Our vehicles are suitable all year long!
New to the 2017 fleet: the Gr8 Escape - fun for the family!
Come and experience the adventure of a lifetime in one of our beautiful motorhomes ; choose the Bolero for its sporty performance, high-standard equipment and cosy atmosphere, or experience the Kontiki and its generous space, excellent finishes and outstanding comfort, in one word, the essence of luxury in a immaculate motorhome. We also have a range of more cost conscious vehicles available in Auckland and Christchurch.
All motorhomes are fully equipped for your adventure, and you will be provided with hotel quality duvets, pillows linens and towels. We also offer a direct 24 hour helpline and AA roadside assistance throughout New Zealand.
The Christchurch depot is based in the city 20 minutes from the airport, and our Auckland branch is airport based.
One way hires are available between islands, or choose to start and finish in one island. Our Iconic motorhomes are all able to travel on the ferry.
Iconic can put together a great holiday experience in New Zealand with assistance on itineraries.
Book early to guarantee the motorhome of your choice (Minimum hire periods do apply).
We are open daily except Christmas Day.
Motorhome pick ups are between 9am and 3pm (allow a minimum of 1 hour for paperwork and show through of the vehicle and its features).
Returns on the final day are between 9am and 2pm.
We are able to offer overnight parking for very early departure flights.
Public Holiday drop off and pick up incur additional fees, as do out of hours drop off.
Our Kon-Tiki are 8mts long. They offer spacious interiors for Couples. The Iconic range offer luxury and space, not necessarily lots of beds.
Our Compact motorhomes are the same length as a Transit, but are fitted out with all the luxury of a motorhome.
All our Premiere range of motorhomes. THe Black Edition range are super luxury. The Sundance and Escape range is 3-4 years old and well maintained and priced very well.
Super luxury with Leisure door on the kerb.
The Escape/Gr8 Escape is simply the best layout if travelling with children over 4 years. These both offer Bunk Beds for children. Our Kon-tiki, Bessie, Series 7 and Bolero offer a permanent bed + an additional make up double.
All of the Motorhomes offering 4 person will also cater well for 3 persons. If you want a bunk then its the Gr8 Escape and Escape.
The Kon-Tiki Black Edition, Series 7 and Bolero both offer a Couples layout, as do the Sundance and Rio if you are wanting compact motorhome. All our motorhomes are suitable for couples.
The Kon-tiki - Stunning design and totally unrivaled for 5***** star comfort.
The Escape Motorhome - Great Family Fun Adventures on the Road!
Bed Sizes: Front Double, 204cm x 130cm or 2 Singles, 187cm x 70cm and 187cm x 70cm.
Showing 13 reviews of 381.
Iconic Motorhomes has selected this customer review to be pinned to the top of this page.
This review was selected by Kay Parker of Iconic Motorhomes on Tue 30 Oct, 2018.
Fantastic camper vans! Modern, clean and well equipped with all details included. Iconic were superb to deal with at every stage of our journey and Richie - the world's nicest guy - was on call the entire time in case we needed anything. This company is geared towards making your experience the absolute best and we would go out of our way to use them again.
We (2 persons) had a Bolero Black Edition from Iconic for 47 days, travelled 6.000 kms on South- and North Island and made our experiences with the vehicle as follows: If you look for a campervan with a high level of comfort and luxury and if you are prepared to spend some extra money for that, then the Bolero from Iconic will be the right choice. The automotive components of the Fiat Ducato worked without a single problem and the diesel-engine was really low in consumption. Manufacture date was November 2016 and the km reading was 62.500.
Special thanks to Julie for her support during presales, to Luisa for her excellent support during return of the vehicle and to Richie and Michael for the quick replacement of the water-pump at the Christchurch depot.
Wir (2 Personen) hatten einen Bolero Black Edition von Iconic für 47 Tage, reisten 6.000 km auf der Sued- und Nordinsel und machten damit folgende Erfahrungen: Wenn man einen Campervan sucht, der ein hohes Mass an Komfort und Luxus bietet, und wenn man bereit ist, dafür etwas mehr Geld auszugeben, dann wird der Bolero von Iconic die richtige Wahl sein. Die Fahrzeugkomponenten des Fiat Ducato funktionierten ohne das geringste Problem und der Dieselverbrauch war erstaunlich niedrig. Das Herstelldatum war November 2016 und der Kilometerstand war 62.500.
From the minute we walked through the gate to pick up our Escape Motorhome we were welcomed by Richie. He could not have been more friendly and helpful. He spent so much time showing us how everything worked. Nothing was a problem to him. The Escape was bigger than we expected but worked out well as 11 days in a smaller motorhome would have been tough. The motorhome was modern and in excellent condition. Had no problems or break downs which was great. Even if we had Ritchie would have us sorted with repairs in no time. You wont go wrong booking an Iconic motorhome. Highly recommended.
Cheers to Richie and his team.
From Kevin and Fiona all the way from Scotland.
This was the best experience. From the free upgrade on arrival to the last day dropoff Iconic have been amazing! The campervan was awesome really comfortable and easy to drive. The Iconic team (Luisa) are super helpful and amazing to deal with. Cannot recommend them enough best holiday we've had!
After many hours of comparisons we decided to book with Iconic motor homes and we are glad that we did.
We picked up from Auckland and met Julie, she had been our contact for booking and was really helpful, she ran through everything we needed to know and the lovely touch's of the welcome pack etc were much appreciated.
There were only the 2 of us, so the Sundance (now named Monty) was ideal, we had to make up the bed each night but that was not a problem and took about 2 minutes each night. Most of Iconics motorhomes seem quite new, Sundance was a little older but that didn't matter, it was very comfortable and plenty of storage and perfect for us.
We hired a bbq which we used a lot, also an inverter which we didn't really need, we took a mobile phone charger, which was great, we also hired the film pack which we didn't use.
We had a couple of small problems with Monty and Iconic sorted these out without any fuss, even staying late, to replace a broken cupboard latch.
We returned Monty to Christchurch, where we meet Richie and Kay, who were so friendly and of course heard all about the rocket, yes a rocket and if you read this Michael, we would to hear how it goes.
So basically we would definitely recommend Iconic motorhomes, thanks for making our holiday truly unforgettable.
We travelled in New Zealand from the 8/3/19 - 17/3/19.
Loved every minute of it, especially the touch of luxury from Iconic Motorhomes. We chose a Bolero as there were just 2 of us and it was a perfect size; (we are both tall, so if you are long, don't be fooled by the initial reaction of small bed!! It was fine) Luisa, from Auckland spent time to thoroughly explain the operation of the van and the so many luxury extras and was very generous with return times and emergency contact info (her mobile!), which of course we didn't need, but piece of mind is a great advantage when travelling. The van was easy to drive, easy to park and easy to holiday in. We also felt very smug when pulling into holiday parks, because we were sleek and had the best looking RV!
One piece of advice when booking (especially online and you need to add extras at time of booking) is include the weber bbq. If you want to free camp, which is the best, and the weather is amazing, the bbq is a necessity and we didn't select it....So as that was not the fault of Iconic but our choice, we give a 10/10 rating to Luisa and Team Auckland of Iconic Motorhomes New Zealand!!
We rented our motorhome from March 7-27, 2019 to tour the North and South Islands of NZ.
In preparation for our extended visit I spent a good deal of time researching available options for "camping" and really wanted a vehicle that would be safe, comfortable and uncompromising. We live on a boat and know about smaller spaces but also know about good use of such space. The Bolero checked the boxes for our wants and needs and we were not disappointed. We liked the idea of solar panels and propane fuel for cooking and refrigeration as that allowed us the option to freedom camp without worry. We also liked the option of having an enclosed shower and proper bed that did not have to be assembled for use. After getting used to driving on the left and familiarizing myself with the controls, the vehicle handled the steep, winding and narrow roads without difficulty and enough acceleration to maintain a safe speed. The vehicle was fitted quite well with amenities, cooking utensils and various products for maintenance.
The Iconic team were great from the beginning with communicating, answering questions and making sure we were taken care of.
They helped us in planning our itinerary with suggestions on what not to miss and offered ideas about various accommodation choices. Upon arrival in Auckland, Luisa gave us a thorough walk through with explanations on operation and care and answered our questions in a timely manner while on the road. Rene made sure all systems were a go and swapped out a TV for us. Upon departure in Christchurch, we were met by Richy and Kay to assist us in the exit procedure and were well taken care of while waiting for transportation to the airport. We even got a tour of the workshop area which we found very interesting. The folks at Iconic truly enjoy what they do and run a well oiled operation. Good on ya, Mates!
Thanks for taking care of us and keep up the good work!
Excellent experience with Iconic. Confortable, we did more than 2000 km without any problems. Richy was very kind and professional explaining us how this motorhome functions. The return was easy and simple. We have enjoyed the whole experience and will do it again!
My husband and I toured the South Island in one of Iconic's Rio Black 2-berth motorhomes. What an amazing trip! We absolutely loved our vehicle and the team at the Christchurch depot. I can recommend Iconic to anyone, without hesitation. One anecdote - when we picked up our motorhome it was spotlessly clean and felt like we were the first ones to rent it, which meet my expectations for the premium experience we were paying for. But I became more and more impressed with Iconic's team after we'd been traveling for a week or so because the home gets so dirty and marked up so quickly when you are in and out of such a small space all the time. I was constantly doing a quick sweep to keep the dirt out. And there was definitely more than once were we dropped food on the carpet or any number of other mess making things. But still the home was spotless when we picked it up and I'm sure was spotless to be ready for the next couple very soon after we dropped it off.
We were very pleased with everything with Iconic Motorhomes. From the moment we arrived everything was explained how to work the unit for our next 17 days on the road. We never RV before. Everything was excellent. Great way to travel as we could camp anywhere with our Bolero camper van and not worry as we were self contained. We were pleasantly surprised how fuel efficient this RV was as well. Return was hassle free. Would definitely recommend this company to anyone.
We had a Bessie for 32 nights which we picked up in Christchurch. Lucia and Richie showed us all the workings & we went off for our adventure. Few phone calls and messages exchanged to clarify a couple of things but someone was always on hand. Amazing amount of room for clothes to hang and drawers as well. Bed ultra comfy. Lots of mirrors and easy to dry hair in camper in sight of them. Heating worked well on the odd night we needed it.Was able to take full advantage of oven and hob cooking up several meals. Lots of space for food and drink storage as well. Felt very relaxed the whole time and my husband said how well "Bessie" handled driving and manoeuvring even the twisty roads. Covered the south and north islands and was greeted back by Lucia in Auckland. Sad to say bye! Brilliant experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with Iconic. They are a professional group and made it very easy for us to enjoy our trip. The equipment was first class and the support was great. .
They know what they are doing and seem to predict your need before you have it. The training on the arrival was very thorough, The supplies in the RV were all of top quality and everything worked, they sent timely reminders of things to consider during our trip which showed they really care.
I would highly recommend others to use Iconic.
A thousand thanks and major kudos to Iconic and in particular, Richie, for providing us with such a wonderful experience and introduction to the world of motor homes! As "first timers", our trepidation was, to say the least, high! Our 8 day rental of the Bolero to tour the South Island was nothing less than fabulous. The motor home was spotless, extremely well appointed and frankly, beautiful! We enjoyed the trip of a lifetime and now in retirement, are seriously considering purchasing a motor home when we return to the US to tour the States! Thanks for everything from the start of the rental process to the completion of our trip. What a Delightful adventure you folks facilitated on our behalf!


Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness, by Caravaggio (Italy), 1604-1605.
We know what will happen.
can't hide in a dark world.
to resist so deep a passion.
This poem was first published in A Golden Place.
Alarie Tennille was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia in the first class admitting women. She became fascinated by fine art at an early age, even though she had to go to the World Book Encyclopedia to find it. Today she visits museums everywhere she travels and spends time at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, where her husband is a volunteer guide. Alarie's poetry book, Running Counterclockwise, contains many ekphrastic poems. Please visit her at alariepoet.com.


text:
McClatchy newspaper chain files for bankruptcy protection
The publisher of the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and dozens of other newspapers across the country will continue to operate as it reorganizes.
By TALI ARBEL and MICHELLE CHAPMANAssociated Press
NEW YORK — McClatchy, the publisher of the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and dozens of other newspapers, has filed for bankruptcy protection as it struggles to pay off debt while revenue shrinks because more readers and advertisers are going online.
McClatchy said Thursday that its 30 newspapers will continue to operate normally as it reorganizes under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, helped by $50 million in financing from Encina Business Credit.
Copies of the Miami Herald, owned by McClatchy Co., in 2009. McClatchy said Thursday that it will continue to run normally as it pursues approval of its restructuring plan under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press, file
The company hopes to emerge from bankruptcy protection in a few months as a private company, with majority ownership by a hedge fund that's currently McClatchy's largest shareholder and debtholder, Chatham Asset Management. That would end 163 years of family control.
It's also looking to unload its pension obligations to a federal corporation that guarantees pensions, so that employees would get the benefits they were entitled to.
McClatchy did not announce any layoffs and tried to reassure employees, saying that while "we are always looking at opportunities to improve operational efficiencies," the Chapter 11 process is "not geared around cost take-outs."
The newspaper industry has been deeply hurt by changing technology that has sent the vast majority of people online in search of news. Media companies have tried to shift online, with varying degrees of success, as their print ad revenue and circulation declined. Complicating matters, internet companies Facebook and Google receive most online ad dollars.
While some national newspapers, like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, are adding digital subscribers, helping them navigate advertising declines, many local outlets have had a difficult time. That has led to a string of consolidation, much of it involving investment firms, deepening concerns about declining quality as newsrooms shrink and papers close.
Gannett, the USA Today publisher, was bought last year by GateHouse, a chain managed by private equity firm Fortress, in a deal helped by a high-interest, $1.8 billion loan from another financial firm, Apollo. It is the largest newspaper chain in the U.S. Another large chain, MediaNews, is owned by a hedge fund with a reputation for cutting costs and jobs, Alden Global.
Newspaper companies have been through a string of Chapter 11 reorganizations in recent years. The publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2010, Chicago Tribune and The Baltimore Sun publisher Tribune Co. in 2012 and GateHouse in 2013.
McClatchy's bankruptcy filing "rings an alarm bell for local news," Poynter media business analyst Rick Edmonds said. "McClatchy's problems are very typical for those of local newspapers," he said, as the industry deals with an old business model that's deteriorating faster than digital and other new revenues are increasing.
McClatchy's 2006 purchase of the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain for $4.5 billion added to McClatchy's debt and contributed to its financial woes as the industry's decline accelerated in subsequent years.
Though financial results aren't yet final, the company estimates that 2019 revenue fell 12.1 percent from the previous year, its sixth consecutive annual decline. McClatchy said its digital-only subscriptions have grown almost 50 percent to 200,000 over the past year.
But that growth hasn't made up for the loss of advertising revenue that once flowed to its print newspapers.
In court documents, McClatchy said 40 percent of its revenue now comes from digital sources. It said it is trying to shift away from being so reliant on advertising. It said half its revenue now comes from advertising, and half from circulation. The company said that for 2019, ad revenue fell 19 percent, while circulation revenue dropped 5 percent.
McClatchy has struggled to pay money owed to its pension fund and has been in negotiations with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, a federal guarantor of pensions, to assume control. In Thursday's filing with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York, it is seeking permission to appoint that corporation as the plan's trustee. McClatchy said "substantially all" of the plan's participants and beneficiaries should get their entitled benefits.
McClatchy plans to pull its listing from the New York Stock Exchange as a publicly traded company. Chatham Asset will be the new majority owner. Chatham also is the majority shareholder of Canadian newspaper chain Postmedia and owns National Enquirer publisher American Media Inc. American Media is in the process of selling the Enquirer.
McClatchy said it remained committed to journalism.
"When local media suffers in the face of industry challenges, communities suffer: polarization grows, civic connections fray and borrowing costs rise for local governments," CEO Craig Forman said. "We are moving with speed and focus to benefit all our stakeholders and our communities."
In a statement, Chatham said it was "committed to preserving independent journalism and newsroom jobs." Chatham said it has been "a supportive investor" in McClatchy since 2009.
Last year, New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet bleakly predicted the demise of "most local newspapers in America" within five years, except for ones bought by billionaires. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post and has invested in its newsroom. California billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong brought local ownership to the Los Angeles Times when he bought it.
But the arrival of moneyed interests can prove fleeting. Two weeks ago, billionaire Warren Buffett said he was selling all of Berkshire Hathaway's publications: 31 daily newspapers in 10 states as well as 49 paid weekly publications with digital sites. Buffett has said he expects most newspapers to continue on their declining trajectory save for a handful of national papers.
McClatchy's origins date to 1857, when it began publishing a four-page paper in Sacramento, California, following the California Gold Rush. That paper became The Sacramento Bee. McClatchy is still based in Sacramento.
"McClatchy remains a strong operating company with an enduring commitment to independent journalism that spans five generations of my family," said Chairman Kevin McClatchy, the great-great grandson of the company founder, James McClatchy.
Midwinter drop in energy costs gives Mainers unexpected relief
U.S. consumer prices up 0.1% in January

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Long-term optical tracking is one of most important issue for many computer vision applications in real world scenario. The development in this area is very fragmented and this API is an unique interface useful for plug several algorithms and compare them. This work is partially based on  and  .
This algorithms start from a bounding box of the target and with their internal representation they avoid the drift during the tracking. These long-term trackers are able to evaluate online the quality of the location of the target in the new frame, without ground truth.
There are three main components: the TrackerSampler, the TrackerFeatureSet and the TrackerModel. The first component is the object that computes the patches over the frame based on the last target location. The TrackerFeatureSet is the class that manages the Features, is possible plug many kind of these (HAAR, HOG, LBP, Feature2D, etc). The last component is the internal representation of the target, it is the appearence model. It stores all state candidates and compute the trajectory (the most likely target states). The class TrackerTargetState represents a possible state of the target. The TrackerSampler and the TrackerFeatureSet are the visual representation of the target, instead the TrackerModel is the statistical model.
If you want create a new tracker, here's what you have to do. First, decide on the name of the class for the tracker (to meet the existing style, we suggest something with prefix "tracker", e.g. trackerMIL, trackerBoosting) – we shall refer to this choice as to "classname" in subsequent. Also, you should decide upon the name of the tracker, is it will be known to user (the current style suggests using all capitals, say MIL or BOOSTING) –we'll call it a "name".
of course, you can also add any additional methods of your choice. It should be pointed out, however, that it is not expected to have a constructor declared, as creation should be done via the corresponding createTracker() method.
That function can (and probably will) return a pointer to some derived class of "classname", which will probably have a real constructor.
Every tracker has three component TrackerSampler, TrackerFeatureSet and TrackerModel. The first two are instantiated from Tracker base class, instead the last component is abstract, so you must implement your TrackerModel.
TrackerSampler is already instantiated, but you should define the sampling algorithm and add the classes (or single class) to TrackerSampler. You can choose one of the ready implementation as TrackerSamplerCSC or you can implement your sampling method, in this case the class must inherit TrackerSamplerAlgorithm. Fill the samplingImpl method that writes the result in "sample" output argument.
TrackerFeatureSet is already instantiated (as first) , but you should define what kinds of features you'll use in your tracker. You can use multiple feature types, so you can add a ready implementation as TrackerFeatureHAAR in your TrackerFeatureSet or develop your own implementation. In this case, in the computeImpl method put the code that extract the features and in the selection method optionally put the code for the refinement and selection of the features.
TrackerModel is abstract, so in your implementation you must develop your TrackerModel that inherit from TrackerModel. Fill the method for the estimation of the state "modelEstimationImpl", that estimates the most likely target location, see  table I (ME) for further information. Fill "modelUpdateImpl" in order to update the model, see  table I (MU). In this class you can use the :cConfidenceMap and :cTrajectory to storing the model. The first represents the model on the all possible candidate states and the second represents the list of all estimated states.
In the last step you should define the TrackerStateEstimator based on your implementation or you can use one of ready class as TrackerStateEstimatorMILBoosting. It represent the statistical part of the model that estimates the most likely target state.
During this step, you should define your TrackerTargetState based on your implementation. TrackerTargetState base class has only the bounding box (upper-left position, width and height), you can enrich it adding scale factor, target rotation, etc.
To try your tracker you can use the demo at https://github.com/lenlen/opencv/blob/tracking_api/samples/cpp/tracker.cpp.
The first argument is the name of the tracker and the second is a video source.
Represents the estimate states for all frames.


This wikiHow teaches you how to delete a blog from your account on the Tumblr website. You can't use the mobile app to delete a blog, nor can you delete a blog which does not belong to you. Keep in mind that to remove your primary blog, you will have to delete your Tumblr account.
Understand what you can delete. When you log into Tumblr, you automatically log into your main blog, which is the one you set up when you created your Tumblr account. This account cannot be deleted without deleting your Tumblr account; however, you can delete any additional Tumblr blogs you own.
Open Tumblr. Go to https://www.tumblr.com/ in your computer's web browser. Doing so will open your Tumblr dashboard if you're logged into Tumblr.
If you're not logged in automatically, click Log In, enter your email, click Next, then enter your password and click Log In.
Click the "Account" icon. It's a person-shaped silhouette in the upper-right side of the Tumblr page. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu.
Click Settings. It's next to a gear (⚙) icon in the "ACCOUNT" section of the drop-down menu.
Select a blog. In the "BLOGS" section on the right side of the page, click the name of the blog that you want to delete. This will cause the blog's Settings page to open.
You cannot delete your primary blog, which is the one that was set up when you created your Tumblr account, without deleting your account.
Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. This is where you'll find the option to delete your blog.
Click Delete [blog name]. It's a grey button at the bottom of the page. You'll see your blog's name instead of "[blog name]" here.
For example, to delete a blog called "orcasandoreos", you would click Delete orcasandoreos at the bottom of the page.
Enter your email and password. When prompted, type the email address and the password you use to log into Tumblr into the "Email" and "Password" text fields, respectively.
Click Delete [blog name]. It's a red button below the "Password" text box. Doing so will delete the selected Tumblr blog and remove it from your account.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page. This is the section of the Settings page in which you'll find the option to delete your account.
Click Delete account. It's at the very bottom of the page.
If you see Delete [blog name] here, you're viewing the settings page for a secondary blog. Click your primary blog's name on the right side of the page, scroll down, and click Delete account before proceeding.
Click Delete everything. It's a red button below the "Password" text box. Doing so immediately deletes your Tumblr account and any associated blogs.
Can I reinstate a deleted profile?
No, it's gone forever. That's why you need to be sure about your decision before deleting the profile.
How do I recover my password on Tumblr?
Click "forgot password" on the login screen. If you're already signed in, sign out and then click "forgot password."
Is there a way of deleting an old Tumblr account that I can't access?
You will need to contact Tumblr to have it deleted. Prepare to provide proof of identity if needed.
When I delete my blog, does all my content disappear or does it still show up as deactivated?
It shows up as deactivated.
If I delete the blog app off my iPad, will it delete my account?
No, deleting the app will not delete your account.
I want to delete a picture that's on someone else's blog. I did not take it and I want it removed. What should I do?
If you do not own right to the picture, you cannot order it to be removed. However, you can report it to the Tumblr staff as offensive, and they can decide if it needs to be removed.
I want to delete my account, but it keeps telling me my password is incorrect, what do I do now?
Try changing your password and logging in using the new one. You will have to confirm a link on an email to prove your identity and that you are not a robot.
How can I delete an account in Tumblr?
Sign in and go to Settings -- there will be a delete option.
Can I delete a blog using the Tumblr app on my phone?
Yes. Open the Tumblr app and click on the Profile icon. Swipe left on the blog you want to delete.
How can I do that on an iPhone?
Open the Tumblr app and click on the Profile icon. Swipe left on the blog you want to delete, and that should take care of it.
How do I delete a blog on iPad?
How do I delete my Tumblr account when there is no delete button?
What do I do if there is no sign of a delete blog or delete account button?
How do I delete someone else's Tumblr account?
How do I delete a blog on Tumblr?
You can create and delete as many additional blogs as you like as long as your primary account isn't deleted.
Once a blog is deleted, it cannot be recovered.
2. Click the person-shaped "Account" icon.
4. Click a blog's name.
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 467,884 times.


Selling Your property, I have the formula for success!
Ability to work well with many different personalities and cultures.
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SAN JOSE, Calif. and NEW YORK, N.Y. – Oct. 21, 2014 – Adobe (Nasdaq: ADBE) and Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) today announced a strategic alliance that is expected to deliver the industry's first comprehensive, cross-platform system for measuring online TV, video and other digital content across the web and apps. The collaboration will integrate Nielsen's digital audience measurement products, the most trusted ratings system in the industry, with Adobe Analytics and Adobe Primetime, the industry's leading digital analytics and online TV delivery platforms. As a result, both companies will jointly market Nielsen's Digital Content Ratings, Powered by Adobe, which will deliver analytics and currency-grade content metrics that enable smarter buying and selling decisions. Customers will have comparable metrics to measure audiences accurately and consistently across every major IP device, including desktops, smartphones, tablets, game consoles and over-the-top boxes.
Nielsen's new Digital Content Ratings will be supported by certified Adobe Analytics census data. The aggregated and anonymous data will measure content of all types, including online TV, videos, games, audio and text. The technology integration is expected to accelerate the adoption of a digital ratings currency, allowing advertisers to better allocate marketing dollars across platforms, and enabling media companies to benefit from insights into the performance of TV and other digital content across screens.
Nielsen's Digital Content Ratings data will be available in the Adobe Marketing Cloud, allowing media companies to better monetize their inventory and brands to better optimize their marketing campaigns. Adobe Analytics customers will be able to quickly activate Nielsen's insights and link their own analytics data to widely accepted currency-quality metrics to better reach specific audiences. In addition, Nielsen's measurement data will be embedded in Adobe Primetime to give broadcasters and pay-TV service providers the ability to quickly measure audiences and viewing behaviors across a broad set of devices. The integration also seeks to drive deeper engagement through the delivery of personalized content and ads.
"As consumers expand their video consumption across screens, the media industry needs stronger digital and cross-platform measurement to accurately track consumers and better monetize cross-screen audiences." said Howard Shimmel, Chief Research Officer, Turner Broadcasting. "Adobe's strength in analytics and history in bringing together video and complementary content across platforms, combined with Nielsen's strong audience measurement capabilities, will accelerate development and adoption of a single digital currency, which is what the industry needs. We look forward to collaborating with both companies to encourage roll out of this new rating system in 2015."
"We are pleased to participate in this beta in an effort to help develop accurate census based measurement of digital content. Our participation in this beta is further evidence of Univision's commitment to ensure that our efforts to deliver content across platforms to our tech savvy Hispanic audience are properly and accurately measured," said Marshall Cohen, Executive Vice President, Corporate Research, Univision Communications Inc. "We look forward to working with Nielsen and Adobe on this solution to ensure that all audiences and demographics are effectively measured."
Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) is a global information and measurement company with leading market positions in marketing and consumer information, television and other media measurement, online intelligence and mobile measurement. Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries, with headquarters in New York, USA, and Diemen, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.


text:
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The latest Council draft of the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) includes a substantial number of changes, including the introduction of the concept of "adaptable responsibility" and an array of new bodies dominated by the member states intended to govern the implementation of EU migration policy.
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The AMMR was introduced as part of the September 2020 New Pact on Migration and Asylum, and aims to establish "a common framework for the management of asylum and migration in the Union" and introduce "mechanisms for solidarity," whilst repealing the Dublin Regulation.
The latest draft (pdf), circulated by the Swedish Presidency of the Council but which "includes modifications based on the concept discussed during the Czech Presidency," includes a proposal for a "Permanent EU Migration Support Toolbox".
This introduces the concept of "adaptable responsibility based on derogations foreseen in the Union acquis providing Member States with the necessary tools to react to specific migratory challenges," as foreseen in the proposed Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation and the Instrumentalisation Regulation.
In December the Council failed to reach agreement on the Instrumentalisation Regulation - which, as ECRE notes, is a law based on the concept that the member states should be able to avoid the law, by derogating from it - but the AMMR proposal would suggest there is still enthusiasm to get it on the books.
The latest AMMR draft also includes new text on "the annual migration management cycle". As part of this cycle, the Council is seeking to set up two new bodies: "The High-Level EU Migration Forum and Technical-Level EU Migration Forum".
The High-Level Forum would consist of member states and potentially also third countries. It would take decisions on solidarity measures requested or proposed by the member states, as well as "other migratory response measures in the areas of responsibility, preparedness and contingency, as well as on the external dimension of migration."
The "solidarity measures" would be based on a new "Solidarity Pool", which continues with a previous theme of externalising borders, rather than relocating refugees:
"3. The Solidarity Pool shall consist of the following types of solidarity measures, which shall be considered of equal value:
(a) relocation of applicants for international protection, of beneficiaries of international protection, or of illegally staying third-country nationals or stateless persons;
(b) direct financial contributions provided by Member States primarily aiming at projects related to the area of migration, border management and asylum or at projects in third countries that may have a direct impact on the flows at the external borders or may improve the asylum, reception and migration systems of the third country concerned, including assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes and antitrafficking or antismuggling programmes;" [emphasis added]
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on asylum and migration management and amending Council Directive (EC) 2003/109 and the proposed Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum and Migration Fund] (Council doc. 5165/23, LIMITE, 11 January 2023, pdf)
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EU: Tracking the Pact: Civil-military "synergies" for external migration control
In early December the Czech Presidency of the Council circulated a note on the "state of play" of the EU's various asylum and migration initiatives, intended to inform member state delegations in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). It is essentially a brief summary of work under the outgoing Czech Presidency. According to the note, this included the exploration of possible civil-military "synergies" in externalised migration control, through a meeting of the Council's External Migration Working Party with representatives of EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUBAM Libya.
Asylum Immigration Borders Deportation Military EU
Tracking the Pact: Czech Presidency's "way forward" on new laws, mechanisms and Dublin transfers
A note circulated by the Czech Presidency to the Council's Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) at the end of November.
Asylum Immigration Borders EU
Council seeks to water down human rights safeguards in migration "instrumentalisation" rules
References to child's best interest and non-refoulement removed; derogations could be applied to people "disembarked following search and rescue operations".
Borders Asylum EU
EU to provide training on "covert techniques" to abusive police forces
Every driver a border guard: 500% increase in fines for carrying "clandestine entrants" into the UK
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Q: Batch resize one image in multiple sizes with ImageMagick I'm on Windows 10 with PowerShell and I'm trying to batch resize one image in multiple sizes with ImageMagick running the following command:
for i in 554 612 640 664 706 728 750 780 828 856 1536 1668 2048; do mogrify -resize "$i" -write portrait"$i".jpg 2048.jpg; done
554 612 640 664 706 728 750 780 828 856 1536 1668 2048 are the widths I want to resize my image to while preserving the aspect ratio;
my input image name is '2048.jpg';
and the output of running this code are .jpg files named: portrait554.jpg, portrait612.jpg, portrait640.jpg, and so on for each dimension.
Unfortunately I get this error:
+ CategoryInfo          : ParserError: (:) [], ParentContainsErrorRecordException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : MissingOpenParenthesisAfterKeyword
And unfortunately I'm not very good with command line to understand what I'm doing wrong. Somebody can help me, please?

A: I've found a solution working with Windows 10 and PowerShell, in case someone need it. I've decided to use convert instead of mogrify - cause mogrify potentially deletes the file processed, and also with convert I can process one file at the time if I want to - and I've applied the best jpeg optimization settings I've found, and also for webp. Here's the commands.
cd to your directory and then:
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -format jpeg -sampling-factor 4:2:0 -strip -quality 80 -interlace Plane -gaussian-blur 0.05 -colorspace RGB -write 2048.jpg
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -resize 1668 -format jpeg -sampling-factor 4:2:0 -strip -quality 80 -interlace Plane -gaussian-blur 0.05 -colorspace RGB -write 1668.jpg
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -resize 1536 -format jpeg -sampling-factor 4:2:0 -strip -quality 80 -interlace Plane -gaussian-blur 0.05 -colorspace RGB -write 1536.jpg
...
null:
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -format webp -quality 80 -write 2048.webp
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -resize 1668 -format webp -quality 80 -write 1668.webp
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -resize 1536 -format webp -quality 80 -write 1536.webp
magick convert 2048x2732.jpg -resize 856 -format webp -quality 80 -write 856.webp
...
null:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Quipus, an ancient method of South American record-keeping through knotted cords that Vicuña reimagines and reinvents through a mix of organic and industrial materials.
Cecilia Vicuña: About to Happen is co-organized by Andrea Andersson, The Helis Foundation Chief Curator of the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans and Julia Bryan-Wilson, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Organized at ICA by Assistant Curator Meg Onli.


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield College is warning their students after they say a naked man asked a woman if she wanted a ride on campus.
According to Bakersfield College, on January 31, a white man was driving a newer white Chevrolet GMC full-size crew cab truck. The man was unclothed and asked a woman if she wanted a ride.
The man is described as a white male, 30 to 35 years old, with brown hair, brown eyes, and cleanly shaved. He was last seen leaving the campus towards the University Avenue / Haley Street parking lot.
Bakersfield College is asking students to report any suspicious activity to the Office of Public Safety at 661-395-4554 or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.


Qty We do not offer an on screen preview. Our design team will organise your name or wording to fit around your chosen design in the best possible layout. You can have as many characters / words as you wish. We recommend about 40 maximum.


SinoStar Lighting FLP 50W LED flood lights are 2018 latest design, it totally redefines what a LED flood light could look like as a piece of art. It combines a highest waterproof ability up to IP66 protection, aluminum unibody with built-in bracket and doubled fail-safe tempered glass hooks, it turns the ultimate compact LED flood light concept into the reality.
FLP whole series LED flood light includes 15W, 20W, 30W, 50W and 100W, with 100Lm/W and CRI Ra 80 combination and optimized unibody as a heat sink, it is with a 3-year warranty by SinoStar Lighting.
We also provide FLP SKD parts to build your own dreaming floodlights.


For the past 16 years, the investment advice firm Fidelity Investments has released an annual estimate of healthcare costs for retirees. The company has an obvious motivation for doing this, aside from reminding you how little money you have saved up for the future: They want you to use their investment services. Regardless of Fidelity's intentions, this year's report found that a 65-year-old couple retiring this year should have $280,000 saved up to cover the costs of medical expenses "throughout retirement," i.e., until they croak. In 2002, the first year Fidelity did such a report, that figure was $160,000.
Sure, the point of this is to scare you into getting retirement insurance, but it's also a reminder that healthcare costs in the United States are absurdly high. Americans spend nearly twice as much on healthcare as people in other advanced industrialized countries, according to a 2016 study published in Health Affairs. This doesn't mean that healthcare here is any better – it's just more expensive.


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Chester Weber Does it Again - USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion for the 18th Time
SHOWTIME | NEWS | DRIVING DAILY
GARDEN STATE COMBINED DRIVING EVENT | LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL
Chester Weber has been the dominant force in the four-in-hand in the U.S. for years, and he kept his legacy going at the USEF National Four In Hand Driving Championships at the Garden Stae CDE 2021. With his team of KWPN geldings Amadeus, First Edition, Ideaal, Julius V, along with Reno, a gelding of unknown breeding, Weber started the weekend strong with an impressive 37.67 score in the dressage phase. He held his lead through the marathon, and although he was bested by eventual reserve champion, James Fairclough, in the cones phase, Weber's final score of 145.47 was good enough to maintain the overall lead and take home the championship.
Chester Weber USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion 2021
Weber stayed close to home over the past year, focused on working with younger and newer horses to his program with this championship serving as his goal event for the season. When asked how it feels to win an 18th National Championship, he said, "It feels a little better than the 17th!"
"One of our big goals for the program is national titles, so we prioritize that every year and yet again, we were able to get this done," he added. "Driving has deep roots in New Jersey. It's where I was introduced to combined driving and it's nice to be back in the Garden State and competing there. Jimmy and I had some good sport and both of us tried our best."
Looking ahead, Weber is aiming for a successful outing at the Live Oak International at his home base in Ocala, Fla., next March. After that, he hopes to compete for the 2022 FEI Four-In-Hand World Championship in Italy.
Garden State CDE 2021 - Results, Information…
Posted on Oct 8, 2021
Taylor Bradish Wins USEF Advanced Single Hors…
Exciting Calendar for USEF/FEI Combined Drivi…
Secret Affaire HW - One of a Kind Horse of a Lifetime


Students, alumni, faculty and staff may nominate a Royal Roads faculty member or associate faculty they feel exemplifies the teaching excellence that this suite of awards strives to recognize. A nominating team must consist of at least two students, with the remaining team member being another student or an alumni, faculty/associate faculty or staff member.
Please use the links below to access further information about each award category, the process and the submission areas for all award categories.
More information for student or alumni (use MyAdmin account for login).
More information for faculty or staff.
A candidate may be nominated for multiple award categories if they meet the criteria for each category. Before submitting a nomination form, please contact your prospective nominee to determine which category or categories they are eligible for. Please submit a separate form for each category.
It is imperative that a prospective nominee (faculty member/facilitator) be contacted before any items are submitted, to ensure they would like to accept the nomination and have not already been nominated by another set of nominators.
Nominations close and all items must be submitted by May 15, 2019. Nominations completed after May 15 will be adjudicated in next year's process.
Please contact Tami Saj by email or phone 250-391-2600 ext 4382 if you have any questions about the awards, the process or have difficulty accessing the links above.
Kelly Teaching Awards: deadline is Sunday!


"Exploring the "black box" of customer co-creation processes" by Jakob Trischler, Simon J. Pervan et al.
Trischler, J, Pervan, SJ & Scott, DR 2017, 'Exploring the "black box" of customer co-creation processes', Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 265-280.
Purpose – Many firms use customer co-creation practices with the aim of benefiting from their customers' knowledge, skills and resources. This paper aims to explore co-creation processes which involve users with different background characteristics and motivational drivers.
Design/methodology/approach – The study builds on an analysis of data from six teams in which users collaborated with in-house professionals for the development of new service concepts. Observations and open-ended questionnaires provided insights into the teams' development processes. Independent experts rated the generated concepts. The data were analysed using cross-comparison matrices.
Findings – The findings suggest that the co-creation process and outcomes can be influenced by numerous intra-team factors, including relationship and task conflicts, participation style, team bonding, team identity and cohesiveness and intra-team collaboration. Their occurrence and influence seem to be linked with a specific team composition. A conceptual co-creation process model and six propositions are used to describe the complex relationships between team composition, intra-team factors and key innovation outcomes.
Research limitations/implications – Research that investigates user involvement in teams needs to consider the complexity of intra-team factors affecting the development process and outcomes. The findings are limited to a specific setting, design task and user sample. Future research should replicate this study in different sectors.
Practical implications – Key to customer co-creation is the systematic recruitment of users based on their background characteristics and motivational drivers. For instance, the involvement of users with very specific innovation-related benefit expectations can cause conflict, leading to narrowly focused outcomes. This, however, can be mitigated by the form of facilitation and roles adopted by in-house professionals. Understanding intra-team dynamics can allow the firm to assemble and facilitate customer co-creation so that generated outcomes can align with set innovation targets.


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Introduction to Canada Tax System – Corporate Association and Subsection 256 (2.1)
In Canada, the anti-avoidance provision provided in subsection 256(2.1) of the Income Tax Act (the "ITA")[1] deems two or more corporations to be associated with each other in a taxation year if one of the main reasons for the separate existence of the corporations is to reduce the amount of taxes that would otherwise be payable.
The application of subsection 256(2.1) was recently discussed in Nicole L. Tiessen Interior Design Ltd. v. The Queen, 2021 TCC 29, aff'd 2022 FCA 53 ("Nicole Tiessen"). In Nicole Tiessen, Justice Monaghan of the Tax Court of Canada determined that thirty corporations were deemed to be associated with each other for their 2012 and 2013 taxation years because the reason for their separate existences was to reduce taxes. The appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal was dismissed.
In Nicole Tiessen, the appellants undertook a reorganization of an architecture and interior design business from a corporate model to a corporate partnership model.[2] The reorganization was intended to permit substantially more income to be taxed at the small business deduction (the "SBD") rate. The SBD is a deduction that can be available to Canadian-controlled private corporations for a limited amount of active business income each year. A corporation's maximum income eligible for the SBD (or, in other words, a corporation's "business limit") is $500,000. Such business limit, however, has to be shared with associated corporations.[3]
Prior to the reorganization in Nicole Tiessen, the business was carried on through one corporation (the "Original Corporation") whose shareholders were made up of fifteen professional employees and their spouses. This structure was replaced with a partnership structure which involved thirty different corporations: fifteen corporations that were partners of a single partnership (the "PartnerCos") and fifteen corporations that were respectively each providing services to a PartnerCo (the "ServiceCos") under a service agreement. Under each of such fifteen service agreements, each ServiceCo had to provide the services of one of the professional employees to its respective PartnerCo in order for such PartnerCo to perform its partnership duties. Each ServiceCo employed one of the professional employees of the business, and each professional employee controlled a pair of corporations, i.e., a PartnerCo and ServiceCo (hereinafter, a "Pair"). All Pairs together carried on the architecture and interior design business through the partnership.
Prior to the reorganization, only the Original Corporation had access to the SBD. After the reorganization, each Pair claimed the SBD as if they were not associated with the other Pairs.[4] Had they been successful, the appellants would have effectively multiplied their access to the SBD.
In determining whether the anti-avoidance rule of subsection 256(2.1) ITA could apply, the Tax Court framed the issue as "whether saving taxes was a main goal or a side effect" of the separate existence of the corporations, and not whether saving taxes was the sole reason or the "sole main reason".[5] The Tax Court determined that a taxpayer contesting the applicability of the provision must provide "an objectively reasonable explanation that none of the main reasons was the reduction of taxes".[6]
The appellants submitted that the multiplication of the SBD was not one of the main reasons for the reorganization since they knew that the SBD might not be available.[7] The Tax Court rejected this argument and determined that one of the main reasons for the reorganization was for each Pair to access the SBD, despite the other benefits of the reorganization identified by the appellants.[8]
As a result, and seeing as the multiplication of the SBD was one of the main reasons for the reorganization, the Tax Court concluded that subsection 256(2.1) deemed the fifteen Pairs of corporations to be associated within the meaning of the ITA.[9] The Tax Court decision was appealed to the Federal Court of Appeal and such appeal was dismissed.
If you have any questions about the taxes that apply to your business, please contact one of our lawyers who will be happy to assist you, Joyce Lee, Chia-yi Chua and Gong Ming Zheng.
Canadian income tax rules are complex and subject to change, and the information in our series of blogs is not intended to be comprehensive.
[1] Income Tax Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 1 (5th Supp.).
[2] Nicole Tiessen, 2022 FCA 53 para 5.
[3] ITA, subsections 125(2) and (3).
[4] Nicole Tiessen, 2021 TCC 29 para 32.
[9] Nicole Tiessen, 2021 TCC 29 para 153.
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Stephen Hawkins
Updated: January 22, 2021, 11:31 PM
Tags: Viktor Arvidsson, Ben Bishop, Rick Bowness, Denis Gurianov, Pekka Rinne, Joe Pavelski, Filip Forsberg, John Hynes, Daryl Dragon, Esa Lindell, Alexander Radulov, Blake Comeau, Mikael Granlund, Jamie Benn, Anton Khudobin, Joel Kiviranta, Sports
Radulov, Pavelski 2 goals as Stars beat Preds 7-0 in opener
Published: January 22, 2021, 10:34 PM Updated: January 22, 2021, 11:31 PM
Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) gains control of the puck next to Dallas Stars right wing Denis Gurianov (34) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
DALLAS – Anton Khudobin stared upward before Dallas' delayed season opener, watching as the Stars' Western Conference championship banner was unveiled high above the ice.
The goalie then stopped 34 shots in his first season-opening start, and Dallas scored five power-play goals in a 7-0 win over the Nashville Predators on Friday night.
"First game, it was emotional at the start," said Khudobin, who later heard his name chanted by the 4,214 fans in attendance for what was his 100th career regular-season win and ninth shutout. "Unbelievable. ... That was a special moment."
Joe Pavelski had two goals and two assists and Alexander Radulov also scored twice for the Stars, who had a scoreless first period. Joel Kiviranta had a goal and an assist.
Five of Dallas' goals came in the second, including three on the power play and an unassisted short-handed wrist shot by Esa Lindell.
"Too many easy shots got through and they made some nice tip plays, credit to them in that situation when they made them," Nashville coach John Hynes said.
"We were little out of sorts in that first period, which was to be expected, but we played through it, and Doby made the big saves," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "It was the power play that got us going in the second ... 5-on-3, and then get another quick one. That gave everyone a huge boost."
The Stars were the last NHL team to open the season after their first four games, all scheduled on the road, were postponed because 17 players tested positive for COVID-19 during the abbreviated training camp. Only veteran forward Blake Comeau was unavailable for the first game because of COVID protocols, though the league doesn't specify the exact reason.
Nashville (2-2) played for the first time since Monday, a day before its second of back-to-back games against Carolina was postponed because of virus issues for the Hurricanes.
"The scoreboard looks bad. At the end of the day, we got zero points, that's all that matters," Predators forward Filip Forsberg said.
Dallas was at home for the first time in 318 days, since a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers on March 10 that was its sixth loss in a row. When the season resumed months later with the playoffs in the NHL bubble in Edmonton, the Stars reached their first Stanley Cup Final since 2000 before losing in Game 6 against Tampa Bay.
The fans in attendance were spread out in an arena where the normal hockey capacity is 18,532. The NBA's Dallas Mavericks are playing their home games at American Airlines Center without fans.
Khudobin had never started a playoff game before going 14-10 last summer when Ben Bishop was unavailable because of a torn meniscus in his knee. Bishop is still rehabbing from offseason surgery.
After becoming a free agent, Khudobin quickly re-signed with Dallas for $10 million over three seasons. He had never started an opener in his 11 previous NHL seasons.
Radulov had the primary assist on Pavelski's shot from a knee in front of the left circle with a 5-on-3 advantage for the first goal. The Stars were still on the power play 1:26 later when Pavelski took a shot and Radulov, with his back to the net, redirected the puck through his legs and past goalie Jusse Saros.
After Denis Gurianov scored on another power play, Radulov put Dallas up 4-0 when he got up from behind the net and had a backhanded swipe of his stick to get his second goal, this one at even strength.
Pavelski and Kiviranta added power-play goals in the third period, those against Pekka Rinne, who entered after Saros allowed five goals on 20 shots.
CAPTAIN HURT
Stars captain Jamie Benn was injured when his right leg buckled awkwardly after a collision with Viktor Arvidsson in the second period. Benn had to be helped before walking gingerly down the tunnel. He was back on the ice a few minutes later for Gurianov's power-play goal, but didn't return in the third period. Bowness provided no update afterward, except to refer to it as a lower-body injury.
DELAYED DEBUT
Predators center Mikael Granlund made his season debut, after a weeklong quarantine and only one practice since returning from his home in Finland. He had four shots while playing nearly 18 minutes. Three of the shots game in the first period, including a wraparound attempt into Khudobin's pads and a hard second shot on the rebound.
"Hs pace of play was good, his conditioning was good. He looked like he was certainly ready to play, and prepared to play," Hynes said. "He knows the system and he knows the structure. He jumped in and had a good first game."
The teams play again in Dallas on Sunday night, the second of four home games in a row for the Stars.
More AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL


The now-renowned First World War boy-soldier of Wolverton, Private Albert French (1899-1916), had enlisted with the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) in October 1915 and started training with the 18th Battalion, first in Romford, then Aldershot. Albert wrote home regularly throughout his short nine months in the army, his letters being generally cheerful and optimistic.
After Albert's letters were discovered (they were published 1978) Roger Kitchen conducted interviews with his family and many others in the area who remembered the Great War period in order to piece together Albert's story. Addressed to his sister May, the letters were always signed off 'Your Loving Brother Albert' – the eponymous title of the ensuing book, play, and CD ROM. They were a direct inspiration for the songs composed for Roy Nevitt's musical documentary drama which has now been staged many times – the latest in 2014 at Radcliffe School.
I am writing to Violet today.
The song skilfully weaves in this detail and its yearning, imagining Violet's response to their meeting, her dreams of what might be. It is a powerful indictment on the wastage of the Great War.


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Thomasville, GA (31792)
Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable..
Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
The Pulse of the Community
NFL committee to decide whether to tweak interference rule
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) — NFL owners gave the competition committee the go-ahead Wednesday to decide whether to refine the new rule allowing replay challenges involving pass interference.
The proposed tweak would take the decision on whether to review in the final two minutes of each half out of the hands of the officials. Reviews in the final two minutes would instead require a coach's challenge.
The league fears too many stoppages of play in the closing minutes if reviews are left up to the officials. A decision on whether to make the change will come after the committee consults with coaches next month.
Owners voted in March to allow interference calls or non-calls to be challenged by coaches and reviewed via replay as a one-year experiment.
Under the rule adopted in March, in the final two minutes only officials in the booth can stop the game for reviews involving pass interference, as is the case with other reviewable plays.
The competition committee may also exempt Hail Mary passes so they're not reviewable. That change would require coming up with a formal definition of a Hail Mary.
"We really don't want our games to end on a review," said Atlanta Falcons president and CEO Rich McKay, a member of the committee.
A proposed rule change requiring each team to have one possession in overtime was tabled for lack of support. The change was pushed by the Chiefs, who lost last season's AFC championship game without getting the ball in overtime because the Patriots won the toss, received the kickoff and scored a touchdown.
There's some support among owners to change the overtime rule in the postseason only, football operations chief Troy Vincent said. The league is expected to revisit the subject next year.
On other issues:
• Owners voted to eliminate the so-called Oklahoma drill and similar drills that involve especially violent one-on-one contact and have historically been popular early in training camp. A study found one of every five concussions during an NFL season occurs in the first two weeks of camp.
"We saw a certain area at the beginning of training camp where we felt could make greater improvement," Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "and I think removing some of these drills across all 32 teams is the right way to do that. We also believe by prohibiting some of these drills, that will happen at the college and high school and youth football levels, which we believe should happen."
The ban follows an examination of data and practice video with coaches, general managers and former players.
"I think some of the coaches were a little defensive at the start, and probably the biggest advocates at the end," McKay said.
• Marijuana for pain management will be studied by a new committee of medical experts appointed by the league and players union as part of an effort to address player health. Marijuana is banned by the league.
"There are a lot of alternative pain medications and treatments," Goodell said. "Those are the types of things we want this committee to focus on. One of those is what role medical marijuana can have."
• Goodell said the NFL will wait to decide the status of suspended Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill, who is the subject of a domestic violence investigation. "We will not interfere with that," Goodell said. "We will obviously be cooperative with whatever the court wants. We are prepared to have an interview whenever we have the permission to do so, and then we'll make a determination."
Man takes a bat to estranged wife, stepson
Shooting suspect captured in Grady County
Groundbreaking ceremony propels Marriott project into motion
Police look for suspects, answers in Wednesday night shootings
Nighttime vehicle break-ins, theft plague neighborhood
Hufstetler: The buck stops with the council in violence
Well-wishers turn out for 'Crescendo' launch
Police probing reason behind Friday fatal shooting
Two cars, semi involved in afternoon crash
City schools may form student advisory councils
What do you think should be done on the proposed Pinetree Boulevard project?
Keep it two lanes and widen it.
Keep it two lanes and resurface it.
Make it three lanes.
Nothing at all.
McKinney, Kevin
Viewing for Mr. Kevin McKinney will be held from 2PM-7PM at Hadley's Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 3PM at St. Mark AME Church, 700 Lester Street in Thomasville, Georgia. Rev. Veronica Anderson-Lewis, pastor and officiant. Burial will follow at Peaceful Rest Cem…
Vall, Shadno
Viewing for Shadno Vall, Sr. will be held from 2PM-7PM at Hadley's Funeral Home, Friday July 19, 2019. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 11AM at St. Luke CME Church, 305 Chatham Drive in Thomasville, Georgia. Rev. Dr. Cheryl Golliday, pastor, Tony Bowdry, officiat…
Trevejo, William
Dr. William "Bill" A. Trevejo age 92 of Thomasville Ga. Passed away quietly at Five Star Premier assisted living of Hollywood Fl. He had been living there since Jan. of 2017. Surviving family members are son William G. Trevejo & wife Nicole A. Trevejo of Fort. Lauderdale Fl & Paul A.…
Donald, Jr., Leroy
Ponzillo, LTC (Ret, Mark
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/ Features / Progress / Cradle of the Restoration Craft
Cradle of the Restoration Craft
This small school in rural Kansas grooms tomorrow's automotive artisans
By: Aaron Gold | Photography by: William Walker June 21, 2018
Where will we find the next generation of automotive restorers? It's easy to picture an eager young apprentice learning at the knee of a grizzled old panel-beater, and indeed that does still happen. But an increasing number of these future artisans come from a small liberal arts college on the windswept Kansas plain—and many of them are eagerly snapped up by some of the country's finest restoration shops.
Industry pundits may bemoan the apparent lack of interest in cars among young people, but a quick drive through the McPherson College parking lot proves car culture is alive and well. And we're not just talking about tuner cars and modern metal—you'll find students driving classic Mopars, Model Ts, International Harvester pickups, and everything in between.
McPherson students show an unexpected enthusiasm for nickel-era cars like this 1917 Willys-Knight. The holistic education they receive is essential in restoring such classics.
Among the jobs we saw in progress at this school an hour north of Wichita: a 1906 Cadillac engine on the rebuild bench, a 1917 Willys-Knight with a sleeve-valve engine being readied for the road, and a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet in the early stages of a restoration that will eventually take it to Pebble Beach. Our spring visit coincided with the presentation of senior projects, which included a 1971 Corvette chassis meticulously restored to National Corvette Restorers Society standards, right down to the factory-correct paint overspray on the bell housing. One student lectured on the legacy of the Duesenberg brothers while others recounted their experience hand-building new panels for a collision-damaged Camaro.
"I like to expose them to the work in the chronological way it was done from the beginning."
The auto restoration program at McPherson began in 1976 when local businessman Gaines "Smokey" Billue donated his 125-car collection to the school in the hopes it could raise the next generation of automotive restorers. Initially established as a two-year program, McPherson has used grants and donations from Mercedes to expand the program to four years (in 2003) and from the likes of Jay Leno to fund scholarships. Today, McPherson says it offers the only bachelor's degree in automotive restoration, with concentrations in restoration technology, management, communications, history, and design.
"After this program, you have the knowledge to take a car from basket case to fully restored," senior William Strickler says. "You can do every step of that process."
What separates McPherson's auto restoration curriculum from a tech school? The inclusion of a full raft of liberal arts courses is a major component, but what really stands out is the enthusiasm and respect shown for automotive history. The program concentrates on cars built before 1970, and a surprising number of students have developed a passion for cars as far back as the brass era.
"If they're interested in tuners, which is not that un-common here, they end up gaining an appreciation for the Model T and the Model A," says Garrick Green, who teaches woodwork. "Not that they're technically wonderful cars, but they're technically significant. They mark significant points in automotive history where something has changed."
History is a fundamental element regardless of the task at hand. "Whether you're taking drivetrain or engine rebuilding, they're going to teach you history," Davis Bint, a third-year student, says. "If you're coming to school for classic cars, you should understand the emphasis of what history does for them."
Technical schools tend to concentrate on modern repair methods; McPherson, however, teaches the techniques needed to work on older vehicles. Students in the basic engine rebuilding course overhaul a small-block Chevrolet V-8. "You can learn all the fundamentals on that engine," Curt Goodwin, an engine professor, says. In the advanced class, they move on to the Model A engine, which Goodwin calls "the small-block Chevy of the past." McPherson also offers a class on Babbitt bearings, which are used on antique engines and are poured as molten metal directly into the block.
"I didn't expect the depth we go into," Bint says. "We cover important steps and important names—guys in the 1800s patenting things that are still used on cars." Bint, like many of the students we spoke with, sees the positive influence this can have on his career. "You can speak fluently to someone at Pebble Beach who has a one-off Duesenberg," he says. "You understand the car and know the history. It does a lot more for you in the car world than, 'Oh, that's a pretty Duesenberg.'"
McPherson delves not only into the history of the automobile but also the history of the processes used to build it. Woodworking students start off by hand-building a mallet from blocks of wood. Basic machining classes use World War II-surplus South Bend lathes from Boeing's Wichita factory; sheetmetal students form 3-D teardrops from flat metal.
"I like to expose them to the work in the chronological way it was done from the beginning," sheetmetal professor Ed Barr says. "Before power hammers, [metal workers] were creating crown panels on flat, clean pieces of steel, banging the metal into shot bags or stumps. So our first shaping exercise is in that mode.
"The work we're doing here is very, very specialized," he continues. "We're using techniques that are completely archaic, like lead solder. It takes a lot more understanding of what is happening in the metal and how to control that metal. It's good to know these techniques because sometimes people will insist that cars are restored using the original methods."
Those antiquated techniques aren't just used for antiquated restorations, though. "We practice a particular skill, like cutting dovetails," Green says. "Is it all about the dovetails? No, it's about accurate marking, layout, doing precise work with a good, sharp chisel. Those are the kind of things that are transferable to any project."
Michael Dudley, who teaches the interior trim class, also stresses the importance of history. "The evolution of materials and trim is a big topic," he says, "because students need to be able to look at a car and say, 'This [material] wasn't used then. That's too early.'"
Although many of the students who come to McPherson's Auto Restoration program are lifelong gearheads, most are inexperienced in some aspects of auto restoration, and a few have no car experience.
"One student had a master's degree in music," Goodwin says. "He knew zero about cars when he started, but he was like a sponge. He was one of my better students—he just soaked it up. That's the kind of kids we get here. They're really hungry. They ask good questions. They're curious. If they're willing to learn, we'll spend the time."
Barr also appreciates students who come in with a clean slate. "They don't have any bad habits coming in," he says, "and they are bright-eyed and eager to learn."
Nearly all of the instructors have master's degrees, and all but one are alumni of the program. "All of the professors are wonderful," third-year student Paige Milem says. "They go above and beyond their duties. Curt, the engine professor, has come up here a couple of weekends and stayed past 10 p.m. helping me get my engine together. They are incredible people. And the students here are just the same."
"You're not going to find a community of young people that are as universally interested in cars as you'll find here."
Although the program aims to give them a broad base of skills, students often find themselves specializing in areas they initially had no interest in.
"I had no experience with upholstery," Harris says. "I came into the Intro to Trim class and learned everything. I'm in advanced trim this semester, and I did an entire interior for my 1970 F-350 Crew Cab. I did what a 1970 King Ranch would have looked like, with a dark tobacco vinyl for the bolsters and a tight-woven tan and dark brown cloth for the centers."
Using hand tools, students at McPherson College learn period-correct methods of restoration and repair.
For some students, forays into a new topic are the pathways to a career. Senior Tim Kortebein served an internship at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, and has since been offered a job after graduation.
"I never had any experience [with interior trim] in the past," he says. "I came in here with mechanical experience and figured I might want to build engines. I had no idea that I would want to do upholstery." As part of his internship, Kortebein restored a large portion of the interior of a Gullwing, including both front seats. This year, his interior—along with the rest of the car—will go to Pebble Beach.
The Mercedes-Benz Center has hired several McPherson graduates, as have the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and Paul Russell and Company, a Massachusetts restoration house with a long list of The Quail, Pebble Beach, and Amelia Island winners to its name. Chris Hammond, a restoration technician who specializes in electrical systems for Paul Russell, graduated from McPherson in 2003.
"I'm humbled by these students every day. They're smart, and they're going to do great things."
"There's an aspect of dedication to what they are doing," Hammond says of young McPherson grads. "They tend to be dedicated, they work the hours they need to, they take direction well, and they are good team players. That's important on a big project, which needs a lot of collaboration."
McPherson students also graduate with a well-rounded education. "A lot of the restoration shops we're talking to, they like that our students are broadly educated," Green says. "We can't provide a 20-year veteran, but we can provide someone who understands the implications of automobiles in our society and has a good work ethic."
Alex Heikamp, a graduating senior who aspires to own a Jaguar restoration shop, worked on the NCRS restoration of the 1971 Corvette chassis as his senior project. "When I came here, I didn't really know anything about cars," he says. "I rebuilt a few engines with my friends, but I'd never really dug deep into the theory. The school has really helped open my eyes."
"I came here to expand my horizons," adds Chris Hughes, Heikamp's partner on the Corvette. "What coming here has taught me is a wide array, from interior to paint and metalwork and engines, everything about every aspect of a restoration. You're not going to find a community of young people that are as universally interested in cars as you'll find here."
Goodwin, the engine professor, agrees. "I'm humbled by these students every day," he says. "They're smart, and they're going to do great things."
In many cases, they already have.
Aaron Gold
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The new Bronco just keeps getting better and better.
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They look pretty sharp.


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Potential Implications if Hong Kong's Special Status Is Revoked
Matthew F. Kluchenek
Alan H. Linning
On May 29, 2020, US President Donald J. Trump announced in a news conference that Hong Kong is no longer sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special treatment that the United States has afforded Hong Kong since its handover to China.1 Many of the initial concerns have focused on how the revocation will be implemented with respect to customs and other trade laws, but there other concerns that the financial services sector also should be paying attention to.2 While it is unknown how far the consequences of the revocation will extend, we discuss some of the key issues to track over the coming months.
Public Company Audit Reports
Under US federal securities laws, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") is required to conduct regular inspections of all registered public accounting firms, both domestic and foreign, that issue audit reports for audits of US-listed public companies and broker-dealers registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or that play a substantial role in the preparation of them.3 The PCAOB and the SEC historically have differentiated between audits performed in Hong Kong and audits performed in mainland China.4
Chinese authorities have not permitted the PCAOB to inspect the audit work and practices of PCAOB-registered auditing firms in China (including Hong Kong-based audit firms, to the extent their audit clients have operations in mainland China) with respect to their audit work of US-listed companies with operations in China. In contrast, the SEC has an arrangement with Hong Kong that allows the SEC to request and examine similar business books and records related to transactions and events occurring within Hong Kong and auditor's documentation of work performed in Hong Kong.5
The SEC could revoke access to the US equity markets for public companies that use audit firms subject to the restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities. In fact, President Trump specifically mentioned this issue in his May 29 speech when he instructed the Presidential Working Group on Financial Markets to study the practices of Chinese companies listed on the US financial markets. Given the proximity of this issue to the change in Hong Kong's special status, any revocation of access to the US equity markets for mainland Chinese companies could be extended to public companies based in or with significant operations in Hong Kong.
Non-US Futures Activities
In 2015, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") permitted certain approved firms in Hong Kong to solicit and accept orders from US customers for otherwise permitted futures and options transactions on Hong Kong exchanges without having to register in the United States.6 This relief extends only to approved firms regulated solely by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission ("HKSFC"). No similar authorization has been issued to a regulator or exchange based in mainland China.
The CFTC recently finalized rules that would allow it to revoke prior authorizations, such as the 2015 authorization granted to firms regulated by the HKSFC.7 Among other items, these rules would allow the CFTC to revoke an authorization if there are any material changes in the HKSFC's futures and options regulatory regime, including a lack of comity relating to the execution or clearing of any commodity interest subject to the CFTC's exclusive jurisdiction, or if the CFTC determines that information-sharing arrangements with the HKSFC no longer adequately support the authorization.
Non-US Swaps Activities
In 2013, the CFTC issued a comparability determination with respect to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's ("HKMA's") swap dealer requirements for (i) chief compliance officers, (ii) risk management and (iii) swap data recordkeeping. No similar determination has been issued for a regulatory regime from mainland China.
The CFTC's determination for Hong Kong allows CFTC-registered swap dealers that are located in Hong Kong to comply with the HKMA requirements as a reasonable substitute for compliance with the CFTC's requirements. The CFTC has indicated that this determination may become invalid if there are material changes in HKMA's regime.
International Capital Reporting
Under the Treasury International Capital Reporting System, US depository institutions, including US branches of non-US banks, and their US holding companies; US broker-dealers; and other US financial institutions must report certain claims on or liabilities owed to non-US residents on the Form B Reports.8 The thresholds for filing Form B Reports are if the claims or liabilities of the institution or its US customers exceed $50 million in total or exceed $25 million with respect to a single country.
Hong Kong and mainland China historically have been treated as separate countries for purposes of this reporting obligation. US financial institutions may need to begin filing Form B Reports if Hong Kong is treated as having been merged into mainland China and the aggregate activity exceeds the $25 million-per country threshold.
The true impact for the financial services sector will depend on how the United States moves forward with the revocation of its special treatment of Hong Kong. Therefore, financial institutions should start identifying and addressing the issues that are relevant to their operations. Looking at recent, similar situations, such as the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, we expect the industry will encounter issues like those discussed in this Legal Update, as well as unknown unknowns.
Proactive planning is particularly important for issues where the resolution may require engagement with US regulators. US regulators sometimes have limited bandwidth to address multiple issues simultaneously and may be slowed down by the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act and other rulemaking requirements. Early engagement with regulators, often through outside counsel, can mean the difference between timely resolution and last-minute scrambling.
1 White House, Remarks by President Trump (May 29, 2020).
2 See Mayer Brown's Legal Update on the customs and other trade law implications of the revocation of Hong Kong's special status: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/perspectives-events/publications/2020/05/trump-announces-revocation-of-hong-kongs-special-trade-status.
3 15 U.S.C. §§ 7214, 7216; PCAOB, Rule 4000 (Aug. 13, 2009).
4 SEC, Statement on the Vital Role of Audit Quality and Regulatory Access to Audit and Other Information Internationally (Dec. 7, 2018).
5 Id. at n.19 ("While there is existing protocol for the SEC to request such documentation [in Hong Kong], we believe this protocol needs further refinement").
6 80 Fed. Reg. 15,680 (Mar. 25, 2015).
8 Reports by Financial Institutions of Liabilities to, and Claims on, Foreign Residents by US Residents (Oct. 2019).
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