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How a Silicon Valley Campaign Strategy Won Trump the Election
Business Processes, Processes, Social Media
According to the Laboratory for Social Machines from MIT Media Lab, Donald Trump was the most influential force on the 2016 election.
More than any television news stations, newspapers, or other public bodies. Donald J Trump, as an individual, was the most powerful influencer on the nation.
This influence was driven by his huge social media following. In March 2016 he had 6.8m Twitter followers, 6.3m Facebook likes, and 4.1m views on his YouTube channel. Now, he has over 22m Twitter followers.
But his eventual success lay deeper than just finely crafted tweet storms.
In 2016, with the election of Donald Trump and the successful Brexit vote, major campaigns had been won on emerging political battlegrounds.
Through social media, pop-up phonebanking platforms, independent new media, and email security issues, we've seen a broadened scope for ways campaigns can succeed or fail.
Obama's '08 campaign and re-election were fought heavily on social media, and Trump has mirrored some of that success. But his campaign wasn't solely a media triumph.
Much has been written about what Trump has said and done with little focus on his team behind the scenes. Recognizing the work of his campaign team helps us see the increasing importance of tech in the shaping of our political landscape.
These are the alternative facts of the US election. How an understanding of technological change put Trump in the White House.
Utilizing tech is not a silver bullet
It is important to recognize that these campaigns were not won by innovative practices alone. The two examples given above both represent a change from the norm in an election where the opposing side symbolized a continuation of a status quo.
Donald Trump may have won the presidency, but he didn't single-handedly win a majority in the US Senate or the House of Representatives. The candidates standing in those elections shouldn't be discounted, and possibly the overwhelming republican victory across all three branches shows us something about the political will of the nation.
Plus, votes were close, with Trump relying on the Electoral College to confirm his victory.
And before we get carried away with the power of tech-driven campaigns, they haven't all won. Bernie Sanders' campaign for the Democratic primaries seemed one of the closest situations we've seen to a political startup. Crowdfunding its way from obscurity against a guaranteed victor, Sanders' campaign created phonebanking platforms and organizing channels rapidly to disseminate his message and put up a real fight against the Party's candidate. It also used other communication startups like Hustle to try to connect his young tech-literate followers and lauded a massive Facebook presence over his competitor, Clinton.
However, despite his tech-driven campaign startup, Sanders was unsuccessful in achieving victory.
Trump's Media Strategy has Been Considered Key
The Trump campaign notably took a savvy media approach.
It appears, at first, difficult to say how much within Trump's media strategy was by design and how much was happenstance. Joel Simon writing for the Columbia Journalism Review in March 2016 foreshadowed Trump's media approach in the run in to the election, concluding:
"The media relationship is defined by power, and as the power of traditional media ebbs, the relationship between journalists and those they cover is redefined. Trump's media strategy is confirmation that the most effective way to get media attention today is to engage in shocking behavior, use social media to control your message, and rely on traditional media to amplify your voice. As long as that strategy works, it will be used."
Simon's core argument was that Trump understood the 24-hour news cycle we live in and exploited both it and online news media's need for clicks. Trump was able to place himself in the middle of the spotlight whenever he chose by saying something provocative.
Simon goes on to suggest that this outspoken and brazen expression of opinions helped not just awaken his supporters, but make his supporters more aware of each other. In turn, this spurred the creation of online communities committed to Trump's cause. This phenomenon was dubbed the Meme Wars by many of his adherents. Comical as it may be, the groundswell of collective political action online added extra high energy to the Trump campaign and may well have contributed to his overall victory.
The Google Trends analysis below shows the online dominance of Trump vs Clinton over the course of 2016 in terms of prominence in conversations.
This media strategy of Trump's may have been understood early by those within the industry, but they still followed along with others in providing Trump with the coverage he aimed for. Jim Rutenberg, writing for the New York Times on January 12th 2017, identifies:
"The news media remains an unwitting accomplice in its own diminishment as it fails to get a handle on how to cover this new and wholly unprecedented president."
The theme identified by Simon was that traditional media outlets were losing relevance against the power of social media for information dissemination, and Trump exploited these technological shifts.
However, it seems this conclusion shouldn't be seen separately from the rise of new independent media organizations – most notably Breitbart, whose former chairman Steve Bannon now sits as chief strategist and Senior Counsellor to President Trump.
These organizations allowed for Trump to gain positive media coverage even when the mainstream wouldn't give it to him. These opposing-view articles could then be trotted out to counter the coverage given by established media outlets.
Trump's media strategy was highly successful even if it could be argued it wasn't core to his victory. Yet, not only was it intelligent strategy, it was also founded on a smart and slick technological infrastructure. There was more method behind the madness than self-critical journalists are giving him credit for.
How Trump employed software and its practices
Steven Bertoni, writing for Forbes, gives us a sneak peek into the inner workings of the Trump campaign and what principles its success had been based on.
Trump's original campaign strategy, carried out alongside Corey Lewandowski, was more lean than it was lean startup. There were hardly any staffers, very little infrastructure, and an intention of seeing how far they could get without spending too much money.
Grab headlines and hold rallies. That's what it boiled down to.
Then, an unlikely hero stepped up and began to oversee a change in focus and direction. It wasn't Steve Bannon nor Paypal mafioso Peter Thiel. It was Ivanka Trump's husband Jared Kushner.
Kushner was a co-investor in online marketplace Cadre with Peter Thiel and Alibaba's Jack Ma, while his brother is a venture capitalist who co-founded the unicorn startup Oscar Health. From this base, Kushner took over Trump's social media strategy and brought Silicon Valley to Trump Tower.
Peter Thiel remarked:
"It's hard to overstate and hard to summarize Jared's role in the campaign. If Trump was the CEO, Jared was effectively the chief operating officer."
While Google's Eric Schmidt, who was helping the Clinton campaign, described:
"Jared Kushner is the biggest surprise of the 2016 election. Best I can tell, he actually ran the campaign and did it with essentially no resources."
Kushner reportedly leveraged his Silicon Valley connections and asked for the best digital marketers in the world. In an early test, he used Facebook's micro-targeting and a stash of Trump merchandise to test the boundaries of money-making. The campaign went from making $8,000 a day to $80,000.
Using this initial test as a base, Kushner spent $160,000 promoting a low-tech straight to camera video of Trump, which probably cost almost nothing to make.
The video received 74 million views.
Once the Republican nomination was nailed on, Kushner took over the campaign. His tests had been done and their concepts proven. Now he needed to find a way to scale these tests up to a nationally successful level.
The campaign set up a 100 person office in San Antonio while keeping a low key presence.
This office was the data center.
"We played Moneyball, asking ourselves which states will get the best ROI for the electoral vote. I asked, how can we get Trump's message to that consumer for the least amount of cost?" – Kushner
This focus on customer acquisition cost and the lean principles Kushner instilled into the team drove the campaign forward. Every cent would be spent wisely; not just avoiding wastage, but focusing spending via strategy.
Bertoni writes:
"FEC filings through mid-October indicate the Trump campaign spent roughly half as much as the Clinton campaign did."
Kushner's approach resembled the disruption of a traditional industry for which Silicon Valley has become synonymous with. They used outsourcing to data partners like Cambridge Analytica to map key policy issues by geography, and Deep Root to only run TV adverts if the demographic for a particular show could be susceptible to a certain policy proposal.
They also employed unusual techniques. It was noted that they would employ multiple digital marketing firms and have them compete against each other side by side to cut costs and inefficiencies – creating optimum processes.
Schmidt sums up the Kushner lead campaign:
"Jared understood the online world in a way the traditional media folks didn't. He managed to assemble a presidential campaign on a shoestring using new technology and won. That's a big deal. Remember all those articles about how they had no money, no people, organizational structure? Well, they won, and Jared ran it."
Tech in political processes on both sides
Of course, it wasn't just the Trump campaign who recognized the importance of big data and strong organizational processes.
Wired, in June 2016, reported on how Dan Wagner and David Shor were going to push the most tech-driven analytics program politics has ever seen behind Hillary Clinton. The two have been involved in political analysis for years; currently working under the banner of Civis Analytics.
They worked together primarily in Barack Obama's re-election campaign. In his 2012 run, Obama established a hidden-away data center of his own, referred to as the Cave. The Cave was physically separated from the rest of the campaign team and served to deliver a secretive daily "Golden Report" to the head honchos.
This Golden Report, prepared by Wagner and co (pictured above), was the result of 62,000 simulations of the election outcome based on the data they were gathering. This informed the strategic decision-making of the campaign. The prime example of which was when public polling was showing Obama had dropped 10 points in Michigan. This opened the state up for Romney to be competitive and the Republicans flooded it with people and cash. The Obama team didn't react. The reports from the Cave showed Michigan was not in crisis and the public polls were wrong.
The amount of money saved by not panicking in reaction to those polls was $20m, paying for the entire cost of the data center.
In Wagners words, Civis Analytics can provide that same knowledge of voter sentiment:
"We offer an incredibly scarce resource: How do people really feel about the country?"
Civis weren't alone in wanting to use technology to help spur a Clinton victory. Eric Schmidt of Google, who coincidentally is the sole investor in Civis, had been assisting Clinton separately to establish a digital hub from which to manage her technology.
Adam Pasick and Tim Fernholz, writing for Quartz, describe the shadowy Groundwork project backed by Schmidt, which would supposedly give Clinton the edge. It was described as bridging the gap between the technology and the politics, allowing politicians and their staffers to understand what's going on within their campaigns.
It is no longer so shadowy after the election. TheGroundwork.com appears to be a political SaaS product which combines analytics, data management, task management, and other such duties. Simple to use and geared for "powering the next generation of social impact websites and apps."
Trump and Kushner's processes won the day
I'm not qualified to say for certain why one side won and one side didn't, but there are a few trends we can pull out.
Trump's media strategy was based around his personal social media influence and brand, his populist message and its ability to motivate highly vocal online supporters, and his omnipresence in traditional media coverage.
Kushner's data-driven warehouse was twice the size of Obama's 2012 Cave, with approximately 100 employees against 54. The reported activities of Kushner's data center are also more aggressive and competitive in nature.
We don't know the figures for Clinton's operation exactly, but if winning with data was her key strategy it looks as if she didn't hit it hard enough.
It's impossible to make a definitive statement on what caused the outcome in a world where we can't control for the Podesta emails case being reopened 11 days before the vote.
However, if Eric Schmidt had been backing the Clinton campaign with both know-how and capital and yet came out to say that Kushner's work was the decisive key, then who am I to argue?
Kushner not only utilized lean practices and modern technologies, he optimized the campaign's processes to the point where they won the 2016 US election spending half the opposition's outlay. Yuge.
If this trend for typical startup practices continues then it might not be long until we see a child of Silicon Valley run for office. The rumors of Mark Zuckerberg 2020 begun in August 2016 when he created a new class of non-voting shares for Facebook. These could allow him to run for office without having to give up control over his business.
In 2017, Zuckerberg allegedly aims to visit all 50 states and talk to community leaders about the issues they're facing. This has set the rumor mill running again.
PaddyPower betting currently has Kanye West on shorter odds than Zuckerberg to win the presidency in 2020 (100/1 v 125/1), but if the Democrats want to challenge it seems clear that the role of data, lean principles, and optimized processes would be crucial for success against another Kushner led campaign.
Who are you expecting to see run in 2020? Another politician or a candidate from outside Washington?
Interesting! Wonder if th same strategy is going to work for an ecomerce business! Political is always tricky!


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Corporate & Institutional > Mitigate Risk > Strategic Planning
Getting Ready for What's Next
As you face an unpredictable future, take these key considerations into account.
Aug 27 2020 | 4 min read
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world forever — not just in health terms, but economically as well. It has affected every sector of the economy, from healthcare to housing construction and energy to entertainment.
Economic contagion is now spreading as fast as the disease itself.
— The Harvard Business Review[1]
The pandemic has had such a massive effect because it has caused a massive supply shock as well as a huge reduction in demand.[2]
There are some hopes that the recovery will see a swift return to the way things were, but that seems increasingly unlikely given that the easing of the lockdown is gradual, happening at a different pace in different places and subject to an abrupt reversal if another outbreak emerges.
PNC's Senior Economic Advisor, Stuart G. Hoffman, sees a likely U-shaped recovery, where economic activity began improving in the late spring and may gain momentum in the latter half of the year and into 2021.
So businesses need to think about what that means for their operations, their workers, their cash flow requirements and their future.
A few lucky sectors have received a huge boost from the lockdown — TV streaming services, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and healthcare and health equipment providers. Others face serious questions about their future — cruise ships, airlines, cinemas and the oil and gas sector, for example.
But many companies are caught between these two extremes — their industry does not face an existential crisis, but the pandemic has hit them hard. They are waiting for the economy to open again, so they can pick themselves up. However, they need to consider a number of issues as the economy restarts.
How to Restart Your Business as the Pandemic Recedes
The consultancy McKinsey says that "there are four strategic areas to focus on: recovering revenue, rebuilding operations, rethinking the organization, and accelerating the adoption of digital solutions."[3]
One of the most crucial issues to consider is whether your product or service is still viable in the post-pandemic world. If not, do you need to rethink the product, such as airlines looking to start flying again with empty middle seats to ensure passengers can social distance while flying? Do you need to pivot into new products, or has the pandemic created a new market that you may be able to move into?
Other issues to consider as you return to work include:
How quickly will demand return? You need to consider not only how quickly the economy at large will recover, but also whether there are specific factors that will hold back demand for your particular product or service — is it mainly used by people in large gatherings, for example? Is there anything you can do to mitigate that? Many firms will have to rethink their marketing messages at the very least.
Can you right-size your workforce to meet radical changes in demand? "Returning to work will be gradual, phased-in, and will vary by factors such as location, sector, business type or size, and the health status of workers. It also will require continued social distancing, expanded use of personal protective equipment, and other counter-measures," says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.[4]
Consider Your Cash Flow
Cash flow is king in a crisis, and many companies will find themselves in a catch-22 situation: They need to spend money to ramp up production, but have little or no money coming in because they have been shut down or because customers are not buying.
Think about what your cash needs will be as you ramp up production. Do you need a temporary loan facility to tide you over until cash from sales returns? Do you need to talk to your bank about refinancing or leveraging your asset base to expand access to capital and other options?
Financing the Stretch to Digital
"It's already a cliché: the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the shift to digital," says McKinsey.[5] What are the lessons for your business? Are there processes or departments that can be improved with technology? Many companies have instigated remote working and video conferences, but according to McKinsey, "the best companies are going further, by enhancing and expanding their digital channels. They're successfully using advanced analytics to combine new sources of data, such as satellite imaging, with their own insights to make better and faster decisions and strengthen their links to customers."
Regulations will change — there has already been a huge government reaction to the pandemic at the federal and state level, and it seems likely that they will introduce rules to ensure that businesses, workers and customers are better protected in future outbreaks. Have you considered what changes could affect your sector and your company, and how you would react?
Perhaps the most important element of your post-pandemic planning is to think about how you can increase your resilience to ensure your business is as prepared as it can be for future shocks. It is impossible to plan precisely for every eventuality, but it is possible to be better prepared.
Do you need to maintain higher cash reserves or a bigger cash drawdown facility? Do you need to think about restoring production facilities or diversifying your supply chain? Do you need to identify alternative markets, new products or new ways of working that will enable you to minimize disruption in the next crisis? Because there will be a next crisis, and while those that are not prepared may suffer, resilient, well-organized companies will be prepared to emerge stronger from the upheaval.
Make the Next Right Decision
For more information on improving your business resiliency, borrowing and acquiring capital effectively for these times and mitigating risk, contact your PNC Relationship Manager or visit pnc.com/businessresiliency.
Mitigate Risk Strategic Planning Defend U.S.
Explore our Treasury Management solutions.
Meet your financial goals by
making the most of your working capital.
1. https://hbr.org/2020/03/understanding-the-economic-shock-of-coronavirus
2. https://www.barrons.com/articles/public-health-not-economic-tools-will-determine-the-shape-of-the-recovery-51585865584
3. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/from-surviving-to-thriving-reimagining-the-post-covid-19-return?cid=other-eml-nsl-mip-mck&hlkid=c460ec3ab91042e199edb33c4fc9e793&hctky=2292499&hdpid=46cfe9e5-c938-455c-a27b-f74247e8e764
4. https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus/implementing-national-return-to-work-plan
PNC General Disclosurehttps://www.pnc.com/en/corporate-and-institutional/pnc-general-disclosure.html


"It is the vision of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina to provide the highest quality of services in child and family care. We will be a provider of choice in a culture of excellence."
The leadership and staff of Baptist Children's Homes on North Carolina (BCH) place top priority on a Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) plan which propels it to become a world class model of excellence in child and family care. A well-defined, implemented, and continuously evaluated PQI plan enables BCH to develop a path of work that is clear, flexible and responsive, pace setting, and secure.
BCH is committed to providing quality services to children and families. PQI is a method of regular monitoring, evaluation, planning, remediation, and improvement that ensures that the institution accomplishes its commitment to excellence.
Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina is grateful for our partners in ministry and committed to respecting their privacy.
This policy applies to all information received by Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina through electronic/online communications as well as traditional written/offline communications. This includes the organization's monthly newsletter, Charity and Children, corporate websites and mobile applications as well as additional electronic, written and oral communications.
Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH) completed its seventh Council on Accreditation (COA) review in February 2015. BCH's reaccreditation was expedited because of the organization's stellar review by the three visiting COA representatives. The organization received perfect ratings on 96% of the 1,000 standards that were evaluated.
COA is an international, independent, non-for-profit accrediting body accrediting more than 2,200 organizations and programs that serve more than 7 million children, individuals and families. The reaccreditation process occurs every four years. BCH received its first accreditation in 1987 and has been accredited ever since.
The COA review team concluded the four-day reaccreditation peer review with a final exit meeting with key BCH staff members.
The meeting culminated an on-site review held February 22-25, 2015. Nearly 500 self-study documents and as many on-site documents were prepared prior to the COA visit. BCH began in 2013 assembling the documents.
BCH's mission statement reads: "To provide the highest quality of Christian services to children, adults, and families in a caring culture of measurable excellence." COA representatives cited the mission statement during the exit meeting.


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Tiny-home villages could be allowed across much…
NewsColorado News
Tiny-home villages could be allowed across much of Denver
A new law would open the door for spread of low-cost housing approach
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
Beloved Community Village, pictured March 1, 2019, houses a dozen residents in Denver. The group and supporters of the initiative have been hoping for permanent location for the village.
By Andrew Kenney | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: July 25, 2019 at 6:00 a.m. | UPDATED: July 29, 2019 at 11:44 a.m.
It's been two years since an experiment in housing began in Denver. The city's first legal "tiny homes" opened along 38th Street, and 20 people escaped homelessness.
The Beloved Community Village still stands — but it stands alone. Visions of a network of self-governed villages have been slowed by city regulations, neighborhood resistance and a competitive land market.
Now, that may change: Denver Councilwoman at-large Robin Kniech wants to allow villages to be built across more of the city and for longer periods of time.
"It seemed important to me that we have this more regulated, healthier, safer interim housing use. This is a way that can be sanitary and safe for the neighborhoods around them, and it's dignified," Kniech said.
RELATED: Tiny homes as affordable and alternative housing gain in popularity. Colorado is at forefront of the movement.
She is proposing that the city change its rules to allow tiny-home villages on far more properties. The change could make it much easier and simpler to build the low-cost housing communities in Denver.
"We've had a ton of trouble with siting," said village organizer Cole Chandler. "One of the problems we face with neighborhoods is people crying, 'This isn't even legal.' They have the ability to shut this down like it wasn't a traditional project."
The biggest problem is that the city's laws weren't designed for tiny-home villages. Currently, they're only allowed through creative lawyering and legal exceptions.
Under Kniech's proposal, which was written with city staff, villages would be officially allowed in industrial, mixed-use and commercial zones. Opening up industrial sites could give organizers new access to warehouse sites on the edge of residential neighborhoods.
Villages also would be allowed on church sites, community centers and other institutional sites in residential neighborhoods, but not directly on single-family properties. Villages in residential areas would be limited to 30 homes, depending on space. All units would have to be at least 70 square feet.
Villages would not need special approvals by the Denver City Council, but city staff would review each application. This year, the council allowed the Beloved village to move onto a city site in Globeville despite intense neighborhood resistance.
"It's still a pretty rigid approach. It's still high standards for health and safety," Kniech said of the new proposal.
They would be allowed to get six-month permits or two-year permits, with the option to renew once. The long-term permits would require more permanent facilities and utility connections, as opposed to portable toilets for short-term permits. Village organizers would have to hold community meetings early in the application process and draw up detailed plans about their management, Kniech said.
She also wants the city to play a greater role in supporting new villages, especially by arranging social services at village sites.
Few housing options exist for residents being asked to vacate Greeley apartments for people with disabilities
70 mobile home parks in Colorado can't raise rent due to new laws designed to protect residents
Metro Denver's average apartment rent drops at a rate not seen in decades at the end of 2022
This Colorado legislation would remove a state-level ban on rent control
"Most cities have provided more financial support either for services or land than Denver has," she said, noting that the city of Seattle has funded several villages. In fact, they make up about 13 percent of the city's shelter space, although some of the Seattle villages have been racked by infighting and management controversies, The Seattle Times reported.
Tiny homes can't play the same role as permanent housing, and even the most ambitious visions wouldn't produce enough to put a major dent in housing demand — but they have gotten buzz as an option for those experiencing homelessness because they can be built quickly and relatively cheaply. The village in Denver also is self-governed, making it a symbol for housing organizers of what can be accomplished by grassroots groups.
Ideally, Kneich said, villages would be an interim step on the way to long-term housing, which the city is racing to build more of. "We need enough options so that folks can go to shelter, to tiny-home villages, to transitional housing," she said.
The proposal is headed to the council this fall.
Denver City Council
Denver Politics
Robin Kniech
Andrew Kenney covers Denver and its government. His work explores how urbanization is reshaping Colorado's cities and whom it benefits, focusing on housing, sustainability, culture and government accountability. He previously worked as a reporter for The (Raleigh) News & Observer and for Denverite. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was honored with the Associated Press' Walter Spearman Award for young writers in 2015, among other recognition.
Follow Andrew Kenney andy.kenney Follow Andrew Kenney @AndyKnny


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Latest Updates from the Max Perutz Labs
First Max Perutz Day kicks off a new era at the Max Perutz Labs Vienna
On the occasion of Max Perutz' 105th birthday, the science community, students and stakeholders from the University of Vienna and the Medical University gathered to celebrate the first Max Perutz Day on May 23rd. The event was held to honour the scientific legacy of the Nobel prize winner for whom the institute is named.
All pictures (c) feel image / matern
Andreas Bachmair appointed full professor
Max Perutz Labs group leader Andreas Bachmair has been promoted to full Professor of Genetics and Biochemistry by the University of Vienna.
New research platform to investigate key player in earth's ecosystem
The University of Vienna has awarded €470.000 to an interdisciplinary research platform co-headed by Max Perutz Labs group leader Kristina Djinovic-Carugo, together with Michael Wagner and Holger Daims from the Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science at the University of Vienna. The platform will research the Comammox bacteria, an important component in the global ecosystem and especially in the planet's nitrogen cycle.
New funding for stem cell research at Max Perutz Labs and the Vienna BioCenter
The Austrian Science Fund FWF has awarded a doc.funds grant totalling more than €1.7 million to a consortium of stem cell researchers at the Vienna BioCenter. The group involves scientists from the Max Perutz Labs and the Faculty of Life Sciences of the University of Vienna, the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP). The programme is coordinated by Max Perutz Labs group leader Florian Raible and will support the recruitment of nine PhD students to start projects in the field of stem cell research starting in fall 2019.
New Publication
Renovating the house – how cells stay in good shape
Everyone owning a house knows it: to stay like new it needs cleaning and mending. Similarly cells constantly renovate and get rid of unwanted material in a process called autophagy in order to replace it with new parts. This ensures that the organism stays healthy over the years. Like a house renovation, different contractors are employed with repairs and getting rid of waste, and perfect communication is required between them. An international team of scientists from Berlin and Berkeley led by Sascha Martens from the Max Perutz Labs, a joint venture University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna now describe how this communication between two important factors takes place and thus ensures that autophagy correctly works in the cell.
ÖAW DOC Fellowship for Anete Romanauska
Congratulations to MFPL PhD student Anete Romanauska who has received the DOC Fellowship of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She currently pursues her PhD studies in Alwin Köhler's lab. The prestigious DOC Fellowship Programme offers funding for highly qualified doctoral candidates.
RNA helicase activity in the immune system: a matter of sex chromosomes
The proverbial differences between sexes are also found in many biological processes. Immune responses for example have for a long time been known to have distinct differences between males and females. Scientists from Thomas Decker's group in collaboration with other research institutes now add another piece in the puzzle of sex related differences in immunity.
Roland Foisner elected foreign fellow of Czech Learned Society
Every year The Learned Society of Czech republic elects new members following nominations by its regular members. Currently there are 103 regular, 49 foreign members and 14 emeritus members in the Learned Society.
The biomechanics of vascular ageing
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) lead to atherosclerosis and heart failure and are prevalent age-related illnesses in humans. In a new study, published in the renowned journal JCI, scientists from Roland Foisner's group at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, together with scientists from the Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna and from the BOKU, Vienna describe the molecular mechanism behind CVD in the premature ageing disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The findings could also help understand normal ageing processes in the cardiovascular system.
University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna extend successful collaboration with Max F. Perutz Laboratories
The University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna are extending their successful collaboration with Max F. Perutz Laboratories. Rectors Heinz W. Engl from the University of Vienna and Markus Müller from MedUni Vienna signed an agreement to extend the Joint Venture until 2025.
New Grant
ERC consolidator grant for Kristin Tessmar-Raible
Congratulations to MFPL group leader Kristin Tessmar-Raible, who has been awarded an "ERC Consolidator Grant" from the European Research Council. The grant will provide around two million Euros for a period of five years and is her second ERC grant.
Making sense of chromosomal chaos
When cells divide, chromosomes must be accurately segregated. Sometimes errors occur, leading to aneuploidy, a state where cells have an incorrect number of chromosomes. This chromosomal instability is in most cases harmful for cells, yet aneuploidy and high rates of errors in chromosome segregation are frequently observed in cancers, especially those that are resistant to treatment. How can cells adapt to and thrive in such a disadvantageous state?


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Longtime Kingston Pike toy store reopens with new owners
Ali James
Sherri Harris and 2-year-old Allie Fanta create a masterpiece to take home in the new arts and crafts room at Smart Toys and Books. Ali James/Special to the News Sentinel
Lachlan Smelcer, 5, left, and Reynolds Stewart, 3, team up to explore the indoor pirate ship. Ken Zhou, new owner of Smart Toys and Books on Kingston Pike, had a designer from Oklahoma create the indoor pirate ship for the play area. The ship features upper, middle and lower decks, and costumes are available for children to dress in while they play. Ali James/Special to the News Sentinel
Ken Zhou stands outside the recently reopened and revamped Smart Toys and Books store in West Knoxville. Zhou and his brother-in-law, James Kao, purchased the business in April and are business partners in the new venture. Ali James/Special to the News Sentinel
Lakyn Grizzard, 18 months old, explores the new indoor play structure at Smart Toys and Books. Ali James/Special to the News Sentinel
Two-year-old Evey Young, left, plays shopkeeper with 4-year-old Kate Shomaker in the new Smart Toys and Books playground. Ali James/Special to the News Sentinel
Ken Zhou, a father of two, has spent a lot of time playing with toys lately.
Zhou, who recently worked in the restaurant industry, said he is enjoying his new adventure as the current owner of Smart Toys and Books in Franklin Square on Kingston Pike..
The original owner, Lynda Blakenship, retired and closed the store this past December after 30 years in business. Many local families were sad to lose the store, and Zhou said he and his wife were two of them.
'We were regular customers and had a birthday party here in the past,' he said. 'The last time we were here was at Christmas just before they closed. We got in touch with Lynda Blankenship before she retired and thought about the idea for a couple of months before we decided to move forward.'
He purchased the business with his brother in law, James Kao, who are partners in the store.
Knowing that a lot of people shop for toys online, he was a little concerned about opening a retail store.
'So we decided to have a playground with a big pirate ship that they can climb on, while the parents shop,' he said. Children can play for $8 per person for two hours, siblings are $5 each and there are 10-, 20- or even 50-visit-discounted passes offered.
'We just love to play with our kids,' said Zhou who has a 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, and 3-year-old son, Mason. 'There are only a limited number of choices for birthday parties or places for kids to play inside. So we decided to bring Smart Toys and Books to a new level — where you can play and shop.'
The store's transformation started in April.
'We had a designer who works on churches and schools come out from Oklahoma,' Zhou said. 'We told them what we wanted, then they took on the project to build the Soft Play pirate ship playground.'
Besides the giant pirate ship, there are costumes for children to wear while they play, toys to build and play with, and a wooden kitchen. A giant soccer ball to kick around is another new favorite.
'We did a lot of remodeling and made more than half of the store into the playground,' Zhou said. 'We also have an art room where children can paint or draw and take their finished projects home with them.'
Open for just one week, Zhou has been surprised at how many people have come into the store.
'Most of them are return customers and we've been asking them how they like it, and they especially love the playground,' he said. 'They love that it's a toy store and a playground as well. They can have a hands-on experience with the toys and there is a staff member in the playground to help and play with them.'
The Zhous purchased the name of the store, but since most of the merchandise had been sold, they have had to order everything new.
'The new toys started shipping back in June,' he said. 'Lynda, the previous owner, helped us a lot. She is an expert in toys.
'We have met with all of the reps in the last few months; we got to see and play with the toys before we put them on the shelf,' Zhou said. 'We carry some old toys that sell pretty well, and I'm particularly interested in the building and science toys. I love to play with them all.'
As for inventory, 'We carry most of the brands that Lynda carried,' Zhou said. 'We have over 1,000 items, and more are coming in.'
Longtime customer favorites include Playmobil, Brio trains and train tables, Magna tiles, marble runs, and lots of puzzles and books. Zhou believes his may be the only store in Knoxville to carry the Breyer Horses and accessories.
'We invested a lot of money in the Princess room,' he said. 'It's like a castle — it's all pink inside and is filled with baby dolls, doll houses and furniture.'
Past customers might also recognize a familiar face.
'Lynda's daughter, Kelly Blankenship, is our general manager,' Zhou said. 'She grew up in the store and knows every corner of it. It's very helpful.'
Zhou does not plan to do a lot of online sales.
'I strongly believe that with some of the toys you just need a hands-on experience,' he explained. 'I think that will generate more sales.'
He is continuing the store's traditional free gift wrapping service to help busy parents.
The party rooms have also been changed. One room has been decorated with Candyland-themed décor and another has a roller coaster theme. Zhou said the store plans to offer a flat-rate party package that includes a birthday cake, refreshments, one-and-a-half hours in the playground and half-an-hour in the party room. The store will even send out all of the invitations and thank-you notes, and provide goody bags for up to 15 party guests.
Some familiar classes will be back once school is in session, including Knoxville Kindermusik and children's Spanish classes.
'We're going to continue the tradition of Mommy, Daddy and Me art classes,' said Zhou. 'There were game nights once a month, but we will be doing them once a week. Plus there will be science classes once a month where kids will get to complete a science project like building a car.'
In addition, there will be free story times twice a week, and perhaps a new baby yoga class.
The website is currently being updated to reflect all of the new features, and a grand opening for the store is in the works. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 13, there will be free activities such as balloons, a magic show and face painting. Everything in the store will be 20 percent off. and the first 50 children will receive a goody bag.
The store and the playground will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Smart Toys and Books is at 9700 Kingston Pike.


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Dhillon Announces Her Campaign To Oust Ronna McDaniel, 'Modernize' RNC
During a Monday appearance on Fox News Channel's "Tucker Carlson Tonight," CEO of the Center for American Liberty Harmeet Dhillon announced her decision to run for chair of the Republican National Committee.
In her announcement, Dhillon — who is also the chair and founder of the Republican National Lawyers Association — argued that Republicans must "modernize" the party in order to "compete with the Democrats" in the way that they run elections.
While many establishment Republicans continue to complain about the way Democrats run their elections — especially the mail-in ballot issue — others, like Dhillon, have finally realized that, while the rules remain in place, Republicans have to step up and compete with Democrats using their own tactics.
If elected to RNC Chairwoman role, one of my first job offers will be to @ScottPresler — if he will have us — to inspire and train our ground forces on voter registration and getting every ballot to the ballot box by all legal means!
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) December 6, 2022
Not only that, but the GOP needs to change their leadership, she argues. As Republicans were expected to make major gains in the 2022 midterms but ended up only gaining a slim majority in the House and actually losing a seat in the Senate, the current leadership clearly hasn't done the party any favors.
"I think that we really need to radically re-shape our leadership in order to win," Dhillon told host Tucker Carlson. "And we can't keep running elections like we did in the '90s and the 2000s and we really have to modernize to compete with the Democrats dollar-for-dollar in the ways they fundraise, the way they deliver their ballots to the ballot boxes."
She also discussed an issue that is important to the conservative base — messaging. Many conservative voters have complained that the party is often just reacting to the Democrats while not putting forth its own ideas and proposals. Dhillon appeared to agree, noting: "Our messaging needs to be fresh and positive and not just reactive to news cycles and what the Democrats are doing."
Dhillon went on to state that the GOP "needs to realize that the party has become a populist party."
"The base of the party demands populist messages that speak to them and not Chamber of Commerce messages, not neocon messages, not warmonger messages and I'm afraid that the base of our party is not getting what it needs from our leadership," she added. "And so, after three successive rounds of really disappointing results, Tucker, I'm a member of the RNC and no other member is stepping up to challenge leadership, and our current leadership has never been challenged for the chair job and I think that challenge and competition is very good."
Rep. Greene Will Serve On Subcommittee To Investigate COVID
The Return Of The 'Assault Weapons' Ban
Penn Biden Center Encouraged Closer U.S.-China Ties At June Event
New Trump-Biden Poll Reveals Who's Ahead In Rematch


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Soaring possibilities
February 18, 2014 12:00 am by Jorah McKinley Views: 6
Ever wonder what it's like to be a pilot, or how you even become one? An event hosted by Career Services on Tuesday, Feb. 4 answered all those questions, and all it took to make it happen was the interest of one student, Castleton Freshman Zach Castellini-Dow.
"We did this because of Zach," said Renee Beaupre White, director of Career Services. "His professor emailed me one day and said 'I have a student who wants to be a pilot.'"
That was all the motivation she needed. Beaupre White contacted Ryan Ollis, an aviation education coordinator for Vermont Aviation, and he agreed to come to Castleton and speak.
Just like that, Castellini-Dow and six other students were given the tools they needed to make a dream a reality.
"My dad got me interested because he was in the air force for 22 years, so he opened my eyes to aviation as a possible career choice," said Castellini-Dow. "I'm interested in this. I can actually learn about this."
Learn he did. Ollis provided the students with an abundance of information about every aspect of aviation, a booming industry.
"My collegue is famous for saying aviation is the second largest producer of jobs in the nation. The first is Wal-Mart," Ollis said.
Ollis passed out handouts to students with a list of over 60 different jobs in aviation. You could be a helicopter pilot, a corporate pilot, an air traffic controller, a flight attendant, a mechanic, a meteorologist, an air marshal or even a flight instructor.
The handout, sponsored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, also gave information about what kind of education you need for each job and who employs each position.
"My main job is to expose students and young people to the opportunities there are in aviation," said Ollis. "We're trying to grow the young community."
In addition to providing other handouts on pilot schools and certification courses, Ollis also shared some of his experiences and opinions about what its like to actually be a pilot.
"It's a challenging field, but it's very rewarding," he said.
Ollis even says once you're up there, flying is less stressful than driving a car. Why?
"Less traffic."
Ollis also gave examples of the perks of having a pilot's license, saying he often rents a plane just to take a day trip. He and his fiancé have even flown down to Martha's Vineyard just for dinner at a nice restaurant.
"If you like rollercoasters you'll also like aviation," Ollis said.
Castellini-Dow is currently a history major, but he plans on changing that.
"I was going into teaching, but I'm not liking the education system, so it's a good alternative," he said. "And I think it offers something good for me."


Truth time: learning about theoretical things every week can get a bit monotonous. As much as it's important to learn the method behind the madness, it's equally crucial to understand why we're embarking upon the path of madness to begin with it. In other words — what's the point of the theory that we're learning here together?
But every so often, we get lucky in that we stumble across the most perfect metaphor. Metaphors can be a great way of learning through analogy, and they're useful in illustrating otherwise complicated concepts. I spent a few days trying to understand a data structure I was only recently introduced to, and it was only in the context of this metaphor that I really began to grasp it.
We can think of our book collection as a dataset.
We're already familiar with so many different data structures at this point — perhaps we can use one of them to handle our dataset? Let's try them out for size.
It would be awesome if there was a way to just look up a book instantly — without having to search through everything. Surely, there must be a better way of doing this.
Okay, okay, we're just learning about a cool data structure today — not inventing a new one! I guess I should finally let you in on the secret: there is a better way of searching through our dataset. And, as you might have guessed, it's called a hash table.
Hash tables are made up of two distinct parts: an array, which you're already familiar with, and a hash function, which is probably a new concept! So, why these two parts? Well, the array is what actually holds our data, and the hash function is more or less the way that we decide where our data will live — and how we'll get it out of the array, when the time comes!
What exactly is a hash table?
Hash tables are interesting for a lot of reasons, but what makes them so efficient for our purposes is that they create a mapping, which is a relationship between two sets of data. Hash tables are made up of sets of pairs: a key and a value, often referred to as (k, v). The idea here is that if you have the key in one set of data, you can find the value that corresponds to it in another set of data.
A collision occurs when two elements are supposed to be inserted at the same place in an array.
Well, as it turns out, this isn't bad at all. It's actually quite normal. In fact, it's so normal that this phenomenon even has a name: a collision, which occurs when two elements are supposed to be inserted at the exact same place in an array — in other words, at the same hash bucket.
Hash functions that lean on alphabetization always result in 26 hash buckets.
The hash function for a phonebook or a dictionary will always group any inputted data into one of 26 buckets — one bucket for each letter of the alphabet. This ends up being rather interesting, because what this effectively means is that we'll never have a hash bucket (or in this case, a letter of the alphabet) that is empty. In fact, we'll have close to an even distribution of last names that start with each letter of the alphabet.
In fact, that's an important part of what makes a good hash algorithm: an equal distribution of data amongst all the possible hash buckets. But hold that thought for now — we'll get more into that next week!
Without using hash tables, we have to search through an entire dataset, probably starting with the first element in an array or linked list. If our items is at the very end of the list — well, good luck! We could be searching for a long time. In fact, as much time as there are elements! Herein lies the major problem with using linked lists, stacks, queues, arrays: searching through them for something always ends up being linear in time, or O(n).
Comparing this to hash tables, the choice between the two seems pretty easy, now that we understand how hash functions work! If we're looking for an element, we need only to pass that element into the hash function, which will tell us exactly what index in the array — that is to say, which hash bucket — to look in. This means that even if the item we're looking for is at the very end of the hash table array, it'll take us the exact same amount of time to find it as it would for us to find the first element in the array!


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Error Spotting
A sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
He has been (a) / one of the most revered member (b) / of the committee of enquiry. (c) / No error (d)
CDS English Previous Paper 10 (Held On: 8 Nov 2020)
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Option 2 : (b)
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The correct answer is '(b)'.
The phrase 'one of the' is always followed by a plural noun and a singular verb.
One of my friend is a dancer.
One of my friends is a dancer.
Since one person is being selected out of many, 'members' will be used instead of 'member' in part (b) of the given question.
Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer.
Correct Sentence: He has been one of the most revered members of the committee of enquiry.
Exception case while using the phrase 'one of the':
If a subject and a verb are joined by a relative pronoun, the verb will agree with the antecedent to the relative pronoun.
He is one of those men who trust everybody with whom he socializes.
'One of the' के बाद हमेशा plural noun और singular verb होती है।
उदाहरण:
चूँकि अनेकों में से एक व्यक्ति का चयन किया जा रहा है, इसलिए दिए गए प्रश्न के part (b) में 'member' के स्थान पर 'members' का प्रयोग किया जाएगा।
अतः option 2 सही उत्तर है।
Ace your English and Grammar preparations for Error Spotting with us and master Subject-Verb Agreement for your exams. Learn today!
More Error Spotting Questions
Q1. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. Ram always respected (1)/ his boss as he was (2)/ senior than him. (3)/ No error (4)
Q2. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. There needs to be a better (1)/ approach for conserving and (2)/ improving original forest areas. (3)/ No error (4)
Q3. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. Statistics are a (1)/ means to understand the (2)/ growth of the company. (3)/ No error (4)
Q4. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. The law should mandate that every (1)/ pregnancy be registered and should receive (2)/ a most unique identity number. (3)/ No error (4)
Q5. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. He have never (1) /and will never take your (2) /suggestion on this project. (3) /No error (4)
Q6. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. Higher education policy must seek (1)/ a higher transition rate between(2)/ first university to doctoral degrees. (3)/ No error (4)
Q7. The sentence below has been divided into three parts. Select the part of the sentence that has an error. If the sentence has no error, select the option 'No Error'. "If the Wizard was here," said/ one of the piglet, sobbing bitterly,/ "he would not see us suffer so."
Q8. The sentence below has been divided into three parts. Select the part of the sentence that has an error. If the sentence has no error, select the option 'No Error'. Inspired by other giant rock carvings such/ as the Mount Rushmore in South Dakota,/ Mr. Stoddart has chosen a granite mountain.
Q9. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. Women in India are much more (1) / educated and are also at par of (2) / the men in almost all fields. (3) / No error (4)
Q10. Find the part of the given sentence that has an error in it. If there is no error, choose 'No error'. She got fed up (1) / of the awful behavior (2) / of her cousins. (3) / No error (4)
More Grammar Questions
Q1. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If no substitution is required, select No improvement. This is not fair to us who are planned to go abroad.
Q2. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If no substitution is required, select No improvement. Sumit have to take a bus or sometimes walk to reach the coaching centre.
Q4. A sentence has been given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate word/words. Choose the correct alternative. When she ______ at her place, Mahima had left.
Q6. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If no substitution is required, select No improvement. His proud and ego was too much for the team to handle.
Q9. A sentence has been given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate word/words. Choose the correct alternative. The boys sang _______ the girls danced.
Q10. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If no substitution is required, select No improvement. If you can't pay the bill, don't spent.
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More English Questions
Q1. Identify the correct meaning of the word 'onus'?
Q2. What is the primary purpose of the given passage?
Q3. Who made FSSAI to frame norms to promote healthy diet in children?
Q4. What should parents do to ensure healthy lifestyle for their children?
Q5. Which of the following is NOT one of the norms taken by FSSAI to promote healthy diet?
Q6. Choose the word that can substitute the given sentence. Any underhand interference with production, work, etc
Q7. Rearrange the parts of the sentence in the correct order. P: the environment, O.V. Vijayan produced Q: articles on such subjects as politics and R: several novels and a number of short stories S: in addition to cartoons and journalistic
Q8. Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word. Allegiance
Q10. In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Look to one's laurels


Feel the genie magic with this set of 3 Shimmer & Shine alicebands! The set features some of your favourite Shimmer & Shine characters and is decorated with a bow and a pretty glitter finish.
With three different colours, you have everything you need to look and feel like your favourite genies.


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Why China Must Do Better with Press Freedom
Taiwan Military Expert: 'Porcupine Strategy' Could Deter Chinese Invasion
EDITORIAL | Get Those Leopard 2 Tanks to Ukraine to Stem Russian Invasion
Shinzo Abe, Man of the Century
Japan and India: Leading the G7 and G20, Can They Shape the Global Order?
Japan's Security Environment Could Face Biggest Crisis Since WWII
History Politics & Security
Why China's Scaremongering of a 'Japanese Invasion' of Australia Failed
Hiroo Watanabe, Sankei Shimbun
A reporter for the Sankei Shimbun was denied entry to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's press conference held at the close of the National People's Congress—the only Japanese media outlet to be shut out. Such treatment is tantamount to obstructing and pressuring the non-Chinese media as they strive to report objectively on the Chinese Communist Party and China's domestic situation while running the gamut of everyday restrictions on free expression in China.
The Chinese government's increasingly tight restrictions on journalists' activities have been worsening in tandem with President Xi Jinping's efforts to centralize power following his appointment to head of state in March of 2013. When China denied visas to reporters from the New York Times and Bloomberg for reporting on the increasing wealth held by Chinese high officials, this was a case of China simply up to its old tricks in placing restrictions on foreign media. In a poll taken among members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China in 2014, two out of every three reporters said that they had been hindered by the government in their work.
The visa application submitted by the head of the China office of the Sankei Shimbun stalled for more than three years before finally being approved last September. On a daily basis, Sankei's reporters in China are followed and obstructed in their efforts to conduct interviews and gather information. Recently, a Sankei reporter visited China's western provinces in order to report on the government's new Silk Road initiative called "One Belt/One Road." China's government boasted that the project was the "envy of the world," but provincial officials prevented the Sankei reporter covering the project from conducting interviews or any other reporting.
The Chinese authorities pore over every word that Sankei publishes. Whenever a story appears that deviates from the Party line, our employees are called in by government officials to listen to their protests. This has happened again and again and again.
The Sankei Shimbun sent five reporters to cover the National People's Congress—three from our Shanghai bureau and two more from Tokyo. Our reporters performed a sober analysis of the Chinese government's defense spending and economic growth rate projections. They also conducted independent information-gathering and reporting on changes in the leadership arrangement under Xi Jinping, who is now the bona fide core of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Chinese government's ramped-up restrictions on foreign media—and in particular China's refusal to allow a Sankei Shimbun reporter to attend a press conference with Premier Li Keqiang—is almost certainly an attempt to deflect attention away from China's economic and diplomatic policies which have come under increasing scrutiny from world markets and business as the international situation has grown increasingly unpredictable since the advent of the Trump administration.
President Trump has repeatedly clashed with the media since taking office. Dissatisfied with this, former president George W. Bush said, "We need an independent media to hold people like me [i.e., the powerful] to account." The Xi Jinping administration is extending its military hegemony worldwide while increasing restrictions on free speech at home—will Xi and his ministers heed Bush's words?
Hiroo Watanabe is the foreign news editor for the Sankei Shimbun
(Click for the original Japanese version)


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Reflections on the first two games of the 2019 Rivalry Series
A recap of the first two games of the 2019 Rivalry Series
By Mike Murphy@DigDeepBSB Feb 16, 2019, 1:00pm EST
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Heading into the 2019 Rivalry Series, we all knew that there didn't have to be a gold medal or a big trophy on the line for Team Canada and Team USA to bring their best. With the first two games in the books, there are a lot of storylines to keep tabs on.
Game One | Feb. 12
USA 1, Canada 0
Goal by Goal: Game 1 of the Rivalry Series
SOG: Canada 33, USA 21
Power Play: Canada 0/2, USA 0/2
Goals: Hilary Knight
Emerance Maschmeyer .952 save percentage (20/21)
Alex Rigsby 1.000 save percentage (33/33)
As expected, the first game of the Rivalry Series was intense and physical. Sarah Nurse was sent to the box just five and a half minutes into the game for goaltender interference, and things definitely didn't settle down after that.
We saw hits, battles, and plenty of contact all game long. One of the highlights of the game came towards the end of the first period when Megan Bozek looked ready to take on five or six members of Team Canada.
bozek v canada in a spicy moment pic.twitter.com/PcQ51kcgDN
— The Ice Garden (@TheIceGarden) February 13, 2019
Things opened up in the second period after a scoreless first, but we didn't see our first goal of the game until there was just over a minute and a half remaining on the clock.
Hilary Knight scored the game's only goal by cashing in on a juicy rebound that was created after Savannah Harmon's point shot hit Brandt, who was screening Maschmeyer. The secondary assist that Harmon earned was her first point for the senior national team. Head coach Bob Corkum gave the trio of Knight, Brandt, and Cameranesi a lot of ice time together all game long. It also appeared that he kept Brianna Decker and Kendall Coyne Schofield together and was trying different wingers with them throughout the game.
Corkum appeared to be content to protect the lead in the third period — or at least that's what it looked like. The Canadians poured it on in the third and out-shot Team USA by a margin of 12-2. Perry Pearn's team found a way to break through Team USA's blue line stand thanks in large part to their ability to fly up the wings with control of the puck. From there, Canada created chances by moving the puck around the perimeter and creating havoc around Rigsby's crease with their big forwards.
Somehow, Rigsby had answers for all of Team Canada's chances. Her 33-save shutout is undoubtedly the performance of the series thus far.
Game Two | Feb. 14
Canada 4, USA 3
Goals: Alex Carpenter (PP), Marie-Philip Poulin, Hannah Brandt, Laura Fortino (PP), Brianne Jenner (PP), Jamie Lee Rattray, Brianna Decker
Geneviève Lacasse .889 save percentage (24/27)
Katie Burt .867 save percentage (26/30)
Things really opened up in the second game of the Rivalry Series. If goaltending was the story of Game One, special teams was definitely the story of Game Two.
The Americans got on the board first when Alex Carpenter ripped a shot from the top of the slot past Lacasse on the power play. Team USA went on the power play after Kendall Coyne Schofield's speed forced Erin Ambrose to take a tripping penalty.
Laura Stacey set up Marie-Philip Poulin with a gorgeous pass 1:44 after Carpenter's goal and Captain Canada did not miss. Hannah Brandt found a bouncing puck loose in Lacasse's crease to give Team USA the lead again halfway through the first, but everything changed after that.
Canada went on a parade of power plays, and punished the U.S. for its lack of discipline. The Canadians' power play delivered two goals just over six minutes apart — courtesy of Laura Fortino and Brianne Jenner — to take a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.
Team USA looked like a different team in the third. After a second period filled with exhausting penalty killing, the Americans fared much better at creating controlled zone entries and disrupting Canada with their forecheck in the final period. Thus far, it was their most impressive period of hockey in the series.
Bob Corkum finally reunited the big line of Brianna Decker, Hilary Knight, and captain Kendall Coyne Schofield after Canada took a two-goal lead on Rattray's goal seven minutes into the period. In one of their first shifts together, the trio that spearheaded Team USA's offense in Pyeongchang scored a goal to cut Canada's lead in half.
The Premier Passer scores a Premier Goal!!
Decker from Coyne Schofield. CAN 4 USA 3 pic.twitter.com/e9BcW6ipKB
Geneviève Lacasse elevated her game after the Decker goal. She made a huge stop on Knight with the game on the line and performed much better than her .889 save percentage might suggest. It was a big win for the veteran netminder, who has missed much of the 2018-19 season due to an injury.
Fittingly enough, things boiled over at the end of the game.
got a little tangy at the end of the game pic.twitter.com/0QSBjIWC8i
— Michelle Jay (@michelle_jay3) February 15, 2019
Standout Skaters
Hilary Knight has had a big series thus far. Her three points leads all skaters in the series and she's managed to stay out of the box — which is something that many of the other big names have not been able to do. She's been outstanding on the forecheck and around the crease.
To the surprise of no one Kendall Coyne Schofield's speed has been a huge factor. Whenever Team USA has had trouble breaking through Canada's blue line, Coyne Schofield would just flies into the zone to negate the icing. Everyone on Team Canada knows it's coming, but no one can really stop it.
How to Watch: 2019 Rivalry Series
For Canada, it's been the Laura Stacey and Marie-Philip Poulin show. They have been engineering most of Canada's best chances this series. Ann-Sophie Bettez has also looked solid thus far in her first few games with the senior national team. She's been on the top line with Poulin and Rebecca Johnston.
It's also been encouraging to see Jamie Lee Rattray pick up two points, including a big goal in the third period of Game Two. Like Bettez, Rattray is a veteran forward looking to play her way onto Team Canada's 2019 IIHF Women's World Championship roster. She's seen a lot of ice time with Stacey and Blayre Turnbull, who have both looked great.
.@ratt26 (@ThunderCWHL) was going to be stopped again. A great passing play from @katbt617 to @LauraStacey7 to Rattray! Canada leads 4-2 #RivalrySeries pic.twitter.com/qWQlZtgBp6
— Women's Sports Highlights (@WSportHilites) February 15, 2019
Size Matters?
Canada has four forwards who are at least 5-foot-9. The average defender on Team USA is just shy of 5-foot-6. As you might expect, Canada has been having success going hard to the net and out-muscling Team USA to find rebounds. Brianne Jenner scored a big power play goal in the first period of the second game by digging for a loose puck and jamming it through Burt.
The battle in front of both creases is definitely something to keep an eye on.
The impact that special teams had on the outcome of the second game can't be overstated. Team USA took six-consecutive penalties between the second and third period and gave up two power play goals. In addition to surrendering the lead, USA's lack of discipline
Were some of the calls tight? Sure they were, but Canada's skaters deserve credit for controlling the first two periods of the game. When you have the puck on your stick, you're going to draw penalties. Team Canada's blue line was excellent at moving the puck in Game Two and that resulted in a great transition game that caused all kinds of problems for Team USA until the third period.
After the game, Corkum was convinced that all of the penalties took a toll on his team. "Thought we got off to a good start with a couple of goals in the first period, we spent too much time playing with a player down in the second to be able to play our game and really hit our stride," the head coach shared in a team release.
Data courtesy of hockeycanada.ca and the author's own tracking.


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Data shows that 85% of people own a smartphone in the UK. But are you aware that counterfeit phone chargers can be deadly?
With the support of Apple, Electrical Safety First tested a range of fake iPhone chargers bought from Amazon, Amazon Marketplace, eBay and independent discount stores and stalls.
The results showed that 98% of the chargers had the potential to cause a lethal electric shock or start a fire.
How to spot a fake charger?
1. Text and markings on the plug - Look for missing markings (like the CE mark) or spelling errors.
2. Plug pin finish - The finish on a genuine charger is high quality, matte and uniform.
3. USB port - The USB port on a counterfeit charger might be upside down, or in a different place.
4. Materials - A genuine plug will sound and feel solid, while counterfeit products will make a 'plastic' noise and feel hollow.
5. Weight - Counterfeit chargers contain few, if any, of the higher quality components required for safety, and are therefore lighter.
6. Shape and dimensions - The plug pins on a fake charger may be larger or smaller than a genuine one, and may be positioned in a different place.
To learn more about how to spot a fake mobile phone charger visit Electrical Safety First's Chargers page.
For more information about the research read the Electrical Safety First press release on their website.


It has been all over the news for the whole of Europe and it won't spare Ireland, the cold weather is coming back with a vengeance.
Very cold today. Frost clearing, to leave a mix of cloud and bright or sunny spells. Generally dry, but some snow flurries are likely later today in eastern coastal counties. Top temperatures only 2 to 6 C., best in the southwest and feeling colder in moderate to fresh and gusty southeasterly winds.
Very cold and frosty overnight. A few light snow flurries, but many places dry. Lowest temperatures -2 to -5 C., in moderate to fresh east or southeast winds.
Another cold day for Tuesday. Frost clearing gradually, with some bright or short sunny spells developing. But increasing clouds will bring some rain and sleet showers to Leinster and east Munster, during the afternoon and evening. Top temperatures 3 to 6 C. A moderate to fresh northeasterly breeze will make it feel colder.
Headline: Exceptionally cold, with severe frosts and significant snowfall in parts.
Very cold and frosty. Snow showers will become fairly frequent across Leinster, east Ulster and southeast Munster, with accumulations expected in places by dawn. A good deal of dry weather elsewhere, with just a few snow showers. A severe frost too, with temperatures falling to between -2 and -5 degrees.
Extremely cold, with some further falls of snow at times. These snow showers will be heaviest and most frequent across the eastern half of the country, with further accumulations expected, especially in east Leinster. Top temperatures only -1 to +2 C., in fresh to strong and gusty easterly winds, so feeling much colder, due to wind chill. Frost, ice and lying snow persisting through the day.
Very cold and very frosty again. Further snow showers overnight, mainly across Ulster, Leinster and east Munster, with further accumulations, but a few may occur elsewhere too. The frost will be penetrating and severe nationwide, with temperatures falling to between -5 and -7 degrees in strong and gusty easterly winds.
Bitterly cold on Thursday, with some further snow showers scattered about, a few heavy. Top temperatures just -1 to +1 C.. In the stiff and gusty easterly wind it will feel colder due to wind chill.
A more persistent spell of heavy disruptive snow is expected to move up from the southeast during Thursday night, with significant accumulations expected, especially over the southern half of the country. Fresh to strong easterly winds will lead to blizzard conditions and some drifting in places.
Present indications are for further falls of heavy disruptive snow for a time on Friday, mainly over central and northern parts of the country. But brighter conditions, with scattered showers, should develop over Munster and south Leinster in the afternoon, with this clearance expected to extend northwards later in the day and overnight.


text:
UK sets up network to address food safety issues
By News Desk on June 12, 2022
A food safety network has been created in the United Kingdom to try and reduce the burden of food poisoning.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have invested £1.6 million ($2 million) in the platform, which will be hosted by the Quadram Institute.
UK estimates show there are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year with an annual cost of £9 billion ($11.1 billion), including £6 billion ($7.4 billion) from unknown causes.
Norovirus imposes the most economic and societal burden at an estimated annual cost of £1.7 billion ($2.1 billion) but Listeria has the highest mortality rate.
The UK Food Safety Research Network will connect industry, food and health policymakers and academia on shared research priorities to protect the UK from foodborne hazards. It will coordinate and fund cross-sectoral work and training that address current and emerging challenges.
Matt Gilmour, Quadram Institute group leader and network lead, said the safety of food is threatened by both enduring and emerging threats.
"This threat is exemplified by microbes that spread between the environment, animals and humans with foodborne exposures being a means for the transmission of pathogens and novel antimicrobial resistance genes from agriculture," he said.
"The challenge is to take an integrated and unified approach to these problems right through from agriculture and the environment to food production and human health, in what's termed a One Health approach. To do that we need to collaborate with food and other associated industries to share research and innovation and deliver training activities."
Help tackle foodborne disease
Network members will identify areas of research that will have meaningful impacts on UK food safety and share knowledge generated within the network to food safety stakeholders
"Foodborne disease is a major cause of illness in the UK population and imposes a significant burden on both infected individuals and the economy," said Robin May, FSA's chief scientific adviser.
"The network will ensure that the FSA is well-placed to tackle the challenges of foodborne illnesses by bringing together experts from government, industry and academia to address current and emerging issues of food safety in the UK."
Melanie Welham, BBSRC executive chair, said food poisoning has a major impact on the health of people and the economy.
"The new UK Food Safety Research Network presents a tangible and exciting opportunity for collaborations to form between a range of experts to improve our understanding of foodborne disease and identify new ways in which to effectively predict, prevent, respond and recover from such illnesses in the future."
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
Tags: food poisoning, Food Standards Agency (FSA), Quadram Institute, UK Food Safety Research Network


text:
DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh
Virtual Storytelling Catalog
We've catalogued all of the DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh virtual storytelling events so that you can continue to explore the history of Pittsburgh's remarkable landmarks and neighborhoods. Enjoy the stories!
Note: Like our live streamed storytelling events, these archived version are pay-what-you-can ($5 minimum). The "Get Tickets" links will take you to gopassage.com, our online ticketing partner.
Finding Solitude: George Westinghouse — Recorded 6/6/2020
What happened to the mansion called Solitude – the Pittsburgh home of one of the world's greatest inventors? Why can't we visit it today…or can we? Get tickets
Development of Oakland — Recorded 6/13/2020
Oakland is home to museums, universities, and medical centers, but do you know how it all started? Get tickets
Painting Pittsburgh Neighborhoods, by Artist Ron Donoughe — Recorded 6/20/2020
Join DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh for a virtual visit to the studio of artist Ron Donoughe. He has been painting Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania for the last 30 years. Get tickets
When George Washington Almost Lost His Head — Recorded 6/27/2020
One July 4th proved to be nightmare morning for George Washington. The Virginia soldier was just 22 years old when he inadvertently started what is often called the first world war. The conflict began in what is now called Jumonville Glen in Fayette County. Get tickets
Multi-Stories: Skyscrapers and the Tycoons that Built Them — Recorded 7/11/2020
Back when skyscrapers were a new invention, business tycoons in Pittsburgh and across the country invested in this new form of high tech to proclaim their power. Get tickets
Pittsburgh's First Pandemic: The White Plague – Recorded 7/25/2020
Join DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh for the inside story behind the White Plague that ravaged Pittsburgh at the turn of the century. Get tickets
"Votes for Women" in Western Pennsylvania — Recorded 8/17/2020
Join Doors Open as we explore women's battle for the ballot in western Pennsylvania. Meet Pittsburgh suffragists who paraded, protested, and rallied their way to the ballot box. Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: A Promoter's Life — Recorded 11/2/2020
Do you enjoy large-scale concerts in the 70' and 80's here in Pittsburgh? Ever wonder who makes that happen? Meet one of Pittsburgh's prominent concert promoters, Rich Engler, of DiCesare-Engler Productions. Rich will give you the "real" stories about the concert business – including anecdotes about some of the most iconic bands and solo artists in the industry. Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: If These Walls Could Talk — Recorded 11/4/2020
Go inside Pittsburgh's only "juke joint" and meet Moondog's owner, Ronnie Esser. Moondog's is one of the region's most significant stages for Blues music over the last 30 years, consistently featuring top Blues artists like Kip London, who will also perform for you! Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: Rocking at the T-Bird — Recorded 11/5/2020
The Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall had humble beginnings. In 1933 this space was known as Michalski's Café and was granted the 2nd liquor license in city of Pittsburgh after prohibition. Fast-forward, what we all know now as the Thunderbird, in Lawrenceville. Learn more about this venue and the blues and rock performers who have graced this stage from current owner John Pergal, and relax and enjoy a live acoustic performance by Ric Proudfoot. Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: Shama Lama Ding Dong — Recorded 11/6/2020
If you are a music fan who grew up in Pittsburgh over the last 50 years, you know the name Johnny Angel. Johnny invites you into his museum, Ginchy Stuff, to take a stroll through music history where you will recognize Chubby Checker, Little Richard, many performers from the Motown era, and Pittsburgh legends as well like the Skyliners. Get tickets
H. J. Heinz: Secrets of a Pickle King – Recorded 11/16/2020
We all know about the ketchup and pickles. But what do we know about H.J. Heinz the man? Sunday schools and opulence, alcohol and purity, love, and betrayal. This is that story. Grab a pickle, take a seat, and join us for the story behind the man. Get tickets
City Stairs: Stepping Back Into Pittsburgh's History One Staircase at a Time – Recorded 11/23/2020
City steps were the first mass transportation system, designed to bring workers from the hills to the mills. Did you know that Pittsburgh has the most stairways of any other city in the U.S? Step back through Pittsburgh's history of these staircases with author Laura Zurwoski. Get tickets
Daniel Burnham: Made No Little Plan in Pittsburgh – Recorded 11/30/2020
Did you know that, outside Chicago, no other city has more Burnham buildings? Learn more about this man and the buildings he built in Pittsburgh from local author and historian, Mark Houser. Get tickets
To Pittsburgh, with Love from Germany: Holiday Market – Recorded 12/7/2020
German Christmas markets date back to the 1400's. Did you know that many of our beloved Christmas traditions evolved from these markets?We uncover the stories and magnificence of these traditions, igniting the Holiday spirit in all of us! Get ickets
Bayernhof Museum: Music Boxes and Other Obscure History – Recorded 12/14/2020
We invite you for an on-location peek inside one of Pittsburgh's most unusual mansions – the Bayernhof Museum. This mansion contains a world-class collection of music boxes and other antique automatic music machines, as well as many other fascinating items. Join us for this truly one-of-a-kind adventure, that will leave you wanting to see more in-person later! Get tickets
Holiday Cheers! A Unique Winery Experience – Recorded 12/21/2020
Join head vintner, Duane Rieder, on-location at the Engine House 25 Wines, a discreet and private wine cellar under the Clemente Museum. DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh takes you on-location virtually inside this unique space. Learn about their winemaking process, the varietals, and how this amazing winery came to be! Participate in the virtual wine-tasting if your choose!
Join in on the tasting by pre-ordering the wine sampler. Instructions for ordering the sampler will be provided on the email confirmation you will receive upon completing this registration. The DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh Blind Tasting Trio sampler is priced at $95 (a $20 discount) – this offer expires on January 10, 2021. Get tickets
Abandoned Pittsburgh, by Chuck Beard – Recorded 1/4/2021
Join photographer Chuck Beard for a look inside some of Pittsburgh's iconic and historic sites, including Duquesne Steel Works, Carrie Furnace, St Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, Overholt Distillery, Hazelwood Brewery, J&L Roundhouse and Pumphouse, Western Penitentiary and more.
This will be a curated presentation by Chuck of some of the most popular and interesting photos and sites from the Abandoned Pittsburgh project. Get tickets
Western Penitentiary: Life Behind the Wall – Recorded 1/11/2021
This is a story of life and death inside Western Penitentiary, also known as "Western Pen" and "The Wall." Thousands of convicted persons through the years have lived and worked in this sprawling 21-acre, high-walled, barb-wired city within the city of Pittsburgh, yet most Pittsburghers would be hard pressed to tell you where it's located. Stories of escape, madness, and brutality are part of its legacy. Get tickets
Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!
info@doorsopenpgh.org
Bonnie Baxter
Copyright 2020-2021. DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh. All Rights reserved.


text:
How I came to make Earth my life's work
by Carol Meyer
To give you a better understanding of what has shaped my views expressed here, I would like to tell you more about myself and my passion for the Earth.
My childhood was lived on a farm close to nature and to the Catholic church. At age 20, I joined the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Wichita, finished my education degree and began elementary teaching. After four years, I became a DRE and eventually a Pastoral Associate. I completed an MA in Theology from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Feeling called to other ministry, I left the community after 15 years, got married, adopted 3 children all at once (ages 3,4 and 6), worked for National Catholic Reporter Publishing Co., started a women's center for personal and spiritual growth, was Director of Christian Formation for an Episcopal church, and was self-employed for the past 13 years doing education, spiritual direction, and massage.
Now I am the executive director of the Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition in the Kansas City, Mo. metro area. This is an interfaith nonprofit that provides educational programs, resources and supportto congregations regarding Earth care ministry. If you want to learn more, the web address is: www.sustainablesanctury.org.
In 1991, I did a personal mission statement that read, "My mission is to be a wise woman and spiritual leader, teaching, inspiring, counseling, and facilitating the spiritual development of people and society." That still has accuracy and deep meaning for me some 20 years later. I've always wanted to make a difference for the world based on Christian values and spirituality. Contemplation, mysticism and social justice have figured prominently in this desire, which gradually led me to focus primarily on deep ecology.
When my good friend Catherine Browning introduced me to Creation Spirituality 20 years ago, I was hooked. I went to several national conferences, read books on the new science, and watched/discussed Brian Swimme's 12-hour video series, Canticle to the Cosmos, with a sense of awe and excitement. My spiritual life, now more linked to the cosmos, was more vibrant and powerful. I could feel in my gut the truth of what Matt Fox, Swimme, Thomas Berry, and others were saying about the human connection to the universe.
I knew the answers to our environmental crisis had to come from new cosmological and theological understandings, and since I was modestly prepared to share those, I said to God, "Send me, Lord." The urgency of making this my life work came from reading Thomas Berry's The Great Work and other books that outline the seriousness of the harm we are doing to our planet. To me, nothing else is as basic and important since everything, including the spiritual, is dependent on a healthy planet.
So here I am, a One on the Enneagram, ENTJ on Myers-Briggs, doing whatever I can to save the planet that I love dearly as a piece of God. I write these blogs with prayer and attentiveness to the urgings of the Holy Spirit, as boldly and honestly as I can. I feel humbled and grateful to be able to do so, and I am deeply grateful that you also care for the Earth and want to do more for it.We are all learning and growing together, and I welcome your comments and insights about the blogs. God bless you!


Every day we share just one recent video about XRP. Today we share "Ripple XRP Huge News this week.(20 Trillion dollar Crypto Market)" from xrp coin crypto news.
From our selected video: Ripple Xrp had some great news this week and when will we see a 20 trillion dollar market cap. Billionaire Mike Novogratz says we will soon see a 20 trillion dollar market cap. Ripple xrp American Express amex going 100% into integration.
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