Tech dudes are posting selfies on social media showcasing the red marks left behind by the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, Popular Science reported.
We couldn't help but draw a comparison to another viral social media trend involving facial disfigurement: the #KylieJennerLipChallenge.
In 2015, the lip challenge had teens sucking on shot glasses in pursuit of the reality star's full lips. In the process, many were injured.
- Prolonged use incurs some unfortunate facial side effects.
- Said side effects prompt users to share photos on social media.
- The damage can be long lasting. As one Oculus Rift user noted, using the face prison for too long can become hot and stuttering after prolonged use.
Unlike the #KylieJennerLipChallenge, this fad won't be cheap. The headset and a compatible PC can cost up to $1,500.
As more people who can afford expensive gaming systems get their faces in Oculus Rift headsets and subsequently spend way too much time in them, we are going to see an onslaught of pouty, imprinted faces grace our social feeds.


text:
Fresh Lemon
You are here: Home » Info » Argentina, a world reference as a producer of beans and legumes
Argentina, a world reference as a producer of beans and legumes
Posted by admin in Oct, 2018
Beans and other legumes have a fundamental role for ecology and health. Legumes are foods rich in fibers and minerals, but also contributes to the environment protection. Cultivation of beans and legumes maintain the quality and mineral balance of soil.
The consumption is very low in Argentina. The 98% of the production is exported. The main buyer is Brazil, followed by Spain, although demand from India and China increases, opening new possibilities to Argentina's market.
Report of Argentine production: beans and other pulses.
According to data from the Ministry of Agribusiness of Argentina, the production of pulses covered a cultivated area of more than 640,000 hectares during the last campaign.
The producers allocated the largest area to bean production, followed by chickpeas, peas and lentils. The productive regions of each food are:
Beans: NOA (northwest region), with the province of Salta as the main producer. Regarding varieties, almost half of the production corresponds to beans, followed by black beans.
Chickpeas: Center and NOA regions
Peas and lentils: Center region.
lentils, chickpeas, black beans, peas
Domestic consumption and exports of beans and legumes.
Domestic consumption is modest; According to data from the Ministry of Agribusiness, it barely reaches 250 grams per inhabitant per year, one of the lowest in the world. Almost a half corresponds to the consumption of lentils, followed by beans, peas and chickpeas.
Argentina exports more than 98% of its production. Our main buyers are Brazil, in fact the first importer and producer of beans, Spain, Pakistan and Italy.
Targeting new markets: adzuki, mung and maiz pisingallo (popcorn)
The adzuki bean is widely consumed in China and other countries of Asia. For Japan it is the second most popular legume and is used to make the traditional sweet bean paste. According to official data, since 2006 Argentina has been ranked as the sixth largest exporter of adzuki beans.
The mung bean, is used both in human food, fresh and dry, and in industry to obtain flours and animal feed. The main producer and consumer is India, followed by other Asian countries where it is widely consumed.
The maiz pisingallo: the popular popcorn, known in Argentina as pochoclo, is not a legume, it is a differentiated corn in which Argentina has a preponderant role: it remains as the world's leading exporter for more than a decade.
Advantages of Argentine legumes
The Argentinian legume producers has become a management model, positioning the country as a world leader in the production of pulses.
However, buyers must take into account the care of the product by the exporting company and its compliance with the legislation on the country of destination.
The increase in consumption of beans and vegetables by the new giants of the economy such as India and China opens new possibilities to Argentine market taking advantage of the recognized quality of pulses.
Look our products: Adzuki Beans or Nuts
View our article: Lemon: how is the market in which Argentina is a world leader
Follow us on Linkedin or Twitter
Types and varieties of Lemon
Our New Citric Packing Plant
Argentine dried prune, a quality product for demanding markets
Argentina as a global producer of fresh lemon
BORMAR S.A.
Pje. de las Ciencias 75 4º 44
Complejo North Coral Plaza
Centro Comercial Nordelta
(1670) Tigre-Pcia. Bs. As.
Telephone: +54 9 11 4871-5480
Mail: mzoric@bormar.com.ar
Tax Number: 30-71178492-2
Impo - Expo Services
Concentrated Lemon Juice
Dehydrated Lemon Peel
White Alubia Beans
Bormar at Supermarket
Bormar SA - Copyright 2019

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Amity Games, though a recent creation of the wealthiest man in the world, had drawn a huge crowd. The media of dozens of nations had assembled, along with record crowds, to watch the best and brightest from around the world compete in this special celebration. It was a clever idea to schedule such events in the years between the Olympic Games, yet many were cynical about the true spirit of the event.
"Jack — if something is popular, you assume it can't have any value," scolded David Knight.
David sighed. His eccentric brother felt that only the most obscure things, that which were not embraced by the masses, could be cool. He was determined to keep up a façade of indifference, and David was more than willing to allow his sibling to maintain this pose. He figured any comment on his part would just increase Jack's desire to be contrary. Then again, he never really felt connected to his brother except for their bloodline tie. They simply shared nothing in common beyond being the sons of the famous Starman of the Justice Society of America. "It's fine with me if you just want to mock the whole thing," he said with a sigh.
"Actually, 1940," said Jack, rolling his eyes. "The Gipper line comes from 1940." He sometimes did that kind of correction just to annoy his seemingly perfect older brother. There was no malice in it beyond a simple bit of sibling rivalry that might change as both matured.
David was a handsome young man with short hair and the looks of a film idol. He had grown up as the son of a scientist, and he shared Ted Knight's passion for science. However, his mother Doris Lee had been a debutante and equestrian, and he had been a star athlete through his teen years. He relished seeing others compete, and he was unashamed to enjoy such old-fashioned and, yes, all-American events. Jack was a collector of the rare and the odd, and he posed as a rebel scornful of much of mainstream culture. He was as much like their mother as David was like their father.
They had never been close in terms of their hobbies or their interests, yet this family shared a loss. Their mother had died much too soon. Their father Ted Knight had been a mystery-man called Starman, who used a wonderful gravity rod to fly and fight crime on the streets of New York, Opal City, Washington, and around the globe with the famous JSA. He had married Doris Lee in 1945 and retired his costumed role as he had promised her he would do. She had worn her own Starwoman costume on a couple of occasions, but she had wanted him to spend time with her and their future family, so he reluctantly hung up his costume. Still, his keen mind had connected him with solving several mysteries out of costume, and he remained friends with the colorful members of the JSA. When Doris had died, he had shared his grief with his young sons, and slowly, as a way to heal, he had rejoined his comrades in their crusade against evil. Starman had come out of retirement to help the team against foes as diverse as T.O. Morrow and the Hand.
David and Jack had reacted differently to their father's other career. David had sought to emulate him and excelled in school and sports. Jack had collected his clippings and maintained a distant and slightly cynical mood. Still, now that David was carrying on for their absent father as the second Starman, he felt the need to try to reach out to Jack. Maybe he'd regret that.
Before they could continue their talk, the Amity Games began. As Ted Grant approached to light the Amity Torch, the crowd cheered.
"I hope this torch will serve as a reminder that the spirit of competition should always be nurtured and encouraged in our youth, so they may also shine as brightly to the next generation!" said the ex-world champ, who was secretly also the JSAer called Wildcat.
"Ted did OK; I figured he would. You know, he's a lot smarter than his tough guy persona indicates. He was in med school when–" began David.
His words turned to a cry of dismay as the burning torch exploded. Grant rolled to safety as flames licked at his suit.
"He's OK! But what caused that explosion?" yelled Jack as he craned his neck for a better look.
"Not what — who!" said a grim David. He added, "Stay put." He raced off through the startled crowd and soon emerged as Starman.
Ted Grant had jumped to his feet, only to be slammed back to the ground by a projectile that caught him in the back of the head.
Harris Welmount, the founder of the games, screamed as a costumed man led a gang of gunmen onto the stage. "Who are you? Why have you men invaded this arena?" he said.
The costumed man aimed a baseball bat at the lights above, and they shattered from gunfire. "I'm the Sportsmaster, and this little event won't take place unless I receive one billion dollars. If I don't get the cash, then all the best and brightest athletes at this party will be penalized most fatally," he said. "Think of it as a deadly time out!" he laughed. His goons lined the arena and held the security team at bay.
Ted Grant lay at Welmount's feet, and Jack Knight watched in horror as his brother flew down to challenge the masked villain.
Sportsmaster blinked as the light from the cosmic rod blurred David's features from view.
Jack nodded to himself in the stands. Dave's using Dad's old trick to conceal his face from the press. I hope he can handle that creep. Sportsmaster was in the Injustice Society, for heaven's sake!
Starman gestured with his cosmic rod, and a gleaming bubble soon covered Ted Grant and Harris Welmount. He lifted them to a point away from the Sportsmaster.
"Baseball puns?" laughed the Sportsmaster. "Nice! How about this one? Right over your partial plate!" He hurled a baseball toward Starman, who blocked it with a glowing shield. It exploded shrapnel over the field. "Ha-ha-ha! Big mystery-man just forgot to protect the innocents!" sneered the Sportsmaster.
Starman gasped. "No! By merely blocking that weapon, I hurt the folks nearby! Should have covered it with a shield and not myself!" He grimly swooped toward the line of thugs. Can't hit anything with melted guns, he thought as he generated terrific heat and turned the baseball-bat rifles to pulp.
Starman hesitated. If I surrender, he's still be able to hurt them. I'd better try to out-think him. "OK, here. Take it!" he said. Jack groaned as David tossed down the cosmic rod.
The Sportsmaster whipped out a scoop and caught it up in his hand. "You are really out of form, Starman. Now that I have your magic wand, I'll tear ya to pieces!" he taunted.
Then David's keen mind and strong will reached out, as he had planned all along. The cosmic rod flashed and closed Sportsmaster in a glowing cocoon. "I can control it from a distance!" said David as he mentally closed the energy field around the shocked villain. He retrieved the rod and turned toward the weaponless goons. Now for them, he mused.
But a blow to the head suddenly left him staggering. He saw a leggy blonde standing over him. "Call me Decathlon! I'm Sportsmaster's daughter!" she laughed.
David gasped and struggled to his feet. "Decathlon! I thought his kid was Artemis," he muttered.
"Oh, don't even go there! That primadonna thinks she's so hot. Well, I can take her in a fair fight!" snapped the blonde in the modified sports costume. She wore a cheerleader's outfit with a weapon's band across her sweater and boots in place of tennis shoes.
"Daddy's little pitch-hitter! Gotta get over that sibling rivalry," admonished Sportsmaster.
Starman shook his head. He's free. Got to take them both down fast before anyone else gets hurt, he thought. "I see the family resemblance — you're both black and blue!" he quipped, then punched out at the Sportsmaster as he blasted a tendril of cosmic energy toward the woman. She darted away, even as her father cursed and gripped David's arm.
"Man! Don't try to out-fight him. He's an expert!" moaned Jack from the stands. David didn't hear his sibling, nor would he have appreciated the backseat crime-fighting.
He frowned and flipped Sportsmaster over his hip, only to receive an elbow to the face for his efforts. What would Dad do? he thought, then soared skyward and dragged the Sportsmaster with him. "You make me drop you, and you'll be a strangely dressed pancake!" he threatened.
The Sportsmaster grunted and kicked loose. He flipped through the air and landed on his feet. "Can't bluff an acrobat," he sneered.
Starman whirled about and used the rod to decrease all gravity around the taunting blonde. She soared upward and hung suspended in midair. "Now as for you, distract me, and your bratty daughter learns to fly!" warned Starman.
Starman watched his hands. He didn't trust Crock at all. He wondered if he could stand up to him if his bluff was called.
The Sportsmaster suddenly tossed his metal cleats toward Starman. David's mind raced. Man, if those things go off like the ball, then people could be hurt. Gotta release the girl! He dropped her squarely on her father and strained to intercept the cleats. "Got them!" he sighed as he turned to face a high-kick from the already-recovered Decathlon.
"I'll kick your teeth out!" she cried.
Starman dodged and wrestled her around, only to see her flip free. She punched him in the nose, and he grew angry. He generated a blinding flash of stellar fire, and as she staggered backward, he connected with a right hook. He turned to blast out at the raging form of her father. "Got him!" he said.
He saw Ted Grant give him a thumb's-up sign. Harris Welmount also cheered. The richest man in the world is now my fan. Pretty cool! mused David.
Then the stunned Sportsmaster gasped and tossed a hidden projectile toward Starman's back. A bolt of electricity shattered it. He kicked Sportsmaster flat and disarmed him of his weapon band. Somebody in the crowd saved me. Wonder if any other JSAers are here, he thought.
"Nice moves, kid. Your old man would be proud!" whispered Ted Grant. David smiled; high praise, indeed.
In the stands, a pretty blonde woman turned to an older man. "I did as you requested. He's fine. Are you satisfied?" she hissed.
The bald man said, "My dear, we must keep young Knight alive until we choose to kill him." She nodded reluctantly.
Later, David sat across from Jack. "So, how'd I do? Not bad for the new Starman on the block, huh?" he said.
Jack looked up warily. "You held your own with a psycho pom-pom girl. Degaton's shakin' in his jackboots," he said sarcastically. He turned and walked off, whistling some obscure 1940s tune as David glared at his back in irritation.


text:
import os
import urllib
import random
from uuid import uuid4

import PIL
from PIL import Image
from flask import send_from_directory, current_app, Blueprint, url_for, Markup
from randomavatar.randomavatar import Avatar

class _Avatars(object):

    @staticmethod
    def gravatar(hash, size=100, rating='g', default='identicon', include_extension=False, force_default=False):
        """
        You can get hash like this::
            import hashlib

            avatar_hash = hashlib.md5(email.lower()).hexdigest()
        :param hash
        :param size
        :param rating
        :param default

        """
        if include_extension:
            hash += '.jpg'

        default = current_app.config['AVATARS_GRAVATAR_DEFAULT'] or default
        query_string = urllib.urlencode({'s': int(size), 'r': rating, 'd': default})

        if force_default:
            query_string += '&q=y'
        return 'https://gravatar.com/avatar/' + hash + '?' + query_string

    @staticmethod
    def robohash(text, size=200):
        return 'https://robohash.org/{text}?size={size}x{size}'.format(text=text, size=size)

    @staticmethod
    def social_media(username, platform='twitter', size='medium'):
        """
        facebook, instagram, twitter, gravatar
        """
        return 'https://avatars.io/{platform}/{username}/{size}'.format(platform=platform, username=username, size=size)

    @staticmethod
    def default(size='m'):
        return url_for('static', filename='default/default_{size}.jpg'.format(size=size))

    @staticmethod
    def load_jcrop():
        preview_size = current_app.config['AVATARS_SIZE_TUPLE'][2]
        crop_size = current_app.config['AVATARS_CROP_BASE_WIDTH']
        css = '<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://jcrop-cdn.tapmodo.com/v0.9.12/css/jquery.Jcrop.min.css">'
        return Markup('''%s\n

        ''' % (css, preview_size, preview_size, crop_size))

    @staticmethod
    def crop_box(filename=None):
        if filename is None:
            url = url_for('static', filename='default/default_l.jpg')
        else:
            url = url_for('avatar', filename=filename, size='raw')
        return Markup('' % url)

    @staticmethod
    def preview_pane(filename=None):
        if filename is None:
            url = url_for('static', filename='default/default_l.jpg')
        else:
            url = url_for('avatar', filename=filename, size='raw')
        return Markup('''

''' % url)

    @staticmethod
    def init_jcrop(min_size=None):
        if min_size is None:
            min_size = current_app.config['AVATARS_SIZE_TUPLE'][2]
        return Markup('''

            ''' % (min_size, min_size, min_size, min_size))

class Identicon(object):
    def __init__(self, rows=10, cols=10):
        self.rows = rows
        self.cols = cols

    def generate(self, text):
        avatar = Avatar(rows=self.rows, columns=self.cols)
        sizes = current_app.config['AVATARS_SIZE_TUPLE']
        path = current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH']
        suffix = {sizes[0]: 's', sizes[1]: 'm', sizes[2]: 'l'}

        for size in sizes:
            image_byte_array = avatar.get_image(
                string=str(text),
                width=int(size),
                height=int(size),
                pad=int(size * 0.05))
            avatar.save(image_byte_array,
                        save_location=os.path.join(path, '%s_%s.png' % (text, suffix[size])))

        return text

class CustomAvatar(object):

    def resize_avatar(self, img, base_width):
        w_percent = (base_width / float(img.size[0]))
        h_size = int((float(img.size[1]) * float(w_percent)))
        img = img.resize((base_width, h_size), PIL.Image.ANTIALIAS)
        return img

    def save(self, image):
        sizes = current_app.config['AVATARS_SIZE_TUPLE']
        path = current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH']
        filename = uuid4().hex
        image.save(os.path.join(path, filename + '_raw.png'))
        return filename

    def crop_avatar(self, filename, x, y, w, h):

        x = int(x)
        y = int(y)
        w = int(w)
        h = int(h)

        sizes = current_app.config['AVATARS_SIZE_TUPLE']
        path = os.path.join(current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH'], filename + '_raw.png')
        img = Image.open(path)

        base_width = current_app.config['AVATARS_CROP_BASE_WIDTH']

        if img.size[0] >= base_width:
            img = self.resize_avatar(img, base_width=base_width)

        img = img.crop((x, y, x + w, y + h))

        filename = uuid4().hex

        avatar_l = self.resize_avatar(img, base_width=sizes[2])
        avatar_m = self.resize_avatar(avatar_l, base_width=sizes[1])
        avatar_s = self.resize_avatar(avatar_m, base_width=sizes[0])

        path_l = os.path.join(current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH'], filename + '_l.png')
        path_m = os.path.join(current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH'], filename + '_m.png')
        path_s = os.path.join(current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH'], filename + '_s.png')

        avatar_l.save(path_l)
        avatar_m.save(path_m)
        avatar_s.save(path_s)

        return filename

class Avatars(object):
    def __init__(self, app=None):
        if app is not None:
            self.init_app(app)

    def init_app(self, app):
        if not hasattr(app, 'extensions'):
            app.extensions = {}
        app.extensions['avatars'] = _Avatars
        app.context_processor(self.context_processor)

        blueprint = Blueprint('avatars', __name__)
        app.register_blueprint(blueprint)

        # settings
        app.config.setdefault('AVATARS_GRAVATAR_DEFAULT', 'identicon')
        app.config.setdefault('AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH', None)
        app.config.setdefault('AVATARS_SIZE_TUPLE', (30, 60, 150))
        app.config.setdefault('AVATARS_CROP_BASE_WIDTH', 500)

        # TODO: custom avatar endpoint
        @app.route('/avatar/<filename>/<size>')
        def avatar(filename, size='m'):
            path = current_app.config['AVATARS_UPLOAD_PATH']
            filename = '%s_%s.png' % (filename, size)
            return send_from_directory(path, filename)

    @staticmethod
    def context_processor():
        return {
            'avatars': current_app.extensions['avatars']
        }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Whether you pick, pack and ship your own orders with an in-house team or outsource fulfillment to a trusted third party, here are six key fulfillment metrics you should stay on top of.
Wondering how to find the best products to dropship? Check out this guide to help you choose which products to dropship for your ecommerce store.
One way to create new customers and increase sales is through a personalized customer experience. Here are four strategies for niche online retailers to further personalize the ecommerce experience.
You've decided to start a dropship business, now what's next? You need to source products. We've provided a comprehensive guide on how to select and build a good relationship with a suppliers.
Running an ecommerce apparel business can be difficult, it requires a lot of overhead, inventory, and specialized knowledge. Merch by Amazon makes it possible for anyone to run a successful online t-shirt design business.


text:
package org.apache.oozie.workflow;

/**
 * A workflow definition is a programmatic definition of a workflow application.
 */
public interface WorkflowApp {

    /**
     * Return the name of teh workflow application.
     *
     * @return the name of teh workflow application.
     */
    public String getName();

    /**
     * Return the original workflow definition (normally XML).
     *
     * @return the original workflow definition (normally XML).
     */
    public String getDefinition();
}


text:
AIR & SPACE MAGAZINE
Airmail Odyssey
Three historic mailplanes commemorated the anniversary of U.S. airmail by tracing the original coast-to-coast route.
Linda Shiner
George Perks
One chapter of American history has everything you could ask for in a national epic: visionary leaders, triumph over technological hurdles, exploration of the unknown, heroes skillfully battling an implacable foe. The action wasn't directed by the military or by NASA, however, but by the U.S. Post Office. The establishment of airmail service in the United States, 90 years ago last May, is a whopper of a story, yet it hasn't had the attention that historians and filmmakers have paid to the U.S. space program, say, or the expansion of the West, or World War II. Somebody call Ken Burns.
In a way, that's what Addison Pemberton is doing this week as he retraces the first U.S. coast-to-coast airmail route, flying a mailplane built only 10 years after the first mail flights of 1918. Pemberton will carry 700 envelopes that will receive special cancellations from postal representatives to commemorate the flight. With a daily blog and historical features drawing from Smithsonian archives, this Web site will follow his group's progress—from the first stop in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on September 10, to the last stop in San Francisco on September 15.
Pemberton, owner of a Spokane-based manufacturing company, has been flying since he was 15 and is a collector of vintage aircraft. (He has restored 19.) He likes all open-cockpit, round-engine varieties, but his favorites have always been the machines that carried the U.S. Mail. On the reenactment, he'll fly his Boeing Air Transport, one of the early companies awarded a government contract to deliver mail. It is the great grandaddy of today's 747s, one of the first aircraft to carry paying passengers along with a load of letters, and key to the Boeing Company's eventual success. Pemberton's is the only one flying today.
Two other pilots will fly mailplanes on the cross-country trip: Larry Tobin of Colbert, Washington, will fly the oldest airworthy Stearman biplane, a 1927 Stearman C3B, and Ben Scott will fly a 1930 Stearman 4E Speedmail. (Scott and Pemberton, who also owns a Speedmail, flew the pair on a reenactment flight in 1993 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of airmail.)
Pemberton inherited his enthusiasm for mailplanes from his dad. "My father grew up in Greenfield, Iowa," he says, "a town between Omaha and Iowa City"—two stops on the transcontinental route the early mailplanes flew. "Every bedtime story I heard had something to do with the airmail."
There could hardly be a more colorful crew than the pilots who flew for the Post Office during the first years of airmail. There was Frank Yager, who once flew in fog so heavy that he landed and taxied for 35 miles across the prairie, getting airborne only to hop fences; Slim Lewis, who was said to have been able to fly better drunk than most pilots could sober; and Homer Berry, who, until he got caught, ran an unauthorized taxi business from Laramie to Rawlins, Wyoming by charging passengers $50 to ride in the mail pit.
To get a good idea of the personality types attracted to the job, look at Nathaniel Dewell's photograph of pilot William "Wild Bill" Hopson, one of the most iconic portraits in American art, or read Dean Smith's memoir By the Seat of My Pants. Of a two-ship mission he once flew with William Hopson he wrote:
Not long out we noticed a film of ice forming on the struts, wires, and entering edges of the wings; but it built up slowly…. I saw Bill signal that he was going to land, and I followed him into a large pasture.
Since it had taken over half an hour to accumulate that much ice, if we could get the ice off we ought to be able to go another half hour and land again. We found some clubs along the fence row and beat off the ice as well as we could, organized a team to crank our propellers from the inevitable spectators, and took off. It went as planned. Ice slowly formed…, Bill pointed to a pasture; we landed; we hacked off the ice, and soon we were again in the air.
Pemberton's childhood hero was mail pilot Jack Knight. Of the many courageous fliers, why Knight?
"Because Jack Knight saved the airmail!" Pemberton says. "Jack Knight is the airmail hero."
Under enormous pressure from Congress to prove in February 1921 that transcontinental airmail delivery was worth the money appropriated for it—that it was consistently faster than train delivery—Knight pulled the first all-nighter for the air service. Having already flown his assigned 248-mile leg from North Platte, Nebraska, to Omaha, Knight volunteered for a second leg, in weather so bad the pilot scheduled for the route refused to fly. Taking off at about two in the morning with only a compass and the conviction that the mail must get through, Knight flew over territory he'd never flown before, lighted occasionally by bonfires that ordinary citizens had set to help show the way. He fought to stay awake, he later told reporters, once trying to fend off sleep "by hammering my own face." He flew through snow, then in rough air as low as 100 feet above the ground in order to see the railroad tracks he followed into Iowa City. Once there, he spent 10 minutes "dodging steeples" until he located the airfield and landed. He waited two hours for the weather to improve, but, facing a deadline, he took off again at 6:30 a.m. Two hours and 10 minutes later, Knight handed the mail off to another pilot in Chicago. He had been in the air for 10 of the 33 hours it took to make the coast-to-coast run. Aircraft had flown the trip in about a third of the time it would have taken the train. The demonstration secured Congressional funding that would start to build a national system of airway beacons and other enhancements that eventually made possible regular night flights.
Although Knight's heroics stand out—and were a turning point for the air service—the conditions in which he flew were typical of what the early pilots faced. Otto Praeger, the man in charge of airmail for the Post Office, knew that the speed aircraft offered was not enough. Congressional and public support would continue only if deliveries became daily and dependable. But Praeger was not a pilot and didn't understand that a strong will simply couldn't compensate for primitive equipment and dangerous weather.
In August 1918, the U.S. Army backed away from the mail service, after only three months of flying, because of the tension between the demand for daily service and the impossibility of flying in bad weather. It took another year for the inevitable showdown between Praeger and his civilian force. In July 1919, three days after a fatal crash in rain and fog, several pilots refused to fly from New York to Washington in similar weather. Praeger fired two of them without investigation, and the rest of the pilots went on strike, demanding a hearing. A compromise was reached—one of the fired pilots was reinstated, and future decisions on whether to fly would be made not by Praeger or any another bureaucrat in Washington but by managers in the field—but it did little to decrease the hazards of flying the mail. Thirty-two pilots were killed during their service, most of them in crashes caused by weather.
The Post Office nursed the air mail service through a troubled infancy before handing it off to private companies in 1925. The first eight years saw a number of critical developments: a national system of airway beacons connecting lighted airfields, new navigational aids and more capable airplanes, and a corps of pilots seasoned from years of following now-familiar routes. These are the accomplishments that Addison Pemberton is celebrating this week in his six-day reenactment flight.
"My father used to say that that the mail flights were so regular you could set your watch by them," Pemberton says. And the mailplane his father saw in the early 1930s flying over Iowa City and Omaha on Contract Mail Route 18 was the Boeing 40.
"I guess that planted the seed," Pemberton says. In 1982 he visited the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, and saw for the first time the airplane his dad had watched above the Iowa farm. "I studied the airplane for two days," he says. "It was made of flat stock and round tubes. There were none of the forgings and castings that would have been prohibitive to a small operator like me."
He came to the conclusion: "I can do this." That year he started searching for a Boeing 40 to restore; 17 years later, he found one.
When Pemberton and his friend Ben Scott flew their Speedmails from Reno to Iowa City in 1993, they were greeted at stops along the way by anywhere from a hundred to a thousand people. "The amazing thing is that people would bring pictures of family members" who had been on hand when the airmail pilots first connected those cities.
Pemberton expects to see more photographs on next week's cross-country trip. The photos are likely to express a little of the wonder people felt at the sight of an airplane in the early 1920s, when Charles Lindbergh was not an international celebrity but just one of the pilots who flew the mail. And who knows? Maybe somebody will collect the photographs and make a documentary.
Check back with airspacemag.com beginnning this Thursday, September 11, to follow the pilots' progress and read more about the history of airmail.
Airmail pilot William "Wild Bill" Hopson (seen here circa 1921) submitted a photograph of himself to the Air Mail Service along with the note: "Enclosed please find photo of bum pilot…. When finished with picture just post in cellar, it's guaranteed to keep away all rats, mice and other vermin." He would eventually log more than 4,000 hours of flight time, and cover some 413,000 miles. NASM (SI 75-7024)
On August 6, 1918, pioneers of the airmail came together at the Standard Aero Corporation factory in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the six JR-1B aircraft that would begin the service were manufactured. Otto Praeger (second from left), the second assistant postmaster general, has been called "the father of airmail." He hired engineer Benjamin Lipsner (fourth from right) to run the operations. Lipsner in turn hired four pilots and one reserve pilot. From right, the first four civilian pilots: Robert Shank, Max Miller (killed in a crash in September 1920), Maurice Newton, and Edward Gardner (to Lipsner's right). NASM SI-83-8168
U.S. Airmail flights begin. On May 15, 1918, Army Lieutenant James C. Edgerton, having received a parcel of mail flown from New York, takes off from Bustleton Field in Philadelphia toward Washington, D.C. NASM (SI-A-38903-4)
Second Lieutenant George Boyle (right) thought he'd scored a coup when he learned he was assigned to fly the mail out of Washington, D.C. on the first day of service. Unfortunately, the rookie got lost twice during his attempt to fly from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, the route's halfway point. "The Atlantic Ocean and lack of gas prevent him going further," noted Major Reuben Fleet (left), who was assigned the task of setting up the first regularly scheduled airmail service. Here, Major Fleet and Lieutenant Boyle review a map of their flight route on the Polo Grounds in Washington, May 15, 1918. NASM (00138840)
When de Havilland DH-4s first flew mail across the country, the mail sacks would have to be transferred to a train to keep the mail moving at night. By 1923, mail was transferred to another DH-4, which could follow a lighted airway from Chicago to Omaha, Nebraska, where this photograph was taken. NASM (SI-75-7026)
An unidentified clerk at the Fort Crook landing field in Omaha, Nebraska, poses with a dispatch board listing the stops on the Chicago, Illinois to Cheyenne, Wyoming, airmail run. Airmail movements were tracked by moving cardboard disks with pilots' names and airplane's numbers. NASM (SI-91-7061)
Mechanics who serviced the DH-4s (one in the hangar in background) were sometimes blamed for the inadequacies of the Liberty engines that powered them. This group worked at the Fort Crook airfield, in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1928, after the Post Office had handed off the mail to contract carriers. NASM (SI-91-7029)
Between January 1922 and June 1927, airmail pilots flew more than 14 million miles, delivering more than 250 million letters. National Air Transport flew Boeing 40s, and was one of the first companies to form in 1925 after legislation authorized the government to award contracts for airmail delivery. NASM (SI-89-12166)
Charles Lindbergh was one of three pilots who flew for the St. Louis-based Robertson Aircraft Corporation, which won the contract to fly mail between St. Louis and Chicago in 1926. Possibly because Lindbergh crashed two of the company's four airplanes—bailing out once because his engine quit and a second time after a snowstorm kept him from landing and he ran out of gas—Robertson sold its operations to a company that eventually became American Airlines. NASM (SI-78-12207)
James "Jack" Knight (left) was one of the best-known airmail pilots, making a heroic night flight from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1921. At the conclusion of his epic journey, Knight told the New York Times "I feel fine, except that I need some eats and some sleep." Other pilots weren't so sanguine. Clarence Lange would briefly quit the Air Mail Service, reporting shattered nerves due to the strain of night flying. Knight and Lange are shown here modeling winter flying clothing issued by the government in January 1922. NASM (SI-83-8165)
Pilot Eugene Johnson lands in Hazelhurst, New York, carrying mail from the West Coast, in the first transcontinental air mail flight on August 22, 1923. Coast-to-coast flying was made possible only with the advent of night flying. As the Los Angeles Times breathlessly reported in 1923, "The line of lights by which the night transit of the airplanes between Chicago and Cheyenne is guided appeals to the imagination as well as to practical instincts…. This chain of glittering points seems to have a mystical significance. It may be regarded as typical of the light of science, showing the way to mankind in his flight against time and distance." NASM (SI-A-32904-M)
Addison Pemberton's Boeing 40C (background) and Larry Tobin's 1927 Stearman C3B biplane are two of the three airplanes that will retrace the 1920s cross-country airmail route in September 2008. George Perks
The planned route for the 2008 transcontinental mail flight:
Sept. 10 – Depart New York Republic field (FRG) 9:30AM. Arrive Belafonte, PA. (N96) late morning. Depart and arrive Cleveland (BKL) late afternoon, early evening. Overnight stop.
Sept. 11 – Depart Cleveland (BKL) 9:30AM. Arrive late morning Bryan, Ohio (OG6). Depart and arrive Chicago Lansing Airport (IGQ) late afternoon. Arrive early evening Iowa City (IOW) Overnight stop.
Sept. 12 – Depart Iowa City 9:30AM. Arrive Omaha, NB (OMA) late morning. Depart and arrive North Platt NB(LBF) late afternoon. Overnight stop.
Sept.13 – Depart North Platt, NB 9:30AM. Arrive late morning Cheyenne, WY (CYS) Depart and arrive mid afternoon Rawlins, WY (RWL). Depart and arrive Rock Springs, WY (RKS) early evening. Overnight stop.
Sept.14 – Arrive late morning Salt Lake # 2 (U42). Depart and arrive Elko, NV (EKO) late afternoon. Depart and arrive Reno, NV (RNO) early evening. Overnight stop.
Sept. 15 – Depart Reno, NV 9:30AM. Depart and arrive Hayward, CA (HWD) late morning. Depart Hayward, CA mid day for SFO or Chrissy Field to be determined and return to Hayward, CA. R. Davies
Working on the Boeing 40C in Pemberton's shop in Spokane, Washington. Ryan Pemberton
Ben Scott's 1930 Stearman 4E Speedmail. George Perks
The Boeing 40C as it looked during construction in April 2007. Ryan Pemberton
Left: Pilot Grant Donaldson shakes Bill Boeing's hand while standing on the wheel of his Boeing 40C in 1928. Right: Same airplane, 80 years later, with pilot Addison Pemberton shaking Bill Boeing, Jr.'s hand. George Perks
Pemberton takes the Boeing 40C on a test flight in February 20008. George Perks
Tony Reichhardt | READ MORE
Tony Reichhardt is a senior editor at Air & Space.


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A: You need change the checked property of your <input>, so use the .prop() method:
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G may well be a placeholder for the purpose of this question, but it would be much more efficient for you to select the id of that element:
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Samoa Stationery and Books back the Champs
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Advocating for good education and supporting educational related activities have always been S.S.A.B's flying banner since its establishment.
This year, the company again stepped in as the major sponsor for the Interschool Champ of Champs athletic competition 2018, this would be the third time in three consecutive years the S.S.A.B. have been the major sponsor for this prominent athletic event in the country.
"I believe that helping the students through sports events such as Champs of Champs will open up more opportunities for them to explore," says the C.E.O. of S.S.A.B., Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai.
Champ of Champs is the biggest athletic event for colleges from Savaii and Upolu every year and was successfully executed because of the collaborative efforts by the Champ of champs committee and S.S.A.B. as the major sponsor.
S.S.A.B's involvement in Champ of champs enabled the officials to reward divisional winners for their commitment and hardwork during their track and field events.
At the prize giving on Friday, the President and the committee thanked C.E.O. Tofilau of S.S.A.B. for unwavering support towards the schools' athletics especially the zones competitions and champ of champs
S.S.A.B. aims to motivate students to bring out their talents and encourage them to participate in physical activities and become socially involved.
Tofilau also emphasized that this is also an opportunity that students should utilize to befriend with students from other schools and stand up against violence involving schools particularly in the secondary level.
She declared that S.S.A.B. will also be the major sponsor for the Champ of Champs 2019.
American Samoa tastes gold at Pacific Games
American Samoa snatched their first gold on Wednesday when the women's basketball team defeated defending champions, Fiji by an impressive 74-53.
By Soli Wilson 07/18/2019
5-3 win against the Cook Islands for Samoa women's touch
Up next: the home team face Papua New Guinea for the gold medal in the women's open competition of the 16th Pacific Games, touch rugby competition.
By Sapeer Mayron 07/17/2019
Samoa Netball leaves it too late against Cook Islands
Samoa lost their third pool game to Cook Islands with points at 53-59 on Wednesday night. Asked what needed to be done for the next game, she said, "Keep it simple, play our game and tidy up our defense side; that is where our lapse was tonight."
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A lot of DNA is shared among vintage bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. Pneumatic tires, Bowden cables, chain drive, frame and fork geometry, as well as components including stems, seatposts, handlebars, grips and brake levers were utilized in common across these vintage machines.
I had an early introduction to scooters when my parents trucked home a Honda CT 90 to our rural farm back in the late '60's. Once the little motorbike was off the flatbed, I was stricken with intrigue. My parents made the mistake of "allowing" me to ride this little machine on the rural roads around our hay farm in the Applegate Valley of Southern Oregon. At age 12, I propped my 9 year old sister on the back, and proceeded to ride far afield of my parent's requirements, even crashing the bike into a ditch in a particularly unpleasant and embarrassing experience. But most of the time, my spirits soared whenever I threw a leg over. Even though I had my internal hub 3 speed bike to explore logging roads and irrigation canals, this gas powered machine allowed me to venture much further beyond the limitations of my little kid muscles and my clunky 3 speed Sears-Puch diamond-framed bicycle.
Motor-assist bicycles were first introduced over 120 years ago, back in the late 1890's. By this time in history bicycles were widely accepted and utilized for transportation, leisure and sport, but with the advent of the internal combustion engine (first developed in 1794) inventors made headway with adapting an engine to a bicycle frame. The above pictured bike utilized an air-cooled radial 5 cylinder engine incorporated into the rear wheel. The rear fender doubled as the fuel tank. It used a twist grip throttle, and could be started with pedals, much like modern mopeds. The bike reached a maximum speed of 21 mph at 180 rpms. The pedals served not only to start the bike up, but to provide for an alternative option should the engine fail.
Another fascinating approach to power assist on a bicycle was developed by Wall Auto-Wheel. First patented in 1908, this device could be added to any bicycle. The 118 cc air-cooled single cylinder engine was mounted in a sub-frame which attached to the bicycle at three points. There was a lever control at the handlebars which operated the throttle. The whole unit was "lightweight" at 45 lbs.
In the U.S, Los Angeles based Breen-Taylor Engineering developed the Whizzer bicycle engine in 1939. This was a motor kit which could be added to any bicycle. As you can see from the above photo, this was no small feat, and required many modifications and enhancements to allow this 150cc engine to perform with relative safety. Whizzers were often added to the very robust American steel frames offered by Schwinn and others during this era.
After WW2, many different kinds of motor-assist bicycles entered the marketplace. One of the most common was the "moped" which used pedals to start the bike and assist it on steep inclines when the engine was stressed. While VeloSolex dominated the market in Europe, many other manufacturers stepped in to provide competition, such as this VAP model depicted above.
The above photo depicts Motobecane's offerings from 1962. French bicycle builders embraced the idea of motor-assist and many manufacturers offered mopeds and motor-assist bicycles.
But are these historic innovations really comparable to today's e-bikes? In some ways they are: they attempted to take existing bicycle engineering to add motor-assist to the bike, thus extending the bike's range and reducing fatigue for the cyclist. Not all vintage motor assist bicycles incorporated the concept of rider pedal assist. And, as is obvious now, gas powered engines, especially 2 strokes engines, are not environmentally friendly. Are e-bikes environmentally friendly? That's an issue worth exploring, given that the batteries needed to power these bikes require harvesting materials that may have a negative effect on the planet. That may be outweighed by a cyclist leaving their car at home and commuting on their e-bike. And, the health benefits of riding an e-bike have been documented in numerous studies. The behavior of e-bike cyclists was a concern for me initially, but I have noticed that here in Pdx, e-bike riders behave no differently than the rest of us, for the most part. So, I say, if it has two wheels, get on it and ride!
This entry was posted in Bicycle commuting, Bicycle history, city cycling, Commuter bicycle and tagged e-bike, moped, Velosolex, Wall Autowheel, Whizzer by Nola Wilken. Bookmark the permalink.
You make an excellent point about e-bikes: they can provide the option to ride when traditional bikes cannot. For new riders, aging riders, moms and dads hauling kids, grocery-getting, and myriad other applications, e-bikes offer an enticing pathway to cycling.
My first impression of e-bikes is how wonderful they were for commuting. I didn't consider them as filling the role of pedal bicycles in our pleasures. I've since realized how wonderful this type of motorized bicycle is to people with disabilities that might not ride at all were it nor for these designs. Our town is now full of Jump rental electric bicycles. Jump is a subsidiary of Uber or Lyft. They are incredibly popular. They have filled a gap in cheaper, fun, motorized transportation that I didn't realize existed. People use them during the day for commuting and during the evening for socializing. There are literally hundreds on the road at any one time. How quickly the world can change.


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Question 3 deserves a 'No' vote
If you want to get a rise out of anyone with even the slightest bit of compassion, mention animal rights. Few of us would champion anything other than the best possible treatment of animals.
But add politics and personal agendas into the mix, and something gets lost.
Take Question 3 on the Nov. 8 ballot: If it passes, the new law would prohibit breeding pigs, calves raised for veal and egg-laying hens from being held in confined spaces. The definition included with Question 3 refers to spaces that prevent the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs or turning around freely.
There is one glaring problem with Question 3: outside of one farmer in Franklin, as reported by MassLive, no such practice exists in Massachusetts. In the case of that farmer, he raises his chickens in small cages, which under the proposed law, would be banned.
Essentially, voters are being asked to ban something that does not happen in their state. What is really at stake here is the sale of products raised in states that do not prohibit the use of small cages and confined spaces. Shouldn�t that be up to the individual states?
Another point not raised by supporters of Question 3 is that chickens, when given room to roam among themselves, can be quite violent. There is, no pun intended, a pecking order among chickens, who as that Franklin County farmer noted, would often peck each other to death. How is that humane?
There is also the risk of eggs sitting for extended periods of time in manure or other filth. You don�t hear that from animal rights advocates.
Further, while the financial bottom line is not � and should not always be � the deciding factor in determining whether to support or oppose a law like this, it should not be ignored. The way some opponents tell it, passing Question 3 means passing on increased costs to consumers. The cost of eggs may well go up. It is not unreasonable to suggest smaller farms and farming operations may have to abandon production altogether, should it prove cost prohibitive.
Also, not unlike other questions on this year�s ballot, Question 3 appears driven by some organizations and efforts outside Massachusetts. Do voters want outside pressure influencing them on their decisions. Make no mistake, the drive to pass Question 3 is serious business for those involved. The ballot committee alone has spent north of $500,000 so far. The Humane Society of the United States, which dips its fingers � and influence � into causes in several states, has spent more than $1 million is support of Question 3.
In contrast, the opposing ballot question committee had spent nothing as of Oct. 10. There were no other listed cash or in-kind donations in opposition.
That may explain, then, why a poll by the Western New England University Polling Institute showed 61 percent of those polled in favor of Question 3, and just 26 percent opposed. An earlier WBZ/ UMass-Amherst poll, showed even stronger support, 75 percent, for the ballot question.
Don�t be pressured by big money into making a decision that only makes sense in the minds of the ideologically-driven. In a purely practical sense, the legislation attached to Question 3 is not needed in Massachusetts. It is really legislating the practices of other states by prohibiting them from selling their products in Massachusetts, even if their own state does not restrict them from doing so. And it places a financial burden on the farmer and consumer. Ignore the polls. Vote �no� on Question 3.


Your tertiary years pass by in a flash, so it's important to make the most of your experience. Ahead, we asked graduates to share their biggest regrets and personal advice for the class of 2018. Take notes, freshies!
You might have been stuck in the same club for years, but you're entering a new chapter of your life – take it as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Don't box yourself within the walls of familiarity and try dabbling in something new for a change. Who knows, you might just discover a newfound interest you didn't know existed!
There's more to school than just academics – there are plenty of extracurricular clubs and after-school activities to keep you engaged! Not only are they platforms for you to widen your social circle outside of class, it's also a chance for you to pick up extra skills and even prepare you for the workforce.
"Why are they staring at me? Do I look weird today?" – such thoughts would inevitably run through your head when you're in a new environment with people you don't know. But at the end of the day, no one really takes notice of these little quirks as much as you think. In fact, they might just love you more for it!
Never let anyone's opinion sway your beliefs, whether it's giving in to parental pressures or trying to fit in with others. If you're truly passionate about something, trust your instincts and don't be afraid to pursue what your heart desires.
It's nice to have companionship when going for camps or trying out for a new CCA, but chances are you won't always find someone with similar interests as you. Don't shy away from signing up for activities on your own – new friends will come along naturally. Hey, being independent is a good thing!
You may think that only scoring well during the first year is enough and the remaining two years of your education won't affect your GPA as much, but keep in mind that the cumulative grading system is based on your overall performance throughout the years. Keep up the good work and you'll be duly rewarded!
While school is a place where you make lifelong friends, there are instances where friends can get rather competitive on the academic front. Just because you are grouped together for projects doesn't mean you are obliged to stick with the same clique – you might be better off finding a new group of friends whom you can better connect with.
We've all been there – unrequited crushes, first loves and heartbreaks. When the hormones start to kick in, you may be at the stage where the idea of getting into a relationship is intriguing – but it can also result in unnecessary drama and heartache, so tread cautiously with matters of the heart.
From skipping lectures to altering your uniform in every way imaginable, some of you are probably guilty of these. You might think that breaking the rules is cool now, but you'll soon realise that it's just a phase. Treat it as a learning lesson and move on!
This article was adapted from Teenage Passport To Your Future 2018.
Here's a question for you guys: what's something that you regret from your days back in school? Let us know in the comments below.
New year calls for a fresh new look for your study space! Having an organised space does wonders in streamlining your workflow and helps you to stay inspired. Revamp your workstation with these Pinterest-worthy ideas.
Transform your study space into an Instagram-worthy nook with these striking butterfly shelves, which you can use to showcase your book collection while adding an interesting accent to the room.
Make use of barren walls by keeping your notes and stationery items on a wall-mounted shelf. We love that it comes with compartments for storing little knick-knacks, and it doubles up as a compact workstation too!
Another way to utilise the wall space above your desk? Install these versatile wire shelving units which provide ample space to store and display your items in an organised manner. Bonus: these little wall hooks also come in handy for holding your apparel and accessories in place, and also make things easier to locate!
Short on space? This modular system is perfect for squeezing in a workspace in just about any corner of the home, and the shelves are easily adjustable so you can add more layers whenever you need extra space.
Scoring a place in a local university is tough enough, but these stellar graduates from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) have achieved the rare academic feat of being accepted into the most prestigious universities around the world. Here are their success stories.
Having found his calling since he was a child, Lovell's love for engineering was sparked after watching a television advertisement of a watch morphing into another form, which piqued his curiosity of how materials are made. It comes as no surprise that he eventually chose to pursue his passion in NYP's Diploma in Nanotechnology & Material Science, landing him a spot in the Imperial College London where he's currently completing his direct Masters in Materials Science.
Julius Tan is among the few who were accepted into Columbia University, and the School of Business Management alum is pursuing a degree in Political Science. Julius' interest in philosophy and politics dates back to his days as an NYPian, where he represented the polytechnic in debate competitions through the Current Affairs and Debating Club.
Graduating from NYP's School of Information Technology with a perfect grade point average of 4.0, Rayden was offered not one – but four places to read at some of the best institutions in the world: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University, and New York University. He ultimately accepted the offer by MIT, where he reads computer science and engineering while working on information technology research at the institution's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
As if his achievements aren't impressive enough, Rayden also boasts multiple professional certifications from Red Hat, Microsoft and Oracle, and was also part of the winning team in the 2014 edition of the Microsoft Imagine Cup. The future looks bright for this budding tech whiz!
With a keen interest in role-playing table top games and video games since young, Fadzuli was sold on the possibility of creating exciting storylines in video games, which led him to enrol in the School of Interactive and Digital Media (SIDM) at NYP.
Fadzuli's time at NYP was nothing short of spectacular as he received the Media Development Authority of Singapore IDM Award, which was given to the most outstanding student at SIDM. Not long after, he was offered direct entry as a Media Development Authority-ST Engineering scholar into a Masters of Entertainment Technology programme at the Carnegie Mellon University.
"It's been a great three years here at NYP, and the technical know-hows I have garnered to develop mobile games have helped me greatly when I was reading my Masters." Today, Fadzuli is a Chief Technology Officer at Mighty Bear Game, and also hopes to contribute to Singapore's growing gaming industry in the future.
With a heart to serve the elderly, Marcus has his mind set on becoming a medical practitioner. While aspiring medical students would have gone down the 'A' Level route, he decided to take the path less travelled as he took up the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences at NYP, which provided him a solid foundation for medical school.
Sheena has always lived her life with a big heart, but it was her father – who was a mental health nurse and a former nursing lecturer at NYP's School of Health Sciences – who inspired her to become a professional nurse. Aspiring to follow in her father's footsteps, she graduated with a Diploma in Nursing from NYP and is now on a scholarship to pursue her PhD in Family and Community Nursing at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
You might be familiar with the visual masterpieces of Ying Xian, whose brilliant works have been exhibited at the Singapore Art Museum, PHUNK Studio, and The National Library. She has also been published on The Straits Times, The Substation's Issue magazine, and Matilda magazine.
Don't limit your tertiary education to hitting the books and churning out assignments. Make the most out of your polytechnic experience by joining a CCA (or two!) to further your interests. And with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) boasting a total of 84 diverse CCAs, you'll be spoilt for choice. Here are six CCAs you should definitely check out!
There's a DJ in the house! The mood makers of NYP, Live Audio Club gets the party going with atmospheric tunes – mixed by their very own members who've undergone extensive DJ training. Apart from mixing up sick beats, Live Audio also equips its members with the technical know-how to provide audio support for professional events. They've even brought the sound to outdoor parties such as the Paddle @ Seletar and Puma One Mile Run!
From parkour to gymnastics to bodyweight training, it seems like defying gravity is all in a day's work for the Street Workout Club. If you're looking for physically challenging exercises that'll get your blood pumping with adrenaline and a bunch of fun friends to do it with, then this CCA is it.
Perfect for fans of the Hallyu Wave, be prepared to experience everything K-related. For aspiring K-pop stars in the making, join the club's Vocal and Dance section, where you'll learn the latest K-dance choreographies, belt out K-pop hits, and show off your newfound skills through event performances and exciting competitions. But while there's a heavy focus on K-pop and K-dance, members also have the chance to explore Korean foods, lifestyles, and even learn about Korea's rich history. And the club is supported by the Korean Embassy!
Calling all hobbyists, crafters and artists-in-the-making (no pun intended)! The Makers and Innovator Tribe is a dream come true for those who love tinkering around – this unique CCA will link you up with like-minded folks to network and further explore creative collaborations. Plus, it's supported by MakerSpaceNYP, which houses all the equipment and materials you'll need to bring your project to fruition. 3D printers, here we come!
Have a flair for social media? You could also become an ambassador for the poly with prospective students. This awesome CCA brings together the brightest sparks within NYP and members have a hand in handling the poly's Facebook and Instagram accounts. Members also organise Open House activities and recruitment camps, and get training in public-speaking, event management and leadership.
Do you lift? Whether you're new to weightlifting or a seasoned pro, the fitness junkies at the Strongman Club will have you dead-lifting, squatting and training your way to a ripped bod and an even stronger mind. It's time to push your body and mind to the limit – are you ready?
Want more insights on the exciting CCAs that NYP has to offer? Head down to the NYP Open House on 4 to 6 January 2018 to find out more!
More related stories: Here's Your Last-Minute Cheat Sheet To Poly Open House 2018, Don't Miss These Exciting Activities At The NYP Open House 2018!, Meet The Talented Finalists Of NYP Groove! 2018!
Planning to join in the Polytechnic Open House festivities? From 4 to 6 January 2018, prepare yourself for a whirlwind of activities! To help you make the most out of your experience, here's what you can expect at each campus.
For those who enjoy getting crafty, drop by NYP's MakerSpace (Blk P, Level 2) where you get to DIY your own gear with the help of NYP innovators – think self-designed T-shirts, personalised skateboards and even mechanised robots.
Come nightfall, get ready for a star-studded affair with celebrity performers such as our very own ShiGGa Shay set to grace the Atrium Stage (Blk A, Central, Level 1) during the NYP Night Open House.
Look forward to a song and dance extravaganza as you witness the finals of the NYP Jam! Singing Competition and NYP Groove! Street Dance Competition, also happening at the NYP Night Open House. Head on down to show your support for your favourite teams!
Before scooting off to your next location, don't forget to snap a wefie with your squad at the social media photobooth located at the Atrium!
Immerse yourself in 360-degree virtual reality experiences at the School of Engineering, which will take you from a safari park to a giant aquarium.
Shopaholics can even go on a massive shopping spree at 1st Avenue, a retail training simulation store run by TP students.
Meet next-level technology inventions such as TP's resident social robot Bobbie. Psst… this little guy can often be found roaming the library grounds!
Don't miss the plethora of fun-filled workshops lined up for you! From making your own slime, to flexing your public speaking skills in front of an actual camera, to taking flight in a simulator aircraft, there's sure to be something for everyone. Sign up for the workshops here.
Selfie sticks are so 2017 – take a drone wefie instead! At the School of Engineering, you'll have the chance to hone your aerial skills and try your hand at piloting a Quadcopter.
Or how about testing your dexterity by attempting a rock climbing wall or take a swing at a game of golf? The School of Sports, Health and Leisure will allow such opportunities, and who knows… you might join a related course or CCA in the future!
Delve deeper into the world of biomedical science by stepping foot into the Human Anatomy Museum at the School of Applied Sciences.
Building the perfect resume? Groom yourself for a killer first impression with a quick makeover and have your professional photo taken at the School of Hospitality.
With 46 courses to choose from, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Head down to the various course booths for an in-depth look at your prospects.
SP is also to over 100 CCA clubs and interest groups! From street dancers flexing their best moves to the cheerleading squad defying gravity, catch these talented crews in their full glory.
While you're enjoying the exciting performances put up by the various CCAs, go ahead and immerse yourself in the multitude of fringe activities taking place at the SP Plaza, including henna painting, silkscreen printing on eco bags and more!
Explore the wide array of impressive facilities available at SP, such as the AeroHub space that houses state-of-the-art aircraft.
Still unsure of your future? Sign up for the Find Your Dream Course workshop at [email protected] where the good folks of NP will help you discover which courses are suitable for you. Limited spaces are available, so be sure to register ASAP.
Ever wonder how the learning environment in NP is like? Attend the bite-sized starter classes at the various schools to experience being an NP student – from curating a mini exhibition at the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, to developing your own virtual reality game at the School of Infocomm Technology. Sign up for the starter classes here.
Freebies galore – snag on awesome swag bags, an exclusive T-shirt, lanyards and other goodies. Oh, and not forgetting free-flow candy floss and popcorn!
While you're there, be sure to drop by the Teenage booth at each polytechnic 'cause we've also prepared tons of fun games and activities for y'all. See you there!
More related stories: The Ultimate Guide To Poly Open House 2017 (Part One), The Ultimate Guide To Poly Open House 2017 (Part 2), Don't Miss These Exciting Activities At The NYP Open House 2018!


Coffee table with storage "Old Flint's Treasure".
One of the most popular item in our store and in our practice. Its advantages are very, very well. This rustic furniture first course instead of coffee or coffee table, behind which can be in the style and comfort of a cup of coffee, but the lid is opened, you will see a beautiful and practical mini-bar house wine for your favorite titles!
This vinyl chest bar - coffee table book very often, everyone loves her lovely design, convenient and attractive design size. Such a table anywhere and everywhere there is a place in the bedroom and in the bathroom, in the living room and even children (the innards can be changed, or they are not done, and do it safe for toys) . In addition, the bar table can be made in any color so it is most suitable for your interior.
In our store you can always order the furniture in your size, and even on your sketches and desires. Please note that the display color can distort the color of the finished furniture and wood design is always unique."


text:
The Top 100 NFL Players of 2011: 50-41
This week, we finally crack the midway point of our top 100 NFL players of 2011 countdown -- with numbers 50-41.
50. Tony Romo - QB, Dallas Cowboys: Yes, I know. Romo hasn't exactly excelled in pressure situations in the past, but the numbers don't lie. The guy can play. Last season, he threw for 4,184 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions. Romo also currently sits second on the all-time career passer rating list (96.9), trailing only Aaron Rodgers (104.1). So for those of you that think he's not worthy of being in the top 50, think again.
Photo by: Joe Robbins
49. Vonta Leach - FB, Baltimore Ravens: Leach is a throwback-type fullback of yesteryear. A very physical lead blocker, he helped paved the way for Arian Foster to win the league rushing title as a member of the Texans in 2010, and last year, Leach helped Ray Rice finish second in the same category with 1,364 yards. Simply put, he's one of the best in the business at what he does.
48. Steven Jackson - RB, St. Louis Rams: Jackson is the total package at the running back position. He has the speed to out run defenders, and if need be, the power to go through them. In 2011, he cracked the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh-consecutive season, and added an additional 333 yards receiving to boot. Expect the same kind of production out of him this year.
47. Jason Babin - DE, Philadelphia Eagles: Babin has transformed himself into an absolute sack machine. After six relatively anonymous seasons, he exploded for 12.5 sacks in 2010 with the Titans. He followed that up with a career-high 18 last year. Over the course of the last two seasons, only two players have more sacks (30.5) than Babin -- DeMarcus Ware (35) and Jared Allen (33).
46. Brian Urlacher - LB, Chicago Bears: The heart and soul of Chicago's defense for over a decade, Urlacher is still a difference maker, even at 34 years of age. An extremely intelligent linebacker, he's a master of the pre-snap read. Fully capable of both stuffing the run and dropping back into pass coverage, last year Urlacher registered 102 total tackles, and also snagged 3 interceptions.
45. Champ Bailey - CB, Denver Broncos: Quite frankly, Champ Bailey is one of the best cornerbacks to ever play in the National Football League. He's recorded at least 2 interceptions in every season but one during his 14-year career, and even at 34, he continues to be a big playmaker in Denver's secondary. Look for that trend to continue in 2012.
44. Jason Peters - T, Philadelphia Eagles: Peters has been one of the most dominant tackles in football over the last half-decade. Last season, he earned his fifth-consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, an offseason injury will probably keep Peters on the sidelines this year, but expect him to be right back dominating defensive lines again in 2013.
43. Maurkice Pouncey - C, Pittsburgh Steelers: Pouncey fits the mold of the Steelers to a T -- very aggressive and nasty play. In just two short seasons, he has already established himself as one of the league's best centers. With a rare combination of athleticism and strength, few defensive linemen can match Pouncey's speed and power off the ball. And at only 23 years of age, he's only going to get better.
42. Mike Wallace - WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace doesn't need a football, he needs a baton. One of the fastest receivers in the NFL, Wallace has become Pittsburgh's top playmaker on offense. Last season, he hauled in 72 receptions for 1,193 yards and 8 touchdowns. With the Steelers being more of a passing team now, look for this guy to put up even bigger numbers in 2012.
41. Tamba Hali - DE, Kansas City Chiefs: Bottom line -- Hali is one of the premier defensive ends in the National Football League. He thrives as both a run stopper and pass rusher, and those traits have helped him make the Pro Bowl each of the last two years. In 2011, Hali had 66 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, so don't expect anything less this season.
Hope you enjoyed these ten. Be sure to check back here next Sunday for numbers 40-31!
jackson is too low on the list. romo is too high.


text:
UDS steht für:
 Ubuntu Developer Summit, Entwicklertreffen für Ubuntu
 UD Salamanca, spanischer Fußballverein
 Ugly Drum Smoker, spezielle Ausführung eines Grillgeräts, siehe Barbecue-Smoker #Ugly Drum Smoker
 Ultra Deep Survey, Himmelsdurchmusterung mit dem UKIRT, siehe UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey #Ultra Deep Survey
 Unfalldatenspeicher, ein Gerät in Kraftfahrzeugen
 Unified Diagnostic Services, ein Kommunikationsprotokoll der Automobilelektronik (ISO 14229)
 Universal Datenbank System, eine von Siemens entwickelte Netzwerkdatenbank
 UNIX Domain Socket, eine Kommunikationsverbindung unter Unix-Betriebssystemen, siehe POSIX local inter-process communication socket
 unscheduled DNA synthesis, ein Analyseverfahren, siehe UDS-Test

UdS oder UDS steht für:
 Universität des Saarlandes, deutsche Universität
 Université de Savoie, siehe Université Savoie-Mont-Blanc, französische Universität
 Université de Strasbourg, siehe Universität Straßburg, französische Universität
 Université de Sherbrooke, kanadische Universität

Abkürzung

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Leto is standing in the foyer reading a strange message he's just received from a Fremen messenger, "A column of smoke by day, a pillar of fire by night". He puts it in his pocket to give to Hawat later. First he wants to go wake up Jessica to tell her he never suspected her. On the way he finds the smuggler, Tuek, dead in the passage. He thinks to turn on his shield but it will limit his movement and hearing and there's also the threat of the stolen lasgun shipment. Further along he finds Mapes, mortally wounded but still alive. She summoned Tuek so the Duke could escape. He's hit with a tranquilizer dart and looks up to see Yueh leaving the shield generator room. He's sabotaged the house shield generators and left them wide open to attack. Yueh confesses that it's his desire to kill the Baron Harkonnen whom has over-ridden his imperial conditioning. Yueh puts a false tooth in the Duke's mouth with poison inside, he wants him to use it to kill the Baron, in return he will save Paul and Jessica by making it appear that they've been killed and sending them to the Fremen. Yueh takes the Duke's signet ring to give to Paul and reminds him once more of the tooth.
Reading Dune this time through, I was surprised at the abruptness of this chapter. Just as the pieces of Leto's plan start to come together, it all comes undone. Even though I knew this was coming, it still surprised me when it happened.
It's very much a "Bus? What Bus" moment.
inhuien wrote: It's very much a "Bus? What Bus" moment.
When I read Dune for the first time ( 1984 when I was 15 ) I fully believed that the Atreides would find the traiter before he could strike. I was utterly shocked when the treason succeeded. In my young reading experience this wasn't what I expected to happen at all. I still think that the way Frank drew me into his story and the characters is what makes me read the books again and again. whenever I reread Dune, I expect Duke Leto to survive the plot!


text:
Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats: effect of SCH23390
Yaprak Egilmez, Marianna E. Jung, John D. Lane, Michael W. Emmett-Oglesby
Psychiatry - General Adult Psychiatry - Practice Plan Professional
This experiment tested the hypotheses that: (1) self-administration of cocaine would produce an increase in dopamine (DA) oxidation current in the nucleus accumbens (n. acc.); and (2) a faster rate of cocaine intake in the presence of a D1 receptor antagonist would produce a greater increase in DA levels. Rats trained to self-administer cocaine under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule were implanted with stearate-modified graphite paste electrodes bilaterally in the n. acc. The effect of pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390, on the DA oxidation current associated with self-administration of cocaine (1 mg/inj.) or saline was investigated using chronoamperometry. Pretreatment with SCH23390 produced a 2-fold increase in the amount of cocaine intake. This in turn resulted in a 2-fold increase in the DA oxidation current recorded in the n. acc. Pretreatment with SCH23390 did not, however, produce any significant change in either the number of saline injections received or the DA oxidation current recorded during saline self-administration. These findings show that cocaine increases DA oxidation currents in the n. acc., and that both the rate of cocaine self-administration and the magnitude of these currents increase even further following SCH23390. The results also imply that the baseline rate of cocaine self-administration does not result in the occupation of all possible DA transporter sites.
Self Administration
Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
SCH 23390
Appointments and Schedules
Chronoamoerometry
Self-administration
Egilmez, Y., Jung, M. E., Lane, J. D., & Emmett-Oglesby, M. W. (1995). Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats: effect of SCH23390. Brain Research, 701(1-2), 142-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(95)00987-5
Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats : effect of SCH23390. / Egilmez, Yaprak; Jung, Marianna E.; Lane, John D.; Emmett-Oglesby, Michael W.
Egilmez, Y, Jung, ME, Lane, JD & Emmett-Oglesby, MW 1995, 'Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats: effect of SCH23390', Brain Research, vol. 701, no. 1-2, pp. 142-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(95)00987-5
Egilmez Y, Jung ME, Lane JD, Emmett-Oglesby MW. Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats: effect of SCH23390. Brain Research. 1995 Dec 1;701(1-2):142-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(95)00987-5
Egilmez, Yaprak ; Jung, Marianna E. ; Lane, John D. ; Emmett-Oglesby, Michael W. / Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats : effect of SCH23390. In: Brain Research. 1995 ; Vol. 701, No. 1-2. pp. 142-150.
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title = "Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats: effect of SCH23390",
abstract = "This experiment tested the hypotheses that: (1) self-administration of cocaine would produce an increase in dopamine (DA) oxidation current in the nucleus accumbens (n. acc.); and (2) a faster rate of cocaine intake in the presence of a D1 receptor antagonist would produce a greater increase in DA levels. Rats trained to self-administer cocaine under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule were implanted with stearate-modified graphite paste electrodes bilaterally in the n. acc. The effect of pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390, on the DA oxidation current associated with self-administration of cocaine (1 mg/inj.) or saline was investigated using chronoamperometry. Pretreatment with SCH23390 produced a 2-fold increase in the amount of cocaine intake. This in turn resulted in a 2-fold increase in the DA oxidation current recorded in the n. acc. Pretreatment with SCH23390 did not, however, produce any significant change in either the number of saline injections received or the DA oxidation current recorded during saline self-administration. These findings show that cocaine increases DA oxidation currents in the n. acc., and that both the rate of cocaine self-administration and the magnitude of these currents increase even further following SCH23390. The results also imply that the baseline rate of cocaine self-administration does not result in the occupation of all possible DA transporter sites.",
keywords = "Chronoamoerometry, Cocaine, Nucleus accumbens, Rats, SCH23390, Self-administration",
author = "Yaprak Egilmez and Jung, {Marianna E.} and Lane, {John D.} and Emmett-Oglesby, {Michael W.}",
T1 - Dopamine release during cocaine self-administration in rats
T2 - effect of SCH23390
AU - Egilmez, Yaprak
AU - Jung, Marianna E.
AU - Lane, John D.
AU - Emmett-Oglesby, Michael W.
N2 - This experiment tested the hypotheses that: (1) self-administration of cocaine would produce an increase in dopamine (DA) oxidation current in the nucleus accumbens (n. acc.); and (2) a faster rate of cocaine intake in the presence of a D1 receptor antagonist would produce a greater increase in DA levels. Rats trained to self-administer cocaine under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule were implanted with stearate-modified graphite paste electrodes bilaterally in the n. acc. The effect of pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390, on the DA oxidation current associated with self-administration of cocaine (1 mg/inj.) or saline was investigated using chronoamperometry. Pretreatment with SCH23390 produced a 2-fold increase in the amount of cocaine intake. This in turn resulted in a 2-fold increase in the DA oxidation current recorded in the n. acc. Pretreatment with SCH23390 did not, however, produce any significant change in either the number of saline injections received or the DA oxidation current recorded during saline self-administration. These findings show that cocaine increases DA oxidation currents in the n. acc., and that both the rate of cocaine self-administration and the magnitude of these currents increase even further following SCH23390. The results also imply that the baseline rate of cocaine self-administration does not result in the occupation of all possible DA transporter sites.
AB - This experiment tested the hypotheses that: (1) self-administration of cocaine would produce an increase in dopamine (DA) oxidation current in the nucleus accumbens (n. acc.); and (2) a faster rate of cocaine intake in the presence of a D1 receptor antagonist would produce a greater increase in DA levels. Rats trained to self-administer cocaine under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule were implanted with stearate-modified graphite paste electrodes bilaterally in the n. acc. The effect of pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390, on the DA oxidation current associated with self-administration of cocaine (1 mg/inj.) or saline was investigated using chronoamperometry. Pretreatment with SCH23390 produced a 2-fold increase in the amount of cocaine intake. This in turn resulted in a 2-fold increase in the DA oxidation current recorded in the n. acc. Pretreatment with SCH23390 did not, however, produce any significant change in either the number of saline injections received or the DA oxidation current recorded during saline self-administration. These findings show that cocaine increases DA oxidation currents in the n. acc., and that both the rate of cocaine self-administration and the magnitude of these currents increase even further following SCH23390. The results also imply that the baseline rate of cocaine self-administration does not result in the occupation of all possible DA transporter sites.
KW - Chronoamoerometry
KW - Cocaine
KW - Nucleus accumbens
KW - Rats
KW - SCH23390
KW - Self-administration


Although the crypto market saw a resurgence on Wednesday, with assets like Bitcoin posting 5 percent gains, the market remains in "purgatory," where analysts aren't too sure where prices will move next.
The similarities between the two forms of investment resulted in rampant speculation that the introduction of Bitcoin Tracker One to the U.S. market would drive up prices. But alas, the market stayed relatively still even as this set of news hit headlines, posting a mediocre performance that could be equated to a mixed bag.
As such, CNBC Fast Money's host noted that the market is essentially in a purgatory phase, where sentiment remains in a state of near-superposition. Susquehanna's head of digital assets, Bart Smith, recently appeared on Fast Money to discuss the condition of the market.
Whilst bulls were let down when the market stagnated as ICE made its first public mention of Bakkt, Smith added that the platform is still in its early stage, with the first Bakkt product expected to launch in November. The prominent investor closed off his segment adding that Bitcoin may continue to bounce around in the $6,000 to $6,800 range for the time being, and may even move lower. Also noting that it might just be a bit of a waiting game before the market truly absorbs the impact that this platform could have on the future of this nascent industry.


text:
Q: How to make a top-down menu in Jade I am using Bootstrap for this implementation. So I followed the guidelines in creating a drop-down menu from the Bootstrap docs . This drop-down menu should contain a room list. The menu is called 'Rooms'.  My Jade and Javascript files are below (just the implementation of the drop-down menu).
editor.jade
extends layout

block header
script(src='/javascripts/editor.js')

block content
h1(id="title") Editor

h2 Editor: #{editorName}
.dropdown
 button#dropdownMenu1.btn.dropdown-toggle.sr-only(type='button', data-toggle='dropdown')
  | Rooms
  span.caret
 ul.dropdown-menu(role='menu', aria-labelledby='dropdownMenu1')
  #rooms
...

editor.js(javascript)
...
$.getJSON("/getContents", {theRoom: "roomList"},  function(room) {

   room.activeRooms.forEach(function(theExit){

       $('#rooms').replaceWith('
' + theExit+'
')
   });
});
...

Unfortunately, there is no top-down menu displayed on the screen. Can you please look at my code and tell me what I did wrong?
P.S. If my question is not clear, can you please tell me so that I can elaborate?


I mention all this because I've been scouring Rhode Island, trying to find workmen to make repairs on a home that I still own in the Ocean State. Carpenters, masons, painters — they're all booked solid and they've been jacking up their prices because of higher materials costs and a tightening supply of workers amid booming demand.
Ladies and gentlemen, I've just described in microcosm not just my dilemma, but also the dilemma of the U.S. economy. Growth is becoming too much of a good thing, pushing up wages and prices.
Robust jobs data today underscored inflation fears, driving bond yields higher and tanking stocks for the second day in a row. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) jumped 5.91%.
The U.S. Labor Department reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls increased by 134,000 jobs in September, the fewest in a year, but the decline was likely due to the temporary effects of Hurricane Florence. Data for July and August were revised to show 87,000 more jobs added than previously reported.
The unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, near a 49-year low. The drop in unemployment suggested greater competition in the job market and upward pressure on wages.
As the equity markets wobble in the fourth quarter, how should you recalibrate your portfolio? Let's review the positives and negatives in the world economy.
For the world's growth engine of China, positives include the government's new stimulus measures to boost growth, such as lowering interest rates, accelerating public spending on infrastructure, loosening access to bank loans for consumers and businesses, and a weaker yuan that could pave the way for a resurgence in export orders.
In the U.S., gross domestic product (GDP) growth has maintained its momentum, corporate earnings are projected to post another double-digit quarterly performance, and joblessness keeps falling.
On the negative side of the ledger, emerging markets are embroiled in currency crises, rising oil prices are stoking inflation, Britain is facing the very real prospect of a "hard" Brexit, the trade war between China and the U.S. is escalating, and Italy is an economic basket case.
Britain's negotiations to leave the European Union have descended into a quagmire, with little hope that the two parties can reach resolution before the self-imposed deadline in March 2019. This protracted uncertainty is starting to weigh on European growth.
Even the big positive listed above — greater Chinese growth stemming from stimulus — comes with a heavy price, namely debt.
A debt crisis in China could trigger global contagion.
Rising oil prices are another wild card. The rebound of the energy patch has initially cheered investors, who've seen it as a sign of fundamental economic health, but pricier crude is a double-edged sword.
More expensive fuel could dampen consumer spending during the forthcoming holiday shopping season; it's also adding pressure on emerging markets that are struggling to pay for oil with an ever-stronger U.S. dollar.
Rising interest rates pose another threat. Growth typically suffers and stocks stumble when rates are on the rise, as they are now.
Financial stocks tend to benefit from rising yields, as it becomes easier for banks to make profits from lending. But investments such as utility stocks and real estate investment trusts (REITs), from which income investors seek dividends and yield, are among the asset categories that suffer the worst from the competition of rising Treasury yields.
Then there are the U.S. midterm elections. Historically, stocks have tended to fall in the weeks before the midterms, as investors grapple with greater political uncertainty. This year's elections are, to say the least, especially crucial and will dictate the fate of not only President Trump's pro-business agenda but of the president's tenure itself.
If Democrats take back at least the House, as pundits widely predict, you can expect more rancor as the two parties go after each other like Siamese fighting fish.
Weighing these pros and cons, what can you expect in the fourth quarter? Trying to time the market is a rookie mistake. But you should rebalance your portfolio to accommodate higher inflation, rising interest rates, slowing growth, and worsening political risks at home and abroad.
If you're looking for a smart sector move now, consider the stocks of money center banks, which as a whole appear undervalued. Shy away from overvalued mega-cap story stocks, especially those in the tech sector.
Some analysts are predicting an imminent correction of at least 10%. As my Rhode Island friend Flo would say, that's a lot of clams.