Federal Government has got the message. The mistrust fueled by irresponsible actions on all sides means that the government needs to go with only those states that are ready. If the trust is rebuilt and other states see that it can profit from RUGA, then they can adopt it. Not before. One Nigeria is also about respect for each other.
Would you say you're satisfied with the state of security in Nigeria presently and what are your suggestions to bringing about enduring peace?
Satisfied with security is a luxury we cannot afford. There is a lot of work to be done. But unlike many who see security as strictly a Federal Government assignment, I see it as much much more than that. Seeing what insecurity has done to Rivers state, I know the limits of the Federal Government. I also know the limits of the police. Taking Rivers state as a case study, we see you need social security too. Free health and free education and the refocus on the creation of jobs have a direct correlation with insecurity. The fact that we are No 1 in unemployment can not be unconnected with our levels of insecurity. Is that strictly Federal Government? No. Is that a police problem? No. Nigerians focus on Abuja as a fallout of military regimes gone by. They have not upgraded their thinking to what goes on in their states or in their local governments. As a result of this archaic and analog thinking, they give Governors a free certificate to deliver if they like. Not me.
I can go on and on about what to do as I have done in the past, but I'm not sure anyone is listening. The absence of consequence is the beginning and the end of the problem. If it is profitable to be disruptive and a menace to society, why would people not be? If arming youths actually wins elections, why won't armed youths be a new normal? And if that is the new normal and there are no jobs, why won't there be insecurity? I have said we need to be tough on crime, but also on the causes of crime. I'm glad The US embassy has taken some action following the elections. Albeit a tap on the wrist. We know what to do but for selfish reasons, we don't or won't want to do it. Support the right people to lead even if you have to make a personal sacrifice. That is what I have done. I try to lead by example.
Source: https://dailypost.ng/2019/08/25/rivers-guber-tonye-princewill-speaks-governorship-election-relationship-wike-amaechi/amp/


Is running UI tests actually supported in AppCode?
Please let me know whether I should stop banging my head against this particular brick wall.
UI testing is not yet supported, please vote & follow OC-12491.
Maybe Adrian was talking about UI tests from Apple (https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/testing_with_xcode/chapters/09-ui_testing.html) using XCUIApplication ?
OC-12491 is exactly about the same thing as you wrote.
I'm not sure how to run Xcode UI tests.
AppCode does not let me select my UITests target.
I can only select the target corresponding to my unit tests.
That's because OC-12491 is not in public builds yet. The fix will be available in upcoming 2016.3 EAP which we plan to open sometime in September. After that you'll be able to work with UI test targets in AppCode.