Bulls (second half team total of 42 1/2 points) at Hawks.
If I have said it once, I have said it a million times: One can pretty much bet on anything these days and that includes a team total in the second half of an NBA game. In this case, it was Tuesday's night game from Philips Arena involving the Bulls and Hawks.
The game itself was a laugher as Chicago led 72-43 at the half. The Hawks were a 5 1/2-point second-half favorite but that isn't the point of this beat. Da Bulls' team total for the second half was 42 1/2 points, meaning you could either go over or under that believing that Derrick Rose' team would either wind up scoring over or under 114 1/2 points in the end.
The score was 114-69 after one of two free throws were made by reserve Omer Asik. He missed one of them but there was still 5:58 on the clock -- half of the fourth quarter -- to still be played.
This may be the worst beat I have ever seen!


I'm tired. Not of life, I quite like life at the moment, it's spring, the daffodils are looking lovely and I'm enjoying pottering along. I'm tired of somethings though. I'm tired of English Christians grabbing anything they can get from American Christians. I'm tired of courses that are written in the same language but to a completely different cultural background, I'm tired of stereotypes for men and women that are completely unrelated to how me and my friends live, I'm tired of Christian turf wars over there becoming our turf wars here and I'm tired of people not paying attention to what we need to think about in English Christianity.
I want a cultural voice that speaks to where I live, to the struggles of being a Christian in a deeply secular society, I want other voices to help me think about living credibly as a Christian in a city that laughs at me for believing in something so fundamentally offensive to everything it values. I want someone to help me think about living out faith and belief in God here in England in 2011. I know that we think we have the same culture as America, we speak a similar language, we watch the same films, we have similar celebrities but that doesn't mean we are the same culturally. I want someone to notice the differences, to enjoy the differences and to know that lazily transporting a course or two from America to England doesn't work, to know that what the big names are fighting about this time in America might not be the things we need to care about over here today.
Who are these voices? Who will help me figure out how I can relate to God in Brighton today? Who will stop looking to the Americans for all the lead and speak out here and now about the state of Christianity in England today? Who will look and see and speak truth into our country? Internet Monk does the job brilliantly of thinking about different strands of evangelicalism over in the States but I'm not sure much of it is culturally transferable. The US definitions of words and tribal lines are very different to ours. Eugene Peterson speaks powerfully to the mega church, market driven, pastors being more than CEOs North American church scene but who speaks to our scene? Who is seeing our cultural weaknesses and challenging the way we are church in this country?
Where is our prophetic voice calling us back to the ways of Jesus in the UK? Or are we just soaking up what we can get from America without questioning and are we heading for the same mistakes? I'm all for listening to how others do things but are we really listening to voices across the world? Are we learning from the persecuted church? Are we seeking to learn from the developing world as well as those nations we consider more advanced?
I am part of a small church, I love my family, I love that we think about some of these questions together, I love that we love our city but I'd love to know where we can draw more inspiration from, where we can join with others in similar situations and where we can think and be moved together to walk as Jesus did in our specific cultural context. Any ideas?
This entry was posted in Life on the journey and tagged prophetic, rant, tired, voice. Bookmark the permalink.
There's a lot to think about here, Kath! I'd love to hear a bit more about what, specifically, you identify as the cultural differences. I also think that learning from the persecuted church is particularly important. I'm afraid I can't offer any ideas today as I'm under the weather but I'll definitely be coming back when my brain's less cloudy!
This is great Kath. Not only is much of American Christianity not all that great in the first place, it comes from a deeply different culture. Particularly in the American south, but even in the rest of the country, 'Christian religion' is much more written across the consciences and morals of people than at home. The new BBC programme exploring whether or not God had a wife, for example, would never be broadcast by a major network over here.
Regardless of what American Fundis will tell you about the anti God horrors of having a Democrat in the White House or MSNBC in their basic cable package, six weeks living in the UK, or mainland Europe would show them the difficulties that UK and European Christians face are much more real, or at least, very different. Apart from the broad brush strokes of the Gospel, much of what is produced for an American context hopelessly misses the mark in England.
So where is the next John Stott, or JI Packer or MLJ? This are great thoughts Kath.
Adele- I think Ed has outlined some for you- a great perspective from an English guy out in the States- thanks Ed!
I think American Christianity holds very different issues than English Christianity- there seem to be so many battle lines drawn about where you stand on abortion, whether you are a Democrat or Republican etc. Tribal lines fall much more around those lines than over here- here it's ok to be a reformed evangelical who is deeply liberal in political views- I'm not sure the same could be said over the pond. even the word evangelical means different things depending on who you talk to and seems to mean very different things over there than here. There seems to be so much of God in the culture of America (broadly) and so little over here… Just some broad brush strokes. Obviously there will be a wide variety of contexts from state to state!
Key qus. Wonder aloud if the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (one of Stott's children, and the only UK one rather than int'l) has anything to help (I genuinely don't know!).


X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is a genetic eye disorder that causes vision loss in childhood that gets worse over time (progressive). X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is a form of macular degeneration, which is a condition that affects the part of the back of the eye (retina) that is important for detailed vision (macula). Symptoms of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis may vary, but the first sign is usually poor vision in school and trouble seeing words while reading. The poor vision progresses through teenage years, becomes stable during adulthood, and then significantly declines in a person's fifties or sixties. Far-sightedness (hyperopia) and eyes that look in different directions (strabismus) are also quite common in affected individuals. Squinting and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) can occur in infants with severe cases of the condition.
The disorder is caused by a change (mutation) in the RS1 gene and is inherited in an X-linked recessive way, which means it mostly affects men. Males have one X chromosome (one copy of the RS1 gene) and females have two X chromosomes (two copies of the RS1 gene). If a male has a mutation in his only copy of the gene, he does not have a working copy, causing the condition. If a female has a mutation in one of her two copies of her RS1 gene, she still has a working copy and will not show signs of the condition.
X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is usually diagnosed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) using a detailed eye and retinal exam. The diagnosis can be confirmed with genetic testing. There is no cure for X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. If your child has been diagnosed with this condition, talk with their doctor about all current treatment options. Support groups can provide additional information and connect you with other families affected by juvenile-onset blindness.


Kirkuk oil pipeline deal a 'positive gesture' for Erbil-Baghdad relations: PM, "
2007. It belongs to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and is based in Erbil.
Gear," the British television show, filmed a special there.
on the largest American consulate building in the city of Erbil.
of the country, run by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq | T +964-66-2113000 | E info.chek@cristalhospitality.com.
VOA's Kurdish Service reaches its audience on radio, television and the Internet.


The Federal parliament has once again looked at the issue of putting Indigenous people in the Constitution and once again, has recommended more consultation.
The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples argues more time is needed to develop a model for a Voice to Parliament, as set out in the Uluru Statement last year.
The Committee said too many models have been put forward for them to make a decision on a framework to recommend.


text:
package gitbucket.core.util

import org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils
import java.net.URLConnection
import java.io.File
import ControlUtil._
import scala.util.Random

object FileUtil {

  def getMimeType(name: String): String =
    defining(URLConnection.getFileNameMap()){ fileNameMap =>
      fileNameMap.getContentTypeFor(name) match {
        case null     => "application/octet-stream"
        case mimeType => mimeType
      }
    }

  def getContentType(name: String, bytes: Array[Byte]): String = {
    defining(getMimeType(name)){ mimeType =>
      if(mimeType == "application/octet-stream" && isText(bytes)){
        "text/plain"
      } else {
        mimeType
      }
    }
  }

  def isImage(name: String): Boolean = getMimeType(name).startsWith("image/")

  def isLarge(size: Long): Boolean = (size > 1024 * 1000)

  def isText(content: Array[Byte]): Boolean = !content.contains(0)

  def generateFileId: String = System.currentTimeMillis + Random.alphanumeric.take(10).mkString

  def getExtension(name: String): String =
    name.lastIndexOf('.') match {
      case i if(i >= 0) => name.substring(i + 1)
      case _ => ""
    }

  def withTmpDir[A](dir: File)(action: File => A): A = {
    if(dir.exists()){
      FileUtils.deleteDirectory(dir)
    }
    try {
      action(dir)
    } finally {
      FileUtils.deleteDirectory(dir)
    }
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Showing results for tags 'cruisecrazies cruise'.
This is our third annual CruiseCrazies Group Cruise and all members and guests are invited! After much discussion with members, we've decided on a 10-day cruise from Quebec City to New York aboard Caribbean Princess. The cruise begins with an overnight in Quebec City on August 9 and ends in NYC on August 19. And for a limited time, you can SAVE off the standard group rates with the Princess 3 FOR FREE sale. Plus get a FREE cabin location upgrade, FREE gratuities and up to $300 onboard credit, per cabin. To get this great deal, you'll need to book by November 19th, so don't wait! For full details and reservations, go to: CruiseCrazies 2019 Cruise We've got a group in the Get Social section of our site, and you can find it here: CruiseCrazies Cruise 2019-Let's Plan! Come on over, join, chat and cruise with us!


text:
Introducing ULTRAFLEX
June 5, 2020 / electricityclub / Comments Off on Introducing ULTRAFLEX
ULTRAFLEX are a new Norwegian Icelandic duo based in Berlin who describe themselves as "The new teen sensation" with an interest in Soviet disco, athleisure and weirdo boogie.
However, Kari Jahnsen and Katrín Helga Andrésdóttir are perhaps better known by their solo monikers FARAO and SPECIAL-K respectively. Perhaps unusually for a band, the pair met when Andrésdóttir's father dated Jahnsen's mother.
Unexpectedly given their known songwriting prowess, the debut offering from ULTRAFLEX is 'Olympic Sweat' , an uptempo synth instrumental imagined as music to be used on TV sports montages of Olympic coverage at the end of each games. For her muse, Jahnsen had the Norwegian cross-country skier Bjørn Dæhlie in mind as he crossed the finish line to win gold at Lillehammer in 1994.
'Olympic Sweat' is uplifting disco lento with an organic heart, a pretty tune with an expansive sweeping resonance courtesy of its range of digital and vintage sound design. The exquisite atmospheres recall 'Moonstruck' by Finnish duo SIN COS TAN which in itself took its lead from PET SHOP BOYS.
The fabulously playful video filmed in Berlin is perhaps what a Valentina Tereshkova fitness video would have looked like had there been a merchandise tie-in for her historical mission on Vostok 6 as the first woman in space. From Treptow to Museeumsinsel to Treptow and back with Volkspark Friedrichshain and the Altes Museum along the way, it acts as a wonderful visual tour of the former divided city.
ULTRAFLEX's debut album pencilled in for the Autumn of 2020 explores Cold War chic via the electronic disco soundtracks of pre-Glasnost Soviet aerobic videos. The Communist authorities did not want their citizens exercising to Western music, so commissioned domestic jazz musicians to play their own compositions on synthesizers instead.
However, the collaboration actually began as a live commission for Norway's Insomnia Festival in 2019 to write material specifically to be premiered at the event. The combination of music, visuals and fitness choreography went down so well that Jahnsen and Andrésdóttir decided to release the material as an album.
Recording inside a remote haunted house in Iceland, the pair used a lot of software for practical reasons.
But the Soviet-built vintage analogues like the Formanta Polivoks duophonic and EMI Kvintet that Jahnsen had acquired for FARAO album 'Pure-O' made it into their makeshift studio, along with a Roland Juno 60, Yamaha CS15 and a Sequential DrumTraks MIDI compatable drum machine.
The duo have alluringly described their work as "an ode to exercise, loaded with sex metaphors badly disguised as sports descriptions" and confirmed that "Things are about to get real steamy…."
'Olympic Sweat' is released by Street Pulse Records and available on the usual online platforms
https://www.facebook.com/ultraflexband
https://twitter.com/ultraflexband
https://www.instagram.com/ultraflexband
https://soundcloud.com/ultraflexband
http://www.farao.biz/
https://www.facebook.com/faraomusic/
https://www.instagram.com/faraomusic/
https://www.special-k-special-k.com/
https://www.facebook.com/specialkspecialkspecialk/
https://www.instagram.com/special_k_special_k/
Text by Chi Ming Lai with thanks to Grit Gollhardt
Photos by Margrét Unnur Guðmundsdóttir
Posted in Introducing	Tagged with FaraoSpecial-KUltraflex
A Beginner's Guide To DANIEL MILLER
PAGE Under Mitt Skinn EP

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Parse error: syntax error, unexpected 'if' (T_IF) in /hipt/sign.php on line 15 I am getting

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected '$username' (T_VARIABLE) in /home/rainlikq/public_html/script/signupt.php on line 17 the username statement....

can somebody suggest me a solution
I am using it for signup purpose...
I am trying to execute it .....
Actually i am parsing the json data to android device...
 <?php

$host="localhost";          //replace with database hostname
$username="rainlikq_rahul";     //replace with database username
$password="rahul1";             //replace with database password
$db_name="rainlikq_rainforest";     //replace with database name

 $con=mysql_connect($host, $username, $password)or die("cannot connect");

mysql_select_db($db_name)or die("cannot select DB");

 if(isset($_POST['name'], $_POST['password'], $_POST['password2'], $_POST['username'], $_POST['mobile']))
{

$username   =   $_POST['username'];
$password   =   $_POST['password'];
$password2  =   $_POST['password2'];
$name       =   $_POST['name'];
$mobile     =   $_POST['mobile'];

$result = mysql_query("insert into user(user_email,user_password,name,mobile) values( '$username','$password','$name','$mobile')");

// array for JSON response
$response = array();

if ($result) {
        // successfully inserted into database
        $response["success"] = 1;
        $response["message"] = "Signed up successfully";
        // echoing JSON response
        echo json_encode($response);
    } else
    {
        // failed to insert row
        $response["success"] = 0;
        $response["message"] = "Oops! An error occurred.";

        // echoing JSON response
        echo json_encode($response);
    }
}

else
     {
    // required field is missing
    $response["success"] = 0;
    $response["message"] = "Required field(s) is missing";
    // echoing JSON response
    echo json_encode($response);
     }

?>

A: As per your originally posted question without marking as an edit
See: https://stackoverflow.com/revisions/28117175/1
You forgot to close a few isset() calls:
if (isset($_POST['name']) && isset($_POST['password']) && isset($_POST['password2'] && isset($_POST['username'] && isset($_POST['mobile'])) {
                                                                                //^ Here                      ^ And here

Just use this:
if (isset($_POST['name']) && isset($_POST['password']) && isset($_POST['password2']) && isset($_POST['username']) && isset($_POST['mobile'])) {

Also since you use the AND operator you can put multiple variables in a isset() call like this:
if(isset($_POST['name'], $_POST['password'], $_POST['password2'], $_POST['username'], $_POST['mobile'])) {

For more information about isset() see the manual: http://php.net/manual/en/function.isset.php
And a quote from there:

If multiple parameters are supplied then isset() will return TRUE only if all of the parameters are set. Evaluation goes from left to right and stops as soon as an unset variable is encountered.

Side Note:
1. You use $username 2 times, first in your connection and then you assign it new in the if statement (Maybe you will get in trouble with this)
2. You use mysql_* API, i would recommend you to use mysqli_* or PDO. Because: This extension is deprecated as of PHP 5.5.0, and is not recommended for writing new code as it will be removed in the future.
3. You used the operator <>, it's totally okay, but for some people it may seems to be a little bit weird, i would use != and the other operator you can use in your SQL statements
4. I also would recommend you to add error reporting just at the top of your files (only in staging):
<?php
    ini_set("display_errors", 1);
    error_reporting(E_ALL);
?>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
According to the census of 2011, more population between the ages of 18 and 34 years live in its rural areas of which 55 million are potential workers. At the same time world is expected to face a shortage of 52 million workers in 2020. Hence, the big dream of India becoming a five trillion economy cannot be achieved without including villages.
Schemes & Initiatives for Employment Generation in Rural India
MGNREGS – It has provided nearly 235 crore person days work in last several years.
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to by 2022 in the rural areas. The scheme was launched in November 2016 with the aims of constructing 2 crore 95 lakh houses by the year 2022.
Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana: The scheme comes under Coir Vikas Yojana and provides development of domestic and export markets, skill development and training welfare
activities of the coir workers.
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana – Launched in 2015 with the twin aims of providing credit of upto Rs. 10 lakh to small entrepreneurs and act as a regulator for Micro-Finance Institutions. The loans are easily accessible in three categories: Shishu, Kishore and Tarun to signify the stage of growth/development and funding needs of the beneficiary.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industryrelevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood.
MSDE is also promoting establishment of model and aspirational skill centres known as Pradhan
Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) in every district for imparting skill training through PMKVY.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana Launched by Ministry of Rural Development with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) – The Mission is based on the atma gaonki, suvidha sheharki.
Rurban clusters by stimulating local economic development, enhancing basic services. Under the mission 300 Rurban clusters are envisaged to be developed in a time bound manner
Agriculture, Agriculture, Economics, Geography, Geography, Geography, Govt Programs and Schemes, GS Paper-I, GS Paper-II, GS Paper-III


text:
Meet My City
Children To Art | DNA
Juarez Contemporary
Annual Art Show
Los hijos del fin del mundo
Juárez Mágico
No Pasa Nada Film
Ni En More
NO PASA NADA is the story of Angela, a girl who discovers at a very early age that there are not always consequences in your actions. Angela knows that she can be between good and evil and nothing happens. Victoria Naranjos Montoya is a Mexican filmmaker who lives in Ciudad Juárez, and has produced and written screenplays for Intelia Films for 16 years.
NO PASA NADA thanks to the support of Amor por Juarez, has been distributed worldwide in 202 festivals, of which in one year it has been selected 66 times and from those selections won 39 awards for best short film, best first film, best actress, best cartel, best photography, all this in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, the United States and Canada.
Watch "No Pasa Nada" Silm Trailer


Posted on May 18, 2018 at 5:51 am.
On behalf of all the students here at Williamsburg, we'd like our Teachers and Staff to know how much we appreciate everything you do for us — everyday. And to show our thanks, the WMS student body has prepared a special video. Thank you, teachers!!


text:
Our Weasel Of The Week!! – 05/07/15
Yes, once again, It's time to present this week's statuette of shame, The Golden Weasel!!
Every Tuesday, the Council nominates some of the slimiest, most despicable characters in public life for some deed of evil, cowardice or corruption they've performed. Then we vote to single out one particular Weasel for special mention, to whom we award the statuette of shame, our special, 100% plastic Golden Weasel. This week's nominees were all spectacularly disgusting and it was a very close race, but the votes are in and we have our winner winner… the envelope please…
Jew Hater, Plagiarist, Terrorist Groupie And Utterly Failed Former President Jimmy Carter!
JoshuaPundit: You know, I will actually miss Cwazy Unkie Jimmah just a little bit when he slithers off this mortal coil. This Saudi-bought pimp weasel really is in a class by himself, and he continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.
Jimmah's latest exploit involves support for terrorism, something he's certainly done before. He went to Israel and asked for the Israelis to allow him to travel to Hamasistan, AKA Gaza. They were fine with it, but when this senile waterhead demanded meetings with Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin they both turned him down flat. That's hardly surprising, considering Unkie Jimmah's record of relentless anti-Israel activity and support for terrorism directed against Jews.
But Unkie Jimmah went ballistic, throwing a tantrum and claiming he never wanted to meet with them anyway, particularly Netanyahu because 'it would be a waste of time.'
Then he ambled over to the territory occupied by Palestine's unelected dictator Mahmoud Abbas for a photo – op and interview in Ramallah. Among other gems, he extolled the virtues of his old pal Khalid Mesha'al, the leader of the admittedly genocidal Hamas, calling him"a man of peace." Unkie Jimmah has never figured out why Europe, The U.S. and even Egypt have labeled Hamas a terrorist group for years.
He then called for new elections " all over the Palestinian area and east Jerusalem and Gaza and also in the West Bank." That probably didn't endear him to Abbas, who's in year 10 of a four year term but his statements were directed more towards Europe (where's there's a push on to legitimize Hamas) and the anti-Israel media.
After shooting his mouth off, he then cancelled his trip to Gaza citing 'security concerns' believe it or not. Perhaps Hamas aren't so peaceful after all?
This isn't the first time Carter has tried to intervened directly to help to help terrorists. While he was president, he was a particularly rabid fan of Yassir Arafat even though he knew he murdered Americans and had two of our diplomats kidnapped and tortured to death.
And as far as Khalid Mesha'al goes, this isn't the first time Jimmah has tried to give him a helping hand. Among his other antics, our ex-president met with Mesha'al to advise him on how much ransom to ask for kidnapped Israel soldier Gilad Shalit, believe it or not.
Like I said, the gift that keeps on giving. Jimmy Carter'a end destination is Obviously Dante's lowest circle of Hell, the abode of utterly failed politicians. But until then, he'll continue to soil himself in public.
Soiling himself is putting it mildly. But then again, what we honor with the statuette of shame is exactly those people whom best exhibit these despicable qualities. And while ex-president Carter may be aged, he is a weasel superstar, with enough chops from his past evil to just manage to blow past two particularly accomplished and vile weasels who simply haven't racked up his kind of record – yet.
And don't make the mistake of thinking he's irrelevant. Aside from creating the basis for a number of foreign policy problems we now face, He's contributed something else, a Weasel legacy. By trashing his own country worldwide, aiding and abetting terrorism, breaking what used to be a long upheld tradition of not publicly criticizing sitting presidents and giving support to our country's enemies, Cwayzie Unkie Jimmah is providing a true weasel example to follow for our next failed president.
Barack Hussein Obama will almost certainly act out far worse once he leaves the White House. But Cwayzie Jimmah can take credit for paving the way.
Well, there it is! Check back next Tuesday to see who next week's nominees for Weasel of the Week are!
Make sure to tune in every Monday for the Watcher's Forum and remember, every Wednesday, the Council has its weekly contest with the members nominating two posts each, one written by themselves and one written by someone from outside the group for consideration by the whole Council. The votes are cast by the Council and the results are posted on Friday morning.
It's a weekly magazine of some of the best stuff written in the blogosphere and you won't want to miss it… or any of the other fantabulous Watcher's Council content.
And don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter… 'cause we're cool like that, y'know?
Tagged bloggers, Politics, The Watcher's Council, Watcher of Weasels
Exclusive: Breitbart Has Dinner With Bill Ayers
Fake News Media Have Blood on Their Hands
Putin Launches Video Of His Nukes Striking Florida
Watcher's Council Nominations – Buh Bye 2014 Edition
#Ebola – Blood, vomit and diarrhea-soaked hazardous materials piled to the ceiling…
The Council Has Spoken!! Our Watcher's Council Results – 04/02/16
PBS' Moyers Says Saul Alinsky 'A Good American'
CBS Proudly Accepts AIM's Award, Despite Controversy
← Liberal Media Work With Jihadists
The Council Has Spoken!! Our Watcher's Council Results – 05/08/15 →


Property Location: Located in Aurangabad, Treebo Trend Royal Kourt Aurangabad is within a 10-minute drive of Bani Begum Garden and Siddharth Garden and Zoo. This hotel is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Bibi Ka Maqbara and 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College & Hospital.
Rooms: Make yourself at home in one of the 16 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.


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26 mySQL queries in 0.927 seconds.


Circular mirrors do not focus all their light to a single point (that's what parabolas do). Close to the center, the shape of a circle and a parabola (on it's side) are very similar, and so paraxial rays (close to the center) will be focused to a point, but the further away from the center we go, the further away from the original focus the rays become (they come closer to the mirror as we move further out). This effect is known as spherical aberration, and causes a blurry image. It can be overcome with parabolic mirrors, but these are much more expensive to produce.
Optical fibres are (as mentioned in the SL section) composed of an optically dense core surrounded by a less dense coating. They rely on total internal reflection, and as such there is a critical angle beyond which the light will escape from the fibre. This angle can be calculated with the following equation.
n1 is the refractive index of the core, and n2 the index of the coating. Hopefully that's obvious because the number we're taking the root of needs to be positive. This equation is in the data book.
Rainbows occur when the sun is behind the viewer, and there are raindrops in front. The sunlight enters the raindrops, and is totally internally reflected on the back, and then comes out and towards the viewer. The light is also dispersed within the rain drops, resulting in red being aimed the lowest, and violet the highest.
To draw the diagram, two drops must be drawn as large circles, one somewhat above the other. Sunlight enters at the same angle into each, and is immediately split into red and violet rays, where the violet ray is diffracted more towards the normal than the red ray. The rays are totally internally reflected by different angles from the curved back of the drop, and then cross over before leaving with red aimed down the most and violet up the most. (Note: this is the reverse order compared with the diffraction through a triangular prism.) From the top drop, the red beam should reach the viewpoint (illustrated by an eye) and violet from the bottom drop. These two rays are then extended back from the drops to produce a virtual image of the rainbow behind the drops (with red at the top, and violet at the bottom, and orange, yellow, green blue and indigo between).
The lens makers equation is 1/f = (n-1)(1/R1 + 1/R2).
f is the focal length of the lens, n is the refractive index of the lens material. R1 is the radius of the front side, and R2 the radius of the back (these radii are negative if the lens is concave on that side, positive if it's convex).
A large aperture lens will produce spherical aberration as a result of it's large diameter. This will cause the resultant image to focus, not at a single point, but rather over a line, which may cause problems in optical instruments.
Chromatic aberration results from the dispersion effect when light changes media. Because the lens has a large aperture, the light travels a greater distance in the glass, perspex or whatever, and so this dispersion becomes more significant than in a thin lens.
Both of these can be greatly reduced by the use of two lenses (ie a convex lens followed by a concave one).
Myopia (Nearsightedness) : This is when an eye which can only focus on close objects. Parallel rays entering the eye focus before the back of the eye, crossing over as thus producing a blurry image. This can be rectified by using a diverging lens (a concave one) as this makes the light diverging rather than parallel as it strikes the lens of the eye, and so it focuses further back.
Hypermetropia (Farsightedness) : This is when an eye which is unable to focus on close objects, as it focuses too far back, the rays crossing behind the back of the eye. This can be corrected by using a converging lens (convex) which brings light rays from a close object closer to parallel to the eye's lens can focus them on the back of the eye.
Presbyopia : This is the decreasing ability of the eye to focus on close objects as the eye ages, and so it can be corrected in the same way as Hypermetropia above.
Two things limit the resolution of an image produced by a lens, aberration and diffraction. The aberration, discussed above, is ignored for the Rayleigh criterion. The Rayleigh criterion basically says that two images are just separable when the central peak of one is at the first minimum of the other (or further away from it). The smallest angular separation of two objects in the distance which can be resolved by a given lens (assuming no aberration) can be calculated with the following two formulas.
λ = asinØ where λ is the wavelength of the light being used, and a is the aperture of the (in this case) slit and Ø is the angular separation.
The more common one is for a spherical lens Ø = (1.22 x λ)/D where D is the diameter of the lens (in a multi lens system, for the objective lens).
Note the angular separation is in radians. π radians = 180 degrees.
The second equation is given in the data book and the first is just the same as the equation for calculating the position of the first minimum in single slit diffraction.
Resolving power : This is generally used for microscopes, where the object is placed close to the focal point of the lens, and is used to calculate the minimum distance between two objects for them to be resolvable. RP = s = fØ (where f is the lens focal length, and s is the minimum distance).
This equation is not in the data book. Resolving power can also be expressed as (1.22 x λ)/(2 sin a) where a is the angle formed if you take a line from the centre of the lens along the principal axis to the focal point, and then up to the top of the lens.
Linear, circular and elliptical states of polarisation, and Malus' law.
Malus' Law : I = Iocos2Ø. This law relates the intensity of light to the difference in angle between two polaroids. If the two polaroids are aligned so they both polarise in exactly the same direction, then there is an angle of zero between them, thus cos2 0 = 1, and the initial intensity, Io = I, the resultant intensity.
This relation ship can be derived by considering the vector components of the amplitude of the light waves. First, against a horizontal and vertical axis, draw a line going up and to the right from the origin. The angle Ø is the angle between this line, and the vertical axis. If we then take the length of the diagonal line to be Ao, then simple trig shows us that the vertical component is AocosØ. Since intensity is proportional to the square of amplitude, we get the relationship I = Iocos2Ø.
We need someone to volunteer to dig up some information about the states of polarisation.
Retarding plates: Can someone fill this in?
Stimulated emission is characterised by the fact that is produces highly focused, coherent and monochromatic light. Spontaneous emission, however, produces light in all direction (so intensity decreases rapidly) and is not coherent. Light going in different directions may be completely out of phase (or not, you just don't know).
Stimulated emissions generally occur when electrons within atoms are excited to a higher electron shell, and then fall back of their own accord (usually very quickly). Light stimulated emission occurs when an atom which is already in an excited state is hit by a photon of exactly the same energy. This causes the electrons to immediately fall beck to its ground state, and produce a photon. Thus, we have two photons, the original one and the produced one, and they are both exactly in phase, and travelling in the same direction. Under normal circumstances this would be very rare, but in the production of laser light it is intentionally achieved.
Production of laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission) light : As seen above, focused, coherent light can be produced by stimulated emission, however this is very rare in normal circumstances. For a laser to operate, the atoms within it must be an inverted population (there must be more atoms in the excited state than the ground state). This excited state must also be a metastable state, which means the electrons stay in this excited position for longer than usual before spontaneously falling back to the ground state. How the metastable inverted population is actually achieved varies depending on the type of laser (and I assume it's not required here, but it's usually done with flashes of light or an electric current). The actual device consists of these atoms contained between two mirrors at either end of a tube (the sides of which absorb light). The mirror at the end which you want the laser to come out of is partially transparent, but the majority of light hitting it will be reflected. After a while (actually a very short time), some of the electrons start falling back to the ground state, and thus produce random photons in any direction. Eventually, one of these will be travelling along the tube, and strike an excited atom, producing two photons. These two will strike two more atoms, producing 4 and so on, thus the photons bounce back and forward between the mirrors continually increasing in number. Some of the photons leak out the partially transparent mirror and leave to form the actual 'beam' of the laser.
The importance of lasers in optics stems primarily from the fact that they can be far more precisely controlled than ordinary light. Thus they are far more precise to be used in calculations. Because they are monochromatic, their can be no chromatic aberration, and because they are highly focused, they produce very sharp points rather than a general dot you might get with ordinary light. In addition to this, they do not lose intensity even over long distances, and so they are useful for taking measurements over long distances.
A wide laser beam shines on a half silvered mirror, so half the light goes through to the film, while the other half is reflected down on to the object to go into the hologram. Light from every point on the object, as a result, strikes every point on the film, and the interference of the two beams allow the film to record both the intensity and the phase of the light reaching it. If we think about it, the intensity bit is just like a normal photograph. The phase relates directly to the 'depth' (because the phase changes over distance). The interference between the rays from the object and the rays going straight through the mirror allows this phase difference to be found, and so recorded on the film. The only variation I know of on this method is to use, rather than flat film, a thick emulsion. In this emulsion, the interference pattern is recorded in 3D, producing what is known as a volume hologram, which can be seen in white light (though best with a single, small point source).
After the film is developed, the hologram is placed in laser light of the same wavelength as is was produced with. The hologram acts as a sort of diffraction grating, producing a real 2D image of the hologram (on the opposite side to the laser), and a virtual 3D image on the same side as the laser, thus producing the 3D effect. Volume holograms works similarly, bit it is possible the use 3 different 'coloured' lasers, red, blue and green to produce a hologram which can then be seen in full colour under white light.
This page was last edited on 25 November 2018, at 19:51.


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How IKEA Is Paving The Road Towards A Sustainable Future
IKEA, the world's top home furniture and decor retailer encourages customers to live more sustainably.
The beloved retailer is constantly looking for ways to make its products greener, cheaper, and simpler. By doing so, they hope to promote a circular economy in which waste is reduced and recycling flourishes.
Energy-wise, for instance, IKEA retains more wind turbines than brick-and-mortar stores on an international level. They hope to reach their target of becoming energy-efficient by 2030.
Consumers are increasingly looking for companies that practice sustainability. Proof of that is IKEA's "sustainable life at home" product category, which has now more than tripled in sales.
The home furniture and decor giant uses its resources and global footprint to position itself as a corporate sustainability leader. IKEA's sustainability efforts empower the firm's financial performance, customer acquisition, and impact in the world.
IKEA's Circularity Puzzle to Reduce Overconsumption
IKEA has the goal of promoting circularity within its business model. Their idea of circularity means that every product being sold is being produced from the waste material of the previously sold products.
Today, the company is allowing customers to return previously purchased items. In exchange for their returns, customers receive a voucher that they can use to buy other IKEA products. IKEA would then either resell, recycle, or donate the returned item to give it a second life.
That's how the firm is planning to give products a longer lifetime. That way, materials are reused and overconsumption is prevented. IKEA has recently announced plans to go fully circular by the year 2030 to curb its waste management further.
Even though the company's idea of promoting circularity may take time, it's a powerful idea. The strategy will significantly reduce the amount of waste generated globally, as IKEA currently has a massive global footprint.
IKEA is taking steps to curb overconsumption by promoting circularity.
Sustainability Initiatives Taken by IKEA
IKEA is paving the road towards a sustainable future through multiple sustainability strategies. Yet, they are not sacrificing any of their products' quality that never stops enchanting customers.
The following are just some of the ways the home furniture giant is striving to create circularity within its products and services.
1. Eliminating Non-Rechargeable Batteries
The major furniture retailer has plans to eliminate all non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Such a strategy is a significant step toward sustainable development, as non-rechargeable alkaline batteries have contributed immensely to global waste.
Alkaline batteries are hard to recycle. If not recycled, they take thousands of years to decompose. Even the smallest of alkaline batteries can take vast amounts of time to decompose.
IKEA calculates that eliminating the use of non-rechargeable batteries will reduce the global waste of batteries by 5,000 tons a year.
2. Second-Hand Products
In 2020, IKEA came up with its first-ever second-hand IKEA store in Sweden. The store was opened with the purpose of it being an experience.
The initiative was done in partnership with ReTuna Shopping Centre, a reprocessing shopping mall. ReTuna Shopping Centre only sells products that were previously used or recycled.
Both organizations wanted to comprehend why people disposed of IKEA's products. They wanted to learn all of the following to ensure IKEA's circularity strategy would pay off:
Why were their products turned into waste?
The condition of the products when users disposed of them.
Why did people either donate or recycle their products.
Whether people would be interested in buying repaired products.
Second-hand products are a great way to promote recycling and curb waste. What some people might not need, others may find a great use for. Second-hand products are beneficial for both people and the environment.
IKEA is giving its products a second life through recycling initiatives and donations.
3. Circular Economy Partnership with Ellen MacArthur Foundation
In June of 2020, IKEA announced its partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The MacArthur Foundation has the mission of supporting purpose-driven organizations and leaders helping create a more peaceful world.
By aligning forces, IKEA hopes to propel its commitment to become fully circular by 2030. As part of the partnership, IKEA will recruit young furniture designers to attract young and conscious consumers.
Despite IKEA's growth in operations, the home furnishing giant has:
Decreased its carbon footprint.
Ensured that 80% of its products sold are designed for circularity.
60% of its products were assembled with renewable materials.
4. Shifting to LED Bulbs
IKEA has recently announced that they'll be switching their lightning range from regular lightbulbs to LED. LEDs are energy-efficient bulbs that typically use 85% less energy.
Implementing LED bulbs throughout their retail stores not only tackles energy efficiency. It's also one of those green strategies that help businesses reduce costs.
5. Making More From Less
IKEA doesn't only want to help consumers overconsume resources. They are also working to reduce their consumption of natural resources.
The two most significant sources of raw materials IKEA uses are cotton and wood. The home furnishing giant is ensuring that its supply chains and manufacturing plants are sourcing and using them efficiently.
IKEA has been using 100% sustainable cotton since 2015 with all its products when comes to cotton. Their cotton used is grown with fewer fertilizers, water, pesticides, or recycled.
Almost every IKEA product utilizes wood. Wood is not only renewable, but it's also beautifully aesthetically and very durable. IKEA has been sourcing 100% of its wood from sustainable sources.
6. Empowering People
IKEA is taking significant steps towards ensuring its operations are environmentally sustainable. Yet, the home furnishing giant is also embracing social initiatives to boost its social impact.
The company has the mission of helping create a better future for its stakeholders.
For its consumers, IKEA seeks to make simple and affordable products. For its employees, IKEA promotes safe work environments, diversity and inclusion, and equality through its company culture. For Mother Earth, IKEA is taking on all the circular initiatives mentioned above.
IKEA is leading by example. Its proactive sustainable approach is enchanting customers all around the world.
Leading By Example: Sustainability In Its Purest Form
IKEA, apart from being a home furniture giant, is leading the path towards a sustainable future. The company is leveraging its resource and influence on a global scale to promote sustainable business practices.
Their stores are becoming greener, their products are becoming circular, their customers are recycling, their waste is being reused, their employees are empowered, and… guess what? It's all paying off financially. IKEA's financial performance keeps on getting stronger and stronger year after year.
IKEA is living proof that implementing sustainable business practices in business pay off. It benefits organizations socially, environmentally, and financially. By going green, businesses are not creating better communities and bettering the ecosystems around them. They are also practicing enlightening self-interest.
Storytelling Maestro at Topic Insights
Jie Zheng is a passionate and gifted writer who grew up with both Eastern & Western cultures. He has years of experience in the marketing and hospitality industries. He also worked as a blog writer and social media ambassador at Loyola University Chicago where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Information Systems. As Topic Insights' Storytelling Maestro, Jie wants to encourage Topic Insights readers to build a community of business leaders that supports each other. Making a lasting impact on the younger generation leaders is, for Jie, the key to driving change in the world. When he is not working, you can usually find him experiencing new spots and activities in the city!
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The Sheraton Skyline Hotel London Heathrow is a 4-star, 350-room hotel, built in 1971, near Heathrow Airport in the town of Hayes, in the London Borough of Hillingdon, England.

History
The Skyline Hotel was designed in the brutalist style by the Ronald Fielding Partnership, with interiors by Canadian designer Allan W. Edwards. The Skyline Hotel, along with the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, was developed by Capital & Counties and both properties were operated by Canadian-based Skyline Hotels. The Skyline Hotel opened on 1 October 1971, with a single room price of £6 and double-rooms priced at £9. That same year the hotel formed part of a group called the London Heathrow Conference Service with most of the major hotels in the area, to specifically target business travelers and "become the business meeting centre of Europe". From the outset the hotel became known for hosting numerous international business conferences. On 9 March 1977, the "Transport of hazardous cargoes by air" conference was held at the hotel. During the 1970s, entertainment at the hotel included Diamond Lil's Wild West Cabaret, which ran up to six nights a week, and the house band The Banjo Boys.

Sheraton Hotels acquired the management contract for the Skyline Hotel and the Park Tower from Skyline Hotels for a combined £4 million on May 14, 1977, and the hotel was renamed the Sheraton Skyline Hotel.  In 1980 the Turkish Cypriot business community met at the hotel to discuss trade and investment between Turkey and the UK.

In 1981, John Rotter was appointed controller of the Sheraton Management Corporation and controller of the Sheraton Skyline Hotel. In 1988, Swedish property development consortium Reinhold Int bought the hotel for nearly £40 million.

At the end of 1996, the hotel completed the Department of National Heritage's certification in the Investors in People Program, which rates the performance of employers in the hospitality industry. The certification marks employers who have high training and incentive programs for employees in one of Britain's fasted-growing employment sectors. The Sheraton Skyline was one of the venues for the first four days of the Congress in London, held between 4 and 11 July 1997. For a period it was known as the Sheraton Skyline Hotel and Conference Centre.

In May 2002, hundreds of people were evacuated from the hotel by fire services, after it was reported that guests could smell ammonia.

The hotel was purchased in 2015 by Qatar Airways. It was announced that the hotel would be renamed Oryx Sheraton Skyline London Heathrow, the first hotel to be branded under the airline's Oryx brand. However the name change was never carried out.

Architecture and facilities
The Sheraton Skyline was built in 1971 by Curtis and Davies and designed by Ronald Fielding. The hotel is noted for its "atrium design". The hotel features 350 rooms.

The hotel has several restaurants including Madhu's Heathrow, Sports Bar & Grill and the Sky Bar, which serves cocktails. The menu at Madhu's Heathrow features Punjabi cuisine, based on recipes from the original Madhu Indian Restaurant, located in Southall, West London. It is the first branch of the 33-year-old establishment. It previously had a Mediterranean restaurant called The Garden, which overlooked the hotel's swimming pool. A 1983 article in The Law Society's Gazette stated: "An earthly paradise appears in the shape of the Sheraton Skyline Hotel at Heathrow, where the chef, Uwe Zander, has a fantastic number of awards".

References

External links
 Official site

Hotels in London
Hotels established in 1971
Hotel buildings completed in 1971
1971 establishments in England
Buildings and structures at Heathrow Airport
Qatar Airways
Sheraton hotels

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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L' (en français : la ligue élite de hockey sur glace, aussi appelée  pour des raisons de commanditaire) est un championnat professionnel de hockey sur glace au Royaume-Uni.
Le format actuel du championnat a été créé en 2003 après la disparition de la , elle représente le plus haut niveau de hockey joué au Royaume-Uni.

La ligue est composée de dix équipes qui représentent les quatre nations du Royaume-Uni (Angleterre, Écosse, Irlande du Nord et Pays de Galles), la seule ligue, tous sports confondus, à en faire autant.

Format

Organisation actuelle
La ligue regroupe quatre compétitions distinctes : la saison régulière, les séries éliminatoires (play-offs), la  et la .

La saison régulière est disputée par dix équipes. Elles reçoivent trois fois chaque autre équipe chez qui elles jouent également trois fois, ce qui représente un total de 54 matches par équipe. Une victoire donne 2 points, une défaite en prolongations ou en tirs de fusillade donne un point et une défaite lors du temps réglementaire ne donne aucun point. La prolongation est jouée à 4 contre 4 et se termine avec la règle de la mort subite. Si à la fin de la prolongation aucune équipe n'a marqué, on procède alors à des tirs de fusillade pour départager les adversaires. L'équipe ayant marqué le plus de points lors de ces 54 matches est déclarée championne de la saison.

À l'issue de la saison régulière, les meilleures équipes s'affrontent dans des séries éliminatoires. Les huit meilleures équipes de la saison régulière sont qualifiées pour y participer. Le premier du classement final affronte le huitième, le deuxième rencontre le septième, le troisième joue contre le sixième et le quatrième contre le cinquième en matchs aller-retour. Les vainqueurs sont qualifiés pour les demi-finales. Celles-ci, ainsi que la finale, sont jouées sur un seul match lors d'un même et unique week-end.

La  rassemble les dix équipes en deux groupes. Chaque équipe joue deux matchs à domicile et deux chez l'adversaire. Les deux meilleures équipes de chaque groupe sont qualifiées pour les demi-finales : le vainqueur du groupe A rencontre le deuxième du groupe B et inversement. Les demi-finales se jouent en matchs aller-retour.

La , créée en 2005, est un tournoi à élimination directe.

Équipes

Anciennes équipes (depuis 2004)

Histoire

Le championnat avant l'EIHL
À l'issue de la saison 1929-1930, une compétition se tient, regroupant les équipes anglaises avec le champion d'Ecosse en titre. Il faut ensuite attendre l'année 1954 pour retrouver un championnat de hockey sur glace au Royaume-Uni, la British National League (littéralement la Ligue Nationale Britannique) qui s'est tenue jusqu'en 1960 et qui est issue de la fusion des championnats anglais et écossais. En raison de l'arrêt du professionnalisme en 1960, aucune compétition se tient durant deux ans, puis des championnats régionaux sont créés : la Ligue du Nord en 1966 et la Ligue du Sud en 1970. En 1982, une nouvelle réunification des championnats mène à la formation de la British Hockey League, qui devient la Ice Hockey Superleague en 1996, qui devient l'Elite Ice Hockey League en 2003.

Fondation

Palmarès

1929-1930
1930 :

1955-1960
1955 : Harringay Racers
1956 : Nottingham Panthers
1957 : Wembley Lions
1958 : Brighton Tigers
1959 : Paisley Pirates
1960 : Streatham Redskins

1982-1996
 1983 - Dundee Rockets (Section A), Durham Wasps (Section B), Altricham Aces (Section C)
 1984 - Dundee Rockets
 1985 - Durham Wasps
 1986 - Durham Wasps
 1987 - Murrayfield Racers
 1988 - Murrayfield Racers
 1989 - Durham Wasps
 1990 - Cardiff Devils
 1991 - Durham Wasps
 1992 - Durham Wasps
 1993 - Cardiff Devils
 1994 - Cardiff Devils
 1995 - Sheffield Steelers
 1996 - Sheffield Steelers

1997-2003
1997 : Cardiff Devils
1998 : Ayr Scottish Eagles
1999 : Manchester Storm
2000 : Bracknell Bees
2001 : Sheffield Steelers
2002 : Belfast Giants
2003 : Sheffield Steelers

Depuis 2004

Compétitions défuntes de l'EIHL

Joueurs
Les équipes de la EIHL dépendent énormément de joueurs venant de l'extérieur du Royaume-Uni. La majorité des joueurs viennent d'Amérique du Nord et ont typiquement joué dans des ligues mineures nord-américaines telles que la LAH ou l'ECHL avant de venir jouer au Royaume-Uni. Par exemple, en 2005-2006, l'équipe championne des Belfast Giants possédait dix canadiens, huit britanniques et trois américains. La ligue limite le nombre de joueurs étrangers pouvant être en uniforme pour la même partie, la limite actuelle est de dix. La rotation des joueurs est haute, avec une large quantité de joueurs qui ne jouent qu'une seule saison avec l'équipe avant de la quitter, les contrats de plusieurs saisons sont rares.

Dans cette ligue dominée par des joueurs nord-américains, le style de jeu ressemble à celui joué en Amérique du Nord et possède un style plus physique que ce qui est joué dans les autres championnats européens. Il a été démontré que durant le Lock-out de 2004-2005 de la Ligue nationale de hockey, nombre de joueurs de la LNH qui ont rejoint la EIHL étaient plus connus pour leurs compétences physiques que pour leur maniement de rondelle.

Même si les joueurs britanniques forment une minorité dans la ligue, elle fournit la plupart des joueurs de l'équipe nationale. Vingt des vingt-deux joueurs de l'équipe pour les championnats du monde de 2008 ont joué dans la EIHL la saison précédente.

Références

Compétition de hockey sur glace au Royaume-Uni


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Home California Arvin
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600 Tucker Street, Arvin, CA 93203
Katrina's Bridal And Flower Shop
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Fresno , CA 93704
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Colma , CA 94014
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HilverdaFlorist exhibits at American Takii during California Spring Trials 2020 - PerishableNews
Our complete assortment in Pot & Garden plants consists of: Echinacea Mooodz, Salvia Salgoon, Hellebore Winterbells, Garvinea Garden Gerbera, Pot Gerberas Flori Line and Sundayz, Patio Gerbera, Alstroemeria Inticancha, Alstroemeria Summer Paradise, Dahlia Rebel, Dianthus Flow, Sunflor, Beauties.Practical information California Spring TrialsWhere: American Takii, 301 Natividad Road SalinasWhen: March 28 till April 1 2020Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	... https://www.perishablenews.com/floral/hilverdaflorist-exhibits-at-american-takii-during-california-spring-trials-2020/
Pumpkin power: How to bring some pop to your fall decor - The Detroit News
Florist Brittany Ross at English Gardens actually suggests not carving pumpkins to hold flowers. She says pumpkins and flowers don't mix well, meaning the flowers won't last as long if they're put right into a carved pumpkin and neither will the pumpkin. For those who still chose to go that route, Ross suggests using a vase inside the pumpkin for flowers. As far as her favorite mix of flowers in the fall, Ross says she loves to use chrysanthemum or daisies, which last a long times. She also likes mums and even carnations. She says carnations are coming back. "I'm a big fan," says Ross. "Carnations come in so many different colors that people aren't aware of and they're gorgeous. And you can get them to last two to three weeks." For greenery, she likes to use eucalyptus. "They smell nice and when they do start to dry out, they start to look more fall-looking with time," she said And when it comes to pumpkins, heirloom pumpkins — which come in wide variety of shapes and colors — are hot these days, says Ross. "Everybody is doing during more gray tones in their homes so they come in blues, almost pinks, tans, white and beiges," she said. Neutral fall decor And who says fall decor or arrangements have to be orange at all? They don't, says West Michigan design blogger and author Liz Marie Galvan. Galvan, who lives on a farm with her husband and baby son, has a home decor and vintage store near Grand Rapids called The Found Cottage. She says fall decor can also be done in neutrals. "It can be whatever fits your style," wrote Galvan in a post on her popular blog, lizmarieblog.com. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/home-garden/2019/10/17/fall-decor-and-arrangements-pumpkins/3910822002/
New Houston home design shops have much to offer - Houston Chronicle
The Webster Laure Heriard Dubreuil's clever Galleria shop, The Webster, is carving out some space for home goods now. Parisian architect/designer Stéphane Parmentier will be sourcing inventory for the store, ultimately a collection of unusual and, often, one-of-a-kind pieces that will evolve throughout the year. In addition to a curated collection of art found throughout the boutique, you'll find hand-blown glass pieces by master artist Laurence Brabant, ceramics/sculptures by Belgian artist Harvey Bouterse, Franz West's floor lamps, and stools, stained-glass trays and artful tableware from the artisan-based Dragonfly Collection. 5045 Westheimer; open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday Paloma & Co. One of the newest tennants at The Cottages at Matt Camron at Westheimer and Bammel is Paloma & Co., the home decor shop launched by business partners Devon Liedtke and interior designer Paloma Contreras. At their neatly curated store, you'll find vintage and antique furniture, of course, but the real finds are among their collection of original art and hand-crafted items they source across the U.S. and in their travels. During a recent visit I found sweet porcelain bud vases ($27), linen cocktail napkins ($30) and some fabulous ikat print pillows ($175-$200). 2705 Bammel Lane; open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Roseanette Navarro Interiors Interior designer Roseanette Navarro's dream for the past 20 years has been to open her own store, and she finally got it. It, too, is located in the Matt Camron cottages. She has exclusive U.S. selling rights to the French Amanda de Montal candles ($80 and $300) and carries a smattering of beautiful throw pillows ($75-$400), coral ($125), crystal pieces ($200) and geodes ($140). You'll come here for her French and Italian lighting and antiques, including an original Murano glass Sputnik-style chandelier ($8,500) or an ornate French chair she reupholstered in a more modern black leather ($1,800). 3209 Westheimer; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Janet Gust Design Stu-di-o ... https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/style/luxe-life/article/New-Houston-home-design-shops-have-much-to-offer-13810864.php
Check out the newest businesses to launch in Glendale - KABC-TV
Amparo Serrano in 2004, sells bright and colorful toys that promote inclusiveness and having fun. It's getting mixed feedback so far, with a three-star rating out of three Yelp reviews. Yelper Arvin A., who was among the first to review it on Jan. 10, wrote, "Saw this colorful store from far away and it got my attention. When I went in, everyone was so nice and welcoming and one of the girls there explained the story line to me and showed me around. Amazing concept. Amazing store. Loving the idea of it." And Winnie L. said, "I took a quick tour around, but didn't find any items for anyone's kids that I know. The toys are all plastic-based and I'm not sure I understand them. I suppose they're aliens in capsules for adoption and accessories are also sold to keep them well or something? There are also useful products, such as pencil cases and backpacks, but the characters are slightly too out of this world for my taste." The new store is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Mr Furley's Bar 224 N. Brand Blvd. Photo: MR FURLEY'S BAR/Yelp Mr Furley's Bar is a new bar and traditional American spot. There is an extensive craft beer list, hand-crafted cocktails and classic bar food like beef or chicken skewers, pulled pork sandwiches and mozzarella sticks. Enjoy fun and games with pool tables, dart boards and shuffleboard tables. It's on its way to building a local fan base, with a four-star rating out of 40 reviews on Yelp. Michael B., who reviewed it on Dec. 16, said, "The setup is gr... https://abc7.com/food/check-out-the-newest-businesses-to-launch-in-glendale/5096854/
7 Ways to Not Hate Valentine Day - D Magazine
German heritage are evident in Kaiser Atelier's heirloom-quality unisex rings and cuff links, which they both design and make by hand-carving wax molds. The Sultan blue topaz and 14-karat gold ring, $2,400. The Ritter 14-karat gold cuff links, $1,500. Play It by Ear Skip the predictable infinity necklace and surprise her with on-trend and affordable earrings from local jewelry studios.M Street StudioAcrylic Petal Earrings, $68Tribe AliveFigure Tassel earrings, $68 OpalMilkCheval Noir earrings, $250Express Your EmotionsIf you've ever scored an invite to one of Dallas' high-fashion luncheons, you've probably seen arrangements by Patricio Rivera of Twelve Thirty Four, a Honduran-born fashion designer turned florist extraordinaire. He spoke with us about the art of arranging, which he says is "all about emotion.""I'd say focus on texture, focus on shape, and focus on colors. Like, I'll take a picture of my vessel with my Pantone app and then that gives me a list of pairing colors to work from. Then I add my emotion to the design. But stay away from what's expected. If you're going to do a red rose, open it up to give it a different look. It's called reflexing a rose. You let the roses sit for an hour outside water, then you pull the petals back one by one. For this arrangement, I used dahlias—my sister's favorite flowers—and wheat. I've been asked, 'Do you use weeds in your arrangemen... https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2019/february/7-ways-to-not-hate-valentines-day/
Victoria's Mobile Flower Shop is always in bloom with a new brick-and-mortar store - Tribune-Review
Brookline basement, where she lives with her husband Josh and their dog Harris.Victoria's Mobile Flower Shop now has a brick-and-mortar store in Avalon.It's a bright and sunny space located at 643 California Ave. Years ago, the building housed a barber. When he retired from the hairstyling business, his wife transformed it into a flower shop.The shelves are relatively bare — lined with a few locally made products, including soaps, T-shirts and candles — but that will change after the holiday season when Smith has time to make the place blossom.Since opening in early December, she's hosted classes on everything from block-printing and hand-lettering to wreath-making and cocktail mixology. The studio also is available to rent for private parties. There's a large white table in the center of the store where people can work and mingle. Harris, a friendly pup who looks like a Muppet come to life, greets customers at the door."More than anything, I want this to be a community space," Smith says. "I even had a sign out front last week that said, 'Don't come in here for flowers. Come for conversation and a cup of coffee.' "Giving back to the community is important to Smith, which is why she launched an online Pay It Forward campaign. People can donate money through PayPal and, once the pot reaches $25, Victoria's Mobile Flower Shop will deliver a bouquet to someone who could use a morale boost. Smith has already compiled a list of nursing homes and hospitals in the area.Aside from making deliveries, the truck will be parked for the winter. Smith is taking requests from individuals and businesses who want to book it for events when the warm weather rolls in.She hopes the Daihatsu – which boasts the license plate FLOWERS – is a welcome sight in every Pittsburgh neighborhood and inspires people to pick a bouquet."A lot of times people think flowers are a luxury they can't get for themselves," Smith says. "But, when you make them accessible and it's something you can grab one or 40 of, it makes your day."TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.More Allegheny Stories... https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/victorias-mobile-flower-shop-is-always-in-bloom-with-a-new-brick-and-mortar-store/
No time to stop and smell the roses: Dream leads local florist to Rose Parade - Steamboat Pilot & Today
Longtime Steamboat Springs resident Susanne Bostrom is in California helping to build the floats for the Rose Parade.John F. RussellSTEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Longtime Steamboat Springs resident Susanne Bostrom can't stop smiling these days as she talks about realizing her dream of being one of 900 volunteers who will be creating the floats for this year's Rose Parade."It was always a dream of mine," Bostrom said of working on the floats that will roll just over five miles down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on New Year's Day. "Fifteen years ago, I went to the Rose Parade because I was on board of directors of FTD for our district. They took the district representatives, and we were carted around in limousines. We got to go behind the scenes and meet all the main designers and went to the parade."But even before that, Bostrom, who owned Alpine Floral & Atrium until she closed the business in 2012, dreamed of being a part of the New Year's celebration. Last April, she learned she had been selected to work with Fiesta Parade Floats, one of th... https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/no-time-to-stop-and-smell-the-roses-dream-leads-local-florist-to-rose-parade/
Redding woman will use 23,000 flowers to bring Rose Bowl float to life - Chico Enterprise-Record
The final leg — decorating week — starts the day after Christmas, complete with a judging at the end.Like stories about the Golden State? Click here to get our In California newsletter in your inbox."It's kind of two different ways you can take it: more of a realistic, elegant way or more of a fun and cartoon-y way," Toney said.A conceptual design of the 2020 Cal Poly Rose Parade float, "Aquatic Aspirations." (Cal Poly — Contributed)This year's theme is "The Power of Hope," and Toney and her team are creating an undersea landscape with a submarine floating above. How does their "Aquatic Aspirations" design tie into that? The idea is that seafarers are out hoping to spot some treasure, but end up finding the wonders of the natural world even more rewarding.To make that concept believable, Toney said her team has been in constant contact with farmers throughout California as they choose the right flowers for the job — color, shape and seasonality all factor in.And that's just the logistical piece.Students work on the submarine portion of the Aquatic Aspirations float in Pomona. (Tom Zasadzinski — Cal Poly)Once they pick out flowers, the team has to figure out how to arrange them in a way that quickly and clearly conveys the float's message."You only have a few seconds for people to see your float, so it's really critical to use things that allow people to understand what it is," Toney said.While Toney initially signed up for float club as a creative and social outlet, she's also a business administration major who's learning lessons that would play out in her future career — from working to secure the right flowers to ironing out any disputes that might come up.It all takes a lot of ingenuity — and, at least this year, a lot of cleanup. Toney's team is using tiny plastic vials to fill the float with green flowers, and each one will need cleaning. They're also using upside-down floral arrangements to mimic the look of jellyfish, and — since natural materials are a must — coffee grounds to color a sunken ship.Maddie Toney holds a patch commemorating the 2020 Rose Parade float. (Tom Zasadzinski — Cal Poly)At the end of it all, there's nothing like seeing the final product with everyone else as it makes its way down Pasadena's Colorado B... https://www.chicoer.com/redding-woman-will-use-23000-flowers-to-bring-rose-bowl-float-to-life
Dear Abby: Boyfriend kindly ordered flowers, but they arrived looking tattered - Chicago Sun-Times
I don't know what to do. I don't have many other friends. I live out of state from my family, and I still love her dearly. How should I proceed? — SELF-HELPER IN CALIFORNIADEAR SELF-HELPER: Proceed by continuing to move forward. If you seek out new activities, you will meet more people with common interests. Do not drop her. Call her periodically to check in, and make a point of inviting her to join you in some of your new interests. However, if she refuses, do not let it deter you from doing what you must to aid in your healing. I congratulate you for finding the strength to get the help you needed.Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in "What Every Teen Should Know." Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)... https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/1/18/21071522/dear-abby-boyfriend-kindly-ordered-flowers-but-they-arrived-looking-tattered


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Q: Is it possible to direct fread within data.table package to skip erroneous rows data.table 1.9.2
I'm reading in a large table and there appears to be at least one row which produces an error of the following nature:
Error in fread(paste(base_dir, filename, sep = "")) :
Expected sep ('|') but '' ends field 23 on line 190333 when reading data:...

Is it possible to direct fread in data.table package to skip erroneous rows?
Or any other way I can work around this sort of error in the future?

A: One workaround if you wish to skip erroneous rows:
First read in the file only separating according to new rows by using sep="\n" then count the number of separators for each row and filter for the correct # of separators then collapse the data and separate according to the true column separator. see example below.
example data:
require(data.table)

wrong <- fread("
var1|var2|var3|var4
a|1|10|TRUE
b|2|10|FALSE
c|3|10FALSE      # note the missing separator between 10 and FALSE.
d|4|10|TRUE
e|5|10|TRUE",sep="\n")

count number of strings:
The are a number of ways to do this, see stringr's ?str_count for one:
wrong[,n_seps := str_count(wrong[[1]],fixed("|"))] # see below for explanation.

Or with some simplifying assumptions via an rcpp analogue:
If the separator is a single character (which it usually is) then I have found the simple function below to be most efficient. It is written is c++ and exported to R via the Rcpp package's sourceCpp() workhorse.
in a seperate "helpers.cpp" file
    #include <Rcpp.h>
    #include <algorithm>
    #include <string>

    using namespace Rcpp;
    using namespace std;

    // [[Rcpp::export]]

    NumericVector v_str_count_cpp(CharacterVector x, char y) {
        int n = x.size();
        NumericVector out(n);

        for(int i = 0; i < n; ++i) {
            out[i] = std::count(x[i].begin(), x[i].end(), y);
        }
        return out;
    }

New column with counts:
We then apply the function to count the number of occurences of | for each row and return the results
in a new column called n_seps.
wrong[,n_seps := apply(wrong,1,v_str_count_cpp,"|")]

Now wrong looks like:
> wrong
var1|var2|var3|var4 n_seps
1:         a|1|10|TRUE      3
2:        b|2|10|FALSE      3
3:         c|3|10FALSE      2
4:         d|4|10|TRUE      3
5:         e|5|10|TRUE      3

now filter for the nice rows and collapse it back:
collapsed <- paste0( wrong[n_seps == 3][[1]], collapse = "\n" )

and lastly read it back with the proper separator:
correct <- fread(collapsed,sep="|")

which looks like:
> correct
V1 V2 V3    V4
1:  a  1 10  TRUE
2:  b  2 10 FALSE
3:  d  4 10  TRUE
4:  e  5 10  TRUE

Hope this helps.

A: No. There is no option to make fread to do that.
There is discussion on GitHub about it, but it does not say what option should be used to make fread skip those lines (here: https://github.com/Rdatatable/data.table/issues/810)


Kathleen J. Chappell made an average of $247.6K in compensation at Eagle Financial Services from 2011 to 2018.
In 2018, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $295.8K as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2018 compensation ranked 7,851st out of 8,301 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 5.4% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 708th out of 776 executive pay records tracked by us in 2018.
Chappell earned more than 8.8% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $212K in salary, which accounts for 71.67% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $15.7K in non-equity incentive plan, $38.7K in stock awards and $29.4K in other compensation.
In 2017, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $300.2K as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2017 compensation ranked 12,036th out of 13,165 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 8.6% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 899th out of 1,030 executive pay records tracked by us in 2017.
Chappell earned more than 12.7% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $202K in salary, which accounts for 67.29% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $30.3K in non-equity incentive plan, $40K in stock awards and $27.9K in other compensation.
In 2016, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $262.7K as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2016 compensation ranked 12,760th out of 13,853 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 7.9% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 942nd out of 1,068 executive pay records tracked by us in 2016.
Chappell earned more than 11.8% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $192K in salary, which accounts for 73.10% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $14.4K in non-equity incentive plan, $32.2K in stock awards and $24.1K in other compensation.
In 2015, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $242K as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2015 compensation ranked 12,728th out of 13,574 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 6.2% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 916th out of 1,024 executive pay records tracked by us in 2015.
Chappell earned more than 10.5% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $180K in salary, which accounts for 74.38% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $10.8K in non-equity incentive plan, $28.8K in stock awards and $22.4K in other compensation.
In 2014, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $234.3K as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2014 compensation ranked 12,082nd out of 12,876 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 868th out of 993 executive pay records tracked by us in 2014.
Chappell earned more than 12.6% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $173.5K in salary, which accounts for 74.05% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $9.9K in non-equity incentive plan, $29.4K in stock awards and $21.5K in other compensation.
In 2013, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $241.1K as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2013 compensation ranked 11,065th out of 11,965 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 7.5% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 778th out of 930 executive pay records tracked by us in 2013.
Chappell earned more than 16.3% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $166.5K in salary, which accounts for 69.05% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $25.5K in non-equity incentive plan, $27.3K in stock awards and $21.9K in other compensation.
In 2012, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $227.6K as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2012 compensation ranked 10,221st out of 10,949 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 6.6% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 764th out of 884 executive pay records tracked by us in 2012.
Chappell earned more than 13.6% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $160K in salary, which accounts for 70.30% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $22.4K in non-equity incentive plan, $25.1K in stock awards and $20.1K in other compensation.
In 2011, Kathleen J. Chappell earned a total compensation of $176.8K as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Financial Services.
Kathleen J. Chappell's 2011 compensation ranked 9,657th out of 10,035 executive pay records tracked by us this year.
Chappell earned more than 3.8% of all executives tracked by us in 2018.
In the industry group of Commercial Banks, Chappell's pay ranked 794th out of 853 executive pay records tracked by us in 2011.
Chappell earned more than 6.9% of executives in this group.
Chappell received $140K in salary, which accounts for 79.20% of total compensation.
Chappell also received $5.2K in non-equity incentive plan, $17.9K in stock awards and $13.7K in other compensation.


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Toyota Rumion unveiled in South Africa: Roomy affair
Toyota has launched the rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
By Saurabh Gamare
This is the Toyota Rumion that's recently been launched in South Africa. It has an uncanny resemblance to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. There are some minor changes in its exteriors but gets the same 1.5-litre petrol engine as seen on the Ertiga. For now, we are unsure whether the Rumion will make it to our shores or not.
This is not the first time that Toyota is using the name Rumion. Back in 2007, Toyota introduced it as a five-door hatchback, which was based on the second generation of Scion xB; it was also called the Corolla Rumion. Now, Toyota has revived the Rumion moniker with a rebadged Ertiga. Of course, this isn't the first time that Toyota has done this.
The Rumion that you see here gets quite similar interiors as well. It gets the seven-seater configuration with a 60:40 split function for the second-row seat, while the third row can be folded flat. Apart from that, it gets a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. On the dashboard, you'll find silver accents and faux wood trim; the same can be found on the steering wheel as well.
KTM RC Cup Qualifiers 2023: Painting The Town Orange
Coming to the 1.5-litre petrol engine on offer, we reckon it produces similar power figures: 104 bhp and 14.07 kgm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter auto 'box.
If the Toyota Rumion makes its way to our shores, it will be the third rebadged car by Toyota in India after the Glanza and Urban Cruiser. What will you choose: the Toyota Rumion or the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga?


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A pilgrimage in the footsteps of Lott Carey's pioneering mission to Africa
by Angelita Clifton | Dec 14, 2022 | Africa, Black History, Commentary, Headline News, Heritage, Purpose | 0 comments
A journey 'home' to a place my ancestors never saw again.
The Legacy Pilgrimage to Africa delegation at the original sanctuary of the Providence Baptist Church established by Rev. Lott Carey in 1822 in Monrovia, Liberia. Courtesy photo
Angelita Clifton
(RNS) — Two months ago, I stood in Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia, Liberia, listening to the stories of Africans and Americans — the latter freed from slavery in the United States — who had banded together to establish the first republic on the continent of Africa two centuries before.
Providence, the oldest Baptist church in the West African country and the second oldest on the continent, was founded in 1822 by the Rev. Lott Carey, who had come as a missionary to the fledgling country and had brought a team of African American settlers home. Now, 200 years later, the Rev. Emmett L. Dunn, CEO of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, had brought a team of African Americans home.
I have traveled to several countries in Africa, and each one is imprinted on my heart in a special way. But hearing the stories of the African American settlers was cause to pause. I connected with the history of Liberia in a way I didn't expect. I felt blessed beyond measure.
Landing in Liberia my spirit leaped like the baby in Elizabeth's belly when greeting Mary, the mother of Jesus. The sights and sounds of Liberia greeted my senses, sending my head and my heart into overwhelming joy.
The Rev. Lott Carey. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
In Liberia, I was at home. Home in the land of my ancestors on World Communion Sunday. Home, where a sense of "double consciousness" — a concept coined by W.E.B. DuBois to describe African Americans' sense of dislocation from Africa and ourselves — liberated my thoughts and linked them to my theology in a free-spirited dance of deliverance.
It's often said we must step back before we step forward. Walking in the footsteps of Lott Carey in the motherland afforded us the opportunity to do just that.
Born enslaved in 1780 in Charles City County, Virginia, Carey became a disciple of Jesus in 1807, purchased his freedom in 1813, and led the first Baptist missionaries to Africa from the United States in 1821.
After settling in Liberia, Carey and his pioneering missionary team engaged in evangelism, education and health care. He served as a missional and civic leader until his death in 1828.
Our pilgrimage relived aspects of this journey and the experiences of his team. We explored Providence Island, where Carey landed in Liberia in early 1822. Before we landed in Liberia, Dunn told us, "We expect that this journey into the past will bring home to us the love and sacrifice of those who walked this journey before us."
The Door of Return at the Slave Castle in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was once dubbed "The Door of No Return," signaling the last time enslaved persons would see their homeland. Courtesy photo
Our next stop in Africa took us nearly 1,000 miles east along the coast of the Assin Manso Slave River and the Cape Coast castle in Ghana, unofficially dubbed "the Door of No Return" by our Ghanian sisters and brothers, through which so many of our ancestors were shackled and shipped into the slave trade in the New World. It has become a portal for African Americans, pulling us back to Ghana.
Before walking to the Slave River, where my ancestors received their first bath after being captured and their last bath before being carted off to the Americas, we held a ceremony of protection over Lott Carey's life. In my sanctified imagination, my African ancestors' prayers came to fruition in the proclamation made that day. What was meant for evil, God had used for good some 400 years later.
How ironic is it? In a whitewashed slave castle used to destroy the African spirit, a group of spirited African Americans reconnected with a long-lost history, historically whitewashed in American culture and the church universal.
My Bible says, "Be steadfast and persevering, my beloved sisters and brothers, fully engaged in the work of Jesus. You know that your work is not in vain when it is done in Jesus' name."
It was in that spirit that the last leg of our journey in homage to Lott Carey ended with saluting our ancestors on the same shores where they passed, returning where no return was promised. In the Twi language of Ghana, "sankofa" is a word meaning "go back and get it." We did.
(The Rev. Angelita Clifton is president of Women in Service Everywhere and an associate minister at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)
From Football Field to Mission Field: Interview with Benjamin, Asa, & Rev. Kenneth Watson
by Allen Reynolds, UrbanFaith Editor | Aug 6, 2021 | Celebrity Videos, Commentary, Family, Headline News, Parenting |
Benjamin Watson is a Superbowl Champion and former NFL Player who is outspoken about his faith and has turned to speaking and sharing it full time in retirement. His brother Asa Watson is a former NFL player who is now a full time missionary. But both of them were formed for the football field and mission field by their father Rev. Ken Watson.
UrbanFaith contributor Maina Mwaura sat down with the Watson men to discuss how their upbringing contributed to their success and what they are doing now in ministry.


Located at Kenduvilwu between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Jaydev Vatika is the birthplace of the most famous poet of Odisha and also the place where he attained enlightenment (the neem tree under which he meditated is still there) and wrote his most famous literary work Gita Govinda. Spread over 25 acres with sitting areas and a stream passing through to compliment the greenery around- the unkempt landscape in patches are believed to be forest land from the time of Kharavela. There are twenty four groves in the park, recreated as per the description of nature and natural beauty in Gita Govinda to go with 168 varieties of medicinal plants.
There is a museum within the campus which houses some of the most beautiful sculptures excavated from the valley.
Timings for the park : 8 AM. – 5 PM.
Timings for the museum : Same as for the park but for the lunch break between 2.30 P.M. - 4 PM.
The place is an ideal picnic spot and arrangements are available to facilitate the same. However non vegetarian food isn't allowed inside the Vatika. If one wants to non vegetarian on the menu then one can cook and consume outside the premises of the Vatika.
For cooking or for facilitation one can contact the shack just outside the Jayadev Vatika entrance gate, it run by a gentleman by the name of Mr. Bharat Sahoo and his son Mr. Raja Sahoo.
Located around 3 KM from the Jayadev Vatika- this ancient temple has a male ascetic believed to be Jayadev as the presiding deity. Not much is known about the temple as is the case with many monuments of historical significance in the state. The architecture of the temple denotes that it was constructed in the old Kalinga School of architecture. The adjoining pond and the paddy field at the front of the temple make for a picturesque setting.


'Tis the season! Time for gifts for family, friends and colleagues. This is also especially true for students too! But budgets can get tight when the circle of giving gifts gets larger. And that's where creativity (which is free!) and a few materials can really help. And as I told my students, what better gift to give to a loved one than ones that's homemade?
Book Wreath: I don't know how many of these I have made, but it seems like a million! And the best part? They all come out so differently!! Again, size is what you'd like it to be and how you put the pages on (cone shapes, scrunched up paper, rolled shapes) is up to you. The hardest part is cutting a template (which looks like a giant donut) but other than that, the sky's the limit, especially if you'd like to bling it up a little! The MOST creative one I made was with a comic book for my fellow nerd in arms teacher at my campus. It doesn't have to be just books. My library assistant did one from an almanac for a friend who traveled a lot. (the picture are two I made for my house). Here's a link to a book wreath, including the template Resources: template for book wreath, heavy duty cardboard, hot glue gun, pencil (to help glue the pages), and a ribbon to loop on back to hang it.
So there are three projects you can do with students and make someone's Christmas merrier! And if you need any more ideas, I have a BUNCH of ideas on a Pinterest board, so head on over there and see what else you can do with those weeded books!
A fun activity for this month – a way to use your weeded books!


You have probably heard about dental crowns, and you know that they're a full restorative dental procedure. But when your dentist tells you that you need a crown, do you know that it actually covers your entire tooth? That's how it gives you back your bite, and also makes your tooth look better. It covers the whole tooth, all the way from the top right on down to the gum. That's why there are so many benefits of dental crowns.
So, what exactly are the benefits of dental crowns? First of all, they work to take away your pain. Often, when you need a dental crown, it follows a root canal treatment. You will have had a horrible toothache, and your dentist will go down into the root of your tooth take out the decay, and then put a crown on top to protect it from further damage.
The benefits of dental crowns also include ease of installation. A crown can be made in very little time, and then installed to protect your tooth. You also won't have to worry about not being able to bite or chew while waiting for your crown, because your dentist can fit you with a temporary crown that will get you over the waiting period.
Crowns are also customized to look the same as your other teeth. Thanks to modern imaging and manufacturing techniques, your crowns will look totally natural.
Generally speaking, the benefits of dental crowns are restorative. They get you back to the point where you can bite and chew effectively. Dental crowns can also have cosmetic benefits, though, in that they can fix cracks, chips, fractures, discoloration, and other dental imperfections.
Dental crowns also last a long time. They are made of very strong materials, and all you have to do to take care of them is brush and floss the same way you always have. if you take care of your crowns the way you should, then they can last for decades – they might even outlast you.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, and other restorative dental procedures call us. Martin Dentistry is located in Stockton, CA. We are at 1310 East Swain Road, S-2, 95201. You can call us at 209-951-4251, or use the form on our Contact Us page to arrange an appointment.