text:
Don't Force Patients Off Opioids Abruptly, New Guidelines Say, Warning Of Severe Risks
By Will Stone,
There's no doubt that opioids have been massively overprescribed in U.S. In the haste to address the epidemic, there's been pressure on doctors to reduce prescriptions of these drugs — and in fact prescriptions are declining. But along the way, some chronic pain patients have been forced to rapidly taper or discontinue the drugs altogether.
Now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a new message for doctors: Abrupt changes to a patient's opioid prescription could harm them.
On Thursday, the agency issued new guidelines for physicians on how best to manage opioid prescriptions. They recommend a deliberate approach to lowering doses for chronic pain patients who have been on long-term opioid therapy.
"It must be done slowly and carefully," says Adm. Brett P. Giroir, MD, assistant secretary for health for HHS. "If opioids are going to be reduced in a chronic patient it really needs to be done in a patient-centered, compassionate, guided way."
This is a course correction of sorts. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued prescribing guidelines. Those highlighted the risks of addiction and overdose and encouraged providers to lower doses when possible. In response, many doctors began to limit their pain pill prescriptions, and in some cases cut patients off.
These guidelines led to rigid rules in some cases. Giroir says it's concerning that some clinicians, policymakers, and health systems are "interpreting guidelines as mandates."
"A guideline is a guideline it's not a mandate or a rule that works for every single patient," he says.
The new HHS guidance cautions that a hasty removal of the medication can lead to acute withdrawal symptoms, provoke thoughts of suicide and lead patients to seek out illicit opioids "as a way to treat their pain or withdrawal symptoms."
Entirely discontinuing opioids for a chronic pain patient is not always appropriate, according to the guidelines: "Unless there are indications of a life-threatening issue, such as warning signs of impending overdose, HHS does not recommend abrupt opioid dose reduction or discontinuation."
Giroir says the agency's move to issue these guidelines is a reflection of the current data.
"There is a very large body of data across the scientific and medical literature that would say that abrupt discontinuation or abrupt reduction in dosage can be harmful to patients," says Giroir.
Still, he says the evidence shows that "a majority of patients can have a reduction in opioids and improve pain control at the same time."
A growing concern about prescribing rules
The new tapering guidance follows earlier efforts to signal that too much emphasis on reducing opioids for chronic pain patients may backfire.
Earlier this year, both the CDC and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration put out statements about the dangers of suddenly discontinuing the medication or rapidly decreasing the dose.
In March, more than 300 doctors and health professionals, including three former White House Drug Czars, warned the CDC in a letter of the "widespread misapplication" of its 2016 opioid prescribing guidelines for chronic pain.
Even though the guidelines were voluntary and geared toward primary care doctors, the recommendations became a template for states and others seeking to minimize the risk of opioids.
Dr. Stefan Kertesz, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, was a lead author on that letter to the CDC.
He says the new guidance from HHS does well to highlight the risks of tapering, but there are still many obstacles to making it "useful and protective of patients."
"We have to be concerned that the governmental and nongovernmental agencies continue to incentivize dose reductions that violate the precepts of this document and hold no one accountable for harm to patients when doses are forced down across the board," says Kertesz.
Clinicians across the country remain under immense pressures to curb prescribing. Kertesz notes that Medicaid, as well as states and private payers, still have policies that lead to forced dose reductions.
"Until those laws, regulations, quality metrics and criteria are revisited, we will have to live with a heart-breaking conflict between what well-intentioned experts think is good practice and what our health system and laws incentivize," he says.
In the current environment, doctors worry prescribing opioids could endanger their ability to practice, especially if state medical boards or law enforcement agencies identify them as high prescribers in the electronic databases maintained by states.
Kertesz says a growing body of research is undermining the "foolish assumption that because pills have gone down, safety has been created."
"Taper might help some patients if you do it 100% correctly," he says, "And in reality, we are mostly doing it wrong."
Increasingly, patients with chronic pain are echoing these concerns as their doses are being lowered or discontinued.
Lessons learned from a Seattle clinic
The dangers of paring back opioid prescribing came into sharp focus for Dr. Joseph Merrill when his primary care clinic in Seattle tightened its rules around opioid prescribing nearly a decade ago.
The new policy at Harborview Medical Center aimed for a more cautious approach to prescribing the pills – measures like urine drug tests, dosing recommendations and guidance to taper patients on higher doses.
"We felt there was enough data to show high doses of opioids for chronic pain could be unsafe," says Merrill, a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
After the rules took effect, Merrill began to notice certain patients weren't faring well. Some were missing appointments. Others appeared to be using illicit drugs or misusing their prescriptions.
"We had the sense that we were losing some patients," he says.
Over the next five years, the clinic used an in-house registry to track 572 of its patients who were on chronic opioid therapy for pain. More than half had their opioids discontinued.
Merrill says the results were a "wake-up call"
About 20% of the patients died during the study period of all causes. Close to 4% died of a definite or possible overdose and most of those were people whose prescriptions were stopped.
"The most concerning finding was that the group of patients whose opioid prescriptions were discontinued had a higher rate of overdose death than the group who stayed on their opioid medications," Merrill says.
In a retrospective study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, Merrill and his co-authors speculate that those findings "could relate to interruption of other medical care, loss of tolerance, and/or destabilization of an underlying opioid use disorder."
The study doesn't make a direct link between discontinuing opioids and someone dying from an overdose. But Merrill sees it as a warning about the risk of cutting off certain patients who have been prescribed opioids regularly for months or years.
"We did not prevent the death rate from going down by our practices," he says.
There remains "a huge gap" in research about how the policy shift away from opioids is affecting patient outcomes, says Tami Mark who's senior director of behavioral health financing and quality measurement at RTI International, a research institute based in North Carolina.
Mark coauthored a study published in The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatmentearlier this year which examined what happened to patients in Vermont's Medicaid program when they were tapered off high doses of opioids.
About half of the patients who were discontinued later experienced an opioid-related hospitalization or emergency department visit.
"The typical rate of discontinuation was one day, which essentially means people were not tapered at all – they were just stopped," Mark says.
She says the University of Washington study is more evidence that doctors don't feel well-equipped to help patients who are potentially misusing opioids, "other than by having them discontinue opioids which resulted in as high or higher opioid death rates."
At the Seattle clinic, Dr. Merrill says their findings on the risks of discontinuing certain patients did prompt new protocols.
For example, patients who fit the criteria for opioid use disorder can now easily be switched to buprenorphine, an evidence-based form of medication-assisted treatment that suppresses cravings and stabilizes patients.
In fact, the newly released HHS guidelines tell doctors to consider switching patients who are struggling with a taper to buprenorphine, even if they don't qualify as having a substance use disorder.
In the big picture, Merrill says, the seesaw in opioid prescribing – from liberal dispensation to the current climate of restriction – needs to stop.
"I think neither of those extremes is appropriate," he says.
Will Stone


Al Ain and UAE star Omar Abdulrahman has been confirmed as ambassador and front cover star for the Middle East edition of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016), the latest edition of the football game produced by Konami.
Abdulrahman will appear alongside Barcelona's Neymar and becomes the first Arab player to grace the game's cover. This year's offering will be released across Egypt, the GCC and Levant countries on 17th September, with a 20th anniversary edition also available.
"I have played Pro Evolution Soccer since I was a child. Growing up, I never imagined that I would be on the cover one day, so I am excited to be featured on it in this year's edition and I can't wait to see the game in action this September," said Abdulrahman.
This year's game will also exclusively retain its use of the AFC Champions League club competition, a further treat for gamers in Asia.
It allows KONAMI to feature the AFC Champions League club competition within its many options, as an individual mode or part of the larger season overview upon qualification, including the iconic Master League mode.
Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all have teams featured in PES 2016.
Adam Bhatti, Brand Manager for PES added: "We couldn't be happier with the addition of Omar Abdulrahman facing the front of PES 2016 for the Middle East region.
Cosmin's content with Al Ahli's latest win.
The fighting spirit shown by Al Ahli's second string will see them through their Arabian Gulf Cup challenges, according to boss Cosmin Olaroiu.
The Red Knights were missing 10 players on Monday as they began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 triumph at home to Emirates Club.
Although Brazilians Lima – who opened the scoring – and Everton Ribeiro were essential to victory, less-heralded players such as winger Saeed Ahmed and defensive midfielder Humaid Abbas – who also scored – laid the platform.
Confirmation about the impending record-breaking €17m (Dh70m) purchase of forward Moussa Sow failed to arrive last night, despite Fenerbahce previously setting a deadline of Monday.
Olaroiu did not seem flustered though and declined to heap pressure on his impending arrival, refusing to compare him to Asamoah Gyan – his star man while at Al Ain from 2011-13.
The result continued the Falcons' losing start to 2015-16, following a 2-1 Arabian Gulf League-reversal at Al Nasr last week.
"In the first half, we created chances, but Ahli also had good chances," boss Paulo Comelli said.
"I did not think the foul was foul for the second goal, but we didn't lose because of it.
Lima and Everton Ribeiro were Al Ahli's stand-out players.
The players missing as Al Ahli began their Arabian Gulf Cup campaign yesterday were of far greater interest than the narrow 2-0 triumph against Emirates Club.
Record-breaking €17 million (Dh70m) target Moussa Sow was the talk of a punishingly-humid Rashid Stadium. But the Senegal forward was nowhere in sight 24 hours after he paid an emotional farewell to the Fenerbahce masses in Istanbul, official announcement of his impending switch still to arrive before kick-off.
There was also the prospect of the 10 established stars away on international duty, robbing Red Knights boss Cosmin Olaroiu of his finest UAE players – both senior and junior – and unwanted winger Oussama Assaidi to Morocco. With the visiting Falcons minus injured attacking midfielder Brett Holman, this run out in the domestic's game third-most important competition felt distinctly second rate.
But there were still sprinklings of star dust to be found, summer buy Lima continuing to look a sound addition as he artfully volleyed home his fourth goal in three competitive appearances on 41 minutes to light up a match which will not live long in the collective memory.
The €7m (Dh28.4m) purchase from Benfica and countryman Everton Ribeiro looked like they were playing a different sport for much of the contest. Their inter-play and understanding delighted, a linesman's flag and some wayward finishing preventing them making the margin of victory wider prior to defensive midfielder Humaid Abbas' 90th-minute rebound.
This was a comedown from the 8-1 Arabian Gulf League-opener against Fujairah and 1-0 AFC Champions League quarter-final, first leg at Naft Tehran. But that is what the AG Cup does.
Throw Sow – a player given a hero's send-off at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Sunday after 52 goals in 107 appearances plus two Super Lig titles since January 2012 – into this mix and a repeat of the disappointment witnessed at Ahli in 2014/15 seems impossible.
Emirates barely got a kick all night, one darting run from Brazilian forward Rodrigo Pimpao on 20 minutes ending with a disappointing lashed finish. Playmaker Ribeiro had already repeated a similar act by that point in the other half.
The goal when it came was delightful. A swift counter-attack lead to a pin-point cross from returning UAE full-back Abdelaziz Sanqour, his centre being gleefully sidefooted in by the on-rushing Lima.
The second half meandered by, Lima being correctly flagged offside when his early header crept in and Pimpao fizzing a late effort from 20 yards wide of the post.
All hope of an unlikely equaliser died in injury time, midfielder Nawaf Mubarak's free-kick being pushed onto the crossbar but not away from the waiting Abbas to head home.


Want to immerse yourself in the world of cryptocurrencies? Bitcointalk is the place you might want to be. There is a whole universe in this discussion forum: from answers to some of the most technical questions to your regular news updates.
There's plenty of entertainment too. See how fortunes were made and lost in a blink of an eye and catch the heart-wrenching stories of missed opportunities to strike it rich.
And of course, you won't miss the many sob stories of that tossed hard drive containing thousands of bitcoin – now lying deep in some landfill somewhere.
There are tales of lives turned around and changed forever from early bitcoin investments. Then there are those of lives ruined in drugs and alcohol when the reality of big riches became too overwhelming.
Bitcointalk is where you will find all these and much more. Bitcointalk is the reddit of cryptocurrencies. Discussions are not just limited to bitcoin as the name might suggest. You will find a treasure of information on many other altcoins as well.
More importantly, bitcointalk is your go to platform for your pressing questions about bitcoin and blockchain technology. Just like Reddit, there are thousands of questions and answers to search from, touching on every aspect of bitcoin and blockchain. There is plenty of discussions on ICOs too.
In fact, bitcointalk is where most ICOs have started their life or their steep descent into oblivion. It is also here that you will find the most desirable audience for ICO projects.
All major announcements about ICOs, and all bounty campaigns almost always happen on bitcointalk.
Bitcointalk was originally created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009 initially for people interested in technical details and software.
It has since morphed into something much bigger with several sub-sections with different topics in the crypto-universe. Bitcointalk has grown to become one of the largest discussion forums with over a million members and an important source of internet traffic.
To start bounty campaigns and announcements, you must attain a certain level based on your activity.
Careful though. While this is an excellent forum, there are several scammers lying in wait. Literally anyone can post here so you must do your extra due diligence before taking any action.
Bitcointalk is available in about 20 other languages apart from English. Apart from the rather dated design, the experience here is quite complete, in terms of the quality and quantity of discussions and the level of interaction.
You will get the chance to interact with experts including some of the best developers and owners although most prefer to hide under pseudonyms.
There is also a large group of moderators ensuring you get only the most relevant content.
There is a whole economy here. You can buy and sell services under the economy section or even promote your business. If you need a little help, you can enlist the services of the freelancers including marketers, designers and writers.
Then there are the signature campaigns where you can pay people to promote your product or services. ICOs usually go this route. This is also one of the ways users can generate some income.
The more positive feedback you get, the more trust you earn and the bigger your network.
As stated before, the search function isn't the greatest but it should do. The site is also in need of some serious upgrade.


Did you like this article? Find more like it on my blog or Facebook page! You can also find me on Twitter (@Vibration1111) or Instagram (@andrea.11.11).
Photo Credit: "I Dream" by Joyousjoym. Some Rights Reserved. This image has been cropped and resized.


text:
Q: Passing data to inner functions from parent function in d3js I have the data in csv format as shown below, I have used lat and long data in drawing circle  but I want to pass width and height to rectangle which will be populated on clicking of circle
The problem I am facing is data is going to circle function but it is not going to the rectangle (on click of circle) (inner function)
DATA
district,lat,lon,width,height
andhra,19.41079,79.177427,100,200
HIMACHAL PRADESH,30.970288,76.802893,200,300

d3.csv("newcsv.csv",function(data)
            {
                group.selectAll("circle")
                     .data(data)
                     .enter()
                     .append("circle")
                     .attr("cx",function(d)
                             {return projection([d.lon, d.lat])[0];})
                     .attr("cy", function(d) {
                        return projection([d.lon, d.lat])[1];
                            })
                     .attr("r",5)
                     .attr("fill","red")
                     .on("click",function(d)
                        {
                         canvas.append("rect")
                                .attr("width",d.width)
                                .attr("height",d.height)
                                .attr("x",500)
                                .attr("y",500);

                        }
                     )

            });

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This story deals with classroom items and school rules. These digital storybooks are written using a combination of Spanish and English. Most of the story is in English with the exception of the new vocabulary words. The story rhymes.


You breathe life into my world just as the rainforest did to Earth. There's no doubt that you are as important to me as that. Be sure to sweeten up his/her day by sending one.
An important source of life to the planet Earth, it acts like lungs to cool the environment and provide habitat to half of the species of plants and wildlife on the planet.


Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) is hosting a webinar next Wednesday, 2/28, at 11am (CA time). The title is "Five tips for improving a difficult caregiving day." Though the title is about caregiving generally, the description talks about dementia caregiving. Hopefully one of our volunteers can listen in and take notes. If you attend, please shre what you learned! Details are below.
Description: Caregiving can be a roller coaster: Some days you're enjoying the ride and some days you're holding on for dear life. It can be unpredictable and downright difficult! This webinar will provide you with five tips to help your day be a little less stressful. There will be an extended time for questions and answers about dementia caregiving — send your questions in with your registration!
Lindsey Vajpeyi has earned degrees in sociology and gender studies, holds an Activity Director Certification with a Specialization in Memory Care, has an Alzheimer's Association essentiALZ® Plus Dementia Advanced Care Certification, and was previously a Certified Master Trainer for the Best Friends™ Approach to Alzheimer's Care. She has experience in activities and wellness in long-term care, as well as in programs and services at a large non-profit. Lindsey's entire career has been dedicated to working with persons living with dementia and their caregivers, with a focus on improving quality of life for all affected by dementia. Lindsey is currently the Director of Education and Outreach at Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax, Virginia.


text:
layout: post
title: 2014 Mesos Community Survey Results
permalink: /blog/mesos-community-survey-2014-results/
published: true
post_author:
  display_name: Dave Lester
  twitter: davelester
tags: Community, Survey
---

Below are results of a community survey I led in May to get the pulse of the Apache Mesos community and improve our understanding of how others are using the software. We received a total of 55 responses.

While I think the responses below speak for themselves, I wanted to highlight a few things:

* A majority of responses came from adopters who have been using Mesos for more than 2 months.
* Mesos had a [Net Promoter Score](http://www.netpromoter.com/why-net-promoter/know/) of 41.5.
* Documentation was the #1 community request for improving Mesos, followed by integrated Docker support. Unedited responses have been published as a [GitHub gist](https://gist.github.com/davelester/b40e3b5d0347540abf36).
* 36% of adopters are running Mesos in a cluster of 6-20 machines.
* Almost half of Mesos adopters are running in private data centers. A majority of adopters running in the public cloud use AWS.
* Hadoop, Marathon, and Chronos were the most-popular frameworks that are running in production.

This is the first time we've run a community survey like this; feedback is welcome on how we may improve it when we run it again.

### How long have you been using Mesos?
![How long have you been using Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_howlong.png)

### How many machines are you running in your Mesos cluster?
![How many machines are you running in your Mesos cluster](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_howmanymachines.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Aurora](http://aurora.incubator.apache.org) on Mesos?
![Are you using Aurora on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_aurora.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Cassandra](https://github.com/mesosphere/cassandra-mesos) on Mesos?
![Are you using Cassandra on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_cassandra.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Chronos](https://github.com/airbnb/chronos) on Mesos?
![Are you using Chronos on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_chronos.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Hadoop](https://github.com/mesos/hadoop) on Mesos?
![Are you using Hadoop on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_hadoop.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Jenkins](https://github.com/jenkinsci/mesos-plugin) on Mesos?
![Are you using Jenkins on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_jenkins.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [JobServer](http://www.grandlogic.com/content/html_docs/products.shtml#jobserverprod) on Mesos?
![Are you using JobServer on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_jobserver.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Marathon](https://github.com/mesosphere/marathon) on Mesos?
![Are you using Marathon on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_marathon.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Spark](http://spark.apache.org/) on Mesos?
![Are you using Spark on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_spark.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using [Storm](https://github.com/mesosphere/storm-mesos) on Mesos?
![Are you using Storm on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_storm.png)

### Frameworks: Are you using a custom framework on Mesos?
![Are you using a custom framework on Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_framework_custom.png)

### Where do you run Mesos?
![Where do you run Mesos](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_wheredoyourun.png)

### How likely are you to recommend Mesos to your friends and colleagues?
![How likely are you to recommend Mesos to your friends and colleagues?](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_nps.png)

### Are you interested in contributing to Mesos in any of the following ways?
![Are you interested in contributing to Mesos in any of the following way](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_contributions.png)

### Is your company listed on our [#PoweredByMesos](http://mesos.apache.org/documentation/latest/powered-by-mesos/) page? If not, can we list you?
![Is your company listed on our #PoweredByMesos page?](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_poweredby.png)

(34 responses for "No, but please refrain from adding us at this time", 8 responses for "No, please add us", and 15 responses for "Yes, we're on the list!")

### Number of daily responses
![Number of daily response](/assets/img/blog/communitysurvey_2014_responses.png)

### What features do you think are missing from Mesos?
The unedited responses to this question have been published as a [GitHub gist](https://gist.github.com/davelester/b40e3b5d0347540abf36).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Sunday's Premier League action concludes with a heavyweight clash between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
Currently engaged in the PL title run-in with Manchester City, the hosts look to extend their ten-game league unbeaten run (W6, D4) and keep a two-point lead over City although Pep Guardiola's men still have one match in hand. With a record of 13 wins and two draws in 15 PL home fixtures, the Reds are the only team in the English top flight that is yet to lose at home this campaign. Only the Citizens (53) have bagged more goals at home than the Merseysiders (44) this term, with Jurgen Klopp's men netting 2+ match goals in 11 of 15 PL home games. What's more, the Reds have scored over 2.5 goals per match in all three of their previous PL home outings. Also, no team has shipped fewer goals at home than Liverpool (9) so far, with Alisson Becker holding the best PL record of 9 clean sheets at home.
On the other hands, the visitors are desperate to snap a four-game Premier League winless run (D1, L3) and avoid putting their hopes of reaching the Champions League group stage on the line. The Spurs' inexplicable drop-off in form has seen them allowed Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea to enter the CL promotion race, as they currently sit third with a four-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea. Additionally, Maurizio Pochettino's men have lost all three of their previous PL away clashes, conceding exactly two goals in each. Another thing that should worry the Argentinean manager is Tottenham's recent record at Anfield. The Lilywhites have failed to beat Liverpool on their last eight visits to this venue, suffering five defeats in that period while allowing 2+ match goals on six occasions across those H2Hs.


Chileans marked the 43 anniversary of the coup which ousted elected President Allende and began the 17-year dictatorship of Pinochet on 11 September 1973.
In total 40,018 people were either killed, tortured or imprisoned for political reasons. Around 75 of 1073 ex-Pinochet era agents are serving prison sentences for human rights violations.
"It has not been easy, but we have been able to transform a tragedy like the one we had to live 43 years ago into a victory of democracy, a defeat of death in the hands of life," said Bachelet during a ceremony paying tribute to former President Allende.
She also announced the creation of a special Human Rights Unit, which awaits approval from Congress.
Bachelet's father was a victim of the Pinochet regime. In November 2014 two retired colonels were jailed for the crime of torture of Air Force General Alberto Bachelet Martine.
In 2011, it was confirmed that Allende committed to suicide rather than submit to the military coup makers.
People gathered outside one of the stadiums in Santiago where many people were tortured and disappeared following the coup. Many of the families of the victims never knew what happened to their loved ones.
The crimes committed by the Pinochet regime continue to blight the country with many marching for justice for the victims.
The anniversary is often marked by violence, and this year was no different as police clashed with vandals. One officer was injured, but authorities said that demos were less fierce than previous years.
Tags: Chile, Isabel Allende, Salvador Allende.
Salvador Allende was a true human being, consistent with his principles to the bitter end.
Yes, he was an unrepentant Marxist.
He was a Freemason. Care to deny it, Komrade Rique...?


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Fr. Harry J. Gensler, S.J., Ph.D.
Fr. Joseph J. Feeney, S.J., Ph.D.
Dr. James Finley, Ph.D.
Br. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Professor Sidney H. Griffith, S.T.L., Ph.D.
Prof. Michael W. Higgins, Ph.D.
Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O.
Sr. Ann Willits, O.P., M.A.
Rev. Michael G. Witczak, M.Div., S.L.D.
Fr. Ron Witherup, S.S., Ph.D.
Fr. Richard Woods, O.P., Ph.D.
Dr. Wendy Wright, Ph.D.
Rev. Brian McDermott, S.J., Dr. Theol.
Fr. Steven J. McMichael, O.F.M. Conv., S.T.D.
Fr. Frank J. McNulty, S.T.D.
Fr. Kenneth R. Himes, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Fr. Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M.
Fr. Leslie J. Hoppe, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Prof. Peter A. Huff, Ph.D.
Fr. William Harmless, S.J., Ph.D.
Fr. J. A. Wayne Hellmann, O.F.M. Conv., D.Theol.
Fr. Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J., Ph.D.
Prof. Margaret Susan Thompson, Ph.D.
Professor M. Katherine Tillman, Ph.D.
Professor Wilhelmus Valkenberg, Ph.D., M.A., M.Div.
Prof. James VanderKam, Ph.D.
Dr. Daniel G. Van Slyke, J.D., Ph.D.
Fr. Henry Wansbrough, O.S.B.
Fr. Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Fr. Michael Crosby, OFM Cap., Ph.D.
Sr. Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Ph.D.
Prof. David Zachariah Flanagin, Ph.D.
Fr. Richard Fragomeni, S.T.B., Ph.D.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V., S.T.D.
Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz, Ph.D.
Fr. Murray Bodo, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Prof. R. Scott Appleby, Ph.D.
Fr. John F. Baldovin, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D.
Rev. Kevin F. Burke, S.J., S.T.D.
Fr. William L. Burton, O.F.M., SSL, STD
Fr. William J. Byron, S.J., Ph.D.
Rev. Harry Cain, S.J., LST, and Virginia Blass, D.Min.
Fr. Gregory I. Carlson, S.J., D.Phil.
Fr. John J. Cecero, S.J., Ph.D.
Rev. Alfred Cioffi, S.T.D., Ph.D.
Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D.
Rev. James J. Clarke, Ph.D.
Fr. Richard J. Clifford, S.J., Ph.D.
Fr. David J. Collins, S.J., Ph.D.
Sr. Laurie Brink, O.P., Ph.D.
Fr. André Brouillette, S.J., Ph.D., S.T.D.
Fr. Bertrand A. Buby, S.M., S.T.D.
Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R., D.Theol., S.T.D.
Fr. Stefanos Alexopoulos, Ph.D.
Fr. John W. O'Malley, S.J., Ph.D.
Dr. Timothy P. O'Malley, Ph.D.
Prof. Peter C. Phan, S.T.D., Ph.D., D.D.
Msgr. Charles Pope, M.Div.
Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., M.Div.
Dr. Michael Lee, Ph.D.
Fr. John R. Donahue, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D.
Lyn Holley Doucet, M.Ed., M.S.
Prof. Elizabeth A. Dreyer, Ph.D.
Fr. John Randall Sachs, S.J., Dr. theol.
Fr. James F. Salmon, S.J., Ph.D.
Dr. Paul Scherz, Ph.D.
Catherine A. Sanderson, Ph.D.
Fr. Roger Schroeder, S.V.D., D.Miss
Rev. Thomas J. Scirghi, S.J., Th.D.
Rev. Donald Senior, C.P., S.T.D., Ph.D.
Prof. Gabriel S. Reynolds, Ph.D.
Prof. Andrea Lorenzo Molinari, Ph.D.
Dr. Kevin Mongrain, Ph.D
Rev. George T. Montague, S.M., S.Th.D.
Prof. Candida Moss, Ph.D.
Rev. J. Patrick Mullen, S.T.L., Ph.D.
Sr. Joan Mueller, OSC, Ph.D.
Prof. Tim Muldoon, Ph.D.
Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.S.Sp., M.A., Ph.D.
Fr. Joseph J. Godfrey, S.J., Ph.D.
Fr. Donald Goergen, O.P., Ph.D.
Fr. Dennis Hamm, S.J., Ph.D.
Fr. Richard Lennan, Dr. Theol.
Msgr. Michael Magee, S.S.L., S.T.D., S.T.L.
Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, O.P., Ph.D.
Prof. Gerard Mannion, D.Phil.
Fr. Thomas Massaro, S.J., Ph.D.
Dr. Tim Mawson, D.Phil.
Fr. Frank J. Matera, Ph.D.
Fr. Charlie Smiech, O.F.M., M.Div.
Prof. Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, Ph.D.
Rev. Thomas D. Stegman, S.J., Ph.D
Professor David W. Fagerberg, Ph.D.
Dr. Michael Ward, Ph.D.
Prof. James Wetzel, Ph.D.
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ph.D.
Dr. Robert Lawrence Kuhn, Ph.D.
Christopher R. Fee, Ph.D.
Prof. Howard Lupovitch, Ph.D.
Fr. Robert P. Imbelli, STL, Ph.D.
Dr. Richard Isaacson, M.D.
Prof. Everett Worthington, Ph.D.
Prof. David L. Hudson, Jr.
Professor Douglas A. Gentile, Ph.D.
Rob Geddes
Prof. Lawrence Wichlinski, Ph.D.
Dr. Joshua Eyler, M.A., Ph.D.
Jay Parini
Prof. Robert McDonald, Ph.D.
Prof. Jeffrey B. Webb, Ph.D.
Sale Bundles
A Retreat with the Gospel of Luke
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Director of Biblical Education,
Loyola Institute for Spirituality, Orange, CA
12 Conferences (5 CDs) including Electronic Written Guide
Audio CD Set:
Audio Download:
*Media Type
Audio Bundle: A Retreat with the Gospel of Luke + What Is Faith? Gift, Mystery, Life - 10 CDs Total $59.95
A Retreat with the Gospel of Matthew
A Retreat with the Gospel of Mark
A Retreat with the Gospel of John
Other Programs by This Professor
What Is Faith? Gift, Mystery, Life
The Lectionary: A Treasure for Liturgy and Prayer
The New Testament: A Guided Tour
Topic Titles
About Your Presenter
Through 12 fascinating and spiritually edifying conferences, you will spend prayerful time with Jesus Christ, using the Gospel according to Luke. Your guide is scripture expert Fr. Felix Just, S.J. (Ph.D., Yale University), and this retreat comes with carefully written guide for prayer and reflection.
Luke's Gospel presents a distinctive portrait of Jesus. In Luke, the Holy Spirit guides all the action and empowers the life and ministry of Jesus. Luke's Jesus is the Lord of all nations and the Savior of all peoples; so also, disciples are called to be just like Jesus, embracing all people regardless of social status, loving enemies, welcoming strangers, praising God, and praying for forgiveness.
This audio retreat program combines an insightful examination of Luke's Gospel with three methods of biblical prayer—reflective meditation, imaginative contemplation, and centering prayer—to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.
You can use this program in individual or small group settings, and it fits into a variety of schedules. You will also greatly benefit from the written guide, which contains questions for reflection and suggestions for personal prayer.
If you are looking for a thoughtful and uplifting biblical retreat to deepen your relationship with Jesus, you will love A Retreat with the Gospel of Luke. You will treasure the time spent each day with the Gospel of Luke and Fr. Felix Just.
Learn about downloadable programs.
Your Free Electronic Study Guide! When you order this course, we will send you a free electronic study guide that you can access in 3 convenient ways:
1) You can check your order confirmation email. It will include a link that enables you to download your guide.
2) The back of your program package also contains a copy of this link. You can access your guide by simply entering this URL into your browser.
3) Your case of CDs or DVDs will contain a copy of your electronic guide on CD. Simply insert this disc into your computer's CD/DVD drive to access your guide.
Luke's Gospel and Prayer
Luke's Infancy Narrative
Preparations for Jesus' Ministry
Jesus, the Messianic Prophet
Miracles, Disciples, and Controversies
Jesus' Radical yet Merciful Teachings
Jesus Embraces the Poor and Lowly
Prayer and Repentance, Forgiveness and Joy
Hospitality and Meals, Wealth and Possessions
Passion I: Last Supper, Prayers, and Arrest
Passion II: Trials, Crucifixion, and Burial
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. is the Director of Biblical Education at the Loyola Institute for Spirituality in Orange, California. He is also the Academic Coordinator of the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program and the Deacon Formation Program for the Diocese of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Since receiving his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Yale University, Fr. Just has taught at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, the University of San Francisco, and the University of Santa Clara. He is also a past director of the Center for Religion and Spirituality at LMU. Fr. Just regularly teaches courses, gives public lectures, and leads retreats, days of prayer, and parish missions. For more information about Fr. Just and his work, check out the internationally recognized website he maintains: http://catholic-resources.org.
The course on St. Luke deals with the prayerful attitude. As a result, references and differences between meditation and contemplation are covered. Review by Lee and Carolyn McClelland, Salem, Oregon, USA (Posted on 4/14/2015)
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Source: Inhabitat
The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People is a coalition of more than 50 countries that was formed in 2011 to encourage internal action on the climate crisis prior to the Paris Agreement.
Boston is building the world's largest Passive House-certified office building
Boston's Financial District will soon welcome the groundbreaking Winthrop Center, a year-round, mixed-use gathering space with a suite of impressive eco-friendly credentials.
CRA reveals the world's first compostable marker
Scribit Pen cartridges are made of natural fibers and contain non-toxic, water-based ink.
New York state divests from fossil fuels in historic move
The massive pension fund's financial portfolio is worth $226 billion. The new plan is to sell off the riskiest gas and oil stocks and be completely divested from fossil fuels by 2025.
London tree rental service solves a Christmas quandary
London Christmas Tree Rental delivers a real, pot-grown tree, lets customers enjoy it for a few weeks, then picks it up in January and takes it back to a farm, where the tree can continue to grow.
McDonald's introduces McPlant, its first plant-based burger
The fast food giant has already tested a plant-based burger in Canada and may eventually add faux meat breakfast sandwiches and mock chicken to the menu. McPlant will start popping up on McDonald's menus in 2021.
Tristan da Cunha establishes a massive marine protected area
The government of Tristan da Cunha, a four-island archipelago of about 250 people, has announced that it will be protecting approximately 700,000 square kilometers of its waters, creating the world's fourth-largest Marine Protected Area.
Sunderland's riverfront to house UK's first carbon-neutral community
Designed to "reinvent the heart of Sunderland," the masterplan design will include 1,000 new energy-efficient homes in four mixed-use residential neighborhoods for a population of 2,500.
Arkansas schools save millions by adopting solar power
Batesville School District includes six schools that serve about 3,200 students. Adopting the new initiative allowed the schools to transform their $250,000 annual deficit to a $1.8 million annual surplus. As a result, teachers' salaries have increased by $2000 to $3000.
Airbus unveils world's first zero-emission commercial aircrafts
Collectively dubbed ZEROe, the climate-neutral, zero-emission concepts are designed to carry maximum passenger loads between 100 and 200 people for flights that range from short-haul trips to transcontinental journeys. Airbus' hydrogen-powered commercial aircrafts could enter service as early as 2035.


Say, there's a million dollars in one green box (ignore the yellow boxes), and there's Monopoly money in all the other green boxes, but you don't know what green box has the million dollars, and what boxes have Monopoly money.
You select green box number 7 as the box (you guess) has the million dollars, but it's also revealed that in green box number 2, there's only Monopoly money; do you choose a different green box or stay with green box number 7?
Many people would say, there's a 50/50 chance your first choice is the correct green box with the million dollars, but they'd likely be wrong, and here's why: There was a 3/4 (75 %) chance of you choosing a box with Monopoly money, and there's still 1/2 (50 %) chance of you choosing the Monopoly money, when green box number 2 is revealed. There's only 1/4 (25 %) chance of you choosing the million dollars; therefore, you should change your green box selection because there is a greater probability you were, initially, wrong choosing green box number 7, than choosing the green box that contained the million dollars.
Maybe some of you have heard of this? It's called 'The Monty Hall Problem.' Check out the video here: The Math Question that Has Stumped Thousands of 'ManSplainers.' Apparently, men have greater trouble understanding this reasoning than women. What do you think?


With 2018 wrapping up, the Nintendo Switch is also nearing the end of its second year on the market. It's been a very impressive year for the console, and for Nintendo in general. How exactly is the Nintendo Switch doing, and does it live up to all of the hype?
In 2018, Nintendo had six major exclusives launch on their platform. It was a balanced year. You have the very beautiful and narrative driven story of Octopath Traveler. Then there's the harmless fun of Kirby Star Allies, or the brand new take on the Pokémon formula with Let's Go: Pikachu! and Let's Go: Eevee!. There was also an array of multiplayer games that were released such as Super Mario Party, Mario Tennis Aces and of course the long awaited Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It was an exciting year to say the least.
Nintendo had something for everyone this year, and backed it all up with a consistency in quality that has been the backbone of the Switch. The current state of the Nintendo Switch is literally the greatest the console has ever been and better than Nintendo has been in a very long time, with zero signs of slowing down. The console is going from three major exclusives in 2017, to six in 2018, to an expected nine in 2019. That isn't taking into consideration the many ports for the Switch that have come out each year or the possibility of some titles being pushed back past 2019, but it's impressive nonetheless.
Unfortunately, not everything from Nintendo this year has been good. Aside from the games releasing on the platform, we've also seen the official launch of the Nintendo Online Service, which is a very controversial issue for many fans. The service is quite lackluster. With few games having the ability to play online, and some that do are suffering from having empty lobbies, it's easy to see where the disappointment stems from. Now, while Super Smash Bros Ultimate is putting up a really great defense for the service, especially with the updates that have rolled out for it. It still doesn't completely justify the service, and this isn't the service's only issue.
Another problem for it is the NES online library. In concept, the idea of being able to play a consistently expanding collection of classic NES games sounds appealing. However it leaves a bitter taste in some mouths for a few reasons. The lack of a virtual console on the platform has many Switch owners frustrated with the idea of the NES app. The thought of renting these games for the price tag of $20 a year seems unfair, not because what they've included is bad, but because it isn't enough.
Due to the lack of features for people with this subscription, for many, they're paying to rent games that are decades old, cloud saves, a feature that should have already been present, and the ability to play online with a handful of games. The service has a lot of work that needs to be done. While the price tag is small, there are few selling points for it.
Luckily the service has only been out for a few months now. So, we'll probably hear more about improvements being made to it throughout 2019. Nintendo is already planning on updating the Switch eShop. This shows us that they are actively trying to improve upon the services that the Switch offers.
Despite these issues, the future of the Nintendo Switch is anything but bleak. Continuing to look into 2019 gives fans every reason to be excited. Plenty of large titles are planned for release from new series to returning favorites, such as Game Freak's newest title, Town, and the newest Animal Crossing.
Though these titles could overshadow the possibilities for improvements all around on the console, that doesn't mean they won't also be worthy of discussion. Nintendo has made it clear they plan on doing what it takes to innovate every aspect of the console.
The current state of the Nintendo Switch is above all expectations for the console. The future is even more bright than when the console originally launched. Which for the Switch, a console about to enter its third year on the market, is an impressive feat. Nothing is currently off limits for Nintendo. They're an unstoppable force, plain and simple. This console manages to live past the hype. It shows clear as day why it's becoming one of the best selling consoles in history. The Nintendo Switch has a very bright future.


It was definitely a steamy morning for Noelle and William's family photos. Thank goodness for shady trees, which helped give us great lighting, as well as keep us cooler for the photos. The weather didn't seem to bother the kiddos as much as the adults. 😉 These two are certainly very happy little siblings and flashed those beautiful smiles for their photo session. It was great to work with this beautiful family again!


text:
package org.apache.beam.sdk.fn.stream;

import static org.hamcrest.Matchers.instanceOf;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertThat;

import java.util.concurrent.Executors;
import org.apache.beam.vendor.grpc.v1.io.grpc.stub.CallStreamObserver;
import org.apache.beam.vendor.grpc.v1.io.grpc.stub.StreamObserver;
import org.junit.Before;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
import org.junit.runners.JUnit4;
import org.mockito.Mock;
import org.mockito.MockitoAnnotations;

/** Tests for {@link OutboundObserverFactory}. */
@RunWith(JUnit4.class)
public class OutboundObserverFactoryTest {
  @Mock private StreamObserver<Integer> mockRequestObserver;
  @Mock private CallStreamObserver<String> mockResponseObserver;

  @Before
  public void setUp() {
    MockitoAnnotations.initMocks(this);
  }

  @Test
  public void testDefaultInstantiation() {
    StreamObserver<String> observer =
        OutboundObserverFactory.clientDirect()
            .outboundObserverFor(this.fakeFactory(), mockRequestObserver);
    assertThat(observer, instanceOf(DirectStreamObserver.class));
  }

  @Test
  public void testBufferedStreamInstantiation() {
    StreamObserver<String> observer =
        OutboundObserverFactory.clientBuffered(Executors.newSingleThreadExecutor())
            .outboundObserverFor(this.fakeFactory(), mockRequestObserver);
    assertThat(observer, instanceOf(BufferingStreamObserver.class));
  }

  @Test
  public void testBufferedStreamWithLimitInstantiation() {
    StreamObserver<String> observer =
        OutboundObserverFactory.clientBuffered(Executors.newSingleThreadExecutor(), 1)
            .outboundObserverFor(this.fakeFactory(), mockRequestObserver);
    assertThat(observer, instanceOf(BufferingStreamObserver.class));
    assertEquals(1, ((BufferingStreamObserver<String>) observer).getBufferSize());
  }

  private OutboundObserverFactory.BasicFactory<Integer, String> fakeFactory() {
    return inboundObserver -> {
      assertThat(inboundObserver, instanceOf(ForwardingClientResponseObserver.class));
      return mockResponseObserver;
    };
  }
}


What was your first vacation memory? Visiting grandparents in a distant city? Building sand castles on the beach with siblings and parents? How did the family vacation memories changes as you aged and now as you're an adult - perhaps with kids and/or nieces and nephews of your own? Is there an ideal age to travel with kids?
Family Travel Files offers some insights into making the family getaway stress free for parents, depending on the age of the kids. Infants, toddlers, teens all have different needs and interests. Here are some quick tips (below) from Family Travel Files's article on family travel phases and how to plan ahead to optimize the fun for everyone.
In general, less is more. Jam-packing too much into a travel schedule can ruin an otherwise lovely trip. Build in plenty of free time between activities, meals, group gatherings, and family reunions to walk around, soak in the scenery, relax, nap, read, and so forth.
Baby-proofing kit: Think about socket plugs, corner tabs, plastic glasses, room guards, nightlights and other typical portable protection devices.
Keep familiar scents: Resist the temptation to wash everything just before leaving home. Babies and toddlers are particularly comfortable with the smell of their things. They are also sensitive and often cranky when their own things, complete with odors, seem to be missing.
Pack a surprise: In case the plane is delayed or a child becomes ill along the way, pack a couple of vacation surprises well suited to alleviating boredom. Audiotapes from www.boomkids.com meet the boredom challenge for this age group.
Do less: One of the biggest challenges for vacationing families is learning to do less and enjoy it more. Often parents return to work feeling just like they need a vacation. They intended to relax and catch up on sleep. They intended to enjoy free time with the kids. Instead they found themselves over scheduled and in a self-created time crunch. Anyone in charge?
Pack less: This is a reality check. Teens want to be seen as cool by their peer group, yet not look obvious as they do so. The result is over packing. Why take one pair when six will do? Over packing comes from a lack of information about what is needed. Every family with teens should invoke the rule of all seasoned globetrotters: "Ye shall carry what you pack…all of what you pack." Given the security concerns that now exist, less is will be less hassle.
Determine who is in charge: Power struggles result when guidelines are not clear. Communicate expectations before buying tickets or making deposits. If sleeping until noon is not option say so early. If every one gets to choose a favorite activity say so early. If in reality grandpa is in charge then do not keep it a secret.
Read full article from familytravelfiles.com here.
What do you think? Is there an ideal age to travel with kids? Was there an ideal age of travel for you? My favorite childhood vacations were spent at a lake with white sandy shores and tons of relatives for our family reunions. Lots of cousins to play with and plenty of munchies and scrumptious food to boot.


text:
Bentley has unveiled the facelift version of the new Bentayga SUV with a refreshed interior and some external design changes. This is the first time that the luxury carmaker has come up with a facelift version of the popular SUV.
A new exterior design adopts the Bentley design DNA now prevalent across the entire model range, giving Bentley the freshest and most modern product family of any luxury car company. Key to the new Bentayga is its strikingly dynamic look, which draws inspiration from the marque's new design language, introduced by the third-generation Continental GT and all-new Flying Spur. Together, the three cars form a new family that are more visually connected than ever before.
The larger, assertive matrix grille is now more upright, while new, intelligent LED matrix headlamp technology includes the signature Bentley design inspired by cut crystal glassware. A more aggressive front bumper emphasises the performance characteristics of the car. Heated, wet-arm windscreen wipers are introduced for the first time, with 22 washer jets in each arm.
(Also see pics: Bentley unveils facelift version of Bentayga luxury SUV)
At the rear, the new Bentayga has undergone a major transformation, with a total redesign of the rear surfaces including a new full-width tailgate with new encapsulated lamps, while the licence plate has been moved down into the bumper for a cleaner appearance. Wide, split tailpipes leave no doubt that this is a powerful performance car. A 20 mm increase to the rear track width brings dynamic benefit and repositions the wheels in their arches to improve the car's stance. The wheels themselves are a new design, unique to Bentayga.
JP Gregory, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors, said, "We spent a long time examining how to improve the proportions and character of the car. New Bentayga is still instantly recognisable as a Bentley but now has a much greater road presence."
A striking new 22-inch wheel design is available in two finishes, expanding the number of available wheel designs to five – all of which are unique to Bentley.
The Bentayga's interior has been significantly revised in the latest model. Among the major changes are a new centre fascia and steering wheel, new door trims and all-new seats – now available with ventilation in the rear of the five-seat cabin option. Passengers in the rear also enjoy significantly more space, with legroom increased by up to 100 mm depending on configuration.
A next generation infotainment system is integrated seamlessly into the handcrafted, Bentley 'wing' dashboard design and features a 10.9-inch display screen with edge-to-edge graphics. The all-new digital display includes super high-resolution and dynamic graphics which are configurable to suit driver preferences.
(Also read: Watch thieves drive Bentley Continental GT through showroom's door)
A new infotainment system with a 10.9-inch display screen sits on the the handcrafted Bentley dashboard design.
The latest hardware and software bring all-new navigation with satellite maps, online search and other features. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard for the first time, alongside the existing wired system, along with Android Auto (market dependant). Rear seat occupants benefit from the introduction of a new, larger touchscreen remote control tablet, similar to that introduced in the all-new Flying Spur.
Darren Day, Head of Interior Design at Bentley Motors, said, "Alongside from the more obvious changes to the centre console, seats and door trims, it's the little features customers may not notice at first that add up to make the difference in new Bentayga. It might be the new, horizontal grab handle in the door, or the unique seat stitching – each one emphasising how the design team has gone the extra mile. New Bentayga will be a voyage of discovery for our customers."
Connectivity around the car has been significantly improved, with USB-C data ports and a wireless phone charger now standard. New Bentayga is now provided with an embedded SIM, as with the latest Continental GT models, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection. My Bentley in-car and remote services is a continually developing range of services available to customers through a dedicated app, available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.
(Also read: Last Bentley Mulsanne rolls out from production line, leaves legacy of 11 years)
The luxurious interior can be further enhanced with the application of dark tint diamond brushed aluminium trim for the first time in a Bentley, as well as two straight-grained veneers new to Bentayga: Koa and Crown Cut Walnut. Mulliner Driving Specification adds a new quilting design, and micro piping detailing is a new option for the seats.
Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said, "With the new Bentayga, we're repositioning the pinnacle of the luxury SUV segment to be even higher, even further away from the competition. We've listened to our customers and made improvements to the areas most important to them, and the new Bentayga is a thoroughly modern and beautiful extension of the original car's abilities and achievements."
The new model will initially be launched in Bentayga V8 guise offering supercar performance balanced with everyday usability, with the plug-in Hybrid and W12-powered Speed versions to follow this year. The V8's 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol engine develops an impressive 542 bhp and 770 Nm of torque. The new Bentayga SUV will have a top speed of 290 kmph and will be able to do 0-100 kmph in about 4.5 seconds.
Later, new Bentayga will be offered as an efficient Hybrid, the luxury sector's first true plug-in hybrid. Benefiting from its introduction in the previous generation model, the Hybrid will be Bentley's most efficient model ever and is the company's first step towards electrification.
BentleyBentley MotorsBentley BentaygaBentayga SUV2020 Bentayga SUVBentley Bentayga facelift


We have a page with slugs and when those slugs contain a TinyMCE edit control, moving a slug causes the content in the TinyMCE edit control to no longer be displayed. Any other fields in the slug are fine.
If you save the page, all is well, the slug has repositioned and content is still there. So it is just a display issue. But it is rather disconcerting to the user updating the page.


text:
Brian W. Aldiss, Author Carroll & Graf Publishers $17.95 (310p) ISBN 978-0-88184-570-9
Supertoys Last All Summer Long
The Twinkling of an Eye: My Life as an Englishman (Us)
A Tupolev Too Far: And Other Stories
Man in His Time: The Best Science Fiction Stories of Brian W. Aldiss
Trillion Year Spree: The History of Science Fiction
White Mars
Somewhere East of Life
Dracula Unbound
Common Clay: Twenty Odd Stories
By an author generally considered on this side of the Atlantic a science fiction writer, this novel, originally published in Britain 10 years ago and cited by Anthony Burgess as one of the 99 best novels since 1939, is quite a discovery. One of those rarities, a novel of ideas that is also eminently readable, it centers on Tom Squire, a British cultural historian with a successful TV series on the significance of pop culture. Scenes alternate between Squire's private life, which is falling apart, and a brilliantly depicted cultural conference in Sicily in which he plays a leading role. Aldiss uses the conference to lampoon cultural and political clashes between East and West (somewhat outdated today but still entertainingly realized), and even throws in a superb set piece about the literary role of science fiction. There's a beautifully evoked and moving English country Christmas, some startling and bloody action in postwar Yugoslavia, a rueful romance, an abundance of wit and intelligence. Squire's personality remains slightly elusive, though he's always eloquently thoughtful, and his troubles with his wife are never entirely convincing; but these are the only blemishes on a virtuoso performance. It's difficult to believe that no one previously thought a potential U.S. readership existed for so unusual a book. (May)
Hardcover - 310 pages - 978-0-297-77744-1


Resolves the resource accessed by a request.
Resolves a resource from the search path relative to the base resource by traversing the sling:resourceSuperType chain.
Since this method will traverse the sling:resourceSuperType chain, the ResourceResolver used for resolving the base resource should be able to read the super type resources.
Resolves the resource accessed by a request. Since the request can use an anonymous ResourceResolver, the passed resolver parameter should have read access rights to resources from the search path.


BOISE, Idaho - Michael Minas, 50, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on September 8, 2016, to eight years in federal prison on 80 counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Minas to pay an $80,000 fine and to forfeit proceeds of $8,000. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lodge stated that "doctors must be part of the solution, not the source of the problem." Minas was convicted in May at the end of a 14-day federal jury trial in Boise.
In April 2015, a federal grand jury charged Minas with 146 counts of distributing a controlled substance. On May 6, 2016, the jury returned a verdict of 80 counts guilty and 59 counts not guilty. The United States dismissed seven counts during trial.
Evidence at trial showed that Minas knowingly and intentionally prescribed controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The controlled substance Minas illegally distributed was primarily oxycodone 30 mg, but the jury also found Minas guilty of distributing fentanyl and hydromorphone. The jury heard evidence that Minas wrote prescriptions for extraordinary dosages, such as 240, 300, and even 420 oxycodone 30 mg. It also heard evidence that he often wrote prescriptions at intervals of two or three weeks, but wrote dosage instructions on the prescriptions indicating that it was a month's supply. Additionally, Minas wrote prescriptions for drugs that present a risk of negative interaction with oxycodone, such as benzodiazepines, sedatives, and muscle relaxers. Minas generally charged $100 cash for an appointment. Several former employees testified that Minas's practice transitioned over time from a standard family practice to one catering to patients claiming chronic pain and seeking opioid narcotics. Many of Minas's patients testified that the prescriptions issued by the defendant fed the patients' addiction and resulted in substantial negative effects on their lives.
Minas operated the River Medical Family Practice in Eagle until his arrest in June of 2014. He had been released pending trial. During that time, Minas has been prohibited from writing prescriptions and from engaging in the practice of medicine except for the limited purpose of transferring patient records so that patients may see other providers. He also was required to relinquish any prescription pads in his possession. Minas has been in custody since his conviction at trial.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement (DEA) led Tactical Diversion Squad which is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the DEA, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise Police Department, Idaho State Police, Meridian Police Department, Nampa Police Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.


My favorite part of "Jaws" is when Quint is introduced. The small town of Amity, which looks a lot like Montauk/Amagansett, is imperiled. A great white shark who's been stalking its shores during bathing hours has eaten a small boy, so the townspeople have gathered to discuss the need to close the beaches and what that would mean for local businesses who depend on summer tourist money.
Amid a frenzy of argument, a 50-something man at the back gets everyone's attention when he scratches a blackboard (perhaps the scariest part of the movie — the sound still gives me chills). And so we meet the grizzled, lone figure of Quint, played to perfection by Robert Shaw. Inspired by Montauk's own late Frank Mundus, famous for having caught the world's largest great white in 1986 — a replica of his 3,427-pound prizewinning shark hangs on the dock outside Montauk's Star Island Yacht Club — Quint, the townspeople all know, is a shark hunter.
"For that, you get the head, the tail, the whole damn thing," he explains in front of the blackboard he's just scratched, on which someone has drawn a picture of a shark in profile, its mouth open wide with a boy, like a gingerbread cookie, in its jaws. Did Quint draw this? It's his artistic tendencies, among other things, that cause me to relate so strongly to him.
"Are you otsy fotsy?" asked Kevin at the Captains' Beer Bust Thursday night, recognizing the grizzled shark hunter in me.
We went back and forth a few more times before I figured out he was saying artsy fartsy. Kevin, a 57-year-old master plumber by trade, had come from Sharon, Mass., with five of his childhood friends. He's been entering his boat, Reel Passion, into the tournament for the past eight years.
I didn't know how to answer and was spared having to when applause broke around us — the eight ice filled garbage bins dotting he center aisle were being restocked with beer. The men rushed the bins.
At 7:30 p.m., we stood for the pledge of allegiance, then sat for a reading of the tournament rules, punctuated now and then by festive heckling.
"Some of these guys are crazy. A few years back one guy came in with a great white, which is protected, and the cops were waiting for him at the dock," Kevin whispered during the raffle drawing, before his own number was called. David, his second mate — "He was first mate, but I demoted him today, because he won't quit smoking" — ran to the stage to collect the crew's prize. Posing for a photo, he raised his arms in mock pride.
"Whadwe get?" they asked Dave upon his return.
"$500 gift certificate in the Star Island store," Dave read.
"I want beer and ice cream!" Spike, the cook, pleaded mock-petulantly.
"I want a shark cage!" added Billy, the deck boss. They'd had shirts embroidered with their respective titles.
Noticing my number, 75, Keith asked if I was going out in the morning too. I was carrying my number having just come from the registration office where Sam and his sons John and Kevin Gershowitz, the owners of Star Island Yacht Club, sat under a framed poster of "Jaws," busily taking side bets, called Calcuttas for reasons no one seems to know, which has in the past brought the total prize pool listed in the contest advertisement (Star Island awards $30,000 for the largest qualifying shark, along with smaller cash prizes ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, totaling $60,000) up to half a million dollars.
" 'You ever seen a shark's eyes. Dead, like a doll's eyes,' " said Spike, doing his best Quint, before I countered with mine.
"That's fine. Just don't wear that on the boat," Kevin instructed, referring to my striped dress. It's true that mine was the only dress under the tent, as almost all those present were men who, a moment later, were gone.
I looked at my watch: 8:30 p.m. The men had retired to their boat cabins, needing sleep in preparation for the 6 a.m. race out of the dock.
Following my own Saturday at sea — I did not catch a shark, but five porgies and, inexplicably, a cluster of mussels — I returned to the dock at 4 p.m. to see the big boats back into the harbor where their sharks could be weighed before a crush of onlookers. Off to one side, a few sharks lay cut open as a team of researchers sorted their organs. And in the center, a few feet away from the model of Frank Mundus's prizewinning great white, a much smaller 334-pound mako was raised up by its tail. I stood behind a rope with adults and children both, as a young boy, helping, brought round a severed fin for the crowd to touch.
Under the tent, the previously unadorned banquet tables were now festive with balloons of red, white, and blue, and surrounded by sunburned faces alive with excitement. I walked the gravel floor, passing the stage and looking for a seat, when the crew of Reel Passion waved me over.
The crews of the winning boats — Alexa Ann, Professional Cryer, Out Cast, Over Spray, Stacy Jane, Marie E, and BattleAxe — were summoned to the stage and given trophies while the Gershowitzes called out stats about the winning fish and the prize money it fetched. The prize for the heaviest shark went to the crew of Alexa Ann who'd brought in a 417-pound mako and took home $105,000.
Waiting for ribs and sausage at the buffet, I asked Kevin which character in "Jaws" he most relates to.
By 9 p.m., the dining tent was all but deserted. The balloons swayed weakly, and the garbage cans, once filled with cold beer, were empty. The boisterous crews had retreated to their boats, which lay tucked, now silently, in their slips. I said goodbye to the crew of Reel Passion and then, feeling like Quint, followed the music to its source.
Under the second tent, surrounded by picked over buffet tables, the gravel dance floor gaped empty. I stood alone in front of the band, playing only for me.


text:
Jacob Louis Hazel (born 15 April 1994)  is a Saint Kitts and Nevis international footballer who plays as a striker for  club Darlington.

Career

Chesterfield
Hazel came through the youth system at Chesterfield, where he turned professional in 2012. He made his professional debut on 4 September 2012, in a 2–1 win at home to Oldham Athletic in the Football League Trophy, replacing Scott Boden in the 64th minute. He made his league debut four days later in a 2–2 draw away to York City. He made his home league debut on 29 September, replacing Craig Westcarr in the 89th minute of a 1–1 draw against Torquay United. It was his final first-team appearance for the club.

Loan spells
During his time at Chesterfield he had a number of loan spells in non-league football. He was sent on a month's loan to Matlock Town in December 2012, and to Workington in March 2013 for the remainder of the season. In June 2013 he joined Norwegian fourth-tier Sprint-Jeløy on loan for six months. He returned to England in late October, and was signed on a month's loan by Derbyshire club Buxton in January 2014. After making five appearances, he was loaned to Bradford Park Avenue until 8 March. His final loan, which included a 24-hour recall clause, was to FC United of Manchester for the remainder of the season.

Later career
On 13 May 2014, Chesterfield announced his release from the club. He moved on to Ashton United, before Mickleover Sports manager Glenn Kirkwood got his much-wanted signature in October 2014. After helping them gain promotion to the Northern Premier League, scoring 18 in 32 games, he moved to Frickley Athletic in August 2015 helping them to a 7th-place finished in a great season for the club.

On 15 May 2016, Hazel signed a one-year contract with National League North side Gainsborough Trinity. He made his debut for Farsley Celtic on 17 September 2016, after joining the club on a three-month loan deal. On 16 December 2016 he was signed by Scarborough Athletic.

He agreed terms with Frickley Athletic for a return to West Yorkshire in June 2017.

Hazel signed for Whitby Town at the start of the 2020–21 season. In his debut season, Hazel made nine league appearances and scored five times before the Northern Premier League season was ended early following the COVID-19 outbreak.

On 6 May 2022, Hazel joined National League North side Darlington on a two-year contract, for an undisclosed fee.

International career
He was on the bench for the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team in the two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification CONCACAF Second Round matches against El Salvador in June 2015. He made his debut for Saint Kitts and Nevis in a friendly 1–1 tie with Estonia on 20 November 2016.

Personal life
His father Des Hazel is a former footballer who played at professional levels for Sheffield Wednesday, Grimsby Town, Rotherham United and Chesterfield.

Career statistics

References

External links
Profile at the official Chesterfield website

1994 births
Living people
Saint Kitts and Nevis footballers
Saint Kitts and Nevis international footballers
English footballers
Association football forwards
Chesterfield F.C. players
Matlock Town F.C. players
Workington A.F.C. players
SK Sprint-Jeløy players
Buxton F.C. players
Bradford (Park Avenue) A.F.C. players
F.C. United of Manchester players
Ashton United F.C. players
Mickleover Sports F.C. players
Frickley Athletic F.C. players
Farsley Celtic F.C. players
Scarborough Athletic F.C. players
Gainsborough Trinity F.C. players
Whitby Town F.C. players
Darlington F.C. players
English Football League players
National League (English football) players
Northern Premier League players
Saint Kitts and Nevis expatriate footballers
Expatriate footballers in Norway
English expatriate footballers
English expatriate sportspeople in Norway
English sportspeople of Saint Kitts and Nevis descent
Citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis through descent

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Widener Law Commonwealth, East Stroudsburg University formalize partnership that will allow students to graduate college and law school in 6 years
Widener Law Commonwealth and East Stroudsburg University formalize 3+3 law degree program agreement. (Photo provided)
Daniel Urie | durie@pennlive.com
Widener Law Commonwealth and East Stroudsburg University have announced a partnership.
The partnership will provide the opportunity for East Stroudsburg University students to complete their undergraduate and law degrees in six years.
In 2020, both institutions agreed to a 3+3 program, which allows East Stroudsburg University undergraduate students to earn the final 30 credits of their bachelor's degree at Widener Law Commonwealth while simultaneously pursuing their juris doctor degree. That partnership has now been officially signed and formalized.
East Stroudsburg University students must notify the school in writing with their intent to participate in the program by the end of their freshman year and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. They must also earn a law school admission test score at or above the median of Widener's prior year entering class.
READ MORE: Elizabethtown College awarded a $1.2M grant to launch the Center for Equity and Sustainability in Engineering
Qualifying students must complete their major and general education requirements by the end of their junior year at East Stroudsburg University. Students must take the law school admission test no later than February of their junior year and apply to Widener Law Commonwealth by April 1 of their junior year.
"We are pleased to formalize our partnership with East Stroudsburg University," Michael Hussey, dean of Widener Law Commonwealth, said in a news release. "The 3+3 program is designed to help high-achieving students pursue their dream of a legal career at a quality law school, while also saving them significant time and money in pursuing their education. Our law school looks forward to working with ESU and its students."
East Stroudsburg University, is located in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County and was founded in 1853. The school is about two hours and ten minutes from Harrisburg.
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is based in Susquehanna Township and is about 15 minutes from downtown Harrisburg. The school has three specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, and Business Advising Program.


text:
We can't thank MS Dhoni for his services to the Indian cricket: Sourav Ganguly
By Sheheryar Amir
BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly had a word with MS Dhoni about his future in the Indian Cricket Team. Ganguly has decided not to reveal the talks yet, however; he highlighted the importance of the former Indian captain in their cricket team.
Ganguly has always been a huge supporter of MS Dhoni
"I can't say this here. We have had discussions with MS Dhoni. We will leave it at that," Ganguly told the local news network. "Somebody of that stature of MS Dhoni any respect. The BCCI can't be thankful enough for what he has done to Indian cricket."
Recently, MS Dhoni went on a territorial campaign with the Indian army and as a result, he made himself unavailable for the series against the West Indies, Bangladesh, and South Africa. "I have always said it's on MS Dhoni at the moment," Ganguly added. "It's on MS Dhoni. We will address that as and when it comes. Things should remain in closed doors, especially when it comes to dealing with legendary names."
"Yes, I have spoken to him since taking over as BCCI president. We are in touch. We speak to Virat Kohli as well. We speak to the selectors. That's where it lies at the moment.", Ganguly concluded. Dhoni has not made any decisions about his future yet. However, his services to the Indian cricket team cannot be sidelined.


text:
Daphne är en opera (op. 82) (bukolisk tragedi) i en akt med musik av Richard Strauss och libretto av Joseph Gregor.

Dafne i den grekiska mytologin

Berättelsen om guden Apollons kärlek till den vackra trädnymfen Dafne är en av de äldsta myterna från antikens Grekland. Den har varit inspiration för  poeter, musiker, skulptörer och målare genom tiderna. Till och med de tidigaste versionerna visar på skillnader, framför allt i tolkningen av relationen mellan guden och nymfen, i hennes förvandling samt vad gäller Leukippos roll i det hela. En version berättar hur kung Oinomaos son Leukippos blir förälskad i den vackra, kyska nymfen. För att kunna närma sig henne låter han håret växa, klär sig som en flicka och gömmer sig bland hennes väninnor. I denna förklädnad blir han hennes förtrogne men väcker samtidigt guden Apollons svartsjuka, som också älskar henne. Guden övertalar flickorna att ta sig ett bad i floden Ladon och Leukippos blir avslöjad. Flickorna dödar honom med spjut och jaktknivar. Dafne flyr från Apollon och just som han ska fånga henne hör Zeus hennes vädjan och förvandlar henne till ett lagerträd.

Den äldsta litterära hänvisningen till historien återfinns i skalden Ovidius Metamorfoser där episoden med Leukippos inte finns med. I dess ställe ger Ovidius en annan förklaring till Dafnes blygsel inför män. Under en diskussion förolämpar Apollon kärleksguden Cupido, som hämnas genom att avfyra en av sina vassa pilar mot Apollon. Detta gör att Apollon blir passionerat förälskar i den kyska nymfen. Cupido avfyrar även en pil mot Dafne, men denna pil är trubbig vilket får motsatt effekt hos henne. Så när Apollon jagar Dafne gör hon allt för att fly från honom. Han har nästan kommit ifatt henne när hon når floden Peneios. Flodguden Peneios (samma namn) är hennes far och i sin förtvivlan ber hon honom att förvandla henne till ett grönskande lagerträd. Hennes önskar blir uppfylld. (I andra versioner slukas hon av sin mor, jordgudinnan Gaia, och på den plats där hon försvann växer trädet upp.) Ovidius berättar hur Apollon lägger sin högra hand på trädstammen och ännu kan känna Dafnes hjärta slå under barken.

Dafne i musikhistorien
Berättelsen om Dafne är det äldsta kända verket som med dagens mått kan betecknas som en opera. Den italienske tonsättaren Jacopo Peris Dafne hade premiär 1597 men dessvärre existerar inte musiken längre utan bara texten. Den äldsta bevarade versionen av berättelsen är La Dafne av den italienske tonsättaren Marco da Gagliano som hade premiär 1608. Även den första tyska operan hade Dafnemyten som grund: Die Dafne från 1627 med text av Martin Opitz och musik av Heinrich Schütz. Även här har musiken gått förlorad.

Tillkomsthistoria
Efter succéerna med Salome och Elektra var den antika världen något som Strauss gärna ville skriva mer om. På 1920-talet hade han tankar på att liksom en gång Jacques Offenbach komponera en grekisk operett över ämnet med den Sköna Helena i Egypten. Resultatet blev den mindre lyckade operan Die ägyptische Helena. Samarbetet med författaren Stefan Zweig resulterade i operan Die schweigsame Frau 1934 och Strauss bad Zweig om ett nytt libretto. Men efter Adolf Hitler och nazismens framgångat i Tyskland och Österrike flydde Zweig, som var av judisk härkomst, till Sydamerika. Han hade dock föreslagit Strauss att samarbeta med den österrikiske teaterhistorikern Joseph Gregor. Strauss accepterade erbjudandet men samarbetet blev inte vad Strauss hade hoppats på. Gregor var ingen stor poet som Strauss tidigare librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal och ingen stor författare som Zweig hade varit. Han levererade pompösa metaforer där endast enkla naturskildringar hade räckt. Strauss ville ha "teater", Gregor gav honom istället teaterhistorik. Sommaren 1936 skickade Gregor tre olika versioner av librettot till Strauss, som returnerade varje med åtskilliga råd, förslag och begäran om ändringar. Jargongen dem emellan var inte lika artig som den hade varit mellan honom och von Hofmannsthal. I ett brev till Zweig gav han luft åt sin besvikelse:

Oupphörligen bad han Gregor att använda "färre platityder" och färre "klichéer", att inte "leka lärare", att använda rytmen och metern i texten för att förfina och förbättra resultatet. Gregor kämpade på, gjorde sitt bästa och till slut hade ansträngningarna givit resultat. En del av arbetet sköttes genom brevväxling men en stor del gjordes hemma i Strauss magnifika villa i Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Ju längre arbetet fortskrev desto mer engagerad blev Strauss i ämnet. Slutet av operan vållade dock problem. Men det löste sig när Strauss väl hade anförtrott sig åt sin nära vän och kollega, dirigenten Clemens Krauss:
Operan var ursprungligen tänkt att sluta med en storslagen hymn efter Dafnes förvandling till ett lagerträd. Peneios och Gaia var tänkta att återkomma för att sjunga en hymn till trädet. En dag i Garmisch tog Strauss mig åt sidan och sa: 'Läs igenom det från början, jag kommer ingenstans med slutet.' Efteråt sa jag helt ärligt till honom att hela idén med att samla alla på scenen och besjunga trädet var absurd. I samma ögonblick som människorna närmar sig det förvandlade trädet upphör det att vara Dafne och blir bara operarekvisita. Jag rådde honom att sluta operan med den synliga förvandlingen och den gradvisa förändringen av sång från mänsklig till naturljud. Jag sa till honom: 'Vi förstår inte träd när de susar men de säger säkerligen något.' Strauss höll med om detta och några dagar senare var utkastet färdigkomponerat.
Även Gregor höll med om att denna lösning var den bästa.

Premiär
Strauss slutförde komponerandet av Daphne på Sicilien (han skrev själv på sitt originalmanuskript "Taormina, 24 december 1937"). Då operan skulle sättas upp hade Strauss bestämda åsikter om kostymernas utförande. När han fick höra att Gregor hade uttryckt en önskan om att verket skulle utspelas på 500-talet skrev han befallande till honom:
Jag betraktar detta som helt omöjligt. Den Daphne som du åsyftar (förenad med naturen som hon är), springande runt som en annan antik Artemis! Hellre Botticelli: Primavera eller en Rubensk Apollo (eller Hermes?) som herde och Rubenska fauner! Jag kan inte förmå mig till att möta dig öga mot öga och diskutera dina grekiska kostymer! De är praktfulla på de tidiga skulpturerna och vaserna av marmor och terrakotta men fruktansvärda på teatern. Inte en enda sångare kan bära dem, de kan varken röra sig eller agera i dem! /.../ Jag har bestämt mig för fantasikostymer från vilket sekel som helst, gärna i grekisk stil men de måste vara klädsamma och användbara för tyska sångare. Jag känner till dessa grekiska klädesplagg, hur livlösa de hänger på kroppen. Alltså: Botticelli för Daphne, Rubens för övriga.

15 oktober 1938 uruppfördes operan på Semperoper i Dresden (mitt under Sudetkrisen). Karl Böhm dirigerade, Margarete Teschemacher sjöng rollen som Daphne och Torsten Ralf var Apollon. Ytterligare en svensk fanns med i rollistan, Sven Nilsson sjöng rollen som Peneios. Premiärkvällen inleddes med ett uppförande av operan Friedenstag, Strauss och Gregors första samarbete tillsammans. Idén med att uppföra båda enaktsoperorna vid samma tillfällen överlevde endast i ytterligare två uppsättningar, därefter övergav man försöket och spelade därefter de båda operorna separat.

1948 sattes operan upp i Buenos Aires med Erich Kleiber som dirigent och Rose Bampton i titelrollen. I New York uppfördes operan konsertant i Town Hall 1960 medan Santa Fe Opera i New Mexico var först med en komplett föreställning 1964. I Storbritannien sattes operan inte upp förrän 1987, då av Opera North i Leeds (på engelska).

Körstycket An den Baum Daphne
Den ursprungliga tanken att sluta operan med en kör lämnade Strauss ingen ro. 1942 återvände han till stycket och tittade igenom den ratade texten. Strauss tanke att låta uppföra Friedenstag och Daphne på samma kväll kom sig av att de båda kompletterade varandra: Friedenstag slutade med en stor förklaring till freden mellan människorna, Daphne var tänkt att sluta med en kör som sjöng om fred med naturen. Nu kunde den tanken äntligen realiseras. Strauss bad Gregor att skriva om texten till ett självständigt verk som han sedan tonsatte för kör a cappella i nio delar med titeln An den Baum Daphne (Epilog zu Daphne) (Vid Dafnes träd). Verket framförs som en konventionell dubbelkör med inpass av en överstämma för gosskör. Verket ska inte ses som ett komplement till operan utan som ett självständigt stycke men musiken är hämtad från operan. Stycket framfördes första gången i Wien den 5 januari 1947 under ledning av Felix Prohaska och tillägnades kören vid Wiener Staatsoper.

Personer

Handling
Speltid ca 1 timme och 40 minuter
Operan utspelas i det mytologiska Grekland, i ett pastoralt landskap vid foten av berget Olympen. Här bor fiskaren Peneios (identisk med floden Peneios (som rinner i bakgrunden) skyddsgud) med hustrun Gaia och deras dotter Daphne.

Fåraherdarna samlas för att förbereda kvällens fest, en fruktbarhetsrit till guden Dionysos ära. Daphne lyssnar till herdarnas sång och sjunger en hymn till naturens och dess syner och ljud. Hon känner en särskild samhörighet till naturen och liksom träden och blommorna älskar hon solen och dess strålar. Natten fruktar hon och denna natt i synnerhet. Den stämning som festen frambringar är henne främmande och skrämmande, liksom den extatiska förändring som tar tag i människorna omkring henne. Hon söker sig till ett träd men plötsligt hoppar Leukippos fram bakom det. Han är hennes barndomsvän och retar henne för hennes natursvärmeri. Själv är han redan uppfylld av festens anda och förklarar Daphne sin kärlek. Men hon avvisar honom och förklarar att hon aldrig har betraktat honom annat än en kamrat från barndomen. Till och med ljudet av hans flöjt är ingenting annat än ett eko av naturens ljud. I sin förtvivlan bryter Leukippos itu sin flöjt och försvinner.
Gaia kommer in med två jungfrur för att klä Daphne till festen. Daphne lovar att göra så men ber om lov att få ha sina vanliga kläder. Modern ger sitt godkännande och de båda går in i huset. De båda tjänarinnorna kan inte förstå hur någon kan motstå en sådan vacker klänning. När Leukippos kommer in, fortfarande ledsen, erbjuder de honom Daphnes klänning. Om han klär ut sig till en flicka skulle han kunna komma Daphne nära utan att hon skulle märka det. Efter en viss tvekan går han med på förslaget.
Peneios, Gaia och herdarna kommer tillbaka. Peneios är säker på att gudarna en dag kommer att visa sig bland människorna. När solens strålar skiner på Olympen blir han melankolisk över sitt gudomliga ursprung och ämnar hålla festen till solguden Apollons ära. Gaia varnar honom för att fresta gudarnas tålamod. Men för sent, ett fladdrande rött sken syns och en åskknall. Herdarna tror att det är en demon som kommer men det är Apollon förklädd till en enkel herde. Han påstår sig ha känt lukten av mat och sett deras eld. Peneios sänder efter Daphne för att ta hand om deras nya gäst och alla lämnar scenen. I sin ensamhet förebrår Apollon sig själv för att nedlåta sig till att lura andra. Daphne kommer in och i det skimrande månljuset påminner hon Apollon om hans syster Artemis. Han är skakad och känner en stark åtrå för henne. I enlighet med gamla sedvänjor tvättar hon hans händer och ger honom en mantel. Hon är misstänksam mot främlingen som hon aldrig har sett förut. Men han försäkrar henne att han är vän till familjen och att han har sett henne ofta från sin vagn. Han till och med upprepar en del av den hymn hon sjöng till naturen. Daphnes rädsla förbyts till tillit när han lovar henne att hon aldrig ska behöva skiljas från solen. Han omfamnar henne men när han kysser henne och börjar prata om kärlek flyr hon bort.

Festen har börjat. Peneios, Gaia och herdarna återvänder följda av en procession av kvinnor bärande dryckeskärl. I den vilda dansen försvinner några av herdarna med kvinnorna. En grupp av flickor anländer, däribland den förklädde Leukippos. Han närmar sig Daphne försiktigt och hon känner en attraktion inför den okända flickan som påverkar henne starkt. De börjar dansa tillsammans men Apollon har genomskådat förklädnaden och frambringar en åskknall av vrede som får dansen att stanna upp. Herdarna betraktar detta avbrott som hädelse. När de ber Apollon bevisa med vilken rätt han kan göra sådant manar han fram ett åskväder. Alla flyr för att ta hand om sina hjordar och endast Apollon, Daphne och Leukippos stannar kvar. Leukippos erkänner sitt bedrägeri och Daphne vänder sig bort, sviken och besviken. Då vänder sig Leukippos mot Apollon och uppmanar honom att demaskera sig och visa sin rätta identitet. Apollon tvekar men när även Daphne ber om detta berättar han vem han är: han är Apollon, solguden. Trots detta kallar Leukippos honom för en lögnare och även Daphne finner det svårt att tro på honom. När han ber henne att följa honom vägrar hon. Leukippos som nu är stärkt i sin misstro förbannar guden. Rasande höjer Apollon sin båge och skjuter en pil mot den flyende Leukippos. Först nu inser Daphne och den döende Leukippos vem främlingen är. Böjd över kroppen av sin forne barndomsvän sörjer Daphne honom, ty hon har till slut insett att det är honom som hon tillhörde. Hon avvisar Apollons klagan och förklarar att hon resten av sitt liv ska ägna åt minner av sin döde älskade.
Djupt rörd ber Apollon de andra gudarna att förlåta honom för att ha lurat människorna. Han ber sin fader Zeus att förvandla Daphne till ett lagerträd. Sedan försvinner han i mörkret. Zeus åtlyder bönen och Daphne förvandlas till ett lagerträd och hennes sång förvandlas också tills den bara hörs som ett vindsus bland löven.

Verkanalys
Denna naturopera börjar mycket passande med tonerna av en ensam oboe. Den svaras av flera träblåsinstrument som blandas med de individuella klangfärgerna hos engelskt horn och bassetthorn. I partituret har Strauss angivit att ett alphorn ska avbryta den pastorala stämningen men inget sådant instrument fanns att tillgå vid premiären eller vid senare uppsättningar. Istället användes förmodligen tromboner. Hornstöten signalerar att festen till vinguden Dionysos kan börja och scenen fylls av glada herdar. Richard Strauss var nog aldrig närmare naturen än i denna inledning av sin opera. Alla är glada utom Dafne som inte delar de andras extas inför den kommande riten. Eftersom varken hennes föräldrar eller de andra flickorna förstår henne vänder hon sig till naturen, till träden och blommorna med sin klagan Fremd ist mir alles, einsam bin ich.
In i denna strikt mänskliga och jordbundna miljö introducerar Strauss en gudomliga varelse i Apollons gestalt. Scenen när han och Dafne närmar sig varandra är något nytt för henne. Hon känner själsliga och andliga band som förenar henne med främlingen. Han väcker starka känslor inuti henne. Men styrkan i hans passion, omfamningar och kyssar skrämmer henne så mycket att hon än en gång sluter sig i själv. Att hon förblir stum medan Apollon och Leukippos grälar ger den senare mod, men när han utmanar guden dödar Apollon honom. Hans död tar också död på Dafnes flickaktiga drömmerier och konfronterar henne med en brutal verklighet. Strauss förvandlar Dafne till en kvinna och för sent väljer hon den döde Leukippos. På alla plan är hon nu förlorad för Apollon. Trots detta och för att inte förlora henne för evigt, samt för att sona sitt brott, ber han Zeus att förvandla henne till ett lagerträd. Men för henne är inte denna förvandling svaret på hennes efterlängtade böner, den betyder försakelse och åsamkar henne stor smärta. Hennes förvandling är ingen flykt från denna värld, den står för en högre kärlek och finns invävd i hennes sista ord: Menschen, Freunde, nehmt mich als Zeichen unsterblicher Liebe.

Daphne var färdig 1938 och skulle åtföljas av såväl Die Liebe der Danae som Capriccio. Men inte i något av dessa sena verk summerade Strauss allt vad han älskade och värdesatte under en livstids hängivenhet åt konsten, som han gjorde i denna sena enaktare. Den består av en syntes av hans ovillkorliga beundran för Richard Wagner tillsammans med hans kärlek till det antika Grekland. Den blickar ömsint tillbaka på allt som han värdesatte i den klassiskt romantiska stilperioden inom konsten. Den ger eko från Medelhavet då Apollon, liksom Bacchus i operan Ariadne på Naxos, störtar in på scenen med ett rop. Men Strauss upprepar sig ändå aldrig i Daphne. Musiken tar sin näring från tidiga verk men den står självständigt på egna fötter. De bågformade melodierna är vidare i sitt spann än någonsin förr. Ljudet är än mer förfinat. Dafnes första monolog O bleib, geliebter Tag är skimrande och drömlik. I operan har Strauss tagit bort det gudomliga temat och ersatt det med en mänsklig aspekt. Dafne och hennes föräldrar är mänskliga gestalter och allt som händer sker på det psykologiska planet. Inte heller ville han se operan som en allegori över sin tid, mera som ett tidlöst, humanistiskt synsätt på allmängiltiga problem som mänskligheten alltid har brottats med. Som i så många av Strauss operor är huvudpersonen en stark kvinna som självständigt vill forma sitt öde.

Orkesterbesättning
Träblåsinstrument
3 tvärflöjter (flöjt 3 dubblerar på piccoloflöjt), 2 oboer, Engelskt horn, 2 klarinetter, bassetthorn, basklarinett, 3 fagotter (fagott 3 dubblerar på kontrafagott)
Bleckblåsinstrument
4 horn, alphorn, 3 trumpeter, 3 tromboner, tuba
Slagverk
Pukor, bastrumma, tamtam, cymbaler, virveltrumma, triangel, tamburin
Stråkar
2 harpor, Violin I (16), Violin II (16), Viola (12), Cello (10), Kontrabas (8)
Klaverinstrument
Orgel

Diskografi (urval)

Referenser

Noter

Källor

Operor av Richard Strauss
Musikåret 1938
Teateråret 1938
Tyskspråkiga operor
Verk 1938
Ovidius-bearbetningar


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