text:
Veterans' courts provide a second chance
After the cheers fade away and the banners come down, many Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are finding themselves in tough situations.
"I ended up driving through a liquor store drunk and got in trouble for that," Afghanistan veteran Gregory Avila said. "I can't sleep if it's dark or quiet. I have trouble with large crowds of people or sudden movement and noises."
"All I know is before I joined the marines I never got in trouble, never got arrested, never even got a speeding ticket; I come back not even a month, I get a DUI," Iraq veteran Mariano Vazquez said. "I still feel like there's something wrong. Sometimes I think I'm crazy."
A wave of young war veterans is ending up in jail. The common thread among them appears to be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that leads to substance abuse and other crimes. The Veterans' Administration says almost one-third of returning veterans have PTSD, and now some advocates believe they deserve special treatment.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Stephen Manley presides over one of about 15 "veterans' courts" in the U.S. They began popping up last year to handle non-violent offenders.
"I have found that they are very often unaware of what benefits they have, and what their entitlements are and there is no communication between the Veterans Administration and the courts," Manley said.
Most of the veterans are drug offenders who need constant monitoring. Manley has been forging a relationship between the courts and the VA, creating a seamless program that can follow a veteran's progress.
"We have immediate action; this is just like an emergency room, we don't wait," Manley said.
But in Sonoma County, the wait for court rulings and VA mental health services is long.
There are approximately 37,000 veterans in Sonoma County and their only source for service is a small clinic that is only open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Matthew Jensen saw action in Fallujah as a marine. When the 24-year-old came home to Santa Rosa, he says he became suicidal.
Last year, Jensen told police there was an assault rifle in his parents' home where he lived and he needed help. The weapon was a war trophy from Iraq. Jensen was admitted to the VA hospital in Palo Alto.
"I came back four months later and all of a sudden got a phone call saying there was an warrant out for my arrest for having an assault weapon in California," Jensen said.
Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Gary Medvigy, thinks the district attorney's office has been too aggressive in its prosecution of veterans.
"We're still working on getting the DA and public defender on board with this concept," Medvigy said.
Medvigy is trying to establish a veterans' court in Sonoma County. He is an army reserve brigadier general and he thinks young veterans are easier to rehabilitate.
"I think someone who has spent time in the military reacts better, is able to benefit from that structured environment," Medvigy said.
Medvigy has not encountered any opposition, but in Nevada, the American Civil Liberties Union opposed a veterans' court calling it "preferential treatment."
"Our community owes them a debt, so I don't buy that argument whatsoever," Medvigy said.
So far, the effectiveness of veterans' courts is based on limited results. But in Buffalo, New York, where the first one was established only two out of 100 veterans failed the program. Judge Manley thinks it is because the courts are advocating for veterans instead of punishing them.


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=======Label: Unwucht=======
3 TOED SLOTH
... Against The Odds
(Unwucht - UN03) 2x7-inch $14.00
Six previously unreleased tracks of simian stomp, recorded live to half-inch tape in 1993. A planned seven-inch remained unrealized and the reels took a nap for seventeen years until Unwucht came to the rescue. Hand-photocopied gatefold sleeve, with a color postcard. Edition of 295.
BILL DIREEN
Six Impossible Things
(Unwucht - UN08) 12-inch $17.00 (Out-of-stock)
The first in Unwucht's four-part series that reissues Direen's early '80s seven-inches (this one originally a private pressing of 100 copies) on twelve-inch vinyl, restored and remastered from different sources, and cut especially loud and deep. High-quality, screen-printed sleeve with reproduction of the original artwork. Additional inserts with photos, drawings, and text from private archives. Edition of 350.
Soloman's Ball
The second in Unwucht's four-part series that reissues Direen's early '80s seven-inches (this one originally a private pressing of 100 copies) on twelve-inch vinyl, restored and remastered from different sources, and cut especially loud and deep. Direen and Meek take it slow and easy, layering menace over solid foundations and extending The Bilders' range from the lyrical acoustic harmonies of America to the gothic psychopathy of Son of Cronos, from subtle dub experimentation of "Strange Nights" to the shimmering darkness of "Dead Heat." High-quality, screen-printed sleeve with reproduction of the original artwork, and additional printed material. Edition of 350.
Die Bilder Schwimmen In Der See
(Unwucht) 12-inch $17.00 (Out-of-stock)
The third in Unwucht's four-part series that reissues Direen's early '80s seven-inches (this one originally released by Flying Nun in 1982) on twelve-inch vinyl, restored and remastered from different sources, and cut especially loud and deep. High-quality, screen-printed sleeve with reproduction of the original artwork, and additional printed material. Edition of 350.
High Thirties Piano
The final installment of Unwucht's four-part series that reissues Direen's early '80s seven-inches (this one originally a private pressing of 100 copies) on twelve-inch vinyl, restored and remastered from different sources, and cut especially loud and deep, and further restructured from an alternate mix containing the previously unreleased track "The Lamp"; an extended, five-and-a-half-minute version of "Kicks"; and two more unreleased songs from a private 1982 session. High-quality, screen-printed sleeve with reproduction of the original artwork, and additional printed material. Edition of 350. Includes bonus seven-inch
IMPRACTICAL COCKPIT
Pretty Totally
(Unwucht - UN02) LP $16.00
After recording their first record, Sounds of Nature (Trd W/D, 1999) as a duo, Impractical Cockpit became a trio, deeply intensified their dynamics, and moved to New Orleans. In full tripod mode, they cranked out infamous ninety-minute live sets, dragging the irregular out of the standard bass-drums-guitar lineup. Their wide open soul-suck sound mixes a retro-boozled howl with the ack ack attack of negative creeps such as Flipper. Their unique punch drunk logic ping-pongs its way through the echo tank and your flimsy human skull. Re-mastered in 2010, first time on vinyl. Packaged in jackets recycled from German thrift shops. Edition of 295.
MAD NANNA
I'm Not Coming Here / My Two Kids
(Unwucht - UN10) 7-inch $10.00
A Jandek-conjuring slow-burner on one side side, while the flip rocks hard into the Velvet Underground chug zone. Recorded at the Kof Gallery in Flemington, Australia, and Loons Bar in Lyttelton, New Zealand, both tracks are versions of the songs on their seven-inch released by Soft Abuse. File next to Slimy Adenoid & The Pablums, Vomit Visions and Deutscher Abschaum, if that's how you organize your stuff. With unique, rubberstamped postcard. Edition of 150
Krypton Ten (Christchurch 1981-1987)
(Unwucht - UN06) 2xLP $25.00 (Out-of-stock)
In the early '80s Onset Offset Records of Christchurch, New Zealand, released nine Krypton Hits compilations, most on small-run cassettes, one LP, a seven-inch, and a VHS videocassette, spotlighting brilliant local acts like The Riptoids, G.O.D., The Oxes, and Nick Slick, along with tons of otherwise unavailable material by well known artists like Bill Direen / The Bilders, Scorched Earth Policy and The Puddle, to name but a few. Unwucht's double-LP contains 28 Krypton selections and two archival tracks available for the first time: the full four-minute version of Bill Direen's High Thirties Piano; and a Devo-esque electro-punk track from 1981 by Drowning Is Easy (featuring M.S. Agro, later of the Terminals, on lead vocals). Includes two more early Bilders tracks (as The Cherry Smash and Ritual Sex), Scorched Earth Policy, The Puddle, Ritchie Venus & The Blue Beetles, The Gorillas (Steve McCabe's pre-Axemen high school band), We Too's Crushed Velvet Morning, a George Henderson solo opus from 1982 and tons more. Screen printed gatefold jacket, two pages of never-before-seen photos from the artists' private archives, two double-sided inserts of liner notes. Edition of 330.
Never See You Again - Augsburg 1982-85
Minimal synth, postpunk, and psychotic beat from the early '80s by three bands featuring Joachim Stender of P.D., Kurzschluss, Permutative Distorsion, Skartrack and l'Aventure Imaginaire. Tracks by Schatten Unter Eis -- from early Casio experiments to Some Bizzare-style synth pop -- reveal rapid development of the band during their short time of existence. The legendary recording of Wahnvorstellung documents the band almost getting thrown off stage by a dumb rock audience. Flow My Tears The Policeman Said is garage rock in a Beauty Contest / Painless Dirties vein, remembered for Stender's mutation into a madman when they performed live. Edition of 110.
A Range of Greatdividing
(Unwucht - UN01) LP $15.00 (Out-of-stock)
Vinyl reissue of Greatdividing's comp previously available in cassette and CDR editions. Two previously unreleased tracks from 3 Toed Sloth (with Tom Feedtime on drums), Shoptoprockers, Exiles From Clowntown, Rock Boycott, The Yellow Steed, and Deep Brain Thrombosis. "Primal, guitar scrawl," yammers Arthur magazine, "With ... free-chug moves that prove Oz is still the sexiest dirtbarge 'neath the meridian." Screen-printed, diecut jacket.
RITCHIE VENUS
Rocking To The Grave
Ritchie Venus's accomplishments going back to the mid-'60s include impersonating Elvis, making films, writing 500+ songs, releasing a seven-inch on Flying Nun in 1983, touring with The Troggs, and releasing numerous LPs, singles, cassettes and CDs on Christchurch's Onset Offset, the label he still runs with Campbell McLay. Unwucht's reissue of his 1998 cassette, recorded at home with a drum machine and cheap gear, shows off Venus's talent as a songwriter, musician, singer and arranger. This desperate glance backward at an aging rock singer's career is full of sorrow, failure, and humor (when the last of the audience is dead, he kills his band and rocks on forever). One particular highlight is "Listen, World," written in 1975, with Axemen's Steve McCabe on noise guitar and Patrick Faigan of Say Yes To Apes / Brother Love on drums. Screen printed jacket. Edition of 150.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A couple of pictures taken in April 1983 and May 1986 respectively showing Babbington Colliery (Cinderhill), Nottingham. As you can see, they are principally intended to be bus pictures, but the presence of the pit in the background is not accidental; the viewpoints were deliberately chosen. Nevertheless it is extremely frustrating that the fine tandem headgear is not shown complete.
If there is one (personal) consolation for the loss of the pit on this site, it is that it is now served by the new Nottingham tram!


At the core of Precision Die Cutting'sSM business is our wide range of ever evolving rotary die cutting and optically registered stamping techniques and processes, performed in cleanroom environment. This processing expertise, coupled with our material development and testing resources allows Precision Die Cutting to help solve our customer's most challenging problems. Our culture is based upon the continual quest to try things that have never been done before.


text:
Last chance to enter Norfolk Agricultural Apprentice of the Year competition
Published: 9:52 AM April 20, 2018 Updated: 7:45 PM October 9, 2020
Norfolk Agricultural Apprentice of the Year 2017. Pictured from left - Matthew Wilson (runner up), Molly Sellar (winner), Richard Anscombe (Fram Farmers), Ryan Rix (runner up) and Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich. Picture: John Nice. - Credit: John Nice
Farming apprentices have less than a week to stake their claim to be named the Norfolk Agricultural Apprentice of the Year.
The competition – launched last year by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Easton and Otley College and agricultural co-operative Fram Farmers – is open to all apprentices with a Norfolk employer who are studying for any agriculturally-related apprenticeship.
The deadline for entries is April 27 before judging takes place on May 16. The winner receives a trophy, £100 and two tickets to The Royal Norfolk Show, where the prizes will be presented.
Nicola Currie, the apprenticeship ambassador for the college, said: 'We are all keen to promote the fact that farming is a wonderful industry to work in and apprenticeships are a real alternative to university and A-levels.
'Last year's winners were shining exemplars of what can be achieved by following the apprenticeship educational path and I'm sure the entrants from this year will be just as impressive.'
Mark Nicholas, show and programmes director at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, said: 'As an organisation we are constantly looking at ways of promoting the exciting career opportunities that are available within our fantastic industry.
'Therefore we are proud to stand side by side with all of the partners involved in this competition that aims to shine a light on these fantastic qualifications that are becoming more and more popular with both students and farmers.'
Fram Farmers chief executive Richard Anscombe, said: 'Fram Farmers is delighted to sponsor this award as we are committed to helping highlight the benefits of apprenticeships in Norfolk so that our industry will have the skilled labour force it needs – both now and in the future.'
• For more information about how to enter the competition, contact nicola.currie@eastonotley.ac.uk.


Picture this: You're all dressed up for a night out. You certainly look the part of a dashing damsel from head to toe, and why not? You splashed out on a gorgeous black dress, new pumps and stud earrings. But your excitement quickly fades when you notice that your legs are not as smooth as you wished – there are stray hairs that are quite noticeable! It is too late to go to the salon for a touch-up. So you need to find a quick fix at home. But figuring out which method to use can be a little confusing. So we've recommended a few ways to approach the issue.
Shaving is a good option to try when you want to remove hair in a hurry. The razor cuts the hair close to the skin in one swipe. It can be used on the body except for delicate areas of the skin and certainly never on the face. However, the hair grows back in a rough stubble in just a couple of days. If you must shave, do use a shaving gel or foam and be gentle when running the blade across the skin.
Cold waxing helps remove hair from the body quickly and at home. Each strip comes with pre-applied wax. They are handy to use on difficult-to-reach areas and delicate skin in the underarms and bikini line. Waxing keeps the hair away longer as compared to shaving – as long as four weeks. Let your hair be at least ¼ inches long before you apply the wax strip, or the wax will not be able to grab the hair properly.
To use a cold wax strip, warm it by rubbing between your hands. Peel away the cover and rub the strip on your skin. Pull away against the direction of hair in one smooth motion. Afterward, apply a soothing aloe vera gel or cream to calm the skin and reduce any redness. The cold wax strips are mess-free: just use and discard safely after you finish. You can use a special wipe or soapy water to remove any excess wax on the skin.
Depilatory creams are a painless method of hair removal. They take hardly any time to work and are great for women with a low pain threshold. The cream breaks away the hair's keratin structure, thus making it soft like jelly and easy to remove. If you have sensitive skin, you can choose a variant that is formulated for your skin type. The cream may be used even on the delicate facial area. Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin is fortified with the goodness of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, which are skin-soothing ingredients. Another upside to these creams is that they also keep regrowth at bay for up to two days longer than shaving.
Depilatory creams also provide a more affordable option than costly salon appointments. Simply apply on the hair in an even stroke and wait for the prescribed time. Wipe off with a soft towel or rinse the cream using cold water. Pat dry completely, reapplying cream to any straggling hairs left behind.
Hair removal no longer needs to be a time-consuming, tedious affair. Shaving is good if you're pressed for time. Waxing is best if you have some time to spare and want long term smoothness. And depilatory creams are pain-free, affordable and easy to use. So now that you know the different methods you can use, you can pick the one that suits you best and have smooth, hair-free skin that you always wanted.


text:
Thompson v. Dauphinais
DAVID THOMPSON; AARON DOWNING; JIM CRAWFORD; and DISTRICT 18 of the ALASKA REPUBLICAN PARTY, Plaintiffs,
PAUL DAUPHINAIS, in His Official Capacity as the Executive Director of the Alaska Public Offices Commission; and MARK FISH, IRENE CATALONE, RON KING, KENNETH KIRK, and VANCE SANDERS, in Their Official Capacities as Members of the Alaska Public Offices Commission, Defendants.
MEMORANDUM OF DECISION
TIMOTHY M. BURGESS, UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE.
Plaintiffs David Thompson, Aaron Downing, Jim Crawford, and District 18 of the Alaska Republican Party ("District 18") bring this lawsuit against Defendants Paul Dauphinais, Mark Fish, Irene Catalone, Ron King, Kenneth Kirk, and Vance Sanders (collectively, "Defendants" or "the State") to challenge the constitutionality of four provisions of Alaska's campaign finance laws under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.[1] The Court called this matter for bench trial on April 25, 2016. The parties concluded their arguments and presentations of evidence on May 3, 2016, [2] and subsequently submitted post-trial briefs.[3] Having carefully considered the pleadings, exhibits, trial testimony, arguments of counsel, and the applicable law, the Court makes the following findings of fact and conclusions of law.[4]
In 1996, the Alaska Legislature enacted Chapter 48 SLA 1996 for the purpose of "substantially revis[ing] Alaska's campaign finance laws in order to restore the public's trust in the electoral process and to foster good government." Chapter 48 SLA 1996 was based on a ballot initiative drafted by Michael Frank and certified by Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer, and established, among other things, $500 annual limits on the amount an individual could contribute to a candidate for state office or to a group that was not a political party, as well as aggregate limits on the dollar amount a candidate could accept from political parties or individuals who were not residents of Alaska. None of the contribution limits were indexed for inflation. Chapter 48 SLA 1996 became effective January 1, 1997.
In 2003, the Alaska Legislature modified Alaska's campaign finance laws by enacting Chapter 108 SLA 2003. Chapter 108 SLA 2003 relaxed some of the campaign contribution limits set by Chapter 48 SLA 1996, including by raising the amount an individual could contribute to a political candidate or group that was not a political party from $500 to $1, 000, annually. Chapter 108 SLA 2003 became effective September 14, 2003.
Three years later, 73 percent of Alaska voters voted in favor of Ballot Measure 1, which proposed revising Alaska's campaign finance laws to lower the amount an individual could contribute to a political candidate or group that was not a political party back to $500 per year. The $500 base limits became effective December 17, 2006.
Plaintiffs in this case are individuals and a subdivision of a political party who contributed or attempted to contribute the maximum dollar amount permitted under Alaska's current campaign finance laws, as established by the above session laws and initiatives. Downing is an Alaska resident who, in 2015, contributed $500 to the campaign of mayoral candidate Larry DeVilbiss and to the campaign of state house candidate George Rauscher, the maximum contribution amounts permitted under Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b). Crawford is an Alaska resident who, in 2015, contributed $500 to the campaign of mayoral candidate Amy Demboski and to the Alaska Miners' Association Political Action Committee, the maximum contribution amounts permitted under Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b). Thompson is a Wisconsin resident and brother-in-law to Alaska State Representative Wes Keller who, in 2015, attempted to make a $500 contribution to Keller's campaign, but was unable to do so because the campaign had already received the maximum dollar amount it could accept from nonresidents under Alaska Stat. 15.13.072(e)(3). And District 18 is a subdivision of the Alaska Republican Party that was limited to a $250 contribution to Amy Demboski's mayoral campaign, the maximum amount that it was permitted to contribute under the aggregate limit on the dollar amount a campaign can accept from a political party set forth in Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(d)(4).
By this suit, Plaintiffs challenge four distinct parts of Alaska's campaign finance laws under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Each challenged provision is discussed individually below. In relief, Plaintiffs seek a declaratory judgment that each of the challenged provisions are unconstitutional, a permanent injunction prohibiting the State from enforcing the challenged provisions, and full reasonable costs and attorney's fees under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
The Court has jurisdiction over this case pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1343. This civil action arises under the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution and 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
III. ANALYSIS
It is well established that the First Amendment protects political association as well as political expression.[5] It is equally well established that laws which limit the amount of money a person may give to a candidate or campaign organization intrude upon both of those First Amendment interests, [6] as a contribution serves both "as a general expression of support for the candidate and his views" and "to affiliate a person with a candidate."[7] But because "contributions lie closer to the edges than to the core of political expression, "[8] laws which regulate political contributions, as opposed to political expenditures, are subject to "a lesser but still 'rigorous standard of review.'"[9] Under that standard of review, "state contribution limits will be upheld if (1) there is adequate evidence that the limitation furthers a sufficiently important state interest, and (2) if the limits are 'closely drawn.'"[10] The State bears the burden of establishing both prongs of the constitutional inquiry.[11]
After Citizens United, what constitutes a sufficiently important state interest to support limits on campaign contributions has narrowed. Now, the prevention of quid pro quo corruption, or its appearance, is the only state interest that can support limits on campaign contributions.[12]"That Latin phrase captures the notion of a direct exchange of an official act for money, "[13] or "'dollars for political favors.'"[14] Campaign finance laws that pursue other objectives, such as reducing the amount of money in politics, restricting the political participation of some in order to enhance the relative influence of others, or targeting the general gratitude a candidate may feel toward those who support him or his allies, "impermissibly injects the Government 'into the debate over who should govern'" and thus cannot survive constitutional scrutiny.[15]
a. Counts One and Two: Individual-to-Candidate and Individual-to-Group Base Limits
Plaintiffs first challenge the provisions of Alaska's campaign finance laws that prohibit an individual from contributing more than $500 per year to a candidate for political office and to a group that is not a political party.[16] They argue that the $500 individual-to-candidate and individual-to-group base limits set forth in Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b) are not closely drawn to further the sufficiently important state interest of combating quid pro quo corruption or its appearance.
i. Sufficiently important state interest
As part of that argument, Plaintiffs contend that Defendants did not present adequate evidence at trial to establish that Alaska's $500 base limits further the sufficiently important state interest of combating quid pro quo corruption or its appearance. The Court disagrees.
At trial, the State put forward evidence that the risk of quid pro quo corruption or its appearance in Alaska politics and government is both actual and considerable. To start, Dr. Gerald McBeath, a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who was qualified as an expert in this case on the topic of Alaska state and local politics and government, identified several factors that make Alaska highly, if not uniquely, vulnerable to corruption in politics and government. The first of these factors is legislative size. Alaska has the second smallest legislature in the United States and the smallest senate, with only twenty senators. As Dr. McBeath explained at trial, that means that just ten votes can stop a legislative action such as an oil or gas tax increase from becoming law. Consequently, the incentive to buy a vote, and the chances of successfully doing so, are therefore higher in Alaska than in states with larger legislative bodies. A second factor is Alaska's almost complete reliance on one industry for a majority of its revenues. The percentage of Alaska's budget generated by royalties, taxes, and revenues from oil and gas is the highest among all of the oil and gas producing states in the United States. In fact, it is exponentially greater: typically 85 to 92 percent in Alaska compared to less than 50 percent for every other state. Another factor making Alaska susceptible to corruption in politics and government is its small population coupled with its vast size. According to Dr. McBeath, these characteristics make enforcement of campaign finance laws much more challenging, as it limits both the number and abilities of watchdog organizations.
In addition to Dr. McBeath's testimony, the public officials who appeared at trial, regardless of whether they were called by Plaintiffs or the State, uniformly testified that they experienced and observed pressure to vote in a particular way or support a certain cause in exchange for past or future campaign contributions while in office. Defense witness David Finkelstein, a former Alaska state representative who served from 1989 to 1996 testified that "there was an inordinate influence from contributions on the actions of the legislature, " and that legislators would often mention which interest groups had contributed large amounts to their campaigns or to their party during closed-door caucus meetings over whether particular bills would move forward. He further testified that "it inevitably would affect [his] vote if [he'd] received a thousand dollars or stacks of thousand dollar[ ] checks, from one side and not the other." Defense witness Charles Wohlforth, who served two terms as a member of the Anchorage Assembly from 1993 to 1999, similarly testified that "the system was rigged by money[ed] interests and that too frequently the decisions of the assembly were controlled by those interests and their desires, based on the kind of contributions they would make." And Eric Croft, who is currently a member of the Anchorage Assembly and who previously served in the state legislature for ten years, testified at trial that although he has never been directly asked for a political favor in exchange for a contribution, he has experienced situations where "it [was] clear that if you don't vote the way somebody wants, you're not going to get their continued contribution."
Witnesses for the Plaintiffs also provided evidence that some large contributors expect political favors in exchange for their contribution.[17] Senator John Coghill testified that on one occasion during the legislative session, he was approached in the hallway of the State Capitol by a lobbyist demanding that Senator Coghill vote a certain way, saying "This is why we gave to you. Now we need your help." Senator Coghill refused, and those represented by that lobbyist never made a contribution to Senator Coghill again. Bob Bell testified that during his tenure on the Anchorage Assembly in the 1990s, an oil executive offered to hold a fundraiser for him if he would publicly support a private prison project in South Anchorage. When Bell refused to support the project, the oil executive held a fundraiser for his opponent instead.
Beyond this testimony, the State presented evidence about the widely publicized VECO public corruption scandal, in which approximately ten percent of the Alaska Legislature, including state representatives Vic Kohring, Pete Kott, and Beverly Masek, were directly implicated for accepting money from Bill Allen and VECO, Allen's oilfield services firm, in exchange for votes and other political favors.[18] A surveillance video from the VECO investigation introduced at trial showed Kohring in a Juneau hotel room asking Allen and Rick Smith, another VECO official, for help with his (Kohring's) $17, 000 debt. In the video, Kohring accepts a relatively small cash payment from them in response to his request, and then, in the same exchange, asks Allen and Smith what he can do for them on oil tax legislation that was then pending before the Alaska Legislature. After being criminally charged, Kohring wrote a newspaper column in which he stated that other legislators were no better than he was and were unfairly critical of him because he got caught.
The State also introduced at trial a Government Ethics Center study commissioned by the Alaska State Senate in 1990 in which the Government Ethics Center surveyed Alaska legislators, public officials, and lobbyists as to the image of and the public trust in the Alaska Legislature. The study concluded that "that things are not what they should be" and that "[t]he reputation and image of the legislature is unacceptably low." Of particular relevance to this case, the survey results showed that 24 percent of lobbyists surveyed believed that "about half" or more of Alaska's legislators could "be influenced to take or withhold some significant legislative action . . . by campaign contributions or other financial benefits provided by lobbyists and their employers, " and that 40 percent of legislators surveyed believe that very few members of the public had a sufficiently high degree of trust and confidence in legislators' integrity.[19]
Taking all of the testimony and other evidence together, the Court finds that Defendants have made an adequate showing that the risk of quid pro quo corruption or its appearance in Alaska politics and government from large campaign contributions is pervasive and persistent.[20]Quid pro quo corruption, or even its appearance, undermines public trust in the electoral process and government. Having concluded that the $500 base limits set forth in 15.13.070(b) further Alaska's sufficiently important interest in preventing quid pro quo corruption or its appearance, the Court turns to the question of whether those $500 limits are "closely drawn" to further that interest.
ii. Closely drawn
In determining the constitutionality of Alaska's $500 base limits, Plaintiffs contend that the Court should apply the two-part, multi-factor "closely drawn" test articulated by the Supreme Court in Randall v. Sorrell[21] rather than the test laid out by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Eddleman.[22] Plaintiffs' position, however, is foreclosed by the Ninth Circuit's opinion in Lair.[23]In Lair, the Ninth Circuit considered whether and to what extent Randall abrogated Eddleman's "closely drawn" analysis.[24] Applying Miller v. Gammie, [25] it found that "there simply was no binding Randall decision on that point, "[26] and that the district court's decision to apply Randall's "closely drawn" analysis to the contribution limits at issue in that case was therefore legal error.[27] The Court will therefore determine the constitutionality of Alaska's campaign contribution laws using Eddleman's "closely drawn" test.
Under Eddleman's "closely drawn" test, limits on contributions are "closely drawn" if they "(a) focus narrowly on the state's interest, (b) leave the contributor free to affiliate with a candidate, and (c) allow the candidate to amass sufficient resources to wage an effective campaign."[28] In conducting that tailoring analysis, a court must be "mindful that the dollar amounts employed to prevent corruption should be upheld unless they are 'so radical in effect as to render political association ineffective, drive the sound of a candidate's voice beyond the level of notice, and render contributions pointless.'"[29]
Here, Plaintiffs do not dispute and the Court agrees with Defendants that the base limits set forth in Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b) leave an individual free to affiliate with a candidate. Plaintiffs do, however, dispute that Alaska's $500 base limits focus narrowly on Alaska's interest in the prevention of quid pro quo corruption or its appearance. They further claim that the State has failed to prove that the $500 base limits allow candidates, particularly challengers in competitive races, to amass sufficient resources to run effective campaigns. The Court addresses each claim in turn.
1. Focus narrowly
Citing Frank's testimony as to why and how he selected $500 as the individual-to-candidate and individual-to-group contribution limit amounts for his ballot initiative back in the 1990s, Plaintiffs contend that the $500 individual-to-candidate and individual-to-group contribution limits were put in place for impermissible purposes other than preventing quid pro quo corruption or its appearance, and that the State therefore cannot show that those limits satisfy the first part of Eddleman's "closely drawn" test. But Plaintiffs' argument forgets that Ballot Measure 1, which established the current $500 base limits and which was approved by a 73 percent margin of Alaska voters, explicitly contemplated an anticorruption purpose.[30] Indeed, the statement in support of the successful initiative included in the Alaska Division of Elections voter information packet stated as follows:
Corruption is not limited to one party or individual. Ethics should be not only bipartisan but also universal. From the Abramoff and Jefferson scandals in Washington D.C. to side deals in Juneau, special interests are becoming bolder every day. They used to try to buy elections. Now they are trying to buy the legislators themselves.
Plaintiffs also argue that the $500 base limits impermissibly restrict their free speech and associational rights because Defendants have not shown that a higher contribution limit, such as a $750 or $1, 000 limit (or even a $500 limit indexed for inflation), would be ineffective at preventing quid pro quo corruption or its appearance. That argument, however, misunderstands both the Court's role in assessing and the State's task in proving the constitutionality of a contribution limit. In Buckley, the Supreme Court rejected an overbreadth claim that the $1, 000 contribution limit at issue in that case was "unrealistically low" because "much more than that amount would still not be enough to enable an unscrupulous contributor to exercise improper influence over a candidate or officeholder."[31] In rejecting the claim, the Buckley Court adopted the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia's observation that "[i]f it is satisfied that some limit on contributions is necessary, a court has no scalpel to probe whether, say, a $2, 000 ceiling might not serve as well as $1, 000."[32] The law instead requires "a fit that is not necessarily perfect, but reasonable; that represents not necessarily the single best disposition but one whose scope is in proportion to the interest served."[33] In the context of this case, that means that the State need not prove that $500 is the highest possible contribution limit that still serves to prevent quid pro quo corruption or its appearance, but rather that the challenged $500 contribution limits further that interest and also permit candidates to "amas[s] the resources necessary for effective advocacy."[34]
What is more, the State did elicit testimony at trial indicating that the $500 individual-to-candidate and individual-to-group limits are, in fact, likely more effective at furthering the State's interest in preventing quid pro quo corruption or its appearance than a hypothetical $750 or $1, 000 limit. Professor Richard Painter, whom the Court qualified as an expert in government ethics and institutional corruption with an emphasis on campaign finance reform, explained that lower contribution limits are often more effective at decreasing the risk of quid pro quo arrangements or their appearance because they make a candidate less dependent upon an individual or group of individuals for financial support, especially in a state like Alaska where the cost of campaigns for state or municipal office are relatively low. Lower limits often increase the donor base and decrease the impact of an individual contribution, thus making it easier for a candidate to decline a contribution contingent upon the performance of a political favor. Consistent with Professor Painter's expert testimony, Croft testified that the higher the contribution limit, "it's harder and harder to turn that down."
Finally, with respect to the individual-to-group contribution limit, the Court finds that Defendants have made the appropriate showing that Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b)'s individual-to-group limit focuses narrowly on the State's interest in reducing the risk of quid pro quo corruption or its appearance, as it works to keep contributors from circumventing the $500 individual-to-candidate base limit. The Supreme Court in McCutcheon affirmed that the anti-circumvention interest originally recognized in Federal Election Commission v. Beaumont[35]remains valid after Citizens United.[36] Alaska's campaign finance laws define a "group" as "two or more individuals acting jointly who organize for the principal purpose of influencing the outcome of one or more elections and who take action the major purpose of which is to influence the outcome of an election."[37] Under Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(c), a group that is not a political party may contribute up to $1, 000 per year to a candidate. Without the $500 individual-to-group limit, an individual could make unlimited donations to a group, $1, 000 of which could then be passed on to the candidate-double the individual-to-candidate limit.
2. Amassing sufficient resources to effectively campaign
In addition to their argument that the $500 base limits set forth in Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b) do not focus narrowly on the State's interest in avoiding actual or apparent quid pro quo corruption, Plaintiffs argue that those limits are unconstitutionally low under the third prong of Eddleman's "closely drawn" test. While it is certainly true that a contribution limit that is too low "could itself prove an obstacle to the very electoral fairness it seeks to promote, "[38] the Supreme Court in Buckley specifically rejected the contention that $1, 000, or any other amount, was a constitutional minimum below which legislatures could not regulate.[39] It instead held that courts should determine "the outer limits of contribution regulation by asking whether there was any showing that the limits were so low as to impede the ability of candidates to 'amas[s] the resources necessary for effective advocacy.'"[40] In making that determination, the Ninth Circuit has instructed courts to "look at all dollars likely to be forthcoming in a campaign, rather than the isolated contribution" and to "consider factors such as whether the candidate can look elsewhere for money, the percentage of contributions that are affected, the total cost of a campaign, and how much money each candidate would lose."[41]
In this case, Plaintiffs claim that the $500 base limits set forth in Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b) are not closely drawn because they do not allow candidates in Alaska, and in particular challengers in competitive races, to amass the resources necessary for effective advocacy. But Plaintiffs' evidence does not show that Alaska's $500 base limits are "'so radical in effect as to render political association ineffective, drive the sound of a candidate's voice beyond the level of notice, and render contributions pointless.'"[42] Michael Gene Pauley, a campaign manager and consultant whom the Court qualified as an expert in Alaska political campaigns, testified that he considers Alaska's $500 base limits to be too low because they are not indexed for inflation, because the cost of campaigns is generally increasing, and because the limits are annual in nature. Pauley further testified that most challengers in Alaska do not enter political races in the off year. Plaintiffs also offered the testimony of Senator Coghill, who testified that he has always been able to raise sufficient funds to run an effective campaign, but that it was "just harder" under the current $500 limits than under the $1, 000 limits because "the lower limits do cause you to have to go broad." In other words, it requires more work.
Plaintiffs also called Clark Bensen, a consultant and a former director of political analysis for the Republican National Committee whom the Court qualified as an expert "in the area of analyzing campaign finance data for the purpose of determining whether contribution limits permit candidates to amass the resources that they need to mount effective campaigns, " to testify at trial. Based on his analysis of campaign finance data for the State of Alaska, Bensen opined that the $500 base limits set forth in Alaska Stat. 15.13.070(b) are unconstitutionally low because candidates in competitive campaigns often spend more than they raise and because those candidates would be able to raise more money if the $500 limits were instead $750 or $1, 000. The Court, however, does not find Bensen's testimony to be credible. At trial, Mr. Bensen acknowledged that his analysis ...


IIa Technologies Achieves Certification for ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 | IIa Technologies Pte. Ltd.
Singapore, 18 September 2014 – IIa Technologies, a leading high quality diamond grower, is pleased to announce that it has been certified as having met the international standards of ISO 14001:2004, an Environmental Management Standard and ISO 9001:2008, a Quality Management Standard.
As a Singapore-based company, IIa Technologies has always had access to a robust governing framework that encourages a transparent business environment, safeguarded by a rigorous & impartial public audit process. This has been the backbone of the company since its inception in 2005. IIa Technologies has always maintained the highest standards of corporate governance & business processes, supported by Singapore's strong regulatory frameworks and guidelines from financial institutions that have supported the company since inception. One of the few diamond growers to meet both ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certification requirements, IIa Technologies has demonstrated its commitment to implement quality management systems designed such that it responds effectively to every client's needs, while abiding to the prescribed environmental responsibility.
The ISO 9001:2008 certification is related to quality management systems and designed to help organisations ensure that they meet the needs of customers, shareholders and employees. The ISO 14001:2004 is for the environmental management of businesses and prescribes controls for those activities that have an effect on the environment.


text:
HOT GALLERY: 16 Years Later, Snakkle Checks In with the Cast of Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
By Tom Hardej on April 25, 2012
Alan Cumming turns 50 and Snakkle looks back on the 18 year anniversary of Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. So grab your post-its, your big cell phones, and your quick-burning cigarettes for the woman on the go, as we check-in with the stars and to find out where are they now.
Hot Gallery: Check Out The Good Wife Cast Before the Courtroom
By Elizabeth Perkins on November 10, 2011
This brilliantly acted drama is riding high following Julianna Margulies's Emmy and Golden Globe wins for her role as scorned wife Alicia Florrick. But Margulies is only one of many fantastic actors on this show, all of whom were making their mark long before the show premiered on CBS. Take a look back at these actors before they were stars.
See "Uncle" Pete Davidson Meet John Mulaney's Son Malcolm
Jeannie Mai Keeps It Real When Sharing the "Hardest Part" of Motherhood


"THE WET PLATE PROJECT" is a first ever, unique approach to snowboard and action photography shot by experimental lifestyle and accomplished snowboard photographer Ian Ruhter (*). The Foursquare Team (*) along with Ian set out to shoot snowboarding in an entirely new way, through one of the oldest photo processes ever developed, Wet Plate Photography.
This process - also called collodion - combines dangerous chemicals and developing systems (using an 8 x by 10 Deardorff camera) to create gritty, detailed metallic images on glass, an experimental and difficult departure from modern photography. Using this process, glass plates are coated with collodion liquid, allowed to set, then sensitized in a bath of silver nitrate, and finally exposed for a few seconds, or up to several minutes, before being immersed in a bath of potassium cyanide to develop. The challenge: Ruhter needed to shorten the exposure time significantly to capture fast motion under intensely bright lights. (Note: The only other person who successfully did this was Edward Muybridge, who photographed a man riding a galloping horse in 1878).


Scotland Debt Solutions' director, Adam Southard, joined Dave Stewart on Kirkcaldy Community Radio this lunchtime to discuss how Scottish residents could avoid getting into debt this Christmas, as well as offering financial tips for the year ahead.
Christmas can be notoriously expensive, and it is more important than ever to keep a tight reign of your finances when enjoying the festivities at this time of year. This ensures you enter the New Year in as sound a position as possible and look forward to a financially healthy 2018.
Adam discussed the importance of having a clear and workable budget in place going forward to ensure monthly outgoings do not exceed the money coming in. He also had advice for Scots already struggling under the pressure of mounting debt. Adam's main piece of advice was to tackle the situation head-on and the importance of not burying your head in the sand, something which will only make the problem worse.
Adam talked through the various different formal debt solutions such as sequestration, trust deeds, and debt arrangement schemes. Each solution has its own positive and negative aspects, and it is vital that expert advice is sought before committing to one course of action. The right solution depends on an individual's level of debt and their income, meaning that what may be the right move for one person, could be entirely wrong for someone else.
Adam also gave sound advice regarding informal debt solutions such as negotiating with creditors to see if a more preferable arrangement can be reached. This could take the form of negotiating full and final settlements, or having the interest frozen on the account for a period of time.
Scotland Debt Solutions understand the importance of moving swiftly when it comes to dealing with debt. As a result, we offer free face-to-face consultations, often on the same day, where you can meet with a specialist adviser who will go through all of the options available to you and recommend the best solution to help you get your finances back on track.


text:
define(function () {
    'use strict';

    return function () {

        /**
         * Setup your 3rd party "<%- vendor %>" script here
         */

    };
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
[WATCH] Rihanna Releases "Lift Me Up" Music Video
By Devon Black On 31 October 2022
Following the return of Rihanna to music with the single "Lift Me Up," she doubled back with the official video.
he global icon, designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the top-selling digital singles artist of all time has made her return with the single "Lift Me Up," a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and will be featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler collaborated on the song. The song was produced by Göransson and was recorded in five different nations.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By, the upcoming soundtrack, will be released from Roc Nation Records/Def Jam Recordings/Hollywood Records starting November 4. Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis, and Dave Jordan produced the soundtrack. Hollywood Records will release Ludwig Göransson's Ludwig Göransson's The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Original Score on November 11.
You can hear the single below.
R3HAB & Icona Pop's Sunny 'This Is How We Party' Is a Body Mover: Listen
Jennifer Lopez's Alleged Real-Life "Hustlers" Character Releases Strip Club Tell-All
Khalid Raises $500K For El Paso Shooting Victims After Benefit Concert
Up10tion Debut on Social 50 Following Release of New Album 'The Moment of Illusion'


text:
/* This Source Code Form is subject to the terms of the Mozilla Public
 * License, v. 2.0. If a copy of the MPL was not distributed with this file,
 * You can obtain one at http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/. */

.light-button {
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/* Header */

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.domain {
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/*======= Controls toolbar =======*/

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.button {
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/*======= Font style popup =======*/

.dropdown-popup {
  min-width: 300px;
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.dropdown-popup > hr {
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.dropdown-arrow {
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  top: 30px; /* offset arrow from top of popup */
  left: -16px;
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
  background-image: url("chrome://global/skin/reader/RM-Type-Controls-Arrow.svg");
  display: block;
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#font-type-buttons,
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#font-type-buttons > button,
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  background-color: transparent;
  border-left: 1px solid #B5B5B5;
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#color-scheme-buttons > button {
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#font-type-buttons > button:first-child,
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#font-size-buttons > button,
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  height: 60px;
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#font-type-buttons > button:active:hover,
#font-type-buttons > button.selected,
#color-scheme-buttons > button:active:hover,
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/* Make the serif button content the same size as the sans-serif button content. */
#font-type-buttons > button > .description {
  color: #666;
  font-size: 12px;
  margin-top: -5px;
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/* Font sizes are different per-platform, so we need custom CSS to line them up. */
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  margin-top: 2px;
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#font-type-buttons > .sans-serif-button > .description {
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.button:hover,
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.dropdown.open,
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.plus-button {
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  background-size: 18px 18px;
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.footer {
  height: 64px;
  background-color: #ebebeb;
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
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.remove-button {
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/* Android-only controls */
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.close-button {
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text:
Home Products College Station Depot 1938
College Station Depot 1938
This beautifully and skillfully drawn depiction of the College Station train depot in 1938 shows Benjamin's draftsmanship as an artist. Reveille 1(1931-1945) is visible in the lower left. The "Broom Brigade" also shown, were cadets that swept out the train when it stopped in College Station, in the hope of meeting girls.
The College Station train depot is one of the most important buildings in the history of the city of College Station and Texas A&M University. When train travel was the main mode of transportation, it was the gateway to and from the small community isolated on the Texas prairie, and eventually it became the namesake of the city of College Station in 1938 when the city became incorporated. The original train depot was a very small Victorian building built in 1883. It was replaced in 1900 when Southern Pacific took over the Houston and Texas Central Train Line. Around 1925, the College Station Train Depot was enlarged keeping the main architectural elements. Benjamin created this pencil drawing to depict the depot in 1938 when the city was incorporated, and the city officials met in the depot to make that historic decision. Vehicular traffic slowly replaced train travel, and by 1954 the depot was no longer in use. It was razed overnight in 1966 to make room for the expansion of Wellborn Road.
After years of in-depth research and with his degree in Architecture from Texas A&M, Benjamin set out to design an exact replica of the 1900 depot as his gallery and to promote the arts in the community. This was a very ambitious and challenging feat for an artist with a small gallery. He prevailed, and the College Station Depot was dedicated on October 2, 2001 by Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Size 17"x6"/ ArtPaper - Limited Edition
Category: aggie, college station depot, print, Reveille, Texas A&M, Texas A&M history, train


A husband and wife went riding on the range with their pet dogs one day when a mountain lion happened upon their party. The worst could have happened, were it not for the man's mule. What happened next was utterly shocking.


text:
module CharAppManager
	#####################
	###APP##MANAGEMENT###
	#####################

	command([:charmanage, :cm]) do |event, action = nil, *params|
		break unless check_event(event)
		if event.channel.private?
			event.respond "You should execute this in a server, you know."
		elsif action.nil?
			event << "You didn't specify what you want to do."
			event << "Available actions: `#{list_cm_actions.join('`, `')}`"
			event << "You may also specify a character name in place of an action as an alias to view it."
			event << "Please note that it must be the full valid name for a character name to work."
		else
			act = "cm_#{action.downcase}".to_sym
			if self.respond_to?(act)
				#rp!cm <act>
				self.send(act, event, params)
			elsif !(get_charid2(event.server.id, action).empty?)
				#rp!cm <character>
				self.send(:cm_view, event, [action, *params])
			else
				event << "I didn't understand what you wanted me to do."
				event << "Available actions: `#{list_cm_actions.join('`, `')}`"
				event << "You may also specify a character name in place of an action as an alias to view it."
				event << "Please note that it must be the full valid name for a character name to work."
			end
		end
		nil
	end

	command([:view, :set, :setprop, :list, :search, :delete]) do |event, *params|
		event.bot.execute_command(:charmanage, event, [event.command.name, *params])
	end

	def self.cm_view(event, params = nil)
		servid = event.server.id
		charid = get_charid(event, servid, params[0])
		return if !charid

		msg = ""
		#-------------#
		propmsg = []
		fieldmsg = []
		c = @characters[servid][charid]

		#####PROPERTIES#####
		propmsg << "Info for Character ##{charid}:"
		c.properties.each_pair {|k,v|
			case k
			when "charid" then next
			when "ownerid"
				dist = get_distinct(event, v)
				if dist.nil?
					propmsg << "`[Property] Owner ID`: #{v} (User has left this server)"
				else
					propmsg << "`[Property] Owner`: **#{dist}**"
				end
			else
				propmsg << "`[Property] #{k}`: #{v}"
			end
		}

		#####CHAR#FIELDS#####
		c.fields.each {|k,v|
			fieldmsg << "`#{k}`: #{v}"
		}

		cl = Discordrb::CHARACTER_LIMIT
		pl = 0; fl = 0
		p_j = propmsg.join("\n");
		f_j = fieldmsg.join("\n")
		pl = p_j.length; fl = f_j.length
		if pl+fl+1 > cl   #If, combined with a line break, it would be over the character limit
			if pl > cl or fl > cl   #If either would be over the character limit
				#We should send it as a file
				sv_fn = chardir = File.join($config["datadir"], "charappmanager", "characters", servid.to_s, "char_#{charid}.json")
				temp_fn = File.join($config["tempdir"], "#{servid}_char_#{charid}.txt")

				unless File.exist?(temp_fn) and test('<', sv_fn, temp_fn)
					msg_to_dump = "#{p_j}\n#{f_j}"

					File.write(temp_fn, msg_to_dump, {:mode => 'w'})
				end

				f = File.open(temp_fn, "r")
				msg_info = "The result was too long, so I've dumped it to a file."
				event.send_file(f, caption: msg_info)
			else
				#Send it as two separate messages
				event.respond p_j
				event.respond f_j
			end
		else
			msg << "#{p_j}\n#{f_j}"
		end
		#-------------#

		event.respond msg unless msg.empty?
	end

	def self.cm_set(event, params = nil)
		userid = event.user.id
		servid = event.server.id
		charid = get_charid(event, servid, params[0])
		return if !charid

		msg = ""
		if is_owner?(servid, charid, userid) or check_admin(event)
			field = params.empty? ? nil : params[1]
			field_text = params.empty? ? nil : (params[2].nil? ? nil : get_text_param(event, params))
			#key = @characters[servid][charid].field_get(field)

			if field.nil?
				msg = "Please specify a field to edit!"
			elsif field_text.nil?
				key = @characters[servid][charid].field_get(field)
				msg << "What do you want to do with `#{field}`?\n"
				if key.nil?
					msg << "If you want to create that field, just put some text after the field name!"
				else
					msg << "If you want to edit that field, just put some text after the field name!\n"
					msg << "Alternatively, if you want to delete that field, just type `delete` after the field name."
				end
			elsif field_text.downcase == "delete"
				key = @characters[servid][charid].field_get(field)
				if key.nil?
					msg = "That field does not exist."
				elsif default_fields.keys.include? key
					@characters[servid][charid].fields[key] = ""
					msg = "Field `#{key}` for that character has been wiped."
				else
					@characters[servid][charid].fields.delete key
					msg = "Field `#{key}` for that character has been deleted."
				end
			else
				key = @characters[servid][charid].field_get(field)
				if key.nil?
					@characters[servid][charid].fields[field] = url_block(field_text)
					msg = "Field `#{field}` for that character has been created."
				else
					@characters[servid][charid].fields[key] = url_block(field_text)
					msg = "Field `#{key}` for that character has been changed."
				end
			end
			save_char(servid, charid)
		else
			msg = "You do not have permission to do that!"
		end

		event.respond msg unless msg.empty?
	end

	def self.cm_setprop(event, params = nil)
		userid = event.user.id
		servid = event.server.id
		charid = get_charid(event, servid, params[0])
		return if !charid

		msg = ""
		if check_admin(event)
			prop = params.empty? ? nil : params[1]
			prop_text = params.empty? ? nil : (params[2].nil? ? nil : get_text_param(event, params))
			#key = @characters[servid][charid].prop_get(prop)

			if prop.nil?
				msg = "Please specify a property to edit!"
			elsif prop == "charid"
				msg = "You are not allowed to set the character ID."
			elsif prop_text.nil?
				key = @characters[servid][charid].prop_get(prop)
				msg << "What do you want to do with `#{prop}`?\n"
				if key.nil?
					msg << "If you want to create that prop, just put some text after the prop name!"
				else
					msg << "If you want to edit that prop, just put some text after the prop name!\n"
					msg << "Alternatively, if you want to delete that prop, just type `delete` after the prop name."
				end
			elsif prop_text.downcase == "delete"
				key = @characters[servid][charid].prop_get(prop)
				if key.nil?
					msg = "That property does not exist."
				elsif default_props.keys.include? key
					@characters[servid][charid].properties[key] = ""
					msg = "Property `#{key}` for that character has been wiped."
				else
					@characters[servid][charid].properties.delete key
					msg = "Property `#{key}` for that character has been deleted."
				end
			else
				key = @characters[servid][charid].prop_get(prop)
				if key.nil?
					@characters[servid][charid].properties[prop] = prop_text
					msg = "Property `#{prop}` for that character has been created."
				else
					prop_text = prop_text.to_i if key == "ownerid"
					@characters[servid][charid].properties[key] = prop_text
					msg = "Property `#{key}` for that character has been changed."
				end
			end
			save_char(servid, charid)
		else
			msg = "You are not allowed to set properties on characters."
		end

		event.respond msg unless msg.empty?
	end

	def self.cm_list(event, params = nil)
		servid = event.server.id
		if @characters[servid].empty?
			event.respond "This server has no characters registered yet. Be the first!"
			return
		end
		pagination = make_list(event, @characters[servid])

		page = params.empty? ? 0 : params[0]
		page2 = page.to_s.downcase
		if page2 == "all"
			userid = event.user.id

			ftext = "List of all characters:\n\n"
			ftext << pagination.join("\n")

			time = (Time.now.utc - (60*60*5)).to_s << "-5"
			filename = File.join($config["tempdir"], "#{servid}_#{userid}_#{time}.txt")
			filename.gsub!(/:/, "-")

			File.write(filename, ftext, {:mode => 'w'})

			f = File.open(filename, "r")

			event.user.send_file(f, "Here's the full list of characters.")
			event.respond ":mailbox_with_mail: Please check your DMs! If you don't receive one, check your privacy settings and try again!"
		elsif page2 == "@me" or page2 == "me"
			userid = event.user.id
			pagination = make_list(event, @characters[servid].select {|c|
				next if c.nil?
				c["ownerid"] == userid
			})
			text = "List of all characters owned by **#{event.user.distinct}**:\n\n"
			text << pagination.join("\n")

			event.respond text
		else
			event.respond list_to_string("List of all characters:", pagination, params[0], 10)
		end
	end

	def self.cm_search(event, params = nil)
		#rp!am search "FIELD/PROP" OP "TEXT"
		#Optionally, allow searching through last results
		#OPERATORS:
		# = EQ    || EQUALS   (text == searchtext)
		# ~ HAS   || CONTAINS   (text.match?(/.*searchtext.*/i))
		# REG `regex` || REGEX   (Regexp.new(regex).match(text))
		# !op NOT || NOT

		#p params
		field = params[0]
		op = params[1]
		searchtext = params[2]
		servid = event.server.id
		page = params.nil? ? 1 : (params[3].nil? ? 1 : params[3])

		msg = ""
		if field.nil?
			msg = "Please specify a field to search!"
		elsif op.nil?
			if !(event.message.mentions.empty?)
				#rp!cm search <@mention>
				self.send(:cm_search, event, ["owner", "EQ", event.message.mentions[0].mention])
			else
				self.send(:cm_search, event, ["Name", "CO", field])
				#msg = "Please specify a correct search operator to use!\n"
				#msg << "You may also specify a character name, or mention someone to search all their characters."
			end
		elsif searchtext.nil?
			msg = "Please specify something to search with!"
		else
			op = operator_check(op)
			if op.nil?
				msg = "Please specify a valid search operator!"
			else
				if field.downcase == "owner"
					if event.message.mentions.empty?
						m = []
						m << "Searching by `owner` requires a mention!"
						m << "If you want to search by the owner's ID, try using `ownerid` instead of `owner`."

						event.respond m.join("\n")
						return
					else
						field = "ownerid"
						searchtext = event.message.mentions[0].id.to_s
					end
				end
				if op == "REGEX" || op == "!REGEX"
					# ^\s*\/.*\/\w*\s*$
					searchtext.gsub!(/^\s*\//i, '')
					searchtext.gsub!(/\/\w*\s*$/i, '')
				end
				results = do_search(servid, field, op, searchtext)
				if results.length == 0
					msg = "No results!"
				else
					results_output = make_list(event, results)
					msg = list_to_string("List of results:", results_output, page, 20)
				end
			end
		end
		event.respond msg unless msg.empty?
	end

	def self.cm_delete(event, params = nil)
		userid = event.user.id
		servid = event.server.id
		charid = get_charid(event, servid, params[0])
		return if !charid

		msg = ""
		if is_owner?(servid, charid, userid) or check_admin(event)
			if params[1] == "confirm"
				@characters[servid][charid] = nil
				msg = "Character has been deleted."
				save_char(servid, charid)
			else
				msg = "**Are you sure you wish to delete this character?**\n"
				msg << "This action *is* reversible, but only by the owner of this bot.\n"
				msg << "Type `#{event.content} confirm` to confirm that you wish to delete."
			end
		else
			msg = "You do not have permission to delete that character!"
		end
		event.respond msg unless msg.empty?
	end

	#####################
	####LIST##METHODS####
	#####################
	def self.list_to_string(prepend, list, page = nil, results_per_page = 10)
		page = page.nil? ? 0 : page.to_i-1
		page_limit = (list.length-1).div(results_per_page)+1

		list_page = list_pagination(list, page, results_per_page)

		msg = "#{prepend}\n\n"
		list_page.each {|l| msg << "#{l}\n"}
		if page_limit > 1
			msg << "\nPage #{page+1}/#{page_limit}"
		end
		msg
	end
	def self.make_list(event, array_of_characters)
		output = []
		array_of_characters.each {|char|
			next if char.nil?
			listnum = output.length+1

			name = char["Name"]
			name = name.nil? ? "Unnamed Character" : name

			charid = char["charid"]

			ownerid = char["ownerid"]
			ownerdist = get_distinct(event, char["ownerid"])
			ownertext = ownerdist.nil? ? "OwnerID: #{ownerid}" : "Owner: **#{ownerdist}**"

			text = "`#{listnum}.` #{name} (ID#`#{charid}`; #{ownertext})"

			output << text
		}
		output
	end

	def self.list_pagination(array, page = 0, results_per_page = 10)
		a_start = results_per_page * page
		return [] if a_start >= array.length || a_start <= -results_per_page
		a_end = a_start + results_per_page - 1
		array[a_start..a_end]
	end

	#####################
	###SEARCH##METHODS###
	#####################
	def self.do_search(servid, field, op, searchtext)
		do_search_repeat(@characters[servid], field, op, searchtext)
	end

	def self.do_search_repeat(array, field, op, searchtext)
		#op = operator_check(op)
		return [] if op.nil?
		searchtext.downcase!
		array.select {|char|
			next if char.nil?
			f = char[field]
			if f.nil? then next
			else
				f = f.to_s.downcase
				true if case op
				when "==" then f == searchtext
				when "!==" then f != searchtext
				when "=~" then f.include? searchtext
				when "!~=" then !f.include? searchtext
				when "REGEX" then f =~ /#{searchtext}/i
				when "!REGEX" then !(f =~ /#{searchtext}/i)
				end
			end
		}
	end

	def self.operator_check(op)
		case op.upcase
		when "EQ", "EQUALS", "=", "=="
			return "=="
		when "CO", "CONTAINS", "~", "~=", "=~"
			return "=~"
		when "REG", "REGEX"
			return "REGEX"
		when "!EQ", "!EQUALS", "!=", "!=="
			return "!=="
		when "!CO", "!CONTAINS", "!~", "!~=", "!=~"
			return "!=~"
		when "!REG", "!REGEX"
			return "!REGEX"
		else
			return nil
		end
	end

	#####################
	###HELPER##METHODS###
	#####################
	def self.list_cm_actions
		self.methods.collect {|m| m[3..-1] if m[0..2] == "cm_"}.compact
	end

	def self.is_owner?(servid, charid, userid)
		@characters[servid][charid]["ownerid"] == userid
	end

	def self.get_distinct(event, ownerid)
		u = event.server.member(ownerid)
		return u.nil? ? nil : u.distinct
	end

	def self.get_charid(event, servid, charid_or_name)
		if charid_or_name.nil?   #No character ID specified
			event << "Please specify a character ID or name."
			return false
		end

		cids = get_charid2(servid, charid_or_name)

		if cids.length == 0   #Invalid and empty character IDs will return an empty array
			event << "That character could not be found!"
			return false
		elsif cids.length > 1
			#Just in case someone wants to be sneaky and use a charid as a name
			cids2 = cids.select {|char|
				char["charid"] == charid_or_name.to_i
			}.first
			if cids2.nil?
				msg = "Your character name matched multiple results.\n"
				msg << "Please re-execute this commend with the corresponding ID from the list below:"
				cids_output = make_list(event, cids)
				event << list_to_string(msg, cids_output, 1, 10)
				return false
			else
				return cids2.properties["charid"]
			end
		else
			return cids[0].properties["charid"]
		end
		#cid.length > 1 ? nil : cid[0]
	end

	def self.get_charid2(servid, charid_or_name)
		return nil if charid_or_name.nil?
		@characters[servid].select {|char|
			next if char.nil?
			char["charid"] == charid_or_name.to_i || (char["Name"].nil? ? false : char["Name"].downcase == charid_or_name.to_s.downcase)
		}
	end

	def self.get_text_param(event, params)
		pos = 0
		c = event.content

		# Quote stuff here is to deal with an issue regarding quotes in field names.
		bpos = c.index(params[1].gsub(/"/, '\\"'))
		pos = bpos + params[1].length + params[1].count('"')

		pos -= 1 unless (c[bpos-1] == '"' && c[pos] == '"')
		pos += 2

		text = c[pos..-1]
		text = text[1..-2] if (text.start_with?('"') && text.end_with?('"'))
		text
	end
end


We now have a shiny new page on the site that gathers our iTunes reviews from across the globe and puts them all in one place.
It's wonderful to see how many people have taken the time to write positive reviews, and we are grateful to all of you!
If anyone else is moved to share your thoughts in the form of a review, we would love to see it! Just pop over to the Apple site or fire up your iTunes client and let us know what you think.
But seriously, the points you made in your review were good ones and gave us a lot to think about. We really are grateful!


Set directly in the spa town of Bad Kissingen in the Bavaria region, Ferienwohnung Maria - Bad Kissingen is a modern apartment featuring a balcony with views of the mountains towards the town centre and castle ruins. It is 25 km from Schweinfurt and 47 km from Würzburg. The fully furnished apartment consists of 1 bedroom, kitchen, a dining/living room with sofa bed, TV, private bathroom, and free WiFi.
Please inform Ferienwohnung Maria - Bad Kissingen in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
Guests will receive a bill to pay by credit card or bank transfer prior to arrival. A cash payment is required at check-in for any remaining amount.
A parking permit will be provided for free parking in front of the building and designated areas in Bad Kissingen.
Guests receive a spa guest card which offers access to many attractions at a reduced rate, as well as transport connections to other spa towns from March to October.


In case you are travelling to a world location for enterprise or pleasure there isn't any hurt in taking journey insurance coverage. For below fifty you might be coated below any accident in addition to lack of property by theft or displacement. Some insurances are basic in nature masking the fundamental dangers whereas there are others that are extra particular. Therefore it's best to learn fastidiously as to what dangers are coated once you take a insurance coverage coverage of journey.It's best to keep in mind that emergencies do not name and are available. They could seem any time and so they may very well be extra dangerous, particularly if you find yourself in international land. There are various worldwide vacationers who do not discover it essential to purchase journey insurance coverage however they merely do not know its significance. Within the case of any eventuality they should shell large bills from their pockets and bear a loss. For instance, in the event you meet with an accident in a rustic comparable to United States (the place the price of therapy is extraordinarily excessive) and you do not have worldwide journey insurance coverage then the therapy will burn a deep gap in your pocket. At the moment you would want that you simply had taken insurance coverage of journey which might have saved you a couple of thousand at the very least.Shopping for journey insurance coverage may be very straightforward and in many of the instances your journey agent who has booked your tickets and your resort will supply it as add on service. So you do not have to go wherever else to purchase worldwide journey insurance coverage. It simply takes 5 minutes to finish the process after which you might be able to go. Your employer may also prepare on your this insurance coverage in case it decides to ship you overseas for work. Since you might be crucial asset to the group the employer wouldn't like something drastic to occur to you. And if he doesn't purchase journey insurance coverage then he should shell out bills in case something occurs to his worker in international land.The insurance coverage agency additionally has affiliations with hospitals world wide. Therefore in case you have a medical emergency then the hospital will deal with you in case the journey insurance coverage is affiliated to that specific hospital. Right this moment there are various insurance coverage corporations providing worldwide journey insurance coverage. The journey agent is related to these corporations and he sells journey insurance coverage to his purchasers which creates a win win state of affairs for all events. Even in case you have a medical emergency in international land comparable to evacuation by helicopter then the insurance coverage firm will allow you to within the process, particularly if it has an affiliation with the hospital. Therefore so far as potential it's best to get a world journey insurance coverage coverage of that agent who's out there since a very long time and who has good associations with medical organizations world wide.Other than the medical emergencies,it might probably additionally allow you to in case of lack of paperwork comparable to passport and theft of bags.


As of April 1, leaf and yard waste, including grass clippings, are no longer accepted in green bins — please use a brown paper yard waste bag or an open top rigid reusable container marked with a yard waste sticker (included in each Recycling & Waste Calendar). Yard waste stickers cannot be placed on green bins or blue boxes. Green bins should only be used for food scraps and soiled paper products like napkins and pizza boxes. Styrofoam containers and black plastic, such as takeout trays and coffee cup lids, are no longer accepted in blue boxes and are now garbage. For more information, please click here.


text:
Red Sox make Roenicke interim manager; 'permanency' on hold
by: JIMMY GOLEN, Associated Press
Posted: Feb 11, 2020 / 01:43 PM CST / Updated: Feb 11, 2020 / 05:41 PM CST
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Brandon Workman leaves after reporting for spring training baseball Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — It took Ron Roenicke almost five years to get another chance as a major league manager.
He'll need to wait at least until next week for "permanency."
The Red Sox made Roenicke their interim manager Tuesday, promoting the former Brewers skipper to replace Alex Cora on the day Boston's pitchers and catchers reported for the start of spring training.
Although there is no expiration date on Roenicke's tenure, the interim tag will stay until Major League Baseball completes its investigation into whether the Red Sox engaged in illegal sign-stealing during their 2018 World Series championship season. If the probe clears Roenicke, who has denied being part of any rules violations, he is expected to stay.
"We felt that naming Ron our interim manager was the best way to respect the investigation that's ongoing into our 2018 club. But we feel very strongly about Ron's ability to lead this group and how well-suited he is for this task," Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said in a news conference on the eve of the team's first formal workout.
"We have no reason to think that there is anything that would cause an adverse result for Ron in this investigation," Bloom said. "We're going to respect the ongoing investigation and we'll address permanency once it's complete."
Just one year after winning the World Series in his first season in Boston, Cora was let go when Commissioner Rob Manfred named him as a ringleader behind the Astros' 2017 illegal sign-stealing. The Red Sox have maintained that there was no similar scheme after Cora took over in Boston the next year.
Manfred said last week that he hoped to have the Red Sox investigation completed before the start of spring training. But a person with knowledge of the probe said Tuesday the investigation will continue at least into next week. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because there was no formal announcement.
Red Sox pitchers and catchers reported Tuesday and have their first workout Wednesday. Rather than open spring training without a manager, the team gave the job to Roenicke — for now.
General manager Brian O'Halloran said the team heard from people inside and outside the organization who spoke highly of Roenicke.
"I know you did a lot of background check on me," Roenicke said. "I'm glad it turned out well."
Roenicke, 63, takes over a team that is dealing with the fallout not only from the cheating investigation but also the salary dump of onetime AL MVP Mookie Betts and Cy Young winner David Price.
"You don't replace Mookie Betts, who is one of the best players in the game. David Price … you don't replace him. But you move forward," Roenicke said. "This team, they're focused on what they can do and showing people wrong.
"This is a really good ballclub. There are some tremendous athletes on this team," he said. "And you hope that the guys you replace them with become great players. And whether it's this year, whether it's a few years. You just keep moving on."
After winning a franchise-record 108 regular-season games and the World Series in 2018, Cora's first year, the Red Sox followed that up by missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
"We're very disappointed — as all these players are — in what happened last year," Roenicke said. "And our focus is to try to get back in the playoffs, and seeing what happens after that."
Roenicke spent five years as the Brewers manager from 2010-15, winning 96 games and the NL Central title in his first season and finishing as runner-up for NL manager of the year. In all, he led Milwaukee to a 342-331 record in five seasons.
"Right away, I thought I would" get another chance, Roenicke said. "But then as years go by you, you kind of wonder about it."
Roenicke batted .238 with 17 homers and 113 RBIs as an outfielder and pinch hitter with six teams from 1981-88. The younger brother of major-leaguer Gary Roenicke, he went on to coach in the Dodgers and Angels systems before taking over the Brewers in the 2011 season.
"Whether it's a good season, which I had my first year, or whether it's a poor season, which we had my last year there, you're still learning things. And all the time I'm thinking about, 'What could I have done better?'" he said. ""I want to do this job better."
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this story.
'Kill on site,' Police in Louisiana investigating threatening sign aimed at CEOs of news organizations


Under the umbrella of the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange project, registration for the Interactive Open Online Course "Introduction to Dialogue Facilitation" is now open.
The course starts on November 12, 2018. This is a paced course which requires participants to complete activities each week, for a total of 4 weeks. Participation is open to everyone, and it is free of charge.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be eligible to continue their qualification to become an Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Facilitator.
Read more about the course content, learning outcomes and assessment here.
Registration will close on November 11, 2018.
More information can be consulted on the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Hub on the European Youth Portal.


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View source for Ogata Kenzan
← Ogata Kenzan
[[File:Kenzan-dishes.jpg|right|thumb|320px|Four of a set of 12 dishes, produced and decorated by Kenzan, depicting themes of the twelve months of the year. Collection of LACMA.]] *''Born: [[1663]], Kyoto'' *''Died: [[1743]]'' *''Japanese'': [[尾形]]乾山 ''(Ogata Kenzan)'' Ogata Kenzan was a significant [[Edo period]] ceramics artist, famous too as a poet, calligrapher, and [[tea ceremony]] aficionado. Along with his elder brother, the painter [[Ogata Korin|Ogata Kôrin]], he may be considered a co-founder of the [[Rinpa school]] of art. His father Ogata Sôken died in [[1687]]. Originally named Ogata Gonpei, and also known as Shinsei, he took on the [[art-name]] Ogata Kenzan in [[1699]]. That same year he had a kiln built in Narutaki near [[Ninna-ji]] (on the outskirts of Kyoto), and began producing ceramics. In [[1709]], Kôrin returned to Kyoto, and began collaborating more closely with Kenzan once again. Kenzan then relocated from Narutaki to central Kyoto in [[1712]], and began focusing more on decoration than on ceramic production, ordering ceramic blanks from area kilns rather than making his own. It is unclear how much longer he remained in Kyoto, with some sources indicating he was in [[Edo]] from [[1711]] to [[1734]], and others that Kenzan moved to Edo in [[1731]]. In any case, he entered the service, or perhaps merely the circle, of the abbot of [[Kan'ei-ji]], and established a kiln at Iriya. The local Rotary Club today maintains a marker or sign, noting the former location of that kiln. He died in [[1743]] at the age of 81, and was buried at Zen'yô-ji in Edo's Shitaya Sakamoto neighborhood. However, over the years, his grave fell out of memory, until [[Sakai Hoitsu|Sakai Hôitsu]] sought it out and discovered it in [[1823]], erecting a new stone marker. Four years earlier, Hôitsu had overseen restoration efforts at Kôrin's grave. Zen'yô-ji moved to a new location, in [[Toshima-ku]], when [[Ueno Station]] was expanded in the late [[Meiji period]] (c. 1900-1912), and Kenzan's grave marker came to be located in the gardens of the Kokka Club, in Uguisudani. Then, in 1921, it was moved to Kan'ei-ji, being moved once again sometime afterward to Zen'yô-ji's new location in Tôshima-ku. Meanwhile, in 1932, memorial markers for Kenzan were re-erected at Kan'ei-ji, where they are still visible today. Plaques at [[Myoken-ji|Myôken-ji]] (the site of Kôrin's grave) in Kyoto, however, claim that Kenzan's grave is located there.<ref>Plaques at Myôken-ji, Kyoto.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/4690170797/in/photostream/]</ref> {{stub}} ==References== *Plaques on-site at Kan'ei-ji.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/13529651094/] <references/> [[Category:Edo Period]] [[Category:Artists and Artisans]]
Return to Ogata Kenzan.
Retrieved from "http://samurai-archives.com/wiki/Ogata_Kenzan"


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Half Sister, Karlovy Vary Film Festival
Two Slovenian half-sisters reluctantly begin to bond when they are forced to share a home ♦
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It's not easy to mine a fresh vein in the well-dug world of dysfunctional family, but Slovenian Damjan Kojole does so with his highly entertaining Half-Sister. It's a significant departure from his previous offering, Nightlife, for which he won the director's prize in Karlovy Vary in 2016; where that film was visually striking, dramatic and unremittingly bleak, this is a more intimate, accessible character-study, less cinematic but very funny and narratively more satisfying. While the film should prosper on the festival circuit, its scenario might well be considered ripe for adaptation for English-speaking audiences.
Irena (co-writer Urša Menart) and Nêza(Liza Marijina) are half-sisters with nothing in common other than their father, Silvio (Peter Musevski), and the disdain with which they treat both him and their mothers (Anja Novak, Labina Mitevska). Irena is a hairdresser, about to divorce; she's tall, blonde, glacial, taciturn. Nêza is educated but unemployed, short, dark-haired, punkish, foul-mouthed and volatile.
The pair also have a profound dislike for each other, typically rooted in dad's switch between their mothers (more confrontational, here, because one is Slovenian, the other Albanian). However, necessity throws them together when Nêza moves to Ljubljana to start a new college course and Silvio decides to fund an apartment for the sisters to share.
Kojole seems to be consciously avoiding the pessimism that often prevails in this part of the world
At first the film proposes something of a cliché – chalk and cheese siblings, their characters mired in gloom, hurling abuse at each other as they chain-smoke on a freezing balcony; the prospect for the audience is kitchen sink with particularly awful plumbing.
However, this is merely a cunning strategy, and two factors serve to maintain interest and impetus: Irena's ex, Brane (Jurij Drevenšek), is stalking his wife and may be dangerous; and Nêza, as written and played, is a fabulous comic creation.
On the surface, she is all rough edges and contradictions. She professes to have no friends, stopped running an Airbnb because she hates tourists and keeps a knife under her pillow, yet chooses her studies on the grounds that "I like communications and all of that". She is constantly combative, yet derides her sister's negative energy.
But beneath all the attitude lies a funny, vulnerable, decent person, a vegan on principle and conscientious dog owner, who will become an invaluable ally in her sister's time of need. Marijina's performance is rich in detail, from the masterly micro-expressions of Nêza'sappraisal of their new flat, through the telling transition from biker jacket to fake fur collar, to Nêza's very novel way of dealing with Brane.
Menart plays straight woman to all of this, but makes Irena's own growth as a character equally appealing; when she finally decides to smile, we realise what she and the world have been missing.
The script inventively stitches the two women's growing rapport – who knew you could bond over Psoriasis? There's little of Ljubljana, more of the families' coastal home in Izola, though the attention is focused primarily on the actors and a simple story of two siblings learning to like each other. In doing so, they may even make Silvio a better father and encourage détente between the families.
There are one or two missteps, a character perhaps going too far. But Kojole seems to be consciously avoiding the pessimism that often prevails in this part of the world, a fact he ironically acknowledges by the presence of Nêza's pet; in Nightlife a man is mauled to death by dogs; here, 'Jimmy' is simply the butt, or should that be mutt of some very funny jokes.
This review first appeared in Screen Daily